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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-2-2021 1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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?” 9 March 2, 2021 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 10 March 2, 2021 **** 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. 11 March 2, 2021 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 12 March 2, 2021 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 13 March 2, 2021 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.” 14 March 2, 2021 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