HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary_21_2010_Iredell-Mooresville_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and
MOORESVILLE TOWN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JANUARY 21, 2010
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Joint Session with the
Mooresville Town Board of Commissioners Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. in
the Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC.
Iredell County Board Members Present
Chairman Godfrey Williams
Vice -Chairman Marvin Norman
Steve Johnson
Ken Robertson
Scott Keadle
Mooresville Town Board Members Present
Mayor Chris Montgomery
Steve Husemann
Rhett Dusenbury
Mac Herring
Chris Carney
Miles Atkins
Thurman Houston
Mitch Abraham
Staff present: Iredell County Manager Joel Mashburn, Iredell Deputy County
Manager Tracy Jackson, Iredell County Planning Director Ron Smith, Mooresville Town
Board Attorney, Steve Gambill, and Retha Gaither, Executive Assistant.
CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Chris Montgomery
INVOCATION by Steve Gambill
Opening Remarks: Mayor Montgomery welcomed the members of both boards
and stated that the two boards had not collaborated in a joint meeting in a decade.
Chairman Williams stated the board's appreciation for the invitation to meet together and
to discuss the common interests especially now with the tight economy. Chairman
Williams introduced the Iredell County Board and other staff members that were present.
Mayor Montgomery asked the Mooresville Board to introduce themselves.
Discussion Items
Vision for Iredell County: Mayor Montgomery asked the members to talk about
areas of growth and growth boundaries, areas to protect and environmental sensitive
areas. Iredell County is very diverse, from rural and agriculture in the north end to
commercial and industrial areas around municipalities. Mayor Montgomery asked the
Commissioners' thoughts of establishing a county land use plan to encourage growth
around the municipalities, a law to protect valuable farm lands or environmentally
sensitive areas. Also, would the Commissioners be willing to look at the entire land use
plan county -wide to adopt something that accomplishes these goals?
After some discussion Mac Herring stated his main objective of this meeting was
to encourage two separate discussions. The first, to keep each other in the loop, sharing
agendas of meetings, so that all are aware of the other governing body's issues. Second,
how the two boards can work together collaboratively especially during budget crunches,
and during planning and zoning issues.
Ron Smith brought everyone up to date on the 2030 Comprehensive Horizon Plan
that was recently adopted by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners.
Steve Husemann stated the Mooresville Board had not seen the 2030 Plan and
asked if Ron could present it.
After more discussion Ron Smith stated his department is now working on a
Development Ordinance, which will apply to the Statesville, Troutman and Mooresville
municipalities, but it will not be complete until late summer. Smith stated he is available
to meet with the boards to discuss further.
Land Use and Planning: Mayor Montgomery said the discussion had already
progressed into the next item of ETJ and Urban Service Areas (USA). The question
being, would the County Commissioners be willing to entertain an extension of the ETJ
in Mooresville and certain areas where the USA is still a viable concept?
After further discussion, Steve Husemann commented that the Boards need
representation at each other's meetings to be able to respond to questions that may arise.
Discussion continued and included water quality, regulations and enforcement.
Transportation and Transit: Mayor Montgomery stated transportation is the
biggest issue with citizen's complaints. How can the boards jointly make improvements
to benefit Iredell County residents?
Discussion included traffic, transit systems and taxes.
Economic Development: Mayor Montgomery stated Economic Development is
vital to economic well-being of Iredell County. Do you see a need to look at strategies
that include target and recruitment of certain type industries? Also, do you agree that
economic development is costly in land costs, infrastructure and improvements, and land
use? Do you see a strategy that would include the county helping to pay for property or
water, sewer or infrastructure to encourage reuse of old industrial sites or developments?
There was some discussion about air quality and Miles Atkins asked if both
Economic Development groups could endorse a resolution to the EPA.
There was further discussion about 83X, CATS, and traffic.
Recreation: Mayor Montgomery stated the needs of Iredell County are growing
with the population of recreation. Iredell County has set aside $250,000 per quadrant for
park development but to date Stumpy Creek and the ropes course are the only county
parks. Do you see a need or are you willing to appropriate money to partner with
Mooresville to develop a park way and athletic facility for southern Iredell County?
Discussion included county parks, school parks, land donations, recreation
administration, maintenance, and duplicate programs. Marvin Norman suggested that the
administration from both Parks and Recreation Departments meet together to discuss
issues.
Chris Carney suggested someone from both Boards of Commissioners also attend
the meeting with Parks and Recreation.
Mayor Montgomery asked if there was any further discussion on any subject.
After further discussion, thoughts were to meet again in 6 months but to include
all Iredell County municipalities' boards. There was some concern if the group is too
large, the meeting would not be productive. Then it was suggested to involve only the
boards of common interest, i.e. Parks and Recreation.
Steve Johnson asked if Iredell County staff could construct a resolution
concerning "non -attainment" status. This resolution would be passed to all governing
boards and then to Washington, DC
Ken Robertson suggested contacting Rebecca Yarbrough from Council of
Governments to help with the wording and to make sure it is delivered to the correct
people.
Miles Atkins asked the Mayor to recap the night's discussion and include possible
time tables on the major issues.
Mayor Montgomery agreed and will be sending this information by email.
Some other issues of discussion included recycling, inspections, state building
codes and enforcement.
'there being no further questions or discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Retha Gaither
Iredell County Manager's
Executive Assistant/Recording Secretary