nHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Minutes of Regular Meeting

March 16, 2009

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 16, 2009, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front Street, Lillington, North Carolina.

Members present: Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman

Beatrice B. Hill, Vice Chairman

Dan B. Andrews

Gary House

Jim Burgin

Staff present: Scott Sauer, County Manager

Dwight W. Snow, County Attorney

Kimberly Honeycutt, Interim Finance Officer

Kay S. Blanchard, Clerk to the Board

Chairman McNeill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner House led the pledge of allegiance and prayer.

Commissioner House moved to approve the agenda as published with the deletion of item 7, update on Harnett Health System. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Upon motion by Vice Chairman Hill and seconded by Commissioner Burgin, the Board unanimously approved the following items on the consent agenda:

1. Minutes: Regular Meeting, March 2, 2009

2. Budget amendments:

251 Cooperative Extension – Incredible Years (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-7320-465.30-04 Professional Services 2,935 decrease

110-7320-465.12-00 Salaries & Wages Part-time 2,688 increase

110-7320-465.22-00 FICA Tax Expense 206 increase

110-7320-465.26-08 Worker’s Compensation 41 increase

252 Cooperative Extension – Child Care Resource & Referral (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-7301-465.11-00 Salaries & Wages 50 increase

110-7301-465.21-00 Group Insurance Expense 2,348 decrease

110-7301-465.22-00 FICA Tax Expense 10 increase

110-7301-465.23-00 Retirement 10 increase

110-7301-465.23-01 Supplemental Retirement 170 decrease

110-7301-465.41-11 Telecommunication & Postage 600 increase

110-7301-465.58-14 Travel 100 increase

110-7301-465.60-33 Materials & Supplies 1,548 increase

110-7301-465.60-47 Food & Provisions 200 increase

254 Interfund Transfer (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-8701-490.90-21 Interfund Transfer – Housing

Preservation 20,000 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 20,000 increase

255 Public Utilities (Fund 531-HCDPU)

Code 531-9000-431.12-00 Admin/CSR/Meter Services –

Salaries & Wages Part-time 20,000 decrease

531-9020-431.44-21  Distribution – Salaries & Wages

Part-time 120 increase

531-9025-431.12-00 Wastewater Treatment – Building

& Equipment Rent 19,880 increase

257 Sheriff’s Department Grants (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-5103-420.74-83 E. Byrne Memorial Justice Asst. 11,476 increase

110-0000-331.51-13 E. Byrne Memorial Justice Asst. 10,432 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 1,044 increase

258 Health (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-0000-345.18-00 Environmental Health Fees 132,000 decrease

110-0000-345.17-00 Home Health Fees 134,000 increase

110-0000-345.30-01 Food & Lodging Fees 3,000 increase

110-0000-345.16-00 Family Planning Fees 5,000 decrease

259 Board of Elections (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-0000-331.43-01 Help America Vote 16,307 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 16,307 decrease

261 Abandoned Manugactured Home (Fund 245-Abandoned

Manufactured Home)

Code 245-8405-465.11-00 Salaries & Wages 1,017 increase

245-8405-465.23-00 Retirement 52 increase

245-8405-465.23-01 Supplemental Retirement 11 increase

245-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 1,080 increase

262 Library (Fund 110-General)

Code 110-8100-450.60-33 Materials & Supplies 18,200 increase

110-0000-334.81-05 Staying Connected 18,200 increase

3. Tax refunds and releases (Attachment 1)

4. Five resolutions to add roads to state system (Attachment 2)

5. One year lease agreements for two solid waste container sites:

A. Ralph and Margaret Mangum, Johnsonville Container Site $1,900.00

B. Raul Aquirre Berduzco, Mamers Container Site $1,900.00

6. Harnett Regional Jetport items:

A. Change Order No. 1 for new fencing associated with new hangar and

relocation of the access road.

B. Work Authorization 2701-0701 (amendment 3) for the design and

construction administration regarding installation of the new fence for the

hangar, design of access road and drainage requirements.

7. Authorization for Library to participate in the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Harnett County is eligible to receive $20,150.00 for 12 computers in the following libraries:

Anderson Creek Public Library 3

Angier Public Library 2

Coats Public Library 2

Dunn Public Library 5

This program consists of Phase 1 (2009) and Phase 2 (2010). First phase funds to be received are $18,200.00 with a local match of 25% ($4,550.000). The second phase of the project funds to be received are $13,000.00 with a 50% local match ($6,500.00).

8. Authorize application for continuation of implementation funding from the Criminal Justice Partnership Grant from the North Carolina Department of Correction, Division of Community Corrections. This program provides services to sentenced offenders, including GED classes, Life Skill classes and Drug Counseling. The total grant award amount is $104,603.00 and requires a 34% match.

9. Authorization for the Sheriff’s Department to accept ten printers from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. The printers were purchased with funds awarded from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant which was awarded to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to be distributed to agencies participating in the e-citation program. The printers include car adapters, USB cables, batteries, cleaning kits and two ink cartridges.

10. Contract agreements between Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) and First Choice Community Health Centers; and with Criminal Justice Partnership Program to provide transportation services for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

11. Adoption of Appendix E to Harnett County’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. The purpose of this attachment to the Solid Waste Plan is to comply with House Bill 1134 in an effort to secure grant funding for the county’s Abandoned Manufactured Home Planning Initiative (AMPI). (Attachment 3)

12. Authorization for Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) to accept a laptop computer and a deskjet printer from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. This donation is part of the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and will be used for Medicare counseling.

13. Project Ordinances associated with 2009 COPS issuance for the following school facilities projects: (Attachment 4)

Boone Trail Elementary School

Johnsonville Elementary School

Highland Elementary School Gym

Harnett Central High School

14. Water Capacity Agreement Amendment to existing 2006 water capacity agreement with Johnston County. This amendment increases Johnston County’s capacity purchase in the Harnett County Regional Water Treatment Plant from two million gallons per day to 2.5 million gallons per day at an additional cost of $875,000.00.

15. Agreement with Excel Moving Company for moving furniture, equipment and records to the new law enforcement and detention facility located at 175 Bain Street. Price quotes were requested from four companies. Two companies replied. After discussing the needs of the county with both companies, Excel Moving was determined to be the best choice. Excel Moving Company’s bid was $13,159.00.

16. Lease of twelve computers for the new law enforcement and detention facility. The total quote amount from Dell is $3,389.00.

In the informal comments portion of the meeting several citizens discussed the property revaluation and the effects of the current economy. Those providing comments were:

Frances Avery, 2150 Crawford Rd.,Coats

Charles Adams, 2171 Keith Hills Rd., Buies Creek

Max Eller, Keith Hills Rd., 936 Buies Creek

Bill Johnson, 211 East Front St., Lillington

Jim Aycock, 919 Keith Hills Rd., Buies Creek

Bobby Lockamy, 2368 Mathews Mill Pond Rd., Angier

The Commissioners expressed their concern as well and encouraged the citizens to send in the appeal form at the bottom of their revaluation notice so they will have an opportunity to meet with the Board of Equalization and Review. Chairman McNeill asked citizens to contact State representatives and urge them not to place unfunded mandates on counties.

Commissioner House moved for the appointments listed below. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion and it passed unanimously

Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee

Perva A. Brown, nominated by Vice Chairman Hill

Board of Equalization and Review

Robert E. Doberstein, Thomas Moore, Howard Penny Jr., Carnell Robinson

All nominated by Commissioner Andrews

Board of Health

Suzanne Harper Swygert, nominated by Commissioner Andrews

One-On-One Advisory Board

Brenda Boykins, Patricia McKoy, Rene’ Mitchell, Shanika Weeks, Claudette Willimas and John Woods

All nominated by Commissioner House

Historic Properties Commission

Donna Johnson, nominated by Commissioner Andrews

Clint Williams, E-911 Operations Administrator, presented proposed road names for the purpose of Enhanced 911. Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing and opened the meeting for comments from the public. No comments were offered and Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve all the road names as presented. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. (Attachment 5)

Ralph Thurman, Transit Services Manager, noted that a public hearing is required by State and Federal regulations to allow input from Harnett County residents regarding the Community Transportation Program for FY 2009-2010. Mr. Thurman described the transportation services offered that are funded by this grant.

Total estimated amount requested for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010:

Administrative $287,883.00 local share: $43,182.00 (15%)

Capital-vehicles and other 200,059.00 local share: $20,006 (10%)

Operating-small urban

& regional systems

TOTAL $487,942.00 local share: $63,188.00.

Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for comments from the public. The following citizens thanked the County and praised the program as it is used to transport disabled adults.

1. Bonnie Larch, Buies Creek

2. Donald Pleasant, Coats

3. Betty Darroch, Bunnlevel

There being no further comments, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing. No action is required from the Board at this time.

Mark Locklear, Manager, Planning Services, presented a proposal for a 180 day moratorium for all unzoned properties located within the boundaries of Stewart’s Creek Township. The Board of Commissioners, at its regular meeting February 16, 2009, instructed the Planning staff to file a petition to zone any unzoned parcels of land in Stewart’s Creek Township. The proposed moratorium shall apply to all applications for non-residential permits, requests for approval of minor subdivisions, requests for preliminary plats for major subdivisions and requests for manufactured home parks in unzoned areas pursuant to the petition. Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for comments from the public. Comments were received from the following:

1. David McRae, attorney representing Kasdy Dawoud, asked for an exemption from the moratorium. Mr. Dawoud filed an application for a land use permit February 16th.

2. Kasdy Dawoud asked for consideration by the Board for his project.

There being no further comments, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing. Commissioner House moved to adopt the ordinance allowing a moratorium with an exemption for Mr. Kasdy. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion and it failed 2 to 3. Chairman McNeill moved to adopt an ordinance allowing a moratorium as presented. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Commissioner Andrews moved to remove the previous moratorium. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. (Attachment 6)

Nathan Coyle, Ramsay, Burgin, Smith Architects, Inc., presented an update on the status of the Western Harnett Library plans. The planned library will be located in the Western Harnett Industrial Park. Mr. Coyle noted that there is a very good bid market right now. Construction contractors are looking for work.

Elizabeth Crudup, Harnett Historical Association, reported on property located on the Overhills’ Estate now owned by the military. Ms. Crudup asked the Board to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Harnett Historical Association to manage a proposed project to move buildings onto property owned by the County. The Harnett Historical Association is not affiliated with Harnett County government. Commissioner Andrews moved to table the matter. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Johnson Tilghman, Chairman, Harnett Forward Together Committee, presented a resolution that was adopted by the HFTC requesting that the Board of Commissioners hold a special election to allow the citizens of Anderson Creek Township and Barbecue Township to vote on allowance of mixed beverage sales in those townships. Others who spoke in support of calling for a referendum were:

David Levinson, 15 Old Pine Court, Anderson Creek Club

James McCormick, 713 McCormick Road

Gary Stimely, 110 Inner Circle, Anderson Creek Club

Mary Jane Bartley, Ross Road, Erwin, real estate broker for Anderson Creek Club

Chairman McNeill moved to adopt a resolution calling for a special election on mixed beverages sales in Anderson Creek and Barbecue Townships. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion. After comments from County Attorney Dwight Snow, Chairman McNeill added to his motion “contingent upon adhering to N.C. State Statutes.” Vice Chairman Hill seconded and the motion and it passed unanimously. (Attachment 7)

Departmental reports were filed with the Board from the Planning Department, Health Department and Veterans Service.

County Manager Scott Sauer announced that N.C. Department of Transportation will hold its Spring 2009 Litter Sweep Roadside Cleanup, April 18th – May 2nd.

Mr. Sauer noted that Skinner Lamm & Highsmith, architects who designed the Harnett County Courthouse, won a merit award in the 2009 American Institute design competition. The judges said the project was well designed to solve the problems inherent in courthouse projects, particularly due to the various functions a courthouse has to serve.

Mr. Sauer recommended for the Board’s consideration, a proposal to offer employment to Sylvia S. Blinson as finance officer. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Sylvia S. Blinson and County of Harnett which establishes the conditions of employment. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Blinson will begin employment as Harnett County Finance Director on April 20, 2009.

There being no further business, Chairman McNeill recessed the meeting until Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.