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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-21-2018 1 August 21, 2018 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA MINUTES August 21, 2018 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 5:00 PM, in the Iredell County Government Center (South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Board Members Absent Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Alford, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Jones made the following adjustment to the agenda: Remove: Closed Session – Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Finance Department to approve a reimbursement resolution to allow the County to reimburse itself for vehicles purchased before the financing has been secured: Finance Director Deb Alford said the Board adopted, in FY19, an installment financing for vehicles purchased in this budget year. Currently bids for financing are in the process. However, a resolution should be in place to allow for reimbursement for any vehicles that may be purchased before the financing is completed. The resolution will allow a look back period of 60 days. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to approve a resolution for the sale and issuance of not to exceed $47,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2018: Finance Director Deb Alford said this will have to be approved in regular session. In 2014, a referendum for $119,000,000 in school bonds was approved. All of those bonds have been issued except for $47,000,000 which is being requested to be issued for two middle schools for Iredell-Statesville Schools. Request from the Iredell County Economic Development Commission to approve an amendment to the incentive agreement with Project Deacon: County Manager Beth Jones said this is a request for an amendment for Project Deacon. It is a discretionary grant in the amount of $60,000 to be used for unexpected infrastructure construction costs at the expansion of their existing location. 2 August 21, 2018 Economic Development Rep Chris Younger said it also includes an extension of 180 days to execute the agreement. This will be presented at the 7:00 regular meeting. Request from EMS to review and approve the updated Rescue Contracts : EMS Assistant Director Ryan Wilmoth said rescue contracts have been reviewed and updated. All of the heavy rescue providers met together to discuss and collaborate efforts to assist in technical rescues. Technical rescues are considered more specialized, i.e. confined spaces, high angle, etc. The previous agreements were signed in 2014. The four heavy rescue providers, North Iredell, Iredell Rescue, Troutman and Mooresville Fir e have separate contracts to provide technical specialty rescue. The others, Mount Mourne, South Iredell, Shepherds, and Lake Norman will continue to serve as rescue to extricate people from motor vehicle collisions but they will not provide technical rescue. There is no impact on the budget and no request for them to receive funds to provide technical rescue services. These contracts will not change the funding aspect for any department or the requirements from the County. It solidifies and consolidate efforts for technical rescue. Jones said one of the reasons this was done with the other four is to update their contract, clarify some terminology and keep them on the same rotation with the four heavy rescue providers. The four heavy rescue providers’ agreement says they will all be notified of a technical rescue, three departments will stage and Mooresville will respond, unless the rescue is within their own district. The four providers suggested and collaborated together for this solution. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Commissioner Jeff McNeely believes the Board needs to take a serious look at funding other than the current process for these four entities of this contract. There must be a revenue stream and not from the general budget. Request from Tax Administration for approval of July refunds and releases : Everything was in order. This item was place on the consent agenda. Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on July 10, July 17, and August 7, 2018: There were no corrections or comments. This item was placed on the consent agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner McNeely said the Board consented, at the last meeting, to pay for the students that were “found” by the Iredell Statesville School System. (Melissa Wike corrected the enrollment number by 50 students after the budget was adopted.) However, there needs to be a final date set for the number of students to be entered for the budget. The money was taken from debt service but it shouldn’t have been. Jones said Finance Officer Deb Alford has already amended the budget calendar and added a deadline for the final number which has been communicated to the schools. Alford said both school systems have been informed that final numbers will be due by April 15. 3 August 21, 2018 Jones said the number will be submitted by that date and there will be a written confirmation from both systems that the numbers are correct. COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Jones distributed a State of Iredell County Rep ort. This report was created to report on the goals and strategic planning process. Plans are to create this document at the end of each fiscal year. The report shows the status and progress of goals and accomplishments. This report is posted on the website. Jones said Iredell Economic Development sent reports to each member’s home. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Mallory moved the Board into closed session at 5:25 PM for Personnel G.S. 143- 318.11 (a) (6) and Property Acquisition G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5). The Board recessed from Closed Session at 6:05 PM until the 7:00 regular meeting. (Vice Chairman Bowles joined the meeting at this time.) IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES August 21, 2018 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at 7:00 PM, in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners’ Meeting Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Debra Alford, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory. INVOCATION: Chairman James Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Boy Scout Troop 363. Leaders are Thomas Williams, Gary Swaenepoel, Shea Lighton. Scouts: Charles Kelley, Ben Lighton, Sam Williams, Lee Swaenopoel, Campbell Collins, Ryley Mitchell, Fletcher Niblock, and Beckham Tharpe. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA County Manager Beth Jones made the following adjustment to the agenda: Remove: Closed Session – Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) 4 August 21, 2018 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Recognition of Planner Rebecca Harper, who was recently named 2018 North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials Member of the Year: Wayne Krimminger, former President of the North Carolina Association of Zoning, came forward and thanked the Board. Krimminger read the nomination letter written by Jessica Rhue, current President of the NCAZO, recommending and praising the hard work and talents of Rebecca Harper. Harper came forward and accepted the award. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Request from Jill St. Clair, Coordinator for the Drug Alcohol Coalition of Iredell (DACI), to adopt two proclamations recognizing the International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month: Jill St. Clair introduced Sandy Tabor-Gray, who is the Chairperson for the Drug Alcohol Coalition of Iredell. Gray thanked the Board and briefly explained that DACI was formed to bring attention to the drug and alcohol abuse in Iredell. Chairman Mallory stated Iredell County is on the leading edge of recognizing the problem and taking action to educate as well as provide resources to help others. Vice Chairman Bowles stated it has been a privilege to work alongside these two ladies who give and give and give to promote this awareness. Chairman Mallory read the following proclamation: INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY WHEREAS, more than 63,000 Americans died of a drug overdose in 2016; and WHEREAS, in 2016, there were an estimated 1,505 overdose deaths in North Carolina – a rate of 15.5 deaths per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 persons; and WHEREAS, in Iredell County the rate that same year, was estimated to be 17.0 deaths per 10 0,000 residents; and WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual event held on August 31 to raise awareness about overdose, to remember without stigma those who met permanent injury or have lost their lives to overdose, and to provide better support for overdose prevention; and WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day serves to raise overdose awareness and prevention and fight stigma including acknowledging the grief felt by families and friends; and WHEREAS, the Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell serves to spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable and to empower our community to demand better overdose response; NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim August 31, 2018, as “INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY” in Iredell County, and command its observance to all citizens. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to adopt the proclamation. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Chairman Mallory to following proclamation: NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH PROCLAMATION 5 August 21, 2018 WHEREAS, behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness; and WHEREAS, preventing and overcoming mental health and substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and WHEREAS, an estimated one in five adults, or 26,954 residents of Iredell County, are living with a menta l health or substance use issue; and WHEREAS, an estimated 56% of adults with mental health or substance use issues, or 15,094 residents of Iredell County, will never receive treatment; and WHEREAS, relatives and friends must recognize the signs of a menta l health or substance use issue, encourage those to implement preventive measures, and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services; and WHEREAS, mental health and substance use issues affect all communities nationwide, but with commitment and support, people with these disorders can achieve healthy lifestyles and lead rewarding lives in recovery; and WHEREAS, by seeking help, the individuals can embark on a new path toward improved health and overall wellness; and WHEREAS, to help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell (DACI) invite all residents of Iredell County to participate in National Recovery Month (Recovery Month); and NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2018 as “NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH” in Iredell County and call upon the people of Iredell County to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies to support this year’s Recovery Month theme, Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community. MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to adopt the proclamation for National Recovery Month. St. Clair thanked the Board for allowing citizens to have open, honest but sometimes tough conversations about things happening in the community. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Gray stated there are some events coming up soon. On August 31, recognition and a moment of silence will take place at the Statesville and Lake Norman football games. There will be a free family Recovery Event on September 28. PUBLIC HEARINGS (None) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Beth Jones summarized the following items for the consent agenda:  Request from the Finance Department to approve a reimbursement resolution to allow the County to reimburse itself for vehicles purchased before the financing has been secured. In this current fiscal year, all new vehicles will be financed. However, any that were purchased prior to securing the financing, this resolution will be retroactive 60 days to include them in the financing.  Request from EMS to review and approve the updated rescue contracts. 6 August 21, 2018  Request from Tax Administration for approval of the July refunds and releases.  Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of meetings on July 10, July 17, and August 7, 2018. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Request from the Finance Department to approve a resolution for the sale and issuance of not to exceed $47,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2018: Finance Director Deb Alford said citizens passed a referendum in 2014 to issue $119,500,000 in general obligation bonds. All has been satisfied with a reserve of $47,000,000. Iredell Statesville is requesting those funds to be issued to build two middle schools on the sites of two elementary schools, Third Creek and Woodland Heights. The request is to approve the resolution to issue those bonds. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the resolution providing for the sale and issuance of not to exceed $47,000,000 general obligation school bonds, series 2018. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if $47,000,000 will build both schools. Alford said yes, according to school officials. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Request from the Iredell County Economic D evelopment Commission to approve an amendment to the incentive agreement with Project Deacon: Chris Younger said the Board approved an economic incentive agreement on February 20, 2018. Based on the estimated investment of $52,136,436 with an estimated annual incentive in the amount averaging $156,694 per year for seven years with such incentive not to exceed a total of $1,096,857 and with such additional terms that may be negotiated and approved by the County Manager and the Board of Commissioners. The request is to consider an amendment to this agreement to include additional terms allowing for discretionary a grant in the amount of $60,000 for Project Deacon to address unexpected infrastructure construction costs at their existing manufacturing facility located in Mooresville and to extend the time to execute the agreement by 180 days. The company would like to remain as Project Deacon until a final decision is made by the corporate office. The company is a manufacturer with plans to expand the existing facility by 7,500 square feet, replace two older lines of production with the latest technology of production line machinery and equipment and update infrastructure water lines, electrical, and gas. The company anticipates to create 20 full time positions and generate $52.1 million in new tax investment. This project will expect to be completed by the end of 2018. Commissioner McNeely stated this plays well with the new Economic Incentive Policy that gives the Board flexibility to help companies expand in Iredell County. MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to approve an amendment to the Economic Incentive Agreement with Project Deacon to include a discretionary grant in the amount of $60,000 to address unexpected infrastructure construction costs at the expansion of their existing manufacturing facility and extend the time to execute the agreement by 180 days. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 7 August 21, 2018 Younger expressed appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the company to the Board. Chairman Mallory brought attention to the annual report of the newly formed Iredell Economic Development Corporation which reflects a tremendous amount of success during the last fiscal year. The team added a total of $136 million in additional investment with 1,204 new jobs for citizens in Iredell County. Commissioner McNeely expressed appreciation to the team and for the impressive report. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No one wished to speak. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) NEW BUSINESS Commissioner McNeely reported on a meeting with NC Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon concerning the I-77 toll lanes. DOT is trying to make the situation better with some different options. They are willing to negotiate with Centra to try to change some of the toll lanes into general purpose lanes. McNeely was disappointed in that it was hoped there would be an opportunity for the State to buy out the contract, but that does not appear to be one of the items in negotiation. Therefore, citizens will still be doing business and paying tolls to a Spanish based company. It’s ‘wait and see’ for the results of the negotiations. Until the contract is negotiated to a better stand point any improvements made, such as hardening the shoulders for a possible lane during overcrowded events, the State would have to pay compensation to Centra. Everyone in the meeting put forth a great deal of effort and each was heard but now they will try to negotiate. Chairman Mallory said the normal processes of allocating resources for road development, or any assistance for I-77 out of the normal process would be unlikely. This will take the legislators having some special appropriations to actually solve this problem. Commissioner McNeely feels that is the only way this problem will be solved. This will be set aside from normal STI scoring and funding. It will have to be something done by the legislature, especially for it. This is a unique project and was actually set in place, developed, and designed before the strategic transportation index (scoring) was set up. This is not a new project, it is a change order on a very, very poorly built house. It will have to come outside of DOT and the scoring system currently in place. It is an on-going project that should be able to be changed. McNeely encourage everyone to call and share their feelings about this project with state representatives. It is going to be a very expensive tax on citizens in Iredell and Mecklenburg and others coming through. Chairman Mallory reiterated for citizens to call representatives. 8 August 21, 2018 COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Jones spoke on the following items:  During the pre-agenda meeting, the State of Iredell County Report was distributed. This is a new report and is part of the strategic planning in tying back to departmental goals and the budget. This document is posted on the web site under Strategic Plan. It gives an update and summary on the status of goals. Some goals are on-going which are indicated in the report. Other accomplishments are also noted in the report. It is planned to present this report annually.  The Iredell County Agricultural Fair will begin Friday, August 31 through Saturday, September 8.  Congratulations to Chairman Mallory and his family on the newest addition of a grandson born Sunday. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to staff who worked very hard this year to align their efforts more completely with the goals and objectives adopted by this Board. CLOSED SESSIONS Chairman Mallory said there is one item to report from Closed Session (which was held following pre-agenda) pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) for Property Acquisition. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve an agreement for the purchase of real property from Barium Springs Home for Children to include approximately 27 acres with associated facilities located on Grannis Lane for the amount of $665,000. Commissioner McNeely stated, for the record, that the money spent to acquire this property is actually a reallocation of money already budgeted for Parks and Recreation. Instead of building off site office space for Parks/Rec they will acquire already constructed buildings at Barium Springs that will house the Parks/Rec Department. McNeely feels this agreement is a win/win situation and is happy to see this project progress. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Chairman Mallory said there is no action item on the Personnel item. ADJOURN MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to adjourn at 7:40 PM. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018, 5:00 PM, in the South Wing Conference Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 __________________________________ ___________________________________ Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk