HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-2-2021
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March 2, 2021
draft IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
March 2, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, March
2, 2021 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 Melissa Neader
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
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 Deb 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 had no adjustments
to the agenda.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Register of Deeds for a revenue stamp refund in the amount of $200:
County Manager Beth Jones said a revenue stamp was incorrectly reported on a deed at the time
of recording in the amount of $200. Jones requested approval of the revenue stamp refund.
Commissioner Brown asked if this is a reoccurring cost.
Jones said no.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of the project ordinance for
Mooresville Graded School District (MGSD) Selma Burke Middle School: Finance Director
Deb Cheek requested approval of a project ordinance for Mooresville Graded School District’s
Selma Burke Middle School. The school district is beginning the process of building the new
middle school. The school system desires to use $6,000,000 of debt reserve funds and $217,264
of safety and security funds. In order for them to begin preliminary work from these funds, a
project ordinance is required. When the General Obligation Bonds are issued later this year, this
project ordinance will be amended.
This item was placed on consent.
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March 2, 2021
Request from the Finance Department for a motion on Public Hearing regarding an
installment financing agreement for energy conservation projects with Iredell Statesville
School System and executing a deed of trust on the CATS property: Finance Director Deb
Cheek said the Board held a public hearing at their last meeting regarding installment financing
agreement for energy conservation projects with Iredell Statesville School System. There were no
comments received after the public hearing.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this item should be moved to 7pm as the Board of Education
recently questioned the CATS property being used as collateral. The CATS property was outlined
as collateral to County staff by the school system. The County did not identify which property
should be used as collateral, that decision was made by the sc
Chairman Mallory explained consent is fine.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Administration for approval of a sanitary sewer easement to the Town
of Troutman: County Manager Beth Jones said this is a continuation of the County’s partnership
with the Town of Troutman and Children’s Hope Alliance to install a sewer line to give them
easement to reach Murdock Road because of the recent property purchase.
County Attorney Lisa Valdez said the easement will run from the Barium Springs property
behind the Recreation Center and down to the existing line the Board granted a previous easement
for, that runs across the back of the fairgrounds. In tandem with this, Barium Springs will grant
the County an easement to get the line from there to the Recreation Center.
Commissioner Brown asked if this is where the Balloonfest will be.
Chairman Mallory said the easement runs along that property.
Jones said this line will serve all partners.
This item was placed on consent.
Discussion of House Bill 119 Property Tax Relief for Covid Affected Businesses: Jones
explained that HB119 states any business that is effected 25% less revenues as a result of Covid
could receive some tax benefits. If the business has already paid taxes, they could receive a refund
of those. The bill also includes a provision where the property could be reappraise. Jones said tax
offices across the State have been working diligently not with just businesses, but with individuals,
because of the impact caused by covid.
Commissioner Houpe asked to move this item to 7pm and asked the County Manager to
send a letter to legislators on behalf of the Board and suggest if the General Assembly wants to
provide financial relief they can do that on the State side and potentially use Covid money from
the federal government to accomplish the same task. Some of the co-sponsors of the bill were not
aware of the potential impacts, but cannot be removed as co-sponsors.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meetings on
January 19, February 2 & 16, 2021: There were no additions or corrections.
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March 2, 2021
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Transportation Advisory Board – Kelly Marable volunteered to serve for the first time.
OLD BUSINESS
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones provided an update on the following:
Vaccinations will be moving to Group 3 soon.
The State has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination however, it is unsure when
and if the County will receive any.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:42PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
March 2, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 2,
2021 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 Melissa Neader
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Board Members Absent
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.
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March 2, 2021
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 had no adjustments to the agenda.
Commissioner Houpe added two items under Unfinished Business.
Chairman Mallory added one item under New Business.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearing to consider a request from Owner/Applicant Fred W. Blake for
expansion of a non-conforming use, B&I Heating and Air, located at 358 Triplett Road:
Planning Director Matthew Todd said the property is just over 2.5 acres and falls in the low density
area in the 2030 Horizon but is a grandfathered in non-conforming use. The structure was built in
1968. In 2011, the Board of Adjustment granted the property to change over from an auto -repair
business to an HVAC business. In 2016, the Board of Commissioners granted an expansion of a
non-conforming use, similar to the current request. The current request is to add an addition 5,000
square foot warehouse to the rear of the property. The Planning Board unanimously supported the
request and there has been no opposition. Todd explained the Board should consider the following
for an expansion: the expansion will not cause substantial harm to adjoining owners, traffic
increase would not go beyond road capacity, not result in smoke, fumes, noise, odor, or dust, and
the proposed addition would maintain all setbacks.
Commissioner Brown asked if the business owners also owns the house.
Todd said he does not, but the property owners is in support of the request.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
Chairman Mallory explained because Commissioner Norman is participating remotely, the
Board is required by state law to hold the matter open for comment for 24 hours. Anyone wishing
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March 2, 2021
to comment on the request can contact Planning Staff or Clerk to the Board. The Board will vote
on this matter on March 16, 2021.
Iredell County
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING STAFF REPORT
Expansion of Non-Conforming Use
B&I Heating and Air
STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Leslie Meadows
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
Legal non-conforming uses are allowed to
expand per approval by the Iredell County Board
of Commissioners. This is a request to allow
expansion of an existing legal non-conforming
HVAC contractor’s facility within a Residential
Agricultural (RA) District per the submitted
preliminary site plan. The proposed site plan
includes a 5,000 square foot warehouse addition
for extra storage.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER/APPLICANT: Fred W. Blake, CIB Realty LLC
PROPERTY INFORMATION
LOCATION: 358 Triplett Road, B & I Heating and Air; more specifically PIN
4772481840.000.
SURROUNDING LAND USE:
Residential (RA) development in all directions, with a few larger parcels of vacant land
in agricultural use.
SIZE:
2.578 Acres
EXISTING LAND USE: There is an existing commercial HVAC contractor’s facility on the
property.
ZONING HISTORY: The property has been Residential Agricultural (RA) since countywide
zoning in 1990. The initial legal non-conforming business/structure has been in existence
since 1968. The Board of Adjustment approved a non-conforming Change of Use from
auto repair business to HVAC contractor facility in 2011. Since then, B&I Heating and Air
has had one 780 square foot addition, an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use approved
in 2016.
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March 2, 2021
TRAFFIC: The closest, most recent traffic count is near the intersection of US Hwy 70 and
and Triplett Road and had a traffic count of 1,300 vehicles per day in 2010. Triplett Road
is considered a minor thoroughfare according to the current CRTPO Comprehensive
Transportation Plan. Thus, traffic capacity for this road is not currently being monitored.
The speed limit along this section of Triplett Road is 45 mph.
REQUIREMENTS
The Iredell County Zoning Ordinance allows non-conforming uses to expand based upon
the consideration of criteria outlined below:
a. The enlargement will NOT cause substantial harm to the adjoining property
owners.
b. The enlargement will NOT result in traffic increases beyond the capacity of the
roads serving said use.
c. The enlargement will NOT result in emission of smoke, fumes, noise, odor, or dust
which will be detrimental to the character of the district or to the health, safety,
or general welfare of the community.
d. The enlargement will maintain all minimum setbacks and buffer requirements
of the use district in which said use would be permitted.
Section 15.4 of the Iredell County Land Development Code provides the above-
referenced criteria that must be considered for an applicant to expand a non -
conforming use. All aspects may be evaluated in light of location of the property and
the submitted site plan showing the existing facilities and proposed expansion.
STAFF COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: Staff is recommending in favor of the request and feels that based
upon the submitted site plan and history of the operation that an expansion would not
negatively impact adjoining residential properties and meets all criteria for an expansion
of a non-conforming use. According to the preliminary site plan submitted, the new
warehouse structure will be behind the existing building, and most closely adjoins open
farmland. Traffic into the site is not expected to increase. The expansion of a non -
conforming use is preferred to a rezoning request for avoidance of potential spot zoning.
Any future expansions would need to be evaluated by the Board.
If approval for expansion of the non-conforming use is granted, it is noted that the
applicant must still submit a commercial site plan for Planning Department review, before
development can begin on the property. Zoning requirements such as parking,
landscaping, and buffering/screening will be reviewed at such time. Erosion and
sedimentation control standards must also be reviewed for compliance.
SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: Staff performed a site visit on January 15, 2021, accompanied
by Planning Board members: Raymond Burnette, Andy Webster, and Ronda Hoke.
PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On February 3, 2021, the Planning Board held a public
hearing to consider the request for non-conformity expansion. The owner/applicant
was present to answer any questions. No one spoke in opposition to the request. The
board voted 9-0 to recommend in favor of said expansion.
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March 2, 2021
Public Hearing to consider changes to the Iredell County Personnel Policy: Human
Resources Director Sandra Gregory said Human Resources in conjunction with the General
Governmental Task Force recommend changes to the Personnel Ordinance. The changes were
introduced to the Board at their Fall/Winter Retreat in February 2021. Gregory highlighted the
significant changes:
Article II, Section 12: The County Manager may authorize pay for exempt employees when they
are required to work in excess of 48 hours in a work-week and are performing duties related to a
disaster during a State of Emergency Declaration.
Gregory said this piece was added that exempt employees can be compensated if the County was
in that situation moving forward.
Article III: Remove the statement regarding applications for employment. The County no longer
has hard copy applications.
Article III: An employees’ evaluation date is changed when promoted, for merit reasons.
Article IV, Conditions of Employment: Adding the exit interview process into the policy.
Gregory requested approval of the changes with an effective date of July 1, 2021.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the changes to the Personnel Policy.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the following Administrative Matters during the
Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:
Request from the Register of Deeds for a revenue stamp refund in the amount of $200.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of the project ordinance for Mooresville
Graded School District (MGSD) Selma Burke Middle School.
Request from the Finance Department for a motion on Public Hearing regarding an
installment financing agreement for energy conservation projects with Iredell Statesville
School System and executing a deed of trust on the CATS property.
Request from Administration for approval of a sanitary sewer easement to the Town of
Troutman.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meetings on January 19,
February 2 & 16, 2021.
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March 2, 2021
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Discussion of House Bill 119 Property Tax Relief for Covid Affected Businesses:
Commissioner Houpe explained that the NCACC has asked the Board to express opposition to
proposed HB119. The bill would negatively impact the County significantly. Commissioner
Houpe asked County Manager Jones to submit a letter to the County’s legislators opposing HB119.
Chairman Mallory agreed with Commissioner Houpe. It is great thing for the State to look
out for businesses effected by covid, but the place to deal with that is their level. The State is the
first stopping point for any funds allocated by the federal government.
The Board also discussed this matte during the pre-agenda meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Transportation Advisory Board – Kelly Marable volunteered to serve for the first time.
MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to appoint Kelly Marable to the Transportation Advisory
Board.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe said, “We have all gotten emails and there has been tremendous
discussion over the masks mandate. In the latest Governor’s mandate he is allowing, for various
reasons, some exemptions to collegiate and professional sports not to wear masks during games or
participation. I would like to make a motion and ask the Board to support in constructing the
County Manager and staff to allow youth players during practice and games to not wear a mask,
unless they want to. While they are actively part icipating in a game…There are already some
exemptions from the perspiration-wet mask. They can already be exempt if there are medical issues
or wear a mouthpiece. To give staff clarification from our level, I make a motion that we ask the
County Manager to authorize her staff not to enforce that particular part of the mask mandate for
youth sports while they are actively participating in a game or practice.
Commissioner Brown said, “I met with some doctors and a pediatric group for the State of
NC, and they are totally against wearing masks when it is hot. They say with masks , the kids are
breathing out and they are just breathing back in more bad stuff, and it is causing respiratory
problems. On a 90-degree day, we will start having problems with kids passing out. I am totally
against masks during practice or play.”
County Manager Beth Jones asked, “Is this for indoor and outdoor?”
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Commissioner Houpe said, “Just outdoor sports. Do we have any indoor sports at this point
that we are dealing with?”
Jones said, “We could have volleyball.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I am good with including indoor as long as they are actively
participating in the sport.”
Chairman Mallory said, “When kids are on the bench or in the dugout they are not actively
participating so they should either be socially distanced if it is outdoors or if they are not socially
distanced they should be wearing a mask, together with the spectators. This is actually clarifying
our interpretation of the Governor’s guidance. The Governor’s guidance has multiple exceptions
to a general rule. When you get into having more exceptions than the rule you wonder if it is just
better to say people do not need to be trying to parse this out and put a burden on staff to try to be
referees as far as whether someone meets a criteria. I believe we can look at this with common
sense and say anyone exerting themselves outdoors as hot as it gets their masks are going to get
wet.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Thank you for mentioning indoors, Beth. Because the
exemption specifically to collegiate basketball because of those various reasons. My intent is ask
them not to enforce the mask mandate while they are actively participating in sports and if they
come to the bench they are going to want to cool down and breathe through that. Maybe they can
social distance.”
Commissioner Brown said, “We have to be careful with what we say. I don’t think we are
saying they have to wear one on the bench.”
Chairman Mallory said, “If they are socially distanced they shouldn’t have to.”
Commissioner Brown said, “The problem is kids come in, whether they are football or
baseball, they are hot and breathing…Wal-Mart is taking their signs regarding masks down
because they had a shooting. Wal-Mart says they are not going to put up any more signs because
they don’t want to be the police.”
Chairman Mallory said, “It is on the coaches to be able to manage the flow of their people
and kids, and make sure they are protected while under their charge. I think this strikes the right
balance and is the correct interpretation. We are not waiving anything. We are saying this meets
the valid exception that has been outlined in the Governor’s policy in my perspective. We take this
as a form of a motion from Commissioner Houpe. Do you need any further clarification?”
Jones said, “I don’t think so. I am sure there will be questions as we begin this and I will
come back to the Board for any clarification, if necessary.”
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe for the County Manager to authorize her staff not to
enforce that particular part of the mask mandate for youth sports while they are actively
participating in a game or practice.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
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****
Commissioner Houpe asked County Manager Jones and staff to communicate with Mr.
Beachy on having an acceptable date in April. The Board asks that staff go by any protocols in
place at that time.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the facility could be ready by then.
Jones said yes.
Commissioner Houpe said people have various reasons to not wear masks, but it does not
hurt. Houpe is hopeful cases will continue to decline and the event will be good for the economy.
Commissioner Brown said Mr. Beachy will be supplying a date for the event.
Chairman Mallory said this is possible because the number of positive cases are down.
Everyone needs to take advantage of the vaccinations when they are eligible.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Mallory said, “We have all had an opportunity over the last 8 months or so to
receive input individuals and groups of both in this venue during our Public Comment Periods, as
well as in private and in public meetings concerning the Confederal Memorial Monument. As I
mentioned several months ago that after having an opportunity to speak with a number of my
African American friends and colleagues I discovered regardless of the race neutral policies or
procedures and laws we have that in fact there is some residual moments of discrimination that do
exist and continue to exist in our society, in laws, and in procedures. These are very real and are
tolerated by some better than others. In any case, no one should have to carry these additional loads
in their rock sack as they go through life. It is incumbent on us to try to take actions that will
enhance everyone’s ability to achieve their highest and best potential. This is a passionate issue. It
is one that people have heartfelt opinions about. In this process, I have examined my own
perspectives and they have been informed by individuals that I greatly respect and that I have come
to the conclusion personally, informed by the law and my experience in the Army, and informed
by my faith that I believe we cannot just sit back. We need to be proactive in addressing these
issues. I would like to offer a motion for this Board to adopt a Resolution to support the relocation
of the Confederate Monument currently located at the Iredell County Government Center. I believe
we have some potential willing partners, in terms of working through that process and people with
goodwill and love for their neighbors. We will be able to manage this and come out on the other
side – a stronger community. At this time, because I am offering this resolution for consideration
I am going to pass the gavel to Vice Chair Neader to preside.
MOTION by Chairman Mallory to approve the following resolution as presented.
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RESOLUTION OF THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN SUPPORT OF
THE RELOCATION OF CONFEDERATE MONUMENT CURRENTLY LOCATED AT THE
IREDELL COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
WHEREAS, in 1895 a fundraising campaign amongst citizens of Iredell County began for the purchase
and placement of a monument to memorialize the ultimate sacrifice of at least 597 Soldiers from Iredell
County who had died in the service of the State of North Carolina while detailed to the Confederate States
of America; and
WHEREAS, the monument, titled “Our Confederate Dead,” served as the only memorial for Soldiers who
died on distant battlefields, or of disease, and whose gravesites were unknown to families or unmarked in
any way; and
WHEREAS, the fundraising, design and organization of the placement of the monument was undertaken
by the Daughters of the Confederacy and the Col. Reuben Campbell Camp of Confederate Veterans, and
was ultimately erected in front of the newly built Iredell County Courthouse in 1905 and dedicated in 1906
on Confederate Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS Iredell County allowed placement of the memorial monument by the aforesaid organizations
on county property but has asserted no claim of ownership; and
WHEREAS, the statue on the memorial monument depicts the common Soldier and not a specific
individual; and
WHEREAS, at the time of the dedication, the vast majority of Iredell County residents were either alive
in 1865 or were descendants of families who were present in Iredell County during the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 387 conducts annual memorial ceremonies and is
responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the memorial; and
WHEREAS, we understand that while the memorial monument has not been a significant source of
controversy for a majority of the people of Iredell County, it has occupied a prominent position in front of
the justice system during a period of Jim Crow laws, segregation and endemic discrimination against
African-Americans; and
WHEREAS, a common perspective among a significant number of African-American citizens of Iredell
County is that the monument served a purpose beyond memorializing the sacrifice of Iredell County
Soldiers and continues to serve as a reminder of policies of oppression, having their roots in the system of
slavery that existed in the Confederate States of America; and
WHEREAS, despite significant social, economic and legal progress toward equality of rights and
opportunity since the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement, there remains much work to be done to
eliminate the vestiges and effects of racial discrimination; and
WHEREAS, this Board affirms that it is committed to protecting and expanding the opportunities for every
citizen regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity to achieve their highest and best potential; and
WHEREAS, recently, and in particular since the summer of 2020, the monument has been the subject of
ongoing protests calling for its removal from its current location in front of the Iredell County Government
Center; and
WHEREAS, during the public comment period of the Iredell County Board of Commissioner meetings,
there have been numerous speakers both for and against relocation of the memorial monument; and
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WHEREAS, the opinions expressed represent passionately held beliefs as to the meaning of the memorial,
which are diametrically and irreconcilably opposed to each side’s perspectives; and
WHEREAS, this Board is not persuaded by arguments based on identity politics, cancel culture, historical
revisionism, racism, Marxist or Fascist ideologies or hateful and offensive speech; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners of this Board have had numerous direct public and private conversations
with individuals and groups providing input on how to best resolve the issue in controversy; and
WHEREAS, while the Commissioners of this Board know that our decisions on many contested issues
rarely square the circle and fully “satisfy the offended without offending the satisfied,” and that while the
majority may rule in a democracy, wise decisions take into account the views of all of our citizens and
consider the disparate effects on individuals and groups; and
WHEREAS, that while the monument’s presence at the seat of County government appears to be of little
or no consequence to the majority of Iredell County citizens, it is hurtful to a significant number of African-
American citizens who live and work in our communities; and
WHEREAS, this Board does acknowledge the heartfelt perspectives of those whose Confederate ancestors
the monument was designed to recognize and memorialize, as well as African -Americans who, after it’s
placement, continued to suffer systemic discrimination; and
WHEREAS, this Board desires that public statues, monuments and memorials located at or adjacent to
government and judicial buildings serve to unify and inspire our communities; and
WHEREAS, it is evident that the Confederate memorial does not foster a sense of unity and common
purpose within our community given its location at the seat of County government; and
WHEREAS, such a memorial monument commemorating Soldiers who have fallen in the service of their
State serves the same purpose as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located in Arlington National Cemetery;
and
WHEREAS, there are two cemeteries owned by the City of Statesville, namely Fourth Creek Cemetery
and Oakwood Cemetery, both of which have gravesites of former Confederate Soldiers who were
contemporaries of those fallen Confederate Soldiers who have no known or close gravesites; and
WHEREAS, it is the Board’s belief that such a memorial monument should be placed on hallowed ground
to firmly establish its’ purpose as a memorial in tribute and testament to these Soldier’s ultimate sacrifice,
and at a place that allows the public to visit and commemorate, with no other purpose now or in the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners,
that:
1. This Board requests the participation of the Statesville City Council to assist in the relocation of
the Confederate memorial monument by making available a suitable location in either the Fourth
Creek Cemetery or Oakwood Cemetery, as well as working with the necessary parties to affect the
relocation by mutual agreement; and
2. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 387 and/or the local chapter of the Daughters of the
Confederacy be consulted in the site selection and process of relocation; further, it is the desire of
this Board that these organizations be authorized to conduct Confederate Memorial Day or
Decoration Day ceremonies at the new location, as in years past; and
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3. The County Manager investigate the costs of relocation to the site designated by the parties and
report back to this Board, as it is the intent of the Board that the County bear the costs of relocation
upon the availability of funds.
Vice Chair Neader said, “Thank you Chairman. We do have a motion on the table to accept
this, prior to that I would like to ask if there is any discussion.”
Commissioner Brown said, “I’ve already stressed my opinion that we are giving up our
rights more and more every day. When I walk into this room, we first open up, and we cannot pray
anymore, it bothers me. This bothers me too. I am sorry, but this is not something I am good with.”
Vice Chair Neader said, “Marvin, do you have any comments at this point?”
Commissioner Norman said, “I don’t have any comment.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “If it was just up to me alone, I am adamantly against moving
the statue, but with this job comes responsibilities that weigh heavily on our moral and ethical
beings. For example, who would have imagined taking this job in America, people wouldn’t stand
up for the flag. Who would think that people would be offended at saying a prayer before a
meeting. But, due to potential litigations and lawsuits to where we would have to spend taxpayer
dollars defending something that you shouldn’t have to defend, it is a sad day in this Country, in
my opinion.”
Commissioner Houpe read, “History is not there for you to like or dislike. It is there for
you to learn from and it if offends you even better because then you are less likely to repeat it. It
is not yours to erase. It belongs to all of us” Unknown Author.
Commissioner Houpe said, “This is an issue that weighs very heavily on me
because…ethical and moral responsibilities. As a conservative, our job is to what is right and that
is protecting money and rights. The hardest job we have is how to satisfy the offending without
offending the satisfied. In the Country, the majority rules in Democracy. What are the wise
decisions that we take in to account because when we look at desperate effects, individuals and
groups we also have to look at financial impacts that come if you have protesting and turmoil. The
impacts to businesses, industries, and citizens. Our job as leaders is to unite our citizens not divide
them. As an individual, it weighs heavy on me from an ethical standpoint because we can’t change
history, but as a County Commissioner, we take an oath to represent all people, to be the checks
and balances on policies and procedures, protect them, and provide mandated services. Those are
heavy weighted decisions in my mind. I know it was a very hard decision to go with the moment
of silence about the prayer. To Commissioner Brown’s point, it is a sad day in this Country when
we have to fight for and defend things that made this Country great. This is not an easy decision
by anyone. It is a difficult one. I won’t speak for him, but I think Commissioner Norman, knowing
him like I do, I think it is a…if it was just up to us, I know how we would vote. But, do we make
decisions that we think is better for our county and at the same time can we honor the people it
memorializes. Is there a better location? Asking the City of Statesville and others per this resolution
to look at doing that. I appreciate the Chairman’s work on this. I know he has been working citizens
and organizations on behalf of the Board for months, if not a year. No matter what we do, I don’t
know that there is a right or wrong answer. You have to vote your conscience and move on.”
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Vice Chair Neader said, “This resolutions covers so many aspects. It is not a simple topic.
It is one that touches people like none other. I want to thank you, Chairman Mallory, for the
thorough discussions you have had whether they be comfortable or uncomfortable you have had
them with all. It comes with a lot of prayer, thought, and realizing we are not all the same, but we
can still be proud. We can work together to find solutions. That is why I have taken my position
as an elected official so seriously, to listen to all and I leave any personal thoughts to the side. I
am proud of this resolution because of the thought that went into this. I am proud of the fact that
we have considered all thought and we are not being demanded or forced. We are coming together
to discuss and find solutions.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “One thing that was brought to attention was one of the factors
is do we try to do this with cooperation from all parties on our terms or do we wait until there is
litigation potentially pending that demands you move it. You may not have control where it goes.
This is a lot of hard decisions that weigh heavily on us.”
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 1 Brown
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones provided an update on the following:
Vaccinations will be moving to Group 3 soon.
The State has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination however, it is unsure when
and if the County will receive any.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Mallory said the Board held Closed Session after the pre-agenda meeting and
there are no action items to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 8:08pm. The Board will meet for a
regular meeting Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 5pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room,
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk