By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
A request to apply for a grant to buy a glass crusher prompted questions about the county’s grant application process.
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an application to seek a $40,000 grant which will pay slightly more than half the cost of the crusher.
Lori Swaim, county recycling coordinator, told commissioners Monday evening the flood of glass from alcohol permit holders has caused difficulties. All the glass has to be sorted by color and the market for glass is declining.
While the county processed more than 100 tons of glass last year through its recycling program, Swaim said the crusher will allow the program to triple.
And the county already has a use for the crushed glass. It will replace gravel in creating temporary roads at the landfill.
County Manager Gary Page said the county had already budgeted the entire $77,000 cost of the glass crusher. If the grant is approved, it will save the county $40,000.
After the board approved the application, Commissioner Raymond Coltrain noted the small window of opportunity. The application has to be filed by Feb. 13.
Coltrain asked why the board has to approve applications and if the county had lost out on grants because of the requirement.
Page said the county missed one opportunity in October because the deadline didn’t fit the board’s meeting schedule.
Coltrain suggested changing the policy and giving the county manager the authority to approve applications.
“Take us out of the process,” said Coltrain. “Allow the manager to do his job.”
Chairman Carl Ford said the board would consider Coltrain’s suggestion at a future meeting.
In other matters, the board:
– Delayed consideration of a contract with the city of Kannapolis for repair of the bridge leading to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.
Under the proposed agreement, the city will use disaster relief funds to pay for the repairs, with the county providing the required 25 percent match.
Page asked for the delay since bids for the project were not available.
– Approved a request from Duke Energy and the N.C. Department of Transportation to remove 937 feet of Dukeville Road from the state road maintenance schedule.
– Appointed Tom Harrell to the Historic Landmarks Commission.
– Reappointed Carlee Henley, M.D. Ford and Dennis Barger as Bostian Heights Fire Department fire commissioners. Ford and Commissioner Chad Mitchell abstained because of family connections.
– Accepted the resignation of Doug Jones from the Rowan Housing Authority Board.
– Agreed to advertise for applications to the Housing Authority Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
– Approved a budget amendment to buy $25,000 worth of raw gems for the Gem Mine at Dan Nicholas Park. The mine is expected to take in $150,000 this year.
– Approved a Social Services Department budget amendment for receipt of an additional $143,292 in crisis intervention funds. Overall, the county has received $667,000 this fiscal year.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.