HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1772OTIO by Commissioner Tice to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
The resolution was presented to William Jones and Paula Gabriel, both members of the
MLK Partners organization.
Presentation from Scott Lenhart, Regarding the Pandemic Flu Preparedness
Coordination Committee's Survey Findings: Lenhart said this committee consisted of 28
members who resided from Harmony to Mooresville, NC. He said the members were divided up
into two subcommittees with one focusing on medical needs and the other concentrating on
education. Mr. Lenhart said a survey, consisting of three questions, was sent to municipalities,
nursing homes, healthcare agencies, assisted living facilities, and businesses to determine their
readiness for a flu pandemic. The questions were as follows:
1. What measures will be taken to minimize the spread of pandemic flu among your workers?
2. What services will you NOT provide if you experience a 40% absenteeism rate?
3. What triggers will prompt you to a) minimize the spread of flu among workers and b) lead you
to reduce services when staffing is reduced by 40%?
Lenhart noted that local hospitals were ready to respond should a pandemic occur, and
the Piedmont Health Care Network was allowing each medical provider to prepare their own
readiness procedures.
Commissioner Robertson, the committee's chairman mentioned the following: (1) The
public didn't necessarily believe the federal statistic indicating that 40% of the workforce would
not be working because of the flu. (This percentage includes the individuals who might not be
sick, but they are providing care for others suffering from the flu.) (2) The nursing or adult
care home facilities feel that if their residents are sick, the hospitals will assume their care. (The
hospitals will probably be overwhelmed with flu patients, and they will not have space to take
care of everyone.) (3) There appears to be a general reluctance by many agencies, or groups, to
indicate what might happen if 40% of the workforce were absent.
Mr. Robertson thanked all of the committee members, especially Mac Herring and Mike
Spath, the individuals who chaired the two subcommittees.
Lenhart said a flu pandemic would occur -- it was just a matter of time. He said in the
meantime, he was available to provide educational programs.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Norman declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of Possible Economic Development Incentives for the NGK Ceramics
Company: Economic Developer Melanie O'Connell Underwood said the NGK Company was
planning an eleventh expansion at the Mooresville site. She said a $42.6 million investment was
being proposed, and the company was seeking a $1,062,509 incentive over a seven-year period.
NGK Vice President and General Manager Steve Daley said the company had existed in
the South Iredell Industrial Park since 1988, and it currently employed 440 people. He said the
company made ceramic parts for catalytic converters used in automobiles and diesel trucks.
Daley said the expansion was prompted by changes in federal regulations, and 22 additional
employees were expected to be added in the next two years.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Norman adjourned the hearing.
OTIO by Commissioner Tice to approve the incentive as requested ($1,062,509 over
seven years based on the $42.6 million investment).
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.