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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-2022 1 April 5, 2022 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION April 5, 2022 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 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 Hope Board Members Participating Remotely Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson, 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 went over the following adjustments: Presentation of Special Recognitions & Awards V.4 Request from the Library to proclaim April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week. Administrative Matters VIII.13 Departmental Schedule Modification Unfinished Business Discussion regarding the Market Study New Business Commissioner Houpe has two items under New Business. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools to consider the right of first refusal for the Mt. Mourne school property: Tim Ivey said the Mt. Mourne School property does not fit in the elementary constellation. The school board feels it would be best to sell the property because of the amount of money it would require to upgrade the building. Chairman Mallory asked if the funds from the sale will go toward the new high school. 2 April 5, 2022 Ivey said the money has not yet been earmarked, but the School Board has considered, if they are to accept an offer, that they money would need to be earmarked for some project identified by the Schools Facilities Task Force. The Board agreed by consensus to not act on the Right of First Refusal. This item was placed on consent. Request from Cooperative Extension for approval of Budget Amendment #39 to appropriate funds for the purchase of picnic tables and supply items for the new outdoor education/picnic shelter: Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson requested approval of Budget Amendment #29 to appropriate funds to purchase picnic tables and items for the new outdoor education/picnic shelter at Cooperative Extension. Robertson said on March 23, 2022, the County received $30,705 from USDA-Rural Development representing 75 monthly lease payments USDA previously paid at less than the agreed upon amount. Former Purchasing Agent Dean Lail worked diligently to collect the payments over the years, but it wasn't until after his retirement a USDA representative finally understood the issue and corrected the problem. An educational/picnic shelter was completed behind Cooperative Extension late in 2021, and fully funded by CARES Act funds. Robertson said budget amendment #39 will appropriate $11,200 of the unexpected revenue to purchase nine recycled plastic, hexagonal-shaped picnic tables, trash/recycle receptacles, and outdoor tablecloths for the shelter. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Library for approval to submit a letter of intent to apply for a NC Humanities Large Grant in the amount of $20,000 and a grant application: Library Director Juli Moore requested approval to submit a letter of intent to apply for a NC Humanities Large Grant in the amount of $20,000 and a grant application. Moore said the process is to submit a letter of intent then once approval for the project, the department can submit the grant application. The funding would be used to conduct a ground penetrating radar survey on the Green Street Cemetery. The radar would allow true parameters of the cemetery to be discovered. It would also show the number of bodies entered in the cemetery and if there were any structures located on the property in the past. The project would also be a step in getting the cemetery recognized on historical registries. The library will be partnering with the City of Statesville and NAACP on the project. This item was placed on consent. Request from ITS for approval of a 3-year contract with Spectrum for Data Circuit: Assistant ITS Director Joey Holhouser said the County currently has two circuits with AT&T that is 500Mpbs. The County has a backup circuit with Spectrum that is 200Mbps. Holshouser requested approval of a 3-year contract with Spectrum to bring the backup circuit up to speed. The cost is $1,692 per year. This item was placed on consent. Request from Building Standards for approval to adjust permit fees for shell type buildings: Building Standards Director Robby Wilkinson said the current plan review fee for a 3 April 5, 2022 shell building is $0.06/square foot, the permit fee is based on an International Code Council (ICC) evaluation/sq.ft. These large spec shell buildings are fully engineered and require minimum plan review time assuring all construction documents have been submitted. Iredell County Inspectors will make site visits to verify certain elements, however, third party evaluations from licensed engineers are most commonly used for foundation and steel construction. The County fees for shell buildings are considerably higher than surrounding jurisdictions. Wilkinson said Substantial cost savings for the developer/owner, fees will balance out with the building up-fit . This item was placed on consent. Request from Finance for approval of an amended Project Ordinance for Mitchell Community College Health Science Building Project: Finance Director Deb Cheek said Mitchell Community College is ready to close on the Health Science Building Project. MCC has about $145 in interest earning and some funds in another line that was transferred to furniture, fixtures, and equipment. This item was placed on consent. Request from Finance for approval of Budget Amendment #38, Capital Project Ordinance - Fairgrounds and an amended Greenway Project Ordinance to appropriate State Capital and Infrastructure Funds and Department of Public Safety Funds: Finance Director Deb Cheek said the County was very fortunate to receive several state infrastructure fund (SCIF) grants. The SCIF funds are as follows: EMS Radios $150,000; Sheriff Boat $250,000; Stand Alone Rescue Squad Equipment $556,994, 3 Corners Greenway $1,000,000 and Fairgrounds $5,000,000. An award from Department of Public Safety for the Sheriff's department in the amount of $84,270 for the purchase of guns has also been awarded. This is a request to approve budget amendment #38 for grants accounted for in the General Fund, amend the 3 Corners Greenway Capital Project Fund to include SCIP funding, and adopt the Capital Project Fund - Fairgrounds for the SCIF award. This item was placed on consent. Request from Finance for approval of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council spending plan for FY 2022-2023: Finance Director Deb Cheek said the JCPC has completed the funding cycle for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for the Board of Commissioners' approval. There are $405,870 in JCPC funds available for this cycle, the same amount as last year. The programs funded are Barium Springs, Piedmont Mediation and Aspire. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration for approval of the Iredell County Recreation Center sewer line agreement amendment between the County, Town of Troutman and Children's Hope Alliance: Mull said the project was bid out and the bids were higher than the estimated amount. The amendment is to recognize the bids received and the amendment to the sewer line. The approval is contingent on the Town of Troutman’s approval. This item was placed on consent. 4 April 5, 2022 Request from Administration for approval to amend the ARPA Grant Project Ordinance to increase the appropriation for the Iredell County Recreation Center Sewer Line project: David Saleeby said The Iredell County Recreation Center Sewer Line Project bid opening was on March 15, 2022 at the Town of Troutman Town Hall. The lowest bid for the project was $612,166 from Buckeye Bridge L.L.C., Canton NC. This is a Town of Troutman project funded by Iredell County ARPA funds. Currently the County as appropriated $516,000 of ARPA funds to this project. Project Ordinance Amendment is needed in the amount of $209,667 to increase the appropriation for the project to include the bid plus contingency. This item was placed on consent. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on February 17 & 18 and March 15, 2022: There were no corrections. County Construction Projects Update. This item was placed on consent. Discussion regarding the Market Study: Mull explained that through budget meetings Sheriff Campbell told staff about recruitment difficulty and retention of good qualified staff. One of those concerns is salary and ensuring the County’s salaries are competitive with the competition. Mull said there was also a discussion of scheduling. The County strives to be an employer of choice. Currently, staff works a month of days then rotate to a month of nights. While some employees love it, some find it very difficult. Mull said there is a desire to allow employees to choose to work all days or nights. There will be a decrease in that salary because of the shift differential and this was an impediment that was hindering the Sheriff’s ability to provide other options. Mull proposed to give Sheriff Campbell the flexibility he needs for scheduling and to be able to provide different options regarding scheduling. Mull also suggested to make those employees whole so there is no downside to changing their schedule. Mull feels this modification will help fill vacancies and give options for employees. Mull said there would be a flat amount added to the base salary to make the employees whole. Mull noted this applies to existing employees. Chairman Mallory said it’s not all about compensation it’s also about the quality of life. Some could have daycare issues or school-aged children. The County will be a more attractive employer by providing more options. There is no budget amendment to approve as lap salaries will cover the costs. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS OLD BUSINESS (None) 5 April 5, 2022 The Board recessed at 5:58pm. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES April 5, 2022 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 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, 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 Mull went over the following adjustments: Presentation of Special Recognitions & Awards V.4 Request from the Library to proclaim April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week. Administrative Matters VIII.13 Departmental Schedule Modification Unfinished Business Discussion regarding the Market Study New Business Commissioner Houpe has two items under New Business. PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS 6 April 5, 2022 Request from ECOM to proclaim April as 911 Education Month and April 10-16 as National Telecommunicator Week 2022: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 10 – 16, 2022 Proclamation Whereas, emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire 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 Count y 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, rescue and firefighters by coordinating their dispatch, monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety; and, Whereas, Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Iredell County Emergency Communic ations Center have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, pre - arrival life-saving instruction and treatment of patients; and, Whereas, each dispatcher has exhibited dedication, compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year; Therefore Be It Resolved ,that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners declare the week of April 10 through 16, 2022, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Iredell County, i n honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe. MOTION by to approve the proclamation as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Request from the Health Department to proclaim April 4-10, 2022 as Public Health Week: Sierra Ashworth presented the following proclamation for approval. PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 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 27th anniversary of National Public Health Week, April 4 -10, we know that public health professionals are needed more than ever before to protect against disease, injury and death; 7 April 5, 2022 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 8, 2022 there have been 47,939 cases and 438 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 communiti es to create the needed foundation to improve the health, safety 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 strategies to reduce infant mortality, substance use (including tobacco and vaping), chronic diseases, communicable diseases and any future new or emerging public health threat. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby proclaim April 4-10, 2022 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 to Commissioner Norman approve the proclamation as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Request from the Board of Health for approval of a joint resolution supporting the work of the Health Department during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Iredell County Board of Health Chair Lisa Warren and Chairman James Mallory presented the following resolution for approval. BY THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH and THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Supporting the work of the Iredell County Health Department During the COVID -19 Pandemic WHEREAS, the Iredell County Board of Health voted unanimously at their February 17, 2022 meeting to recognize the significant contributions made by the staff of the Iredell County Health Department during COVID-19 pandemic response efforts; and 8 April 5, 2022 WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Director and Health Department team worke d tirelessly to ensure COVID-19 was contained, traced, tracked, and treated in a manner to limit the spread of this deadly infection thereby reducing hospitalizations and deaths in Iredell County; and WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Director along with the Health Department Team have since the inception of the pandemic continued to work to provide crucial data and support so that scientists and medical experts could work to develop treatments, cures and vaccines for COVID - 19; and WHEREAS, despite the Iredell County Health Director and Health Department Team being subjected to intense criticism by some members of our communities who do not agree with State and Federal Guidelines, they continued to work with integrity and focus on reducing the community spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the leadership of our health director and the diligence of the Iredell County Health Department team have been inspiring since the beginning of the pandemic March 17, 2020; and WHEREAS, the heroic efforts and sacrifices of our Public Health Officials, led by our Health Director, are deserving of acknowledgment and appreciation. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED WE, the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH and the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, express great appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to our local Public Health Officials for their selfless sacrifices and efforts to combat and respond to the unprecedented challenges facing our communities as a result of COVID-19; and IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH and the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS recognize the value and dedication of our local Public Health Officials to the viability, economy, safety, security and well-being of our community, both through their outstanding performance during the pandemic and through their general ongoing work to keep our residents healthy and our communities vibrant and thriving. ⁕⁕⁕⁕ Request from the Library to proclaim April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week: National Library Week April 3 – 9, 2022 Proclamation WHEREAS, libraries are an accessible and inclusive place to foster a sense of connection and build community; and WHEREAS, libraries connect people to technology, by providing access to computers, broadband internet, and trainings that are critical for accessing education and employment opportunities; and WHEREAS, libraries and librarians look beyond their traditional roles and provide transformative opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, empowerment and engagement, as well as new services that connect closely with patrons' needs; and WHEREAS, today's libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a building, and everyone is welcome to use their resources; and WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries and library professionals play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually; and WHEREAS, libraries strive to ensure equity of access for all, develop and maintain programs, and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve; and 9 April 5, 2022 WHEREAS, to adapt to our changing world, libraries are expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons; and WHEREAS, libraries are pioneers supporting democracy and effecting social change, with a commitment to providing equitable access to information for all library users regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status; and WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the state of North Carolina and beyond to celebrate National Library Week; NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 3- 9, 2022, as "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens. MOTION by to approve the proclamation as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ⁕⁕⁕⁕ APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Garden: Jenn Bosser presented Liburdi Turbine Services, an existing company in Iredell County that is a pioneer in the development of advanced metallurgical processes and technologies that solve challenges faced by the aerospace nuclear oil and gas, and energy industries. The current expansion plan includes increasing power capacity at the facility and the addition of new machinery and equipment. The company is also looking to bring many outside outsource services and the expansion will allow Liburdi to shorten lead times and enable the company to serve a new line of product which is the TF-33 military engine parts. Bosser requested an economic incentive grant to Liburdi Turbine Services for $8,740 over a three-year period based on the company's investment of up to $1.2 million creation of up to 5 new jobs. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to approve an economic incentive up to $8,740 over a three-year period based on the company's investment of up to $1.2 million, creation of up to 5 new jobs, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 10 April 5, 2022 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:  Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools to consider the right of first refusal for the Mt. Mourne school property.  Request from Cooperative Extension for approval of Budget Amendment #39 to appropriate funds for the purchase of picnic tables and supply items for the new outdoor education/picnic shelter.  Request from the Library for approval to submit a letter of intent to apply for a NC Humanities Large Grant in the amount of $20,000 and a grant application.  Request from ITS for approval of a 3-year contract with Spectrum for Data Circuit.  Request from Building Standards for approval to adjust permit fees for shell type buildings.  Request from Finance for approval of an amended Project Ordinance for Mitchell Community College Health Science Building Project.  Request from Finance for approval of Budget Amendment #38, Capital Project Ordinance - Fairgrounds and an amended Greenway Project Ordinance to appropriate State Capital and Infrastructure Funds and Department of Public Safety Funds.  Request from Finance for approval of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council spending plan for FY 2022-2023.  Request from Administration for approval of the Iredell County Recreation Center sewer line agreement amendment between the County, Town of Troutman and Children's Hope Alliance.  Request from Administration for approval to amend the ARPA Grant Project Ordinance to increase the appropriation for the Iredell County Recreation Center Sewer Line project.  Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on February 17 & 18 and March 15, 2022.  County Construction Projects Update.  Departmental Schedule Modification for the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center which allows them to have flexibility in their scheduling without any negative impact them to employees. 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 (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS 11 April 5, 2022 Mull said the Board discussed the following item at their Fall/Winter Retreat. The County hired a consultant to conduct a Market Study of all county positions and employees in those positions. Mull said this was a very comprehensive market study. The market has been very volatile as far as employment. The ‘great resignation’ has made it very difficult to hire and retain good qualified staff. The market analysis of salaries look at the comparisons that were approved by the approved. The comparables include similar sized counties and the State of NC. Currently, there is one pay plan; every employee is on one pay plan. The new Market Study divides staff into three different pay plans: Series 100 – Public Safety Pay Plan Series 200 – Specialty Pay Plan Series 300 – Administrative Pay Plan Mull said the pay plans is more an apples to apples comparison regarding the job responsibilities and duties. Mull said the Market Study also increases the differential between grades from 4.6 to 4.8% with the ultimate goal of getting to 5%. The consultant recommends when another market study and salary review is done the Board go to 5% differential. The next study it also increases the range between the minimum and the maximum. The pay plans have a grade and a minimum of that grade a midpoint of the grade and a maximum of the grade. Currently, the spread between the minimum the maximum is 55.5% and it moves that to 56%. The consultant looked at every employee that we had and looked at their years of experience in their current position; not years with the county but years of experience in that specific position. Mull said that is important because that is how the comparison is created. The consultant applied a compa ratio and it all is based on midpoint and depending on the years of experience in that position. It takes employees from their current place on the scale and makes sure that they're in a similar position on the new pay scale. So someone doesn't automatically revert back lower than where they were on the current pay scale. Staff has met with the Board individually to look at various options. Mull respectfully asked the Board to consider implementing the market study beginning with the May 5, 2022. Commissioner Brown noted that Mull removed herself from the Market Study and that is to be commended. Mull said staff deserves to be paid what the rate is for their efforts and job and all the good they have done for the community. Vice Chair Neader expressed appreciation to Mull for the number of hours she poured into everyone’s comments and concerns. Neader is excited the study will soon be implemented and that the County has such a great county manager. Commissioner Norman said staff does a great job. Commissioner Houpe shared appreciation for Administration and department directors that participated. The Board had a lot of questions after the initial presentation. The study is so important because of thorough process. 12 April 5, 2022 Chairman Mallory said the employees have been asked to support the Board in the County’s goals and objectives to make Iredell County the best place to live, work, and raise a family. To do that, employees have to have sufficient income. It makes the Board happy to be able to recognize the dedication of the County’s workforce. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the Market Study with any modifications discussed with the County Manager effective beginning with the May 5, 2022 payroll. VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT There was nothing to report. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session was held immediately following pre-agenda for Economic Development and Attorney Client. At 8:20PM, the Board will now go into Closed Session for Property Acquisition. Upon returning from Closed Session, Mull explained there is one more item for the Board to discuss. The NCDOT is looking at widening Turnersburg Highway and there are turn lanes planned on the same side as the Health Department. Mull said according to the current drawings is putting the road right up against the building. Mull is concerned over the location of the proposed road and the safety of employees and citizens. Commissioner Norman asked how much the NCDOT is proposing. Mull said around $70,000. The Board agreed by consensus to take the information under advisement and consult with the County Attorney. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 8:55pm. The Board will meet for a regular meeting Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 __________________________________ ___________________________________ Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk