County gets funds for ice storm costs

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: April 14, 2009
REPORTER: Howard Bowden

 
Convened 9:34 AM at Courthouse in Richmond.  Magistrate Combs absent.
 
Minutes were approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report: The County is three quarters through the fiscal year and the budgeted expenditures are about 70 percent with about $7 ½ M remaining. Application for FEMA funds to cover expenses incurred from the ice storm has been submitted. FEMA covers 75 percent; State 12 percent; and County 13 percent. There is a question as to whether the State will have the funds to pay its share.
 
Order of Business
 
1. Bids-E911 Communications: A bid for the relocation of the E-911 Communications to the new building  was approved at a cost of $51K. The move is scheduled for completion on July 4 of this year.
 
2. Proclamation- Alcohol Awareness: Jennifer Webb stated that one third of alcohol fatalities occur in April, May and June prompting kick-offs for Prom and Alcohol Awareness.
 
3. Proclamation- SaraCare Week: Eddie and Norma Kennedy received a copy of  the proclamation and gave a briefing on the SaraCare program. Sara, the Kennedy’s daughter, passed away four years ago from childhood cancer. They realized the need for daily life support for families in similar situations and started a fund. The money they receive from the fund drive provides prescription plans, phone cards, meal plans, gas, motel, gift cards for these families. In addition, two $1,000 scholarships are awarded to seniors in two area high schools.
 
4. Fiscal Court Alcohol & Drug Prevention-Update: Barbara Bentley from ASAP and Dr. Tudor reported on how the $20K which ASAP received from the Fiscal Court was used for drug prevention posters, message boards, banners, pamphlets, and multi-media presentations in the schools.
 
5. Proclamation- 2010 Census: The County has formed a partnership with the Census Bureau to provide support in conducting subject census. It was pointed out by Judge Clark the need for an accurate count and how these figures impact the County in areas such as redistricting, applying for grants, population trends and growth (100 new people per month), infrastructure needs, and overall planning.
 
6.Executive Session: The Court went into executive session to discuss litigation concerning a personnel issue.

7. 1st Reading of Code Enforcement Board Ordinance: The Administrative Official explained the formation and duties of the subject Board. He also detailed the procedures to be used in citing and appealing nuisance violations. The process is being formalized because of increased problems with abandoned homes and properties and the effect they have on the property rights and values of others.
 

8. Comments from Department Heads:
 
 Solid Waste reported that 41,240 lbs. of recyclables were collected during February and  March. The loaner truck is available during the week for those who have large items to dispose of, call the solid waste coordinator at 624-4709 to schedule. Dumpsters for spring clean-up have been set out. There will be a tire amnesty and collection on June 18, 19, and 20 at the State Road Department building on U.S. 25. This will be a chance to get rid of your old tires without having to pay a fee. If someone has more than 1,200 tires the State will pick them up.
 
 Emergency Operation Center reported that this was Telecommunicator Week and that in 2008 the center serviced over 5K inbound calls.
 
 Administrative Official/Building Inspector gave his quarterly report, which is available on the County website. Two items that stood out are: 1) there are approximately 4,500 vacant lots in existing sub-divisions (a GPS study is being conducted to get a more accurate total) and 2) in 2008, 601 acres were divided into 42 lots, while in the first quarter of 2009, 51 acres have been divided into 12 lots. If this trend continues there will be less development going on in the County this year and lots will be smaller
 
10. Comments from Magistrates:
 
 All of the Magistrates commented on how fortunate the County was to have one of the best Dead Animal Removal Programs in the State. There could be serious health and aesthetic problems, considering the large number of livestock there are in the County. .
 
 11. There were no comments from the audience.
 
Adjourned at 11:10 AM