HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2021
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October 5, 2021
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
October 5, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday,
October 5, 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: Commissioner Houpe added an item under
Unfinished Business.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for approval of a Facilities Condition
Assessment (FCA): Tim Ivey presented a Facilities Condition Assessment. ISS recently entered
into a workorder system with FMX, a facilities management company. The school system has seen
a massive improvement in work order completion and communication along with resolutions and
response times to work orders through the system. Ivey said the company would helped the school
system drill down into what it takes to effectively manage county facilities and a part of that is a
facilities condition assessment. During the assessment the company visits the school system and
assesses every asset ISS has (HVAC, plumping units, roofs, doors, windows, etc.). They estimate
the life of the assets, create a preventative maintenance plan, and asset tag.
Ivey said this will allow the school system to give the County a 10 -year forecast of
replacement and/or repairs. Once the items are asset tagged, the school system will be able to
produce reports, including a capital forecasting dashboard. Every item will also receive a QR code
that technicians can scan and receive the history of the asset. Ivey added that the assessment will
provide what is needed to actively forecast spending.
Ivey requested approval for the County to partner with ISS in the cost of the assessment.
The total cost is $542,723.27, equaling about 9 cents per square footage of the area being assessed.
Dr. Jeff James said the assessment will have a good return and will almost immediately
pay for itself.
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October 5, 2021
Commissioner Brown asked how long the assessment will take.
Ivey said it will take two months for the company to assess and tag the assets. The reports
will be available immediately.
Dr. James said the study is way to show where tax dollars are being spent. It is a better
way for the school system to have a preventative maintenance program and hopefully lower the
cost of maintaining equipment.
There was a brief discussion on the assessment process.
Dr. James thanked the Board for their continued partnership.
Chairman Mallory thanked Dr. James and Ivey for the informative presentation. The
school system is focused on changing systems to produce the desired effect more efficiently.
This item was presented for information only.
Request from the City of Statesville for approval to expend $334,083 as a local match
for grants received to be used for necessary improvements to complete the construction of
an aircraft hangar and parking apron: Statesville Airport Manager John Ferguson said the
airport is building an apron for Victory Air to move from the south end of the apron to the
northeast. This will give them more room to possibly buy more airplanes. Ferguson said the airport
received grants for the project but a match of $668,167 is required. Ferguson requested the County
partner with the City and fund half of the match, $334,083. Ferguson will present the same request
at the City Council on October 18.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from EMS for approval of Budget Amendment #12 to accept a $379,482
grant from NC Department of Health and Human Serves to assist in addressing Substance
Use Disorder within the community: Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce requested approval
of budget amendment #12 to accept a grant in the amount of $379,4982 to extend the community
response team. The funds will be allocated through February 2023. Pierce noted the biggest benefit
of the grant is to hire one additional Certified Peer Support Specialist. The funding will also cover
costs of printing education and resource materials, crisis intervention training for paramedics,
personal protection equipment. There is no match for the grant.
Chairman Mallory asked about the realignment of Bethlehem Road.
Ferguson said the two alternatives were presented last week at public meeting and so far
the majority like the road to the west to Highway 70 instead of the road south to Old Mountain
Road. Ferguson said both feed to almost the same point.
Chairman Mallory said most race teams will be coming from the south.
Ferguson said a study is being done on cost and which is most beneficial to the
community.
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October 5, 2021
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #13 to amend the
Facilities Improvement Fund Ordinance, and award contract for the Short Street/Harrill
Street Parking Lot Project: Project Manager David Saleeby requested approval of budget
amendment #13, amend the Facilities Improvement Fund Ordinance, award and authorize the
County Manager to negotiate a contract for the Short Street/Harrill Street Parking Lot Project.
Saleeby explained that the Iredell County Detention Expansion Project began in 2015 and most of
the Hall of Justice parking lot was claimed by the footprint of the n ew Detention Center. To
provide parking for the Hall of Justice, the County owned properties on Harrill and Short Streets
were converted to temporary gravel parking spaces. In the approval process with the City of
Statesville for the Detention Center, these gravel parking lots were to be returned to a pervious
surface or upgraded to paved parking lots with storm water measures in place, landscaping, buffers
etc.
Saleeby explained the plan to combine the lots into one parking lot. The gravel from the
lot on Harrill Street will be reused. The Harrill Street lot will be planted with grass until the County
is ready to use the property in the future. The project was put out to bid and there were six bidders.
Country Boy Landscaping Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid amount of $308,359.
The Short Street Parking lot is to be completed by February 1, 2022 to accommodate the voters
for the early election cycle and has a $500 a day liquidated damages anything past February 1,
2021. For the Stockton Street project, liquidated damages will start after 210 days. The budget
amendment includes the contract, a 10% contingency, third-party testing and inspection services,
as well as, the initial design services for a total amendment of $373,825.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Saleeby for his work on the project.
This item was placed on consent.
County Construction Projects Update: An updated spreadsheet was provided in the
Board’s agenda packet and by email.
This item was placed on consent.
Task Force Updates:
Economic Development – There are several projects on the horizon.
Education – The Board received a presentation tonight to be brought back on October 19.
There is an Education Task Force Meeting Friday, October 8 to discuss projects and funding.
Chairman Mallory will be attending the meeting for Commissioner Houpe.
Public Safety – There was an update sent to the Board on the progress of the ECOM
study. The report is sent out every two weeks. Vice Chairman Neader requested the updates be
sent to the full board not just the Public Safety Task Force.
General Governmental – The Transportation Master Plan is available on the County
website and comments will be taken until tomorrow, October 6.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
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October 5, 2021
Mull explained there was one appointment on the Recreation Advisory Board and two
applicants. As is the County’s practice, a geographic location map was prepared to indicate current
member locations and the locations of the applicants in an effort to help us select an applicant that
represents all areas of the county. After the mapping exercise, it identified that there was a current
member whose Mooresville address is actually in Rowan County. Staff spoke with the member
regarding the ineligibility to serve based on the Bylaws’ which require residency in Iredell
County. The member was very understanding and is willing to stay involved however
needed. With this, the Recreation Advisory Board recommends the Board appoint the two
applicants. Jeff Cheek and Ben Johnson have volunteered to serve for the first time.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Mull and staff for the recent ARP
workshop and as a follow up to that meeting, Houpe asked Mull to gather information to enable
the Board to make some objective decisions on requests.
Commissioner Houpe thinks there has been some confusion after the workshop and staff
thought some specific requests were taken off the table. Houpe explained that is not the case.
Once the information is gathered and presented, the Board will be able to look at all the requests
and take another look at the premium pay for staff. Some of the ARP funding was designed to
assist in boosting pay and cover overtime costs.
Commissioner Houpe asked Mull to present the information at the next meeting, October
19.
Chairman Mallory suggested Mull work within the timeline to apprise the Board to plan
for a disbursement prior to Christmas.
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following:
Wednesday, October 6 is the final day to submit comments on the Transportation
Master Plan. The plan is available on the County website.
The following boards/committees still have openings: Farmland Preservation
Advisory Board; Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority;
Nursing Home Advisory Committee; Schools Facilities Task Force.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:55pm.
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October 5, 2021
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
October 5, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October
5, 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 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 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 Young Marine Sgt. Thomas Sapp.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Commissioner Houpe added an item under Unfinished Business.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Request from the Mecklenburg County Young Marines to proclaim October 23 - 31,
2021 as Red Ribbon Week: Chairman Mallory recognized Young Marine Sgt. Thomas Sapp.
Chairman Mallory read the proclamation into record and presented it to YM Sgt. Sapp.
PROCLAMATION
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RED RIBBON WEEK
OCTOBER 23-31, 2021
WHEREAS, Alcohol and other drug abuse in this nation has reached epidemic stages; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that visible, unified prevention education efforts by community
members be launched to eliminate the demand for drugs; and WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership
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October 5, 2021
is sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign® offering citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their
commitment to drug-free lifestyles (no use of illegal drugs, no illegal use of legal drugs); and
WHEREAS, The National Red Ribbon Campaign® will be celebrated in every community in
America during “Red Ribbon Week®”, October 23-31; and
WHEREAS, Business, government, parents, law enforcement, media, medical, religious
institutions, schools, senior citizens, service organizations and youth will demonstrate their commitment to
healthy, drug-free lifestyles by wearing and displaying Red Ribbons during this week long campaign; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County further commits its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon
Campaign®; NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners do
hereby proclaim October 23-31, 2021, as RED RIBBON WEEK® and encourages citizens to participate in
drug prevention education activities, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug -
free state.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Request from Cooperative Extension to Proclaim October 3 - 9, 2021 as National 4-
H Week: Iredell County 4-H Extension Agent Taylor Jenkins said 4-H provides programs in
stem, healthy living, agricultural, citizenship, and more. Jenkins introduced 4-H’er Cooper
Grebe.
Grebe, 10 years old, shared he’s been in 4-H for three years. He shows dairy cows,
competes in dairy judging, and Iredell County troubleshooters. He said 4-H has given him a
place where he feels like he belongs. The club teaches life skills and responsibilities. Grebe is
also the president of the Iredell County Showstoppers Club. He expressed appreciation to the
Board for supporting and recognizing 4-H.
Chairman Mallory said Cooper and Thomas are great examples of young people who are
defining clear goals for themselves moving forward. Leadership at their age will pay benefits to
the community for many years to come.
Chairman Mallory read the proclamation into record and presented it to Jenkins and
Grebe.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, 4-H youth across the nation are leading efforts to solve problems in their communities and
make a difference for their futures; and
WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in North Carolina and the largest in the
nation with over six million participants; and
WHEREAS, 4-H in North Carolina claims 260,000 youth members and 13,000 volunteers, while Iredell
County 4-H program numbers more than 200 members and more than 10 volunteers; and
WHEREAS, 4-H as part of the NC Cooperative Extension System of NC State University and NCA&T
State University is a program where youth learn through opportunities that provide them hands-on
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October 5, 2021
experiences in 4-H’s mission mandates of science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and
citizenship; and
WHEREAS, 4-H has connected youth and their communities with the innovative research and resources
from our nation’s 112 land-grant universities and colleges for more than 118 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 3-9, 2021,
as National 4-H Week in Iredell County. We urge the people of this County to take advantage of the
opportunity to become more aware of this special program that enhances our young people’s interests in
their futures as part of Iredell County 4-H Youth Development and to join us in recognizing the unique
partnership between our County and our State University System.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Request from Community Resource Coordinator Pam Navey to proclaim October
as Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Vice Chair Neader said there is a kick-off event
tonight “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” to bring awareness.
Chairman Mallory read the following proclamation into record.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2021
WHEREAS, each year during the month of October, we acknowledge domestic violence as an
ongoing issue and recommit ourselves to reducing domestic violence within our community.
WHEREAS, despite the significant progress we have made in addressing domestic violence,
statistics available from the national coalition against domestic violence estimate that four women die as a
result of domestic violence each day.
WHEREAS, the long-term effects of domestic violence are staggering, and exposure puts
individuals in danger of long-term physical, psychological and emotional harm. The trauma experienced
by individuals related to domestic violence typically causes an adverse ripple effect on the emo tional and
psychological state of a survivor. Panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression
and anxiety are often ignited by domestic violence and/or other forms of related abuse.
WHEREAS, children who experience domestic violence are at greater risk for failure in school,
emotional disorders, substance use and are statistically more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence in
later life.
WHEREAS, it is often assumed that domestic violence only occurs in lower -income, minority or
rural communities, The truth is that domestic violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of who
they are, what they do for a living or where they live.
THEREFORE, let us formally recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month as a public health issue
right here in our own community, and to commit ourselves once again to continue working on issues related
to addressing domestic violence.
NOW THEREFORE I, James. B. Mallory III, Chairman of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
pledge the support of our governing body to continue educating, connecting and inspiring our community
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October 5, 2021
to end domestic violence in Statesville, North Carolina and proclaim October 2021 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month.
MOTION by Vice Chair Melissa Neader to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing to consider the closure of a portion of Widgeon Lane (public road
right-of-way), located off Stutts Road (SR 1112) in Mooresville, NC and consider adopting
an Order to Close a portion of said road (G.S. 153A-241): Planning Director Matthew Todd
said Widgeon Lane is off Dutch Road. The subdivision was planted in 1980, when a subdivision
the requirements were not in place to have the road paved. The road was paved in 2018 and the
cul-de-sac was not taken to the end of the road. The applicants are requesting to abandon a piece
of Widgeon Lane to establish a cul-de-sac with the appropriate dimensions for NCDOT
requirements. The portion of the road will be split among the properties. They are going to re-work
them to try and fit some septic areas on the vacant lots. The property has been posted and the one
adjoining owner has been notified, but there have not been any opposition.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the closure of a portion of Widgeon Lane
in Mooresville NC and adopt an order to close a portion of said road under GS 153a-241.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Public hearing to consider the adoption of the 2023 Public Transportation Program
funding request: ICATS Director Bradley Johnson said the required public hearing is to hear
comments regarding the proposed application to NCDOT for grants required to operate I-CATS
during fiscal year FY23. The total amount of the grants is $2,115,567. A local match of
$582,086 would come from contracted services revenue. The grant will help fund Administrative,
Operating, and Capital operations for the department. Johnson noted the amounts could fluctuate
depending upon the capital purchases between urban and rural areas. There is approximately
$600,000 in capital items (vehicles) to be replaced within the department’s capital replacement
plan. All of the vehicles have met their useful life and will have well over 200,000 miles before
they are surplus. The money received from surplus will go back to be a part of the local match for
the new capital vehicles.
Vice Chair Neader said it is interesting staff put effort into the time and work for the future.
Neader asked if the funds are guaranteed.
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October 5, 2021
Johnson said not all the amounts are guaranteed. Even though the vehicles have met their
useful life, the funds are not guaranteed.
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to Johnson and other department directors who
apply for grant funding. ICATS is a lifeline for many folks in the community to be able to get
around for normal living. The funding stream that support the transportation system comes
primarily from the federal government as it is passed down through the State. Mallory noted the
complexity of the process. The different pots of money have very specific uses.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adopt the 2023 Public Transportation Program.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the
Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:
Request from the City of Statesville for approval to expend $334,083 as a local match for
grants received to be used for necessary improvements to complete the construction of an
aircraft hangar and parking apron.
Request from EMS for approval of Budget Amendment #12 to accept a $379,482 grant
from NC Department of Health and Human Serves to assist in addressing Substance Use
Disorder within the community.
Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #13 to amend the
Facilities Improvement Fund Ordinance, and award contract for the Short Street/Harrill
Street Parking Lot Project.
County Construction Projects Update.
Task Force Updates
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Recreation Advisory Board – 2 appointments
Jeff Cheek and Ben Johnson volunteered to serve for the first time.
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October 5, 2021
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to appoint Cheek and Johnson to the Recreation
Advisory Board.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe provided an update on the recent ARP workshop. At the workshop,
the Board heard and discussed potential uses of the ARP funding. Houpe explained that no items
were taken off the table. The County Manager is gathering information for consideration for all
the requests, including ones from the municipalities. There has been some misconception that the
Board was not considering the potential premium pay. Houpe asked Mull to present the
information at the October 19 meeting.
Chairman Mallory asked if Commissioner Houpe would like to make a motion.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to consider a report on October 19 from the County
Manager to determine the appropriateness and timing of the allocation for premium pay.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following:
Wednesday, October 6 is the final day to submit comments on the Transportation
Master Plan. The plan is available on the County website.
The following boards/committees still have openings: Farmland Preservation
Advisory Board; Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority;
Nursing Home Advisory Committee; Schools Facilities Task Force.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session was held immediately following pre-
agenda to discuss Economic Development.
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October 5, 2021
MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to call for a public hearing October 19, 2021 at 7pm
regarding a maximum economic development incentive of $240,626 over a five-year period for
Project Madi based on the company’s $12.3 million investment in Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to amend the call for public hearing for Project Drum
from October 19, 2021 to November 16, 2021.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:54PM. The Board will meet for a
regular meeting Tuesday, October 19, 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