The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, February 19, 2007, at 3:30pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room of t= he County Administration Building, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Caroli= na

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met= in regular session on Monday, April 16, 2007, at 3:30pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the County Administration Building, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina.

Present: Chair Ken Richardson, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Randy Miller, Commissioner Doug Murphy, Commissioner Milly Richardson, County Attorney Donna Shumate, County Manager Don Adams and Clerk to the Board Kar= en Evans.

Chair Ken Richardson called the meeting to orde= r.

Commissioner Doug Murphy led the Pledge of Alle= giance and opened the meeting with a prayer.

Chair Ken Richardson stated that a plat for Cav= e Rock Estates and closed session under (a) (3)—legal and (a) (4)—econ= omic development needs to be added to the agenda.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve the amended agenda for this April 16, 2007, meeting. Commissioner Randy Miller seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0.<= /o:p>

AGENDA

Monday, April 16, 2007

3:30 PM

3:30 = Meeting Called To Order, Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer

= M= otion on Agenda for April 16, 2007, meeting

Motion on Minutes for April 2, 2007, meeting

3:35 A. = Public Comments—30 minutes

B. Mary Walker

= R= E: Tax Release and Refunds

C. Janis Fender

RE: Lead Agency

D. Lee Cornett

RE: Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation

E. Wellness Center Annual Report

F. = Social Services Annual Report

G. Public Works Annual Report

H. County Business

1. &n= bsp; Budget Amendments

2. &n= bsp; DMV—= Driver’s License Office

3. &n= bsp; Land of To= morrow

4. &n= bsp; FY 07/08 B= udget Request Presentation

5. &n= bsp; Cave Rock = Estates &= nbsp; (a= dded)

6. &n= bsp; Other Busi= ness

7. &n= bsp; Closed Session–NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal &= nbsp; (added)

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (4)—economic developm= ent (added)

8. = A= djourn

Commissioner Randy Miller made a motion to approve the minutes for the April 2, 2007, meeting. Commissioner Doug Mu= rphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Ken Richardson asked for public comments.=

Paul Church asked if the elected Commissioners = run the County or does the County Manager run the County.

Chair Ken Richardson explained that this comment section is not a question and answer session.

Gleason James handed out papers to the Board. He stated that some of his questio= ns have already been answered regarding why several questions asked at the last meeting and weren’t answered. He asked what is the purpose of asking questions and not getting any answers. He explained that he handed out a list of budget items that could be cut for the 2007 budget including the amount in General Fund reserves versus the amount required and the need to use the additional $2,000,000 before setting the tax rate. He talked about the amount of moni= es that are not mandated or obligated and the obligated expenses. He named a few as examples and reiterated the need to consider using the excess money before setting the t= ax rate.

Mark Sanders talked about the budget, tax rate = and population in 1996-1997 versus the budget, tax rate and population in 2006-2007. He stated that he doesn’t understand why the budget numbers doubled in 10 years with ap= proximately the same number of people.

Arnold Wagoner asked the Commissioners about th= e 2006-2007 emergency funds. He asked if = we are going to continue doing this. He stated that it should be spent.

Chair Ken Richardson asked for further public c= omments. None were received.

Mary Walker, Tax Administrator, presented the M= arch 2007 real property requests in the amount of $5,102.73 for refunds and $861.59 f= or releases.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to app= rove the March 2007 real property requests in the amount of $5,102.73 for refunds and $861.59 for releases. Com= missioner Milly Richardson seconded the motion.

Commissioner Milly Richardson suggested that Ma= ry Walker submit this information to the County Manager, and he review it to b= e submitted to the Commissioners.

Mary Walker stated that she will do whatever the Board wants.

County Manager Don Adams stated that he would consider this a consent agenda item. He explained consent agendas and how they work.

The Board voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Milly Richardson talked about putt= ing these on a consent agenda.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Commissioner Mil= ly Richardson discussed how to proceed with this and looking at the papers wit= hout Mary Walker coming to the meeting.

County Manager Don Adams asked about other issu= es; such as, appeals and exemptions.

Mary Walker stated that she has to legally pres= ent those letters to the Commissioners.

Commissioner Milly Richardson stated that her m= otion is to put releases and refunds on a consent agenda. Commissioner Doug Murphy seconded = the motion.

Chair Ken Richardson stated that as Mary Walker= indicated the Chair has to sign the papers for the releases and refunds.

The Board of Commissioners and County Manager D= on Adams talked about placing the papers in the packet for the Board’s review. County Manager Don Ad= ams explained the procedures, and the Board will still vote on the releases and refunds.

The Board voted on the motion. Vote 3:2. (Ken Richardson, Randy Miller).

M &= nbsp; Mary Walker presented the March 2007 vehicle requests in the amount of $434.88 f= or refunds and $1,252.10 for releases.

C &= nbsp; Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve the March 2007 vehicle requests in the amount of $434.88 for refunds and $1,252.10 for releases. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0.<= /span>

= Janis Fender came to request the Board to appoint Council on Aging as the lead ag= ency for the Home and Community Care Block Grant. She also asked that LeAnn Edwards = and Wanda Shaw be added to this committee.&nbs= p; She explained the members that they are replacing on the committee.<= o:p>

= County Manager Don Adams explained that Chair Ken Richardson has already been technically appointed to the Board back in December when he was appointed a= s the Chairman.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to appoint Council on Aging as the lead agency = and approve the membership changes. Commissioner Milly Richardson seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= Lee Cornett asked the Commissioners to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She explained reasons = for bringing this to the Commissioners’ attention. She further explained activities t= hey are doing to bring this to the community’s attention.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve proclamation. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconde= d the motion.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy asked if they are working with the schools.

= Lee Cornett stated that this is the first year they have allowed them to come to the schools regarding violence prevention.= She further stated that they explain signs to look for and provide information about places to call for assistance.

= The Board voted on the motion on the floor.&nb= sp; Vote 5:0.

= Joe Potts came before the Board to present the annual report for the Wellness Center including the types of activities, and things that have been done to save money. He handed out day passes and pamphlets showing information about the Wellness Center. He talked about their slowest time= in the year as compared to the County providing $60,000; which is less than 1%= of the County’s finances. He s= tated that they are trying to provide these services more cost effective. He reiterated their appreciation f= or what the Commissioners have done for the Wellness Center.=

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and Joe Potts talked about the need to get seniors to the Welln= ess Center.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson stated that they have done an excellent job at the Wellness Center and should be commended for trying to keep the costs down.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and Joe Potts talked about cost-saving measures including staff= -cost savings are $100,000 and the pool blanket will be between $10,000 and $15,0= 00 per year.

= John Blevins, Social Services Director, presented the annual report for the Department of Social Services including the excellent quality of the staff, mission statement and goals of the Department, accomplishments, current tre= nds, income maintenance, work first, foster care, adoption assistance, special assistance, food stamps, low income energy assistance, program integrity, c= hild support enforcement program, adoptions and other services. He reviewed their goals for 2007.<= o:p>

Comm= issioner Milly Richardson and John Blevins talked about referrals coming from Allegh= any County citizens. She stated t= his is an excellent report.

= Chair Ken Richardson thanked Mr. Blevins for his report.

= Larry Davis, Public Works Director, came before the Board to present the annual report for the Maintenance Department, Animal Control and the Transfer Facility. He reviewed the activities for each department including the tonnage at the Transfer Facili= ty and the number of animal control calls.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor and Larry Davis talked about the renovations at Duncan Recrea= tion Center.

= The Board of Commissioners thanked Mr. Davis for his work.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #26 in the amount= of $3,478. He explained that thi= s is to cover additional meetings for the Commissioners including the Board of E= qualization and Review and budget hearings. He explained that this issue may be discussed again if the Board meets more th= an is estimated.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #26 in= the amount of $3,478. =

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and County Manager Don Adams talked about this budget amendment covers meetings for the Board of Equalization and Review and additional meetings that the Commissioners have held.= County Manager Don Adams explained that there may be additional conversations regarding this if there are a lot more meetings than anticipa= ted.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson and Commissioner Doug Murphy talked about combining meetin= gs in order to save money.

= The motion died due to lack of a second.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #27 in the amount= of $7,280 for EMS. He explained = that this is for part-time salaries, over-time and laundry and cleaning. He further explained the need for = this budget amendment.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #27= in the amount of $7,280.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and County Manager Don Adams talked about the need for this bud= get amendment.

= Commissioner Randy Miller seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #28 in the amount= of $700 for Building Inspections.

= Randy Blankenship explained vehicle maintenance items that had to be done this ye= ar that wasn’t budgeted for and the increasing fuel costs.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #28= in the amount of $700. Commissio= ner Doug Murphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #29 in the amount= of $10,635 for public buildings utilities.&nb= sp; He explained how this line item was miscalculated during budget time= .

= Commissioner Milly Richardson and County Manager Don Adams talked about the Courthouse should be more energy efficient now. He explained reasons why it should cost less money.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #29 in t= he amount of $10,635. Commission= er Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #30 in the amount= of $3,100 for dog euthanasia. He explained the reason for this budget amendment is the contract costs with T= win Oaks Vet have been higher this year.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #30= in the amount of $3,100. Commiss= ioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment Transfer Facility #3 in the am= ount of $41,000 for disposal. He explained the reasons for the budget amendment including the estimated addi= tional tonnage this year. He talked = about additional spending will deplete the fund balance or the Board will need to look at cutting costs if more money is spent.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson and County Manager Don Adams talked about an additional 50= 0 to 775 tons this year. She asked= if the county is getting more garbage or getting more people. He stated that that it appears to = be more garbage because the population is staying about the same.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy asked is there a trend for the tonnage increasing per year. County Manager Don Adams stated th= at over an 8-year period the increase is around 1,000 ton.

= County Manager Don Adams explained that this money goes into a line item that goes directly for disposal. He tal= ked about why he is bringing these budget amendments now instead of in June.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve budget amendment Transfer Facilit= y #3 in the amount of $41,000. Com= missioner Doug Murphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy stated that this is something the Board needs to look at during= the budget.

= County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment Transportation Fund #2 in the amount of $2,600. He explaine= d this budget amendment is for two new computers.= He further explained the need for the computers. He stated that April Choate has re= ceived a grant to cover 90% of the costs.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendment Transportation Fund= #2 in the amount $2,600. Commiss= ioner Doug Murphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams reminded the Board that Alleghany County provides free sp= ace for the driver’s license office at the Law Enforcement Center. He stated that he has been informe= d that they intend to close the office and are going to offer a mobile service if = the County can provide the space and power connections. He explained their specifications = for the mobile unit. He talked ab= out a quote that Larry Davis received for $1,831 to provide access to power and d= ata lines. He talked about an ema= il he received stating that the service would be for three days a month and curre= ntly the county has service two days a week.&nb= sp; He explained that he talked with Representative Jim Harrell about th= is situation, and he was unable to get any answers. He reviewed the Commissioners three options; deny their request, comply with their request, or try to get our delegation to stop this action.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about three days a month cannot provide the same level= of services that they have been providing, and this is not a good situation.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson agreed with Commissioner Taylor.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor and Commissioner Doug Murphy talked about issues with the bus area and parking at the Wilkes Community College site.

= County Manager Don Adams explained that this is a statewide decision affecting 20 other counties, mostly down east counties.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about this being an injustice to the citizens of Alleg= hany County.

= Commissioner Randy Miller agreed.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that we ought to try to address this situation with the decision makers.

= The Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams talked about the State = cannot provide a start date for these services.

= Chair Ken Richardson suggested that the County Manager offer to reduce the service down to three days using the current facility or the County wants as much service as provided now.

= County Manager Don Adams stated that he urged everyone to contact our Representati= ves about this matter.

= Chair Ken Richardson stated that this should be put back on the agenda.

= County Manager Don Adams presented information that Chair Ken Richardson received asking the County to support a $1 billion allocation from the State over a five-year period for Land of Tomorrow.&nbs= p;

= Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to support Land of Tomorrow in the form of a resolution. Commissioner Warr= en Taylor seconded the motion. V= ote 5:0.

= County Manager Don Adams presented the FY 2007/08 budget requests. He reviewed the summary of the Gen= eral Fund requests in the amount of $16,256,108, capital requests and personnel requests. He explained that a= ll of the backup materials are included and all of the quotes. He talked to the Board about setti= ng a budget meeting schedule. He s= tated that he is requesting that the budget be presented on June 4 during the reg= ular meeting and recommends that the Board schedule June 5, 6, and 7 for budget hearings. <= /p>

= The Board agreed to have budget meetings on June 5, 6, and 7 at 5:00pm.

= County Manager Don Adams informed the Board that the previous CDBG grant has been closed out. He explained what= that means in regards to being released from all of the rules and regulations for that grant.

= County Manager Don Adams read Planner Amy Pardue’s letter in regards to Cave Rock Estates, final plat approval for Phase 3, including her recommendation that it be approved with the condition of a note on the plat that Cave Rock= Way will not be used as access to Dewitt Road until the entire road has been brought up to County Standards.

= Chair Ken Richardson stated that looking over the plat it appears to meet or exce= ed the requirements.

= Commissioner Milly Richardson stated that she would like to wait until Amy Pardue can be= in attendance to discuss this item.

= Paul Reeves talked about the first one was the same way and the County Manager h= ad to present it. He further tal= ked about complying with the laws, and would appreciate it if the Board would n= ot hold them up because people are waiting to purchase property after this is recorded. He reiterated that = they have done everything they are supposed to do.

= Chair Ken Richardson stated that he spoke to Amy Pardue, and she recommends final plat approval. He further sta= ted that the notation about Cave Rock Way is on the plat.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about the preliminary plat was presented and questions= were answered then.

= Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to provide final plat approval for Cave Rock Es= tates.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and Paul Reeves talked about Cave Rock Way road.

= Commissioner Doug Murphy and County Manager Don Adams talked about relying on Amy Pardue= to research this matter because that is her job.

= Chair Ken Richardson seconded the motion on the floor. He reiterated that he did che= ck with Amy Pardue the first of the week.&nbs= p; Vote 4:1. (Milly Richardson).

= Commissioner Doug Murphy made a motion to enter into closed session at 5:35pm under NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (= 3)—legal, (a) (4)—economic development, (a) (6)—personnel. Commissioner Randy Miller seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0. =

&nb= sp; Comm= issioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the closed session at 6:33pm and reconvene t= he regular meeting. Commissioner= Randy Miller seconded the motion. V= ote 5:0.

&nb= sp; Chair Ken Richardson stated no decisions were made during closed session.

&nb= sp; Comm= issioner Warren Taylor made a motion to retain Ed Woltz at the rate of $120 an hour = in times that the County Attorney has a conflict. Commissioner Randy Miller seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0. =

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren = Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:35pm. Commissioner Randy Miller seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0. =

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Ken Richardson

Chairman