Board Minutes

February 20, 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:

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

Approve Tax Refunds/Releases: Docket #091

Approve Amended Comprehensive Fee Schedule:

Approve Resolution in Memory of Paul Campbell:

WHEREAS, Paul Campbell was born March 29, 1921 in Robeson County. Mr. Campbell’s family later moved to Bladen County and resided in the Carvers Creek Community where he attended the public schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell married Ruby Hewitt on February 7, 1947. They enjoyed fifty-eight years of marriage and to this union, three children were born, Dianne, Rick and Glenn; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell was a man of great character, dedicated to his family, church, and community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell was a long time member of Carvers Creek United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell served his Country in the United States Navy during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell was a devoted public servant, serving as Bladen County’s Tax Supervisor and Assessor from July 1, 1966 through September 30, 1978; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Campbell later operated Elwell Ferry for eight years; and

WHEREAS, for his contributions to the improvement in the quality of life in this County, he will long be remembered; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by members of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners that on behalf of the people of Bladen County, we do hereby express to the family of Mr. Paul Campbell, our heartfelt expression for the life and work of Mr. Campbell in our midst and our belief that the memory of his good works and character will be and remain an inspiration to many and a blessing to all;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution bearing the seal of the County of Bladen, shall be presented to the family of Mr. Paul Campbell in the name of the people of Bladen County.

Public Hearing – Vice Chairperson Moore declared the public hearing open regarding application submitted by Tammy Gooden to rezone property from Residential Agriculture to Commercial for the purpose of a used car lot.

County Planner Greg Elkins addressed the Board and advised that the property is located near the intersection of Pleasant Grove Church Road and Highway 410. He also advised that adjoining property owners were notified of the rezoning request as well as an ad that ran in The Bladen Journal. Mr. Elkins indicated that the Planning Board had recommended approval of the rezoning request submitted by Ms. Gooden.

Mr. Charles Sumner of Charleston, South Carolina addressed the Board regarding the matter. He indicated that he owns property that adjoins Ms. Gooden’s property and that Ms. Gooden’s mobile home is 2 1/2 inches over his property line. He also indicated that he has asked Ms. Gooden to move the mobile home off his property, and it hasn’t been done yet. Mr. Sumner discussed property markers that were moved and then replaced as well as a dog lot and privacy fence located on his property. Mr. Sumner also indicated that Ms. Gooden’s private vehicle is parked on his property as well. Mr. Sumner advised that there is no clear distinction of property lines, and he fears that used vehicles will be pushed to the back of the lot and left permanently. Mr. Sumner further advised that he has an objection to the property being rezoned until matters are resolved.

Ms. Tammy Gooden addressed the Board and advised that county personnel had told her where to place the mobile home. She indicated that she obtained all of the proper permits before the mobile home was set up. Ms. Gooden advised that she plans to move the mobile home and that in the future she wants to open a grill for public use. She advised that she is willing to get the mobile home moved, but it will take a while.

County Planner Greg Elkins advised that there is a 15 foot set-back requirement as stated in the Zoning Ordinance. He also advised that it was his, as well as the Planning Board’s understanding, that the property line issue had been resolved by Ms. Gooden.

After several questions were presented from various Board members, it was the consensus of the Board for the matter to be resolved by the Planning Board and resubmitted to the Board of Commissioners at a later date.

Mr. Charles Sumner advised that there needs to be some measure taken to ensure respect of his property lines.

There were no further public comments and Vice Chairperson Moore declared the hearing closed.

Recreation Director Grant Pait addressed the Board and requested approval of amended Recreation By-Laws as submitted by the Recreation Advisory Board. Mr. Pait noted that the amendment includes a change in meetings from monthly to quarterly and as special meetings need to be called. Mr. Pait also indicated that two consecutive unexcused absences will result in a vacant seat. He also advised that election of officers was changed from June to July.

Update - Health Director Wayne Stewart provided a Power Point Presentation regarding the Bladen County Health Department. The presentation included historical information including the beginning of modern public health, Epidemiology, Smallpox, Polio, Public Health Today, and the Health Department’s Mission Statement. Mr. Stewart concluded the presentation and answered questions from members of the Board of Commissioners. Dr. Blanks requested a copy of Mr. Stewart’s presentation.

Pharmacy Discount Card – Mr. Stewart advised that 5,000 pharmacy discount cards have been distributed and an additional 5,000 has been received by the Health Department. He indicated that reports will be available from NACo in the near future which will show the total savings for Bladen County citizens as a result of the pharmacy discount card.

Commissioner Larry Smith questioned how the pharmacies receive their money. Commissioner Blanks indicated that the drug stores have paperwork that is submitted for reimbursement from the pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Stewart referred to a memorandum that was included in the agenda packet regarding Hepatitis B Vaccination Charge Adjustment. He reviewed the list of charges and indicated that a resolution will be presented for formal action at the March 13 Board of Commissioners meeting.

The Board of Commissioners expressed appreciation to Mr. Stewart for the presentation.

County Manager Greg Martin advised that the Board had recently approved a Debt Set-off Program for Bladen County Government. He indicated that the program included NC Tax Refunds and that it is a very effective way to collect monies due to Bladen County, without having an adverse effect on citizens’ credit ratings. Mr. Martin further advised that at the February 6, 2006 Board meeting, reference was made to collection of EMS fees through the debt set-off program. He advised that when EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. began providing billing services for the county in 2002, it was clearly communicated that the Board of Commissioners did not want delinquent bills turned over to a collection agency because of harassment and negatively impacted credit ratings.

Mr. Martin advised that the policy has led to a large amount of an outstanding EMS bills. He further advised that the debt setoff program is not as aggressive as a collection agency and only NC State Income Tax refunds would be impacted. Mr. Martin concluded his discussion and advised that the wishes of the Board of Commissioners would be implemented regarding the EMS debt.

EMS Advisory Council – A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Lewis Tatum and approved to table the EMS Advisory Council seats until the March 13, 2006 Board meeting.

Bladen County Airport Appeals Board – A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Larry Smith and approved to reappoint Robert Hester and John Dove to the Airport Appeals Board effective immediately with an expiration date of January 22, 2008.

Consider Disposition and Transfer of Personal Property to Town of Bladenboro – Mr. Martin referred to a memorandum included in the agenda packet from Emergency Services Director Mitchell Byrd regarding a surplus vehicle. He advised that the Town of Bladenboro has requested to be considered for the old 1992 Ford Econoline van ambulance that has been removed from the EMS fleet. Mr. Martin indicated that the vehicle was removed from Bladen County’s fleet due to on going engine problems and was not suitable for transports. A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to dispose of County property (1992 Ford Econoline Van Ambulance) and to transfer the property to the Town of Bladenboro.

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Appointment – A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to appoint Commissioner Greg Taylor to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Steering Committee.

Consider Closed Session – A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Lewis Tatum and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) Property Acquisition.

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

A motion was made by Lewis Tatum, seconded by Larry Smith and approved for Hobbs, Upchurch, and Associates, P.A. to submit a revised budget to the Rural Center which allows for water extension to the blueberry processing plant and the balance to accommodate water to the proposed Ag-Expo site to be located along the Highway 87 corridor.