HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch_1_2005_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
MARCH 1, 2005
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on
Tuesday, March 1, 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, Planning Supervisor Steve Warren, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Tice.
INVOCATION by Commissioner Robertson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTTO by Chairman Tice to
approve the following agenda adjustments:
Additions: • Request for the Reclassification of a Deputy Fire Marshal Position to a
Chief Deputy Fire Marshal
• Request from the Sheriff's Department for Permission to Use
$120,000 in Seized Funds for the Purchase of a Surveillance
Vehicle
• Request from the Iredell-Statesville Schools for Chairman Tice to
Co -Sign a letter to be sent to NC House Representative Karen Ray
Regarding the Impact of Governor Easley's Budget Proposal
• Closed Sessions for: Attorney -Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3)
Economic Development G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4)
Property Acquisition G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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, Inc. & Approval of a Resolution: County
Attorney Pope said representatives of the C.R. Onsrud Company appeared before the
board at a previous meeting and described a project whereby they planned to relocate
the company from Highway 21 south to a high tech industrial park being developed in
Troutman, NC. Pope said the company desired to obtain industrial revenue bonds up to
$4,000,000 for the project. He said the documents had been reviewed, and they were in
order for approval.
Chairman Tice introduced the following resolution, the title of which was read:
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
WHEREAS: Under G.S. § 159C-7 each project must be approved by the
Secretary of the Department of Commerce and, under Article 51B 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 (?fa 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 offinancing for the bonds; and
WHEREAS: The Authority intends to issue its Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds (CR. 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 March 1, 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 ofNorth 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 1470 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.
No one else desired to speak and Chairman Tice adjourned the public hearing.
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Commissioner Johnsonoved the passage of the foregoing resolution, and
Commissioner Williams iseconded the motion. The resolution 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; Jesus & Betty Lopez Trust Property, Case 0502-1:
Planning Supervisor Steve Warren said the owners desired to rezone a portion of
property from Neighborhood Business Zoning District to Residential Agriculture
Zoning District. He then summarized the staff report which is for the most part as
follows:
OWNERS: Jesus & Betty Lopez Trust
1302 Brawley School Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117-5936
AGENT: Herman Kruger
1314 Brawley School Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117-5936
LOCATION: 1292 Brawley School Road, more specifically a portion of PIN
4636150775. Directions: Brawley School Road, the property is on the right
across from the intersection with Isle of Pines Road.
REQUESTED ACTION: Rezone a portion of the property from NB,
Neighborhood Business Zoning District to RA, Residential Agriculture Zoning
District.
PROPOSED USE: Residential
SIZE: The area proposed to be rezoned is .51 acres. The total parcel is 2.13
acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: Commercial
SURROUNDING LAND USE: Residential, commercial, and vacant
WATERSHED REGULATIONS. This property is located in the WS -IV -CA
watershed on Brawley School Peninsula. It requires that the minimum lot size
of any newly created lot must be 30,000 sf.
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 6,600 vehicles per day. The widening project
for Brawley School Road is planned to start at the intersection of Chuckwood
Road and continue to US 21. The planning and design phases of the project
area are already under way. Right of way acquisitions are proposed to begin
this year and the construction phase is proposed to begin in 2007.
ZONING HISTORY: This property, along with the adjacent parcel, has been
zoned NB since Countywide zoning went into effect in 1990.
STAFF COMMENTS: This property is located in the area studied in the
Brawley School Peninsula Small Area Plan. It is designated residential in this
plan. By down zoning this portion of the parcel from commercial to residential,
it brings the property more into compliance with the Land Use Plan. Therefore,
staff recommends in favor of this rezoning request.
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On February 2, 2005, the
Planning Board unanimously recommended in favor of this rezoning request by
a vote of 10-0.
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Commissioner Johnson asked what the owner planned to build on the property.
Warren said a single-family residence.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the request of Case No.
0502-1 (Jesus & Betty Lopez Trust) from Neighborhood Business Zoning District to
Residential Agriculture Zoning District.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Rezoning Request; Claybourn B. & Jean G. Lunsford Property, Case No.
0502-2: Planning Supervisor Warren said Mr. & Mrs. Lunsford desired to rezone
property from M-2, Heavy Manufacturing Zoning to General Business Zoning District.
Mr. Warren then summarized the following staff report.
OWNERS/APPLICANT: Clayboum B. & Jean G. Lunsford
6245 Wilkesboro Hwy
Union Grove, NC 28689-9170
LOCATION: West Memorial Hwy, more specifically a portion of PIN
4853205781. Directions: I-77 North, exit 65, turn left onto Memorial
Hwy, the property is on the right just before 1726 W Memorial Hwy.
REQUESTED ACTION: Rezone a portion of the property from M-2,
Heavy Manufacturing Zoning District to GB, General Business Zoning
District.
PROPOSED USE: CPA office
SIZE: The portion of the parcel that is proposed to be rezoned is 1.46
acres. The entire parcel is 3.53 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: Commercial
SURROUNDING LAND USE: Residential, commercial, and vacant
WATERSHED REGULATIONS: This property is not located in a
watershed.
TRAFFIC: The capacity for this stretch of West Memorial Highway is
9,000 vehicles per day. In 2003, the estimated daily traffic count was
5,200 vehicles per day. Down zoning this property would likely increase
the traffic along this stretch of W. Memorial Highway. However, the
possible impacts would not bring the road close to the maximum
carrying capacity.
ZONING HISTORY: This property has been zoned M-2 since
Countywide zoning went into effect in 1990. The GB property to the
east was rezoned from M-2 in 2003, Case #0303-3.
STAFF COMMENTS: The rezoning of this property to GB still allows
for some lower intensity industrial uses but also allows for other uses
such as the one that the applicant proposes. Presently this node has no
industrial uses but has been developed with retail uses. The rezoning in
2003 further substantiates that this node is being developed as retail
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rather than industrial. This is evident from the 2003 rezoning in this area
also. For these reasons, the staff recommends in favor of the rezoning
request to GB.
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On February 2, 2005, the
Planning Board unanimously recommended in favor of this rezoning
request by a vote of 10-0.
I*****
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Williams to approve the request of Claybourn B. &
Jean G. Lunsford (Case No. 0502-2) and rezone the property from M-2, Heavy
Manufacturing Zoning to General Business Zoning District.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Rezoning Request; Mansour E. & Rana M. Chaaban Property, Case No.
0502-3: Planning Supervisor Steve Warren said the property owners desired to rezone
property from Residential Agricultural Zoning District to Neighborhood Business
Zoning District. He then described the request which is summarized as follows:
OWNERS/APPLICANT: Mansour E. & Rana M. Chaaban
129 Driftwood Drive
Mooresville, NC 28117-7485
LOCATION: 1040 Brawley School Road, more specifically PIN
4636571589. Directions: Brawley School Road, on the right just past
the intersection with Esquire Court.
REQUESTED ACTION: Rezone the property from RA, Residential
Agricultural Zoning District to NB, Neighborhood Business Zoning
District.
PROPOSED USE: Any and all uses allowed in the NB zoning district
SIZE: The entire parcel is 7.28 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: Residential
SURROUNDING LAND USE: Residential and vacant
WATERSHED REGULATIONS: This property is located in the WS -IV -
CA watershed. The development would be limited to only 24% or 1.7
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 6,600 vehicles per day. The
widening project for Brawley School Road is planned to start at the
intersection of Chuckwood Road and continue to US 21. The planning
and design phases of the project area are already under way. Right of
way acquisitions are proposed to begin this year and the construction
phase is proposed to begin in 2007.
ZONING HISTORY: This property has been zoned RA since
Countywide zoning went into effect in 1990.
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STAFF COMMENTS: The applicant is proposing to rezone the property
to NB. The Brawley School Small Area Plan recommends this area to be
comprised of low -impact transitional uses with connectivity between the
adjacent area. With this in mind, there are a multitude of recreational,
educational, institutional, and service related uses allowed in this zoning
district along with some retail uses. Connectivity is assured with the
Roadway Protection Overlay district along with other regulations to
protect the corridor. Therefore, staff recommends in favor of the
rezoning request.
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On February 2, 2005, the
Planning Board unanimously recommended in favor of this rezoning
request by a vote of 10-0.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the request of Case No.
0502-3 (Mansour E. & Rana M. Chaaban Property) and to rezone the property from
Residential Agricultural Zoning District to Neighborhood Business Zoning District.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing and requested that
all persons desiring to speak in regards to Case No. 0502-4 (John S. York Property), and
the conditional uses, to proceed to the dais for the administering of the oaths.
Rezoning Request; John S. York Property, Case No. 0502-4: Planning
Supervisor Warren said the owner/applicant desired to rezone properties from R-20,
Single Family Residential Zoning District to Residential Agricultural — Conditional Use
Zoning District. Warren provided the following information to further describe the
request.
OWNER/APPLICANT: John S. York
PO Box 1327
Conover, NC 28613-1327
LOCATION: 4595, 4599, 4603, 4609, 4615 Taylorsville Highway,
more specifically PIN#s 4706562270, 4706562259, 4706562338,
4706562477, and 4706562557. Directions: Taylorsville Highway, on
the left, just past the intersection with Scotts Creek Road.
REQUESTED ACTION AND CONDITIONS: Rezone the properties
from R-20, Single Family Residential Zoning District to RA -CUD,
Residential Agricultural — Conditional Use Zoning District. The
condition for this is to not allow Manufactured Homes.
PROPOSED USE: Duplexes
SIZE: The properties total 5.28 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: Residential
SURROUNDING LAND USE: Residential and vacant
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 10,500 vehicles per day. In
2003, the estimated daily traffic count was 6,700 vehicles per day.
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ZONING HISTORY: This property was rezoned from RA as part of a
non -owner rezoning in 1997, Case #9710-1.
STAFF COMMENTS: The applicant is proposing to rezone the
properties to RA to allow for more housing options in the Scotts
community, particularly providing duplexes. The driving force behind
the rezoning in 1997 was a community concern of excessive
manufactured homes in this area. In the spirit of the existing zoning, the
property owner has agreed to add a condition to this request to not allow
manufactured homes. These properties are adjacent on two sides to RA
and front on a highway. Based on the above information, the staff
recommends in favor of this rezoning request.
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On February 2, 2005, the
Planning Board recommended to deny this rezoning request by a vote of
9-1. *****
Dennis Murdock said he lived in the area, and he was mostly interested in
maintaining a "nice" neighborhood.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Johnson to deny the request of Case No. 0502-4
(John S. York) from R-20, Single Family Residential Zoning District to Residential
Agricultural Conditional Use District Zoning.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
-------------------------------------------CONSENT AGENDA ------------------------------------
MOTTO by Commissioner Johnson to approve the following 16 consent
agenda items.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
1. Request from the Centralina Workforce Development Board for Approval
of a Resolution that Approves the Articles of Association & Agreement for the
Centralina Workforce Development Consortium: The Consortium agreement was
approved for another two years, and the following resolution was approved:
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ARTICLES
OF ASSOCIATION AND
AGREEMENT FOR THE CENTRALINA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CONSORTIUM
WHEREAS, the counties of Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stamy, and
Union as independent and contiguous units of general purpose local government do hereby
agree to continue as the Centralina Workfbrce Development Consortium to act jointly as a
Workforce Investment Area under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
WHEREAS, certain technical revisions to original "Articles of Association" and
subsequent amendments have been made for Program Years 2004 and 2005 and have been
executed by the Chairman of this Board on behalf of this county, subject to ratification of such
action by this Board.
WHEREAS, the "Articles of Association" designates the signatory official for the
Consortium and the administrative/fiscal agent to administer the program on behalf of the
Consortium, and request certification of the current Centralina Workforce Development Board
as the local "Workforce Investment Board" as required by the Act.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the execution of the aforesaid "Articles of
Association and Agreement for the Centralina Workforce Development Consortium" by our
Chairman is ratified and adopted by this board.
2. Request from the Health Department to Add a Job Title to Iredell County's
Job Classification List: As was explained by Health Director Donna Campbell during the
agenda briefing, there is a need to reclassify the Bioterrorism/Disaster Response
Coordinator from a Public Health Nurse I (Grade 71) to an Emergency Management
Planner I (Grade 70).
3. Request for the Reclassification of a Deputy Fire Marshal Position to a Chief
Deputy Fire Marshal: Due to Lloyd Ramsey vacating a Deputy Fire Marshal's position
to become the Fire Marshal, changes are necessary to reflect the chain of command in the
office. During the briefing session, County Manager Mashburn said the Chief Deputy
would have some administrative responsibilities and would be responsible for the
department when the Fire Marshal was on leave or out-of-town. He said the request
would not require additional funding this year.
4. Request from the Health Department for Approval to Accept South Piedmont
Incubator Funds: Health Director Donna Campbell said during the 5 p.m. meeting that
the Iredell Health Department was working with counterparts in other counties to
"corroborate and develop best practices and benchmarks" in grant writing, accreditation
and financial operations. She said $10,000 was eligible to Iredell County, and the money
would be used to convert and supply (equipment/furniture) an area that would be used for
an eligibility room. Campbell said the funds would also be used for any travel associated
with the incubator project and for consultant fees.
5. Request from the Health Department for a Decision Regarding Uncollected
Accounts: Health Director Donna Campbell, at the briefing, requested permission to
write off $34,894.85. She said the write-off accounts had been inactive since
June 30, 2003. (The write offs consisted of $27,933.85 in private pay clients, and
$6,961 in Medicaid accounts.)
6. Request from the Sheriffs Department for Approval of Budget
Amendment #38 to Transfer $63,700 from the Commissary Account for the
Purchase and Installation of a Generator at the Jail Annex on Highway 21: At
the 5 p.m. meeting, Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle said a generator needed to be installed
($15,700) and purchased ($48,000) for the Highway 21 Jail Annex. He said the
generator would be installed between the dormitories and single cells.
7. Request from the Sheriffs Department for Approval of Budget Amendment
#39 for the Purpose of using $120,000 in Seized Funds for the Purchase of a
Narcotics Surveillance Vehicle: Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle said at the agenda
briefing that in "high profile cases" a well equipped surveillance vehicle was needed.
He said that due to two bids being received, the vehicle acquisition would not be a
single or sole -source purchase.
8. Request from the Recreation Department for Approval of a Fund Raising
Brochure for the North Iredell Park: During the briefing, Recreation Director
Robert Woody shared a draft tri -fold brochure to be used for North Iredell Park
fundraising. He said the brochure was intended to be used as a guide for the
construction and development of the park along with providing the match for the Parks
and Recreation Trust Fund Grant. (The board members approved the brochure as
presented.)
9. Request for Approval to Restructure the Parks and Recreation
Department's Baseball Program: Recreation Director Woody requested permission to
restructure the baseball program due to the need to "unify a fragmented program that
played under several different sets of rules and to bring the county together, under one
program concept, with one set of rules." Woody provided a breakdown of the revenues
and expenditures for the new concept. He also mentioned the transfer of funds, within
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his department, that would occur to accomplish the restructuring ($2,760 moved into
utilities for field lighting and $21,100 from part-time payroll to contracted services to
cover the costs for baseball umpires). Woody said the department subsidized the
program, and the various athletic associations had indicated they would help any children
whose family could not afford the increased player fees.
10. Request for Approval of a Resolution Directing the Assessor and Tax
Collector Not to Collect Ad Valorem Taxes When the Original Principal Amount
Due was Five Dollars or Under: Tax Administrator Bill Doolittle said at the 5 p.m.
meeting that the tax office in 2004 had 1,355 tax bills that were billed in an amount
from $1 to $5. Doolittle said the total levy of the bills was $4,028.93, which averaged
out to $2.97 a bill with a cost to mail the bills at $1.25 a piece. He requested that a
resolution be approved to eliminate the collection of ad valorem taxes that were $5.00
or under.
RESOLUTION
DIRECTING THE ASSESSOR AND TAX COLLECTOR NOT TO COLLECT
AD VALOREM TAXES WHEN THE ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT DUE IS FIVE DOLLARS OR UNDER
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 105-321(f) authorizes the governing body,
of a taxing unit that collects its own taxes to direct, by resolution, its assessor and tax collector
not to collect minimal taxes charged on the tax records and receipts; and
WHEREAS, minimal taxes are the combined taxes and fees of the taxing unit and any
other units for which it collects taxes, due on a tax receipt or on a tax notice in a total original
principal amount that does not exceed an amount, up to $5.00, set by the governing body; and
WHEREAS, the amount set by the governing body should be the estimated cost to the
taxing unit of billing the taxpayer for the amounts due on a tax receipt or tax notice; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners has determined that the
estimated cost to Iredell County of billing a taxpayer for the amounts due on a tax receipt or tax
notice is $5.00.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Iredell County Board of
Commissioners that the Iredell County Tax Administrator is directed not to collect the
combined taxes andfees oflredell County and any, other unit of governmentfor which it collects
taxes, due on a tax receipt prepared pursuant to G.S. 105-320 or on a tax notice prepared
pursuant to G.S. 105-330.5, when the total original principal amount is $5.00 or less; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tax Administrator shall not bill the taxpayer
for, or otherwise collect, such minimal taxes but shall keep a record of all such minimal taxes
by receipt number and amount and shall make a report of the amount of these taxes to the
Iredell County Board of Commissioners at the time ofsettlement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be in effect with respect to
fiscal year 2005 and shall remain in ef,)ect until amended or repealed by resolution of the
Iredell County Board of Commissioners.
11. Request for Approval of an External Auditor Services Contract: Finance
Director Blumenstein said audit proposals were received on February 11 from two firms.
She said eight firms were invited to bid. Blumenstein shared the following breakdown
that shows the costs from the two firms interested in providing the audit services.
2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
Dixon Hughes, PLLC
Salisbury, NC $54,000 $55,500 $57,000
Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs,
P.A., Hickory, NC $40,000 $41,200 42,400
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Blumenstein said both firms were highly qualified, but she recommended the low
bid or proposal from Martin Starnes & Associates. (The board selected Martin Starnes &
Associates.)
12. Request for Approval of an Underwriter for the Proposed School Financing:
Finance Director Blumenstein shared information regarding an underwriter for the
upcoming Certificates of Participation. She said the prices were on a rate per $1,000 of
bonds issued. In addition, she said it was expected that the majority, if not all, of any
debt issuance would be on a fixed-rate basis. Mrs. Blumenstein recommended that
Wachovia Securities be selected for the underwriting. (A complete listing is hereby
incorporated into the minutes as Attachment A of the underwriter institutions that
submitted a proposal.)
13. Request for Approval of a Resolution Seeking Support from the North
Carolina General Assembly for Establishing Adequate and Reliable Funding of
Public Schools in Iredell County And Throughout the State: The following
resolution was approved.
A RESOLUTION SEEKING SUPPORT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE AND RELIABLE FUNDING OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN
IREDELL COUNTYAND THROUGHOUT THE STATE
WHEREAS, Iredell County, along with its respective school districts, Mooresville Graded
School District and Iredell-Statesville School Svstem, firmly believe that every child within the county,
should have equal access to a sound quality, public education in a safe learning environment; and
WHEREAS, Article 1, Section 15, and Article IX, Section 2 (1) of the North Carolina
Constitution mandates that the General Assembly is responsible for a "general and uniform system of
free public schools and must ensure that children have a basic education' ; and
WHEREAS, GS 115C -408(b) establishes that it is state policy for the State of North Carolina
"to provide from slate revenue sources the instructional expenses for current operations of the public
school.system ... "; and
WHEREAS, while overall state educational funding has increased largely to meet sludent
population growth, class -size reduction in elementary grades and personnel salary and benefit increases,
state budgeting of public schools as a percentage of the state general fund has however trended
downward resulting in reduced resources far .schools without similar reductions in mandated program
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, elementary, class -size reductions result in an unfunded mandate that does not allow
for adequate capital planning and imposes a burden on counties to find additional school facilities; and
WHEREAS, parallel budget cuts affecting public schools have resulted in required state
discretionary reductions, declining teacher assistant allotments, decreased school transportation
operating funds, inadequate instructional technology support, withheld capital needs resources; and
WHEREAS, stagnant state funding for public schools has resulted in too few teacher allotments,
inadequate staffing allotments, lagging non -instructional support positions, insufficient textbook
allocations, deficient instructional supplies, limited funds for children with special needs, etc.; and
WHEREAS, these funding deficiencies create a greater reliance on local funding, thereby
exacerbating inequilies in educational opportunities across the state, and
WHEREAS, in light of this trend the Iredell County Commissioners and school districts seek
support from the North Carolina General Assemhly to reverse this course and establish adequate and
reliable finding of public schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Iredell County, along with the Mooresville Graded
School District and Iredell-Statesville School Svstem, call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to
reverse the ongoing trend of insufficient operational and capital funding for public schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly, establish adequate and reliable
finding ofpublic schools in North Carolina that matches needs, resources and mandates.
BE IT FINALLYRBSOLVED that this resolution be executed by the respective county and public
school systems in Iredell County and that this document be presented to our legislative delegations, along
with appropriate state officials who have responsibiblies for public schools — including Governor Easley,
the Chair of the State Board of Education, and the Stale Superintendent of Public Instruction.
*xxxr
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14. Request from the Iredell-Statesville Schools for Permission to Apply for
Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) with the Proceeds, if Received, to be Applied
towards Statesville High School (Potential of $2 million with no Interest): (This
request was approved. See briefing minutes for additional information.)
15. Request for a Letter to be Sent to North Carolina House Representative Karen
Ray Regarding the Impact of Governor Easley's Proposed Budget: (Letter was
approved as written by the school system with one change. See briefing minutes for more
information.)
16. Request for Approval of the February 15, 2005 Minutes
---------------------------------END OF CONSENT AGENDA -----------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS &
COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
Nursing Home Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Hazardous Waste & Low -Level Radioactive Waste Management Board (3
appointments): Commissioner Norman nominated Buddy Hemric, Kelly Sheeks, and
B.K. Barringer.
MOTIO by Chairman Tice to close the nominations and appoint Hemric, Sheeks
and Barringer by acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (5 appointments): No
nominations were submitted, and Commissioner Johnson made aoto to postpone the
appointments until the March 15 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Agricultural Tourism: Commissioner Johnson requested that the staff present the
Agricultural Tourism draft ordinance at the second meeting in April. In addition, he
requested that a copy of the proposed ordinance be shared with the commissioners at the first
meeting in April to allow adequate time to review and seek public comments.
Chairman Tice said there seemed to be an interest from the farming community on
having an Agricultural Tourism ordinance.
NEW BUSINESS
Rescue Squads: Commissioner Johnson said the rescue squads desired to make a
PowerPoint presentation at the second meeting in April. He said the squads would not be
expecting a decision regarding funding.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
New Library Grand Opening: County Manager Mashburn said the library
grand opening would be on Sunday, April 17, 2005 (time to be determined).
Meeting Regarding the Greater Statesville Development Corporation
(GSDC): Mashburn said the funding entities for the GSDC would hold a meeting on
March 31 (5:45 p.m.) at Julia's Talley House.
Breakfast Meeting with Congressman Patrick McHenry: Mashburn said the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners had announced that on Tuesday,
March 29 from 7:45 — 9:45 a.m., in Hickory, N.C., a breakfast meeting would be held to
talk with Congressman Patrick McHenry.
Update on Hoffner Family Request for Property to be Released to Rowan County:
Mashburn said Iredell-Statesville Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steve Lane had sent an e-
mail regarding the Hoffner family's concerns about their children having to switch schools due
to their property being in Iredell County instead of Rowan County. He said Dr. Lane had talked
with nine other counties to find out how they resolved these types of situations. Mashburn said
it was learned that most systems with decreasing student populations wanted to retain the
students, while units with increasing student populations seemed to be more inclined to release
them. He said it was also learned that the state money would follow the child, while the local
money would not.
Update on President Bush's Proposed Budget: Mashburn said he had read that
President Bush was proposing a $40 billion cut in Medicaid funds to the states.
CLOSED SESSIONS: Chairman Tice at 7:45 p.m., made a motion to enter into
closed session for the purpose of discussing matters relating to: G.S. 143-318.1 l(a) (3) -
Attorney -Client, G.S. 143-318.11(a) (4) — Economic Development, and G.S. 143-
318.11(a) (5) — Property Acquisition.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:15 P.M.)
CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON MARCH 15, 2005 REGARDING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR CAROLINA BEER &
BEVERAGE: MOTION by Commissioner Williams to call for a public hearing at
7:00 p.m., on March 15 regarding an economic development incentive for Carolina Beer
& Beverage for $104,400 (over five years) based on a $6 million investment in Iredell
County.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON MARCH 15, 2005 REGARDING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR PGI NONWOVENS:
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to call for a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., on
March 15 regarding an economic development incentive for PGI Nonwovens for
$835,200 (over six years) based on a $40 million investment in Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Chairman Tice to adjourn the meeting at 9:16
p.m. (Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at 5 and 7 p.m., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
12
Clerk to the Board