Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 22 & 23, 2018 Winter Retreat 1 February 23-24, 2018 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES February 22-23, 2018 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday and Friday, February 22-23, 2018, at Iredell-Statesville Schools Career Academy & Technical School, 350 Old Murdock Road, Troutman, NC. Thursday, February 22, 2018, 11:00 AM Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Staff present: Interim County Manager Beth Jones, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Deb Alford, Assistant Finance Director Susan Cornell, Budget Analysist Caroline Taylor, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order. Economic Forecast: Growth Projections – Planning Director Matthew Todd gave a presentation of residential development in Iredell County. Chairman Mallory asked about available land in the Mooresville School District and if all land in that district had basically been built out. Todd said that had been researched and calculated and there is more land than first realized. However, he did not have the numbers with him. Chairman Mallory suggested Todd talk with Mooresville Graded Schools to discuss this further. Also, it would be helpful to know future development of Iredell Water. Revenue Projects – Financial Director Deb Alford gave a presentation of the forecast for revenues. Alford stated that all forecasters are saying that the economy is on solid footing with a stable growth pattern. However, one forecaster feels there will be another recession within 18 months. It is predicted that there are four possible interest rate increases to a high of 2.25%. Ad valorem taxes are projected to rise about 2% which equals about a $2 million increase. It is tougher to make sales tax projections because they run three months behind. Chairman Mallory asked if internet based retail sales tax is captured at the sta te level and if it can be tracked to the county where it originates. Robertson said internet sales are only required to report if the site is in North Carolina. If collected they go to the state and allocated on a per capita basis. 2 February 23-24, 2018 Alford said the revenue projection for next year is a 4% increase in sales tax. Currently it is 5.6% over actual from last year. However, it is a little below what was budgeted. The 4% equates to $1.6 million. Ad valorem and sales tax together equates to $4 million in additional revenue for next year. The fund balance began in FY 17/18 with $195,403,835. This fiscal year there was a transfer to the jail project of $1,740,000; a purchase of Bristol Drive property of $125,00; appropriation to Mooresville Fire and Rescue of $10,499 and Phase 1 for Government Center renovations of $540,622. That takes the appropriations to $197,819,956. The current fund balance is 18.85%. Chairman Mallory said the take away in preparing to meet the budget is to get a sense of the longer term recurring costs, longer term capital investments/improvements that are needed, identify and put numbers on those in order to balance the needs and the anticipated growth against the projected revenue. Then set the tax rate on the actual projected requirements as opposed to just pulling a number out of the air. Vice Chairman Bowles said there are some unknowns because of the two very large projects under construction. It is not known about the reoccurring operational costs for both facilities. Capital and Facilities: Capital Improvement Plan – Facility Services Director Robert Woody explained the following improvement requests. Animal Shelter – Design services for building expansion $20,000, resurface kennel floors $75,000; Facility Services – expansion, storage and woodshop upgrade $100,000; Government Center South – additional office for Juvenile Probations TBA. Legislation is changing the age limit for juveniles, which means they are expect ing to hire more people. If the Sheriff’s Office moves to the second floor of GCS then Juvenile Probations can occupy the space the Sheriff’s Office is currently using. The County is responsible for providing them space. Chairman Mallory said the age change doesn’t create more clients, it is just moving them from adult services to juvenile so they should just move the person working with that group which would mean a net zero effect. Jones said the County can’t make that decision. The State pays for staff but the County must provide the space and furniture. Woody continued explaining requests – in GCS renovate the holding cell $25,000, structural repairs $50,000, upfit the elevator $80,000; Government Center – demo of Annex 2 $20,000 ($30,000 is already in roof fund). Jones said that because Parks/Rec is moving to East Iredell and the current renovations to the Government Center, all storage can be moved to the basement. Replacing the roof on this building has been in discussion for several years. Renovations of the Annex 2 building for office space is cost prohibitive. Woody said the space could be used for parking or build office space with one to three stories. Woody continued with the Hall of Justice – ceiling renovations in the Criminal Division $35,000, technology/internet upfit (audio visual in courtroom 1) $30,000. 3 February 23-24, 2018 Vice Chairman Bowles asked if there was a wireless option. Woody will check on wireless for the Hall of Justice. The remainder of the list is for Parks/Rec – new restrooms/storage space at outdoor center $100,000, picnic shelter at outdoor center $50,000, tower and course pole removal at old outdoor center $23,000, parking overflow at Stumpy Creek Park $75,000. Commissioner Houpe asked if the pole and tower must be removed. Woody said it is a liability. Chairman Mallory asked if anyone had shown interest in buying that property. Jones reported she asked Dean Lail to engage the services of a broker. There is a proposal for a road extension which would cut the property in half. A broker will be able to tell the best time to sale for the highest price. Also, whether or not to sell as one track or two different parcels. Some people have inquired about the County’s future plans. If sold, the proceeds could go toward Jennings Park or other park projects. Vice Chairman Bowles feels that if one can buy, sale, make gain, then it should be done. Commissioner McNeely feels it should be sold as soon as possible with the pole and tower left on it. Commissioner Norman asked if Facility Services employees would be doing the renovations on the projects listed. Woody said no, they will contract out. Jones said employees will do the construction at Facility Services. Budget Analyst Caroline Taylor explained the General Government projects – repair structural issues and paint exterior $975,744, new entryway $300,000, parking lot extension at GCS $450,000, county wide VOIP $100,000 for IT, new permitting and inspection software for development services $287,000 for IT (which will be covered with their revenue), drainage repairs and erosion control at Vehicle Services $150,000. Commissioner Houpe asked about the lease with the State at GCS. Jones said they have agreed to a six-month lease with the new rate. As soon as the multi- year lease has been reviewed as required by the State, it will be returned. Part of the lease includes parking which is part of the lease increase. Woody said there will be a recovery of about 30 spaces when the DENR parking is shortened. DENR will be gated but public parking will not. Chairman Mallory understands the desire for the new entry way at the Statesville Government Center but due to the tight budget feels this should be deferred. Taylor continued with Public Safet y projects – expand parking at Animal Services in Statesville $180,000. Animal Control Director Brad Gates said it would add about 15 spaces. 4 February 23-24, 2018 Chairman Mallory asked Gates to choose between parking and additional personnel. Gates said the additional personnel is necessary. The parking is a need and part of future goals but it can be deferred. Commissioner Houpe asked if gravel could be done cheaper. Taylor continued with the projects - replace Simulcast System at ECOM $638,835. Jones said this is not just for the new building, it goes with the towers and is needed to get the signal out to all parties. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Simulcast is tied to pagers. Jones said yes. Vice Chairman Bowles said all of the end users would not sign the new contracts because of communication issues. But now they’ve signed new contracts and the County has a responsibility to make the communications better. However, this big ticket item needs consideration. Chairman Mallory asked if it could be phased end. Jones understands it is not just one solid system that you purchase and its done. It touches several towers in order to make it work/communicate together. Therefore, it is not something that can be phased in. This was planned to be ready for the new building. The only other big ticket item that does not have a cost yet is the tower. The Rhynehardt tower is old and unstable and will have to be replaced. However, other possible options are being explored. The downtown tower will not be moved and will not be taken down. Taylor continued with projects – EMS base improvements at Harmony and Troutman $40,000. However, if the potential co-location with-in a town owned building comes to fruition those improvements at Troutman will not be done. Jones said there are all kinds of discussions of co-locating EMS stations with other agencies. If any of these progress, then these improvements will not be done. Vice Chairman Bowles suggested a co-location of Harmony EMS with Harmony VFD and possibly put an ambulance at North Iredell Rescue. Taylor continued with the project list – EMS ambulance replacements $721,000 for those that can’t be remounted, space study for the Justice Quadrant $100,000. Jones said Project Manager David Saleeby has more information about the justice quadrant, but because of all the discussions concerning space needs there should really be a study to best utilize space/facilities in the entire quadrant. Saleeby said one of the main issues with the area is storm water. The storm water for the entire quadrant was built for the courthouse in the 70s with a 15-inch pipe. There is flooding in part of the Sheriff’s Department. Parking is another issue. Master planning is a broad look at space needs, interviews, zoning requirements, future growth, foot print options, elevations, and parking options. The input group, the Planning Team, could include the Finance Department, Clerk of Court, judicial officials, Register of Deeds, Elections, Sheriff’s Office, architectural, engineering, 5 February 23-24, 2018 environment, and any others the Board may choose. The RFQ for firms to perform this study could go out in May with interviews/selection in May and then a contract could be awarded in July with work beginning in August and ultimately the master plan could be presented in late 2018 or early 2019, if the Board votes to proceed. Jones said $100,000 has been placed in the budget if the Board chooses to move forward with this study. Commissioner McNeely feels the team can be created with minimal costs and will be able to compile of list of needs and wants. Vice Chairman Bowles stated that end users need to understand that the goals cannot be held to a timeline because that will not happen until funds are available. Jones said it will be made clear that it is a planning process. Taylor continued with Public Safety – Probations’ renovations $625,000 but this will be impacted if the Sheriff’s Office is moved. The Board took a five-minute break. Taylor continued with Human Services and the project for addition space in Mooresville for DSS at $490,000. However, a portion of this will be reimbursed. Robertson said it appears it will have to be depreciated over the useful life of the improvements. It is estimated between $20-$50,000 per year. There is also approximately 40% annual on operating costs for utilities. Taylor continued with Cultural & Recreational. The future park fund has been depleted with the renovations of the East Iredell Lions Club but $100,000 has been budgeted to simply begin replenishing the fund. The fairgrounds multi-purpose building, parking, repair/replace exhibition halls at $100,000 for a study. Jones asked for guidance on moving forward with the fairgrounds because of recent talk of relocation. If the fairgrounds remain at the current site some repairs must be done. The money has been placed in the budget for a study or repairs. Commissioner McNeely suggested to patch what is there to make it safe and usable. He feels the $100,000 in Parks/Rec should be used somewhere else because of the potential land sale that will go into that budget. Commissioner Norman said that’s not a problem as long as the Board agrees to match any PARTF grant that may come up before the funds are reimbursed. Commissioner Houpe asked if David Montgomery and other facility employees could do the study at the Justice Quadrant and renovations at Government Center South to save money. Woody said it could be done but it would not be done in a timely fashion. Taylor continued with the Enterprise Funds. ICATS would like to move to a new location at $650,000 but a has applied for a grant that could cover 90%. Solid Waste has two projects – Mooresville Transfer Station which will be a new facility at a new location $9,600,000 and the 901 Transfer Station relocation which is being researched and therefore there is no cost estimate. 6 February 23-24, 2018 Jones reminded the Board that those projects are special revenues and not out of general funds. Taylor summarized that out of the General Fund requests estimates are $5,257,579 but the software has a revenue to offset the cost of $287,000 which brings the total net funds needed for all of the projects mentioned are $4,970,579. The Special Revenue funds are $10,250,000. The last part is the Vehicle Replacement Plan. In the past departments have estimated their own vehicle replacements but this year Vehicle Services Director Michael Heindl has reviewed the entire fleet and assessed replacements based on prior history, age, etc. The research data is as follows: vehicles in the fleet – 392; vehicles over 10 yrs. old – 147; Sheriff’s vehicles over 150,000 miles in the next two years – 94; other department vehicles over 150,000 miles in the next two years – 74; average age of the vehicles in the fleet – 7.6 years; and vehicles recommended for replacement in FY 18/19 – 33. Jones asked the Board to set some priorities from these projects. Chairman Mallory reiterated to remove $300,000 for the Government Center entryway, $180,000 parking lot, $200,000 out of cultural and recreational just in terms of the discussions. Also, the Parks/Rec tower at the old ropes course could be left and sold with the property. Commissioner McNeely feels the picnic shelter is not needed immediately. Woody said the picnic shelter could be delayed but it does play into the safety of participants to have somewhere to go in the event of a storm. Chairman Mallory asked if facility employees could build it. Woody said it depends but it is possible. Jones said the $975,000 in Phase 2 of the rehab on the Government Center is the cosmetic piece. Jones asked if the Board wanted to delay any of Phase 2. Vice Chairman Bowles asked the timeline and if it could possibly be in FY 19/20. Robertson said the Finance Director is required to pre-audit contracts and would not be able to do that unless the money is budgeted. Commissioner McNeely said Probation and Parole doesn’t need the space until December 2019 and it could be put into two years. Jones will review the estimates and timelines and make adjustments where possible. Commissioner Houpe asked about the water issue at Vehicle Services. Woody said it is a safety issue as well as a maintenance issue. Vice Chairman Bowles suggested someone investigate the possibility of purchasing the small building beside Government Center South. Jones agreed to check. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the Board agreed to move forward with Simulcast. The Board agreed. 7 February 23-24, 2018 Salary and Benefits: Mid-year new positions requests – Human Resources – HR Director Sandra Gregory explained justification for a new position in HR along with the promotion of one employee to Assistant Director. The HR Department had seven employees before 2010. When the economy turned downward there were only five but now there are six. The request is for one employee in the next budget. Risk Manager Jean Haun is retiring July 1, 2018 and the Worker’s Comp will be transferred to the HR Department in order to merge Safety with Worker’s Comp and potentially save money. The implementation of concealed carry is another new responsibility of the HR Department. This request would be an additional $78,184 to the HR budget. The request is for this position to be implemented now because of employee engagement programs and training for the Worker’s Comp before the retirement of Haun. Commissioner Houpe feels two employees, at a lower pay scale, would be better than titling someone as Assistant Director at a higher salary. Jones said it takes Board action to create the position of Assistant Director which will be a promotion from within and then another new person will be hired at a lower scale. A budget amendment will be created and ready to approve at the next regular meeting. The Board expressed appreciation to the Finance Department and Human Resources Department for doing such an important job for the County. This item was affirmed by the Board and will be placed on the agenda for March 6 for approval of the budget amendment. Animal Services – Animal Services Brad Gates and Chrissy Lowe explained justification for a new requested position in Animal Services. This request is due to loss of inmate labor, because there were some major safety concerns with the protection of staff and equipment theft. Benefits and salary for the position will be $47,000 per year with approximately $16,000 for the remainder of this year. The Board affirmed this new position and a budget amendment will be added to the agenda for the meeting on March 6. The Board took a five-minute break. Gregory gave a presentation about competitor turnover comparison, competitor benefit comparison, wellness clinic update, and health insurance update. In comparison to surrounding and like counties, Iredell is parallel or above in some items. Turnover continues to decrease. A recommendation for the coming budget year is to stay status quo. Health insurance claims will continue to be monitored and hopefully drive down claims with the assistance of the wellness program and clinic. Future recommendations for the next five years might include paid dental, vision, disability, paid maternity, paid death/family leave, increased employee assistance program from three to five visits, offer flexible/remotely work schedules, leadership development, and employee recognition. Commissioner Houpe asked about expanding the health clinic to include retirees and family. 8 February 23-24, 2018 Gregory said there are some issues that are being addressed and a meeting is planned with Iredell Memorial to discuss the program further. Chairman Mallory suggested that HR go ahead and research leadership programs and training in other counties. Also, the recognition program as well. Gregory said there are a few things in the County’s health insurance that is not as good as other counties. These are some recommendations to consider for future. One thing many employees complain about is the prescription deductible which is $150 per employee and $300 per family. Chairman Mallory suggested increasing the co-pay and do away with the deductible. Matt McQuide, USI Insurance Services, said the prescription drug vendor changed last year and the costs are coming down. There is a cost neutral way of doing things and this will be researched. Gregory said Iredell is semi-competitive with contributions to the health savings account and the retiree health insurance. Retiree health insurance is one thing that will probably be dropped eventually by all counties. One possible way of compensating retirees would be to give an allowance to be used for their own plan. Wellness Clinic – Gregory gave some statistics about the success of the Wellness Clinic. Feedback has been very positive. One item that is being monitored closely is the referral’s out for specialists which could be part of the business practice of Iredell Memorial. If this number seems to increase, then it may warrant a discussion with the hospital to insure the referrals are valid. Chairman Mallory stated that if that becomes an issue the Board needs to interact with John Greene and their Board. Iredell Memorial is a non-profit and is designed to assist Iredell County. Gregory stated the physical therapy clinic has been especially positive with employees. Jones feels the physical therapy clinic may help with worker’s comp claims. Gregory feels the clinic will break even for this first year. As soon as the wait time issue is addressed then the clinic will begin to expand to include retirees and dependents. In the next few years the clinic may expand the hours to include employment drug testing, pre-employment physicals, fit testing, etc. McQuide gave an overview of the plan which was down 1.6% from the previous year. Plan changes that were made in 2017-18 were moving from Cigna to a separate Rx vendor to BCBS; adding the wellness clinic with a Nurse Practitioner and Physical Therapist; adding a buy-up plan to have access to lower deductibles, lower out of pocket maximum and specialty care copays; adding an opt out $2,000 reimbursement plan for employees that waived the medical plan with proof they were covered by other insurance, and all of this with no budget increase for FY17-18. The 2018-19 recommendations from USI are not to make any change to the medical budget which is based on current claim levels with anticipated medical trend increases being below current budget levels and it appears that fixed costs will have almost no increase and potentially a decrease depending on final selections. New Position Requests – Jones said 87 new positions have been requested for the coming year. Two requests have been approved already today and 28 of those requests are for the new jail 9 February 23-24, 2018 which has already been set aside. Other requests are: Animal Services 3 (one just approved), Building Standards 1; Central Permitting 1, ECOM 5.5, EMS 9.5, Facility Services 2.5, Fire Marshal 4 (Duty Crew), Human Resources 1 (just approved), ICATS 10.5 (enterprise fund), Information Technology 3, Library 1, Parks/Rec 1, Planning 1, Sheriff’s Office 7 (road deputies), Social Services 2 (75% reimbursed by State), Solid Waste 1 (enterprise fund), Tax Office/Mapping 2, Veteran’s Office 1. Some of these have already been eliminated after talking with the departments. Commissioner Norman asked about the ECOM requests. Jones said ECOM is short of help but the limited space is part of the problem. One console requires 4 employees for 24/7 operation. Currently the SSD and Animal Control dispatchers are in the dispatch room but these are being moved to other office/rooms. The ECOM request includes 4 telecommunicators, 1 MSAG (911 addressing), and 1 part-time. Commissioner Houpe asked the possibility of placing a social worker in the schools but hired and supervised by Social Services. Robertson said that is a really fine gray line that is obviously an effort to avoid current expenses. Commissioner Houpe said schools are cutting support personnel. Social Services Director Yvette Smith said they could only do child protective services duties. They could not do truancy and could only do counseling if they have a case open for those services. They could not just be on hand for support purposes. Vice Chairman Bowles suggested that when the budget team is working to whittle down those position requests to take into account the weight and value of the positions. Animals are loved just like people but it would be hard to compare a position in Animal Control to a position in Veteran’s Services when it comes to men and women who have served our country. Administrative Leave Policy – Jones stated that Administrative Leave is used when the County Manager closes all county offices due to inclement weather. However, any essential personnel, i.e. public safety, works regardless. Therefore, it is requested that full-time essential employees are given admin leave (equivalent hour-for-hour) to be used at a later date and approved by the department director. There are two caveats – if the employee resigns before taking the leave, they are not paid for that time and/or if the equivalent time is not used by the end of 12 months it will expire. The Board agreed to this request and it will be placed on the agenda for a public hearing which is required because of changes being made to an ordinance. County Manager’s Position – HR Director Sandra Gregory explained an example of a timeline for filling the position of County Manager. The search committee has already been appointed and includes the Board Chairman, Vice Chairman, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, HR Director Sandra Gregory and Bill Pope, former County Attorney. Gregory recommended to advertise March 1 through March 31 with the target date of a new person beginning August 1. The questions for the candidates will be geared towards the five attributes received from various agencies. 10 February 23-24, 2018 Chairman Mallory suggested adding the Economic Development team, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Sheriff or designee to the agencies asked to give five attributes. Gregory said the Search Committee will view the applicants’ applications on April 12 and narrow the field to 14. The applicants will go through the Phase I interview process which is a questionnaire and PXT assessment. After review the Search Committee will narrow the field down to seven. The top seven will have in-person interviews the end of May. After the interviews the top three will be chosen. The top three will have an in-person interview with the Board of Commissioners around June 12. A conditional offer of employment could be made around mid- June and then proceed with the pre-employment screening process with an employment start date of August 1. All of these dates are subject to vary or change. Gregory pointed out that al l applications are protected by the NC General Statutes with the same protected rights as an employee. If any confidential information is released it could be a personal misdemeanor and a fine for the County and/or individual. Gregory asked if the Board, as a whole, wanted to preview the questionnaire prior to the interviews. Chairman Mallory feels that would be appropriate. Gregory strongly recommended that no one from the Board make contact with any of the applicants. All contact will be through the HR Department. Gregory suggested the Board review and consider the potential salary and benefits they would like to offer. Chairman Mallory feels the County Manager position should be offered the same benefit package as all other employees. Chairman Mallory asked if there is a consensus to move forward with the advertisement, job description and the proposed timeline. MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to move forward. Second by Commissioner Norman. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 The Board recessed at 4:30 PM until 8:00 AM on Friday, February 23. Friday, February 23, 2018, 8:00 AM Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Staff present: Interim County Manager Beth Jones, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Deb Alford, Assistant Finance Director Susan Cornell, Budget Analysist Caroline Taylor, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. 11 February 23-24, 2018 Chairman Mallory called the meeting to order. Commissioner Norman introduced Iredell County’s new Partnership for Children Director Lisa Familia. Ms. Familia expressed appreciation for meeting the Board and looks forward to working in Iredell County. Iredell-Statesville Schools Principal Larry Rogers introduced the culinary students at the Career Academy. These students prepared lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday. Instructor Linda Marshall and each student introduced themselves. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation for the delicious food. Solar Farm Discussion – Planning Director Matthew Todd reported on his conversation with Rachel Bingham about specific recommendations for solar farms. Bingham basically said that if a jurisdiction doesn’t have either an airport overlay or regulations on solar farms then those things are needed. Bingham did not provide any specifics other than the model state ordinance which has been referred to and used to build the County’s ordinance. The proposed county ordinance is well above the model ordinance. Also, with the overlay section of the land development code that deals specifically with the Statesville Airport and the ordinance, both are very good in regulating solar farms in relation to the airport. A consultant was hired about 10 years ago to create the current overlay. The County’s ordinance specifically states there can be no solar farm in the primary approach zone of the airport. Also prohibited within this overlay are any uses that could produce any glare that might interfere with a pilot. Commissioner Houpe asked about drone regulations. Commissioner McNeely believes the FAA requires drones below 300 or 400 feet. Todd said Planning staff can research drone regulations. County Attorney Lisa Valdez recommended that solar farms stay as a special use permit before the Board of Adjustment. If the Board wants to address large solar farms, then it could be written that certain size farms could not be in certain districts but still require the special use permit. The County’s current solar ordinance is one of the better ones. It covers all the issues that have recently been discussed. Commissioner Houpe asked how the process might be affected if it had to go before the special use board if the Board of Commissioners had to approve the rezoning first. Valdez feels it could hinder the process if the one that is proposed is not allowed in the district in which it’s intended. The applicant would have to come before this Board and the issue would be in how they apply. For instance, if it is a conditional or straight rezoning and then what districts are allowed. Also what other uses are allowed in that district. All use would have to be considered. Commissioner Houpe asked about a trigger that would require involvement by the Board of Commissioners because the Commissioners will be blamed or credited even though this Board would have no decision based on the existing policy. 12 February 23-24, 2018 Valdez said the most reasonable change would be that solar facilities of “X” size are only permitted in “XYZ” districts. Applicants will have to find property in those districts or apply for rezoning. The size number and district is key. For example, if the policy says a solar farm of 200 acres could be in an industrial district, then when the solar farms goes away the property may not be suitable for industry because there would be no infrastructures that a normal industrial area would have. Commissioner Norman feels the policy should stay as is. The appointed Boards can take care of it. Commissioner Houpe would like the policy to designate over a certain size be restricted to a certain area such as industrial. Valdez said the Board of Commissioners gives the rules and the tools to the Board of Adjustment to make the decisions. They rely on the information given to them and it is the burden of the applicant to provide sufficient evidence. Vice Chairman Bowles stated that decisions must be careful concerning industrial sites as it may not be the highest and best use for the tax base. If a trigger for rezoning is put in the policy is it running a fine line with spot rezoning. Commissioner McNeely is willing to lower the scope. He feels 200 acres is probably the max size. The option can’t be removed because it just might be the option of someone saving their farm. Commissioner Houpe said solar farms are subsidized and the County is not getting anything on the tax base. Would it be better to have residential or industrial and should it be protected? Also, should potential changes wait until the current case is complete? Chairman Mallory said the Planning Board has reviewed all the setbacks and requirements and determined they are appropriate. The issue is not what the Planning Board is executing, it is the policy direction from this Board as far as where these facilities are most appropriate. They need to be given the tools to consider other important issues or this Board needs to make those decisions at certain levels or across the Board. A solar farm is an industrial use but it is low impact. Industrial and commercial nodes have been picked based on traditional industrial site factors and what’s appropriate in that community. Solar farms are not ‘farms.’ There are second and third order impacts to wildlife, etc. Mallory would like to have a lot more information from experts and about the impact. There is an 80% tax break on all those solar panels which leaves on 20% for the County, plus the property is out for 30 years from any other type of development. The quasi -judicial decision of the Board of Adjustment can be appealed and can be fought all the way up the chain if the applicant has enough money. Valdez said one side has the deep pockets and can take it as far as they can. It is a matter of putting the right tools in the hands of the Board of Adjustment. Solar facilities don’t fit into any of the categories well. This will probably become similar to cell towers when they began. Federal and state regulators may eventually say these are a necessity and limit local regulations. Commissioner Houpe asked if anything can be placed in the ordinance to allow both Boards to review on a case by case basis. 13 February 23-24, 2018 Valdez said it is fairly black/white for the Board of Adjustment. The evidence given is the basis for their decision and the evidence is not always black/white. If this Board can decide what district is allowable then if could come to this Board for rezoning. The system worked for this last case and the evidence shown was appropriate. It is not known if there are other jurisdictions that designate between sizes and/or districts. It may be possible to require a wildlife or habitat study for ones of a certain size in a fenced-in area. Commissioner McNeely feels it needs to be left to some scope with the Board of Adjustment. If it is removed from them and put before this board there will probably not be another solar complex in Iredell County. McNeely is a proponent for personal property rights and if someone wants to use their land within the scope that is allowed then how can this Board say no. However, the scope can be limited so that it is reasonable to the area. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to establish a policy after researching drone use in other counties around airports, government buildings, jails, and schools. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to research if other counties make decisions regarding solar farms based on size, scope, and environmental issues or any other things they may use to make decisions regarding solar farms. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Jones reiterated that Todd will take the current information regarding solar farms and the airport to John Ferguson for his input. Social Services/Health Department Consolidation: Robertson said currently there are 34 counties that have consolidated. However, there were three different options for consolidating that various counties have chosen. Robertson explained the three options. Jones said the County would have more flexibility if the consolidation was run through the county and not through the State. The County model is modeled after the State. It would just be a little more expeditious than going through the State. The State has decreased personnel and therefore it takes weeks/month to get answers. Commissioner Houpe asked if the respective directors would answer to the Board of Commissioners and the respective individual boards would become advisory boards. Vice Chairman Bowles said that if the County chooses to consolidate it is important to get the information to the public in order to understand this is a benefit and will create sustainability. Chairman Mallory said there would be greater efficiencies with the HR process being local as opposed to going through the State, but the most important part is being able to tailor the job description to the local needs. Gregory said those agencies who have substantial equivalency would have more control over the salary and structure of those departments based on needs. If the State doesn’t have those positions to be creatable then the director’s hands are tied. Robertson does not recommend a consolidation by July 1. First, the Health Department is in the middle of reaccreditation which requires an immense amount of work by June. Second, the 14 February 23-24, 2018 regionalization that is being discussed for the Department of Social Services is a very big deal. The State can decide to administer DSS and send a bill to the County. The County would have no control over its personnel, programs, or costs. If the two departments consolidate and the State decides to regionalize then that consolidation goes away. Robertson suggested to wait until January 1 or July 1 of 2019. There should be more information by then and staff will monitor the legislature closely. Commissioner McNeely asked about cost. Robertson said the best thing about consolidation would be if the Health Department building was next door to DSS and they could possibly sh are back-office staff, storage, HR, etc. Of course, that would mean another new building. Previous administration said once Med Max had saved up to $6 million then there would be talk of a new building on East Side Drive. However, that will be a few more years. Gregory said substantial equivalency was discussed some time ago but when consolidation was mentioned substantial equivalency was put on hold and at the time the State had stopped taking applications. Recently the State has begun to take applications again and unless the rules have changed all HR employees would report to the HR Director. However, the current staff in both departments could be utilized and stationed in their respective departments. Jones asked if the Board would grant staff some flexibility to further explore substantial equivalency and bring it back to the Board. Commissioner Houpe would like to wait and talk further. Conversations with other elected officials has mentioned that other counties consolidated in an attempt to prevent the legislators from taken something away. They were trying to prevent regionalization. Houpe said to move forward with researching substantial equivalency but wait on consolidation. There was a consensus of the Board to explore substantial equivalency. Jones added that this subject was not brought to board because of a bad relationship with those departments. Iredell County is fortunate and could not have a better director for the Health Department and the Department of Social Services. They are top notch and are always available to work with Administration. The Board take a five-minute break at 9:45 AM. Education – Finance Director Deb Alford gave a brief presentation concerning school funding. To begin the budget process the per pupil allocation was increased by 2% as well as ad valorem taxes and 4% on sales taxes. It is projected to pay $1625 per pupil for an estimated enrollment just over 22,000. The distribution of funds for Iredell Statesville Schools is 56% for current expense, 28% for debt and 16% for capital. MGSD’s distribution is 54% for current expense, 37% for debt, and 9% for capital. Commissioner Houpe stated that parents perceive charter schools as safer than traditional public schools. School safety is a great concern of parents which needs to be discussed further and this Board needs to be proactive. The schools will be asking for more revenue to aid in security issues for SROs and/or locks etc. The Education Task Force will be discussing options and potential costs. 15 February 23-24, 2018 Chairman Mallory said this Board has taken action with gate guards and changes in legislature to allow the locking devices. There should be a more intentional, effective communication about the level of safety in this community. Commissioner McNeely feels municipalities need to contribute to the schools. Commissioner Houpe said they’ve never been asked but the schools are planning to ask. Chairman Mallory said it should be communicated that every student is receiving the same per pupil expense. However, capital needs are driven by where the students are located. The is an equitable focus of the budget to treat every child the same. Vice Chairman Bowles asked the status of the gate guards. Alford said, at the request of a Board member, it is in next year’s budget for ISS and MGSD. It is a separate line but is in the total. Commissioner Houpe feels these gate guards should be funded, if possible, as parents have greatly appreciated what has been done so far. Houpe feels, at some point, the gate guards should be turned into full armed SROs. Commissioner McNeely asked the cost of SROs. Commissioner Houpe said the task force is researching that item. Commissioner Norman said money was given to the school before but the school used it in other places. Currently, there are several schools that do not even lock the outside doors so anyone can just walk into the buildings at any time. Vice Chairman Bowles asked about the process and cost to fully equip the gate guards. Commissioner Houpe said research is in the process. High Schools are the hardest to defend because of the open campus. Gate guards are monitoring, but administration must change things because of all the students that come and go with choice programs. Chairman Mallory said this is a matter of policy that the school must enforce. The locking devices that were installed in Central Elementary should be at all schools. It is a one-time cost and highly effective. Commissioner Houpe said the Sheriff’s Department is in the process of reviewing schools and their security. The task force is encouraging measures to train staff, lock down campuses, and to approach and ask questions of people on the campus. Chairman Mallory asked Alford to communicate the budget projection numbers with the school systems for them to evaluate their requests accordingly. Legislative Update: Jones shared information about legislature that could have an impact on the budget. First the class size requirement will be phased in and therefore there is a reprieve from the next fiscal year. Also, HB 56 could impact future budgets if certain properties at Lake Norman are considered exempt. Fire Department Duty Crew: Chairman Mallory said Emergency Services Director Kent Greene has done an excellent job with gathering information and possible options of using such a 16 February 23-24, 2018 crew. However, it has already been made clear that there are budgetary restraints along with many differenting opinons from around the community, it is difficult to see addressing this in the next fiscal year. Greene said that even though the positions were included in the over-all positions requests, they were not included in the Fire and Emergency Services budget for the coming year. However, it is expected that there will be many requests for addit ional funding from the fire departments to be used for personnel. Volunteerism has only had a .08% increase in the last 30 years but the service demand has tripled. This crew was an idea to try to aid the fire departments. The majority of incidents (53%) are medical in nature. Vice Chairman Bowles asked about financing vehicles and if it is a possibility. Robertson said there are over $700,000 worth of ambulances to buy because they can’t be remounted. If there was an installment purchase it would reduce the amount in capital outlay in one fiscal year. It could probably be done for a relatively low interest rate and motor vehicles does not have to go before the local government commission. Vice Chairman Bowles expressed concern about the prediction of a possible economic slowdown in 18 months. What is the most cost effective way to deliver medical services … is it from a blue/white truck or a red truck? Greene said most fire departments take the $500,000 truck to a respiratory distress call because of their staffing. Mooresville has a pick-up truck that staff takes to medical calls. Greene said a meeting of all fire chiefs will be scheduled to discuss dispatch codes. The fire department board chairs will be invited to that meeting as well. Commissioner McNeely suggested that someone take minutes at this meeting and send back out to every department. Jones said Richey and Wilmoth from EMS have been asked to investigate ways to help the fire departments that are burdened. Possibly even partner with rescue squads. Economic Development Liaison: Jones said there seems to be some type of disconnect with some of the smaller businesses throughout the county that might like to open a business, remodel, or expand. However, they don’t really have the financial resources to hire architects, engineers, etc. to create an impressive plan. They might have a concept/idea but don’t know where to start. The need is there to possibly hire someone on a part-time basis to guide that person through the appropriate process for various areas. Therefore, the request is to consider a part-time position, funded through Economic Development, to be a liaison to help small business owners. Commissioner McNeely said there are many horror stories of individuals trying to open a business and how long it takes. A part-time position would probably be less than $30,000 and should come from Economic Development. Vice Chairman Bowles said this person needs to be passionate towards the small business owner. Commissioner Houpe said the frustrations come when small business owners just don’t know the process. The City of Statesville and the Town of Mooresville are considering the possibility of reclaiming their inspections departments. 17 February 23-24, 2018 Jones said this person could help someone with referrals such as Mitchell Community College to help with creating a business plan, etc. Iredell County has the resources but people do not where they are or the processes to go through. Commissioner McNeely said the right person for this job is critical. It could be a retired inspector or any retiree with skills and knowledge of the process. This person could also assist the Economic Development Commission as well when time allows. Chairman Mallory asked if this is ready to move forward. Commissioner McNeely feels a job description should be created and start the process. Jones said this is not a county position and therefore, Mr. Rogerson would have to take the lead. MOTION by Commissioner McNeely for the Economic Development team to create a job description for this liaison and perimeters of salary. Commissioner Norman agreed only if it does not require additional money from the county. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Commissioner Houpe asked Jones to communicate to the municipalities that this Board has made a proactive step toward this liaison position. Adjournment: Chairman Mallory thanked everyone for a great winter retreat. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to adjourn at 12:10 PM. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 __________________________________ ___________________________________ Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk