While frequently at odds over the location, size, and construction scheduling of the new Public Safety and Detention Center complex in downtown Carthage, the five member Board of County Commissioners recently found themselves on common ground -- unanimously approving a resolution that prohibits housing Federal inmates in Moore County, except as required by law.
The $29.2 million detention center has drawn concern from local residents that some of its 192 beds could be used to house Federal prisoners; however, a straw poll conducted by Commissioner Nick Picerno revealed universal opposition to such action from all five commissioners.
As initially drafted, the resolution only restricted Federal inmates at the new facility, but Chairman Tim Lea asked for the text to be amended to include restrictions at both the old and new jail facilities in Carthage.
County Attorney Misty Leland cautioned the commissioners that local law cannot supersede Federal law and explained that exceptions to the resolution would include Federal inmates held for extradition or those held for committing a Federal crime in Moore County.
During Public Comment, Carthage resident Burt Patrick spoke against the resolution arguing that, in previous meetings, Chief Deputy Neil Godfrey, of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, has repeatedly stated that Federal prisoners cannot be housed in Moore County without the Board’s permission.
In addition, Patrick addressed the proposed $52 million bond that will be used to construct the new county facilities. She said her research on the status of the county’s application with the local government commission, found that the bond request totaled $32.8 million, with a total indebtedness of $29 million.
“I don’t understand why the numbers don’t jibe," Patrick said. "It is your moral obligation to taxpayers to have your numbers straight.”
Recognitions
County Manager Cary McSwain was commended for his service to Moore County. In presenting the award, Commissioner Morgan said that during McSwain's four-year tenure, he had brought stability and professionalism back into the workplace and worked tirelessly to promote partnerships and create a strong and cohesive leadership team.
“No one can make any good accomplishments without a good team,” McSwain said. “This is demonstrated by the miles and miles of accomplishments we’ve made. I can’t say enough about the employees of this county.”
Cancer survivor Eli Arroyo-Allen, Moore County’s public information officer, and several other county employees were thanked by the Commissioners for their participation in Breast Cancer Awareness month activities held in October. Fundraising activities at the Moore County employees’ Family Fun Day generated $2,200 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. In particular, Arroyo-Allen was acknowledged as an inspiration as a national ambassador in the Pink Together campaign and for reaching out locally to Latina women.
2010 Govenor’s Volunteer Service Award winners Judie Wiggins, James Kilpatrick, and Stephanie Carey of Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills were honored by the County Commissioners for their extraordinary work.
Wiggins was honored with the Director of Volunteers award and also the Moore County RSVP Medallion Award for amassing the highest overall score. Under her leadership, Habitat’s volunteer base has grown from 75 to over 350 active volunteers. Wiggins was also recognized for her ability to create successful partnerships and sponsorships.
Kilpatrick, a resident of Seven Lakes South, was recognized with a Lifetime award for his eighteen years of service as a volunteer on the Habitat board, and as a committee member. Nicknamed “Tin Man” for his construction skills with exterior metal work, Kilpatrick is credited with many positive changes and growth in the organization and has been an integral part of building more than 170 Habitat homes.
Carey won the Perseverance award. A Habitat volunteer since 2005, she has overcome significant personal obstacles following a massive stroke and continues to actively contribute upwards of 1,600 volunteer hours each year.
Also honored during the meeting were Albert Everette, a daily volunteer presence at Penick Village for the last eleven years, and Therapy Dogs International and the St. Joseph of the Pines Assisted Pet Therapy program volunteers, who provide weekly visitations to offer emotional support and companionship to nursing home residents, patients and staff.
Code of Ethics
By January 1, 2011, all North Carolina cities, counties, municipalities, local boards of education, and unified governments must adopt a policy or resolution containing a Code of Ethics.
County Attorney Leland has recommended the County Commissioners adopt a hybrid-style Code of Ethics that incorporates both aspirational and punitive elements, using a model code developed by the UNC School of Government as the base document.
With Commissioner Jimmy Melton not in attendance at the November 1 meeting, discussion and action on the proposed Code of Ethics was tabled until the entire Board could be present.
During Public Comment, Pinehurst resident John Marcum suggested three points to consider for inclusion in the final draft:
• That County Commissioners may not be a member of any other commission whose budget and activities are overseen by a county board;
• That any purchase of equipment or software must be competitively bid and may not have a gift portion that is linked to a support contract and that any board member must recuse him or herself from voting if he or she has interest in a company with a product recommended for approval;
• That, in the case of a closed land purchase process, the county may not pay more than the highest appraised value unless a Public Hearing is held and a complete survey and environment review of the property is conducted before any preliminary agreement to purchase is offered. In addition, a board member should recuse him or herself from voting if the property owner is a friend.
Heart of NC Megapark
Bylaws were adopted and Chairman Lea was nominated to serve as chairman of the new 501c3 organization, “The Heart of North Carolina Megapark, Inc.” which will promote a 3,000 acre industrial site that lies astride the border of Montgomery and Moore Counties.
Initiated nearly five years ago, the privately-owned site is being developed as a green, sustainable industrial mega-park that will attract new business and tax revenues. So named because of its proximity to the geographic center of North Carolina, the tract is bounded by Spies Road, NC Hwy 24/27, and Hwy 73/74, between Star and Biscoe.
Other Business
In other business on Monday, November 1, the Moore County Board of Commissioners:
• Approved a resolution to continue to pursue good faith negotiations with the Town of Robbins on water discussions, placing all assets on the table for discussion to further the best interests of both and a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Approved a $480,000 grant for Moore County Transportation. Described as a major component of the funding for the county's local transportation service, this is an annual grant received from the NC-Department of Transportation.
• Approved two requests to rename roads; one at Pelham Farms Subdivision north of Youngs Road, one at Cotswald Subdivision off Linden Road.
• Appointed Stephen Sheffield to the Subdivision Review Board as an alternate surveyor.
• Proclaimed November 14-20 as Homeless Awareness Week. There were at least 1,100 instances of homelessness in Moore County last year. St. Joseph of the Pines has developed a website to increase awareness of the need for action, and to help direct volunteers and contributions, visit www.iamthefaceofthehomeless.org
