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 October 6, 2008 in the Dare County Administrative Annex in Manteo.  Commissioners present were:  Chairman Warren Judge, Vice Chairman Commissioners  Allen Burrus, Virginia Tillett, Mike Johnson, Richard Johnson, Max Dutton and Jack Shea.  Also present were County Manager Terry Wheeler and County Attorney Bobby Outten.  The meeting opened with prayer offered by Bonnie Bennett followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag.  Katie Smith was introduced and welcomed as the new Clerk to the Board for the Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners voted to amend the agenda to remove Item 12 (College of the Albemarle Roanoke Island Campus Bids) due to the delayed bid opening until October 16, 2008.  The Board voted to add a different item as Item 12 on the agenda -- Consensus to Spend Short Term Restrictive Funds for the Dare County Tourism Board.

ITEM 1A – PRESENTATION OF COUNTY SERVICE PINS

1. Sue Hewitt, In-Home Service Aid and Supervisor II, received her 15 year pin from Theresa Edwards, Social Work Supervisor.
2. Della Perry, Office Support Specialist, received her 25 year pin from Brandi Rheubottom, Older Adult Services Director.
3. Tom Gray, Information Technology Director, received his 25 year pin from Terry Wheeler, County Manager. 

ITEM 2 – EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Janice Williams, Executive Assistant to the County Manager, received the Employee of the Month Certificate from Terry Wheeler, County Manager.  Janice has worked for Dare County 23 years and began as Assistant to the County Manager in May 1991.  While presenting the award, Mr. Wheeler emphasized how much he appreciates her loyalty.

ITEM 3 – PUBLIC COMMENTS

No one came forward to speak.

ITEM 4 – PROCLAMATION – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH

Lynn Bryant, Executive Director of Outer Banks Hotline, came forward to speak about increasing the awareness of the affects of domestic violence on our community. Attorney Bobby Outten read the proclamation establishing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Dare County and Commissioners adopted it as presented.

ITEM 5 – HEALTHY CAROLINAS BREAST CANCER TASK FORCE/BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION

Trish Blackmon, Director of Clinical Services and Health Education for the Dare County Department of Public Health, came forward to speak about the effects of breast cancer on our community. She spoke about how the Task Force was formed and their role in the community.  Members of the Task Force who were attending the meeting were introduced.  Ms. Blackmon then introduced Sylvia DeAngelis who spoke about her  experience after being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. Tarra Midgett then read the proclamation establishing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Board adopted it as presented.

ITEM 6 – SECONDARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

AT 9:30 A.M, THE DARE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT REGARDING THE SECONDARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

Jerry Jennings, Acting Division Engineer presented the attached Secondary Road Improvement Program for FY 2008/09 to the Board.  DOT staff members attending the meeting included Sterling Baker, Division Maintenance Engineer; Gretchen Byrum, District Engineer; and Allen Russell, County Maintenance Engineer.

Vice Chairman Burrus asked about the possibility of addressing the drainage issues that are of concern on Hatteras Island and Wanchese.  Mr. Jennings said that drainage improvements associated with the roads in the Road Improvement Program will be addressed as part of the projects. For the larger drainage issues, there are many agencies that would have to be involved to address the issues.

Commissioner Mike Johnson said that Dare County does not have a drainage district which allows drainage issues to be addressed from a broader perspective. The Soil and Water Board would be responsible for establishing a drainage district.

Commissioner Tillett said that she has been discussing drainage issues on Roanoke Island for many years.  In particular, there is a problem on Bideford Street in Manteo.

Chairman Judge asked about the pavement on the north end of Rodanthe.  DOT staff reported that resurfacing of roads will soon begin in Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo.

Vice Chairman Burrus expressed concern about overwash in north Rodanthe – is there a way to coordinate with property managers so that this problem can be addressed at these rental homes when overwash is anticipated?

The County Attorney then conducted the public hearing and no one came forward to speak.  The Board adopted the Secondary Road Improvement Program as adopted.

ITEM 7 – SINGLE FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM – BLOCK GRANT

Keith Howell, Director of Community Development for the Albemarle Commission, presented information regarding funds available through a block grant intended to help create affordable housing for elderly and/or disabled citizens. The grant would be used to rehabilitate single-family homes by adding accessibility modifications, energy efficient improvements, and overall renovations to deteriorating properties.   Approximately $400,000 of funding is available for Dare County residents.

Following the presentation, Commissioners authorized the Albemarle Commission to apply and administer the 2009 Single Family Rehabilitation Program for Dare County.

ITEM 8 – BOWSERTOWN LANDING WORKFORCE HOUSING

Planning Director Ray Sturza presented the Bowsertown Landing Workforce Housing Project site plan to the Board. He explained that much work has taken place to bring the project to this point.  The site plan depicts the project in its three phases.  The buildings have been redesigned for marketability and the project has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Dare County Planning Board.   Following the presentation, Commissioners approved the Conditional Use Permit and site plan for the project.

ITEM 12 – REQUEST FROM DARE COUNTY TOURISM BOARD TO SPEND SHORT TERM RESTRICTED FUNDS

County Manager Terry Wheeler introduced Renee Cahoon, Vice-Chairman for the Dare County Tourism Board and Nags Head Town Mayor. Ms. Cahoon presented the Board with an agreement to purchase real property in Nags Head, namely parcel numbers 012422001 and 012422000, using restricted funds. The hope is that eventually the property may be used for a convention center.  The seller of the property will provide a gift of $1.4 million and the Town of Nags Head will contribute $700,000 to purchase the properties.  Commissioners voted to concur with the Visitors Bureau’s request and approve the expenditure of restricted funds in order to purchase the parcels. See attachment

ITEM 9 – PROPOSED USES FOR OLD COURTHOUSE

Attorney Outten presented three proposals for use of the old Courthouse: a facility for the Roanoke Island Historical Association and Arts Council; establishment of a Dare County Historical Society; and establishment of a Heritage of Roanoke Island Center.

A representative from each of the four organizations came forward to present information about their plan.

Amy Huggins with the Dare County Arts Council would like to share the building with RIHA.  She provided information about the Dare County Arts Council which serves as the official arts organization for Dare County and receives funding from the state.  Proposed uses include administrative space for staff and volunteers, more space for the year around show and sell gallery, space for expanded workshops, green space utilized for outdoor art shows and live performances, and work to promote downtown Manteo as a destination.  The Arts Council has no money for the project, but small county resources could be leveraged with other funding sources.  She stressed the importance of the economic impact of the arts.  John Gaw, President of the Dare County Arts Council, spoke about working with RIHA to jointly utilize the interior of the building.  Agreement was reached between the two organizations’ Chairmen with the agreement that recommendations would be taken back to the full Boards.  The Arts Council Board has approved the recommendation; RIHA will take the recommendation back to their full Board in November.

Chris Seawell, Chairman of the RIHA, said they are excited to be considered for use of the old Courthouse facility.  Working in Manteo, he sees the benefits to having this presence in downtown Manteo.  A lot of people are visiting downtown and enjoy the experience.  This is an opportunity to expand on this for everyone’s benefit.  RIHA would be able to increase ticket sales for the Lost Colony.  This is an important story that needs to be told – it would also allow space for a museum to include all history of the area,  a gift shop, and ticket center.  This could grow over time. There are a lot of details to be worked out and the two organizations are very compatible and can work together to meet the needs of both.  Money will be needed.  They are a nonprofit agency and they cannot survive by selling tickets.  Financial support is needed from many individuals and organizations to ensure the future success and longevity of the Lost Colony.  It would be a cooperative effort with the County and the Arts Council, but RIHA is willing to undertake this because it is a fantastic opportunity.  They will put forth whatever effort it takes to try and work this out.  Their Board has not met to approve this project.  The nuts and bolts are not there for approval yet, but the Board will meet in November.  At their last meeting, their Board authorized the Executive Committee to move forward to pursue the opportunity.  It is an exciting opportunity and RIHA would like to be considered to see if it can be worked out to the satisfaction of all involved.

Judith Bowen of Manteo said she supports having everyone come together under one roof.  She has spoken to many people about having family history honored in the building so the heritage of Roanoke Island may be used to entertain and enlighten.   She is delighted that there is a lot of interest and hope that this will lead to a well deserved change to share the families’ histories under one roof.

Discussion was held.  Commissioner Mike Johnson said that it appears there is still work to be done and he encouraged groups to continue working.  Commissioner Shea questioned where the money would come from to make this a reality.  A suggestion was made to refer the matter to the Capital Improvements Committee.  Commissioner Richard Johnson suggested that a commitment needs to be made so that the nonprofit organizations can begin raising funds for the project.  Commissioner Tillett agreed.  Vice Chairman Burrus questioned how to make a commitment without estimates and availability of funding.

Following discussion, the Board voted to give RIHA and the Arts Council approval to move forward with plans to reuse the historic courthouse by working with the County’s Capital Improvements Committee.  A time limit will be established.  A progress report on the project will come back to the Board of Commissioners by early November.  The groups will also get input from Judith Bowen regarding her ideas to include family history.

ITEM 10 – MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OLD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS

Attorney Outten presented to the Board proposals for the use of the Old County Administrative Buildings. These requests  included office space for Coastal Studies Institute, temporary office space for NPS while current offices are refurbished, office space for the Sheriff’s Department, office space for Probation and Parole, office space for Girl Scouts of America, and space for Parks and Recreation’s programming needs. The attached memo outlines a plan as recommended by the County Manager and Assistant County Manager.  Commissioners approved the use of the Old County Administration buildings as recommended by staff and outlined in the memo.

ITEM 11 – APPROVING RESOLUTION FOR 2008 INSTALLMENT FINANCING

David Clawson, Finance Director, presented the Board with a Resolution for 2008 Installment Financing for the College of the Albemarle Roanoke Island Campus Project and the Roanoke Island Senior Center. Two responses were received.  Clawson reviewed the resolution with findings and Commissioners voted to adopt the Resolution for 2008 Installment Financing as presented.

Clawson was also asked to review the County’s investments in light of the market’s volatility.  He said that some investments have been transferred to the NC Capital Management Trust, which is approved by the State Treasurer for governments to invest in.  He said this helps maintain liquidity and the County is pretty well off.  There has been an effect but he said the County is okay.

ITEM 13 – UPDATE ON OREGON INLET BRIDGE

Vice-Chairman Burrus reported that he has spoken with DOT Representative Stan White and  things are looking good. He is optimistic that by late spring or early summer, bids will be let and hopefully work will begin.  DOT is confident that things will move forward and there will not be anything to stop it.   There was a request to invite Mr. White to attend an upcoming Board meeting to provide an update on all DOT projects.

The County Manager noted that the Environmental Impact Statement is in and a copy is available in his office for public inspection.

ITEM 14 – CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda containing the following items:

1. Approval of Minutes
2. Social Services Budget Amendment – DOT Funding
3. Social Services Budget Amendment – Domestic Violence Funding
4. Board of Elections – Budget Amendment
5. Capital Project Budget Corrections
6. Resolution for Trading Account at Morgan Stanley

ITEM 15 – BOARD APPOINTMENTS

2.    Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Commissioners appointed Sarah Massey to fill the unexpired term of Tom Waite on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Katie Lee and Kasey Rollinson were appointed to fill the your vacancies on the Council.

4.    Parks and Recreation Advisory Council
Commissioners appointed Mel Covey to serve as representative from the northern beaches on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council to fill the unexpired term of Ronnie Roach.

For appointments of representatives from Hatteras Island, April Oden was appointed to serve a three year term and Susan Gray was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mel Covey who has moved to the northern beaches.   

ITEM 16 – COMMISSIONERS’ BUSINESS

There were press releases issued recently stating that business is up in Dare County.  There are many local people facing challenges and the Board wants to help.  The high season has come to an end and the Board is inviting local leaders to participate in an economic summit on October 27 to look at issues and try to find solutions.

He has also asked the Finance Director to look at ways to create savings in the County budget.   This has been done and a number of suggestions have been made.  The Finance Director suggested monitoring the situation closely and waiting to take any actions until after receiving sales tax collections for the first quarter of the fiscal year which are expected in mid December.

Commissioner Mike Johnson reported that the NC Marine Fisheries met and it looks like local fishermen came out okay.  Even though no vote was taken on spiny dogfish issue, is seems okay because there is a verbal commitment that they will back local fishermen if it does not work out at the ASMFC meeting next week in Delaware.  Thanked the Board for their support

Lee Tugwell has a lot of support for being appointed to the NC Marine Fisheries Board. Call the Governor’s office to voice support for Mr. Tugwell.  Commissioner Johnson will attend the ASMFC meeting in Delaware next week.

He offered congratulations to Janice Williams as employee of the month and to those receiving service pins.

He thanked Bob Muller of the CDC for his efforts moving the Bowsertown project forward.

Commissioner Virginia Tillett thanked staff for their work on the assignment of space in the former administration building.

On October 9 at 10:00 a.m., the Library Board of Trustees will meet in Hatteras.

On October 11 at 11:00 a.m., the grand opening of the Pea Island Cook House sponsored by the Town of Manteo will take place.

Commissioner Richard Johnson has talked with many people facing problems over the weekend.  One call was from a lady complaining about children riding motorcycles on property near her home and he apologized for cutting her short.  He thinks the board needs to look at ordinance to be sure that there are not rules in place that will restrict people from using  their property in this manner.  The County Attorney will work with the Planning staff and report back to the Board.

Vice-Chairman Allen Burrus said that he agrees with Commissioner Richard Johnson on this issue.  People move in and then want to change the neighborhood.  There is such a thing as due diligence and he thinks the kids should be able to ride their bikes.

He welcomed Katie Smith and congratulated Janice Williams as Employee of the Month.

He expressed concern about Probation and Parole and the distance that people have to travel to access officers.  He would like the Board to explore offering office space in other parts of the county to make it easier for people.

The S curves on Hatteras Island – Midgett Realty has shown diligence to get renters out before storms arrive so that area can be protected and visitors are safe.  Thanks to those doing a good job.

Drainage – would like to start talking to Soil and Water so a comprehensive plan can be developed

He enjoyed recent meetings/events for New Horizons and for the Cancer Initiative.

Regarding the press release that business is up, he is concerned about it. He has received many calls from people who cannot figure this out.  There are a number of factors contributing to the numbers and he doesn’t think the author of the release is spending much time with the business community. 

He appreciates the report from the Finance Director about the budget.

Meeting in Avon was held about some community issues.  Thanked County staff for attending.  It was a good meeting and it will be fruitful.

7.    Commissioner Jack Shea welcomed Katie Smith, congratulated Janice Williams and service pin recipients.

Breast Cancer Awareness – not only women are diagnosed, but men too 

Chairman Judge recommended a resolution to NC Utilities Commission asking them oppose the rate increase proposed by Dominion NC Power. 

NC Joint Underwriters Association is meeting today and companies are asking for 100% rate increase.  People can’t build houses if they cannot afford insurance. 

ATTORNEY’S BUSINESS

No business 

MANAGER’S BUSINESS

No busuiness

ITEM 17 – UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS FOR NOVEMBER

The upcoming Board appointment for November is the Dare County Youth Council. 

ITEM 18 – CLOSED SESSION – APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND LAND MATTER

Commissioners voted, pursuant to the provisions of NCGS 143-318.11(5), that the Dare County Board of Commissioners go into closed session to instruct Dare County’s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of the following real properties by purchase, option, exchange, or lease.  Properties discussed included the Midgett tract in Rodanthe and the Scarborough property on Roanoke Island.

Following the closed session, Attorney Outten reported that the Board of Commissioners approved the minutes of the last closed session and gave the Attorney guidance regarding land purchase for two properties discussed in closed session.  Finance Director David Clawson stated that the Board has negotiated to increase the amount that was proposed and approved today in Item 11 to allow purchase of property discussed in closed session.  This will require a public hearing and an amendment to the Resolution.  A public hearing for this matter was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Commissioners October 20 meeting.

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