MINUTES

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF HENDERSON JUNE 18, 2001

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a special called meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Commissioners= Conference Room of the Henderson County Office Building at 100 North King Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Those present were: Chairman Bill Moyer, Vice-Chair Marilyn Gordon, Commissioner Grady Hawkins, Commissioner Don Ward, Commissioner Charlie Messer, County Manager David E. Nicholson, Finance Director J. Carey McLelland, Assistant to the County Manager/Budget Analyst Selena Coffey, County Attorney Angela S. Beeker, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Rocky Hyder, and Public Information Officer Chris S. Coulson.

Absent was: Clerk to the Board Elizabeth W. Corn. Mr. Nicholson took notes for the preparation of these minutes.

CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME

Chairman Moyer called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the meeting was to consider the requests from the fire departments.

BUDGET WORKSHOP - Fire Departments

Rocky Hyder provided the Board with information on:

payment in lieu

staffing & savings

boundary lines

projected tax values

Chief Todd McCrain of Green River and Rescue Department stated that they are requesting a 1.5 cent tax increase. This increase would cover the loss of state revenues, changes in assessment, a new pumper/tanker and improvements toward an increase fire rating. Commissioner Ward made the motion to approve this request. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Chief Tim Thompson of the Saluda Fire and Rescue Department presented a request for a 2 cent increase. These funds would be used for turnout gear, radios and building repairs. He informed the Board that they are working on their rating and considering paid personnel. They do not receive a charge from the City of Saluda for water. Commissioner Messer made the motion to approve their request. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Dave Finsel, Treasurer of the Bat Cave Fire and Rescue Department requested a 1 cent increase for the purchase of a rescue truck. They are applying for a State Grant for turnout gear. Commissioner Hawkins made the motion to approve their request. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Chief Tony Corn of Mountain Home Fire and Rescue Department requested a 2 cent increase. These funds would be used for an exhaust removal system, replacement of turnout gear and to replace a pumper. The Board requested additional information from the Department concerning the personnel costs, scheduling, city contracts and budget. Commissioner Hawkins made the motion to approve a 1.5 cent increase. Commissioner Ward requested that before any action be taken on the motion that the department provide the additional information. Commissioner Hawkins withdrew his motion.

Chief Wayne Banks of Valley Hill Fire and Rescue Department stated that they are requesting a 1 cent increase for District One and 2 cents for District Two. In District One, they will be adding a new station on the Pathways of Solomon Jones. In District Two, they will be adding paid personnel. The Board also discussed the differenc ein funding of Valley Hill by the Town of Laurel Park. Chief Banis indicated that they had met with Town Officials concerning an increase in their funding. Commissioner Hawkins made the motion to set a rate of 8.5 cents in District One. Motion failed one to four. Chairman Moyer made the motion to set the rate in District One at 9 cents. Motion passed four to one with Commissioner Hawkins voting nay. Commissioner Hawkins made the motion to set the rate for District Two at 8 cents. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Chairman Moyer made the motion to approve the following rates and to write the Mayor of Laurel Park concerning their contribution to Valley Hill:

Blue Ridge 9 cents

Dana 10 cents

Edneyville 9.5 cents

Etowah-Horseshoe 7.3 cents

Fletcher 10.5 cents

Mills River 6.5 cents

Gerton 12 cents

A vote was taken and the motion passed four to one with Commissioner Ward voting nay.

Addition to Agenda

Chairman Moyer requested that the Board consider adding a discussion to the agenda on the Regional Water Agreement. Commissioner Hawkins made the motion to add this item to the agenda. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

REGIONAL WATER AGREEMENT

County Attorney Angela Beeker informed the Board that the Water Authority had requested their staff work with Henderson County in the differences in policies. Staff has met on three occasions to work on this issue. One major issue that keeps coming up is the dichotomy between the Water Authority and the City of Asheville about their responsibilities and duties in general. Some of the other outstanding issues within the policies are extensions, the definition of water system, variances, the ability of the Water Authority to build lines in Henderson County and water restrictions.

Chairman Moyer called a brief recess - 7:00 - 7:12 p.m.

Angela Beeker continued the discussion with the Board on issues such as maintenance of lines and the definition of net revenues.

Chairman Moyer made the motion to approve the approval of the June 18, 2001 amendments to the County=s Water Policies and to authorize the County=s representatives to finalize the terms and make final changes consistent with these discussions. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Chairman Moyer made the motion for the Board to go into Closed Session as allowed pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 for the following reason(s):

1.(a)(3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged.

Commissioner Ward made the motion for the Board to go out of closed session. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Commissioner Ward made the motion to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Attest:

Elizabeth W. Corn, Clerk to the Board William L. Moyer, Chairman