HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 20 2011 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
DECEMBER 20, 2011
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, December 20, 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
Vice Chairman Marvin Norman
Renee Griffith
Frank Mitchell
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County
Manager Tracy Jackson, Planning/Transportation Director Joey Raczkowski, EMS Director
David Cloer, Inspections/Special Projects Director Lynn Niblock, and Clerk to the Board Jean
Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Boy Scout Troop 175, chartered by Broad Street
Methodist Church in Statesville, NC, led the Pledge.
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to
approve the agenda with the following adjustment.
Addition: Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #30 to Create an EMS Special
Services Enterprise Fund & Appropriate Funds from Inception through June 30, 2012
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for an Undisclosed Company
Based on a $5 Million to $5.5 Million Investment in Iredell County: John Marek, with the
Statesville Regional Development Corporation, requested an incentive for the C. R. Onsrud
Company based in Troutman, NC. He provided the following information about the company and
its expansion plans.
• Manufacturer of CNC routers for the aerospace, marine, furniture, and general manufacturing
sector, plus services these products
• Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012 on a 30,000 sq. ft. expansion,
contingent upon permitting, with completion estimated for the third quarter of 2012
• Equipment will be added between the third quarter of 2012 & first quarter of 2013
• Company plans a $5 million to $5.5 million capital investment over a 14 -month period
($1.5 million in building and $3.5 million to $4 million in capital equipment/fixtures)
• 30 new jobs will be created (10 in first year; 10 in 2°d year; and 10 in year 3 with
average wages at 140% of county average)
• Between $84,711 to $92,656 (over five years) is the incentive request
Marek said the expansion would increase the vertical integration of the company's
manufacturing processes to remain competitive with offshore competitors.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the $84,711 to $92,656 incentive, over a
five-year period, based on the company's investment ranging between $5 million to $5.5 million
and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for an Undisclosed Company
Based on a $9 Million Investment in Iredell County: Statesville Regional Development
Corporation Executive Director Mike Smith requested a $143,001 incentive for the Pate Dawson
Company based on a $9 million investment. Smith said the 100 -year old company, based in
Goldsboro, NC, was in the food service distribution business. Smith provided the following
information about the company's plans.
• 49 new jobs will be created with average wages of $47,531
• An existing shell building in the Statesville Business Park will be enlarged by 63,000 sq. ft. for a
total of 105,000 sq. ft.
• Additional phases are planned (Phase 2 with 250,000 sq. ft. and Phase 3 with 350,000 sq. ft.)
Smith said this was a good example of a private/public partnership.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson closed the hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the $143,001 incentive, over a five-year
period, based upon the $9 million investment and contingent upon a contract being executed within
180 days.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays — 0.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of Budget Amendment #24 to
Appropriate Funding from Seized Funds to SCAN, Inc: Mike Phillips, with the Sheriff's
Office said the SCAN organization was a non-profit child abuse advocacy facility that worked
with the department's special needs victims. He requested approval to transfer $5,000 in seized
funds to the organization.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #24.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
BA#24
12/20/2011
To appropriate funds to SCAN, Inc from Seized Funds in the Sheriffs Department.
Account #
Current
Change
Amended
104880 499401
105510 574240
Appropriated Fund Balance - Seized
SCAN
(300,000)
(5,000)
5,000
(305,000)
5,000
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #25 to Appropriate Additional Funding to
Mitchell Community College for Operating Costs: County Manager Ron Smith said community
college officials had requested financial assistance due to increased utility and operating costs. He
said the college had the following two requests:
1. An additional allocation of $125,000 for current year's operating expenses.
2. Permission to use up to $125,000 of already allocated capital expense funds
for operating expenses.
2
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #25.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
BA#25
12/20/2011
Account # Current Chane Amended
105480 5302.00
Contingency
250,000
(125,000)
125,000
105700 5604.03
MCC - Capital Outlay
510,591
(125,000)
385,591
105700 5604.01
MCC - Current Expense
2,571,530
250,000
2,821,530
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #26 to Transfer Funds from Appropriated
Fund Balance, Contingency, and Depreciable Assets to Depreciable Assets Computers in the
Code Enforcement Budget to Complete the Ongoing MUNIS Permitting Software Project:
County Manager Ron Smith said this request involved the following two components as follows:
1. It has been determined that not enough funds are available for the new permitting system,
plus it was discovered there was a need for a content management system. The content management
system will allow Finance, Human Resources, and other departments to prepare digital copies of
records allowing better access of the materials to the county departments as well as the public. The
project will cost $41,690 and it is recommended that $16,690 be taken from contingency leaving a
remaining cost of $25,000.
2. Previously, $25,000 was received in a settlement from a company that failed to complete
the permitting software project. The money was placed in the general fund. These funds will be
transferred to the Code Enforcement Department for completion of both projects (MUNIS permitting
system and content management system).
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #26.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #27 to Recognize Funding from the Dept.
of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention for Additional Appropriations to the Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council's Community Based Youth Gang Violence Programs Managed by
Appropriate Placement Options & the Barium Springs Home for Children: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein said this amendment was to recognize an additional $54,407 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for juvenile justice delinquency prevention. She said the
funding would be for two current agencies (Appropriate Placement Options and Barium Springs
Home for Children) to continue their gang prevention programs. Blumenstein said there were no
county dollars involved.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #27.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
3
To appropriate from Fund Balance $25,000 received from Concord Engineering on
5/10/2011 from the
Settlement on LDO Project for additional consultation, $25,000 currently budgeted for unexpected
equipment
BA#26
needs, and $16,690 from Contingency for implementation and training costs to be incurred
with the new MUNIS
12/20/2011
software modules and the addition of a content management system.
Account#
Current
Change
Amended
104880 4995.00
Appropriated Fund Balance
-
(25,000)
(25,000)
105480 5302.00
Contingency
125,000
(16,690)
108,310
105480 6100.00
Depreciable Assets
25,000
(25,000)
-
105562 6101.50
Depreciable Assets - Computer
47,515
66,690
114,205
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #27 to Recognize Funding from the Dept.
of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention for Additional Appropriations to the Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council's Community Based Youth Gang Violence Programs Managed by
Appropriate Placement Options & the Barium Springs Home for Children: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein said this amendment was to recognize an additional $54,407 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for juvenile justice delinquency prevention. She said the
funding would be for two current agencies (Appropriate Placement Options and Barium Springs
Home for Children) to continue their gang prevention programs. Blumenstein said there were no
county dollars involved.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #27.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
3
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #28 to Appropriate $123,106 of Fund
Balance Reserved for Schools to the Iredell -Statesville Schools for Capital Outlay: Finance
Director Susan Blumenstein said the school system had requested the withdrawal of $123,106 that
resulted from interest earnings on previous bond accounts. She said the funds had been carried over
to this fiscal year, and the school system now desired to use the money for the Career Technical
Academy project.
Commissioner Mitchell asked about the next phase for the technical academy.
Dr. Kenny Miller, with the school system, said the projects were based on the curriculum
design and a digital media class would begin in the fall of 2012.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the funds were enough to finish the project.
Miller said no, and that additional funds would be used.
Robertson asked if the school system had enough funds identified and appropriated to
complete the project.
Miller said yes, and these funds would be for the design work and the initial work for the
building. He said CTE funds, identified in the career technical education program, would pay for the
equipment.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #28.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
BA#28
tzrz0n0tt
04880 4993.00
05700 5600.02
appropriate Fund Balance Reserved for Schools to Iredell-Statesville Schools Capital Outlay per
uest. Funds to be used for next phase of the Career Academy and Technical School.
Fund Balance - Schools
- Capital Outlay
(1,400)1 (123,106)
2,143,139 1 123,106 1 2,266,245
Request for Approval of Lottery Proceeds Applications Submitted by the Iredell-
Statesville Schools Totaling $501,807 and Approval of Budget Amendment #29 to Recognize
the Funds (Projects: Lighting Upgrades at Five Schools, Brawley Middle School Parking Lot
& Entrance Contract and Woodland Heights Water/Wastewater Upgrade): Finance Director
Blumenstein said the school system had submitted lottery applications totaling $501,807. She said
the funds were available and on deposit with the State Treasurer. Blumenstein said a budget
amendment was being requested to allow the county to immediately transfer the funds to the school
system once received.
Commissioner Robertson asked if this request would use up all of the lottery funds.
Dr. Miller said approximately $10,000 would remain.
4
To recognize funding from DJJDP for additional appropriations for the JCPC Community -Based Youth Gang
Violence programs managed by Appropriate Placement Options and Barium Springs Home for Children.
BA#27
12/20/2011
Account#
Current Change Amended
394486 4341.22
ARRA - JCPC Gang Prevention Grnt
(54,407)
(54,407)
395486 5634.01
ARRA -Appro Placement Options
22,518
22,518
395486 5634.02
ARRA - Barium Springs HC
31,889
31,889
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #28 to Appropriate $123,106 of Fund
Balance Reserved for Schools to the Iredell -Statesville Schools for Capital Outlay: Finance
Director Susan Blumenstein said the school system had requested the withdrawal of $123,106 that
resulted from interest earnings on previous bond accounts. She said the funds had been carried over
to this fiscal year, and the school system now desired to use the money for the Career Technical
Academy project.
Commissioner Mitchell asked about the next phase for the technical academy.
Dr. Kenny Miller, with the school system, said the projects were based on the curriculum
design and a digital media class would begin in the fall of 2012.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the funds were enough to finish the project.
Miller said no, and that additional funds would be used.
Robertson asked if the school system had enough funds identified and appropriated to
complete the project.
Miller said yes, and these funds would be for the design work and the initial work for the
building. He said CTE funds, identified in the career technical education program, would pay for the
equipment.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #28.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
BA#28
tzrz0n0tt
04880 4993.00
05700 5600.02
appropriate Fund Balance Reserved for Schools to Iredell-Statesville Schools Capital Outlay per
uest. Funds to be used for next phase of the Career Academy and Technical School.
Fund Balance - Schools
- Capital Outlay
(1,400)1 (123,106)
2,143,139 1 123,106 1 2,266,245
Request for Approval of Lottery Proceeds Applications Submitted by the Iredell-
Statesville Schools Totaling $501,807 and Approval of Budget Amendment #29 to Recognize
the Funds (Projects: Lighting Upgrades at Five Schools, Brawley Middle School Parking Lot
& Entrance Contract and Woodland Heights Water/Wastewater Upgrade): Finance Director
Blumenstein said the school system had submitted lottery applications totaling $501,807. She said
the funds were available and on deposit with the State Treasurer. Blumenstein said a budget
amendment was being requested to allow the county to immediately transfer the funds to the school
system once received.
Commissioner Robertson asked if this request would use up all of the lottery funds.
Dr. Miller said approximately $10,000 would remain.
4
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #29.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for an Amendment to the Twin Oaks Golf Course Lease: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein said this item was first presented for consideration on November 15, 2011, and
since that time, Patti Keath had been negotiating with Chris Odom in regards to him becoming a
partner in Twin Oaks Golf Club, LLC. Blumenstein said that in 2008, Iredell County received
proposals from golf course operators to lease the property at 320 Twin Oaks Road, and subsequently
leased the property to Twin Oaks Golf Club LLC for a period of nine years. She said the county's
intent in leasing the property was to eliminate buildings and grounds maintenance costs.
Blumenstein said the golf club now desired to improve the property/equipment, and based on past
history, David Lambert, the Solid Waste Director, had estimated the golf course property would not
be needed for solid waste disposal or cover soils for at least 24 years. She noted, however, that
disposal rates and future technologies could change the estimate of when the site might be needed.
Blumenstein then reviewed the proposed lease changes as follows:
Term: The existing lease is for the period December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2017.
Recommend termination of the existing lease on December 31, 2011 and execute a new lease
beginning January, 1, 2012 continuing until December 30, 2020.
Rent: The existing lease requires monthly rental payments of $2,000 plus 3% of the gross annual
revenue due within twenty days after the final accounting for the prior year but not later than
March 31".
Recommend monthly rental payments of $2,000, with a waiver for the existing lease for
December, 2011 and for the months of January, 2012 through August, 2012, for the new lease.
Monthly rental payments will be increased 4% January 1, 2013 with an additional 4% increase
each subsequent year through January 1, 2020. In addition, the percentage of gross annual
revenue due to Iredell County will remain at 3% far the lease terminating December 31, 2011
payment of which is due no later than March 31, 2012. Beginning with the calendar year ending
December 31, 2012, and each subsequent year thereafter, Twin Oaks Golf Club LLC will pay
3.5% of the gross annual revenue within twenty days after the final accounting for the prior
calendar year but not later than March 31.
Termination: The existing lease may be terminated by either party without cause upon 90 -days
notice.
Recommend termination by either party without cause with one-year notice by Twin Oaks Golf
Course LLC and seven year's notice by Iredell County.
Commissioner Griffith asked why the termination clause was being amended to seven
years.
Blumenstein said Twin Oaks was going to make major improvements, and the extended
lease would offer some security to the owners on their investment.
Griffith asked why the company was requesting that no lease payments occur from
December 2011 to August 2012.
Blumenstein said the golf course company would be making an investment into the
property during that time. She said the rental rate and percentage in sales had been increased to
account for these months.
k,
To recognize Lottery Proceeds for I -SS application for Lighting Upgrade Debt Service Payment,
$100,000 for Woodland
Heights Elementary, and $148,156
for Brawley
Middle Parking Lot
BA#29
improvements.
12.20.11
Account #
Current
Change
Amended
General
Fund
104700457101
Lottery Proceeds - ISS
(735,651)
(501,807)
(1,237,458)
105700 560004
ISS - Lottery Projects
735,651
501,807
1,237,458
Request for an Amendment to the Twin Oaks Golf Course Lease: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein said this item was first presented for consideration on November 15, 2011, and
since that time, Patti Keath had been negotiating with Chris Odom in regards to him becoming a
partner in Twin Oaks Golf Club, LLC. Blumenstein said that in 2008, Iredell County received
proposals from golf course operators to lease the property at 320 Twin Oaks Road, and subsequently
leased the property to Twin Oaks Golf Club LLC for a period of nine years. She said the county's
intent in leasing the property was to eliminate buildings and grounds maintenance costs.
Blumenstein said the golf club now desired to improve the property/equipment, and based on past
history, David Lambert, the Solid Waste Director, had estimated the golf course property would not
be needed for solid waste disposal or cover soils for at least 24 years. She noted, however, that
disposal rates and future technologies could change the estimate of when the site might be needed.
Blumenstein then reviewed the proposed lease changes as follows:
Term: The existing lease is for the period December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2017.
Recommend termination of the existing lease on December 31, 2011 and execute a new lease
beginning January, 1, 2012 continuing until December 30, 2020.
Rent: The existing lease requires monthly rental payments of $2,000 plus 3% of the gross annual
revenue due within twenty days after the final accounting for the prior year but not later than
March 31".
Recommend monthly rental payments of $2,000, with a waiver for the existing lease for
December, 2011 and for the months of January, 2012 through August, 2012, for the new lease.
Monthly rental payments will be increased 4% January 1, 2013 with an additional 4% increase
each subsequent year through January 1, 2020. In addition, the percentage of gross annual
revenue due to Iredell County will remain at 3% far the lease terminating December 31, 2011
payment of which is due no later than March 31, 2012. Beginning with the calendar year ending
December 31, 2012, and each subsequent year thereafter, Twin Oaks Golf Club LLC will pay
3.5% of the gross annual revenue within twenty days after the final accounting for the prior
calendar year but not later than March 31.
Termination: The existing lease may be terminated by either party without cause upon 90 -days
notice.
Recommend termination by either party without cause with one-year notice by Twin Oaks Golf
Course LLC and seven year's notice by Iredell County.
Commissioner Griffith asked why the termination clause was being amended to seven
years.
Blumenstein said Twin Oaks was going to make major improvements, and the extended
lease would offer some security to the owners on their investment.
Griffith asked why the company was requesting that no lease payments occur from
December 2011 to August 2012.
Blumenstein said the golf course company would be making an investment into the
property during that time. She said the rental rate and percentage in sales had been increased to
account for these months.
k,
Commissioner Robertson noted the payback schedule assumed that sales would
continually increase. He asked why there had been a 17% loss of revenue during one time
period.
Patti Keath, with the golf course, said a groundskeeper had applied the wrong product on
the greens, and this had harmed their appearance. She said the greens had now improved, plus
another positive was that one partner was a PGA pro who would be providing clinics and holding
tournaments to increase the revenue.
Chad Odom said the revenue projections were conservative. He said there was an effort
being made to turn the facility into a place with affordable golf for families, and a goal was for
the business to be a "highlight' for the county.
Chairman Johnson said he assumed the lease was written to indicate that if the payments
were not made, termination would be immediate.
Attorney Pope said he had never drafted a lease that didn't protect the landlord.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the lease changes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 1 (Griffith)
Request to Call for a Public Hearing on January 3, 2012 Regarding a Release of Zoning
& Subdivision Jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville (Location: 1.796 Acre Parcel between
Brawley School Road & Swift Arrow Drive in Mooresville, NC): Planning Director Joey
Raczkowski said Dale Tweedy, with Stonegate Developers LLC, had submitted this release request.
He said the property was owned by David B. & Eileen M. Rainess and was proposed to be used as a
1,400 square foot "drive -up" grocery store called Swiss Farms. Raczkowski said the release was
being requested in order to receive water and sewer services from the Town of Mooresville.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to call for the public hearing as requested.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Health Department for Approval of New Current Procedural
Terminology Codes (CPTs) & Related Fees: Health Director Donna Campbell requested new
CPT codes and fees as follows:
CPT Code 81015: urine microscopic $ 13.00
CPT Code 59425: antepartum care only 4-6 visits $ 850.00
CPT Code 59426: antepartum care only 7+ visits $1,300.00
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the request as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the EMS Department for the EMS Director to Create a Specialty Services
Ambulance Division: EMS Director David Cloer said that at the last meeting, he was directed to
create a long-term plan for convalescent transport services. He said that on December 16, 2011, the
department started providing the non -emergency calls, and a long-term plan involving a loan from the
general fund was being requested to start an enterprise fund.
Chairman Johnson added that in a previous meeting with the staff, a directive had been given
to create a business plan where the county would loan the initial capital and operational costs for the
startup. He said there was an understanding the department would pay the county back over a period
of time (within five years). He said from that point on, an enterprise fund would be used to operate the
service. Johnson said he understood the complexities, but as much as possible, an enterprise system
method should be used.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the convalescent enterprise fund could be used to pay for
additional ambulances for emergency services.
6
County Manager Smith said that in the first five years there would be a $100,000 payment to
the general fund, and the program would be treated as much as possible as an enterprise fund. He said
that from that point on, the county might be able to offset costs in the 911 side based on additional
revenues.
Blumenstein noted these activities would be governmental functions, and the county would not
be issuing any public debt as was done in the solid waste department with its enterprise fund. She said
the solid waste revenues had been pledged for the debt which would not be the case for EMS. She
said the EMS plan funded the depreciation, and funds would be set aside for ambulance replacements
and equipment.
Commissioner Griffith asked how many convalescent calls had occurred since December 16.
Cloer said about 52.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to allow the EMS Director to create a Specialty Services
Ambulance Division.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #30 to Create an EMS Special Services
Enterprise Fund & Appropriate Funds from Inception through June 30, 2012: Finance Director
Blumenstein said this budget amendment would appropriate $500,000 as a loan to the EMS Special
Services Enterprise Fund. She said it would be shown as a receivable from that fund next June 30.
Blumenstein said it also appropriated the funds needed to operate through June 30 for the gap, plus the
operation period through June 30`h, and recognized $486,780 in anticipated received fees.
Commissioner Robertson asked the lag time for Medicare and Medicare from invoicing to the
receipt of funds.
Blumenstein said around 40 to 45 days total. She said these were pre -approved trips and
Medicare turned around within 14 days.
Chairman Johnson asked when the first payment to the county might be received.
Blumenstein said 2013.
OTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve Budget Amendment #30 to create the EMS
Special Services Enterprise Fund and to appropriate the funds from inception through June 30, 2012.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Budget Amendment
Fiscal Year 2011.12
To create EMS Special Services Enterprise Fund and appropriate funds from inception through June
30, 2012.
BA#30
12.20.11
Account# Current Chanae Amended
%I
General Fund
104880 499500
Appropriated Fund Balance
-
(500,000)
(500,000)
105780 576050
Loan to EMS Special Services
-
500,000
500,000
EMS Special Services
Enterprise Fund
574542 471030
Convalescent Transport Fees
-
(486,780)
(486,780)
574880 495010
Loan from General Fund
-
(500,000)
(500,000)
575542 510002
Salaries & Wages -Regular
-
138,050
138,050
575442 510003
Salaries & Wages - Part time
-
2,920
2,920
575442 510004
Salaries & Wages - Overtime
-
78,995
78,995
%I
575442 512501
FICA
-
16,830
16,830
575442 512502
Health Insurance
-
31,765
31,765
575442 512503
Retirement
-
25,960
25,960
575542 531500
Insurance & Bonds
-
600
600
575542 532502
Main & Repairs - Vehicles
-
2,000
2,000
575542 534500
Rental Payments - Buildings
-
4,000
4,000
575542 534501
Rental Payments - Equipment
-
24,000
24,000
575542 535000
Supplies - Departmental
-
15,600
15,600
575542 535004
Supplies -Vehicle Fuel
-
27,000
27,000
575542 535005
Supplies - Vehicle Other
-
1,250
1,250
575542 535016
Supplies -Ambulance
-
17,000
17,000
575542 535500
Telephone
-
3,060
3,060
575542 536600
Uniforms
-
21,640
21,640
575542 537508
Contracted Services - Other
-
36,500
36,500
575542 610000
Depreciable Assets
-
142,000
142,000
575542 620000
Non -depreciable Assets
-
20,000
20,000
575542 650000
Vehicles
-
340,000
340,000
575542 530200
Continaencv
-
37,610
37,610
Request for Approval of the October and November 2011 Refunds & Releases: County
Manager Smith said the tax office was recommending approval of the October and November refunds
and releases.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the refunds and releases as presented.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Monthly
$155,800.18
Releases for the Month of October 2011
Total
County
$
5,100.78
Solid Waste Fees
$
Breakdown of Releases:
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
County
$
81,075.18
10.15
Solid Waste Fees
$
159.00
All County Fire #4
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
$
Shepherd's Fire 2
$
522.65
572.45
Mt. Mourne Fire#3
$
135.89
Downtown
All County Fire #4
$
2,382.07
$
B&F Fire #5
$
711.93
Statesville City
$
4,826.78
Statesville Downtown
$
3.08
Mooresville Town
$
52,970.22
Mooresville Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
7,116.15
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
-
Troutman
$
5,762.85
Davidson
$
134.38
Monthly
Refunds for the Month
of October 2011
Total
$11,904.86
8
Breakdown of Refunds:
County
$
5,100.78
Solid Waste Fees
$
-
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
10.15
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
-
All County Fire #4
$
61.68
B&F Fire #5
$
7.07
Statesville City
$
572.45
Statesville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
5,080.26
8
Mooresville Downtown
$ -
Mooresville School
$ 1,072.47
Love Valley
$ -
Harmony
$ -
Troutman
$ -
Davidson
$ -
Releases for the Month of November 2011
Breakdown of Releases:
County
$
86,023.98
Solid Waste Fees
$
104.00
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
2,182.08
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
570.47
All County Fire #4
$
1,914.74
B&F Fire #5
$
1,519.22
Statesville City
$
4,894.66
Statesville Downtown
$
15.88
Mooresville Town
$
32,930.19
Mooresville Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
4,179.46
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
-
Troutman
$
12,140.67
Davidson
$
-
Refunds for the Month of November 2011
Monthly
Total
$146,475.35
Monthly
Total
$2,888.08
Request for Approval of the December 6, 2011 Minutes: OTION by Chairman Johnson
to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
Juvenile Crime Prevention Program Committee (1 announcement)
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Breakdown of Refunds:
County
$
2,338.98
Solid Waste Fees
$
-
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
-
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
2.45
All County Fire #4
$
298.59
B&F Fire #5
$
-
Statesville City
$
94.77
Statesville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
124.35
Mooresville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
28.94
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
Troutman
$
Davidson
$
Monthly
Total
$146,475.35
Monthly
Total
$2,888.08
Request for Approval of the December 6, 2011 Minutes: OTION by Chairman Johnson
to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
Juvenile Crime Prevention Program Committee (1 announcement)
9
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND
Facilities Task Force for Schools (1 appointment/western zone): MOTIO by Commissioner
Mitchell to postpone this appointment until the next meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Nursing Home Advisory Committee (1 appointment): MOTION by Commissioner Robertson
to postpone this appointment.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Red Line Project: Commissioner Robertson requested the county attorney to research
four questions pertaining to the Red Line Project. He said the Department of Transportation had
previously discussed financial options available to fund the project. Robertson said, "At the last
meeting we were told about special assessment districts and tax increment financings. It was
presented to us that if we were to support the Red Line concept, the general public in Iredell
County would not be affected. Sometimes when things don't seem quite right, it makes me ask a
few questions. They said in order for these special assessment districts to be allowed, the
members of the district would have to vote the tax increase upon themselves. What I did not get
answered was: Who votes to be in the district? For instance, if there is a convenience store, and
it's owned by a chain, who votes? If there is a grocery store next to it that is worth ten times the
amount of money, or ten times the land, and it is also owned by a chain, who gets to vote, and
are the votes the same? This relates to the biggest property owner, Lowes, so does that mean the
CEO of Lowes votes, and is his vote the same as the convenience store company? Who gets to
vote?"
Attorney Pope asked if Mr. Robertson wanted to know if the owner or tenant voted.
Commissioner Robertson said, "No, as I'm sure it will be the owner, but if the owner is a
corporation, who votes? How is it determined who votes? My next question is: Is it weighted?
If someone has a parcel number, and if you have a parcel number, you get to vote once, but if
your parcel is a third of an acre worth $20,000 while someone else has six acres worth a million
dollars, they both have one pin number, they only get to vote once. My farm has four pin
numbers, if I were a business, and my business was on four different parcels, do I get to vote four
times? Compared to someone else whose business has only one parcel, do they get to vote once?
Who gets to vote, and how is it weighted?"
Robertson said, "We are a subset of state government and we have had members of the
General Assembly to excuse different categories of different people from paying county taxes.
My third question is: If property owners along the Red Line in fact get themselves to be in one
of the special assessment districts, can the General Assembly then vote, after the fact, to exclude
certain property owners or categories from having to pay the taxes in that district."
Robertson continued by saying, "My final and fourth question is: If there are shortfalls to
these exemptions that the General Assembly might be able to give people, or if there are just
general shortfalls period, then, is the county on the hook to make up those differences? I asked
question number four multiple times, and he (Red Line representative) basically said, `No that
just can't happen, that just can't happen.' Anybody that's been awake for the last four years
knows there have been a lot of people who thought they were going to have money, and they
don't have money. Bad things happen when you don't have the money you thought you were
going to have. I just want to know if anything bad is going to happen to us."
The four questions were:
1. Who gets to vote?
2. How is it weighted?
3. If property owners along the Red Line in fact get themselves to be in one of the
special assessment districts, can the General Assembly then vote, after the fact, to
exclude certain property owners or categories from having to pay the taxes in that
district?
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4. If there are shortfalls to these exemptions that the General Assembly might be able to
give people, or if there are just general shortfalls period, then, is the county on the
hook to make up those differences?
Chairman Johnson said, "I can answer one of those questions right now. What are the
potential costs you are exposing the taxpayers to? A lot."
Commissioner Robertson said, "If we get into the exemption game, I'm out. If we start
picking winners and losers, we will be the losers."
Chairman Johnson said, "There are two approaches to decision making. There's the
correspondence theory of decision making. It says this: You come up with a business plan or a
theory. Is it plausible? Does it sound good? Then you compare that theory, business plan, or
philosophy, whatever, to reality. If that philosophy or business plan or what have you
corresponds with reality, then it is a valid theory and worth pursuing. You have another
approach to decision making which is called the coherence theory of decision making. This is
where a room of idiots get together and decide that something is coherent. Jim says to Bob,
`This is coherent. Don't you think soT Bob says, `Yes, this is coherent.' Then they ask Ed,
Phyllis, Shirley, Mary, and everybody in the room says, `This is coherent.' Since everybody in
the room thinks it's coherent, then it's true. They have not done the second part of the exercise
and that is to find out how it relates to reality. The people who are proposing this clearly fit into
the second theory of approach to decision making. It sounds coherent, but how does it measure
to reality? I would maintain that it does not. They have come up, again they have reinvented
themselves. It didn't work as a commuter rail, the fallacy of their decision making was exposed,
and the fallacy of their decision making was exposed because it was three times what they said it
would be to build. They have been losing money ever since. Now, they have reinvented
themselves. They say it will be commuter rail/commercial hauling freight. They tell us they are
going to have all of these customers. Well, where are the customers? Well, they are going to
come. We're supposed to sit here and make a business decision based on tens of millions of
dollars based on a group of people who approached decision making on a coherent philosophy of
business. I'm going to say that I'm not merely reluctant to do that, I will not do that. Look at
their record. They cannot estimate the cost of anything, and they cannot make money doing this.
I'll go along with one more exercise, but when they are asked about a contingency plan if Iredell
County does not want to be involved in it, apparently they do not have one. If we want to let Mr.
Pope research this, that's fine. We can do that, but between now and the next time they appear
here, a lot of people will be asked to do a lot of things. People who are not in this room, 20 and
30 miles south of here, and jump through a lot of hoops. Mr. Raczkowski and Mr. Smith, they
are just a couple of them. If these folks want an answer, I can only speak for myself, they have
an answer tonight. The answer is no. It's been no. It will forever be no. I've listened to these
people obfuscate. Ever time you ask them a question. I do not trust them. I do not trust their
judgment, business model, or decision making. I would suggest that Mr. Pope be allowed to
research this, if anyone needs a level of comfort, but we schedule a vote on this as soon as
possible so that our staff will quit wasting their time if there is no interest on this board to move
forward and so that other people can quit wasting their time. They can come up with a business
plan as soon as possible if they deem that necessary that does, or does not, include Iredell
County. I will not vote in the affirmative, and I recommend that the night Mr. Pope provides the
information that a vote be scheduled for the same evening."
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Pope if the information would be provided at the second
meeting in January (January 17).
Mr. Pope said yes.
Chairman Johnson instructed the staff to place the matter on the agenda for a vote at the
second meeting in January.
Commissioner Robertson said the questions were asked in order for the public to know
there were "gaping holes" in the Red Line proposal.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Rhonda Kontos, on behalf of LifeSpan, Inc., requested assistance with driveway
improvements. She said the lowest bid received was for $25,000.00, and through fundraisers,
$5,000 had been raised. Kontos asked if the county would fund one half of the costs. She also
asked if the county would perform the work, if LifeSpan provided one half of the costs.
Chairman Johnson said the county did not have the ability to perform the work in-house,
and LifeSpan would need a contractor. He suggested that Kontos contact the county manager
with the request, and the board would take the matter under consideration.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Smith said it might be
irrelevant, but information had been distributed regarding the Red Line Rail project.
Commissioner Griffith noted that based on the Red Line presentation, Iredell County's
citizens would be asked to pay $1,575 per person for the project. She stressed this was per
person, not necessarily the actual taxpayers.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Griffith, at 8:20 P.M., to adjourn the
meeting. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.)
Approval:
12
Clerk to the Board