HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 2 2011 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
AUGUST 2, 2011
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at 7:00
P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting Room), 200 South
Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman Steve Johnson
Renee Griffith
Frank Mitchell
Ken Robertson
Absent: Vice Chairman Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson,
Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, Transportation Director Ben Garrison, EMS Director
David Cloer, Tax Collector Bill Furches, Parks/Recreation Director Robert Woody, Executive
Assistant Retha Gaither, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTIO by Commissioner Griffith to
approve the agenda with the following adjustments.
Additions: -Request to Call for a Public Hearing on August 16, 2011 Regarding the FY 12 Rural
Operating Assistance Program Grant Application
-Closed Sessions Pursuant to Legal: G.S. 143-318.11 a (3) &
Property Acquisition: G.S. 143-318.11 a (5)
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Brett Wallace, with HDR Consulting, Presents a Five -Year Community
Transportation Service Plan (CTP), and Requests the Adoption of a Resolution formally
Approving the Iredell County Area Transportation System Community Transportation
Service Plan: Transportation Director Ben Garrison introduced Brett Wallace, a consultant who
worked on a five-year CTP, as required by the federal government in order to receive funds.
Garrison said the last plan was approved in 1994 (four-year Transportation Development Plan or
TDP), and since that time, his office had continually asked when a new document would be needed.
He said a few years ago the federal government audited the Federal Transit Authority, and
requirements were given for all transit programs to become compliant by developing a new plan.
Garrison said the plans were "road maps" that reviewed administrative and service functions, plus
they outlined a direction for the next five years. He said the plans were not "written in stone," as
they could be modified, and the county was not tied to providing future funding.
Consultant Brett Wallace said the main goal of the plan was to identify particular strategies
and action items for transit. He then provided highlights from the plan, and a copy of the executive
summary is as follows:
Introduction
A Community Transportation Services Plan (CTSP) was conducted to establish a five-year plan to identify
strategies and action items for transit throughout Iredell County. The plan is intended to address the
following elements:
Potential service enhancements;
Administrative and organizational performance;
Policy initiatives; and
Funding availability.
A plan was prepared addressing the needs of the Iredell County Area Transportation System (ICATS). A
focus of the plan is to evaluate the transportation services that already exist and to identify ways to
maximize the efficiency of transit while enhancing the mobility options for residents of Iredell County.
Transit service is critical to many local residents, and the CTSP is a guide to the transit providers on how
to maximize the effectiveness of their services in a cost efficient manner.
The recommendations presented as part of this implementation plan were developed as the framework
for building upon the successful efforts that have already been made by Iredell County. The
recommendations proposed will increase the mobility options for passengers and support existing and
future service expansions by identifying enhancements that require additional funding through NCDOT's
Community Transportation Program and other funding sources. The CTSP process is not intended to be
a compliance report but rather a planning guide for the efficient and effective provision of transit service.
Project Work Items
The CTSP is required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as part of its
requirements for the City and County to receive state funding for transit, and include the tasks shown
below. The CTSP is a "living document," and it is recognized that funding amounts at the federal, state,
and local levels may change from year to year. Therefore, the recommendations presented are scalable
and flexible depending on the changing revenue picture.
Tasks:
• Inventory and assess existing services
• Survey riders and gain public input
• Examine demographic conditions
• Compile unmet transit needs
• Analyze management and service alternatives
• Assess coordination opportunities
• Develop five-year plan of strategies and action items
What Did We Hear from Passengers?
Strengths:
• Clean vehicles
• Friendly drivers
• Feeling of safety while riding the vehicles
Areas of Improvement:
• Travel times are too lengthy
• Schedule adherence is problematic
• Riders have trouble making appointments
Assessment of Current Services
'Ride the Loop'
Area needs service
Route is too long
Low ridership
Evening and weekend service is not available
Mitchell Community College Shuttle
Strengths:
Provides connection between campuses
Growing ridership
Service has adapted to the needs of Mitchell Community College
Weaknesses:
Service is not promoted
Service fluctuates semester to semester
Only students benefit from the service
Mitchell Community College does not financially support the service
Missing potential to serve viable transit market as inter -city connection between
Statesville and Mooresville; demographics show good transit market within downtown
areas; only one stop in Statesville and one in Mooresville
Human Service Trips
Strengths:
Agency needs are being met
Combining passengers from different agencies reduces the shared costs per mile
and increases efficiency
Weaknesses:
High demand for service results in long travel time
Evening and weekend service is limited
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General Public Trips
Strengths:
Provides access to all county residents
No geographic limitations on service
High ridership
Weaknesses:
High demand for service results in long travel time
Evening and weekend service is limited
Recommendations and Implementation Plan
1. Open a secure, satellite facility in Mooresville to reduce the deadhead miles and travel time
between Mooresville and Statesville.
2. Hire additional staff to meet high demand for service and to improve overall service
standards.
3. Create a succession plan to ensure a smooth and successful transition for a transit
administrator upon his future retirement.
4. Continue to monitor ridership data for'Ride the Loop' service.
5. Market the Mitchell Community College Shuttle service and educate first-time riders.
6. Initiate a pilot project for an intercity connector shuttle between the downtown areas of
Statesville and Mooresville, building upon the Mitchell Community College deviated fixed
route shuttle.
7. Improve efficiency at the (CATS administration and operations facility located in
Statesville.
8. Evaluate the needs of commuters traveling to Mecklenburg County and the potential
coordination opportunities with CATS.
9. Explore the possibility of establishing one regional provider for Iredell, Rowan and
Cabarrus Counties, and any other interested counties.
Projected System Expenses
The following table summarizes the ICATS cost projections for FY 2011 through FY 2016
Additional detail for the projected system expenses are provided in the full report.
FY2011
FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
FY2016
Administrative $287,699
$298,688 $310,635 $323,060 $335,982
$335,982
Operating $1,057,974
$1,100,293 $1,144,305 $1,190,078 $1,237,681
$1,237,681
Capital -Vehicles $348,593
$336,537 $409,486 $392,119 $378,558
$407,804
Additional Staff $0
$23,920 $ 45,277 $47,088 $48,972
$48,972
New Intercity Local Services $0
$0 $0 $0 $213,757
$203,757
Renewed Commuter Service $0
$0 $0 $0 $51,000
$51,000
Capital - Non -Vehicle $5,000
$4,020 $58,600 $0 $0
$64,300
TOTAL $1,699,266
$1,763,458 $1,968,303 $1,952,345 $2,265,950 $2,349,496
Projected System Revenues
A summary of projected revenues by source is provided below; additional detail is
provided in the full
report. These projections are based on the assumed continuation of existing funding sources; however,
the changing economic climate
may impact federal, state, and local funding on a
year-to-year basis.
ICATS will be periodically reviewing
the document, and can make changes in coordination
with NCDOT
as appropriate.
FY2011
FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
FY2016
Administrative and Operating $1,555,395
$1,617,611 $1,682,315 $1,749,606 $1,819,590
$1,819,590
Capital -Vehicles $348,593
$336,537 $409,486 $392,119 $ 378,558
$407,804
Additional Staff $0
$23,920 $45,277 $47,088 $48,971
$48,971
New Intercity Local Services $0
$0 $0 $0 $213,758
$203,758
Renewed Commuter Services $0
$0 $0 $0 $51,000
$51,000
Capital - Non -Vehicle $5,000
$4,020 $58,600 $0 $0
$64,300
TOTAL $1,908,988
$1,982,088 $2,195,678 $2,188,813 $2,511,877 $2,595,423
Commissioner Robertson asked the goal of the plan.
Wallace said the state wanted to know the county's vision for the next five years, and how
the funds would be used. He said, for example, would existing services be continued, would there
be changes or expansions.
Robertson said many services were being provided to the elderly and handicapped, and the
government had tried to assist the people who couldn't drive and so forth. He said there were
concerns, especially when demographic trends were reviewed, about whether or not the plan might
be giving a false hope that government would provide the services. Robertson said the federal and
state governments were having difficulties in balancing their budgets, and counties couldn't be
expected to make up the difference. He said it was understood the plan had been written to meet a
need; however, there were concerns about encouraging more services when preserving the present
funding would be a challenge. Robertson said he might be more interested in trying to figure out
ways to make the present transportation program sustainable as opposed to expansion and expecting
the federal and state governments to issue larger checks.
Wallace said that in preparing the study, the staff tried to refrain from showing much
expansion due to the same concerns, and he agreed the future financial picture was not "rosy." He
said only a few expansions were included, and they were pushed out to 2015. Wallace said the
federal government funding was structured in "pots" for different purposes, and there was some
flexibility to mix and mingle them. He said, however, there would probably be a continued financial
decline in each "pot," and the county would have to determine the top priorities.
Robertson mentioned the study's expansion ideas such as the Mitchell College shuttle
service, the regional provider, and a replacement for the 83X bus. He again voiced concerns about
seeking more people who would be dependent upon a government service when there was no
guarantee of future funding. Robertson said people should be encouraged to take care of themselves
and not assume the government would do this.
Commissioner Griffith asked if the county would be obligated to fund the program if the
plan were adopted.
Wallace said the county would not be obligated.
Griffith said she assumed that if only partial funding were received, the county would not
be expected to make up the difference.
Wallace said this was correct -- no specific funding was attached to the plan.
Robertson said the resolution read: "The board of commissioners accepts the
recommendations presented in the final Community Transportation Service Plan and agrees to
support implementation of these projects over the next five years. " He said that if the projects were
implemented, then there was implementation for the demand for funds. Robertson suggested a
deletion to the section reading: "agrees to support implementation of these projects over the next
five years. "
Wallace said a neighboring county had adopted a similar resolution with a disclaimer
reading: "given the availability, of funding at that time. "
Griffith agreed with Robertson on the resolution's revision.
Robertson mentioned the Charlotte bus service would not allow fares to be charged to
cover the bus costs even after people indicated they were willing to pay them.
Garrison said the department had never tried to provide services that could not be funded.
He said the plan's expansion ideas were based upon an understanding that funds would be available.
Garrison said he couldn't envision the funding, and the department was experiencing state cuts
already. He said that if state general fund money were used for the 83X bus, then funds would be
taken away from other services.
Chairman Johnson said the county had always been reluctant to subsidize the 83X bus.
Commissioner Griffith mentioned that if Mr. Garrison retired, his successor might feel the
board was in favor of expanding the services.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if students were being transported back and forth from
Statesville to Mooresville for college classes.
Garrison said they were coming from Mooresville to Statesville. He said, however, that
with the new campus in Mooresville, some students from Statesville might want transportation to the
newer facility to take classes.
Mitchell said he felt that most of the students could probably afford their own
transportation.
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Garrison said that in some cases, this was probably true. He said 80% of the students were
in Applied Science Programs, and these were the same people who were going to college due to job
displacements. Garrison said that with Iredell County's population increasing in age, ICATs would
be doing good to just maintain the targeted services.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the resolution with the revision as
presented by Commissioner Robertson. (The clause reading, "and agrees to support implementation
of these projects over the next five years" will be deleted.)
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
Resolution for the Adoption of the
Community Transportation Service Plan for Iredell County
WHEREAS, a motion was made by Commissioner Frank Mitchell for the adoption of the
following resolution, and upon being put to a vote was duly adopted.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
has approved the Iredell County Area Transportation System (ICATS) Community Transportation
Service Plan. The Board of Commissioners accepts the recommendations presented in the final
Community Transportation Service Plan. There is the understanding that this plan is fluid and
recommended timelines or projects could be altered when taking into consideration unforeseen
circumstances, such as available state, federal, and local funding.
1, Stephen D. Johnson, Chairman, Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do certify that the
Iredell County Board of Commissioners approved the above Resolution at their meeting held on
August 2, 2011.
Request to Call for a Public Hearing on August 16, 2011 Regarding the Rural
Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant Application: Transportation Director
Ben Garrison requested an August 16 public hearing for the purpose of receiving citizen comments
on the FY 12 ROAP application. He said the application would include the following requests for
funding, and the state had reduced the funding by 18.5%: Elderly/Disabled Request of $104,791;
Employment Request of $57,770; and a Rural General Public Request of $122,162.
OT10N by Commissioner Mitchell to call for a public hearing on August 16, 2011
regarding the ROAP grant application.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
David Swann, CEO for Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare, Provides an Update on the
Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan Medicaid 1915 (b)/(c) Waiver Expansion: Crossroads Executive
Director David Swann presented a PowerPoint presentation on the progress being made in
developing a managed care program and implementing the Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan for
Medicaid. Some highlights from his presentation are as follows:
Total of eight contiguous counties
Total combined population of 906,479
Currently 195 full time equivalent positions
Proposed organization of 312 full time equivalent positions
Total Medicaid eligibles ages 3 and older of 140,767
Combined state service dollars of $40,839,297
Total FY 2010-11 county service dollars of $4,589,965
Total Medicaid and state/federal funds which will be managed by the merged group of $302,411,950
Session Law 2011-264
Requires statewide expansion of Managed Care Medicaid Waiver by July 1, 2013.
Requires area authority to have a population of a minimum of 300,000 by 07/01/12 and 500,000 by 07/01/13
Requires mergers or affiliations to achieve population size.
LMEs that do not meet the size will be assigned to other programs.
Medicaid Managed Care Waivers/Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans
Used as a tool for behavioral and physical health system management
34 states currently operating Medicaid managed care waivers for behavioral health
States may apply — Center for Medicaid and Medicare services (CMS -federal) has authority to approve/deny.
Advantage for state and federal government is to manage the growth of Medicaid expenditures.
Purpose of Managed Care Waivers
The 1915 (b)/(c) Medicaid Managed Care waivers are designed to manage the growth of Medicaid funding and
maintain high quality behavioral healthcare benefit plans.
The objective: to manage a system so that a person is guided to the appropriate level of care.
Advantages to North Carolina
States are using State Medicaid waivers to implement managed care health plans to:
Improve efficiency
Improve quality and access
Cost containment
Past: contract with private Managed Care Organization
Current: Seek LMEs large enough to develop managed care capacity to manage the financial risk — converting
LMEs to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
Waivers generate predictable Medicaid costs & best practice financial incentives
Impact on number and size of LMEs (economies of scale/risk management)
Reduces the number of LMEs to minimize the cost of managing public resources
Returns Medicaid Utilization Management (UM) to the community
Combines Medicaid/State funded UM activities at the community level.
More people receive the right care, in the right amount, at the right time.
Care is coordinated across funding streams to prevent duplication or ineffective use of services/funds.
Resources can be put together to meet the needs of individuals — the whole picture.
Managed Network to ensure:
Locally managed system of services and plan
Needed capacity
Providers with quality performance are enrolled
Sufficient providers to allow for choice
Sufficient market share to support provider infrastructure and a healthy business environment
Charting the Course:
Crossroads (Iredell, Surry and Yadkin) Mental health partners (Burke and Catawba), and Pathways (Cleveland,
Gaston and Lincoln) early partnership discussions
Key considerations:
Geography/philosophy
Strength of current programs = strong foundation
Size and scope considerations matches the state's requirements.
Approach to Medicaid Waiver Plan Development
Complementary/Synergistic strengths
Foundation to build on past accomplishments (community relations, consumer involvement, IPRS service
management, CAP Utilization Review Expansion)
Joint plan from the three current LME's with board and commissioner endorsement.
Construction of Joint Plan
Balance current responsibilities while adding the duties of management for the Medicaid book of business
Add new functions — a substantial change from the historical expectations of an LME
Coordinate merger, national accreditation and waiver readiness
"Build -out" — organizational structure of the ongoing operations will be very different from current status and will
be fluid during the "build -out"
Recruit employees from current talent pool and from external applicants
Develop IT platform — alpha -MCS provides best IT platform for long-term success in a managed care
environment
Develop new role of Medical Director — substantially different in managed care/waiver environment
Care management will be a significant change for the organization and will be a critical element of the
organization's success
Re -tool financial management — very different from current organizational functioning
Design "Spoke and Hub" to ensure local presence for certain functions and centralized consolidation for others
Our Route
Detailed and dynamic implementation plan to ensure success
Joint board meeting planned for August 20
Joint CFAC meeting planned for September 8
Software implementation process
Internal workgroups assigned to manage the separate but integrated functions of merger, national
accreditation, and waiver readiness
Plan finalized for position posting/recruiting
Expansion of proposed implementation plan to more precisely define deliverables, resources and target dates
Merger of three organizations on July 1, 2012
Go live by January 2013
No action was taken or required regarding the Pre -Paid Inpatient Health Plan update.
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PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of a Franchise Request from LifeStar Emergency Services LLC based
out of Winston-Salem, NC: Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson said a franchise
application had been received from LifeStar, a for-profit emergency services company, desiring
to operate an ambulance service in Iredell County.
LifeStar CEO/President/Owner Mike Hoots said he had 28 years in emergency/rescue
services. He said David Kivett, LifeStar's Operations Manager, had 20 years of fire/rescue
service, and Travis Dalton, the logistics manager had 19 years. Hoots said LifeStar began in
Forsyth County two years ago, and it was (1) customer -service oriented (2) its business model was
based on building partnerships and (3) expansion or growth was desired. He said the company
planned to expand its services by offering Advanced Life Support (ALS) as it was now only
offering 911 back-up at the Basic Life Support level. Hoots said the company currently handled
300 calls a month, and it initially began with 3 ambulances and 25 employees. He said the
company intended to become compliant with all of the Iredell County EMS Department's
requirements.
LifeStar Operations Manager David Kivett said that in Forsyth County, the company
provided 911 back-up through county dispatches for services such as falls, colds, convalescent
services, and doctor appointments. He said some employees were EMTs, and a number of off-
duty paramedics from other counties were employed. Kivett said all employees were tested on
their skills and were provided with in-house training, plus most of the dispatchers were either
currently employed elsewhere in the profession or they were retired. He said LifeStar was
customer -service oriented, and the company stressed the importance of being punctual. Kivett said
the ambulances had GPS tracking systems which included traffic patterns and accidents. He said
LifeStar would have three ambulances in Iredell County and employ local EMTs, paramedics, and
dispatchers on a 24/7 basis.
Hoots said a goal would be to complement the county's EMS service.
Commissioner Griffith asked if any of the ambulances had ever been out of compliance
with the state standards.
Hoots said no.
Commissioner Griffith asked if LifeStar's rates would be compatible with those of NuCare.
Hoots said they would be identical in Iredell County.
Commissioner Mitchell asked how the company was paid due to the dispatches going out
of Forsyth County, and was LifeStar the only back-up provider.
Hoots said there was no subsidy from Forsyth County for LifeStar. He said NuCare also
operated in Forsyth County and provided back-up.
Commissioner Griffith asked David Cloer, Iredell County's EMS Director, if NuCare's
services were satisfactory.
Cloer said there had been issues; however, the company had been trying to correct them.
Commissioner Griffith asked if NuCare had been able to meet Iredell County's demand for
services.
Cloer said from his perspective yes, but from time -to -time there were delays.
Commissioner Griffith asked how many NuCare ambulances were in the county.
Cloer said there were five with three operating on a daily basis.
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Commissioner Griffith asked if NuCare's standards had ever been out of compliance with
the state.
Cloer said the service was closed down three years ago, as well as six months ago, due to
not meeting Iredell County's standards. He said the county standards were more stringent than the
ones for the state.
Griffith asked when LifeStar would be operational assuming the franchise were granted.
Hoots said 90 days.
Chairman Johnson asked where LifeStar was in the process to achieve ALS.
Hoots said Forsyth County did not allow LifeStar to provide ALS at this time, but it would
occur in Iredell County.
Johnson asked if the agency would be providing ALS within 90 days of an approved
franchise.
Hoots said a goal was 90 days.
Johnson asked how many calls LifeStar would have to run in a month's time to be
financially feasible.
Hoots said the break even point had not been calculated due to not knowing the actual
operating costs for Iredell County.
Griffith asked if all of NuCare's ambulances were paramedic certified.
Hoots said no.
Mitchell asked who dispatched NuCare.
Cloer said they were dispatched on their own back-up 911.
Mitchell asked how two providers would be regulated.
Cloer said other agencies with multiple providers used a call rotation basis -- one provider
responded to the first call, and then another company received the next one.
Johnson said he recalled that if a franchise were granted, the agency was contractually
obligated to respond to the calls.
Cloer said this was his understanding. He said that if the provider was in the process of
transporting a patient, but the unit was needed elsewhere for an emergency, they would next report
to the site (emergency). Cloer said an application investigation had been completed, and Forsyth
County, as well as the North Carolina Office for EMS, had given good reviews for LifeStar and
stated there were no compliance issues to date.
Commissioner Robertson asked the advantages and disadvantages in granting a franchise to
another provider.
Cloer said there would be more ambulances in the county in case of emergencies,
especially with two major interstates, and competition would make the providers better. As far as
disadvantages, Cloer said calls might be taken away from the county's EMS. He said, however,
the county wanted outside agencies to provide the non -emergency calls. Cloer said the market
share might be mixed between the services.
Robertson asked how much funding would be taken away from the county.
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Cloer said this was unknown. He said most convalescent transports costs were guaranteed
through Medicare or Medicaid.
Robertson said previously (Winter Planning Session) the EMS Director had advised about
the need for additional staff in the next five years. He asked if this would change.
Cloer said the predictions were strictly based on 911 calls, and no convalescent calls were
factored into them.
Robertson asked if EMS would need more money to operate.
Cloer said 911 calls were the primary means for EMS, but as the population aged, the
convalescent transports would increase.
Jackson said that if either provider responded for EMS back-up (non -paramedic calls), then
more money would be taken away from the county. He said currently, EMS didn't provide that
many convalescent calls.
Griffith asked if the market could support two providers in the county.
Cloer said that with the population getting older, convalescent calls would increase. He
said it would be desirable to have two operating back-up providers, especially if one went out of
business.
Johnson asked if LifeStar desired to operate county -wide.
Hoots said yes.
Cloer asked to reserve the right, assuming the request were granted, to inspect LifeStar's
ambulances and employees before the service actually began.
Jeff Corbett, a representative for NuCare, spoke in opposition to the franchise request.
Corbett mentioned that he had been told the ambulance franchise was an open market and any
provider that passed the requirements could not be denied. Corbett said he disagreed, and that
counties could regulate the amount of capacity according to market demand. He said NuCare
averaged about 460 calls a month (average of 15 calls a day), and the service operated 24/7.
Corbett said that with another provider, there would only be 7 calls a day for NuCare, and
economic viability would be in jeopardy. Corbett said he wasn't singling out LifeStar, rather this
would be the situation with any provider, and Iredell County wasn't large enough for multiple
providers. He said the board had not heard (1) why this should happen (2) that the franchise
allowed a board to not approve an application (3) that a yes vote would disrupt a well -operating
provider and (4) there were not enough calls to support two providers. Corbett requested for the
board to hold off on the vote. He said 85% of NuCare's employees lived in Iredell County.
Mitchell asked how many ambulance providers were in counties similar in size to Iredell.
Jackson said it varied. He said Catawba County had taken over its convalescent transports.
He said one reason was due to the restructuring of the Medicare/Medicaid fees which provided
more revenue than in the past.
Chairman Johnson said there was more revenue in the convalescent calls.
Jackson said the county was the security net that received the shootings, stabbings, and
indigent care calls.
Robertson asked how much EMS back-up existed at the present.
Jackson said the county's back-up went to rescue squads, and it was rare when private
services were used.
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Cloer said Forsyth County had 60,000 to 70,000 calls a year compared to Iredell's 17,000
for 911 back-ups. He said less than one percent of call volume was turned over to a provider.
Cloer said NuCare was contacted by individual people or agencies for convalescent calls.
Jackson said wait times for convalescent services were unknown, and there was potential
for two providers.
Mitchell asked if the statutes allowed the county to limit the number of providers.
Jackson said it was the county's choice, but the franchise ordinance needed to be reviewed
as to exclusiveness or non -exclusiveness. He said it was his understanding that it was non-
exclusive.
Griffith asked for a clarification from the county manager.
Smith said it was his understanding that it was nonexclusive, and this was stipulated in the
franchise ordinance. He said the ordinance read: "Conditions. A franchise may be granted if the
county,finds that: (1) The public convenience and necessity require the proposed ambulance
service. No provision of this article shall be deemed or construed as to require the granting of a
franchise when the county determines that to do so would not be in the public interest. " He said
that it was his interpretation that the request could be denied.
Rhonda Waugh said she understood there were state as well as county standards. She
asked how LifeStar performed on the county's standards.
Cloer said to this point, LifeStar had passed the standards.
Waugh said NuCare had been out of compliance twice. She asked what was in place to
make sure this didn't happen in the future.
Cloer said random inspections occurred, and a compliance person would be hired to do
monthly inspections. He said the inspections now occurred after complaints.
Johnson said LifeStar had met the requirements, to date, to meet the franchise application.
He said it was understood that Cloer reserved the right, in the future, to insure all other
requirements were met before LifeStar became operational.
Cloer said trucks, personnel, and records were reviewed in Winston-Salem, and he wanted
the right to review the same items at LifeStar's Iredell County base.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the public hearing.
Commissioner Griffith asked to be recused from the vote due to her husband being a
former employee of NuCare.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to recuse Commissioner Griffith from the vote.
VOTING: Ayes — 3; Nays — 0.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to postpone the LifeStar franchise application
decision until the August 16, 2011 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 3; Nays — 0.
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ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #4 to Appropriate Additional Funds
from the Iredell -Statesville School System for the Funding of Two Middle School Resource
Officers: County Manager Ron Smith said the sheriff's office was requesting approval of a
$96,611 budget amendment to fund two middle school resource officer positions. Additionally,
he said the school system had committed the funds for two years.
MOTIO by Commissioner Griffith to approve Budget Amendment #4.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
BA#4
8/2/2011
Account#
To appropriate additional funding from the Iredell-Statesville School System for 2 middle
school resource officers.
Current Change Amended
Proposed
Revised Budget
General
[L1 [El [GI
Requested Requested Total
Increase Decrease Amendmeote
(Icl-IBI)
IHI
Proposedevised
Budget
(JAI +IuD
Personnel
536502_1
79,917,00
Fund
13,675.00
93,592.00
Travel
536502_2
School Resource Officer
104510 472234
Reimbursement
(216,678)
(96,611)
(313,289)
105510 510002
Salaries
5,937,859
71,373
6,009,232
105510 512501
Fica
487,043
5,460
492,503
105510 512503
Retirement
750,443
8,144
758,587
105510 512502
Insurance
1,014,035
11,634
1,025,669
Request from the Criminal Justice Partnership Program Advisory Board for
Approval of a Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Amendment: Appropriate Punishment Options
Director Pam Navey requested approval of a budget amendment to decrease the operating
budget by $1,195 and the contractual line item by $12,480. She said the funds would be
transferred to the personnel budget due to two service providers (contractual line item) no longer
being available. Navey said the APO staff would handle the work previously provided by the
consultants.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the APO budget amendment.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
CURRENT BUDGET
Proposed Amendmeuls
Proposed
Revised Budget
Budget [A]
Category A faili ble Budget
and Code (column ,M from most recent
report)
[L1 [El [GI
Requested Requested Total
Increase Decrease Amendmeote
(Icl-IBI)
IHI
Proposedevised
Budget
(JAI +IuD
Personnel
536502_1
79,917,00
U,675.OU
13,675.00
93,592.00
Travel
536502_2
800.00
Contractual
536502_3 11
28,860.0U�
12,48U.UU
(12,48U.UU)
16,38U.UU
Operating
536502 4
_
11,852,U 0�
IdYS.UU
(I,IY$.dd)
]U,657.UU
Equipment
36502_5
Cu ti6u
536102_6
536502
Unallocated
536502_7
[��11
$ 121,429.00
D�"
$13,675.00
$121,429.00
.00
(56md21,42
Request from the Tax Collector for Acceptance of the Annual Settlement and the
Issuance of Tax Orders for the Sheriff and Tax Collector for the Collection of Taxes: Tax
Collector Bill Furches said G.S. 105-373 required that an annual tax settlement be presented to
the board, and tax orders needed to be issued for the sheriff and tax collector. Furches then
presented the following information regarding the 2010 taxes including the delinquents.
2010 Taxes:
Real & Personal Levy $86,455,048.64
Motor Vehicles 5,719,269.49
Add: Discoveries 766,779.94
Deduct: Releases (178,546.31)
$92,762,551.76
Collections 89,805,353.93
2010 Outstanding Taxes $2,957,197.83
Collection Rates:
All Property 96.81%
Excluding Motor Vehicles 97.42%
Motor Vehicles 87.49%
Delinquent Taxes:
Collections $2,430,423
Delinquent Taxes Outstanding $3,549,123
2011 Taxes Collected $ 259,422
The Numbers
Collected $912,048 more in current Iredell County taxes than previous year — up 1.0%n
Collected $1,285,770 more than was budgeted —101.4% of original budget
Seven year cumulative total $13.4 million over budgeted revenues
Seven year cumulative delinquent collections $13,702,635
Collected for all jurisdictions: 6-30-05 $ 94,678,859
6-30-06 99,371,101 ( 5.0% Increase)
6-30-07 112,791,286 (13.5% Increase)
6-30-08 127,699,814 (13.2% Increase)
6-30-09 144,119,894 (12.9% Increase)
6-30-10 148,391,824 ( 3.0% Increase)
6-30-11 151,241,103 ( 1.9% Increase)
Tax Collection Actions
Vehicle Tags Blocked 27,335
Tax Statements
2,404
Credit Agency
542
Debt Setoff
1,332
Garnishments
877
Payment Arrangements
106
Lien Holder Letters
317
Bank Attachments
297
Foreclosures in Process
25
Tax Collection Problems
Bankruptcies 368 for $350,699 (348 for $1,059,255 FY2010)
Foreclosures filed 1,337 (Increase from 1,208)
Vehicle Taxes 6.1% of total levy — 24.1% of delinquencies - $713,187
12
Debt Setoff
Calendar years 2002-2010 ranked 20TH in the state out of 405 units of government participating
with $1,210,273 collected. Iredell County did not participate in 2002 and 2003. In 2007 we
ranked 9TH in the state with $251,876 in collections with a 68% increase over the prior year. In
2008 we ranked 28TH in the state with $188,527. In 2009 we ranked 40TH in the state with
$153,564. In 2010 we ranked 27TH in the state with $198,220. For all years, we rank 15TH
among counties.
Furches said the 2011 tax invoices would be mailed on August 10. He mentioned the
Towns of Mooresville and Davidson had implemented their own solid waste fees, and these
would be included on the tax bills.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to accept the settlement and to issue the tax
orders for the sheriff and tax collector.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( ORDER )
TO: THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY OF IREDELL
You are hereby authorized, empowered, and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed
in the Office of the Tax Assessor and in the tax receipts herewith delivered to you, in the amounts and from the
taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the
respective taxpayers in the County of Iredell, and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct,
require and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers, for and on account
thereof, in accordance with law.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( ORDER )
TO: THE TAX COLLECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF IREDELL
You are hereby authorized, empowered, and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed
in the Office of the Tax Assessor and in the tax receipts herewith delivered to you, in the amounts and from the
taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the
respective taxpayers in the County of Iredell, and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct,
require and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers, for and on account
thereof, in accordance with law.
Request to Call for a Public Hearing on August 16, 2011 to Obtain Citizen
Comments and Input on the 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the
Providencia USA Rail Spur Project: Finance Director Blumenstein said the Providencia
CDBG project had been completed, and a public hearing was required for close out.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to call for a public hearing on August 16, 2011 to
obtain citizen comments on the 2008 CDBG for the Providencia USA Rail Spur Project.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
13
Collection Rates Last Nine Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year
Original Collection Rate
Current Collection Rate
2010
96.77%
99.44%
2009
96.89%
99.37%
2008
97.58%
99.52%
2007
96.80%
99.28%
2006
96.85%
99.57%
2005
96.94%
99.63%
2004
96.17%
99.58%
2003
96.30%
99.58%
2002
95.81%
99.50%
Average
96.68%
99.50%
Debt Setoff
Calendar years 2002-2010 ranked 20TH in the state out of 405 units of government participating
with $1,210,273 collected. Iredell County did not participate in 2002 and 2003. In 2007 we
ranked 9TH in the state with $251,876 in collections with a 68% increase over the prior year. In
2008 we ranked 28TH in the state with $188,527. In 2009 we ranked 40TH in the state with
$153,564. In 2010 we ranked 27TH in the state with $198,220. For all years, we rank 15TH
among counties.
Furches said the 2011 tax invoices would be mailed on August 10. He mentioned the
Towns of Mooresville and Davidson had implemented their own solid waste fees, and these
would be included on the tax bills.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to accept the settlement and to issue the tax
orders for the sheriff and tax collector.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( ORDER )
TO: THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY OF IREDELL
You are hereby authorized, empowered, and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed
in the Office of the Tax Assessor and in the tax receipts herewith delivered to you, in the amounts and from the
taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the
respective taxpayers in the County of Iredell, and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct,
require and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers, for and on account
thereof, in accordance with law.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( ORDER )
TO: THE TAX COLLECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF IREDELL
You are hereby authorized, empowered, and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed
in the Office of the Tax Assessor and in the tax receipts herewith delivered to you, in the amounts and from the
taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the
respective taxpayers in the County of Iredell, and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct,
require and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers, for and on account
thereof, in accordance with law.
Request to Call for a Public Hearing on August 16, 2011 to Obtain Citizen
Comments and Input on the 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the
Providencia USA Rail Spur Project: Finance Director Blumenstein said the Providencia
CDBG project had been completed, and a public hearing was required for close out.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to call for a public hearing on August 16, 2011 to
obtain citizen comments on the 2008 CDBG for the Providencia USA Rail Spur Project.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
13
Providencla
Grant Project Ordinance June 30, 2011
Fat ct No.
10336
Land Improvements
107,500
Buildings & Improvements
A6 of 7113/2011
Land
105,000
Contingency
8,200
P.;ad
Ordinance
No Year
Curall FY
P%edte
Balance
Actual
Actual
Cale
Remaining
EncuoGau.
3364720
434203
10336
SCDOT Rai Acoes Grant
(150.0cin
0
(1501000)
0
(15D,000)
0.00
3364720
43930)
10336
Sales Tax Refund
0
0
(17,438)
0
(17,936)
17,435.55
3364720
439403
10336
CDBG-ED Grad
(560,000)
0
(627,700)
0
(527,7001
(32,XUO)
3364720
439418
10336
Business ConNburon
(86,670)
(56093)
1,618
0
(54,476)
132,194.29)
3364720
439433
10336
Noft Southern Ra and
(100,000)
0
(100,000)
0
(10),000)
0.00
3364720
439432
10336
Ahvieder Raaosd
(50,000)
0
(50,000)
0
(501000)
0.00
3364720
439433
10330
Comanee of 3130
0
14,000)
0
0
(4,000)
4,01K),00
3364720
487800
10336
Cash 0.u(Short)
0
0
0
0
0
000
(946,670)
(60,093)
1843,616)
0403611
(43,058.741
3365720
520005
10336
Rmlaesenai Soubse Other
30,0130
5,033
25,100
0
33,133
(13320)
3365120
520010
10316
Prolessbnal Servicee-Design
85,Oc0
27,771
57,229
0
85,000
000
3365720
520016
10336
P f&aeNtes-EnrPonmenlel
4,000
4,000
0
0
4,000
0.130
3365720
630200
10336
Contingency
17,160
0
0
0
0
17,18000
3365720
680220
10336
Qcmh co Gccf4Hher
73,5130
0
73169
0
73,199
311.00
3365720
580240
10336
Ra7Coaumeton
736,M
23,289
688,000
0
711,289
25,70100
946.870
80,004
843b18
0
903.611
43A58,74
Request for Approval of a $370,650 Project Ordinance for the Scotts Rosenwald
Park: Parks and Recreation Director Robert Woody said a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
(PARTF) grant was recently awarded to the county in the amount of $183,650. He said that in
addition, there was a request to recognize a land/building donation in the amount of $187,000 that
would be used as a match for the grant.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the Scotts Rosenwald Project Ordinance.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
Iredell County, North Carolina
Capital Project Fund
Scotts Rosenwald Park
Be it Ordained by the Board of County Com missloncrs of Iredell County, North Carolina:
Original
Section 1. Funds for this Capital Project Fund will be provided from the following Ordinance
ou rces:
DENR PARTF Grant $ 183,650
Donations 187,000
$ 370,650
Section 2. The following costs for the design, construction and equipping
of the Iredell County Scotts Rosenwald Park shall be paid by this fund.
Professional Services - Other
$ 3,450
Land Improvements
107,500
Buildings & Improvements
146,500
Land
105,000
Contingency
8,200
$ 370,650
Section 3. This Capital Project Fund shall continue until the projects are complete.
Section 4. The County Manager is authorized to transfer funds from Contigency to other expenditure line Items
with a report to the board of commissioners at Its next meeting.
Section 5. Payments from this Capital Project Fund shall be authorized by the County Manager or his designee.
Request for Approval of the July 19, 2011 Minutes: OTION by Commissioner
Mitchell to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
14
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Animal Grievance Committee (I appointment): Commissioner Robertson nominated
Keith Loudermilt as an alternate.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Loudermilt by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
Recreation Advisory Board (I appointment): Commissioner Robertson nominated
Rob Jackson.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Jackson by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Johnson read a letter from Mrs. Ruth Hope as follows:
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
My husband, Johnny L. Hope Sr., is in the last stages of heart failure, and we have
always paid our taxes. When the economy bottomed out, so did our bankers and our renters.
We intend on paying our taxes in full, but due to the landjust lying there, we have no buyers and
we have been unable to catch up on our taxes. Why not put liens on the property instead of
taking our rents which in turn make us unable to make our bank payments? It seems the county
wants control of the land. Now that we are having this problem, how is our county and city
willing to help us?"
Chairman Johnson said he was sympathetic to Mrs. Hope's concerns, but at the same
time, he wanted to congratulate Mr. Furches. He continued by saying, "I have worked with him
(Furches) on this case to some extent, and Mr. Furches has done a good job in trying to work with
these folks to alleviate their difficulty. He is to be congratulated, while at the same time, I'm
sympathetic for Mrs. Hope, who is a dear friend of mine. I appreciate your indulgence."
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Smith provided information on
the following:
Abandoned Mobile Home Program: This was initiated in November 2010, and a grant from the
state is being used. Individual mobile homes are allotted $1,000 for demolishment and recycling.
The goal for this year is 15 homes, and 9 have either been demolished or scheduled for
demolishment. Contractor costs are about $750 a home, and this was estimated at $1,000. The
revenues are on course, and the public has paid over $1,400 in demolition permits. Tipping fees
have been waived for the homes voluntarily taken to the landfill.
Planning Department Reviewing Former Rezonings: The planning department is reviewing the
former quasi-judicial conditional use rezonings. Some of these might be placed before the board at
a future date with a different zoning classification request. This action is occurring with the belief
that when the economy improves, some of the present classifications might be a hindrance to
economic development.
CLOSED SESSION: OTIO by Chairman Johnson, at 9:15 P.M., to enter into
closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) - Personnel, G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) - Legal, and
G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) - Property Acquisition.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:30 P.M.)
15
ADJOURN: OTIO by Chairman Johnson to adjourn at 9:30 P.M. (NEXT
MEETING: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 7 P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center, 200
South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0.
Approval:
16
Clerk to the Board