HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 1 2011 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
February 1, 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 Joel Mashburn, Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson,
Assistant County Manager Ron Smith, Code Enforcement/Special Projects Director Lynn
Niblock, Fire Marshal Ronny Thompson, Fire Marshal Program Assistant, JoAnn Odom and
Acting Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Commissioner Renee Griffith
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: None
PUBLIC HEARING: None
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request to call for a Public Hearing on February 15, 2011 at 7:00 P.M., regarding
road improvements for SR 1311 — Rankin Hill Road: Mr. Robbie Carney, Interim Executive
Director of Mooresville South Iredell Economic Development Commission, stated that Iredell
County has been named the future location of Americas Dream Park, which is a national little
league baseball complex. Some positive projected impacts of this complex will be 80,000+
visitors, 500+ part-timejobsand generating over $33 million in spending. However, Rankin Road,
where the park will be located, is presently an unpaved road and will not support the park needs.
NCDOT is asking the Board's approval to move this road higher on the priority list in order for it
to be paved in the near future. Therefore, MSIEDC is requested a public hearing on February 15
for road improvements on SR 1311, Rankin Hill Road.
Chairman Johnson asked if NCDOT is requesting the Board to hold a public hearing.
Camey stated NCDOT had passed a resolution that requires all such actions to be out and
open to the public thus giving the public an opportunity to comment at the hearing.
MO'T'ION by Commissioner Robertson to call for a public hearing on February 15, 2011 at
7:00 p.m. regarding improvements for SR 1311, Rankin Hill Road.
VOTING: Ayes —5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #25 for the purchase of ePanic
Software: Deputy Comity Manager, Tracy Jackson reminded the board of the recent incident of
workplace violence in the Planning Department and this is the reason for requesting this software.
Reviewing the incident also lead to the review of plans and policies. Jackson stated the Planning
Department staff reacted admirable and did a great job in a moments notice to protect themselves
and their co-workers. Changes have already been made to the physical security of the building plus
some changes in policies, plans and training for the staff. Through research, Jackson stated another
element that would benefit all departments is ePanic, a computer software program. This would
allow, through the computer at the employee's workstation, a way of alerting someone in a crisis
situation. Department Directors would identify which stations this would be installed and who
would be alerted in the case of an event.
Commissioners Robertson asked which departments would have this program, if anyone
had actually seen this program in operation and if FCOM was in agreement.
Jackson said all departments were surveyed and the majority did respond positively that
they would like to have this software. Jackson demonstrated the program to the Board. The cost is
a one-time fee of $10,000; maintenance is $1,000 annually which would include tech support,
various upgrades and on-line webinar security training. The cost is proposed to come from the
contingency fund. Jackson stated they have seen it in operation. Another NC county has the
program and is very pleased with the service. The capability with ECOM is simply with a phone
call.
MOTION by Chairman Steve Johnson to approve this request.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Code Enforcement/Special Projects Department for approval to
apply for an Energy Stimulus Grant from the NC Department of Energy: Code Enforcement
& Special Projects Director Lynn Niblock stated this is a continuation of a competitive grant that
was offered last year. It was applied for last year but Iredell County was not chosen as a recipient.
Niblock stated: (1) there are no matching funds; (2) the awarded funds can vary from a minimum
of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000; (3) proposed use for upgrading HVAC and
weatherization of county buildings.
Commissioner Griffith asked about the age of the units to be replaced and if these funds
were part of the stimulus package.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there had been an obvious reduction in utility bills from
all of the recent energy upgrade projects.
Niblock stated his department was in the process of conducting energy audits and listing
the facilities to determine the oldest and least energy efficient, and also to determine recent utility
savings. The funds are from the ARRA Stimulus Package. He reiterated that this is a competitive
grant and there are no guarantees of the award.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the request.
VOTING: Ayes -4; Nays— 1 (Griffith).
Request from the Tax Collector on the total amount of unpaid taxes for the current
year that are liens on real property and a request for an order to advertise the tax liens on
Wednesday, March 16, 2011: Tax Administrator Bill Furches stated he had presented the list of
unpaid taxes. A date is required to be set to advertise this list and Furches is requesting March 16,
2011.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if the list was advertised in both Statesville and Mooresville.
Furches confirmed they were.
Commissioner Robertson suggested that Mr. Furches consider advertising in the free
weekly newspaper being distributed in Mooresville.
Furches agreed that he would check into the possibility.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve March 16, 2011 as the advertising date for
unpaid taxes.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of budget amendment #26 to recognize
second year grant funding from the Governor's Highway Safety Program (Gang Initiative):
Captain Mike Phillips, Sheriffs Office, is requesting approval of the second year funding of the
Gang Initiative Grant. The total of this year's grant is $46,787 with a $5,848 match which will
come from seized funds and this is the last year of availability.
Commissioner Griffith asked if this is a grant that has already been received in prior years.
Phillips confirmed.
Commissioner Robertson asked how the money would be used.
Phillips stated their main initiative is to pay the salary of the gang investigator. Other
agencies/groups, such as athletics, faith -based groups and Appropriate Punishment, share in this
funding. Phillips went on to explain the importance and process of identifying gang members.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve budget amendment #26 to accept the
grant funding and take pan in the gang initiative.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of budget amendment #27 to recognize
a traffic equipment grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Program: Captain Mike
Phillips, Sheriff's Department, is requesting approval for grant funds to purchase equipment, such
as generators, cones, vests, trailer, etc. The grant is $19,050 with no match required.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve budget amendment #27 to appropriate
funding for the traffic equipment grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Sheriffs Office for approval of budget amendment #28 to
appropriate commissary funds for the purchase of a new automated fingerprint
identification system (AFIS): Captain Mike Phillips, Sheriff's Department, explained that a new
law has been passed that a sample of DNA has to be taken for certain misdemeanors and felonies.
This equipment will be placed in the magistrate's office to facilitate the process.
MOTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Sheriff's Office for authorization to sell ten (10) used tactical vests
to Wilkes County: Captain Mike Phillips, Sheriffs Office, is requested permission to sell tactical
vests that are no longer being used by hedell County's Sheriff's Office to Wilkes County who has
a need for them.
MOTION by Vice -Chairman Norman to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Request from the Fire Marshal's Office for approval to apply for a US Department of
Homeland Security Grant of $18,936 for the purchase of a Surrey Fire Extinguisher
Training Trailer: Fire Marshal Ronny Thompson asked for approval to apply for a grant to
purchase a trailer to be used for fire extinguisher training. This trailer also has a section that can be
used for the demonstration of sprinkler systems. Fire Marshal Program Assistant JoAnn Odom
explained further: (1) no matching funds are required from the county, (2) maintenance upkeep is
minimal, (3) requires annual inspection of roof and if needed, reseal is only $I00, (4) increase in
gas to tow is approximately $600, (5) cost of propane for tanks would balance with less diesel fuel
that is currently being used.
Commissioner Robertson complimented the Fire Marshal's Office for searching out grants
to improve their quality of service. However, he voiced concerns about the source of the grant,
relative use of funds and benefits from this training.
Odom explained this grant is part of FEMA's public education campaign. FEMA is a
division of Homeland Security. The purpose for this training is to address the communities' risk in
order to promote the reduction of fire and other safety hazards.
Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson further explained the different agencies that are
now considered part of Homeland Security.
Commissioner Griffith asked about the number of requests the Fire Marshal's Office
receives to perform such training.
Odom stated industry and school training is 2-3 times weekly.
Chairman Steve Johnson asked about the life expectancy of the trailer.
Odom stated approximately 20 years.
MOT[OIV by Vice -Chairman Norman to approve this request.
Chairman Johnson supported the motion with the contingency that if the grant is approved
there would be no county money expended.
Vice -Chairman Norman agreed.
County Manager Joel Mashburn asked for clarification that the motion is that no county
money would be used in the actual purchase but there would be expenses in the operation of the
trailer.
VOTING: Ayes -3; Nays -2 (Robertson, Griffith)
Request to approve the minutes of the ,January 18, 2011 minutes: MOTION; by Vice -
Chairman Norman to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS &
IISSIONS: Board of Heath has one vacancy.
Commissioner Mitchell asked to suspend the rules for the announcement and proceed to
appoint Jerry Turner by acclamation to fill B. K. Barringer's position.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Commissioner Robertson commented that B. K. Barringer was a very busy man who had a
wealth of knowledge and is the perfect example of a true volunteer. The county reaps huge benefits
from having skilled and intelligent people serving on these boards and commissions. The advice
and guidance that Mr. Barringer has provided to the Board of Health over the years has been
phenomenal.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS &
Adult Care Home Advisory Committee (3 appointments): Commissioner Griffith
nominated Becky Leonard and reappoint Linda Harmon.
MOTION by Chairman Steve Johnson to appoint Leonard and Harmon.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Nursing Home Advisory Committee (2 appointments): Vice -Chairman Norman
nominated Brenda Rumple.
MOTIO by Chairman Johnson to close nominations and appoint Rumple.
VOTING: Ayes -5; Nays -0.
Centralina Economic Development Commission (1 private sector appointment): There
were no nominations.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to table this nomination until the next meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5, Nays — 0.
Board of Equalization & Review (appointment of Chairman & Vice -Chairman):
Chairman Johnson commented on the importance of experience and nominated Bill Thunberg for
the Chairman position.
Commissioner Mitchell nominated Hal Jolly as Vice -Chairman.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to close nominations and appoint Bill Thunberg as
Chairman and Hal Jolly as Vice -Chairman.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Historic Properties Commission (1 appointment): Commissioner Mitchell nominated
Raymond Turner to fill the position of his deceased mother, Teresa Turner.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to close nominations and appoint Turner
VOTING: Ayes — 5, Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: None
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Joel Mashburn explained that the
County has been involved with a company to produce a showcase video of Iredell County. The
video is available on the county's web site. There was no cost to the county for this production but
was funded by the sell of advertisements to local businesses. Deputy County Manager Jackson
demostrated portions of the video. The company will make this video available for 2 years at
which time they will determine if it is profitable and whether or not it will be renewed.
CLOSED SESSION: None
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Chairman Johnson to continue this meeting on
Tuesday. February 15, at 4:00 p.m. for a briefing by the County Assessor's Office regarding the
evaluation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
Clerk to the Board