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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 15 2011 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2011 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Conference 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, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson, Assistant County Manager Ron Smith, Solid Waste Director David Lambert, Purchasing Agent Dean Lail, Transportation Director Ben Garrison, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Robertson recognized members from Boy Scout Troop 348, affiliated with Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, as follows: Edward Hunter, Hunter Baynes, Israel Parker, Seth Williams, Christian Stroud, Sean Perry, Elias McMurry, and Ashton Bass. Troop Leader Dr. James Hunter accompanied the scouts to the meeting. ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Commissioner Nonnan to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD Presentation of a Mid -Year Report from David Swann, the CEO/Area Director of Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare: Mr. Swann provided a six-month overview of Crossroads' operations and services. Some highlights are as follows: There are eight key functions: (1) Financial Management & Accountability (2) Information Management & Analysis (3) 24/7 Access to Care (4) Provider Development, Endorsement & Support (5) Utilization Review & Management (6) Management of State Facility Services & CAP-MR/DD (7) Care Coordination & Quality Management and (8) Community Collaboration & Consumer Services. The 2009-2012 Strategic Plan includes five components as follows: 1. Anticipate/Prepare for future changes in the NC DMH/DD/SAS System. 2. Improve the effectiveness of the Crossroads Crisis Response and Hospital Diversion System 3. Develop/Enhance evidence -based resiliency and recovery -oriented practices in service delivery for children, adolescents and adults in the service area. 4. Strengthen and improve the quality and effectiveness of the Crossroads provider network. 5. Continue to improve communication between Crossroads and its constituents (e.g. consumers, families, providers, local public officials, and the citizens of Iredell, Sorry and Yadkin Counties). New Issues for 2011 are: a. Managing utilization review for CAP/MR/DD waiver b. Managing consumer transition to Critical Access Behavioral Health Agencies c. Preparing the organization to manage Medicaid B & C Waivers d. Seeking national accreditation through URAC e. Developing economies of scale, alliances and efficiencies to efficiently manage limited public funds 2010-2011 County Funding Per Capita Iredell = $3.23 Sorry = $3.18 Yadkin = $3.57 State Funded Service Events & Consumers Served 2009-10 County Service Events Individuals Served Iredell 38,270 1,605 Surry 30,673 1,524 Yadkin 12,553 493 Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, Medicaid paid $5,524,987.83 to providers for behavioral healthcare received by citizens in Iredell, Surry and Yadkin Counties. Swann said five bed spaces had been purchased from Davis Community Hospital for individuals without Medicaid/Medicare. He said the beds were staying occupied. Swann said it was anticipated there would be a ten percent reduction in state funding during the upcoming year. PUBLIC HEARING Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Consideration of a Request to Seek Road Improvements for SR 1311— Rankin Hill Road: Assistant County Manager Ron Smith said America's Dream Park, a youth baseball facility, had purchased 170 acres off of the Rankin Hill Road. He said that due to the project's positive economic impact an effort was being made to seek assistance from the NC Department of Transportation in moving the graveled roadway up on the 2010-11 Secondary Roads Paving Program. Smith said the state required that a public hearing be held for this type of request along with the adoption of a resolution. Robby Carney, the Interim Executive Director of the Mooresville -South Iredell Economic Development Corporation, said the retail, hospitality, and service industries had suffered through the economic slowdown, and the America's Dream Park project would provide a positive impact. He said 80,000+ visitors were anticipated, per year, with the usage of 100,000 bed nights in area hotels. Carney said 20 full-time workers would be employed at the park along with 500 part-time employees. He said the property tax impact alone would be $70,000 a year for the county, and the sales tax revenue was estimated at $300,000. Carney said the park was proposed to open during the summer of 2012. Road. No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing. MOTTO by Commissioner Griffith to adopt the resolution for SR -1311 — Rankin Hill VOTNG: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT SR -1311 — RANKIN HILL ROAD BE ADDED TO THE 2010-11 SECONDARY ROADS PAVING PROGRAM WHEREAS, America's Dream Park LLC has purchased 170 acres of land off of SR -1311 Rankin Hill Road in Mooresville, North Carolina, to build a youth baseball facility; and WHEREAS, this youth baseball facility will be the largest complex of this type in the United States, and WHEREAS, area businesses, hotels and motels, restaurants, and other food service industries, will greatly benefit as it is estimated that over $80 million a year will be generated by the youth baseball complex; and 2 WHEREAS, it is estimated that 80,000 players, coaches and family members will travel each year on SR -1311 - Rankin Hill Road during the summer months to participate or attend events at the America's Dream Park; and WHEREAS, SR -1311 - Rankin Hill Road is a partially unpaved gravel roadway that serves as a connector between Cornelius Road to the south and Fern Hill road to the north; and WHEREAS, there are concerns that SR -1311 — Rankin Hill Road, in its present condition, will have a detrimental effect not only on properties neighboring the park site, but to the area as a whole in the form of traffic congestion. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners requests the North Carolina Board of Transportation to move SR -1311 — Rankin Hill Road up on the priority road paving list and for it to be included in the 2010-11 Secondary Roads Paving Program due to the significant economic importance of the America's Dream Park Project. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Report to the Board from the Tax Department Regarding the 2011 Reappraisal (REVALUATION): County Assessor Steve Ervin presented a PowerPoint presentation pertaining to the 2011 revaluation. Some of the information is as follows: Residential Property Reviews In September of 2008 the appraisal staff began a review of all of the Residential Properties in Iredell County The Schedules of Values (Market and Present Use) were adopted by the Board of Commissioners in October of 2010 Why Conduct a County Wide Revaluation? Determine market value of all real property as ofJanuary 1, 2011 To create equity among and within all classes of property What is Market Value? • Market value is defined under- G.S. 105.283 as "the price estimated in terms of money at which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of all the uses to which the property is adapted andfor which it is capable of being used. " What is Meant by Equity? • Location and economic fluctuations affect Property Values. Fluctuations may cause groups of properties to be under or over valued. The goal and intent of the revaluation process is to appraise all property at its current market value. Equity means "Fair Share Taxation. " That term is based on the concept that all property is appraised at its current market value, therefore each property owner pays only their fair share of the tax burden. Sales Data Every sale that occurred during 2009 and 2010 was reviewed by the appraisal staff to aid in determining the base values for each of the 600 appraisal neighborhoods Application of Values • The Schedule of Values was applied to all improvements • Values were then adjusted based on qualified market sales for the appraisal neighborhoods Foreclosures • Adjustments were made in areas with a high concentration offoreclosures. • Bank owned properties and "short sales" were analyzed to determine their negative impact. Economic adjustments were made to approximately 8% of the appraisal neighborhoods due to substantial foreclosure activity. Foreclosures Actual Foreclosures by Type Counts 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 II Property Types 445 412 480 732 1,437 Residential Improved 403 360 421 493 592 Residential Vacant 28 49 54 226 798 Comm, Indust, Other 14 3 5 13 47 Number of Parcels and New Homes Counts 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Residential Improved Parcels 53,243 55,235 56,890 57,859 58,659 New Homes 1,991 1,654 969 387 350(E) Valid Sales Counts 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 11 Property Types 4,853 4,202 2,515 1,403 1,259 Residential Improved 3,595 3,139 2,005 1,110 1,014 Residential Vacant 1,040 848 407 239 206 Comm, Indust, Other 218 215 103 54 39 4 • 5' , Y , 1 1 Y JJ • ♦ i • + i • f I + • I f • • f • • 4 II i ♦ f � • + 1 ♦ ��t • ff y • + y iy r • 2009-2010 i` : ' + ti • ° .•, s� + Residential Improved Foreclosures N + , W - E f` _ S E ,r + . f + ly + + Y , 1 1 Y JJ • ♦ i • + i • f I + • I f • • f • • 4 II i ♦ f � • + 1 ♦ ��t • ff y • + y iy r • 2009-2010 i` : ' + ti • ° .•, s� + Residential Improved Foreclosures N + , W - E f` _ S E Countywide Value Change • Considering all real estate property types, the 2011 Valuation shows an average decrease of approximately 1.5% • Township Breakdown 21311 Assessed Value Percent Change By Township NEW HOPE UNION GROVE 5.63% �% EAGLE RILLS 3.5645 r_ Lzy SHARPESBURG OLIN 3.40% 0.97% TURNERSBURG 3.77% BETHANY CONCORD -0.07% COOL. SPRIING 4.36% I SHI'.,LOH STATESVI.LLE -0.59'% -3.58% CHAN.BERSBURG FAILLSTOW'N BARRINGER t; DAVIDS ON -3.22% CODDLE CREEK ,,r I -9.53% 6 7 Base Rural Land Values t t f 1J T4s 44t F'�, Sf is ru+s t � f}S f fir, ti, f ft tti 1y "i F, �a El" r � f Iredell County Reval2011 LeWnd s ,h Base Land Values =5000 tf iwoa } MOD I x o 2DOOD , zsaop �p - 3 OD 7 What is Driving Rural Land Values? Rural land is vacant tracts of I acre and above that is not in a subdivision and excluding commercial and industrial property Farmer to Farmer Sales • Supply and Demand (higher rents are driving up rural land values) What if a taxpayer does not agree with the revaluation value? • The taxpayer must fill out the appeal form located at the bottom of'the notice form and return it to the Tax Office • A staff appraiser will review the tax record and the information that the taxpayer provides. • A new notice will be mailed to the taxpayer Reasons for Appeal Valid -Value exceeds or is below market value -Inequitable assessment with comparable properties -Errors on the tax card Invalid -Notices will be in the mail by February 18, 2011 and values will be on the web site •Staff will begin working informal appeals -Board of Equalization and Review will begin hearing appeals on April 22, 2011 Timetable -Notices will be in the mail by February 18, 2011 and values will be on the web site •Staff will begin working informal appeals -Board of Equalization and Review will begin hearing appeals on April 21, 2011 Commissioner Mitchell mentioned the 15% decrease for manufactured homes. He asked if the real property was also declining. Ervin said it was the actual home that was impacting the value. He said the land could possibly increase in value. Commissioner Robertson said revaluations occurred every four years to prevent "sticker shock." He said the method used by the tax department was organized and systematic. 9 Revaluation 2011 - Percent of Change by Property Type 8.00% 7.00% 6.630/ s.oa°r° 5.00% 4.00% 3.00% 2.00% 1.0O% -1.92% o.00°i° cn 3 0 0 rL �. D M -2.00% v n 3 y d O0 -3.Oa% 3-{ c 3 n a -1.27% v m -4.00% o 0 CD a N -5.00% 0 d -4.96% -6.00% -5.76% -10.00% -11.aa°r° -12.aa°r° -13.00°i° -1a.00°i° -15.00°i° -16.00°i° -15.67% Property Type Commissioner Mitchell mentioned the 15% decrease for manufactured homes. He asked if the real property was also declining. Ervin said it was the actual home that was impacting the value. He said the land could possibly increase in value. Commissioner Robertson said revaluations occurred every four years to prevent "sticker shock." He said the method used by the tax department was organized and systematic. 9 Request from the Transportation Department to Call for a Public Hearing on March 1, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. Regarding the FY12 NCDOT/Community Transportation Program's Administrative and Capital Grant Application: Transportation Director Ben Garrison requested a public hearing on March 1 regarding the FY12 transportation grant. He said the state application was due by March 11, 2011. MOTTO by Commissioner Mitchell to call for a public hearing on March 1, 2011 regarding the FY 12 Community Transportation Program Grant. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request from the Communications/Emergency Management Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #29 for Four (4) VIPER Radios: Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson requested approval of a budget amendment to accept four Motorola XTS2500 VIPER radios valued at $10,800 from the NC Emergency Management Office. MOTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #29 to accept the Motorola radios. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request from the Solid Waste Department for Approval to Surplus a 1980 REX Landfill Compactor & Authorization to Destroy the Same: Solid Waste Director David Lambert said a new compactor was recently purchased, and the one it replaced needed to be declared surplus. He said the unit would be disposed of at a local scrap metal facility, and the county would receive the proceeds. MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the request to surplus the 1980 REX compactor. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Identifying information for the compactor is as follows: 1980 REX Model 370; Serial #152-165; Engine Serial # 8V150057; County Asset # 9888 Request from the Purchasing Agent to Award Janitorial Contracts to The Budd Group, Jani-King and Rainbow Janitorial: Purchasing Agent Dean Lail said a formal bid process was used in securing janitorial contracts for county buildings. He said all requirements of NCGS 143-129 were met, and invitations were sent to 35 interested contractors. Lail said a point system was used in reviewing the bids, and there was a recommendation to award contracts to The Budd Group (janitorial services for the Iredell County Libraries in Troutman and Statesville, Iredell County Government Center/South, Probation Offices, Agricultural Center, Solid Waste Offices, Facility Services, & the Transportation Building), to Jani-King (janitorial services at the Iredell County Library in Harmony & the Revenue Center Building) and to Rainbow Janitorial (janitorial services at the Iredell County Government Center/ Statesville, Human Services Building in Statesville [includes custodian]; Hall of Justice & Annex [includes custodian], Elections, Building Standards Center, and Social Services [addendum for custodian]. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to award the janitorial contracts as recommended by the purchasing agent. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request for Approval of the January 2011 Refunds and Releases: County Manager Joel Mashburn said the January refunds and releases were in order for approval. MOTTO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the refunds and releases as submitted. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. 10 Releases for the month of January 2011 Breakdown of Releases: County $7,.727.58 Solid Waste Fees $648.00 E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $0.12 Shepherd's Fire #2 $94.07 Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $192.08 All County Fire #4 $248.16 B&F Fire #5 $22.63 Statesville City $1,271.48 Statesville Downtown $20.99 Mooresville Town $3,758.98 Mooresville Downtown $0.00 Mooresville School $783.11 Love Valley $0.00 Harmony $0.00 Troutman $11.13 Davidson $0.00 Refunds for the month of January 2011 Breakdown of Refunds: County $382.04 Solid Waste Fees $0.00 E Alex. Co. Fire #1 $0.00 Shepherd's Fire #2 $0.00 Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $6.05 All County Fire #4 $485.16 B&F Fire #5 $1.56 Statesville City $0.00 Statesville Downtown $0.00 Mooresville Town $200.91 Mooresville Downtown $0.00 Mooresville School $71.92 Love Valley $0.00 Harmony $0.00 Troutman $0.00 Davidson $0.00 Monthly $14,778.33 Total Monthly $1,147.64 Total Request from the Iredell County Public Library for Approval to File Applications for E -Rate Discounts with the Federal Communications Commission: Library Director Steve Messick requested approval to file for e -rate discounts with the Federal Communications Commission. He said the cost savings would be $25,170.00, and the funds would be used for existing services. OTIO by Chairman Johnson to approve the request by allowing the library to apply for the discounts. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. The following chart shows the savings. Service Annual Cost E -Rate Funding Iredell County Funding Telephone Service for Main Library $10,712 $5,076 $5,636 Telephone Service for Harmony $1,368 $1,068 $410 Telephone Service for Troutman $887 $621 $266 Internet Access $13,152 $ 9,207 $3,945 Data Line to Troutman $10,140 $7,098 $3,042 DSL Line to Harmon $602 $421 $181 DSL Line for Troutman $1,319 $923 $396 DSL Connection for Statesville $1,079 $756 $324 TOTAL $39,259 $25,170 $14,200 Request from the Iredell County Public Library for Approval to Apply for a $20,000 Grant from the State Library of North Carolina to Purchase E -Books: Library Director Steve Messick requested permission to apply for a grant with the funds to be used to purchase e -books. He said the federal funds were administered by the state library and $20,000 would be requested with a local match of $5,025. Messick said electronic books would be available for downloads from the library website, and the public was already asking about their 11 availability. Messick said the grant was competitive; however, Iredell County had received funding every year for many years. He said the benefit of e -books were that they were never lost, damaged, or returned late, and the public could access them when the library was closed. Messick said about 1,100 books could be purchased with the funding. OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the request to apply for the grant. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request for Approval of the February 1, 2011 Minutes: MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the minutes as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Animal Grievance Committee (1 announcement) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Centralina Economic Development Commission (1 private sector appointment): No nominations were submitted, and Chairman Johnson made a MOTION to postpone the appointment. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Reminder List: Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors (1 appointment): Chairman Johnson nominated Matt McCall. OTIO by Johnson to close the nominations and appoint McCall by acclamation. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD "Fund Schools First" Request: Iredell-Statesville Association of Educators President Christine (Chris) Reynolds and Vice President Carla Sassbender said that students received only one chance to obtain an education. Reynolds and Sassbender said the Iredell-Statesville System was currently ranked I I It" out of 115 in per pupil funding and reducing this amount would "drastically hinder the students' growth and performance." They said the school system had already dropped in the state rankings, and further cuts would adversely impact the students. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Mashburn mentioned his retirement at the end of June 2011. He said job advertisements had been placed in various news and media sources, and more information about the applicants would be shared after the application deadline. CLOSED SESSION: MOTION by Chairman Johnson to enter into closed session at 8:15 P.M., pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) - Economic Development and G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) — Personnel. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. (RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:50 P.M.) Amendment to an Agreement with Carolina Beer & Beverage: MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to amend the 2008-2009 economic development agreement with Carolina Beer & Beverage by lowering the tax investment to $10 million. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. 12 ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 P.M (Next Meeting Government Center. MOTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to adjourn the meeting at Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Approval: 13 Clerk to the Board