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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-3-2019 1 September 3, 2019 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA MINUTES September 3, 2019 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, September 3, 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: A request has been received from Teramore Development to pull their rezoning application. The public hearing for the request was opened at a previous meeting and continued until tonight. Add: Administrative Matter VIII.6 An update on Hurricane Dorian. Recognition of Representative Jeff McNeely for his time as a County Commissioner. Remove: Personnel from Closed Session ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Planning and Development for approval to call for a public hearing on September 17, 2019 at 7:00pm in regard to a request by Blue Jay Investments LLC to release zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Director Matthew Todd said the applicant has applied for voluntary annexation with the Town of Mooresville, which will be effective December 2019. The proposed use of the property is townhomes. Todd requested a public hearing on the release of zoning and subdivision jurisdiction on September 17, 2019. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of Sponsorship Opportunity Package for the purpose of further developing amenities at va rious parks and facilities throughout Iredell County: Parks and Recreation Michelle Hepler explained the Board gave recommendations for the package at a previous meeting. Staff has gone through those and revised it to include the suggested revisions. Hepler highlighted the following changes: addition of County Manager or designee in the review of applications prior to going to the Recreation 2 September 3, 2019 Advisory Board for recommendation and specified a due date in the payment plan. Hepler noted that the payment plan applies to items (i.e. fields and picnic tables) that have a duration of more a year. It does not apply to trees, benches, tables, and bricks. Hepler explained that the changes are present in three different locations within the document, noted in the cover letter, important sponsorship notes, and the application. In addition to the above changes, the words “relate to, or” have been deleted in the exclusionary language specific to the review of qualifying opportunities. Chairman Mallory asked how many sponsorships there currently are. Hepler said there are sponsorship signs in the outfield of the baseball fields and there are fields at Stumpy Creek that are named after individuals. When Stumpy Creek was built in 2001, a one-time single donation $15,000 got a name on a field. Because there was not a sponsorship package or naming rights policy, those lifetime naming rights are in place indefinitely. Commissioner Houpe asked if current sponsorships will be documented. Hepler said Stumpy Creek is not an option on the application. The options are limited to what is available. Chairman Mallory asked that the application be modified in the future as sponsorships are built. Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Hepler for her work on the policies. Commissioner Robertson asked how the public will become aware of the sponsor opportunities. Hepler said the information will be available on the department’s website and kiosks at parks. Letters and emails will be sent to individuals in the department’s database. This item was placed on consent. Request from Parks and Recreation Department for approval to apply for a grant with USA Archery to support purchase of archery equipment and program development for the citizens of Iredell County: Parks and Recreation Department Director Michelle Hepler said the department’s rudimentary archery equipment was purchased years ago for summer camp programs. Hepler said the sport of archery has continued to grow within the community and the department would like to be able to expand on that. If awarded the grant, the department will use the funding to help implement an archery program. Hepler explained future budget implications could include the need to replace existing or buy new equipment, retrain and/or recertify staff. If awarded, the grant could provide up to $5,000. Hepler said the State is eligible for $40,000 and of that, typically eight different grants are awarded up to $5,000. There is no local match required for the grant. Hepler requested approval to apply for the grant with USA Archery. Chairman Mallory said there is a significant number of local children who participate in archery programs. Former County Commissioner Renee Griffith is very active in the statewide and national organizations. 3 September 3, 2019 Hepler said Griffith indicated that organizations have administered $5.3 million in archery scholarships last year. There are different schools in the area who have an archery. Hepler explained that archery is offered during summer camps, but the department would like to expand beyond that. This item was placed on consent. Chairman Mallory asked for an update on the Department’s summer programs. Hepler said the summer camp program included a third location at the Recreation Center. That program was at capacity or had a waiting list almost each week. There were 110 Camp Iredell students per week. Soccer season starts this coming weekend. There are over 600 players registered in the league and another 600 registered in Mooresville. There are 1,553 total members of the Recreation Center. The benchmark for the end of fiscal year 19 was 500 with a goal of 800 going into 2020. There are currently 871 membership units, which includes all paying and partnered members. Chairman Mallory congratulated Hepler and her staff on their success. Request from Finance for approval of budget amendment #3 to appropriate contingency to the schools: Finance Director Debra Cheek said in fiscal year 2015, the Board decided to help the school systems in their construction projects by allowing them to accumulate permit costs throughout the year and write a one-time check to the Inspections Department for the costs. Cheek requested approval of a budget amendment to appropriate contingency to pay for the permits. Cheek outlined the following school systems and the amount of permits pulled through the past fiscal year: Iredell-Statesville Schools $1,861 Mooresville Graded Schools $1,623 Total: $3,484 Commissioner Robertson agreed with the request, however, suggested in the future that the permitting fees become a budget item under the school systems. Contingency should be for unexpected things. Chairman Mallory asked when the current policy began. Cheek said the policy started in fiscal year 2015 in conjunction with the 2014 bonds so it would keep the process flowing. Vice Chairman Bowles asked where the fees go. Cheek said the money goes into the Inspections Department, similar to how any contractor would pull a permit. Chairman Mallory agreed with Commissioner Robertson. This item was placed on consent. 4 September 3, 2019 Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on August 20, 2019: This item was placed on consent. Update on Hurricane Dorian: Emergency Management Coordinator Jody Smyre explained that Hurricane Dorian should reach the Myrtle Beach, SC area around 2pm Thursday and effecting the coast of North Carolina throughout Friday. Wind speeds within the storm remain 96 – 110 mph. Smyre said there should be no effects to the areas west of Raleigh unless the storm makes a sudden left turn. The State Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is currently operating at a level 1 and sends out a daily report on the storm. The State’s EOC is fully staffed with both Emergency Services, Public Health, shelters, and business partners. Currently, there are eight county Emergency Operation Centers activated throughout the staff. The National Guard is on standby and 1,600 soldiers have been placed on alert, but not activated. Twenty-two swift water teams and four urban search and rescue teams have been activated. The State has opened a large shelter in Durham, mainly for refugees from the storm. Governor Roy Cooper has placed several restrictions throughout the State. Similar to what has happened in the past, ECOM has partnered with Carteret County. Kent Greene deployed to Jones County to serve as the Planning Sections Chief. Jamie Barrier with Mooresville Fire Department and an IT staff member with the Town deployed to Kinston. Mooresville Fire Rescue’s Swift Water Team deployed to Kinston. Smyre has been in contact with local fair officials and the fair will close if wind speed up to 25 mph, heavy rain, or lightning is in the forecast. Commissioner Robertson asked if the County has any other Swift Water Teams. Smyre said Mooresville has a type 3 team. Vice Chairman Bowles said Iredell Rescue and North Iredell Rescue have the equipment for swift water rescues. This item was placed on consent. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Lake Norman Marine Commission (1 appointment) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following:  The 84th Iredell County Agricultural Fair is currently taking place through September 7. There has been a great turn out thus far. Chairman Mallory moved into Closed Session at 5:34PM. 5 September 3, 2019 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES September 3, 2019 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 3, 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 County Manager Beth Jones explained the following: A request has been received from Teramore Development to pull their rezoning application. The public hearing for the request was opened at a previous meeting and continued until tonight. Add: Administrative Matter VIII.6 An update on Hurricane Dorian. Recognition of Representative Jeff McNeely for his time as a County Commissioner. Remove: Personnel from Closed Session MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the agenda as adjusted. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Recognition of Representative Jeff McNeely for his time as County Commissioner: Chairman Mallory said this is an opportunity to recognize someone who has given of himself to the county and its citizens in a variety of roles over the past 20 years. Representative McNeely served on the Board until three months ago. Chairman Mallory said at their last meeting, the Board recognized Former Representative Rena Turner, who resigned from her seat representing the 84 th District of the NC House to be able to spend more time with her family. In the process, the Iredell 6 September 3, 2019 County Republican Party Executive Committee nominated Jeff McNeely to fill her unexpired term. Chairman Mallory said, “This evening we want to recognize now Representative McNeely for his service on this board for the last little over two years and to give him a new send off to a whole different crowd. The good news is he will stand out in any crowd. We’ve lost a little bit of color, I can tell already.” On behalf of the Board, Chairman Mallory presented a plaque to Representative McNeely. Chairman Mallory said Representative McNeely is deeply rooted in Iredell County. He graduated from NC State University in 1986 and returned to Iredell to serve as the President and CEO of G&M Milling Company. Before elected as County Commissioner, McNeely served on the Planning Board for 16 years, serving as Chairman for three. Chairman Mall ory said it is exciting to have a Representative with a deep understanding of local issues and opportunities that present themselves to Iredell County and its’ citizens. Commissioner Houpe said he had the privilege, on behalf of the Board, to attend the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ Conference in August. Houpe said it is extremely important to have former Commissioners serve as Representatives because there are special caucuses who strive to prevent unfunded mandates from coming back on the County and burdening the taxpayers. It is advantageous to have Representative McNeely serving on our behalf. Commissioner Norman expressed appreciation to Repres entative McNeely for representing the farming community well. Commissioner Robertson said members of the Planning Board are charged with dealing with tough issues that the Board eventually has to deal with. Robertson said McNeely understood the balance between the values and intent of County’s plans. Most people understand the value of McNeely as a Commissioner and farmer, but knowing how to serve on the Planning Board well threaded the needle. Robertson shared his confidence in McNeely’s ability to serve well in Raleigh. Representative McNeely expressed appreciation to the Board. McNeely said Iredell has good representation in the Legislature. McNeely shared that he recently led in prayer on the legislative floor and asked to lead the Commissioners in a prayer. Chairman Mallory asked everyone to remember the ones in harm’s way of Hurricane Dorian. The Board received an update from the Emergency Management Coordinator Jody Smyre earlier in the pre-agenda meeting. Emergency Management Director Kent Greene has been deployed along with Mooresville Fire Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue Team have been deployed to the eastern part of the State. ECOM is also coordinating to support Carteret County. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for Project R: Chairman Mallory explained that this item will be continued until September 17, 2019 but the public hearing will be opened to see if there is anyone who would like to speak regarding the matter. 7 September 3, 2019 Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. Chairman Mallory said the public hearing will be continued until September 17, 2019. **** Continue the public hearing to consider a request to rezone approximately 1.69 acres at the corner of Ostwalt Amity Road and Bethesda Road from Residential Agricultural (RA) to Neighborhood Business Conditional District (NB-CD): Chairman Mallory explained that Teramore Development LLC has withdrawn their rezoning request. Therefore, the request is no longer before the Board. However, anyone wanting to speak will be heard. The matter is no longer continued. To revisit the matter, the applicant will have to restart the whole process. Chairman Mallory acknowledged the healthy representation of the community in attendance. An unidentified member of the audience asked if the applicant would have to start from scratch if they wish to request another rezoning. Chairman Mallory said yes. Planning Director Matthew Todd explained that since the Planning Board gave an unfavorable recommendation the applicant must wait 180 days before moving forward, unless it is in the Board’s opinion there are significant changes allowing them to come before the 180 days are up. Todd has not seen this happen in the past. Vice Chairman Bowles said if the request had continued and the Board denied the rezoning request the applicant would have to wait one year. An unidentified member of the audience asked the chance of the applicant re-applying. Vice Chairman Bowles said it is anyone’s guess as to what the applicant or any other developer may do next. An unidentified member of the audience asked why the applicant withdrew the request. Vice Chairman Bowles said there was no information given. David Calary complimented the Board on the 2030 Horizon Plan. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. The request has been formally withdrawn. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as follows: Request from Planning and Development for approval to call for a public hearing on September 17, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Blue Jay Investments LLC to release zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville. 8 September 3, 2019 Request from the Parks and Recreation Department for approval of Sponsorship Opportunity Package for the purpose of further developing amenities at various parks and facilities throughout Iredell County. Request from Parks and Recreation Department for approval to apply for a grant with USA Archery to support purchase of archery equipment and program development for the citizens of Iredell County. Request from Finance for approval of budget amendment #3 to appropriate contingency to the schools. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on August 20, 2019. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Lake Norman Marine Commission (1 appointment) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner Houpe explained that the Board recently appointed 10 members to the Census Complete Count Committee and asked the County Manager Beth Jones to contact each municipality to assign a representative to correspond with the committee and Matthew Todd. This will allow the municipalities to be in the loop. On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Houpe, Commissioner Robertson, and County Manager Beth Jones, recently attended the Corvid Technology Unveiling. Commissioner Houpe expressed sincere appreciation to the corporation for investing in Iredell County. The unveiling was a wonderful event. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following items:  The 84th Iredell County Agricultural Fair is taking place until September 7. There has been a great turn out thus far. 9 September 3, 2019 CLOSED SESSION Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session relating to Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) and Economic Development G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) was held immediately following the pre- agenda meeting. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to conduct a public hearing on September 17, 2019 at 7pm regarding a maximum economic development incentive for $465,000 over a five-year period for Project Blueberry based on a $28 million investment in Iredell County. This is an amendment to the prior incentive approval on August 20, 2019 and if approved, would rescind the prior incentive. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Norman to adjourn at 7:28PM. The next regular meeting will be September 17, 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