macon county commissioners agenda packet 06-12-2012

7/31/2019 Macon County Commissioners Agenda Packet 06-12-2012

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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 12, 2012

AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin2. Announcements3. Moment of Silence4. Pledge of Allegiance5. Public Hearing(s) -- None6. Public Comment Period7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda8. Reports/Presentations9. Old Business

A. Consideration of approval of the budget ordinance for FiscalYear 2012-13 County Manager/Finance Director

B. Consideration to authorize lease agreement with the Gem &Mineral Society of Franklin County Attorney

C. Consideration to authorize lease agreement with The FranklinArchers County Attorney

D.Update/resolution concerning video sweepstakes CountyAttorney

10.New BusinessA. Consideration of renewal of contract with New South Strategies,

LLCB.Consideration of awarding bid for mobile generator light towers

for Emergency Services David Key

11.Consent Agenda Attachment #11All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. Noseparate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board ofCommissioners.


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A. Minutes from the May 8th, May 15th, May 21st, May 23rd, May31st and June 5th meetings

B. Budget amendmentsC.Tax releases NoneD.Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

12.AppointmentsA. Airport AuthorityB.Board of AdjustmentC.Health BoardD.Town of Highlands representative on the planning board

13.Closed sessionA. Per G.S. 143-381.11(5), with regard to property acquisition

14.Adjournment/Recess


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AGENDA ITEM

MEETING DATE: June 12, 2012

DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Governing Board

SUBJECT MATTER: Consideration of approval of the budget

ordinance for Fiscal Year 2012-13

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION:

Per the Finance Director, a copy of the budget ordinance will be available at

Tuesdays meeting.

COUNTY MANAGERS COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION:

Attachments ____ Yes _XX_ No

Agenda Item 9A


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AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: County Attorney

SUBJECT MATTER: Authorization of lease agreement with the Gem

& Mineral Society of Franklin


Attached please find a resolution prepared by the County Attorney as well asa lease agreement with the Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin. Theagreement covers a lease of five years of the old Macon County JailBuilding at 25 Phillips Street at an annual rent of $10.


Attachments ___2_ Yes ___ No

Agenda Item 9B


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AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: County Attorney

SUBJECT MATTER: Lease agreement with The Franklin Archers


The County Attorney is preparing a resolution and a lease agreement with

The Franklin Archers regarding the use of a portion of county property

located near South Macon Elementary School for an archery range. Those

documents are not attached but will be forwarded to the board via e-mail

directly from the County Attorney.


Attachments _____ Yes __X_ No

Agenda Item 9C


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AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Update/resolution concerning video sweepstakes


As a follow up from the May 15th

meeting, the County Attorney will be

prepared to update the board regarding possible legislative action on the

video sweepstakes issue and is developing a resolution for the boards

consideration.


Attachments _____ Yes __X_ No

Agenda Item 9D


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AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Renewal of contract with New South Strategies,

LLC


Please see the attached letter from Ed Shatley, Chairman of the Economic

Development Commission (EDC), regarding the EDCs recommendation for

renewing the contract with New South Strategies, LLC (Tommy Jenkins) to

provide economic development services for the upcoming fiscal year.


Attachments ___1_ Yes ___ No

Agenda Item 10A


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AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Emergency Services

SUBJECT MATTER: Bid for mobile generator light towers


Please see the attached bid tabulation for this item. Emergency Services

Director David Key and the Finance Director can provide additional details

at the meeting.


Attachments ___1__ Yes ___ No

Agenda Item 10B


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MobileGeneratorLightTowersfor

MaconCountyEmergencyServices

TotalPrice

Company 9Units

H&EEquipment

Services

SoutheastIndustrial

Equipment

SouthEast

Generators

BidNo.437504OpenedMonday,6/4/12@3:00p.m.

150,560.28$

130,075.00$

132,514.47$


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AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Consent Agenda


A. Minutes Consideration of the minutes from the May 8th, 15th, 21st, 23rd, 31st and

June 5th

meetings per attachment 11A.

B. Finance The Finance Director will have several budget amendments for the

boards consideration on Tuesday.

C. Tax releases There are no tax releases for consideration at this time, per Macon

County Tax Collector Margaret Perry.

D. Monthly Tax Collection Report For the boards information, the monthly ad

valorem tax collection report is attached. It does not require board action


Attachments 7 Yes No

Agenda Items 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D


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Minutes05/08/12Page 1 of 2


MAY 8, 2012

MINUTES

Chairman Corbin convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. All Board

Members, the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, CountyAttorney, members of the news media and interested citizens werepresent.

ANNOUNCMENTS: Commissioner Beale encouraged attendance at thepublic hearing on the two proposals to develop dialysis stations in MaconCounty, with that hearing set for May 15, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. inCourtroom B of the Macon County Courthouse. Commissioner Kuppersprovided the board with a copy of a quarterly report from the MaconCounty Airport Authority, as requested by the board. The CountyManager noted the upcoming County Assembly Day in Raleigh on May

30. Commissioner Tate said that he had attended a recent meeting ofthe fire commission, and that four fire departments were planning to askfor increases in their respective tax rates.

MOMENT OF SILENCE: Prior to the moment of silence, the boardexpressed its condolences regarding the passing of Alicia Hyatt, the wifeof county employee Simon Hyatt.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Beale, the pledge tothe flag was recited.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2012 UPDATE TO THE TEN-YEAR SOLIDWASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: Chairman Corbin convened the publichearing at 6:05 p.m. and recognized Chis Stahl, the countys solid wastedirector, who presented a PowerPoint presentation. During thepresentation, Mr. Stahl:

Explained that the plan was developed in accordance with statestatute, and includes the towns of Franklin and Highlands.

Reviewed the countys solid waste facilities. Provided statistical information on the countys disposal and

recycling rates, as well as management of special and bannedwastes.

Noted that the countys new waste reduction goal was 0.85 tonsper capita in both 2015 and 2022.

Discussed the management of special and banned wastes such asscrap tires, white goods, lead-acid batteries, used motor oil andfilters, fluorescent lights, e-waste (electronic items) and abandonedmobile homes.


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Briefly reviewed issues involving illegal dumping and litter. Outlined new initiatives, such as household hazardous waste

management, fluorescent lights, the expansion of the departmentsrecovery operation, and the development of Cell III.

Following comments from the board members who expressed theirappreciation to Mr. Stahl and his staff for their work Chairman Corbinexplained that no one from the public had signed up to speak, and heclosed the public hearing at 6:37 p.m.

Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers, seconded by CommissionerBeale, the board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution Acceptingand Endorsing the Solid Waste Management Plan of 2012 for MaconCounty as presented (Attachment 1), a copy of which is attached andhereby made a part of these minutes. A copy of the approved Three-YearUpdate to the Solid Waste Management Plan for Macon County, Town of

Franklin and Town of Highlands is on file in the Deputy Clerks office.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Chairman Corbin noted that no one signed up tospeak during the public comment period.

RECESS: At 6:39 p.m., and upon a motion by Commissioner Beale,seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to recessthe meeting until Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the commissionboardroom on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse at 5 WestMain Street, Franklin, NC.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Jack Horton, County Manager Kevin CorbinClerk to the Board Board Chairman


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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSMAY 15, 2012 6 P.M.CONTINUED SESSION

MINUTES

Chairman Corbin convened the continued session at 6:02 p.m. in theCommissioners Boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse asrecessed from the May 8th meeting. All Board Members, the CountyManager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, County Attorney, interestedcitizens and members of the news media were present.

ADJUSTMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Upon a motionby Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the boardvoted unanimously to approve the agenda as adjusted, as follows:

To add a presentation by Sandra Queen from CareNet underReports/Presentations as Item 8A, per Commissioner Beale.

To add consideration of the award of the bid for parking pads atthe Highlands Transfer Station under New Business as Item 10I,per Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl.

To add consideration of a resolution that would allow the governingbody of the Town of Highlands to issue permits for fireworksdisplays under New Business as Item 10J, per the CountyAttorney.

To add consideration of an amendment to the greenway ordinanceregarding the dog park under New Business as Item 10K, per theCounty Attorney.

To add discussion regarding facilities at the recreation park underReports/Presentations as Item 8B, per Chairman Corbin.

To add Budget Amendments #186 and #187 under the ConsentAgenda in Item 11B, per the Finance Director.

To hold a Closed Session under Item 13 for the purpose ofpreserving the attorney/client privilege.

CARENET: Commissioner Beale introduced Sandra Queen, the newexecutive director of the Macon County Care Network, known as CareNet,who gave the board an update on the non-profit ministrys activities. Ms.

Queen noted that CareNet has seven paid staff and 80 volunteer workers.She said that all donations go back into giving to the community, andthat sales from items at the organizations thrift store help pay foroperations. CareNet owes $165,000 on its building on Bidwell Street inFranklin. She said CareNet spent $67,000 on food last year, is involvedin the backpack program in the school system, which provides weekend


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meals for children, and is working with Macon Program for Progress(MPP) this summer as a host site for MPPs free lunch program. Shepointed out several needs the organization has, and asked for the boardmembers prayers. Commissioner Beale responded that thecommissioners would take those needs into consideration.

RECREATION FACILITIES: Chairman Corbin explained that he hadbeen talking with Parks and Recreation Director Seth Adams in regard toaging facilities at the countys recreation park, particularly the swimmingpool. Chairman Corbin said he had also had conversations withCommissioner Kuppers, the boards liaison to the recreation board anddepartment. After further discussion, the board agreed by consensus totask Commissioner Kuppers with developing a plan for improvements tothe pool and other facilities.

OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT OF CHESTER JONES AS COUNTY

ATTORNEY: The County Manager explained that Chester Jones hasfilled in as interim county attorney for the past two years, during whichtime the County Manager said that he has kept Mr. Jones very busy andthat he has done a commendable job. Adding that he probably shouldhave done this some time ago, the County Manager recommended thatthe board remove the interim label from Mr. Jones title and officiallydesignate him as County Attorney. Upon a motion by CommissionerHaven, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously toapprove the recommendation.

PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2012-13

BUDGET: The County Manager delivered a PowerPoint presentation onthe proposed FY 2012-13 budget, which is balanced with revenues andexpenditures of $44,275,869. He noted that the board would need toschedule work session dates, with a hearing on the budget already set for6 p.m. on June 5th and with anticipation of adopting the budget on June12th. He said the county remains in a strong financial position, and thenreviewed a list of accomplishments and ongoing projects. He pointed outthere is no growth in the new budget, which contains no tax increase. Acopy of the County Managers budget message (Attachment 1) is attachedand is hereby made a part of these minutes. The board agreed to hold awork session on May 21st at 6 p.m. and tentatively scheduled another

work session for May 23rd at 3:30 p.m.

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY POSTPONEMAKING CHANGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF MENTAL HEALTHBOARDS: Commissioner Beale informed the board that the resolutionwould not be necessary, and the item was withdrawn from the agenda.


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RENEWAL OF LEASE WITH FRANKLIN GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY:The Franklin Gem & Mineral Society requested a renewal of the lease ofthe old county jail property located at 25 Phillips Street for continued useas a museum for another five-year period, with the current lease set to

expire on June 3, 2012. The County Attorney explained that due to thelength of the proposed lease, the board would need to advertise its intentto renew the agreement, and that he could prepare the proper resolutionfor the boards consideration at its June regular meeting, although therewould be a small gap in the term. Upon a motion by CommissionerBeale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimouslyto accept the County Attorneys recommendation.

REQUEST FOR USE OF COUNTY PROPERTY BY THE FRANKLINARCHERS: Chairman Corbin explained that The Franklin Archers hadrequested the use of some county property located behind South Macon

Elementary School for use as an archery range. The County Managerprovided a map showing the 21-acre parcel that was split off from theoriginal purchase for the school, noting that the archers want to use asmall portion on the southern end of it. Commissioner Beale said he hadmet with the group, which started at the old Cartoogechaye School, andexpressed his desire to see the property used for this purpose. TheCounty Attorney said that safety issues would need to be addressed andthat a lease arrangement would be best, with the county dictating theaccess to the property. The County Manager suggested a one-year leasethat could be revisited on a year-to-year basis. Upon a motion byCommissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board

voted unanimously to authorize the County Attorney and CountyManager to prepare a lease agreement, based upon the items presented,with the County Attorney pointing out that the group would need to addthe county as an additional insured under its liability policy.

DENTURE FEE PLAN: Health Center Director Jim Bruckner presented adenture fee plan for the boards consideration, explaining that the healthdepartment does not currently provide this service. He said the newinitiative is expected to be a break-even proposition, with the feeschedule including a sliding scale where the Medicaid rate will normallycover 50 percent of the costs. He said the center is not competing with

private dentists, but there is a need for the service, which can beprovided by the new adult dentist now on staff. He said there would beno cost to the county for the program. Upon a motion by CommissionerKuppers, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board votedunanimously to approve the fee plan as presented (Attachment 2), a copyof which is attached and is hereby made a part of these minutes.


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Chairman Corbin declared a recess at 7:34 p.m.

Chairman Corbin called the meeting back to order at 7:49 p.m.

Chairman Corbin read a letter to the board members from Dorothy andJohn Crawford, which read as follows:

John and I are deeply humbled and honored that you named the SeniorCenter building for us, yesterday April 27. May we always honor yourdecision. We assure you we will continue to advocate for seniors andothers in need of services. Thanks also for the Macon County emblemand the bucket of goodies. We were deeply touched by your positivecomments. They will be treasured always. In deep appreciation, DorothyR. and John L. Crawford.

CHANGE ORDER ON IOTLA VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLPROJECT: The County Manager explained that the new on-site sewersystem at the school has a series of underground treatment pods, and inorder to make sure that there is proper drainage, it was necessary toinstall an underdrain for the area as a precaution that should help avertany flotation problems in the future. He recommended that the boardapprove Change Order #3 on the project (Attachment 3) in the amount of$4,700, and upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers, seconded byCommissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to approve thechange order, a copy of which is attached and is hereby made a part ofthese minutes.

FRANKLIN FIREWORKS DISPLAY: The County Manager explained thatthe Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce had requested permission toconduct the annual July 4th fireworks display at the Macon CountyVeterans Memorial Park on July 4, 2012. Upon a motion byCommissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board votedunanimously to grant permission for the display.

DISCUSSION REGARDING VIDEO SWEEPSTAKES MACHINES: Theboard discussed the proliferation of the video sweepstakes machinesthroughout the county. Sheriff Robert Holland told the board that while

he gets complaints, he had been told by the District Attorney not to filecharges against owners of these establishments, and Brian Welch, thestaff attorney for the sheriffs department, said there are cases within thestates Court of Appeals and Supreme Court that are pending. ChairmanCorbin asked what could be done, and it was noted that HendersonCounty was also grappling with the situation, with the County Manager


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pointing out Henderson has county-wide zoning and therefore can directthe location of the sweepstakes establishments. After further discussion,the board agreed to obtain a copy of the resolution being considered inHenderson County and to contact officials there for insight into how theyare dealing with the issue. Chairman Corbin said the board members

could also discuss this matter with legislators when they are in Raleighlater this month for County Assembly Day. No action was taken.

AWARD OF BID FOR PARKING PADS AT HIGHLANDS TRANSFERSTATION: Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl recommended that theboard approve a bid of $62,720 from Taylor and Murphy of Asheville toinstall two parking pads at the Highlands Transfer Station. The pads willhold trailers that are used to transport waste from the station to thelandfill in Franklin. There are drains installed in the pads that will drainto an on-site septic tank, collecting any leachate that drips from thetrailers and keeping it from entering stormwater ditches at the facility.

Upon a motion by Commissioner Haven, seconded by CommissionerKuppers, the board voted unanimously to award the bid to Taylor andMurphy as presented. A copy of the Recommendation of Award fromMcGill Associates and the bid tabulation (Attachment 4) are attached andare hereby made a part of these minutes.

RESOLUTION REGARDING HIGHLANDS FIREWORKS DISPLAYS: TheCounty Attorney explained that he had prepared a resolution that wouldauthorize the board of commissioners for the Town of Highlands to issuepermits pursuant to Article 54 of Chapter 14 of the states GeneralStatutes for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used or discharged within the

corporate limits of the town for use in connection with public exhibitions.He added that the countys granting of this authority to the town via thisresolution is essentially a matter of convenience. Upon a motion byCommissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board votedunanimously to adopt the resolution as presented (Attachment 5), a copyof which is attached and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

AMENDMENT TO GREENWAY ORDINANCE REGARDING DOG PARK:The County Attorney explained that he had prepared an ordinanceamending the ordinance regulating the use of the Little Tennessee RiverGreenway to allow for a gated dog park, as this would carve out an

exception to the general rule of dogs having to be on leashes, crated orcaged while on the greenway. He read the ordinance into the record,noting that the date listed on the bottom of page 1 would need to bechanged from May 8th to May 15th. Upon a motion by CommissionerHaven, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to


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approve the ordinance amendment as presented (Attachment 6), a copyof which is attached and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

CONSENT AGENDA: Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers,seconded by Commissioner Beale, the following items on the consent

agenda were unanimously approved: Minutes Approved the minutesfrom the April 9th, April 10th, April 19th and April 26th meetings. Budgetamendments Approved the following budget amendments: #182 forthe Health Department to allocate additional funding of $183,920 for theCommunity Transformation Grant; #183 for the Soil ConservationDepartment to appropriate $2,500 in grant money received from Wal-Mart. The county had to apply for the grant on behalf of MountainviewIntermediate School and is acting as a pass-thru agent. #186 for theHealth Department to allocate funds to the proper line item from aninsurance claim check for damage to a refrigerator and #187 for theDepartment of Social Services for an additional allocation of $918 for

Haywood Electric Energy Assistance. (Revisions with correspondingnumbers attached.) Tax releases There were no tax releases for theboards consideration at this time. Resolution Requiring TaxCertification Prior to Recording Deeds in Macon County TheCounty Attorney explained there is no certification required for recordingdeeds of trust and that the county is still in accord with the resolutionadopted by the board of commissioners in August 2004.

APPOINTMENTS: Chairman Corbin asked the board for the liberty tomove Agenda Item 12H (Planning Board) to the front of the list, and theboard agreed without objection.

Planning Board: Chairman Corbin explained that his goal for theplanning board was to move forward in a thoughtful way. The countyhad received nine applications for the planning board, and then two ofthose were withdrawn. Without objection from the board, three of theapplicants were present, and Chairman Corbin suggested that each onebe allowed to speak and then the commissioners could ask questions ofeach. Mark West, a current member of the board, told thecommissioners he was withdrawing his name from consideration at thistime, and the commissioners expressed their appreciation for his service.Peggy Patterson told the commissioners she was a 5th generation

Maconian who had developed subdivisions and said the planning boardneeds people who have been on the land. Susan Ervin, also a currentmember of the board, said she was honored to have served many yearson the planning board and had not been afraid to strongly express heropinions, but was willing to compromise. Chairman Corbin asked bothcandidates if they could take a common sense, civil and level-headed


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approach to their duties, and both had agreed they could. Saying thatdiversity is very important, Commissioner Haven made a motion toappoint Ms. Patterson and Ms. Ervin to the board, which was secondedby Commissioner Kuppers and approved unanimously by the board.Terms of appointment are for three years and will expire on May 15,

2015.

Airport Authority: Commissioner Kuppers said the members of theauthority have asked the board to postpone the appointment until Juneso that they could submit a recommendation, and the board agreed to doso.

Board of Adjustment: Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers,seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously toreappoint Sue Waldroop, Dwight Vinson and Gary Drake to the Board ofAdjustment, and to acknowledge the resignation of Larry Stenger. Term

of appointment is for three years and will expire May 15, 2015.

Community Funding Pool: Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers,seconded by Mr. Haven, the board voted unanimously to reappointBobbie Contino, Sandy Vinson and Frances Dewitt to the CommunityFunding Pool. Term of appointment is for three years and will expireMay 15, 2015.

Economic Development Commission: Economic Development DirectorTommy Jenkins requested that any action regarding the appointment ofJoe Collins be postponed until conflicting information could be reviewed,

and the board agreed.

Farmland Preservation: Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale,seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously toreappoint John McCall, Rickie James, Charles Butch Deal and LarrySheffield to the Farmland Preservation committee. Term of appointmentis for three years and will expire May 15, 2015.

Health Board: Commissioner Kuppers said that the term of RussellStevenson needed to be checked prior to any action being taken.Commissioner Kuppers then made a motion to appoint Molly Phillips to

fill the unexpired term of Paul Higdon, which expires June 30, 2012, andto appoint Stacy Shannon to a three-year term that would begin on July1, 2012 and expire on June 30, 2015. Commissioner Beale seconded themotion and it was unanimously approved. It was noted that Ms. Phillipswould need to complete an application and, pending that, the boardcould consider appointing her for a full term.


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Jury Commission: Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded byCommissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to reappoint SueWaldroop to the Jury Commission. Term of appointment is for threeyears and will expire May 15, 2015.

Recreation Board: Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers, secondedby Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to reappoint DennisConley and Tex Davis to Recreation Board. Term of appointment is forthree years and will expire May 15, 2015.

Tourism Development Committee (TDC) (Franklin/Highlands): Upona motion by Commissioner Haven, seconded by Commissioner Beale, theboard voted unanimously to accept the TDCs recommendation toappoint Katie LaFlamm to the TDC. Term of appointment is for threeyears and will expire May 15, 2015.

Franklin (Town) Board of Adjustment/Extraterritorial Jurisdiction(ETJ) representative: Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, secondedby Commissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously to reappointJanet Greene as a county representative from the ETJ on the FranklinBoard of Adjustment. Term of appointment is for three years and willexpire May 15, 2015, with the motion noting it is contingent upon Ms.Greens ability to continue to serve.

Watershed Review Board: Upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers,seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously to

reappoint Joe Deal and Mike Bryson to the Watershed Review Board.Term of appointment is for three years and will expire May 15, 2015.Commissioner Kuppers said he would check on the status of the fourother members.

CLOSED SESSION: At 9:07 p.m., and upon a motion by CommissionerBeale, seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board votedunanimously to go into closed session to preserve the attorney/clientprivilege under G.S. 143-318-11(3). At 9:34 p.m., and upon a motion byCommissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the boardvoted unanimously to come out of closed session. No action was taken.

RECESS: At 9:35 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale,seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously torecess the meeting until Wednesday, May 21st, 2012 at 6 p.m. in thecommissioners boardroom on the third floor of the Macon CountyCourthouse at 5 West Main Street in Franklin, NC.


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_____________________________ ______________________________



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MAY 21, 2012 6 P.M.

CONTINUED SESSION

MINUTES

Chairman Corbin convened the continued session at 6:06 p.m. in theCommissioners Boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse asrecessed from the May 15th meeting. All Board Members, the CountyManager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, interested citizens andmembers of the news media were present.

Commissioner Beale provided a resolution in support of Senate Bill 433for the boards consideration, explaining that it would allow countyflexibility to organize local human services, but noted the bill would be ofno use in Macon County at this time. Commissioner Beale read theresolution into the record, and then made a motion to approve it,

seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, and the board voted unanimouslyto approve it as read. The Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 433directs that it be transmitted to the countys legislative delegates, andCommissioner Beale requested that it also be sent to the members of theGeneral Assemblys Health and Human Services Committee. A copy ofthe resolution (Attachment 1) is attached and hereby made a part ofthese minutes.

Commissioner Kuppers requested a closed session to be held at the endof the meeting for the purpose of discussing property acquisition, and theboard agreed by consensus to hold that session.

Commissioner Tate updated the board on the latest county planningboard meeting, noting that it went well and that Karl Gillespie is the newboard chairman and Derek Roland is the new vice chair.

The board then started to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2012-13budget, with the County Manager pointing out that the two prioritieswere education and public safety. Technology in the school system isanother critical need, and the Finance Director explained that the budgetcalls for seeking a low interest, short term loan for $1.5 million toaddress that need, with the debt to be paid back in yearly fund balance

appropriations.

Five volunteer fire departments Otto, West Macon, Cowee, Highlandsand Mountain Valley are requesting increases in their individual taxrates, and the board agreed to have the chiefs from those departmentsattend the next budget work session to discuss those.


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Having gone through the revenue portion of the budget, the board beganreviewing the individual departmental expenditure budgets. Pointing to arelatively large increase in the Information Technology budget, the boardasked to have IT Department Director Andy Muncey brief them on theproposed changes at the next work session.

The County Manager noted that the sheriff had requested a new positionthat was not reflected in the budget (which the board agreed to takeunder consideration) and that funding for six new patrol cars wasincluded, as well as funds for two new ambulances for emergencyservices.

Before going into closed session, the board agreed to recess the meetinguntil 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd, at which time they planned tohear from the chiefs of the fire departments requesting tax increases, tomeet with Mr. Muncey regarding the IT budget and to finish going overthe departmental expenditures.

At 8:42 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded byCommissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously to go into closedsession to discuss land acquisition under G.S. 143-318.11(5).

At 9:24 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers, seconded byCommissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to come out of closedsession, with no action taken, and to recess the meeting untilWednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in the commissionersboardroom on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse at 5 WestMain Street in Franklin, NC.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Jack Horton, County Manager Kevin Corbin

Clerk to the Board Board Chairman


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MAY 23, 2012 3:30 P.M.

CONTINUED SESSION

MINUTES

Chairman Corbin convened the continued session at 3:38 p.m. in theCommissioners Boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse asrecessed from the May 21st meeting. All Board Members, the CountyManager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, interested citizens andmembers of the news media were present.

Chairman Corbin recognized Commissioner Tate, who is the boardsliaison to the Fire Commission. Commissioner Tate expressed hisappreciation to the countys volunteer firefighters, and noted that fivedepartments were seeking tax increases and had been asked to appear atthe meeting to offer explanations for those, adding that we know youre

a good deal and were not trying to nitpick.

HIGHLANDS: Highlands Fire Chief James Popcorn Manley said thathis department was asking for an increase of one-tenth of one cent, from0.009 cents to 0.01 cent. Mr. Manley said the department felt this was agood time to ask for a little extra money because of everything going up,and pointed out that after a recent state inspection, the department nowhas a 4 rating inside the town limits and a 5 outside, allowinghomeowners an increase in savings on their insurance. The departmenthas 26 firefighters on its roster, and Mr. Manley stated his belief that inthe next few years there would be a shift toward a paid department.

COWEE: Cowee Fire Chief Wayne Pruett said that his department wasasking for an increase of 1.2 cents, from 0.082 to 0.094, primarily tocover the cost of purchasing $129,000 worth of new air packs. He alsonoted they were currently running over budget on a number of items. Mr.Pruett said the department was considering a third station that would bebuilt on Mason Branch Road and was working to get a 6 rating. Thedepartment has 40 volunteer firefighters, one paid firefighter and 12junior members.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY: Mountain Valley Fire Chief Dwain Picklesimer

said that his department was asking for an increase of one-tenth of onecent, from 0.076 to 0.077, in order to help pay for a new 2,000-gallonpumper truck that will replace a 1,000-gallon 1971 model that can nolonger be repaired. The department has 31 volunteer firefighters on theroster and eight junior members. Mr. Picklesimer said the department ispreparing for an inspection in two years.


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WEST MACON: West Macon Chief Josh Randall said that hisdepartment was asking for an increase of four-tenths of one cent, from0.056 to 0.06, to help pay for rising fuel costs, the addition of a satellitestation and the addition of a new pickup truck, which is used to pull a

mobile command center. Mr. Randall said the department is also in needof new air packs and will soon need a new pumper and turnout gear. Thedepartment has 32 volunteer firefighters, one paid firefighter and 13junior members.

OTTO: Otto Fire Chief Doug Cabe said that his department was askingfor an increase of 1.1 cents, from 0.042 to 0.053, which would be thedepartments first increase since 2004-05. He said the department isconsidering hiring a second paid firefighter and needs funding to upgradeits radio equipment to meet new Federal Communications Commission(FCC) guidelines by 2013. Mr. Cabe said the department also needs to

upgrade its outdated rescue equipment. The department has 36volunteer firefighters and five junior members.

The board agreed to take the requests under consideration.



BUDGET AMENDMENT: The Finance Director presented BudgetAmendment #195 in the amount of $115,125 for the boards

consideration. The amendment would appropriate 911 funds to completethe 911 call center upgrade, covering furniture, additional equipment,cabling, video monitors, battery backup and a recorder. Upon a motionby Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the boardvoted unanimously to approve the budget amendment (Attachment 1) aspresented, a copy of which is attached and hereby made a part of theseminutes. Emergency Services Director David Key said the new callcenter is expected to go live on August 7, 2012.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET: Information TechnologyDirector Andy Muncey made a presentation on needs in his department,

including new servers and switches to meet current demands and tohandle upgrades to tax, finance and 911 software. Mr. Muncey alsoexplained virtualization, Storage Area Network (SAN) and other networkinfrastructure items in laymans terms. He pointed out that his staff isa couple of people down and that he could really use one additional


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person. The County Manager noted that Mr. Muncey is also workingwith Macon County Schools regarding technology needs there.

BUDGET WORK SESSION: Following Mr. Munceys presentation, theboard continued working through the departmental expenditure portion

of the budget, reviewing line items in a number of departments untilagreeing to stop at the health department portions of the budget andasking that Health Center Director Jim Bruckner attend the next worksession.

RECESS: At 6:28 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale,seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously torecess the meeting until Thursday, May 31st, 2012 at 6 p.m. in thecommissioners boardroom on the third floor of the Macon CountyCourthouse at 5 West Main Street in Franklin, NC.

_____________________________ ______________________________



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Mr. Adams shared with the board plans for improvements to theswimming pool and the pool house at the recreation park. He reviewed alist of changes that would be needed to be made to make the pool housemeet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Followingdiscussion, Commissioner Beale made a motion, seconded by

Commissioner Kuppers, to authorize the County Manager to contact anarchitect and have plans and bid specifications drawn up so that theproject could be advertised for bids, with funding for this to come fromcontingency. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion. Mr.Adams then explained the need to renovate the pool itself and discussedsome preliminary plans for additional kid-friendly features. Upon amotion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, theboard voted unanimously to authorize the County Manager, Mr. Adams,the County Attorney and the Finance Director to investigate the costs ofupgrading the pool and to work with an architect to provide plans andbid specifications for the necessary work.

Commissioner Tate noted that some repairs were also needed at the poolin Highlands, and Commissioner Beale, with the consent ofCommissioner Kuppers, amended the prior motion regarding therecreation park pool to add the Highlands pool, and the board votedunanimously to approve the amended motion.

The board then continued its budget work session by reviewing theremaining sections of the departmental expenditures from the generalfund. The County Manager specifically pointed out that an increase of$1.5 million in the Department of Social Services budget was simply a

pass through of revenue from the state to the county to day careproviders. The board members expressed their appreciation to theFinance Director and the County Manager for their work on the proposedbudget.

Chairman Corbin provided a brief report on the recent trip to Raleigh forthe North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)County Assembly Day, which four of the five board members attended.

At 9:22 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded byCommissioner Kuppers, the board voted unanimously to go into closed

session to discuss land acquisition under G.S. 143-318.11(5).

At 9:50 p.m., upon a motion by Commission Kuppers, seconded byCommissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to come out ofclosed session. No action was taken.


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At 9:51 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Kuppers, seconded byCommissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to adjourn.

_____________________________ ______________________________



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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSCALLED MEETING

JUNE 5, 2012 6 P.M.MINUTES

Chairman Corbin called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. in theCommissioners Boardroom on the third floor of the courthouse. AllBoard Members, the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Pat Millis for theFinance Director, members of the news media and interested citizenswere present.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2012-13 BUDGET:Chairman Corbin explained that the purpose of the meeting was toreceive public comment on the countys proposed budget for Fiscal Year2012-13, and he opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. Chris Murray,representing the Macon County Republican Party, congratulated the

board on balancing the budget and said he was very happy to see theinclusion of new emergency vehicles and that the board held the tax ratesteady. He complimented the board on its bi-partisan efforts andencouraged them to keep up the good work. With no one else signed upto speak, Chairman Corbin closed the public hearing at 6:09 p.m.

The County Manager then reviewed a number of potential adjustments tothe budget, including additional money for economic developmentmarketing, funding for a part-time administrative assistant for the soilconservation department, funding for six in-car cameras for the sheriffsdepartment and matching funds for additional state money from the

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC). He noted that the budget alsoincludes $256,000 for capital projects in the school system, based on aprioritized list, in addition to the $1.5-million in technology funding forthe schools.

Following discussion regarding a number of other items, including grantfunding for the transit system, a shortfall in funding regarding the NorthCarolina Forest Service contract, and the soon-to-be-vacant CoweeSchool, the board members pointed out some recent actions by the statelegislature that will impact counties.

After recognizing the county department heads in attendance andoffering them a chance to comment, upon a motion by CommissionerBeale, seconded by Commissioner Kuppers, the board votedunanimously to adjourn at 6:31 p.m.


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_____________________________ ______________________________

Jack Horton, County Manager Kevin Corbin

Clerk to the Board Board Chairman


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AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Appointments


A. Airport Authority The term of Gary Schmitt expired on June 30, 2011. Noapplications have been received for this appointment. Please see the attachedletter from the Macon County Airport Authority regarding Ms. Schmitts

reappointment. Term of appointment is for six years.

B. Board of Adjustment The County Manager has been notified by Gary Drakethat Mr. Drake cannot accept the appointment to the Board of Adjustment made

by the commissioners on May 15th

.

C. Health Board An application has been received from Molly Phillips. At theMay 15

thmeeting, the board voted to appoint Ms. Phillips to fill out the remainder

of Paul Higdons term, which expires June 30, 2012. The board was asked to

consider appointing Ms. Phillips to a full three-year term that would run from July1, 2012 to June 30, 2015. Her application is attached.

D. Planning Board Please see the attached letter from Highlands Town ManagerBob Frye regarding the town commissions recommendation for the planning

board, John Underwood, who would serve a three-year term spanning January2012 through January 2015.

Attachments _3_ Yes __ No

Agenda Item 12A through 12D


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AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Closed session


Per the request of Commissioner Kuppers, a closed session to be held per

G.S. 143-318.11(5) for the purpose of discussing property acquisition.


Attachments __ Yes X No

Agenda Item 13

macon county commissioners agenda packet 06-12-2012

Documents