EDGEFIELD COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
January 7, 2003
The regular meeting of the Edgefield County Council was held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2003, in the County Council Chambers, 225 Jeter St., Edgefield. Chairman Kneece called the meeting to order and also gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited after the invocation was given.
The elections for chairman and vice-chairman were held at this time: Monroe Kneece was elected chairman (5 votes) and Willie Bright was elected vice-chairman (5 votes).
Members present:
C. Monroe Kneece, Chairman
Willie C. Bright, Vice Chairman
Norman Dorn, Councilman
Joel D. Hudson, Councilman
B. Everette Kitchens, Councilman
Others present:
Wayne Adams, County Administrator
John F. Byrd, Jr., County Attorney
Barbara R. Stark, Clerk to Council
and others as per list attached
Supplemental Agenda
One item on the supplemental agenda was addressed at this time: upgrade of the computer system in the magistrate’s office. Mr. Davis Parkman, Chief Magistrate, addressed the council concerning this matter. He stated that the computer system in his office has "maxed out" in what it can do and what it can hold; bottom line being that a new system is needed. The cost is approximately $7,854.50, not including freight or sales tax. Mr. Parkman stated there are a couple accounts in the magistrate’s budget he can transfer funds from to take care of this cost, with the exception of several hundred dollars (approximately $600.00). The administrator told council there is a computer escrow account from which the difference could be taken – difference between the cost of the computer, freight, and the sales tax and what was available from the magistrate’s budget. Motion was made by Councilman Kitchens, seconded by Councilman Bright, to approve the funding request of Chief Magistrate Parkman to purchase a new computer system for his office. Motion carried.
Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes of the Edgefield County Council Meeting held December 3, 2003, was made by Councilman Bright, seconded by Councilman Dorn. Motion carried unanimously.
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January 7, 2003
Reports
Motion made by Councilman Hudson, seconded by Councilman Dorn, to accept reports as presented. Motion carried.
Ordinances
Councilman Bright made a motion, seconded by Councilman Hudson, to approve third reading of Ordinance No. 02-03-429, "An Ordinance Amending Certain Sections of Edgefield County, South Carolina, Cable Television Franchise Ordinance No. 00-01-410." Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Hudson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Kitchens, to approve second reading of Ordinance No. 02-03-430, "An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Not Exceeding $1,500,000 in Principal Amount of a Hospital Revenue Bond Anticipation Note (The Edgefield County Hospital Project) of Edgefield County, South Carolina; Providing for the Form and Details of the Note; Providing for the Disposition of the Proceeds Thereof; and Other Matters Related Thereto." Motion carried
unanimously.
Hospital update
Mr. Frank Feltham gave an informational report on the hospital. Since the plan was presented, the architects have decided instead of renovating the rehab spaces as was originally intended/presented, will go out directly behind the ER and build the square footage and save the rehab as is and not have to rehab the MRI trailer—use that for rehab spaces. "As everyone knows, new construction is cheaper than renovation, so we believe we will come in under what was originally stated for the project. The floor plans are in and will be going out for bid the middle of February. Bids will be expected back in the middle of March, expect occupancy by December 2003." Mr. Feltham said he had presented to Mr. Adams prior to the council meeting a financial statement through November. The trends are all good; the expenses have been cut. As we spoke, there was really not a way to increase revenue. The only way to get on a positive footing was to decrease expenses. Those are on the way down; not down as far as they are going to be but we are having a positive cash flow. Receivables have not come in yet but the expenses are down and it is looking very favorable. Mr. Feltham also stated that if council remembered the hospital had contracted with a hospital management company, Quorum. Started in August, which was a five-year contract with a six-month window and a three-year window. The board feels unanimously and very strongly that the hospital needs to continue the contract. We said earlier when we got the bond issued to repay we would terminate Quorum the first of February, and that was voted to be done. We now feel very strongly that we need to continue the contract with Quorum and if the county administrator has not talked with the Barnwell County Administrator about the work
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January 7, 2003
Quorum has done over the years, and any county council members with Barnwell County will speak very highly and strongly of the work that Quorum did in Barnwell in spite of recent news reports. The hospital has done extremely well and we feel we need to continue with Quorum. Feel we can negotiate the price down a little and/or back-loading the fee as we anticipate more revenue being generated by the new ER. The board feels strongly that the hospital needs to continue with Quorum (two and a half years); monthly fee a little over $16,000.00. With Quorum’s expertise in helping us with billings and collections (such a complicated procedure) we don’t have the knowledge out there to capture what we should capture by proper diagnosis, by proper coding, by proper billing. Quorum is already helping us with that, and even our doctors need instruction on how to write the correct diagnosis so that you get the maximum billing. What the board has already seen it feels Quorum will pay for themselves with the extra revenue they will generate. Don’t think we will lay off any more employees to pay for Quorum. Quorum will help us build our census, which will keep more people and hire some of the people back that we had to let go. Chairman Kneece: "I had asked you directly about this Quorum thing, and you said that they would be gone in February." Mr. Feltham said the board had passed that and now they are officially terminated by the board but the board feels that the best decision, particularly the doctors, we need to reverse that decision and continue with Quorum. Mr. Kneece said once we voted to get you out of the hole and get through the renovation problems and all that, now we have that done, I don’t want to see you go back on what you told us in the past. Mr. Feltham: "Well, I hate for that to happen but the overall view of the hospital board is that it is in the best interest of the hospital to do this. It will more than pay for itself. Because we wanted to see what it do and it has only been five months since they have been there. Those of us who work closely with the hospital and the senior staff at the hospital feel it would be very back stepping to not continue with Quorum. Mr. Kneece and Mr. Bright agreed that they do not like to see anyone back up on something that had been agreed on, but if they can show that payments can be made – just don’t see how the hospital can do it. Councilman Kitchens asked the terms of the contract. Mr. Feltham stated it is a five-year term with a three year term with a half year being the next window. Mr. Kneece said in other words if you renew it right now you are looking at two and a half more years from February. "Yes, and the three year window is something they don’t normally do – something we forced into the contract initially to give us an out in three years. Normally a five-year contract is written. Have not voted to extend the contract. We voted to terminate at six months actually as a provision because something did not happen that they said would happen which automatically terminated the contract in six months. Mr. Kneece said he just did not see why the hospital cannot collect their own money. Mr. Kneece said he does have faith in the board "but when someone tells me something I like to bank on it." Mr. Feltham feels this is a better option to insure the success of the hospital and the board feels their knowledge will, and what they can provide, pay that $16,000.00. Know $16,000 is a lot of money but when the net revenues are around eight million, $700,000 a month, $16,000 is not that much of $700,000.00. We have a lot of medical knowledge on
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the board and we feel that this is the best way to go. Sometimes you have to change your mind. We just did not get enough from Quorum in six months and they said we would not. We have seen in the six months what Quorum has done for the hospital and we can see further down the effect it will have. What they can produce will pay for themselves and that is why I ask council to talk with Barnwell County where they have saved that hospital from going under. It will be difficult for us to do it without Quorum.
New Business
Motion was made by Councilman Hudson, seconded by Councilman Bright, to approve the Edgefield County 2003-04 Proposed Budget Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.
Council’s consideration of appointments to the following boards:
Edgefield County Economic Development Committee (John Pettigrew & Sam Speight have resigned effective 12/31/02).
Motion was made by Councilman Kitchens, seconded by Councilman Hudson, to postpone the appointment until the February meeting. Motion carried.
Edgefield County Health Professional Scholarship Board (Joe Seel resigned Dr. Robert Buist, Kitty Wates, Sammie Williams, Viola Jackson appointed in April 2001 to two year terms).
Councilman Hudson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Kitchens, to postpone appointment until February meeting and council can get an updated report. Motion carried unanimously.
Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority (Terms of Joseph P. Curry, Daniel R. Day, and John C. Timmerman expired Sept. 26, 2002. Messrs. Day and Timmerman have agreed to serve another six year term but Mr. Curry declined.
Motion was made by Councilman Dorn, seconded by Councilman Hudson, to recommend the appointment of Mr. Henry Williams, 72 William Rd., Trenton, SC 29847, to replace Mr. Joseph Curry on the Water & Sewer Authority Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Kitchens suggested looking into the length of time Mr. Day and Mr. Timmerman have served before recommending them for reappointment.
The next agenda item was Liaison and Committee Assignments for council members (Jan. 2003 thru Dec. 31, 2004). Motion was made by Councilman Hudson, seconded by Councilman Dorn, that all board appointments remain the same with the exception of Councilman Kitchens replacing Mr. Vaughan on certain boards. Following are the appointments:
EDGEFIELD COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
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Administrative Kneece and Hudson
Finance Kneece and Kitchens
Roads & Bridges Dorn and Hudson
Recreation Dorn and Kitchens
Economic Dev. Kneece and Bright
Buildings & Grounds all councilmen
Three Rivers Solid Waste Kneece and Adams
Tri County Solid Waste Kneece & Bright
(Adams alt.)
GLEAMS Bright
Hospital Board Kneece
Planning Commission Kitchens
Fire Board Kitchens Transportation Com. Bright
Piedmont Tech. College Dorn
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Dorn
Senior Citizens Kneece
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Ken Durham gave an update on the Edgefield County youth Football League. Mr. Durham gave each councilman a year-end financial statement. Stated it was a good year, and thanked council, on behalf of the football league, for investing in the youth. (Council contributed $30,000 to the league in 2002). At the time, Mr. Durham told council he hoped within a year the league would be self-sufficient. They have reached that goal, ending the year with $30,664.00 in the checkbook. Stated they do have a budget for next year. We will put $7,000 a year back over a five-year period to replace $34,000 worth of equipment that had to be bought. By doing that, adding insurance for equipment, we are still showing a positive $12,000 a year. Next year can reduce fees that are charged when youth sign up. Councilman Hudson thanked Mr. Durham and all of the volunteers for the hard work. The Administrator asked Mr. Durham if the projected $12,000 would be without a county contribution? Ken said "yes."
Councilman Kitchens placed on the agenda, to be discussed, countywide recreation. Mr. Kitchens told Mr. Durham he was glad that he had brought the ‘update’ before council because he feels there was a tremendous interest in a recreation director. He feels that a
director is needed to work with the different sports that the county is involved in. Want to be sure not to bypass the volunteers because they are the ones doing all of the work out there. Feel a recreation director could help do some of the things Ken was talking about. If we enter into this let’s enter into it the right way and be sure of what we are doing. Councilman Kitchens asked the chairman to form a committee to work with the towns, county, presidents of each league, any volunteers that want to help. We need to be sure that we have a person that is dedicated to the youth of Edgefield County; need to know if
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we need a full time or part time person; where the money will come from to pay that person; what are the duties; salary ranges. Number of things to be considered before hiring someone for this program. Councilman Dorn, as well as Councilman Kitchens, stressed the point of not overlooking the volunteers. Councilman Hudson asked Ken Durham his opinion on hiring a director. Ken stated that he did not feel a director is needed; need more of a coordinator; someone that oversees all of the leagues. Still have each board. Ken agrees to appoint someone from each town, maybe from each league to serve on a committee. A coordinator would help to schedule, make sure there are referees, fields are prepared, schedule fundraisers, getting sponsorships, insurance, setting up places for registration. Just coordination – not anyone to take over. The administrator addressed the chairman concerning some things that have to be worked out, including the mission of this recreation department; what functions the director/coordinator will undertake. That is, as Mr. Kitchens and Mr. Dorn said, the organizations need to remain involved. The county council has their recreation commission (Mr. Kitchens and Mr. Dorn). Each of the municipalities and each of the organizations wishing to participate could nominate to the council a spokesperson to be on that committee. Councilman Hudson said he would like someone from the Merriwether area included. At this time, Ken Durham suggested Mr. Gerald Griffith to represent the Merriwether area. Ken stated that Mr. Griffith was instrumental in getting the Merriwether area into the football league. Also, Steve Ballentine, Arthur Northrop, Ken Durham to serve.
Councilman Bright asked the chairman to, at this time, consider the second item on the Supplemental Agenda. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church would like to purchase some county property (old stockade) located on Highway 25 North of Edgefield. Councilman Bright was asked by the church to bring this request before council. Chairman Kneece felt that any county property would have to be auctioned at a public sale. Cannot sell to an individual. The chairman asked the administrator to get information on this and bring to council at the February meeting. The administrator stated to begin with a survey to try to determine where the graves are, and to get some formal property appraisals done to determine a true price. Get three appraisals and use an average. How serious is council on selling the property? The chairman said it would not be feasible to sell all of the property. Rev. James Dukes, Pastor of Pleasant Grove spoke stating the church is interested in all of the property with the exception of where the graves are located. Interested in property adjacent to church and the property at the front. The administrator stated there is a lease on the property for ten years (Rescue Squad).
Guests
Councilman Dorn introduced Mr. Roosevelt Scott. Mr. Scott has coached adult baseball in the county for several years. He has never been to council to ask for any support. Mr. Roosevelt said there isn’t an adult baseball team anywhere around this area. These are high school and college kids, and older. We have played with the Columbia league and the Augusta league. Also participate in the statewide Georgia games every year. Have
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January 7, 2003
received an invitation from Hartford, Conn. to participate there this summer. Mr. Roosevelt is requesting financial support from the council in order to continue this program at Bettis Academy. Councilman Hudson asked how much financial support is to be considered. Mr. Roosevelt said he did not have any budget figures to give at this particular time because he is trying to figure in the Connecticut trip because it will cost a good bit. The Georgia games generally are about $5,000 (room and board for two nights and travel). The chairman asked Mr. Roosevelt to get some figures and come back to council.
Mr. Rick Green, Upper Savannah COG gave an update on the Plum Branch water project. The beginning work is underway. Ruth LaForge is working with the engineers and the Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority. Also, if council has another project for the grant cycle the letter of intent is due the first week of March (probably March 5, don’t know the exact date). Let Mrs. LaForge know as soon as possible if council does have another project.
Edgefield Mayor Robert McKie reiterated that he does support the athletic program very strongly.
Claims approved as follows:
A. PAYROLL: 11/25/02 thru 12/8/02
Regular………………………………………………..$93,065.78
PAYROLL: 12/9/02 thru 12/22/02
Regular………………………………………………...$89,410.59
Executive Session
Motion was made by Councilman Dorn, seconded by Councilman Bright, to convene in executive session under Section § 30-4-70 (a) (2), South Carolina Code of Laws 1976, as amended, to receive legal advice concerning a threatened or potential claim against the county, and return to regular session at the discretion of the chairman. Motion carried unanimously.
No action taken in executive session
There being no further business, Councilman Dorn made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Hudson. The next regular meeting of council will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2003.
_________________________
C.Monroe Kneece, Chairman
____________________________
Willie C. Bright, Vice Chairman
____________________________
Norman Dorn, Councilman
____________________________
Joel D. Hudson, Councilman
_____________________________
B. Everette Kitchens, Councilman
ATTEST
______________________________
Barbara R. Stark, Clerk to Council