Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-05-2019 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 March 5, 2019 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. 9 March 5, 2019 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 10 March 5, 2019 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