Sorry for the late notice of last nights mtg. Dennis Hill (running for commissioner in the primaries this March) went last night and sent the dispatch below. HERE is the discussion to look into selling Lake Adger: Video ... David
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A Better Polk County, NC:
Went to the Board of Commissioners' Meeting last night.
The consultants studying options of dealing with the current jail which is substandard in meeting state requirements, described several approaches. The one preferred by the Commissioners is to build a new detention center with sufficient capacity for 20yrs of projected growth, which in the short term, can be used to house inmates from other counties and receive some revenue. They also asked the consultant what it would cost to expand the project to include the Sheriff's offices. Total cost could range from $7M+ to $10M ROM. Big question is how to pay for it. If bonds are used a referendum would be required.Commissioners voted to have an architect produce a more detailed plan and to start looking for a possible site ( 5-10 acres )
Footnote: I toured the jail last week and, no question, it can't continue to operate in the current overcrowded and substandard condition. I personally think we need a new facility. The big question is how, considering taxpayers' impacts, should this be financed?
The majority tried to push through an increase in project cost of over 40% to run the water line up Rt 9 to connect with Lake Lure's water. The engineer proposed a change order which was rejected temporarily because a competitive bid was required by statute. Lake Lure does not need this connection and only adds to the already unsound practice of adding water distribution to a few users. Can you think of other uses for the $7-9M being spent on this?
Commissioners Gage and Holbert attempted to embarrass Commissioner Gasperson by adding an agenda item ( without including him ) to have him explain how he would deal with Lake Adger's cost since he alone of the Commissioners objected to the ICWD contract. Interesting to note that it was the majority who added the contract requirement of having ICWD pay for dam repairs and maintenance for 75 years, a condition no one would agree to. ICWD's consultant agreed. Commissioner Gasperson reminded Gage and Holbert that he ( and the public ) had repeatedly asked for an expert's advice on how to proceed with the contract, rejected by the majority.
This discussion concluded with the commissioners all agreeing to have the County Manager and attorney research how Lake Adger may be placed on the market as a surplus asset. Verddy intresssing as they used to say on "Laugh In."
Dennis Hill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Better Polk County, NC:
Went to the Board of Commissioners' Meeting last night.
The consultants studying options of dealing with the current jail which is substandard in meeting state requirements, described several approaches. The one preferred by the Commissioners is to build a new detention center with sufficient capacity for 20yrs of projected growth, which in the short term, can be used to house inmates from other counties and receive some revenue. They also asked the consultant what it would cost to expand the project to include the Sheriff's offices. Total cost could range from $7M+ to $10M ROM. Big question is how to pay for it. If bonds are used a referendum would be required.Commissioners voted to have an architect produce a more detailed plan and to start looking for a possible site ( 5-10 acres )
Footnote: I toured the jail last week and, no question, it can't continue to operate in the current overcrowded and substandard condition. I personally think we need a new facility. The big question is how, considering taxpayers' impacts, should this be financed?
The majority tried to push through an increase in project cost of over 40% to run the water line up Rt 9 to connect with Lake Lure's water. The engineer proposed a change order which was rejected temporarily because a competitive bid was required by statute. Lake Lure does not need this connection and only adds to the already unsound practice of adding water distribution to a few users. Can you think of other uses for the $7-9M being spent on this?
Commissioners Gage and Holbert attempted to embarrass Commissioner Gasperson by adding an agenda item ( without including him ) to have him explain how he would deal with Lake Adger's cost since he alone of the Commissioners objected to the ICWD contract. Interesting to note that it was the majority who added the contract requirement of having ICWD pay for dam repairs and maintenance for 75 years, a condition no one would agree to. ICWD's consultant agreed. Commissioner Gasperson reminded Gage and Holbert that he ( and the public ) had repeatedly asked for an expert's advice on how to proceed with the contract, rejected by the majority.
This discussion concluded with the commissioners all agreeing to have the County Manager and attorney research how Lake Adger may be placed on the market as a surplus asset. Verddy intresssing as they used to say on "Laugh In."
Dennis Hill