HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-20-2019
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August 20, 2019
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA MINUTES
August 20, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, August
20, 2019 at 5:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman James Mallory
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Gene Houpe
Marvin Norman
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Remove: Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of a Sponsorship Opportunity
Package for the purpose of further development amenities at various parks and facilities throughout
Iredell County.
Remove: Personnel from Closed Session.
Clarification: County Manager Beth Jones explained that Project Starling is going back to
the company for consideration, therefore the public hearing will be opened and closed but there
will be no action taken.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Sheriff’s Office for approval of budget amendment #5 to use jail
commissary funds for the cost of training and handler school for a donated K-9 and purchase
a tandem utility trailer: Chief Deputy Bert Connolly said the first part of the budget amendment
is to use $6,500 of commissary funds to cover the cost of training and handler school for a donated
K-9. The K-9 will be used for officer protection and narcotic detection. The second part of the
request is to use $6,700 of commissary funds to purchase a tandem utility trailer with a ramp gate
to be used by the Sheriff’s Office road crew to transport lawn equipment to mow and landscape
grounds. The cost includes the trailer and insurance for FY2020.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Sheriff’s Office for approval of a Federal Justice Assistance Grant
(JAG): Major Todd Carver explained that the grant is used to fund the Sheriff’s Office Youth
Athletic League and for the equipment component the grant will be used for surveillance
equipment for Investigators. Carver said this differs from the original request in the Board’s agenda
packet. The request changed after speaking with the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff. Carver said
the grant is for $16,767. There is no match required.
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Chairman Mallory had a question about the original request.
Carver explained the request of SRO equipment changed to cameras and tag readers to
assist Detectives in their investigative obligations.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from South Iredell Volunteer Fire Department to withdraw funds from the
rescue reserve account in the amount of $5,986 to purchase equipment that will allow the
department to upgrade from light rescue to medium rescue: Kent Greene said this request will
allow the fire department to purchase additional equipment to upgrade them from light rescue to
medium. Green specified this is just for vehicle extrication purpose and this does not impact swift-
water, high-angle, or confined space. Mooresville still serves as the primary heavy rescue provider
for the south-end departments.
Chairman Mallory said this area is out of Iredell Rescue Squad’s service area.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what will happen when other departments who want to go to
medium rescue.
Greene said other departments that are not currently in a rescue district would have to come
before the Board to achieve medium rescue. Some fire departments have already been credentialed
at the medium level. Mt. Mourne’s rescue district will be inspected for heavy rescue within the
next couple of weeks.
Commissioner Bowles said the Board has a recent history of not creating new rescue
districts. Mooresville operates as a hub for the four south-end departments. Bowles shared concern
that there may be an assumption that extra funding is available when a department upgrades to
medium rescue.
Greene has had discussions with departments explaining that no additional rescue funding
would be allocated. Greene noted that approval of the request would not obligate the Board to
additional funding at a later date.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from EMS for approval to apply for a United Way grant to assist with start-
up costs associated with developing a Community Paramedicine Program: EMS Director
Blair Richey requested permission to apply for a United Way grant to assist with start-up costs
associated with developing a Community Paramedicine Program. Richey said staff is looking at
using the grant funding on equipment but it can also be used to offset some salary cost.
Chairman Mallory asked if the grant is strictly from the local United Way.
Richey thinks it is a local opportunity.
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Vice Chairman Bowles supports the community paramedicine program but is cautious to
use grant funds to fund salaries because the County will need to pick up any slack if the grant dries
up.
Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment 4 to
purchase a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system using Medicaid Max funds: Jessica
Ridgway requested a budget amendment in the amount of $98,120 to purchase a Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. The department’s current telephone system is roughly 15 years
old and the County IT department is unsure about acquiring equipment to replace the system, if it
were to go down. The County IT department recommends that the Health Department to switch to
the VoIP. Ridgway said a county-wide VoIP project was initiated in 2014.
Chairman Mallory asked if there any other departments that have not switched to VoIP.
Jones said there are a couple of departments who have not switched but staff is hopeful this
project will be completed next year.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of a Naming Rights
Policy, for substantial contributions made specifically for the further enhancement or
development of Parks and Recreation facilities in Iredell County: Parks and Recreation
Director Michelle Hepler requested approval of a Naming Rights Policy. Hepler explained the
policy was first presented on August 6, 2019, since then staff has made some revisions. Staff
identified criteria as well as other factors that the Board determined to be relevant in approving
potential names for facilities. Hepler went through the proposed policy and explained the intent
behind it is about honoring individuals who contribute to the development of parks and recreation
as a whole in the County. It is separate and independent from a sponsorship opportunity.
Chairman Mallory asked how a substantial gift is determined.
Hepler said staff and the Recreation Advisory Board struggled with establishing a
minimum threshold even in terms of service. It would be difficult to do that. Hepler used Bill
Benfield as an example. Benfield served 35 years on the Recreation Advisory Committee and was
significant in acquiring the lease agreement with Duke Energy for the 83 acres at Stumpy Creek.
He also able to secure the Bluefield Road property to use for the ropes course. Hepler said that
constitutes as substantial but it is difficult to place a number of years on something like that.
Chairman Mallory said it is easier to recognize individuals for their service and
contributions in terms of time and effort, but when it comes to monetary it may need to cover the
majority or cost of what is being named in their honor.
Hepler said staff also discussed it could be relative to the location. Hepler said a $250,000
gift towards Stumpy Creek in comparison to East Iredell Lions Club Park would make a very
different impact on the respective property.
Chairman Mallory said it certainly makes sense to have a policy. The weeds will be
wrestled with but a policy is commendable. It will give some direction and set a level of
expectation.
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Hepler noted that all naming requests will go before the Recreation Advisory Board and
the Board of Commissioners for consideration. It is hard to put a dollar figure on certain pieces.
Chairman Mallory asked about the inclusion of firearms. There are manufacturers of
firearms in Iredell County and businesses that sell them.
Hepler said firearms are prohibited from park settings by an ordinance.
Chairman Mallory asked if pawn shops would be excluded because they are involved in
selling firearms.
Valdez said they would not be entirely excluded. If a majority of the sales of firearms
makes its profit, it would be excluded.
Chairman Mallory suggested deleting the “relate to” is subparagraph 4.
Commissioner Robertson agreed.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the removing of the wording would expose the County in
any way.
Valdez does not think so. Valdez explained that part of the tool that was included in
substantial was the donation agreement to address different parameters.
This item was placed on consent with the deletion of “relate to.”
Policy – Naming Rights
Iredell County Parks and Recreation considers naming facilities to be a significant endeavor since the name of a
facility can reflect upon the employees and residents of the community and is intended to be long term. During the
initial facility naming process, or at a time subsequent to initial naming of a facility, the Recreation Advisory Board,
as well as the Iredell County Board of Commissioners may consider, on an individual basis, the alignment of values
between Iredell County and the recognized person or entity.
Naming right applications will be approved or denied on a first come, first serve basis. The right to name an Iredell
County Parks and Recreation facility will be considered in honor of an individual or organization for their contribution
to the community, or a substantial gift to the County for the development of the park facility. Iredell County
understands that significant monetary contributions for enhancing parks and recreation amenities warrants
consideration and recognition, and as such naming a facility for a person(s) who have made a significant monetary
contribution in the development of a park facility will be considered as part of a donation agreement, executed between
the parties. The Recreation Advisory Board will consider the following criteria, as well as other factors the board
determines to be relevant approving potential names for facilities:
1) the name should not be so similar to the names of existing facilities as to cause confusion;
2) the name should include a designation of the type of facility, such as baseball field, soccer field, walking trail, or
other facilities identified as applicable;
3) the name may specify the geographic locality of the facility;
4) the name should be aligned with the values of Iredell County Parks and Recreation and exclude businesses or
services that relate to, or derive a majority of their proceeds from the following:
i) The sale of alcohol or tobacco products, firearms or pornography;
ii) The sale of products or services that are contrary to the mission of Iredell County Parks and Recreation,
which is “to create, encourage, and provide outstanding recreational, natural, and cultural experiences
for the citizens of Iredell County, as well as enhance our community for this and future generations;”
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iii) Products, goods or services that are illegal;
iv) Products, goods or services related to religion or politic al campaigns or position.
5) the name should be aligned with all local, state, and federal laws;
6) Individuals considered for naming rights shall no longer be living, except in the instance of a donation agreement
referenced above, shall have made a substantial contribution to the county or local community through time or
volunteerism, or directly to the development of parks and recreation facilities or programming by service on
board(s). Further, the County shall conduct a background check prior to the approval of any naming rights for a
person(s). The Recreation Advisory Board and Board of Commissioners shall consider adjudication of any crimes
of moral turpitude, or crimes conflicting with the mission of Iredell County Parks and Recreation, in review of
the application of naming rights.
Request from Administration for consideration and acceptance of an offer in the amount
of $571,050 to buy 204 Bluefield Road and adoption of a resolution to sell the 43.70 acre tract
of land with authorization to begin an upset bid process: County Manager Beth Jones explained
that the County received an offer for the Bluefield Road property. Purchasing and Contracts
Manager Dean Lail said an offer of $571,050 was received. The County can accept, negotiate,
receive the offer and advertise the initial offer if the Board accepts in for an upset bid process. Lail
said the request also includes approval of a resolution that outlines the process. Lail explained the
process, the initial bid is advertised to give others 10 days to upset the bid by a certain dollar figure.
If a bid is received that legally upsets the bid then the new bid is re-advertised. This process is
continued until there are no other upset bids. Once a final upset bid offer is received the offer is
brought to the Board with the option of accepting or rejecting any of the bids brought. Lail
explained the Board has full control throughout the statutory process to make the decision to
continue, stop, or accept a new bid process.
Commissioner Houpe asked what the Boards’ options were.
Valdez said there are a minimal number of procedures for the Board to use for disposition
of real property, option, sealed bid where the Board set a minimum, or upset bid process. The
resolution outlines that the Board intends to accept the bid before accepting it the upset bid process
has to take place. If the Board does not intend to accept the offer then the Board would not adopt
the resolution. The Board would reject the offer. There is a fine line between the private negotiation
aspect that the Board is not allowed to do with real estate. If the intent of the Board is not to proceed
with the process the Board would stop at this point.
Chairman Mallory asked what legal liability the County have if they are not interested in
the offer.
Valdez said the offer is not being accepted tonight, the request to start the process and
express the intent. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids at any time in the
resolution.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the Board could reject the highest offer during the upset bid
process.
Valdez said the Board could reject any and all bids at any point and time before they are
accepted. The Board is not accepting an offer tonight.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the County is allowed to market the property.
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Valdez said yes. Initially, the resolution was to engage with a realtor and put the property
on the market. This offer came forward without having to do that.
Lail said the Board does not obligate the County to sell property to anybody unless the final
offer is accepted. The property can be marketed to get the initial bid offer.
Commissioner Houpe said it is important to maximize the sale price of the property to
offset tax dollars and future recreation expenses. Houpe does not support accepting the offer.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if contingencies can be placed on offers.
Lail said the resolution reflects that the property is being sold as-is.
Valdez said a potential buyer could include contingencies, but the upset bid process does
not allow anything to change except the price. At this point, the offer before the Board does not
include a contingency.
Commissioner Houpe asked how long the offer is good.
Lail said there is no time limit.
Commissioner Houpe said there is nothing to lose by starting the process and having the
option to refuse any offers.
Valdez said while there is not a time limit, the offer could be withdrawn.
Lail said in the upset bid process, every subsequent bid has to increase the initial offer by
a minimum amount. If received, the next bid would have to be $599,652.50.
Commissioner Robertson said sometimes it makes sense to sell property to adjacent
property owners but this piece of property is going to be developed at some point. No one is going
to buy the property to build a home. This requires a longer decision making process. The property
belongs to the taxpayers. Robertson shared concerns over the time restraints in the upset bid
process. Robertson suggested tabling the item to allow staff a chance to look into marketing ideas
and to allow a broader range of people aware of the property before starting the process.
Chairman Mallory said the upset bid process is not a marketing strategy. In the future, the
property may be dissected by a road and that will create road frontage. There is considerable
economic value in the property and that potential should be maximized.
Lail said staff could not get a definitive answer on the road. A commercial realtor looked
at the property and suggested that the property could use some upgrades before selling but they
would be cost prohibitive. The property drops 840’ to 770’ at the lowest portion and there are
water runoff issues.
Jones noted that when the Board was vetting the option of an easement, discussions began
on determining what portion(s) of the property should be sold in order to maximize the dollar
amount. In the past, the Board expressed a goal and intent for proceeds from the sale be reinvested
back into Parks and Recreation opportunities throughout the County. It is in the taxpayers best
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interest to maximize the profits from the sale so that it can be reinvested into other Parks and
Recreation opportunities. Jones said there are so many unknowns on the proposed road. There is
viable offer that is of tax value. Staff is required to bring the offer to the Board. The property does
have challenges but it is a good piece of property. If the Board decides to move forward with the
process to see if there are any upset bids, the Board can reject any and all bids.
Chairman Mallory asked the dissemination process of notice.
Lail said a legal notice would be placed in one of the local newspapers. Staff can look into
where canvassing can be done. There may be a possibility of listing the property without having
to go through the commission process.
Commissioner Houpe suggested placing a “for sale by owner” sign on the property.
Commissioner Robertson said getting it on the MLS would be of great advantage.
Chairman Mallory said only 50% of the land could be utilized because of its location in the
watershed, unless there is catch basin.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the property has its topography challenges.
The Board agreed by consensus to continue discussing this matter at 7pm.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of July Refunds and Releases:
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on
August 6, 2019: There was one correction.
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Census Complete Count Committee (10 appointments) - Cynthia Arias, Heather (Lynn)
Bailey, Karen Carty, King Carty, Norma Cline, Catherine deTar Dillon, Heather Gessler, Ronda
Hoke, Joyce Simon, Alama (Bobbie) Youngblood have all volunteered to serve.
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following:
Public Safety Center Ribbon Cutting on Friday, August 23 at 10am.
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The 84th Iredell County Agricultural Fair is August 30 – September 7. The ribbon
cutting is Friday, August 30 at 7pm.
County offices will be closed on September 2 in observance of Labor Day.
Chairman Mallory moved into Closed Session at 5:55PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
August 20, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August
20, 2019 at 7:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government
Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman James Mallory
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Gene Houpe
Marvin Norman
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, 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 or reflection.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Remove: Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of a Sponsorship Opportunity
Package for the purpose of further development amenities at various parks and facilities throughout
Iredell County.
Remove: Personnel from Closed Session.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Recognition of Former Representative Rena Turner: Chairman Mallory said
Representative Turner served the 84th District but has a had a lifetime of service to the County in
multiple roles. The motto for Rotarians is “Service above self.” Chairman Mallory said Turner
exemplifies that motto in every way. Turner graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University, taught at
Statesville Middle School, served as Clerk of Superior Court, and most recently served as the 84th
District Representative in the NC House of Representatives from 2013 until June 2019. Turner
resigned to devote her time to family and church. Chairman Mallory said it is the Board’s to be
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able to recognize the service Turner has provided to the citizens of Iredell County and the impact
she has had on many generations. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Mallory presented Turner
with a plaque.
Representative Turner said it was an honor to serve the citizens in different
capacities. Iredell County is the best place to live and it has been a pleasure to get to know the
citizens.
Commissioner Robertson said Representative Turner served as Clerk of Court for
many years before becoming Representative of the 84th District. Robertson said people do not
understand the degree of sacrifice it takes for someone to live in Iredell County and serve in the
General Assembly, where they are expected to be in Raleigh for months on end. When they get to
come home, they are in meetings with constituents when they would prefer to be at home with
their family. In between elections or significant events, the person who represents us in the General
Assembly are staying abreast to back to Raleigh. Robertson acknowledged Turner’s very
professional approach to her duties and selfless service.
Commissioner Houpe thanked Turner, her husband, Don and her family. For many
years, Don stood at polling places for many good candidates.
Chairman Mallory said Turner will always be knit-in to the community and looks
forward to her next chapter to making everyone’s lives better and enriched.
Presentation of the Patriot Award to Tim Martlock from the Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve: Chairman Mallory said this is an opportunity to recognize
someone that is three times the citizens, as a citizen, public servant of Iredell County, and manned
the ramparts of the Country in the United States Air Force. Many have used the uniform in the
Armed Forces and Tim Martlock is a senior EMS shift supervisor who serves the County wearing
a different uniform.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Representative Kevin Ross
said ESGR is a Department of Defense office which promotes a culture in which civilian
employers recognize the value to the nation of their employees who are members of the Army
National Guard, Air National Guard, and Reserve Forces of the five Armed Services. ESGR
Advocates for initiatives on behalf of employers, service members and their families, and serves
as a communication link between employers and the Department of Defense. Almost half the
military force resides in the reserves component, which is compiled of the National Guard and
Reserve. The men and women who serve in the reserve components are unique that they also have
jobs in the private sector or the public sector. When Guard and Reserve members depart on training
and deployments this can place a burden on their employers. ESGR has an awards program to
recognize deserving businesses and supervisors. The patriot award honors individual supervisors
who provide exceptional support. TJ Hunter, a member of the Iredell County EMS and a Sergeant
with the Army National Guard nominated Tim Martlock for his infinite patience, understanding,
and support with constant changing schedules. Sgt. Hunter is currently deployed. On behalf on the
Secretary of Defense, Ross and Chairman Mallory presented Martlock with the ESGR Patriot
Award.
Recognize and approve a resolution honoring the Harmony Volunteer Fire
Department for achieving an improved insurance rating of 5/9: Kent Greene said in previous
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years, the County has provided additional funding for all departments to achieve a 6/9 ISO rating.
All of the departments have achieved that and many have overachieved. Harmony achieved a class
5/9 rating in their last inspection. That may not mean a lot to a residential homeowner, but Greene
is hopeful the commercial insurance savings will continue to thrive with the insurance commission
in recognize the benefits of improving the volunteer fire service, particularly in rural areas where
water is a very scarce resource. That makes up of nearly half of the overall rating. Chief Cranfill
was present on behalf of the department.
Commissioner Robertson said years ago a penny was added to the Fire Tax to help
the volunteer fire departments purchase equipment to enable them to get a better rating. Harmony’s
improved rating is a result of those efforts. People get upset when taxes go up and an insurance
takes credit when an insurance bill goes down. Volunteer departments work to achieve the
improved. Without their work, none of this would happen. Most volunteer departments service
communities that do not have fire hydrants with city water available and to fight a fire, the
departments have to bring the fire truck, hoses, personnel, and water. Robertson thanked the
department for what they do to make the citizens safer and financially better. It is great to have a
moment to celebrate the success. The bulk of the credit belongs to the men who fight the fires and
spend countless hours training.
Vice Chairman Bowles congratulated Chief on a job well done.
A RESOLUTION OF THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZING AND
HONORING THE HARMONY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ACHIEVING AN IMPROVED
INSURANCE RATING OF CLASS 5/9.
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) helps insurance companies across
the state set their premiums by evaluating local fire departments; and
WHEREAS, OSFM ratings are based on a variety of measures having to do with almost every aspect of a
fire department, from training to apparatus to water supply; and
WHEREAS, the availability of water alone accounts for 40 percent of the rating, making it very difficult to
areas without widespread fire hydrant systems to attain good ratings; and
WHEREAS, many residential insurance and commercial insurance companies rely upon OSFM ratings; and
WHEREAS, OSFM uses a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) and a Public Protection Classification
(PPC) to analyze data collected from the system; and
WHEREAS, in the PPC system, lower is better; and
WHEREAS, lower ratings mean savings to residential and commercial property owners; and
WHEREAS, only 22 percent of fire departments rated under the PPC have achieved a Class 5 rating; and
WHEREAS, as of the last rating the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department area was a Class 6/9, and effective
October 1, 2019 the PPC rating is lowered to Class 5/9;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners resolves: To recognize the hard work
and dedication of the men and women of the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department and the consistently strong
support of the community in achieving this improved rating to assist in lowering insurance costs to property owners
throughout the service area.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the resolution as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
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APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Presentation by Jennifer Christian from the Iredell County Education Facilities Task
Force: Chairman Mallory noted that there was healthy representation from Mooresville Graded
Schools, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and Mitchell Community College in attendance. Iredell
County Education Facilities Task Force Chairman Jennifer Christian explained that the
presentation would be an update from the one done in February 2019 at the Board’s Winter Retreat,
where a 10-year Master Plan was presented. The master plan included priorities over three phases.
Christian said tonight’s presentation is about the Bond Reserve Account. Those are funds available
from the 2014 Bond and due to a positive bid climate and other financial situations there is some
additional funding that can only be used in a particular manner. Christian said the Task Force
identified the best use of those funds taken from phase 1 priorities. Christian gave a brief
background on the Task Force. The Task Force is made up of former teachers, former principals,
business owners, realtors, parents, and grandparents of students. Many members of the 19 member
Task Force were in attendance. Christian explained at the end of the process, the Task Force ended
with a unanimous decision to move forward. Christian went through the phase one priorities for
each of the three educational entities.
Christian said, “We have an opportunity again, due to the positive financial situation we
find ourselves in from the 2014 Bond Reserve Account dollars available. This is to get agreement
from you on the fact that these are suitable uses for this money. These funds can only be used in a
particular way because they come from a bond for these types constructional projects.”
Iredell-Statesville Schools
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I-SS Reserve Funds Recommended Projects from Phase 1
Christian said there is approximately $12 million in the Bond Reserve Account for Iredell-
Statesville Schools’ projects.
Mooresville Graded Schools (MGSD)
MGSD: Phase 1 (only projects identified)
MGSD: Reserve Funds Recommended Projects from Phase 1
Christian explained that all of MGSD’s projects are in one phase - phase 1. Phase 1projects
are of the highest priority. These projects need to be done simultaneously. The system chose the
more cost effective option to renovate two elementary schools at the same time. MGSD has
approximately $6.4 million bond funds available but that is not enough to accomplish the goal.
The system has agreed to take out an approximate $7 million loan to make the projects possible.
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Christian said of the $14 million cost, $7 million will come from a loan that the system will take
out on their own.
Mitchell Community College (MCC)
Christian said MCC has approximately $2 million available in the Bond Reserve Account
and due to time sensitivity with purchases in the southern end of the County, the $2 million is on
the list to look at the possibility of property purchases. This may or may not happen. If it does not
happen, the funds will be utilized for the Grier Science Building.
MCC Timeline (Phase) of Needs
Implementation: Phase 1
Christian said the 10-year master plan costs have been reduced by approximately
$28,391,000 to the bond reserve funds and MSGD will take out a loan for $7 million. Christian
said the purpose of tonight is to receive agreement from the Board that this an appropriate step
forward for each educational entity with the bond reserve funds that are available.
Vice Chairman Bowles said there is a high school on the horizon for ISS and asked where
that falls within the master plan.
Christian said the new high school is a phase one identified project and there are not enough
bond reserve funds to cover that costs. The cost of a new high school is approximately $70 million,
but a new high school is definitely a phase one project and the demand has increased since
February. Christian asked the Board to consider how to move forward with the recommendations
and suggestions that were presented in February knowing that there is now a reduction in the dollar
amount to fulfill the projects.
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Chairman Mallory said, “As I recall when the committee was stood up, we wanted a good
phased but prioritized approach, I think at our February meeting, we were very much impressed
with the scope and detail and the agreement within the committee itself. Obviously coming from
different perspectives and three different systems. The bonus of the windfall of savings achieved
by collecting the taxes for the bonds, but because they were phased in, they were not all spent on
the front end. A combination of those tax revenues as well as savings on interest has given us these
dollars that we can sort of pay forward toward this next tranche of requirements. Effectively, what
they propose to do is stick to the originally proposed projects in the phase in which they were
identified to us in February and do the ones they can take care of. Then MGSD has gone beyond
that and essentially said if we can get these two elementary schools up-fitted which is a more
immediate need then they will seek additional funding through their own board and levying the
process to be able to make up another $6 or 7 million. Which effectively reduces by about $13
million the MGSD portion of the Phase 1.”
Christian said agreed. The only other item left on MGSD Phase 1 is a new middle school.
They do not have a Phase 2 or 3. The only item left on ISS Phase 1 is the new high school.
Chairman Mallory said, “They haven’t departed from what was presented as far as the
original plan. They suggested using the dollars to reduce those things that the y could. I think, if
I’m not mistaken, maybe there is some math that we need to understand as far ISS. They’re getting
about $13 million but maybe spending about $8 million. Is that right? Or is all $12 million being
utilized.”
Christian said all is being utilized.
Chairman Mallory said, “So in other words, these dollars plus some savings, I think
Mitchell found… in founding that their main building renovation project costs weren’t going to be
as costly as you thought they were, because it was in better shape. That is a significant amount of
dollars. That $3 million, this $21 million, the additional $7 million totals up to $31 million
reduction of what that overall bond for what is essentially two buildings. The South Iredell High
School and the Mooresville Graded Middle School. That is where we stand. We can…I know for
Mr. Robertson this is the first time he has delved into these numbers, not having the opportunity
in February to review those. Nor has he had the opportunity to see how we projected the different
scenarios for paying for what the bonds costs would be, which is going to change based on this
$31 million reduction.”
Christian said the projects will be amended due to the fact these are being taken off the list.
Chairman Mallory said, “We haven’t seen those numbers to reflect how that might impact
the taxes required to pay for that, so we do have a couple additional variables to dig through. At
least from my perch, you have answered the questions we had relative in a very process oriented
fashion. This is not something that took three months to do. A lot of time, a lot of visitation to all
of these schools by members of the committee. This is the kind of work product that meets and
exceeds my expectations personally. Thank you for the many hours that all of you have put in a
volunteer basis to be able to give us these options.”
Commissioner Robertson asked if the Christian would be going over the other slides.
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Christian said the presentation from February was included in the agenda packet so the
Board could compare the phase 1 projects that were presented.
Commissioner Houpe asked Commissioner Robertson if he would like to go through those
additional slides. There are representatives from each educational entity present that can answer
questions.
Commissioner Robertson said, “I am a little handicapped in some ways but I do have 12
years and a Lake Norman High School under the belt. It is not like this is my first rodeo …and a
couple of bonds. I would like to have a better feel for a little bit, about how this money and people
keep talking about the next bond that has not been defined. My concern is to spend this money
without not knowing what the bond looks like. If it is going to be a bond that is not going to pass
then in hindsight would we look at this and say we would spend this money in this same way. I
don’t know how we can have them disconnected to be honest with you. I will share with you that
I have an awful lot of concern based upon the fact that the sales tax referendum did not pass. I
don’t think we can look at what a school bond would be without taking a hard look in the mirror
and saying ‘why do we think that effort for education in Iredell County, and I know the emphasis
are different and are not exactly the same but it is a political question, what will we do that will be
different so that it passes.’ I really don’t have the stomach to go put a bond the ballot to have it to
go down in flames and then for us to say should we have this $10 or $20 million, I wish we had it
back. I would have spent it different. I am going to share some thoughts that I had about the bond
and about a bond that has not been proposed yet because that does impact how I look at what you
want to spend the money on today.”
Dr. Knight said in the original presentation ISS had $110,200,000 in phase 1 for the new
high school and others that are listed. There was about $30 million of deferred work. That was also
not mentioned. That is for the Board to decide to keep. The high school and the extra-deferred
work on ISS.
Commissioner Robertson said, “As we look at doing a bond, we are in a unique position
due to refinancing of previous bonds. Our capacity to fund future capital needs will not all reflect
100% on the tax rate. There is some funding capacity that we get to change. We have never really
had that luxury before…I am pretty sure in my lifetime, we will not have that again. That gives
you some degree of freedom that we better take advantage of this time because we aren’t going to
get it again. I would say as I look forward at the bond, it is imperative that both Boards of Education
cannot support another funding initiative conditionally that they get everything that they want. ‘If
we do not get everything we want I’m not supporting it’ is a recipe for failure. If the support is
conditional that you don’t agree 100% with something that somebody else wanted. I think that hurt
the County on the sales tax referendum. Both boards and throw in Mitchell, are going to have to
work to educate the public on why this is needed. A huge education effort. If you look at how
many people get the newspaper, it is a small minority of the county, of the voters. There has to be
an outreach. The last bond, a group raised a lot of money to do outreach. That is what it takes to
pass a bond. If both boards are not prepared to raise that kind of money to do that kind of outreach
then we are not talking about this money here and the bond, we’re talking about this money here,
that’s it. Next, I think the Boards are going to have to convey what happens if we don’t pass the
bond. What does Iredell County look like in five or six years if there is no high school. Where are
the students that are coming into the new subdivisions in Mooresville, but not in MGSD, where
are they going to go to high school. They are not going to go to Lake Norman High School, not
unless you can figure out a way to build a skyscraper out there and I don’t know how you are going
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to get the students on Highway 150. Where are you going to put them? At South? Start to do the
math, we are talking about high school students from Mt. Mourne, east of Mooresville. Where are
we going to bus them to? We are going to have to paint a picture of what happens if we do nothing.
That is going to be huge issue that we will have to deal with. Next, I would say we keep talking
about a bond, the size of that bond needs to be a pill that is small enough to be swallowed. There
are a lot of wants and needs. I am not disputing anything. I have seen who is on the task force.
These weren’t dummies or people driven by emotion. The fact that there is a mechanical engineer,
you’re good. I know how you make decisions. You can’t help to make decisions that way, but, the
bond has got to be the size we can pass. The focus has to be on adding capacity. The last bond we
did, we fixed a lot of the support structure for schools that were expanded way beyond their
footprint. We had to do it and I am glad we did it. There are no regrets. Whatever we do, we have
to add seats because like I said, this is the last time. When I look… but the high school, the $70
million, the middle school which is $35 million. We are over $100 million with just two projects.
Just those two. If Dr. Brewer put his hands in his pocket and went out the door, it is still a big bond
with just those two projects alone. When I look at what you’re asking us to do tonight, before I say
yes, I would really like to know what the next step is going to be. Because what we do tonight
needs to blend in with what we can put together as a bond package that has a good ch ance of
success, because if you can’t agree on that I am not going to put it on a ballot and then this money
is what we have to deal with assuming there is no bond. I would hate to think that grownups
couldn’t come up with some sort of a plan. I would really like to see what that next step kind of
looks like and I sure would like to take the temperature of our school boards to see if they are all
in. I would really like to see that. By the way, if there are school members that aren’t in , I would
like for them to come and tell us what we are going to do without a high school. I don’t want to
hear from people who are in favor of the bond. What I want to hear is from any school board
member who says we don’t need that high school. I want them to come tell us ho w we are going
to educate the high school kids in the County when we are approving 1000 new homes. I want to
hear some alternatives from the naysayers. I have heard from the people who made themselves
smart about our situation. I am not going to let the folks who ran for office, took the position, now
they don’t get to hide in the weeds. I want to see school boards show up and be totally supportive
of this thing so that we can be. I would say that our support is pretty conditional. I am not saying
it has to be unanimous, everybody has somebody that is going to always be a fly in the ointment.”
Mooresville Graded School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Mauney said, “Mooresville
Graded is all in.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “I think it is important that this is considered a one two
punch that we understand…Before I take this first step, I would really like to know that the second
step is going to win. I want to get behind it, I supported the last bond, I supported the bond before
it. I want to support this one, but I want the community to support this one too. I don’t want it to
be split. The last time it was split. Not going to do it.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “Ken, you are absolutely right. We have got to take a careful
step right here. Years ago before Lake Norman High School was built we had people from Mt.
Mourne riding on a bus to South Iredell High School. We cannot return to those days. I was the
deciding vote to build Lake Norman High School and I look back at it now and that was an
absolute, there are no what ifs, that absolutely had to be done. This high school we’re talking about
now is a mammoth project. We have to be able to see that our footing is sure. When we spend this
money, we are going to be able to make it to the next junction. This is a very careful step we have
to make here.”
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Commissioner Robertson said, “When we built Lake Norman High School there wasn’t
unanimous agreement. There were a lot of naysayers. There were a lot of folks that challenged
whether or not it was smart to raise the taxes that much. I will throw me in that category. I have
apologized to Sara Haire more than once. Because it was a huge step.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “At the time, it was a gigantic step, but we are looking at a
much greater step now. We really are.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Serving on the Education Task Force, our Board asked and
tasked the Facilities Task Force and we appreciate everyone who served on that. Marvin and I
were more of a witness role to hear and see the conversations because we sure didn’t want to be
accused of pressuring and/or guiding the school systems and/or the stakeholders that were
appointed to that board of what their project priorities would be. So, that board was tasked with
identifying and prioritizing long range goals working on those capacities. Then we looked at this
money and the main goal here was to consider how we reduce a potential size of a bond in the
future. That is why these projects were identified as potential. I know just mentioning Mooresville
Graded for instance, their projects that they’re willing to invest tax dollars and pay for out of their
debt service from their citizens does or are highly contingent and depends upon a new middle
school. Because none of that works without those things falling in place. My concern is with the,
for example Lake Norman High School, learning from our past mistakes, as citizens of Iredell
County and elected officials. That building was at capacity when it was finished. What we do, if
we do it, do it right and it is an investment from tax payers and we are entrusted along with other
elected officials to make good decisions, as you said, on sound footing. I am very concerned
moving forward as one of the two task force members. The Chairman and I are on the Educat ion
Task Force. I am very concerned hearing from citizens and board members with Commissioner
Robertson’s concerns. I will state publically that the Boards need to be on board with it and not
conditional. The education is paramount to the community and I think our towns, our chambers,
all the stakeholders that were vital in 2014 are imperative for it to pass. The problem is the citizens
need to know what I call the who, when, why, where, how much and how we pay for it. The
questions I have had asked to me are when you educate the public. If the bond is put on the ballot,
if the bond does not pass, as Commissioner Robertson said, what happens? We need answers to
those questions. Do the systems have the ability in those cases, I have been asked by citizens to
ask these questions, do you have the ability as systems to pay for these projects. Do you have the
ability to make alternative planning? That you can move bodies around. How soon do you need a
project? I know theirs is imperative and an immediate need because of growth in the south end.
Iredell Statesville has a little time, but there again in the past we have had to pay to play and we
have put projects on bonds that gives heartburn to elected officials but I am with the rest of our
board. We have got to have elected officials, I am glad to hear they’re all in. We don’t have a
specific answer to a future bond yet from Iredell Statesville Schools. We cannot have, in my
opinion, the schools boards have to sign on to their own projects before we feel comfortable going
to the public and asking the public to invest and any kind of expenditure. I think it is imperative
that the school boards believe in their projects and believe in the facilities recommendation. I think
that is vital. How do you ask the tax payers to invest if you don’t believe in your own projects. We
are elected to give them the facts not jockey to play conservative. That is my concern as a
Commissioner. Tell them the facts, stand behind your facts, and if we put it on a ballot, we’ve got
to push it and believe in it. I agree with what you’re saying. I am one of the Education Task Force
members and I know the needs are legitimate but I think we have, James and I, on behalf of this
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board, will have to get the answers to some of these concerns and questions. It is not just our board
but citizens calling wanting to know about the potential.”
Commissioner Robertson asked to share a military story. “This is if you are going to be
trigger puller, not a truck driver or supply clerk, but those are valid positions. If you are going to
be in a leadership role in those positions to where you have to accomplish a mission then lets say
it is attacking the hill. You can attack it from the left, you can attack it from the right, but it does
not matter if you go at it from the left or you go at it from the right, bad things are going to happen.
You can’t prevent it. There is no option that doesn’t have some downside. There is no perfect
option. Some of your troops are going to get hurt. Some of them might get killed but you gotta get
the job done. There is no magical third solution that is hanging out there at the rainbow with a
unicorn standing next to it. It doesn’t exist. That is what is going to happen with this bond. It is
going to cost more money than currently we are spending on capital. It’s going to. The question is
if we don’t, what is more painful, spending that extra money or putting high schoolers on buses on
I-77 for a really long time to go sit in trailers on the opposite end of this county and redrawing
almost all the lines in the County. Not to mention all the stuff with middle schools. I mentioned
high school because I think most people can identify with that. We cannot present these options as
option A that has some downside and then option B have some downside and pretend there is a
rainbow with a unicorn and a pot of gold, that we just haven’t been smart enough to talk about yet.
I look at Dr. Steve Hill, he was on that committee. I know they were thorough. Jennifer, I know
you. You can’t help but to be thorough. I know ya’ll want to move on this kind of quick. I would
say lets figure out what the next link is and if I am comfortable and ya’ll are comfortable and we
have a one two step plan. I am good. I will be good, but I sure would like to see that next step
formalized a little bit better. Is that fair enough.”
Christian said, “Both the Chair of the Iredell-Statesville School Board Mr. Page as well as
the Vice Chair Mr. Gallyon did serve on this committee and there was unanimous support as par t
of the entire whole from a lot of the representatives here can also attest to that they were on board.
I know that two of seven and the other five are not sitting before us but just to make you aware.”
Commissioner Norman said, “We have talked enough and we need to make a decision on
what to do. I was there when we had the bond last time. I will caution you, and Brady you were
with me when we were at a school and that is misinformation that is given out there. People were
told we did not need a bond that we could build the schools without it. Now, no one can tell me
how we can do that. Brady heard it and I heard it out at Cool Springs. They were told not to even
think about paying more taxes. That is misinformation. Some of our school people were some of
the ones that said it and one of our Commissioners said that. That is not good.”
Commissioner Robertson said, Cool Springs voted overwhelmingly against the bond and
they got the first school. We cannot do that again.
Chairman Mallory said, “I think it would be fair to say that we will defer any decisions this
evening to allow Commissioner Robertson and all of us to digest the new numbers and to more
importantly apply our funding model to be able to look at the different options based upon the
reduction of that overall phase 1 bond package. Which before included $31 million more financed
requirements. The second thing is we need to have a plan of attack. This is not just two separate
issues but which are part in parcel, cheek to jaw and are moving forward in tandem. To get that
process, we have heard from Mooresville Graded School District that they are 100% supportive of
the package as it relates to their board, but we need to get the same feedback from Iredell-
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Statesville Schools and we have a upcoming Task Force meeting where will be able to drill in to
that in a little more detail. I think Commissioner Robertson was right to say that we need to hear
from those who have an issue with moving forward to explain specifically how they would address
the problem because the problem is we are going to have the County double in size within the next
25 years and that growth is going to wash all the way up to Statesville eventually, and interstate
40. Before it gets there it’s got to roll through Shepherd, Troutman, Chambersburg, and all the way
up. We know that it is coming. If there is questions about that then we would ask those boards and
individual board members to specifically identify their concerns and what they don’t think is likely
to happen and why so we can get people that aren’t us but are the economic developers, the
demographers, the businesses out there that actually can educate everybody on not just the
challenges but the opportunities that we have. We spent some time today at Lowes Corporate
Headquarters having a very good discussion with representatives from Mooresville, Statesville,
and Troutman. One of the recurring themes is as they look to bring in people to work at their
corporate headquarters, our school systems are a major draw. That other counties people don’t
want to move to because their public schools do not meet the grade like Iredell-Statesville and
Mooresville Graded. Two high performing schools, different because different populations,
different sizes and demographics. But within the categories that you all compete within ya’ll are
at the top of the list and have been for many years. The best bang for the buck according to the
John Locke Foundation. As we look at moving into the future and the process of doing that what
businesses have told us is workforce development in the long pole in the tent. That is the deciding
factor as to where they choose to locate. I would commend both districts for the process that
they’ve engaged in looking at how to focus educational resources on that 50% or so that are not
going to a four-year university, that are going to need, however additional schooling, credentialing,
or certifications to be able to get good paying jobs here in this county and not have to move. It
doesn’t matter where you live in this county, you can get those good paying jobs where we have
the employers and employers will come if they are assured that there is a workforce. Education is
the essential enabler. It is joined at the hip with our economic development process. Then when
you look at the tax rates at counties in our region and you can see…I can’t tell you how many folks
that have moved to Connecticut and New York come down here and say well how much are my
taxes and they say well it is going to be $1200. They say ok, can you draft that out monthly and
they say that is a year not a month. People don’t realize the value that they receive for the dollars
that are collected. We have a great workforce in our county and our schools that provide superior
product for a very effective and efficient delivery. We have 52.75 tax rate, the closest to us is
Catawba with 57.50 so that is a nickel difference. But you go down to Davie County, you’re paying
.73 cents. That is .20 more. You go to Union County, you’re looking at around .80 cents. Why is
that? Because they have an imbalance between people moving in and residences and commercial
and industrial development. Because of that, residences consume way more services and dollars
than they pay in. Businesses consume way less services than the money they pay in. If you get the
right balance you can, at the end of the day, have more income but a lower tax rate because you
have a higher tax base. The key to that higher tax base is our workforce. That is where we stand
out today. We have 20,000 folks that come into this county on a daily basis to work and that is a
great pipeline. That is not something we can count on forever. They may figure out how to
employee folks in their own counties. We have a good pipeline from Ohio. People that have a lot
of skill and jobs have just gone away, and they know that the jobs are down here. Young people
want to move this way. They may run out of people in Ohio to send down here. So where is our
other pipeline going to be. If you are going to look to fill a factory five years from now full of new
employees those employees right out of high school are in the seventh grade today. That is wh o
we need to be driving that pipeline into is the middle schools and being able to equip them with
not just the soft skills but an idea of some of the hard skills they are going to need. But more
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importantly, a vision, seeing that working in a factory today means you can eat off the floor and
you’re running a computerized production, and you’re expected to not only have the soft skills,
work ethic, willingness to show up and being able to pass the only test you don’t have to study for.
You’ve got to be able to have some other element of certifications in your kitbag. Mitchell is our
secret weapon. We’ve got to have a K-14 seamless process, not this dividing line between K-12
and community college. Our schools are looking at a lot of different innovative and exciting ways
to bridge that gap and to drive down into our middle schools, to get kids engaged, but they’ve got
to have buildings to be educated in. If we are going to double in size in 25 years, just think about
that. That is twice as many cars as you see today, unless we’re on waiting on an autonomous
vehicle to show up and we don’t own cars anymore 25 years from now. Who knows, millennials
may not own their own car, they don’t get go out driver’s licenses hardly any more.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I want to clarify something that is important. What we need
an answer to before we decide to use this to allocate or consider allocating in $21 million plus, we
need to know from the boards what their buy in is for a future bond, and when they would need it.
You don’t want to hear from the people that support it, you do need to hear those numbers. But
specifically what the people that don’t support it, why and what is their alternative to building a
high school or middle school.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “I think you have to define in your task force, if ya’ll can
define what the bond would look like because it sounds like all the projects are done, all the priority
work is done. It just a matter of where you cut it off. If ya’ll can define that number and stick the
thermometer in to measure support.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Based on my understanding now, the defined number is if we
did the projects presented tonight, if we allocate hypothetically the money here as we have
discussed, the projects presented would be proceeded with it would come off a future bond. A
future bond looks like $35 million for Mooresville Graded and $70-80 million for Iredell-
Statesville, and whatever the number is, if Mitchell College has anything. That is our figure. I am
saying $115-130 million bond potential. But what you’re asking is, specifically those projects,
because the way I understand it is there is hesitation to allocate this money if you don’t have buy
in for the bond because I know their project is dependent upon a bond.”
Commissioner Bowles said, “And, it is immediate.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “It is an immediate need so what you’re saying is, because we
meet tomorrow. We need to know from both boards, I have heard that board, so we need to know
what their buy in is for a high school and supporting a bond, and when they need it. I want to be
clear.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “What is going to be on the bond, what is the dollar figure,
what is the tax increase that goes with it and then what is the support from the Boards of
Education.”
Christian said, “As a reminder this a 10-year master plan, phase 1 was years one through
three, so I want to be mindful that there additional Mitchell projects that are needed, additional
Iredell-Statesville Schools projects. When you mention those couple of projects, yes those are the
priorities but it was a 10-year master plan that has some additional projects.”
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Commissioner Houpe said, “The size of the bond matters. If you go above that threshold
in my opinion then the bond is out. We couldn’t even get together and pass a one-quarter cent
which is a fairest tax. I mean, it is ridiculous.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “That half of other people pay for.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Half of it is paid by people traveling on the interstate. We’ve
got to work together and get it done, if you’re going to do it. That is why I wanted clarity before
we meet tomorrow.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “Let’s have a defined action plan.”
Dr. Knight asked if the Board is only considering Phase 1 projects for the bond.
Commissioner Robertson and Commissioner Houpe said yes.
Dr. Knight said Statesville High CTE program and West Iredell High would benefit from
vocational workshop upgrades.
Chairman Mallory said, “That is a space issue that is capital driven. Your CTE program,
the guts of it is what you’re teaching. I know that Iredell-Statesville School Board went through a
consultant process looking at the entire CTE program. That is something that quite frankly would
like to hear what the plan is, so that we can address these workforce development requirements. I
think they had thoughtful recommendations that will have to be laid in over -time but there needs
to be a commitment relative to that CTE piece. We talked about getting some feedback from board
members that have questions or don’t support, at the end of the day, we are not looking for
unanimity necessarily, out of Iredell-Statesville Schools because there are some folks who make
decisions based on belief sets that are not changeable based on facts. That is just the way that is. I
don’t think there is a desire by this board to be like a convoy to be going across the North Atlantic
in WWII that went only as fast as the slowest ship. We need to be in the 21 st Century, not WWII
moving out leading the pack. From my perspective, you lead, you follow, or you get t he hell out
of the way.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I differ from that. I know we operate by majority but when
you have elected boards that don’t agree with their own project they are the tax payers and any
funding board or recommendation why they don’t support it and what their alternative is. I want
them on the record, roll call.”
Chairman Mallory said, “I agree with that.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I am not going to sit here with this board and take the hit to
ask the citizens of this county to invest in their school if they can’t stand with me. That is my
point.”
Chairman Mallory said, “I don’t believe in giving a minority veto power.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I am with you on that. I am not saying it has to be unaminous.
I am just saying I want a roll call, I want them to give us an alternative solution. We will not let
the minority and the tail wag the dog, but I want them on record as to why they don’t support it.”
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Chairman Mallory said, “I agree with you. Of course none of them are here.”
Iredell-Statesville Board of Education member Todd Carver said, “I know this is a rookie
mistake but I am going to bite on it anyway. First, I am one of seven and can only speak for myself,
but, I do represent the district from the south end, the seventh district. Which would most affected
by the schools you are talking about. Lake Norman is at or over capacity and South Iredell is in
the same situation. Nobody wants to have to pay $110 million for two schools. I am not foreign in
that. The fact is we are going to have to have it. We can wish for it, we can hope for, we can pray
for it, but at some point we are going to have to pay for it. I have a beach trip planned for next
month’s school board meeting. I have had the trip planned for three or four months. I don’t want
my absence to be indicative that I don’t support this. Its got to be done. If the bond is the only way
we can pay for it, Mr. Robertson, I agree 100% with what you said. We’ve got to keep tailored.
We’ve got to say…I like what you said…here are the two projects that we can afford to get done
with this bond. It keeps the bond small enough. Mr. Houpe, I would dial back to what you said,
and say if we can get it for…I believe Mr. Hyatt said $35 million. Mr. Johnson said $70 million.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “You have to include Mitchell in that.”
Carver said, “That to me is $105 million and let’s just keep it to what we’ve got to have.
These are not wants. These are needs. We can either pay for them now or we are going to pay for
them 10 – 15 years from now. I apologize, I know I wasn’t on the agenda. I feel like it is important
that I come up and say I am the board member who is here tonight. There were two board members
who were on the Education Task Force, Chairman Page and Gallyon, I’d say you’re 3/7 of the way
to getting what you need.
Dr. Kenny Miller said, “Our Board did unanimously approve the Facilities Task Force
recommendation.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “For these projects. Not a bond referendum.”
Dr. Miller said, “No, the Facilities Task Force plan presented in February was not presented
until our board had approved it. They approved that plan of projects. Now beyond that…”
Commissioner Houpe said, “That is the point of clarity before we make a final decision on
allocating these funds, it may be contingent upon buy in from the other projects.”
Carver said, “Everybody knows we got to have this. Like you said Chairman Mallory, how
are we going to pay for it? If this is the only funding mechanism we got, this is what we got to do.
That is just simple facts of the matter. Thank you very much for your time.”
Commissioner Robertson said, “Like Patton told Isenhour when they were running out of
fuel going across Europe ‘Ike, my soldiers can eat the leather in their boots, but my tanks, they
got to have gasoline.’ There is no way to build a high school without that bond. No way to build
that middle school without that bond.”
Christian said, “I agree with everyone that this needs to palatable to move forward. I agree
100%. I do want to make sure that we don’t lose sight of the fact that Mitchell does have additional
projects that need to get done. We have phase 2 projects throughout Iredell-Statesville Schools
that need to get done. Some of them are overcrowded. Some of them are the vocational training
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they we’re talking about. I just want to make sure I agree that it needs to be palatable. I want to
make sure that we don’t lose those other projects where a lot of time was spent to identify the
needs.
Commissioner Robertson said, “That is part of what ya’ll will do tomorrow is figure what
goes and what doesn’t go.”
Chairman Mallory said, “What we haven’t calculated in is a capital bond assistance from
the State. It has been discussed.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I talked with the Senator today and Representative. The Senate
differs greatly with the House. The problem is if there is a bond due to the tier system it is
minimally beneficial to Iredell County – either system. A state bond. The reason I called today as
our task force representative to find out for timing, if we decided to consider a bond next year, do
we think there will be a state bond. At this point, they couldn’t say no but they didn’t see any light
at the end of that tunnel.
Commissioner Robertson said, “Mooresville needs it in the spring not the fall.”
Dr. Mauney said yes.
Chairman Mallory said, “What we are going to have to evaluate in that whole process
frankly, and it has been highlighted here is, this requires an education process. That quarter-cent
sales tax failed because there were very short flash to bang time. Not much time between
articulating the requirements and educating people on how to meet those needs in safety, security,
and well-being. There was division between this board and other boards. There was a lack of trust
relative to what “up to” meant and how much was going to be spent for this and that. I am in
agreement that we don’t need to go down that route. We need to be unified as best you can be and
then have a good education program and a good campaign to justify what we are asking the people
of this county to support. While it would be nice to have it in an early if we can get everything
lined up, fine, but if those conditions don’t exist I am reluctant to go forward until those conditions
do exist so that we get the desired result in the end, whether it is March or November.”
Commissioner Houpe expressed sincere appreciation to the Facilities Task Force for their
work.
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Request from Jill St. Clair, Director for the Drug Alcohol Coalition of Iredell (DACI)
to adopt two proclamations recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day and
National Recovery Month: DACI Director Jill St. Clair thanked the Board for their continued
support of the coalition as work is continued to address the substance use issues that are impacting
the community. From 2008 – 2017, 285 Iredell County residents died from drug or alcohol
poisoning. St. Clair explained there will be a candlelight vigil honoring those lives on Thursday,
August 29, 2019 at the field of Broad Street United Methodist Church. St. Clair invited the Board
to attend the vigil. St. Clair said Iredell County is often recognized as one of the more organized
and supportive communities in their efforts to wrap arms around individuals and families
struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. St. Clair said EMS, law enforcement, and
Iredell-Statesville Schools are a part of the 50 organizations that she works with day in and day
out. St. Clair requested approval of two proclamations recognizing International Overdose
Awareness Day and National Recovery Month
Vice Chairman Bowles said St. Clair works extremely hard. She is in the process heart and
soul. The County is very fortunate to have her lead DACI.
Chairman Mallory said the County is at the tip of the spear with trying to deal with the
opioid issues. Meetings over the last three years have been extraordinarily impactful.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMISSIONERS
INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year; and
WHEREAS, the goals of Overdose Awareness Day are to raise awareness about overdose, to remember without
stigma those who met permanent injury or have lost their lives to overdose, and to provide better support for overdose
prevention; and fight stigma including acknowledging the grief felt by families and friends; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County is not immune. An estimated 285 Iredell County residents have lost their life to drug
overdose since 2008 with devastating impact to their family, friends, and community; and
WHEREAS, the Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell serves to spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death is
preventable and to empower our community to demand better overdose response;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim August 31, 2019, as:
“INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY” in Iredell County, and command its observance to all
citizens.
Iredell County Board of Commissioners
NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness; and
WHEREAS, prevention and recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is essential to
achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, an estimated one in five adults are living with a mental health or substance use issue; and an
estimated 56% of adults with mental health or substance use issues, will never receive treatment; and
WHEREAS, relatives and friends must recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use issue,
encourage those to implement preventive measures, and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and
recovery support services; and
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WHEREAS, mental health and substance use issues affect all communities nati onwide, but with
commitment and support, people with these disorders can achieve healthy lifestyles and lead rewarding
lives in recovery; and
WHEREAS, by seeking help, the individuals can embark on a new path toward improved health and overall
wellness; and to help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery, the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the White House
Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell invite all residents of
Iredell County to participate in National Recovery Month; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the month of
September 2019 as:
“NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH”
in Iredell County and call upon the people of Iredell County to observe this month with appropriate
programs, activities, and ceremonies to support this year’s Recovery Month theme, Join the Voices for
Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve the proclamations as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for
Project Blueberry: Chris Younger said Project Blueberry plans to expand and update their
existing manufacturing facility in Mooresville. The name and details of the company will be
announced at a later date. The project anticipates to create 40 full time positions and generate $20
million in new tax investment over the next five years. Younger requested a tax back grant
incentive for Project Blueberry for five years totaling up to $324,000.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve an economic incentive up to $324,000 over
a five-year period based on the company’s investment of $20 million and contingent upon a
contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Public Hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for
Project Starling: Chairman Mallory explained that the Board will not take any action on the
item. Younger said at this time, the project has been postponed indefinitely.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
There was no action taken on this item.
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Public Hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for
Project Statesville: Chris Younger said Project Statesville plans to locate their new manufacturing
facility in Statesville. The name and details of the company will be announced at a later date. The
project anticipates to provide 299 full time positions and generate $10 million in new tax
investment over the next five years. Younger requested a tax back grant incentive for Project
Statesville for five years totaling up to $169,900.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve an economic incentive up to
$169,000 over a five-year period based on the company’s investment of $10 million and contingent
upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
****
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as
follows:
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of budget amendment #5 to use jail
commissary funds for the cost of training and handler school for a donated K-9 and
purchase of a tandem utility trailer.
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of a Federal Justice Assistance Grant
(JAG).
Request from the South Iredell Volunteer Fire Department to withdraw funds from
the rescue reserve account in the amount of $5,986 to purchase equipment that will
allow the department to upgrade from light rescue to medium rescue.
Request from EMS for approval to apply for a United Way grant to assist with start-
up costs associated with developing a Community Paramedicine Program.
Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment 4 to
purchase a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system using Medicaid Max funds.
Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of a Naming Rights
Policy, for substantial contributions made specifically for the further enhancement
or development of Parks and Recreation facilities in Iredell County.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of July Refunds and Releases.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings
on July 16 and 23, and August 6, 2019.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Request from Administration for consideration and acceptance of an offer in the amount
of $571,050 to buy 204 Bluefield Road and adoption of a resolution to sell the 43.70 acre tract of
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land with authorization to begin an upset bid process: Chairman Mallory said the Board discussed
this matter during pre-agenda and agreed to carry it over until now.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to table this item for further consideration.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
Jones summarized the following appointment:
Census Complete Count Committee (10 appointments) - Cynthia Arias, Heather (Lynn)
Bailey, Karen Carty, King Carty, Norma Cline, Catherine deTar Dillon, Heather Gessler, Ronda
Hoke, Joyce Simon, Alama (Bobbie) Youngblood have all volunteered to serve.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint the abovementioned names to the Census
Complete Count Committee.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following items:
Public Safety Center Ribbon Cutting on Friday, August 23 at 10am.
The 84th Iredell County Agricultural Fair is August 30 – September 7. The ribbon
cutting is Friday, August 30 at 7pm.
County offices will be closed on September 2 in observance of Labor Day.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session relating to Economic Development G.S. 143-
318.11 (a) (4) was held immediately following the pre-agenda meeting.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to conduct a public hearing on September 3, 2019
at 7pm regarding a maximum economic development incentive for $31,200 over a three-year
period for Project R based on a $2,635,000 investment in Iredell County.
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ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to adjourn at 8:20PM. The next regular meeting will
be September 3, 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