The Town of Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 29, 2005. The meeting began at 8:00 a.m. Members present were Mayor J.B. Lawrence, Commissioners Bobby Ball, Keith Tester, Terry Lentz and David Wray. Rita Wiseman was absent. Town Manager Scott Hildebran, Finance Officer Margaret Pierce and Deputy Town Clerk Sonya Long were also present.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss an amendment to the 2004-05 Fiscal Budget and other various matters. Mayor Lawrence called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

1. 2004-2005 Fiscal Year Budget Ordinance Amendment

Due to changes in governmental accounting standards (GASB 34), salaries are now accrued through June 30, as such Mr. Hildebran stated that the following amendments would need to be made to the current budget.

Amend the General Fund to decrease the Transfer to Fund Balance by $5,000 and move $5,000 to Administration/Finance Salaries. This would result in a net increase of $0 in the appropriations of the General Fund. Town Manager Hildebran advised that he anticipated the General Fund would have an increase in excess of $100,000 as of June 30.

Second amendment would be to the Water and Sewer Fund. Decrease the Sludge Processing Cost by $5,000 and increase by $5,000 in the Field Operations Salaries. This will result in a net increase of $0 in the appropriations of the Water and Sewer Fund.

Commissioner Ball made a motion to approve the amendment as presented, seconded by Commissioner Lentz. All were in favor of the motion. (Ordinance No. 2005- Attached as Exhibit A)

2. New Job Descriptions

Mr. Hildebran handed out draft copies of new job descriptions for Landscape Specialist and Park Maintenance Technician. Commissioner Ball suggested changing the word "some" experience to "extensive" experience in the job description for the Landscape Specialist.

With no further discussion, Commissioner Tester made a motion to approve the new job descriptions with the one work change, seconded by Commissioner Wray. All were in favor of the motion. (Descriptions Attached as Exhibit B)

3. North Carolina League of Municipalities Insurance Agreement

Mr. Hildebran explained that the NCLM introduced two rewritten membership agreements and resolutions for participation, Interlocal Risk Financing Fund of North Carolina and North Carolina Risk Management Agency, property, liability, and workers comp insurance programs administered by the NCLM.

Commissioner Lentz asked that staff look at the pressure on the new water line on Valley View Road. Several residents had commented on the increase in water pressure. He suggested adding pressure reducing valves to each meter and charging the homeowner for the valve.

Commissioner Wray asked staff to inspect the Lyons Construction site on South Main Street. He had received complaints regarding the trash and debris that has been left on site.

Mayor Lawrence asked for an update on the landscaping issue at the Outback Restaurant. Mr. Hildebran stated that a letter had been sent to the Outback and they had recently responded to Kevin Rothrock, Planning Director.

The commissioners discussed the issue regarding restaurants increasing their outdoor seating area. Commissioner Lentz specifically asked about the Meadowbrook Inn. Mr. Hildebran reported that the Meadowbrook Inn had been notified of the violation. They are now receiving penalties for each violation when seats are put out in the parking area. They have appealed and are scheduled to appear before the Board of Adjustment in July.

Commissioner Tester asked the Town Council for their feedback on removing the fence along the south side of the new Visitor Center building. Commissioner Tester stated that the new signs were hard to see going north on Highway 321. All board members agreed to have the fencing removed.

Mayor Lawrence announced the conclusion of the regular meeting agenda. Commissioner Tester made a motion that Council convene in closed session by authorization of NCGS 143-318.11(3). Mrs. Ball seconded the motion and all members voted in favor.

At the conclusion of the discussions, the closed session was adjourned at 9:43 a.m.

With no further business, motion by Commissioner Lentz and seconded by Commissioner Wray to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously approved. Mayor Lawrence adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m.