HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 17 2004 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
AUGUST 17, 2004
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on
Tuesday, August 17, 2004, 7:00 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center
(Commissioners' Meeting 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, County Attorney Bill Pope,
Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson.
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to approve the agenda with the following
adjustment.
Deletion: Request from the City of Monroe for an Opportunity to Discuss a Proposed
Natural Gas Pipeline Project and the Acquisition of Rights -of -Way (see
briefing minutes)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for Penske Racing
South: Economic Developer Melanie O'Connell Underwood said Penske Racing had
purchased the former Matshusita Compressor building in Mooresville. She said the
company would use the incentive to help in the renovations of the former industrial
building that had been vacant for three and half years and convert it into a motorsports
facility. Underwood said the company was requesting an incentive of $139,200.00
based upon an $8 million dollar investment (on top of the purchase price).
Penske Racing South President Don Miller said the company had existed in
Mooresville since 1990 on a four -acre site. He said that over the past 15 years, the site
had been continually upgraded, and it was expanded in 1993 by the construction of
another building along with the addition of 25-30 people to the staff of 60 employees.
Miller said later, six adjacent acres were purchased and four more facilities were built.
He said that due to Penske's international customer base, people traveled to Mooresville
from all over the world to tour the first class wind tunnel and chassis facility. Miller
said Penske provided 206 jobs, yet the company had never requested an incentive from
the county. He said Penske's goal was to house all of its employees under one roof,
instead of having them in four or five different buildings. Miller said the remodeled
facility would include a gift shop and museum in the front section, along with a glass
tower in the center that would rise and take people to a 310 ft. "catwalk" where fans
could observe the automotive technicians at work. Miller said Penske would utilize
about 240,000 sq. ft., and another company would be allowed to locate in the back
portion; thus creating even more jobs.
No one else desired to speak and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
OTIO by Commissioner Tice to grant Penske Racing South, Inc., an
incentive of $139,200.00, over a five-year period, based on an $8 million investment in
Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
----------------------------------------CONSENT AGENDA
items.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to approve the following 12 consent agenda
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
1. Request for Approval of the July 2004 Refunds and Releases: Tax
Administrator Bill Doolittle, during the briefing, recommended approval of the
following refunds and releases.
JULY 2004 TAX RELEASES & REFUNDS
Releases
Refunds
County
$ 37,883.26
$ 9,683.43
Solid Waste Fees
141.00
0
East Alexander Co. Fire #1
0
0
Fire # 2
70.04
1.11
-Shepherd's
Mount Mourne Fire # 3
39.66
6.46
All County Fire # 4
1,240.38
2,399.11
Statesville City
884.06
194.76
Statesville Downtown
151.56
.41
Mooresville Town
23,122.14
482.11
Mooresville Downtown
62.48
.77
Mooresville School
5,044.49
151.03
Love Valle
0
0
0
0
-Harmony
Troutman
80.08
0
Total
$ 70,719.15
$12,919.19
A complete list, of the individual tax releases and refunds,
into the minutes by reference.
is hereby incorporated
2. Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #5 to Recognize Two Library
Services & Technology Grants Received from the State Library of North Carolina:
At the 5 p.m. meeting, Library Director Messick requested approval of a budget
amendment to recognize revenue from the following two grants.
A. Automated Systems Grant for $69,600. (The system will be used at the new
library, and it will be used to check books in/out, register new patrons for library
cards, and provide an on-line computer catalog.) This is an 80/20 matching
grant, and the county will pay $17,300 with the funds to be derived from the
new building's Capital Project Fund.
B. Internet Infrastructure Grant for $22,800. (The funding will be used for a
software system to manage and monitor the public -use computers in the new
library.) This is also an 80/20 matching grant, and the county will pay $5,700
with funds to be taken from the new library's Capital Project Fund.
3. Request from the Library for Approval of a Revision to the Ordinance
Pertaining to the Schedule of Fines and Charges for Library Materials: Library
Director Steve Messick at the briefing session requested approval of the following two
requests.
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A. Increase the fines for late return of books, compact discs, and audiocassettes
from the current cost of $0.05 per day to $0.25 per day. The cost for overdue
cassettes ad videos will remain at the current level of $1 a day.
B. Add a charge of $0.50 for items placed on hold. (There is no cost at the present.
The new "user" fee will help offset the postage costs when notices are sent to
the patrons advising of the availability of requested items.)
The ordinance revision will be as follows:
Sec. 6.5-1. Schedule offines and charges,fbr late return of, failure to return, damage to,
and loss of library materials; etc.
Library materials and equipment includes, but is not limited to, books, magazines, pamphlets,
newspapers, manuscripts, film, microfilm, recordings, audio cassettes, video cassettes, compact
discs, video discs, photographs, or other specimens or replicas, works of literature, objects of
art, objects of historical significance or curiosity, and equipment helpful in the utilization of
such materials.
(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following terms shall have the meanings
ascribed to them below: Equipment shall include but is not limited to projectors, screens,
video -players and recorders, cameras, extension cords, adapters, remote controls,
synchronizers, microphones, audio and video cassette players, CD players, computers, and
other pieces of equipment or machinery helpful in viewing, listening to, and duplicating
material.
(b) Late return fines. A fine for the late return of items borrowed is hereby imposed as follows:
(1) For the late return of books, compact discs and audiocassettes, twenty-five cents ($0.25)
per day, excluding days when the library is closed.
(2) For the late return of video cassettes and video discs, one dollar ($1.00) per day,
excluding days when the library is closed.
(3) For the late return of equipment, a fine of fifty cents ($0.50) per hour after due date
with a maximum of six dollars ($6.00) per day, excluding days when the library is
closed.
(c) Failure to return library materials; penalty. Any person who shall fail to return any
material or equipment borrowed or withdrawn by him from the Iredell County Public Library
within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice from the county librarian that the
material or equipment is overdue, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
not more than the replacement cost of such materials or equipment, plus fifty dollars
($50.00), or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Written notice shall be
deemed received on the third day after it has been mailed by the county librarian addressed
to the borrower at the last address of the borrower shown on the records of the library. The
person in whose name the library card is issued shall be responsible for all items charged to
that card.
(d) Additional rules and regulations. The Iredell County Library is hereby authorized,
empowered and directed to establish, implement, and follow such policies, procedures, rules
and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to protect the resources and assets of the
Iredell County Public Library and to enforce the same by such reasonable means as are
appropriate, including but not limited to the power to suspend library privileges of any
patron who violates any rule, regulation, policy or procedure.
4. Request from the Health Department for Approval of Budget Amendment
#6 in Conjunction with the Submission of an Application for a Grant to Reduce
Obesity: Health Director Donna Campbell, at the agenda briefing, requested approval
to use $18,753 for a healthy weight initiative developed by the community nutritionist.
Campbell said the nutritionist would work through the local school systems and the area
restaurants by supplying information about healthy food choices. (Specifically the
funds will be used for supplies, training and development, and community awareness.)
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5. Request from the Health Department for Approval of Proposed Fee
Changes Pertaining to Kindergarten Physicals, Twin -Rix Vaccinations, and a
Component of Family Planning Services: During the briefing, Health Director
Campbell requested approval of the following fees:
Current Revised New Fees
Paragard T380A (IUD) $344 $358
(Due to Medicaid maximum reimbursable rate increasing)
Addition of the following new fees:
Kindergarten physical (limited) $ 45
Twin -Rix Vacinations (combined Hepatitis A&B) $ 60
Note: During the briefing, Commissioner Norman asked what would happen if a
child's parents or caretakers did not have the $45.00. Health Director Donna Campbell
said the child could be seen during the regular child health clinic where a sliding fee
scale was used. She said no child would be left out of being provided health care
services.
6. Request from the Health Department for Approval to Apply for a Grant to
Fund a Second PHN for the Multi -Disciplinary Team: Health Director Donna
Campbell, at the 5 p.m. briefing, advised that Vivian Hamilton, the Director for the
Partnership for Young Children, was applying for a $49,730 grant. Campbell said the
funds would be used to hire another nurse for the multi -disciplinary team. She
indicated the nurse would be an employee of the health department, and this was why
approval from the commissioners was needed.
Note: During the briefing, Commissioner Madison asked what would happen to the
position if the grant funds were not available in the future, and Health Director
Campbell said there would be a reduction in force.
7. Request for the Appointment of Additional Assistant Emergency Management
Coordinators: During the briefing, Emergency Management Services Director Tracy
Jackson requested the appointment of the following individuals as Assistant Emergency
Management Coordinators.
• Robert Tatham, Chief Animal Control Officer
• Sarah Barnette, Animal Control Field Supervisor
• Brad Brawley, Telecommunicator-11
• Lee Darnell, EMS Director
• David Cloer, EMS Operations Manager
• Stacey Montelongo, EMS Training Officer
• Chuck Gallyon, Fire Marshal
• Lloyd Ramsey, Deputy Fire Marshal
• Ronny Thompson, Deputy Fire Marshal
• Tim Warren, Assistant Fire Marshal
8. Call for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 Regarding a
Private Financing not Exceeding $6,950,000 for the Construction of a new Facility
for the Iredell County Department of Social Services and to Authorize the Director
of Finance and Administrative Services to Proceed with Filing an Application with
the Local Government Commission
9. Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #46 Retroactive to
June 30, 2004 for the Purpose of Appropriating Fund Balance in the Health Care
Benefits Fund to Allow a Transfer of Funds Between Budget Line Items to Cover
the Costs for the month of June 2004: During the briefing, Finance Director
Blumenstein explained that on August 5, 2004, a report from the North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners Group Benefits Pool was received. She said the
report indicated that the June health care costs exceeded the funds available by
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$138,110. Blumenstein requested approval of Budget Amendment #46, retroactive to
June 30 for the $138,110 transfer of funds between budgeted line items.
10. Request for Approval of a Lease Agreement with the North Carolina
Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) for the local Forestry
Office (Agricultural Building, 444 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC): This updated
lease will extend through July 31, 2007, with DENR paying $4,788 a year for the
forestry service's usage of 504 sq. ft. of space.
11. Request for Approval of a Community Service Work Program Agreement:
The North Carolina Department of Crime Control earlier this year revised its
community service contracts. Approval of the new contract will allow the continuation
of services provided by Community Service Work Program.
12. Request for Approval of the August 3, 2004 Minutes
OF CONSENT AGENDA
Request from Wilson Security Service for an Increase in the Hourly Pay
Rate for Security Guards: Chairman Johnson advised that since the 5 p.m. meeting, a
discussion had occurred with Mr. Don Wilson, the owner of Wilson's Security Service
about the county's budgetary constraints. Johnson said Mr. Wilson had indicated that
the main purpose in seeking an increase was to make everyone aware of the rising costs
for workers compensation. Chairman Johnson said Mr. Wilson had agreed to continue
the services at the current rate through this fiscal year. He said Wilson had been
encouraged to submit a cost proposal early in the FY 2005-06 budget season.
(Note: Mr. Wilson attended the 7 p.m. meeting.)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS &
COMMISSIONS
• Nursing Home Advisory Committee (2 announcements)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Iredell County Board of Adjustment (1 appointment): No nominations were
submitted, and Commissioner Madison made a motio to postpone the appointment
until the September 7 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Adult Care Community Advisory Committee (3a ointments): No
nominations were submitted, and Chairman Johnson made a motion to postpone the
appointments until the September 7 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Recreation Advisory Committee (1 appointment): No nominations were
submitted, and Commissioner Williams made a motioill to postpone the appointment until
the September 7 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Joint School Facilities Task Force (5 appointments): Chairman Johnson
nominated Marvin Norman and Marvin Krieger.
Commissioner Tice nominated Ann Goode.
Commissioner Williams nominated Garwood "Woody" Childers.
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Commissioner Norman nominated Carmen Boggs.
OTIO by Commissioner Madison to close the nominations and appoint
Norman, Krieger, Goode, Childers, and Boggs to the Joint School Facilities Task Force.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
IREDELL COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, INC. REFINANCING: Finance
Director Blumenstein advised that everything was in order for the refinancing of the
land, building, and heavy-duty rescue vehicle for the Iredell County Rescue Squad.
Blumenstein said the vehicle and property would be conveyed to Iredell County in order
for the County to give a security interest to the bank as collateral for the loan. She
continued by saying the County would lease the property to the Squad for the 15 -year
term. Blumenstein said the debt would be reported as a liability of the County, but in
order to include the property in the assets of the County, the lease could not include a
"bargain sale" agreement. She said that for financial reporting purposes, the lease
would indicate that the assets would be returned to the Squad at fair market value.
Blumenstein said it was her understanding that the County had never intended to
receive any financial benefit from the refinancing, rather the purpose behind it was to
decrease the Rescue Squad's interest costs. She requested that a motion be made
stipulating this arrangement between the County and the Squad.
OTION by Commissioner Tice to authorize Joel Mashburn, Jean Moore,
Susan Blumenstein and Bill Pope to proceed with the transaction to refinance the
outstanding debt of the Iredell County Rescue Squad, Inc., for the sole purpose of
decreasing interest costs, and to clarify for the record there was no intent for Iredell
County to realize any financial gain from the transaction at the time of the refinancing
or at the time the title was returned to the squad.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
CLOSED SESSION: MOTION by Chairman Johnson at 7:25 P.M. to enter
into closed session for the purpose of discussing property acquisition matters pursuant
to G.S. 143-318.11(a) (5).
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 7:51 P.M.)
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Chairman Johnson at 7:51 p.m., to adjourn
the meeting. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at 5 and 7 p.m., in the
Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays - 0.
Approved:
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Clerk to the Board