HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-20-2024
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February 20, 2024
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
February 20, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday,
February 20, 2024, at 4:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Neader called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
ADD: Approval to Proclaim February 17-24, 2024, as National FFA Week.
ADD: Approval of letter of support for Novant Health's acquisition of Lake Norman
Medical Center and Davie Regional Medical Center.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Emergency Communications to approve a Service Level Agreement
with the City of Statesville and Town of Mooresville for Emergency Communication
Secondary Public Safety Answering Point Service with Iredell County. County Manager Beth
Mull requested approval of a Service Level Agreement with the City of Statesville and Town of
Mooresville for Emergency Communication Secondary Public Safety Answering Point Service
with Iredell County. This is a part of the recommendation from the Winborne Study to create a
service-level agreement between the County and the two secondary answering points. Mooresville
and Statesville have dispatch centers that dispatch law enforcement calls, but all of the calls come
into Iredell County ECOM and the calls are transferred to the respective law enforcement agency.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #30
to accept a Statesville ABC Grant. EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval of Budget
Amendment #30 to accept a Statesville ABC Grant in the amount of $10,000. The funds will be
used to support expenses attributable to substance use disorder and the effects of alcohol abuse
within the community.
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February 20, 2024
This item is placed on consent.
Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of BA #32, to amend the
American Rescue Plan Act Grant Project Ordinance, and to award the cardiac monitor
defibrillators bid to Zoll Medical. EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval of Budget
Amendment #32, to amend the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Project Ordinance, and to award
the cardiac monitor defibrillators bid to Zoll Medical. In November, the purchasing team
conducted a federally compliant, formal bid to replace some of the Emergency Medical Service's
equipment that was beyond repair. These cardiac monitors are essentially what make the
ambulances functional for staff. These monitors have the potential to save citizens' lives as they
can monitor and print out EKG, defibrillate patients, monitor pulse oximetry, monitor blood
pressure, and transmit that data to local receiving hospitals. In 2020, EMS adopted a protocol to
help support the best usage of community resources including telemedicine with the goal being to
provide patient care within the residence to help decrease the strain on hospital facilities and local
physician resources as well as to decrease transmission of COVID-19. This equipment allows the
department to support the interaction and diagnosis capabilities of physicians within our
emergency room and doctor's offices remotely with our paramedics. (The total amount of the
contract is $2,829,728.)
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Town of Mooresville for approval of a resolution to transfer right
for 20/70 land in the Back Creek/Coddle Creek Public Water Supply Watershed. Planning
Director Matthew Todd said this request was tabled at the February 6 meeting due to concerns.
Initially, the Town requested 267 acres; 167 acres to finish out Mooresville Business Park East
with an additional 100 acres. Based on the Board’s concern the additional 100 acres was removed
from the resolution. The resolution being presented for approval transfers only the acreage to finish
out the business park. Todd noted approval will leave the County with just over 322 acres to
develop in the watershed.
Commissioner Houpe reported that he spoke with Mayor Carney and Lisa Qualls and both
have said the additional 100 acres will be requested for business commercial when the Town is
ready.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Library for approval to apply for a State Library of North Carolina
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant in the amount of $30,500 to provide
privacy pods. Library Director Juli Moore requested approval to apply for a State of Library of
North Carolina Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant in the amount of $30,500 to
provide two privacy pods and one double privacy pod for the main branch library. These privacy
pods can be used for telehealth visits, job interviews, Zoom meetings, or two-person meetings such
as appointments with lawyers or accountants. Patrons will have the option to borrow a device to
use in the pods or to use their own.
This item is placed on consent.
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February 20, 2024
Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #31 to accept a grant
from North Carolina Humanities in the amount of $4,991 to host a Smithsonian travelling
exhibit and amend the FY24 budget. Library Director Juli Moore requested approval of Budget
Amendment #31 to accept a grant from North Carolina Humanities in the amount of $4,991 to host
a Smithsonian traveling exhibit. The Library was one of six locations across the state of North
Carolina selected to host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America a Museum on Main Street
(MoMS) exhibit, part of the Smithsonian Institution Travelling Exhibition Service. The exhibit
will be hosted at the main branch April 17, 2024 - May 28, 2024, and the Library is partnering
with the Board of Elections.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of an 18-month advertisement
contract with Thryv for printed publication of department's contact information in the
Yellow Pages. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines requested approval of an 18-month
advertisement contract with Thryv for printed publication of department's contact information in
the Yellow Pages. ECOM, EMS, Parks, Library and DSS all requested renewing their publication
in the printed Yellow Pages. This information will be placed in the upcoming year's publication
and will display the contact information for these departments in an accessible manner for the
public. This service was a provision of an ATT account Iredell County had up to the mid-2000,
but since outsourced the need to DEX YP and then to Thryv. The monthly cost for this contract
is $157.50.
Commissioner Brown asked if the listings are printed in the phonebook.
Stines said the listings are in the phonebook and online.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of a Resolution Authorizing Sale
of Personal Property by Public Auction. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines requested approval
of a resolution authorizing the sale of personal property by Public Auction.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of the audit contract with Martin
Starnes & Associates, CPA's, P.A. for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Finance Director Deb
Cheek requested approval of the audit contract with Martin Starnes & Associates, CPA’s, PA for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Cheek explained the County is required to have an audit
performed each year by an external auditing firm. The County has used Martin Starnes and
Associates for many years. The cost of the audit is $90,635.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of the FY 24 -25 spending plan
for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the amount of $405,670. Finance Director Deb
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February 20, 2024
Cheek requested approval of the FY 24-25 spending plan for the Juvenile Crime Prevention
Council in the amount of $405,670. The Department of Public Safety authorized counties to budget
funds on a two-year basis for the JCPC program. The spending plan being presented for approval
is identical to the FY23-24 plan that is currently in place.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from the Economic Development Corporation for a letter of support for the
TPA Group's application to the NC Certified Sites Program. Economic Development
Corporation Director Craig Goodson requested a letter of support for the TPA Group’s application
to the NC Certified Sites Program. Iredell County Solid Waste Facility Director has pulled from
active service a 1998 CAT 977 dozer and a boom mower rotary deck and declared them surplus to
their needs. Due to an anticipated sale of over $30,000 for these items, it is required according to
North Carolina General Statute that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution authorizing an
official to dispose of property by private sale at a negotiated price.
This item is placed on consent.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of the January 2024 Refunds and
Releases.
This item is placed on consent.
Approval of letter of support for Novant Health's acquisition of Lake Norman
Medical Center and Davis Regional Medical Center. County Attorney Lisa Valdez said Novant
Health announced the acquisition of the two facilities and the FTC filed a complaint to block
alleging anti-trust issues. The proposed letter is in support of the transaction to move forward and
bring those quality medical services to Iredell County and its citizens.
Chair Neader said the Board needs to continue to support medical care.
Valdez said Novant is eagerly awaiting the County’s support and there may be additional
requests depending on the next steps.
This item was placed on consent.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:
• Early voting is currently taking place. Photo identification is required. If someone
does not have an ID, the Board of Elections is providing them free of charge.
• Parks & Recreation is hosting a Spring Break Camp on April 1 – 5, 2024 from
7:30am – 5:30pm for ages 5-10. Registration opens March 1, 2024.
• Parks & Recreation continues to host various programs from kindergarten through
fifth grade.
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February 20, 2024
• Expressed appreciation to the Board for decisions regarding EMS made during
the Winter Planning Retreat to continue improving service to the citizens.
At this time, Chair Neader moved to Closed Session including matters related to litigation
against Iredell County by Plaintiffs GRANT LAWRENCE, CONSTANCE HOLDINGS, LLC;
STARSAIL ADVENTURES, LLC, CAROLINA DESTINATIONS, LLC, AND AVANTSTAY
SOUTHEAST.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
February 20, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February
20, 2024, at 6:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government
Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER by Chair Neader.
INVOCATION: by Commissioner Stroud.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chair Neader.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
ADD: Approval to Proclaim February 17-24, 2024, as National FFA Week.
ADD: Approval of letter of support for Novant Health's acquisition of Lake Norman
Medical Center and Davie Regional Medical Center.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
Approval to Proclaim February 17-24, 2024, as National FFA Week. Cooperative
Extension Director Nancy Keith introduced representatives from each high school FFA Chapter.
Keith said Cooperative Extension and Iredell-Statesville Schools have a great collaboration for the
FFA.
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February 20, 2024
Representatives from each high school FFA Chapter provided highlights from their
chapter.
Chair Neader provided each representative with a copy of the proclamation.
The Board expressed appreciation to the students for their presentations. It is important to
have future leaders in the County.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
• Request from Emergency Communications to approve a Service Level Agreement with the
City of Statesville and Town of Mooresville for Emergency Communication Secondary
Public Safety Answering Point Service with Iredell County.
• Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #30 to
accept a Statesville ABC Grant of $10,000.
• Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of BA #32, to amend the
American Rescue Plan Act Grant Project Ordinance, and to award the cardiac monitor
defibrillators bid to Zoll Medical.
• Request from the Town of Mooresville for approval of a resolution to transfer 167 acres
right for 20/70 land in the Back Creek/Coddle Creek Public Water Supply Watershed.
• Request from the Library for approval to apply for a State Library of North Carolina
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant in the amount of $30,500 to provide
privacy pods.
• Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #31 to accept a grant from
North Carolina Humanities in the amount of $4,991 to host a Smithsonian travelling
exhibit.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of an 18-month advertisement contract
with Thryv for printed publication of department's contact information in the Yellow
Pages.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of a Resolution Authorizing Sale of
Personal Property by Public Auction.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of the audit contract with Martin
Starnes & Associates, CPA's, P.A. for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
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February 20, 2024
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of the FY 24-25 spending plan for the
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the amount of $405,670.
• Request from the Economic Development Corporation for a letter of support for the TPA
Group's application for the NC Certified Sites Program.
• Request from Tax Administration for approval of the January 2024 Refunds and Releases.
• Approval of letter of support for Novant Health's acquisition of Lake Norman Medical
Center and Davie Regional Medical Center.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - 1 appointment
Pam Navey has volunteered to serve. This is a commissioner appointment and was created by a
resignation.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to appoint Pam Navey to serve on the JCPC.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Recreation Advisory Board - 1 appointment
Leonard Campbell has volunteered to serve for the first time.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to appoint Leonard Campbell to serve on the
Recreation Advisory Board.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Rick Heinrich spoke on behalf of the southern Iredell County fire departments of Lake
Norman, Mt. Mourne, Shepherd, and South Iredell. The Boards of Directors and Chief Officers of
the departments have become increasingly frustrated with the annual allocation of funding of the
departments. They do not feel that the current funding formula being utilized takes into
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February 20, 2024
consideration the rapid growth of the communities and the high cost of providing the level of
service the members of their communities expect and deserve.
Heinrich said the Boards have carried a heavy load on their shoulders being faced with the
rising costs associated with staffing the departments at the proper levels, which have far outpaced
funding increases. The property revaluations in 2023 generated a significant increase in tax
revenue with much of that increase coming from their fire districts. The boards are extremely
disappointed that a disproportional share of the additional revenue was allocated to their
departments. They expect their communities will continue to grow which will translate into higher
call volumes and the need for additional staffing for coverage. This growth is something that
should be planned for now rather than continuing to deal with the financial struggles of past growth
and reducing service with the recent changes to the EMS medical call protocols.
Heinrich said each of the 19 county fire departments included in the funding process is
different. Perhaps the funding of each department should be considered individually based on a
detailed budget and operating plan along with the profile of each protection area. Using a
generalized approach such as a formula or socializing an equal increase across a group of
departments is not likely to correctly match funding with operational needs for anyone.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES
Commissioner Houpe explained that the County is beginning the budget process and will
look at different programs moving forward.
Vice Chair Connolly said the Novant Health acquisition of Lake Norman Regional and
Davis Regional is critical to hospital care in the County.
Commissioner Houpe suggested the Board and staff look into ways to incentivize
preservation of farmland. Farms are going away but the demand for production is going up.
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:
• Early voting is currently taking place. Photo identification is required. If someone
does not have an ID, the Board of Elections is providing them free of charge.
• Parks & Recreation is hosting a Spring Break Camp on April 1 – 5, 2024 from
7:30am – 5:30pm for ages 5-10. Registration opens March 1, 2024.
• Parks & Recreation continues to host various programs from kindergarten through
fifth grade.
• Expressed appreciation to the Board for decisions regarding EMS made during
the Winter Planning Retreat to continue improving service to the citizens.
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February 20, 2024
CLOSED SESSION
The Board held a Closed Session before the 6pm meeting and there were no action items
to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:02pm. The next regular meeting is
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 6pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200
South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk