The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the Simpson Building. Mary Ann Rice, Chair, presided.
The following members of the Executive Committee were present: Joe Brumit, Frances Ramsey, and Roger Metcalf.
Others present for the meeting included: Dennis King, President; Dirk Wilmoth, Vice President Business and Finance/CFO; Walt Curry, College Attorney; James Wilson, Pulliam, and Associates; Charlie Ball, Hatch Asheville Foundation; Joe McElroy, McElroy, and Associates; Gayle Smith, McElroy, and Associates; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Meeting Purpose
Discussion of the Enka property, the College’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Buncombe County, a resigned employee concern, and a proposal regarding the Verner Center for Early Learning.
Enka Property
Mr. Charlie Ball and Mr. Joe McElroy presented two separate offers to purchase the Enka property to the Executive Committee. Mr. Ball is interested in purchasing all or a part of the Enka property to continue and expand on A-B Tech’s Small Business Incubator, only on a much larger scale. Mr. Ball envisions Enka as a long-term innovation space for Asheville.
Mr. McElroy and Ms. Smith are interested in the Enka property as a potential location for a big box store. Mr. McElroy was asked if he would consider purchasing only part of the Enka property to allow A-B Tech to maintain a presence in the community. Mr. McElroy stated that he would have to discuss this option with his client, but needs the larger footprint for a big box store.
The Executive Committee discussed the two purchase offers and agreed that any decision made regarding the Enka property needs to remain focused on the A-B Tech mission of service to the community.
The Executive Committee also agreed to meet with Mr. Charlie Ball again to have an in-depth conversation about his vision for the Enka property.
Buncombe County Mou
The Executive Committee discussed Buncombe County’s use of Article 46 Sales Tax revenues in relation to the College. On November 8, 2011, Buncombe County voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax referendum to support A-B Tech. On December 6, 2011, the Board of Commissioners confirmed their “intent” to spend the tax on construction projects at A-B Tech. Mr. Joe Brumit will meet with the Chair of the Buncombe County Commissioners to discuss the allocations of the sales tax referendum.
Resigned Employee Concern
Dr. King informed the Committee that the North Carolina State Whistleblower Hotline received a complaint regarding employment procedures at the College. Dr. King stated that the College has reviewed our employment procedures and will implement training for all employees who “Chair” an interview committee. Although the State does not require a response to the employee’s complaint, Dr. King wanted the Committee to be aware of the situation.
Verner Center For Early Learning
Dr. King informed the Committee that one of Buncombe County’s Strategic Priorities is to increase learning for young children through Pre-K. The County has a relationship with the Verner Center and has suggested that the Verner Center build an 8,000-square-foot building on the A-B Tech Asheville Campus.
The Executive Committee agreed to allow Dr. Glenda Weinert, a representative for the Verner Center, to provide a written proposal to the full Board on July 30.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary