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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-17-2020 1 March 17, 2020 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA MINUTES March 17, 2020 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 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 Ken Robertson Board Members Participating Remotely Marvin Norman 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: An update on Covid-19 will be added as an Appointment Before the Board. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from ECOM to proclaim the month of April as 9-1-1 Education Month and April 12 – 18 as National Telecommunicator Week: This item will be presented at 7pm. Request from Emergency Management to approve budget amendment 24 to distribute reimbursement funds from Lineage Logistics, Inc. to various Iredell County departments for the response to the chemical leak that occurred on January 10, 2020: Emergency Management Director Kent Greene said there was an amonious leak at Lineage Logistics that resulted in responses from a number of fire departments throughout the County and four departments outside of the County with Regional Response Teams. Under the Hazardous Materials Response Ordinance, spillers of the materials are required to reimburse response agencies for their response, cleanup, and disposal of the cleanup. Greene explained he used FEMA guidance on equipment rates to determine a reasonable reimburse total of $23,001. Approval of the budget amendment would allow the funds to be distributed to EMS, fire departments, and Firefighters Association for the Mobile Air Unit. Commissioner Robertson asked if Lineage is legally required to reimburse the County. Greene said they are according to the County’s Ordinance. The Town of Mooresville, City of Statesville, and the State will invoice Lineage separately. Greene noted the incident was the most expensive hazardous waste material response in the State. 2 March 17, 2020 Jones added the County did not charge Lineage for time that staff would have been working anyway. They were only charged for additional time staff was there that would not have normally been on the clock. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment 23 to receive and expend an awarded $500 grant from Safe Kids NC: Norma Rife said the department in conjunction with the Partnership for Young Children established the Safe Kids Iredell Coalition in October 2019. Rife requested approval to receive and expend an awarded $500 grant from Safe Kids NC to support startup costs for the coalition. The funds will be used for Safe Kids NC branded displays to be used by coalition members at community events. Chairman Mallory asked when the kick-off event will be. Rife said the coalition is going strong and there were some signature events coming up but they have been postponed due to Covid-19. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration for approval of a utility easement to the City of Statesville for operation and maintenance of the water and sewer lines: Project Manager David Saleeby said the jail project required the extension of an 8-inch sewer and water line on Constitution Lane and water line off S. Harrill Street. Saleeby requested approval of a utility easement with the City of Statesville for the maintenance of the water and sewer lines. This item was placed on consent. Saleeby noted the jail is now open. Chairman Mallory extended appreciation to Saleeby for providing daily oversight on two major projects. Saleeby provided proof of principle for the need of having someone on staff that can be in the details of major projects. Commissioner Robertson said the attention to detail to make a reliable facility that would not break or easy to-do maintenance was clearly a real focus. The County will save money for years to come. Buildings always require maintenance but it is important to select things that are not prone to break and easy fixes. Robertson shared that he was very impressed with the job done and thinks it will be beneficial to the operational costs. Request from Tax Administration for approval of February Refunds and Releases: This item was placed on consent. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS 3 March 17, 2020 Town of Troutman Planning Board ETJ – 1 appointment Brent Tedder has volunteered to serve for the first time. Chairman Mallory asked to ensure future ETJ applicants fill out the County application in addition to the municipalities’. Vice Chairman Bowles agreed. The ETJ applicants should be vetted by the Board. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Robertson said during the last economic downturn, the County took a large hit on lower sales tax revenues. Merchants send the State a check at the end of each month and approximately 90 days later, the County receives funds. Robertson said it would be important for the County if the State could start sharing some degree of impact. There are going to be more budget requests at a time where the County is receiving less revenue. The good news is the County puts money in the bank; the bad news is it is not a bottomless pit. Robertson would like staff to begin gathering how Covid-19 has affected the County financially and how the revenue stream looks. Vice Chairman Bowles agreed. At times like these credit card balances go up and savings accounts go down. It may be Christmas before companies regain profit. Chairman Mallory said the budgeting process has been somewhat shifted to deal with circumstances related to COVID-19. This will give time to anticipate how the revenue stream, particularly sales tax, may be affected, which will overall affect the budgetary choices. Commissioner Houpe asked the County Manager to remind the public about the Census. COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT County Manager Beth Jones provided an update, regarding COVID-10, earlier in the meeting. The Board moved into Closed Session at 6:05PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES March 17, 2020 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 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 4 March 17, 2020 Gene Houpe Ken Robertson Board Members Participating Remotely Marvin Norman 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 An update on Covid-19 will be added as an Appointment Before the Board. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Update on COVID-19: Chairman Mallory said at the last meeting the Health Department gave presentation on COVID-19 guidance from the CDC. Health Director Jane Hinson said a lot has changed in two weeks. There are now 40 cases and no deaths and, one presumptive case in the County. Hinson added information on positive cases will be limited because there are very strict confidentiality laws in the State. It is not important where the individual lives, it is important for citizens to take personal responsibility for their health and their loved ones health. The department is doing their job to ensure the person stays isolated and contacts are quarantined. The Health Department has issued four press releases and responded to numerous media requests in the last two weeks. Hinson added that documents and guidance from the CDC are changing quickly. There have been 17 guidance’s issued for healthcare providers since becoming aware of COVID-19. The department has an internal epidemiology response team that meets regularly and has an incident action plan. Hinson plans on giving weekly updates to the community. Hinson provi ded a list of daily and weekly calls and webinars staff are participating in. Hinson explained a person can be tested for COVID-19 through the State Public Health lab. To be tested through the lab, the person would have to be in close contact of someone who has been diagnosed or a fever, cough, and negative flu test. Testing through private providers are done at their discretion. An individual tested becomes an individual under investigation. Hinson went through the proper steps for someone testing positive and the quarantine process. The high- risk group includes anyone over the age of 65, immunocompromised, or underlying health issues. 5 March 17, 2020 These individuals have been encouraged to stay at home. Hinson said on March 14, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order prohibiting mass gatherings with over 100 people and ordered the closure of schools until May 15, 2020. On March 16, 2020, Governor Cooper issued an Executive Order prohibiting mass gatherings with over 50 people. On March 17, 2020, Governor Cooper issued an order prohibiting restaurants and bars from having seat-in options. All food orders must be take-out. Hinson noted that Environmental Health would not be enforcing this order. Because it is an Executive Order, law enforcement will be enforcing. Hinson said the State is going to receive $13.8 million from the CDC for response related to COVID-19. Commissioner Houpe expressed sincere appreciation of the Health Department and first responders. Emergency Management Coordinator Kent Greene said staff is working to support the efforts of Public Health, secure and deliver resources that they made need. Staff is also working to get additional equipment in to the County to be better prepared. Chairman Mallory asked about the Full Scale Medical Counter Measures Exercise. Greene said the test was done last week. It tests the County’s ability to receive and distribute mass medicines and vaccinations. The exercise was planned for over two years and coincidentally occurred during a time where the County may have to enact such program. Greene complimented Hinson and staff on a job well done for the exercise. County Manager Beth Jones gave a summary of actions that the County has taken to respond across the board to this ever-changing situation. Back in January, screening procedures were put in place in ECOM. They began asking pertinent questions regarding symptoms and recent travel. Iredell was one of the first counties to begin the screening. EMS distributed two boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) to all 23 first responder departments. Jones added that all out of county work related travel has been suspended until April 30, 2020. Staff has also postponed all special events or gatherings outside of normal business along with youth athletic leagues and adult day trips. Jones said at noon, March 17, 2020, Chairman Mallory declared a State of Emergency for the County. Effective at 5pm, March 17, 2020, some departments have scaled back some services. Most departments, including the Health Department, have not. The Library is moving to Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm shift. The Library will be open to students from 10am – 2pm. Patrons can order books and material online then pick them up from 3-5pm at the library. ICATS is available to pick up and drop off students. ICATS has temporarily suspended fixed routes. Jones said it is the County’s intent to continue to provide services and remain open, but there are a lot of services available online or by calling a particular department. Citizens are encouraged to call departments before visiting. Jones is hopeful this is a quick and temporary process but not sure that is the case. Chairman Mallory read the State of Emergency into the record. 6 March 17, 2020 Chairman Mallory recognized department directors and staff for their flexibility and proactive contributions to better utilize resources. PUBLIC HEARINGS Public hearing for an economic development incentive for Project Coupling: County Manager Beth Jones said the company is based in Italy and is currently under quarantine and asked to open and continue the public hearing until the next meeting. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. 7 March 17, 2020 No one wished to speak. The public hearing was continued until April 7, 2020. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from ECOM to proclaim the month of April as 9-1-1 Education Month and April 12 - 18 as National Telecommunicator Week: Tera Dufault said ECOM strives to give each person who passes through the best that Iredell County has to offer. The issues everyone is facing today prove that is more important now to educate citizens and workers on 911. Since 1994, the month of April has been dedicated to 911 education. In 2019, Iredell County ECOM took over 260,000 calls and handled 2.5 million radio transmissions. Therefore, each person ECOM makes contact with an educate makes one more call go more quickly and without delay, one more person that has the non-emergency number on hand and know when to use those instead, a child that knows not to prank call. Dufault said ECOM participated in several public relations special events prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have limited the department’s outreach and tours because of recommended restrictions. Chairman Mallory said telecommunicators are the first link in a long chain that extends out to first responders, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and EMS. Without that strong link, communication would be impossible and resources could not go where they are needed. Mallory said ECOM does a tremendous job in a stressful environment while sorting through someone’s worst day. Commissioner Robertson expressed appreciation to ECOM. Other branches of first responders have a heads-up on the situation before starting, however the telecommunicators can only hear, they cannot see the situation. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the proclamation as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PROCLAMATION National 9-1-1 Education Month April 2020 & April 12 - 18, 2020 National Telecommunicator Week WHEREAS, 9-1-1 is nationally recognized as the number to call in an emergency to receive immediate help from police, fire, emergency medical services, or other appropriate emergency response entities; and WHEREAS, 9-1-1 was designated by Congress as the national emergency call number under the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-81); and WHEREAS, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (Public Law 108 -494) established enhanced 9-1-1 as a high national priority as part of our Nation's homeland security and public safety; and WHEREAS, people of all ages use 9 -1-1, and it is critical to educate the public of all ages on the proper use of 9-1- 1; and WHEREAS, a growing segment of the population, including the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and individuals with speech disabilities increasingly communicate with nontraditional text, video and instant messaging communications services and anticipate that these services will be able to connect directly to 9-1-1; and WHEREAS, thousands of 9-1-1 calls are made every year by children properly trained on the use of 9-1-1, resulting in lives saved which underscores the critical importance of training children early in life about 9-1-1; and 8 March 17, 2020 WHEREAS, there is widespread misuse of the 9-1-1 system, including prank and non-emergency calls, which can result in costly and inefficient use of 9 -1-1 and emergency response resources. NOW, therefore, I, James B. Mallory III, Chairman of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, does hereby proclaim April 2020 as National 9-1-1 Education Month and April 12 - 18, 2020 as National Telecommunicator Week. I call upon all government officials, parents, teachers, school administrators, caregivers, businesses leaders, non-profit organizations, and the people of the United States to observe this month with training, events, and activities to educate the public on 9-1-1. Furthermore, to honor during this week those Public Safety Telecommunicators who have dedicated their lives to providing this vital emergency service. **** County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as follows:  Request from Emergency Management to approve budget amendment 24 to distribute reimbursement funds from Lineage Logistics, Inc. to various Iredell County departments for the response to the chemical leak that occurred on January 10, 2020.  Request from the Health Department for approval of budget amendment 23 to receive and expend an awarded $500 grant from Safe Kids NC.  Request from Administration for approval of a utility easement to the City of Statesville for operation and maintenance of the water and sewer lines.  Request from Tax Administration for approval of February Refunds and Releases. MOTION by Commissioner to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Town of Troutman Planning Board ETJ – 1 appointment MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to appoint Brent Tedder to the Troutman Planning Board as an ETJ member. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT 9 March 17, 2020 County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following items:  Encouraged citizens to complete the 2020 Census. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Mallory explained that Closed Session was held immediately following pre- agenda and there are no action items to report. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to adjourn at 8:01PM. The next regular meeting will be April 7, 2020, 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