The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 20, 2005, at 10:00am in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina.

Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon, Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Attorney Donna Shumate, County Manager Don Adams and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. Commissioner Graylen Blevins was present but arrived late.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the agenda for this June 20, 2005, meeting. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

AGENDA

Monday, June 20, 2005

10:00 AM

10:00 Meeting Called To Order

Motion on Agenda for June 20, 2005 meeting

Motion on Minutes for June 6, 2005 meeting

10:05 Rita Miller

RE: Tax Releases & Refunds

10:15 Public Hearing

RE: Charleston Forge

10:30 Public Hearing

RE: FY 05/06 Budget

11:00 Hunter Birkhead

RE: Forestry Service

11:05 Amy Pardue

RE: Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approval

Wireless Communication Tower Approval

County Business

1. Reminder of July 4 Meeting

2. RPO Advisory Committee Appointment

3. Year-End Budget Amendments

4. Other Business

5. Public Comments—30 minutes

6. Adjourn

Chair Eldon Edwards made a motion to approve the minutes for the June 6, 2005, meeting. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Rita Miller, Assistant Tax Administrator, presented the May 2005 real property requests in the amount of $1,259.51 for refunds and $2,018.38 for releases.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the May 2005 real property requests in the amount of $1,259.51 for refunds and $2,018.38 for releases. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Rita Miller presented the May 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $266.81 for refunds and $2,112.48 for releases.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the May 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $266.81 for refunds and $2,112.48 for releases. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Rita Miller introduced Donnie Smith the project manager for Pearson Appraisal, who is conducting the revaluation.

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing regarding Charleston Forge at 10:10am.

County Manager Don Adams gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding Charleston Forge that displayed the current operations, future projects, proposed expansion into the NAPCO building which enables NAPCO to purchase the Springford Building.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins arrived at 10:15am.

County Manager Don Adams continued the PowerPoint presentation. He explained the County’s incentives regarding the old Carolina Narrow Fabrics building and Charleston Forge; $719,985 value of building, credit of $383,985 for 45 jobs created by September 2006, credit of $246,000 for lease payments already paid to the County by Charleston Forge for the building and $90,000 existing County loan to be paid by Charleston Forge. He further explained that the $383,985 for jobs created and the $90,000 for the loan will be secured by a deed of trust on the property.

Art Barber talked about the length of time that Charleston Forge has been in Alleghany County. He explained a new project that they are working on involving metal. He further explained that they are moving their wood working facility to Sparta from Boone. He stated his appreciation to Alleghany County.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation for the expansion in Alleghany County.

Joe Greene talked about the great workforce in Alleghany County and his appreciation of their hard work.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon asked about new equipment for the metal concept.

Art Barber explained that some of the equipment is ready and the other equipment is out there. He stated that they are ready to start hiring a few people now.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about the fine quality products coming from Alleghany County.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated his appreciation for everyone having patience while working out this deal.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that he is happy that this is falling into place.

Joe Greene stated that by September 2006 all of the jobs will be in place and within the next three months, 8-12 jobs will be filled. He talked about having some equipment in place and waiting on the permitting process for the hand painting.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments. None were received.

Chair Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 10:34am and reconvened the regular meeting.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated his appreciation of Charleston Forge.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the incentive agreement and lease agreement with Charleston Forge. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.

County Manager Don Adams asked if the signing of the documents could be contingent upon the property acquisition between NAPCO and Charleston Forge on June 22.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon amended her motion to include the County Manager’s request. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the amendment. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing at 10:35am regarding the FY 2005/2006 budget.

County Manager Don Adams read the FY 2005/2006 budget ordinance.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments. None were received.

Chair Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 11:00am and reconvened the regular meeting.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the FY 2005/2006 budget as presented by the County Manager. Chair Eldon Edwards seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Hunter Birkhead with the NC Forestry Service came before the Board to introduce the temporary replacements for Melvin Crouse and Mike Choate who are out on short-term disability. He introduced Sue Sparks, Tommy Sports, Tim Lewis, Barry “Tater” Maines and Russell Choate. He explained the process of how Alleghany County will be covered during this time period.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation for their attendance.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon said that she wanted to say thank you in advance for pulling double duty during this time period.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about the citizens working easily with Barry Maines.

Hunter Birkhead stated his appreciation for the Commissioners’ support.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins and Hunter Birkhead talked about Russell Choate will have Melvin’s truck and pager and will have direct access to the Forestry Service dispatchers.

Amy Pardue, Planner/Recreation Director, came before the Board to present a preliminary plat for a 131.75 acre tract that will be subdivided into 113 lots. She explained that this will be accomplished through four phases. She further explained that this area is in the High Quality Waters area so the minimum lot size must be one acre. She further explained the phases and the roads in the proposed subdivision. She stated that this subdivision meets the Alleghany County Land Subdivision Ordinance and the NCDOT Construction and Intersection Standards.

Amy Pardue presented a wireless communication tower request from Carolina West Wireless. She explained the request is for a special-use permit to construct a 125-foot mono pole off of Camp Butler Road. She stated that the property is owned by Russell and Mildred Choate at 638 Camp Butler Road. She further stated that this pole will be co-locatable.

Joel McMillan with Carolina West Wireless talked about the five repeater site poles will be on by the end of the month with the Camp Butler pole being constructed after the Pine Swamp pole is finished and construction started today on the Pine Swamp pole. He further talked about plans for next year does not include any mono poles being constructed.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Joel McMillan discussed co-location by other providers.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the cell tower application for the mono pole on Camp Butler Road. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve the preliminary site plan as presented by the Planner. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon mentioned the land-use committee and the Glade Creek section not being covered by the names submitted.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about occupations and businesses are represented on the committee.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she will find someone in the Glade Creek area for the committee. She mentioned that it might be a good idea to have two alternates for this committee in case someone can’t serve on the committee.

Chair Eldon Edwards agreed for Commissioner Herndon to find the additional people.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about the objectives, and the Planner running the meetings.

Chair Eldon Edwards agreed that the Planner should be charge of the meetings.

County Manager Don Adams talked about the goals and objectives for the committee.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about using the prior plan as a beginning.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about letting the committee brainstorm for ideas and checking on the committee throughout the progress.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about the committee having full rein about what they think is important and having process reports from the committee once a month.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that the Planner can come to the mid month meetings for committee updates.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about committee-member changes must come before the Commissioners for approval.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins talked about letting the committee do their job.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the committee members as presented by the Planner with any changes to go before the Commissioners. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she will bring recommendations to cover the unrepresented area to the Board at the next meeting.

County Manager Don Adams reminded everyone that the next Board meeting falls on July 4 and standard procedure is to have the meeting on July 5 at 6:3pm.

County Manager Don Adams presented a letter from David Baird requesting that the Board appoint someone to serve on the High Country RPO’s Rural Transportation Advisory Committee. He explained that Warren Taylor currently serves on this committee.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to reappoint Warren Taylor to serve on the High Country RPO’s Rural Transportation Advisory Committee. Chair Eldon Edwards seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented the following budget amendments; General Fund #41 in the amount of $16,707 for the Scattered Site Housing Grant, Enhancement Fund #2 in the amount of $2,162 for transferring mandated monies to this fund, General Fund #42 in the amount of $358 for dog euthanasia, General Fund #43 in the amount of $2,003 for public buildings utilities, General Fund #44 in the amount of $2,246 for the Register of Deeds Retirement Pension, General Fund #45 in the amount of $2,162 for transferring mandated monies to the Enhancement Fund, General Fund #46 in the amount of $5,000 for the Court Fines and Forts, General Fund #47 in the amount of $2,397,401 to budget the refinancing loan for Sparta School and the Jail, General Fund #48 in the amount of $10,169 for Little League, General Fund #49 in the amount of $1,276 for Transportation utilities and copier expenses, General Fund #50 in the amount of $3,641 for EMS auto and medical supplies expenses, General Fund #51 in the amount of $20,532 to budget for additional salaries due to more than 26 pay periods in one year, General Fund #52 in the amount of $9,215 for inmate medical expenses, General Fund #53 in the amount of $58,500 to reimburse the Board of Education for purchasing the Blevins property and School Capital Reserve Fund #1 in the amount of $27,651 for budgeting additional capital outlay revenues and expenses. He explained each budget amendment as he presented them.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve General Fund #41 in the amount of $16,707 for the Scattered Site Housing Grant, Enhancement Fund #2 in the amount of $2,162 for transferring mandated monies to this fund, General Fund #42 in the amount of $358 for dog euthanasia, General Fund #43 in the amount of $2,003 for public buildings utilities, General Fund #44 in the amount of $2,246 for the Register of Deeds Retirement Pension, General Fund #45 in the amount of $2,162 for transferring mandated monies to the Enhancement Fund, General Fund #46 in the amount of $5,000 for the Court Fines and Forts, General Fund #47 in the amount of $2,397,401 to budget the refinancing loan for Sparta School and the Jail, General Fund #48 in the amount of $10,169 for Little League, General Fund #49 in the amount of $1,276 for Transportation utilities and copier expenses, General Fund #50 in the amount of $3,641 for EMS auto and medical supplies expenses, General Fund #51 in the amount of $20,532 to budget for additional salaries due to more than 26 pay periods in one year, General Fund #52 in the amount of $9,215 for inmate medical expenses, General Fund #53 in the amount of $58,500 to reimburse the Board of Education for purchasing the Blevins property and School Capital Reserve Fund #1 in the amount of $27,651 for budgeting additional capital outlay revenues and expenses. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins apologized for being late. He stated his appreciation for everyone’s work on the budget.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon mentioned a reception in Blowing Rock honoring our new DOT board member, Arnold Lakey. She stated that the reception will be on July 26 if anyone is interested in attending.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about a Rutherford County resolution supporting a cigarette tax increase to help support reducing counties Medicaid costs.

The Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams talked about the resolution, House version of the budget, prior resolution showing our support on Medicaid and sending a letter that mirrors the House budget showing our support for that bill.

Chair Eldon Edwards thanked everyone for their hard work.

Chair Eldon Edwards for public comments.

Charlie Scott informed the Board that the Methodist Church has offered a property easement for the Trojan Avenue intersection.

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:55am. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman

SEE BUDGET WEB PAGE FOR BUDGET ORDINANCE