May 8, 2024  The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May gth, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. int the Superior Courtroom at the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East  Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina.  ASSEMBLY  Present in the Boardroom: Chairman Dempsey Bond, Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, Commissioner Joe. R. Ayers, Commissioner Ronnie Smith, Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus, Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner, Clerk to the Board Julia Rease and Other Present in the boardroom: Mayor of Bear Grass Charlotte Griffin, Mayor of Robersonville Tinal Brown, Councilman ofHamilton Larry Jackson, SheriffTim Manning, and more. Chairman Bond Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice Chair Biggs led the Pledge of  Finance Officer Cindy Ange.  Allegiance. Commissioner Gurganus provided the invocation. Chairman Bond Jr. welcomed all in attendance  AGENDA Approval  Chairman Bond Jr. talked about the revised agenda and it was asked to remove the. Juvenile. Justice Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the revised agenda with the stated addition, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0).  Lease Agreement and Item #11 under the Consent Agenda.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  1. Mr. Martha MacDonald - "Good evening. Another meaning, no Commissioners expenditures on the agenda, no updated travel policy, no workshop or conference report. Why the delay? Obviously, this board is fractured, when simple citizen requests cannot bel honored. Iwould go as far as saying it's pretty splintered. Case in point, the hiring of the County Manager. By all reports, including the interview reported on in our local paper. There have been several qualified advocate. Eight months, no action by the board, and still no County Manager. Al broken board that can'to or won't work together. Still no answers about unexplained raises. Questions of who authorized and where is the documentation echoed not only by the citizens, but also by the auditor during the recent audit report. Does anyone want to share the truth? Because of this action, or rather, the lack of action by three board members, There're many things that this county does not have. No hospital, no County Manager, no working leadership, no new industry, no growth. Who would want to live here with this up here? No transparency, no answers. There's a few things our county does have now, we have new EMS procedures without a paramedic in the county. We have distrust of any action this board may try to initiate. We have a lack of trust in local leadership to be good stewards of tax dollars, properties, law, and everyday oversight of the government in Martin County. It's time for you    three to man up and to treat the citizens that elected you with the respect and the dignity that they deserve. Maya Angelo wrote: do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. Y'all know better, but you certainly are not doing better. Simply put, if you can't play honestly and nice, it is time for y'all to pick up your toys and to go home. Because the street lights have come on and they're beginning to shine brightly. Thank you. Chairman Bond Jr. thanked Mrs. MacDonald and called for the next public comment. 2. Mr. Heber Coltrain - "Tonight, II have a question for our Board. Prior to the closed meeting, when our former Chairman surprisingly introduced a, Mr. James Bennett, which Commissioners already knew that Bennett was going to appear at that meeting and be voted on? Two of our Commissioners have stated that prior to that meeting, they had never even heard of Bennett. So should we assume that prior to that meeting our former Chairman had kept Bennett a secret from the entire board. That might be believable if not for the fact that, in addition to our former Chairman, two other Commissioners voted that meeting to hire Bennett. Did they already know Bennett? Were they well aware that Bennett was going to be at the meeting? Did they feel no responsibility to give Gurganus and Ayers the opportunity to do their own research on Bennett before. his being hired. Ibelieve that what took place was a carefully planned conspiracy. Ibelieve that our former Chairman, who some citizens are now referring to as the head of the snake, carefully planned this conspiracy and carried out his dirty deed with the help of his two coconspirators. Ic can't envision any industry, health care provider, or anyone else in their right mind wanting to become involved with our county as long as we have conspirators on our Board. Therefore, I'm asking you three to resign immediately. Resign for our senior citizens who are concerned about their health care. Resign for our taxpayers who don't trust you. Resign for our young people who dream of finding work and continue their lives here. Resign, and let us pick up the pieces and move on in a productive, in a progressive way. Thank you, Chairman Bond Jr. thanked Mr. Coltrain and there were no further public comments.  CONSENT AGENDA  Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda as stated, with a Second 1.N Minutes--November: 8, 2023 Regular, November 16, 2023 Special, January 10, 2024 Regular  by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5-0).  -(Tabled From Previous Meeting) 2. Financial Report - April 2024  3. Tax Assessor. - Tax Refund Request = April 2024- None 4. Tax Assessor- - Tax Relief Orders - April 2024  Year Lname Levy 2023 OfChrist 2023 Manning 2023 Church  Fname  Reason BOER Approved Appeal Approved Clerk Error  Value Total 0.00 $14,488.50 243,880 $5,053.84 0.00 0.00 $1,726.96  2023 Baptist Church Cedar Hill  Hamilton Church Phillip Evan  $113.34  Maple Grove Christian BOER Approved    2023 Snyder 2023 Williamston 2023 Winslow 2024 Harrell 2024 OfChrist Total Tax Relief Orders  Dylan Alexander Town of William Henry Winsor Earl  Sold Vehicle Error in Listing BOCC Compromise BOCC Approved  0.00 $7.43 0.00 $372.68 0.00 $25,457.10 $47,189.85 $37.75 $18.65 $56.40 $47,246.25  Total Real & Personal Releases  $157.50 $18.65  Promise Land Church BOCC Approved Total VTS Refund Requests  5. Tax Collector's Report - April 2024  Category 20 25 30  21-April April-21 Y-T-D  Real Property Personal Property Total Motor Vehicle Total MV AIl Total  $25,090.21 $3,371.99 $28.462.20 $0.00 $28, 462.20 $28,462.20  $158,949.60 $39.776.48 $198,726.08 0.00 $198,726.08 $198,726.08  6. Board Appointments/keappointments a.Tourism Development Authority (TDA)  The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) had a meeting on April 5, 2024, wherein Mr. Rakesh Patel of Quality Inn in Williamston and Dr. Tabitha Miller of Martin Community  College were recommended for reappointment to the TDA Board. This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.  7.1 Tax Assessor's Office- Compromises (2) regarding their property taxes. Parcel # 0503974 discovery bill.  The Tax Assessor's Office received two cases were property owners requested a compromise  Fellowship Baptist Church is asking for a compromise on the discovery tax bill in the amount of $2,525.19. By approving this compromise, The Board would be releasing the entire  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.    Parcel # 0900989 the bill.  Hamilton Churcho ofChrist requested a compromise on thej penalty ont the tax bill int the amount of$184.13. By approving this compromise, the Board would be releasing just the penalty on  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.  8. Tax Collectors Report ofTotal Unpaid Taxes and Request for Advertisement  Tax Collector Kimberly reported that the total unpaid amount of2023-24 taxes that were. liens on real property. The Total of unpaid 2023-24 taxes that were liens on real property as of  January 31, 2024: $2,295,600.98  The Tax Collector's Office also requested that all unpaid property taxes be advertised in the Enterprise Newspaper on April 11, 2024 or as soon as is possible thereafter according to G.S.  105-369 ofthe Machinery Act ofNorth Carolina. This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.  9. Tax Collector's Office - Taxpayer Remedy  Itwas brought to the attention of the Tax Collectors Office, that the Tax Assessor's Office had parcel # 0700173 listed to the owner of parcel #0700425 and vice versa. The Tax Assessors Office reportedly corrected the ownership. With this change, The' Tax Collectors Office would need to move the payments to the correct parcels. Tax Collector Kim Ross emailed the School ofGovernment about this situation and it was recommended that the Office move all payments onj parcel #0700173 toj parcel #0700425 and vice versa under the 105-381 general statute, but forthis remedy to only be applied to the years in question, not to exceed 5 years. Tax Collector Kim Ross requested the Boards approval toj proceed on moving those payments to the correct  parcels.  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda. 9. Public Capital School Fund - Riverside Middle School  N.C.G.S. Chapter 18C provides that aj portion oft the NC's lottery proceeds are allocated to each county within the Public School Building Capital Fund (PSBCF) based on average daily membership (ADM) in accordance with NCG.S.115C-5462. The Public School Building Capital Fund is housed in the N.C. Department ofPublic Instruction and is comprised oft two sources ofrevenue: a set-aside from the corporate income tax, known as the ADM fund, whid1 was allotted based on average daily membership (ADM) in each county; and a percentage of    the net proceeds from the N.C. Education lottery. Monies in the Fund are used toj pay: forj public school construction projects and to retire indebtedness incurred for school construction projects. PSBCF also may contain some residual corporate income tax distributions. The submitted application requested funds from lottery proceeds to assist in making the debt and interest payment on Riverside Middle School. Approximately $15 million was used to build Riverside Middle school in 2013. The annual debt payment is approximately $1 million. $264,000 is included in the PSBCF request for the debt payment. The remainder, $16,447,is for one-halfo ofthe interest we are required toj pay due to the federal government sequestration. A County board and school board must jointly apply to the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)onap project-by-project basis to access the monies ini the Fund. Thel Martin  County Board of Education approved the request at its April meeting. This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.  10. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Lease Agreement  AI lease for thel USDA-FSA (Farm Service. Agency) Services Center at 1041 Kehukee Park Road Williamston is presented to the Board for approval at the end of every lease toj provide office space. The government will pay the lessor annual rent of $57,264.00, payable at the rate of $4,772.00 per month (representing $12.00 per square foot for 4,772 rentable square feet of The lease would be effective. January 1, 2024 and shall continue through December 31, 2028.  office space) in arrears.  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.  11. Department of Public Safety (DPS) Juvenile Justice Lease Agreement  Inl North Carolina, ifa youth is 15 years old or younger and commitsac crime, his or her case will be brought to the attention of staff within the Juvenile Justice section of the N.C. Department ofPublic Safety, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. The division focuses on juvenile justice issues and at-risk youth ini the state. Thousandsofyouth. encounter North Camolinasjuveniejustice: systemt throughinteractiont withtheJuvenile Justice Section's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council services, community programs, juvenile court services and juvenile commitment facilities. The Juvenile Justice Section is committed to the reduction and prevention ofjuvenile delinquency by effectively intervening, educating and treating youth in order to strengthen families and increase public safety. Juvenile Justice  goals include:  Fostering communities that are safe from juvenile crime.  Collaborating with judges, district attorneys, juvenile defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, schools and other youth service providers to determine and provide the right  program for each youth.    Providing safe and secure housing for youth in care and to provide programming that Providing accurate. assessment and effective treatment and education of youth. Preventing youth from initial or furtherinvolvement in the juvenile justice system through To fulfill its juvenile justice function, the Juvenile Justice section provides a full continuum of public safety interventions involving all children and youth ages 6-15 alleged to or have been found tol have committed an ldisciplined or criminal offense; in cases where youth are placed under court jurisdiction before their 16th birthday and youth require further interventions under the. Juvenile Code (Chapter 7B), they may remain under juvenile justice court supervision up until their 21st birthday. DPS also serves 16 and 17-year-old youth with undisciplined complaints. The NC Department of Public Safety - Juvenile Justice has been utilizing space in the Martin County Governmental Center for a number of years without a NC General Statute $ 7A-302 requires counties to provide space to. Juvenile Justice, including furniture. Court facility fees provided through the Clerk of Superior Court help subsidize some of this cost to the County. The lease has a three-year term and runs from May 8, 2024  teaches pro-social skills.  partnerships with local governments and communities.  lease agreement.  -April 8, 2027. The lease payment is $1.00.  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda. 12. Approval of the 2024 Ambulance Franchises  Listed below are the four (4) ambulance franchise agencies seeking renewal in Martin County. Each of the agencies listed below currently operate in our county. Each is in good standing with North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services. Each of those listed have been approved by our County Ambulance Advisory Board along with the medical director. There have been no complaints or issues regarding any oft these agencies filed with our office.  The agencies seeking renewal are: Coastal Medical Transport Inner Banks Medical Transport Roanoke Medical Transport White Oak Medical Transport  This item was Approved as part of the Consent Agenda 12. Clerk Report included fori informational purposes.  INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE(S) 1.1 Robert Whitaker- Water Systems Director 2. Michael Davis - Deputy - SheriffOffice 3. Vera Perry - Finance Tech - Finance Dept 4. Cristian Puga - Water Tech = Water Dept    5. Logan Faella- - Water Tech - Water Dept 6. Victoria Phelps - Social Worker III - DSS  The Board of Commissioners thanked and welcomed the new employees  PRESENTATIONS  1. Acknowledgement of the Martin County 250th Anniversary Volunteers Tourism Tourism Development Authority Director (TDA) Chase Conner stated his appreciation to the County and the TDA: fori the support given to help make the Martin County 250th Anniversary kick off weekend a success. TDA Director Conner reminded the Board and audience that the 250th TDA Director discussed the Martin County 250th kick off events which were an Anniversary Dinner; a pop up festival at Moratoc Park with a band, historical artifacts and exhibits derived from Martin County; aj parade with schools, bands, and choirs, and representatives from each town within Martin County; and more. It was reported that around 1,500 people participated in the pop up festival with 60 volunteers from the County that came together to make these events happen. TDA Director Conner asked of those volunteers to stand to be recognized as he expressed his appreciation in all efforts made to make a successful event in a short time period. Next TDA Director Chase Conner talked about America's 250th Celebration and mentioned the fact that Martin County was established before America. It was reported that America's 250th Anniversary would bet the committees next focus. TDAI Director Conneri reiterated his appreciation to the County and stated that he was looking forward to continue efforts to promote and make the  Development Authority (TDA) Director Chase Conner  Anniversary of the County would be a yearlong event.  County better.  PUBLIC HEARING(S) & Associates  1. Martin County -2018 CDBG-NR Program - Project Engineer Mike. BarnetteJr. McDavid The Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR) will offer a non entitlement municipality or county the opportunity to tailor a project to meet the community development needs specific and most critical to their locality. The CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Program incorporates several previous Rural Economic Development Division REDD)Community Block Grant (CDBG)programs and activities such as Inr response to the end of the County's 2018 CDBG-NR program, aj public hearing was needed to be conducted. Mr. Mike Barnette, McDavid & Associates Inc, conducted timely advertisements  Scattered Site Housing and Supportive Housing.  via newspaper and attended the meeting to conduct the public hearing.    Notice of Public Hearing Martin County 2018 CDBG-NR Closeout  On May 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Commissioner's Room of the County Courthouse, the Martin County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on closeout of the 2018 CDBG-NR program, The program demolished and reconstructed homes at 2680 Cannon Road, Hobgood, NC, 1587 Ross Road, Robersonville, NC, and 1351 North Main Street, Robersonville, NC. The publici is welcome to attend, and the County will respond to any written comments within 10 calendar days. This program was funded with approximately $590,000 of CDBG-NR funds which represented 100% of the total program funding. Persons with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance. should contact the person listed below at least one day in advance of the hearing. Accommodation will be made) for all who request assistance with participating in the public hearing. This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact the individual. listed below to accommodote this request. Estai informacion esto disponible en espanoloen cualquier otroi idioma a peticion. Pongase en contacto con eli individuo enumerado o continuacion para dar  cabida a esta solicitud. BenEsner, Interim County Monager Martin County PO Box 668 /305 E. Main Street Williomston, NC27892 (252)789-4300  At: 719pm.Commisioner: Gurganus made the Motion to Enter Public Hearing: Martin County 2018 CDBG-NR Program, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion was Carried  unanimously (5-0).  There were no public hearing comments  At: 7:20 p.m. Commissioner Biggs made the Motion to Enter Public Hearing: Martin County - 2018 CDBG-NR Program, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried  unanimously (5-0).  2. Martin County CDBD-CV Program for Public Services-2020 CDBG-CV- Martin County Community Service Hub & Martin Community Health Department Projects - The Wooten Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Table Public Hearing(s) #2 and # 3, with a Second by  Company  Commissioner Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0).  3. Martin County CDBD-CV Program for Public Services-2020 CDBG-CV- Martin County Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Table Public Hearing(s) #2 and # 3, with a Second by  Community Service Hub - The Wooten Company  Commissioner Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0).    OLD BUSINESS  .CommisioneryCauny Manager's Budget  Interim County Manager Eisner stated that he would discuss this agenda item and the next agenda item (#2 Budget Meeting Schedule Update) together and gave an overview of all efforts made towards the County budget process thus far. Interim County Manager Eisner reported the he and Finance would worked together on the County Manager's portion of the budget and present it on Tuesday, May 28th and the County Budget to be presented on June 12th Regular Board Meeting. Board members and staff discussed their schedules for any conflicts and it was agreed that the County Manager budget would be presented on May 28th at 6:00 p.m. in a Special Meeting and the Commissioners Budget would be discussed at the June 12th Regular Board meeting at 7:00  Interim County Manager Eisner asked ifthere were any schedule conflicts.  p.m.  No motions, information purposes only. 2. Budget Meeting Schedule Update  Discussed with Agenda Item # 1 under Old Business Commissioners /County Manager's Budget.  No action taken. NEW BUSINESS  1.NCDOT Curve Warning Signs  Commissioner Ayers reported on a series curve signs, at least 5-7 in a row, which were being placed in several areas in Martin County and were reportedly very close to the asphalt. Commissioner Ayers reported that in one area, he measured the signs being 3 feet away from the asphalt. Commissioner Ayers stated receiving many calls, especially in regards to big tractors, tractor-trailers, or wide farming equipment attempting toi negotiate the roads toj prevent an accident with other vehicles or the signs. There was an understanding of why the curve signs were being placed in certain areas, but the signs reportedly created more ofasafetyi issue. Commissioner. Ayers gave an example of curve signs being placed too close to the road on Highway 111 going towards Tarboro, wherein tractor-trailers, wide equipment, and farming tractors were having a hard time maneuvering around the curve signs without causing an accident, especially when people were speeding. Commissioner. Ayers stated that he sent aj picture and mentioned his concerns tol NCDOT staff on April 16th, but there was no follow-up. Commissioner Ayers reported that he wanted to voice his opinion at a Southern Albemarle Association (SAA) meeting, but he could not attend. Commissioner Ayers added that others in attendance at the SAA meeting such as Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr and the Mayor of Bear Grass Charlotte Griffin expressed these concerns, with majority ofthe group echoing. On April 18th and 19th, 2024, Commissioner Ayers stated he called  NCDOT staff, but there was no answer.    Mr. Brooks Braswell, NCDOT, was in attendance and was asked to respond to the concerns stated. Mr. Braswell acknowledged the efforts made by Commissioner Ayers and explained how safety projects were conducted by NCDOT. It was reported that monthly meetings with a traffic safety group were held to discuss areas with an increase in accidents and study the accident trends in those areas for solutions. The area that Commissioner Ayers referenced in his example was reported to be an areas with a lot ofaccidents and the curve signs were used to attempt to remedy the cause oft the accidents in that area. Mr. Braswell acknowledged that the signs were a little to close to the road and reported that an evaluation was conducted. NCDOT Braswell reported that the signs would be relocated across the ditch and or further away from the road to allow traffic flow. Mr. Braswell mentioned that the reason he had not responded was due to him awaiting an Commissioner Ayers responded to the suggested correction and stated that even ift the signs were moved back two or three feet, the roads were narrow and the same issue would still exist. Commissioner Ayers suggested that the signs were moved on the other side of the road. Commissioner Ayers reportedly spoke with EMS about accidents and he was told that there were not many accidents on the road. Commissioner Ayers was interested in seeing the data that was used to decide to put the signs on the road because he was not sure in its accuracy. NCDOT Braswell reported that he would do research on what data was being used as he was not part oft that process. Commissioner Ayers thanked NCDOT Braswell. Chairman Band Jr. mentioned a sign being too close to the road in the curve before the bridge and three way stop sign in Bear Grass. NCDOT Braswell reported that the areas could have been part ofa raw studies way, he was not sure, but he would do research on this as well. Chairman Bond Jr. asked NCDOT Braswell to give his presentation if! he was ready.  answer regarding this request.  2. Guardrail Safety Improvement Projects and Resolution in Support -Brooks Braswell, A safety project was recognized by NCDOTI by regional traffic safety data. Issues were: recognized and they were doing their best to address it. Some contingency funds by the Board of Transportation were provided to NCDOT and NCDOT selected the NC 11 route through Martin County, Bertie County, and Hertford County as a corridor that needed improvements ini reference to guardrails. Across the state, there were reportedly some other federal funding that has begun to address interstates and US routes, and NCDOT were reportedly attacking those on a tiered basis; interstates first, US routes, and then NC: routes. NCDOT Braswell reported that NC: routes had not been address just yet, but with this contingency fund, NCDOT wanted to get started with the improvements to their guardrails along this particular corridor. The contingency funds required a resolution of support from the Board before NCDOT Braswell could request that particular type offunding from the Board ofTransportation as part ofNCDOT's funding request in support ofthe Chairman Bond Jr. referred to the map given to the Board in the agenda packet and asked ift the  Project Engineer, NC DOT  project that they are about toj pursue.  map showed the areas wherein NCDOT wanted to put the guardrails.    NCDOT Braswell agreed and stated that the guardrail units that were not complaint to current standards and this was what NCDOT was proposing an upgrade those guardrails to the current standard to make the corridor safer. NCDOT Braswell stated that the corridor highlighted in yellow on the map contained approximately 69 in units that need to be upgraded and about 20 to 25 particular guardrail in units in Martin County. The cost of these upgrades was an estimated at about $850,000, but would be divided across the three counties. It was stated that Martin County  would pay around $250,000.00- $300,000.00 for this project. Chairman Bond Jr. asked ift there were any questions.  Commissioner Gurganus asked about the railroad crossings in the Pineywoods area and that part ofthe County that were been mentioned to be barely marked. Commissioner Gurganus stated that these railroads needed to be marked and he was not aware of what agency or if the railroad company would address thisi issue. NCDOT Braswell stated that the answer depended on what was being requested. Ifit was pavement or signage, this would be directed to NCDOT and if railroad improvements were being sought, the railroad company would have to be contacted. Commissioner Gurganus asked about blinking lights being installed and NCDOT Braswell reported that NCDOT would be the agency to handle this as the lights were considered signage and NCDOT would pay for the upgrades. It was stated that the railroad company would have to be contacted toj provide a contractor to install the lights and or gate arms. Commissioner Gurganus thanked NCDOT Braswell as he had al hard time finding the correct contact and NCDOT Braswell stated that he could point Commissioner Gurganus in the correct direction. Commissioner  Gurganus thanked NCDOT Braswell.  RESOLUTION OF THE MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN SUPPORT OF GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS  ALONG NC11  WHEREAS, NC 11 traverses through Martin County creating a means oft transportation WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation ("NCDOT") has identified portions ofNC 11 in Martin County for guardrail improvement projects; and, WHEREAS, the guardrail improvement projects are to be completed by NCDOT with a WHEREAS, the guardrail improvement projects are anticipated to increase the overall WHEREAS, the Martin County Board of Commissioners is supportive of the efforts of NCDOT in the identification, selection, and completion of guardrail improvement projects to  in and through the area; and,  projected total cost of $852,805.00; and,  safety and appearance ofthose identified portions ofNC 11 in Martin County; and,  portions ofNC 11 in Martin County.  NOW,THERFORE BEI ITI RESOLVED, by the Martin County Board ofCommissioners that Martin County, by and through the Martin County Board of Commissioners proclaims and    acknowledges its support of the efforts of NCDOT in the identification, selection, and completion of guardrail improvement projects to portions of NC 11i in Martin County Adopted this the 8th day ofMay, 2024 in Martin County, North Carolina.  Dempsey Bond, Jr, Chairman  Martin County Board ofCommissioners  ATTEST:  Julia S. Rease, Clerk to the Board  Commissioner Gurganus made the Motion to Approve of the NCDOT resolution and funding $300,000 - $400,000 in secure funding for next four months preliminary engineering with a  Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0).  3. America's: 250th Anniversary Appointment of Committee by Resolution - TDA Director TDA Director Chase Conner returned to the podium to discuss a resolution needed to appoint individuals to an America's 250th Anniversary Committee. TDA Director Conner reported that after celebrating the Martin County 250th Anniversary, many people contacted him about the 250TH Anniversary of America. Federal funding was reportedly being sent to states and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Natural Resources was encouraging each county to have a committee formed for America's 250 Anniversary. TDA Director Conner explained further that this meant that a group of people would be dedicated toj promoting the 250th from promoting their area and how it connected to America's formation. Martin County already had a committee formed for the 250th Anniversary of Martin County and this committee would also serve for America's 250th if the Board approved and if sO, Martin County would be one of the first counties with a committee already formed. For Martin County to be eligible to receive the funding mentioned for nonprofits and community groups, the Board had to approve of a resolution appointing the committee to serve as the America's 250th Committee for Martin County. TDA Director Conner  Chase Conner  asked ifthere were any questions about this matter.  Resolution of Martin County Official America 250 NC Committee  Recognizing and Approving of the Martin  County  Ar resolution of Martin County, North Carolina, supporting the America 2501 NC committee for WHEREAS, Roy Cooper, GovernorofNorth Carolina created AMERICA25ONC toj plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and North Carolina's integral role in that event and the role ofits people on the nation's past, present,  the United States semiquincentennial (AMERICA250NC).  and future: and    WHEREAS, AMERICA25ONC has a mission to engage ALL North Carolinians and ALL 100 counties through their many signatures and officially recognized programs, projects, and events over the commemoration by inspiring future leaders and celebrating North Carolina's WHEREAS, by adoption of America250NC's mission, Martin County Committee is officially NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Martin hereby endorses RESOLVED, the County of Martin officially establishes an AMERICA250NC Committee made up of a diverse group of citizens to work with AMERICA250NC on any and all activities.  contributions to the nation over the last 250 years; and formed to achieve the goals of America250NC. AMERICA250NC and its mission; and  The participants of the Martin will be no compensation for participation.  County Committee will be strictly voluntary roles and there  ITISFURTHER: RESOLVED that a copy oft this resolution be sent to the Martin  legislative delegation and the AMERICA25ONC Committee.  ADOPTED this  day of  202  Dempsey Bond Jr. Chairman  Martin County Board of Commissioners  Julia Rease, Clerk to the Board  Commissioner Gurganus made the Motion to approve the Resolution of Martin County Recognizing and Approving of the Martin County Official America 250 NC Committee, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5-0). 4. Approval of Contract to Update County Emergency Operations Plan  Interim County Manager Eisner stated that Emergency Management Director Jody Griffin informed him of the need to update the Emergency Operations Plan on a regular basis and presented an updated version of the plan to be reviewed and approved by the Board. Interim County Manager Eisner stated that he was not an expert on Emergency Operation Plans, but he could answer any contractual questions. The Board was given time to review the plan. Chairman Bond Jr. asked ifthere were any questions about the plan presented.  Interim County Manager Eisner added that the cost was $6,000 and would come from current fiscal  year funds.    Commissioner Gurganus made the Motion to Approve Updating the Emergency Operations Plan and thej payment of$6,000.00t to administerit, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion  was Carried unanimously (5-0). 5. Budget Amendment(s) Budget Amendment #51  Martin County received the first round of ARP funds on June 02, 2021 in the amount of 2,179,353.50. The second round of funds was received on June 21, 2022 for the same amount. These funds have been collecting interest as the County decided how to spend the ARP: funds. At last month's Board meeting the Board approved a grant project ordinance, which uses the funds to To date, the ARP funds have generated $349,283 in interest revenue. Budget amendment #51  replace expenditures ini the Sheriff's office from prior years.  appropriates those interest funds to be transferred to the general fund.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-51  BEIT ORDAINED by the Board ofCommissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending  June 30, 2023. changed as follows.  Section 1. To amend the American Rescue Plan Budget, the expenditures are to be  Increase $349,283  Decrease  American Rescue Plan  This will result in an increase of $349,243 ini the expenditures oft the. American Rescue Plan Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Interest Earned  $349,283  Section 2. Copies oft this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the  Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  Motion by Commissioner Gurganus and Seconded by Vice Chair Biggs to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of May 2024. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0).  For your information 1900050 483100 1943300569720  INC $349,283 $349,283  DEC  Investment Earnings ARP Funds    Budget Amendment #52  Administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the Spay/Neuter Program is intended to "foster the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats for the purpose of reducing the population of unwanted animals in the State." Counties and cities are eligible to apply for reimbursement ofdirect costs ofspays and neuters ofc cats and dogs owned by low-income persons. Martin County has been participating in this program since 2016. Over the last year the County has seen an increase in the participation in this program. The County is reimbursed 100% of the  cost oft the veterinarian clinic service when grant funds are available.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT -52  BEIT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners ofl Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending  June 30, 2024.  Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  Increase $15,000  Decrease  Public Safety Sheriff  This will result in an increase of$15,000 in the expenditures oft the General Fund. To provide an  increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Restricted Intergovernmental  $15,000  Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the  Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  Motion by Commissioner Smith and Seconded by Commissioner Gurganus to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day ofl May 2024. The Motion was Carried unanimously  (5-0).  For your Information  Increase $15,000 $15,000  Decrease  Spay/Neuter Program Spay/Neuter Program Budget Amendment #53  1143100519400 1100025443805  The Assistant Finance Director is retiring effective June 1, 2024. The vacation payout for the Assistant Finance Director will be paid in June. The advertisement for this position has been released and staffi is searching to find a replacement. Included in the budget amendment is salary  for May and. June for this position and the vacation payout.    The Finance Director is retiring effective July 1, 2024. A replacement has been hired. Also included in this budget amendment is salary for June for the new Finance Officer to train with the  retiring Finance Director.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-S3  BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending  June 30, 2024.  Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  Increase $27,681  Decrease  Administration Finance  This will result in an increase of $27,681 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide a decrease in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Fund Balance  $27,681  Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the  Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  Motion by Commissioner Gurganus and Seconded by Commissioner Ayers to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of May 2024. The Motion was Carried unanimously  (5-0).  For your information 1141300 512100 1141300518100 1141300 518105 1141300518200 1141300 518400 1100090499099  INC $21,800 $ 1,581 $ 368 $ 2,835 $ 1,097 $27,681  DEC  Salaries FICA Medicare Retirement 401K  Fund Balance Appropriation  CLOSEDSESSIONG-LNCGS#II00Atomy/Clant Privilege 2. N.C.G.S. 143-318.11.(a)(4) Economic Development 3. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(6) Personnel At: 7:56 p.m. Commissioner Biggs made the Motion to Enter Closed Session 1.1 N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11.( (a)(3) Attorney/Client Privilege 2. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(4) Economic Development 3. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(6) Personnel with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion  Carried Unanimously (5-0).    At: 8:28 p.m. Commissioner. Ayers made the Motion tol Exit Closed Session 1.N.C.G.S. $143- 318.11. (a)(3). Attorney/Client Privilege 2. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(4) Economic Development 3. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(6) Personnel with a Second by Vice Chair Biggs. The Motion was  Carried unanimously (5-0). OPEN SESSION  Interim County Manager Monthly Financial Statement -4 April 2024  Interim County Manager Eisner reported on his monthly financial statement for the month of April 2024 that was audited by the Finance Office and Human Resources. The total amount of work expenses was $3.400.00a and thet total mileage was $540.00, coming to an overall total of$3,979.53. Interim County Manager Eisner asked ift there were any questions and there were none. Commissioner Ayers Motioned to Approve of the Interim Manager Financial Statement for the Month of April 2024, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. The Motion was Carried  unanimously (5-0).  BOARD REPORIS/COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS There were. no Board reports and or Commissioners comments.  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business to discuss, at 8:31 p.m. Vice Chair Biggs made the Motion to Adjourn with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0)  Chairman  3nd.g.  B2  uli Beorse Juia Rease, Clerk to the Board