# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** January 16, 2024 12:00 AM EST (2024-01-16T00:00:00-05:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133 ## Summary On January 16th, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting, covering a wide range of topics impacting our community. This recap highlights the key decisions made, discussions held, and what residents need to know about upcoming actions. **Significant Decisions & Approvals:** The Board approved several important items, demonstrating a focus on both ongoing projects and addressing immediate needs. Notably, they unanimously approved the selection of BEAM Construction Company, Inc. / Holland & Hamrick Architects, P.A. to handle renovations at the Burke County Courthouse – a project that will modernize our judicial facilities and improve accessibility. They also approved the creation of a temporary, grant-funded position within Animal Services called the HARBOUR Program Coordinator. This new role will focus on addressing opioid use reduction, a critical concern identified in the Partners Health Management presentation (more on that below). Finally, they approved all items on the consent agenda, including routine approvals related to emergency planning and tax collection. **Key Discussions & Debates:** Several important topics were discussed, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Burke County. Paul Holden from Partners Health Management presented an update on Medicaid services, highlighting a concerning trend: opioid issues were the most prevalent substance use concern in Burke County (33%), followed by stimulant and alcohol addiction. This underscored the importance of community collaborations like the Burke Community Collaborative and BSAM (Burke Substance Abuse Network). The Parks & Recreation subcommittee provided updates on various projects, including the Harris-Wisnett Trailhead parking lot construction and ongoing work related to the Canal Bridge Project. The discussion around the Fauna Flora State Trail expansion, connecting to McDowell County, highlighted a commitment to expanding recreational opportunities for residents. **Community Voices Heard:** The public comment period provided a platform for residents to share their concerns and perspectives. Locke Hoffman raised questions about the Burke County Library’s funding and practices, while Jennifer Reed and Carla Kincaid voiced strong opposition to the proposed Great Meadows Megasite development, emphasizing concerns about its impact on our natural resources and water quality. Dudley Green questioned the transparency of the development process, and Sherry Cabell Conte advocated for stronger enforcement of animal neglect laws. These comments clearly demonstrated a passionate interest in preserving Burke County’s character and protecting its environment. **What Happens Next: Action Items & Upcoming Dates:** Following the meeting, several action items are in motion. The Board will revisit the vacant seat on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) at a future meeting, as no applications were received. The "highest best use" analysis for the Road Hiss Road site, slated to be repurposed after the East Burke Collection and Solid Waste Site opens, is underway. Finally, residents can mark their calendars for February 16th – the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the East Burke Waste and Recycling Convenience Center. The Board will also hold a pre-agenda meeting on February 6th, providing an opportunity to preview upcoming discussions. **Why This Matters to You:** The decisions made at this meeting will directly impact our community. The courthouse renovations promise a more efficient and accessible judicial system, while the HARBOUR Program Coordinator position will help address the growing opioid crisis. The ongoing park and trail projects enhance our quality of life, providing recreational opportunities for all ages. The Board’s responsiveness to community concerns regarding development and animal welfare demonstrates a commitment to listening to residents and addressing their priorities. Stay informed about these developments by attending future Board meetings or visiting the Burke County Government website for updates. ## Agenda - [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8324) - [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8325) - [PRESENTATIONS - AS - PET OF THE MONTH](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8326) - [PRESENTATIONS - PHM - PARTNERS HEALTH MANAGEMENT FOLLOW UP REPORT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8327) - [PRESENTATIONS - P&R - PARKS AND RECREATION SUBCOMMITTEE REGARDING TRAIL AND PARK PROJECTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8328) - [INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8329) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - CHANGES TO PLAT REVIEW OFFICERS FOR RUTHERFORD COLLEGE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8330) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - APPOINTMENTS TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8331) - [CONSENT AGENDA - FM - UPDATES TO THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8332) - [CONSENT AGENDA - TAX DEPT. - TAX COLLECTION REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2023](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8333) - [CONSENT AGENDA - TAX DEPT. - RELEASE REFUND REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2023](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8334) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - CM - RFQ FOR COURTHOUSE RENOVATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8335) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - BOC - AMENDMENT TO RULES OF PROCEDURE, RULE NO. 10, PRE-AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8336) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - HEALTH - APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY HARBOUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR POSITION & BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 6](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8337) - [REPORTS AND COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8338) - [VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133/item/8339) ## Votes - To approve the agenda as present. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the meeting minutes of July 18, 2023 (regular), August 15, 2023 (regular), September 5, 2023 (pre-agenda), and September 8, 2023 (special joint) as written. — Passed, 5-0 - To adopt Resolution No. 2024-01. — Passed, 5-0 - To reappoint Banks Hinceman (Seat No. 2), Mike Willis (Seat No. 4), and Jason Black (Seat No. 14) to the LEPC for 3-year terms ending January 31, 2027. To remove Davina Dudley (Seat No. 5) from the LEPC and thank her for her service to the community. To appoint Todd Staton to LEPC Seat No. 5 (Public Health) for a 3- year term ending January 31, 2027. To approve the addition of Seat No. 17 (DSS) - and appoint Amy Patton to the LEPC for a 3 year term ending January 31, 2027. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the revisions to the Burke County Emergency Operations and All Hazards Plan and rescind all previous versions. — Passed, 5-0 - To accept the Tax Collection Report for December 2023 as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for December 2023 as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - To award the Request for Qualifications for Design Build Construction / Development services for renovations to the Burke County Courthouse to BEAM Construction Company, Inc. / Holland & Hamrick Architects, P.A. Further, authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute the contracts on behalf of the Board, subject to review and / or revisions by the County Attorney. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the following amendment to Rule 10, Pre-Agenda Meetings, of the 2024 Suggested Rules of Procedure as presented with the additional text, “However, at the discretion of the chair, any decision item set forth in the agenda packet may be acted upon during the pre-agenda meeting if the matter is considered to be time sensitive or waiting until the regular meeting may be detrimental to the county.” — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the creation of a temporary grant funded position, “Human Services Coordinator II” (aka the HARBOUR Program Coordinator) and approve Budget Amendment No. 6 as presented. — Passed, 5-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtu.be/aLD_ENjrE94?si=8If-w4ii3W0A6EE- - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1634/segments ## Documents - [agenda_packet_2024-01-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133?document=4642) - [agenda_2024-01-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133?document=4641) - [minutes_2024-01-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2133?document=4643) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/751)