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 5:00 a.m. on June 16, 2008 in the Dare County Administrative Annex in Manteo. Commissioners present were: Warren Judge, Virginia Tillett, Allen Burrus, Mike Johnson, Max Dutton, Jack Shea, and Richard Johnson. Also present were County Manager Terry Wheeler and County Attorney Bobby Outten. Chairman Judge called the meeting to order. He called on Aspen Johnson, daughter of Commissioner Mike Johnson, to offer prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag. 

ITEM 1 – PUBLIC COMMENTS

Edwin Basnight asked the Board to reconsider the law that was recently passed regarding trapping so that facts can be presented from hunters with dogs so their voices can be heard.   

ITEM 2 – RESOLUTION HONORING THE DRAKE FAMILY

Mr. & Mrs. Drake are long time residents who have raised nine children in the County of Dare. Six of their sons have followed their father’s example by serving in the military. Chairman Judge expressed gratitude to the Dare Family for their selfless service and devotion to our country by giving them a resolution.  Commissioners adopted the Resolution as presented.   

ITEM 3 – RUSSELL TWIFORD ROAD RELOCATION

Charles Cox and Matthew Potter from the Department of Transportation were present to answer questions regarding the proposal to improve the existing US 64/NC 345 intersection in Manteo. The improvements would widen the intersection by providing dual southbound left-turn lanes. See attached information for details. 

According to DOT, the proposed improvements will provide increased capacity at the US 64/NC 345 intersection while minimizing impacts to wetlands and local businesses. The improvements are to increase safety for traffic traveling along US 64, by limiting left-turns on US 64 that would interfere with the function of the intersection with NC 345.

Following the presentation, there were a number of questions and concerns presented by Board members. 

A letter from the Board will be sent to DOT and will include the following comments – the Board will support option 2 if there is a right in and out for businesses on the Highway.  The Board will ask DOT to consider a right turn lane, to move Russell Twiford Road to save as much parking for COA as possible, and to address safety concerns at road next to the Berry residence since there are many children that live in the area. 

Discussion was held about the original plan that included a flyover to best accommodate the needs.  This plan was determined not an option due to environmental concerns and other impacts.  It was pointed out that a flyover would impact the proposed Senior Center at this point. 

Bob Capehart of DOT, Division 1 stated that height of the earlier proposed crossover was a concern to those transporting boats in the boat building industry.  He wanted the Board to be aware of this.     

ITEM 4 – E911 WIRED FUND BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2008

David Clawson, Finance Director, informed the Board that Session Law 2007-383 gives local governments the ability to use the accumulated fund balance of the wired line E911 fund as of January 1, 2008 for any public purpose. The County’s balance as of January 1, 2008 was $997,563. With the changes in the law, such as changing the wired surcharge to a State-wide $0.70 per line, the wired portion of the E911 Fund should run at an annual surplus of approximately $100,000 which is accumulated and can be used for eligible capital items.  He requested that the entire balance be transferred with the following uses - $750,000 for the proposed 800 MHz communications upgrades and the remaining $247,563 for the law enforcement officers’ special separation allowance fund.  Commissioners voted to adopt the associated budget amendment as presented.   

ITEM 5 – ADOPTION OF FY 2008/2009 BUDGET  

David Clawson, Finance Director, presented the FY 2008-09 with the attached budget change list. Commissioners voted to adopt the budget based upon the Manager’s recommended budget, the change list, and to adopt the Capital IP based upon the recommended CIP presented 6/2.  This maintains the current tax rate at 26 cents.

Commissioner Shea expressed disappointment that a staff person for the Outer Banks Transportation Task Force was not included in the budget. 

Commissioner Tillett expressed concern that employees were unable to receive a higher cost of living increase. 

ITEM 6 – CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioners approved the consent agenda containing the following items:

1.    Approval of Minutes

2.    Public Works Budget Amendment for Fuel

3.    Resolution Authorizing Submission of NC Water Resources Project Grant Application

4.    2008/2009 Contract with Outer Banks SPCA

5.    Manns Harbor Purple Martin & Sound Access – Fishing & Viewing Pier

6.    Colington Harbor Association, Inc. – Harbor Entrance Maintenance Dredging Project

7.    Hatteras Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project

8.    Budget Amendment – EMS Salaries

9.    Lease Agreement for mail van

ITEM 7 – COMMISSIONERS’ BUSINESS 

Commissioner Mike Johnson – no business 

Commissioner Max Dutton – he attended meeting about the Evans Road Fire.  The most frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to health concerns associated with the smoke are posted on the Dare County website.   

Commissioner Virginia Tillett – thanked Dorothy for the resolution for the Drake family.

Concerns about the land being taken by DOT for the proposed intersection. 

The traps and hunting issue brought up during public comments needs to be addressed since the hunters are still in the audience. 

She attended County Assembly Day with Loretta Michael last week and hopes that money will be included in the Senate budget so that the Children and Youth Partnership can continue to operate at current level. 

Commissioner Richard Johnson – hunters have talked with him about the recent change that the Board passed that will impact dogs – there is a concern that dogs will be caught in traps with this change.  We said the Board needs to listen to these guys because their dogs mean a lot to them.  He requested that this item be placed on an agenda for discussion. 

Vice Chairman Allen Burrus – showed video about beach driving issue that was produced by OPBA and NCBBA and is airing on local television. 

He is proud that the Congressional delegation has gotten involved in the beach driving issue since they are the only have authority over many of the agencies involved. 

Hunting ordinance that was passed – he did not catch it but he does not think that it is a good idea with timing.  It could kill some of the smaller dogs.  Trapping season needs to be regulated in a way that allows for everyone’s safety.

Commissioner Jack Shea – attended the Board of Education meeting on June 10 at Manteo Middle School. Three students were recognized for academics along with the FFHS Soccer team and some staff members.  The four members leaving the Board of Education were recognized. 

Chairman Warren Judge – short discussion was held about the issue of trapping and dog hunting.  The Wildlife Commission will be asked to attend the next meeting to make a presentation since they were encouraging the Board to pass this.  Staff will make arrangements for the presentation. 

He thanked Commissioner Tillett for going to Raleigh with Children and Youth Partnership. 

Congratulations to seniors at all three high schools who recently graduated.

On June 11, Senators Burr and Dole and Congressman Jones introduced legislation to help with access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  In an article in the Virginian Pilot there was a quote from Jason Wylander from Defenders of Wildlife that offends Chairman Judge.  Chairman Judge expressed concern about the struggle that is ahead to protect our local culture and heritage from special interest groups.  He asked everyone to contact the North Carolina delegation and thank them for their efforts submitting S3113 in the Senate and HR6233 in the House.    

 Attorney’s Comments – none

Manager’s Business - none

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