What a wonderfully successful event!! Currituck County hosted the Reagan Day Event this year combining efforts with Camden, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties. Senator Burr was the keynote speaker and was joined by gubernatorial candidates Senator Fred Smith and Bill Graham. They were met by an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 200 interested and involved citizens from the region. Primary topics included the refueling of the Republican Party that needs to be done now in preparation for the 2009 elections, the job we still have with the war on terrorism, and the need for viable candidates at all levels of government. Senator Burr related what a shock it has been to the public to see the backlash from the last election and he stressed that we are still at war with terrorism and need to continue to support means for stopping its progression .
Past and present public officials were recognized and presented with an American flag that has been flown over the Capitol. Other involved citizens were called upon to stand and be recognized for their volunteer work that is so important for the betterment of all our counties and the numbers were truly inspiring. The people of NENC showed quite readily how involved they are.
The documentary on Ronald Reagan was both unique and still appropriate for today's world events. It showed how Reagan went against popular opinion and held steadfast in his stand against a Communistic world threat to ultimately see its demise. The response from the viewers showed just how significant this video was; there were chuckles, applause, nods of agreement, intakes of breath, and finally during the Twin Tower attacks on 9/11 there was absolute quiet.
Those in attendance left the event with a new sense of optimism for the Republican Party's cohesiveness in our area.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Bully for Barry
The Daily Advance's View of Politics by Barry:
Our View: Nelms has some 'growing up' to do
Saturday, February 10, 2007
During his campaign for county commissioner last fall, Barry Nelms promised Currituck voters they were in for changes. Well, Nelms has delivered on his promise. But we're not sure his idea of change is what voters had in mind. Instead of the mature leadership he was expected to provide as the Currituck Board of Commissioners' new chairman, Nelms has often seemed more childlike than statesman. We're concerned about two incidents in particular, one involving Nelms' decision to distribute bumper stickers containing an offensive remark about a business rival at a public event, the other his decision to arbitrarily shut down discussion about a highly controversial matter during a public meeting. In the first matter, Nelms had just taken the oath as a county commissioner when he reportedly showed up at a motorcycle "toy run" fundraiser in December with "Maurice Sucks" bumper stickers to pass out to riders. The "Maurice" mentioned in Nelms' stickers is Maurice Slaughter, owner of several Harley-Davidson dealerships in the area.It's not clear why Nelms was handing out the bumper stickers targeting Slaughter; he declined The Daily Advance's request to address the matter. But according to Slaughter, Nelms and the Harley-Davidson dealer apparently have been spatting for some time. Slaughter says the two most recently butted heads over the naming of a biker rally Nelms is planning for Currituck in April. Slaughter owns a federal trademark on the phrase "Outer Banks Bike Week." Nelms apparently has inverted the phrase and has referred to his event on T-shirts and a Web site as "Bike Week Outer Banks." Nelms has also pushed back his event so that it's held the same weekend as the motorcycle rally Slaughter was planning for Currituck in April.The dispute has since evolved into a legal matter. Slaughter's attorney has written Nelms, advising him to stop distributing the bumper stickers and to halt his use of the phrase "Bike Week Outer Banks," threatening legal action if the Currituck commissioner doesn't comply.It doesn't matter whether Nelms is the truly aggrieved party in this dispute. There are legitimate ways for public officials to express their disagreement with others. Passing out bumper stickers with offensive language on them isn't one of them. Nelms also seems to have lost sight of the fact that frat boy humor should be practiced by frat boys, not elected officials.The second matter that gives us pause about Nelms' judgment is even more serious. During a commissioners meeting earlier this week, the Currituck board chairman denied fellow Commissioner Owen Etheridge a chance to express his opposition to an impending board decision.Etheridge, an opponent of ending a county project to convert a former church into a visitors center-library, had asked Nelms for time to present an argument for continuing the county's lease on the property. Nelms denied the request, however, telling Etheridge: "This isn't a discussion on an issue, this is an action on terminating the lease." The Currituck board then voted 4-1, with Etheridge objecting, to terminate the lease for the former church.Again, it doesn't matter whether Nelms was right to end the lease on what has proved a controversial project. He was wrong to deny Etheridge a chance to voice his opinion on the lease. And by so doing, Nelms rode roughshod over the fact that Currituck voters elected five people, not one, to represent them on the county commission.Returning to public life after 20 years - as Nelms, a former commissioner, is doing - often requires a period of adjustment. Let's hope for Currituck residents' sake Nelms' "growing up" period doesn't take too long.
Our View: Nelms has some 'growing up' to do
Saturday, February 10, 2007
During his campaign for county commissioner last fall, Barry Nelms promised Currituck voters they were in for changes. Well, Nelms has delivered on his promise. But we're not sure his idea of change is what voters had in mind. Instead of the mature leadership he was expected to provide as the Currituck Board of Commissioners' new chairman, Nelms has often seemed more childlike than statesman. We're concerned about two incidents in particular, one involving Nelms' decision to distribute bumper stickers containing an offensive remark about a business rival at a public event, the other his decision to arbitrarily shut down discussion about a highly controversial matter during a public meeting. In the first matter, Nelms had just taken the oath as a county commissioner when he reportedly showed up at a motorcycle "toy run" fundraiser in December with "Maurice Sucks" bumper stickers to pass out to riders. The "Maurice" mentioned in Nelms' stickers is Maurice Slaughter, owner of several Harley-Davidson dealerships in the area.It's not clear why Nelms was handing out the bumper stickers targeting Slaughter; he declined The Daily Advance's request to address the matter. But according to Slaughter, Nelms and the Harley-Davidson dealer apparently have been spatting for some time. Slaughter says the two most recently butted heads over the naming of a biker rally Nelms is planning for Currituck in April. Slaughter owns a federal trademark on the phrase "Outer Banks Bike Week." Nelms apparently has inverted the phrase and has referred to his event on T-shirts and a Web site as "Bike Week Outer Banks." Nelms has also pushed back his event so that it's held the same weekend as the motorcycle rally Slaughter was planning for Currituck in April.The dispute has since evolved into a legal matter. Slaughter's attorney has written Nelms, advising him to stop distributing the bumper stickers and to halt his use of the phrase "Bike Week Outer Banks," threatening legal action if the Currituck commissioner doesn't comply.It doesn't matter whether Nelms is the truly aggrieved party in this dispute. There are legitimate ways for public officials to express their disagreement with others. Passing out bumper stickers with offensive language on them isn't one of them. Nelms also seems to have lost sight of the fact that frat boy humor should be practiced by frat boys, not elected officials.The second matter that gives us pause about Nelms' judgment is even more serious. During a commissioners meeting earlier this week, the Currituck board chairman denied fellow Commissioner Owen Etheridge a chance to express his opposition to an impending board decision.Etheridge, an opponent of ending a county project to convert a former church into a visitors center-library, had asked Nelms for time to present an argument for continuing the county's lease on the property. Nelms denied the request, however, telling Etheridge: "This isn't a discussion on an issue, this is an action on terminating the lease." The Currituck board then voted 4-1, with Etheridge objecting, to terminate the lease for the former church.Again, it doesn't matter whether Nelms was right to end the lease on what has proved a controversial project. He was wrong to deny Etheridge a chance to voice his opinion on the lease. And by so doing, Nelms rode roughshod over the fact that Currituck voters elected five people, not one, to represent them on the county commission.Returning to public life after 20 years - as Nelms, a former commissioner, is doing - often requires a period of adjustment. Let's hope for Currituck residents' sake Nelms' "growing up" period doesn't take too long.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Thoughts and Concerns
After the meeting Monday night, issues pertaining to the direction our county is going are of even more concern to me. I have to wonder when or even whether the new board will finally decide to do something of their own making for the good of the county and not just continue in their trend to undo anything and everything the previous board had set in place. Their method of stating they are looking for public input and their actions are in direct opposition to one another. The town hall meeting was nothing more than a diversion. The methods for carrying out county business are being done in the same light as the campaign that was run--subterfuge and/or outright lies. The stop order for the library had already been given and it appears the presentation by the chairman of the board was a statement of where the county was going. In that same trend, the firing of Greg Schwarga gives us the indication of what Nelms is expecting for Corolla and its incorporation as does the firing of the 'horse farm' employees and the 'review' of the horse farm. Doing away with the property is probably going to be announced in the near future with all his entailing reasons. Of course, since no discourse other than what the chairman deems appropriate is allowed, the general public will have no true idea of the monies spent or lost. The board has already sent for information from the state as to how they can redo the public vote to accept the 7 commissioners and the new districts. They are misleading the people by allowing them to believe they will have to travel to all parts of the county to vote, which is not the case. Nelms attitude toward the people of Currituck mirrors quite forcibly that of one of the Corolla residents who was quoted as saying those of us on the mainland are not very bright. He apparently continues to make decisions without including all the board and is arrogant in his role as chairman both towards the general public as well as others in supervisory positions within the county. Our government's stand on county affairs looks to be on a downhill slide with no end in sight and it's a tragedy that we have no means to offset what is or will be done. The people of Currituck must make a stand and let their feelings be known.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Owen's Response to Library Inquiries
To all,
In response to inquiries regarding confirmation I made my library presentation available to all BOC members, here is my correspondence with that request to the County Clerk.BOC members received this and made inquiry to staff regarding it but did not contact me. As you know, the information in the presentation simply laid out information from the public record which I believe supported voting against a motion to terminate the lease for the library facility in Moyock. I had photos and the blueprint plans for the facility with me for public review.In Moyock, a presentation was made by Chairman Nelms he had given to staff to put in power point form the preceeding Friday. He instructed that the presentation was to be distributed to other BOC members at the end of the Monday retreat, which it was, at app. 5pm before the 7pm Moyock meeting. Chairman Nelms admitted in Moyock no other BOC members were privy to his presentation before the distribution at the retreat at app. 5pm.In light of the discussion last week with the BOE where the County Manager discussed a deficit and potential need for a tax increase, and in light of the agenda item to terminate the leased Moyock facility in order to go forward with the immediate construction of a substitute, million dollar plus building project, I thought it was very relevant that the debate over the motion to terminate the lease include factual information about the leased facility option.Thank you for your feedback.
Best Regards,
Owen
In response to inquiries regarding confirmation I made my library presentation available to all BOC members, here is my correspondence with that request to the County Clerk.BOC members received this and made inquiry to staff regarding it but did not contact me. As you know, the information in the presentation simply laid out information from the public record which I believe supported voting against a motion to terminate the lease for the library facility in Moyock. I had photos and the blueprint plans for the facility with me for public review.In Moyock, a presentation was made by Chairman Nelms he had given to staff to put in power point form the preceeding Friday. He instructed that the presentation was to be distributed to other BOC members at the end of the Monday retreat, which it was, at app. 5pm before the 7pm Moyock meeting. Chairman Nelms admitted in Moyock no other BOC members were privy to his presentation before the distribution at the retreat at app. 5pm.In light of the discussion last week with the BOE where the County Manager discussed a deficit and potential need for a tax increase, and in light of the agenda item to terminate the leased Moyock facility in order to go forward with the immediate construction of a substitute, million dollar plus building project, I thought it was very relevant that the debate over the motion to terminate the lease include factual information about the leased facility option.Thank you for your feedback.
Best Regards,
Owen
Monday, February 5, 2007
Aborted Totem Tackle
Under Owen's protest of censorship, Barry 'disallowed' Owen's discussion items on the temporary library and its funding. As of February 28, the lease agreement will be terminated (4-1 vote), the county will have lost money it didn't intend to spend, and the people of Moyock will continue to wait for their library.
The Totem Tackles the Library Truths
Greetings all:
If the BOC continues to pursue the termination of the lease for the Moyock Church/Library/Vistors Center then I plan to make tonight the following presentation in regards to the agenda item regarding the leased facility. I am doing this in an attempt to put the idea of a leased facility back on the table as an alternative. An alternative that will give the county time to properly plan this needed facility and identify funding sources that will not necessitate a tax increase as it is apparent the current proposal might. I hope you understand my position on this issue and ask you to comment back to me any criticism or suggestions you might have.Thanks to each of you for your concern, interest and work you do to help make Currituck a better place.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
MOYOCK LIBRARY CLAIMS vs FACTS
CLAIM: Library Temporary - available for only two years after renovation >>>and Lease Rate increases $6,000 per year.
FACT: Initial Lease Length is three years, with two additional two year >>>options. Initial Lease Rate for 3,293 square feet, is $26,344 per year >>>for the entire length of the first term of three years. The first two >>>year rate is set at $32,930 per year and the second two year term is set >>>at $39,516. These rates are set in the lease contract. These lease >>>rates when compared to other square foot commercial lease rates in Moyock >>>represent a sizable savings. The rate goes up only twice in seven years >>>at the beginning of each renewal option if so exercised.>>>>>>
CLAIM: Costs have increased due to lack of Proper Due Diligence.>>>>>>
FACT: Any increased costs realized to date are a result of Proper Due >>>Diligence not the lack of, as claimed. During the normal course of >>>renovations as anyone would expect, items were discovered. The cost to >>>repair structural issues is clearly addressed within the lease and is the >>>sole responsibility of the owner and not the county as has been implied.* >>> Termite Damage was found to be a major cause and is the responsibility >>>of the owner. *Refer to Lease Contract, Clauses 13, 14, & 18 for >>>verification.>>>>>>
CLAIM: Facility not wired for computers.>>>>>>
FACT: The renovation cost included the computer network, wiring and the >>>installation costs for a complete computer setup. The wiring for the >>>computers and the layout for the location of computers is seen in the >>>post-renovation photo and design blueprints. (see plans and photo)>>>>>>
CLAIM: Insulation, Windows do not meet code, and building costly to heat >>>and cool.>>>>>>
FACT: Edmond P. Virgil, RA the architect, placed and sealed the >>>following statement on the renovation plans, “To the best of my knowledge >>>and belief, the design of the building complies with the thermal envelope >>>requirements of the North Carolina State Building Code, Volume X >>>Energy”.(see design blueprints)>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Lighting not conducive for a Library.>>>>>>
FACT: Edmond P. Virgil, RA the architect reviewed the existing lighting >>>for compliance and where it did not meet the code made necessary >>>adjustments to bring it into compliance. Costs were contained in the >>>renovation contract.(see design blueprints)>>>>>>
CLAIM: Additional Toilet Facilities needed & no handicap bathroom.>>>>>>
FACT: The facility has the required bathrooms included one which was >>>added as a code compliant handicap bathroom.(see design blueprint & >>>post-renovation photo)>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Parking, 20 spaces only, visiting tourist will crowd out library >>>users.>>>>>>
FACT: Number of Parking Spaces exceeds minimum requirements. >>>Arrangements for large vehicles, RVs, SUVs and any overflow were being >>>negotiated with an adjoining landowner, making the parking comparable to >>>the existing public library in Barco.>>>>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Size, 1,285 Sq Ft including visitor’s center.>>>>>>
FACT: 1,285 Sq Ft only accounts for the sanctuary area. The building >>>contains a total of 3.293 Sq Ft. The additional 2,008 sq ft apart from >>>the sanctuary was included in the design for this library as planned and >>>useable space similar to the design plan of the proposed newly built >>>library. The first floor renovation plans contain a large children’s >>>room, a new handicap bathroom, large storage room, office and a utility >>>room. Second Floor planned renovations include a work room, storage room >>>and 2 additional offices.>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: New Permanent Library will cost $1,200,000.00>>>>>>
FACT: This estimate from The Design Collaborative of $156 per sq ft is >>>based on a 2005 Suffolk, VA Library bid. The same memo contained the >>>following statement. “We recently bid a 20,000 sq ft library in >>>Chesterfield County outside of Richmond, that came in at $250/sq ft. It >>>has very nice finishes and a lot of high volume space with day lighting >>>from above. I don’t think its really comparable to your project, but it >>>is not out of line with the market today”. Pasquotank County is >>>currently constructing a new library at a cost of a little over $200/sq >>>ft and Chowan County in November 2006 approved a renovation of their >>>existing library with a 5,500 sq ft expansion at a cost of approximately >>>$250/sq ft. There is a major discrepancy between the proposed cost of >>>the new Moyock facility and the actual construction cost of the two new >>>library facilities in our area. Which is correct a hypothetical proposal >>>or actual construction costs?>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Construction can start in May 2007 with targeted completion date >>>of July 2008>>>>>>
FACT: To date Currituck County has not acquired a deed to either of the >>>proposed donated Library sites. In reality it could be many months >>>before this can take place. Is Currituck County going to undertake >>>extensive engineering studies on both sites in order to prepare all the >>>preliminary detailed site and building plans in order to move forward >>>before the land is actually acquired? Based on my research with various >>>engineers, these studies and design work at a minimum will take at least >>>three months to complete. At that time building, waste water, drainage >>>and any other permits must be applied for. How long will the review >>>process take? We know how long state review of permits is currently >>>taking, months and months. Realistically many months or even a year >>>could lapse before actual construction can begin. Any deviation from the >>>proposed timetable and any delay in construction which will result in the >>>delay of the library's opening, could possibly increase costs.>>>>>>
CLAIM: The prior Board of Commissioners was trying to give Moyock a >>>second class Library Facility.>>>>>>
FACT: It was never the intent of the prior BOC to make the church >>>building a permanent library. It was the intent to begin the delivery of >>>library services in an expeditious and economically feasible manner.>>>The reasons for following this course:>>>1. Combining the library with the visitor’s center , allowed the use of >>>Occupancy Tax Funds to cover renovation and operational costs’ of the >>>facility and prevented tapping into other earmarked important capital >>>expense funds>>>2. The use of the temporary facility would allow the library staff , >>>library trustees and county staff to study and determine the actual needs >>>of a permanent Moyock Library. Doing it this way would allow for the >>>planning and design of this facility to truly reflect what is needed. In >>>other words, design the shoe to fit the foot, instead of trying to make >>>the foot fit the shoe.>>>>>>
CLAIM: $1,200,000.00 was found in the Land Transfer Tax Fund to pay for >>>this.>>>>>>
FACT: I stated at the Moyock Town Meeting, the prior BOC was using >>>occupancy tax funds as allowed under the restrictions of the law ,in >>>order not to take away funds from another future building project that >>>these funds can not be used for. As we now apparently know, the 1.2 >>>million is coming at the expense of another project. The possible need >>>for a tax increase is only one of the possible results of “finding this >>>1.2 million”. This might not be necessary had there not been a “Sudden >>>Rush to Judgment” to halt/eliminate ongoing capital projects within the >>>first week of being in power. Capital Projects that had been studied and >>>planned, with the funding sources identified within current revenues and >>>used in a prudent efficient manner.>>>>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: The permanent library is what Moyock needs.>>>>>>
FACT: There has not been a thorough, responsible analysis performed to >>>determine what might be needed in a permanent Moyock Library. The plan >>>for the new facility is based on Virginia Beach libraries. With all due >>>respect to Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach is not Moyock. It is important >>>a Moyock library reflect Moyock and it's residents needs, not Virginia >>>Beach. Before we even consider adding another expensive capital project >>>which may result in increasing all Currituck resident's taxes, , a >>>thorough analysis of Moyock's library needs should be undertaken. Too >>>rush these determinations to meet an arbitrary, politically motivated >>>timetable is not fiscally responsible given a funded, temporary option is >>>almost immediately available at far less cost and if we do not utilize >>>it, we are simply throwing away app. $150,000.
If the BOC continues to pursue the termination of the lease for the Moyock Church/Library/Vistors Center then I plan to make tonight the following presentation in regards to the agenda item regarding the leased facility. I am doing this in an attempt to put the idea of a leased facility back on the table as an alternative. An alternative that will give the county time to properly plan this needed facility and identify funding sources that will not necessitate a tax increase as it is apparent the current proposal might. I hope you understand my position on this issue and ask you to comment back to me any criticism or suggestions you might have.Thanks to each of you for your concern, interest and work you do to help make Currituck a better place.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
MOYOCK LIBRARY CLAIMS vs FACTS
CLAIM: Library Temporary - available for only two years after renovation >>>and Lease Rate increases $6,000 per year.
FACT: Initial Lease Length is three years, with two additional two year >>>options. Initial Lease Rate for 3,293 square feet, is $26,344 per year >>>for the entire length of the first term of three years. The first two >>>year rate is set at $32,930 per year and the second two year term is set >>>at $39,516. These rates are set in the lease contract. These lease >>>rates when compared to other square foot commercial lease rates in Moyock >>>represent a sizable savings. The rate goes up only twice in seven years >>>at the beginning of each renewal option if so exercised.>>>>>>
CLAIM: Costs have increased due to lack of Proper Due Diligence.>>>>>>
FACT: Any increased costs realized to date are a result of Proper Due >>>Diligence not the lack of, as claimed. During the normal course of >>>renovations as anyone would expect, items were discovered. The cost to >>>repair structural issues is clearly addressed within the lease and is the >>>sole responsibility of the owner and not the county as has been implied.* >>> Termite Damage was found to be a major cause and is the responsibility >>>of the owner. *Refer to Lease Contract, Clauses 13, 14, & 18 for >>>verification.>>>>>>
CLAIM: Facility not wired for computers.>>>>>>
FACT: The renovation cost included the computer network, wiring and the >>>installation costs for a complete computer setup. The wiring for the >>>computers and the layout for the location of computers is seen in the >>>post-renovation photo and design blueprints. (see plans and photo)>>>>>>
CLAIM: Insulation, Windows do not meet code, and building costly to heat >>>and cool.>>>>>>
FACT: Edmond P. Virgil, RA the architect, placed and sealed the >>>following statement on the renovation plans, “To the best of my knowledge >>>and belief, the design of the building complies with the thermal envelope >>>requirements of the North Carolina State Building Code, Volume X >>>Energy”.(see design blueprints)>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Lighting not conducive for a Library.>>>>>>
FACT: Edmond P. Virgil, RA the architect reviewed the existing lighting >>>for compliance and where it did not meet the code made necessary >>>adjustments to bring it into compliance. Costs were contained in the >>>renovation contract.(see design blueprints)>>>>>>
CLAIM: Additional Toilet Facilities needed & no handicap bathroom.>>>>>>
FACT: The facility has the required bathrooms included one which was >>>added as a code compliant handicap bathroom.(see design blueprint & >>>post-renovation photo)>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Parking, 20 spaces only, visiting tourist will crowd out library >>>users.>>>>>>
FACT: Number of Parking Spaces exceeds minimum requirements. >>>Arrangements for large vehicles, RVs, SUVs and any overflow were being >>>negotiated with an adjoining landowner, making the parking comparable to >>>the existing public library in Barco.>>>>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Size, 1,285 Sq Ft including visitor’s center.>>>>>>
FACT: 1,285 Sq Ft only accounts for the sanctuary area. The building >>>contains a total of 3.293 Sq Ft. The additional 2,008 sq ft apart from >>>the sanctuary was included in the design for this library as planned and >>>useable space similar to the design plan of the proposed newly built >>>library. The first floor renovation plans contain a large children’s >>>room, a new handicap bathroom, large storage room, office and a utility >>>room. Second Floor planned renovations include a work room, storage room >>>and 2 additional offices.>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: New Permanent Library will cost $1,200,000.00>>>>>>
FACT: This estimate from The Design Collaborative of $156 per sq ft is >>>based on a 2005 Suffolk, VA Library bid. The same memo contained the >>>following statement. “We recently bid a 20,000 sq ft library in >>>Chesterfield County outside of Richmond, that came in at $250/sq ft. It >>>has very nice finishes and a lot of high volume space with day lighting >>>from above. I don’t think its really comparable to your project, but it >>>is not out of line with the market today”. Pasquotank County is >>>currently constructing a new library at a cost of a little over $200/sq >>>ft and Chowan County in November 2006 approved a renovation of their >>>existing library with a 5,500 sq ft expansion at a cost of approximately >>>$250/sq ft. There is a major discrepancy between the proposed cost of >>>the new Moyock facility and the actual construction cost of the two new >>>library facilities in our area. Which is correct a hypothetical proposal >>>or actual construction costs?>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: Construction can start in May 2007 with targeted completion date >>>of July 2008>>>>>>
FACT: To date Currituck County has not acquired a deed to either of the >>>proposed donated Library sites. In reality it could be many months >>>before this can take place. Is Currituck County going to undertake >>>extensive engineering studies on both sites in order to prepare all the >>>preliminary detailed site and building plans in order to move forward >>>before the land is actually acquired? Based on my research with various >>>engineers, these studies and design work at a minimum will take at least >>>three months to complete. At that time building, waste water, drainage >>>and any other permits must be applied for. How long will the review >>>process take? We know how long state review of permits is currently >>>taking, months and months. Realistically many months or even a year >>>could lapse before actual construction can begin. Any deviation from the >>>proposed timetable and any delay in construction which will result in the >>>delay of the library's opening, could possibly increase costs.>>>>>>
CLAIM: The prior Board of Commissioners was trying to give Moyock a >>>second class Library Facility.>>>>>>
FACT: It was never the intent of the prior BOC to make the church >>>building a permanent library. It was the intent to begin the delivery of >>>library services in an expeditious and economically feasible manner.>>>The reasons for following this course:>>>1. Combining the library with the visitor’s center , allowed the use of >>>Occupancy Tax Funds to cover renovation and operational costs’ of the >>>facility and prevented tapping into other earmarked important capital >>>expense funds>>>2. The use of the temporary facility would allow the library staff , >>>library trustees and county staff to study and determine the actual needs >>>of a permanent Moyock Library. Doing it this way would allow for the >>>planning and design of this facility to truly reflect what is needed. In >>>other words, design the shoe to fit the foot, instead of trying to make >>>the foot fit the shoe.>>>>>>
CLAIM: $1,200,000.00 was found in the Land Transfer Tax Fund to pay for >>>this.>>>>>>
FACT: I stated at the Moyock Town Meeting, the prior BOC was using >>>occupancy tax funds as allowed under the restrictions of the law ,in >>>order not to take away funds from another future building project that >>>these funds can not be used for. As we now apparently know, the 1.2 >>>million is coming at the expense of another project. The possible need >>>for a tax increase is only one of the possible results of “finding this >>>1.2 million”. This might not be necessary had there not been a “Sudden >>>Rush to Judgment” to halt/eliminate ongoing capital projects within the >>>first week of being in power. Capital Projects that had been studied and >>>planned, with the funding sources identified within current revenues and >>>used in a prudent efficient manner.>>>>>>>>>>>>
CLAIM: The permanent library is what Moyock needs.>>>>>>
FACT: There has not been a thorough, responsible analysis performed to >>>determine what might be needed in a permanent Moyock Library. The plan >>>for the new facility is based on Virginia Beach libraries. With all due >>>respect to Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach is not Moyock. It is important >>>a Moyock library reflect Moyock and it's residents needs, not Virginia >>>Beach. Before we even consider adding another expensive capital project >>>which may result in increasing all Currituck resident's taxes, , a >>>thorough analysis of Moyock's library needs should be undertaken. Too >>>rush these determinations to meet an arbitrary, politically motivated >>>timetable is not fiscally responsible given a funded, temporary option is >>>almost immediately available at far less cost and if we do not utilize >>>it, we are simply throwing away app. $150,000.
Feb. 5, 2007 BoC Agenda
Currituck County
Board of Commissioners Agenda
Historic Currituck County Courthouse
Date: Monday, February 5, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM
7:00 p.m. Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Item 1 Approval of Agenda
Item 2 Public Comment
Item 3 Public Hearing and Action on Amendment to Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Administration), Article III (Authorities,
Boards and Commissions), Division 3 (Economic Development
Board) Amendment to eliminate term limits for members of the
Economic Development Board
Item 4 Action on Resolution Amending "A Resolution of the County
of Currituck, North Carolina Establishing a Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board" Resolution to eliminate term limits
for members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Item 5 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-56 RAYMOND AND
JENNIFER ALLEN (PAWN SHOPS) Request to amend Currituck
UDO Article 13, Permissible Uses and Table, to allow a pawn shop
in a General Business zoning district.
Item 6 Public Hearing and Action on Pawnbroker Ordinance
Amendment to Chapter 8 of the Currituck County Code of
Ordinances to codify Article III, Pawnbrokers
Item 7 Public Hearing and Action on PB-07-01 UDO AMENDMENT
REQUEST (TERM LIMITS) an amendment to Article 19,
Administrative Mechanisms, Sections 1901, Appointments and
Terms of Planning Board Members and 1907, Appointment and
Terms of Board of Adjustment to remove the requirement for term
limits.
Item 8 Public Hearing and Action PB-07-02 UDO AMENDMENT
REQUEST (TERM LIMITS) - An amendment to Article 20, Zoning,
Special Use, and Conditional Use Permits, Section 2021,
Amendments to and Modifications of Permits, Article 22, Hearing
Procedures for Appeals and Applications, Sections 2201 Hearing
Required on Appeals and Applications and 2202 Notice of Hearing,
and Article 24 Amendments, Section 2404 Hearing Required;
Notice of the Unified Development Ordinance to clarify the
procedures for amendments
Item 9 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-31 KNOTTS ISLAND FIRE
STATION PB 06-31 KNOTTS ISLAND FIRE STATION: Special
Use Permit. The property is located at 327 Knotts Island Road,
approximately 460 feet south of the intersection with Marsh
Causeway, Tax Map 76, Parcel 23A, Fruitville Township
(Deleted) Item 10 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-23 COVEY RUN Sketch
Plan/Special Use Permit for a 16 lot open space residential
subdivision. The 44 acre property is located on South Indiantown
Road, 8/10 of a mile south of the intersection with US 158 (Shortcut
Road), Tax Map 44, Parcel 11C, Crawford Township.
(Deleted) Item 11 Public Hearing and Action on PB 88-66 Villages at Ocean Hill:
Amended Sketch Plan to increase density by 4 lots on parcels that
are former will sites. The tow properties are located at the north
end of Corolla Village Road Tax Map 114, Parcel 3M and the
intersection of Lakeside Drive and NC 12, Tax Map 114, Parcel
WELL, Block 1, Poplar Branch-Outer Banks Township
Item 12 Public Hearing and Action on PB 04-53 Brumsey Woods;
amended Sketch Plan for 17 lots to re-align roads located on
Brumsey Road approximately 500’ west of the intersection with
Tulls Creek Road, Tax Map 49, lots 34S and 34T, Crawford
Township.
Item 13 Discussion and action on Certified Industrial Park, Maple
Item 14 Discussion on Service District
Item 15 Action on lease with R & E Development, LLC & Change Order on
Moyock Library/Information Center
Item 16 Discussion and action on renewal of Carolina Water Purchase
Agreement
Item 17 Appointments to Whalehead Board of Trustees
Item 18 Consent Agenda:
Budget amendments 2007056-2007059
Approval of County fire district map
Approval of January 16, 2007, Minutes
Waive sign fee for Animal Assistance League
Approval of funds for Knotts Island Fire Truck
Item 19 Commissioner’s Report
Item 20 County Manager’s Report
Item 21 Closed Session to discuss personnel and property acquisition
Item 22 Adjourn
Board of Commissioners Agenda
Historic Currituck County Courthouse
Date: Monday, February 5, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM
7:00 p.m. Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Item 1 Approval of Agenda
Item 2 Public Comment
Item 3 Public Hearing and Action on Amendment to Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Administration), Article III (Authorities,
Boards and Commissions), Division 3 (Economic Development
Board) Amendment to eliminate term limits for members of the
Economic Development Board
Item 4 Action on Resolution Amending "A Resolution of the County
of Currituck, North Carolina Establishing a Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board" Resolution to eliminate term limits
for members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Item 5 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-56 RAYMOND AND
JENNIFER ALLEN (PAWN SHOPS) Request to amend Currituck
UDO Article 13, Permissible Uses and Table, to allow a pawn shop
in a General Business zoning district.
Item 6 Public Hearing and Action on Pawnbroker Ordinance
Amendment to Chapter 8 of the Currituck County Code of
Ordinances to codify Article III, Pawnbrokers
Item 7 Public Hearing and Action on PB-07-01 UDO AMENDMENT
REQUEST (TERM LIMITS) an amendment to Article 19,
Administrative Mechanisms, Sections 1901, Appointments and
Terms of Planning Board Members and 1907, Appointment and
Terms of Board of Adjustment to remove the requirement for term
limits.
Item 8 Public Hearing and Action PB-07-02 UDO AMENDMENT
REQUEST (TERM LIMITS) - An amendment to Article 20, Zoning,
Special Use, and Conditional Use Permits, Section 2021,
Amendments to and Modifications of Permits, Article 22, Hearing
Procedures for Appeals and Applications, Sections 2201 Hearing
Required on Appeals and Applications and 2202 Notice of Hearing,
and Article 24 Amendments, Section 2404 Hearing Required;
Notice of the Unified Development Ordinance to clarify the
procedures for amendments
Item 9 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-31 KNOTTS ISLAND FIRE
STATION PB 06-31 KNOTTS ISLAND FIRE STATION: Special
Use Permit. The property is located at 327 Knotts Island Road,
approximately 460 feet south of the intersection with Marsh
Causeway, Tax Map 76, Parcel 23A, Fruitville Township
(Deleted) Item 10 Public Hearing and Action on PB 06-23 COVEY RUN Sketch
Plan/Special Use Permit for a 16 lot open space residential
subdivision. The 44 acre property is located on South Indiantown
Road, 8/10 of a mile south of the intersection with US 158 (Shortcut
Road), Tax Map 44, Parcel 11C, Crawford Township.
(Deleted) Item 11 Public Hearing and Action on PB 88-66 Villages at Ocean Hill:
Amended Sketch Plan to increase density by 4 lots on parcels that
are former will sites. The tow properties are located at the north
end of Corolla Village Road Tax Map 114, Parcel 3M and the
intersection of Lakeside Drive and NC 12, Tax Map 114, Parcel
WELL, Block 1, Poplar Branch-Outer Banks Township
Item 12 Public Hearing and Action on PB 04-53 Brumsey Woods;
amended Sketch Plan for 17 lots to re-align roads located on
Brumsey Road approximately 500’ west of the intersection with
Tulls Creek Road, Tax Map 49, lots 34S and 34T, Crawford
Township.
Item 13 Discussion and action on Certified Industrial Park, Maple
Item 14 Discussion on Service District
Item 15 Action on lease with R & E Development, LLC & Change Order on
Moyock Library/Information Center
Item 16 Discussion and action on renewal of Carolina Water Purchase
Agreement
Item 17 Appointments to Whalehead Board of Trustees
Item 18 Consent Agenda:
Budget amendments 2007056-2007059
Approval of County fire district map
Approval of January 16, 2007, Minutes
Waive sign fee for Animal Assistance League
Approval of funds for Knotts Island Fire Truck
Item 19 Commissioner’s Report
Item 20 County Manager’s Report
Item 21 Closed Session to discuss personnel and property acquisition
Item 22 Adjourn
Friday, February 2, 2007
More from The Totem
I am sending this e-mail to address the flood of inquiries I have received regarding budgeting/taxes. Please let me know any additional questions you have.
The last BOC worked to save all the funds needed to cover the three agreed to capital projects.app. $18-$24 million for the Shawboro(Sligo) and Jarvisburg elementary schools. (This figure was based on the BOE's projections of costs they received from the architect).app. $18million for rec/center(projected costs by the architect)The Moyock library need was determined to be met in the short term by a leased facility to be paid for largely by occupancy tax. Any additional costs were covered in the current budget and were not considered in the savings.The school projections for the two Elementary schools from the BOE increased substantially in the last few months but bids were not opened and actual numbers known until December, 2006.Those numbers reflected an increase from the projected BOE number of app. $24million to app. $35 million. As a result there was about a $1million dollar difference between savings and costs for these three buildings that whoever was going to be on the BOC after the numbers came in from the bids would have to manage.In the meantime, the newly elected members of the BOC decided to scrap the leased library system to be paid largely from occupancy tax and commit to a cost from the general fund of over a million dollars and an immediate construction timetable. I believe that figure is very conservative and likely to be more. This decision was sold to the public with assurances the costs would be covered by “found” transfer tax revenues to quash complaints about losing the already planned, budgeted and more imediately available leased library facility. The truth is those land transfer revenues were calculated in to the savings already projected to be used on the three capital improvement projects, the two schools and the Rec center. In addition, our land transfer revenues are down 48% over the last year as the real estate market is in a lull.Now the County has a deficit between savings and costs for commitments to capital improvements of approximately $2.2 million, which assumes that the library construction costs will not be more when bid, that according to the County Manager will require either a 3cent tax increase or borrowing. In addition, we may be required to delay the recreation/senior center project.The former BOC did not intend to borrow any money for these three projects they committed to. In fact, even with the dramatically increased school projections, there could be in my estimation with over 20 years government experience, savings found to make up a difference up to a million dollars. However, when you need to make up over $2 million, it is a different story. For example, both the new elementary schools are using the same prototype design plans to save money on developing new designs. However there are significant costs in adapting those plans to our specific locations like engineering and site plan work requirements. The school board bids out through two options, one has one company bidding the whole project, then that company subs, or, option two, you take sub bids, total them, hire a construction management firm to oversee(MBKahn). The BOE chose option two at a cost SAVINGS over the bid for the first option of $69,728 for Jarvisburg elementary. The last time the BOE went with option one with no construction manager was when the new high school was constructed which resulted in millions in cost overruns and two years delay. In contrast, when option two was selected and MB Kahn hired by Currituck for the Moyock Middle School, that project was delivered on time and on budget.Chairman Nelms proposed looking at eliminating MB Kahn from option two and possibly having County staff oversee the project. I have contacted New Hanover County which has such in-house staff for projects and they have recently decided to contract out capital construction project oversight.Now to the new high school. The former BOC fully intended that the moneys currently committed to the current high school’s bond debt service rollover to help finance the costs of the new high school’s debt service. We have very successfully funded our schools this way while balancing the interest to keep taxes low. Additional required funds would come from our continued accumulating savings programs and other resources we have used in the past.The former BOC worked very diligently and remarkably successfully in my estimation at balancing the interest in keeping Currituck taxes low while meeting needs for services. The BOC did this and still provided two tax DECREASES. The former BOC did the following projects:1. Constructed a new Judicial Center, Health Department, Moyock Middle School, major Airport Expansion projects, Southern Outer Banks Water System, Maple Park facilities, Southern Currituck Sound Park facilities, Crawford Fire Station, Waterlily Fire Station2. Major renovations to Griggs Elementary, animal shelter facilities, Central Elementary, Moyock Elementary, Knotts Island Elementary, historic Courthouse facility, Whalehead Club, Maple Jail and law enforcement center, Moyock Fire StationWhile some complain about the Horse Farm purchase and the temporary Moyock library, these projects were funded with occupancy tax which by law can only be used for very restricted purposes but we looked at using those funds in ways to accomplish goals without causing a deficit in our general funds which would result in what we face now, a tax increase or borrowing. There is no deficit in occupancy tax revenues like we now face in general fund revenues. In fact, we have a very healthy occupancy tax fund balance which is exactly why the former BOC wanted to use occupancy tax funds to bridge and meet the immediate Moyock library needs.It was a prudent response, not lack of proper due diligence as Chairman Nelms claims, to what our projected revenues are, what our projected needs/costs are and the best balance of the use of varied funds. It is my opinion that we could avoid a tax increase or more borrowing if we prudently managed the use of occupancy tax dollars to fund a temporary Moyock library facility as planned by the former BOC, continued forward with our current promised capital improvement projects using savings and continued the planned savings and financing for the new High School.In NC, by law, a County must re-evaluate property values once every eight years. Also by law, the tax rate must after such a reevaluation, be set at a “revenue neutral rate“. That simply means the rate is set to provide the County only the same amount of tax revenue as the previous rate did. The former rate before the re-evaluation was 62 cents per hundred. The law required nothing less than revenue neutral which the BOC complied with when it set the new tax rate at 32cents. This rate met the legal requirements following a re-evaluation and met the County’s projected needs and recommended savings obligation.I hope that provides an understanding of where we are and how we got here.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
The last BOC worked to save all the funds needed to cover the three agreed to capital projects.app. $18-$24 million for the Shawboro(Sligo) and Jarvisburg elementary schools. (This figure was based on the BOE's projections of costs they received from the architect).app. $18million for rec/center(projected costs by the architect)The Moyock library need was determined to be met in the short term by a leased facility to be paid for largely by occupancy tax. Any additional costs were covered in the current budget and were not considered in the savings.The school projections for the two Elementary schools from the BOE increased substantially in the last few months but bids were not opened and actual numbers known until December, 2006.Those numbers reflected an increase from the projected BOE number of app. $24million to app. $35 million. As a result there was about a $1million dollar difference between savings and costs for these three buildings that whoever was going to be on the BOC after the numbers came in from the bids would have to manage.In the meantime, the newly elected members of the BOC decided to scrap the leased library system to be paid largely from occupancy tax and commit to a cost from the general fund of over a million dollars and an immediate construction timetable. I believe that figure is very conservative and likely to be more. This decision was sold to the public with assurances the costs would be covered by “found” transfer tax revenues to quash complaints about losing the already planned, budgeted and more imediately available leased library facility. The truth is those land transfer revenues were calculated in to the savings already projected to be used on the three capital improvement projects, the two schools and the Rec center. In addition, our land transfer revenues are down 48% over the last year as the real estate market is in a lull.Now the County has a deficit between savings and costs for commitments to capital improvements of approximately $2.2 million, which assumes that the library construction costs will not be more when bid, that according to the County Manager will require either a 3cent tax increase or borrowing. In addition, we may be required to delay the recreation/senior center project.The former BOC did not intend to borrow any money for these three projects they committed to. In fact, even with the dramatically increased school projections, there could be in my estimation with over 20 years government experience, savings found to make up a difference up to a million dollars. However, when you need to make up over $2 million, it is a different story. For example, both the new elementary schools are using the same prototype design plans to save money on developing new designs. However there are significant costs in adapting those plans to our specific locations like engineering and site plan work requirements. The school board bids out through two options, one has one company bidding the whole project, then that company subs, or, option two, you take sub bids, total them, hire a construction management firm to oversee(MBKahn). The BOE chose option two at a cost SAVINGS over the bid for the first option of $69,728 for Jarvisburg elementary. The last time the BOE went with option one with no construction manager was when the new high school was constructed which resulted in millions in cost overruns and two years delay. In contrast, when option two was selected and MB Kahn hired by Currituck for the Moyock Middle School, that project was delivered on time and on budget.Chairman Nelms proposed looking at eliminating MB Kahn from option two and possibly having County staff oversee the project. I have contacted New Hanover County which has such in-house staff for projects and they have recently decided to contract out capital construction project oversight.Now to the new high school. The former BOC fully intended that the moneys currently committed to the current high school’s bond debt service rollover to help finance the costs of the new high school’s debt service. We have very successfully funded our schools this way while balancing the interest to keep taxes low. Additional required funds would come from our continued accumulating savings programs and other resources we have used in the past.The former BOC worked very diligently and remarkably successfully in my estimation at balancing the interest in keeping Currituck taxes low while meeting needs for services. The BOC did this and still provided two tax DECREASES. The former BOC did the following projects:1. Constructed a new Judicial Center, Health Department, Moyock Middle School, major Airport Expansion projects, Southern Outer Banks Water System, Maple Park facilities, Southern Currituck Sound Park facilities, Crawford Fire Station, Waterlily Fire Station2. Major renovations to Griggs Elementary, animal shelter facilities, Central Elementary, Moyock Elementary, Knotts Island Elementary, historic Courthouse facility, Whalehead Club, Maple Jail and law enforcement center, Moyock Fire StationWhile some complain about the Horse Farm purchase and the temporary Moyock library, these projects were funded with occupancy tax which by law can only be used for very restricted purposes but we looked at using those funds in ways to accomplish goals without causing a deficit in our general funds which would result in what we face now, a tax increase or borrowing. There is no deficit in occupancy tax revenues like we now face in general fund revenues. In fact, we have a very healthy occupancy tax fund balance which is exactly why the former BOC wanted to use occupancy tax funds to bridge and meet the immediate Moyock library needs.It was a prudent response, not lack of proper due diligence as Chairman Nelms claims, to what our projected revenues are, what our projected needs/costs are and the best balance of the use of varied funds. It is my opinion that we could avoid a tax increase or more borrowing if we prudently managed the use of occupancy tax dollars to fund a temporary Moyock library facility as planned by the former BOC, continued forward with our current promised capital improvement projects using savings and continued the planned savings and financing for the new High School.In NC, by law, a County must re-evaluate property values once every eight years. Also by law, the tax rate must after such a reevaluation, be set at a “revenue neutral rate“. That simply means the rate is set to provide the County only the same amount of tax revenue as the previous rate did. The former rate before the re-evaluation was 62 cents per hundred. The law required nothing less than revenue neutral which the BOC complied with when it set the new tax rate at 32cents. This rate met the legal requirements following a re-evaluation and met the County’s projected needs and recommended savings obligation.I hope that provides an understanding of where we are and how we got here.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
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