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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12111997 ( 836 '" Harnett County Board of Commissioners Minutes of Retreat December 11, 1997 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met on December 11, 1997 at 647 . Castleberry Court, Vass, North Carolina to conduct the Board's 1997 retreat. The Board members gathered at the County Administration Building and then proceeded to the site of the retreat. Members Present: Dan B. Andrews, Chairman Beatrice Bailey Hill, Vice Chairman Joseph T. Bowden Teddy J. Byrd Walt Titchener Staff Present: Neil Emory, County Manager Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Chairman Andrews then called upon the County Manager to present the items for discussion, It was noted by the Chairman that no action would be taken by the Board during the retreat. The first topic discussed by the Board was Board relations. During the discussion related to this topic the Board reviewed the compensation received by commissioners in . other counties. Following this item the Board discussed the make-up of the boards and committees they appoint. Each member expressed their support for structuring boards in a manner which would provide for representation from each elective district. The County Manager then asked that he be allowed to develop a Board Travel and Compensation Plan. The Chairman suggested that the Manager develop such a document and submit it to each Board member for review. The County Manager then reviewed with the Board a memo which outlined County Government's accomplishments during the preceding year. (Attachment 1) The next topic for discussion was public relations, It was noted by all present the need to recognize the volunteers that give so much time to County boards and committees. It was suggested by the County Manager that the Board host a banquet to honor those that serve in these capacities. Each Board member agreed with this suggestion and recommended that the necessary funds be incorporated into the proposed budget so that the Board might consider action on this matter. The County Manager then asked for comments regarding the operation of his office. Commissioner Byrd stated his belief that the County Manager was called upon to deal with many items which could be handled by other personnel. This matter was then . discussed by the group. The discussion concluded with the County Manager noting that he would discuss this matter further with his staff in an attempt to address the concerns noted. In relation to Social Services it was noted by the County Manager that the Welfare Reform Plan required by the State would be considered for adoption some time during January. Several topics related to planning were discussed by the Board. The first was economic development. During the discussion related to this topic the Board members discussed the development of an overall economic development plan for the County. It was agreed upon by all members that such a"plan should provide for the following: ._~--~-- - Development of an Incentive Program to assist in the recruitment and 837 and retention of business and industry - Development of an industrial site data base - Creation of a county-wide Committee of 100 - Investment in a fund which would be utilized in develvpment efforts In regards to the Planning Department the County Manager updated the Board on the . current status of the inspections program. Other items related to Planning policy which were noted during Board discussion included the ongoing land-use plan as well as county-wide zoning, Finally, the Board discussed the need to bring more attention to the transportation needs of the County. Following discussion the Chairman directed the County Manager to develop the guidelines for a transportation committee which would be appointed by the Board and whose purpose would be to promote the needs of the County in relation to roads and highways. The County Manager then presented the Board with an overview of Public Utilities, which had been prepared by staff.(Attachment 2) The Board reviewed the document and discussed several of the topics noted, Also, the Board discussed investigating the privatization of operations at public utilities. The County Manager then noted several facility needs facing the County. It was noted that bids for HPE would be opened shortly, and that the appropriation of funds to address needs such as General Services would be required within the next six months. It was the consensus of the members that there was no need to discuss the Courthouse until all appeals have been exhausted. In regards to EMS the County Manager submitted recommendations to the Board which outlined possible changes to the delivery of emergency medical services.(Attachment 3) . The Board discussed the recommendations and following the comments received, the Chairman directed the County Manager to meet with the Rescue Squads and EMS staff to develop specific recommendations which the Board might consider at a regular meeting. The Board then discussed several topics related to education. All members agreed that the County should commit to continued increases in funding for the public schools, It was also noted that the County must begin planning for additional funding for building needs facing the Board of Education. Other topics noted were Smart Start, Low Wealth Funding, and the disposition ofHamett Primary, No action was taken by the Board regarding any of the items noted. The County Manager then informed the Board that the Health Department is completing plans to begin a prenatal clinic. Also, the Board was updated on the backlog of septic tank permits. The County Manager also updated the Board on the Tax Department report being prepared by representatives of the Department of Revenue as well as tax officials from other counties. It was noted that this report will address needed improvements in the department and will suggest changes in policy and operations. . In regards to budget matters the Board was informed that drafts of the audit would suggest that the County remains in a strong financial position. All Board members agreed that the upcoming budget should be developed in a conservative manner and that tax rates should not be increased if at all possible. Finally, the Board members noted the need to meet with our legislative delegation to discuss pending legislative issues. Having concluded all discussion related to retreat topics, Commissioner Bowden moved for adjournment. Commissioner Byrd seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners retreat, December 11, 1997 duly adjourned at 3:30 PM. ~a..- A~~ Dan B. Andrews, Chairman