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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04151985HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING, APRIL 15, 1985 PUBLIC HEARING -- RIVERSIDE PROJECT 5 75 PUBLIC HEARING RIVERSIDE PROJECT WELCOME PRAYER PUBLIC HEARING CALLED TO ORDER EXPLANATION OF PROJECT C. T. CLAYTON PUBLIC COMMENTS REVEREND SMITH M. H. BROCK BILL SHAW HEARING CLOSED REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BOARD OF ELECTIONS VOTING MACHINES MAINTENANCE The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 15, 1985, for the purpose of holding a public hearing in reference to Harnett County submitting a grant application for community development funding for water improvements for the Riverside Community. Present for the public hear- ing were Commissioners Lloyd G. Stewart, Bill Shaw, Rudy Collins, M. H. Brock, and Chairman Jesse Alphin presiding. Others present were Vanessa W. Young, Clerk to the Board; John Phelps representing the County Attorney's Office; Hollie J. Wade, Recording Secretary; Ervin Dobson, Director of Community Develop- ment; C. T. Clayton, Project Engineer; and several residents from the Riverside Community. Chairman Jesse Alphin welcomed everyone present to the public hearingand then recognized Reverend Joseph Smith who led the evening prayer. Chairman Jesse Alphin called the public hearing to order at 7:15 p.m. and stated the purpose of the public hearing was to obtain citizens input in reference to Harnett County submitting a grant application for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant -- Community Revitilization in the amount of $644,000 for water improvements for the Riverside Community. Chairman Alphin then recognized Mr. Dobson, Director of Harnett County's Community Development Office. Mr. Dobson explained to the group that the County has prepared and is planning to submit a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Community Revitiliza- tion Application to the Division of Community Assistance, North Carolina Depart- ment of Natural Resources and Community Development for 1985 funding considera- tion. The Application requests $644,000 of which $516,000 is for community revitilization and $128,000 is local option activities. These funds will benefit low and moderate income households in the Riverside Area. It is required by federal standards that at least 51% of the households have to qualify as having low to moderate income; and with this project, 84% of the households have low to moderate incomes, which is a good percentage. The community revitilization activities of this project consist of the construction of a water line with nec- essary appurtances to serve the Riverside Community. The additional activities will include land acquisition for the water line, planning, and administrative activities. Mr. Dobson then reviewed and explained to the public the map out- lining the project, the area the project will cover and the size of the water lines. He explained that the target area has been tightened in an effort to obtain funding. The target area last year included some 150 residents and this year it has been reduced to 130. Also, as opposed to last year, the water meter vault is on the west side of the bridge instead of on the Erwin side. Hopefully, these two changes will improve the county's point standing. Mr. Dobson continued to state that he has talked with HUD and the funding is very competitive with 100, other counties and 400 towns making application. All will be competing for the $33,000,000 allocated to North Carolina. Mr. Dobson then introduced C. T. Clayton engineer on the project for his comments. C. T. Clayton reviewed the physical aspects of the project with the Board and the group present. Following Mr. Clayton's explanation, Chairman Alphin asked for public comments. Reverend Smith spoke on behalf of the citizens in the Riverside community stress- ing the need for a good quality of water in this community. M. H. Brock, County Manager, spoke in favor of the County submitting this application for funding for the Riverside Project. Commissioner Bill Shaw stated that he supported the submission of this applica- tion for funding for the Riverside Project. After no one else appeared before the Board to comment on the project, Chairman Jesse Alphin closed the public hearing on the Riverside Project at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Alphin called to order the regular meeting of the Board. Ed O'Day with Governmental Data Systems appeared before the Commissioners concerning the voting machines for the Board of Elections office. The County purchased 24 ATS 200 machines in 1979 from Valtec. Since that time, the Company has changed hands several times; and in January, 1985, Governmental Data Systems, which Mr. O'Day represents, purchased the assets of the Air Mac Election Division. Mr. O'Day stated that this company cannot offer a maintenance agreement on the County's ATS 200 machines because they do not make this style of voting machines or manufacture the parts for the ATS 200 any longer. He explained that even though his company could not enter into a maintenance agree- ment with the County on these machines they would be glad to provide maintenance on the equipment as long as the parts they have in inventory are available. Mr. BOARD OF ELECTIQNS COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO STUDY MAINTENANCE ON VOTING MACHINES' TAX DEPARTMENT EFFIE JACKSON- PROPERTY O'Day, explained that GDS can retrofit each of these machines at a cost of $1,900 each The ATS retrofit is a "state-of-art" electronic upgrade, which must be performed at the GDS plant in Rockford and the company is now offering a special pricing of $1,375 for each machine until May 1, 1985. Be also explained that if more than 200 upgrades are committed in North and South Carolina during this special pricing period, GDS will reduce the price by an additional $75. He explained that if the County is interested in this special price for the retrofits, it would need to execute a letter of intent by May 1, 1985. A lengthy discussion followed Mr. O'Day's presentation, during which several questions were raised by the Board members concerning the feasibility of the County having the present voting machines upgraded._ It was stated that the County now owns 24 voting machines, which are worth approximately $75,000;' the County cannot get a service contract - on the machines; only limited parts are available for repairs and the only option that has been offered to the County is to have the machines rettrofitted`at a cost of $1,375 per machine for a total cost of approximately $33,000. It was suggested that if the County should choose to have this equipment retrofitted, that GDS pro - vide a performance bond on the cost of having this work done. It was also mentioned that maybe the County should take the risk on having the machines maintained as long as parts are available. Following this discussion, Commis- sioner Collins made a motion that the County Manager be and he is hereby authorized to execute the following letter of intent concerning the retro- fitting of the voting machines; Commissioner Stewart seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous. vote: LETTER OF INTENT Letter of Intentdated - asofMay 1,., 1985- between Harnett County and. Governmental Data Systems, Inc , (aDS), with its nrincinal place of business in .Rockford,; Illinois. This Letter of Intent sets forth in principle the terms of purchasing the election ballot tabulation nroduct (MR200) to be provided to the County by GDS as follows: It is the intent of GDS to provide special pricing_ to County for the retrofiting (upgrading) of their existing ATS 200 or 200 M ballot tabulating devices. The special price of this producet (MR200) shall be $1,375 (excluding taxes, etc.) per unit modified. In the event that more than 200 such upgrades be performed inNorth and South Carolina the per unit price shall be reduced by an additional $75. County shall be guaranted this special price until August 1, 1985, by executing this Letter of Intent and returning it to the GDS Home Office prior to May 1, 1985, by registered mail. It is expressly understood that (A) This is a Letter of Intent; (B) This Letter of Intent is not binding upon any of the parties in any way nor is the conditional offer contained herein binding upon any of the parties. This Letter of Intent is expressly conditio ed upon County, and GDS entering into formal Purchasing Agreement. The parties hereto execute this Letter of Intent as of the date first above written. Commissioner Collins made a motion that M. H. Brock, - County: Manager;_ Virginia. Warren, Supervisor of Elections;. Bill Randall, Chairman of the Board of Elect- ions;.andthe County Attorney investigate this situation to see what options are available to the County concerning the maintenance on the voting machines Commissioner Stewart second the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. Holt Pelmet, Attorney, appeared before the Board on behalf of the Effie Jack- son estate concerning a title problem which has been traced back to the 1930s and the title to this land is in both the County's and Mrs. Effie Jackson's name. The mix up developed back in the 1900s. In 1926, Mrs: Jackson's older brother, Duncan McLean, decided to go into farming in a big way. He borrowed the money on the land from the Federal Land Bank; and in 1927, the Land Bank foreclosed on the property and held title from 1927 to 1937. In 1937, times got better and the McLeans bought the property back from the Federal Land Bank; and in 1961, Mrs. Jackson bought the land from the McLeans and listed the property as. 313 acres which she thought was the correct acreag but Mr. Felment explained a recent survey indicated that the tract of land actually consists of 457 acres. In 1920, while the Federal Land Bank had title to the property, the County also took title to the property through a tax foreclosure suit againstthe McLeans for non- payment of taxes. It is 1 JAIL FACILITY USE OF DUNN JAIL 52? assumed that the McLeans ignored the suit because they felt that it was not their problem but that of the Federal Land Bank since the Bank was holding title; therefore the County did not file suit against the appropriate owners of the property which was the bank rather than the McLeans. It was at this time that two deeds to the land were drawn- -one in the name of the County and one in the name of the Federal Land Bank. Mr. Felmet requested that the County convey its title to this property to the estate of Mrs. Effie Jackson since she had rightfully purchased the property in good faith from the McLeans who purchased the property back franthe Bank in the 1930s. Mr. Felmet stated that in return for the title, Mr. Jackson would pay to the County the six years back taxes due on the 144 acres which was inadvertently not listed since the family thought the property consisted of only 313 acres until the recent survey was completed which indicated that there are 457 acres in this tract of land. John Phelps, Attorney for the County, stated that he had checked into this matter and his find ings concur with what Mr. Felmet has stated. Commissioner Collins made a motion that the County convey its title to this property to the Effie Jackson estate; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. John Phelps, Attorney, reported to the Board that as has been discussed in the past the County jail has been filled over its capacity on several occasions in the past few months. He explained that the County has discussed the possibility of using the Dunn jail to house inmates for a 24 hour period. He requested authorization for the County to enter into a contract with the City of Dunn to use its jail facility. Commissioner Shaw made a motion that M. H. Brock, County Manager, be authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the County with the City of Dunn to use their jail to house inmates; Commissioner Collins seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. BOARD OF EDUCATION M. H. Brock, County Manager, informed the Board thattheCounty has received a APPROPRIATION FOR letter from the Board of Education requesting that the County appropriate $381,75 TRITON HIGH SCHOOL to be used for the purchase of furniture and equipment for Triton High School. A discussion of this requested followed its presentation. Following the discus- sion, Commissioner Brock made a motion that the Capital Reserve Fund, Code 10- 8700 -112 be amended by $381,750 to be conveyed to the Board of Education to purchase furniture for Triton High School; Chairman Alphin seconded the motion and it passed upon the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Alphin, Brock, Shaw and Stewart NOES: Commissioner Collins ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None ERWIN FIRE DEPARTMENT M. H. Brock, County Manager, informed the Board that the County has received CONTRACT the contract concerning Erwin Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., providing fire protection services to the citizens in the Erwin Rural Fire Protection Special District for a special tax levy of seven cents. Commissioner Brock made a motion that the County be authorized to execute this contract; Commissioner Stewart seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. BUDGET AMENDMENT MANPOWER BUDGET AMENDMENT YOUTH SERVICES JAIL REPORT Commissioner Collins made emotion that the following budget amendment to the Department of Human Resources -- Manpower, be approved; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote: Code 7400 -136, Joint Account, be increased by $35,844 Code 7400 -137, Title II- A(OJT) be increased by $32,262 Code 7400 -139, Title IIA (Class) be increased by $16,894 Commissioner Brock made a motion that the Youth Services Budget, Code 7730 -023, Fund Raising for Special Events, be increased by $800; Commissioner Collins seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. M. H. Brock, County Manager, presented to the Board a copy of the recent State inspection report on the County jail facility for their information. MONUMENT IN MEMORY M. H. Brock reported to the Board that the County has obtained a drawing for a OF KOREAN AND VIETNAM new monument to be placed at the courthouse square in honor of the Korean and VETERANS Vietnam Veterans. Mr. Brock explained that the Veterans would like to partici- pate in the cost of the monument and have raised over $650. Mr. Brock requested authorization to proceed with this project. Commissioner Collins made a motion that the County Manager is hereby authorized to proceed with having a monument installed at the courthouse square in honor of the Korean and Vietnam Veterans and that the County absorb the difference in the cost between what the Veterans can raise and the cost of the monument; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. SUBDIVISION PLATS Ervin Dobson, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board, presented, and explained each of the following subdivision plats for the Board's consideration: 1. Jimmy D. Britt Subdivision, one -lot minor final located at the intersection of NC 210 and SR 2056 (American Legion Road). Commissioner Shaw made a motion that the subdivision plat for Jimmy D. Britt be approved; Commissioner Collins seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. 2. Clarence P. Cameron Subdivision, one -lot minor final located on SR 1291 in Upper Little River Township. Commissioner Stewart made a motion that the subdivision plat for Clarence P. Cameron be approved; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. 8 EXTENSION OFFICE 4H AGENT BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW LAW -- PAWNBROKERS' ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN HARNETT COUNTY Oak Point Subdivision,` 13 lots located on N. C. Highway 210 in the Anderso Creek Township. Commissioner Shaw made a motion that the Oak Point Sub - division be approved; Commissioner, Collins seconded the motion and it car - ried with a unanimous vote. Steven and Lynn Owen Subdivision, five -lot minor final located off SR 1542 three and one -half miles east of Angier in the Black River Township. Commissioner Collins inade a notion that the Steve and Lynn Owen Subdivisio plat be approved, Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried.., with a unanimous vote. Ennis & Jones Subdivision, four -lot minor final located at the intersec- tion of SR 1006 and SR 1505. Commissioner Shaw made a motion that the Ennis & Jones Subdivision plat be approved;. Commissioner Stewart seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. Evergreen Timberland Fund, LTD Subdivision, five -1ot minor final located on SR 1412 three miles south of Kipling in.Hector's Creek Township. Com- missioner Collins made a motion that the Evergreen Timberland Fund, LTD Subdivision be approved;. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried' with a unanimous vote, Royal Pines, six lots, located - between Lillington and Mamers. Commissione Stewart made a motion that the Royal Pines subdivision plat be approved Commissioner Collins. seconded -the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. William' B. Lasater Subdivision Plat, two lot, located -in the Anderson Cree Township. Commissioner Shaw made a motion that the William Lasater Subdivision Plat be approved; Commissioner Collins seconded the motion and it carried with .. a unanimous vote. 9 Spring Hills Subdivision Plat, seven lot, located in Upper Little River Township. Commissioner Brock made a motion that the Spring Hill Subdivision Plat be approved; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it. .carried with a unanimous vote. M. H. Brock, County Manager, reported to the Board that a decision still needs to be made concerning the position for the 4 -H agent for Harnett County. He informed the Board that the State has an applicant available who will accept the job at a salary commensurable to what the County is able to offer. He explained .that the County's share will be $9,000. Commissioner Stewart made a motion that the County participate at the rate of $9,000 to employe 4H agent_ for Harnett County; Commissioner Collins seconded the motion and it carried . with a unanimous vote. Mr. Brock - informed:theCommissionersthat the dates tion - andReview.havebeen set for April 29, May 16, until 12:00 Noon on each of these dates. for the Board of Equaliza- and May 23 from 10:00 a.m. Mr. Brock reported t� the -Board that the Bill introduced by Bob Etheridge to permit persons to engage in business as pawnbrokers in the unincorporated area of Harnett County was ratified on April 1, 1985. This new law authorizes' pawnbrokers to engage in business in the unincorporated areas of the County after securing a license from the. County. NURSINGHOME ADVISORY Commissioner - Collinsmade a motion that Mrs. Dayton (Evelyn) Smith of Kipling COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT be appointed to serve on the Nursing Home Advisory Committee for a term EVELYN SMITH expiring 12 -85; Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote. PERSONNEL -- COST -OF- LIVING Commissioner Collins :.made a motion hat the County give its employees a 7%. RAISE DISCUSSED cost -of- living raise with no merit increases. Commissioner Brock made a motio that Commissioner Collins' motion be amended to reflect a 57 cost -of- living rather than. a 7 %; Commissioner Stewart seconded Mr. Brock's amendment and it failed upon the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Stewart, Brock NOES: Commissioner Collins, Shaw, and Alphin ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None Commissioner. Collins motion died due to a lack of a second. 'ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting of April 15, 1985, duly adjourneddt 10:00 p.m. ■ '- RmAN ECRE'L`ARY U LA.vt..a,o_o.-' CLERK e