The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, November 3, 2003, at 6:30pm 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 Graylen Blevins, Commissioner Sandy Carter, Commissioner Patrick Woodie, County Manager Don Adams, and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. County Attorney Ed Woltz was absent. 

 

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 November 3, 2003, meeting.  Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

AGENDA

Monday, November 3, 2003

6:30 PM

 

6:30                 Meeting Called To Order

                        Motion on Agenda for November 3, 2003 meeting

Motion on Minutes for October 20, 2003 meeting

6:35                 Public Hearing

                        RE: Hazard Mitigation Plan

7:00                 Public Hearing

                        RE:  Scattered Site Grant

7:10                 Carmen Long

                        RE:  4-H Position

County Business

1.      Textile Resolution

2.      Transfer Facility—Disposal Contract

3.      Proposed Recreation Program

4.      Other Business

5.      Public Comments—30 minutes

6.      Closed Session—NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel

7.      Adjourn

 

Commissioner Sandy Carter made a motion to approve the October 20, 2003, minutes.  Commissioner Patrick Woodie seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

Chair Eldon Edwards recessed the regular meeting and opened the public hearing at 6:30pm for the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

 

County Planner Jack Conaway reminded the Board that FEMA is requiring each county to adopt a hazard mitigation plan and the process of hiring High Country Council of Governments to assist the County in completing the plan.

 

Jason Vance with High Country Council of Governments gave the Board an update on the Hazard Mitigation Plan explaining the progress that has been made at this time. He reviewed what is included in the plan, preliminary list of critical care facilities and future planning efforts. 

 

The Board of Commissioners and Jason Vance discussed several facilities to add to the list of critical care facilities in Alleghany County.

 

Jason Vance discussed the guidelines set by the State and Federal governments, the creation of the planning committee and the deadline for submitting the plan to the State to ensure an approved plan in time to be submitted to the Federal government by the November deadline.

 

Jack Conaway stated that Jason Vance and Gerald Leftwich would visit people that have lived here for a long time to discuss natural disasters that hasn’t been recorded.

 

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

 

Chair Eldon Edwards adjourned this public hearing at 6:50pm.

 

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing at 6:50pm for the Scattered Site Grant application.

 

Rebecca Bloomquist with High Country Council of Governments reminded the Board about the purpose of the Scattered Site grant, selection of eight homes for this grant application and the process of completing the construction once the money has been awarded to the County. 

 

The Board of Commissioners and Rebecca Bloomquist talked about the current project, process of selecting the contractors and replacement homes.

 

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

 

Glen Somers asked what happens to the money that is left over from the homes.

 

Rebecca Bloomquist stated that the money will be used on the next alternate home and if any money is left at the end of the grant cycle, the money would have to be returned to the State.

 

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

 

Chair Eldon Edwards adjourned the public hearing at 7:00pm and reconvened the regular meeting.

 

Commissioner Sandy Carter made a motion to approve the Scattered Site grant application.  Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

Carmen Long, Interim Extension Director, came before the Board to introduce Sara Drake as the new 4-H agent. 

 

The Board welcomed Ms. Drake to the County.

 

County Manager Don Adams presented a letter from Governor Easley asking the Board to pass a resolution in regards to the National Trade policies. 

 

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the resolution as presented by the County Manager.  Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

County Manager Don Adams discussed the BFI disposal contract.  He reviewed a letter from BFI stating that they will extend the disposal contract for one year without any price increase.

 

The Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams discussed the current contract and potential bidders next year for disposal of the garbage.

 

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the extension of the disposal contract for another year with BFI.  Commissioner Patrick Woodie seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

County Manager Don Adams reviewed the process of creating a consolidated recreation program and his proposal that was submitted at the last meeting.

 

The Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams discussed the timeline for the consolidation.

 

Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated that he has had a lot of questions and comments regarding the status of the Fairgrounds.  He further stated that he doesn’t think the County should be adding a new position with all of the job losses in the County.

 

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that it was his understanding that the Fairgrounds Board would act as an advisory board to the recreation program concerning the Fairgrounds.

 

County Manager Don Adams explained his opinion of the role of the Fairgrounds Board in his proposal.  He explained volunteers working at the Fairgrounds and how his proposal would affect the different types of volunteers performing recreational activities. 

 

Commissioners Warren Taylor, Patrick Woodie and Sandy Carter discussed the need for a recreation program and volunteers.

 

County Manager Don Adams explained the budget that was presented at the last meeting. 

 

Chair Eldon Edwards asked about dividing the Fairgrounds and Recreation Commission meaning starting with a Fairgrounds Director and get that running smooth and then add the Recreation Commission side.

 

County Manager Don Adams stated that the Board could do that, but he would not recommend it.  He explained that difference in hiring a Fairgrounds Director and his proposal.

 

County Manager Don Adams reminded the Board that he presented the worse case scenario at the last meeting concerning the budget projections.

 

The Board of Commissioners talked about the creation of the recreation program, recreational facilities and activities would not be what it is now if it wasn’t for the volunteers and volunteers getting burned out.

 

Commissioner Sandy Carter made a motion to give the County Manager the authority to advertise and hire a Recreation Director at a Grade 66 and approve the job description.  Commissioner Patrick Woodie seconded the motion. Vote 4:1 (Graylen Blevins).

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor mentioned that the Alleghany Ministry is building a house for David Smith through donations and volunteer labor.  He explained how much work has been completed at this time.  He further explained that he is asking the Board to waive the inspections fee for building this house.

 

            County Manager Don Adams reminded the Board that a lot of volunteers work on projects in the County and to keep that in mind when deciding to release any fees.

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to release the inspections fee for David Smith’s house.  Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.     

 

            Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

 

            Glen Somers asked what the solid waste fee is per ton.

 

            County Manager Don Adams stated that the fee is $50 per ton.

 

            Scott Craven talked about the size of the County.  He asked the Board what percentage of counties in the State hires a recreation director.

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that we are in the minority.

 

            Scott Craven stated that he doesn’t know the answer either.  He explained if counties of certain sizes hire recreation directors and smaller counties don’t—where does Alleghany County come into that picture.

 

            County Manager Don Adams tried to explain the reasons for starting a consolidated recreation department are to prioritize recreation needs and help the volunteers.

 

            Scott Craven asked if Alleghany County fits into the category of does or doesn’t the County need a recreational program.

 

            Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated that he prefers to fit the County to the County’s needs rather what other counties are doing.

 

            Scott Craven asked about parents taking their children outside of the County for recreational activities.

 

            Commissioner Patrick Woodie stated that he has had comments about taking children to Grayson County for swimming and Little League.  He explained why he thought the recreational director could assist in this area. 

 

            Winnie Craven stated that her concerns are can the County afford this position and can the Board ensure that this position will be hired locally.

 

            Chair Eldon Edwards stated that preference would be given to a local person if the person is qualified.

 

            Winnie Craven asked where the money is coming from.

 

            Scott Craven asked where the $27,000 salary number came from.

 

            County Manager Don Adams explained the process of a pay study and where this job falls into the County’s pay scale.

 

            Scott Craven asked how that salary compared to other Recreational Directors.

 

            County Manager Don Adams stated that the pay study was completed by using regional salary data.

 

            Susan Reinhardt mentioned that she was pleased to hear the Board talk about the Alleghany Ministry working on David Smith’s house.  She explained the group wants to continue with other projects after Mr. Smith’s house is completed.

 

            Dennis Smith asked if there is reason the County has to be in the Fairgrounds business.

 

            Chair Eldon Edwards explained that the property was donated to be used for recreational functions. 

 

            Dennis Smith asked if the County can rent the facility to the Fairgrounds board.

 

            Commissioner Patrick Woodie stated that he didn’t think the Fairgrounds board would take on that adventure.

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that everyone needs to look at the benefits to the people.

 

            Dennis Smith asked about surrounding counties recreational programs.

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that surrounding areas have recreational facilities that they support.

 

            Dennis Smith asked about other property that was going to be donated to the County and the County wouldn’t take it.

 

            Chair Eldon Edwards explained the land wasn’t located feasibly for the owners requested use.

 

            Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to enter into closed session under at NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel at 8:15pm.  Commissioner Sandy Carter seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

            Commissioner Sandy Carter made a motion to adjourn closed session at 8:22pm and reconvene the regular meeting.  Commissioner Patrick Woodie seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

            Chair Eldon Edwards stated no action was taken during closed session.

 

            Commissioner Sandy Carter made a motion to extension Mary Walker’s appointment as the Tax Administrator from September 10, 2003, to December 10, 2003.  Commissioner Patrick Woodie seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

 

            Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated his appreciation for Charles Scott taping this meeting.

 

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:38pm.  Commissioner Sandy Carter seconded the motion.  Vote 5:0.

 

Respectfully submitted,                     

 

 

 

Karen Evans                          

Clerk to the Board                  

 

Attest:

 

 

 

Eldon Edwards

Chairman

 

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

 

NORTH CAROLINA

 

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, the effects of international trade agreements have been devastating for traditional manufacturing industries in North Carolina.  Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, employment levels for the textile and apparel industries in North Carolina have been cut in half – by more than 138,000 jobs – and our manufacturing industry as a whole has lost 200,000 jobs; and

 

WHEREAS, each plant closing or mass layoff has caused untold suffering for workers, their families and the communities that have long hosted traditional manufacturing plants; and

 

WHEREAS, President Bush has stated that minimizing the impact of future trade deals on the domestic textile industry would be at the top of his administration’s agenda; and

 

WHEREAS, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has negotiated a series of agreements that eliminate tariffs without sufficiently addressing unfair trading practices, illegal smuggling and other customs fraud, and non-tariff barriers to trade – all of which keep our textile industry from playing on a level field with our trading partners; and

 

WHEREAS, a recent report from the American Textile Manufacturers Institute analyzing the impact of trade agreements on domestic textile production estimates that China is poised to seize 65 to 75 percent of the U.S. textile and apparel market once remaining quotas are removed on January 1, 2005 – which would trigger another wave of plant closures and worker layoffs in the southeast, including North Carolina; and 

 

WHEREAS, currency manipulations have become a significant barrier to United States exports to China and other Asian markets, causing prices for Asian goods to fall dramatically – which prevents exports to export markets and causes the loss of export-oriented and import-competing jobs in the southeast; and

 

WHEREAS, a new approach is needed that makes it possible for our retooled domestic textile and furniture industries to compete in the global marketplace while also acknowledging and rectifying the impact that trade agreements have on our traditional manufacturing industries, our working families and their communities;

 

NOW, THEREFORE BEFORE IT RESOLVED that the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners calls on the President and Congress to fulfill their commitment to ensure the long-term viability of our domestic manufacturing industries.  Specifically, we call on our leaders in Washington to:

 

·         Direct the International Trade Commission to aggressively combat widespread “dumping” of textile goods and other goods on U.S. markets and to address the failure of trading partners to open their markets to U.S. exports of textile and apparel and other products, as committed in prior agreements;

 

·         Actively seek to curb the ongoing manipulation of currency to gain an unfair competitive advantage and pursue this policy through direct consultations with trading partners, International Monetary Fund review procedures; bilateral consultations with targeted currency manipulators; and direct action against recalcitrant currency manipulators through the World Trade Organization.

 

·         Direct the USTR to consider whether trading partners have already achieved competitive advantage through currency manipulation in determining whether or not to allow further adjustments or tariff reductions for textiles and other products in future trade negotiations;

 

·         Initiate the “special China safeguard” on sensitive textile and apparel categories to control the unfair surge of Chinese imports into the United States market and commit to initiate more comprehensive measures when the next phase of the China WTO agreement is implemented on January 1, 2005; and

 

Provide the U.S. Customs Service with the additional staff and resources necessary to crack down on illegal smuggling and other customs fraud, which leads to billions of dollars in lost sales for our textile industry every year.

 

            Adopted this the 3rd day of November, 2003.