Carter Fold, golf course among Scott Supervisors plate

GATE CITY – The Scott County Board of Supervisors saw several matters come up during a five-hour meeting Wednesday. Golf course water tank The board approved a $28,000 maximum contingency fund appropriation to replace the water storage tank at the Scott County Park and Golf Course. County Recreation Director Derrick France told the board that the existing approximately 100,000-gallon tank was deteriorating at its base and leaking.The tank is used to water the golf course greens, France said, and the tank was not expected to last for another year. Greens watering season usually starts by early May, he said, and immediate work was needed to avoid turf damage with warmer weather.France said work needed to start as soon as possible to put in a two-tank system – one each of 5,200 gallons and 1,700 gallons – with the larger tank fed from an existing well supply for the course. The larger tank would feed into the smaller tank, he said, and allow for what could be a typical 6,000 gallon-per-day greens watering cycle.France said he had spoken with engineers and gotten estimates in the $25,000-$28,000 range for installing the two in-ground tanks. If the greens could not be watered during the golf season due to tank issues, replacing a green could cost up to $40,000.Removal of the existing tank would be a scrap metal arrangement that would give the county approximately $3,000, he added. Carter Family Fold director grant The supervisors put off until their March 4 regular meeting a decision on accepting a $212,000 state Tobacco Indemnification Commission grant for a director at the Carter Family Fold Foundation.County Administrator Josh Wilson said the grant – requiring an equal county match over three years – would help cover the costs of the position. The director would report both to the county and the Carter Family Fold Foundation – a 501C3 foundation – under a planned memorandum of understanding between the county and foundation, he added.The county would cover the cost of benefits for the position – approximately $41,000 annually for three years – Wilson said.Scott County Economic Development Authority Director John Kilgore said the authority is also applying for grants to cover the remaining $90,000 match amount.District 1 supervisor Darrel Jeter said he was opposed to accepting the grant over concerns that the county would have to pick up the full cost of a director after the grant expired."It's a private business and the county shouldn't be involved," Jeter said.Wilson said the grant came about because current CFF Executive Director Rita Forrester was concerned about how much longer she can continue in that role.The Fold has operated as a music venue and museum for five decades, Kilgore said, and continues as an international attraction for country music fans."It's definitely internationally known," Kilgore said, adding that he encountered visitors from across the world there. "It's one of the most important assets along the Crooked Road Music Trail."Wilson said that not taking the grant opportunity could lead to another organization outside Scott County taking control of the Fold."With this (grant), we'd have a say," said Wilson. "It's a showcase for the county."District 3 Supervisor Eddie Skeen called the grant position a good idea, adding that he wanted to see the foundation's financial statements before a final vote.Kilgore said the foundation's fiscal condition "is in the black.""Show me how it can make a profit and I'm for it," said District 5 Supervisor Danny Casteel. "If not, I'll vote against it." Keith Memorial Park Recreation Director Derrick France presented members of the Nickelsville Senior Citizens with a plaque recognizing the group's support for creation and operation of the town's Keith Memorial Park."We're very gracious for their hard work through the years and dedication," Wilson said of the Senior Citizens and the Nickelsville Area Recreation Authority.France said he has seen the two groups work during his 18 years working in the recreation department and as director. The Recreation Department has accepted responsibility for scheduling events and community use of the park in recent months, he added."They've done a phenomenal job long before I got here," said France, "a lot of planning, a lot of scheduling … that place would not be what it is today without everyone involved. The citizens of Scott County, the board, all of us thank you."During the presentation, NSC member Cindy Green held a picture of Joe Meade, who helped organize the park's establishment. Dungannon Fourth of July allotment Dungannon Mayor Melissa Gillenwater and Vice Mayor Mary Beth Lawson requested $2,000 in county assistance for the town's 45th Fourth of July celebration."We're trying to go bigger and better this year because it's the (country's 250th anniversary)" Gillenwater said, adding that veterans will be honored."We're trying to do a lot of big things in Dungannon," Gillenwater said, pointing to a solar upgrade to the Dungannon Depot, planned playground upgrades and land acquisition next to the depot.The board voted 7-0 to approve the $2,000 from the county contingency fund.