HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19621203400
Minutes of the Orange County Board of Commissioners
December 3, 1962
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday,
ecember 3, 1962, at ten o'clock a.m. in the Commissioners' room at the courthouse
n Hillsboro, N. C.
Members present: Chairman Donald Stanford, Commissioners Harvey Sennett,
larence Jones and Henry Walker.
Members absent: None
The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Clerk and approved by the- Board.
The following road petitions were presented and the Clerk was requested to mail
to the state Highway Commission in Greensboro, N. C.
1. Bib Coble Road
2. Road #1343 - Tom :yard load
3. Glosson Drive - Crestwood
chairman Stanford read a letter from Max Kennedy, Chairman of the Opposition
coup to County Zoning. Mr. Kennedy thanked the Board members for their action in
ejecting the proposed County Wide Zoning Ordinance.
The County Tax Supervisor and the County Attorney presented the decision reached
y the state Board of Assessments concerning the case of the Lennox Development
ompany and the Country Club Development Company properties of Wm. Murihead. The
ounty was ordered to lower their valuation on said properties.
Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, and unanim-
ously adopted, the Clerk was requested to write each member of the County Planning
card expressing to them the appreciation of the Board for the services and time
endered by them in the preparation and presentation of the Proposed County Zoning
rdinance.
The following resolution was moved by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commis"
toner Walker, and unanimously, passed:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, having
oat through death on Wednesday, November 21, 1962, one of its members, 'Donald R.
cDade, of Cedar Grove, takes this opportunity to memorialize his long and faithful
ervice to Orange County and the people of Orange County. Commissioners McDade's
timely death has brought to an end a long career of distinguished service to the
ublie. He has long served with distinction as a dedicated public servant, as a school
istrict committeman, and as a member of the Orange County Governor's Committee for
romotion of education, and for the last four years as ]hairman of the Orange County
elfare Board. Commissioner McDade entered office as a County Commissioner in 1955
o fill the unexpired term of the late Claude Pope, and was reelected for a four
ear term in 195t3, and was again reelected to a second full term early in November,
gmmissioner McDade has during the forty-nine years of his life been and outstanding
Bader in his community and in the state. He was a veteran of World War II, has been
ctive in welfare activities and always freely rendered assistance to the needy. He
as active in his church, the Cedar Grove Methodist Church, the Schley Grange, the
erican Legion, and the Masonic Lodge.
As a member of the Board of Orange County Cormmissioners he worked faithfully
nd diligently to improve the schools, to promote efficter_t government, and to
mnrove and better the county and his community, being always guided by his instinct
or. right, always carrying the burden of his reeponsibilities with outstanding
education. All of the people of Orange County have benefitted by his loyal service
o them and he will be missed by all as a leading mamba- of the community and by his
contemporary members of the Board of County Commiesior_ers.
sincere condolences are offered by this Board of Commissioners to his family and
any friends on the occasion of his untimely passing.
Sim Efland, former County Commissioner, was present and spoke of his appreciation,
or the services rendered by the present Board of Commissioners. He congratulated
1?? he new Commissioners and wished them success in their endeavors.
IIpQn motion of. Commissioner Sennett, seconded by Commissioner Jones, the following
resolution was unanimously adopted:
W°ERE'AS, Henry s. ?,Walker was nominated by the voters of Orange County to the Orangt
ounty Board of Commissioners in the Democratic Primary of May 1954, and
:;SEAS, Henry S. Walker was elected by the voters of Orange County to the Orange
ounty Board of Commissioners in the General Election in November of 1954, and
WHERE4s, Henry S. Walker has since December of 195L, served the citizens of Orange
ounty as a member of the Board of County Commissioners riving freely and unselfishly
f his time, and energy, and has through his foresight and leadership helped promote
ny progressive changes in the operation of Orange County Government especialIT in
he area of Public Welfare.
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners acting through
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its members, Donald N. Stanford, Harvey D. Bennett, Donald R. HaDade and Clarence
D. Jones now takes this means of expressing to Henry S. Walker its sincere
appreciation for his able, faithful and progressive leadership in helping find t1=e
way toward better ,overnment in Orange County, and of wishing for him and his
family every happiness in the years ahead.
Let a copy of this resolution be presented to the said Henry S. ;Walker, a copy
sent to the press, and let it be apread upon the minutes of the Orange County Board
of Commissioners, this the third day of December, 1962.
Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, the follow-
ing resolution was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, Clarence D. Jones was nominated by the voters of Orange County to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners in the Democratic Primary of May 1958; and
WHEREAS, Clarence D. Jones was elected by the voters of Orange County to the
orange County Board of Commissioners in the General Election in ?November of 1958, and
WHEREAS, Clarence D. Jones has since Dember of 1958 served the citizens of
Orange County as a member of the Board of County Commissioners giving freely and
unselfishly of his time, and energy, and has through his foresight and leadership
helped to promote many progressive changes in the operations of Orange County Govern-
ment.
NOW, BE IT R7S0177D, That the Orange County Board of Commissioners acting
through its members, Donald Y. Stanfordo Harvey D. Bennett, Donald R. McDade and
Henry S. Walker now takes this means of expressinc to Clarence D. Jones its sincere
appreciation for his able, faithful and progressive leadership in helping find the
way toward better government in Orange County, and of wishing for him and his family
every happiness in t.2e years ahead.
Let a copy of this resolution be presented to the said Clarence 17. Jones, a
copy sent to the press, and let it be spread upon the minutes of the Orans7e County
Board of Commissioner, this the third day of December, 1962.
There being_ no further business to come before this Board this meeting was
adjourned.,
The oath of office was administered to Carl M. Smith and Gordon Cleveland
by E. M. Lynch, Clenc of Superior Court, at an installation service which was held
in the courtroom.
The Board of County Commissioners re-convened in the Commissioners' room after
the memorial service for Donald McDade.
The first item of business to come before the Board was the election of a
Chairmen. The County Accountant presented ballots to the Board members and he counter
said ballots. Donald Stanford was elected to serve as Chairman of said Board for the
next two years. ?
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Upon motion of Commissioners Smith and unanimously adopted Commissioner Bennett
was elected to serve as Assistant Chairman to the Board.
Chairman Stanford administered the oath of constable to Vernon Burch of Chapel
Hill, N. C. and to John T. Wilder of Hillsboro, N. C. Both Mr. Burch and Mr. Wilder
has secured the necessary bond and these had been filled with the Register of Deeds.
A discussion arose concerning the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner
McDade. Chairman Stanford presented a copy of the General Statutes concerning the
authority of the Board to fill such existing vacancy. Chairman Stanford declared in
order any discussion pertaining to the filling of said vacancy.
A letter from Carrington B. Phillips, Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange
County, was read by Chairman Stanford. Mr. Phillips questioned the authority of the
Orange County Board of Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner McDade
and further stated: "We are asking the State Board of Elections to pass on this
problem. We are of the opinion that either a special election should be called or the
candidate with the next highest number of votes should be selected."
Graham & Levings, County Attorneys, had prepared a letter setting for their
opinion concerning the authority given by General Statutes 153-6, as amended by 1959
Session Laws, c. 1325, of the Orange County Board of Commissioners in filling
vacancies which exist on the Board. The letter stated: "in case of a vacancy
occurring in the board of commissioners of a county, the Clerk of the Superior Court
for the county shall appoint to said office some person for the unexpired term;
Provided that in the following cow-ties, the board or county commissioners shall
appoint to said office some person for the unexpired term: ---- Orange --
Accordingly, it is our opinion that the Board of County Commissioners may fill the
existing vacancy by appointment of a person from the "body of the county" and upon
whose qualification such person appointed will be entitled to enter upon and assume
the duties and responsibilities of that office for the term of the vacancy thereof."
Chairman Stanford ruled that the orange County Board of Commissioners were given
the authority, and the responsibility under G.S. 153-6, as amended by 19Kq S,9-.- .
290
A. H. Walker, Jr., Coroner, requested that he be given permission to appoint
an Assistant Coroner. He stated that he felt the county could be better served by
having representation in the Chapel Hill and the Hillsboro areas. The County Attorney
was requested to give an opinion concerning the appointment of an Assistant Coroner
and to also present a schedule of fees pertaining to this office. No action was
taken on Mr. Walker's request at this time.
Mack Williams of Chapel Hill requested the Board to appoint a Committee, if it
were at all feasible, to investigate the possiability of combining the school units of
the county. Mr. Williams presented a list of persons who would be willing to serve
on such a committee. Chairman Stanford informed Mr. Williams that the Board was not
certain as to its jurisdiction in this matter but that his request would be referred
to the County Attorney for an opinion.
Letters endorsing various persons as candidates for the position of County
Commissioner were presented by Chairman Stanford. These letters were not read but the
names of each candidate were mentioned.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett it was agreed that the vote for the candidate
of County Commissioner would be taken by secret ballot.
Chairman Stanford counted the ballots and announced that Henry Walker had receive
three votes and Wilfred Phelps had received one vote. Chairman Stanford then declared
Henry Walker was elected to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner McDade on the
Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Cleveland, and
unanimously adopted, the appointment of the Judge for the Recorder's Court and the
Solicitor for the Recorder's Court was tabled.
Chairman Stanford read the following portion of a letter from G. Paul Carr,
Superintendent of Orange County Schools: "At the meeting of the Orange County Hoard
of Education on Monday, November 5, Charles M. Walker, Jr. moved that the board
request the Orange County Board of Commissioners to set up a building fund of
$200,000.00 for the purpose of construction of a Negro Junior High School at the
present site of the Negro High School at Central, these funds to be made available
July 1, 1963." The County Accountant stated that it was not necessary to.take any
action on Mr. Carr's request at.the present time.
Don Matheson, County Farm Agent, presented a change order on the project of
alterations and additions to the Orange County Agricultural Building from Archie
Davis, Architect. The change order designated as number 1 was for the relocation of
a conduit and wire for an oven.
Upon motion of Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, and unanim
ously adopted, change order number 1 was accepted and Chairman Stanford was authorized
to sign same.
The County Accountant presented the names of the tax listers for the year 1963.
The following persons were named:
Little River Township A. E. Wilson
Cedar Grove Township Joseph Compton
Cheeks Township Mrs. Henry Heath
Hillsboro Township Remus Smith, Jr.
Eno Township Mrs. J. D. Griffin
Bingham Township Evelyn Teer
Chapel Hill Township Lemuel Cheek
Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Cleveland, and
unanimously adopted, the above named persons were appointed as tax listers for the
year of 1963.
The following department officials presented reports for the month of November
1962:
Jim Wight, Welfare Director
Walter Wrenn, Veterans Service Officer
C. D. Knight, Sheriff and
E. M. Lynch, Clerk Superior Court
Jim Wight, Welfare Director, commented on the need for action to fill the vacancy
on the Welfare Board. He stated that Commissioner McDade bad been appointed as of
July 1, 1962, for a term of three (3) years, thus leaving a term of two and one-half
years (2+J) years for the appointee.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and unanim-
ously adopted, Commissioner Walker was appointed to fill the unexpired term of
Commissioner McDade on the Welfare Board.
Commissioner Walker declined to accept this appointment, stating that he did not
have the time to-devote to this position.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Cleveland, and
unanimously adopted, the motion pertaining to Commissioner Walker's appointment to
the Welfare Board was withdrawn and action on this appointment was deferred until the
next meeting.
In order for the Board members to sit as a Board of Equalization and xevxew
the oath of this office was administered to each member.
The request made earlier by A. H. Walker, Jr., Coroner, was brought to the
attention of the Board. The County Attorney advised the Board that authority for
appointing an Assistant Coroner was contained in Session Laws of 1953 for N. C.
under H.B. 352, The fee section could be found in the same Session Laws under H.B.
152-5 amended 1953 (page 192) Chapt. 128, Sect. 3. Before such appointment can be
made the Assistant Coroner must secure a bond and same must be filed with the Register
of Deeds.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and
unanimously adopted, the Coroner was given permission to appoint an Assistant
Coroner after the provisions pertaining to the bonding of said Assistant Coroner
were complied with.
. (Commissioner Smith requested that each School Superintendent be asked to submit
a report covering the administrative and financial structure of his unit in order
that a proper inquiry might be obtained relative to the request made by Mr. Williams.
A letter from Marshall Smith, Attorney at Law, was read by Chairman Stanford.
Mr. Smith requested in behalf of the Orange County Bar Association that the Board
consider air-conditioning the courtroom and that extensions from the present direct
telephone line to Chapel Hill be installed in the offices of the Clerk of Court and
the Register of Deeds.
Discussion ensued concerning the two request.
Upon motion of Commissioner Cleveland, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, the
County Accountant was requested to secure and have installed in the court house pay
phones for public use, to also contact Jim Wight to see if he would agree to have
his office answer the phone calls received on the Chapel Hill line and to have
installed two extensions from the Chapel Hill line in the offices of the Clerk of
Court and the Register of Deeds,
Commissioner Cleveland agreed to withdraw his motion.after it was pointed out
that the present Chapel Hill line was in constant use and that the two additional
extensions would be of little use in the offices obtaining same,
Upon of motion of Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Cleveland, and
unanimously adopted, the County Accountant was requested to contact the telephone
company and to have installed in the court house at least two pay phones for the
use of the citizens.
It was agreed that the matter of air-conditioning the courtroom must wait
until the budget session as the cost would be in excess of $25.000.00.
The Clerk was ask to write Mr. Smith of the action taken by the Board concerning
his request.
The Sheriff informed the Board that additional equipment such a typewriter and
adding machine were needed in his office due to the employment of another staff
member.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and
unanimously adopted, the Sheriff and the. County Accountant were given authority to
make the necessary arrangements for the procurement of this equipment.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and
unanimously adopted, Burch Compton was appointed as Civil Defense Director for
Orange County. This appointment becomes effective. immediately.
Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Walker, and
unanimously adopted, the Board of Commissioners adjourned and re-convened as a
Board of Equalization and Review.
The Tax Supervisor presented the two Orders pertaining to the Lennox
Development Coporation and the Country Club Development said orders read as follows:
Appeal of the Lennox Development Corporation to the State Board of Assessment
from the 1961 Ad Volorem Valuation Placed by Orsnge,County on its Property known as
Glenn Lennox Apartments, said Property Consisting of Both Land and Buildings and
being located in the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The State Board of Assessment in session November 1, 1962, did carefully consider
all pertinent facts and data in the above appeal. On the basis of the information
submitted, a decision was rendered by the Board which did,
ORDER, that the apprasied valuation of the property described above be fixed
as follows: Land 92,250
Buildings 852 705
Total ZP944,95.5
The assessed valuation of this property will be determined by applying to this
appraised valuation the assessment ratio in use by Orange County for each year in
question. This valuation is to remain in effect until changed according to law.
By order of the North Carolina State Board of Assessment.
292
Appeal of the Country Club Development Corporation to the State Board of Assess-
ment from the 1961 Ad Valorem Valuation Placed by Orange County on its Property known
as the Glenn Lennox Apartments, said property Consisting of both Land and Buildings
and being Located in the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The State Board of Assessment in session November 1, 1962 did carefully consider
all pertinent facts end data in the above appeal. On the basis of the information
submitted, a decision was rendered by the Board which did,
ORDER, that the apprasied valuation of this property be fixed as follows:
Buildings 1,639,6'78
Land 138,825
Total
41,770,503
Tassessed valuation of this property will be determined by applying to this
appraised valuation the assessment ratio in use by Orange County for each year in
question. This valuation is to remain in effect until changed according to law.
By order of the North Carolina State Board of Assessment.
The Tax Supervisor was authorized to proceed with the compliance of said Order.
There being no further business to come before the Board of Equalization and
Review upon motion of Commissioner Smith the meeting was adjourned.
Donald M. Stanford
Chairman
Betty June Hayes
Clerk