Proposed Zoning Ordinance
Any open minded observer of tonight’s Commissioner’s meeting must wonder why zoning was called proposed. No sooner did Mr. Asycue conclude reading the three steps for imposing zoning on the county than Commissioner Brown moved to accept the ordinance and Commission Hester seconded the motion. Then Commissioner Brummitt asked Mr. Asycue about a property that is zone differently than displayed on the map. Asycue acknowledge that the issue was presented to him last week and signaled Mr. Care. Mr. Care said changes to the map could occur up until the moment of approval, then tossed the problem to Mr. McMillen. Mr. McMillen explained that the parcels were incorrectly zoned on the map recommending the Commissioners make the correction. To correct the error required withdrawal of the second and the motion then a vote to authoring Mr. McMillen to make the change. Once the Commission instructed Mr. McMillen to make the change Commission Brown and Hester did their two step motion again putting zoning back on the table for a vote. Commissioner Brummitt asked to read for the record some public comment(s). Chairman Wright ever the unfair chairman blocked the reading of the public comments but allowed their inclusion in the public record. Commissioner Brummitt next raised a question about the grand-father clause in the ordinance. Chairman Wright decided that time was wasting and requested the vote for zoning. Commission Brummitt requested a roll call vote. Only Commissioner Brummitt voted nay, zoning passed. Next was the vote on the zoning fee. Chairman Wright pushed forward without addressing Commissioner Brummitt concern. This time Commission Hester moved and Commission Brown seconded. A quick voice vote with one nay from Commissioner Brummitt and the fees were approved. Now comes the best part of the whole evening. Seems the County has had a zoning ordinance since June 27, 1977. I do not understand how you legally establish a second zoning ordinance without repealing the first one. Not to fear, our Commissioners will host a public hearing on the repeal of the 1977 zoning ordinance along with a swimming pool and junk yard ordinance. All of this was completed in about 20 minutes.
Appointment – Farmer Market Project Update
Pete Burgess informed the Commissioners that his group has a $300,000 grant to build the building and no money to buy Commissioner Hester’s 9, acre plot of ground. In all fairness to Commissioner Hester he did recues himself from any vote on this matter just not his profit of the land sale. To buy the land from Commission Hester the county has to pony up $25,000 plus an addition $5,000 in associated costs. Commissioner Brummitt reminded the Commissioners that the original building cost was $400,000; then asked Mr. Burgess if his group could get a usable building in place for the $300,000. In Mr. Burgess’ world all he needs to do is request another $100,000 grant from the State. The farmer’s market will be located behind some government housing off Beckford Drive.
Other appointments and one public hearing
Second hearing requesting a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant for NC Tomorrow Grant Application. No one spoke on the grant including any Commissioners. Madison Bobbitt (no kin to me) made a presentation thanking the commissioners for their support of the 4-H Program. Kay Fields, Director of Social Services summarized the highlights of the challenges facing Social Services that include an increase in those who need the services and declining State funding. Harold Henrich, presentation seemed to skip over the Commissioners request for updated volunteer fire department policy and procedures including funding. In answer to a direct question from Commissioner Hester the update to policy and procedures will be ready in July 2012.
Committee Reports and Recommendations
HR committee obtained approval to fill five openings. They are listed in the Committee Reports and Recommendation elsewhere on HiH.
County Manager’s Report
The Community Development Block Grant for building the facility to house Semprius did not include money to administer the project. Mr. Asycue asked for $22,500 unbudgeted dollars to cover this surprise in the grant. The Commissioners agreed that the old building and bridge at Eaton Johnson are not something the County has a need.
Pending Business.
County Water Project nothing of significance has occurred.
County Attorney’s Report
Jonathan Care summarized the results of the scoping meetings then asked for a meeting to solicit public comment on redistricting. According to Mr. Care a public comment meeting is not a requirement it is just the right thing to do before submitting the redistricting maps for Federal government approval. The Commissioners scheduled the public comment meeting for October 24, 2011, the same day to repeal the 1977 Zoning Ordinance.
Consent Agenda Items
Before the Commissioners could approve the consent agenda items Commissioner Brummitt asked why the Tax Refunds and Releases total seemed higher than normal. The total Tax Refunds and Releases is $197,634.55 (refer to Consent Agenda Items). Mr. Asycue and Care guessed it was due to the new software. It was late, the Chairman was tired, and they still have a Closed Session ahead of them so the Commissioners approved the consent agenda.
Funny how some things get railroaded through and other items are stonewalled–just my opinion. Can it get any worse around here?