In addition to making numerous appointments to boards and commissions, Stanly County commissioners approved development of plans for a water main extension in the Stanfield area, approved a resolution of support for Project Blue Sky and recognized two employees for their work in securing a Mission Lifeline Award for Stanly County EMS.

Acting upon a recommendation from Utilities Director Duane Wingo, commissioners approved $240,000 during the 2019-20 budget year toward the development of plans for the construction of a water main extension on Webb Road.

According to Wingo, the development of the plans during the coming fiscal year would be followed in 2020-21 with construction of the water main extension.

“The construction schedule will permit the use of budgeted 2021 funds to be utilized for the construction and minimize the need to use retained earnings to complete the project,” he said.

Commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution of support for additional project assistance from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for road infrastructure improvements associated with Project Blue Sky.

The term “Project Blue Sky” has been used by local officials as a codename for the long-rumored relocation of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry to the Oakboro area.

“The resolution supports the NCDOT’s request for additional financial assistance,” said County Manager Andy Lucas, who noted that improvements related to safety would be necessary in the project area.

Mike Smith of Stanly County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) appeared along with fellow employees Dale Chandler and Jamie Lynthacum to inform commissioners that the county EMS department has received a bronze level Mission Lifeline Award from the American Heart Association.

“Lifeline connects EMS providers and hospitals in a coordinated system of care,” said Smith, who explained the award was based upon the county EMS performance in four categories related to electrocardiogram readings from patients in the field, transmission of these readings to the destination hospital and transfer time for the patient.

Appointments to boards and commissions included:

* Dana Glenn and Kimberly Marshall to the Stanly County Library Board of Trustees;

* Laura Harbeson and T.J. Smith to positions on the Health and Human Services Board;

* Michael Efird and Billy Lee to three-year terms on the Stanly County Board of Adjustments, Richard Cosgrove to a three-year term as an alternate and Jim Starnes to a one-year term as an alternate;

* William Rigsbee was re-appointed to the Centralina Region F Aging Advisory Commission;

* Tate Daniels to the Stanly County Jury Commission;

* Candice Moffitt to the Centralina Economic Development District; and

* Bill Lawhon as voting delegate for Stanly County at the 2019 North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference.

The meeting was recessed until 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Stanly Commons.