The Daily Record
By SHAUN SAVERESE
Of The Record Staff
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting was short on agenda, yet long in closed session. The board met behind closed doors for over an hour in discussion of their position in negotiating the contract in the aquistion of real property, the expansion and location of businesses, personnel matter and in consultation with the county’s legal staff regarding the estate of John David Livingston versus the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Chris Nystrom and Jerry Rivas voiced their concerns about the sheriff’s office during the 30-minute period for comments. Mr. Nystrom shared his opinion on concelead carry permits, gun rights and armed citizen intervention in the event of an assault on a law enforcement officer.
Mr. Rivas discussed his mistrust of the current sheriff’s office administration and again declared his intention to run for the position of sheriff.
Veronica Richardson of Sanford spoke during this public forum, in reference to the issue of people panhandling in front of her subdivision. “ I ask you, the commissioners, to please put some type of plan into place that governs panhandlers,” Ms. Richardson said.
Chairman Jim Burgin listened to Commissioner Jim Miller’s response and advice as well as the confirmation of a similar problem in the community of Mr. Rivas, See County, Page 3 County
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who also has a Sanford address but lives in Harnett County.
“I am always concerned about the people … if we have a veterans issue, we need to get those folks involved or get Social Services involved,” Chairman Burgin replied.
In attendance and recognized at the meeting were Angier Mayor Lew Weatherspoon and Marty Clayton of Duke Energy.
• The board decided to reopen bidding on HVAC, fire extinguishers and extermination contracts.
• Human resources’ request for approval of amendment of the personnel ordinance, giving the county manager authority to reclassify a position without approval from the board in the event a downgrade was approved.
• Harnett Area Rural Transit’s request of a grant agreement in the amount of $285,428 with a county match of $47,108 was approved. The grant will be used to cover capital and administration costs associated with providing public transportation.
• Lab tests, hearing screenings and vaccination fees were increased or established by Harnett County Health Department upon approval from the board Monday.
• Animal Services’ request to change the current spay and neuter voucher program, moving to a prerelease spay and neuter program was also approved.
