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By: Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Monday night and head an update from Blair Bordeaux regarding the Bladen County Detention and Law Enforcement Center.
He began his presentation by telling the board his company likes to begin each meeting with a safety update. Bordeaux told the board that there have been no recordable incidents on the job site to date. Bordeaux said Ben Brisson of Tar Heel is the superintendent on the project.
He told the board that the groundbreaking was held in March and the project is progressing well. Bordeaux said the detention cells are all prefabricated cells and will be arriving on the job site tomorrow (Wednesday). He also told the board there are some significant dates to remember. The dates are: substantial completion date of May 22, final completion date of June 22, and DHSR inspection to be complete by July 22.
Bordeaux said that both Ben Brisson and Joe Jackson are local and there over 14 daily staff on site that are Bladen County residents. Bordeaux added that if residents from Robeson, Cumberland and other neighboring counties is added, and the local impact to local community is about 60 percent.
Commissioner Delilah Blanks asked if there were any problems with finding and keeping Bladen County employees on the job site. Bordeaux answered that some Bladen County folks have walked off the job while folks from other counties continue to work. Commissioner Blanks expressed concern over that.
The board was also shown a virtual model of the jail. It was explained that the virtual model can be used to locate ducts, ventilation, electrical wiring and more and detect any conflicts that may occur, before any work on a particular section begins.
The bard also was shown where the Wall of Honor for two fallen deputies would be placed in the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center. The board was also assured there I space where the detention center can have an expansion should it become necessary.
In a related matter, Commissioner Wayne Edge bought up the request from the NC Highway Patrol to have an office space located in the new facility, but was reminded that the matter is tabled until a letter outlining the agreement is received.
In other business Bladen County Parks and Recreation Director Grant Pait gave a brief synopsis of his department. He told the board the county has the Doug Evans Park and the King Street Gym.
Pait also discussed the Grand Slam Batting Cages which are located in Bladenboro. He told the board the batting ages offer netted tunnels, pitching machines, a pro batter softball lane and a party room for birthday parties, among other things.
Pait also itemized some of the county youth programs. He said Boys soccer has increased with 87 players this year.
Youth soccer is also increasing in participation.
“We had last year the most people I’ve ever seen,” said Pait.
Other programs offered include flag football, tackle football, cheerleading, basketball, blast ball, softball and baseball.
Pait said the department generates revenue for the county through renting some of its facilities for parties and youth-related activities.
** Bladen County Tax Administrator/Assessor Renee Davis and Carol Cain requested the Commissioners approve the unpaid tax report and annual settlement for tax yeas 2006-2015. The board approved the request. Davis and Cain also requested the board adopt an order directing the Tax Collector to collect the taxes charged in tax records and receipts. The board also approved this measure.
** The board appointed three individuals to the Highway Safety Committee. The board voted to appoint Jim Crayton in Marion Bracey’s place and to reappoint Linda Miller and Johnny Parks. The board reappointed Doretta Lennon and Keith Graham to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. The board appointed Alisha Evans as the ETJ member for the White Lake Planning and Zoning Board.
** The board met in a closed session for matters of client-attorney privilege of about40 minutes. No action was taken on the matter.
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