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April 6, 2021
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
April 6, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, April
6, 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 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 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 explained
Teramore Development has withdrawn their rezoning application.
Commissioner Houpe added an item under Unfinished Business.
Chairman Mallory moved items VIII.4 & VIII.5 to Presentation of Special Recognitions
and Awards.
Chairman Mallory noted Commissioner Norman’s absence. The Board and staff send
their well wishes.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for approval of advancement of bond
proceeds for the new high school, capital project ordinance, and the 2014 reserve bond
proceeds priorities: David Edwards requested approval of the advancement of bond proceeds,
$6.5 million, for the design engineering costs for the new high school and the capital project
ordinance. Edwards said these funds will be reimbursed to the County once the bonds are sold.
The Design Task Force is now ready to start the design process of the new high school. The process
is expected to take 10 months.
Chairman Mallory asked if this item can be on the consent agenda.
Cheek said yes. The request is to set up the capital project fund to where the expenditures
will be done until the bonds are sold and the County will reimburse itself.
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Cheek explained that the school system would also like to discuss the prioritization of 2014
bond reserve funds.
David Edwards presented a spreadsheet including the original 2014 recommendations that
came from the Schools Facilities Task Force; Lakeshore, Statesville High School, West Iredell
High School, CTE, and additional for the current new middle schools (Third Creek and Woodland
Heights). There was also some contingency built in. All of these projects were funded with the
exception of Statesville High School. When the priorities were chosen, the project for Statesville
High was expected to be $4 million. After a more in-depth look, it was determined a tear down
and rebuild would be a better option. In 2018-19 actual costs went to almost $8 million. The
Facilities Task Force decided to move that project out of a priority and reprioritize the funds.
However, the Task Force put Statesville High School as priority 1 in the next phase. Edwards
requested approval of the shifted prioritization schedule. Lakeshore Elementary expansion came
in under estimate. Edwards explained there have been some challenges with the Statesville Middle
School project due to asbestos abatement. The goal is to complete the project and have a safe
environment for the students. There is approximately $365,000 in the bond reserve fund.
Superintendent Dr. James said, “I would like to update the Board on the Schools Facilities
Task Force. We have regenerated it and Jennifer Christian is doing a great job. We hope to get
back in the swing of things. As you know, we have building going on throughout the County. We
have some capital needs out there you’ve been aware of. We did look at it. My marching orders
from the last committee was to look at Harmony Elementary School that has been on the books
since about 2006 and has sort of been pushed back. The building is useable but it would not meet
code today. It is very hard to make use of that building as a public school. We ma y move that to
number 1 and Statesville High School would be number 2. Once the committee hammers it out
and the Board approves, we hope to bring you the four top projects that we feel like we need to
move forward on. Parents and people in southern community talked about Mount Mourne, because
we see some significant housing growth there. That doesn’t mean they are all coming to Iredell-
Statesville Schools but to be prepared for the future that is a property we can refurbish as a K-5 or
K-8. The parents have weighed in. The problem with making it a middle school is it is kind of land
locked. We won’t have all the field facilities that middle schools typically have. But, in that area
of the County at some point in probably the next 3-7 years we are going to need a middle school.
If we can repurpose it as K-8, we may accomplish a few things and be able to kick the can down
the road as we try to catch up with growth as a school system.
“You all are always welcome to go, but we took several board members to look at West
Cabarrus High School that just opened this school. It was bid in 2016 and built for $234 per square
foot. We also went to Davie High School; those bonds were sought after in 2014 and it was $170
per square foot. The new high school here, we are being told about $270 per square foot which
means less school for the same amount of money. We are looking at the $80 millio n you gave us
and trying to make it work. We do have some reserve also. Our goal is to build a school that is
usable with all the amenities on a very tight budget with construction costs being the highest we’ve
seen in the history of our nation. Maybe by the time we start breaking ground construction costs
will drop back down.”
Commissioner Brown said, “I went to Harmony Elementary the other day to look around.
It is a beautiful school at the front but there are problems at the back. A couple of little things I
would love to see us take care of quickly. There is no fence around the back.’
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April 6, 2021
James said, “I’ve been made aware of that by my board chair and it’s been a hot topic issue.
I just ask the Board to give me a list of their priorities at the next meeting and I will be happy to
start on those. We were thinking of putting one at Pressly School, but the NCDOT built a wall
along I-77 so that took care of the fence we needed. Cloverleaf is another one we need to look at
as a safety precaution. Absolutely, like I said, I was just made aware of it. You probably talked to
my chair and we had about three schools that need fencing. I told the Board I need a list and
priorities. We will get to work on getting some fencing up.”
Commissioner Brown said, “That is a cheap fix.”
James said, “Absolutely, it is a safety protocol. We are not seeing school shootings because
of the pandemic, but we are seeing shootings starting to increase again in our nation unfortunately.
We have to always be cognizant of the safety on our campus. One of the concerns that you all and
my board had was the fact of security guards at high schools. I think that has been a hot topic in
the past. With the new company, we are contracting services with, one of the gate guards is the
key people we are looking to rehire through this company. It works out better for us. We pay about
32% for FICA and retirement, and insurance is going up again, that is another $6,700 for an
employee. It behooves us to seek contracted services when we can to save the taxpayers money.
We are looking at that and we’ve already talked about it. Crossing guards is another area we are
going to use ESS to us with. They are a national company that will help with staffing. Child
nutrition is the other where it is hard for us to make a profit if you have a person…of course
everyone is grandfathered. As we move forward, we will look at better ways to provide
labor…higher wage hopefully for those individuals as we transition to some employees through
ESS. ESS is partnering with us and taking over the sub system as well. They are a national
marketing firm and can probably do a little better than we do on advertising.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “You and I (James) have talked before and I know you’ve been
out of town. Will you guys make sure that you all get the information to us through Beth? I know
you all were going to look at the stimulus and COVID monies from last time or the new money
and identify things that you could pay for out of these other priorities and/or the new high school
that may not be covered due to the cost of construction. I know you all were going to try and get
that to Ms. Jones. Can you make sure your board and others know that when we send you guys the
budget money for capital projects…some of the PTA presidents, members, and parents have been
told that we (the Board) pick priorities you all spend on and decide the projects that Scottie is
talking about. Those are not things we pick or prioritize, that is from the system. That way they
are not getting mad at us because the water fountain doesn’t work and there is not a stall door up.
Can you make sure that gets clarified?”
James said, “That is in my next superintendent comments. I will clarify.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “We appreciate it because you and I have had those
conversations. People think we (the Board) is running the school system and we are giving you all
that money with no strings attached for capital.”
James said, “That is the purpose of that is the task force – to prioritize phases 1, 2, and 3.
We ask principals to submit their capital request. First of all, the principals have to submit capital
needs and goes into that form depending on how much it is. If it is a short-term, medium range, or
long-term need. Of course, we will bring you guys the long-term needs. You are getting ready to
get four sooner or later most likely. Then we can discuss how we are going to fund that and growth.
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I will clarify that. The other thing is collateralization. There seems to be some confusion there. I
didn’t say you all chose CATS. I said my assumption is. I had a 50% chance of getting that right.
Dr. Miller left early that night. I will clarify that at the next board meeting also.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “To your point, some of the principals have been told in the
past by school board members that certain things are not getting done when they submit the list
because they aren’t getting prioritized from administration or the school board when the County
Commissioners don’t have anything to do with that.”
James said, “Absolutely, I will clarify that. The best thing to do is for the Facilities Director
to simply tell the principal, they submitted a list with these items and we are going to do the top
four. Now they’re in the loop and can resubmit the others next year. There is X amount of dollars
in our budget. One good thing we have going is the energy fund. The schools themselves have
their own budget. Some of them have quite a bit of energy money that they can tap into.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “They have parking money at the high schools that they have
been allowed to use for different things.”
James said, “Absolutely and we are not purposing that to pay for the guards. We are paying
for that out of our budget so it is not on them. That money is free for them to use. It would be nice
for them to set aside some to pave parking lots, since that has also gone up.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Like we have talked about in the past maybe some of these
one offs…we are going to look at some of that stuff to but maybe you guys can look at some of
these things to get fixed with some of the stimulus money. I know there is going to be less strings
attached to this stimulus than there was last time.”
James said, “There is but we are required to apply for under title 1 which has a lot of strings
attached. We have to be cognizant of and I will tell you I have repaid money under maintenance
of effort. It is actually a little bit harder than planning. You can’t all of a sudden change the budget
and pay for it out of another fund then the maintenance of effort comes in. We have that in Special
Education. We can’t shift a lot of salaries around in Special Ed because we have a ratio of
maintenance of effort. You have to be really cognizant because we get Medicaid reimbursement.
A lot of times it sort of ties your hands on how much you can use of that but our plans are…we
have already told our board bipolar ionization can be tied to COVID. We are already on our third
or fourth school. We started out with some of our capital dollars already. Not promising anything,
but our hopes are the end of first year, we will be able to pay a considerable amount of the loan so
we can show the taxpayers and you guys that we are good steward of the money, so they will not
be concerned next time we need to step up and take out a loan. I am trying to be transparent and
get my board up to speed because in impoverished counties I didn’t have to worry about any of
this because you don’t build anything. You deal with what you have. Here we are building hand
over fist because of all the growth which is a good thing, economic development. There are some
things my board needs to know and Beth has been forthcoming on questions we have asked. We
have 18 properties out of 40 that are collateralized, but they are collateralized under bonds.
Taxpayers have voted on a bond that carries that debt. We have $18 million on our books as debt
out of a $250 million budget. That is pretty good, I think. It has been higher than that in the last 15
years and it has been lower. We sort of know where we need to be in communicating with you
guys in our own debt and working with you on these long-term projects. When we bring those to
you we can figure out if it is going to be a COPS or LOBS. We have about $117 million worth of
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need that if you wrote me a check today we could clear the books of everything that is capital;
fences, water fountains, and new buildings to get up to speed. West Iredell Middle School also has
a building that needs to be torn down and a new building built there. Concerned as a tax payer, I
am not sure why we built buildings like that. I don’t want to tear my house down every 30 years.
I think you build a building that is going to last 50, 60, or 70 years and can be renovated and go
from there. That is my thought.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “In full disclosure and transparency I think a lot of the stuff on
deferred maintenance list is things that could have been done under past administrations. You
weren’t here, but they chose not to pay for some of that. From our perspective we want to make
sure the public and your principals, and staff understand once that money goes you guys prioritize
what gets done and doesn’t get done – other than the major capital that is approved by bond. That
is restricted. Your money has a lot of strings attached otherwise that people do not understand.
They think you can borrow from Peter to pay Paul, but you can’t.”
James said, “That is why it is a good thing to have the task forces because it pulls the
entities together to make those decisions. I don’t want to make those. I would rather be
collaborative. The better we work together as a team…we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “We shouldn’t blame you guys for something that is our
responsibility and vice versa. I appreciate you being able to clarify with them and making sure the
principals know. Some of them don’t know and think because they’ve been told they have don’t
have this or that because we (the County) didn’t pay for it. That was a priority that previous
administrations and boards decided to do. I appreciate that clarification.”
James said, “We will work on that and transparency. I am losing David Edwards, a
company offered him a great deal. We are back to the drawing board and looking for an individual
to fill his shoes. He has a dynamic skillset which you don’t find most places. We will be worki ng
on that. I am trying again to bring some transparency to the whole process.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I appreciate it. It just clarifies and takes the political jockeying
off the table.”
James said, “It doesn’t benefit anybody. It doesn’t get the work done.”
These items were placed on consent.
Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee to approve Budget Amendment #41
and allocate $107,070 from the Countywide Fire Tax District undesignated/unreserved fund
balance to Monticello VFD to pay off land purchased for a future fire station: Assistant
County Manager Joe Pierce requested approval of budget amendment #41 in the amount of
$107,070 from the Countywide Fire District unreserved fund balance to Monticello Volunteer Fire
Department to pay off land purchased. The property is located adjacent to the current station. This
item was sent back to staff and it has been determined the property is the best location for a
replacement station.
Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Houpe noted they serve on the Fire Tax
Oversight Committee and agree with the request.
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This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee to approve Budget Amendment #40
and allocate $200,000 from the Countywide Fire Tax District unreserved fund balance to
West Iredell VFD to purchase land for a future fire station: Assistant County Manager Joe
Pierce requested approval of budget amendment #40 in the amount of $200,000 from the
Countywide Fire Tax District unreserved fund balance to the West Iredell Volunteer Fire
Department to purchase 6.25 acres for a future station. Pierce noted this item was also sent back
to staff and determined it is a good location for a new station.
Chairman Mallory asked where the property is located.
Pierce said the future station will be located at the corner of Island Ford Road and Lippard
Farm Road.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Library for approval to apply for a COVID-19 Response Mini-
Grant from the State Library of North Carolina: Amanda Cain requested approval to apply for
a COVID-19 Response Mini-Grant from the State Library of North Carolina. If awarded, the funds
to will be used to replace cloth chairs on the third floor with plastic chairs for easier cleaning and
disinfecting.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Parks & Recreation for approval to nominate East Iredell Lions Club
in the Lowe's Hometown Grant Program: Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hepler
requested approval to nominate East Iredell Lions Club in the Lowe’s Hometown Grant Program.
If awarded the grant will provide $40,000 to be used for a playground. The County will be
responsible the annual inspection and routine maintenance, including much when necessary which
is approximately $2,000. In January 2020, there was a grand opening of donated East Iredell Lions
Club Community Park. When this park was originally donated, it was the intent of the remaining
members of the Lions Club to turn this property into a location that would serve the citizens in that
community. Since acquiring the property, the County has remodeled the community building and
improved parking and landscaping. Through an additional grant, a walking trail with benches and
a picnic table has also been added. The addition of a playground feature will align the vision with
the County’s strategic goals by enhancing health and wellness through outdoor play.
Commissioner Brown asked if the $2,000 would be annually.
Hepler said yes.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Building Standards for a sole-source award and approval of contract
to acquire Tyler Technologies ENERGOV software solution: Building Standards Director
Robby Wilkinson explained that because of several reliability issues, recurring problems and
limitations found within its current permitting and payment software, Development Services has
the need to replace the software and move to a reliable, expandable workflow software solution
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that will integrate and interact with other county functions that currently use various Tyler
Technologies products, such as MUNIS. Wilkinson requested approval of a sole-source award and
contract with Tyler Technologies ENERGOV Software Solutions.
Chairman Mallory said the Board discussed this topic in detail during a recent retreat and
the County has a longstanding business relationship with Tyler Technologies.
This item was placed on consent.
Before presenting the next two items for approval, Planning Director Matthew Todd
explained a map from the Town of Mooresville designating different tier areas. The map assists
the Town in annexations and releases of jurisdictions by providing a direction. Utilities can be
provided if the proposed properties are located in Tiers 1 and 2. In this event, the County receives
a letter from Town staff acknowledging the request and it can begin the process. If the property
falls in tiers 3 or 4, the Town needs to have more discussion before giving the greenlight for the
County to process the request. Todd said the tier process should streamline the process. Previously,
the County received two letters, one from Town staff and one from the Town Clerk stating the
Town had granted utilities to the site.
Chairman Mallory asked if the white area in Davidson reflects the annexation boundary
agreement between Mooresville and Davidson.
Todd said it does not, because the map was put into place before the agreement was
finalized.
Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Charles Myers to release zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Director Matthew Todd
requested a public hearing on April 20, 2021 in regard to request by Charles Myers to release
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville. The property is slated to expand
an existing residential subdivision located in Mooresville’s jurisdiction and falls in the tier 2 area.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Jennifer Holt to release zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Director Matthew Todd
requested a public hearing on April 20, 2021 in regard to a request by Jennifer Holt to release
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville. The 40-acre property is slated for
residential development and falls within the tier 2 area.
Chairman Mallory asked the Town’s plan to provide utility services.
Todd said it would be coming from the properties to the north.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a text amendment to the Land Development Code:
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Planning Director Matthew Todd requested a public hearing on April 20, 2021 in regard to a text
amendment to the Land Development Code. Todd said several groups have been working to
combine the enabling legislation for Planning & Zoning Development Regulations. Previously,
there were enabling legislations for the cities and then for the Counties. They read similar and
often crossed reference each other but included some differences. In order to consolidate and have
similar terminology across jurisdictions they were combined into one chapter with the NC General
Statute. Along with that came the potential for a lot of changes in every code across the State. Over
the last year most jurisdictions have been working to implement these changes. Todd said the
County was in good shape with the changes that have been made throughout the years. Most of
the text amendment includes numerical changes to reference the correct statutes. There were also
some terminology changes. Staff tried to focus on the changes from the statutes. Todd noted more
subjective text amendments will be brought for approval later in the year.
Todd said Permit Choice is included in the text amendment. He explained if someone
applies for a permit and the rules change, the applicant can choose which regulations to go under.
This was a requirement but needed to be stated in the ordinance. The County has been using
consistency statements for years, but it is now required in the code. Todd noted that conditional
rezonings will have to be worked through. It has always been understood the applicant has to agree
to the conditions, however written consent is now required. Staff is currently looking at ways to
achieve the written consent if conditions are added during a public hearing.
Chairman Mallory asked if the matters could be held open contingent upon agreement to
the conditions.
Todd said the motion could also be contingent on agreement to the conditions.
Chairman Mallory asked if Section 8.14 Zoning Permit with Vested Rights came from the
statute.
Todd said yes.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Planning & Development for approval of a resolution amending the
Map Review Officers list: Planning Director Matthew Todd requested approval a resolution
amending the Map Review Officers list. The resolution reflects staff changes within the County
and municipalities.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of a resolution in opposition to the
highlighted section of Senate Bill 196 that pertains to court appointed commissioner's fees :
Tax Collector Bill Furches said in foreclosure cases Senate Bill 196 disallows the Commissioner's
fee if the property is redeemed between the time of the public auction and the filing of the order
of confirmation. This Bill reverses the current treatment of these fees by pushing the costs to the
local government and the taxpayers who pay their taxes on time. Foreclosure fees for owner
redeemed property will transfer costs to the County.
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Commissioner Houpe asked that the resolution and a cover letter be sent to local legislators
and the NCACC.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on March
16, 2021: There were no additions or corrections.
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
OLD BUSINESS
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones provided an update on the following:
• Vaccination Clinics continue (appointment only) on April 12, 19, and 26. Pfizer
vaccine will be administered.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered into Closed Session at 6:03PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
April 6, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 6,
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
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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.
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 went over the following adjustment to the agenda:
Teramore Development has withdrawn their rezoning application.
Commissioner Houpe added an item under Unfinished Business.
Chairman Mallory moved items VIII.4 & VIII.5 to Presentation of Special Recognitions
and Awards.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory noted Commissioner Norman’s absence. The Board and staff send
their well wishes.
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Presentation of plaque and recognition of retiree Stephen Snow: Chairman Mallory
presented a plaque and recognized EMS Assistant Director Stephen Snow.
Request from Emergency Communications to proclaim April 2021 as National 911
Education Month and April 11-17, 2021 as National Telecommunicator Week:
PROCLAMATION
National 9-1-1 Education Month April 2021
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
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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
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, do
hereby proclaim April 2021 as National 9-1-1 Education Month and 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.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
PROCLAMATION
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
April 11-17, 2021
Whereas 9-1-1 emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire, rescue or emergency medical
services; and,
Whereas when an emergency occurs the prompt response of police officers, firefighters and paramedics is
critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and,
Whereas the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of
information obtained from citizens who telephone the Iredell County Emergency Communications Center;
and,
Whereas Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first, first responder and most critical contact our citizens
have with emergency services; and,
Whereas Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters
by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety; and,
Whereas Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Iredell County Emergency Communications Center have
contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients;
and,
Whereas each dispatcher exhibits compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance
of their job in the past year;
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NOW, therefore, I, James B. Mallory III, Chairman of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby proclaim April 11 through 17, 2021, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators 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 honor during this week those Public Safety
Telecommunicators who have dedicated their lives to providing this vital emergency service.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said it takes a very special person to be a telecommunicator and
manages the crises during 911 calls.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to the telecommunicators.
Request from the Health Department to proclaim April 5-11, 2021 as Public Health
Week:
PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
April 5-11, 2021
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, public health is about the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their
communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury
prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases;
WHEREAS, as we look at this 26th anniversary of National Public Health Week, April 5-11, we know that
public health professionals are needed more than ever before to protect against disease, injury and death;
WHEREAS, public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from
the impact of a full range of health threats, including natural disasters and communicable disease outbreaks
like pandemic flu, Ebola and COVID-19;
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID -19 a pandemic and in
Iredell County the first case of COVID-19 was March 16, 2020, the first COVID-19 death was April 8,
2020 and as of March 18, 2021, there have been 16,986 cases and 207 related tragic deaths.
WHEREAS, since March of 2020, the Iredell County Health Department team, alongside representatives
from local, regional and state agencies, businesses and other health care providers and first responders has
worked passionately and tirelessly to mitigate the impact from COVID-19 and continues to detect, prevent,
and respond to the pandemic to protect individuals where they live, learn, work and play.
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Department will continue to work alongside local, regional and state
stakeholders to assess complex issues and develop workable solutions to promote healthy people and
healthy communities to create the needed foundation to improve the health, saf ety and well-being of
individuals living in Iredell County.
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Department is equally dedicated to helping communities reach a
better state of health, by creating data driven population health improvement programs and stra tegies to
reduce infant mortality, substance use (including tobacco and vaping), chronic diseases, communicable
diseases and any future new or emerging public health threat.
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April 6, 2021
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby
proclaim April 5-11, 2021, as "PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK" in Iredell County, North Carolina, and call
upon the people to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and leaders
better understand the value of public health and supporting great opportunities to adopt prevention lifestyles
to live optimal lives.
MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory expressed sincere appreciation to the Health Department and their
dedication during the COVID19 pandemic.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Jones summarized the following Administrative Matters during the
Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:
• Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for approval of advancement of bond proceeds
for the new high school, capital project ordinance and the 2014 reserve bond proceeds
priorities.
• Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee to approve Budget Amendment #41 and
allocate $107,070 from the Countywide Fire Tax District undesignated/unreserved fund
balance to Monticello VFD to pay off land purchased for a future fire station.
• Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee to approve Budget Amendment #40 an d
allocate $200,000 from the Countywide Fire Tax District unreserved fund balance to West
Iredell VFD to purchase land for a future fire station
• Request from the Library for approval to apply for a COVID-19 Response Mini-Grant from
the State Library of North Carolina.
• Request from Parks & Recreation for approval to nominate East Iredell Lions Club in the
Lowe's Hometown Grant Program.
• Request from Building Standards for a sole-source award and approval of contract to
acquire Tyler Technologies ENERGOV software solution.
• Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on April
20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Charles Myers to release zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville.
• Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on April
20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Jennifer Holt to release zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville.
• Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on April
20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a text amendment to the Land Development Code.
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April 6, 2021
• Request from Planning & Development for approval of a resolution amending the Map
Review Officers list.
• Request from Tax Administration for approval of a resolution in opposition to the
highlighted section of Senate Bill 196 that pertains to court appointed commissioner's fees.
• Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on March 16,
2021.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe said, “In our budget discussions in the past several months along
with staff, we have talked about revenue streams and trying to identify things we would use the
streams for. Right now, staff is looking at revenue streams and items we can use stimulus money
made available by the State and Federal government for consideration for projects and things like
that for upcoming budget year. As conservatives and us as a board always having a goal of being
good stewards of taxpayer dollars. We have a history of never asking the voters for revenue unless
we have an identified need for that revenue stream. I have some concerns about the economy. I
would like to officially, with your help and support, remove the sales tax discussion that we had
considered in the past putting on next year’s ballot. I would like to officially ask you guys for
support in removing that from the table for the consideration on next year’s ballot. I think with the
stimulus money that has been made available will give staff a clear understanding that the revenue
(from stimulus) can fill the gap for identified needs that we working together can identify. I think
the monies made available by state and federal can fill that gap. I would like to officially remove
that from consideration because there are other people that may be considering that sales tax on
the ballot. I think the timing is off. As conservatives, we have never gone to the voters for a bond
or revenue stream unless we had no other options for revenue. I think right now we have some
identified stimulus money we can use to bridge that gap for at least this next cycle. That is my
request, to that off the table officially for next year’s ballot.”
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to officially remove the sales tax revenue off
consideration for next year’s ballot.
Commissioner Brown said, “I agree with Commissioner Houpe. I was for the ¼ cent sales
tax before because we needed certain monies to carry us thorough for a couple of years. With this
and the help from Representative McNeely in getting this money to us. It is going to help us a lot
for the next five years. I think we can table the ¼ sales for maybe four years. We can come back
and look at it again.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “Our staff, previous and current boards have never gone to the
voters of Iredell County unless we had no other option for a revenue stream. We have always lived
within our means and paid as we go where we could; keeping that into consideration with this, I
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April 6, 2021
think we can take it off the table for at least the next cycle. The voters will see in good faith from
our perspective if these revenues become available we don’t ever ask them unless we don’t have
another revenue stream.”
Vice Chair Neader said, “It’s a concern that we have been on slippery slope of everything
in our world has changed; business, personal. We are not on solid ground and until you can stand
and see where we are as far as economy as businesses we don’t even know what we are looking at
until after the funding. We keep receiving various sources of money and we don’t have a plan in
place on how we will distribute that. I am in agreeance, lets hold on the ¼ cent.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “That gives staff some guidance. They are working on some
things to bring to us in our budget discussions. This will give them some clarity moving forward
that we are not going to do the sales tax on the ballot. That means we will have to live on the
stimulus money.”
Vice Chair Neader said, “I think our citizens need to be aware.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “From our seats, we will never go to them unless we have no
other avenue.”
Commissioner Brown said, “The people of Iredell County have to understand, as
Representative McNeely and I were talking earlier, no money is free. We have this money.
Somebody is going to pay for this in the next couple of years. How can we put a burden of a ¼
cent sales tax right now and next year the federal government tax all of us? It is going to hit all of
us. We cannot keep taxing. Right now, Iredell County is in pretty good shape, better than we
thought. We have actually come out this…when I ran for commissioner I thought why am I running
right now, but we came out pretty good. I think if we manage it well we can have some play next
year. I think it is going to be a downfall next year. I agree with Gene.”
Chairman Mallory said, “We have traditionally lived within our means. Not having raised
taxes except without approval specifically from the people in a voted referendum associated with
specific needs. In this last budget meeting, there were clearly some needs out there that we just
couldn’t reach. There have been items on our capital improvement plan that stretch out 10 years
just to complete a park, for example. There always seems to be something to come along that
bumps one or two projects even further out or off the list. Our community, like all the others in the
Nation, are going to be the recipient of some dollars based on population that will give us the
ability to deal with some of these capital requirements and other requirements that we have
basically said have been too hard to do. We will have a limited amount of time to spend those
funds, so we will need to go through a deliberative process. Fortunately, we already have the plans
it is just a matter of prioritizing and see which ones can be accelerated to give the people the desired
services they have been looking for. Things like Jennings Park or the upfit of the fairgrounds and
create an event center for year-round benefit of the County. Those items as well as our school
capital requirements, they have been identified as a never-ending need so we can take a look how
we can meet them. We also don’t know what the perimeters are for what these funds can be spent
for. If it strictly COVID related, it will be fairly limited. Indications are that this will be a much
broader stimulus kind of package. We will give that direction to staff to be able to look at how we
prioritize and accelerate those projects as well as Economic Development opportunities, and even
some transportation issues.”
Commissioner Houpe said, “I also wanted to clarify that the stimulus monies made
available also to Mooresville, Troutman, Statesville, Harmony. All of those will get separate
monies that they can also prioritize for the needs they have had. The school systems will be getting
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April 6, 2021
money that they can use for their needs. The superintendent (Dr. James) was here earlier. We have
asked them to identify with their board things they can pay for that they haven’t previously had to
revenue for. In some cases, we think they have, but their priorities are different than ours. Their
boards are elected so they can make those decisions. I want the public to know there will be
stimulus money going to those entities separate from us. There again, this board I know has
historically never gone to the public for a revenue stream unless we absolutely had to. With this
other revenue stream available we can take that off the table and let our tax payers know we only
come to you when we have to. We are a part of your communities and we only ask to step up to
the table more when we have to. That was the purpose of this motion.”
Vice Chair Neader said, “I believe Commissioner Norman’s thoughts and feelings are in
align with this as well.”
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
NEW BUSINESS
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Jones provided an update on the following:
• Vaccination Clinics continue (appointment only) on April 12, 19, and 26. Pfizer
vaccine will be administered.
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 7:51pm. The Board will meet for a
regular meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 5pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room,
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk