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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-2022 1 September 20, 2022 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION September 20, 2022 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, September 20, 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 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: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Health Department for approval of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy: Norma Rife requested approval of the advance the Iredell County Health Department’s current hybridpolicy of prohibiting tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) within 50 feet of health department related buildings and 100% smoke-free campus to a simple Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. The Iredell County Health Department (ICHD) is committed to providing a safe work environment for employees and visitors. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable early death and disease. Unbeknownst to many, smokeless tobacco products contain cancer-causing chemicals and many products contain very harmful components like nitrosamines, radioactive elements found in fertilizer, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel, mercury and/or more. Smokeless tobacco can lead to nicotine addiction and cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Rife said the leading causes of death in Iredell County are heart disease, cardio pulmonary disease and stroke. Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of death from heart disease and stroke. Now newer smokeless tobacco products like dissolvable films and snus are intensifying the health risks for users. For these science-based reasons, the ICHD feels it is important to prohibit tobacco in any form on all ICHD related campuses. This includes preventing the use of environmental tobacco (combustible or non-combustible products) including electronic, heated and smokeless tobacco products and/or nicotine products that are not approved by the FDA as tobacco treatment medications. This Tobacco-Free campus policy would be applicable to the Main Statesville Building, Building Standards Building and Government Center South campuses to maintain 100% tobacco-free facilities, including in vehicles, on outdoor grounds, walkways and parking lots. NC 2 September 20, 2022 Medicaid providers contracted with the NC Standard and Tailored prepaid Health Plans must have tobacco-free campuses by December 1, 2022 in order to continue to received Medicaid reimbursement. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in a loss of over $3 million in Medicaid revenue and Medicaid cost settlement reimbursement annually. The Iredell County Board of Health approved this policy during their meeting on August 11, 2022. Commissioner Houpe said the policy is a no brainer for the Health Department but is more complicated in joint buildings. Employees will have to go off campus if they use tobacco products. Rife said staff hopes county employees will reduce their consumption of smokeless or combustible tobacco. Commissioner Houpe agrees with the intent of the policy, but has an issue with taking people’s rights away. County Manager Beth Mull said in order for the County to continue receive Medicaid funding the policy must be adopted. Mull noted the smoke-free policy (traditional cigarettes, vaping, and electronic cigarettes) was adopted in 2017. The policy being considered tonight includes smokeless tobacco, dip, and snuff. Commissioner Houpe asked that the item be voted on during the 7pm regular meeting. Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #14 to accept a North Carolina Humanities Large Grant: Finance Director Deb Cheek requested approval of Budget Amendment #14 to accept a NC Humanities Large Grant in the amount of $20,000 to conduct a ground penetrating radar survey on Green Street Cemetery. The survey will all ow the true parameters of the cemetery to be discovered and show the number of bodies interred in the cemetery. This item was placed on consent. Request from the IT Department for approval of a service agreement with Spectrum Enterprises for telephone services: IT Director Joey Holshouser requested approval of a three- year service agreement with Spectrum Enterprises for telephone service in multiple buildings. The cost of the service is within the approved FY 2023 budget. AT&T is the current service provider. The change to Spectrum telephone service will save the county approximately $105,000 annually, plus additional administrative costs. Long distance charges will also be virtually eliminated. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of the donation of two Ambulances to Mitchell Community College for use in its EMT Training Program: David Sifford requested approval of the donation of two ambulances to MCC for its EMT Training Program. Mitchell Community College has requested that two ambulances currently leased to them by Iredell County for use in its EMT Training Program be donated to them. This will make it easier for the college to title and insure the vehicles. 3 September 20, 2022 This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #15 to appropriate two Needs Based School Capital Fund Grants to the Mooresville Graded School District in the total amount of $615,750: Finance Director Deb Cheek requested approval of budget amendment #15 to appropriate two needs based school capital fund grants to the Mooresville Graded School System. Mooresville Graded School District has been awarded two Needs Based School Capital Fund Grants in the amount of $615,750. One is for South Elementary School renovations in the amount of $540,750 and the other for East Mooresville Intermediate School renovations for $75,000. The grants were awarded in April, 2022 and the school system is ready to draw down the funds. Request from Administration for approval of a resolution to ratify the amended Centralina Charter: County Manager Beth Mull requested approval of a resolution to ratify the amended Centralina Charter. Mull said the Centralina Board of Delegates recently approved amendments to our organization’s Charter. The purpose of these changes was to add language prohibiting private entities from having an interest in the organization’s earnings and financial assets. This item was placed on consent. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) The Board recessed at 6:10pm. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES September 20, 2022 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 20, 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 Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson. 4 September 20, 2022 CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory. INVOCATION: Chairman Mallory asked everyone to remember the family of Commissioner Marvin Norman. Commissioner Norman passed away after a long valiant struggle. He ran a long race giving it all he had and was a fine Christian gentleman. He will be greatly missed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA County Manager Beth Mull went over the following adjustments: ADD: Request from Tax Administration for approval of August Refunds and Releases. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as adjusted. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Approval of a resolution in memory of Commissioner Marvin Norman: Chairman Mallory read the following resolution into the record. Resolution In Memory of Marvin Norman WHEREAS, it is with the deepest regret that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners acknowledge the death of Commissioner Marvin Norman, who departed this life on September 14, 2022; and WHEREAS, Marvin served his country in the United States Army Reserve as a Drill Sergeant in the 108th Training Division assigned to the 3d Battalion 518th Infantry Regiment in Statesville, North Carolina and was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant; and WHEREAS, Marvin retired as Director of Community Relations at Energy United after 29 years; and WHEREAS, Marvin was the first African American Commissioner elected in 2002 to serve Iredell County. He served on the Iredell County Board of Commissioners for five consecutive four-year terms from 2002 to 2022; and WHEREAS, Marvin served as the Chairman of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners from 2006-2008; April 2010-November 2010; and Vice Chairman from 2008– March 2010; December 2010-2016; and 5 September 20, 2022 WHEREAS, Marvin exemplified the true meaning of a “dedicated public servant” having served on numerous committees and boards such as the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners; Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees; Iredell County Planning Board; Iredell Memorial Hospital Board; Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC); Smart Start/Iredell Partnership for Young Children; Recreation Advisory Board; Iredell County Board of Health; Iredell County Fairgrounds; Iredell County General Governmental & Pubic Health/Well Being Task Force; Statesville Chamber of Commerce; Criminal Justice Partnership Program; Hazardous Waste & Low Level Radioactive Waste Management Board; Information & Referral Council; Future Forward Economic Alliance; South Iredell Community Development Corporation; Hazardous Mitigation Planning Committee; and the Welfare Reform Committee; and WHEREAS, Marvin was highly involved in many, many other community activities and organizations during his adult life; and WHEREAS, Marvin was a man of the highest integrity and character who was deeply committed to the welfare of others; and WHEREAS, Marvin exuded a certain warmth and friendliness with his infectious smile, and his easy-going nature -- all of which will be sorely missed; and WHEREAS, Marvin was a devout and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to two children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and WHEREAS, most importantly, Marvin was a Christian gentleman who conveyed love and strength for his family, friends, and community. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners hereby memorializes Marvin Norman for his distinguished and impressive career in local government and for his life and memory that will be sorely missed but highly cherished and revered. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be included in the permanent minutes of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, and that a copy be presented to the family of Commissioner Marvin Norman with the deepest respect and utmost appreciation. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the resolution as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS (None) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 6 September 20, 2022 County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:  Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #14 to accept a North Carolina Humanities Large Grant.  Request from the IT Department for approval of a service agreement with Spectrum Enterprises for telephone services.  Request from ICATS for approval to call for a Public Hearing on October 4, 2022 at 7pm in regard to Transportation Grants for Fiscal Year 2024.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of the donation of two Ambulances to Mitchell Community College for use in its EMT Training Program.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #15 to appropriate two Needs Based School Capital Fund Grants to the Mooresville Graded School District in the total amount of $615,750.  Request from Administration for approval of a resolution to ratify the amended Centralina Charter. MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 Request from Health Department for approval of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy: County Manager Beth Mull said the Health Department is requesting approval to transition the three different facilities that house our health department which is the Health Department facilit y (Turnersburg Highway), Government Center South facility (Mooresville), and Building Standards facility (Center Street) to a tobacco-free campus policy. The County currently have a smoke-free policy for all county facilities and this will be adding the ot her tobacco product to the list. This is a requirement through North Carolina Medicaid if the County is going to continue to be funded for the Medicaid programs that is provided, this year it totals about $3.2 million. It also is in keeping with the accreditation process where it is highly recommended that the County make strives to reach that goal. However the requirement is through the NC Medicaid Program and the funding is tied to that. Mull said unfortunately it's a decision of forfeiting $3.2 million and not provide the programs or adopt the proposed policy and continuing to receive the funding. Vice Chair Neader said, “I am sure everyone is aware where we are with our thoughts. We’ve been able to share it through news outlets but it very real when we lose someone so close to us. We’ve all been there but I believe at this point it is time for us to reflect on the man, the statesman. How he would always ask you are first. How he truly cared. It is something that I would love, in his memory, to be carried on in each one of us, a piece of Commissioner Norman. The respect and concern for each other by our choice of words, sharin g of thoughts, and conveying of messages. It is powerful – whether we use our words for weapons, decision making, tools, or manipulation is truly up to us. Every time Marvin would share his thoughts he spoke with respect. An admiral trait that I believe we all should strive for in our hearts and especially our words. When we have respect for each other we are able to make decisions to move forward and be stronger. In honor of Marvin’s and my friendship and relationship I will strive for that and I ask everyone to 7 September 20, 2022 take a moment before we open our mouths and say anything to others we think about goal, where are we going with this, and what is our purpose.” Commissioner Brown said, “God got a good one. He was a good man. He would call me and say ‘I know you are busy but I won’t take but a minute of your time.’ I told him I am never too busy for him. He was genuine. We didn’t always agree. I told him he had to do what he believed in. We agreed to disagree. I am honored to call him a friend. I know where he is. There are too many people that have no idea where they’re going when they die. I feel like he was ready. He was tired of being sick.” Commissioner Houpe said, “Commissioner Norman was a mentor to me. When I became a commissioner, Marvin told me as long as we do what is right for the citizens, we will never be wrong. I valued working with Marvin and treasured his friendship and advice. Marvin Norman will leave a lasting legacy as a true leader, a family man, and a man of God,” he added. “His passing is leaving a huge void for Iredell County. While I am sad he is gone, I am happy he was still a commissioner, doing what he loved and serving the people of Iredell County until the end.” County Manager Beth Mull said, “Mr. Norman was the person that thought about everybody before ever thought about himself. I don’t think he ever thought himself. When he called he always asked how I was doing. He always checked on me to see how things were going and what he could do to help me. He asked how my girls were and how my parents were every time. I’ve never met anybody that cared about other people the way Mr. Norman did. I treasure that because he genuinely cared. He had a heart like you would not believe and it was so full of love for other people. He looked after all of us. As a matter of fact he looked after of us even after he passed by sending his grandson to give us all a hug and tell us that he loved us. That’s what kind of man he was and I am forever grateful that he crossed my path. Juanita Norman is here. Juanita, I love you. I am so glad you’re here with us. The most amazing man I think I’ve ever met.” Chairman Mallory said, “I had known Marvin from politics from a long time ago and when I first came on this board and was elected Chairman I did so on the conditio n that Marvin would with me at least two years as Vice Chairman. As you heard in the resolution, he had been Vice Chairman for several years prior to that and Chairman. I think he was about ready to take a rest. I put a bit of the arm twist on him to tell him I needed a battle buddy because you don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. He had a long view of service and was here when decisions were made a decade earlier. If we were trying to understand how or why do we have a policy he would very quickly tell you why and the importance. If things had changed since then he was the first to note. I think you saw that he was pithy. He was not one for holding forth; probably not like me. There was a commercial in the 90s from EF Hutton where the broker said when EF Hutton speaks people listen. That’s pretty much the way Marvin interacted with the Board and any other group. He would digest and think about what was being said. He would sometimes talk about it with other folks but when he came out and he spoke you knew that was a well- considered, well-thought out and firm position. Whether he was in the majority or not we knew we were getting good advice, counsel, and leadership. Marvin struggled in the few years physically but that never slowed down his commitment to his county. Although he wasn’t as present in the last several months he was engaged. He was always discussing the issues. We talked back and forth trying to understand perspectives between meetings. We go to a lot of other meetings but he was always informed and had an opinion to pass on that was substantial and substantive. We’ve 8 September 20, 2022 been fortunate to have him. This county is better off for Marvin Norman having worked for all of us.” ANNCOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Cheryl Pletcher, 107 Foxtail Drive, asked the Board to consider the approval of a Sanctuary of Life resolution. Jan Wright, 130 Landings Drive, asked the Board to make Iredell County a sanctuary for life. Tom Snyder, 237 Sundance Circle, asked why department heads can collude and make new policy during Covid-19. Snyder said department heads bullied the school superintendent by a statute they sent him trying to make them believe he could arrested or terminated, which is not true. Snyder said other people in the email thread stood with the department heads. Lynette Saxton, 176 West Maranta Road, asked about the moral fabric of the nation. The nation is in a very rapid decline. The pledge says “One Nation under God.” Richard Coleman, 262 Judas Road, commemorated Commissioner Norman by reading II Timothy: 7-8, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race and I have the faith.” Coleman said the Lord speaks to everyone on a daily basis and you have to be willing to listen when He does. Coleman spoke on the difference between being wise and being a scoffer. NEW BUSINESS (None) CLOSED SESSION There were no action items to report. ADJOURNMENT 9 September 20, 2022 MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 8:52PM. The Board will meet for a regular meeting Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 __________________________________ ___________________________________ Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk