HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember_18_2003_Briefing_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BRIEFING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 18 2003
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Briefing Session on
Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at 5:00 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center
(South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Present were:
Chairman Steve D. Johnson
Vice Chairman Godfrey Williams
Doug Madison
Marvin Norman
Sara Haire Tice
Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, Finance Director Susan
Blumenstein, County Assessor Bill Doolittle, Emergency Services Director Tracy
Jackson, Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle, Interim Health Director Donna Miller
Campbell, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson.
REQUEST FOR CONTINUED DISCUSSION/DECISION REGARDING
WORK STATIONS FOR THE CLERK OF COURT'S OFFICE: Clerk of Court
Rena Turner attended the meeting and said that in June of this year, a request had been
made for work stations at the Hall of Justice. She said that at the time, it was her
understanding the request had been approved, but the board desired to wait a little longer
in FY 03-04 to appropriate the funds. Turner said the board had anticipated back in June
that funding for the stations might be available from the Iredell County Government
Center -South (ICGC-S) project.
Finance Director Blumenstein suggested that a budget transfer be made to
purchase the four work stations. She said the cubicles would cost approximately
$16,600.00, and this amount could be transferred out of unspent ($38,625) ICGC-S
security services funds. (Unspent security funds have occurred due to the delay in the
facility's opening.)
Request from the Sheriffs Department for Approval to use $50,544 in
Seized Funds to Purchase a Video Enhancement System and Approval to use
Seized Funds in the Amount of $13,000 to Purchase a Replacement Vehicle for the
Narcotics Division: Chief Deputy Dowdle explained these two requests and said the
department desired to purchase a used vehicle to replace one in the narcotics division
with high mileage. In reference to the video system, he said many tapes received from
area merchants were of a "fuzzy" quality, and the enhancement equipment would
enable investigators to perform better work when analyzing crime scenes.
Request from the Sheriff Regarding an Additional Bailiff in Mooresville:
This request was not on the November 18 agenda; however, Chief Deputy Dowdle said
Sheriff Redmond had requested him to advise the board that there would be a need for
an additional bailiff in the southern end. He said, currently, two bailiffs were scheduled
for Mooresville, but with the high number of inmates going there, it was becoming
evident that more staff would be needed. Dowdle said the security guards at the doors
could not assist, since they had their own responsibilities. He said that when the budget
was being prepared in anticipation of the government center -south facility opening, it
had been difficult to "forecast" the personnel needs. Now, he said that since the staff
could visually look at the building's layout, it was evident more inmate supervision
would be needed. He mentioned the possibility of using lapsed salary funds for the new
position.
County Manager Mashburn said his preference would be to wait until the next
meeting to decide on the position. He said that since the facility (ICGC-S) wouldn't be
opened until January 2, 2004, the request could wait another two weeks.
The commissioners agreed to place the request on the December 2, 2003 agenda.
ESTABLISHMENT OF WINTER RETREAT DATES: County Manager
Mashburn said the board, for many years, had held its winter retreat in January;
however, last year it was held in February. He said this occurred due to the lateness in
receiving sales tax revenue information. Mashburn recommended that the board meet
on Friday, February 13, 2004 (all day) and Saturday, February 14 (half-day) at the
Agricultural Center. He asked input from the board on topics to be discussed.
Chairman Johnson mentioned that at several economic development meetings,
he had heard the economic developers discuss Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). He
asked if a presentation could be done on this economic development tool.
County Manager Mashburn said this could be discussed. He said this type of
financing was already being used in South Carolina, and there seemed to be an effort
underway by some individuals to get legislation passed in North Carolina allowing its
usage here. Mashburn said public funds were used in this type of financing to develop
areas for economic development. He said then, with the increased tax base, the public
facilities (water sewer lines, sidewalks, etc.) were paid off.
Johnson said he didn't know if he would be in favor of the legislation, but he
would at least like to have more information.
UPDATE ON RECENT FOODBORNE ILLNESSES OCCURRING
AFTER INDIVIDUALS HAD EATEN AT THE K & W CAFETERIA: Interim
Health Director Donna Miller Campbell advised that 79 people had reported illnesses
after eating at the K &W Cafeteria on November I & 2. She said case evaluation
studies had occurred, along with human and food testings, but the state had not
completed its report. Mrs. Campbell said the restaurant had been fully cooperative, and
the state would issue its test results in the next few days.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Johnson adjourned the briefing at 5:45 p.m.
Approved:
2
Clerk to the Board