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By Charlotte Smith

The Bladen County Commissioners met on Monday, June 3 for a regularly scheduled meeting. Hurricane relief, recognitions, advisory boards and more were all on the agenda for the meeting.

In the consent items all the commissioners unanimously voted to designate Commissioner Ashley Trivette as Bladen County Voting Delegate, and Commissioner Arthur Bullock as Alternate Voting Delegate, to the 2019 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference.

The fireworks permit for the annual July 4th Fireworks show at White Lake has been approved by the Bladen County Fire Marshal’s office. All documentation including insurance policy information as required by the 2012 NC Fire Code is on file in the Bladen County Fire Marshal’s office. Therefore, the Bladen County Commissioners approved the permit.

There was a discussion between the commissioners and the County Manager, Greg Martin, about the proper procedure for sending out letters on behalf of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Michael Cogdell address the board to better understand the proper procedure for sending out letters on behalf of the Board of Commissioner.

Chairman of the Board Charles Ray Peterson admitted he asked for a letter to be sent to legislators asking for assistance by supporting legislations giving authority to the Bladen County Board of Commissioners to enact a County Sales and Use Tax. Commissioner Peterson’s request would give the authority to the local board without an advisory referendum requiring the majority of those voting in the referendum to vote for the levy of the tax due to the county’s significant need for capital needs related to schools.

The entire Board recognized Tar Heel Rescue Squad for its dedicated service. Tar Heel Rescue Squad representatives Mindie Bowman and Tim Brown accepted a plaque of appreciation.

Kelly Robeson and Vickie Smith presented with Proclamation on Elder Abuse

Division on Aging Director Kelly Robeson and Department of Social Services Director Vickie Smith received an Elder Abuse Awareness Proclamation. The commissioners watched a video regarding elder abuse.

A reception was held following newly elected District 3 Commissioner Russell Priest taking his oath of office administered by the honorable Niki Dennis, Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court.

District 3 Commissioner Russell Priest takes oath of office

Planning Director Greg Elkins was on hand during the public hearing to receive comments regarding the Development of a Community Development Block Grant-Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) Program Application, and the public hearing to receive comments regarding Proposed FY 2019-20 Appropriations for Economic Development Activities.

Bladen County Manager Greg Martin assisted with the public hearing to receive comments regarding the Proposed FY 2019-20 Budget. The commissioners scheduled another meeting regarding the budget for Friday, June 7 at 9 a.m.

Mr. Holland Cox, Project Manager with Holland Consulting Planners, provided an update regarding processes, procedures, and administration of a Hurricane Matthew Hazard Mitigation Grant. The recommended action to approve Hurricane Matthew DRA Rehabilitation Project Contractor Recommendations was approved with Commissioner Trivette making the motion, Gooden making the second and the motion passed unanimously.

Renee Davis the Bladen County Tax Administrator was scheduled to present three property bid offers to be accepted or declined, however, the commissioners tabled the revenue items on the agenda.

The commissioners were charged to think about nominations for the following board members to be voted on at the next regular scheduled Board of Commissioners’ meeting.

Adult Care Home Advisory Board (1)

Ammon Fire Service District Committee (3)

Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission (2)

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (3)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (9)

Lumber River Workforce Development Board (2)

Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment (5)

Recreation Committee (4)

Tobermory Fire Service District (2)

Mr. Martin gave an overview of the county calendar.

Mr. Martin presented a proposed agreement. The Lumber River Workforce Development Board agreement was regarding National Dislocated Worker Grant Work Experience Worksite. Commissioner Michael Cogdell made a motion to approve the agreement and Ms. Trivette gave the second for the motion. The board approved it unanimously.

The commissioners went into closed session in accordance with NCGS 143-318.11(1) (5) Real Property Purchase.

View Commissioners meeting from Monday, June 3, 2019: