June 10, 1985 - 7:30 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes (Recessed)

Meeting of Board of Commissioners for Johnston CountThe Chairman called the meeting to order and the following business wastransacted1 Secondary Road Construction Program 1985 -1986Wayne Bailey, District Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation,reported he had made an investigation, as requested by the board, of SecondaryRoad # 1160, regarding the Recreation Facility Horse Riding Club; and it wasnot in existence when the Highway Division rated this road; and further thereare two less occupied homes now than when SR # 1160 was rated for priority,it they re -rate the road it will lose priority points Mr Bailey told the boardhe had explained all of this to Larry Parker and Mr Dunn, residents of thisroad, and they understand and are satisfied to leave the road as it stands nowMr Bailey recommended and asked the board to approve the 1985 -1986Secondary Road Construction Program as presentedAfter reviewing and discussing the proposed 1985 -1986 Secondary Road Con-struction Program, and upon motion by Commissioner John M Booker, duly secondedby Commissioner Howard Benton and carried by unanimous vote, the followingresolution was adoptedRESOLUTIONWHEREAS, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY has receivedfrom the Department of Transportation the 1985 -1986 Secondary Road ConstructionProgram as presented by Wayne Bailey, District Engineer, said roads being apart of the system maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation,Division of Highways;AND WHEREAS, after careful consideration of the services rendered by saidroads and the traffic demands of said county, it is deemed necessary that saidroads be improved, in order to better serve the interest of the people of thecounty;NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissionersof Johnston County hereby approve and request that the North Carolina Departmentof Transportation make the following improvements in said roads listed on theSecondary Road Construction Program for 1985 -1986Priority # Road #June 10, 1985ToGrade, DrainLength and BaseThe Johnston CountyBoard ofCommissioners reconvened in regularsession3Monday, June 10, 1985, at 730 pm,in the Commissioners Room, JohnstonCountySR 2126Courthouse, Smithfield, NorthCarolina,with the following members present4Norman C Denning,Chairman,Frank B Holding, Vice Chairman,James100W Cash, John M Booker, DVM, and Howard Benton4, 500 3Members Absent NoneSR 1 145SR 1 140SR 1 144Also present KramerJackson,County Manager, and Eleanor NCreech,6Clerk to the BoardSR 1355SR 1330SR 1331The Chairman called the meeting to order and the following business wastransacted1 Secondary Road Construction Program 1985 -1986Wayne Bailey, District Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation,reported he had made an investigation, as requested by the board, of SecondaryRoad # 1160, regarding the Recreation Facility Horse Riding Club; and it wasnot in existence when the Highway Division rated this road; and further thereare two less occupied homes now than when SR # 1160 was rated for priority,it they re -rate the road it will lose priority points Mr Bailey told the boardhe had explained all of this to Larry Parker and Mr Dunn, residents of thisroad, and they understand and are satisfied to leave the road as it stands nowMr Bailey recommended and asked the board to approve the 1985 -1986Secondary Road Construction Program as presentedAfter reviewing and discussing the proposed 1985 -1986 Secondary Road Con-struction Program, and upon motion by Commissioner John M Booker, duly secondedby Commissioner Howard Benton and carried by unanimous vote, the followingresolution was adoptedRESOLUTIONWHEREAS, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY has receivedfrom the Department of Transportation the 1985 -1986 Secondary Road ConstructionProgram as presented by Wayne Bailey, District Engineer, said roads being apart of the system maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation,Division of Highways;AND WHEREAS, after careful consideration of the services rendered by saidroads and the traffic demands of said county, it is deemed necessary that saidroads be improved, in order to better serve the interest of the people of thecounty;NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissionersof Johnston County hereby approve and request that the North Carolina Departmentof Transportation make the following improvements in said roads listed on theSecondary Road Construction Program for 1985 -1986Priority # Road #FromToGrade, DrainLength and BaseSoi lErosion1 SR 1728 NC 39 NC 231 290 60,00069000l3SR 2125NC 39SR 21260905690004,00024SR 1 180SR 1 158SR 1 15010060,0004, 500 35SR 1 145SR 1 140SR 1 1442008992436,00 46SR 1355SR 1330SR 133116057SR 1725SR 1720NC 231130615SpotStabilization- SR 2313,SR 2541, SR 1138, SR1199, SR 1139, SR1339, SR13491SR1361,SR 1516, SR1347, SR 2114,SR 2351, SR1936,SR 1944, SR 1734,SR 1947 720- SR1501,US 70NC 21039Widen 2 oneach side 8SR1009SR 1179SR 114347Widen 2 oneach side 9SR2332DrainageImprovements10SR1001DrainageImprovements11SR2309DrainageImprovements12Q?i isJune 10, 1985 ContinuedPaveBridge ofLarge PipeSurveyRight of Way UtilitiesTotalSR31 000 10SR601900 Previously 126,900 1SR3700002funded 631226721, 0003,000600090, 0002SR23,0003,2007,00097 7003SRStageConstruction5,00010,00011012434SRStageConstruction420007 0001110005SR` StageConstruction3,5006,60010,0006SR1121,594 7SR69 000 8SR83 125 9SR31 000 10SR4,00011SR3700002SRProposed 1985 -1986 Program -SubTotal 729, 56210 for Miscellaneous 81,063GRAND TOTAL 810625Miscellaneous Items Paving of rural fire and rescue squad drive -ways, county -widesurveys and right of ways, Property -owner participation, etcFrom 1984 -1985 Programmm These roads programmed for paving as funds are availablePaved secondary road improvements2 PUBLIC HEARING - 1985 -1986 Proposed BudgetThe Chairman opened the Public Hearing on the 1985 -1986 Proposed CountyBudget fPURPOSE To solicit citizens participation and comments on the 1985 -1986Proposed County BudgetCOMMENTS El izabeth Daly, Wilsons Mills addressed the School Budget; ?-questioned what percent of the total budget is the county spending on educationas compared to prior years It was explained the total county budget representsmuch more than ad valorem tax revenue; it includes much State and Federal moneyfor various services mandated by the State and Federal Government Kramer Jackson,County Manager and Budget Officer, explained that 51 of all property tax revenuehas been proposed for the county school systemHoward Winslow, Selma thanked the Board of Commissioners for their concernof other needs in the county other than the school system , Mr Winslow emphasizedthe school needs along with many others; he also thanked the board for holdingthe tax rate down where the average citizen can pay their taxesKenneth Wayne Baker, Four Oaks spoke addressing the School Budget,Mr Baker expressed concern saying the lines of communications need to be opento the public , the public needs to be aware of what the Board of Educationsintentions are; the Board of Education should be committed to the Board of Com-missioners and to the county with indications of where county money is spentfor Capital Outlay; and the County Commissioners should be committed to theBoard of Education in seeing that the county gets the school buildings neededin rural areas Mr Baker further stated his concern was; how the county willmeet the needs and how the money will be made available for new school facilitiesand maintenance and repairs that are needed in southern Johnston CountyThe Commissioners realized Mr Bakers concern was that he could notforesee an answer to the question of when a new school building would be consideredfor his area; the board pointed out the Board of Education is anxious to do some-thing to addressed the need for a new school building in southern Johnston County ,?Dr Dicky Parrish of Selma, and Mike Walters, Principal, Harrison Junior €High School,, expressed concern with regard to the Selma School situation The {Harrison principal said that Harrison operates mainly on State fundsiIn discussion of these issues with the citizens present at this Public Hearing;the board addressed the school budget request and the needs throughout the countywith much concernJune 10, 1985 ContinuedCommissioner Frank B Holding stated he acquiesces in the Selma Schoolsituation , however, looking at the budget; realizing the escalation of the budgetand that the cost of running schools will continue to grow; Commissioner Holdingasked the Chairman to be allowed to introduce a motionBoard of Education Asked to Reconsider Building of Selma SchoolCommissioner Frank B Holding moved the Board of County Commissionersrespectfully request the Johnston County Board of Education to reconsider thebuilding of the Selma School; and that they be requested to seriously reconsiderconsolidation of Harrison Junior High School with Smithfield Junior High School;and that the 9th graders at Smithfield Junior High School be sent to Smithfield -SelmaSenior High School Commissioner Holding further recommended that Harrison JuniorHigh School be closed by the next school yearCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried bythe following voteAye Frank B Holding, Howard Benton, James W Cash, John M Booker,DVM, and Norman C DenningNay NoneCommissioner John M Booker responded; he feels Commissioner Holdingsmotion has merit and hopes the School Board will look with favor upon the motionCommissioner HowardBenton stated that by voting forthis motion he isnot saying he feels theSchoolBoard made a bad decision1°about building aschool at Selma; but theyneed toexamine priorities; they needa realistic programin order for the county tofundthings that have got to bedone CommissionerBenton continued the wholecountyneeds considerationCommissioner Holding pointed out as a site has already been purchasedfor the Selma School; it could be sold; or if consolidation is considered at aLater date for schools in that area, maybe it would be wise to hold on to thepropertyIn further discussion of the schools, Chairman Denning commented thathe agrees and is happy to see this motion by Commissioner Holding made; asother schools in the county in the future may be asked to close as the timescall for consolidationCommissioner John M Booker said he had talked with a number of peopleand they seem to favor consolidation; however, there are some fears there wi I Ibe consolidation into old school buildings with no knowledge of when new schoolswill be built; he continued; people in rural areas need assurances of what isgoing to be done Commissioner Benton agreed and stated the Board of Educationneeds to look at the school situation on a county -wide basisThe Board of County Commissioners again emphasized their respect forthe Board of Education and the school officials; as a dedicated group of peoplewith a very difficult jobDr Parrish Selma says he appreciates the concern of the Board of Com-missioners and shares the concerns of Mr Baker of Four OaksNelson Rose, Four Oaks, also stated he appreciates the concern of theboard and the motion made, he was concerned as the Selma School would drainthe Capital Outlay funds this year; now there will be Capital Outlay money forcounty -wide representation He appreciates the Commissioners taking a stand onthis issueThe board was asked if they need a long -range plan from the Board ofEducation; the Chairman quickly responded; saying the School Board is verycapable of making their decisions; he pointed out the Board of County Commissionerscould not afford to attempt to make to many school decisions , and this boardwould hesitate to ask the Board of Education to reconsider their decisions tooften, whether or not a short- range or loing- range plan is neededCommissioner John M Booker emphasized that it would be hard for theBoard of Education to have a long - range plan of what they are going to do notknowing how much money they will get for capital outlay from the County Boardof Commissioners Commissioner Booker continued, the Board of County Commissionershave to rely on the School Board to come up with recommendations and plans;the Board of County Commissioners have to use their best judgement; CommissionerBooker stated he wants to be able to fully support what he sees; to be the need ;he continued, he sees the county can riot afford capital outlay at the rate itis being requested There is no way the board can commit funds for 5 to 10 years,but the Commissioners need more directions from the School Board that the needswill be accomplishedJune 10, 1985 ContinuedThe board further pointed out the school system wi I I not get much reliefuntil 8th and 9th grades are tied togetherCommunity Action Budget Jim Bailey, Executive Director, Johnston -Lee Com-munity Action, asked the board for more consideration on the appropriation tothe Community Action AgencyThe Chairman asked if there were any others that wished- to make anyfurther comments on the 1985 -1986 Proposed County Budget There was no otherresponse from anyone presentThe Chairman declared the Public Hearing closed3 Fireworks - Archer Lodge Community CenterCommissioner James W Cash moved the Archers Lodge Fireworks Committeebe granted permission to hold a fireworks d i sp I ay on Sunday, June 30th, at theArchers Lodge Recreation CenterCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried byunanimous vote4 Fireworks Display - Clayton Recreation DepartmentCommissioner James W Cash moved the Clayton Recreation Department begranted permission to hold a fireworks display on Thursday, July 4th, at theClayton Civitan Football Field on Stallings StreetCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried byunanimous vote5 Budget Work SessionIn discussion and review of the proposedbudget; the Budget Officer askedeach board member what he wanted to add or deletefrom the budget as presentedCommissioner James W Cash - addedIHospital Indigent Care 100200000Schools - Current Expense135, 00000Supplements for teachers100200000Capital Outlay Alterations and Additions345,00000Commissioner Howard Benton - addedSheriffs Department 2 positions63100000Commissioner John M Booker - addedPrinceton Water Line300, 00000Commissioner Frank B Holding - addediJohnston County Auditorium Fund100,00000Chairman Norman C Denning - addedFire Training School50, 00000Mr Jackson told the board that because, ofan over sight and double listingsin the proposed budget the following items could bereduced or deletedVoting machines reduced by37, 25000Recreation grants double listed30,00000Airport Authority double listed33,60000IHospital double listed606,00800Chairman Denning - deleteUniforms - Sheriffs Dispatchers3930000The board reviewed and discussed the budget,however, took no officialaction at this meetingJune 10, 1985 Continued6 Water Rates AdoptedTim Broome, Ragsdale Engineers, met with the board and discussed theproposed new bulk water rates for the towns He advised the recommended rateswill increase by four cents per 1,000 gallons to cover increased production andpumping costsMike Dunn of Four Oaks and Jim Bailey, Mayor, Town of Clayton, questionedthe variance of rates for the towns; Mr Broome explained the rates vary becauseof difference in the length of pumping, the elevation of towns and the amountof water usedMr Dunn stated the Town of Four Oaks is looking at renovation of oldwells; the board explained the county had spent a million dollars on the WaterPlant to take care of the needs of the county, Four Oaks would need to thinkabout what will happen if their wel,Is go dry The Commissioners emphasized thecounty is trying to help the towns by providing water from the Smithfield PlantUpon a motion by Commissioner Howard Benton, duly seconded by CommissionerJames W Cash and carried by unanimous vote, the following bulk water rateswere adopted; effective July 1, 1985;Clayton0731000gallonsFour Oaks0781000gallonsSelma, Kenly, Pine Level and Princeton0711900gallonsWest Smithfield Sanitary District li0641900gallonsThere being no further busi nand upon motion by Commissioner JohFrank B Holding and carried, the17, 1985, at 730 pmsEleanor N CreechClerk to the Boardass to come before the bon M Booker; duly seconderboard recessed to meet ag