TOWN OF MAGGIE VALLEY

SPECIAL CALL BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING

JANUARY 21, 2005

MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT: MAYOR JO PINTER ALDERMEN:

LINDA TAYLOR

ROGER MCELROY

MARK DEMEOLA

PHIL ALDRIDGE

STAFF PRESENT: MANAGER BOB SHEPHERD, CHIEF SCOTT SUTTON, OFFICER CABE CARVER, AND TOWN CLERK VICKIE BEST

APPROXIMATELY 25 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE

Meeting Called to Order

Mayor Pinter called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. on Friday January 21, 2005 in the Town Hall Boardroom.

Manager Bob Shepherd gave the invocation and led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

Mayor Pinter announced to the audience that this is a special call meeting for the purpose of discussing the manager’s position. Council will be going into close session to discuss the topic.

The candidate’s names are to remain confidential until a contract is signed. Potential candidates do not wish current employers to be notified. Alderman McElroy agreed adding that it is inappropriate to make an announcement until a financial agreement is made.

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING A PERSONNEL ISSUE.

ALDERMAN TAYLOR SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COUNCIL ENTERED CLOSE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M.

Because of the predicament with Brannon Forest and the pending lawsuit with Campbell Creek Properties, Alderman Aldridge felt an immediate need for hiring a manager.

Mayor Pinter reported that Mr. Matthews does not want a contract like the previous manager. Proving “just cause” for dismissal satisfies Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews currently has post insurance provided through the Town of Canton. It is understandable that Mr. Matthews would not want to loose that benefit especially at his age and with some of his health issues. Mr. Matthews would like supplemental insurance after the age of 65 although he has no plans of retiring. Mr. Matthews has two children that are still school age.

The county offers post insurance to all employees. When Mr. Harton was questioned about offering the benefit to one employee, he was unsure of the legality and/or the repercussions.

Manager Shepherd will inquire at the League of Municipalities.

Alderman Aldridge felt Mr. Matthews would provide income back to the town through his knowledge and ability to obtain grant funding. The town was paying $55,000 and family coverage for the previous manager and he did not have the knowledge or expertise needed for Maggie Valley.

Council discussed several possible options to negotiate with Mr. Matthews:

4Provide a $10,000 sign-on bonus, salary $65,000, pay insurance from age 62 – 65, and provide a large enough severance pay to cover the cost of insurance for a few more years, review with possible raise in six-months.

4 Pay a certain amount monthly toward insurance

A short discussion ensued regarding Mr. Matthews being the best candidate for the job.

Council member Aldridge felt Mr. Matthews could “hit the ground running” rather than it taking one-year for someone to get oriented.

Alderman DeMeola concurred, adding that it would be in the town’s best interest to try to come to terms with Mr. Matthews. Alderman DeMeola felt the specifics should be established and Mayor Pinter given the authority to negotiate.

Mayor Pinter agreed to negotiate but felt post insurance should be avoided. Mayor Pinter would like to work within the budget in order not to raise taxes. There should be some loyalty toward the department heads as well as the manager. Mayor Pinter felt it unfair to offer post insurance to one employee, when other employees are dedicated and have stayed with the town throughout the years.

As for considering other candidates, Alderman Aldridge felt the majority of the people of Maggie Valley would want Mr. Matthews back.

Alderman DeMeola agreed that Mr. Matthews would be the best candidate if an agreement can be met.

Mayor Pinter felt there were both pros and cons to hiring Mr. Matthews but most of all see what the town can afford and remain within budget.

Alderman Taylor stated that she did not have a problem with Mr. Matthews until the trust factor came into play. At a meeting private meeting with Mr. Matthews, Alderman Taylor felt ill-at-ease when she was asked if the conversation could be taped. The clerk sat in on the meeting until Alderman Aldridge came forcing Mayor Pinter to leave to avoid a quorum. Due to these events and not being able to finish the conversation, Alderman Taylor still has concerns about the trust factor.

Alderman Taylor and Mayor Pinter talked with County Manager Horton and were advised that a trust issue was a recipe for disaster. It was also suggested that an employee agreement be developed with a six-month probation period.

Alderman Taylor stated that she now has a problem with so many people showing up in the audience trying to intimidate Council.

Alderman McElroy stated that he could not support anyone that has not served as a town manager. Experience was limited with Scott Buffkin and the town cannot afford to give someone on the job training.

Alderman Taylor responded that County Manager Horton recommended Mickey Duvall highly adding that his salary requirement was rather low because he has done well in real estate and money is not the issue. Government gets into your blood. Mr. Horton also questioned if Mr. Matthews was using this as a scheme to get Manager Stamey to retire. Again Alderman Taylor questioned the thought of Mr. Matthews getting people to come to the meetings lobbying for him.

Alderman DeMeola asked that Alderman Taylor not “jump to conclusions” and not to base all reasoning on a trust factor.

Alderman Taylor stressed