june 7, 2021

June 7, 2021

A regular meeting of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners was held at 6:30 pm on

Monday, June 7, 2021. The meeting was held in the Commissioners’ Room, located on the

lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse, 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown.

The following members were present:

Charles R. Peterson, Chairman

Mark A. Gillespie, Vice Chairman

Ray Britt

Dr. Danny Ellis

Rodney Hester

Arthur Bullock

Michael Cogdell

Members Participating Remotely:

Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins

Cameron McGill

Attorney: Leslie Johnson, Johnson Law Firm

ITEM 1. Reverend Warren Hill, Bethel Baptist Church, provided an invocation. County

Manager Greg Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM 2. Consent Items:

Upon a motion by Commissioner Bullock, seconded by Commissioner Britt, the Board

unanimously approved the Consent Items. Due to Commissioners Munn-Goins and McGill

participating remotely, a roll call voice vote was taken, as required by NCGS 166A-19.24(b)(5).

A. Agenda.

B. Minutes of May 17, 2021 Special Meeting.

C. Minutes of May 17, 2021 Regular Meeting.

D. Budget Amendments through June 7, 2021, as follows: Human Resources

Expenditures Increase Decrease

104210.120 Salaries 7,000.00

104210.181 FICA 2,800.00

104210.182 Retirement 1,000.00

104210.183 Group Insurance 1,000.00

104210.185 Retiree Health Insurance 500.00

104210.610 Contract Services 600.00

106930.990 Contingency 11,700.00

Year end adjustments.

Elections


104300.120 Salaries 400.00

104300.121 Longevity 102.00

104300.126 Part-Time 5,000.00

104300.181 FICA 400.00

104300.182 Retirement 200.00

104300.183 Group Insurance 600.00

104300.184 Retiree Life Insurance 40.00

104300.610.001 Contract Services – Poll Workers 3,000.00

106930.990 Contingency 2,462.00


Elections


104300.610.001 Contract Services – Poll Workers 1,755.00

106930.990 Contingency 1,755.00


Tax Administration


104500.120 Salaries 23,100.00

104500.121 Longevity 330.00

104500.126 Part-Time 8,000.00

104500.181 FICA 200.00

104500.182 Retirement 3,000.00

June 7, 2021


104500.185 Retiree Health Insurance 1,500.00

106930.990 Contingency 22,470.00


Tax Administration


104500.192 Professional Services Legal 200.00

104500.270 Advertising 91.56

104500.192.002 Professional Services Foreclosure 33.00

Revenues

103190.010 Miscellaneous Revenue 324.56

#0009195/Off Baltimore Rd/Emmanuel Triarsi

Register of Deeds, Building Inspections, Health, Recreation, Water Credit Cards


104800.900.001 Register of Deeds – CC Fees 250.00

105400.900.001 Building Inspections – CC Fees 2,700.00

105900.900.001 Health – CC Fees 1,200.00

106600.900.001 Recreation – CC Fees 500.00

254702.900.001 Water – CC Fees 25,000.00

Revenues

103160.009 Register of Deeds – CC Fees 250.00

103260.013 Building Inspections – CC Fees 2,700.00

103560.015 Health – CC Fees 1,200.00

103660.014 Recreation – CC Fees 500.00

253420.010 Water – CC Fees 25,000.00

To cover credit card fees for year end.

Register of Deeds


104800.120 Salaries 1,000.00

104800.121 Longevity 30.00

104800.181 FICA 600.00




104800.188 Other Fringe Benefits 501.00

104800.325 Postage 5.00

104800.499.003 Excise Tax 50,000.00

104800.499.009 Domestic Violence 2,000.00

104800.499.017 Child Abuse 1,200.00

Revenues

103160.010 Register of Deeds Fees 1,116.00

103160.011 ROD-Excise Tax 50,000.00


Central Services


105000.120 Salaries 500.00

105000.121 Longevity 31.00

105000.181 FICA 250.00

105000.182 Retirement 500.00



105000.212 Uniforms 250.00

106930.990 Contingency 2,231.00


Motor Pool


105010.120 Salaries 1,500.00

105010.121 Longevity 14.00

105010.125 Overtime 1,000.00

105010.126 Part-Time 1,000.00

105010.181 FICA 200.00

105010.182 Retirement 15.00


106930.990 Contingency 2,099.00


Sheriff’s Office


105100.738.004 US Marshal Grant 9,798.77

Revenues

103270.034 US Marshal Grant 9,798.77

New grant from US Marshall.

Animal Control


105200.120 Salaries 1,500.00

June 7, 2021

105010.121 Longevity 33.00

105200.123 On Call Pay 4,000.00

105200.125 Overtime 2,000.00

105200.126 Part-Time 20,000.00

105200.181 FICA 1,800.00

105200.182 Retirement 400.00


106930.990 Contingency 17,833.00


Emergency Services


105300.120 Salaries 1,500.00

105300.121 Longevity 11.00

105300.125 Overtime 2,000.00

105300.181 FICA 500.00



106930.990 Contingency 2,111.00


Emergency Services


105300.739 Non Inventorable 3,570.00

106930.990 Contingency 3,570.00

Cleanup from EDA grant cancelation.

Building Inspections


105400.120 Salaries 2,000.00

105400.121 Longevity 27.00

105400.125 Overtime 1,000.00

105400.181 FICA 1,000.00

105400.182 Retirement 700.00



106930.990 Contingency 5,627.00

105400.499.005 Homeowners Recovery 300.00

Revenues

103260.011 Homeowners Recovery 300.00


Coroner


105500.120 Salaries 22.00

105500.181 FICA 2.00

106930.990 Contingency 10,024.00

105500.190 Professional Services 10,000.00


Health


105900.120 Salaries 26,000.00

105900.121 Longevity 29.00

105900.125 Overtime 60.00

105900.126 Part-Time 26,000.00

105900.181 FICA 500.00

105900.182 Retirement 2,000.00

105900.183 Group Insurance 10,000.00



106930.990 Contingency 14,019.00

105900.252 Vehicle Usage 100.00


Health


105900.5905.120 Salaries 400.00

105900.5905.121 Longevity 200.00

105900.5905.181 FICA 600.00

105900.5905.183 Group Insurance 1,000.00

105900.5905.185 Retiree Health Insurance 300.00

106930.990 Contingency 1,700.00


Health


105900.5910.120 Salaries 1,500.00

105900.5910.121 Longevity 218.00

105900.5910.181 FICA 1,100.00

105900.5910.182 Retirement 1,000.00

June 7, 2021

105900.5910.183 Group Insurance 3,000.00


106930.990 Contingency 7,568.00


Health


105900.5920.120 Salaries 4,000.00

105900.5920.121 Longevity 14.00

105900.5920.125 Overtime 10.00

105900.5920.126 Part-Time 700.00

105900.5920.181 FICA 3,000.00

105900.5920.182 Retirement 6,000.00

105900.5920.183 Group Insurance 7,000.00

105900.5920.185 Retiree Health Insurance 5,000.00

106930.990 Contingency 24,304.00


Health


105900.5930.120 Salaries 2,000.00

105900.5930.121 Longevity 83.00

105900.5930.125 Overtime 25.00

105900.5930.126 Part-Time 600.00

105900.5930.181 FICA 2,000.00

105900.5930.182 Retirement 2,500.00

105900.5930.183 Group Insurance 4,000.00


106930.990 Contingency 11,958.00


Health


105900.5940.120 Salaries 5,000.00

105900.5940.181 FICA 200.00

105900.5940.182 Retirement 500.00

105900.5940.183 Group Insurance 300.00


106930.990 Contingency 6,000.00

105900.5940.321 Telephone 300.00


Health


105900.5950.120 Salaries 4,000.00

105900.5950.121 Longevity 61.00

105900.5950.125 Overtime 40.00

105900.5950.126 Part-Time 50.00

105900.5950.181 FICA 2,000.00

105900.5950.182 Retirement 3,000.00

105900.5950.183 Group Insurance 4,500.00


106930.990 Contingency 15,471.00


Health


105900.5951.121 Longevity 14.00

105900.5951.125 Overtime 6,000.00

105900.5951.181 FICA 1,000.00

105900.5951.182 Retirement 60.00

105900.5951.183 Group Insurance 400.00

105900.5951.321 Telephone 200.00

105900.5951.321.002 Phone CC4C 400.00

106930.990 Contingency 6,754.00


Health


105900.5960.120 Salaries 35,000.00

105900.5960.181 FICA 2,600.00

105900.5960.182 Retirement 3,500.00

105900.5960.183 Group Insurance 7,300.00


106930.990 Contingency 50,800.00


Health


105900.5986.120 Salaries 30.00

105900.5986.125 Overtime 10.00

June 7, 2021

105900.5986.126 Part-Time 15,100.00

105900.5986.181 FICA 1,300.00

105900.5986.182 Retirement 15.00


105900.5986.126.001 PT COVID 1,575.00

105900.5986.200 Supplies 1,000.00

Revenues

103190.006 CARES-County Reimbursed 19,032.00


Health


105900.5988.120 Salaries 45,000.00

105900.5988.121 Longevity 295.00

105900.5988.125 Overtime 51.00

105900.5988.126 Part-Time 9,500.00

105900.5988.181 FICA 4,000.00

105900.5988.182 Retirement 4,000.00

105900.5988.183 Group Insurance 10,000.00


105900.5988.321 Telephone 1,000.00

106930.990 Contingency 74,154.00


Mental Health


105990.696 Mental Health – ABC 3,200.00

Revenues

103510.030 ABC 5 cent Bottle Tax 3,200.00


Division on Aging


106200.120 Salaries 3,000.00

106200.121 Longevity 95.00

106200.122 Bonus 311.00

106200.181 FICA 400.00



106930.990 Contingency 5,506.00


Division on Aging


106200.6205.120 Salaries 2,700.00

106200.6205.121 Longevity 52.00

106200.6205.122 Bonus 944.00

106200.6205.181 FICA 300.00

106200.6205.182 Retirement 200.00

106200.6205.183 Group Insurance 1,100.00


106930.990 Contingency 3,608.00


Division on Aging


106200.6210.120 Salaries 7,000.00

106200.6210.121 Longevity 343.00

106200.6210.122 Bonus 1,873.00

106200.6210.126 Part-Time 2,120.00

106200.6210.181 FICA 400.00

106200.6210.182 Retirement 400.00

106200.6210.183 Group Insurance 4,000.00

106200.6210.184 Retiree Life Insurance 40.00


106200.6210.321 Telephone 400.00

106200.6210.499 Miscellaneous Expense 100.00

106930.990 Contingency 11,070.00


Division on Aging


106200.6220.120 Salaries 40.00

106200.6220.121 Longevity 8.00

106200.6220.122 Bonus 1,874.00

106200.6220.126 Part-Time 25,000.00

106200.6220.181 FICA 2,500.00

106200.6220.182 Retirement 110.00

106200.6220.183 Group Insurance 5,000.00

106930.990 Contingency 30,484.00

June 7, 2021


Division on Aging


106200.6225.120 Salaries 10.00

106200.6225.121 Longevity 3.00

106200.6225.126 Part-Time 2,500.00

106200.6225.181 FICA 350.00

106200.6225.182 Retirement 40.00

106200.6225.183 Group Insurance 1,800.00

106930.990 Contingency 4,603.00


Division on Aging


106200.6230.287 Ensure 2,113.00

Revenues

103530.024 Ensure 2,113.00

Add’l revenue for ensure.

Division on Aging


106200.6230.499 Sr Center Misc Expense 100.00

Revenues

103530.016 Operation Fan Heat Relief 100.00

Box fans for seniors.

Division on Aging


106200.6230.499 Sr Center Misc Expense 1,451.95

Revenues

103530.017 Sr Center Donations 500.00

103530.019 In Home Cost Share 175.00

103530.028 DOA N/SC Program Income 643.95

103530.030 DOA N/SC Donations 8.00

103530.049 DOA Nutrition Reimbursement 125.00

Add’l revenue for Sr Center Misc.

Parks and Recreation


106600.740 Capital Outlay-Equipment 1,000.00

106600.350 M/R Building & Grounds 1,274.00

Revenues

103660.009 Recreation Donations 274.00

Cover cost of equipment.

Library


106700.120 Salaries 8,000.00

106700.121 Longevity 73.00

106700.181 FICA 2,000.00

106700.182 Retirement 1,500.00




106700.321 Telephone 1,200.00

106930.990 Contingency 13,333.00


Education


106910.882 BOE-Sales Tax 42,313.00

Revenues

103110.050 Article 40 Sales Tax 14,387.00

103110.060 Article 42 Sales Tax 27,926.00


Special Revenue-Truck Driving Project


118000.197.001 GoldenLEAF-Truck Driving 800,000.00

Revenues

113472.003 GoldenLEAF-Truck Driving 800,000.00


Department of Social Services


146100.706 LIEAP 10,259.13

Revenues

143531.033 LIEAP 10,259.13

Funding Authorization #8 - One time LIEAP supplement.

June 7, 2021



146100.6160.499.081 Safe Sleep Supplies 1,500.00

Revenues

143190.032 Safe Sleep Supplies 1,500.00

Safe Sleep program donation.



146100.6160.555 Client Repay 361.00

Revenues

143591.010 DSS Client Ref/Medicaid 361.00

Repayment of SA Client refund.



146100.6160.575 Foster Care State 50,000.00

146100.6160.580 IV-E Foster Care 50,000.00

Revenues

143531.330 Foster Care State 25,000.00

143531.331 IV-E Foster Care 42,000.00

143531.280 SSBG 8,000.00

143531.280 SSBG 25,000.00

To budget excess spending in State Foster Care and underspending in IV-E Foster Care.



146100.6160.650.002 Child Abuse Awareness 145.00

Revenues

143190.028 Child Abuse Awareness 145.00

Donations for Child Abuse Awareness.

Special Revenue-American Rescue Plan


187300.850 American Rescue Plan 3,177,932.50

Revenues

183422.003 American Rescue Plan 3,177,932.50

First allocation of the American Rescue Plan.

Water


254702.192 Professional Services Legal 10,000.00

Revenues

253190.050 Fund Balance Appropriation 10,000.00

Legal services for GenX issues.

Water


254702.200.007 Supplies 2,596.18

Revenues

253190.010 Miscellaneous Revenue 2,596.18

Fire Hydrant replacement and repair do to damage by wrecks.

Water


254702.350 M/R-Building & Grounds 15,824.60

Revenues

253190.010 Miscellaneous Revenue 15,824.60

Sold water meters.

Water


254702.739 Non Inventorable 14,693.75

Revenues

253190.050 Fund Balance Appropriation 14,693.75

Emergency leak 5-9-21 US 701 Hwy N past Turnbull Creek due to lightning strike on 5-7-21.

EMS


325302.120 Salaries 42,500.00

325302.121 Longevity 20.00

325302.125 Overtime 12,100.00

325302.126 Part-Time 147,000.00

325302.181 FICA 11,600.00

325302.182 Retirement 5,500.00

325302.183 Group Insurance 22,000.00



325302.190.001 Health Dept 150.00

325302.203 Medical Supplies 592.00

325302.492 Bad Debt 630,000.00

Revenues

June 7, 2021

323280.011 Billing Revenue 829,457.00


EMS


325302.212 Uniforms 500.00

Revenues

323190.010 Miscellaneous Revenue 500.00

Donation to cover t-shirts for staff.

E. County Attorney Invoices.

Date Department Amount

5/06/2021 Health and Human Services 825.00

5/12/2021 Governing Board 300.00

5/13/2021 Health and Human Services 1,500.00

5/24/2021 Water District 850.00

6/01/2021 June 2021 Retainer 300.00

Total $ 3,775.00

F. Public Hearing for 6:30pm on Monday, June 21, 2021 to Receive Comments

Regarding Bladen County Zoning Ordinance to Incorporate North Carolina

General Statute 160D Updates.

G. Memorandum of Agreement between the State of North Carolina and Local

Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation

and the following Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Agreement

Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation:

H. East Arcadia Volunteer Fire Department Funding Agreement and Automatic

Aid Agreement.

I. Hickory Grove Volunteer Fire Department Funding Agreement and

Automatic Aid Agreement.

J. Kelly-Rowan Volunteer Fire Department Funding Agreement and Automatic

Aid Agreement.

K. Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department Funding Agreement and Automatic Aid

Agreement.

L. Town of White Lake Volunteer Fire Department Funding Agreement and

Automatic Aid Agreement.

M. Authorize Finance Officer to Receive American Rescue Plan Act Funding

and the Chairman to Execute any Necessary Agreements on Behalf of the

Board of Commissioners.

N. Bid in the Amount of $4,330 for County-Owned Property (PIN No. 1322-00-

79-6162) Located at 299 Bohica Drive. By accepting the bid, the upset bid

process was initiated.

O. FY 2021-2022 NCACC Risk Management Pools Liability & Property, and

Worker’s Compensation Insurance Renewal Package.

P. Contract to Audit FY 2020-2021 Accounts and Letter of Understanding with

Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams and Company, PA.

Q. The following Elder Abuse Awareness Proclamation:

R. Fireworks Display for Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Bay Tree Lakes Pursuant to

NCGS 14-413.

S. NC Tier II Grant (T2-2021) Award in the Amount of $10,000 to Assist in

Funding a Hazardous Material Exercise.

T. NC Tier II Grant (T2-2021) Award in the Amount of $1,000 to Assist in

Funding a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Project.

U. Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults, FY 2021-2022

County Funding Plan.

June 7, 2021

ITEM 3. Public Hearings:

A. Chairman Peterson declared open a Public Hearing to receive comments

regarding the Proposed FY 2021-2022 Budget.

Chairman Peterson recognized Emergency Services Director Nathan Dowless

to address the Board. Mr. Dowless asked that the Board consider funding a

diesel truck in the amount of $48,500. He stated that the truck that he

normally drives is used in multiple departments to tow trailers. Following

brief discussion, Mr. Dowless expressed appreciation.

Chairman Peterson recognized Bladen Community College Board of Trustees

Chairman Dennis Troy, BCC President Amanda Lee, and Chief Finance

Officer Jay Stanley to address the Board. Dr. Lee expressed appreciation for

the Board’s financial support and provided an update related to ongoing

programs and newly developed programs. Chairman Troy expressed

appreciation for ongoing financial support as well.

No one else addressed the Board.

Chairman Peterson declared closed the Public Hearing regarding the Proposed

FY 2021-2022 Budget.

B. Chairman Peterson declared open a Public Hearing regarding a Proposed FY

2021-2022 Economic Development Budget.

No one addressed the Board.

Chairman Peterson declared closed the Public Hearing to receive comments

regarding the Proposed FY 2021-2022 Economic Development Budget.

C. Chairman Peterson declared open a Public Hearing to receive comments

regarding a Rezoning request (PIN No. 0382-12-86-5403) for property located

at the intersection of NC 41 West and NC 87. The request is to rezone the

Residential/Agricultural property to Commercial for development purposes.

Planning Director Greg Elkins provided a brief overview of the property and

the rezoning request process. Mr. Elkins stated that the Bladen County

Planning Board had favorably received Mr. Riddle’s request at its May 18,

2021 meeting, and made a recommendation to the Board of County

Commissioners in support of Mr. Riddle’s request. He then introduced

rezoning applicant Mr. Joe Riddle and Attorney Lonnie Player to provide

additional information.

Mr. Player stated that traffic travelling past the property, by NC Department

of Transportation estimates, is approximately 10,000-20,000 vehicles daily.

The initial intent of the rezoning request was to build a convenience store or

gas station on the property. However, Mr. Player stated that the site could

also be considered for a grocery store or other type of commercial business.

He also stated that buffering using fences, landscaping hedges would be

installed so as not to adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood.

Mr. Riddle reiterated points made by Mr. Player, and also shared that he

intended on purchasing the property. He said that he would hold on to the

property until a plan could be further developed.

Chairman Peterson recognized Mr. Lynn King, Mr. Alan Brisson, and Mr.

William McNeill to address the Board. They each spoke against the rezoning

application, citing light pollution, noise pollution, and potential safety hazards

related to increased traffic.

Mr. Brisson also submitted a petition with approximately 170 signatures of

individuals who also did not support the rezoning application. Mr. Brisson

read aloud the Petition for information.

ITEM 4. Special Recognition:

A. Chairman Peterson and the entire Board recognized Division on Aging

Director Kelly Robeson, Department of Social Services Director Vickie

Smith, and Health Director Dr. Terri Duncan to receive an Elder Abuse

Awareness Month Proclamation. Chairman Peterson read aloud the

Proclamation. Mrs. Smith encouraged everyone in attendance to display

purple on their front porches in support of Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

June 7, 2021

ITEM 5. Individuals/Delegations Wishing to Address Commissioners:

No one in attendance addressed the Board.

ITEM 6. Matters of Interest to Commissioners:

Chairman Peterson recognized Commissioner McGill to address the Board. Commissioner

McGill extended his regrets for needing to depart the meeting shortly.

Chairman Peterson recognized Commissioner Munn-Goins to address the Board. Commissioner

Munn-Goins extended her regrets as well for needing to depart the meeting as well.

Prior to departing, Commissioner McGill expressed concern for the Bay Tree Lakes area and

sewer system issues. He encouraged the Board to assist the residents with options since the

Department of Environmental Quality has prohibited Bay Tree Lakes Waste Water Treatment

Plant (WWTP) from discharging waste water in excess of its permitted allowance of 20,000

gallons per day (GPD). Audits performed by NCDEQ have indicated that more than the

permitted GPD has been consistent since January 2020. Commissioner McGill asked that some

assistance, guidance, or advice be provided to those residents being affected by this action.

Chairman Peterson excused Commissioners Munn-Goins and McGill from the meeting at

7:20pm.

Chairman Peterson recognized Commissioner Bullock to address the Board. Commissioner

Bullock asked that the Board consider adopting a Proclamation in support of House Bill 921,

Tier I Community Reinvestment. Mr. Martin indicated that a Proclamation would be developed

for Board consideration.

Commissioner Bullock also stated that someone had shared information that Robeson County

Schools were going to provide a $1,000 COVID Relief Funds to all teachers employed by

Robeson County. He asked if Mr. Martin would contact the Bladen County Superintendent to

see if the Board of Education might be able to do something similar.

Chairman Peterson read a prepared statement regarding Closed Sessions and the requirement to

cite a specific purpose in accordance with North Carolina General Statute regarding Closed

Session. Commissioner Bullock provided copies of the Bladen County Board of

Commissioners’ Rules of Procedure to the Board related to his request to have a Closed Session

added to the May 17, 2021 agenda regarding general personnel information. Chairman Peterson

stated that the Board follows North Carolina General Statutes regarding specific reasons and

policy to enter closed session, and that “general personnel policy” discussion is not allowed

under NCGS 143-318.11.

Commissioner Cogdell inquired regarding his request to include an overview of Closed Session

process and procedure. Chairman Peterson stated that the topic was included on the Agenda for

additional discussion (Item 13A).

ITEM 7. Dublin Fire District:

A. Dublin Fire District Board of Directors Chairman Gene Lockamy and Dublin

Fire Department Board of Directors Chairman Jason Britt provided an

overview of a fire tax rate increase to 0.098 cents per $100 valuation. This

represents a 3.3 cent increase. Mr. Lockamy stated that the increase would

assist in funding two (2) part-time firefighters to provide coverage Monday

through Friday. He further indicated that a decrease in volunteerism has

affected the ability to provide coverage. Mr. Lockamy informed the Board

that the Town of Dublin and the Fire District Advisory Committee have both

supported the requested increase.

ITEM 8. Emergency Services: (Nathan Dowless, Director)

A. Mr. Dowless provided an update regarding a project to provide alternate

power at East Bladen and West Bladen High Schools. He stated that a grant

June 7, 2021

award in the amount of $317,000 had been approved in 2016 to provide

funding to install a transfer switch at East Bladen High School, and a

generator at West Bladen High School. He stated that following discussions

with Bladen County Schools Maintenance Director Rusty Worley, the grant

award would not be able to provide the needed equipment to power the high

schools during an adverse weather event.

Mr. Dowless submitted, and was denied, a revised request in the amount of

$1.2 million to provide a generator and transfer switch at each school. He

stated that the specified generators could power the entire bottom floor of each

school.

Mr. Dowless stated that FEMA did not support the revision. He stated that at

the first opportunity, a funding request would be submitted for what is

actually needed to provide power to East Bladen and West Bladen High

Schools.

The Board expressed appreciation.

ITEM 9. Advisory Board Appointments for Consideration During June 21, 2021

Meeting:

A. Ammon Fire Service District Committee (2)

B. Animal Control Board (4)

C. Bladen Community College Board of Trustees (2)

D. Division on Aging (1)

E. Eastpointe (1)

F. Hickory Grove Fire Service District Committee (3)

G. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (16)

H. Jury Commission (1)

I. Keep Bladen Beautiful (5)

J. Kelly Fire Service District Committee (2)

K. Library Board (1)

L. Local Emergency Planning Committee (7)

M. Lumber River Workforce Development Board (2)

N. Planning Board (3)

O. Recreation Committee (4)

P. Southeastern Community Action Partnership (1)

Q. Tar Heel Fire Service District Committee (3)

R. Tobermory Fire Service District Committee (1)

S. White Lake Fire Service District Committee (3)

T. White Oak Fire Service District Committee (3)

ITEM 10. Advisory Board Appointments for Consideration During July 12, 2021

Meeting:

A. Adult Care Home Advisory Board (2)

B. Bladenboro Planning Board (ETJ) (2)

ITEM 11. County Manager: (Greg Martin)

A. Mr. Martin reviewed calendars for the months of June and July 2021. During

calendar review and upon a motion by Commissioner Cogdell, seconded by

Commissioner Ellis, the Board unanimously scheduled a preliminary meeting

at 6:00pm on Monday, June 14, 2021with Fountainworks. Fountainworks

supplied a Zoom meeting link in order to discuss a comprehensive strategic

plan. A roll call voice vote was taken.

A Special Meeting regarding FY 2021-2022 Budget was also scheduled

during calendar review. Upon a motion by Commissioner Cogdell, seconded

by Commissioner Bullock, the Board unanimously scheduled a Special

Meeting regarding FY 2021-2022 Budget for 5:00pm on Monday, June 21,

2021. A roll call voice vote was taken.

June 7, 2021

B. Mr. Martin reviewed information regarding a Broadband survey. He

reminded those in attendance that Lumber River Council of Governments has

taken the lead on the project and is gathering broadband access information

across the region.

C. Mr. Martin provided an overview of a Tar Heel School construction project

and the need to provide a deed to Bladen County Schools for the property on

which the project will be constructed. Mr. Martin reminded the Board that a

Deed of Trust was executed for the Qualified School Construction Bond

(QSCB) program for the property which is currently deeded to the County of

Bladen. The QSCB loan can not be paid early in order to convey the property

to Bladen County Schools.

Mr. Martin presented for consideration the following:

Upon a motion by Commissioner Britt, seconded by Commissioner

Bullock, the Board unanimously approved a Release Deed for Bank of

America in order to release part of the property for the QSCB

program. A roll call voice vote was taken.


Bullock, the Board unanimously approved a Deed conveying the 12

acres of property (NC 87 road frontage portion) to the Bladen County

Schools, a requirement for the $15.0 million 3-1 construction grant. A

roll call voice vote was taken.


Bullock, the Board unanimously approved a Lease with Bladen

County Schools for the rear 12 acres of property. A roll call voice

vote was taken.

D. Mr. Martin provided an overview of a Declaration of Official Intent to

Reimburse regarding a K-8 school construction project to be located in Tar

Heel. He stated that by approving the Declaration, funds already expended

can be reimbursed with loan funds. The loan has not yet been closed. Upon a

motion by Commissioner Britt, seconded by Commissioner Bullock, the

Board unanimously approved the following Declaration of Official Intent to

Reimburse. A roll call voice vote was taken.

ITEM 12. Individuals/Delegations Wishing to Address Commissioners:

No one in attendance addressed the Board.

ITEM 13. Matters of Interest to Commissioners:

Chairman Peterson asked Mr. Martin to lead discussion regarding Closed Session procedure.

Commissioner Cogdell had asked the item be included on the agenda for discussion. Mr. Martin

shared a handout of NCGS 143-3189.11 and stated that the Board of Commissioners follows this

statute for Closed Sessions and general discussion regarding personnel is not an allowed purpose

for Closed Session.

Mr. Martin reminded the Board that during a February 2021 Board of County Commissioners’

meeting, Commissioner Cogdell requested that all Board members be notified regarding the

specific purpose for a scheduled Closed Session. However, since his request was made, no

Closed Sessions has been scheduled.

Mr. Cogdell stated that he contacted County Attorney Leslie Johnson to ask if the Board could

be made aware of the specific topic and background information prior to entering a Closed

Session. Mr. Johnson had expressed that general information regarding a scheduled Closed

Session could be shared, but specific information should be shared only in Closed Session.

June 7, 2021

Chairman Peterson recognized Commissioner Ellis to address the Board. Commissioner Ellis

expressed his view regarding Closed Session topics. He stated that a general overview of the

topic would be sufficient prior to entering Closed Session, with specifics discussed with the full

Board during the Closed Session.

Chairman Peterson recognized Commissioner Hester to address the Board. Commissioner

Hester inquired regarding Planning Board meetings when a rezoning issue is addressed. Mr.

Martin provided an overview of Planning Board procedure regarding rezoning requests and

special use permit applications. He stated that the Planning Board holds Special Use Permit

Public Hearings and make its ruling based on documentation and specific criteria. However, for

Rezoning applications, the Planning Board meets to discuss a Rezoning request, and, based on

specific criteria, makes a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the Board of

Commissioners. Once the recommendation is submitted to the Board of Commissioners, a

Public Hearing is scheduled to allow for public comment prior to a decision.

Upon a motion by Commissioner Gillespie, seconded by Commissioner Britt, the Board

unanimously adjourned at 7:56pm. A roll call voice vote was taken.

ATTEST:

___________________________________ ___________________________________

Maria C. Edwards, NCCCC Charles R. Peterson, Chairman

Clerk to the Board Bladen County Board of Commissioners

june 7, 2021

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