Board Minutes

May 1 , 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

Approve Water 2030 Resolution:

2006 Clean Water Bond Resolution

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s continued prosperity depends on protecting the state’s water resources for current use and future generations; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is expected to grow by 3.5 million people to exceed 12 million by the year 2030, placing pressures on the state’s water resources and local water providers; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s businesses, traditional and emerging industries all depend on reliable supplies of clean water, reasonable utility costs and an attractive natural environment; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 Clean Water Bonds delivered significant benefits to North Carolina communities and citizens, supporting 1,103 projects in 97 counties, which helped create or retain 42,000 jobs; corrected major regulatory violations in 97 communities; addressed failing septic systems and contaminated wells in 59 counties; resulted in 50 communities receiving sewer service for the first time; and encouraged regional efficiencies, sound planning and conservation practices; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s public water, sewer and storm water utilities will require investments totaling $16.63 billion to keep pace with necessary improvements and population growth over the next 25 years, including $6.85 billion in investments within the next five years;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Bladen County Board of Commissioners urges the North Carolina General Assembly to enact a $1 billion bond bill in the 2006 session to fund construction and repair of urgently needed water, sewer, and storm water facilities.

Fishing Bridges in Bladen County - Commissioner James G. Smith discussed information regarding fishing from bridges and an accident that recently occurred on Beatty’s Bridge. Discussion was held regarding the need to prohibit fishing from all bridges or only at ones with less traffic. Chairman Taylor suggested studying the matter on a case by case basis. The consensus of the Board was to revisit the matter at the May 15, 2006 meeting. A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to table the matter until the May 15, 2006 meeting.

Commissioner Larry Smith referred to Item 1E regarding White Lake Rural Fire District Map. Mr. Smith asked whether White Lake had approved the map. County Manager Greg Martin indicated that it is a rural fire district and the Board of Commissioners approves the map. He further indicated that the map is not a six mile extension.

Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson advised that someone recently broke their leg due to an incline at the Veterans/Elections office. Mr. Peterson indicated that he wanted the Board of Commissioners to study the matter regarding a safer entrance way into the Veterans/Elections office.

Commissioner Blanks advised that she depends on the County Manager and Finance Officer to interpret the County’s financial situation, and that she is being pressured

because of information in the newspaper that makes the Board of Commissioners look bad. Commissioner Blanks advised that she is a product of education and has conveyed to the Board of Education that she will support education to the best of her ability. Dr.

Blanks further advised that she has attended all of the committee meetings and doesn’t understand the information in the newspaper article. She also advised that she will continue to seek accurate budget information, and that there has been a gross misunderstanding regarding school funding. Dr. Blanks also suggested sharing information received during committee meetings with fellow Board members

County Manager Greg Martin advised that he is working on a proposed budget to present to the Board on May 15, 2006.

Commissioner Neill provided historical information regarding past budgets and school funding. He discussed budget cuts that were made to bring fund balance back to an acceptable level, as well as employee lay-offs and suspension of longevity checks until reimbursement information was received that clarified various segments of the budget.

Commissioner Peterson advised that numbers regarding school funding seem to be changing all the time. He also advised that budget matters/issues should be reconciled by the County Manager and the committees appointed by the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education, not through the local newspaper.

Mr. Blue was present and requested to address the Board. Mr. Blue advised that he was late for two doctors’ appointments due to a delay with BARTS. He indicated that VA actually requests that you arrive thirty minutes prior to your appointment and that he had rescheduled his appointment with VA because of BARTS schedule. Mr. Blue advised that he was scolded by a doctor for being late for this particular appointment and that he felt the need to bring the matter to someone else’s attention. Mr. Blue further advised that this was not the first time the matter of being late has occurred.

Commissioner Blanks was empathetic to Mr. Blue’s situation, but advised that BARTS is public transportation and cannot fulfill the individual private needs of its customers. She indicated that the Board of Commissioners should write to the Veterans Administration and ask it to be more accommodating to veterans. Commissioner Blanks indicated to Mr. Blue that his help should come from a private service to meet a private need.

County Manager Greg Martin advised that the County did make a good faith effort to reimburse Mr. Blue for one-half of his taxi fare by offering toll free rides to equal $45.

The Board accepts the list below of families selected to receive assistance and the alternate list:

Final Selection List
Remove Ira Marie Blanks and replace with Sylvester Simpson
Beulah Blanks
Rudolph Blanks
William Gooden
James Rhodie Jr.
Emma Shipman
Odell Richardson
Catherine Melvin
Sheila McMillian

Alternate Selection List
Lue McKeaton
Bonnie McMillian
Betty Jean Marsh
Paula McKoy

The Board allows the use of doublewide manufactured homes as replacement units.

A motion was made by Larry Smith, seconded by W. D. Neill, Jr. to approve recommendations as amended. The vote was unanimous.

Bay Tree Lakes Fire District – A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Billy Ray Pait and approved to appoint Clark Valentiner to the unexpired seat held by Kass Schultz and to appoint Wilbert Davis to the unexpired seat held by Robin Brafford. The terms of appointment will expire November 3, 2006.

Commissioner James G. Smith advised that Mr. Valentiner currently serves on the Elizabethtown Rural Fire District Committee and the Board would need to review that Committee at the May 15 meeting to replace Mr. Valentiner.

Calendar Update – Mr. Martin reviewed upcoming calendar events and reminded the Board of County Assembly Day scheduled for May 17, 2006. He also advised that he plans to present a proposed operating budget to the Board at its May 15 meeting. Mr.

Kelly Community Building – Mr. Martin advised that he has been contacted by the Lower Bladen Communities Citizens Group requesting support by the Board of Commissioners to lease the Kelly Community Building (formerly Natmore School) from the Board of Education. A motion was made by W. D. Neill, Jr., seconded by Delilah B. Blanks and approved to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Bladen County Board of Education desires to convey the Natmore School property (Kelly Community Building) to the Lower Bladen Community Citizens Group; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 115C-518, Bladen County Schools has notified the Bladen County Board of Commissioners of its interest in disposing of said property.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Bladen County Board of Commissioners has no interest in acquiring said property from Bladen County Schools.

Consider Presentation of County Flags to East and West Bladen High Schools: Mr. Martin advised that he had been approached by Roy Allen of East Bladen High School to obtain a County flag for the school’s atrium. Mr. Martin requested approval to provide county flags for both East and West Bladen High Schools. A motion was made by James G. Smith, seconded by Larry Smith and approved to donate County flags to East and West Bladen High Schools.

Consider Closed Session in Accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5), Acquisition of Real Property: A motion was made by Delilah B. Blanks, seconded by Margaret Lewis-Moore and approved to enter Closed Session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5), Acquisition of Real Property.

A motion was made by Billy Ray Pait, seconded by Charles Ray Peterson and approved to enter Regular Session.