DOBSON — The regular meeting of the Dobson Board of Commissioners scheduled for Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. is scheduled to open with an employee of the quarter presentation.

According to Town Manager Josh Smith, commissioners will present Dobson Police Officer Brian Thomas with a plaque honoring his service to the community. Thomas was shot in connection in a July incident in which hew as forced to return fire, fatally wounding a city resident.

Smith said other town employees nominate co-workers for the honor and a final decision is announced after he and town department managers review the nominees. He added that the vote was unanimous for Thomas.

The commissioners’ agenda next includes a review of the financial condition of the town by finance officer Laura Hill. Smith said she will focus on general fund and water and sewer department figures in her presentation, which will include information on revenue received and any unanticipated expenditures.

Thomas Melton of the Jack Wilson CPA firm of Mount Airy is also on the agenda as the presenter of the fiscal year 2011-2012 town audit.

The agenda includes a proclamation by the commissioners recognizing November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. The proclamation seeks to draw public attention to hospice and palliative care professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, health aides and clergy and their role in providing care that is focused on the wishes of each patient.

Similar proclamations in the past have reported that more than 1.5 million Americans with life-limiting illnesses and their families receive care from hospice programs throughout the United States.

Smith said the commissioners will also consider an annual request from the national Fire Safety Council. He said typically the $75 dollar request goes directly to purchase educational materials such as coloring books to use in local schools for fire safety programs.

The commissioners could also name appointees to the ABC Board and Planning/Board of Adjustment. The ABC Board position is being vacated by Ron Atkins due to health reasons and the position on the Planning/Board of Adjustment panel is vacant after a resignation by Gene Miller for scheduling conflicts.

The board will also hear presentations by Smith on the town’s Part F grant application through the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Department. According to Smith, the town anticipates submitting the application within 30-60 days to help fund a proposed downtown park.

Other grants the commissioners will be briefed on could include the transfer of Rural Center grant money to a new project upgrading the water treatment plant. The board will also hear presentations on town projects including sewer extension in the Ridge Road area and an application for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to bring the town into compliance with National Clean Water Act regulations.

Smith explained sludge from the town’s sewer treatment plant has been shifted from a dry bed area to a tributary so a new permit is required.

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.