HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-17-2019
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September 17, 2019
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA MINUTES
September 17, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday,
September 17, 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, Finance Director Debra Cheek,
and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
County Manager Beth Jones said there is a corrective memo for the Appointment to
Boards and Commissions on the dais.
Add: Iredell-Statesville Schools will recognize the Board.
Unfinished Business: Continue the discussion regarding the School Debt Reserve
distribution. Chairman Mallory said this would also include a discussion regarding a public
hearing for a bond, if it is the will of the Board.
Chairman Mallory added an item under New Business regarding an update on
transportation projects.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (ICEDC) to
grant a 150-day extension in order to fully execute the Economic Development Incentive
Agreement for Project Victory (Mack Molding): County Manager Beth Jones said staff is
working with the ICEDC to ensure that all incentive agreements are fully executed and is
requesting a 150-day extension for Project Victory.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from ICATS to call for a public hearing on October 1, 2019 for ICATS
Transportation Grants: ICATS Bradley Johnson said the department is applying for four grants
that include administrative, operating, combined capital, and traveler’s aid. Johnson requested the
Board to conduct a public hearing on October 1, 2019 to consider the transportation grants.
This item was placed on consent.
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September 17, 2019
Request from Tax Administration for approval of August Refunds and Releases:
Jones noted the refunds and releases is larger than normal due to timely appeals that were made
and approved by the Board of Equalization and Review.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
September 3, 2019: This item was placed on consent.
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chairman Mallory said at a previous meeting the Schools Facilities Task Force made a
presentation on the different capital needs for Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded
Schools, and Mitchell Community College. At that meeting, the Task Force provided a
recommendation for the use of funds that the Board was advised that were available to the entities
based on the previous bond issue, savings achieved, lower than anticipated interest rates, and the
bond was put in tranches. The money for the projects were not borrowed until they were ready to
go. Those projects totaled $21,392,339 based on a proportional distribution of those funds each
systems’ part of the bond is as follows:
$12,965,080 Iredell-Statesville;
$ 6,427,126 Mooresville Graded Schools
$ 2,000,132 Mitchell Community College
Chairman Mallory said “The discussion we had evolved from that question as to if those
funds were provided, we’re obviously looking at a recommendation for Phase 1 from the Facilities
Task Force, of a number of projects to include the renovation and additions to elementary schools
in Mooresville Graded Schools together with a middle school for Mooresville Graded and southern
Iredell high school for Iredell-Statesville Schools. In looking at all of those requirements and for
Iredell-Statesville Schools there were additional capital projects and higher level maintenance
projects that they needed to work on, and since it is obviously going to require a bond in order to
meet the needs of Phase 1 of schools construction, the question became if we go with a bond and
release these funds today or at the time they are requested for the $21 million then if the bond did
not pass then did we in fact allocate those funds in the priority in the way in which we would want
those funds applied, assuming a total different circumstance and still needing to have those capital
projects worked on. That evolved into a discussion of the bond in general and this board requested
the three systems to provide a resolution requesting that bond and indicating their desire to have
that placed on the ballot and to advocate for that bond, and advocate aggressively. In the
intervening two weeks all three boards (Mooresville Graded School District, Iredell-Statesville
Schools, and Mitchell Community College) have met and all three by a large majority, unanimous
for Mooresville School District and Mitchell College Board, and 6-1, technically 5-1 vote in favor
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September 17, 2019
of requesting it for Iredell-Statesville Schools. We now have that back before us. The seminal
question we have before the commission this evening will be, how do we address the $21 million
in terms of allocating that. The concern is valid, if we call for a bond and it doesn’t passed, have
we allocated the funds in a way that is going to be the right priority towards the right kinds of
investment. They also need to start moving forward on a lot of the different projects. The question
before us will be do we go ahead and distribute as laid out in the handout front of us but, how do
we go ahead and maintain some element of a warm and fuzzy about those funds being able to be
reprogrammed in the event that the assumption of funds being there for the construction of a middle
school as well as the new south Iredell high school, that they are going to be there. I would open
this up for discussion. I think one option that we have looked at is going ahead and approving the
allocation as we discussed previously, but to withhold distribution of that until those projects or
those funds are needed in order to execute the projects.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “More on a reimbursement basis as the projects have been
completed.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “I think that is very wise because we don’t know where we
are in this economic cycle as well, we need to always be planning for a slowdown. I think things
are very strong now, if we do get a correction it is going to be mild, but we don’t know what the
future holds. I think that is a good plan.”
Chairman Mallory said this is a significant step forward that needs to be done at the regular
meeting.
The Board agreed to hold the matter over until the regular meeting.
Chairman Mallory said, “That segways into the second part of the whole question that we
passed on to the schools, would like us to consider placing a bond before the people of Iredell
County in a referendum. In order to accomplish the balance of their Phase 1 recommendations in
the Facilities Task Force, which boils down to in essence two projects, the middle school for
Mooresville Graded District and an additional high school in the southern end of the County. They
have not specifically identified it but ISS owns property on the eastern side of I-77 off Ostwalt-
Amity Road on Overcash Road. That question is before us and since they have answered the mail
and there is nothing that precludes us from going ahead and calling for a public hearing two weeks
from now to discuss whether to place that matter before the people on a referendum to finance that
construction or not and the timing of that. That has to be done during what qualifies as a general
election and a general election in North Carolina is considered to be the general election in
November and the primary, which looks like it will be March at this point and time.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “We have a potential bond referendum calendar. We can call
for a public hearing in October if we choose to just to hear from the public but we are not required
to. I know the school boards have asked as soon as possible to let them know if we are going to
pursue this so they can start a support campaign for it. On the calendar it calls for a public hearing
potentially on December 3, 2019 but I know the school boards need to know as soon as possible
if we are going to do this or not. We don’t have to have a public hearing but it is the Board’s
decision to do that or not before we make a formal decision.”
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “I think the next meeting is the soonest we can do that.”
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September 17, 2019
Chairman Mallory said, “I think the idea was to have a public hearing whether we need to
initiate the whole process. I think we can do that October 1, 2019.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “We can just move the public hearing and adjust the Bond
Referendum Calendar at December 3 and put the public hearing up until October 1 before we make
a formal decision.”
Chairman Mallory said, “If we have all the data that you need in order to provide for that
public hearing.”
County Manager Beth Jones explained that Finance Director Deb Cheek put together a
calendar outlining the requirements however the Board may go above and beyond those.
Cheek said the Board can do public hearing on October 1, but it is not required. She
explained that holding a public hearing on October 1 would not negate the public hearing slated
for December 3. That hearing would still need to be held to correctly follow the timeline. Cheek
said the first requirement in the process was to receive requests from the school systems. Cheek
went through the Bond Referendum Calendar and noted that Elections Director Becky Galliher
has signed off on the calendar to show that it meets the requirements for the election on March 3,
2020.
Chairman Mallory said, “It is a good idea to have as much as input as we can get. I prefer
to go ahead and have a public hearing to let people know that we are going to be discussing this.
We can make a decision to start the mechanics of the process that will result in an ultimate early
December public hearing before it is actually decided.
Vice Chairman Bowles said, “As soon as you can let the public know that this is the process
the better because something you are going to put before the people, they need to know as early as
possible.”
Chairman Mallory explained the Board will vote on the matter later in the evening during
their regular meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Mallory gave an update on transportation projects. Mallory explained that the
process by which roads are built in North Carolina is handled by the State. The State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) is a formula based process that evaluates the relative merits of where
and when to build roads, airports, bike paths, and other inter-module concerns. The process is
driven by metrics of weighting criteria. All of the proposed projects are scored and put into a
lengthy process of funding and execution. Mallory said the process is much fairer than before as
in the past it was more political. Based on an equitable distribution of funding throughout the
transportation planning organizations statewide, the projects are scored whether they are local
dollars or DOT division. A number of different projects have gone through public hearings and
there are expectations of certain projects occurring in the next couple of years. The widening of
Highway 150 is the biggest project in the County, together with multiple projects in Troutman and
Statesville. A kink was thrown into the process this year and there is an approximate $1.5 billion
shortfall in terms of the ability of the State to fund what was already in process. As a result, a lot
of the projects that were expected have been deferred for a set period of time.
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September 17, 2019
Commissioner Norman asked if that included Highway 150.
Chairman Mallory said yes. By in large, most projects in Iredell County have been deferred
from anywhere to two to three years. The shortfall is not a shortfall of income. The problem is
unanticipated expenses. A large portion of the shortfall is related to the damages awarded to
plaintiffs in the lawsuits involving the setting aside of corridors for long periods of time and people
have their properties tied up. The primary one was the northwest quadrant of a perimeter highway
around Winston Salem. People have not been able to sell their property and have sued. Another
part is the cost of property acquisition is much greater than what was anticipated during the
planning process. The evaluations of property, particularly in the area that is congested and where
most of the roads are going to be improved, have seen the greatest increase in value. There is also
a certain number of projects that the DOT and the Governor apparently fast forwarded to get going
early, and the costs of those have turned out to be greater than anticipated. Mallory said the
Charlotte Regional Transportation Organization (CRTPO) is meeting tomorrow night and
Commissioner Robertson will be attending. All of the project list and deferrals will be adopted at
the meeting. After that meeting, more information will be shared with the public.
Commissioner Robertson said most are probably wishing the county’s projects were not
delayed. The process intentionally changed to avoid someone with political influence getting what
they want at others’ expense. The good part about the system is it is more rational. The bad part is
the County does not have as much control as some may think. The amount of money set to be
spent in the region is fixed. The CRTPO is weighted voting and Charlotte-Mecklenburg has most
of the weight. The County is one of the small fish in the big pond. Robertson does not feel the
outcome of tomorrow’s CRTPO meeting is debatable.
Chairman Mallory said the process of a new road takes 20 – 25 years and to the extent that
they are being accelerated is because municipalities and counties have put in their own money to
have projects score higher. The completion of the interchange at I-40 and I-77 would not fit in the
STIP process, it had to be treated as a separate project. Mallory noted that project is being delayed
as well. To get on the 20 – 25 year program, there has to be a plan. In the next 6 months, staff is
going to focus on developing a transportation plan. Statesville, Troutman, Mooresville, and
Davidson recently completed their own transportation plans. Mallory said staff will consider those
plans to where the County needs to preserve corridors or have processes in place to maintain the
viability of those corridors for future connectivity of those municipalities. The County is set to
double in population in the next 25 years, most of the growth is south of I-40. Mallory said the
2030 Horizon Plan is 10 years old therefore, it is time for a new horizon plan that covers land use
in the County. The transportation plan will inform the horizon plan about the anticipated road net
improvements. Mallory noted that public input would be solicited throughout the process.
Commissioner Robertson said CRTPO is working is now working on the 2050 plan.
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
(None)
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
September 17, 2019
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September 17, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September
17, 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, Finance Director Debra Cheek,
and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory.
INVOCATION: Chairman Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of
silence or reflection.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
County Manager Beth Jones said there is a corrective memo for the Appointment to
Boards and Commissions on the dais.
Iredell-Statesville Schools will recognize the Board under Presentations of Special
Recognitions and Awards.
Unfinished Business: Continue the discussion regarding the School Debt Reserve
distribution. Chairman Mallory said this would also include a discussion regarding a public
hearing for a bond, if it is the will of the Board.
Chairman Mallory added an item under New Business regarding an update on
transportation projects.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Recognition of the County Commissioners by the Iredell -Statesville Board of
Education: Iredell-Statesville Board of Education Chairman Martin Page said the Board of
Education hosted all of the School Resource Officers at a recent meeting along with Sheriff Darren
Campbell, Statesville Police Chief, and Mooresville Police Chief. Page said it was great to see the
number of officers that are involved with the students, not only providing safety but also being a
friend to them. Page shared that on a recent visit to Coddle Creek Elementary there were students
almost arguing who was going to carry the SRO’s tray. Page shared sincere appreciation to the
Board for creating a Safety, Security, and Well Being budget line item for the schools. The schools
were able to move some capital funds over to the line item and the County added funds an d
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furnished more money for the Sheriff’s Office to allow for SROs. There is now a SRO in every
high school (two in the two largest high schools), middle schools, and one SRO for every two
elementary schools.
Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Brady Johnson, Chairman Page, and Vice
Chairman Chuck Gallyon presented each commissioner with a certificate of appreciation.
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation for the recognition. It is important that both
boards be on the same team to not only provide the best world-class education but the safety,
security, and wellbeing that the students deserve and need. Mallory said in today’s society, teachers
and administrators deal with situations that generations before never had to deal with. All of the
safety measures taken along with the School Resource Officers are pieces of the puzzle that go
into providing a multi-faceted secure system. Mallory said schools are prepared as they can be
within the limitations of the resources available. The one-quarter sales tax referendum was
designed to be primarily focused on safety, security, and well-being issues. Mallory said since that
resolution did not pass the County came up with a smaller pot of money to achieve the same desire
and effect. It does not do everything the County would like to accomplish but it does enough to be
able to check most of the boxes.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Presentation by Iredell County Environmental Health Director Brady Freeman on
the updated On-Site Water Protection Operation and Maintenance Policy in accordance to
N.C. Rule 15A NCAC 18A.1961: Environmental Health Director Brady Freeman gave an update
on the maintenance of septic systems. Freeman said the State classifies septic systems as types I –
VI, ranging from an outhouse to the most complicated system. Currently, there are no level VI
systems in the County. Freeman explained that Environmental Health is required to visit type III
systems every five years, type IV every three years and type V every year. The owners of the type
IV and V septic systems are also required to have a private certified operator to visit the sites
ranging from every six months to once a week depending on how complicated the system is. The
maintenance helps with the longevity of the system. Freeman explained that pump systems are
mechanical and are checked for functionality. The accreditation process through the State is
putting pressure on the counties to ensure they are compliant and that the systems are being
checked on a regular basis. Only a few counties in the State have full maintenance programs.
Freeman said the department soon will no longer be required to visit type III systems, therefore
staff has decided to focus on type IV – VI systems. The department developed a maintenance
policy to give staff guidance and tools when going onsite. As of January 2019, the County had
2,209 septic systems that require visits. Out of those, 1,185 are non-compliant because they do not
have certified operators. Freeman said the last step in the final inspection of a septic system is to
have a contract in place between a homeowner and a maintenance operator. Freeman said those
noncompliant possibly come from the change in ownership as the contracts are typically for only
one year and the new homeowner may not be aware of the required maintenance operator. Those
non-compliant will soon receive a postcard making them aware. Freeman explained that any calls
or concerns can be deferred to the Environmental Health division. Staff also plans to visit sites to
make sure the systems are working as they should and some could receive notices of violation if
they are not in compliant. Staff plans work with and educate homeowners throughout the process.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked Freeman to explain the cost of permitting and re-inspections.
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September 17, 2019
Freeman said there is no cost to the homeowner for Environmental Health to visit the site.
The department has adjusted fees over time to include these costs because staff knew as some point
they would be able to address these issues. The upfront fees cover some of the costs for the visits.
Vice Chairman Bowles the County does not charge to inspect a septic tank. A maintenance
contract is between the contractor and homeowner, and the homeowner can expect that to be an
annual fee. Bowles said most likely the reason people have not had problems is because the septic
systems were brand new when they purchased the home.
Freeman said most of the systems that give problems are the ones who do not have a
certified maintenance operator.
Chairman Mallory asked if there is an inspection requirement for a septic system during
the purchase of a new home.
Freeman said he has heard that there a septic system inspection is a part of the selling
process but cannot confirm.
Chairman Mallory said that seems to be an appropriate time to let homeowners know.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the maintenance policy is only for pump systems.
Freeman said it is for more complex pump systems.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for
Pactiv, LLC (Project Blueberry): Chris Younger formally introduced Jenn Bosser as the new
President and CEO of the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation. Bosser thanked the
Board for the opportunity to represent the County and municipalities. Chairman Mallory said
Bosser comes from the Raleigh-Durham area and brings tremendous economic development
experience to the County. Bosser has an understanding of the attributes needed to be competitive
in a 21st Century economy and more particularly a part of the greater Charlotte region as the County
continues to grow the very best job opportunities for the citizens and at the same time grow the tax
base in order to keep a low tax rate.
Younger said Pactiv, also known as Project Blueberry, headquartered in Lake Forest, IL,
is an industry leader in papers and plastic packaging. The company currently employs
approximately 12,000 people globally. The expansion would be for their manufacturing operations
in the Town of Mooresville. The company currently has 316 existing employees and plans to create
60 new full-time positions and generate $28 million in capital investment by December 2020.
Younger said the Town of Mooresville voted in public hearing last night to award the company an
incentive to the company that included a resolution needed for the company to qualify for a
Building Reuse Grant from the State of North Carolina. The award of the Building Reuse Grant
is not a requirement for the Town or the County to award an investment grant in this particular
case.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
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No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve an economic incentive up to $465,000
over a five-year period based on the company’s investment of $28 million and contingent upon a
contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Continue the public hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for
Project R: Chris Younger said Project R known as Plasgad USA develops and manufactures
reusable packaging, storage and transportation solutions. Their cutting-edge solutions are among
the most advanced in the world and are fully tailored to the unique requirements of their customers.
The company produces solutions designed for reuse and recycling related to plastics. The company
is headquartered in Israel and has two production sites in Israel, and one production site in the US.
The company plans to establish a facility to receive a full production site in Statesville, North
Carolina through the acquisition of RPM Plastics, in Statesville. The company will retain 32
positions and create an addition 10 full-time positions. The company plans to make $2.635 million
in capital investment by December 2023. Younger requested an incentive be granted for three
consecutive years totaling up to $31,500. The City of Statesville has approved an incentive grant
to the company.
The public hearing was opened during the September 3, 2019 meeting.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve an economic incentive
up to $31,500 over a three-year period based on the company’s investment of $2,635,000 and
contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Commissioner Robertson noted that Bosser comes from outside the County, but brings an
unbiased set of eyes to look at the strengths and weaknesses. Robertson said it is clear that Bosser
has a keen eye on how to market the County not just this year but for the next 10.
Public hearing to consider a request from Blue Jay Investments LLC to release the
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction of 8.75 acres to the Town of Mooresville: Planning
Director Matthew Todd said the property is located on Ervin Road in Mooresville. The property
was previously subdivided into lots under the County’s jurisdiction but at this point the lots are
being combined to 8.75 acres and requesting release. The Town of Mooresville has already voted
for annexation of the property for December 2019. The County’s Land Use Plan calls for the
property to be low-density residential but is slated in Mooresville’s new plan to be a higher density,
3 – 6 units per acre. Todd noted that Mooresville is set to adopt their new plan within the next
month.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
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September 17, 2019
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve the request for a release of zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville by Blue Jay Investments LLC.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING STAFF REPORT
Release of Zoning & Subdivision Jurisdiction
Staff Project Contact: Rebecca Harper
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
Blue Jay Investments LLC has requested the zoning and subdivision jurisdiction of twelve parcels
totaling 8.75 acres be released to the Town of Mooresville. The proposed use of the property is a
multi-family townhome development (a preliminary site plan has been included with this request).
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER: Blue Jay Investments LLC
900 Reverdy Lane
Matthews, NC 28105
PROPERTY INFORMATION
LOCATION: On Ervin Road in Mooresville; more specifically identified as PIN #s 4647197832,
4647197734, 4647197684, 4647198516, 4647198468, 4647198346, 4647198275, 4647198194,
4647188977, 4647188833, 4647199819, & 4647199724.
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 150 west, right on Ervin Road, on right.
SURROUNDING LAND USE: This property is surrounded by
a church, residential uses and Lake Norman.
SIZE: The property is 8.75 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: The properties are vacant.
ZONING HISTORY: These properties have been zoned R-
A since county-wide zoning was established in 1990.
Areas to the west and east are already in Mooresville’s
ETJ.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is
located within Mooresville’s short range USA boundary.
The Town has approved water and sewer extension to the
project and the Planning staff has submitted a letter of
acknowledgement, both of which have been included in the packet.
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is located in the Catawba/Lake Norman WSIV-CA
water supply watershed therefore there are minimum lot size/impervious coverage restrictions.
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IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: There are no NCDOT traffic counts taken on Ervin Road. The Town of Mooresville requires
a TIA when a proposed development will generate 500 daily trips or 100 trips at the peak am and
pm hours.
SCHOOLS: Because this property is being used for high-density residential purposes, there could
be implications on local schools. Lakeshore Elementary, Lakeshore Middle, and Lake Norman High
are the schools for students in this area.
STAFF COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: From a Planning perspective, this request meets the criteria for release of
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction. The parcels would be adjacent to other parcels already within
the Town’s jurisdiction and the Town has agreed to provide water and sewer to the site. The Town
Planning staff is in support of this request. The proposed development density does not match the
2030 Horizon Plan, as the plan recommends Low Density Residential Uses for this area. If developed
under the County’s zoning regulations, approximately 11 single family homes would be permitted.
The draft plan shows a proposed 39 units. The Mooresville One plan currently under development
has this area identified as neighborhood residential with a density of 3-6 units per acre.
****
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as
follows:
Request from the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation to grant a 150-day
extension in order to fully execute the Economic Development Incentive Agreement for
Project Victory (Mack Molding).
Request from ICATS to call for a public hearing on October 1, 2019 for ICATS
Transportation grants.
Request from Tax Administration for Approval of August Refunds and
Releases.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on September
3, 2019.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
County Manager Beth Jones explained the following appointments:
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September 17, 2019
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) 2 appointments and 1 appointment
modification – Statesville Police Chief David Addison has volunteered to serve as the Statesville
Police Department’s appointment. Pamela Navey, currently serving as the Police Department
appointment, has volunteered to serve as a member of the business community. Robert Lee IV has
volunteered to serve as a member of the faith community.
Mooresville Planning Board (ETJ) 1 appointment – Mooresville Town Board has
recommended Alan Sulek to serve.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint David Addison as the Statesville Police
Department representative, Pamela Navey as a member of the business community, Robert Lee IV
as a member of the faith community, and Alan Sulek as an ETJ member on the Mooresville
Planning Board.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said Rick Howard and Becky Fox have volunteered to serve as the one
appointment to the Lake Norman Marine Commission and both have a very impressive resume
and would serve the commission well.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to appoint Rick Howard to the Lake Norman
Marine Commission.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said Mr. Howard is a longtime member of the community and is well
acquainted with the lake and its special character. Mallory said Mrs. Fox has wonderful credentials
and encouraged her to look for future opportunities to serve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chairman Mallory said at a previous meeting the Board received a report from the Schools
Facilities Task Force outlining their recommendations for the allocation of excess funds saved
from the bond that issued four years ago. There was a little over $21 million worth of funds that
had not been spent. These funds were created by lower than anticipated market rates on bond issues
and the bond was also sequenced and phased in. The dollars were not spent until there were
contracts to pay. Chairman Mallory said the Board previously agreed to divide the $21 million on
a pro rata basis based on the percentage of the projects that the three school systems had as a part
of that bond. In the process of discussing how to release the funds, it became evident from the
Task Force’s presentation that the schools systems would like to use those funds to whittle away
at the projects identified in Phase 1. This would essentially have left two major projects that could
not be funded, a middle school for Mooresville Graded School District and a new high school for
Iredell-Statesville Schools to be located in the southern end of the County. Chairman Mallory said
that is great segway into the discussion of the bond and the necessary requirements. As an
outgrowth of that, the Board requested and received resolutions from the educational entities’
respective boards asking the Commissioners to move forward to consider a bond referendum to
build the two schools and increase capacity in Iredell County. The Board also asked that the
educational entities demonstrate a commitment to support in educating the people of the County
so that they can make an informed decision in terms of their vote on any kind of bond that comes
before them. Chairman Mallory said the Board will address the issue of the funds that are being
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allocated from the $21 million and secondly when to start the process and call for a public hearing
so that the public can be educated on what the process is going forward.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to the Finance Department for being able to
save the money. If not, the Board would not be able reimburse the funds.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve allocation of the debt reserve funds. These
funds would be reimbursed on the approved and recommended projects as presented by the
Schools Facility Task Force in Phase 1. This is in preparation for a potential Bond being considered
for March 2020. These projects were also approved by each system’s Boards from Iredell-
Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded Schools, and Mitchell Community College Board of
Trustees. The reimbursements would be reimbursed by invoice as the projects are completed. The
allocation amount potentials are Iredell-Statesville Schools, a maximum amount of $12,965,080,
Mooresville Graded Schools, $6,427,126, and Mitchell Community College, $2,000,132.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Commissioner Houpe asked the Clerk to the Board to include a copy of the projects list as
presented and approved by the boards, and presented by the Schools Facilities Task Force.
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Chairman Mallory said the second order of business relates to a public hearing so that the
Board can discuss the perimeters and process of a bond referendum.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to call for a Public Hearing on October 1, 2019 to
consider calling for a Capital Bond Referendum March 2020 for the requested projects identified
by Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded Schools, and Mitchell Community College as
presented to the Board formally by each of the Boards. The total bond request is $125 million.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
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COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
(None)
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 and there are no action items to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to adjourn at 7:52PM. The next regular meeting will
be October 1, 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