Commissioners to meet with school personnel, talk about central office

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
County commissioners are prepared to go forward with discussions on a new central office for the Rowan-Salisbury Schools, or other top school priorities.
Arnold Chamberlain, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, has put the central office issue on the agenda for Monday’s board meeting.
In a memo to commissioners, Chamberlain said he plans to appoint a committee to meet with school personnel to discuss the schools’ immediate priorities.
“If the school personnel contend that a central office building continues to be a priority, the committee will discuss possible locations and report back to the commissioners,” Chamberlain wrote.
In other matters the board will:
– Consider approving a grant application for state funds to operate a one-stop voting site at the Rowan Public Library on Fisher Street and the Cleveland Town Hall.
– Consider changes in the Mount Mitchell and East Landis fire districts. County emergency officials are recommending moving the Highland Wood subdivision from Mount Mitchell to Landis. The subdivision, off North Cannon Boulevard, is outside the five-mile limit for service.
– Consider a request from the town of East Spencer for the county to donate its share of a lot on Long Street to the town.
– Consider a new lease with the town of Landis for 1521 square-feet of space used for county ambulances.
The monthly charge will increase from $125 to $575.
– Hear an update on Rowan Jobs Initiative spending from Commissioner Tina Hall and County Attorney Jay Dees.
Hall has requested a detailed accounting of how the nonprofit group spent $325,000 in county tax dollars.
– Consider a resolution asking the N.C. Department of Transportation to name the Interstate 85 bridge over West Innes Street for David Gray Wilhelm, a Rowan native and federal agent. He was killed in 2005 by a man who authorities say escaped custody at the Fulton County Courthouse in Georgia and shot a judge, court reporter and police officer.
– Consider appointments to several boards including the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority and the Rowan County Housing Authority.
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Cohen Administration Building, 130 W. Innes St.