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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary_4_2005_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2005 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. Present were: Chairman Sara Haire Tice Vice Chairman Godfrey Williams Steve D. Johnson Marvin Norman Ken Robertson Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, County Attorney Bill Pope, Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, Planning & Code Enforcement Director Lynn Niblock, Planner Emily Jackson, Planner Whitney Hobbs, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Tice. INVOCATION by Commissioner Johnson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Chairman Tice to adjust the agenda by the following actions: Additions: • Appointment Before the Board: Request from the City of Statesville for an Amendment to the County's Addendum to the Inter -local Agreement dated July 6, 2004 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer Costs for the Statesville Municipal Airport • Announcement of Vacancies Occurring on the Library Art Advisory Committee VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW PLANNING SUPERVISOR: Steve Warren was introduced as the new Iredell County Planning Supervisor effective January 19, 2005. Mr. Warren currently serves as the Assistant Planning Director for the City of Statesville. PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Recognition and Presentation of a Plaque to County Retiree Steve Wallace: Mr. Wallace was unable to attend the January 4 meeting. He will be invited to the January 18 meeting to receive the appreciation plaque. Recognition and Presentation of a Plaque to County Retiree Wayne Dagenhart: Due to illness, Mr. Dagenhart was unable to attend the meeting. The Solid Waste Director, David Lambert, accepted the plaque on behalf of Mr. Dagenhart. Request from the City of Statesville for an Amendment to the County's Addendum to the Inter -local Agreement dated July 6, 2004 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer Costs for the Statesville Municipal Airport: Statesville City Manager Rob Hites and Statesville City Engineer Wayne Lambert attended the meeting to discuss sewer bids for the Statesville Municipal Airport. Hites said the county and city entered into an inter -local agreement stipulating (1) the city would be reimbursed for one-half of the city's loss of investment earnings on the amount expended for sewer to the airport based upon the earnings being received by the city on its investments during the term of repayment and (2) the county would reimburse the city for one-half of the net cost paid by the city for the sewer improvements. He said the county added a stipulation that if the bids exceeded the engineering estimate of $1,063,000.00, the county would be given an opportunity to re -review participation in the project. Hites said the city had agreed to award the sewer contract to Buckeye Construction Company for $1,547,081.00, and this exceeded the engineering estimate. He said the original bid from Buckeye was $1,679,753.25; however, several deductions had already occurred. Hites said the $1.5 million would include the sewer construction ($1,497,080.55) and the acquisition of rights-of-way along with miscellaneous costs ($50,000). He asked for approval of the bid, and he said that future expansion had been taken into consideration in the sewer project. Commissioner Johnson noted that even with the increased sewer costs, the total project was still under budget. He said the county's cash flow would work out fine, and that in ten years, there would be a substantial amount of tax base at the airport. MOTIO by Chairman Tice to approve an addendum to the inter -local agreement entered into between the County of Iredell and the City of Statesville, dated July 6, 2004, increasing the maximum project cost to $1,547,081.00. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for MB2/MBV Motorsports: Economic Developer Melanie O'Connell Underwood and Jay Frye, the CEO/General Manager of MB2/MBV Motorsports attended the meeting. Underwood said the company planned on purchasing the former Eaton or Aeroquip building in Mooresville, NC for its business operations. Frye said the company previously (1996) operated in a leased facility in Mooresville; however, it later moved to Concord, NC. He said the company needed to expand, and the contract on the Eaton building was supposed to close in March of this year. Chairman Tice said the company was requesting an incentive of $74,820.00, over a five-year period, based upon a $4.3 million investment in the county. She said the company would use the incentive for site improvements associated with the rehabilitation of an existing building. No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. MOTIO by Commissioner Robertson to grant the economic development incentive for MB2/MBV Motorsports in the amount of $74,820.00, over a five-year period, based upon a $4.3 million investment in Iredell County. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for an Undisclosed Company: Economic Developer Jeff McKay announced that the Kohler Company was considering the purchase of the former LesCare or Falcon Industries facility. He said that if Kohler located in the county, the company would operate a cabinet manufacturing operation with 449 employees during the first phase. McKay said the projected investment in the county would be $19.7 million, and this excluded the real estate. He continued by saying (1) Kohler was a 131 -year-old company, (2) the company was listed 2 as #52 on the Forbes 500 list, (3) the company employed more than 22,000 nationwide, and (4) the company reported $2.94 billion in revenue last year. He said the $19.7 million investment would make the company eligible for a $342,780 incentive. No one else spoke and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. MOTTO by Commissioner Norman to grant the economic development incentive of $342,780.00, over a five-year period, to the Kohler Company based upon a $19.7 million investment. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Consideration of an Industrial Revenue Bond Project for TOBIJO Properties RLLLP & C.R. Onsrud, Incorporated: Tom Onsrud (President) and John Onsrud (Executive Vice President) attended the meeting on behalf of the C.R. Onsrud Company. Tom Onsrud said his company desired to (1) build a new manufacturing facility, (2) purchase additional manufacturing equipment, and (3) build a new corporate office on 45 acres of newly -acquired property in Troutman, NC. He said the entire project would not exceed $4,000,000.00. Onsrud said the company was incorporated in 1976, and it primarily manufactured computer -controlled CNC routing equipment for woodworking along with cutting plastic and aluminum. He said the company had experienced a tremendous amount of growth and needed to expand. Onsrud said a new facility/location was needed due to (1) not enough acreage at the current leased facility for expansion and (2) the landlord's decision to disallow any expansion due to the prospect of having a potentially more profitable use for the land. He continued by saying the new facility would be located only two miles north of the present site, and all of the employees were willing to continue their employment at the new location. In conclusion, Onsrud said 20 new jobs would be created with the expansion. Attorney Bill Pope provided the commissioners with a brief overview of the industrial revenue bond program. Mr. Jeff McKay spoke on behalf of the C.R. Onsrud Company and encouraged the board of commissioners to approve the industrial bond project resolution. read: No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. Chairman Tice then introduced the following resolution, the title of which was APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE OF INDUSTRIAL PROJECT FOR TOBIJO PROPERTIES RLLLP AND C.R. ONSRUD, INC., AND THE FINANCING THEREOF WITH INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $4,000,000 WHEREAS: The Iredell County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority (the "Authority") has agreed to assist in the financing under the North Carolina Industrial and Pollution Control Facilities Financing Act (the "Act") of an industrial project by TOBIJO Properties RLLLP and C.R. Onsrud, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, or their related or affiliated entities (collectively, the "Company"), which plans to acquire, construct and equip a facility for the manufacture of computer controlled routing machines (the "Project") and has indicated that agreement by the execution of an Inducement Agreement between the parties dated October 5, 2004; and 3 WHEREAS: Under G.S. § 159C-7 each project must be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and, under Article 51 B of Chapter 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes, the Federal Tax Reform Allocation Committee must allocate a sufficient amount of North Carolina's "private activity bond limit," as defined in Section 141 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") to the financing; and WHEREAS: The Rules and Procedures of the North Carolina Department of Commerce require that the governing body of a county approve in principle any project to be financed under the Act; and WHEREAS: This Board of Commissioners has today held a public hearing with respect to the advisability of the Project and the issuance of bonds therefor, as evidenced by the Certificate and Summary of Public Hearing attached hereto as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS: Section 147(f) of the Code requires that the Board of Commissioners approve the plan of financing for the bonds; and WHEREAS: The Authority intends to issue its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (C.R. Onsrud, Inc. Project), Series 2005 (the "Bonds") in the principal amount of up to $4,000,000 which will either be secured by a letter of credit issued by a United States bank or be privately placed with a qualified institutional investor; and WHEREAS, under Section 159C-4 of the Act the issuance of bonds under the Act must be approved by the governing body of the county in which the project to be financed under the Act is located; NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of Iredell County, meeting in regular session at Statesville, North Carolina, on January 4, 2005, do the following: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR IREDELL COUNTY: The proposed "industrial project" consisting of the acquisition, construction and equipping of a facility to be used for the manufacture of computer controlled routing machines in Iredell County and the issuance of bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 therefor are hereby approved in principle. The Board of Commissioners hereby requests the Federal Tax Reform Allocation Committee to allocate up to $4,000,000 of North Carolina's 2005 "private activity bond limit," as defined above for the financing of the Project. The Board of Commissioners hereby approves the plan of financing as required by Section 147(f) of the Code. The issuance of the Bonds in the principal amount of $4,000,000 is hereby approved for purposes of Section 159C-4 of the Act. Chairman Ticeove the passage of the foregoing resolution and Vice Chairman Godfrey Williams seconded the motion. The resolution was passed by the following vote: Ayes: Commissioners Tice, Williams, Johnson, Norman, and Robertson. Nays: 0 Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Rezoning Request; James H. Lanier, Phyllis L. Plyler, Carolyn L. Shives & Martha R. Lynch Property, Case No. 0412-1: Kristie Phillips -Bannister, Applicant Requests To Rezone Property from Residential Agricultural to Highway Business 4 District: County Planner Emily Jackson said the applicant Kristie Phillips -Bannister desired to construct an athletic, gymnastics, dance and cheer facility on 1.9 acres of land located at 2809 Amity Hill Road in Statesville, NC. Jackson then reviewed the staff report, most of which is as follows: OWNER: James H. Lanier, Phyllis L. Plyler, Carolyn L. Shives, & Martha R. Lynch 500 Old Mocksville Rd Statesville, NC 28625-1450 LOCATION: 2809 Amity Hill Road (RS 2342), Statesville, specifically PIN 4742-85-0999. Directions: I-77 South, exit 45, turn right onto Amity Hill Road, the property is on the right. REQUESTED ACTION: Rezone the property from RA, Residential Agriculture Zoning District to HB, Highway Business Zoning District. SIZE: The parcel is 1.9 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: Residential SURROUNDING LAND USE: Residential WATERSHED REGULATIONS: This property is not located in a watershed TRAFFIC: According to the 1993 Iredell County Thoroughfare Plan, the capacity for this stretch of roadway is 8,000 vehicles per day. In 2001, the estimated daily traffic count was 1,700 vehicles per day. ZONING HISTORY: This property has been zoned RA since Countywide zoning went into effect as well as the HB to the south. The HB to the north was rezoned from RA in 1995, Case #9505-1. STAFF COMMENTS: This area will be undergoing major changes, due to the proposed development across I-77. This proposal across the interstate may add an additional 1200 residential units and 1,000,000 square feet of office and retail space, which will dramatically change the landscape in this area. The property is located within the commercial node of the Iredell County Land Use Plan, which recommends business zonings. Being that this property is directly between two HB zoning districts and the location is situated in the commercial node of the Land Use Plan, the Planning Staff recommends in favor of the rezoning request. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On December 1, 2004, the Planning Board unanimously recommended in favor of the rezoning request by a vote of 10-0. Applicant Kristie Phillips -Bannister then spoke and advised that she desired to construct a facility to teach children sport related activities such as gymnastics and cheerleading. Bannister, a gymnast (1987 U.S. National Champion) and cheerleader (college), said that opening a facility of this type would fulfill a lifelong goal. She said cheerleading was a sport, and it would be included in future Olympic Games. No one else spoke, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. OTION by Commissioner Williams to grant the request of Case No. 0412-1 (Kristie Phillips -Bannister) from Residential Agricultural to Highway Business District. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. 5 Rezoning Request; Teresa Earnhardt Property, Case No. 0412-2: Dick Brolin (Piedmont Design Associates), Applicant, Requests an Amendment to the Iredell County Land Use Plan and to Rezone Property from Residential Agricultural to General Business District: County Planner Emily Jackson said the owner had made this request due to the need for sewer expansion and additional parking. She mentioned that it would probably be at least two years before the Town of Mooresville provided water and sewer in the area. Ms. Jackson then summarized the staff report, most of which is as follows: OWNER/ APPLICANTS: Teresa H. Earnhardt 1675 Coddle Creek Hwy Mooresville, NC 28115 LOCATION: 1649 Coddle Creek Highway (NC Highway 3), Mooresville, specifically PIN # 4675-38-6488. Directions: South on Coddle Creek Highway, on the left just past the intersection with Rocky River Road. REQUESTED ACTION AND CONDITIONS: Amend the Land Use Plan and rezone the property from RA, Residential Agriculture Zoning District to GB, General Business Zoning District. PROPOSED USE: Future expansion of existing adjacent business, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated SIZE: The parcel is 4.9948 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: Residential SURROUNDING LAND USE: Commercial and residential WATERSHED REGULATIONS: This property is located in the WS -11 Watershed. The development would be limited to only 70% or 3.5 acres of the parcel. TRAFFIC: According to the 1993 Iredell County Thoroughfare Plan, the capacity for this stretch of roadway is 9,000 vehicles per day. In 2002, the estimated daily traffic count was 6,700 vehicles per day. ZONING HISTORY: This property has been zoned RA since Countywide zoning went into effect. The Land Use Plan was amended to include the property to the south as commercial and the parcel was also rezoned from RA to GB in 1994, Case # 9406-2. STAFF COMMENTS: Mrs. Earnhardt has requested that the property be rezoned to allow for the expansion of Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated. The expansion would be used for a temporary on -site -septic system repair area and possibly employee parking. As with any commercial development adjacent to a residential zoning district, the owner will be required to submit a site plan, which would include screening devices. Because of the center's popularity with seasonal visitors, the availability of additional parking on the same side of the facility on Coddle Creek Highway is important. At certain times of the year, people park along the roadway in order to tour the facility, which can be a major safety issue. Additional on-site parking could only be an asset for the welfare and safety of the area. Based on the existence of the existing adjacent use, zoning, and Land Use Plan, staff recommends in favor of the rezoning request. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On December 1, 2004, the Planning Board unanimously recommended in favor of amending the Land Use Plan by a vote of 10-0 and rezoning the property by a vote of 10-0. Commissioner Williams asked if any opposition had been expressed at the planning board meeting. 6 Jackson said no. Dick Brolin, the applicant for the owner, offered to answer any questions. Cindy Sims, with DEI, Inc., offered to answer any questions about the request. No one else spoke, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. Mrs. Tice thanked the Earnhardt family and the DEI organization for being excellent corporate citizens and for providing an economic boost to the county. MOTIO by Commissioner Norman to amend the Iredell County Land Use Plan as it related to Case No. 0412-2/Dick Brolin, Applicant for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to grant the rezoning request for Case No. 0412-2/Dick Brolin, Applicant for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated from Residential Agricultural to General Business District. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Request for the Consideration and/or Approval of a Proposed Amendment to the Iredell County Zoning Ordinance in Regards to Agricultural Tourism: County Planner Whitney Hodges said the county's zoning ordinance did not allow for agricultural tourism. She said also, the agricultural activities that were allowed did not offer opportunities for public comment regarding non-traditional commercial activity on farms. Hodges said the amendment (as follows) was based upon interest from members of the community. Article VIII. Table of Permitted Uses and Special Uses Section 8.3 Table of Permitted Uses and Special Uses Use Types RA RU -R R -R R-20 R-12 R-8 R -8A RO 01 NB HB SC CB GB M-1 I M-2 SR Agricultural Towism S S S 53 Article IX Saecial Reauirement Notes to the Table of Permitted and Saecial Uses SR 53. Agricultural Tourism Agricultural tourism uses shall meet the following standards: A. The facility or activity must be operated in association with an existing bona fide farm located on the same property, or an adjoining property under the same ownership. In cases where the agricultural use ends or the farm loses its bona fide status the agricultural tourism use shall be discontinued. B. The facility must be located in such a manner that visual impacts to adjoining properties used or zoned for residential or agricultural purposes is minimal. C. All tourism structures, parking, (non farm) storage area, and other uses related to the tourism facility must have an eighty (80) fool buffer from all property lines and/or street right-of-ways. D. All lighting shall be directed inward in such a manner so as not to produce glare onto adjacent property and so that the primary cone of illumination does not extend beyond the property lines. E. All parking and (non-farm) storage areas associated with the agricultural tourism shall be screened from adjoining used or zoned residential areas. Screen shall meet the requirements of Article 12.1 setforth in this ordinance. F. Of parking is not permitted. G. There shall be a separation ofat least two hundred (200) feet between residences on adjoining tracts and any building used for the agricultural tourism operation. H. All on premise signs shall meet the requirements of Section 11.17 (F) of the Iredell County Zoning Ordinance. 7 L All agricultural tourism activities shall have a special use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. 1n cases where there is any change of the primary use on the property, a new request shall be brought before the board for consideration of a new special use permit. Article XV111. General Legal Provisions, Penaltv for Violation, Section 18.6A General Definitions Agricultural Tourism: An enterprise or activity operated on a bona fide farm and offered to the public or to invited groups for the purpose of recreation, education, or active involvement. These activities must be related to agriculture or natural resources and incidental to the primary operation on the site. Agriculture: The science, art, business, or practice of cultivating the land or raising stock including the harvesting of crops, and the rearing and management of livestock, tillage, and forestry. Chairman Tice said it was her understanding that requests of this type would have to be presented to the board of adjustment. She said that by having something in writing, the planning staff would have a tool to help them in making decisions regarding agricultural tourism. Commissioner Williams voiced concerns about the request, especially the possibility that the amendment might add further restrictions on the farming community. Commissioner Johnson also voiced concerns. He said input was needed from the farming community before he could cast a vote. Commissioner Robertson asked Hodges how many agricultural tourism sites were located in the county. Hodges said she knew of two, and one was in north Iredell (off Jennings Road). She said the other was Carrigan Farms in Mooresville. Commissioner Norman suggested that the amendment be discussed at the Winter Planning Session. No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing. MOTIO by Commissioner Williams to delay any action, or further discussion on the agricultural tourism amendment, until the Winter Planning Session in February. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. 1 _0 C. ----------------------------------------CONSENT AGENDA -------------------------------------- OTION by Chairman Tice to approve the following six consent agenda items. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. 1. Request from Mrs. Peggy Brotherton for the Release of Zoning and Subdivision Jurisdiction (ETJ) to the Town of Mooresville for 52 acres located along Hwy. 150 and Perth Road: During the briefing session, Planner Whitney Hodges said Mrs. Peggy Brotherton desired a zoning/subdivision jurisdiction release to the Town of Mooresville for 52 acres of property adjacent to the Town (Pin # 4638-60- 3914). Ms. Hodges said the land use plan designated the property to be mixed-use development, and it was the intention of a developer to construct a high -density - residential (town homes) project along with a possible commercial component along Hwy. 150. Hodges said approximately 200 residential units were estimated for the 9 development, and any children residing in the homes would attend Iredell-Statesville Schools. She said the Town of Mooresville already provided water and sewer in the area, and the planning staff recommended approval of the request due to its consistency with the county's land use plan. 2. Request for the Consideration and/or Approval of a Policy in Regards to the Establishment of an Art Advisory Committee for the New Library: Library Director Steve Messick, during the briefing session, requested approval of an art advisory committee. Messick then described the composition and mission of the committee as follows: 1. The Iredell County Public Library shall have an Art Advisory Committee to review and select artwork appropriate for the library. Acquisitions will be evaluated by the committee, and recommendations will be made to accept or refuse works of art 2. The Art Advisory Committee shall consist ofsix members who are knowledgeable in the field of art and who are appointed by the Iredell County Commissioners. 3. The six members of the Art Advisory Committee shall be as follows: a. The Director of the Iredell County Library (Ex -Officio). b. A Current Member of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners. C. Two Current Members of the Iredell Friends of the Library. d Two Iredell County residents 4. All art selected for inclusion in the permanent library collection must be approved by the Art Advisory Committee. 5. All art must meet acceptable professional standards and be the work of North Carolina artists or be of local subject matter. 6. All art must be original work hand -signed by the artist. 7. All art must have recognized artistic merit and must be suitable for the area of display. 8. All monies contributed or accumulated for the art collection shall be monitored and dispersed upon approval of the Art Advisory Committee. 9. Art works donated to the Iredell County Library shall become the exclusive property of the Library. Donors may request that gifts judged no longer appropriatefbr the Library shall be returned to donor. 10. It is the responsibility of the donor to have art donations appraised for tax purposes. (Note: The six members will be appointed by the commissioners on January 18.) 3. Request for the Approval of Budget Amendment #29 to Recognize Fees Received for the Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program and to Appropriate for Veterinarian Services: Robb Tatham, during the agenda briefing, requested approval of Budget Amendment #29 to recognize fees received for the Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program and for appropriation to Professional Services -Medical (veterinarian). (The amendment will be for $7,010.00, which should suffice through the end of this fiscal year.) 4. Request for Approval of a Resolution Allowing County Retiree Larry Hilton to Purchase his Law Enforcement Service Side Arm and to Retain his Badge as Allowed by G.S. 20-187.2: Chief Deputy Dowdle said at the 5 p.m. meeting that Retiree Larry Hilton desired to obtain the service side arm used in the course of duties at the sheriff's department. Dowdle said state law allowed for the purchase of the weapon. (A copy of the resolution is as follows.) RESOLUTION REGARDING BADGE AND SIDE ARM OF COUNTY RETIREE LARRY HILTON WHEREAS, Larry Hilton has been employed in the Iredell County Sheriffs Office and has, upon his retirement, requested to be permitted to retain his badge and to purchase his service side arm. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Iredell County, that said badge be awarded to Larry Hilton at no cost and that his side arm be sold to him for the sum of One Dollar (S1.00), in accordance with G.S. 20-187.2. One (1) Glock - 40 Caliber Model 22, Serial # F,BP934 9 5. Request from the Sheriffs Department for Approval of the Following Two Requests: During the briefing session, Chief Deputy Dowdle described the following requests. A. Permission to Transfer $47,000.00 from Seized Funds for a Sally Port Structure at the Jail Annex on Hwy. 21 and a Structure for the Mobile Command Unit Vehicle: Dowdle said an overhead covering or structure was needed when transporting food into the Jail Annex on Highway 21, along with the escorting of inmates in -and -out of the facility. He said a structure was also needed to house the new mobile command unit. Budget Amendment #30 for $47,000 (seized funds) will be used for the structures. (Note: Dowdle said the jail annex should be ready to occupy inmates by mid- February of this year.) B. Request for the Establishment of an Additional School Resource Officer with Funding for the Position to be Received from the Iredell-Statesville School System: Dowdle said his department had been funding a part-time officer at West Middle School since the 2004-05 school year opening. He said the school system had now agreed to fund a full-time officer, due to the personnel hardship occurring at the sheriffs department; however, the vehicle, equipment, and necessary supplies would not be funded. Dowdle said the school system had agreed to pay for an officer through the end of this school year, plus the costs already incurred. During the briefing session, Finance Director Blumenstein said federal funds were used during the summer months for specialized School Resource Officer training. Budget Amendment #31 for $21,030 will be used for this request that will appropriate funds for an additional School Resource Officer to be placed at West Middle School through the end of this fiscal year with the Iredell-Statesville Schools to provide the funding. (The $21,030 will be used for salary, FICA, health insurance, retirement & 401(K), other insurance, telephone, training and uniforms.) 6. Request for Approval of the December 21, 2004 Minutes ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Library Art Advisory Committee (6 announcements) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Board of Health (I appointment): No nominations were submitted, and Chairman Tice made a iatg to postpone this appointment (veterinarian position) until the January 18 meeting. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Criminal Justice Partnership Program Committee (2 appointments): Due to the staff not having any recommendations for this committee, the appointments were postponed until the January 18 meeting. Board of Equalization & Review (5 appointments): Commissioner Williams nominated John Douglas and Wayne Robertson. Chairman Tice nominated Bill Thunberg. Commissioner Johnson nominated Marcia Fruehan. 10 MOTIO by Chairman Tice to close the nominations for the four regular appointments and to appoint Douglas, Robertson, Thunberg, and Fruehan by acclamation. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Commissioner Johnson nominated Sam Hall for the alternate's position. MOTION1 by Chairman Tice to close the nominations and appoint Hall as the alternate for the equalization and review board. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Election of Chairman for the Board of Equalization & Review: Commissioner Williams nominated John Douglas for the chairman's position on the Board of Equalization and Review. MOTION1 by Chairman Tice to close the nominations and appoint Douglas as the Chairman of the 2005 Board of Equalization and Review. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Election of the Vice Chairman for the Board of Equalization & Review: Chairman Tice nominated Bill Thunberg. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to close the nominations and appoint Thunberg as the Vice Chairman of the 2005 Board of Equalization and Review. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Adult Care Community Advisory Committee (4 appointments): No nominations were submitted, and Chairman Tice made a motion to postpone the four appointments until the January 18 meeting. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Animal Grievance Committee (1 appointment): No nominations were submitted, and Commissioner Norman made a motion to postpone the appointment until the January 18 meeting. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. NEW BUSINESS APPRECIATION EXTENDED TO DR. STEVE LANE WITH THE IREDELL-STATESVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM: Commissioner Johnson said he wanted to publicly thank Dr. Steve Lane for the "fine job he was doing." Johnson said that when parents or citizens telephoned him regarding school concerns, Dr. Lane, the Deputy Superintendent of the Iredell-Statesville Schools, was always helpful and prompt in finding a resolution to the problems. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Tice at 8:15 p.m. made a otion to adjourn the meeting. (Next Meeting: January 18, 2005, 5 & 7 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.) VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Approved: Clerk to the Board