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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-2019 1 December 17, 2019 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA MINUTES December 17, 2019 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 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 Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Ken Robertson Board Members Absent Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, 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: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Add: Attorney Client under Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3) Add: Discussion of temporary construction easements under Unfinished Business. Commissioner Robertson added an update on I-77, under New Business. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Presentation by Bradley Johnson, ICATS Director, on a service update for Fiscal Year 2020: ICATS Director Brad Johnson said there are multiple issues going on forcing a service reduction. The Job Access Reverse Commuting (JARC) grant was set to expire in 2015. ICATS was able find other agencies had allotments of money they weren’t being used and gained $500,000 to keep the program going. It was known that the program would expire but there were hopes that something would replace it, but nothing has. Johnson said some individuals in the program have been shifted to other programs. CATS is the designated recipient for the funding and have not awarded in FY17 – FY19 operating funds. The withholding of funds and JARC expiring has caused the department to have a fixed route service reduction in order to have a balanced budget for FY20. Chairman Mallory asked if the funds have authorized but not released. Johnson said the funds have been authorized by the FTA but CATS has to have a formula to be able to distribute the funds evenly and equitably. ICATS first received 5310 urban funds in 2 December 17, 2019 2016, but should have been eligible for the funds in 2010. In 2016, money from FY13 was received and it has been a delayed process ever since. Chairman Mallory said that is unacceptable and asked whom the proper contacts are to get the problem solved. Johnson said the issue has started a hornet’s nest between CATS, FTA, MPO, and state. It is the MPO and CATS responsibility to delegate the funds. Johnson said they do not need to work in the current fiscal year’s budget because of their tax base. Chairman Mallory asked if Union County is in the same situation. Johnson said yes. Chairman Mallory said the Board needs to take a stand and request immediate action. There is no excuse for having lapsed funds. Johnson said CATS has blamed the State for changing the process in how the funds are adopted. It is taking three to six months to complete because the request has to go on the CRTPO agenda. Johnson has requested for the item to be announced in January but hoping it is and accepted as well, so it can go to the State in March. Bob Cooke is an employee of the City of Charlotte but is the CRTPO Planning Director. CATS is the designated recipient but it is up to the MPO to approve a formula to distribute the funds. Chairman Mallory said the Board should mail a letter to Cooke asking for this matter to be expedited and placed on the January agenda. Johnson explained he requested the item in October but the MPO was hiring a new transit planner and this would be the first item on their agenda. That has now been pushed back to January. Chairman Mallory said it is unacceptable to cut services that affect people’s lives. The money is there, but they don’t need it because of their large budget. Vice Chairman Bowles said the money typically dispersed to ICATS is available it just has not been dispersed. Johnson said yes. The money has not been redirected. Chairman Mallory asked what the 5310 covers of the services being modified. Johnson said to be able to cover the 5310 ICATS is having to subsidize the full cost of the Mitchell route and about $60,000 to the Mooresville Main route and the whole Iredell Express. Commissioner Houpe noted that Mitchell Community College was paying a certain amount for students to get back and forth from Statesville to the Mooresville campus but cut their funding. Commissioner Robertson asked Johnson to work with Bjourn Hansen to put together a presentation and he will request to be on the CRTPO agenda. The organization aims for regional 3 December 17, 2019 planning and cooperation but if this is what it looks like, it is not good. Robertson said the issue may be fixed before making a presentation. Johnson said ICATS has never received 5310 funding. The region receives almost $1 million per year. There is a now a call for 5303 money that has to be turned in by December 30. The matter was already on the agenda for January but they decided to let the Iredell and Union Counties submit projects because they are eligible. Based on the national formula, the County should receive 7%. Commissioner Robertson said in order to keep the discussion confined, Johnson can prepare the slides so he can present to the CRTPO. The organization will not want the presentation to take place. Chairman Mallory said if this is something that affects the County two to three years out, if the funds are released, the Board needs to do a sharp critique of the programs and whether they rise to the level of the County picking up some funding, if it is available. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from EMS for approval of budget amendment #18 to use contingency funds to begin a Community Paramedicine Program in January 2020: EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval to use $67,310 of contingency funds to start a Community Paramedic Program in the County. This item was placed on consent. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for an Emergency Management Performance Grant in the amount of $35,000 to support personnel and operations. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for an annual Tier II Non-Competitive grant in the amount of $1,000 to be used to upgrade the existing identification card printer for accountability during incidents. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for a NC Tier II Competitive Grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used to conduct a multi-agency hazardous materials exercise at Statesville Regional Airport: Kent Greene said the County is fortunate to receive the three grants on a yearly basis and there is no match for any of the grants. All three requests for placed on consent. Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to Greene for working on the portable radio contracts. Greene said the radios will be delivered to the Public Safety Center this week. Inventory and distribution will follow. Greene noted that has received positive feedback from the fire departments. 4 December 17, 2019 Request from Emergency Management for approval of budget amendment #16 to appropriate $26,000 Fund Balance in the County Wide Fire Service District Fund to replenish funds transferred between line items to cover postage costs for All-County Fire Tax District Notice of Public Hearing and map to 63,000 property owners: Kent Greene said notices of the public hearing were mailed last Friday. Property owners may receive duplicate letters depending on the number of parcels they own. Greene explained that $26,000 was currently allocated in the current countywide fire tax district as general fund transfer. The County is allowed, by statute, to replenish that out of revenues from the All-County Service District, if it goes into effect July 1, 2020. Jones said there will now be a balance in the fire tax fund of $459,842. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the remaining balance of the voted in districts and the current fire tax district will roll into the All-County Service District. Jones said the voted in districts will not, any remaining funds will stay. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Health Department to write-off uncollected patient account debt from 2016 in the amount of $10,013.69, in co mpliance with 10A NCAC 43A.0206: Jessica Ridgway requested approval to write-off uncollected patient account debt. Chairman Mallory asked the amount of last year’s write off. Ridgway said over $24,000. Chairman Mallory said the department is moving in the right direction for collections. Ridgway said there is currently $100,000 in delinquent patient accounts. The department is working in various ways to collect. Ridgway noted the department is required to send 30, 60, and 90-day letters and recently made those available in Spanish in hopes it will help with collection. Vice Chairman Bowles complimented staff for working hard to collect. Commissioner Robertson said the Health Department functions on a graduated scale on income for fees. The department provides various services while receiving very little money from the County. With the exception of reproductive health, the patient is required to pay something for services. The graduating scale only works if everyone pays. Commissioner Houpe added more patients can be treated as more of the debt is collected. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Health Department for approval of Budget Amendment #17 for Fire Prevention Week Grant in the amount of $400 from Safe Kids North Carolina : Jessica Ridgway said in October 2019, the Safe Kids Coalition of Iredell hosted a local fire prevention educational event. The department was awarded a grant in the amount of $400 for hosting the 5 December 17, 2019 event. There is no match for the grant and the department plans to purchase bike helmets to be handed out at a Safe Kids Day event in the spring. This item was placed on consent. Vice Chairman Bowles said different agencies educating the public on fire prevention and it works throughout the County. Request from Tax Administration for denial of taxpayer's request for release/refund that does not meet the statutory requirements: Tax Assessor Melia Miller said the taxpayer filed an appeal for a value change beyond the 30-day allotted time from the bill date and it is now too late to change the value and recommended denial of the request. Vice Chairman Bowles asked how late the appeal was. Miller said the last day to appeal was September 9 and the request for a value change was submitted on September 27. Commissioner Robertson said the Board would be required to deny th e request even if it was agreed it was a good idea to change the value. Miller agreed. All taxpayers are held to the NC General Statutes. Commissioner Robertson asked if the taxpayer would have had a valid argument if the request was filed before the deadline. Miller said the appeal would have been considered if filed within the 30-day timeframe, however the taxpayer will be able appeal next year. Commissioner Robertson asked if Miller has looked at the system that determines values needs fine-tuning. Miller feels that the system is accurate. The values are from ABOS Blue Book Guide and many times the taxpayer sees the purchase price does not coincide with what is on the order. Miller said the taxpayer’s purchase price was $36,300 and the buyer’s order shows a unit price of $39,955. Commissioner Houpe asked Miller inform the taxpayer that he may be able to appeal next year. It is important for the owner to understand the Board cannot statutorily change the value. Commissioner Robertson asked why the request comes before the Board. Valdez said the statute requires the Board to render the denial. That triggers the next step to Superior Court. This item was placed on consent. Request from Tax Administration for approval of November Refunds and Releases This item was placed on consent. 6 December 17, 2019 Request from the Finance Department for approval of budget amendment #14 to transfer $106,840 from the Capital Improvement Plan to the Healthcare Fund to cover the additional cost of the Employee Wellness Clinic renovation: Deal Lail said a number of bids were received for the Wellness Clinic. The low bid was substantially over the current budgeted amount. Lail requested approval of budget amendment #14 to transfer $106,840 from Capital Improvement Plan to the Healthcare Fund to cover the cost overage of the bid in order to continue with the renovation of the Wellness Clinic located in the Health Department Complex. There is $175,000 currently budgeted for that project and approval will give the ability to accept the low bid and proceed with the project. Vice Chairman Bowles asked how projects are prioritize in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Finance Director Deb Cheek said the Capital Improvement Plan is presented during the budget process and the Board prioritizes the projects for the next year. Money saved on certain projects is retained in the line item and can be used for overages. Cheek explained that part of the Wellness Clinic was previously approved and money was available in the CIP based on what the Board directed to fund. Vice Chairman Bowles said the CIP is a shared fund between different projects. Cheek said the CIP is one line item in the General Fund transferred out into where it needs to go to fund the different projects. Jones said the Board discusses the eight-year CIP and anticipated needs and during the budget process, those projects are narrowed down to what is proposed with the Board’s direction. Best guestimates are made based on current market conditions. Vice Chairman Bowles said it sometimes hard to consider the cost on projects because the cost is a moving target especially in an appreciating economy. Jones said the increase is due to the extensive plumbing. Exam rooms require sinks and additional restrooms are also needed. The Wellness Clinic is very successful program. The County is seeing savings and it is paying off in strides. Commissioner Robertson asked if it would be beneficial to starting the project at a new location. Jones said no because it would be very difficult to start this project from scratch. The clinic will be relocated in a space previously leased to Partner’s that they have relinquished back. The space has a separate entrance and adequate parking. Walls are being added to provide additional exam rooms, which requires extensive plumbing. Commissioner Robertson said since the space is being made for medical type uses the Health Department could use the space in the future, if needed. Jones agreed. There is still some extra space that could be used for expansion for the Health Department or clinic. 7 December 17, 2019 Commissioner Robertson said building materials, specifically metal, is in a state of flux due to the trade war. The budgeted estimate was 38% below the actual amount. Robertson suggested updating the system on how projects are budgeted. Jones added that the original estimate included the work being done in-house by Facility Services, but after realizing the magnitude of the plumbing, it was decided to contract it out. Commissioner Robertson asked Jones to explain how the Wellness Clinic saves the County money. Jones said the Employee Wellness Clinic was initiated a few years because there was escalating costs of employee health insurance. There was a 13 – 20% increase every year. The County hired a new broker and looked at different ideas to help control the continually escalating costs for employee health insurance premiums. Since the County is self-insured and pay for the claims, upon suggestion, the County implemented a health clinic. The clinic is free to the employee but they are held accountable for their health. Employees are required to have an annual screening and routine visits to make sure they are keeping up with their health. A physical therapy clinic was added to help with worker’s comp claims. The physical therapy clinic was made possible from savings by implementing the wellness clinic. Vice Chairman Bowles said going forward it is imperative to pay close attention to priorities and not create an unrealistic goal. Jones said there were some reductions made to the project. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of low bidder and award of a contract to perform renovations and up-fits to the 2nd & 4th floors of the Iredell County Government Center-South (ICGC-S) to add office space for Sheriff's Office and Social Services: Dean Lail said three bids were received, opened, read aloud, and recorded on November 14, 2019. All of the bids were compliant with bid package and NC General Statute. Bidders were required to give separate bids for each floor so they could be accounted for separately, but staff wanted to award on a combined bid so there would only be one general contractor working on the project. The lowest responsible bidder for the combined project is Holden Building Company with a combined base bid of $2,059,010 including allowances, up-fits, and contingency. Lail requested the Board to award the low bidder, authorize staff to negotiate contract terminology, and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Commissioner Houpe asked for an overview of the projects. The projects have been bid multiple times. Jones said the project was bid four different times. The first time, there were no bids. The second time there were two responses but neither company had the proper required documentation. There was one bid the third time it was and it was dramatically over budget. Jones said a re-scope was done of the project to determine what could be scaled back. Staff worked with the DSS and the Sheriff’s Office to scale the project back. The original bid had approximately 14,310 square feet between both floors. There was a reduction of 4,110 square feet. The projects were re-bid in 8 December 17, 2019 November and three qualified bids were received. Jones said the bids are over budget because the initial numbers had the asbestos removal separately, but for the bid, the asbestos removal was included in the bid. The design work is done and paid for. Chairman Mallory said the renovations are a part of the old Lowrance Hospital in Mooresville. The building was originally heated with a two-pipe steam system. Plumbing seems to be a primary issue when renovating an old building; therefore, all of the op portunities were looked at to reduce or eliminate redundancies in terms of plumbing. Vice Chairman Bowles shared that he is only current seated member that voted to purchase the old hospital and if he could take the vote back, he would. There was a need for a Government Center South but for the money spent, in hindsight, in almost 20 years, a new facility could have been built. Vice Chairman Bowles said the parking lot of Government Center South that is leased to the State is only three-quarters utilized. It may be a good idea to reclaim some parking spaces. Jones said that lease is on tonight’s agenda and it involves reclaiming some of the spaces. Commissioner Houpe said the project will leave one side of the hall to be used for future needs and asked what space is left on the second floor. Vice Chairman Bowles said the fourth floor has less space than the other floors. Lail said part of the second floor has already been up-fit. Jones said there may be a small space on the second floor left. Commissioner Houpe said the reduction on the fourth floor. Jones said the reduction in scope was the conference room, breakroom, two family rooms, observation, collaborative lab space, kitchenette area, and some office space. Chairman Mallory asked the square footage of the reduction. Jones said the majority of the reduction of 4,110 was in that space. Chairman Mallory asked the proportion of changes between the second and fourth floor. Jones will get the numbers to the Board. Commissioner Houpe asked about the reduction in the second floor. Jones said there were three offices that were initially bid and the first bid was alternate, and that was included back in the base bid. According to the supporting documents, the majority of the reduction was on the fourth floor space, not the second floor. Jones said the change from the first bid to the second bid was converting an alternate to be included in the base bid in the second bid. Chairman Mallory asked if there is any redundant plumbing on the second or fourth floors. 9 December 17, 2019 Jones said when the bids were received; staff asked for a breakdown of the renovation cost for office space and space that requires plumbing. It was not bid as an alternate but staff had them specifically break it down in the bid. On the second floor, there were two restroom areas that needed additional plumbing. One was a smaller a restroom and a public restroom. Commissioner Houpe asked about the smaller restroom. Jones said it was a private room. Vice Chairman Bowles said the bid refers to room 2013 shower at a cost of $11,600. Jones said that is a staff restroom so officers are able to change uniforms after working a scene. Chairman Mallory asked if that is a public restroom. Jones said no. The public restroom is on the same floor and there is currently a public restroom on the floor. Commissioner Houpe asked about room 2009 listed as a restroom. Jones said that is separate full bathroom and in an office space. Chairman Mallory said that does not seem to be essential. Commissioner Houpe said there is a full bathroom in the facility that has a shower and multiple stalls. Jones said there are public restrooms available on the floor and a larger restroom with a shower for any staff. Commissioner Robertson asked if the general public can access the restroom with showers. Lail said the restroom is for interoffice staff. Commissioner Houpe said there a reduction to the fourth floor and it would be helpful to have some sort of reduction to the second floor to save some criticism if the restroom is not mission critical. Houpe asked if the second private bath is a necessity. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the private restroom is an extra space in case the other is being used. Jones said the restroom cannot be accessed from the hall, only from a private office. Chairman Mallory is not aware of any other private offices who have a private restroom. Mallory agrees with the request minus the restroom (room 2009). 10 December 17, 2019 Commissioner Houpe said removing the restroom allows for equitable proportion reductions in all of the CIP. Jones said the project has been bid four times and although it is over budget, the price is probably the best that it is going to get. Commissioner Robertson asked how much over budget the project is. Jones said the overage for the second floor renovation is $158,760 and $355,411 for the fourth floor, an increase of approximately 28.9%. Jones added that the bid is lower than a previous bid and the bid includes the asbestos demolition. The County will receive some state funding once the fourth floor renovation is complete. That funding is not considered in the price because the amount is unknown. Chairman Mallory approves of the bid less the private bathroom. Vice Chairman Bowles agreed. This item was placed on consent less room 2009. Request from the Finance Department for approval of an 8 -year lease with the Department of Environmental Quality for 26,871 square feet of office space on the 3rd and 4th floors of Iredell County Government Center-South: Lail said the County has leased this office space since 2004. The space was up-fit specifically for them. The lease expired in 2016 but DEQ would like to keep a presence in that building and initiate a new lease for no more than eight years with no renewals. At the end of the lease, the Board can choose to renegotiate a new lease. Lail said the initial payment for lease is $376,194 and is payable monthly. There will be a 1.25% increase each year. This will help keep up with increasing costs janitorial and utilities. It will also keep the space at a current market value. Lail said the parking lot leased to DEQ is in disrepair and part of it is not being used. Within the lease, DEQ parking spaces have decrease d by 35, leaving them with 100 and the parking lot will be repaved. Vice Chairman Bowles said it is difficult to explain to citizens why they cannot park there when the lot is not full. Lail said the County Manager removed the fence around the parking from the lease after DEQ staff said it was unnecessary. Vice Chairman Bowles said repaving the parking lot will be a big ticket item. Jones said it is and that is a part of the CIP. Vice Chairman Bowles said the agreement looks favorable to the County, however money will need to be spent to get there. Jones expressed appreciation to Lail for diligently working on this lease since 2016. This item was placed on consent. 11 December 17, 2019 Request from the Finance Department for approval of budget amendment #15 to appropriate $73,511 in Juvenile Crime Prevention Funding for the Raise the Age Initiative: Deb Cheek requested approval of budget amendment #15 to appropriate $73,511 to expand state funds for the next six months to extend juvenile offerings to 16 and 17 year olds. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for adoption of a Resolution Calling For a Bond Referendum: Deb Cheek requested approval of a Resolution calling for a bond referendum. The resolution directs staff to produce paperwork to the Board of Elections dictating the time and date of the Bond Referendum, which is between 6:30am and 7:30pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. The resolution also directs the Clerk to the Board to post notice of the Bond Referendum that must be in the paper at least 14 days before January 7, 2020. The resolution indicates the form of questions that must be on the ballot. The resolution must be presented to the Board of Elections within three days of approval. Chairman Mallory said the Board held two public hearings regarding the bond referendum, one of which was required. This item will be presented at the regular meeting. Request from Administration for approval to expend $100,000 of Economic Development funds as a local match for a $2 million grant from the NC Department of Transportation Division of Aviation to be used for taxiway lighting : Jones explained this is a continuation of a request from the Statesville Airport at the last meeting. Chairman Mallory asked which line item the $100,000 is coming from. Cheek said Project Development. There is an encumbrance of $650,000 because the funds have to be encumbered to be rolled each year, if they were not expended. Chairman Mallory suggested staff make a note of that on the report to explain why the encumbrance. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration for appointment of a delegate and alternate to the Centralina Council of Government Board of Delegates: Commissioner Gene Houpe volunteered to continue serving as delegate and Chairman James Mallory volunteered as alternate. This item was placed on consent. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman: Valdez said the election can be done on consent on off years. Commissioner Houpe supports the remaining Chair and Vice Chair and shared that Commissioner Norman is also in agreement. James Mallory will remain Chairman and Tommy Bowles will remain as Vice Chairman. 12 December 17, 2019 This item was placed on consent. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on November 15 and 19, 2019: This item was placed on consent. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Appointments will be made at the regular meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following items:  The Public Library (Statesville location) will be closed from January 6 – 11, 2020 to relocate the children’s area to the first floor. Other branch locations will remain open.  Tax Property Listings have been mailed. Tax listings are a statutory requirement for every person who owns taxable property must list their property during the listing period. Listing period ends January 31, 2020.  County offices will be closed Tuesday, December 23 – December 26 in observance of Christmas. The Board adjourned pre-agenda at 6:40PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES December 17, 2019 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 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 Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Ken Robertson Board Members Absent 13 December 17, 2019 Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, 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 Chairman Mallory. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA County Manager Beth Jones said there are three adjustments to the agenda. Add: Closed Session – Attorney Client (NCGS 143-318.11a3) Unfinished Business – Bluefield Road proposal New Business – I77 Transportation Update MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Request from Bryan Duncan, Director of ICARE, Inc., to present the annual Community Services Block Grant Anti-Poverty Plan: Bryan Duncan presented the proposal plan for year three of three and explained it is similar to the prior two years. Duncan said workforce development and education training remains focus. Last year, 32 families were moved out of poverty and over 100 were moved from poverty over the last fours. Thirty-eight families gained employment last year with an average wage of $11.13 per hour. Over the past four years, 107 were placed in employment. Duncan shared there was an 82% reduction in government assistance in the families served. This by far exceeds the last several years and is an indicator of a good economy. Shelton Moore introduced Shanika Turner, founder and executive director of Aftershock Youth Empowerment and a member of ICARE’s first entrepreneurial small business opportunity program. Turner said the 10-week training taught the aspects of entrepreneurship and was very impactful in launching the empowerment. The empowerment received a $6,000 grant and was able to start in the Harmony area and begin a partnership with Iredell-Statesville Schools to teach bullying prevention and intervention. The empowerment recently received a $5,000 from the ABC Board to continue these services. Chairman Mallory shared that he attended the kickoff event for entrepreneurship training, and the class was full of motivated individuals looking at different concepts. Mallory added it was a great program to assist them in putting their vision to work. 14 December 17, 2019 Moore said the unemployment rate is now close to 3.4%. Moore then introduced Rafael Tomlin, who received soft skills training through ICARE and is now gainfully employed. Tomlin said ICARE assisted him in finding fulltime employment at place that enjoys working. Tomlin shared some his background and with the help and support of ICARE, was able to overcome and become a new person. Tomlin said ICARE has also provided emotional support by providing someone to talk with. Commissioner Houpe complimented Tomlin and encouraged him to leave the past behind him and continue looking ahead. Commissioner Robertson congratulated Duncan on providing an organization where people can make a connection. Robertson asked Tomlin to summarize how ICARE connected with him that ended with positive results. Tomlin said the staff of ICARE interacts with members of the program. Tomlin said staff takes time out of their days to talk with clients to make a connection and treat them like family. Commissioner Robertson asked Tomlin where he works. Tomlin said he builds doors WDM Warehouse in Statesville. Tomlin said it feels like he is going to help family when he goes to work. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to Tomlin and Turner for inspiring others by sharing their stories. Mallory said everyone is not dealt the same cards but everyone is in the same game and it is important to be intentional on drawing better cards. Mallory complimented ICARE for living up to the organization’s name. Presentation by Bradley Johnson, ICATS Director, on a service update for Fiscal Year 2020: ICATS Director Bradley Johnson explained that ICATS is an enterprise fund and is required to have a balanced budget. Iredell County provides 3% of ICATS total budget. ICATS relies on operating funds from State and Federal level. Close to 50% of operating f unds comes from grants and the other comes from contract revenue with human service agency or local assisted living facilities. Johnson said ICATS has relied on the Job Access and Reverse Commuting grant (JARC). The program was originally set to end in 2015, but the department was able to identify small pockets of money along different transportation agencies throughout the country that have applied for the money but unable to spend it. ICATS was able to receive additional $500,000 to provide additional transportation. Johnson said grant funding does not provide for reoccurring cost so the department has to be prepared to stop the service or make changes. Johnson said although it was known the JARC funding was going to end at some point, the department wanted to continue helping individuals as long as they could while hoping other funding sources would come available. Johnson said there are currently 13 individuals ride the service that do not have a funding service. The others have been able to switch to Traveler’s Aid or Section 5310 rural grant. Staff has also asked employers to consider covering the cost of getting the employees to work. CATS was the designated recipient of 5310 Urbanized Operating Grant and they have not awarded 2017 – 2019 allotment of funding. Johnson said this put ICATS in a bind of not being able to bill any of the grants for funding. Johnson estimated $365,000 for the year. The funds can be retroactive but it is dependent upon Charlotte City Council approval. Johnson feels there is a need for a service reduction because Council has not given approval. 15 December 17, 2019 Commissioner Robertson asked about the Charlotte City Council’s approval process. Johnson said City Council has to approve the retroactive date of the award. It is on the agenda to go before the CRTPO in January to get the budget announced and hopefully approved at the same time then it will go for state approval in March. It is unknown of when the Charlotte City Council will date it. Johnson feels they will go back to the start of the current fiscal year, but there are too many unknowns. Chairman Mallory said these are funds already approved by the Federal government. Johnson agreed. Funds are generated by the population and service parameters. Chairman Mallory asked if the funds lapse for the years they were not dispersed. Johnson said the funds can lapse. Although not guaranteed, there can be up to a three-year extension. Johnson said there are a couple of instances of no extension, but it is possible for the Federal government to say the program is not being utilized and the funds could be used somewhere else. Chairman Mallory asked when should an extension be requested. Johnson said the City of Charlotte requests the extension on everyone’s behalf. A request typically states that they have not started one year’s funding because they want to expend the previous years. Chairman Mallory said because the department’s funds are being expended. Johnson said ICATS is expending money faster than they are because they are very limited on what the funds can be used for. Johnson said some organizations throughout Mecklenburg County provide less services than ICATS but receive a larger allotment of funds. Chairman Mallory asked if the CRTPO makes a recommendation on the retroactive date. Johnson said there is usually a recommended start date but City Council still has to approve the date. Commissioner Houpe asked Johnson to work expeditiously with the County Manager Jones and Commissioner Robertson so a presentation can be made to the CRTPO. Johnson has requested that the effective date be July 1, 2020. Chairman Mallory asked how long can services delivered if all of the funds are distributed at the appropriate time. Johnson said services have been metered down. There has been a service reduction in 5310 trips (elderly and disabled). If personal trips are limited, there is in turn an increase in medical trips. Personal trips include pharmacy, haircuts, grocery store. Johnson said medical trips are unlimited. 16 December 17, 2019 Chairman Mallory asked if medical trips are covered by Medicaid. Johnson said Medicaid does not pay transportation, just Medicare. PUBLIC HEARINGS (None) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Chairman Mallory recognized former Board Chairman and current City Council Member Steve Johnson. Johnson said there is currently no room for any additional jets at the airport. The State has agreed to fund a new hangar on the southeast taxiway. Victory Air will move into the new hangar and their current space will be available, but there are more requests for hangar space. Johnson expressed appreciation to the Board for their continued support and added that Commissioner Houpe is a great asset to the Airport Commission. Chairman Mallory said the results of a number of grant requests speak for themselv es in terms of 100% funding for the runway extension and the taxiway. This is project will provide lighting for the taxiway. The airport is seeing a significant number of clients and provides a positive impact to the personal property tax scrolls. Johnson said there are a couple of big projects coming up at the airport. Chairman Mallory said it is important to have a foreshadowing of the projects so they can be put into the Capital Improvement Plan and Economic Development projections. County Manager Beth Jones summarized the items that were placed on the consent agenda as follows:  Request from EMS for approval of budget amendment #18 to use contingency funds to begin a Community Paramedicine Program in January 2020.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for an Emergency Management Performance Grant in the amount of $35,000 to support personnel and operations.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for an annual Tier II Non-Competitive grant in the amount of $1,000 to be used to upgrade the existing identification card printer for accountability during incidents.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for a NC Tier II Competitive Grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used to conduct a multi -agency hazardous materials exercise at Statesville Regional Airport.  Request from Emergency Management for approval of budget amendment #16 to appropriate $26,000 Fund Balance in the County Wide Fire Service District Fund to replenish funds transferred between line items to cover postage costs for All- County Fire Tax District Notice of Public Hearing and map to 63,000 property owners.  Request from the Health Department to write-off uncollected patient account debt from 2016 in the amount of $10,013.69, in compliance with 10A NCAC 43A.0206. 17 December 17, 2019  Request from the Health Department for approval of Budget Amendment #17 for Fire Prevention Week Grant in the amount of $400 from Safe Kids North Carolina.  Request from Tax Administration for denial of taxpayer's request for release/refund that does not meet the statutory requirements.  Request from Tax Administration for approval of November Refunds and Releases.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of budget amendment #14 to transfer $106,840 from the Capital Improvement Plan to the Healthcare Fund to cover the additional cost of the Employee Wellness Clinic renovation.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of low bidder and award of a contract to perform renovations and up-fits to the 2nd & 4th floors of the Iredell County Government Center-South (ICGC-S) to add office space for Sheriff's Office and Social Services with one exception. The removal of $9,000 for room #2009, a private restroom.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of an 8-year lease with the Department of Environmental Quality for 26,871 square feet of office space on the 3rd and 4th floors of Iredell County Government Center-South.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of budget amendment #15 to appropriate $73,511 in Juvenile Crime Prevention Funding for the Raise the Age Initiative.  Request from Administration for approval to expend $100,000 of Economic Development funds as a local match for a $2 million grant from the NC Department of Transportation Division of Aviation to be used for taxiway lighting.  Request from Administration for appointment of a delegate and alternate to the Centralina Council of Government Board of Delegates.  Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman.  Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on November 15 and 19, 2019. MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Request from the Finance Department for adoption of a Resolution Calling For a Bond Referendum: Deb Cheek requested approval of a Resolution calling for a bond referendum. The resolution directs staff to produce paperwork to the Board of Elections dictating the time and date of the Bond Referendum, which is between 6:30am and 7:30pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. The resolution also directs the Clerk to the Board to post notice of the Bond Referendum that must be in the paper at least 14 days before January 7, 2020. The resolution indicates the form of questions that must be on the ballot. The paperwork must be in the Board of Elections within three days after approval. Chairman Mallory explained the Bond Referendum has been before the Board on several occasions within the last several months. There have been two public hearings, only one of which was required. The Board agreed to move forward with the Bond Referendum at the last meeting. The Board of Commissioners for the County of Iredell, North Carolina met in a regular meeting in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center located 18 December 17, 2019 at 200 South Center Street in Statesville, North Carolina, the regular place of meeting, at 7:00 p.m. on December 17, 2019. Present: Chair James B. Mallory III, presiding, Vice Chair Tommy Bowles, Commissioners Gene Houpe and Ken Robertson Absent: Commissioner Marvin Norman Also present: County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson _____ * * * * * * Chairman James Mallory introduced the following resolution the title of which was read and a copy of which had been previously distributed to each Commissioner: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A BOND REFERENDUM BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners for the County of Iredell, North Carolina (the “County”) as follows: Section 1. A bond referendum is hereby called to be held between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at which there shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the County the questions stated in the form of ballot set forth in Section 4 of this resolution. Section 2. For said referendum, (a) the registration records for elections in the County shall be used, and the registration records shall be open for the registration of qualified persons and for public inspection in the manner, under the conditions and at the times and places provided by the Iredell County Board of Elections, (b) the chief judges, judges and assistant s appointed by the Iredell County Board of Elections for the several precincts and voting places in the County shall be the precinct officers for such precincts and voting places and (c) the precincts and voting places 19 December 17, 2019 shall be that fixed by the Iredell County Board of Elections, subject to change as provided by law. The Iredell County Board of Elections is hereby requested to conduct said referendum in the County and to take all necessary steps to that end in accordance with the provisions of this section. Section 3. The Clerk to the Board shall cause a notice of bond referendum to be published in the Statesville Record & Landmark once at least fourteen days before February 7, 2020 (being the 25th day prior to said bond referendum), and once again not less than seven days before said day, such notice to read substantially as follows: NOTICE OF BOND REFERENDUM in the COUNTY OF IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA A bond referendum will be held in the County of Iredell, North Carolina on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 regarding the approval of the following: 1. Not to exceed $115,500,000 SCHOOL BONDS of said County. The proceeds of said school bonds would be used for acquiring, constructing and equipping school buildings and other school facilities in said County, including, without limitation, (a) the construction of a new high school, and the acquisition of related land, rights of way and equipment for the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education and (b) the construction of a new middle school, and the acquisition of related land, rights of way and equipment for the Mooresville Graded School District, all as set forth in the bond order adopted by the Board of Commissioners for said County on December 3, 2019. If said school bonds are issued, taxes in an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest thereof may be levied upon all taxable property in the County of Iredell, North Carolina. 2. Not to exceed $10,500,000 COMMUNITY COLLEGE BONDS of said County. T he proceeds of said community college bonds would be used for acquiring, constructing, renovating, expanding, improving and equipping various community college facilities for Mitchell Community College, all as set forth in the bond order adopted by the Board of Commissioners for said County on December 3, 2019. If said community college bonds are issued, taxes in an amount 20 December 17, 2019 sufficient to pay the principal and interest thereof may be levied upon all taxable property in the County of Iredell, North Carolina. The referendum will be conducted by the Iredell County Board of Elections. The last day for new registration of those not now registered to vote is Friday, February 7, 2020. For further information and questions regarding said referendum, voter registration, procedures for those residents who have changed residences from the date of the last election, voting by absentee ballot, one stop voting and polling places, please contact the Iredell County Board of Elections, 203 Stockton Street, Statesville, North Carolina 28677, (704) 878-3140. The Iredell County Board of Elections’ website is http://www.co.iredell.nc.us/162/Elections. Alan G. Carpenter Chairman Iredell County Board of Elections Amy Anderson Clerk to the Board of Commissioners County of Iredell, North Carolina Section 4. The form of the questions to be placed on the ballot to be used at said referendum shall be substantially as follows: Shall the order adopted on December 3, 2019, authorizing not exceeding $115,500,000 SCHOOL BONDS of the County of Iredell, North Carolina, plus interest, for the purpose of providing funds, together with any other available funds, for acquiring, constructing and equipping school buildings and other school facilities in said County, including, without limitation, (a) the construction of a new high school, and the acquisition of related land, rights of way and equipment for the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education and (b) the construction of a new middle school, and the acquisition of related land, rights of way and equipment for the Mooresville Graded School District, and providing that additional taxes may be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds, be approved? [ ] YES [ ] NO Shall the order adopted on December 3, 2019, authorizing not exceeding $10,500,000 COMMUNITY COLLEGE BONDS of the County of Iredell, North Carolina, plus interest, for the purpose of providing funds, together with any other 21 December 17, 2019 available funds, for acquiring, constructing, renovating, expanding, improving and equipping various community college facilities for Mitchell Community College, and providing that additional taxes may be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds, be approved? [ ] YES [ ] NO Section 5. The Clerk to the Board is hereby directed to mail or deliver a certified copy of this resolution to the Iredell County Board of Elections within three days after the adoption hereof. Section 6. This resolution shall take effect upon its passage. Thereupon, upon motion of Commissioner Houpe, the foregoing resolution entitled “RESOLUTION CALLING A BOND REFERENDUM” was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Mallory, Bowles, and Robertson Noes: ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 1 appointment APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Board of Equalization & Review - 6 appointments Mike Loftis (Chairman), Hal Jolly (Vice Chairman), Mike Brotherton, Dan Howard, Al Simmons, Jennifer Christian, Alternate have all volunteered to serve. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint the abovementioned to the Board of Equalization and Approval. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Board of Health - 7 appointments According to the Board of Health’s bi-laws, qualified persons must fulfill certain positions on the Board. Candace Reeves (pharmacist), Ben Loftis (engineer), Dr. Tim Burgiss (dentist), and Lisa Warren (nurse) have all volunteered to serve again. Amanda Whitener has volunteered for the first to serve as the veterinarian seat. Dr. Raphael Weeks have volunteered to serve as the optometrist seat. Andrea Sherrill has volunteered to serve as the general public seat. MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to appoint the abovementioned to the Board of Health 22 December 17, 2019 VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Charlotte Regional Partnership - 1 appointment Larry Schaffer has volunteered to serve again. Jones said the partnership recently updated their name to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to appoint the abovementioned to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - 2 appointments Carla Harwell has volunteered to serve as the Sheriff’s Office representative. Joseph Cooke has volunteered to serve as the Mooresville Police Department representative. According to JCPC’s bi-laws, qualified persons must fulfill certain positions on the Council. Although council prefers the Board’s approval, it is not required. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to appoint the abovementioned to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Zoning Board of Adjustment - 4 appointments Roy West, John Allen, and Mac McCombs have volunteered to serve again. Don West has volunteered to serve for the first time. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint the abovementioned to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Chairman Mallory explained the appointments to the Personnel Advisory Committee and Transportation Advisory Board will be held over until the January 7, 2020 meeting to further review the applicants. UNFINISHED BUSINESS County Attorney Lisa Valdez said in October 2019, the Board heard a presentation requesting three temporary construction easements on the Bluefield Road (formerly known as the Old Ropes Course). David Saleeby reviewed the request and plans. The results of the due diligence is a recommendation to require a $25,000 bond to be posted by the grantee, if approved. The bond will ensure that the area is stabilized. In the initial offer, the grantee offered $3,000 for the temporary construction easement. The $25,000 bond will be held until the Board is satisfied that the area is properly stabilized because there is a slope involved. Chairman Mallory said there was also an encroachment. Valdez said there was an encroachment by approximately five feet. 23 December 17, 2019 Commissioner Houpe asked where the $3,000 would be applied. Valdez said the General Fund, but it is at the Board’s discretion. It is the purchase price of the easements. Commissioner Houpe asked how much legal fees have been accrued for the project. Valdez will find out. There has been quite a bit of time involved because it also included a storm drainage easement in the past. Commissioner Houpe suggested charging the County’s cost of legal fees for the temporary construction easements. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the motion could include $25,000 bond, $3,000 for temporary constructions easements or up to the amount invested in legal fees. Valdez said yes. Jones asked if the minimum would be $3,000. Vice Chairman Bowles said yes. The maximum would be the actual costs incurred from legal. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to grant three temporary construction easements as depicted on that certain survey dated 8/28/2019 prepared by ESP Associates to Bluefields of LKN, LLC for the minimum purchase price of $3,000 or up to the cost of legal services here to date related to this property and contingent upon the posting of a $25,000 bond or letter of credit to the benefit of Iredell County to be held until all disturbed areas have been stabilized to the satisfaction of Iredell County. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Robertson gave an update on a recent meeting regarding the I-77 Corridor Study. A part of the study is to receive public input. The official effort has not started but the effort to do that has begun. There is approximately $8 billion of road needs on the books chasing $1 billion in funding. Robertson said it leads to a false expectation that somehow all of these projects are going to be completed in a year or two. Robertson said the success of the study is to get additional lanes to Troutman on the plan. Robertson said it is not ambitious but rather realistic. Robertson has asked them to take a different approach not to mislead the public that somehow the Board or General Assembly is on the hook to make projects happen. A part of the outreach should be on how roads are funded and the realization of the funding. The road funding is no t likely to improve. The funding formula for new roads or large road expansion is a numerical formula to put 24 December 17, 2019 a number to a category to come up with an overall number for a project. The numbers entered into an Excel spreadsheet and sorted. Those with the biggest number of priority points is chosen. One of the factors for weighting projects is how much money the local governments contribute. Five years ago, this idea was not even considered. The County has no line item for matching for local contributions for roads. Robertson shared that it used to not be in Iredell County’s scope to allocate money to build roads. There were times that allocations were made to widen roads for Economic Development projects. Looking forward, the County may have to create a Capit al Reserve Fund for local contributions to get roads built. If the County decides not to, other communities will get the funding. It is not fair, but that is a part of the new set of rules. COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Jones gave an update on the following items:  The Public Library (Statesville location) will be closed from January 6 – 11, 2020 to relocate the children’s area to the first floor. Other branch locations will remain open.  Tax Property Listings have been mailed. Tax listings are a statutory requirement for every person who owns taxable property must list their property during the listing period. Listing period ends January 31, 2020.  County offices will be closed Tuesday, December 23 – December 26 in observance of Christmas. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to the Library staff for their hard work and understanding of the quick move that was made in order to deal a contamination issue from old dry cleaner solvents. CLOSED SESSION At this time, the Board entered into Closed Session for Attorney Client pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3). ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to adjourn at 9:45PM. The next regular meeting will be January 7, 2020 5:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 __________________________________ ___________________________________ Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk