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Office of the Board of Commissioners |
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Summary June 2, 2008 |
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The first meeting of the month will be videotaped and shown on the Government Access Channel (Channel 20) on the following Wednesday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM following each meeting. The second meeting of the month will be videotaped and shown on the Government Access Channel (Channel 20) on Wednesday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM following each meeting. Any questions? Please call Dorothy Toolan, Public Relations Coordinator, at 252-475-5903. The Dare
County Board of Commissioners met in a regular session at 9:00 a.m. on
June 2, 2008 in the Dare County Administrative Annex in Manteo.
Commissioners present were:
ITEM 1 – RECOGNITION OF FIRST
FLIGHT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ STATE CHAMPION SOCCER TEAM Chairman Judge recognized the FFHS Girls’ Soccer Team for winning the North Carolina State Championship Award. Attending the meeting were Kristina Argiroff, Megan Binkley, and Alex Gardner, senior players from the winning team.
ITEM 2 – INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC
SERVICES DIRECTOR TIM WHITE Manager Terry Wheeler recognized Tim White as the new director for Public Services.
ITEM 3 – PRESENTATION OF
ITEM 4 – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Wendy Hemilright, Tax Administrator, received the Employee of the Month Certificate from Michelle Evans, Tax Collector.
ITEM 5 – PRESENTATION OF AWARDS –
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Deputy Bobby Henning received a Criminal Investigator’s Certificate and Assistant Communicator’s Director Lora Nock received an Advance Telecommunicator’s Certificate from Rodney Midgett, Sheriff.
ITEM 6 – PUBLIC COMMENTS Sandy Ross of Stumpy Point came forward representing the Stumpy Point Civic Club and requested that the ordinance be amended to allow Stumpy Point residents to be appointed to serve on the Stumpy Point Water and Sewer Board. They believe the current ordinance can be amended to allow for this so that residents can bring a local perspective to issues.
Speaking for herself and her husband, Ms. Ross reminded the Board that this project is five years old and it needs attention if it is going to be move forward. She has noticed the number of septic tanks listed in the project is inaccurate. She also has concerns about the type of the proposed system and thinks larger tanks are needed. She appreciates the support that the Board has given the project and it is now time to get it completed by putting people at the table that can spot problems ahead of time. Frank Hester of Manteo voiced concern about the new road that is proposed at the intersection at Marshall Collins Road in front of the Justice Center. Alternate one will take the home of an eighty year old gentleman who he and his wife care for. Alternate two has environmental issues; however, it appears that the gentleman would be able to stay in his home. There are drainage issues in the area since building has taken place. Human beings wanting a normal life are being impacted.
ITEM 7 – RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
TOWN OF
Chairman Judge informed the Board that the Town of
ITEM 8 – WALTER SLOUGH CHANNEL
DREDGING
Commissioners voted to adopt the budget amendment and capital project ordinance as presented.
ITEM 9 – PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED FY 2008/2009 BUDGET AT 10:00 A.M., THE DARE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED FY 2008/2009 BUDGET. Attorney Outten conducted the hearing and invited the public to speak.
Frank Hester of Manteo came forward to request continued funding for the GEM Center. He said that this is an important program that has greatly improved the quality of life for his mother.
ITEM 10 – PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED AT 10:00 A.M.,
THE DARE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
PROPOSED Attorney Outten conducted the hearing and invited the public to speak.
Andy Deel came forward and read the attached comments.
Frank Jacob came forward and said that he sees the biggest problem with stormwater is state roads. He understands the importance of access for emergency vehicles, but there are other options that can be considered. There has been a stormwater committee established and now we want to mandate wider roads. It is going to hurt all of the little people. He suggested reviewing what’s being proposed and set up a committee with a professional engineer to review undeveloped property that this will affect.
Jay Overton of Colington Harbor said that he sees problems with drainage. Also has concerns that this ordinance requires larger width than DOT. He said that the intent is good but it is not where it needs to be.
Irvin Forbes of Wanchese said that his property borders the highway and his mother lives behind him. If this is implemented, he and his mother would not be able to provide lots for his children and grandchildren.
Elmer Midgett of Manteo commented that many vehicles are close to 8 feet wide.
Discussion was held and concerns expressed by several Board members.
Following discussion, Commissioners voted to adopt the proposed amendments to the Dare County Subdivision Ordinance and Dare County Zoning Ordinance as advertised and also voted to establish a committee to consider changes to these amendments to address small subdivisions to protect family legacy.
The Board finds these amendments to be consistent with the policies for growth and development in the 2003 Dare County Land Use Plan and other officially adopted plans of Dare County that are applicable and in the public interest of Dare County in that these amendments provide for the dedication and recordation of public streets constructed to adequately accommodate emergency and service vehicles.
ITEM 11 – PUBLIC HEARING ON WAMI,
CWMTF, AND CAMA GRANT APPLICATIONS Lee Wrenn,
Shoreline Management Director, informed the Board that Dare County,
acting at the request of Division of Marine Fisheries, agreed to act as
project sponsor for two WAMI projects located in Dare County, the Manns
Harbor Marina site (MHM) and the Avon Harbor site. Grant applications
were filed for the WAMI program for both locations. A Clean Water
Management Trust Fund grant was filed for the MHM project. Preliminary
grant applications were filed for both locations with the
See attached presentation for additional information regarding these applications. Following the
presentation, County Attorney
The Board voted to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the final application for Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program Grant (CAMA).
ITEM 12 - SAND FENCING AND DUNE
PLANTING PROJECT Lee Wrenn,
Shoreline Management Director, reported that at its April 2, 2007
meeting, the Board approved a three year sand fencing and dune grass
planting project to be funded from interest earned on monies collected
from the sales tax which was repealed. There were seven locations
planned for fencing and planting. The municipalities of
ITEM 13 - PRESENTATION OF
RECOMMENDED 2009-2013 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN
ITEM 14 – VOTING DELEGATE FOR
2008 NACO ANNUAL CONCERENCE The Board voted Commissioner Richard Johnson to serve as the voting delegate for the 2008 NACo Annual Conference.
ITEM 15 – UPDATE ON
Vice Chairman Burrus reported Senator Basnight’s
office reports that things are moving forward and he hopes that pilings
for the new bridge be in the ground a year from now.
ITEM 16 – CONSENT AGENDA Commissioners
approved the Consent Agenda containing the following items:
ITEM 17 – BOARD APPOINTMENTS
ITEM 18 – COMMISSIONERS’ BUSINESS
Commissioner Jack Shea – expressed appreciation for those involved in the ribbon cutting and expo at the County Administration Building on Friday. Congratulated the service pin recipients and the employee of the month.
Commissioner Mike Johnson – recognized the girls of the First Flight High School soccer team. These girls are a class act and their stats are impressive. Looks like the future is bright because there is a lot of talent. Commissioner Max Dutton – congrats to those receiving service pins and to Wendy Hemilright as Employee of the Month.
Attended the ribbon cutting on Friday and there is a lot to be proud of, including employees’ engagement and commitment to the job that they do.
The Roanoke Island Senior Center is moving forward and in five weeks it will go to bid. Commissioner Virginia Tillett – Congratulations to employees involved in the ribbon cutting and Open House Expo on Friday. Dorothy, Terry, Gary and staff put on fantastic event.
At the last meeting, she asked about repairs at waterfront at the end of Sir Walter Raleigh Street. On the other side of the street is where local fishermen tie up boats. Perhaps something similar to what is being done in Manns Harbor can be done at this location. Staff will take a look and report back – she has talked with Lee Wrenn and Jenny Gray about it.
Frank Hester – what can the Board do to address the issue regarding the families that will be impacted by the proposed moving of the road at the intersection of the Justice Center? The County Manager will pass along information about the proposals so the Board can determine how to proceed.
Thanked Terry for following up on letter to Congressman Jones about a local Social Security Office.
She met last week with Older Adults Summit Committee and it went well. The Committee will ask Moncie “Punk” Daniels and Linda Hester and the Outer banks Womens Club to serve as co-chairs of the summit to determine what the public wants. Tim White is setting up a meeting with these folks to sit down and talk about the direction. They are making progress.
Thanked CIP for working on the Roanoke Island Senior Center to move it forward. She asked to be kept informed so that she is able to pass along information to Committee members. Based on last plan, square footage has increased.
She has been approached by people who want to donate exercise equipment.
Commissioner Richard Johnson – had to work late on Friday and was unable to attend the Open House Expo at the new administration building but appreciates what was done there.
Stumpy Point – it would be nice for the community to be represented on the committee. Chairman Judge reported that Buddy Shelton is involved as a resident of the community.
Commissioner Allen Burrus – congrats to the FFHS soccer team.
Appreciates all that Wendy Hemilright does.
Stumpy Point – Buddy sat beside him in the meeting and he assumed he was keeping the community updated. When dealing with government, it is very frustrating. The project has taken a long time and Clean Water seems to realize that they need to wait for projects to get permits before determining grants that will be awarded. This makes sense. Amazes him that type of project has a hard time when it will do so much to better a community.
The Open House went well and he was impressed with the Boy Scouts who postponed their camping trip to participate.
CIP – Roanoke Island Senior Center project is going well. Architects have done a good job and continue to keep the budget in mind. The Committee is looking at the affordable housing situation and is taking first looks at the project proposed for Roanoke Island. It is truly affordable housing and it appears strong --- approximately 18 months out.
Read a poem from Johnnie Baum about special interests.
Chairman Judge – Senior Citizens Center – plans will come before Board on July 21 for approval. If decision is favorable, plans will go out to bid after that.
Coast Guard Base – met with GSA, Park Service, and Coast Guard last week and the County is still working to acquire the property. It has taken four years. Park Service will lease the base to the County and the housing is still in a quagmire. There will be an appraisal done on the housing to get a value established with current market and zoning.
ATTORNEY’S BUSINESS – none
MANAGER’S BUSINESS – Funding for GEM Center is included in the budget for Social Services.
Recounted the planning that went into preparations for the Open House Expo at the Administration Building and expressed appreciation for the efforts of all involved.
ITEM 19 – UPCOMING BOARD
APPOINTMENTS FOR JULY The upcoming board appointments for the following boards are: East Lake Community Center Board, Game and Wildlife Commission, Library Board – Regional, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Wanchese Community Center Board.
ITEM 20 – CLOSED SESSION – LAND
MATTERS The Board voted to remove this item from the agenda.
ITEM 21 – BUDGET WORKSHOP Lynn Bunch, President of College of the Albemarle, came forward to thank commissioners for their support. One major item not included in the budget is to cover security at their Dare County campuses. It was included in the budget to address a concern with no current security. As sign of times, would hate for something to happen without security being in place.
Dave Clawson,
Finance Director, distributed
attached sheet that
outlines changes that have been made to the Manager’s Budget.
It eliminates the position for the Outer Banks Transportation
Task Force and uses the funds in other areas. Commissioner Tillett – cost of living for county
employees is set at 1.5%. She requested that it be 3% but the County
Manager has told her that it is not possible.
She is still holding out hope for some type of increase but does
not support a tax increase. Wesley Hospitality House – having used this service
and realizing its importance, she would like to see some funding for
them. Water rates countywide are not increasing. Commissioner Shea – expressed concerns about the
staff position for the Outer
Banks Transportation Task Force being eliminated. David Clawson – fund balance of 25%, this is good. He has to recalculate the retiree health benefit
liability calculation. This
has become more and more of an issue.
The budget will be placed on the Commissioners agenda
for June 16 for adoption. Chairman Judge said that he and Commissioner Shea will meet with the RPO to discuss the transportation issues and ways that they might be able to assist the county. He has talked with the Visitors Bureau to discuss the possibility of having them fund the position and will continue to pursue opportunities. |