Commissioners discuss courthouse renovations, plan meeting for Humane Society
Matthew Hundley / (matthew.hundley@averyjournal.com)
County begins discussions for phase three in courthouse renovations
County Manager Robert Wiseman has begun discussions with contractors to plan the third and final phase in the courthouse renovation plan.
Wiseman described the plans to Avery County Board of Commissioners at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 6.
The first phase included the additions of an additional courtroom, offices and an expansion of the register of deeds’ office. The second phase included the addition of the new jail and renovation of the old jail. The third and final phase will include renovation of the old courtroom and the clerk of court’s office. According to Wiseman, construction should begin just as renovations to the old jail end.
“The timing is good. It should dovetail,” said Wiseman.
Commissioners plan special meeting for Humane Society land purchase
Several members of Avery County Humane Society and Friends of Avery Humane Society attended Monday’s meeting in hopes of proceeding with a proposal to purchase the land currently under lease for the new humane society facility near Newland.
Because of a procedural technicality, however, the commissioners were unable to render a decision on the proposal at the meeting. Catherine Morton expressed her frustration at the delay, in response to which, Commissioner Kenny Poteat proposed an emergency meeting for 3 p.m. next Monday, Feb. 13, to discuss and make a decision on the humane society’s proposal. Avery County Humane Society has asked to be allowed to purchase the land it is currently leasing. Owning the property would give the humane society the collateral needed to enter into a loan, which it needs in order to complete its new facility. The humane society encourages everyone to show support for the humane society by attending Monday’s meeting.
Other news and notes ...
Jack Howard speaks for YMCA
Jack Howard, who serves as chairman of the board of directors at Williams YMCA, spoke to the commissioners to describe the various work being done by Williams YMCA throughout the county to improve the health and wellbeing of Avery County residents. This included more than $55,000 spent in 2011 in scholarship programs to provide memberships for those in need of financial assistance. The program has provided membership for more than 1,000 Avery residents. Howard concluded by requesting that the board include $50,000 in their budget for 2012-13 to support the scholarship program.
DOT Secondary Road Improvement Program
Ivan Dishman of NCDOT addressed the commissioners and crowd to discuss DOT’s plans for secondary road improvement in Avery County in 2012. Commissioner Scott Heath questioned Dishman on the DOT’s willingness to alter impact routes to avoid negatively impacting property owners. Dishman said he was prepared to discuss such changes, but reminded the commissioners that some changes may not be possible.
“There is a certain road width we want to achieve,” said Dishman.
Larry Ollis inquired about DOT’s willingness to improve Little Horse Creek Road, which Ollis said provides access to Taylor Cemetery, which is a public cemetery.
Rachel Deal complimented DOT on its work in winter weather conditions, but also asked about the possibility of improving road lines to improve visibility.
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve DOT’s road improvement program.
Three reappointed to Avery County Planning Board
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reappoint Cheryl Buchanan, Rachel Deal and Joe Perry to Avery County Planning Board for three-year terms.
Two reappointed to Avery County Agricultural Advisory Board
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reappoint Ann Coleman and Doug Clark to Avery County Agricultural Advisory Board for three-year terms.
Avery Airport Authority
Sam Calvert of Avery County Airport Authority requested a loan of $50,000 from Avery County in order to pay outstanding debts for work done by contractors for Avery Airport Authority. According to Calvert, reimbursements from a grant will be available to cover the loan within 30 to 45 days. The commissioners approved the loan unanimously, though Poteat did emphasize, “we are not in the business of giving out loans.”
A.C. P.R.I.D.E. Update
Avery County Economic Development Director Bret Gardella gave a brief update on the progress of implementing the business incubator, A.C. P.R.I.D.E., into the old Banner Elk School. According to Gardella, all locks have been updated and new security cameras are in place. Further, inspection within the building has revealed it to be ADA compliant.
John Millan requests memorial sign updates
During open public appearances, John Millan addressed the commissioners to request that they pass a motion to update memorial signs for highways and bridges in Avery County to include the rank and organization of the person to whom the memorial is dedicated. Millan also suggested that the veterans’ memorial located in front of the courthouse be updated. Millan offered to organize fundraising efforts to support the projects if the county would consider the changes.
Commissioners approve $2,500 for bulletproof vests
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $2,500 budget amendment to provide the 25-percent match for a grant that will purchase new bulletproof vests for Avery County Sheriff’s Office. Though he did vote for the budget amendment, Heath objected to the county providing matching funds for numerous grants outside of the budget process. According to Wiseman and County Financial Director Tim Greene, the uncertain nature of grants makes it difficult to include them in the yearly budget.
County Manager Robert Wiseman has begun discussions with contractors to plan the third and final phase in the courthouse renovation plan.
Wiseman described the plans to Avery County Board of Commissioners at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 6.
The first phase included the additions of an additional courtroom, offices and an expansion of the register of deeds’ office. The second phase included the addition of the new jail and renovation of the old jail. The third and final phase will include renovation of the old courtroom and the clerk of court’s office. According to Wiseman, construction should begin just as renovations to the old jail end.
“The timing is good. It should dovetail,” said Wiseman.
Commissioners plan special meeting for Humane Society land purchase
Several members of Avery County Humane Society and Friends of Avery Humane Society attended Monday’s meeting in hopes of proceeding with a proposal to purchase the land currently under lease for the new humane society facility near Newland.
Because of a procedural technicality, however, the commissioners were unable to render a decision on the proposal at the meeting. Catherine Morton expressed her frustration at the delay, in response to which, Commissioner Kenny Poteat proposed an emergency meeting for 3 p.m. next Monday, Feb. 13, to discuss and make a decision on the humane society’s proposal. Avery County Humane Society has asked to be allowed to purchase the land it is currently leasing. Owning the property would give the humane society the collateral needed to enter into a loan, which it needs in order to complete its new facility. The humane society encourages everyone to show support for the humane society by attending Monday’s meeting.
Other news and notes ...
Jack Howard speaks for YMCA
Jack Howard, who serves as chairman of the board of directors at Williams YMCA, spoke to the commissioners to describe the various work being done by Williams YMCA throughout the county to improve the health and wellbeing of Avery County residents. This included more than $55,000 spent in 2011 in scholarship programs to provide memberships for those in need of financial assistance. The program has provided membership for more than 1,000 Avery residents. Howard concluded by requesting that the board include $50,000 in their budget for 2012-13 to support the scholarship program.
DOT Secondary Road Improvement Program
Ivan Dishman of NCDOT addressed the commissioners and crowd to discuss DOT’s plans for secondary road improvement in Avery County in 2012. Commissioner Scott Heath questioned Dishman on the DOT’s willingness to alter impact routes to avoid negatively impacting property owners. Dishman said he was prepared to discuss such changes, but reminded the commissioners that some changes may not be possible.
“There is a certain road width we want to achieve,” said Dishman.
Larry Ollis inquired about DOT’s willingness to improve Little Horse Creek Road, which Ollis said provides access to Taylor Cemetery, which is a public cemetery.
Rachel Deal complimented DOT on its work in winter weather conditions, but also asked about the possibility of improving road lines to improve visibility.
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve DOT’s road improvement program.
Three reappointed to Avery County Planning Board
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reappoint Cheryl Buchanan, Rachel Deal and Joe Perry to Avery County Planning Board for three-year terms.
Two reappointed to Avery County Agricultural Advisory Board
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reappoint Ann Coleman and Doug Clark to Avery County Agricultural Advisory Board for three-year terms.
Avery Airport Authority
Sam Calvert of Avery County Airport Authority requested a loan of $50,000 from Avery County in order to pay outstanding debts for work done by contractors for Avery Airport Authority. According to Calvert, reimbursements from a grant will be available to cover the loan within 30 to 45 days. The commissioners approved the loan unanimously, though Poteat did emphasize, “we are not in the business of giving out loans.”
A.C. P.R.I.D.E. Update
Avery County Economic Development Director Bret Gardella gave a brief update on the progress of implementing the business incubator, A.C. P.R.I.D.E., into the old Banner Elk School. According to Gardella, all locks have been updated and new security cameras are in place. Further, inspection within the building has revealed it to be ADA compliant.
John Millan requests memorial sign updates
During open public appearances, John Millan addressed the commissioners to request that they pass a motion to update memorial signs for highways and bridges in Avery County to include the rank and organization of the person to whom the memorial is dedicated. Millan also suggested that the veterans’ memorial located in front of the courthouse be updated. Millan offered to organize fundraising efforts to support the projects if the county would consider the changes.
Commissioners approve $2,500 for bulletproof vests
Avery County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $2,500 budget amendment to provide the 25-percent match for a grant that will purchase new bulletproof vests for Avery County Sheriff’s Office. Though he did vote for the budget amendment, Heath objected to the county providing matching funds for numerous grants outside of the budget process. According to Wiseman and County Financial Director Tim Greene, the uncertain nature of grants makes it difficult to include them in the yearly budget.