Board Minutes

January 18, 2005

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room of the Courthouse with the following members present:

A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to adopt the following Consent Items:

January 3, 2005

Retainer December

Emergency Services Director Mitchell Byrd introduced Kelly Fire Chief Charles Russ and advised that Mr. Russ had recently been involved in saving the life of a citizen who was involved in a serious car accident in New Hanover County. Mr. Byrd indicated that Mr. Russ witnessed the accident and along with the assistance of another bystander, immediately started trying to free the citizen who was pinned in by the door and steering wheel. As Mr. Russ proceeded to free the citizen, fire spread from the engine department into the interior of the car. Mr. Russ and the bystander successfully freed the citizen from the wreckage. Mr. Byrd advised that this person’s life was saved because of the swift response of Mr. Russ.

On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, Chairman Taylor presented Mr. Russ with a Certificate of Appreciation and the Fire Marshal’s Heroism Award. Chairman Taylor commended Mr. Russ for the act of heroism. Mr. Byrd indicated that Mr. Russ is the first recipient of a Fire Marshal’s Heroism Award in Bladen County.

Revenue Director Marguerite Coble addressed the Board regarding bid proposals received for the upcoming Revaluation. She indicated that proposed bids were extremely high and since receipt of the bid proposals, prospective bidders have indicated that they would be willing to resubmit bids. Ms. Coble advised that she has explained to the companies that the County has a very impressive GIS system that would also assist with the revaluation process. Ms. Coble also requested approval to readvertise the bidding process.

Bid 1 Pearson Appraisal Services
$21.98 per parcel – on a per parcel basis
$689,512.60 at 31,370 parcels

Bid 2 CLT
$23.02 per parcel – on a per parcel basis
$722,000 at 31,370 parcels

Chief Deputy Phillip Little addressed the Board to request establishment of a Domestic Violence Protective Order Firearm Seizure Fee, as authorized by General Statute 50B-3.1(d)(2). Mr. Little indicated that if officers have to respond to a domestic violence case, they must seize any firearms in the defendant’s possession and store them for up to one year. He advised that the Sheriff can charge a reasonable fee for this service, and if the individual is convicted of a felon, the Sheriff’s Department cannot return the firearms and must properly dispose of them. Mr. Little referenced the schedule of fees: (a) $20 processing fee for initial seizure and (b) $5.00 per month per firearm for custodial care and storage with an effective date of February 1, 2005.

Emergency Services Director Mitchell Byrd advised that Hickory Grove Fire District is requesting $15,000 from its cash management account to purchase a used pumper/tanker to enhance its firefighting capability.

Solid Waste Director Ed Dowless addressed the Board regarding identification requirements for use of Solid Waste Convenience Centers. Mr. Dowless indicated that the County still has many green boxes in use and advised that he felt it would be best to wait until the rest of the Solid Waste Convenience Centers are finished before addressing the use of an identification system. He advised that he thought most of the illegal dumping would be eliminated when the County was totally converted to the Convenience Centers.

The Board expressed appreciation to Mr. Dowless for his input on the matter.

BARTS Transportation Advisory Board – A motion was made by Delilah B. Blanks, seconded by James G. Smith and approved to appoint Gayle

Bladen County Personnel Advisory Board – A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Charles Ray Peterson to appoint Tommy Thompson to the Personnel Advisory Board. Chairman Taylor called for a vote on the motion: 3 (AYES) – James G. Smith, Charles Ray Peterson, Greg Taylor to 6 (NOES) Larry Smith, Delilah B. Blanks, Margaret Lewis-Moore, Billy Ray Pait, W. D. Neill, Jr., and Lewis Tatum.

A motion was made by Delilah B. Blanks, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to table the Personnel Advisory Board appointment until the February 7, 2005 meeting.

Discussion of Hospital Bylaws – Chairman Taylor advised that it has been expressed by some commissioners that they do not like the referral of prospective names of citizens to serve on advisory boards. He also indicated that there has been some interest in increasing the number of members on the Hospital Board of Trustees from 7 to 9 members.

Chairman Taylor opened the floor for discussion. Commissioner Delilah B. Blanks advised that prior to 1988, minorities in Bladen County filed a law suit to gain greater representation. She advised that prior to 1988, only one or two minorities represented the minority citizenry of the County. Dr. Blanks indicated that three federal judges in Washington, DC decided that the minority representation in Bladen County was unequal. She advised that the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education increased to nine members so that the minority representation would constitute 38%-40% of representation or 1/3 of the population. She indicated that this lawsuit should continue to apply to all significant boards in the County.

Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson advised that he does not like for departments/agencies to recommend persons to appoint to the advisory boards. He indicated that the bylaws provide enough information for him to make decisions about advisory board appointments.

Commissioner Larry Smith advised that he was not in favor of increasing the size of the Hospital Board of Trustees to nine members. He indicated that equal minority representation could still be obtained with a seven member Board of Trustees.

Commissioner Blanks advised that the categorical need for advisory boards could be met if the information is provided to the Board.

The consensus was for the Board of Commissioners to hold a joint meeting with the Hospital Board and obtain input before any amendments to the Hospital’s bylaws are made.

A motion was made by Delilah B. Blanks, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved for the County Commissioners to hold a joint meeting with the Hospital Board of Truestees to discuss the Hospital’s bylaws.

A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Larry Smith and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with N.C.G.S 143-318.11(a)(1)(5)(6).

A motion was made by Lewis Tatum, seconded by Margaret Lewis-Moore and approved to enter Regular Session.

Chairman Taylor discussed a meeting that he had had with the Governor’s Federal Liaison Joe Chandler. Mr. Chandler had asked the Chairman to provide a listing of projects that the County is interested in obtaining Federal funds for. He indicated that he and County Manager Greg Martin will meet with Mr. Chandler in Washington, DC during the legislative conference to address a proposed packet of projects that need to be funded for Bladen County.