Beginning September 19, 2010, as part of Child Passenger Safety Week, motorists that are issued citations for child restraint violations in Rockingham County can have their citations dismissed by visiting a safety seat checking station. Checking stations are currently located at fire departments in Eden and Reidsville. If ticketed, a parent or caregiver can bring their car seat and child to a checking station and learn how to properly secure the child and car seat in their vehicle. The driver will then be issued a certificate by the checking station to present to the prosecutor in court for dismissal. There are no fines to pay when the chil safety seat citation is dismissed.

“The Child Passenger Safety Diversion Project is a beneficial program for children and parents,” said Rockingham County District Attorney Phil Berger, Jr. “Through our partnership with law enforcement and fire departments, we can help make our child passengers safer, and allow parents an opportunity to save money through compliance.”

Child Passenger Safety Week runs September 19-25th.

You can make a difference in Rockingham County’s environment, economy, and future.

Join the Rockingham County Big Sweep volunteers this Saturday, at Belews Lake, Humphrey’s Ridge Marina & Campground, Stokesdale 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Belews Lake is one of Rockingham County’s premier tourist attractions. This year Steve Colburn, is once again to lead the cleanup at Humphrey’s Ridge Campground. Steve is a concerned citizen, who for the past five years has stepped up to organize this important event. “Big Sweep appreciates Steve’s dedication and he is an example of how one concerned citizen makes a difference,” advised Kelly Howell, Big Sweep Coordinator for Rockingham County. “We enjoy the beauty of our county all year round, let’s take one day to make sure it stays that way.”

The Greensboro Power Squadron and Carolina Marina will hold their cleanup Sat. October 9th, 9:00 a.m. at Carolina Marina, Shelton Rd, Stokesdale. Great strides cleaning up the environment have been made in the past, by removing approximately 4500 lbs of debris, numerous tires, and other bulk items.

So, what’s the big deal about litter? Litter can affect everyone in many ways. It hurts our economy when businesses don’t want to locate in trashy areas. Tourists won’t linger, won’t spend money, and won’t return with their friends. Litter is also a human health hazard. It attracts disease carrying mosquitoes and rodents. As litter decomposes, it leaches chemicals into our groundwater. People are injured by accidently stepping on litter.

“Litter is deadly to wildlife when they eat or become entangled in it,” said Judy Bolin, N.C. Big Sweep president. In 2008, an animal was located entangled in fishing line at Belews Lake. The line was removed and the animal released.

Take the future into your hands, get involved. Volunteers can contact Rockingham County’s coordinator, Kelly Howell at (336) 342-8300, or by email at rcbigsweep@gmail.com . The official statewide date for the 2010 Big Sweep is Oct. 2. It is important to contact your local coordinator to obtain supplies and have your statistics count in this nationwide cleanup activity.

(Pictured: Steve Colburn assisting volunteers disposing of trash collected from Belews Lake at the 2009 cleanup)

Rockingham County Big Sweep

Press Release

August 31, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kelly Howell, Rockingham County Big Sweep Coordinator

(336) 342-8300, email khowell@co.rockingham.nc.us

Volunteers are needed for Belews Lake’s Big Sweep

at Humphrey’s Ridge Marina & Campground,

435 Humphry’s Ridge Dr., Stokesdale, NC

Sept. 4, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

RCENO.com’s Camera was there for the Dedication Cermemony and we have the video for you.

Unlike many such tours, citizens may go through the detention wing in addition to the administra-tion and law enforcement areas as inmates will not be in place during this time. The detention wing consists of six housing pods. Kitchen and laundry areas which serve the budgeted bed space were built to accommodate future expansions as well. All housing pods have video visitation rooms and out-door exercise areas. A master control center inside the detention wing functions as the nerve center of the facility, controlling inmate movement throughout the entire complex. Radio, fire, medical and security alarms are monitored from this master control area which is staffed twenty four hours a day.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification The project is registered for LEED certification which will make it the first LEED registered judicial center in the Southeast to achieve LEED certification. Among the center’s high performance and green building design strategies are:

• an Energy Star® compliant, highly reflective roof membrane to lessen “heat island” effects and help keep the building cool;

• water-conserving, low-flow, and dual-flush plumbing fixtures; • energy-efficient technologies projected to result in a 24 percent reduction in energy use;

• CFC and HCFC-free refrigerants that prevent damage to the ozone layer; • recycled building materials and FSC-certified wood;

• convenient locations for bike racks and preferred parking for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles to alleviate automobile traffic and pollution ;

• outdoor air delivery monitoring systems to improve the ventilation of indoor air spaces;

• individual lighting controls that enhance occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption; and

• an environmentally-friendly housekeeping program.

Welcome to the Rockingham County Jail & Law Enforcement Center

170 NC Hwy 65 Reidsville NC 27320

Afternoon Open House and Tour

 September 1, 2010

3:00-6:00 pm

Open to the Public

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 19 school-aged children die in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year and more school-aged pedestrians have been killed between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. than any other time of day.

“Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all of the fun they had at school that day,” said Sheriff Page.

“It is crucial that parents re-enforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school.”

Sheriff Page also suggests that parents drive their child’s bus route with them to practice the proper safety precautions they can take to help ensure their child enjoys a safe ride to and from school.

Sheriff Page encourages all parents to discuss the following safety measures with their children:

            Student

•      Always arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.

•      While the bus is approaching make sure to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.

•      Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus.  Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.

•      Never walk behind the bus.

•      If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.

•      Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.

•      Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped.  Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Motorists

•      Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions.  Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

•      If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously.  Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

•      Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

•      Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended.  This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorist must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

            Source:  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Pictured: left to right…Lt. Grey Smith, Bob Gauldin (Bus Transportation Director), Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Trooper Rakestraw (Picture Provided by RCSD)

• recruiting and retaining quality teachers and administrators,

• a comprehensive turnaround plan for low performing schools, and

• 21st century technology for assessing students’ needs.

“North Carolina’s children today are one step closer to being guaranteed the best public education possible – something every child deserves. This grant will give us the resources to more aggressively implement our plan to ensure that all of our children graduate ready for a career, college or technical training,” said Gov. Perdue.

“It won’t matter where they live; it won’t matter what their school looks like; it won’t matter what their parents do for a living. What will matter is that North Carolina leaders have joined together to support the best and most innovative approaches to public education this state has seen in a decade. I thank Sec. Duncan for recognizing North Carolina’s ability to lead in education reform, and I thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible,” said Perdue.

Gov. Perdue led the application process and the team that traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to interview with federal decision makers. Joining her were State Board of Education Chair Dr. Bill Harrison, State School Superintendent June Atkinson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators Dr. Bill McNeal, and Executive Director of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation Glenn Kleimann.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the boys and girls in North Carolina,” said Board Chairman Dr. Harrison. “It will allow us to accelerate implementation of the governor’s Career and College: Ready, Set, Go initiative. I appreciate the many supporters across the state who played such a vital role in crafting this winning proposal.”

“This will allow North Carolina to continue the tradition of being a leader in public education,” said Superintendent Atkinson. “Through collaboration with state and local leaders, we are committed to putting every dime of the Race to the Top money to the best use possible for students.”

Education leaders across the state stepped up with their support of the round two Race to the Top application, and the General Assembly passed legislation aimed at better arming local school districts to implement the plan. Sherri Strickland, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said, “I am proud of the work each NCAE local leader did with local superintendents and school boards to make North Carolina’s Race to the Top award possible. NCAE looks forward to continuing this partnership with Governor Perdue, Superintendent Atkinson and local school systems as we make this grant work for North Carolina students and educators.”

The Race to the Top award will be overseen by Dr. Harrison and the State Board, and Superintendent Atkinson will be responsible for implementing the approved program.

“In recent days North Carolina has benefitted from significant federal investments in education,” said Perdue. “Now we must put those new resources to good use – quickly, with the utmost efficiency and accountability, and with an eye toward our one common goal: preparing every child for their 21st century futures.”

###

Additional quotes from state leaders:

“NCSBA is excited to learn that North Carolina has been selected to receive a Race to the Top grant. School boards, administrators, teachers, and parents all worked hard to support the development of the North Carolina plan. I am confident that our 1.4 million students will reap the benefits of our collective efforts.”

-Edwin Dunlap, Jr., Ph.D., Executive Director, North Carolina School Boards Association

“I congratulate our North Carolina leadership for bringing home Race to the Top funding. In Guilford County, we will use the dollars wisely to make the Career and College: Ready, Set, Go! promise a reality.”

-Maurice “Mo” Green, superintendent of Guilford County Schools

“North Carolina’s success in winning Race to the Top reflects the great teamwork in our state, with more than 150 people from the Governor’s Office, NCDPI, UNC, school districts, professional associations, nonprofits, and the business community involved. It’s an important outcome, but we know the hard work lies ahead — implementing the Race to the Top plan to provide a great teacher in every classroom and a great leader in every school, greatly improve our lowest performing schools, move to internationally benchmarked standards and assessments, and use technology and data to enhance teaching and learning. The continuing collaboration and deep commitment of educators across our state will enable North Carolina to succeed.”

-Glenn Kleiman, Executive Director, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

“The Race to the Top award is validation of our career and college school improvement plan.”

-Bill McNeal, Executive Director of N.C. Association of School Administrators

“North Carolina’s business community is excited about the Race to the Top initiative and the Governor’s aggressive ‘Ready, Set, Go’ education agenda. Economic success in a digital, global economy depends on the educational achievements of today’s students who are tomorrow’s customers, employees and shareholders. Each one has the capacity to achieve something great. North Carolina has a well-earned reputation for creative, innovative educational initiatives designed to help each student reach his or her fullest potential. This award builds on that proud heritage and will open the door to accomplishment and success for thousands of students, their families and communities.”

-Cynthia Marshall, President, AT&T North Carolina and Chair, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce

###

Press release reposted from: http://www.governor.state.nc.us/NewsItems/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?newsItemID=1310

Below is the Agenda from the meeting, to view the video segment from a particular Agenda Item, simply click on the Agenda Item below.

A G E N D A

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – AUGUST 23, 2010 – 3:30 P.M.
371 NC HIGHWAY 65, WENTWORTH, NC 27375

• 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN BASS
• 2. INVOCATION
• 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
• 4. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 23, 2010 AGENDA
• 5. CONSENT AGENDA (Consent items as follows will be adopted with a single motion, second and vote, unless a request for removal from the Consent Agenda is heard from a Commissioner).
  • a) Approval of Tax Collection and Reconciliation Report
  • b) Approval of Various Budget Amendments
  • c) Approval of June & July, 2010 EMS Financial Statements
  • d) Sheriff Page – Request to Trade In Several Older Handguns, No Longer in Service, for 3 new Glock 21SF Handguns
  • e) Robert Shaver, Assistant County Attorney Approval of Revision to Rockingham County Personnel Policy Clarifying a County Retiree Who Comes Out of Retirement to Accept Employment with Rockingham County May Retain His or Her Previously Earned County Retiree Health Insurance Benefits Eligibility
  • f) Tom Robinson, County Manager Review & Approval of Policies and Procedures – Rockingham County Head Start Program
  • g) Gail Priddy, Purchasing Specialist Adoption of Resolution to Declare Vehicle as Surplus Property and Reallocate to City of Eden
• 6. STEVE BOLES, REPRESENTING EDEN, MADISON & REIDSVILLE RESCUE SQUADS Power Point – Proposal of One-Cent Countywide Rescue Squad Service District
• 7. J. PAUL INGRAM, DISTRICT ENGINEER, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Adoption of Proclamation Proclaiming September 18-October 2, 2010 as “Rockingham County Fall Litter Sweep (included in Proclamation: Request Department of Transportation be Exempt from Landfill Tipping Charges for Disposal of Such Items from September 20-October 4, 2010)
• 8. KELLY HOWELL, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Adoption of Resolution Declaring September 25 – October 2, 2010 as “Rockingham County Big Sweep Week”
• 9. FRANKIE LEGAUX, ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR Adoption of Resolution of Support – Reclassification of Lands and Waters Within Greensboro Emergency Water Supply Watershed, Identified by NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, from Watershed V to Watershed IV
• 10. APPOINTMENTS/NOMINATIONS Rockingham County Child Fatality Prevention Team/Community Child Protection Team
• 11. PUBLIC HEARING (Advertised for 4:00 P.M.) Meggan Roberts Odell, Director of Transit Services ,Aging, Disability & Transit Services – Proposed Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Application
• 12. NEW BUSINESS
• 13. CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to: N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) Instruct Negotiating Agents; N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) Discuss Personnel
• 14. ADJOURN

NOTE: NCACC Annual Conference, August 26-29, 2010, Pitt County

The Council also held a Public hearing for a proposed Re-zoning request for 606 Long Street from Residential-20 to Residential-Suburban, this Rezoning request was met with a few members of the citizens gathered speaking in opposition to the re-zoning, expressing concerns about what future development might occur with such a change in the zoning. The Council tabled the request for a period of 30-days to allow more time to look into the re-zoning before making a ruling on the request.

Duke Energy District Manager Davis Montgomery, gave a presentation to update the Council on the construction on the gas-powered plant that is currently under construction next to the exisiting steam plant in Eden.

REGULAR MEETING

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

308 E. Stadium Drive

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

7:30 p.m.

1. Meeting called to order by: John E. Grogan, Mayor

2. Invocation: Wayne Parleir, Pastor, Meadowview United Methodist Church

3. Pledge Of Allegiance: Tommy Underwood, Fire Chief

4. Proclamations & Special Presentations:

(a) Recognition and plaque honoring WLOE/WMYN General Manager, Mr. Mike Moore – 50 years in broadcasting.

(b) FALL LITTER SWEEP

(c) LIBERTY TREE PROCLAMATION

(d) HUNGER ACTION MONTH PROCLAMATION

5. Roll Call:

6. Set Meeting Agenda:

7. Public Hearings:

REZONING MEMO.DOC (54 KB)

REZONING STAFF REPORT.DOC (34 KB)

REZONING AERIAL FLOOD MAP.PDF (211 KB)

REZONING AERIAL MAP.PDF (209 KB)

REZONING FLOOD MAP.PDF (24 KB)

REZONING ZONING MAP.PDF (31 KB)

REZONING ORDINANCE.DOC (26 KB)

8. Requests And Petitions Of Citizens:

Duke Energy District Manager Davis Montgomery Presentation of Gas Powered Plant that is Currently Under Construction.

9. Unfinished Business:

10. New Business:

11. Reports From Staff:

12. Consent Agenda:

12A JULY 20 MINUTES.DOC (83 KB)

12B RIVERFEST SIGN MEMO.DOC (34 KB)

12C MEMO STREET RESURFACING_REQUEST TO AWARD 080610.DOC (36 KB)

12C STREET RESURFACING CONTRACT 1_BID TAB SCHEDULE.XLS (41 KB)

12D MEMO 16_237.DOC (28 KB)

12D ORDINANCE AMENDMENT.DOC (29 KB)

12E MEMO BUD AMD 1.DOC (30 KB)

12E SPREADSHEET BUDGET AMENDMENT 1.XLS (34 KB)

12F MEMO BUD AMD 2.DOC (30 KB)

12F SPREADSHEET BUDGET AMENDMENT 2.XLS (34 KB)

12G CHATHAM COURT SPEED.DOC (66 KB)

12H RESOLUTION – CLEAN WATER FUNDING

13. Closed Session.

Closed Session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on tentative economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4)

OPEN SESSION:

Adjourn

During the meeting, which all council members were present, with the exception of Councilman Turner, the Reidsville City Council, took action on 4 different Public Hearings, the first was the consideration of a Economic Incentives Agreement for Albaad/AFG Wipes. City Manager Kelly Almond, during the City Manager’s Report, brought before the board a request for funds to cover the repairs of the Solid Waste Transfer Station equiptment on Scales Street in Reidsville.  View these Council decisions and more in the video above.

AGENDA

REIDSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

August 11, 2010

3:00 p.m.

1.      Call to Order.

2.      Invocation by Captain Robbie Robbins, Salvation Army of Rockingham and Caswell Counties, 704 Barnes Street, Reidsville.

3.      Pledge of Allegiance. 

4.      Approval of the Consent Agenda.

5.      Public Hearings:

(A)          Consideration of proposed economic incentives agreement with Albaad/AFG Wipes. (Enclosure #1)  

(B)          Consideration of a voluntary annexation request by the Kinnarney Jernigan Partnership for approximately 11.3 acres of land on the northwest corner of Barnes Street and Elliot Road and the corresponding Ordinance. (A2010-02) (Enclosure #2)

(C)      Consideration of a rezoning request to rezone property located at 611 W. Harrison Street, specifically Rockingham County Tax No. 8904-05-28-3633, from Conditional Use Office and Institutional to Residential-6. BB&T owns the property and Theresa McCollum submitted the application (Z2010-2) (Enclosure #3)

(D)      Consideration of a rezoning request to rezone property located at 1060 N. Scales Street, specifically Rockingham County Tax No. 8905-10-36-5232 and a portion of Rockingham County Tax No. 8905-10-35-3924, from Conditional Use Office and Institutional to Residential-6. (Z2010-3)  (Enclosure #4)

6.      Consideration of the demolition of 813 Lindsey Street as requested by Community Development Department staff. (Enclosure #5)

7.      Councilman John Henderson requests that a matter previously discussed in closed session be placed on the August agenda. (Enclosure #6)

8.      Public Comments.

9.   City Manager’s Report.  (Enclosure #7)

10.  Council Members’ Reports.

11.      Adjournment

CONSENT AGENDA

REIDSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

August 11, 2010

3:00 P.M.

1. Approval of the July 14, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes and the July 20, 2010 Special Meeting Minutes (Open Session).

1. Approval of the extension of a mutual aid agreement between the City of Reidsville and Rockingham County for fire protection.

1. Approval of a Resolution opposing State mandate to merge or privatize ABC stores.

1. Approval of a Resolution to accept a three-year grant from the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program with a corrected local contribution changed to $14,143.00.

Approval of a Resolution adopting a 457 Plan under Prudential Retirement System.

A G E N D A

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – AUGUST 9, 2010 – 6:30 P.M.
371 NC HIGHWAY 65, WENTWORTH, NC 27375

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN BASS

2. INVOCATION

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 9, 2010 AGENDA

5. CONSENT AGENDA (Consent items as follows will be adopted with a single motion, second and vote, unless a request for removal from the Consent Agenda is heard from a Commissioner).
     a) Approval of Minutes – June 16, 28, July 12, 2010
     b) Concurrence with Department of Transportation – Road Abandonment – Clover Road, S.R. 1758, 0.14 Mile
     c) Karen Carter, Tax Administrator
   i) Approval of Annual Settlement of Tax Collector for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
   ii) Adoption of Order Directing Tax Collector to Collect Taxes Charged in Tax Records and Receipts FY 2010-2011
     d) Sheriff Sam Page Donation of Surplus Whelon Strob Lightbar to Madison Fire Department
     e) Mike Apple, Finance Director – Budget Revisions
       i) Report of Budget Revisions Previously Approved by Finance Director
       ii) Approval of Various Budget Amendments

6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

7. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

8. MR. LARRY REESE, WELLS FARGO INSURANCE SERVICES
Report on County’s Health Insurance Renewal

9. BRENDA SUTTON, DIRECTOR, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Approve $44,500 Grant from NC Tobacco Trust Fund to be Disbursed to Rockingham County Local Food Coalition for Piedmont Local Food Project

10. STEVEN A. HALE, DIRECTOR, EMERGENCY SERVICES
     a) Accept $39,000 Home Security State Exercise Grant to Perform a Full Scale Exercise for the 3 County Region (Rockingham, Stokes, Caswell)
     b) Accept $200,000 Domestic Planning & Preparedness Grant – Equipment for Transfer Switches
     c) Accept $20,082 Emergency Management Performance Grant – Operating Funds, Maintenance of Trailers for Response, Purchase Accountability System For Personnel, Restock Equipment Needs

11. MR. TOM ROBINSON, COUNTY MANAGER
Consider Sale of Surplus Property – Tract No. 0540 Burton Street, Madison, NC

12. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Advertised for 7:00 P.M.)
     a) Ms. Frankie Legaux, Assistant Planning Director
i) Rezoning Request – Joseph Whitlock, NC Highway 65
ii) Text Amendment to Unified Development Ordinance
         a) Require any Tower, Antenna, or Other Communication Structure Over 90 Feet in Height to be Approved by a Special Use Permit
         b) Adopt “Zoning Data” Layer (GIS) as Official Zoning Map
     b) Mr. Graham Pervier, President, Partnership for Economic & Tourism Development
i) Performance Agreement – Albaad USA, Inc.
ii) Performance Agreement – Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc.
c) Mr. Michael Walser, Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates
         i) Closeout of 2007 CDBG Scattered Site Project
         ii) Consider Use of CDBG Funds from NC Department of Commerce and US Department of Housing and Urban Development

13. NEW BUSINESS

14. CLOSED SESSION
Pursuant to:
N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) Consult with Attorney;
N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) Location or Expansion of Industries;
N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) Discuss Personnel

15. ADJOURN