Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-17-2021 1 August 17, 2021 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION August 17, 2021 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, August 17, 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 Mull, 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 Mull said the agenda has been amended to include an Appointment Before the Board. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Parks & Recreation for approval to apply for a Charlotte Regional Transportation Grant: Parks & Recreation Director Michelle Hepler requested approval to apply for a Charlotte Regional Transportation (CRTPO) Grant. The project consists of approximately 2.3 miles section of the proposed Carolina Thread Trail connecting the Town of Mooresville’s greenway system to the Town of Davidson and Mecklenburg County’s greenway system. Completion of the shared use path and greenway project will improve connectivity and accessibility for thousands of residents both in the southern Iredell and Northern Mecklenburg Counties. The collaboration between multi-jurisdictional agencies and conservation agencies signifies the importance of such a regional enhancement for the overall health and well-being, and connectivity of the communities. Additionally, as a signature regional project, the investment to the community will offer not only alternative transportation but a tremendous economic impact. Hepler said the grant is a reimbursement grant and requires a 20% local match. The total estimated project costs are $5.5 Million including engineering, some acquisition as needed, and construction. Project would not begin until fiscal year 2025. There will be a lapse in time from the potential grant award notification (February/March 22) and when the project funding is released. The estimated project cost includes 40% contingency, as required by CRTPO. Grant requirement will include letters of support from associated jurisdictions, including Town of Mooresville, Town of Davidson, and Mecklenburg County. Hepler added the project is fully supported by the Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan, adopted in May 2020, as an example of the number one priority for projects based on public input. 2 August 17, 2021 This project will also support the Carolina Thread Trail Master Plan, Adopted in 2011. Preliminary indications also include support from the Iredell County Transportation Plan DRAFT. Commissioner Houpe asked if the cost has increased since the study was completed in 2018. Hepler said the approximate cost of $5.5 million was developed in the last six months. Commissioner Houpe asked about the local match. Hepler said the 40% contingency is included in the $5.5 million. The $1.1 million includes the match. Commissioner Houpe asked where the potential cost savings comes from. Hepler said the 80% of the cost contributed by CRTPO. Commissioner Houpe asked if the Town of Mooresville assists in the cost. Hepler said the hope is they contribute and it would be included in the $1.1 million. The County could give 10%, Mooresville 5%, Davidson 2.5%, and Mecklenburg County 2.5%. Commissioner Houpe agreed to the economic benefit, but is concerned about the length of the project and the risk overruns. Hepler said culturally the trend in parks and recreation includes trail-type towns where people can go from one to the next. Commissioner Houpe said the intent is honorable. He asked what line item the cost would come from. Mull will check into ARP but the capital improvement plan funds could be used. Commissioner Houpe said the premise is good. Hepler said it would be an attraction outside the region. Chairman Mallory said without this piece the none of the trail is connected and look at the benefit for the County down the road. There is a 40% contingency built in the $5.5 million, so it could possibly be a $3.5 million project. Commissioner Houpe asked if the Town of Mooresville supports the project. Hepler has only talked with staff, however the general consensus is Mooresville would contribute 5% and administer the grant. Commissioner Brown, serves on the Public Safety & Well Being Task Force, said all the municipalities are willing to work together on the project. 3 August 17, 2021 Vice Chair Neader said the collaboration will speak volumes to CRTPO. Mull said any piece of this project that can be covered by ARP funds will be. Chairman Mallory suggested evaluating the costs of a large enough project to support other development that can be tapped into because this is an area of the County that does not have water and sewer. It is an identified service area gap in the Comprehensive Master Plan. This item was placed on consent. Request from Parks & Recreation for approval of a Cost Recovery Model: Parks & Recreation Director Michelle Hepler requested approval to adopt the Cost Recovery Model as presented, as a general guide for operations. The national average of parks and recreation agencies' cost recovery is approximately 28%. The local average, of similar agencies to Iredell County is approximately 23% (see attached supporting documents). This model will serve as the framework and guide for all Iredell County Parks and Recreation programs, events, memberships, services, reservation fees, and services' associated costs. None of the currently established membership rates, camp rates, or facility reservation fees, that have been approved in the fiscal year 2022 budget, will be changed at this time. The single day events and programs planned during the remainder of FY 22 will follow this model, since those program rates fluctuate from event to event, program to program. This model will allow staff to better serve the community by adopting a programmatic structure that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, while being comparable to other local agencies. It supports the efforts to attain a specific, realistic targets and revenue benchmarks. The Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan, adopted in May 2020, recommends the development and adoption of a Cost Recovery Model. Failure to adopt a Cost Recovery Model leaves the department without a reasonable target and structured approach, while balancing the goals of serving the community and recovering expenses associated with programs and events. Chairman Mallory said the concept is very understandable and logical but putting concepts into practice is the hard nut to crack. He asked staff to provide descriptions of what reasonable individual gain and reasonable community gain. Mallory would also like to have a better understanding of the activities now and where they fall in the categories then talk to the organizations. There will then be a better feel for the buy-in. He suggested eliminating some of the subjectivity in the categories to make it very clear it is for community or individual benefit. It is important to gather more feedback from the end users. The Board agreed by consensus to have the Public Health & Well-Being Task Force work with Hepler to figure out a number that would be appropriate for recoupment percentage. Request from Tax Administration for approval of July 2021 Refunds and Releases: This item was placed on consent. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Recreation Advisory Board – 1 announcement APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS 4 August 17, 2021 Jury Commission – 1 appointment Rena Turner has volunteered to serve for the first time. OLD BUSINESS (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following: • Today was a difficult day for the County’s Public Safety Group with the tornadoes and severe weather in the area. • The County will be hosting a Public Sector Job Fair on Saturday, September 25, from 9am – 5pm at the Signal Hill Mall parking lot to highlight the public sector jobs that are available in the County. Mitchell Community College and the school systems have been invited to participate. • Iredell County Agricultural Fair will start September 3 and run through September 11. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:55pm. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES August 17, 2021 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 17, 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 Mull, 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. 5 August 17, 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 Mull said the agenda has been amended to include an Appointment to the Board. MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Recognition and presentation of plaque to retiree Becky Galliher: On behalf of the Board, Chairman Mallory presented a plaque to Becky Galliher. Becky began working with the Board of Elections in 1995 and was appointed the Director of Elections in January 2000 and during her tenure she was a part of many changes in the election process which included election laws, new systems, equipment, locations of the Election office and precincts. Chairman Mallory said Galliher is known as a go-to person for insight and knowledge from multiple counties throughout the State. The Elections Department is a small staff full of who manages the entire election process. Since Galliher came on board, the number of registered voters tripled from 42,000 to over 126,000. However, the stuff number remained the same and maintained the elections. Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Galliher for her leadership for elected officials. Commissioner Brown thanked Galliher for her service to the County. Recognition and presentation of plaque to retiree Dean Lail: On behalf of the Board, Chairman Mallory presented a plaque to Dean Lail. Lail came to Iredell County in 1996 as Veterans Service Officer. He served in that capacity until 2001 when he became the Purchasing Specialist before becoming the Purchasing Agent in 2005. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to Lail for working behind the scenes to make contracts and purchases go smoothly. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Request from Iredell Council on Aging, Inc. to present the proposed FY2022 Home Community Care Block Grant Funding Plan: Council on Aging Director Anna Rice presented the FY2022 Home Community Care Block Grant Funding Plan funding plan for the Board’s review and consideration. She shared information on statistics and programs offered locally. MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to approve the Fiscal Year 2022 Home Community Care Block Grant Funding Plan as presented. 6 August 17, 2021 VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public hearing to consider a request by Howard Bryan to release zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Troutman: Planning Director Matthew Todd gave an overview of the request. The property is currently zoned Highway Business and located just south of the exit 42 interchange. The applicant is asking to be released to the Town of Troutman and the proposed use of the property is a restaurant. The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for the area to be Highway Interchange Commercial. There have been no comments regarding the request. Chairman Mallory recognized former Senator Howard Bryan, who was available to answer any questions. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the request for a release of zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Troutman by Howard Bryan. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 IREDELL COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING STAFF REPORT Release of Zoning & Subdivision Jurisdiction Staff Project Contact: Rebecca Harper EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST Howard Bryan has requested release of the zoning and subdivision jurisdiction of 1 acre to the Town of Troutman. The proposed use of the property is a restaurant. OWNER/APPLICANT OWNER: Superior Properties of Iredell APPLICANT: Howard Bryan PO Box 5339 PO Box 1654 Statesville, NC 28687 Statesville, NC 28687 PROPERTY INFORMATION 7 August 17, 2021 LOCATION: 1055 Charlotte Highway in Troutman; more specifically identified as a portion of PIN #s 4740938470 and 4750031554. DIRECTIONS: Charlotte Highway across Building Center Avenue from Taco Bell. SURROUNDING LAND USE: This property is surrounded by commercial uses and vacant land. SIZE: The property is 1 acre. EXISTING LAND USE: The property is currently vacant. ZONING HISTORY: The front portion of this property has been zoned HB since 2005. The rear portion of this property has been zoned HB CUD since 2007, with Roadway Protection Overlay requirements as the condition. OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is located inside Troutman’s USA boundary. This area has been identified on Troutman’s Future Land Use Map as Interchange Commercial, which offers typical chain retail establishments with general commercial or industrial uses nearby. OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located in a water supply watershed. IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES TRAFFIC: The most recent traffic count for this section of Charlotte Highway was completed in 2017 and was 12,000 vehicles per day. SCHOOLS: The proposed use is a restaurant, so schools will not be impacted. STAFF COMMENTS STAFF COMMENTS: From a Planning perspective, this request meets the criteria for release of zoning and subdivision jurisdiction. The Town Planning staff has provided a letter that states the property is adjacent to existing water and sewer lines. The 2030 Horizon Plan recommends Highway Interchange Commercial uses for this area. The Town of Troutman has regulations in their code to require a Traffic Impact Analysis to try to mitigate that impact. The Planning staff recommends in favor of this request. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm: 8 August 17, 2021 • Request from Parks & Recreation for approval to apply for a Charlotte Regional Transportation Grant. • Request from Tax Administration for approval of July 2021 Refunds and Releases. MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Recreation Advisory Board – 1 announcement APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Chairman Mallory asked Mull to summarize the following appointment. Jury Commission (1 appointment) Rena Turner has volunteered to serve for the first time. MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to appoint Rena Turner to the Jury Commission. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to former Representative Turner for her willingness to serve and bring her experience in the court system as Clerk of Court to the Jury Commission. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Brian Summers, 140 E. Bell Street, spent six weeks in the Iredell-Statesville School System providing a summer reading program at Third Creek Middle School. The program concentrated on intensive reading to push literacy in the real world. In conjunction the Statesville Record & Landmark, the kids received a newspaper every week. This was very productive in exposing the students to different reading material and opening their minds to think of possibilities they may have never thought of before. In addition to reading enhancement, 42 children learned to sign their name. They had not learned cursive before and were very excited to sign their name. Summers said, “It is a huge thing for me to see the smallest thing make the biggest impact.” NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following: 9 August 17, 2021 • Today was a difficult day for the County’s Public Safety Group with the tornadoes and severe weather in the area. • The County will be hosting a Public Sector Job Fair on Saturday, September 25, from 9am – 5pm at the Signal Hill Mall parking lot to highlight the public sector jobs that are available in the County. Mitchell Community College and the school systems have been invited to participate. • Iredell County Agricultural Fair will start September 3 and run through September 11. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session was held immediately after pre-agenda to discuss Economic Development and Property Acquisition matters. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the purchase of 8.75 acres on Twin Oaks Road from Mr. C Tomlin for the purchase price of $90,000 and to authorize the County Manager and/or the Chairman of the Board to sign necessary closing documents to effectuate the purchase. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:54PM. The Board will meet for a regular meeting Tuesday, September 7, 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