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Office of the Board of Commissioners |
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Summary September 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 September 2, 2008 in the Dare County Administrative Annex in Manteo. Commissioners present were: Warren Judge, Allen Burrus, Mike Johnson, Max Dutton, Jack Shea, Richard Johnson, and Virginia Tillett. Also present were County Manager Terry Wheeler and County Attorney Bobby Outten. Chairman Judge called the meeting to order. He called on Kenny Pekrun to offer prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ITEM 1 – PRESENTATION OF COUNTY SERVICE PINS
ITEM 2 – PRESENTATION OF GFOA CERTIFIED PUBLIC FINANCE OFFICER CERTIFICATE Chairman Warren Judge informed the Board that the latest class of eleven graduates of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United State and Canada Certified Public Finance Officer Program included Sally DeFosse, the Dare County Assistant Finance Director. Chairman Judge presented the certificate to Mrs. DeFosse. ITEM 3 – CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING Chairman Judge informed the Board that Dare County has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for FY ended June 30, 2007. This honor is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada and this marks the 17th consecutive year that Dare County has received this prestigious award. The first year was back in 1991, only one year after David Clawson became the county’s Finance Director. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The county’s CAFR was judge by an impartial panel to meet high standards, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of disclosure” to clearly communicate the county’s financial story. David Clawson accepted the plaque on behalf of Dare County and Sally DeFosse accepted the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement as the person primarily responsible for preparing the CAFR from Chairman Warren Judge. ITEM 4 – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH The Employee of the Month was unable to attend the meeting and will receive the certificate at the Board’s September 15th meeting. ITEM 5 – PUBLIC COMMENTS Mary “Tinka” Martin of Roanoke Island spoke about the noise on property that adjoins her home. She believes the noise from motorcycles is in direct violation of the County’s noise ordinance and she asked that it be enforced. ITEM 6 – PROCLAMATION NATIONAL LITERACY MONTH Susan Estrella, Chairman of the Dare Literacy Council presented and read the attached proclamation. She spoke about the Council’s accomplishments during the past year. Following the presentation, Commissioners adopted the proclamation and declared September as National Literacy Month in Dare County. ITEM 7 – PROCLAMATION / CONSTITUTION WEEK – SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2008 Attorney Bobby Outten presented and read the attached proclamation and it was then adopted by the Board. ITEM 8 – PROCLAMATION – PUBLIC HEALTH / DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH PROCLAMATION Sheila Davies, Substance Abuse Project Manager, provided an overview of the events planned for Drug Addiction Recovery Month to raise awareness about recovery efforts. She recognized the many organizations that are involved in planning the various events for Recovery Month and thanked Commissioners for their support. She then introduced Jim Harrison of Oxford House who read the attached proclamation declaring September 2008 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Dare County. Commissioners adopted the Proclamation as presented. ITEM 9 - RESOLUTION REQUESTING FUNDING TO IMPROVE PATHWAYS AND ISSUES OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PUBLIC AT THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS Horace Whitfield, Executive Director of the Elizabethan Gardens, provided information about plans for the Gardens in coming months. He said changes are being made to upgrade the facility and funding is available to promote the Gardens to increase attendance. He presented and read the attached resolution and it was then adopted by the Board. Mr. Whitfield also told the Board that he is working on a Memorandum of Agreement with NC State that will provide educational resources at the Gardens. ITEM 10 – 10:00 A.M. PUBLIC HEARING – STREET STANDARDS AT 10:00 A.M., THE DARE COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS HELD A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT REGARDING STREET STANDARDS. Planning Director Ray Sturza informed the Board that for several months staff has been reviewing proposed amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance to address the construction of new streets. Some amendments to the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance were adopted in June. At that time, the Board expressed the need for additional revisions to address divisions of smaller tracts of land. The proposed amendments under consideration are designed to address “minor” subdivisions and similar subdivisions with a limited and specific number of lots. Richard Wright came forward with questions regarding the proposed street standards and how they would apply to the Holly Woods Subdivision. Mr. Sturza stated that none of the standards would apply to a previously recorded plat. Commissioners approved the amendments to the Dare County Subdivision Ordinance and Dare County Zoning Ordinance as advertised and stated that they find 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 construction and recordation of streets that adequately accommodate emergency and service vehicles. ITEM 11 – EMS FEES – CONGRESSIONAL CHANGE IN MEDICARE ALLOWED RATES David Clawson, Finance Director, informed the Board that new Medicare rates are released each February to become effective each July 1. The County adopts those rates in each new budget ordinance. In July Congress passed the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008” which further raised Medicare approved rates by 2% in urban areas and 3% in rural areas (Dare is rural). Following the presentation, Commissioners adopted the amendment to the budget ordinance with a correction to one line item as presented by Mr. Clawson. ITEM 12 – RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF DARE, NORTH CAROLINA, AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATION OF AN INSTALLMENT PURCHASE CONTRACT FOR THE COA ROANOKE ISLAND CAMPUS PROJECT AND THE ROANOKE ISLAND SENIOR CENTER David Clawson, Finance Director, informed the Board that the attached Resolution is the first step necessary to obtain financing for the COA Roanoke Island Campus Project (old Manteo Middle School site) and the Roanoke Island Senior Center. The financing will be a private placement with a financial institution. (See attached for details). Commissioners adopted the resolution as presented and a public hearing was scheduled for September 15 at 5:30 p.m. ITEM 13 – FUNDING OF IRREVOCABLE TRUST AT STATE TREASURER’S DEPT. FOR RETIREE BENEFITS Dave Clawson, Finance Director, informed the Board that the State Treasurer’s Office is now ready to accept funds from local governments to hold as irrevocable trusts for retiree health benefits. (See attached). Commissioners adopted the Amendment to the Capital Project Ordinance; adopted the budget amendment for the General Fund; and adopted the Resolution as presented. ITEM 14 – APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN OF A.B.C. BOARD Commissioners appointed Ray White to serve as Chairman of the A.B.C. ITEM 15 – RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC Attorney Outten presented and read the attached resolution and Commissioners adopted it as presented. ITEM 16 – UPDATE ON OREGON INLET BRIDGE Vice Chairman Burrus reported that the Committee met recently and DOT Board member Stan White explained that Federal Highway Administration has stated that reissuance of permit for groins is needed and this may present a hold up. It is frustrating but at the same time it is something that has to be done. The state is optimistic that things are progressing. ITEM 17 – CONSENT AGENDA Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda containing the following items:
ITEM 18 – BOARD APPOINTMENTS
ITEM 19 – COMMISSIONERS’ BUSINESS Chairman Warren Judge – Beach Access Committee that was appointed to market the concept “Preserve Access to America’s Beaches” has considered two proposals that were received and the committee decided to take a different angle. The Tourism Board has been asked to take the lead by including the message in their marketing materials. The Tourism Board has formed a committee and their reps will be appointed this week and then a meeting will be scheduled to carry out that mission. Proposals for reuse of the historic Dare County Courthouse – 3 proposals received and a presentation will be given at an upcoming Board meeting. Negotiated rulemaking will reconvene next week at the Avon Fire Department. He encouraged everyone to come out and participate in public comment. Looks like public comment will take place at 11:30 a.m. rather than 12 noon. Plans for the older adults symposium are moving forward. It will take place in March 2009. Punk Daniels and Linda Hester are very involved in this effort and it is sure to be a success. Theme for the event is “How Are Our Older Adults?” Many thanks to all of the many volunteers for their efforts. Roanoke Island Water System – rate models will be presented by the Finance Director at future meeting Vice Chairman Allen Burrus – Hatteras Village Fish Fry – still going strong and it has done great things for the community. Many thanks to all involved Recovery Month – important to keep this out front and be aware that it is a huge problem in our community. Many families are affected and he appreciates the multi level approach. There is a great amount of effort that is being shown by many different organizations. Need to continue to develop historical sites for a trail. The consent decree has shown him how important it is not to keep all eggs in one (beach) basket. He saw where the Coastal Federation was rated low as an environmental advocacy group – he hopes that this won’t motivate them in the wrong direction. Commissioner Jack Shea- comments of support about drug addiction recovery month – it is a national tragedy. He expressed appreciation to those receiving service pins. Sally DeFosse and David Clawson of the Finance Department – thanks for their efforts and the service they provide Commissioner Mike Johnson – two topics Been speaking with Sandy Sanderson and there are many storms out there – asked everyone to keep their eyes open. Working Watermen Commission has been working hard and the board is addressing issues and making a difference. Chris Ellison was an intern with the Public Relations department and produced a video entitled “Let Them Fish” which was shown at the meeting and will continue to play on channel 20. Meeting was held last week to discuss fisheries issues with Senator Basnight, Representative Spear and Louis Daniel, Executive Director of NC Marine Fisheries. It was a very positive meeting and changes are already being implemented to have better representation to work on our behalf. Two resolutions presented for the Board’s consideration - Resolution Requesting that the Governor Appoint Lee Tugwell to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission and Resolution Requesting Authority to Go Out Of Compliance to Allow Commercial Fishermen Access to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery. Both resolutions were passed by the Board. Commissioner Max Dutton – fishermen he has spoken to are appreciative of the Board’s efforts and support. Appreciates employees receiving service pins this morning. Congratulations to Sally and David Clawson of our Finance Department. Appreciative of the proclamations today and the positive work being done. Beach nourishment – just took a trip to the gulf coast where beaches have been nourished and he was impressed. He is an advocate for this effort Commissioner Virginia Tillett – Dare County Parks and Recreation has presented a proposal for the use of the former Board of Elections building in downtown Manteo. She would like the Board to approve use of this building for this purpose (See attached). Chairman said that all proposals will be presented to the Board so that they may consider submissions from all County departments. Deadline was the end of August. Older Adult Summit – planning is going well. Outer Banks Women Club and Lucille McGrath are also very involved. She has received many calls regarding when a decision will be made about use of the historic courthouse. Proposals will be included on the Board’s Sept. 15 for presentations and consideration. Retirement celebration for Fran Harris was beautiful and she will be missed. She attended the recent NCACC meeting and enjoyed it very much. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will meet in Buxton on Sept. 17. Commissioner Richard Johnson – The noise ordinance issue brought up during public comments. He feels that people have the right to enjoy their property. Must be very careful and rules must be enforced uniformly. ITEM 20 – UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENT FOR OCTOBER The upcoming board appointment for October is Older Adult Services Advisory Council. ITEM 21 – CLOSED SESSION AT 3 P.M. – PERSONNEL MATTER - Vice Chairman Burrus, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11, moved that the Dare County Board of Commissioners go into closed session at 3 p.m. to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. |