ALBEMARLE — The March 5th meeting was called to order by Chairman Joseph Burleson at the commission’s new regular time of 6 pm with an efficient agenda that included several board appointments and the awarding of county contracts.
Becky Weemhoff, Director of Senior Services, presented nominees to the commissioners for appointment to the Senior Services Advisory Board. Weemhoff recommended that three of the four seats up for appointment be retained by current members. Don Morrison, Elizabeth Hill, Dr. J.C. Boone were all recommended for additional three-year terms. The fourth current member, David Almond, did not seek reappointment after three two-year terms during which he served as vice chairman and chairman of the Board. Phyllis Smith was nominated to replace Almond. Commissioner Matthew Swain made the motion to appoint the slate of nominees presented and the commissioners passed the motion 7-0. The four appointees will serve a three-year term that expires October 30, 2020.
County Finance Director Toby Hinson presented a recommendation to the commissioners to continue the county’s engagement with Thompson Price Scott & Adams to perform audit services. The firm served as the county’s auditor for the 2016-2017 fiscal year at a cost of $48,500. Hinson told the commissioners that the previous auditing firm had increased the price substantially which led to the change for last fiscal year. Hinson also stated that Alan Thompson, the firm’s managing partner, said the costs would remain the same as last year. Commissioner Efird moved to approve retaining Thompson Price Scott & Adams to perform audits for the 2017 through 2018 fiscal year and motion passed 7-0.
The commissioners also considered a contract proposal for waterline hookups to transition citizens from wells to municipal water supplies. Detria Turner, Utilities Project Coordinator, made the presentation along with staff. The presenters stated that the utilities staff reached out to plumbing contractors within Stanly County, but due to existing projects, there were no bids from plumbing contractors within the county. “It seems to be an excellent time to be in the trades,” said Commissioner Matthew Swain, who moved to accept the service contracts with United Plumbing of Concord. Commissioner Bill Lawhon added, “I am really disappointed that we are having to go out of the county again to have work done. I sure wished our contractors in Stanly County would bid.” United Plumbing was the only company to submit a formal bid. The motion to hire United Plumbing was approved 7-0.
County Planning Director Michael Sandy presented a recommendation from the Planning Board to rezone 11.24 acres owned by Joseph D. Whitley located at the NW corner of Highway 24/27 and Bethel Church Road near Red Cross from residential/agricultural to highway/business zoning classification. Mr. Whitley’s request would allow him to build a retail location to house his business, Wood-Mizer, a sawmill sales and service company. Sandy told the commissioners that most of the company’s activities are done offsite. The Stanly County Planning Board met on Feb. 12 and unanimously recommended the request be approved. There were no public comments on the request and the Commissioners approved the request 7-0.
Sheriff George T. Burris presented his 2017 annual report of to the commissioners. “It’s amazing what the personnel of the Sheriff’s Office completes and does for this great county,” said Burris. During his 15-minute presentation, the Sheriff highlighted the law enforcement and community service activities of his office during 2017. Burris specifically mentioned the work his office had done in support of Special Olympics and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program.
County Manager Andy Lucas presented a recommendation from the Economic Development Commission to update material related to the county’s economic incentives. “The county doesn’t have a formal incentive policy,” said Lucas. The Board approved of the updated material 7-0.
There were no public comments. New Stanly County School Superintendent Dr. James and Rep. Burr were recognized by Chairman Burleson and thanked for their attendance.
The retirement of Leon Warren, longtime radio presenter for 1010AM WSPC, was recognized by the commissioners with several comments.
The next regular meeting of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will be held March 19, 2018 at 6 pm.
