November 6, 1978 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Previous page1 8Fit width514Meeting of Board of County Commissioners for the County of JohnstonNovember 6, 1978The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday,November 6, 1978, at 10 oclock am, in the Commissioners Room of the JohnstonCounty Courthouse, Smithfield, North Carolina, with the following members presentNorman C Denning, Chairman, Frank B Bolding, Vice Chairman, Howard Benton, }John M Booker, DVII, and J E RogersonMembers Absent None lThe Chairman called the meeting to order and the following business wastransacted1 Minutes - ApprovedThe Board of Commissioners reviewed the minutes of the October 2nd andOctober 23rd board meetingsCommissioner Howard Benton moved that the minutes of the October 2 andOctober 23rd board meetings be approved as recordedCommissioner J E Rogerson seconded the motion which was carriedunanimouslyI2 Secondary Road # 1311Mr Jim Clayton, Route # 1, Angier, met with the board regarding SecondaryRoad # 1311 Mr Clayton told the board that this road has 15 occupied homes Itcarries a priority number of 103Commissioner Howard Benton moved that the board ask the State Department ofTransportation to check this road with special attention to the new homes added onthe roadCommissioner J E Rogerson seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously3 Easement - County Property - Town of SmithfieldKramer Jackson, County Administrator, advised that he had received a letterfrom Hubie Talton, Manager, Town of Smithfield, requesting an easement across countproperty located on Highway 301 south between Southside Warehouse and the FederalLand Bank property Mr Talton in his letter explained the town needs this easementto furnish electricity to the new Fieldcrest Retail Outlet StoreThe board discussed this matter with concern to not decrease the land valueand asked Mr Jackson to negotiate with Hubie Talton in regards to relocating theeasement in the future if the need should arise With this in mind, the Chairmanwas authorized to execute the easement4 Community Based Alternative Funds - Social ServicesThe Chairman was authorized by the Board of Commissioners to sign theCommunity Based Alternative Funds Program Agreement for the Department of SocialServices The Department of Social Services proposes a program to offer statusoffenders a group home in Johnston County5 Hospital Insurance - County to Pay Employees PremiumKramer Jackson, County Administrator, asked the Board of Commissioners forapproval of a proposal to bring all county employees including the hospital, CETAand Mental Health employees under one single group insurance program and that thecounty pay the individual premium cost for these employees Mr, Jackson explainedthat county employees would have to pay the full premium cost for coverage of anydependents they wished to insure Mr Jackson had presented this Hospital InsuranProposal at the October meeting for the boards consideration The board agreed tostudy this proposalDave Carter, Blue Cross and Bluetime to answer any questions the board m,Mr Carter and Mr Jackson explained thethe insured Mr Jackson told the boardJanuary 1, 1979, it will cost the countyShield representative, was present at thisembers might have regarding the new plannew plan would provide more coverage forthat if the new plan becomes effectiveapproximately 7,420 for six monthsNovember 6, 1978 ContAfter discussion, Commissioner Howard Benton moved that the county employeesincluding the hospital, CETA and Mental health, be insured under one hospital groupinsurance program and that the county pay the full premium cost for the employeeseffective January 1, 1979 Commissioner Benton further moved that the proper budgetamendment be made to ;cover this additional expenditureCommissioner J E Rogerson seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously6 Subdivision - Irdell BattenUponthe recommendation of hen Windley, County Planner, Commissioner J, ERogerson moved that the Irdell Batten Sub - division, Clayton Township, 4 lots beapprovedCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried byunanimous vote7 Veterans Service Officer - Appointment DiscussedLeon Whitehurst, Commander of American Legion Post 132, met with the Boardof Commissioners representing the Forty and Eight veterans organization MrWhitehurst explained that he had been asked to meet with the board, and byresolution, had been requested to urge them to appoint a veteran to the position ofVeterans Service OfficerIt had been brought to the attention of the Board of Commissioners that in1945 a law was enacted that restricts the appointment to a Veteran of World War Ior World War II The board discussed the consideration of seeking the repeal ofthis law Chairman Denning told the board that he had talked with Marie Creech,who is now acting in the capacity of Veterans Service Officer until an appointmentcan be made, and she wishes to meet with the Board of Commissioners for consultatioThe board agreed to talk with Mrs Creech The board also agreed to defer action othis appointment at this time due to the law in effect, as a decision has to be madregarding the repeal of the law8 Tax Matter Inventory -- Gurley and EdmonsonJohnnie Stott, Tax Supervisor, R T Edmonson and R G Gurley, met withthe board again in regards to their business inventory listingMr Gurley and Mr Edmonson had asked the board for relief and consideratiorin tax inventory discrepancies due to a misunderstanding concerning their inventorytax listing period Mr Gurley presented proof to the board and the Tax Supervisorthat the difference in his inventory figure listing was grain being held for exportand germinat- ion -Mr Stott explained the law provides exemption of agriculturalproducts being held for export or germination with a limitation of a one year periodThe board again talked with Mr Edmonson regarding his request for taxrelief The board denied his request due to insufficient cause and suggested thathe might consider changing his fiscal year period The board asked Mr Jackson towrite Mr Edmonson a letter of explanation9 ReportsThe following reports were filed with the board Library quarterly reportMrs Hooks also reported that the bookmobile is on the wayVeterans Office, Electrical Inspections, Dog Warden, Extension Service,Tax Collector, Building Permits, Financial Report Revenues and ExpenditureE10 Vacation Policy ChangedKramer Jackson, County Administrator, recommended to the board that thepresent vacation policy of no vacation carry over be changed to permittingvacation days to accumulate to the number of days earned during two calendar yearsMr Jackson told the board the present policy is difficult to manage and causesproblems for some departmentsCommissioner J E Rogerson moved that Section 4 d Vacation Leave of thePersonnel Policies be amended to read d Vacation Leave Accumulation Vacationleave may accumulate to a maximum of the leave earned in two 2 calendar yearsThis change effective November 6, 1978Commissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried byunanimous vote516November 6, 1978 Cont11 Hospital Administrator - Request Permission to Seek Grant FundsTerry Carson, Administrator, Johnston Memorial Hospital, met with the Boardof County Commissioners requesting authority to seek and explore available optionsand financing possibilities for a building program for Johnston Memorial IospitalMr Carson also told the board the hospital is well on its way to becomingself supporting, and maybe put some money back for a building program Mr Carsonrelated a hospital is to be an asset and not a liability to a community, and countfunds should be used to upgrade hospital benefits for the people of the countyThe Board of Commissioners discussed this matter at length with Mr CarsonAfter much discussion, Commissioner Howard Benton moved to authorize theHospital Board of Trustees to proceed in seeking financing and information, anditto explore several plans to upgrade the hospitalCommissioner Benton further moved that Mr Carson come back before theBoard of Commissioners with a reportCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously 12 Solid Waste StudyFramer Jackson, County Administrator, told the board that two firms hadsubmitted proposals to conduct the Solid Waste Study in Johnston County, ManagemenImprovement Corporation of America of Durham and Ragsdale Engineers of SmithfieldThis study is to be funded with a state grant of 6,000iFrank Chamberlain and Richard Davis of MICA met with the board and reviewedtheir proposal to develope a Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan forJohnston County Mr Chamberlain told the board MICA had conducted solid wastestudies for other counties in North Carolina, so;they are familiar with this typestudyAfter discussion, Commissioner Howard Benton moved that Ragsdale Engineersof Smithfield be awarded the contract to conduct the Solid Waste Study for JohnstoCountyCommissioner J E Rogerson seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously13 Benson Medical Center - Commitment ReaffirmedCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that the county reaffirm its financialcommitment to the Benson Medical CenterCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried unanimousl14 Moccasin Creek Drainage DistrictCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that 3,000 be appropriated 1978 -79fiscal year to the Moccasin Creek Drainage District to assist with the maintenancclean -up of the drainage districtCommissioner J E Rogerson seconded the motion which was carriedunanimouslyIt was noted that 3,000 was appropriated for maintenance in the 1977 -78fiscal year, however, was not requested and paid until July 3, 1978,15 Airport Hangars - Lease of PropertyKramer Jackson, County Administrator, told the board the Airport Authorityis seekingactionon its request regarding extension on land to be leased at thecounty airport for the construction of hangars The board discussed this matterat length and agreed they are willing to extend the lease from 15 years to 20years for an additional monthly ratefAfter further discussion, Commissioner IIoward Benton moved that the countyextend the airport property lease agreement with Dolph Overton from 15 years to20 years to enable Mr Overton to build an airplane hangar at the county airportCommissioner Benton further moved that Mr Overton pay a monthly rental fee of 4`25000 for the additional five year periodCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motion which was carriedunanimouslyPage 517RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIONOF AN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRACTWhereas, the Johnston County Housing Assistance PaymentsProgram herein called the PHA proposes to enter into anAnnual Contributions Contract herein called the Contract with the United States of America, Department of Housing andUrban Development herein called the Government NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the PHA as followsSection 1 The Contract, numbered Contract No A -3554, ishereby approved and accepted both as to form and substanceand the County Manager is hereby authorized and directedTitle of Officerto execute said Contract in triplicate on behalf of the PHA,and the Clerk to the Board is hereby authorized and directedTitle of Officerto impress and attest the official seal of the PHA on eachsuch counterpart and to forward said executed counterparts tothe Government together with such other documents evidencingthe approval and authorizing the execution thereof as may berequired by the GovernmentSection 2 The Program Director is hereby authorized toTitle of Officerfile with the Government from time to time, as monies arerequired, requisitions together with the necessary supportingdocument, for payment under the ContractSection 3 This Resolution shall take effect immediatelyhereby certify that this is a true and accuratecopy which appears on record in the MinuteBook of the Johnston County Coard of Com-missioners, Johnston County, N CIn Book PageWitness my hand and seal this the _day of19Eleanor N Creech, ClerkJohnston County Board of Commissioners,November 6, lb`i8 Cont16 Nursing Home Advisory CommitteeKramer Jackson, County Administrator, reminded the board that it is toappoint a Nursing Home Advisory Committee of five members by January 1, 1979 TheJohnston County Memorial _Nursing Center Administrator is to recommend two of thefive membersMr Donald Young, Administrator, Johnston County Memorial Nursing Center,made his two recommendations to the board at this time The board agreed to acceptMr Youngs recommendations, however, postponed the appointments until the Decemberboard meeting17 Dogs - West SmithfieldBilly Higgs of West Smithfield met with the board regarding dogs roamingat large in the Nest Smithfield Rose Manor area Mr Wiggs stated this problem hasbecome a health hazard as the dogs are numerous and destroy private property suchas shrubbery, plantings and etc Mr Wiggs advised the board the West SmithfieldDistrict Committee asked that he come before the Commissioners seeking the enact-ment and enforcement of a Dog Leash Law for the West Smithfield Sanitary District,as they have no means of enforcement,The board discussed this matter at length with Mr Wiggs, explaining itwould be very difficult for the Board of Commissioners to administer or enforceaffairs in the West Smithfield Community, and if the board attempted to enact andenforce a Dog Leash Law in Nest Smithfield, one thing would lead to another, andit would be needed in another community,Rubert C Barbour, County Dog Warden, being present at this meeting, wasasked to help with the stray dogs in this community, Mr Barbour advised that itis his responsibility to ascertain whether or not the dog is a stray before pickingup the dog, however, within his authority he would be glad to assist in this areaand communityThe Board of Commissioners reminded Mr Wiggs this is just one of the manyproblems a community of this size is going to have The people in the Vest Smith-field Sanitary District should give serious consideration and thought to speciallegislation to enable this community to become incorporated18 Housing ProgramSandi Ettinger, Director, Housing Program, and Jeanie Beal, with theTriangle J Council of Governments, met with the board regarding the federallyfunded Housing Program in Johnston County Ms Ettinger and Mr Jackson, CountyAdministrator, explained to the board, that for the past two and a half yearsTriangle J Council of Governments has administered a housing rehabilitation programfor Johnston County as a pilot program This program provides rent supplementsfor approximately three hundred families in Johnston CountyTriangle J Council membership has voted to remove itself from the operationof the presently on -going Johnston County program and will cease operation of thisprogram on January 31, 1979 The program will be transferred to Johnston CountyJohnston County Government is in a position to sponsor the Housing program ortodesignate an organization in the county to operate the program for the county Thehousing program is 100 funded with funds from the State by way of the FederalDepartment of Housing and Urban Development Mr Jackson stated he believes thecounty can sponsor and administer the program as well as any other agency, and MsEttinger has agreed to stay in Johnston County for awhile to help train newpersonnel to administer the Housing ProgramAfter discussion, Commissioner J E Rogerson moved that Johnston Countyadminister the federally funded Housing Program under the supervision of the CountyAdministrator, and further that the following resolution be adoptedRESOLUTIO_NThe Board of Commissioners of Johnston County agree to administer theSection 8, Existing, Housing Assistance Program in Johnston County pursuantto approval of an annual contributions contract by the Department of Housingand Urban Development and an invitation by the governing boards of themunicipalities within the County to participate and administer the programwithin their jurisdictions It is also agreed that the Housing AssistancePayments Program will operate out of the office of the County AdministratorCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously518November 6, 1978 Cont19 Jail Inspection ReportKramer Jackson made the following report to the Board of Commissioners;Upon a walk through inspection of the Johnston County Jail, the followingitems were observed1 Ten windows needed a heavy gauge metal screen installed to preventfree access to the walk area around the top of the CourthouseAction taken I instructed the County Maintenance Supervisor toinstall heavy gauge metal screens and fly screens over the windows2 The room previously used as the jailers office appeared to be thebetter place to install a heavy duty washer and dryer,Action taken I instructed the County Maintenance Supervisor todetermine the best source to purchase the washer and dryer Oncethe appliances arrive, we will see that they are properly installed3 The kitchen appeared to be very clean and neat An employee on theCETA program is responsible for the kitchen An excellent lookinglunch had just been served The menu for breakfast and lunch was asfollowsBreakfast Country Style SausageScrambled eggsButtered gritsHot toast, jelly, coffeeLunch q Fried chickenMashed potatoes, gravyJune garden peasFresh made biscuitsCake with Applesauce toppingLemon kool aid4 In some areas, the ceiling and walls were dirty from prisonersthrowing coffee and food on themAction taken Brought condition to attention of the chief jailer5 The elevator was inoperable on Thursday and Friday of last week6 There were twenty two prisoners locked up including two charged withmurder and one trusteeReport as of October 31, 1978The board commended Mr Jackson on his frequent jail inspections20 Buffalo Road — ZoningKen Windley, County Planner, and Norman Grantham, Chairman,, Johnston CountyPlanning Board, met with,,the board in response to a request by the Board ofCommissioners, and a petition presented to the board at its October 23, 1978,meetingThis petition protesting a proposed junk yard being considered in thearea of the Clyde Pilkington farm on the Buffalo Road The board was informed atthe October 23rd meeting the residents understood that zoning might be necessaryto prevent establishment of this kind from locating, however, since that date itseems the petitioners did not understand this, and do not want the property zonedMr Windley presented a map showing the zoning jurisdictional limits ofSelma and Smithfield, which does not reach this areaThe Board of Commissioners emphasized they are not prepared nor willing toinitiate zoning along the Buffalo Road unless the residents in this areaspecifically request zoning The board is of the opinion, at the present, theresidents do not want the junk yard nor do they want zoning i0AN21 Sub- Division - R N McLamb and Barbour Brothers - Elevation TownshipUpon the recommendation of Ken Windley, County Planner, Commissioner FrankB Holding moved that the R N McLamb and Barbour Brothers Sub-division 9 lotsin Elevation Township be approvedCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously22 Sub - Division - Glenview Acres - 17ilsons Mills TownshipUpon the recommendation of Ken ,lindley, County Planner, Commissioner HowardBenton moved that Glenview Acres Sub - division in Wilsons Mills Township GlennPowell7 lots be approved -Commissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously23 Sub - Division - Kozy KornersUpon the recommendation of Ken Windley, County Planner, Commissioner J ERogerson moved that Kozy Korners Sub - division in Clayton Township first phase5 lots be approvedCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously24 Sub - Division Regulations - Buddy McLamb ComplaintBuddy McLamb, contractor, met with the board again with complaints regardinthe County Sub - division Regulations Mr McLamb had a long brief on file with theclerk he had prepared stating his reasons for complaints in reference to the CountPlanner and the Sub- division Regulations Mr McLamb had asked for approval of aportion of the Kozy Korner Sub - division which had been denied by the County Plannerbecause regulations had not been met on this portion of the sub - division with re-ference to the building of a road Mr McLamb disagreed with the County Plannersdecision, and stated in his opinion, the County Planner was not within his rights,according to the General Statues Mr McLamb asked the Board of Commissioners tooverride the decision of the Planning Board and County Planner and to approve thissection of the Kozy Korner Sub - division that had been denied approvalMr Graham Holt also met with the board with complaints about the Sub-division RegulationsThe Board of Commissioners reviewed these complaints, explaining that theSub - division Regulations were adopted to protect land owners and home owners Theboard asked Ken Windley, County Planner, and the Planning Board to review and studythese complaints The board also asked the Planning Board to review the Sub-division Regulations to see if there are any irregularities in the Sub - divisionRegulations and report back to the board25 Tax Supervisor Authorized to Grant Tax Releases and RefundsAfter discussion of tax releases and tax refunds with Johnnie Stott, TaxSupervisor, Commissioner J E Rogerson moved that the Tax Supervisor be authorizedto approve tax releases and tax refunds up to 100 in tax moneyCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carriedun-animously26 Veterans Service Officer Appointment - DiscussionMarie Creech, Acting Veterans Service Officer, met and talked with the boarabout her position in regards to the appointment of Veterans Service Officer forJohnston County Mrs Creech told the Board of Commissioners she would like to beconsidered for this appointment and would like to know if she is being consideredMrs Creech also asked the board for more consideration for her time serving asActing Veterans Service Officer, in regards to compensationThe boardprovides only forappointled to thisalso advised thatappointed to thiscomplementary to DOfficemembers explained to Mrs Creech the law, at the present time,the appointment of a World War I or World War II veteran to beposition, and this matter will have to be dealt with The boardsome of the Veteran organizations are recommending a veteran beposition_ However, the Board of Commissioners was veryIrs Creech on the job she has done and is doing in the Veterans520November 6, 1978 ContCommissioner Frank B Holding recommended the board not make any decisionon this appointment at this meeting Chairman Denning asked the board members toexplore the views of the veterans organization leaders between now and the nextboard meeting27 Mental Health Board Member ResignsCommissioner J E Rogerson moved that the resignation of Mrs Dorothy WWilliams of Benson, Mental Health Board member, be accepted with regretCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carriedunanimously 28 Mental Health Board Member AppointedThe board discussed an appointment to the Mental Health Area Board to re-place Mrs Dorothy W Williams of BensonCommissioner Howard Benton moved that Jean Massengill, Route # 3, Four Oaksbe appointed to serve the unexpired term of Dorothy W Williams of Benson on theMental Health Area BoardCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motionThe Chairman called for any discussion Commissioner John M Booker, MentalHealth Board Chairman, advised that legally this appointment has to be a woman andfrom this area of the county Commissioner Booker also stated he felt the MentalHealth Board and Mental Health Association should be offered the opportunity tomake a recommendation for this appointmentThere being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously29 Johnston County HistoryCommissioner Howard Benton commented to the Board of Commissioners that hethinks consideration should be given to preparing the history of Johnston CountyCommissioner Benton stated that C S Coats is willing to work at a reasonable feeto prepare this history Commissioner Benton expresses that hey thinks it should bewritten and publishedThe board also talked about the installation of a ramp at the Courthouse fordisabled people to have access to the buildingUpon a motion by Commissioner John M Booker, duly seconded by CommissionerFrank B Holding and carried unanimously, the board adjournedNorman C Denning, ChairmanEleanor N Creech, Clerkra