Board Minutes

February 21, 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 Billy Ray Pait and approved to adopt the following Consent Items:

February 7, 2005

Revenue:

Approve Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week Proclamation:

Agricultural Safety Awareness Program

ASAP Week, March 6-12, 2005

Farm Safety Is Coming of Age

Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week Proclamation

Whereas the people who work in America’s agricultural sector make a vital contribution to our nation’s well-being by providing high quality food, fiber. and fuel at reasonable costs; and

Whereas, the men and women who work on farms and ranches have committed long hours of demanding physical labor and have met the challenges of their profession with determination and pride; and

Whereas, young and old alike are at risk of injuries on the farm; and

Whereas, increased awareness of the hazards of the occupation and dedication to safe practices within the farm and ranch community will promote a safer workplace; and

Whereas, the planting and cultivating season is an excellent time to express concern about agricultural safety and to renew support for programs to protect the health and safety of farmers and ranchers.

Now Therefore the Bladen County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare and proclaim the week of March 6-12 as AGRICULTURAL SAFETYAWARENESS PROGRAM (ASAP) WEEK INBLADENCOUNTY. The Board urges all citizens engaged in farming and ranching or its related industries to strive to instill a respect for and commitment to safe farm practices, thus setting an example for all those who might be influenced by their actions.

Ms. Pat Smith, General Manager for Time Warner Cable’s Whiteville and Elizabethtown offices, presented a franchise fee check in the amount of $39,327.38 for the year 2004. Ms. Smith was pleased to announce that the franchise fee had increased approximately $4,000 since last year and indicated that this was a reflection of the services offered by Time Warner. Ms. Smith presented a packet of information to the Board and provided a brief review of services offered.

Chairman Taylor called on Operations and Solid Waste Director Edwin Dowless to come forward to accept a plaque in recognition of his years of service to Bladen County. Mr. Dowless’s retirement from county government is effective March 1, 2005. Chairman Taylor briefly reviewed the different positions Mr. Dowless has held since his employment with the County began. The Commissioners expressed appreciation to Mr. Dowless for his service to Bladen County.

A motion was made by Delilah B. Blanks, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1)(3)(5)(6).

A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to enter Regular Session.

Chairman Greg Taylor revisited the agenda item pertaining to the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week Proclamation. Mr. Taylor read the proclamation and a motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by W. D. Neill, Jr. and approved to adopt the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week Proclamation.

The County Manager advised that Food Lion will hold its grand opening on March 16 and the Board is invited to attend.