THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERA convened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in the Board Room, Suite 209 of the Anson County Government Center.
Commissioners present: Anna H. Baucom, Chair
Ross Streater, Vice Chair
Bobby Sikes
Dr. Jim Sims
Harold C. Smith
Claude Spencer
Jarvis Woodburn
Staff members present: Lawrence R. Gatewood, County Manager
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, NCCCC, Clerk to the Board
Rita James, Data Processing
Robert Thomas, Finance Officer
Mike Sessions, Utilities Director
Ryan Teal, EMS/Safety Director
Carol Ann Gibson, Interim Health Director
Jennifer Baptiste, Planner
Scott Rowell, ACTS Director
Tommy Allen, Sheriff
Chairman Baucom called the meeting to Order, welcoming those present. Chairman Baucom reminded Board members of the ethics policy which holds that we should avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts as we do our job. Chairman Baucom asked that if board members knew of any conflict or appearance of conflict in any matter to please let them know. Chairman Baucom called on Reverend Robert Davis of Henry Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Lilesville, North Carolina to deliver the Invocation.
Approval of the Agenda by Commissioners: Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Streater, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing – ACTS FY 2012 CT Application: Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
In the Public Hearing, Commissioner Sims commented that the application was usually very thorough and asked Mr. Rowell to highlight the changes. Mr. Rowell stated that it was basically the same as this year but $3,000 less than what we might use this year. Chairman Baucom voiced that the local amount for a well over $300,000 operation was $43,000 and it was a good day if you could buy $300,000 for $43,000. Chairman Baucom stated that what seemed to be included were certifications and assurances. Mr. Rowell shared that the County Attorney had reviewed the application and the entire package was about 100 pages. Chairman Baucom referred to Item 10-School Transportation Agreement stating that the Governor seems to think counties might need to purchase school buses. Chairman Baucom stated that Item 10 says school transportation agreement and asked if this meant we could end up transporting students. Mr. Rowell stated that he has been told we will not transport students because we don’t have school buses. Commissioner Sims stated that if we had to do school transportation we’d better be ready to get a million and a half from somewhere. Commissioner Sims was of the impression school buses would cost around $100,000 each. Mr. Rowell stated he did not have an answer but would call Raleigh for the answer. Chairman Baucom wanted to know if we were obligated to do this if we’re needed. Mr. Rowell shared that the application was due in Raleigh on March 11. Vice Chair Streater pointed out that it was also on the check off list. Vice Chair Streater then asked if the application could be approved subject to this item with Commissioner Smith feeling there must be a purpose for it to be included. Commissioner Sims asked if the same thing was in last year’s application with Mr. Rowell answering he would have to look at last year’s application. Commissioner Sims stated that it seems to him that what they are worried about it not the use of it for schools but private schools. Commissioner Woodburn stated that the Clerk mentioned that we have a meeting with the Board of Education on the 10th and we could get clarification and approve it that night. Motion by Vice Chair Streater, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
In regular session, Chairman Baucom asked Board members if they were ready to make a decision. Motion by Commissioner Smith to table this until the meeting on the 10th for clarification of the item. Commissioner Woodburn felt the Public Hearing was closed too soon and if we could get comments from the public tonight it would leave us open to take action on the 10th. Vice Chair Streater then withdrew his motion to close the Public Hearing with Commissioner Woodburn withdrawing his second.
Back in the Public Hearing, Chairman Baucom called for comments from the public on the ACTS FY 2012 CT Application. County Attorney Forbes stated that it appears to be a noncompetition agreement and a take it or leave it agreement. County Attorney Forbes pointed out that they will not release funds until the Agreement is signed. County Attorney Forbes stated that it clearly states that the Department of Transportation may not provide state or federal assistance authorized under this chapter for such projects until the applicant enters into this school transportation agreement by selecting category 10. Chairman Baucom asked if compliance meant we would not use the ACTS system to transport students in private schools with County Attorney Forbes answering or any other private function it appears. Mr. Rowell explained that their charter policy prohibits doing this kind of trip and everything they do has to be open to everyone in the county. Mr. Rowell shared that they do not want him to do chartered trips as it would be unfair competition with private enterprise. County Attorney Forbes voiced that after reading another section it says that the applicant understands and agrees that it and each recipient third party may engage in school transportation in competition with private school transportation. County Attorney Forbes feels it is allowing the school system under certain circumstances to compete. Commissioner Woodburn voiced that he would like to have a clear understanding of what we are agreeing to basically because of what is happening at the state level. Chairman Baucom called for comments from the public. Hearing none, motion by Vice Chair Streater, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
In regular session, Commissioner Sims commented that it appears a majority of the board would like clarification of that statement. Chairman Baucom noted the matter was tabled until the March 10th meeting with the Board of Education.
Appearances: Chairman Baucom stated appearances would be limited to five minutes each and she would be the time keeper.
Janine Rywak-Update on Ag Agent Position: Ms. Rywak stated that she was happy to share that they have hired an Ag/Livestock Agent at Cooperative Extension. Ms. Rywak gave her name as Jessica Anderson, a graduate of North Carolina State. Ms. Rywak stated that she completed her animal science degree in 2009 and will be completing her master’s degree in Extension Education in May 2011. Ms. Rywak explained that as part of her master’s requirement she is in an apprenticeship, which is tied to some of her tuition and if she breaks it she has to repay her tuition. Ms. Rywak stated she was hired with a start date of June 1. Ms. Rywak shared that she would be in the county some between now and them to start meeting folks and would attend the April meeting of the Cattlemen’s Association. Ms. Rywak shared that this was the third round of interviews and the third time was the charm. Chairman Baucom voiced that the Board looks forward to meeting her at our June meeting.
Mayor Solomon-Town of Morven: Mayor Solomon apologized for not bringing to the Board’s attention for the past three years some of the things they’ve been doing in Morven. Mayor Solomon introduced the Town Clerk Shemetra Melton to read the following prepared statement:
Good evening. Ms. Melton stated this was a scope of what’s been happening in Morven in the last five years:
Grants
Morven received $1,100.000 from the Clean Water management Trust Fund and $500,000 from the Rural Center, giving us new water and sewer lines in town and 3 new state of the arts pump stations. Work will start in a few weeks.
Morven received $748,000 from the NC Dept. of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance Block Grant for installation of a water line in a 85 home area of the White Oak section of town, from 2 inch to 4 and 6 inch pipe. Also 3 fire hydrants will be increased to 33 more fire hydrants, families’ can get fire and safety insurance discounts. Work will start in a few weeks.
Anson County received $400,000 for the Scattered Housing grant from the NC Dept. of Commerce Division of Community Asst. which comes every 3 yrs. For the 1st time in 9 yrs. Morven was able to repair one home.
HOLLA (Helps our loved ones learn and achieve), They received $250,000 from the Golden Leaf Foundation, grand opening next month. There will be a coffee shop, library, conference rooms, tutoring and mentoring for children educational programs with computers, job links and more inside. Outside will have tennis and basketball courts, and a children’s play area right on Main Street. Thank you, Mr. Leon Gatewood, Sabrina Hough and Mary Little!
Morven received a COPS grant for $132,000, a full time police officer will be hired soon, we have 2 part time officers.
Positive Achievements:
Exciting News! Family Dollar is coming in June on hwy. 52 in Morven.
Reduction of the town of Morven’s sewer bill from 17,000/month to approx.. 5,000 monthly because of a deteriorating pipes system, infiltration and underwater springs, action was taken to refurbished manholes, destroyed beaver dams and apply for infrastructure grants.
The town of Morven purchased and personalized a new Police Car.
The EMS response team is at the Morven Fire Dept., from 11:00am until 10:00pm 7 days a week, reducing response time from 17 min. to 4 min.
Rev. and Mrs. Sylvester Bennett are restoring the Old Morven School into the Lemuel Community Training Center for home construction and special events for entertainment.
The Morven Censes was one of the highest in Anson County for returned household data making us eligible for a higher percentage of state and federal grants. Censes applications were not sent to PO boxes, so town hall became a certified Censes location assisting our residents.!
Purchased new lawnmower and other equipment to improve and beautify the town.
The town purchased all new street signs and children safety sign at some bus stops.
The Morven water tower was painted and restored inside and out side
Morven’s town meetings, changed from town Hall to the Morven Volunteer Fire Dept. the 1st Monday of the month. (larger and more comfortable).
Glennie Bennett Center (meal site) has new tables and chairs for our senior citizens
Morven’s town meetings, Morven Volunteer Fire Dept. the 1st Monday of the month.
The Morven Community Action Committee, donated a backstop and bleachers for softball games improving citizen’ social wellbeing. We are ready for some games to start.
The Annual Morven October Festival since 2004.
The Deputy Clerk position was filled to supporting the Town Clerk.
The Town of Morven was proud to employed 15 local youth, ages 14-24 at $7.25/hr, 40 hrs. a week for 8 wks. with President Obama’s stimulus Summer Job Program.
The Morven town Planning and Zoning board of adjustments was reactivated.
Morven Beautification Committee, had Town Hall repainted, roof replaced, rebuilt and painted broken down fences and cut overgrown vegetation. Flowers and shrubs were planted in the center of town.
The Voices of Morven news letter, quarterly addition.
Unity, a faith based organization in Morven where churches, businesses and citizens come together for the betterment of our community.
Bentwood Nursery donated Shrubs and Knockout Roses to beautify the center of town on 145 and Hwy. 52.
DOT-Dept. of Transportation donated 16 Crape Myrtles and 260 daylilies Morven
New businesses in Morven
Morven’s indoor Flea Market.
Mr. Ben Atkinson has an Auction Business
Mrs. Ella DeBerry owns Ella’s Enrichment Program assisting with food and clothing.
Ms. Sylvia Jeter owns Fabulous Beauty and Health Supply.
Morven Discount Store.
Anna’s Sub and Chinese Restaurants at the truck stop.
Mayor Solomon thanks everyone for your prayers, every agency and program that has assisted her and the Town of Morven, since she was elected to office as Mayor. We are working to do in the near future.
Thank You lady chair and Board of Commissioners for this opportunity to inform you on what’s happening in our great town of Morven.
Commissioner Sims commented that it sounded like a lot of progress in Morven with Mayor Solomon stating she had been busy. Mayor Solomon noted Family Dollar broke ground last week and they are very excited.
Sheriff Allen- Jail Update: Sheriff Allen stated that they continue to address the jail issue from different angles. Sheriff Allen shared that the new District Attorney has put jail cases on the front burner and as of this morning they had 47 in jail. Sheriff Allen stated their average daily population for the month of February was 61 but it seems to working well. Sheriff Allen shared that they have no inmates in safe keeping, none being housed elsewhere and none awaiting transfer to DOC. Sheriff Allen explained that the jail food was coming from the Department of Correction and they were traveling back and forth three times a day for the meals. Sheriff Allen stated they currently have a thirty day tentative trial contract with Aramark and so far it has been excellent. Sheriff Allen shared that they are a private company doing meals for jails and such and they are delivering the meals for the same cost. Sheriff Allen felt they would sign a one-year contract with the new company in the next ten days. Chairman Baucom asked if there were any local vendors that could provide the food with Sheriff Allen answering they would have to follow state regulations and all meals would have to be supervised under a licensed dietitian in order to meet a certain standard. Sheriff Allen reminder Board members the meals have to be delivered 24/7 for 365 days. Chairman Baucom stated that with 47 guest that would be $2,115 a day to house an inmate. Vice Chair Streater asked if this was just to feed them with Sheriff Allen answering this was the overall cost but food runs $6 a day per inmate. Chairman Baucom commented that money was heavy on our minds and asked Sheriff Allen to pass along to the District Attorney our appreciation for his efforts to keep things moving, not only for what it is costing but to get people found guilty or released.