Board Minutes

March 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:

Attorney Wes Johnson, Johnson Law Firm

Chairman Taylor called on Mr. Joshua Snodgrass to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Taylor asked the Board to amend the agenda and remove Item 3, Progress Report Regarding 2007 Revaluation and to add Item 7C(6) Personnel Matter.

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

Schedule Public Hearing Regarding NCDOT Secondary Road Program for April 3, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.:

Schedule 2007 Rural Operating Assistance Program Grant Public Hearing for April 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.

Schedule Public Hearings for April 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. Regarding Rezoning Applications: (From Residential Agriculture to Commercial) 1. PIN 1225-00-78-5436 and 2. PIN 0357-00-77-9721.

Water Director Randy Garner introduced Mr. David Upchurch of Hobbs, Upchurch, and Associates, P.A. to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Upchurch advised that bids were received for the Tobermory Well project on February 28, 2006. He discussed how the project has been redesigned and the fact that one of the wells contains black water. Mr. Upchurch advised that one solution to the problems may be to raise screens and pump above black water although this solution will reduce pumping capacity gallons per minute. Mr. Upchurch also indicated that the project is still $140,000 over original budget. He further recommended the bid award go to Bill’s Well Drilling and discussed local match as well as USDA loan options. Commissioner Peterson asked Mr. Upchurch if Hobbs, Upchurch, and Associates would guarantee there would be no black water in the process he described earlier. Mr. Upchurch advised that there would be no guarantee that the well will pump clear water. Various commissioners expressed opinions regarding the information Mr. Upchurch provided. Mr. Upchurch indicated that typically the pumps will not pull black water up from the bottom. He reiterated the fact that they would pump above the black water at a reduced per gallon capacity. Mr. Upchurch advised that the County has struggled with black water for years and the only way to fix it is to install a water treatment plant. Discussion continued regarding wells that have been closed due to black water and incurred expenses. Mr. Upchurch advised that a treatment facility will do iron and manganese removal and will not treat black water. County Manager Greg Martin advised that it has not been clearly communicated to him that water treatment was only for the purpose of iron and manganese. Mr. Upchurch mentioned the fact that in the past an idea was presented to purchase water from Robeson County, but was dropped because of lack of support. Commissioner Blanks asked if a cost comparison was ever done and Mr. Upchurch indicated that it was not. Commissioner Larry Smith discussed the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority and its activities in relation to the provision of water in the Tobermory area.

Chairman Taylor asked for input from the Board to schedule a water workshop regarding the Tobermory project and the black water problem. A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Larry Smith and approved to table a decision regarding the bid award for the Tobermory Well Treatment Project.

EMS Advisory Council - A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to appoint Linda Crisco to the EMS Advisory Board effective immediately with an expiration date of October 31, 2008.

Attorney Wes Johnson advised that he had spoken with School Attorney Gary Grady and was informed that the Schools Facility Needs Survey is only a procedural issue. He also advised that the Board of Education is not certifying anything related to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Johnson advised that he saw no liability in the statement which reads that the Bladen County Board of Commissioners has reviewed this survey for submission to the State School Board.

A motion was made by Charles Ray Peterson, seconded by James G. Smith to approve the fact that the Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Schools Facility Survey form. Chairman Taylor called for discussion on the motion.

Commissioner Blanks discussed the fact that the high schools are identical and the numbers should reflect that.

Commissioner L. Smith advised that he has no problem with saying the Board of Commissioners reviewed the form. However, he advised that he wanted a statement attached to the survey form indicating that the Board of Commissioners will fund as much as it can financially regarding the needs survey.

Commissioner Peterson advised that the County has two legal opinions regarding the form and that he did not understand why the form could not be signed as having been reviewed.

Commissioner Blanks advised that she has a right to her opinion and that the Capacity Summary and Plan reflects inaccurate information regarding capacity for East and West Bladen and that she wants the State to know the information is wrong. She also advised that the Board of Commissioners has the authority to attach a statement to the survey form. She reiterated the fact that she has reviewed the form, doesn’t agree with what she saw, and wants a statement attached to the survey.

A Substitute Motion was made by Larry Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait to sign the form as having been reviewed and to add information to the statement that reflects funding and capacity.

Closed Session – A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by W. D. Neill, Jr. and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4)(5)(6).

A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by W. D. Neill, Jr. and approved to enter Regular Session.

A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to place the temporary DSS employee that Ms. Koenig was referring to in a Time Limited position.