HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-05-2019
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March 5, 2019
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA MINUTES
March 5, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, March
5, 2019 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, Finance Director Debra Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Remove: Economic Development from Closed Session
Commissioner McNeely will give a report from the I-77 toll road under New Business.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Register of Deeds for approval of a resolution granting authority to
set the office hours for both the Statesville and Mooresville offices in the event of inclement
weather or safety issues: County Manager Beth Jones said the request was discussed at the last
meeting and the Board asked staff to work through the notification process. Staff has done that and
the resolution now includes the notification process. Commissioner McNeely and Commissioner
Houpe asked that the item be consent. Commissioner Norman requested that this item be discussed
during the 7pm meeting.
The Board agreed to consider the request during the 7pm meeting.
Request from Partners Behavioral Health Management for approval to reallocate
$2,500 of current funds to support a Med Assist event: Jeff Eades said this request is to move
money previously allocated for Consumer Reserves to assist with a Med Assist event. Partners
originally had $15,000 budgeted for Consumer Reserves and there is still $13,000 to date. A Med
Assist event costs approximately $10,000. Partners is going to allocate $2,500 out of their General
Fund to support the event as well. The Wells Fargo Foundation and the Family of Denise Howard
is also contributing to the event.
Dr. Denise Howard explained that a Med Assist event is planned for May 3, 2019 from
9am – 2pm at the Statesville YMCA. Med Assist is a free pharmacy that provides prescription
medication at no charge to NC residents, who are uninsured and cannot afford their medicine. At
the event, Med Assist will provide free over the counter medicines to anyone in Iredell County.
There will be enough medicine for 1,000 people to receive 10 different medications. Staff of Med
Assist will also interview indi to see if they qualify for the free prescription medicine program. A
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March 5, 2019
number of health screenings will be provided at no charge. Novant Health will also be providing
free mammograms at the event.
Dr. Howard gave a brief history on Med Assist. The program started with a $66,000 grant.
Since then, $61 million of prescriptions and over the counter medicines have been distributed.
Chairman Mallory asked what type of medicines dispersed at the event.
Dr. Howard said Tylenol, allergy medicines, cold and cough medicines.
Vice Chairman applauded Dr. Howard for her efforts.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Planning & Development for approval of an Inter-local Agreement for
the Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission: Planning Director Matthew Todd
requested that the County continue its’ inter-local agreement with Statesville, Troutman,
Mooresville, and Davidson for the Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission. The
committee meets monthly to discuss transportation issues within the County. Todd said the group
has done a great job with bringing the jurisdictions together as they try to advance transpo rtation
projects through the scoring system. The agreement it for two years.
Commissioner McNeely highly recommended approval of the agreement and said the
commission is very helpful and informative with transportation projects. The committee creates a
unified voice for the area during Charlotte Regional Transportation Organization (CRTPO)
meetings.
Chairman Mallory said the committee is essential to present this area’s priorities to the
CRTPO. The CRTPO allocates the funds based on a ranking of projects through a complex
formulaic approach. The County is involved through the Lake Norman Transportation
Commission meetings to be able to coordinate with staffs from the County and municipalities to
understand where everyone is coming from and go forward in a unified front at CRTPO.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the fee is annually.
Commissioner McNeely said a fee of $15,750 is paid annually.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the County is required to be a member of a transportation
planning organization but there is a choice of which organization.
Todd said the southern end of the County does not have a choice because of the
metropolitan area and the population. However, the northern end of the County does have a choice.
For a number of years, planning staff attended the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) in addition
to CRTPO. However, logistically staff felt the need to join the whole county with CRTPO.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the County should stay with CRTPO.
Todd feels the County is better served by staying with CRTPO.
Jones reminded the Board that the request is specifically for the Lake Norman Regional
Transportation Commission.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment #33 for
additional Child Health Funds to purchase new equipment: Health Department Director Jane
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March 5, 2019
Hinson said the Health Department has the opportunity to receive $20,441 from the Women and
Children Health Section of the NC Division of Public Health. Hinson said the funds would be used
to purchase a handicap exam table, portable handicap scale, small vaccine refrigerator, and other
equipment.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the request was vetted through the Board of Health at a recent
meeting.
This item was placed on consent.
BA#33
3/5/2019
To appropriate state funds for the Child Health program to purchase a handicapped exam
table and portable handicapped scale, a small vaccine refrigerator, and additional medical
equipment and supplies.
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
10491351 440007 Child Health Grant (7,855) (20,441) (28,296)
10913511 535016 Medical Supplies - 9,086 9,086
10913511 610000 Depreciable Assets 7,000 7,700 14,700
10913511 620000 Non-Depreciable Assets - 3,655 3,655
Request from Parks and Recreation Department for approval of budget amendment
#34 to increase funding provided to Iredell-Statesville Schools from $25,000 to $50,000 to
help cover costs of utilities and maintenance for athletic and recreation use of school
facilities: Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hepler said the request will increase funding
from the Parks and Recreation Department to Iredell-Statesville Schools, and will help offset those
costs of the school facility use by county sponsored and/or partnered programs. The increase is the
first since 1995. The partnership between Iredell-Statesville Schools and the Parks and Recreation
Department provides utility usage at existing properties and reduces the need for additional
purchased or developed playing fields throughout the County. This would also allow continued
dual-used of school facilities.
Chairman Mallory said this item was discussed during the Board’s Fall Retreat where the
Board asked staff to conduct an analysis of the usage and the potential increase. There has been a
commensurate increase of use of fields throughout the County. This is a good way to leverage
resources the County has purchased.
This item was placed on consent.
BA#34
3/5/2019
Appropriate Contingency to increase funding provided to Iredell Statesville Schools
to help cover costs of utilities for athletic and recreational use of school facilities.
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
105480 530200 Contingency 172,206 (25,000) 147,206
10545590 537000 Utilities-Electricity & Water 84,564 25,000 109,564
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March 5, 2019
Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of Provider
Location Agreement for Silver & Fit, Fitness Passport, and AARP/Renew Active programs,
and authorize the County Manager to sign, contingent upon reaching an agreement
satisfactory between both parties: Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hepler said the
contracts have been vetted by the County’s Purchasing and Contract Manager Dean Lail and
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and have also gone through the first round of divisions. Staff is
waiting on the final contracts back from the providers. Approval of the contracts with allow senior
citizens to have healthcare programs that participate Silver & Fit, Fitness Passports, and
AARP/Renew Active to use the County Recreation Center at no cost to the senior and still provide
revenue for cost recovery. Silver & Fit is approximately $3.50 per visit with a maximum 12 visits
per month. There are currently 19 Silver & Fit members using the facility. Based on these numbers
staff anticipates an approximate $400 monthly income. There is no cost to the County to participate
in Silver & Fit. Fitness Passport pays $20 per month as long as the users access and utilize the
facility at least one time per month. Based on the current 17 users staff anticipates an approximate
$340 monthly income. AARP/Renew anticipated income, based on current users, is approximately
$95 for the first month and $105 for the subsequent months. There is a $5 one-time charge to be a
part of the program. There is a $1.50 fee to register each user. This cost will be approximately $16
per month.
Hepler recognized Recreation Center Manager James Huffman and he was available to
answer any questions specifically related to the Recreation Center.
Commissioner Houpe asked Hepler to make the media aware of the new programs.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of audit contract with Martin
Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019: Finance Director
Debra Cheek said counties are required to be audited yearly by an outsi de firm. Last year, there
were some changes made at the State level directing benefits from Medicaid to be audited in a
different manner and there was a 10% increase in the fee. Staff decided to continue with the firm
because they did not feel it was advantageous to go out for bid. However, this year the contract
went out for bid. The lowest bid was Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A., the County’s
current auditor. The firm’s fee decreased by 10%.
Commissioner McNeely asked if decrease was because of the firm’s familiarity with the
County.
Cheek said Martin Starnes concentrates on being the governmental auditing firm in the
State.
Vice Chairman Bowles said Martin Starnes have served the County well for a long time.
Commissioner Houpe expressed his appreciation to the Finance staff for their due
diligence.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
February 19, 2019: There were no corrections.
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
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March 5, 2019
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones gave updates on the following items:
Iredell County Employee/Retiree Appreciation Ceremony, Friday, March 8, 2019
at 8am at the Iredell County Agricultural Resource Center.
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of the Iredell County Recreation Center,
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 11am.
Jones said the County has received great feedback regarding the facility. The number of
memberships continue to grow. A citizen recently donated TV’s to the center.
Chairman Mallory moved into Closed Session at 5:45pm.
The Board returned from Closed Session at 5:55pm and recessed until the 7pm meeting.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
March 5, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 5,
2019 at 7:00 PM, in the South Wing Conference Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
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, Finance Director Debra Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
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 Chairman Mallory.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
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March 5, 2019
Add: Commissioner McNeely has an item under New Business.
Remove: Economic Development from Closed Session.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Request from Iredell County Economic Development Corporation to give an update
on the Small Business Ombudsman program: Business Development Manager Matthew
Pierce gave an overview of the Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) program. This free program
provided by the County helps small businesses navigate the development process from accessing
the feasibility of a particular location through obtaining a certificate of occupancy. To date, the
program has served 13 small businesses from Harmony to Brawley School Road. Much of the
time spent serving clients occurs behind the scene answering questions that require background
research. Pierce uses the following approaches to connect with clients: develop a partnership
with county development services, professional allies, and presentations to community groups.
Within the next 6-18 months, Pierce plans to develop a guide to development for small
businesses, tighten the connection with Planning Department, and schedule regular visits with
Chamber groups to get the word out about the SBO.
Pierce said one of the first businesses he worked with from start to finish opened a new
location yesterday, March 4, 2019. Treadz, an automotive, power sports sales and accessory
center opened on Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. Treadz experienced many challenges that
small businesses face. They had an unanticipated move on a short time, limited financial
resources, and found a great location that required a change of use on the building.
Chairman Mallory explained that the SBO was a new initiative that the Board approved
as a result of recognizing a need to address some specific needs of small businesses.
Commissioner McNeely said Pierce has done an incredible job. There was no template to
start with, so he has pioneered the program.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked Pierce to assist in educating small businesses how costly it
is to build back after tearing out. He also encouraged him to talk with the Fire Marshall’s Office.
Commissioner Houpe asked Pierce to encourage businesses to hire reputable contractors
during the construction process.
Chairman Mallory expressed his appreciation to Pierce for fulfilling the Boards’ goals in
helping small businesses.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Partners Behavioral Health Management for approval to reallocate
$2,500 of current funds to support a Med Assist event: Chairman Mallory explained this item
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March 5, 2019
was placed on consent however, the Board feel it is important for Dr. Denise Howard to share
details of the Med Assist Event again in order to get the widest possible dissemination.
Dr. Denise Howard said the Med Assist Event will be Friday, May 3, 2019 from 9am -2pm
at the Statesville YMCA. At the event, Med Assist will provide free over the counter medicines
for anyone in Iredell County. Examples of medications include Tylenol, allergy medicine, and etc.
There will be enough medicine for 1,000 individuals to receive 10 different medications. Staff of
Med Assist will also interview individuals to see if they qualify for the free prescription medicine
program. A number of health screenings will be conducted at no charge. Novant Health will also
be providing free mammograms at the event. Dr. Howard will perform a measurable outcome on
the event and will report to the Board.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the event is first come first serve for the medications and
health screenings.
Dr. Howard said yes. If there is a need for more screenings, Novant may negotiate more
mammograms depending on the need.
Chairman Mallory expressed his appreciation to Dr. Howard for organizing this first time
event in Iredell County. This is an opportunity to service a population that falls between the cracks
of the fully insured and uninsured but have Medicaid.
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as
follows:
Request from Partners Behavioral Health Management for approval to reallocate
$2,500 of current funds to support a Med Assist event.
Request from Planning & Development for approval of an Inter-local Agreement
for the Lake Norman Transportation Commission.
Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment #33 for
additional Child Health Funds to purchase new equipment.
Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of budget
amendment #34 to increase funding provided to Iredell-Statesville Schools from
$25,000 to $50,000 to help cover costs of utilities and maintenance for athletic and
recreation use of school facilities.
Request from Parks and Recreation Department for approval of Provider Location
Agreement for Silver & Fit, Fitness Passport, and AARP/Renew Active programs,
authorize the County Manager to sign, contingent upon reaching an agreement
satisfactory between both parties.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of audit contract with Martin
Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
February 19, 2019.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Request from the Register of Deeds for approval of a resolution granting authority to
set the office hours for both the Statesville and Mooresville offices in the event of inclement
weather or safety issues: Chairman Mallory said this request was discussed at the last meeting
and action was deferred to allow the County Manager, Mr. Wyatt, and Clerk of Court Jim Mixson
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to work out a process of determining when county offices, Register of Deeds, and the Clerk of
Court’s hours may be altered based on inclement weather or other safety issues and how to
communicate this to the public.
Commissioner Houpe explained that the Board asked t the Register of Deeds work with
the County Manager and County Attorney to put a procedure in place. That has been done and is
included in the resolution as Attachment A. The Register of Deeds, County Manager, and County
Attorney have signed off on it.
Commissioner Norman cannot support the request. There has been a plan in place for at
least 20 years. There have been two former Registers of Deeds and two former county managers
and there were no issues. There is no reason to change the current policy.
Commissioner McNeely understood where Commissioner Norman is coming from but the
Register of Deeds is an elected office and needs la titude to run the office the way he sees fit. The
resolution gives the Register of Deeds the latitude to work with the County Manager, Clerk of
Court, and Sheriff. As things move forward, there may be some adjustments made, but as of now,
the resolution can be worked with.
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to approve the resolution and Attachment A.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 1 (Norman)
RESOLUTION BY THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
GRANTING THE
REGISTER OF DEEDS THE AUTHORITY TO SET THE OFFICE HOURS IN THE EVENT OF INCELEMENT
WEATHER OR SAFETY ISSUES
WHEREAS, recent unforeseen events and discussions have identified possible adjustments are needed for the Register of Deeds’
office hours; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County operates two offices (Statesville and Mooresville), as opposed to one per county that the NC General
Statutes intended;
WHEREAS, in making decisions regarding operating hours for the County offices during inclement weather and staffing issues,
the Iredell County Manager and Register of Deeds have established a procedure by which notice will be provided for any changes
in the office hours of the Register of Deeds, and said procedure is provided in Attachment A, incorporated herein by reference; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED pursuant to NC General Statute 161-8, and upon request of Ron Wyatt, current
Register of Deeds, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners hereby grants him the authority to set the office hours for both the
Statesville and Mooresville offices in the event of inclement weather or safety issues pursuant to the procedures provided
herein. Said authority shall terminate upon the expiration of his term of office, to include subsequent terms, or at such time he
vacates the office, and is not granted to future Registers without further action by the Board.
Attachment A
Procedure for Changing County Office Hours in Adverse Weather Conditions:
After performing the necessary due diligence regarding weather, road conditions, facility conditions and necessary preparatio ns,
the County Manager will email and text the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court, Sheriff and Commissioners at least 15 minutes prior
to notifying anyone else regarding anticipated delays or closings. If there is a differing of opinion regarding the appropriate action,
the RODs and County Manager will work through it as quickly as possible through text or phone call and the final decision will be
sent out to all the individuals originally listed prior to the Hyper-reach call being sent. If the County Manager does not receive a
response back from the initial email and text within the 15 minute window, the County Manager will send another email and text
advising there was no response and then proceed with sending the hyper-reach call with the delay or closing. In the event the
Register of Deeds elects different office hours , the County Manager will specifically note in the hyper-reach call that the office of
the Register of Deeds is excluded from “All County Offices” notice; the Register of Deeds specific office hours that day will be
noted separately.
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Commissioner Houpe made a clarification on this request. The Board received advice
from County Attorney Lisa Valdez throughout the process. It is not fair to say that Valdez signed
off on it or prepared the resolution.
Valdez agreed.
Commissioner Norman asked the point of the clarification.
Commissioner Houpe said the Board received advisement from the County Attorney
throughout the process. Valdez added a paragraph to the resolution requesting other steps be
taken by the County Manager or Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds elected to leave that
paragraph out of the resolution and the Board was okay with that.
Commissioner Norman asked what was wrong with the previous process.
County Attorney Lisa Valdez explained it is her job to give the Board legal advice when
asked. What the Board does after is their discretion, as commissioners.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner McNeely gave an update from the I-77 Toll Road Advisory Committee
meeting with the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) from last week. Last summer, the
committee discussed different options with the NCDOT and in turn, the NCDOT shared what they
are allowed to do under contract. Last week’s meeting was a rehash of the previous meeting and
there is nothing new to report. The NCDOT may decide to harden shoulders of the road so that the
emergency lanes can be used at certain times but there is no idea on costs or a time line.
Commissioner McNeely is hopeful that the next meeting will be more productive. The
County will continue to struggle because of the toll roads. It will be a major deficit on the County’s
economic development because of the inability to move freight. Charlotte is one of the largest
economic engines in the southeast and the County will not be able to work with them because of
the lack of ability to move freight. The County is at a disadvantage. The toll roads will probably
have to open and to be active in order for the NCDOT to realize the toll road is not the answer.
Chairman Mallory said freight transportation is very important to the County. Highways
21 and 115 are backed up in the southern end of the County. If the toll roads are turned into general-
purpose lanes, they are not built to the same standard as other general-purpose lanes. The toll roads
are not designed for truck traffic. The County’s planning staff is working on a Transportation Plan
that will be synchronized with the different municipalities within the County. The southern end of
the County is becoming more urbanized. In order to preserve corridors for future development of
a road net that is able to service the County, decisions will need to be made in the next couple of
years. There is a tremendous amount of additional freight coming into the east coast with the
widening of the Panama Canal to accept containerships. Drudging has been taking place from
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Jacksonville, Florida to Wilmington, NC. That additional traffic is coming this way and businesses
are going to follow the traffic. It is in the County’s economic benefit to plan ahead.
Commissioner McNeely said Rock Hill, SC and Statesville, NC were very similar 40 years
ago. Currently, Rock Hill has eight lanes and Statesville only has four.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones gave updates on the following items:
Iredell County Employee/Retiree Appreciation Ceremony, Friday, March 8, 2019
at 8am at the Iredell County Agricultural Resource Center.
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of the Iredell County Recreation Center,
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 11am. The public is encouraged to attend.
Jones said there has been great feedback regarding the facility. The number of
memberships continue to grow. A citizen recently donated TV’s to the center.
CLOSED SESSIONS
Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session relating to Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) was
held immediately after pre-agenda.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to enter into record a settlement in the amount of
$35,000 in Iredell County matter 18 CVS 1802, Majors vs. Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to adjourn at 7:52PM. The next regular meeting will
be Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 5:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government
Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk