The Mayor and Board of Commissioners for the Town of Blowing Rock met in special session on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. Present were Mayor J.B. Lawrence and Commissioners Terry Lentz, Barbara Ball, Keith Tester, Rita Wiseman, and David Wray. Also present were Town Manager Scott Hildebran and Town Clerk Barbara Beach. The purpose of the meeting was to hold departmental work sessions with the following departments: Public Works, Water/Wastewater Plant Operations, and Emergency Services.

Director Johnny Lentz met with Council to review activities of the department for the prior year. He commented on expenses associated with the costs of road salt and related man-hours with the severe winter we have experienced.

He requested Council consider funding a mini-excavator in the new fiscal year. He also requested funding for an automated meter reading system. Council also discussed hiring a mechanic for the department.

Other topics discussed were storm water drainage, a storm water study for future needs, and a water sewer master plan.

Director Tom McRary met with Council for discussion of the annual report for the department. He also reviewed items that will need funding in the new budget year, including the replacement of valves and upgrading of equipment at the water and sewer plants. Mr. Hildebran mentioned the possibility of appropriating money to obtain a water rate study and that grants may be available to assist in funding needed projects. Other projects that will need to be investigated include the construction of a new water storage tank, and the connection of a water line to the Boone water supply.

Director Marc Hickman reviewed the departmental report for 2003, listing the total number of calls for fire and rescue personnel, response time, and number of hours of labor worked by personnel. He also discussed the goals for 2004 for the department, including paramedic certification, a new position, and a new building.

Council discussed funding received by Watauga and Caldwell Counties. Mr. Hickman suggested that the Rescue Squad could pursue the passage of a one-cent rescue tax if the County Commissioners would approve it.

There were no further items of discussion and Mayor Lawrence adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.

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J. B. Lawrence, Mayor

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Barbara G. Beach, Town Clerk