HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-2-2018
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October 2, 2018
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA MINUTES
October 2, 2018
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday,
October 2, 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
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Gene Houpe
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Deputy Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson, 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
adjustments:
Clarification: Thomas Sapp will represent the Young Marines at the 7 pm meeting.
Add: Administrative Matter VIII.10 - Request from ICATS to consider calling a public
hearing for transportation grants.
Chairman Mallory asked about the three appointments to the Planning Board.
Jones explained that the appointments can be done aft er the public hearing or during
Appointments to Board and Commissions.
Chairman Mallory noted that the appointments should be listed under Appointments to
Boards and Commissions but the matter can be brought up after the public hearing.
Commissioner Houpe had a matter of unfinished business. Iredell-Statesville Schools sent
a formal request to increase utility funding from $25,000 to $50,000 annually. This funding has
not been increased in 25 years. Commissioner Houpe said the Board preliminarily approved the
request but the school system needed to make a formal request.
Chairman Mallory asked if this item should be added to the consent agenda.
Commissioner Houpe agreed.
Commissioner McNeely asked to see the request.
Jones explained she received the request this morning and can provide a copy.
Commissioner McNeely asked if this item can wait until the next meeting.
Commissioner Houpe said the school system needs it done as soon as possible so that it
can be put into the 2018-19 school calendar year. Commissioner Houpe shared that he called the
school system after realizing the item was not on the agenda. The schools emailed Jones today.
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October 2, 2018
Commissioner McNeely asked if the request requires a budget amendment.
Jones said the request needs a budget amendment and one has not been done.
Commissioner McNeely suggested the request be placed on October 16, 2018 meeting
agenda.
Commissioner Houpe said the schools provided a 14-page attachment explaining the utility
uses.
Vice Chairman Bowles agreed that the request should be heard at the next meeting so that
it will be explained in the minutes properly.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing in regard to text amendments to the Land Development Code:
Public Hearing in regard to the Uniform Schedules of Values, Standards, and Rules
for Market Value and Present – Use Value (Schedules) to be used for 2019 Countywide
Appraisal: Tax Assessor Melia Miller said a question was raised at the last meeting about which
prior appraisal is most similar to the upcoming. Based on conversations with staff and a sales ratio
study the most similar is 2007. A chart was provided to show the last several appraisals. A sales
ratio study of previous years was distributed to the Board. In reappraisal years it is expected that
the assessed value to the sales price be 100%.
Commissioner McNeely said it appears the County will see a jump in the value of homes.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Register of Deeds for approval of a revenue stamp refund : Register
of Deeds Ron Wyatt stated a deed was recorded July 12, 2018 and an excise stamp in the amount
of $120 was collected erroneously. The deed showed there was no consideration paid.
Chairman Mallory asked if there have been any recommendations from the Register of
Deeds Association to relieve the statutory requirement for refunding revenue stamps. The process
seems to be unduly and lengthens the time to spend a dollar to take a dime.
Wyatt agreed and shared that he serves on the legislative committee for the Register of
Deeds Association and it has been discussed. There has been resistance from legal municipalities.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked whose responsibility it is to catch the error.
Wyatt said the attorneys.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Sheriff’s Office for approval of a new School Resource Officer
position and budget amendment #14: Sheriff Darren Campbell said a new School Resource
Officer will be placed at Mt. Mourne IB School. The NC General Assembly appropriated almost
$30 million for school safety. Iredell-Statesville Schools received $33,333 of the funds. The school
system agreed to fund an additional $16,667 for the position. The benefits are plentiful from having
resource officers at schools.
Chairman Mallory asked if the vehicle is included in the cost.
Campbell said the vehicle will come from the current fleet.
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October 2, 2018
Chairman Mallory asked if School Resource Officers are utilized during the summer.
Campbell said most of the resource officers are used in lake patrol during the summer
months.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked who will fund the position next fiscal year.
Campbell said the Sheriff’s Office funds all the resource officers. This is the first one the
school system has funded. Mt. Mourne is the only county middle school that does not currently
have a resource officer.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the county needs to be prepared to fund the position next year
if the budget amendment is approved and asked if this is a step in school safety or was this
placement coming no matter what.
Campbell said this is a step forward in school safety. Mt. Mourne was strategically chosen.
Commissioner McNeely said the County only received $33,333 out of $30 million the state
appropriated for school safety.
Campbell said Cabarrus County received over $699,000.
Chairman Mallory asked if the funding was based on requests.
Campbell said some of it was based on legislators.
Commissioner Houpe said it was the tier system and advocating by the legislators.
Commissioner Norman asked about officer presence in the elementary schools.
Campbell said elementary schools are checked regularly. There have been 29,812
elementary school visits in the last three years.
Chairman Mallory asked if any charter schools in the County received funding.
Jones said one charter school received funding.
Campbell said he would provide a list of the funding to the Board.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what the Board can do to help next year if state funding is
available.
Campbell suggested talking with the legislators and share the County’s needs. Iredell
County is ahead of some counties in school safety.
Chairman Mallory said the unmet needs will be identified based on the group meeting
between the schools and Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner McNeely said this is why the one quarter cent sales tax is critical. The
County does not receive funding that other counties do.
Commissioner Houpe said a lot of tax funds come from people traveling through the
county.
Vice Chairman Bowles said he wants to make sure Iredell County tax paying citizens get
their fair share.
This item was placed on consent agenda.
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October 2, 2018
Chairman Mallory asked for an update on the jail construction.
Jones said, contractually, an occupation date is May 2019, although that may bleed over to
June.
Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of budget amendment #13 to fill a
vacancy created by an employee on extended leave: Parks and Recreation Director Michelle
Hepler said this request is transfer needed funds to cover the cost of salary and benefit expense to
fill a vacancy left by an employee on extended leave.
This item was placed on consent agenda.
BA#13
10/2/2018
Transfer funds to Parks & Recreation Salary and Fringe to double fill Administrative
Assistant position.
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
105480 510004 Salaries & Wages - Overtime 94,800 (32,007) 62,793
105655 510002 Salaries & Wages 366,826 21,182 388,008
105655 512501 FICA 41,917 1,621 43,538
105655 512502 Insurance 79,400 6,490 85,890
105655 512503 Retirement & 401K 46,979 2,714 49,693
Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of budget amendment #15 to
appropriate grant(s) and donated funds for East Iredell Li ons Club Community Park
Project: Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hepler said the grants will be used to fund a
walking trail for East Iredell Lions Club Community Park. The County will need to use only $3,500
of what is currently budgeted for the remainder of the project.
Commissioner Houpe requested thank you letters sent to the entities who donated funds.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Chairman Mallory asked about the purchase of the Children’s Hope Alliance property.
Hepler said the YMCA waived their right of first refusal. The County received a signed
contract from Children’s Hope Alliance to move forward with the property in three phases.
Phase 1: House on the property to relocate staff
BA#14 Appropriate funds for new School Resource Officer position.
10/2/2018
Account # Current
Budget
Change Amended Budget
104510 472234 School Resource Officers Reimb (220,486) (50,000) (270,486)
105510 510002 Salaries & Wages 7,680,309 37,075 7,717,384
105510 512501 FICA 644,111 2,836 646,947
105510 512502 Insurance 1,573,113 5,084 1,578,197
105510 512503 Retirement & 401K 1,084,019 5,005 1,089,024
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October 2, 2018
Phase 2: Fitness center, pool, and the surrounding eight acres
Phase 3: Additional 13 acres to connect the center to the fairgrounds. Phase three will not
begin until after phase 2.
Commissioner Houpe asked if a transition timeline is being created.
Jones said there is a joint meeting planned with the YMCA to discuss the transition.
Hepler said staff has talked with the Town of Troutman about expanding the current
interlocal agreement.
Commissioner Houpe asked if there is plan to utilize the fitness center so people that have
been working out at the YMCA can continue doing so.
Hepler said the intention is to operate the facility as membership based fitness facility.
There is no intention of closing the facility.
Chairman Mallory it is important to note that the County is not in a position to do anything
until January 1, 2019.
Jones said the YMCA lease does not expire until December 31, 2018. The County will not
purchase the property until after that date.
Request from the Health Department to apply for a one-time $100,000 grant for local
mitigation to the Opioid Crisis from the NC Department of Health and Human Services :
Public Health Development and Promotion Director Norma Rife said in 2017 there were 1700
visits to local emergency rooms due to misuse and dependency related issues with opioids. The
Health Department is working with many agencies to reduce the opioid overdose in the County.
Rife and EMS Director Blair Richey are requesting to apply for a grant to fund a Post Overdose
Response Peer Support position. This position is similar to an unfunded position in this year’s
fiscal budget. The funding will flow through the Health Department to support EMS. The support
position will work from a peer perspective and has lived through a substance abuse experience.
The primary purpose of the position is conveying the hope of recovery for struggling individuals
so they can best overcome their challenges. The position will be paired with a paramedic to provide
relatable rapport with patients who have had a nonfatal EMS opioid visit, bring awareness to
substance abuse resources, and to make contact within 72 hours to provide navigation and support.
This position will not provide clinical care but can navigate the patient to such.
Richey said this is the second piece to the post opioid response team. This grant would
absolutely help EMS with a peer support avenue.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the position would provide on-going support to a patient.
BA#15 To appropriate donations to the East Iredell Lions Club Walking Trail.
10/16/2018
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
104655 481210 16553 Donations -
(8,000)
(8,000)
105655 605000 16553 Land & Land
Improvements
- 8,000 8,000
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October 2, 2018
Richey said the position would be in contact with a patient within 72 hours and this can
also be used to reach past patients.
Commissioner Houpe asked where peer support would meet with the patient.
Richey said the number one goal is to get in contact with the patient.
Commissioner McNeely asked about future funding for the position.
Rife said the cost of salary is fringes is just under $70,000.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the grant for the community paramedic.
Jones said the County did not receive that grant.
Richey said she was originally looking into volunteers to serve as the peer support position
but there is a need for full time dedication.
Commissioner Houpe said a community paramedic would be a great resource and should
be considered in next year’s budget.
Jones said this grant would give the County the opportunity to pilot and make sure structure
is established while giving start-up funds for the community paramedic.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Rife and Richey for working
collaboratively.
Commissioner McNeely said this is a huge cost savings for the repeat customer but it will
not be cheap to sustain it.
Commissioner Houpe said that is the importance of grants. Pharmaceutical companies may
be forced to provide grants or funding.
Request from Planning and Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
October 16, 2018 in regard to a request by Brett Kreuger to release zoning an d subdivision
jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Director Matthew Todd said the property is
located off Langtree Road and is adjacent to Mooresville jurisdiction. The property is currently on
Mooresville’s list of annexations for December 2019. The proposed use includes hotel and
commercial. The release allows developers to go ahead and submit plans before December.
Vice Chairman Bowles said if the Town does not assign zoning to the property within 60
days the property reverts back to the County.
Commissioner Houpe said the County requested the Town hold quarterly annexations.
Jones said the Town increased annexations from one to two per year.
Vice Chairman Bowles said, as a general rule, the Board has always released proposed
commercial uses.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the NCACC to submit legislative goals: Commissioner McNeely
explained that Doug Holland will speak about the raw milk bill at 7pm.
Commissioner Houpe said the goals can be discussed at 7pm and Commissioner McNeely
can recognize Doug Holland so that he can speak.
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October 2, 2018
Request from the Clerk to the Board to approve the 2019 Meeting Schedule : Jones
reminded the Board that the first meeting in January is a holiday and there is typically only one
meeting in July. Tentative dates for retreats and report to the people are also on the calendar.
Chairman Mallory had a conflict with the proposed dates for the winter retreat.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this item can be tabled to allow the Board a chance to look
at their schedules.
Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither said the dates for the retreats are only tentative and can
be changed.
Jones said the goal is to give a placeholder for dates. Nothing is set in stone.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Deputy Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from meeting
on September 18, 2018: There were no corrections.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from ICATS to consider calling a public hearing for transportation grants:
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Chairman Mallory moved the Board into Closed Session at 5:55 PM.
The Board recessed from Closed Session at 6:05PM.
Chairman Mallory explained the Board has been given a chronological outline of the Davis
Hospital Property. He asked the comparison of initial, anticipated, and final cost.
Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson said part of the cost is being paid the
endowment, but she would gather the records.
Chairman Mallory asked for out of pocket expenses for the County.
Robertson said the County’s contribution was $32,000. The County owes $122,000 to
Mitchell Community College for the project but the school has not requested the funding yet.
Chairman Mallory said the County avoided the tipping fees from waste.
The Board recessed at 6:15PM until the 7:00PM regular meeting.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
October 2, 2018
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October
2, 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
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October 2, 2018
Gene Houpe
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Deputy Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson, and Clerk to the Board
Retha Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory.
INVOCATION: Chairman Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of
silence.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Young Marine Thomas Sapp.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
County Manager Beth Jones made the following adjustments:
Add: VIII.10 Request from ICATS to consider calling a public hearing for transportation
grants
Add: Appointments to Board and Commissions
Planning Board – 3 appointments
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Thomas Sapp with the Mecklenburg County Young Marines requests approval to
proclaim October 23 – 31, 2018 as Red Ribbon Week: Young Marine Thomas Sapp said the
Mecklenburg County Young Marines positively impact America’s future by providing quality
youth development programs that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens
who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week is in memory of Enrique
“Kiki” Camerena, a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent who was captured and
murdered while off duty.
Chairman Mallory said it is clear that the Young Marines are doing their job of creating
future Marines.
PROCLAMATION by the
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RED RIBBON WEEK
OCTOBER 23-31, 2018
Whereas, communities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with illicit drug use and
those that traffic in them; and
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October 2, 2018
Whereas, there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and that hope lies in education and drug demand reduction, coupled
with the hard work and determination of organizations such as the Mecklenburg County Young Marines of the Marine Corps
League to foster a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and
Whereas, Mr. Thomas Sapp of Mooresville, is a member of the Mecklenburg County Young Marines; and
Whereas, governments and community leaders know that citizen support is one of the most effective tools in the effort
to reduce the use of illicit drugs in our communities; and
Whereas, the red ribbon has been chosen as a symbol Commemorating the work of Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug
Enforcement Administration Special Agent who was murdered in the line of duty, and represents the belief that one person can
make a difference; and
Whereas, the Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to encourage a drug-free lifestyle and
involvement in drug prevention and reduction efforts; and
Whereas, October 23-31 has been designated National Red Ribbon Week, which encourages Americans to wear a red
ribbon to show their support for a drug-free environment;
Now, Therefore Be It Proclaimed, we, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 23-31
as RED RIBBON WEEK in Iredell County, and urge all citizens to join in this special observance.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve Proclamation.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearing in regard to text amendments to the Land Development Code :
Planning Director Matthew Todd explained that the Board requested the Planning Board to
consider a text amendment increasing board membership from nine to eleven. The Planning Board
had concerns with increasing the membership. Before presenting the text amendment for
consideration staff researched other jurisdictions and the makeup of the County’s Board of
Adjustment. There are two options: increase membership to eleven (11) members (with a quorum
of seven) OR membership remains at nine with two alternate members to serve on the board in the
absence of any regular members. Also, included in the text amendment is to add a residency
requirement for Planning Board members. Members must reside within the County. The Planning
Board voted 7-0, September 5, 2018, to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments for
additional members appointed as alternates.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe who said, “That we approve the zoning text
amendments and to make a finding that the approval is consistent with the adopted Land
Development Code and that said approval is reasonable and in the public interest and furthers the
goals of the Land Development Code because it aims to improve planning board functionality and
operation in addressing common issues to include appointed members must be Iredell County
residents and that we increase the number from nine to eleven and the quorum would increase to
seven and I would also like to nominate Raymond Burnette, Scottie Brown, and Melissa Neader.
I spoke with the other applicant, Andy Webster, and he was okay with waiting until there is another
vacancy and/or another board maybe that may come vacant in December.”
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Chairman Mallory said, “I think technically perhaps we should bifurcate those and just
vote on the … just look at the eleven and then look at appointing folks to fill that. We can do it
just as you suggested.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I’d rather just vote on the motion as it stands and then we can
abbreviate if it fails to move into other areas if we can.”
Chairman Mallory said, “A motion has been made. Any further discussion?”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I just want to say we appreciate all the applicants. We sent
this to the Planning Board for advisement because it is statutorily required. All the applicants are
willing to serve. They’re good people, they’re active in our communities and I think it would be
good for us to increase the number back to eleven because it used to be eleven. The activities now
are increasing due to the economy improvements and I think by doing that it enables us to put
qualified people on the board and it prevents us from having to pick and choose amongst good
people and turning anybody down in my opinion.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said “this is a…I’d like an opportunity to explain to our audience
here this evening, this is a very hard piece of legislation here because we are tasked with trying to
provide, not necessarily district representation, but a good representation geographically
throughout the County on these appointed boards. It’s a hard call sometimes because we have folks
that have served on these boards for years and have been the workhorses, and done a very good
job and then we draw a fair amount of comment from the constituency that maybe we need broader
representation. So, this is a very very hard call to make this afternoon, but it is my prayer that we
do what is best for this county this evening.”
Commissioner Houpe said “That is what my hope was is not to turn down willing
participants and qualified people and be able to improve it to eleven. It used to be eleven. We
appreciate the recommendations the advisory…the Planning Board is one of our advisory boards
that does a great job. For some reason statutorily this is required to go to them but technically has
nothing to do with advising us on a planning or a zoning or rezoning in the County. So, I would
ask that the deference be to this Board to try to put you know the number back eleven. The
increased activities are there and that will prevent us from picking and choosing from good people
and making it appear we’ve turned anybody down. That would be my preference and hope that
this board could do that.”
Chairman Mallory asked for a map of the geographical representation based on the current
Planning Board members and the applicants.
Todd presented said map that showed the geographical location of current members
identified by green stars and proposed member identified by yellow stars.
Chairman Mallory said, “Staff prepared this map just to show the geographic representation
based on current and applicant members, proposed members, for the Planning Board. It’s a little
hard to see in this but the green stars represent current members and those green stars are
located…three are in the city limits of Statesville, three are generally in the 28117 zip code, and
one is in almost the center of north Iredell, right next to I-77 and the other is further west. So, that’s
the current membership. The proposals involve either appointing one additional full member with
two alternates or going to a full eleven-member board all voting members. In my service on the
Planning Board and this is back in the 90’s and I know that Commissioner McNeely has probably
more time on the Planning Board under his belt than anybody, having served as the Chairman and
having been on the board when it was eleven and then contracted in 2008-9 based on the drop off
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in work to do, associated with the recession. But what I found was helpful on that board was to
have a wide representation throughout this county representing different constituencies or basically
different ways of living. If you live in the country, in one particular area of the County, you have
difference perspectives perhaps than folks that live in one of our cities or built up areas. In looking
at this, there are four yellow stars and they represent the proposed applicants. As it has been
mentioned Mr. Andy Webster has…who is the Chief of our Cool Spring Volunteer Fire
Department, by the way, as indicated a willingness to serve in this capacity either now or later or
on the Board of Adjustment. Both boards of which, likewise, its helpful to have a geographical
representation. When you look at this what sort of stands out is that there’s no current
representation east of 77 and south of 40 for that quarter of the County. And, if we are looking at
trying to get a distribution geographically, understanding that all four applicants that we have are
qualified to serve. That just looking at trying to get that geographic representation than the two
stars right at 64 which is actually Mr. Webster, Chief Webster and the other star that is directly
down from the Highway 64 sign that is Melissa Neader. Those seem to be to me to check the block
as far as giving that area of the County some input into Planning Board deliberations and certainly
that is an area that is growing and it is been the subject of a couple of fairly contentious issues that
we’ve had before this board, both dealing with the land…the quarry, as well as, the solar farm that
had been proposed. If we go with eleven, basically we can achieve a significant geographic
dispersion to include Mr. Raymond Burnette that is up there between 115 and 77, the northern
quadrant. Melissa Neader in the east and Scottie Brown in the Troutman area between Statesville
and Mooresville. I think that those three appointments would bring a good balance to the board, in
terms of representation. Understood that if you go with nine and two that you can still appoint
those three in those positions but only one has a vote and the others are having to alternate
appearances potentially depending on the rules that are adopted by the Planning Board itself as to
when and how often alternates are employed. So, my two cents is , that just looking at geographic
dispersion and the prior composition of this board at eleven members that reverting back to that
earlier number and based on the motion to appoint the three individuals Raymond Burnette,
Melissa Neader, and Scottie Brown be approved (sic).”
Commissioner McNeely said, “I’d just like to note that all three are very well qualified
candidates, but I am a strong believer also in self-governance and the recommendation that has
come from our existing Planning Board is option two, which is they speak of as having two
alternates and as we’ve said before life gets busy and a lot of people can’t come to the meetings
because it is a volunteer board, appointed I should say. I feel like either option there will be plenty
of people that will be busy working on the Planning Board one way or another. So, I don’t think
either option is a bad option, one just makes the board a little bit larger and maybe cumbersome to
a point to try to acquire that quorum at seven. So, with that being said there is a motion on the
floor.”
Commissioner Houpe said “I just want to reiterate that it was eleven and it wasn’t a problem
and they cut it down because of inactivity not cumbersomeness and the nomination of my three
people cover the geographic areas of equal representation that…fair and equal that we try to do for
our citizens and all of them are interested parties and in my opinion kind of leaves politics out of
it and allows us to put good people on the board that is willing to serve and at a later date if we see
that it needs to be reduced again we could go through the process as it was before but with those
dynamics in place I’d like you consider doing the eleven and the qualified people that I have
nominated.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “This morning in the businessinsider.com they gave a report
that Bank of America along with Merrill Lynch, has reported that the most important segment of
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October 2, 2018
the housing market has peaked. And, I think that we all realize that when the credit bubble burst
in 2008 things slowed down dramatically and things were very sluggish to get back on board.
Everybody wants to know where is the top of the market. According Bank of American and Merrill
Lynch the…and today’s report they say that has…November will be the month where it will have
peaked. The top is in its existing home sales, which make up 9% of the transaction in the US
according to economists at Bank of American and Merrill Lynch. So, it is their opinion now
however, they are looking at large markets and I know we can’t compare Iredell County with lower
Manhattan and nor do I think we want to, but normally in these larger markets are our economic
indicator as to what is coming. So when you look at the need to expand the Planning Board because
of robust activity that is taking place, I think that is going to wane based on these reports out and
they aren’t the only news agency and financial institution that is reporting this. So. I think we have
made it to top. Now, how long we meander there on that top plateau is anybody’s guess but I don’t
think we’re going to get a whole lot busier than what we are now in planning and zoning.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I think that’s the case like before if we get to that point then
we could reduce it back down to nine. But, I think now what that does is the three people it gives
us fair representation and it prevents us from having to pick and choose amongst, you know,
qualified people to serve on the board, you know, from our perspective.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “Respectfully, Mr. Houpe I see option two is kind of a half-
step. That is just from the seat I am sitting in.”
Commissioner McNeely called question and asked for a vote.
VOTING: Ayes – 2; Nays – 3 (Nays: Bowles, McNeely, and Norman)
Chairman Mallory said, “The motion did not carry 2-3. Move on and discuss the relative
merits of expanding by adding two alternates to the existing board.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “I’d like to point out that on September 5, 2018 the Planning
Board voted 7-0 in favor of the text amendment option two, which is the nine and with two
alternates. And, I am prepared to make a motion.”
Commissioner Houpe asked for discussion.
Chairman Mallory said a motion has been made.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said motion carries unanimously.
MOTION Commissioner McNeely said “I’d also like to make a motion along with that we
recommend putting Raymond Burnette in as our ninth Planning Board member and our two
alternates being Melissa Neader and Scottie Brown. I think we will still serve our function as far
as covering the County. They will be very active as alternates I can guarantee you.”
County Attorney Lisa Valdez asked for clarification as Vice Chairman Bowles did not read
the consistency statement.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles who said, “To approve the zoning text amendments
and to make a finding that the approval is consistent with the adoption of the Land Development
Code and that said Development Code because it aims to improve Planning Board functions and
operates in the addressing the common zoning issues.”
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October 2, 2018
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said motion carries unanimously.
Commissioner McNeely restated his motion and said, “We recommend Raymond Burnette
for the ninth position on the Planning Board and the alternates being Melissa Neader and Scottie
Brown.”
Vice Chairman Bowles asked Todd to explain how the alternates are selected in the event
that they are needed.
Todd explained that, with the Board of Adjustment, an alternate is called on for almost
every meeting. Staff goes back and forth between the two alternates. If one has served at the prior
meeting the other will be called on for the next. There are times where an alternate cannot make
the meeting therefore, one alternate may serve multiple meetings.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked Todd if he makes that decision and contacts the alternates.
Todd said yes. Staff will reach out to the alternates.
Commissioner Houpe said, “For clarification I have a question. Since we are going to go
with prioritization are we looking at, in your motion Commissioner McNeely, are we looking at
just geographical area to make that decision, date of application, qualifications and/or relative
experience to pick the primary and two alternates or is there a rationale of how we come to that
motion?”
Commissioner McNeely said “The rationale to me was the first applicant to actually put in
when these positions…this position come up was Mr. Burnette and that is why I try to take them
in order.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Well, the first application would be Scottie Brown or Ronda
Hoke because the other applications never expired based on our existing policies.”
Commissioner McNeely said “We say that but they were still not listed when they were
brought to us when who was up to our Clerk.”
Commissioner Houpe said “That was a clerical error. That’s what I am asking. I am just
saying are we going to look at…are we going to discuss geographical representation as we…as
our intent was before or date of application and/or qualifications or experience.”
Commissioner McNeely said, “No, Scottie, Mr. Scottie Brown re-upped his application to
fill this need. So, evidently the first one had expired or he was felt or lead that way and so was I.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “He didn’t re-up he just asked her to put it in the mix.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “If you look geographically I think the three names that we
have come up with fits pretty well.”
Commissioner Houpe said “But only one has a voting…vote on that situation. That’s my
point. That’s why when I made my motion I tried to include all of them as a vote.”
Commissioner McNeely said, “At any given time and at any other given moment all three
of them have a vote.”
Chairman Mallory said, “I think what is important to me is that each area and each area
would have someone on the board in one capacity or another. But they be actively involved in all
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October 2, 2018
the discussions. I think alternating, you just trying to have enough people to have a quorum or to
meet. And you lose the benefit of someone’s perspectives like Scottie Brown, in the Troutman
area, which certainly we are having a lot of activity in or Melissa Neader in the east where we’ve
had a number of hotly contested issues relative to industrial development. So, it seems to me just
looking at a couple things. How the board internally chooses to have their alternates employed
(sic). That I would be inclined to support Melissa Neader or in the alternative Scottie Brown to be
able to provide that additional geographic diversity.”
VOTING: Ayes – 3; Nays – 2 (Nays: Mallory and Houpe)
Chairman Mallory congratulated the applicants and expressed appreciation for their
willingness to serve in one capacity or the other. The discussion by the Board regarding the
appointments have nothing to do personality but with process and perspectives on how boards
ought to best function and provide the best input to help the Board make decisions. It is in the
purview of the County Commissioners to discuss and make changes from time to time that are
deemed appropriate.
MOTION Commissioner Houpe who said “I’d like to ask our board to set a policy that all
boards in the future that applications are only good for 90 days and then they expire because that
may prevent this from happening again so that way the Clerk can keep an active file for 90 days
of applicants, you know, like this. I would also like to ask that we consider appointing future
representatives to those boards like that, that may have alternates already serving. So, they are
going to gain, hopefully, experience as a first priority maybe based on geographic field, you know,
but my motion would just be that we have a 90-day expiration of our applications for all boards.”
Chairman Mallory asked, “Would you consider amending that to 180 days, cause all of our
appointments run every six months.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I would agree to that. That way we have an expiration day and
it would prevent any kind of error like this from happening again.”
Commissioner McNeely said, “I really think having alternates is going to be beneficial to
the fact that when someone does step down from these boards, there is already somebody there
trained to assume to the full membership. To be honest with you, when the Planning Board went
from eleven to nine we didn’t have any applicants at that time and two people stepped down and
we were just sort of stuck. We went to nine really because there was no option , to be honest with
you. That is my recollection. Matthew, I don’t know if you remember that way or not but that is
kind of how I remember. So, this way we’ve always got people ready to serve and fill these. Cause
there’s times that things can get slow again and nobody thinks it’s very exciting and doesn’t feel
the fortitude or patriotism to come out and do these jobs. So, now we have people that are waiting
and ready and very qualified.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “That is the point from before is all the people are qualified
and it wasn’t that we…that was my motion originally was to try to please all them. We had willing
people willing to serve to keep us from picking and choosing so nobody… looks like that we
preferenced anyone over someone else.”
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
* * * * *
Public Hearing in regard to the Uniform Schedules of Values, Standards, and Rules
for Market Value and Present – Use Value (Schedules) to be used for 2019 Countywide
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October 2, 2018
Appraisal: Tax Assessor Melia Miller explained that part of the reval process is the development,
submittal, review and adoption of the Uniform Schedules of Values, Standards, and Rules for
Market Value and Present-Use Value Schedules. NC General Statutes are specific on the process
of adopting the schedules. Two schedules have been developed and were submitted to the Board
on September 4, 2018. The schedules have been available for public inspection since that date.
The date of the current public hearing was duly advertised on September 5, 2018. At the October
16, 2018 meeting the Board will be requested to adopt the finalized schedules and once adopted
the schedule of values will be applied to all properties for 2019 reappraisal.
Chairman Mallory said the schedules are very comprehensive and detailed guidance for
the appraisals processes.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the consent agenda as follows:
Request from the Register of Deeds office for approval of a revenue stamp refund.
Request from the Sheriff’s Office for approval of a new School Resource Officer position
and budget amendment #14.
Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of budget amendment #13 to fill a vacancy
created by an employee on extended leave.
Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of budget amendment #15 to appropriate
grant(s) and donated funds for East Iredell Lions Club Community Park Project
Request from the Health Department to apply for a one-time $100,000 grant for local
mitigation to the Opioid Crisis from the NC Department of Health and Human Services
Request from Planning and Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
October 16, 2018 in regard to a request by Brett Kreuger to release zoning and subdivision
jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville.
Request from the Clerk to the Board to approve the 2019 Meeting Schedule. There are two
tentative dates in pink listed on the calendar.
Request from the Deputy Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
September 18, 2018.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Commissioner Houpe, on behalf parents at Mt. Mourne IB School, expressed appreciation
to the Sheriff’s Office and Iredell-Schools for the placement of the School Resource Officer.
Commissioner McNeely said it is great to have a School Resource Officer at Mt. Mourne
IB School, however, it is sad that the County received only $33,333 from a $30 million allotted in
the State budget for school safety.
Request from the NCACC to submit legislative goals: Chairman Mallory said the Board
submits goals annually to the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). The
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October 2, 2018
association then distills out the requests and try to find commonality across different county. This
provides the association to focus their legislative agenda on some of the more important topics that
impact the majority of counties. Commissioner McNeely has represented the County at the
NCACC for the last several years. This year, in addition to providing some legislative goals that
are widely held throughout the state, the Board has solicited information on the issues confronting
local dairy farmers. The Board received a letter from the local Farm Bureau. Chairman Mallory
recognized Doug Holland, Vice President of Farm Bureau.
Commissioner McNeely explained the goals will be distributed to steering committees
before being parred down. There will be a total of eight to twelve initiatives that the NCACC will
try to push legislatures to listen and act on. The County has been very affective in the past with a
rate of 85% last year. The following goals will be submitted:
1. More flexibility in establishing the public school system calendar
Effective July 1, 2013, North Carolina public schools must have a start date no earlier than the
Monday closest to August 26 and an end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11, unless a
weather calendar waiver has been approved. Public schools would prefer to be aligned with the
collegiate calendar, especially those with early-college programs and dual enrollment. The current
calendar requires high school students to have Christmas break between the learning catalyst and
the exam which means a higher probability of a lower score due to the relaxed retention. It would
benefit the school system and the citizens to have local control over the calendar.
2. Streamline regulations and sharing of best practices between public & charter
schools
The intention of charter schools is to offer student choice in order to have many learning
laboratories. Due to less regulation, charter schools have the freedom to be more innovative and
flexible. Public schools are overburdened with State regulations, which takes time and energy from
the teachers and leaders, which in turn takes time away from the students. Best practices should
be shared. Public and charter schools should comply with the same regulations and given similar
flexibility.
3. Submit additional disclosures in the real estate disclosures regarding farms in the
area
Farmers in North Carolina must be protected from nuisance lawsuits. Buyers should be required
to sign a disclosure during the period of due diligence acknowledging the effects of potential farms.
Currently, farms are exempt from zoning in the County. This disclosure would make buyers aware
of potential sounds, smells, and sights.
4. Department of Social Services be removed from the requirement of the
Memorandum of Agreement
State regulations require county Departments of Social Services to be a party to a Memorandum
of Agreement. If the County has an effective and efficient Department of Social Services, the pros
of being a party to such an agreement are not viable. Departments of Social Services should not
be rated on child placement and the court system. County departments should have an option to
regionalize if they are struggling to adequately serve their citizens.
5. Session Law 2018-114 (HB374) Section 11C, Licensed Soil Scientist
This session law requires local health departments to accept reports from licensed professionals
without further review and requires the professionals to carry liability insurance in an amount to
commensurate with the risk. This bill also makes the local health departments and the State liable
for permits issued based upon these reports. There is no definition of adequate insurance. The local
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October 2, 2018
health department is required to accept and permit submittals under the law with no review, which
creates liability for public health and homeowners.
6. NC Farm Act – Amendment 5, “Raw Milk Bill”
The current bill allows dispensing of raw milk and raw milk products for personal use or
consumption to independent or partial owners of lactating animals. Unpasteurized milk can carry
dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria, which are responsible for causing
foodborne illnesses. The sale of such products would knowingly place the public at risk of
preventable infectious diseases.
Chairman Mallory asked Farm Bureau Vice President Doug Holland to speak.
Holland said agricultural is the number one industry in the State. Iredell is the number one
dairy county in the State. There are a little over 30 dairies left in the County. Currently, the dairy
industry is in a perilous time. A lot of farmers are searching for answers on how to stay in business.
Farms are facing some of the lowest price ever received for products, considering the expenses.
Dairy farmers are very committed to stay in business. The dairy industry does not need another
marketing nightmare or black eye. The raw milk legislation that was passed has come up a number
of times in the past. The same legislature puts in forth each time. The issue has been defeated until
earlier this year. The topic was put in at the eleventh hour when the legislators were considering a
farm act. Farmers did not want to risk losing the Farm Act as it is desperately needed. The lawsuits
against the hog industry are coming our way in poultry, dairy, and beef farms. Next on the agenda
are the environmentalist. They are well funded and organized, and wreaking havoc on the livestock
industry throughout the State. Agricultural is the only industry in the eastern part of the State. NC
is tier system for funding. It will effect Iredell County if the eastern part of the state loses their
only industry. Tax dollars will go to the poor counties. The provision being challenged constitutes
a serious public health risk and a threat to NC’s dairy industry. Holland expressed his appreciation
to the Board for always supporting the farming industry and read the following letter written to the
Board of Commissioners by the Iredell County Farm Bureau Board of Directors:
‘I write to urge the Board of Commissioners to adopt a resolution opposing Section 15.2
of the NC Farm Act of 2018, N.C. Session Law 2018-113 which was enacted into law earlier this
year. Section 15.2 authorizes the unregulated distribution of raw, unpasteurized milk products in
North Carolina, effective on October 1, 2018. The provision constitutes a serious public health risk
and a threat to North Carolina’s dairy industry. As you and your fellow Commissioners know,
individuals who consume raw milk put themselves at serious risk to suffer life-threatening
illnesses. Raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. Coli, and listeria, just
to name a few. Consuming raw milk products can be especially dangerous for individuals who
have weaker immune systems, including older adults, pregnant women and children. According to
the Center for Disease Control (CDC), since 1993 more than 1,500 people in the United States
have become sick after consuming raw milk products. Beyond the substantial public heal th risk
associated with unpasteurized milk, Section 15.2 of the Farm Act could cause significant harm to
North Carolina’s and Iredell County’s dairy industry. Dairy farmers across the United States are
struggling to survive due to among other things, low milk prices, high production costs, a lack of
employees and recent natural disasters. In the event that someone in North Carolina becomes ill
after consuming raw milk products there is real concern that consumers may begin to question the
safety of the entire milk supply. Given all the factors working against dairy farmers, the
distribution of unpasteurized milk is an additional risk they simply cannot afford. As a final note,
Section 15.2 was added into the Farm Act as a floor amendment as the North Carolina House of
Representatives debated the bill. As a result, the provision was not discussed in detail and no
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October 2, 2018
legislative committees had the opportunity to fully research and debate it. Because the provision
creates an unregulated environment for the distribution of raw milk, the General Assembly should
take time in its upcoming session to revisit the issue. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the
Board ask the Iredell County legislative delegation to take the lead in such an effort. Again, the
distribution of raw milk products in North Carolina presents a serious health risk to our fellow
citizens and the dairy industry here in Iredell County.’
Holland thanked the Board for their attention to this important matter.
Commissioner Houpe asked Holland to reiterate the importance of the agricultural and
dairy industry. A lot of people do not realize, because lack of a knowledge, the difference between
pasteurized and unpasteurized milk. Is there anything the Board can do in addition to adopting a
resolution that can help.
Commissioner McNeely said the board needs to ensure that the legislators take the
concerns to the General Assembly. The Raw Milk bill slipped through the cracks. Some legislators
feared that the Right to Farm bill would not be done in time to help with lawsuits and they would,
in turn lose votes. The legislators went along with the bill to maintain two or three extra votes.
This goes to show that every vote counts. However, this one was counted in the wrong way.
Commissioner McNeely reported that as a member of the Agricultural Steering Committee,
the committee will do their best to make sure this item gets into the legislative goals.
Commissioner Houpe stated that the Board needs to do all they can to help.
Commissioner McNeely suggested the Board adopt the resolution.
Commissioner Norman asked Holland about milk prices.
Holland explained that dairy farmers have been receiving way below production costs for
some time and it will remain that way for the foreseeable future, according to experts. Hopefully
the trade agreement worked out with North American Free Trade Agreement may help. There are
production costs associated with any business. A farm cannot be started and then shut down. Once
dairies are gone there will not be many options for them to come back. This issue does not just
effect dairy farmers. The supporting industries (feed mills, local hardware stores, etc.) will also
suffer. The amount of money that dairy farmers puts back into the local economy is astounding.
To lose that in Iredell County will leave a mark that will not be recovered from. The last thing the
industry needs is someone getting sick from raw milk. People think that something is wrong with
the milk. All grade-A milk producers in the County work hard to make sure that milk is safe. Each
load is sampled and tested for bacteria and antibiotics. If something is wrong with the milk the
dairy farmer is made aware.
Chairman Mallory asked Holland to share the rationale the legislator had with introducing
the raw milk bill.
Holland said the legislator has a small dairy farm in his district, that milks a hand full of
cows and wants to be able to sell raw milk. The theory is that a lot of people think raw milk is
better for them. The health risks are simply not worth it. Holland said he grew up on a farm and
drank raw milk every day and did not think anything about it. People who grow up on farms have
immunity built up to some diseases because they are constantly around them. The bacteria is in
their environment. But, someone living in town may not have the same resistance and it poses a
danger. Once the illness is contracted it can be detrimental to someone’s health.
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October 2, 2018
Chairman Mallory expressed his appreciation to Holland for sharing his expertise.
7. Increase lottery funds for construction of schools and restoring the percentage of
funds back to what was originally proposed.
Currently, only approximately 22% of lottery funds are used for construction of schools. This
percentage decreased from the roughly 40% when the education lottery was approved. The
percentage of funds need to be increased to the number originally proposed to support the
education systems and construction of schools.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the NCACC considers the order of goals as a priority.
Commissioner McNeely said the goals are given to the different steering committees.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the legislative goals and proposals as
presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said Commissioner McNeely worked with the local farm community in
order to draft a resolution to share with other counties as well as legislators throughout the state
relative to the importance of farming and the pressures the industry is under.
Commissioner McNeely presented the resolution.
RESOLUTION BY THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
IN SUPPORT OF
OUR LOCAL DAIRY FARMERS AND THE INDUSTRY STATEWIDE
WHEREAS, Iredell County is the heart of the North Carolina dairy industry and takes great pride in producing fresh,
wholesome milk for the citizens of the State of North Carolina and the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, the dairy farmers in this State and the country are experiencing severely depressed prices for their milk and
face economic uncertainty as a result; and
WHEREAS, such economic uncertainty threatens the livelihood of our local farmers and their families, our citizens as
consumers, and the existence of agriculture in our county; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County and the State depend on our dairy farmers and our agricultural community as a whole for
food, as well as local jobs and revenue, yet they are continuously faced with economic uncertainty and risk, encroaching grow th,
and an increasing threat of legal action against them by neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners desires to support its local farmers to the full extent they are
empowered to do so and ask the North Carolina legislature to continue and extend its support of dairy farmers across the Stat e.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners does hereby request that the State
of North Carolina research, evaluate and implement means to alleviate the uncertainty and manage the retail pricing of milk i n the
State, including but not limited to the reinstatement of the North Carolina Milk Commission and allowing the North Carolina
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to become the area marketing administrator for the Agricultural Marketing
Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Milk Marketing Order program. Doing so is vital to the
supply of fresh milk to the North Carolina citizens now and in the future.
Commissioner McNeely recognized several farmers in the audience.
Chairman Mallory said the government used to regulate milk prices and have a fairly
predictable understanding of production cost and profit. The situation has changed considerably.
The farmers have the ability to be much more efficient in terms of producing milk. They had the
ability to choose more milking cows to be born than bulls and as a result there is a greater number
of milking cows. This allows an oversupply which drives down prices creating a huge surplus.
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October 2, 2018
Adding to that, Walmart purchased a large, 30,000 cattle farm. Local farmers have an uphill climb
to compete in that environment. The impact of farming in all of the specialties have a ripple effect
throughout the economy, both in terms of suppliers and consumers. If nothing is done, something
very valuable can be gone.
Commissioner McNeely said it will be sad if the dairy industry leaves the County. The
County is blessed with a lot of industry, but it does not generate the numbers in the economy that
dairy and agricultural does.
Chairman Mallory expressed his concern over the vulnerability of the electric grid to the
unintentional degradation or the intentional interruption for a long period of time over a large area.
If the County experiences a large power outage a large number of people will be affected. Because
of farmers, Iredell County produces flour and milk. Bread and milk are staples regardless to what
happens in supply chains throughout the region. Throughout the world, the nation states or
transnational terror threats that look to do harm are looking to hit us through cyber warfare that
will impact the ability to access the electrical grid. A plan should be in place to deal with it and
the ability to feed people. The issue goes far beyond farmers making a living and generating
revenues. It also goes to basic survival circumstances that we hopefully never have to deal with,
but should be prepared to do so.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to adopt Resolution in Support of Our Local Dairy
Farmers and the Industry Statewide.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to the farming community for all that they have
done and continue to do. Most people who have grown up in Iredell County are one or two
generations removed from a family farm. This is where the values for the County were
promulgated. This sets Iredell County apart from other counties. We are rooted in the past but
focused on the future and farming is a big part of that future.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to adopt a Resolution specifically opposing Section
15.2 of the NC Farm Act of 2018, per the request from the Iredell County Farm Bureau.
Commissioner McNeely asked County Attorney Lisa Valdez to assist in drafting the
resolution.
Chairman Mallory asked that the resolution be distributed to the board and the resolution
be adopted prospect fully.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Commissioner Houpe thanked Commissioner McNeely, Valdez, and staff members who
worked on this issue.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
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October 2, 2018
PUBLIC COMMENT
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones gave the following reminders:
Retirement reception for Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither is Tuesday, October 16, 2018
from 3:00-4:30pm in the Government Center.
Ivanka Trump will visit NASCAR Technical Institute Tuesday, October 3, 2018.
Signed contracts from Children’s Hope Alliance to proceed with the purchase of the
Barium Springs YMCA have been received. Part of that contractual agreement based in
the lease with between Children’s Hope Alliance and the YMCA, Children’s Hope
Alliance was obligated to give the YMCA the right of first refusal. YMCA waived their
right. Svl Free News and the Statesville Record and Landmark asked Jones to write a guest
column to provide information about the purchase. The article explains why the County
decided to purchase the property and the process it went through to do so. Funds used to
purchase the property were already approved in this fiscal year budget. The funds are not
only used for construction of the Parks and Recreational facility, but to also purchase a
property and provide vital services to the community. The purchase allows the County to
better serve its citizens. The County is excited about the working relationship with
Children’s Hope Alliance. Staff will also be meeting with the Town of Troutman to discuss
the possibility of expanding its interlocal agreement. There have been several concerns
over the Silver Sneakers Program and the County will honor the agreement with Silver
Sneakers. The pool and fitness will remain a membership driven opportunity. Parks and
Recreation offices will now be located in the center of the County.
There will be some renovations done to the East Iredell Lions Club. This location will open
to the community for nature trails and walking areas.
Commissioner Houpe asked for Jones’ article to be attached to the minutes.
BY BETH JONES
Iredell County is excited to announce an expansion of recreational services to our community. In June the County became aware
that the Barium Springs YMCA property, which includes the facility, pool and soccer field, was for sale.
To further their mission to serve children and families, Children’s Hope Alliance, which owns the property and ha s leased it to the
YMCA since 2000, was looking to liquidate some of its assets. To honor the YMCA’s long-standing presence in the community,
Children’s Hope Alliance approached the YMCA first to gauge their interest in either modifying the existing lease or purchasing
the property. The Children’s Hope Alliance Board wanted to form a partnership, through this sale, with an entity that would continue
to provide beneficial services to the community. Unfortunately, they were not able to come to terms on an acc eptable arrangement
with the YMCA.
Children’s Hope Alliance then approached various governmental entities in the area to explore their level of interest in this property.
After Iredell County officials became aware of the opportunity to make a purchase of the Children’s Hope Alliance property, we
put forward a proposal, which was accepted.
At the same time, the County was in the process of designing a large addition to the newly donated East Iredell Lions Club Facility
to house the Parks and Recreation Offices. The funds were already budgeted in the 2017-2018 fiscal year budget in the amount of
$570,000 for this addition. When we were approached by Children’s Hope Alliance, we carefully considered the opportunity this
would give the County to provide additional services to our citizens. The property is centrally located in the heart of our County,
making it a great location for our Parks and Recreation Offices. It would allow the County the opportunity to expand recreati onal
services to include a fitness center, outdoor pool and additional soccer field. It would address the space needs for the relocation of
the Parks and Recreation Offices with minimal renovations. It would allow the East Iredell Lions Club Facility to be used as a
community center similar to the Scotts Rosenwald Park. All of this could be accomplished with the same amount of funds already
budgeted for the office addition.
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After careful consideration, the County submitted a proposal that included three phases. The first phase would be the purcha se of
.83 acres on Grannis Lane, including the house adjacent to the fitness center property for $75,000. This would accommodate pa rt
of our Parks and Recreation Offices with the purchase occurring 90 days after an approved contract. The second phase would be
the purchase of 18 acres to include the fitness center, pool and soccer field for $425,000 to occur after the December 31, 20 18,
expiration of the current lease and the start of the new calendar year in 2019. The third phase would involve the purchase of 18.28
acres located between the fitness center property and the Iredell County Fairgrounds for $165,000, which would occur in the budget
year beginning July 1, 2019. This offer was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on August 21; yet, as cont racted by
lease, the YMCA had the right of first refusal on any offer to purchase the property currently under lease. Subsequently, the YMCA
chose not to purchase the property.
Over the next few months the County will work diligently to prepare for this fi tness facility to reopen as a County recreational
facility and continue to provide those vital services to the community. We want to be a good neighbor and partner to Children ’s
Hope Alliance and the Town of Troutman by continuing to provide recreational services to the community. We are excited about
this new opportunity and look forward to what the future holds for this facility. We will begin making needed renovations to the
East Iredell Lions Club to open it as a community center and are currently creat ing a walking/nature trail on that property with the
help of the Statesville Rotary Club, AARP and Get Fit Iredell.
It is our mission to provide exceptional public services in an efficient and cost -effective manner to position Iredell County as a
premier community to live, work and raise a family and these projects are just a few more ways in which to accomplish that mission.
We appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we work through this process and look forward to exciting beginnings in 2019 .
Chairman Mallory invited everyone to Coffee with a Cop at McDonald’s (across from the
Mooresville Police Department) on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 8:30am.
CLOSED SESSIONS
There was a Closed Session item discussed after pre-agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to adjourn at 8:36 PM. The next regular meeting
will be Tuesday, October 16, 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 Amy B. Anderson, Deputy Clerk