HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2079In addition, Hilliard said the inmate road squads were beneficial because they picked up
litter along the road sides. He said that last week, in a five-day period, one squad picked up 700
bags of trash. Hilliard also said the inmate population was helpful to the community by assisting
local farmers with fencing needs and the disposing of animal carcasses lying in highway right of
ways.
Hilliard mentioned that over 40 churches supported the prison ministry and its chaplain.
Finally, Hilliard said he didn't understand why the state was proposing to close the prison
since $100,000 in renovations had recently occurred. He mentioned that a $60,000 roof was being
installed on a dormitory.
The Reverend Tom Corbell, a supporter of the prison ministry, said that at the local unit the
inmates were given a chance to learn a trade. Corbell said he had a tremendous amount of pride in
what was occurring at the prison through its ministry.
421 House District Representative Frank Mitchell said he understood the state had plans to
close nine prisons. Mitchell reported that all of the General Assembly members representing Iredell
were united to an effort to keep the prison open. He said the local community could help by sending
letters to Governor Hunt's office requesting for the unit to remain open. Mitchell mentioned there
was the possibility of keeping the prison open by converting it to a minimum security unit.
431 House District Representative Mitchell Setzer also encouraged the community to write
letters of support.
MOTION by Commissioner Fortner to adopt the following resolution in support of the
continued operation of the Iredell Correctional Center.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED
OPERATION OF THE
IREDELL CORRECTIONAL CENTER
WHEREAS, the Iredell Correctional Center houses the Enterprise -Furniture School, which
generated $3.2 million dollars in revenue in 1998; and
WHEREAS, this facility is located on 162 acres of land and could easily be expanded resulting in
more revenue; and
WHEREAS, this facility is situated between two major interstates, I-40 and I-77, thereby being
accessible and allowing the easy transfer of inmates; and
WHEREAS, the facility works with area community colleges to teach inmates a certifiable trade;
and
WHEREAS, this facility has the support of over 40 churches and ministries, and as late as 1997,
was being considered for expansion.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
supports the continued operation of the Iredell Correctional Center and supports its expansion in the future.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
REQUEST FOR A DISCUSSION PERTAINING TO RURAL PLANNING
ORGANIZATIONS (RPOs): The county manager requested that each commissioner review and
complete the RPO survey sent by the NC Department of Transportation. He noted that he didn't
expect all of the questions to be answered, but if there was some degree of certainty on some of them