021805w
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSOINERS
Special Meeting (Work Session)
February 18, 2005
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Friday,
February 18, 2005, in the Grand Jury Room, Harnett County Courthouse, 301 West
Cornelius Harnett Boulevard, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present: Teddy J. Byrd, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, Vice Chairman
Dan B. Andrews
Walt Titchener
Tim McNeill
Staff present: Neil Emory, County Manager
Wm. A. (Tony) Wilder, Assistant County Manager
Kay S. Blanchard, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Byrd called the work session to order at 11:30 a.m. and turned the meeting
over to Sgt. Bell, Chairman, Courthouse Security Committee. Sgt. Bell called on
Judge Frank Lanier who voiced concerns of the Security Committee. Judge Lanier
talked about gang activity that has developed over the past year and dangerous people
coming into the courthouse. The Security Committee feels there is a threat and asked
the Board to consider providing armed sworn deputies to man metal detectors and
other measures to insure a safe environment for employees and the general public who
must come into the courthouse to conduct business. Other committee members who
provided comments were Nancy Wright, RSVP, regarding safety of volunteers who
man the information desk in the lobby of the courthouse, Shirrell L. Thomas, S.A.F.E.,
noted concerns with victims of domestic violence being approached by their abusers in
the courthouse. Peter Strickland, District Attorney’s office, said that some victims
would not return to the courthouse because they do not feel safe. Gary McNeill,
Chief Deputy, Sheriff’s Department, offered to come to a future work session of the
Board to give an overview of gang related crimes in Harnett County. The Board
members expressed interest in the committee’s concerns regarding safety at the
courthouse and will consider options of how the county might supply additional
security measures.
In other business, John Rouse, Health Director, reported on the Health Department’s
recent accreditation process. Harnett County was selected as a pilot county and had
consultants, at no cost to the County, to help the Health Department prepare for the
accreditation.
Mr. Rouse briefed the Board on the elaborate steps that must be taken to clean up sites
that have been used as methamphetamine labs. The property owner is responsible for
decontamination of the property.
Neil Emory, County Manager, reported on the following items:
- Construction has started on the new Agricultural Center.
- Mr. Emory has met with the new town manager of Fuquay-Varina regarding
waterlines.
- Mr. Emory and Commissioner Andrews will meet with Angier officials February
th
24 regarding sewer issues.
- The transfer of Angier Rescue Squad property to the County is almost
totally finished.
- Progress has been made to conclude the transfer of property to the County
from Northern Harnett Rescue.
Wm. A. (Tony) Wilder, Assistant County Manager, reported to the Board on the
failure of Carolina Cable Partners to comply with its franchise, since entering the
franchise with Harnett County in 1992, to provide cable television service. In
addition, Carolina Cable Partners has paid no franchise fees to the County since 2000.
There being no further business, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners Special
Meeting, February 18, 2005, adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
___________________________________
Teddy J. Byrd, Chairman
___________________________________
Kay S. Blanchard, Clerk to the Board