HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1303 (2)ZE° 1 9 2006
rather than with marking floats. He said much vandalism was occurring, especially in the Catawba
County side of the lake, but Iredell County also needed the markers. Lancaster said, too, that Iredell
needed more markers due to having the most newly -developed shoreline.
Robertson asked what regulations addressed water safety marker vandalism.
Lancaster said some lake communities had an "adopt -a -pole" program where the residents
helped to insure the markers were intact. He said he wasn't aware of any type of ordinance addressing
the problem. Mr. Lancaster said the NC Wildlife Commission was concerned about the thefts, and he
would check on what legal action could be taken about the vandalism.
Commissioner Johnson said the letter indicated the first priority would be to maintain the
current system of over 100 navigational aids, and the second priority would be to add new ones. He
asked if the county had been appropriating enough money to maintain the aids.
Lancaster said the marine commission tried to maintain a "tight" budget, but recently there had
been much vandalism and theft.
Johnson said he understood the $15,000 would get the commission caught up, but that in next
year's budget more funds might be needed for maintenance.
Lancaster said this was correct.
Johnson asked the marine commission to advise at budget time what was needed.
OTIO� by Commissioner Norman to approve Budget Amendment #13 in the amount of
$15,000 (to be derived from the contingency fund) for the navigational aids.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Mr. Josh Swift, the Health Department Education Coordinator Shares Information from
the Action for Children North Carolina Report. On behalf of the Health and Social Services
Departments, Josh Swift presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting key points from a state
report focusing on children. Some of the information is as follows:
• 25% of Iredell County residents are under 18 years of age (Total population being used @
136,008)
• North Carolina has the fourth fastest growing child population in the United States
• Iredell County's child population by race is as follows:
74.5% White; 15.3% Black; 6.4 % Hispanic; 2.0 Asian; 0.3% American Indian; & 1.4% Two or
More Races
• 14% of deaths in children are caused by birth defects; 28% are perinatal conditions (within 28 days
after birth); 17% illnesses; 19% motor vehicle related deaths; 8% due to Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome; and 14% other factors.
• From June 2004 — May 2006 NC Health Choice Insurance usage increased 32%
• From June 2005 — May 2006 an average of 800 applications per month were taken at DSS
(Iredell County) for Medicaid
• From June 2005 — May 2006 the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid increased
• 65% of eligible individuals participate in the Food Stamp Program (participation among
children increased 36% from 2001-2006 (reasons attributed to the increase were increased
income limits, plant closings/layoffs, and 2500 jobs were lost)
• There are 8,020 participants in the Food Stamp Program and 55% are children
• During 2005-2006, there were 2,030 children (0-12 yrs.) receiving daycare subsidy and as of
November 2005 there were 560 on a waiting list compared to 907 in April of 2006
• Iredell County has fewer child maltreatment (reported and substantiated) cases than the state
average
• Iredell County has fewer children in foster care than the state average
Social Services Director Don Wall, Social Work Administrator Lisa York, and Income
Maintenance Administrator Lynn Deal also attended the meeting.