September 7, 1976 - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

September 7, 1976 - Regular1 6Fit widthI I218September 7, 1976The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session in the CommissionersRoom of the Johnston County Courthouse,•Smit;hfield, North Carolina, Tuesday, September 7, 1976,immediately following the adjournment of the Joint Board meeting, with the following members presentNorman C Denning, Chairman, Frank B Holding, Vice Chairman, Freddie Adams, Howard Benton,and Larry CastleberryMembers Absent NoneThe following business was transacted1 Board of Education - School Administration Building - Public Works Employment ActMr Ray Boyette, Chairman, Wade Stephenson and John Radford, members, Johnston County Boardof Education, along with E S Simpson, Superintendent, J L Pittman and Carlton Daughtry, AssistantSuperintendents and Glenn Wiggs, Finance Director, met with the Board of Commissioners to discussfederal grants through the Public Works Employment Act recently enacted by Congress to provide moneyfor local government constructionThe Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education met jointly to consider prior-ities on several school projects in the event Johnston County could qualify for federal grants underthe new Public Works Employment ActThe Board of Education had earlier rated the construction of a new school administrationbuilding as their number one priority Local Smithfield citizens had criticized the Board of Educa-tion for rating the administration building in priority over a gymnasium for the new SmithfieldJunior High School Several weeks earlier the Board of Education had purchased four acres of landeast of Smithfield for the new administration facilityThe Board of Education has been criticized for not considering South Campus as the site forthe new school administration building and for not releasing South Campus to groups interested inusing the gym for recreationThe Board of Education pointed out that the school is being used as a facility to storebooks and school supplies School Superintendent Simpson, with backing from his board, insisted thatthe school system has no facility suitable to be used as a school administration building Hefurther declared South Campus to be inaccessible and plagued by continual vandalism Tom Berkau, Smithfield Attorney, and Mrs Julia Elsee, asked that South Campus be consideredfor a civic and recreation center rather than used for a storage facility by the school `systemIn relation to using South Campus for recreation, Commissioner Frank B Holding stated thatthe Board of Education sets policies on school properties and that the decision to declare thebuilding as surplus would have to be their decision The Board of County Commissioners does nothave this authority, stated Mr HoldingJoe Grimes and Tommy Medlin criticized the Board of Education for seeking a new administra-tion building rather than using South Campus for administration They emphasized strong feelingsthat South Campus would serve both purposes, storage and administration Mr Grimes stated you canbuild storage space much cheaper than you can build an administration building Mr Boyette stated that the gymnasium at the new Junior High School rated along with the newadministration building in priority for constructionMr Wade Stephenson commented an incomplete school is not really a school , and madeseveral comments regarding the school boards efforts to do what is best for the county school systemCommissioner Frank B Holding stated the Board of Education is an elected body as we are,and they set priorities on school projects Commissioner Holding also stated it is not the Boardsintention to leave out the Administration Building and we encourage the Board of Education to thinkiSeptember 7, 1976 Contthat the Board of Commissioners will build the Administration Building at some point , the Boardagrees school administration needs a new building, but priority is the question Chairman Boyette explained in detail the Board of Educations long range constructionplans and the usage of school properties not being used for school facilities He said that theschool board is not willing to sell school property at an unfair price, just because it is not beingused for school purposesA rRiCom??i ssi n °4 ?lol di r? `t memted the total number of surplus properties is at a mi numumunder,ciFrcumstances surrounding school consolidation Chairman Boyette stated that he had been involved in controversies for many years as amember of the Board of Education and this situation was nothing new to himJoe Grimes commented that the School Board did not need to defend actions in the past,but stated that he was concerned over future actionsChairman Boyette stated in closing hiscomments that the school boards experience withthe Board of County Commissioners has been to set the budget each year, these agreements had beenmutual, the school board explained how the money would be spent each year before the budget wasadoptedChairman Boyette kindly thanked the Board of Commissioners for the time given the Boardof Education for this discussion, which had certainly seemed worthwhileMr Simpson in defense of the school boards priorities stated he had never put thecomfort of school administration ahead of any school child He indicated that the Board of Commis-sioners had been under pressure to assist the Board of Education with priorities for constructionCommissioner Holding and Commissioner Adams indicated they knew nothing about any pressure that theBoard was under regarding this matterChairman Denning stated I _thought at one time South Campus was the right place for theAdministration Office, now Im not sure Commissioner Howard Benton stated this situation disturbs me, the Board of Commissionerand Board of Education would like to see a new Administration Building, the Board of County Commis-sioners has tried to put the money in the right places There has been no pressure, we do not needto be at odds, our education system will suffer because of personal problems, we certainly do notneed to get to the place we cannot sit down and talk reasonably and work out our problems The Boardof County Commissioners is obligated to give the Board of Education an Administration Building, ourproblems can be worked out sensiblyCommissioner Freddie Adams stated I know of no pressure we have been under to trade orrelease South Campus for recreation, if heads get together our problems can be worked out, we needto spend taxpayers money wisely,all of us make mistakes, however, we are all here as elected offi-cials for the common cause, to do what we think best for our children and citizens of our countyIn conclusion, Commissioner Frank B Holding moved that the Board of Commissioners askMr Jackson, County Administrator, to work with the Board, of Education in making application for agrant through the Public Works Employment Act, and instruct the Board of Education to completeengineering plans for a gymnasium at the new Smithfield Junior High School, as they will seek federalfunds for the gymnasium and a new administration buildingCommissioner Freddie Adams seconded the motion which was carried unanimously2 Flag Pole - Department of Social ServicesDonald Morrison, Director, Department of Social Services, met with the Board requesting,that a flag pole be erected at the Department of Social ServicesThe Board discussed this request and advised Mr Morrison there was a flag pole nearbyat the Agriculture Building and the pole should be moved and located to serve both agenciesAfter discussion, Commissioner Frank B Holding moved that Commissioner Howard Bentonwork with Mr Morrison and Mr Bruce Woodard, Extension Chairman to relocate the flag pole so thatit will be meaningful to both agenciesCommissioner Freddie Adams seconded the motion which was carried unanimously3 Department of Social Services - Personnel ChangeDonald Morrison, Director, Department of Social Services, requested permission to esta-blish a new supervisory position within the Department of Social Services Mr Morrison explainedthe new position would not require additional fundingCommissioner Howard Benton moved that Mr Morrison be authorized t6 establish the newsupervisors position at no additional cost to the countyMr Morrison also advised the Board of Commissioners of a meeting on September 17, 1976,of the Income Maintenance Committee of the North Carolina Division of Social Services, of which he is220September 7, 1976 Conta member Mr Morrison stated that this committee is meeting regarding the continuing high cost ofthe Medicaid program It was explained to the Board that some, people that own real propertyare transferring their property to relatives or children in order to qualify for Medicaid benefitsMr Morrison further stated that the 1975 repeal of the lien 1 aw has created this Medicaid problem,and this committee will recommend policy changes to -the State The Board of Commissioners instructedMr Morrison to attend this meeting4 ReportsThe following reports were filed with the BoardBruce Woodard Extension ChairmanL P Creech Veterans Service OfficerBobb y Corbett Electrical InspectorRubert C Barbour Dog WardenArthur Goetz Director - Library,Harper Godwin Tax CollectorMr Bruce Woodard in making his report advised the Board of David Stanalands resignationfrom the Johnston County Extension staff effective September 15, 1976Commissioner Frank B Holding moved that the resignation of David Stanaland be acceptedand acknowledgedCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried unanimously5 Listing of Business PropertiesJohnnie Stott, Tax Supervisor, met with the Board and requested the approval of valuationplaced on businesses by the Tax Supervisor These businesses had failed to list taxes for 1976,and Mr Stott explained the Board must approve the valuation placed on discovered properties asrequired by law, GS 312Mr Stott further explained that these businesses had been mailed letters on threedifferent occasions and he is now making personal contact with the ownersCommissioner HowardBenton moved that the valuation placed on these businesses thathave failed to list property for taxes for 1976 be approved Commissioner Larry Castleberry seconded the motion which was carried unanimouslyMr Stott and Mr Jackson also talked with the Board about the up- coming revaluationThe Board asked Mr Stott and Mr Jackson to have a detailed report and recommendations on anIn -House Revaluation and revaluation by a firm ready for review by the November 1st meetingJohnnie Stott, Tax Supervisor, also advised the Boardassessed for five 5 years at an incorrect valuation of 285,000248,880 This was a clerical error in transferring values in 19Mr LaFar of this firm was very nice about the error, however, isentire amount for the five year period Mr Stott explained thatthree 3 year refundthat Clayton Spinning had beenand should have been assessed at71 Mr Stott told the Board thatrequesting a refund for thethe State law only permits aAfter discussion, Commissioner Freddie Adams moved that Clayton Spinning be refundedin the amount of 1,01402 for a three 3 year period as allowed by law and further that a letterof apology be written for this overchargeCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried unanimously6 Trust Fund for Foster Child - Barbara Gail PopeKramer Jackson, County Administrator, advised the Board that the trust fund referredto in the settlement for Barbara Gail Pope, foster child, will be trusted with, the Johnston CountyClerk of Superior CourtCommissioner Frank B Holding moved thatin accordance with the State of North Carolinareimbursement procedure in the settlement case of a foster child, that this settlement and trust beapprovedCommissioner Freddie Adams seconded the motion which was carried unanimously7 Secondary Road Petition - # 1361The Board was presented with a road petition requesting the paving of Secondary Road# 1361 in Elevation TownshipAfter discussion, Commissioner Howard Benton moved that this request be forwarded to theNorth Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, Wilson, North Carolina, with theBoards recommendations for considerationCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motion which was carried unanimouslyiF IjSeptember 7, 1976 Cont8 MinutesThe Board reviewed the minutes of the August 2, and August 24, 1976 board meetingsas recorded Commissioner Howard Benton moved that the minutes of the above meetings be approvedCommissioner Larry Castleberry seconded the motion which was carried unanimously9 Purchase of Cars for Sheriffs DepartmentKramer Jackson, County Administrator, inquired of the Board whether or not they wantedto purchase new cars for the Sheriffs Department on State contract or buy cars from State Purchaseand ContractAfter discussion, Commissioner Frank B Holding moved that Kramer Jackson, County Admini•strator, and Commissioner Freddie Adams be authorized to purchase three 3 used cars for the SheriffsDepartment from State Purchase and ContractCommissioner Holding further moved that Mr Jackson and Commissioner Adams be instructedto purchase low mileage officers cars if at all possibleCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried unanimouslyThe Board also discussed at this time the maintenance of the Sheriffs Departmentvehicles Commissioner Adams suggested a maintenance log be kept on all deputies cars and askedthat Kramer Jackson, County Administrator, help administer this system10 Amended Boundaries - McLemore Fire DistrictUpon a motion by Commissioner Howard Benton, duly seconded by Commissioner FreddieAdams and carried unanimously, the following resolution was adoptedResolution Designating Amended Boundaries of theMcLemore Fire DistrictWHEREAS, the matter of fixing and declaring the amended boundaries of the McLemore FireDistrict was duly presented,AND WHEREAS, it appears that the McLemore Fire District has complied with minimumrequirements, as contained in the resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners on October 3, 1955pertaining to the establishment of Fire Departments and Fire Districts in Johnston County,AND WHEREAS, the enlargement of its fire district has met the approval of the -NorthCarolina Fire Insurance Rating Bureau,NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the boundaries of the McLemore Fire District to beserved by the Cleveland Fire Department be amended and officially designated and fixed as followsBeginning at a point 1 on Cleveland Road 1010, 01 mile northwest of its intersection with Road1547, thence northeasterly to point 2 on Road 1547, 01 mile northeast of its intersection withCleveland Road 1010; thence easterly to point 3 on Road 1547, 01 mile northwest of its inter-section with N C Hwy 42; thence easterly to point 4 on N C Hwy 42, 01 mile northeast of itsintersection with Road 1547; thence northeasterly to point 5 on N C Hwy 42, 02 mile southwestof its intersection with Road 1525, excluding property on N C Hwy 42 between this and the preceed-ing point; thence northeasterly to point 6 on Road 1525, 01 mile north of its intersection withN C Hwy 42; thence southeasterly to point 7 on N C Hwy 42, 02 mile northeast of its intersec-tion with Road 1525; thence southeasterly to point 8 on Road 1526, 05 mile northwest of itsintersection with Road 1558, excluding property on Road 1556 and 1569 between this and the preceedingpoint; thence easterly to a point 9 on Road 1558, 05 mile northeast of its intersection with Road1556; thence easterly to point 10 on Road 1559 at its intersection with Road 1555; thence south-easterly to point 11 on Road 1576, 07 mile southeast of its intersection with Road 1555; thencesoutheasterly to point 12 on Road 1010, 02 mile southeast of its intersection with Road 1330;thence southwesterly to point 13 on Road 1506, 07 mile southeast of its intersection with Road1330; thence southwesterly to point 14 on Road 1507 at its intersection with Road 1582; thencesouthwesterly to point 15 on Road 1582, 16 mile southeast of its intersection with Road 1330,excluding property on Road 1582 between this and the preceeding point; thence westerly to point16 on Road 1330 at its intersection with Road 1517 ;thence northwesterly to point 17 on Road1525 at its intersection with Road 1524; thence northeasterly to point 18 on Road 1524, 03 milesouth of its intersection with N C Hwy 42, excluding property on Road 1524 between this and thepreceeding point; thence northwesterly to point 19 on N C Hwy 42, 03 mile southwest of itsintersection with Road 1524, 04 mile west of its intersection with Road 1010; thence northerly tothe point of beginning11 Closing Courthouse - Election Day - September 14, 1976Commissioner Frank B Holding moved that the Courthouse remain open on Election Day,September 14, 1976, Primary Run -OffCommissioner Larry Castleberry seconded the motion which was carried unanimouslySeptember 7, 1976 ContCreekmore explained the unit they have now is completely worn out and a new unit installed will costapproximately 1500After discussion, Commissioner Freddie Adams moved that the County allocate up to 1500to purchase a new mobile radio unit for the Johnston County Civil Defense Rescue SquadCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried unanimouslyMr Creekmore thanked the Board of Commissioners for their continued consideration andsupport of the Johnston County Rescue Squads15 Resolution - Self InsuredUpon motion by Commissioner Howard Benton, duly seconded by Commissioner Larry Castleberrand carried unanimously, the following resolution was adoptedWHEREAS Chapter 97 of the General Statutes of North Carolina requires that 50,000be appropriated and set aside by a county if it elects to be a self - insurer under the North CarolinaWorkmens Compensation Act; whereas the Board of Commissioners of Johnston County desire that saidcounty be a self- insurer and that such designation will save the taxpayers of Johnston County consi-derable money in the payment of Workmens compensation premiumsNOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Johnston County doesand it hereby elects that Johnston County be declared a self- insurer pursuant to Chapter 97 of theGeneral Statutes of North Carolina, and that the sum of 50,000 be designated and set aside in aspecial account to cover the needs of the employees of Johnston County under the North CarolinaWorkmens Compensation Act16 North Carolina Office of the Courts - Study of CourthouseKramer Jackson, County Administrator, advised the Board that the North Carolina Office ofthe Courts had completed the initial phase of a study of the Courthouse The overall report wasgood, except for the roof of the Courthouse and it needed replacing, and fire extinguishers in someareas of the CourthouseThe Board discussed these matters and asked Mr Jackson to check and see what needs to bedone to the roof and to get cost estimates, and also have the fire extinguishers installed in theproper placesThe Chairman at this time called for the Board members to go into Executive Session todiscuss property negotiationsAt the close of Executive Session, Commissioner Freddie Adams moved that the BoardadjournCommissioner Larry Castleberry seconded the motion which was carriedrman C Denning, Chairmaneanor N Creech, lerk