The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 2:00 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; Walt Currie, College Attorney; Chris Campbell, College Attorney; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board. Dr. Dirk Wilmoth, Vice President, Business and Finance/CFO participated by phone.
At 2:00 p.m., Chair M. Rice called the meeting to order.
Smith McDowell House
Dr. King informed the Committee that the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) wishes to purchase the Smith McDowell property from the College. Presently, the College maintains the Smith McDowell house and grounds. The College recently committed to spending $90,000 to replace the roof on the house.
WNCHA is now in a position to own and maintain the property.
The Administration recommends selling the Smith McDowell House to WNCHA, with the caveat that WNCHA would reimburse the College for all expenses incurred in replacing the roof.
The Executive Committee agreed to move forward with the sale of the property to WNCHA, and will discuss the terms of the sale with the full Board during the August 12 meeting.
A-B Tech Enka Offer
The College continues to negotiate a possible sale of a portion of the A-B Tech Enka property with 31 College Place, LLC. The two parties are still in discussion pertaining to:
- The amount of property being sold is either 13 or 14.5 acres on which the Haynes Tower is located.
- Easement locations for the main entrance road and several others at A-B Tech Enka.
- The percentage of the real estate Broker’s commission.
Mr. Campbell and Mr. Currie discussed several options that the College and 31 College Place could accept as a compromise for the sale.
The Executive Committee discussed the pros and cons of selling the A-B Tech Enka property at length.
The Executive Committee agreed that Dr. Wilmoth and Mr. Currie would meet with Mr. Martin Lewis of 31 College Place, and his attorney Mr. Mark Martin one more time to come to an agreement that the College could take to the Board for the final decision.
Buncombe County Budget
Dr. Wilmoth discussed the Buncombe County Budget with the Executive Committee. Buncombe County approved a budget that leaves the College short $775,000 resulting in our inability to meet our obligations with county funds. The College has requested a meeting with the County Manager as soon as possible to discuss the budget situation.
The Executive Committee discussed the budget deficit and agreed to write a letter to the County detailing the history of the Buncombe County Budget with the College, including the Article 46 funding issue.
The full Board will be asked to endorse the letter during the August 12 meeting.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. by unanimous consent.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary