Minutes - Aug. 20, 2012 Regular Meeting

Home Browse Search

BK:00025 PG:0049 The Board considered a request from the Sanford /Lee County Airport Authority for loan assistance. County Manager John Crumpton stated the Sanford /Lee County Airport Authority is asking the City of Sanford and Lee County to provide them a $900,000 loan so the Authority can purchase and renovate an existing hangar at the Raleigh Executive Jetport. The request is $450,000 from each party. Mr. Crumpton further stated that the Airport Authority has been in negotiations with the NC Forestry Service for over a year on a long term lease for hangar space at the Jetport. The NC Forest Service has been mandated by the NC General Assembly to consolidate services and facilities. The Forest Service has chosen Raleigh Executive Jetport as a location for consolidated maintenance services in the state of North Carolina. The Authority is proposing to purchase an existing hangar for $425,000, and complete an expansion and upgrade that will meet the Forestry Service specifications. Total cost of the upgrades has been estimated at $475,000. The consolidation will bring 14 new people to the airport to work. The loan would be a short-term construction loan at 3% interest. Once the project is completed the Authority will obtain permanent financing from Central Carolina Electric Membership Corporation at 80% of the total cost. The City and County will be paid back 80% of their loan at that time. The Authority can then either pay back the remaining portion from the Property Tax reserve fund or continue to make payments on the remaining 20 %. Lease terms are still being negotiated with the Forestry Service but the proposal shows a positive return beginning at the start of the lease. With the County currently earning less than 1% on investments, this loan would represent a better return on investment. After discussion, Commissioner Hayes moved to approve a loan of $450,000 to the Sanford /Lee County Airport Authority subject to a signed lease agreement. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Hayes, Oldham, Parks, Paschal, Shook, and Womack Nay: None Absent: Reives The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. Commissioner Shook announced that she had reappointed Commissioner Charlie Parks to the Rural Transportation Planning Organization (TARPO) for a 2 -year appointment. A letter in reference to said appointment has been forwarded to Triangle J. The Board considered a request to change the Lee County Classification Pay Plan to add a Deputy Director General Services position. This item had been pulled from the Consent Agenda at the beginning of the meeting. County Manager John Crumpton stated this was a recommendation from the recent Evergreen Solution audit and the individual selected would be taken from current staff. Commissioner Womack had a concern that it would be a reoccurring expense in next year's budget. After discussion, Commissioner Oldham moved to approve the recommendation of the County Manager to add a Deputy Director General Services position to the Lee County Pay Plan. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Hayes, Oldham, Parks, Paschal, and Shook Nay: Womack Absent: Reives The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted by a 6 to 1 vote. The Board considered a request to change the Lee County Classification Pay Plan to add a Lead Maintenance Mechanic position. This item had been pulled from the Consent Agenda at the beginning of the meeting. County Manager John Crumpton stated this position would be hired from within current staff. Commissioner Womack had concerns about using lapsed salary. After discussion, 7