Board Minutes

August 1, 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:

Chairman Taylor referred to the June 27, 2005 minutes and requested that an amendment be made to page 51, Item 6 referring to FY 07 budget and the Archer Pay Classification Study.

A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait to approve the following Consent Items:

Approve 2005-2006 Leinwand Park Baseball Field Agreement:

Approve Resolution in Honor of George Suggs’ 100 th Birthday:

WHEREAS, George Suggs was born on May 21, 1905 in Williams Township of Columbus County. Mr. Suggs eventually moved to Bladen County where he has lived the vast majority of his life; and

WHEREAS, George Suggs attended Mollie School through the 4 th grade and began at the very young age of twelve to assist in the support of the family by working in the cotton mills and on the family farm; and,

WHEREAS, George Suggs married Carrie Melissa Edwards on February 26, 1927 and to this union two sons were born, Graham in 1929 and Charles in 1936. Mr. Suggs supported his family through employment with the Bladenboro Cotton Mills and eventually became employed with the Wilmington Shipyard during World War II and remained there until the war was over. He later transferred to Newport News Shipyard until his retirement in 1966.

WHEREAS, Mr. Suggs attended White Oak Baptist Church is Bladenboro for many years and served as its Treasurer during construction of the new church in 1948. Eventually Mr. Suggs moved his membership to Bladenboro First Baptist and continues to be a longtime member and supporter of the church.

WHEREAS, George Suggs dearly loves his family, his church, his many friends and cares for his community and for Bladen County; and,

WHEREAS, he is a role model for the citizens of Bladen County and continues to exemplify obedience and devotion to God and family; and

WHEREAS, love, strength of character, respect for others, honor for his parents, and hard work are the qualities contributing to his longevity of life;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bladen County Board of Commissioners gives special recognition to Mr. George Suggs for reaching his 100 th birthday, and thanks him for the many years he has worked toward improving his community.

Resolution to Expand SR 1196, Bladenboro Industrial Park Access Road:

North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of
Highways Request for Addition to State Maintained Secondary
Road System

North Carolina County of
Bladen Road Description
Extension of SR 1196,
Bladenboro Industrial Park Access Road, from End of Pavement to Dead end - 1,580.93'

WHEREAS, the attached petition has been filed with the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Bladen requesting that the above described road, the location of which has been indicated in red on the attached map, be added to the Secondary Road System, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners is of the opinion that the above described road should be added to the Secondary Road System, if the road meets minimum standards and criteria established by the Division of Highways of the Department of Transportation for the addition of roads to the System.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of

Present Resolution to Mr. George Suggs - Chairman Taylor read aloud the resolution honoring Mr. Suggs. Mr. Taylor also called on Mr. Suggs to come forward to receive it and to have a picture made for the Bladen Journal.

Present Plaque to Retiring Deputy Edwin Wayne Martin – Chairman Taylor called on Deputy Martin to come forward to receive a plaque in honor of his years of service to the citizens of Bladen County. Chairman Taylor read the engravings on the plaque and expressed appreciation to Deputy Martin for his dedicated service to Bladen County.

Introduce Recreation Director Grant Pait – County Manager Greg Martin introduced Recreation Director Grant Pait to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Martin advised that Mr. Pait has been a Bladen County employee for eight years and indicated that he looks forward to working with Mr. Pait as Recreation Director.

Introduce Human Resources Director Stephanie Moultrie – County Manager Greg Martin introduced Human Resources Director Stephanie Moultrie to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Martin advised that Ms. Moultrie has worked with State government in various capacities, most recently as an instructor at Bladen Community College. He indicated that he looks forward to working Ms. Moultrie.

Discuss Proposed Highway Safety Committee – Discussion was held regarding the establishment of a nine member highway safety committee. A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to establish a nine member highway safety committee with each commissioner providing a name.

Commissioner James G. Smith advised that there was an accident recently at the intersection of Highway 701 and 210. He indicated that someone was killed because the driver did not realize she was supposed to stop at the intersection. The commissioners discussed the fact that there have been other accidents at this same location and felt that more safety measures should be taken. The Board asked the County Manager to send letters to Senator Rand, Representative Nye, and State Department of Transportation Board member Mac Campbell regarding the matter.

Commissioner James G. Smith advised that the Bladen County 16-and-under Girls’ Fast-Pitch Softball Team won the State championship last weekend. He requested that a resolution be adopted at the August 15 regular meeting.

Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson advised that students from West Bladen High School participated in the SkillsUSA Chapter Business Procedures contest in Kansas City, Missouri. He further advised that the West Bladen Team won a gold medal in the division and felt that the team should be recognized for its accomplishments at the August 15 meeting.

Sheriff Bunn addressed the Board regarding Deputy Edwin W. Martin’s honorable retirement with twenty years of service to the citizens of Bladen County. He requested that Mr. Martin’s side arm, a Sig model 220, Ser# G260449, be awarded to him for the sum of $1.00 pursuant to N.C.G.S. 20-187.2.

Chairman Taylor declared a public hearing open regarding Bladen County’s proposed Noise Ordinance.

Planning Director Greg Elkins provided opening remarks regarding the proposed revised noise ordinance.

County Attorney Leslie Johnson advised that in the present noise ordinance there is no decibel level addressed. He also advised that the proposed revised noise ordinance addresses a decibel level and that a copy has been sent to the District Attorney for feedback regarding enforcement responsibilities. Attorney Johnson further advised that the County will have to purchase a noise meter for enforcement of the ordinance.

There were no further public comments and Chairman Taylor declared the public hearing closed.

Extension Director Kent Wooten discussed Bladen County Government’s Strategic Plan for 2005. He advised that instructors from N.C. State University met with department managers for three sessions earlier in the year. During these sessions, Bladen County developed a vision statement (To provide customer focused county services efficiently and responsibly). He also reviewed the six goals that were set: (1) Image (Bladen County Government is accountable through informed decision making by management); (2) Marketing (To positively represent county government through knowledgeable interaction with citizenry) (3) Employee Turnover, Education, Satisfaction (To be recognized as the employer of choice that ensures full staffing of well compensated, highly educated, continually developed, and positively motivated employees) (4) (To be proactive, progressive organization anticipating the needs of customers and employees) (5) (To utilize innovative technology, facilities, equipment and delivery systems to efficiently provide high quality services meeting the needs of citizens) (6) To have the most knowledgeable employees in all aspects of their jobs and county government in general.

Mr. Wooten advised that he felt the department managers had a good start on action statements and that the county will continue to work on the Strategic Plan.

Bladen County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to reappoint Richard Robinson and Sylvia Pait to the Bladen County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee effective immediately with a term that expires July 12, 2008.

Bladen Community College President Darrell Page and Vice President of Fiscal Affairs Lloyd Horne addressed the Board regarding the need for additional funding at the college. Dr. Page advised that based on pre-registration, he is expecting a large enrollment for fall semester. He also advised that Bladen Community College is working with Fayetteville State University and Mt. Olive College. Dr. Page advised that the college has a strong dual enrollment program with the high schools. He indicated that the Industrial Training Center will possibly be completed by the end of August.

Mr. Lloyd Horne advised that he was present at the Commissioners’ meeting to ask for reconsideration regarding the FY06 local funding allocation in comparison to the college’s actual needs. Mr. Horne provided historical information concerning student growth compared to funding allocations for the past ten years. He also discussed the major funding concerns, of which safety is the biggest issue. Mr. Horne discussed electrical needs, sidewalk repairs, air conditioning, roof replacements, and security needs. He advised that Bladen Community College provides an excellent education for its students and that it will be a good steward with its funding.

Vice Chairperson Pat Smith expressed appreciation to the commissioners for the opportunity to update and emphasize the needs of Bladen Community College. She advised that she was supportive of the staff of Bladen Community College. Ms. Smith also advised that the college has witnessed much growth, but the budget has not met the demands of that growth. Ms. Smith concluded her remarks and advised that the college is in much need of additional local funding.

It was brought to the Chairman’s attention that a citizen in the audience was present to speak regarding the proposed revised noise ordinance. Mr. Bennie Britt indicated that he did not realize the public hearing had already closed. Chairman Taylor called on Mr. Britt to address the Board.

Bladen County Citizen Bennie Britt addressed the Board regarding noise and the damage it does to a person’s hearing. He referred to passages from Bladen County’s present noise ordinance and passages from surrounding counties’ noise ordinances. Mr. Britt advised that noise from cars racing at the Dublin Racetrack can be heard for eight to ten miles from the track. Mr. Britt advised that he lives close to the racetrack and that the noise is terrible. He discussed his hearing loss and advised that it is not right for the noise from loud cars to deny a person a decent quality of life.

Chairman Taylor recessed the meeting in the Board of Commissioners meeting room to reconvene in the Superior Court Room.

Chairman Taylor called the joint meeting of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education to order in the Superior Court Room at 7:55 p.m.

Chairman Taylor called on Board of Education Chairman David Edge. Chairman Edge advised that the Board of Education was present to meet with the Board of Commissioners again regarding a budget dispute.

He advised that the Board of Commissioners has responded with a much lower funding allocation than the Board of Education had requested. Mr. Edge also advised that he had high hopes of reaching a resolution to the matter without going much further legally. He also advised that the Board of Education does not desire to go to the limits of legal proceedings and that it has the best interest of the children in mind. Chairman Edge advised that when the members of the Board of Education took their oath of office, they were pledging to do the best they could for education. He further advised that the Board of Education members respects the Board of Commissioners’ opinion regarding funding, but they do not think the local funding from the Board of Commissioners is adequate to do what the school system needs to do. Chairman Edge called on Superintendent Dinkins to present details of the school system’s budget requests.

Superintendent Dinkins provided historical information regarding student population and rankings in the state for the past five years. He discussed information concerning fixed costs and how much more expensive it is on a per student basis for sparsely populated areas. Mr. Dinkins also provided statistical information from surrounding counties. He advised that the details of the Board of Education’s funding request remain the same as previously requested, but that maybe an amicable resolution to the matter could be reached during the meeting tonight. Superintendent Dinkins distributed and discussed the following handouts: (1) Bladen County Local Appropriations (comparison of actual appropriations to amount requested by the Board of Education); (2) Bladen County Schools Budget Proposal (Total additional request for the Current Expense Allocation and Total additional request for the Capital Outlay Allocation); (3) Teachers Supplement Comparison Southeast Area FY 04-05; (4) Locally funded Teachers (Bladen and surrounding counties); (5) Increased Cost to Continue Existing Programs (6) Utilities Costs.

Superintendent Dinkins advised that the Board of Education has provided an explanation of the $1.1 million that it will take to maintain services at the current level and to allow Bladen County to be competitive with other school districts.

Chairman Greg Taylor referred to the document regarding local appropriations and asked if the problem with the funding allocation is due to historical under funding.

School Board Chairman Edge advised that operating expenses is not 100% cumulative. He further advised that money from fund balance (to maintain services) has been spent at the request of previous Boards of Commissioners. He also advised that the Board of Education’s shortages are a result of underfunding by the Board of Commissioners over a period of time.

Chairman Taylor asked specific questions regarding the School Board’s fund balance and computer needs for implementation of the NC Wise Program. Mr. Taylor expressed appreciation for receipt of detailed information regarding the School Board’s budget requests.

Finance Officer Sharon Penny provided responses to many of the budget related questions asked by Chairman Taylor.

Commissioner Blanks questioned whether employees in the school system, whose positions are grant funded, are told that they may not have a job if the grant funding is discontinued. She also advised that cuts are being made at the federal and state levels and that the citizens of Bladen County cannot be expected to absorb all budget cuts that are passed to local government.

Discussion continued regarding budget requests. Chairman Taylor asked what amount of additional appropriation is needed to support a system of free public schools in Bladen County.

School Board Chairman Edge commented that the answer to Mr. Taylor’s question is according to what qualities we want offered. Do we want to barely scrape by, or offer the best education we can?

Chairman Taylor referred to information received from Doug Evans regarding computers. Chairman Taylor advised that information had been requested concerning cost of implementation for the NC Wise Program. He further advised that information received was generic information off Dell’s and IBM’s websites. Further discussion was held with Mr. Evans, Superintendent Dinkins, and various School Board members. Chairman Taylor advised that information was requested numerous times and the Board of Commissioners could not get answers to its questions in a timely fashion.

School Board member Ophelia Munn-Goins advised that for a true value regarding computers to be obtained, a full contract would have to be implemented. She referenced variables that would have to be included for an accurate quote.

Discussion continued regarding the purchase of computers.

Chairman Taylor asked again how much it would cost to fund a system of free public schools in Bladen County.

Commissioner Blanks suggested that both Boards select three members to meet and bring information back to its full Board for further consideration. She further indicated that a resolution to the matter should be reached this week.

The Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education recessed at 9:55 p.m.

Chairman Taylor reconvened the Board of Commissioners meeting in the Commissioners’ meeting room at 10:14 p.m.

Consider Community Development Block Grant Scattered Site Housing Funding Approval and Grant Agreement – County Manager Greg Martin advised that each county receives $400,000 every three years and approval is needed to participate in the 2005 program. A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved for Bladen County to participate in the 2005 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program.

Consider Closed Session: A motion was made by Margaret Lewis-Moore, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1) Approve Minutes and (2) Attorney-Client Privilege (Bladen County Board of Education v. Bladen County Board of Commissioners)

The Board of Commissioners reconvened in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at 10:45 p.m. A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to reenter Regular Session.

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners reconvened its August 1, 2005 meeting in the Commissioners Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m. with the following members present:

Greg Taylor, Chairman
Margaret Lewis-Moore, Vice Chairperson
Lewis Tatum
Delilah B. Blanks
Larry Smith
Billy Ray Pait
W. D. Neill, Jr.
James G. Smith
Charles Ray Peterson

Chairman Taylor called the meeting to order.

A motion was made by Larry Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) Attorney-Client Privilege (Bladen County Board of Education v. Bladen County Board of Commissioners)

A motion was made by Larry Smith, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to reenter Regular Session.

Chairman Taylor provided an update on the three member committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, August 2 nd with the Board of Education’s three member committee. Chairman Taylor advised that the Board of Education’s committee had indicated that $1.1 million dollars is needed to maintain present services. Commissioner Blanks advised that she had tried to explain why the $1.1 million figure would be hard to come by and asked the representatives to look at the bigger picture of Bladen County as a whole. Chairman Taylor indicated that the Board of Education is expecting the County to pick up the State and Federal reductions that it is facing. He further advised that it appears the Board of Education is stuck on the $1.1 million dollar figure.

A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Larry Smith and approved unanimously (Margaret Lewis-Moore abstained from the vote. Her vote counted in the majority vote) that we direct the County’s attorneys to file suit against the Board of Education to declare null and void the action taken by the Board of Education in closed session of July 6, 2005 and July 11, 2005, purported to authorize the Board of Education and its attorneys to pursue the statutory dispute resolution process outlined in North Carolina General Statutes 115-C-431 and to further ask for a mandatory injunction and attorney fees.