Martin County commissioners approve courthouse study, airport beacon work, bike-plan grant application and sealed-bid property sale

The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 10 approved several administrative and infrastructure items designed to advance planning and maintenance projects in the county.

The board authorized a $7,500 feasibility study proposal from Oakley Collier Architects to analyze options and cost estimates to create a single point of public entry for the Martin County Courthouse, a security improvement funded in the Capital Improvement Plan. Finance Director Cindy Ange proposed Budget Amendment #10 to allocate the $7,500; the amendment was adopted unanimously.

The board also accepted a $95,000 state grant for an airport beacon replacement and approved Work Authorization #5 for W.K. Dickson to design, bid and construct the beacon-replacement project; no local match was required because the project was designated a safety project.

County Manager David Bone presented and the board approved a resolution to sell two county-owned, foreclosed parcels (Tax IDs 09-00641 and 07-01929) by sealed bid, with bids due Nov. 19, 2018 and award or rejection set for Dec. 3, 2018. The parcels are to be sold separately, 'as is.'

Separately, the board authorized applying for a North Carolina Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant to develop a comprehensive plan estimated at $45,000, with a 20 percent local match ($9,000) if the grant is awarded. Board members voted unanimously on these items.

The board closed the meeting after commissioners’ reports and set the next regular meeting for Nov. 14, 2018.