# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** March 19, 2024 12:00 AM EDT (2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140

## Summary

On March 19, 2024, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened a meeting that addressed a range of topics impacting residents. With all commissioners present (except Commissioner Mowee, who was out of town), the meeting included recognition for local achievements, updates on key county programs, and discussions surrounding significant development proposals. This recap will outline the key decisions made, highlight important conversations, summarize community input, and clarify what actions residents can expect moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around economic development, particularly concerning the proposed Great Mannos Industrial Site (often referred to as the megasite). While no definitive decisions were made regarding this project, it was a focal point of public comment and discussion. Several residents voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact, transparency in the process, and BDI's involvement. Mark Small, Carla Kincaid, Dundee Green, Ann Chapman, and Jeffrey Howard all shared their perspectives. The Board acknowledged these concerns and committed to continued review of the proposal, with discussions expected at upcoming Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings. Residents are encouraged to attend the Planning Board meeting on March 28th regarding conditional zoning related to this development.

Beyond the megasite, the Board celebrated local success and recognized vital community services. The Eastbrook High School Competition Cheerleading Team was formally acknowledged for their state championship victory, and March was proclaimed National Social Work Month in recognition of the dedication and contributions of social workers within Burke County. Lana Louder, Nutrition Coordinator for Meals on Wheels, provided an update highlighting the program’s impact in addressing food insecurity and social isolation for approximately 127 seniors, delivering over 21,000 meals annually. The Board unanimously approved the Meals on Wheels program report, demonstrating their support for this essential service.

The Board also addressed several administrative matters through a consent agenda, which was unanimously approved. This included appointments to various boards and committees (Adult Care & Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee, City of Morganton Board of Adjustment/Planning Board ETJ alternates, Burke County Board of Health, Hickory Regional Planning Commission Drexel Planning Board ETJ Alternates and the Burke County Board of Adjustment), a tax collection report, refund/release report, and advertisement for delinquent taxes. Tax Director John Good provided an update on the tax office’s operations, including real estate market trends and efforts to improve collection rates.

**What's Next?**

Several action items emerged from the meeting, signaling ongoing efforts within Burke County. The Board encouraged citizens to review recorded materials from recent policy setting sessions, emphasizing transparency and collaboration in county government. They also expressed interest in reviving a tradition of inviting local youth groups to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at future meetings. The ongoing review and discussion surrounding the Great Mannos Industrial Site will continue to be a priority, with residents encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public forums.

This meeting highlighted the Board's commitment to recognizing local achievements, supporting vital community programs like Meals on Wheels, and addressing significant development proposals while listening to the concerns of residents. By staying engaged in upcoming Planning Board meetings and future discussions, citizens can play an active role in shaping the future of Burke County.

## Agenda

- [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7598)
- [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7599)
- [December 4, 2023, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27261)
- [December 19, 2023, BOC Regular Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27262)
- [January 2, 2024, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27263)
- [BOC - Recognition of the East Burke High School Cheer Team - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7601)
- [BOC - Proclamation Declaring March as National Social Work Month - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7602)
- [MOW - Presentation on Meals on Wheels Program - Presented by Lana Lowder, Nutrition Coordinator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7603)
- [Tax - Departmental Update - Presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7604)
- [Clerk - Appointment to Council on Aging, Seat No. 12](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7608)
- [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7607)
- [Clerk - Appointment to Burke Co. Smart Start (Partnership for Children)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7609)
- [Health/Opioid-Vendor Selection for Substance Use Disorder RFQ](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7610)
- [JCPC - Appointment to JCPC Seat No. 12](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7611)
- [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for February 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7612)
- [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for February 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27264)
- [Tax Dept. - Order to Advertise 2023 Delinquent Real Property Taxes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/7613)
- [BOC - Reports & Comments - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27265)
- [VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27266)
- [Clerk - Boards and Committees Vacancy Report - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27267)
- [CLOSED SESSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27268)
- [BOC - Closed Session to Discuss Threatened or Pending Litigation, to Preserve the Attorney-Client Privilege, to Discuss Economic Development Matters, to Discuss Contractual Matters and to Discuss Personnel Matters - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140/item/27269)

## Votes

- To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 4-0
- To approve the meeting minutes of December 4, 2023 (pre-agenda), December 19, 2023 (regular), and January 2, 2024 (pre-agenda) as written. — Passed, 4-0
- To approve Proclamation No. 2023-02. — Passed, 4-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 4-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 4-0
- To approve the consent agenda as presented. — Passed, 4-0
- To appoint Linda Shamblin to the Council on Aging, Seat No. 12, to complete an unexpired term ending November 30, 2026. — Passed, 4-0
- To appoint Thadd Hodge (DSS Designee) to the Burke County Smart Start, Inc. (Burke Partnership for Children) Board of Directors to complete the remainder of a 3-year term ending June 30, 2024. — Passed, 4-0
- To approve the utilization of The Fletcher Group, Inc. to evaluate the regional substance use disorder recovery ecosystem as presented. To authorize the Local Health Director to negotiate and execute the contract, subject to review and / or revision by the County Attorney. If an agreement cannot be reached with The Fletcher Group, the Local Health Director in consultation with the County Manager is authorized to negotiate and contract with the second and third-ranked firms. — Passed, 4-0
- To appoint Henry Beall to JCPC Seat No. 12 (student <18) to complete the remainder of an unexpired term ending June 30, 2025. — Passed, 4-0
- To accept the Tax Collection Report for February 2024 as presented. — Passed, 4-0
- To approve the 2023 Order to Advertise Tax Liens. — Passed, 4-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtu.be/k8ISJIovVB8?si=6hpRmXCI7uJW6l-B
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1661/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140?document=4664)
- [minutes_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140?document=4666)
- [agenda_packet_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2140?document=4665)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/773)