Board Minutes

February 6, 2006

A regular meeting of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners was held in the Commissioners’ Room of the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. with the following members present:

Chairman Taylor welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited anyone in the audience that was interested in serving on advisory boards to advise the clerk.

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

Approve Proclamation Regarding Black History Month:

WHEREAS, much of Bladen County's honor, strength, and stature can be attributed to the diversity of cultures and traditions that are celebrated by the residents of this great region; and

WHEREAS, African Americans have played significant roles in the history of North Carolina's economic cultural, spiritual and political development while working tirelessly to maintain and promote their culture and history; and

WHEREAS, as a result of their determination, hard work, intelligence and perseverance, African Americans have made valuable and lasting contributions to our state and Bladen County, achieving exceptional success in all aspects of society including business, education, politics, medicine, military service, and ministry; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month serves as a time to promote the history of African Americans so that their sacrifices and achievements may be long remembered from generation to generation; and

WHEREAS, this untold history is not only an important part of Black History, but an essential part of American history and it is fitting that we set aside a special time to acknowledge this important segment of citizens of our state and county and their history;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of Bladen County, duly convened and acting in its capacity as the governing body of Bladen County does hereby proclaim the month of February 2006 as:

'Black History Month" in Bladen County

Passed and Approved this 6 th day of February 2006.

Approve Request Regarding Tower Space at Courthouse:

A memorandum from Sheriff Steve Bunn was included in the agenda packet regarding a request for tower space at the Courthouse. The correspondence indicated that National Network Communications, Inc. has requested permission to mount an antenna on the Courthouse tower and to house a radio in the Courthouse Equipment Room. Sheriff Bunn advised that the company provides alpha-paging services to public safety agencies and general public. He also indicated that they want to expand their market to our area.

Approve Letter of Agreement Regarding State Criminal Alien Assistance Program:

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) for FY2006 (7/112004-6/3012005)

The Client agrees that SCAAP is currently not under evaluation by CLIENT and all funding for this program will be eligible for full payment of fees to SEGAL.

SEGAL will furnish CLIENT with the completed forms to file for the SCAAP FY2006.

CLIENT agrees to pay SEGAL a fee based on the following schedule: Grant Amount Fee

$0 to $2,500 50°l0

$2,501 to $5,000 35%

over $5,000 20%

This fee will be paid upon receipt of the SCAAP funding and upon submission of a proper invoice to the CLIENT.

SEGAL AGREES TO MAINTAIN IN STRICT CONFIDENCE ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM CLIENT CONCERNING ITS EXPENSES AND METHODS OF DOING BUSINESS. FURTHERMORE, SEGAL ACTS AS A CONSULTANT ONLY AND DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSIONS OR REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND FROM ANY VENDORS OR SERVICE PROVIDERS.

The persons signing below are authorized to do so on behalf of their respective organizations.

• Commissioner Delilah B. Blanks discussed the drug discount coverage card that Bladen County has agreed to participate in through the National Association of Counties Organization. Dr. Blanks recognized a citizen in the audience that has used the discount card and called on her to share information regarding her savings. The citizen addressed the Board and advised that because of having access to the drug discount card, she had saved approximately 50% on the cost of a prescription. Dr. Blanks encouraged the citizens of Bladen County to utilize the drug discount card and advised that there is no cost involved to the citizens.

Chairman Taylor read the proclamation to the audience. He called on Reverend Jimmy Melvin and others to come forward to accept the proclamation declaring the month of February as Black History Month.

Commissioner Larry Smith arrived.

Reverend Melvin expressed appreciation on behalf of the African American churches in Bladen County and advised that the proclamation shows strength and character of the County.

Chairman Taylor declared a recess in order to attend a reception provided by local African American Churches in celebration of “Black History Month.”

Public Hearing - Chairman Taylor declared the public hearing open regarding a Zoning Amendment to the Bladen County Zoning Ordinance – Petitioner Wade A. Taylor Jr..

County Planner Greg Elkins advised that Mr. Taylor’s request is to rezone from Residential Agriculture to Industrial a portion of PIN 0358-00-21-0126, approximately 7.4 acres of the parcel located at NC 20 Hwy. and Purdie Hall Road, Tar Heel, NC. Mr. Elkins advised that surrounding property owners were notified.

Consider Zoning Amendment to the Bladen County Zoning Ordinance – Petitioner Wade A. Taylor Jr.

Consider Condemnation of Abandoned Structures – County Planner Greg Elkins requested consideration to condemn abandoned structures. Mr. Elkins indicated that one structure is burned out and located on Highway 53 at Ruskin. He advised that the other structure is an abandoned double wide mobile home on Highway 20. Mr. Elkins indicated that he has received many complaints regarding suspicious activities in the mobile home.

Consider Report of Unpaid 2005 Real Property Taxes Which are Liens to be Advertised – Revenue Director Marguerite Coble addressed the Board and advised that there is $2,217,439.79 in unpaid property taxes. Ms. Coble requested a date for advertising the unpaid property taxes.

Finance Director Lisa Coleman provided an update on the Debt Setoff program. She advised that approximately $55,000 in property and motor vehicles taxes has been collected since December, 2005. Ms. Coleman further advised that as of January 31, 2006, the outstanding property taxes could generate approximately $1,000,000 and EMS ambulance billing of approximately $363,000, as well as health and water fees.

Ms. Coleman also advised that due to the urgency of this collection process regarding rapid refunds, the debt setoff technician has been working full time since early December. Ms. Coleman discussed the amount of work left to be done and requested additional funding for the Debt Setoff Technician position to work additional hours through June 30, 2006. Ms. Coleman had submitted an amendment in the amount of $7,430.00 (attachment).

Commissioner Blanks discussed the statement regarding collection of ambulance billing in the amount of $363,000. She advised that the Board had decided in the past not to aggressively pursue collection of ambulance services because of the financial hardship it would cause on the citizens.

Further discussion continued amongst the Board members regarding payment of ambulance services.

Water Director Randy Garner provided a Power Point Presentation regarding the Bladen County Water District. The presentation included a review of the history of water line phases, update regarding Dupont/Tobermory Well, Rate Schedule, Tap-on Fees and the current State of the District.

The Commissioners asked Mr. Garner questions regarding expansions and long term planning and complimented him regarding the presentation.

Approve NC Office of Emergency Medical Services EMS System Application EMS Director Mitchell Byrd advised that he would like to apply for the 2005-2006 EMS/HRSA grant. He advised that he would like to apply for the remaining portable laptop computers for reporting ambulance call reports to the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Byrd also indicated that there is no match required.

Demonstration of New Defibrillator and Stretcher – Emergency Services Director Mitchell Byrd and EMS Supervisor Clifton Guyton provided demonstrations of Bladen County’s new defibrillators and stretchers. Mr. Guyton demonstrated how the defibrillator is connected to the patient and advised that readings can automatically be transmitted via cell phone to the hospital.

Mr. Guyton and Mr. Byrd called on volunteers to demonstrate the new stretchers that are designed to hold up to 800 pounds. Mr. Guyton advised that patients and EMS personnel are very impressed with the stretchers.

ADVISORY BOARDS:

Recreation Committee – Recreation Director Grant Pait previously asked for replacement of several Board Members because of non attendance to Recreation Advisory Board meetings. The Board of Commissioners had requested more information regarding the notification process and Mr. Pait was in attendance at the February 6 meeting to provide clarification. Mr. Pait advised that another meeting is scheduled and that all of the advisory board members were contacted and each has indicated that he is willing to continue serving on the advisory board. The Board asked Mr. Pait to update and advise if the board members do not attend meetings in the future.

Updates – In a previous meeting, Commissioner Neill asked for an update regarding Hwy. 53 and Elwell Road. Mr. Martin advised that Elwell Road is scheduled for maintenance by November, 2006, according to District Engineer Robert Crumpler.

Highway 53 was not funded at the present time.

Closed Session – A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) Consultation with Attorney and (5) Property Acquisition.

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

County Manager Greg Martin advised the Board that a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) appointment needs to be made at the February 20, 2006 meeting.