The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners and Sparta Town Council held a joint meeting on Monday, October 30, 2006, at 7:00pm 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, Mayor John Miller, Town Council Members Robert Andrews, Agnes Joines, Mike Parlier, County Manager Don Adams, Town Manager Bryan Edwards and County Clerk to the Board Karen Evans.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order for the County at 7:00pm.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the agenda for this October 30, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Joint County/Town Meeting

October 30, 2006

Agenda

7:00pm Meeting Called to Order

Motion on Agenda

Motion on Minutes

County/Town Business

1. Water Authority Update

2. General Discussions

3. Volunteer Recognition

4. Adjourn

Mayor John Miller called the meeting to order for the Town at 7:00pm.

Mike Parlier made a motion to approve the minutes for the July 31, 2006 meeting, with the correction that Agnes Joines attended the meeting. Robert Andrews seconded the motion. Vote 3:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that Commissioners does not need to vote on the minutes because only two Commissioners were present at that meeting.

Bryan Edwards introduced Jeff Spickard with Lane Engineering and updated everyone how Lane Engineering became involved with the Virginia/Carolina Water Authority. Jeff Spickard began setting up for his presentation.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that young librarians will be present later during this meeting to distribute a folder of information to everyone regarding the library’s needs and the upcoming bond issue. He asked everyone to take the time to read the information presented. He talked about the importance of this issue.

Chair Eldon Edwards talked about revaluation comments from concerned citizens. He explained that if people disagree about their value, they should fill out the form on the notice and send it to the revaluation people. He stated that the County Commissioners does not have anything to do with revaluation. He further stated that the State mandates revaluation must be completed every eight years. He recommended that anyone who doesn’t agree with the decision to go through the informal appeal process.

Robert Andrews and Chair Eldon Edwards talked about people not understanding that the tax rate will be adjusted next June. Chair Eldon Edwards talked about the revenue neutral tax rate.

Jeff Spickard with Lane Engineering gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining the history of the water project, water needs, how to meet those needs, project approach, project descriptions and project funding.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Jeff Spickard talked about the construction timeline.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Jeff Spickard talked about having the funding in place prior to construction and water-pipe sizes.

Mayor John Miller talked about this is a chance to fix the water situation for 40 years. He further talked about expanding if water is available and being able to offer industries water.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation for the report.

Robert Andrews talked about current rates are going up to keep up with the operational costs.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated her appreciation about having an option that doesn’t impact the beauty of the river, water table or environment. She stated her appreciation.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Jeff Spickard talked about the depth of the water table.

Mayor John Miller talked about having members on the water authority commission.

Chair Eldon Edwards declared a brief recess at 7:50pm.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated on behalf of the Town Council and the Board of Commissioners, he wanted to welcome all of the volunteers present tonight and stated his appreciation for their efforts.

Bob Bamberg gave a background of the volunteer recognition program and explained how the recipients were chosen. He recognized people who had been given this honor with certificates of appreciation. He explained the North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. He recognized the following individuals who has received this award; Sarah McMillan, Virginia Setzer, Bonnie Vaughn, Betty Walker and Disa Wishon.

Being no further county business, Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Being no further town business, Robert Andrews made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm. Mike Parlier seconded the motion. Vote 3:0.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

ATTEST:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman