HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 7 2012 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
AUGUST 7, 2012
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 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, Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein, Planning/Development/Transportation Director Joey Raczkowski,
Purchasing Agent Dean Lail, 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: OTION by Commissioner Mitchell
to approve the agenda with the following adjustment.
Deletions: Closed Sessions for Attorney -Client — G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) &
Economic Development — G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
RECOGNITION OF
LT. COLONEL PAUL MIKEAL
Commissioner Robertson provided the following statement in recognition and tribute to
Lt. Colonel Paul Mikeal.
"North Carolina Air National Guard Lt. Colonel Paul Mikeal was killed last month while
piloting a cargo plan on a mission in South Dakota to fight wildfires. Mikeal, a resident of
Mooresville, NC, had previously been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Our heartfelt
sympathy and condolences are extended to the family of this heroic and honorable young man."
A Moment of Silence was then Observed
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
Mr. Jerry Carr was on the Agenda to Speak in Reference to a Request for County
Assistance in Improving a Road (Deerfield Lane) not on the North Carolina Department of
Transportation's Maintained List: (Mr. Carr did not attend the meeting.)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request for Acceptance of the Annual Tax Settlement and Issuance of the 2012 Tax
Orders for the Tax Collector and Sheriff: Tax Administrator Bill Furches said Iredell County
had the 20`h lowest tax rate in North Carolina. He then provided the following information, in
accordance with N.C.G.S. 105-373 pertaining to the annual tax settlement, and a request was
made for the issuance of the 2012 tax orders for the tax collector and sheriff.
2011 Taxes:
Real & Personal Levy $92,332,592.28
Motor Vehicles 6,357,864.22
Add: Discoveries 551,792.50
Deduct: Releases (753,759.15)
$98,488,489.85
Collections 95,303,580.56
2011 Outstanding Taxes $3,184,909.29
Collection Rates:
All Property 96.77%
Excluding Motor Vehicles 97.30%
Motor Vehicles 88.96%
Delinquent Taxes:
Collections $2,323,097
Delinquent Taxes Outstanding $4,153,292
2012 Taxes Collected $ 311,659
The Numbers
Collected $5,498,227 more in current Iredell County taxes than previous year — up 6.1%
Collected $506,852 more than was budgeted — 100.5% of original budget
Eight year cumulative total $13.9 million over budgeted revenues
Eight year cumulative delinquent collections $16,005,732
Collected for all jurisdictions: 6-30-05 $ 94,678,859
Tax Collection Problems
Bankruptcies 324 for $289,874 (368 for $350,699 FY2011)
Foreclosures filed 1,134 (Decrease from 1,337)
Vehicle Taxes 6.4% of total levy — 21.9% of delinquencies - $696,711
6-30-06
99,371,101 ( 5.0% Increase)
Original Collection Rate
6-30-07
112,791,286 (13.5% Increase)
96.81%
6-30-08
127,699,814 (13.2% Increase)
96.77%
6-30-09
144,119,894 (12.9% Increase)
96.89%
6-30-10
148,391,824 ( 3.0% Increase)
97.58%
6-30-11
151,241,103 ( 1.9% Increase)
96.80%
6-30-12
157,337,149 ( 4.0% Increase)
96.85%
Tax Collection Actions
Vehicle Tags Blocked
22,510
99.65%
Tax Statements
1,082
99.59%
MV Third Notices
4,134
99.59%
Debt Setoff
1,241
99.41%
Garnishments
1,147
Payment Arrangements
90
Lien Holder Letters
201
Bank Attachments
199
Foreclosures in Process
90
Tax Collection Problems
Bankruptcies 324 for $289,874 (368 for $350,699 FY2011)
Foreclosures filed 1,134 (Decrease from 1,337)
Vehicle Taxes 6.4% of total levy — 21.9% of delinquencies - $696,711
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Collection Rates Last Nine Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year
Original Collection Rate
Current Collection Rate
2011
96.81%
98.74%
2010
96.77%
99.20%
2009
96.89%
99.48%
2008
97.58%
99.57%
2007
96.80%
99.31%
2006
96.85%
99.59%
2005
96.94%
99.65%
2004
96.17%
99.59%
2003
96.30%
99.59%
Average
96.79%
99.41%
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Debt Setoff
For the fiscal years 2002-2012, Iredell ranked 20TH in the state out of 409 units of government
participating with $1,891,000 collected. Iredell County did not participate in 2002 and 2003.
For all years, we rank 15TH among counties. In calendar year 2011, Iredell ranked 11TH among
all counties with $422,280 setoff.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to accept the 2011 tax settlement and to issue the
2012 tax orders for the Tax Collector and the Sheriff.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ( )
( ORDER )
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( )
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 riled
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 ( )
ORDER )
COUNTY OF IREDELL ( )
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 riled
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 for Approval of a Three Year Uniform Rental Contract with CINTAS for
the Solid Waste Department: Purchasing Agent Dean Lail said the Solid Waste Department
had used CINTAS Uniform Rental for the last three years and was pleased with the quality of
clothing as well as the company's service. Lail said it had been estimated that a $4,620 per year
savings had resulted by using CINTAS in comparison to a previous vendor's contract. He noted
that these savings were expected to continue, and the staff was requesting an additional three-
year contract. Lail said the contract did not include (1) an automatic renewal or (2) any
embroidered or specialty items.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to Approve the Three Year Uniform Rental
Contract with CINTAS.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for the Appointment of a County Commissioner to the Mecklenburg -
Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO) Memorandum of Understanding
Subcommittee: Planning/Development & Transportation Director Joey Raczkowski advised
that to assist with the Mecklenburg -Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO)
transitioning process, a Memorandum of Understanding Subcommittee had been created.
Raczkowski said that over the next several months, the subcommittee would be charged with
reviewing and recommending to the MPO any changes in the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU). He said the MOU would stipulate the relationship between the MPO and every member
jurisdiction as well as the voting structure and membership fees. Raczkowski said the MOU
would eventually be considered by the MPO as well as each member jurisdiction with an
adoption deadline of March 27, 2013 (federal requirement). Continuing, he said it would be
important to have a voting member on the subcommittee, and an elected official from Iredell
County should be appointed to join one elected municipal representative (from either Statesville,
Mooresville, or Troutman). He said the next subcommittee meeting was scheduled for
August 15, 2012 at 4:00 P.M., at the Charlotte -Mecklenburg Government Center with all future
meetings to be held on the 3m Wednesday of each month at 4:00 P.M. Raczkowski predicted
five to six meetings all together.
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Commissioner Griffith made a motion to postpone the appointment of an elected official
until the next meeting. (There was not an actual vote; however, the board members were in
concurrence.)
Request for Approval of an Ambulance Fee Waiver (Run#12-78451): County
Manager Ron Smith recommended the waiver of a $642 ambulance fee for EMS services
provided on February 2, 2012.
78451.
MOTIO by Commissioner Robertson to waive the $642 fee associated with Run#12-
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for a Decision Regarding the Submittal of 2013-14 Legislative Goals to the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC): County Manager Ron
Smith said the NCACC had submitted information on how to submit legislative goals, and there
was a deadline of Monday, September 17, 2012, for the submissions.
Commissioner Robertson said the NCACC seemed receptive of the Iredell County goals
submitted last year, and it might be worthwhile to submit 2013-14 goals.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to place this request on the August 21, 2012 agenda for
further review.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for an Amendment to the Board's Rules of Procedure: County Manager
Ron Smith recommended the omission of topic exclusions from the Rales of Procedure
pertaining to public comment periods. He said the School of Government had advised that this
was an action (elimination of the topic exclusions) that should be taken.
OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the revision as recommended.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays - 0.
The changes to the Rules are as follows:
-; indicate sentences/words to be deleted
Information in red indicates added sentences/words
Public Comment Period
A time limit of three (3) minutes. A public comment period shall be held at the second regular
meeting of the board each month for citizens who desire to speak on matters relating to county
government. If for any reason the board cancels a meeting, or temporarily revises the meeting schedule, a
public comment period shall be held at least once during the month as is required by state law.
Comments made dwing this segment A' the fneeting shouid peFtain stFietly to eatifity business, an
full.. ing guidelines e to be used: The following guidelines are to be used:
• Citizens desiring to speak should complete a sign-up sheet that will be in the possession of the
meeting's host (county department head). The host will be stationed at the entrance area of the
Commissioners' Meeting Room.
• Thirty (30) minutes shall be allotted for the entire public comment period
• TonicFxplusions- NUners. that c-onc-ern the, e,4ndidat-, (if -4w,
• Citizens requesting to speak at the first meeting of the month shall be considered on a case-by-case
basis; however, as much as possible, the public should utilize the Public Comment Period
scheduled on the second meeting of the month.
Request for Approval of the July 17, 2012 Minutes: MOTIO by Commissioner
Robertson to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS &
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
REMINDER LIST:
Region F Aging Advisory Committee: Commissioner Frank Mitchell nominated Liz
Burns for the regular position.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Burns by acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Region F Aging Advisory Committee: Commissioner Ken Robertson nominated Lae
Gretta Raven for the alternate's position.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Raven by acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee: Commissioner Ken Robertson
nominated Janet Hall.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Hall by acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Local Emergency Planning Committee: Commissioner Ken Robertson nominated
Reverend Ralph Jason Lepley as the "faith" appointee.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to appoint Lepley by acclamation
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Charlotte Regional Partnership (Carolinas Partnership) Board: Statesville Regional
Development Executive Director Mike Smith said the Partnership was an organization that
helped to market Iredell County along with a 16 -county region for new and expanding industries
across the globe. He said the City of Statesville had never had a representative on the board, and
recently a discussion occurred with Mooresville -South Iredell Economic Development Executive
Director Robby Carney, as well as the Partnership's Executive Director about the matter. Smith
said the Partnership director had agreed to allow Iredell County to have two seats this fiscal year
with one being a candidate chosen by Iredell County and the other by the City of Statesville.
Smith said next spring, he and Mr. Carney would have a recommendation from Statesville for
the 2013-14 Partnership board, and Iredell County would be asked to appoint the individual. He
said it was desired to have a Statesville representative for a two-year period, then a Mooresville
representative for the same length of time. Smith said a two-year term was recommended in
order for the board member to understand the Partnership's mission. He said in the future, input
from the Statesville and Mooresville economic directors would be provided for the Partnership's
board, with the actual appointment being made by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners.
k,
OTION by Chairman Johnson to accept Mr. Smith's recommendation, and that in the
future, the outlined procedure would be used as the policy in making the Partnership's
appointments.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
NEW BUSINESS
Mental Health Law Changes: Chairman Johnson said previously there had been
significant changes in the state laws regarding mental health, and this had resulted in (1)
Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare becoming nonexistent as of July 1, 2012 and (2) the
consolidation or merging of eight counties for a new Local Management Entity/Managed Care
Organization. Johnson said the new entity (Partners Behavioral Health Management) had been
trying to adapt to the new configuration, but once again the legislature had changed the law
regarding mental health board governance. He said the new rules had to be implemented by
October 1, 2013. Johnson said it would be helpful if the state would delay the effective date
another year in order to provide more time for the board of directors to acclimate to the new
structure along with adopting the FY 13-14 budget and creating policies and procedures.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to direct the clerk to draft a letter for his signature to be
sent to the county's legislative delegation with a request to postpone the new board governance
law for one more year.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if the letter would be sent to the current legislative
representatives. He said some of the members would change after the November election.
Chairman Johnson said the letter could be sent now. as well as after the election.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PREPARED STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN STEVE JOHNSON IN
REGARDS TO THE CONDUCT OF IREDELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER RENEE
GRIFFITH: "To govern effectively, an elected official must be above reproach. Our decisions
often impact very seriously the lives of those who have chosen us to serve. Our decisions,
actions, and even our motivations should be held to scrutiny and always be proceeded by self
examination. What I am about to say may be difficult to hear, but please accept it as truth. It is
far more difficult to say. As a board must hold accountable those who are under our employment
and require our management team to adhere to high ethical standards, they in turn demand the
same from those they employ, and at times are required to take disciplinary action in matters
which do at times include the falsification of reports. Their authority has recently been
compromised. As a board, on a regular basis, we must hold people accountable for false
information rendered to us. The moral authority for us to do that has also been seriously
compromised. We must deal with the federal and state agencies and elected officials. We must
deal with private sector entities ranging from bond rating agencies and perspective business
clients desiring to locate in Iredell County. Among the considerations of bond rating agencies
are the competence and integrity of the governing body. This reputation has been jeopardized as
well. The board of commissioners must be seen for what it is: It is an institution. It is an
institution established by the wisdom of those who came before us as to the way we are to
govern ourselves at the county level. It is more important than any one person. Indeed, it is of
far greater significance than the sum of us all. For these reasons, it is well that we are held to
higher standards. The institution's reputation and effectiveness must never be compromised.
Subsequently, it is with sadness, but with resolve, that I must publicly ask for the resignation of
Commissioner Renee Griffith. It pains me to do this. The decision is hers. However, to
maintain the credibility of this board and community, as the chairman I feel I must publicly make
this statement. Thank you very much."
Chairman Johnson then submitted the following resolution for adoption.
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RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RESIGNATION OF
IREDELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER RENEE GRIFFITH
WHEREAS, a board of commissioners, duly elected by the citizens of a county is the
way our state has chosen us to be governed at the county level; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for a board of commissioners, or any individual
commissioner, to conduct themselves in a manner which establishes trust and confidence in this
form of government; and
WHEREAS, cynicism towards government at every level is increasingly ubiquitous and
demands an even closer adherence to ethical rectitude: and
WHEREAS, a board of commissioners is an institution established by state law, and one
institution that is of far greater importance than any individual commissioner, or indeed the sum
total of all members, and an institution whose reputation for integrity must never be
compromised; and
WHEREAS, the behavior of a commissioner has caused the ability of this board's body
to be questioned.
THEREFORE, it is with sadness, yet with conviction, that we adopt this resolution asking
Commissioner Renee Griffith to resign as an Iredell County Commissioner effective this date of
August 7, 2012.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to adopt the resolution which states the justification for
the statement and the appropriate action that needs to be taken.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 1 (Griffith)
ADJOURNMENT: MOTIO by Chairman Johnson at 7:40 P.M. to adjourn the
meeting. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approved:
VA
,dean C. Moore
Clerk to the Board