Macon Co Commissioners Press Kit 05-13-2014

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MAY 13, 2014 AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin

2. Announcements – NCACC Legislative Update Video (5 minutes) 3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) – 6:00 p.m. Community Development Block

Grant (CDBD) project closeout – Housing Director John Fay

6. Public Comment Period

7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

8. Reports/Presentations A. Presentation of the recommended Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget –

County Manager

B. Update on office space for Division of Workforce Solutions – Dale West

9. Old Business A. Consideration of approval of the Schedule of Values – Tax

Administrator Richard Lightner

10.New Business

A. Resolution to reject bids for the Parker Meadows Recreational Facility – County Attorney

B. One-time funding request for assistance for shelter building project – Bonnie Peggs, Board President, REACH of Macon County

C. Amendment to the Macon County Personnel Policy – HR Director Mike Decker

D. Consideration of capital project ordinance for airport runway

rehabilitation – Finance Director

E. Consideration of Budget Amendments #130 and #131 for the airport apron improvements project – Finance Director

F. Proclamation for Law Enforcement Memorial Day – Chairman Corbin

G. Franklin Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Display – County Manager

11.Consent Agenda – Attachment #11 All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No

separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of

Commissioners.

A. Minutes of the April 8, April 29, May 1 and May 5, 2014 meetings

B. Budget Amendments #157-#159

C. Tax Releases D. Changes to Macon County Public Health Fee Schedule (1) E. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

12.Appointments

A. Community Funding Pool (4 seats) B. Planning Board (2 seats) C. Library Board (2 seats)

13.Closed session (if necessary)

14. Adjourn/Recess


AGENDA ITEM

MEETING DATE: May 13, 2014

DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Governing Board

SUBJECT MATTER: NCACC Legislative Update Video

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION:

Todd McGee, the Public Relations Director for the North Carolina

Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), has requested that we

play a Legislative Update Video at our May regular meeting. It includes a

preview of the upcoming legislative session (which begins May 14th

) as well

as information about legal cases of interest to counties, a promo for the

NCACC’s 2014 annual conference and some information about County

Assembly Day.

COUNTY MANAGER’S COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION:

Attachments ______ Yes _X_ No

Agenda Item 2


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Housing

SUBJECT MATTER: Public Hearing on Community Development

Block Grant (CDBG) project closeout


Per Housing Director John Fay, some the dollar amounts that were used in

conjunction with the February 11, 2014 public hearing on the CDBG project

closeout were incorrect, thus requiring a second public hearing. The public

notice has been advertised and a copy of Mr. Fay’s report is attached for

your information. He will be at the meeting to provide any additional details

and to answer questions.


Attachments ___X__ Yes ___ No

Agenda Item 5

13 May 2014

Macon County

Public Hearing

CDBG

Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation

With Local Option

10 – C – 2124

Closeout

Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation -

7 Homes Rehabilitated – grant funds expended: $232,329.67

Local Option –

19 Homes received urgent repairs – grant funds expended: $38,307.05

Total Grant expended: $270,636.72

Total grant funds available - $400,000

Balance of grant unused due to lack of capacity in the Housing Department to rehabilitate more

homes.

Respectfully Submitted, John L Fay Director Macon County Housing Department


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: County Manager

SUBJECT MATTER: Presentation of the recommended Fiscal Year

2014-15 budget


The County Manager will provide copies of his budget message at the

meeting and will have a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key points.



Agenda Item 8A


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Division of Workforce Solutions

SUBJECT MATTER: Update on office space


Dale West, the manager for the Haywood County NCWorks Career Center

with the state Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS), will be at the

meeting to give the board an update on the status of the DWS office on

Harrison Avenue and the planned move to occupy some space within the

county-owned Southwestern Community College Annex located behind the

courthouse.



Agenda Item 8B


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Tax

SUBJECT MATTER: Approval of the Schedule of Values


Following the public hearing on April 29th, Tax Administrator Richard

Lightner is requesting that the board approve the proposed schedule of

values to be used for the upcoming 2015 property revaluation. A copy of the

schedule has been made available on the county’s website under the “Public

Announcements” tab.



Agenda Item 9A


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: County Attorney

SUBJECT MATTER: Resolution to reject bids for Parker Meadows

Recreational Facility


The County Attorney will present a resolution at Tuesday’s meeting asking

the board to reject the recently received bids on the recreation project. Per

Mr. Jones, the board will need to reject the bids due to an “irregularity” that

appeared in the wording of the advertisement. He will provide additional

details at the meeting.



Agenda Item 10A


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: REACH of Macon County

SUBJECT MATTER: One-time funding request


Bonnie Peggs, the Board President for REACH of Macon County, will be at

the meeting to make a request for one-time funding. Please see the attached

letter.


Attachments ___X__ Yes __ No

Agenda Item 10B


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Human Resources

SUBJECT MATTER: Amendments to the personnel policy


Please see the attached memo for details.



Agenda Item 10C

To: Macon County Board of Commissioners Derek Roland, County Manager Lori Hall, Finance Director

From: Mike Decker

Date: May 8, 2014

Re: Amendments to Macon County Personnel Policy

Message:

I am seeking your approval of amendments to the county’s personnel policy. First, under our current employee benefit structure, it is possible to continue to be a member of the county’s group health insurance plan with 15, 25 and 30 year levels of service, pending certain requirements. Also, for those at the 30-year level, their spouse can also participate in the plan as long as the retiree remains eligible. In talking with the Finance Director, it is apparent that the county needs to consider a change to this portion of the policy as it pertains to our ability to sustain the particular benefit in some form. Therefore, I am suggesting that a portion of “Article VI, Section 2. Hospitalization and Medical Benefits,” be revised as follows:

“Employees who are members of the group health insurance plan and retire with a minimum of thirty

(30) years of service as determined by the North Carolina Local Government Employee Retirement

System (LGERS) and who are qualified to receive service retirement from LGERS will be eligible to

continue as a member of the group regardless of age, or until the retiree ceases to be eligible as a

retired employee as specified under the Group’s Retirement Program.”

This change will do a number of things, including: (1) removing the 15-year and 25-year stipulations from the policy, (2) removing the participation of eligible spouses for those with 30 years of service and (3) giving the county an “out” if the individual retires but then goes to work full-time for another entity participating in LGERS. Pending the board’s approval, the changes would go into effect on July 1, 2014 and would affect any employee hired or re-hired on or after that date. All regular/permanent employees

currently in the system would fall under the existing provisions of the policy, regardless of whether they are vested under LGERS. For your information, we currently have 46 retirees (and six spouses) covered under the group health insurance plan, which results in an annual cost to the county of $302,640, and that number is only going to increase as we have more employees retire who meet the qualifications to continue as a member of the group. I have checked with Mike Norris with Wayah Employee Benefits, and this amendment to the personnel policy will not affect the county’s “grandfather status” under the Affordable Care Act. I am also asking for a minor change to “Article VIII, Section 2. Resignation” of the policy, as follows, with the additional language in bold underlined print: “Any employee who desires to terminate his/her employment with the County must give written notice to his immediate supervisor or department head two (2) weeks prior to his/her last intended day of employment. An employee who does not provide the required notification shall have recorded on his/her service record that he/she resigned without giving proper notice, and shall forfeit payment for accumulated annual leave and longevity pay unless the notice is waived upon recommendation of the department head, Human Resources Director and approved by the County Manager.” If the individual in question, due to their actions, is forfeiting any annual leave, it is the recommendation of Human Resources and Finance that they forfeit any longevity pay as well. However, unless it is specified in the policy, we are obligated to pay it. If approved, the effective date of this change would also be July 1, 2014. Thank you for your consideration of these items.

5 West Main Street

Franklin, NC 28734

(828) 349-2020

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Airport Authority/Finance

SUBJECT MATTER: Capital Project Ordinance for Airport Runway

Rehabilitation


The Finance Director is preparing a revised capital project ordinance for this

project and will present it at the meeting on Tuesday.



Agenda Item 10D


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Finance

SUBJECT MATTER: Budget Amendments


The Finance Director is preparing the final versions of these budget

amendments (#130 and #131) for the airport apron improvements project

and will distribute those at the meeting.



Agenda Item 10E


AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Proclamation for Law Enforcement Memorial

Day


Chairman Corbin asked that this proclamation be placed on the agenda for

the board’s consideration. A copy is attached.



Agenda Item 10F

Proclamation for Law Enforcement Memorial Day

WHEREAS, there are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including dedicated members of

Macon County, the Town of Franklin, the Town of Highlands and the federal and state law enforcement agencies, and

WHEREAS, nearly 60,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year, resulting in approximately 16,000 injuries, and

WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1791, almost 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and

been killed in the line of duty, including men and women members of the law enforcement agencies of North Carolina, and

WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and

WHEREAS, new names of fallen heroes are being added to the National Law

Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring, including 100 officers killed in 2013 and 186 officers killed in previous years, and

WHEREAS, May 15, 2014 is designated as Law Enforcement Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen officers and their families, North Carolina and U.S. flags

should be flown at half-staff, and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Macon County Board of

Commissioners formally designates May 15, 2014 as Law Enforcement Memorial Day and salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation.

______________________________________ Kevin Corbin, Chairman

Macon County Board of Commissioners


AGENDA ITEM


DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Franklin Chamber of Commerce

SUBJECT MATTER: Fireworks display


Please see the attached letter from Linda Harbuck requesting permission for

the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce to conduct the annual July 4

public fireworks display at the Macon County Veterans Memorial Park.


Attachments __X__ Yes ___ No

Agenda Item 10G


AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Consent Agenda


A. Minutes – Consideration of the minutes from the April 8

th, April 29

th, May 1

st and

May 5th

meetings, per attachment 11A.

B. Finance – Consideration of Budget Amendments #157 through #159, per

attachment 11B.

C. Tax releases – Consideration of tax releases in the amount of $13.74, per

Attachment 11C. The supporting documentation is on file in the Deputy Clerk’s

office.

D. Macon County Public Health Fee Change – Consideration of a change to the

Macon County Public Health Fee Schedule that would increase the cost of a DOT

Physical from $90 to $105, due to additional training and certification required to

complete these physicals beginning April 2014.

E. Monthly Tax Collection Report – For the board’s information, the monthly ad

valorem tax collection report is attached as attachment 11E. It does not require

board action.



Agenda Item 11(A), (B) (C) and (E)

Minutes

04.08.14 Page 1 of 8

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 8, 2014

MINUTES

Chairman Corbin called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. All Board Members, the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, County Attorney,

members of the news media and interested citizens were present. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Commissioner Tate announced that the county

planning board had changed the date of its regular monthly meetings to the second Thursday of each month. The County Manager updated the board members on the budget process, noting that meetings with department heads

have begun. The County Manager also announced that the appraisal of the Parker Meadows property came back in at $595,000. The county purchased

the property for $550,000. The County Manager requested that the board consider continuing this meeting until Tuesday, April 29th. Chairman Corbin congratulated Commissioner Higdon on the birth of his first grandchild and

also wished Commissioner Tate a happy birthday, his 42nd. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Chairman Corbin asked those in attendance to

observe a moment of silence.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Led by Commissioner Tate, the pledge to the flag was recited.

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED NAMES FOR NEW ROADS: Chairman Corbin called the public hearing to order at 6:11 p.m., and recognized Angie

Kinsland, the county’s 911 Addressing Coordinator. Mrs. Kinsland explained that the hearing had been properly advertised with the names of the roads and range of road numbers posted in multiple locations. She requested that the

board accept the list of new road names as presented. Chairman Corbin pointed out that no one from the public signed up to speak, and he closed the hearing at 6:13 p.m. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the County Attorney

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04.08.14 Page 2 of 8

told the board members that he had prepared an amendment to the county’s road naming ordinance for their consideration. Upon a motion by

Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to adopt the “April 8, 2014 Amendment to Macon County Road

Naming and Numbering System Ordinance Heretofore Codified as Chapter 14 of the Macon County Code,” a copy of which is attached (Attachment 1) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

PUBLIC HEARING ON SECTION 5317 NEW FREEDOM PROGRAM: Chairman Corbin called the public hearing to order at 6:16 p.m. and

recognized the County Manager, who explained the details of this particular Macon County Transit Department program, which is primarily focused on

providing bus stop shelters for Transit’s Mountain Gem route. The purpose of the “New Freedom” program is to encourage new services and facility improvements to address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities

that go beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The County Manager said the local share of $1,700 would be used toward the

installation of four bus shelters that were purchased for the transit department last year. In addition, $19,688 will provide a 50 percent local share in operating funds that will establish another route for the Mountain Gem.

However, those funds will not have to come from the county, as they will be used from another grant source to provide the local match. The County Manager said that for $1,700, the county can increase the department’s level of

service while adding no additional employees, adding that the county will dissolve the route if funds are not available in subsequent years. He asked the

board to consider a resolution regarding the program, noting that it will not take effect until the 2014-15 Fiscal Year. Following questions from the board members, Chairman Corbin closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m. Upon a

motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to fund the $1,700 in the Transit budget for FY 2014-15 and to adopt the “Public Transportation Program Resolution” as presented. A

copy of the resolution is attached (Attachment 2) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Chairman Corbin noted that no one signed up to speak.

ADJUSTMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Upon a motion by Commissioner Haven, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted

unanimously to approve the agenda as adjusted, as follows:

To remove Item 9C under Old Business, Update on franchise agreement

with J&B Disposal, per the County Attorney, and to reschedule that item for the May regular meeting.

Minutes

04.08.14 Page 3 of 8

To hold a closed session under Item 13 for the purposes of preserving the

attorney/client privilege and to discuss land acquisition, per the County Attorney.

To add a budget amendment under Item 10F under New Business, per

the Finance Director.

To remove items 10D (Consideration of capital project ordinance for

airport runway rehabilitation) and 10E (Consideration of Budget Amendments #130 and #131 for the airport apron improvements project)

under New Business, per the County Manager.

To add an item as 10H under New Business regarding the Little

Tennessee River Greenway, per Commissioner Haven.

PUBLIC HEALTH MONTH PROCLAMATION: Dawn Wilde, the community health promotion supervisor for Macon County Public Health, and Molly Phillips, a member of the Macon County Board of Health, presented a

proclamation for the commission’s consideration to proclaim April 7-13, 2014 as National Public Health Week and April 2014 as Public Health Month in Macon County. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by

Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously to approve the proclamation as presented, a copy of which is attached (Attachment 3) and is

hereby made a part of these minutes. BOARD OF ELECTIONS BUDGETARY MATTERS: Luke Bateman, the

chairman of the county’s three-member Board of Elections, requested the board’s consideration of a budget amendment in the amount of $41,458. The

discussion turned to the status of Kim Bishop, the director of the Board of Elections, who has been on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the apparent misappropriation of departmental funds.

Mr. Bateman told the commissioners that Ms. Bishop’s status remains in the hands of the state Board of Elections. He explained that the bulk of the funds outlined in the amendment were for election expenses directly associated with

the May 6th primary. Commissioner Higdon questioned Mr. Bateman as to when the investigation would end, and he responded that the local board

members are awaiting an answer along with everyone else. The Finance Director explained that there is approximately $104,000 remaining in the county’s contingency fund from which the money could be taken, adding that

the elections department must be made whole from a budgetary standpoint. Commissioner Beale made a motion to approve the budget amendment as presented, which appropriates $15,089 in election fees and transfers $41,458

from contingency to the Board of Elections budget, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Tate. During further discussion, Mr. Bateman

commended Debbie George, the interim elections director, and Melanie Thibault for their work during this period. Commissioner Higdon asked if a

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04.08.14 Page 4 of 8

written opinion or progress report would be made available, and the County Attorney and Mr. Bateman explained that a decision from the state Board of

Elections could come as soon as three weeks. “Somebody failed,” Commissioner Higdon said. The board voted unanimously to approve the

motion, and a copy of the budget amendment is attached (Attachment 4) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

PRESENTATION OF SCHEDULE OF VALUES: Tax Administrator Richard Lightner presented the board with the proposed 221-page Schedule of Values, a document that contains the “schedule of values, standards and rules to be

used in appraising real property in Macon County for the reappraisal that will be effective as of January 1, 2015.” Mr. Lightner told the board that the

schedule is “the bible we have to appraise by,” and said that a public hearing on the schedule would need to be held. The proposed schedule will be posted on the county’s website, he said, and he and the board members then

discussed comments made by Richard Melvin during the board’s public comment period at its March 11th regular meeting. The board agreed to set the

public hearing for comment on the schedule of values for Tuesday, April 29th at 6 p.m.

UPDATE ON SIGNAGE FOR THE ROBERT C. CARPENTER COMMUNITY FACILITIES BUILDING: Seth Adams, the county’s director of parks and recreation, first asked the board to drop the word “Facilities” from the title and

shorten it to the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building. Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted

unanimously to approve the request. Mr. Adams then presented some photos showing how the new signage for the building would appear, and he noted that funding for the new signs is available in his departmental budget. He also told

the board that the members of the recreation commission wanted to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parker Meadows Recreational Park on Saturday, April 19th at 10 a.m.

UPDATE ON OFFICE SPACE FOR THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE

SOLUTIONS: The County Manager updated the board on the status of the search for a new location for the state Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) office, explaining that he had spoken with Dr. Don Tomas of Southwestern

Community College (SCC) about the possible use of some county-owned space in the SCC Annex near the county courthouse. The County Manager said

plans call for SCC to give up a classroom, with the county to give up one room as well. The lease for the current DWS office on Harrison Avenue expires on June 30th. The County Manager said there would be no charge to the DWS for

the use of the space. No action was necessary.

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04.08.14 Page 5 of 8

DONATION OF SWING SET TO THE MACON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION: Following proper public notice, and upon a motion by

Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to adopt a “Resolution Of The Macon County Board Of

Commissioners Making Donation Of Swing Set That Has Been Located At Old Cowee School To The Macon County Board of Education,” with the Board of Education being responsible for the swing set being moved to its new location.

A copy of the resolution is attached (Attachment 5) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

MACON TRACS PILOT PROGRAM WITH MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS: For the board’s consideration, the County Attorney presented a proposed license

agreement between the county, the Macon County Board of Education and Macon TRACS, Inc. Under the agreement, the county-owned property near South Macon School would be used by Macon TRACS for the purpose of

“conducting equine therapy practices.” Macon TRACS is a local non-profit entity that provides equine assisted activities and therapies to special needs

adults and children. The Board of Education had approved a pilot program submitted by Macon TRACS, but with the school property owned by the county, the commission’s permission was also needed. The County Attorney

recommended approval of the agreement subject to the necessary insurance information being provided. Describing it as “a wonderful program,” Commissioner Beale made a motion to approve the license agreement

contingent upon the required insurance being provided, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Haven, and all favored. A copy of the license

agreement is attached (Attachment 6) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET AMENDMENT: The Finance Director explained that Macon County Schools had requested a transfer of $17,600 between categories within the system’s capital outlay

budget, per the attached letter (Attachment 7) to the Board of Commissioners. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the

board voted unanimously to approve the amendment as presented, a copy of which is hereby made a part of these minutes.

APPLICATION TO RELEASE LOTTERY FUNDS: The Finance Director requested that the board approve an application seeking the release of

$311,050.65 in lottery funds to the county, with the funds to be used for debt service payments. She noted that the application will also need to be signed by the chair of the Board of Education. Upon a motion by Commissioner Haven,

seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board unanimously approved the request, with Commissioner Beale commenting that the amount coming to the county “is $250,000 short of what it should be.” A copy of the application for the

Minutes

04.08.14 Page 6 of 8

Public School Building Capital Fund North Carolina Education Lottery is attached (Attachment 8) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

PARKER MEADOWS RECREATIONAL PARK: (1) Initial Findings

Resolution: The Finance Director asked the board to consider a resolution that would authorize her and the County Manager to negotiate financing for an installment purchase contract to pay for up to $1.8 million in capital

improvements to the Parker Meadows property. The resolution also authorizes the Finance Director to make application to the Local Government Commission (LGC) for its approval of that contract, and to set a public hearing on the

proposed financing for April 29, 2014 at 6 p.m. Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted

unanimously to adopt a “Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Macon, North Carolina, Authorizing the Negotiation of an Installment Purchase Contract and Providing for Certain Other Related Matters Thereto,” a

copy of which is attached (Attachment 9) and is hereby made a part of these minutes. (2) Reimbursement Resolution: The Finance Director also asked

that the board consider a resolution that would allow the county to reimburse itself for expenditures directly related to the Parker Meadows project from the $1.8 million installment purchase contract. Upon a motion by Commissioner

Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to adopt a “Resolution of the County of Macon, North Carolina Declaring the Intent of the County of Macon, North Carolina to Reimburse Itself for Capital

Expenditures Incurred in Connection with Certain Improvements to the Parker Meadows Property from the Proceeds of a Certain Installment Purchase

Contract to be Executed and Delivered in Calendar Year 2014.” A copy of the resolution is attached (Attachment 10) and is hereby made a part of these minutes. (3) Capital Project Ordinance: The Finance Director asked that the

board adopt a Capital Project Ordinance for the Parker Meadows Recreation Complex, with the $3.3-million project to be funded by installment financing proceeds, a PARTF grant and a transfer from the General Fund. Upon a

motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance as presented, a copy

of which is attached (Attachment 11) and is hereby made a part of these minutes. (4) Budget Amendment #132: The Finance Director presented the board with a budget amendment that would appropriate $500,000 from the

General Fund balance and transfer it to the County Buildings Fund for the Parker Meadows Recreational Complex, in keeping with the board’s desire to

use $500,000 from fund balance in the current fiscal year and another $500,000 from fund balance in Fiscal Year 2014-15 to help fund the project. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the

board voted 4-1, with Commissioner Higdon opposing, to approve Budget Amendment #132 as presented, a copy of which is attached (Attachment 12) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

Minutes

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REQUEST FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN NANTAHALA: The Nantahala

Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department requested board approval for a fireworks display for the Nantahala Community to be held July 5, 2014. Upon a motion

by Commissioner Haven, seconded by Commissioner Higdon, the board voted unanimously to approve the request.

LITTLE TENNESSEE RIVER GREENWAY: Commissioner Haven asked for time to address an issue regarding a piece of property near the Little Tennessee River Greenway that is being considered for purchase by the Land Trust for the

Little Tennessee (LTLT), but said that there were questions regarding legal matters, which he wanted to direct to the County Attorney. There was also

discussion about the possible purchase of additional properties along the greenway. The County Attorney suggested a meeting of county officials and representatives of the LTLT to discuss the next steps to take, with the possible

inclusion of a representative from the Clean Water Trust Fund. This was followed by a lengthy discussion about maintenance and vegetation

management along the greenway. No action was taken. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Commissioner Haven also

requested time to discuss a matter involving the county’s Tourism Development Committee (TDC) as it relates to the application and collection of the tourism tax as it applies to vacation rental properties. As liaison to the TDC,

Commissioner Haven said he was asked to bring to the board’s attention the need to contact those who have such properties to ensure they understand the

obligation to pay the 3 percent tourism tax on those rentals. A lengthy discussion followed, much of which centered on the issue of how to “police” this matter. The board asked the County Manager to speak with a Finance

Department employee about sending out reminder letters to those who have these rentals listed. Commissioner Haven also brought up questions about the use of TDC funds to pay for fireworks displays, but the board deferred the

matter back to the TDC.

CONSENT AGENDA: Upon a motion by Commissioner Haven, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the following items on the consent agenda were unanimously approved: Minutes – Approved the minutes from the March 11

and March 18, 2014 meetings. Budget amendments – Approved the following budget amendments: #119 for the Department of Social Services to

appropriate $6,513 in additional energy assistance funds; #120 for the Department of Social Services to appropriate $16,517 in additional energy assistance funds; #121 for the Health Department to appropriate $6,500 in

funds received from the Project Lazarus Grant; #122 for Special Appropriations to move $2,234 from contingency to the Clarks Chapel Community for the Angel Cemetery; and #126 for the Buildings and Grounds Department to

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appropriate $12,414 from an insurance settlement related to property damage (Revisions with corresponding number attached.) Tax releases – Approved tax

releases in the amount of $259.84 (A computer printout of releases is on file in the Tax Department and the County Manager’s office.) Macon County Public

Health Fee Changes – Approved a change to the Macon County Public Health Fee Schedule increasing the cost of a rabies vaccination at the semi-annual rabies clinic from $5 to $10. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report – No

action necessary. APPOINTMENTS: (1) Macon County Heritage Center Advisory Board –

Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to appoint Barton (Barry) D. Clinton to the Macon

County Heritage Center Advisory Board. (2) Community Funding Pool – By consensus the board agreed to table appointments to the Community Funding Pool until the May regular meeting. (3) Joint Community Advisory

Committee for the Adult Care/Nursing Homes of Macon County – Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board

voted unanimously to reappoint Pam Goldsmith to the Joint Community Advisory Committee for the Adult Care/Nursing Homes of Macon County. (4) Planning Board – Commissioner Tate asked that appointments to the Planning

Board be postponed. CLOSED SESSION: At 7:53 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Tate,

seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to go into closed session for the purpose of consulting with the attorney under NCGS

143-318.11(a)(3) and to discuss the acquisition of real property under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5). At 8:37 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Higdon, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously to come out of

closed session and return to open session. No action was taken. RECESS: At 8:38 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by

Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to recess the meeting until Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the commission boardroom on the third

floor of the Macon County Courthouse, 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Derek Roland Kevin Corbin Ex Officio Clerk to the Board Board Chairman

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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONTINUED SESSION

APRIL 29, 2014 MINUTES

Chairman Corbin reconvened the meeting at 6:02 p.m. in the commission boardroom as recessed from the April 8, 2014 regular meeting. All board

members, the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, County Attorney, members of the news media and interested citizens were present. Chairman Corbin explained that the primary purpose of the meeting was to

hold two public hearings and to consider other items of business.

PUBLIC HEARING ON FINANCING OF PARKER MEADOWS RECREATIONAL PARK: Chairman Corbin called the public hearing to order at 6:03 p.m. and asked the County Attorney to explain the need for it. The County Attorney said

that the board is considering borrowing $1.8-million over a 10-year period at an interest rate of 2.29 percent to finance improvements to the Parker Meadows Recreational Complex, with the debt to be repaid in semi-annual

payments and with the county granting a lien on the 48 acres located at 1020 Maxwell Home Road in Franklin. Following a review of additional details

regarding the installment purchase contract, he noted the county was required to hold the public hearing and Chairman Corbin opened the floor for comments. Chuck Norton told the board that he was very involved in Little

League baseball and asked the commissioners to support the project. Ryan Raby, the varsity baseball coach at Franklin High School, said the new

complex will be a huge asset to the school’s baseball program. “We’re investing in our children, how can that be wrong?” he asked the board. Carl Barkman said he has a grandson that plays baseball and cited the need for practice

fields and the new recreational park. Chairman Corbin closed the public hearing at 6:09 p.m. and noted that no action on the part of the board was needed at this time.

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PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF VALUES: Chairman Corbin called the public hearing to order at 6:11 p.m. He explained that no

one from the public signed up to speak, and recognized Tax Administrator Richard Lightner to make comments. Mr. Lightner said the schedule of values

contains every detail and “ranges of prices” that will be used to appraise real property in the county for the upcoming 2015 revaluation. Following the public hearing, Mr. Lightner said he would be back before the board at its May

13th regular meeting requesting the commission to accept the schedule of values. He then took the board through the remainder of the process, which ends on June 11th with the last day to appeal items in the schedule to the

state’s Property Tax Commission. Mr. Lightner answered questions from the board members, and told them that a lot of property in the county is

decreasing in value, and while there will be “winners and losers” following the revaluation, the county stands to lose more than $2-billion in real property value. Richard Melvin then asked to make some comments, not particularly

about the schedule itself but about the appeal process and the use of appraisals within it, saying that it should be more flexible based in part on the

age of the property owner’s own appraisal. Mr. Lightner pointed out that this is illegal under the state Machinery Act, and a brief debate ensued. Following further comments, Chairman Corbin closed the hearing at 6:35 p.m. No action

was necessary. MACON MULTIPURPOSE JUVENILE HOME LEASE RENEWAL: The County

Manager explained that the North Carolina Department of Public Safety was seeking a renewal of the lease for the Macon Multipurpose Juvenile Home

located at 1950 Lakeside Drive in Franklin. The term of the lease is for one year, with the option of two additional one-year renewals, at a cost of $1 per year, beginning on June 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2015. The County

Manager recommended renewal of the lease agreement, and the County Attorney noted a memo to the board from Chuck Mallonee, the area administrator for Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice for the state.

Commissioner Beale encouraged the other board members to visit the facility, and noted that it is the only one of its kind west of Raleigh. Upon a motion by

Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to approve the lease agreement as presented. A copy of the lease agreement (Attachment 1) and the memo from Mr. Mallonee (Attachment 2) are

attached and are hereby made a part of these minutes.

DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS FOR PARKER MEADOWS DEED: Chairman Corbin said that the County Attorney has drafted a document regarding some necessary language that must be included in the

deed for the Parker Meadows property in order to receive the $500,000 in funding from the state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The County Attorney explained that the county closed on the property before it was certain

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it would receive a PARTF grant, and now a “Declaration of Restrictive Covenants” must be attached to the deed, as follows, “This property was

acquired with State financial assistance from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and, pursuant to a contractual requirement, the

Property and/or any part thereof may not be converted to other than public recreation use (whether by transfer, sale or in any other manner) without approval of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural

Resources.” The County Attorney recommended that the board approve the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants as presented, and to consult with Lou Ann Bryan with PARTF as to timing of the execution of the document. Upon a

motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the document was approved as presented, a copy of which is attached (Attachment

3) and is hereby made a part of these minutes. RESOLUTION REGARDING INTERLOCAL CONTRACT FOR COOPERATIVE

PURCHASING: The County Attorney explained the legal aspects of joining a purchasing group, in this case the Keystone Purchasing Network, noting that

Parks and Recreation Director Seth Adams is looking to purchase a number of lights for the new ball fields at Parker Meadows. This network has the particular lights the county needs at a discounted price, and the County

Attorney recommended that the board approve a “Resolution of the Macon County Board of Commissioners Authorizing Entry into Interlocal Contract for Cooperative Purchasing with Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit” for this

purpose, and to execute the membership application form as soon as possible. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Higdon, the

board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution as presented, a copy of which is attached (Attachment 4) and is hereby made a part of these minutes.

CLOSED SESSION: At 6:48 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to go into closed session for the purpose of consulting with the attorney under NCGS

143-318.11(a)(3). Just prior to entering the closed session, Chairman Corbin announced that the board would have a special meeting on Thursday, May 1,

2014 at the Macon County Heritage Center at the historic Cowee School beginning at 6:30 p.m. in order to hold a joint meeting with the Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen and the Town of Highlands Board of

Commissioners. At 7:42 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Haven, the board voted unanimously to come out of closed

session and return to open session. No action was taken.

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ADJOURN: With no other business, and upon a motion by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Beale, the board voted unanimously to

adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m.

_____________________________ ______________________________

Derek Roland Kevin Corbin Ex Officio Clerk to the Board Board Chairman

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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING

MAY 1, 2014 MINUTES

Chairman Corbin called to order the joint meeting with the Town of Franklin

Board of Aldermen and the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners at 6:32 p.m. at the Macon County Heritage Center at the historic Cowee School. All board members (with the exception of Commissioner Higdon), the County

Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director and County Attorney were present. All of the Franklin aldermen, Mayor Bob Scott, Interim Town Manager Summer

Woodard and Town Clerk/Finance Officer Janet Anderson were present. All of the Highlands commissioners (with the exception of Brian Stiehler), Mayor Patrick Taylor and Town Manager Bob Frye were present. Also present were

members of the news media and interested citizens. Following a welcome by Chairman Corbin and an invocation by Commissioner

Tate, the board members shared a meal together. Chairman Corbin reconvened the meeting at 7:08 p.m., and explained that after the reports from

each government, Eric Moberg and Bill Dyar would give a report on the efforts involving the heritage center followed by walking tours around the old school.

Chairman Corbin recognized Franklin Mayor Bob Scott, who gave a report on the town’s activities and accomplishments. Mr. Scott said the $6-million

renovation of the town’s sewer plant is complete. He said the town has a desire to have discussions with the county regarding the gazebo area on the town square. He also noted that the eastbound bridge over the Little Tennessee

River will be replaced and plans call for some type of pedestrian access. He said the town would also like to work in conjunction with the county regarding economic development efforts. In closing, he introduced Summer Woodard, the

town’s interim manager.

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Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor spoke next, and said that the town will have to drain Lake Sequoyah in the near future and will install new water intakes. He

said the dam there is more than 80 years old and is in need of some repairs. He also noted that the town will switch to a bleach process to treat its drinking

water. A “major donation” of $1-milllion from Art and Angela Williams will allow the town to turn its swimming pool into a year-round facility by enclosing the pool, and some funds will be used to replace the gym floor at the town’s

recreation park. Mayor Taylor closed by saying the town board may consider a tax increase that would be used for recreation.

Chairman Corbin focused his comments on the latest steps in the development of the Parker Meadows Recreational Complex, noting that the county planned

to “occupy” the park in the summer of 2015. He then introduced the County Manager, adding that Mr. Roland was “doing a fantastic job.” The County Manager discussed the current budget process, saying that the county was

“entering some uncertain times” with the upcoming revaluation process. He noted that county department heads have “heeded the call” to trim their

budgets, and that he will present a proposed budget with no tax increase later this month. Commissioner Beale welcomed everyone to Cowee School, which he said was “worth saving for future generations.” Commissioner Tate pointed

out that with the upcoming property revaluation, the county is anticipating losing $2-billion in value. Commissioner Haven offered his congratulations to Ms. Woodard.

Chairman Corbin recognized Mr. Dyar and Mr. Moberg, who teamed up to give

the board members an overview of recent and planned activities at the heritage center, with Mr. Moberg pointing out that the center has received $70,000 in grants and has benefited from 1,500 volunteer hours in the past 15 months.

Bobby Kuppers presented an overview of the center’s 2014 concert series and thanked the commissioners for their support of the center, stating that he believes the center will eventually be self-sufficient.

Highlands Town Commissioner Eric Pierson asked that the county consider a

change in the election process by which voters in the three individual districts would choose their representative for the county commission, at least in the primary, as opposed to the current countywide method.

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With no other business, and upon a motion by Commissioner Haven, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at

7:54 p.m.

_____________________________ ______________________________ Derek Roland Kevin Corbin

Ex Officio Clerk to the Board Board Chairman

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MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING

MAY 5, 2014 MINUTES

Chairman Corbin called the joint meeting with the Macon County Board of Education to order at 4:22 p.m. at the Iotla Valley Elementary School. All board

members (with the exception of Commissioner Haven), the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director and County Attorney were present. All of the members of the Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin,

Finance Director Angie Cook and Administrative Assistant/Board Clerk Renee Burt were present, along with a number of other Macon County Schools central

office staff. Also present were members of the news media. Jim Breedlove, chairman of the Board of Education, also called the school board’s meeting to order.

Chairman Corbin explained that as the commissioners were awaiting the presentation of the County Manager’s proposed budget next week, this meeting

would be to receive information only.

Dr. Baldwin opened with brief remarks regarding Iotla Valley School, noting that it presently serves 380 students, and thanked the commission for its support for the facility. He then spoke to what he called the “negativity” that

currently surrounds public education, and pointed out the support of the county in light of that negativity. He told the commissioners that it cost

$41,300,000 to operate the Macon County School system last year, and with 4,400 students that results in a cost of about $9,000 per student per year. In other terms, that equates to $52 per day per child, and he said $12 of that

amount comes from the county. In contrast, the state of North Carolina spends $82 per day to house an inmate in a correctional facility, he noted.

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NOTE: Commissioner Haven joined the meeting at 4:29 p.m.

The two boards and staff members then reviewed a draft of the school system’s 2014-2015 current expense budget in detail, with Dr. Baldwin highlighting

specific increases or decreases in certain line items. One topic of discussion centered around the state’s proposal regarding 7.1 percent pay increases for teachers with less than five years’ experience. Macon County has 37 locally

paid teachers, down from 54 a year ago. Overall, the school system is requesting a county appropriation of $7,839,090 for the upcoming school year – approximately $500,000 more than the current fiscal year.

The County Manager pointed out that the commissioners called for no increase

in the county’s tax rate for the new fiscal year, and with the property revaluation looming, he had asked county departments to hold the line on spending. He reported they have done so, and the county is looking at a $1.1-

million decrease in the budget for 2014-15. Dr. Baldwin noted that there could be a possible cut in the state allotment to the school systems following the

upcoming “short session” of the state General Assembly. Dr. Baldwin then reviewed the school system’s employee counts by

classification, pointing out a reduction of 22 positions overall from the 2012-13 school year to the current one.

NOTE: Board of Education Chairman Jim Breedlove left the meeting at 5:13 p.m.

Dr. Baldwin went on to review the system’s capital outlay requests for 2014-15 by individual school, which total $700,450 for the “urgent” ones. Of particular

concern is the sewer treatment plant at Nantahala School, which is at the end of its useful life.

The final item for discussion centered on a technology request of $430,000, which is over and above the $1.5-million the county recently provided to the

school system to “refresh” its desktop and laptop PCs as well as network infrastructure devices. However, school officials explained that the state has severely reduced the textbook allotment to schools, and will now only fund

digital textbooks, but not the devices on which to “run” them. So, the system is going to spend the remainder of the $1.5-million to purchase some 400 iPads

to be used by high school students throughout the county. In closing, the County Manager said the school system was requesting just over

$1.6-million more than the current year appropriation.

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With no other business, and upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Tate, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 5:44 p.m.,

with the Board of Education likewise adjourning.

_____________________________ ______________________________ Derek Roland Kevin Corbin

Ex Officio Clerk to the Board Board Chairman

file:///C|/Users/mdecker/Desktop/REL1404.TXT[5/9/2014 11:13:00 AM]

====================================================================================================================================Tax Collections Detail Transactions by Group RTC02030305/01/14 Page 1====================================================================================================================================Group Number REL*14*04 Abatement Effective Date 04/03/14

Seq Date Account Taxbill Tax Transaction Levy Penalty Addl Interest Discnt Trn Check Trans RevNbr Number Number Code Amount Amount Amount Chgs Amount Amount Cde Number Descriptn

1 04/03/14 110588 13A110588.03 G01 11.94- 11.94- 0.00 0.00 F04 1.80- 1.80- 0.00 0.00

*** MILLS, ROBERT HOWARD 13.74- 13.74- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 R CLERICA

Tax Code Totals F04*13- CULL FR 1.80- 1.80- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 G01*13- GEN TAX 11.94- 11.94- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total for Group 13.74- 13.74- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 REL*14*04

********** Totals By Tax Cycle ********** Cycle Current Delinquent

A 0.00 13.74-


AGENDA ITEM



SUBJECT MATTER: Appointments


(A) Community Funding Pool (4 seats) – The terms of Hammond

Rauers, Mary Ann Sloan, Jennifer Jones and Cindy Reed expired on

April 12th. No applications have been received.

(B) Planning Board (2 seats) – The terms of Lamar Sprinkle and Bill

Futral expired on April 26th

. Mr. Futral has applied for

reappointment, and his application is attached. The only other

application received to date for the planning board is from Jimmy

Goodman.

(C) Library Board (2 seats) – Please see the attached memo from Karen

Wallace. Also attached are a letter from Dale Sticka and applications

from Lawrence (Chip) Robert and Lenny Jordan.

Openings for these items have been posted on the county’s website. Also,

for the board’s information, we have received applications from Janet A

Anderson of Otto to serve on the Cemetery Board (copy attached) and from

Barbara (Bo) Bryant of Franklin to serve on the Macon County Heritage

Center board (copy also attached).


Attachments __X_ Yes __ No

Agenda Item 12(A) – 12(C)

Documents

Macon Co Commissioners Press Kit 05-13-2014