2010 - 09-20-10 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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eooK 23 FAA44 include dredging services in the amount of $3,710.00. After discussion, Commissioner Shook moved to approve the recommendation of the County Manager to approve an amendment with McKim & Creed in the amount of $3,710.00. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Hayes, Kelly, Oldham, Paschal, Reives, and Shook Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The Board considered a request to approve an application and consultant contract to start two new PEG (Public-Education-Government) Channels for Lee County and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC). County Manager John Crumpton stated that CCCC has requested that Lee County apply to Charter Communications for two new PEG Channels in Lee County that are provided as part of our franchise agreement with Charter Communications. One Channel will be a County Information Channel and the other an Education Channel. CCCC has offered to maintain the Channels for the County and use students in the communications department to manage the Channels as part of their curriculum. Mr. Crumpton stated Lee County would receive revenue to run each Channel, but will need to front funds in order to set up the Channels. Dr. Robert Sepe was introduced and discussed the project in more detail. Dr. Sepe is a consultant who assists localities with applying for the Channels and then setup of the systems. The initial outlay for consulting fees and set up costs is $90,000. Lee County would receive $32,000 per Channel in revenue to run the systems beginning July 1, 2011. After Dr. Sepe's presentation and discussion, Commissioner Oldham moved to approve the proposal with Action Audits and authorize the County Manager to sign required documents and to make additions, corrections or deletions that might be necessary in the agreement, and instruct staff to develop an agreement with CCCC to run the systems and begin the process for operation. Aye: Dalrymple, Hayes, Kelly, Oldham, Paschal, Reives, and Shook Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. At this time the Board took a five minute recess. Upon returning from recess, with all members present, the meeting resumed The Board considered the Lee County Working Lands Preservation Plan. Mr. Donald Nicholson, Chairman of the Lee County Agriculture Advisory Board stated that in 1986, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the North Carolina Farmland Preservation Enabling Act that authorizes counties to undertake a series of programs to encourage the preservation of farmland. Mr. Nicholson stated that Lee County entered into an agreement with BRAC in the fall of 2007 to write a farmland preservation plan for Lee County. The Lee County Working Lands Preservation Plan is another tool designed to encourage the preservation and protection of family farms, increase the visibility of agricultural, forestry and horticultural operations and protects and promotes these land uses. Mr. Nicholson further stated that by endorsing this plan our County leaders are supporting and preserving North Carolina's number one industry, Agriculture. The County will also benefit economically from a net gain of revenue for the tax base since the cost of services to open lands is lower than services for residential development. The plan also aids in maintaining our rural heritage and quality of life. In addition, future funds sought from the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund reduces our County match to 15%. Commissioner Reives moved to endorse the Lee County Working Lands Preservation Plan as presented. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: