Welcome to Harnett County, NC | Harnett County, North …



HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Minutes of Regular Meeting

April 5, 2010

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 5, 2010, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administrative Building, 102 East Front Street, Lillington, North Carolina.

Members present: Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman

Beatrice B. Hill, Vice-Chairman

Dan B. Andrews, Commissioner

Gary House, Commissioner

Jim Burgin, Commissioner

Staff present: Scott Sauer, County Manager

Tony Wilder, Deputy County Manager

Dwight W. Snow, County Attorney

Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer

Margaret Regina Daniel, Acting Clerk

 

Chairman McNeill called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner Andrews gave the invocation.

Chairman McNeill called for additions and deletions to the published agenda. Mr. Sauer requested the addition of an update from the Harnett County Board of Education which included a requested for $30,000 to purchase options on two tracts of land. Commissioner House requested that the following agenda items be removed from the consent agenda for discussion purposes:

- Public Utilities’ request for approval of four engineering services agreements with Marziano & McGougan.

- Public Utilities’ request for approval of the South Central Wastewater Phase 1C-1 Project ordinance.

- Public Utilities’ request for approval of the South Central Wastewater Phase 1C-2 Project ordinance.

- Public Utilities’ request for approval of a $4,543,201 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan for the East Central Water and Sewer District of Harnett County.

Commissioner Burgin moved to approve the agenda as amended. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion which passed unanimously

Commissioner Burgin moved to approve the items on the revised consent agenda. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved the following items on the consent agenda:

1. Minutes: March 25, 2010 Special Session

2. Budget amendments:

267 Health Department

Code 110-7600-441.55-12 Printing 250 decrease

110-7600-441.58-01 Training 275 decrease

110-7600-441.58-14 Travel 106 decrease

110-7600-441.60-33 Materials & Supplies 1,354 decrease

110-7600-441.60-46 Medical Supplies 17,036 decrease

110-7600-441.64-25 Books & Publications 1,500 decrease

110-0000-331.76-01 WIC Programs 20,521 decrease

268 Health Department

Code 110-7600-441.11-00 Salaries 2,750 decrease

110-7600-441.22-00 FICA 210 decrease

110-7600-441.23-00 Retirement 134 decrease

110-0000-353.76-06 Health Check DMA 17,208 decrease

110-0000-334.76-14 Health Check Sandhills 14,114 increase

269 Aging-RSVP

Code 110-7510-441.32-13 Special Projects 4,500 increase

110-0000-353.15-00 RSVP Donations 4,500 increase

283 Emergency Services

Code 110-5302-420.35-24 Homeland 2008 Exercise 1,724 decrease

110-0000-331.53-10 Homeland 2008 Exercise 1,724 decrease

285 Erwin Wastewater Improvements

Code 564-9100-431.45-02 Ormond Utilities 45,921 decrease

564-9100-431.45-80 Contingency 45,921 increase

286 Transportation

Code 110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 49,502 decrease

110-0000-334.55-01 NCDOT CTP 49,502 increase

287 Cooperative Extension

Code 110-7300-465.32-30 Family & Consumer Sciences 800 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 800 increase

292 Health Department

Code 110-7600-441.60-45 Drugs 6,484 increase

110-0000-331.76-12 Family Planning 6,484 increase

298 Land Acquisition & Runway Safety CP0901

Code 390-8360-465.90-10 Other Financing General Fund 100,000 decrease

390-0000-389.10-00 Interfund Transfer-General Fund 100,000 decrease

299 Interfund Transfers, General Fund

Code 110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 442,149 decrease

110-0000-389.43-13 Interfund Transfer-COPS 2007 442,149 increase

304 Sheriff’s Detention

Code 110-5120-420.60-46 Medical Supplies & Drugs 13,271 increase

110-0000-356.51-07 Inmates Confined Medical 13,271 increase

305 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5100-420.12-00 Salaries & Wages Part-Time 2,330 increase

110-0000-336.23-01 Federal Inmate Transport Cost 2,330 increase

306 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5100-420.32-27 Drug Fund 6,897 increase

110-0000-336.15-00 Controlled Substance Tax 6,897 increase

307 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5100-420.11-05 Salaries & Wages Overtime 1,293 increase

110-0000-331.51-20 Drug Enforcement Agency Overtime 1,293 increase

311 JCPC Administrative Funds

Code 110-5899-420.32-61 JCPC Administrative 9,183 increase

110-0000-331.79-01 JCPC Administrative 9,183 increase

312 Transportation

Code 110-4650-410.32-70 Capital Assistance TDP 91,019 decrease

110-4650-410.54-26 Advertising 2,832 increase

110-4650-410.55-12 Printing & Binding 350 increase

110-4650-410.58-01 Training & Meetings 1,250 increase

110-4650-410.58-14 Travel & Administration 500 increase

110-0000-331.46-01 Transportation-Medical General 15,000 increase

110-0000-334.55-01 NCDOT Transportation-CTP 31,165 decrease

110-0000-334.55-02 EDTAP Transportation Plan 39,322 increase

110-0000-334.55-03 Transportation Assistance – TDP 71,100 decrease

110-0000-334.55-04 Medical Transportation 15,000 decrease

110-0000-334.55-05 RGP Transportation 20,167 increase

110-0000-347.17-00 Sales & Service Transportation 5,000 decrease

110-0000-353.46-01 Transportation-Cost Share MCCOA 500 increase

110-0000-354.01-01 Sale of Vans 5,876 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 44,687 decrease

313 Sheriff Office

Code 110-0000-331.51-17 Gang Resistance-GREAT 1,506 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 1,506 decrease

314 Parks and Recreation

Code 110-8200-450.31-29 Anderson Creek Gym 100 increase

110-8200-450.43-18 Landscaping 100 decrease

318 Cooperative Extension

Code 110-7301-465.11-00 Salaries & Wages 968 increase

110-7301-465.21-00 Group Insurance 443 decrease

110-7301-465.22-00 FICA 100 decrease

110-7301-465.23-00 Regular Retirement 72 decrease

110-7301-465.26-08 Worker’s Compensation 70 increase

110-7301-465.41-11 Telecommunications & Postage 300 decrease

110-7301-465.58-01 Employee Training & Meetings 190 decrease

110-7301-465.60-47 Food & Provisions 67 increase

322 EMS

Code 110-5400-420.60-33 Materials & Supplies 6,000 increase

110-0000-353.54-04 Contributions – ASPR/SMAT Grant 6,000 increase

325 WIA Youth Program

Code 234-7406-465.35-26 Sampson Co. – In School Participant Cost 11,298 increase

234-7406-465.60-33 Sampson Co. – Materials & Supplies 500 increase

234-7408-465.35-26 Sampson Co.–Out School Participant Cost 11,296 increase

234-7408-465.60-33 Sampson Co. – Out School Materials & 500 increase

Supplies

234-0000-331.74-06 Workforce Development Sampson In 11,798 increase

School

234-0000-331.74-08 Workforce Development Sampson Out 11,796 increase

School

326 Public Safety Appropriations

Code 110-5899-420.35-25 Court Psychologist 2,714 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 105 increase

110-0000-331.41-02 Court Psychology 2,609 increase

327 Parks & Recreation

Code 110-0000-331.82-03 Senior Center 4,218 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 4,218 decrease

328 Parks & Recreation

Code 110-0000-331.82-02 Senior Citizen Operations 7,182 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 7,182 decrease

329 Transportation Facility Project CPO306

Code 312-8300-410.60-57 Miscellaneous 1,700 increase

312-0000-389.10-00 Interfunds Transfer/General Funds 1,700 increase

330 Interfund Transfer

Code 110-4650-410.33-45 Contracted Services 1,700 decrease

110-8701-490.90-09 Transportation Facility 1,700 increase

331 WIA Youth Program

Code 234-7405-465.12-00 Harnett Co. I/S Salaries & Wages Pt-time 3,085 increase

234-7405-465.22-00 Harnett Co. I/S FICA 237 increase

234-7405-465.26-08 Harnett Co. I/S Workers Compensation 60 increase

234-7405-465.41-11 Harnett Co. I/S Telephone & Postage 500 increase

234-7405-465.41-13 Harnett Co. I/S Utilities 500 increase

234-7405-465.35-26 Harnett Co. I/S Participant Cost 2,975 increase

234-7405-465.58-14 Harnett Co. I/S Staff Travel 300 increase

234-7405-465.60-33 Harnett Co. I/S Material & Supplies 400 increase

234-7407-465.12-00 Harnett Co. O/S Salaries & Wages Pt-time 7,200 increase

234-7407-465.22-00 Harnett Co. O/S FICA 555 increase

234-7407-465.26-08 Harnett Co. O/S Worker’s Compensation 140 increase

234-7407-465.35-26 Harnett Co. O/S Participant Cost 6,942 increase

234-7407-465.58-14 Harnett Co. O/S Staff Travel 300 increase

234-7407-465.60-33 Harnett Co. O/S Material & Supplies 400 increase

234-0000-331.74-05 Workforce Development Harnett In School 7,057 increase

234-0000-331.74-07 Workforce Development Harnett Out 16,537 increase

School

336 South Central WW Capital Project PU014B

Code 553-9100-431.45-03 TA Loving – Pump Stations 63,964 increase

553-9100-431.45-33 Materials & Supplies 38,000 decrease

553-9100-431.45-80 Contingency 25,964 decrease

338 Health Department (Nutrition)

Code 110-7552-441.60-49 Material & Supplies Site 136 increase

110-0000-353.75-52 Donations/Elderly Nutrition 136 increase

340 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5100-420.12-00 Salaries & Wages Part Time 1,937 increase

110-0000-336.23-01 Federal Inmate Transport Cost 1,937 increase

341 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5100-420.11-05 Salaries & Wages Overtime 1,417 increase

110-0000-331.51-20 Drug Enforcement Agency Overtime 1,417 increase

344 Emergency Medical

Code 110-8800-490.32-16 Contingency 29,054 decrease

110-5400-420.11-05 Salaries & Wages Overtime 20,338 increase

110-5401-420.11-05 Salaries & Wages Overtime 8,716 increase

345 Emergency Services

Code 110-5300-420.32-88 Emergency Management / EMPG 14,093 decrease

110-8701-490.90-27 Interfund Transfer – Emergency Services 14,093 increase

346 Emergency Medical

Code 396-8300-420.45-44 Furniture 50,446 increase

396-0000-389.10-00 Interfund Transfer – General Fund 50,446 increase

(Project Number CP1001)

347 Emergency Services

Code 396-8300-420.74-74 Capital Outlay-Equipment 65,253 increase

396-0000-389.10-00 Interfund Transfer – General Fund 14,093 increase

(Project Number CP1001)

396-0000-389.57-00 Interfund Transfer – ESVC 51,160 increase

348 Emergency Medical

Code 110-8800-490.32-16 Contingency 50,446 decrease

110-8701-490.90-27 Interfund Transfer – Emergency Services 50,446 increase

Renovation Project

349 Emergency Services

Code 263-5251-420.11-00 Salaries & Wages 10,000 decrease

263-5251-420.60-57 Miscellaneous Expense 4,000 decrease

263-5251-420.58-14 Travel Administration 3,900 decrease

263-5251-420.41-11 Telephone & Postage 3,907 decrease

263-5251-420.60-33 Materials & Supplies 6,103 decrease

263-5251-420.74-74 Capital Outlay-Equipment 23,250 decrease

263-5251-420.90-27 Interfund Transfer – Emergency Services 51,160 increase

Renovation Project

350 Sheriff Office

Code 110-5103-420.35-33 E. Byrne 2009DJBX1262 35,593 increase

110-0000-331.51-22 E. Byrne 2009DJBX1262 35,593 increase

352 PU0705 WTP Expansion Project

Code 569-9100-431.45-44 Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment 200,000 increase

569-0000-389.50-00 HCDPU Interfund Transfer 200,000 increase

353 Public Utilities

Code 531-9000-431.90-85 WTP Expansion 200,000 increase

531-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 200,000 increase

357 Social Services

Code 110-7710-441.80-90 CRISIS Intervention 132,022 increase

110-7710-441.80-85 Progress Energy Neighbor 2,984 decrease

110-0000-330.77-01 Social Services Administration 129,038 increase

359 Land Acquisition & Runway Safety( CP0901)

Code 110-6500-406.60-47 Runway Extension 117,700 increase

110-0000-331.67-04 Runway Extension Reimbursement 105,930 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 11,770 increase

360 Land Acquisition & Runway Safety (CP0901)

Code 110-6700-406.30-04 Engineering 56,240 increase

110-6700-406.74-73 Construction 110,427 increase

110-0000-331. 67-03 Runway Extension Reimbursement 150,000 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 16,667 increase

3. The Finance Department requested the audit contract for FY 2009-2010 through FY 2011-2012 be awarded to Martin, Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. The Finance Office mailed a Request for Audit Proposal to seven firms that audited counties and municipalities with similar populations and/or water enterprise funds. Four responses were received with staff concluding that Martin, Starnes & Associates and McGladrey &Pullen best meeting the County’s expectations for experience, audit approach, and number of staff assigned to perform the audit. Martin, Starnes and Associates quoted the lowest price at $65,000 for FY 2009-2010 and $57,000 for fiscal years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. Staff checked six firms currently contracting with Martin, Starnes and Associates and all responses were very positive. It was noted the cost for the FY 2008-2009 audit was $100,000.

4. Human Resources requested approval to compensate Emergency Services’ employees operating the Emergency Operations Center during adverse weather (1/30/2010-2/1/10).

5. The Deputy County Manager requested approval of state grant #36237.25.11.1 in the amount of $150,000. Local match will be $16,667. Included in the work elements for the grant are the Land Use Compatibility Zoning Plan better known as the "Airport Overlay Zoning District" and the preliminary engineering/design for the airport pavement rehabilitation.

6. The Planning Department requested, due to the increased cost of construction, approval to waive the permit fees and environmental fees for services provided through the Home Care Community Block Grant – Home Improvement Services only. The Community Development Division of Planning Services is leading the efforts to provide construction services/contracts for the Harnett County Health Department, Department of Aging's Home Care Community Block Grants -Home Improvement Program. There is maximum limit of $1500 per family for home improvements to resolve health and safety issues such as ramps, threshold modifications and minor home repairs for eligible adults 62 or older.

7. Human Resources, on behalf of the Department of Social Services, requested approval to recruit for Social Services positions vacated by the early retirement incentive program participants.

8. The Department of Social Services requested that the month of April be proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Harnett County.

9. Harnett County Cooperative Extension requested permission to accept grant funds from the Governor's Crime Commission for the second year in a two-year funding cycle in the amount of $107,500 for personnel and operating expenses needed to continue the operation of the Harnett County Teens As Parents Program for pregnant and parenting teens who are at-risk for dropping out of school. This program assists teen parents in re-enrolling into high school, community college, and/or securing employment.

10. Harnett County Cooperative Extension requested permission to apply for continuing grant funds from the Harnett County Partnership for Children for Quality Enhancement, Raising A Reader and Parents As Teachers.

11. Harnett County Cooperative Extension requested permission to apply for continuing grant funds from the Division of Child Development through Child Care Networks, Inc. for personnel and operating expenses needed to continue the operation of the Harnett County Child Care Resource and Referral Program for Harnett County children and families as well as child care facilities and their staff.

12. Proclamation Celebrating the second full week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

13. Appointment of Margaret R. Wheeler as Clerk and approval of special salary adjustment.

14. Approval of Special Salary Adjustment for John Rouse as compensation for expansion of duties due to the transition of the Department of Aging.

15. Resolution Granting Approval for the Name Change of Local Workforce Investment Area and Local Workforce Development Board, Consenting to the Amendment of the Consortium Agreement and Designating a Chief Elected Official for County of Harnett (Attachment 1)

Chairman McNeill opened the floor for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 3 minutes for each presentation up to 30 minutes. No one spoke.

Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the appointments listed below. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Harnett County Public Facilities Corp. Board of Directors

Tony Wilder (nominated by Commissioner Andrews) was reappointed to serve on this Board for a term of one year ending March 31, 2011.

Board of Equalization and Review

Robert E. Doberstein, Joe Miriello, Thomas Moore, Howard Penny Jr. and Carnell N. Robinson (nominated by Commissioner Andrews) were reappointed to serve on this board for a term of one year ending February 28, 2011.

Phil Ferrell, Harnett County Superintendent, updated the Board regarding potential land for new school construction. Mr. Ferrell discussed 100+ acres of property (Bane) located at Holder Road and Highway 27 as a potential school site which is approximately $10,000 an acre with an option of $20,000 for 6 months. Mr. Ferrell also discussed 400+ acres of property (Keith) off of Buffalo Road and Tingen Road for $10,000 per acre and a 6 month option for $10,000. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve $30,000 for the purchase options on 2 tracts of land for potential school sites. Appraisals will be obtained. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

The Board discussed Budget Amendment 358 in the amount of $6,802 for Agricultural Fair Close-out Expenses as discussed at the March 30, 2010 work session. The budget amendment is to move funds to budget an additional appropriation for the Harnett County Fair. These funds are needed by the Fair to cover revenue shortfalls for the Fall, 2009 fair. Commissioner House moved to table the budget amendment until the next meeting requesting details accounts payable for Fair expenses. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Barry Blevins, Harnett County Central Permitting & Community Development Administrator, gave an update on the 2010 Census.

Victoria Whitt, CEO of Sandhills Center, presented an update & budget funding request for the Sandhills Center. Mrs. Whitt stated the Center’s request for funding from the County remained at $199,679. Mrs. Whitt said the Sandhills Center devotes its entire County General funding allocation to the support of their County Walk-in/Crisis Units and any reduction in funding would result in a loss of critical crisis/psychiatric services for the consumers and families in Harnett County.

Mrs. Whitt noted the total per capital allocation is $1.83 and Sandhills Center currently ranks 15th out of 24 Local Management entities (LMEs) in terms of per capital County General support. Mrs. Whitt reported during the current year the Center has received a reduction of $3.1 million in their State funding.

Public Utilities requests approval of four engineering services agreements with Marziano & McGougan. These four engineering services agreements total $1,100,767. The agreements are for four separate wastewater collection projects in the South Central Water and Sewer District. These engineering fees are paid from the project by a combination of USDA Rural Development grants and loans. Mr. Ward agreed it would take 38 years to repay the loan which is a 40 year USDA loan.

Commissioner House asked Mr. Steve Ward, Director of Harnett County Public Utilities, how many other projects are out there that engineering work has been done that there is no contract. Mr. Ward said he could not think of any and believes this clears up most of the record where there was no agreements in place. Mr. Ward pointed out the agreement for the East Central Water Improvments Project to construct approximately 43,000 lf of water main, a booster pump station and a 500,000 gallon elevated water storage tank had been approved for three or four years and they are just now getting ready to budget the project. Mr. Wards said he thought a lot

of the changes scued the outcome and delayed the whole process. Mr. Ward said the consulting firm, the County and USDA have gone back and forth over what is accepted and needed. Mr. Wards said there are still some easments out there for C1 and C2 that have not been acquired and all of that has to be in place before they can go to bid.

Mr. Ward said this is part of the long-range sewer initiative for the county. There is a lot of dense population on septic tanks in that area with a lot of environmental issues. Mr. Ward said they have to pump and hauled for some people that they will eventually provide sewer to. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the engineering service agreements contingent upon final review and approval by the Staff Attorney Slusser. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Public Utilities requested approval of the South Central Wastewater Phase 1C-1 Project ordinance. This project consists of the construction of approximately 23,000 linear feet of gravity sewer and two wastewater lift stations to serve the South Harnett/Anderson Creek portion of Harnett County. This project will provide sewer service to approximately 200 residences and serve over 500 people in this district. This project is being funded by a $1,000,000 USDA Rural Development grant and $3,239,000 loan. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the ordinance contingent upon final review and approval by the staff attorney. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Public Utilities requested approval of the South Central Wastewater Phase 1C-2 Project ordinance. This project consists of the construction of approximately 23,000 linear feet of gravity sewer to serve the South Harnett/Anderson Creek portion of Harnett County. This project will provide sewer service to approximately 200 residences and serve over 500 people in this district. This project is being funded by a $1,000,000 USDA Rural Development grant and $2,586,000 loan. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the ordinance contingent upon final review and approval by the staff attorney. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Public Utilities requested approval by resolution of a $4,543,201 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan for the East Central Water and Sewer District of Harnett County. This loan will fund the East Central Water Improvments Project. This project consists of the construction of approximately 43,000 lf of water main, a booster pump station and a 500,000 gallon elevated water storage tank. The loan term is 20 years and currently carries an interest rate of 2.5%. Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the resolution as presented; contingent upon final review and approval by the staff attorney. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously. (Attachment 2)

         

Grace Lawrence with the Fort Bragg BRAC Regional Task Force presented the Working Lands Preservation Plan for Harnett County and requested endorsement of plan. Members of the Harnett County team who reviewed and made recommendations to the plan are:

- Lisa Childers, Gary Pierce and Dan Wells with Harnett County Cooperative

Extension

- James Taylor with Harnett County Soil and Water Conservation District

- Darryl Harrington with NRCS USDA

- Lee Ann Nance with Harnett County Economic Development Commission

- Joseph Jeffries, Mark Locklear and Samantha Ficzko, Harnett County Planning

Department

- Buren Fulmer, Harnett County Division of Forest Resources

Commissioner Burgin requested clarification regarding figures regarding agribusiness in Harnett County included in the plan. Commissioners also requested a correction to the Harnett County tax rate listed on Page 26 of the plan. Commissioner Andrews moved to endorse and adopt the Working Lands Preservation Plan for Harnett County. Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Jay Sikes, Senior Planner with Harnett County Planning, petitioned the Board for a public hearing on a Resolution Restricting Future Water Service and Site Selection to Protect Floodplains for Property located in the South Central Water & Sewer District. Mr. Sikes noted this was a USDA requested resolution which prevents the extension of water taps in this district which is in the flood plains.

Commissioner Burgin moved that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners reconvened as the Governing Body of South Central Water & Sewer District of Harnett County. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion which passed unanimously and the Board was sitting as the Governing Body of South Central Water & Sewer District of Harnett County. Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for comments from the public. Seeing no one move, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing. Commissiner Andrews moved to approve the resolution as presented. Commissioner House seconded the motion which passed unanimously. (Attachment 3)

Staff reported that at this time this is the only district required to do this by the USDA. The Board directed staff to research if this is needed in other districts. The Board reconvened as the Harnett County Board of Commissioners.

Mr. Sauer presented the following report:

- Planning Services February Report

- Emergency Services Annual Report

Mr. Sauer also shared a copy of a letter to Senator Kay Hagan requesting a congressional appropriation as mission support to augment the school construction costs for school aged children of military families.

Commissioner Burgin noted in a conversation with Mr. Bill Hobbs with USDA that Mr. Hobbs was encouraging Harnett County to ask for grants.

Vice Chairman Hill moved that the board go in to closed session to discuss and consider a personnel matter. This motion was made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(6). Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Vice Chairman Hill moved that the board come out of closed session. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burgin and passed unanimously.

Chairman McNeill called for any new business. Commissioner Burgin moved that the legal staff set up a Harnett County Endowment Fund. Commissioner House seconded the motion. Dr. Bruce Blackmon of Buies Creek addressed the Board on March 15, 2010, and presented the idea of the County setting up a growth endowment fund to help cut taxes in Harnett County. The motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Blinson noted the bonus pay for EMS employees was still pending. Commissioner House asked that commissioners be notified of significant events in the county such as a sewage spill or emergency staff looking for a missing child. Commissioner House also asked if the legal staff would soon provide them with information regarding the abortion and health insurance issue. Attorneys Snow and Slusser briefly touched on the complexity of the issue.

Commissioners discussed the selection of consulting engineer for the Wastewater Master Plan. Mr. Ward thanked County Engineer Amanda Bader for her participation in the selection process. He reported that staff believes Hazen & Sawyer and Withers & Ravenel are the most qualified firm as they are known for their modeling which would be the backbone of the study. Mr. Ward also pointed out that Hazen and Sawyer are not tied to any one specific software vendor and feels they will be objective in that selection process. Mr. Ward also noted their ability to interface with most billing software to isolate customers by particular pump station for critical information which he said would be a very valuable tool to the County. Mr. Ward believes there is some room for price negotiations but noted Hazen and Sawyers is an expensive national firm. Mr. Ward ranked Brown & Caldwell and Dewberry second noting modeling was not a strength of Marziano and McGougan.

Mr. Ward said he believes that Harnett County Public Utilities is large enough to use several different engineering firms based on their specialties. Mr. Ward said this project could cost between $150,000 to $200,000, however no real modeling would need to be done for the Neills Creek area because it is on gravity and suggested removing that section therefore reducing the scope. Commissioner Burgin moved to enter into negotiations with Hazen & Sawyer with the second choice being Brown & Caldwell; depending on negotiations. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Commissioner Andrews moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 am. Vice Chairman Hill seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

_____________________________________ _________________________________

Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman Margaret Regina Daniel, Clerk

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download