HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-2022
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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