The Town of Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2005. Present at the meeting were Mayor J.B. Lawrence, Commissioners Bobby Ball, Rita Wiseman, Terry Lentz and David Wray. Commissioner Tester was out of town and unable to attend. Others present were Town Manager Scott Hildebran and Town Clerk Sharon Greene.

Mayor Lawrence called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

1. Selection of Health/Dental/Life Insurance Plan Coverage

Town Manager Hildebran presented a proposal to Council for Health/Dental/Life Insurance for Town personnel from Cigna Healthcare. After receiving several quotes from various healthcare plans due to the rising costs of premiums, Mr. Hildebran felt Cigna Healthcare would be the most reasonable and Town personnel would be able to maintain the same health/dental/life coverage.

Town Manager Hildebran also presented a Personnel Policy Amendment to Section 10.07 of the Employee Handbook that defines retiree coverage.

Commissioner Wiseman made a motion to accept the proposal from Cigna Healthcare and the Personnel Policy Amendment as presented. Commissioner Ball seconded the motion with all members being in favor. Amendment to Section 10.07 of Town of Blowing Rock Personnel Handbook (Attachment #1) Cigna Healthcare Contract (Attachment #2)

2. Bids – Green Hill Road/Circle Sewer Project

As directed by Council at the March 8, 2005 meeting, Town Engineer McGill Associates and staff met with low bidder Max Prestwood regarding the Green Hill Road/Circle Sewer Project.

Town Manager Hildebran asked Council to consider awarding the Green Hill Road/Circle Sewer Project to lowest bidder Max Prestwood Water & Sewer, Inc. for a revised negotiated contract amount of $508,750. The proposed starting date for the project would be May 1, 2005.

A motion was made by Commissioner Wray to accept the revised bid, seconded by Commissioner Ball. All members were in unanimous agreement. Green Hill Road/Circle Water/Sewer Contract Agreement (Attachment #3)

3. Update on Status of American Legion Post #256/Art in the Park Lease Dispute

Council discussed a lease dispute between the American Legion Post #256 and Art in the Park. American Legion members felt they should receive approximately $6,000 per year from Art in the Park for use of their parking area.

A lease agreement between the Town and the American Legion was entered into in April of 1952 and continues until March 2051.

Town Manager Hildebran stated he had scheduled a meeting with Commander Ron Oberle of the American Legion to further discuss this issue. Council suggested that Mr. Hildebran ask if the Legion would prefer the Town take possession of the building with the understanding that the Legion would be able to use it as needed.

1. Wayne Green Request for Council Support of Proposed ETJ Bills under Consideration by the NC General Assembly

Council received a request from Wayne Green asking to be placed on the agenda for the April meeting to request a resolution endorsing bills concerning extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction that were introduced into the NC State House of Representatives.

A motion was made by Commissioner Lentz to deny Mr. Green’s request, seconded by Commissioner Ball. All members were in favor of the motion.

2. Other

The Edgewood Cottage located on South Main Street was briefly discussed. It was consensus of Council that adequate time had been given to the Blowing Rock Historical Society to decide if the "Cottage" was restorable or should be torn down. They felt something should be done in the near future regarding this matter and requested the item be placed on the April agenda.

Council also discussed the green house located on the same property as the Edgewood Cottage. Council inquired how the property was being used. Mr. Hildebran stated the town was presently using the house for storage of equipment for the Parks & Recreation Department as well as the Public Works Department.

There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Lawrence adjourned the meeting at 8:50 a.m.

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Sharon H. Greene, Town Clerk