HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 21 2012 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
FEBRUARY 21, 2012
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, February 21, 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, Deputy County
Manager Tracy Jackson, Health Director Donna Campbell, Social Services Director Yvette
Smith, Captain Mike Phillips with the Sheriff's Office, Parks & Recreation Director Robert
Woody, Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, Recycling Coordinator Ben Stikeleather, and
Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Attorney Bill Pope
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: OTION by Commissioner Griffith to
approve the agenda with the following revisions.
Additions: *Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of Budget Amendment #35
to Recognize $25,000 in Seized Funds & for Appropriation to the Crime
Prevention Program
*Closed Session Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) — Attorney/Client
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Adoption of a Resolution in Appreciation of Dr. Douglas O. Eason, Retiring
President of Mitchell Community College: Chairman Johnson read the following resolution
that will be presented to Dr. Eason.
Resolution Honoring
Dr. Douglas O. Eason
WHEREAS, Dr. Douglas Eason, President of Mitchell Community College, has
announced his retirement effective February 29, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Eason, named the 23rd President of Mitchell College, or the 3`d
President of Mitchell Community College, assumed his presidency on July 1, 1990; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Eason has been a crusader for the North Carolina Community College
System, the nation's third largest system, as he has continually fought to uphold a goal of
providing a superior workforce; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Eason has been instrumental and a positive force in developing
affordable and high quality programs geared to meet the lifelong needs of Iredell County's
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, during President Eason's impressive and honorable career at Mitchell, the
college's enrollment and physical space more than doubled; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Eason has helped, during his 21 years of invaluable leadership at
Mitchell, to create and champion an acclaimed educational environment appropriate for the 21"
century and beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Iredell County Commissioners hereby
express their sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to Dr. Douglas O. Eason for his dedicated
and highly distinguished service to the citizens of Iredell County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be incorporated into the permanent
minutes of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners in order for future generations to
recognize and know about the impact of Dr. Eason's immeasurable achievements and
accomplishments.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Emergency Communications for Approval of Budget Amendment #32 to
Appropriate Fund Balance in the Emergency Telephone Fund for the Purpose of Installing a
Fiber Connection from ECOM to the Statesville Police Department: Deputy County Manager
Tracy Jackson said ECOM was requesting to allocate $56,000 in emergency telephone funds to
install a direct fiber connection between ECOM to the Statesville Police Department. He said 911
funds would be used for the cost, and the connection would serve two purposes: (1) the Statesville
Police Department could be used as a backup site for the communication center, if needed, and (2)
the updated equipment would be helpful with even newer future 911 equipment enhancements.
OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #32.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Health Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #33 for the
Purpose of Applying for and Accepting a Community Transformation Grant: Health Director
Donna Campbell said the North Carolina Department of Public Health had received a Community
Transformation Grant for regional health departments. She said the funding was geared to support
tobacco -free living, active living, and healthy living. Campbell said this region would receive
$400,000 a year for five years, and of that, Iredell County would receive $27,430 a year. She said
locally, the funds would be used by an existing health education specialist in the targeted areas.
Campbell requested permission to apply and accept the funds. She said the request would be
considered by the board of health on February 23.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #33.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Cty BA# 33 Purpose: To allocate NC Dept of Public Health Community Transformation Grant
ICHD 12 -
BA# 0223A revenues and expenditures.
REVENUE
10493503 442511 55053 1 Grant
O 0i012wom
2
EXISTING I JAMENDED
BUDGET I CHANGE IBUDGET
(27,430) 1 (27,430)
To appropriate fund balance in the Emergency Telephone Fund for the purpose of installing a
fiber connection from ECOM to Statesville Police Department.
BA#32
212112012
Account#
Current Chane Amended
Emergency Telephone
Fund
384880 499500
Appropriated Fund Balance
(672,705)
(56,000)
(728,705)
385534 610000
Depreciable Assets
525,000
56,000
581,000
Request from the Health Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #33 for the
Purpose of Applying for and Accepting a Community Transformation Grant: Health Director
Donna Campbell said the North Carolina Department of Public Health had received a Community
Transformation Grant for regional health departments. She said the funding was geared to support
tobacco -free living, active living, and healthy living. Campbell said this region would receive
$400,000 a year for five years, and of that, Iredell County would receive $27,430 a year. She said
locally, the funds would be used by an existing health education specialist in the targeted areas.
Campbell requested permission to apply and accept the funds. She said the request would be
considered by the board of health on February 23.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #33.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Cty BA# 33 Purpose: To allocate NC Dept of Public Health Community Transformation Grant
ICHD 12 -
BA# 0223A revenues and expenditures.
REVENUE
10493503 442511 55053 1 Grant
O 0i012wom
2
EXISTING I JAMENDED
BUDGET I CHANGE IBUDGET
(27,430) 1 (27,430)
EXPENSELINE(S)
DESCRIPTION
EXISTING
BUDGET
CHANGE
AMENDED
BUDGET
10935030 510002
Salaries & Wages -Regular
81,180
14,450
95,630
10935030 512501
FICA
6,210
1,105
7,315
10935030 512502
Group Insurance
15,505
3,000
18,505
10935030 512503
Retirement
9,764
1,710
11,474
10935030 535000
Department Supplies
2,200
865
3,065
10935030 536000
Training and Dev.
2,020
1,000
3,020
10935030 536200
Travel
1,330
300
1,630
10935030 548000
Community Awareness
8,000
5,000
13,000
Request from Social Services for Approval of Budget Amendment #34 to Recognize an
Additional Allocation in the Crisis Intervention, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, and
Domestic Violence Programs: Social Services Director Yvette Smith requested approval of a
budget amendment to accept additional funding for the following programs:
Crisis Intervention: $658,355
Low Income Home Energy Assistance: $ 59,252
Domestic Violence Program: $ 334
Mrs. Smith said no local match was required.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #34.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of a Jail Phone Services Contract with
SECURUS: Captain Mike Phillips, with the sheriff's office, requested approval of a contract with
the jail phone provider (SECURUS). Phillips said SECURIS was actually updating the equipment
and some online privileges would be offered. He said the inmates and their families would be able
to purchase online time, and the service would be offered at the Water Street and Turnersburg Road
jail sites.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the SECURUS contract as presented.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
3
To appropriate additional funding in the DSS Department for Crisis Intervention, Low Income
Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Domestic Violence Programs.
BA#34
2/21/2012
Account #
Current Chane Amended
104630 450022
Crisis Intervention
(227,630)
(658,355)
(885,985)
104630 450025
Domestic Violence Funds
(26,410)
(334)
(26,744)
104630 450021
LIHEAP
(142,802)
(59,252)
(202,054)
105630 554201
Crisis Intervention
227,630
658,355
885,985
105630 554625
Domestic Violence Funds
31,309
334
31,643
105630 554210
LIHEAP
142,802
59,252
202,054
Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of a Jail Phone Services Contract with
SECURUS: Captain Mike Phillips, with the sheriff's office, requested approval of a contract with
the jail phone provider (SECURUS). Phillips said SECURIS was actually updating the equipment
and some online privileges would be offered. He said the inmates and their families would be able
to purchase online time, and the service would be offered at the Water Street and Turnersburg Road
jail sites.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the SECURUS contract as presented.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
3
SECURUS INMATE PHONE SYSTEM
• SECURUS, the current system provider, is offering to update the current phone system by adding
a web -based, hosted system that will allow enhanced services for the Jail, inmates and their
families.
• The system will provide hosted online access to the system's control and account features.
o Allows families or inmates to purchase and deposit phone time into inmate accounts
from home.
o Allows online management and control of inmate privileges by Jail staff and easy
information access.
• The County does not pay for this system. Instead, Iredell County Jail earns commission revenue
from the system. Under the new contract, we will earn 66% commission on gross sales generated
through the system, substantially higher than the average 53% earned by many counties using
comparable systems. (A survey among other counties using Paytel, Amtel and Securus showed a
commission range of 49%-60%).
• There is no cost to Iredell County to maintain the equipment. SECURUS installed, owns and
maintains the current system equipment. Currently, the Jail owns and maintains equipment
required to sync jail technology with the SECURUS system and much of this equipment is
scheduled to be replaced. Upgrading to the web based, hosted system will allow Jail to
decommission much of this equipment without having to replace it.
• SECURUS currently services and maintains coordination between the phone system and any
county equipment, often providing replacement equipment for county owned equipment at no
cost to the County. They will continue to maintain this coordination.
• SECURUS currently provides and maintains 11 public pay phones in several County buildings at
no charge to County. They will continue to provide this free service.
• Sheriff's Office requests the board to approve a 3 -year renewal agreement to continue using the
SECURUS system with the web -based management update. Since there will be no removal or
installation of a full system, the impact and disruption to jail operations, systems and physical
security will be drastically minimized, if not eliminated.
(Note: Commissioner Griffith asked how much was received on pay phone commissions.
Finance Director Susan Blumenstein said this was about $75,000 a year.)
Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of Budget Amendment #35 to
Recognize $25,000 in Seized Funds & for Appropriation to the Crime Prevention Program:
Captain Mike Phillips, with the sheriff's office, requested approval of a budget amendment to
recognize $25,000 in seized funds and for the appropriation of the money to the crime prevention
line item.
MOTIO by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #35.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Solid Waste Department for the Awarding of a Scrap Tire Disposal
Contract to New River Tire Recycling: Solid Waste Recycling Coordinator Ben Stikeleather
requested approval of a scrap tire disposal contract with New River Tire Recycling, located in
Hillsville, Virginia. Stikeleather said favorable recommendations were provided for the company,
4
To recognize funds received from US Treasury and appropriate for Crime Prevention.
BA#35
Account #
Current Chane Amended
104510 482000
Federal Equity Sharing
-(25,000)
(25,000)
105510 538000
Crime Prevention
40,000
25,000
65,000
Request from the Solid Waste Department for the Awarding of a Scrap Tire Disposal
Contract to New River Tire Recycling: Solid Waste Recycling Coordinator Ben Stikeleather
requested approval of a scrap tire disposal contract with New River Tire Recycling, located in
Hillsville, Virginia. Stikeleather said favorable recommendations were provided for the company,
4
and the staff had visited the work site in Virginia. He said currently New River created two main
products out of the scrap rubber: (1) astro turf and (2) colored mulch. Stikeleather said the company
planned in the future to produce tire derived fuels.
Commissioner Robertson said the current contract was with a Concord, NC company, and
now, the plan was to work with an out-of-state facility. He asked if the county would be paying
more to have the tires hauled a longer distance.
Stikeleather said the current provider had a surcharge of $1.25 a gallon and up. He said the
new company would have a 10¢ surcharge (160 mile round trip), and the costs would be lower with
the Virginia facility.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the two companies had the same base fuel price.
Stikeleather said both prices were from the EIP web site for this market.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the scrap tire disposal contract with New
River Tire Recycling.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Parks, Recreation & Facility Services Department for Approval of
Fee Increases in Recreational Programs: Parks & Recreation Director Robert Wood requested
approval of fee increases. He said the primary reasons for the increases were due to implementing
an online registration process where a transaction/processing charge was incurred as well as the
higher cost for fuel and food.
Commissioner Robertson asked why the online registration cost more, especially if the staff
was at the current time manually entering the data with checks and forms being used. He said that
with online registrations, it would seem that efficiencies would be gained.
Woody said convenience for the patron and efficiencies were two reasons why the online
registration was being proposed.
Griffith asked if the increase was due to using credit/debit cards.
Woody said no, "that it was a percentage."
Griffith clarified that it was understood that if a customer used a debit or credit card the
county was charged a percentage.
Woody said, "The fee comes off the top, and it was basically a convenience fee."
Chairman Johnson said the banks would normally eliminate a debit card fee, but not for a
credit card. He mentioned the possibility of checking with the bank about the elimination of debit
card fees.
OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the Parks and Recreation fee increases.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
The new fees will be as follows:
Outdoor Education Center (OEC) Fees
Fee increase of $3 per person to cover the charge of ActiveNet registration fees (Avg 5% fee).
Type of
Length of
OEC 2010
OEC 2012 -
Program
program
& 2011
2013
(Projected)
'/2 Day
$33
$36
Youth
3/4 Day
$37
$40
Full Day
$40
$43
r
Non -Profit
`/z Day
$45
$48
Adult
3/4 Day
$53
$56
2012-2013
Full Day
$60
$63
Per Program
ih Day
$65
$68
Corporate
3/4 Day
$73
$76
$130
Full Day
$80
$83
Camp Iredell & Camp Iredell Adventures Fees
Weekly fees will be raised $10 for ActiveNet registration fees and $5 for an increase in
activity/operating costs.
Camp Excursions Fee
Fee increase of $25 for ActiveNet registration fees (avg), and an increase in activity/operating
costs (including further distances, modification of activities).
Camp Iredell
Camp Iredell
Camp Iredell
Camp Iredell
Weekly
2010 & 2011
2012-2013
Rate Per
Adventures
Adventures 2012-2013
Per Program
$33.00
(Projected)
(Average)
2010 & 2011
(Projected)
Average Week
$115
$130
$160
$175
Holiday Week (4
$100
$115
$135
$150
Special Trip Week
$150-160
$170-$175
$160
$175
(carowinds, Emerald Pointe)
Camp Excursions Fee
Fee increase of $25 for ActiveNet registration fees (avg), and an increase in activity/operating
costs (including further distances, modification of activities).
Adult Program Fee
Fee increase of $2 per person for ActiveNet registration fees (avg).
Camp
Camp Excursions
Excursions
2012-2013
Weekly
$350.00
$575.00
Rate Per
Adult Program Fee
Fee increase of $2 per person for ActiveNet registration fees (avg).
Request from the Finance Department for Approval of a Contract with Martin Starnes
& Associates CPAs, P.A. to Audit Accounts: Finance Director Susan Blumenstein said a contract
had been prepared by Martin Starnes for the completion of the county's year end June 30, 2012
external single audit (financial and compliance). She said the $41,000 cost was $1,000 more than
the prior year, and this was due to the federal government requiring more field work. Blumenstein
said the $41,000 was still less than what was being paid in like -sized counties.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the Martin Starnes auditing contract.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Tax Department for Approval of the January 2011 Refunds &
Releases: County Manager Smith said the refunds/releases had been submitted for approval.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the January refunds/releases.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
6
Adult Programs
Adult Programs
2011-2012
2012-2013
(Projected)
Cost Per Person,
Per Program
$33.00
$35.00
(Average)
Request from the Finance Department for Approval of a Contract with Martin Starnes
& Associates CPAs, P.A. to Audit Accounts: Finance Director Susan Blumenstein said a contract
had been prepared by Martin Starnes for the completion of the county's year end June 30, 2012
external single audit (financial and compliance). She said the $41,000 cost was $1,000 more than
the prior year, and this was due to the federal government requiring more field work. Blumenstein
said the $41,000 was still less than what was being paid in like -sized counties.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the Martin Starnes auditing contract.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Tax Department for Approval of the January 2011 Refunds &
Releases: County Manager Smith said the refunds/releases had been submitted for approval.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the January refunds/releases.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
6
Releases for the month of January 2012
Breakdown of Releases:
County
$
29,631.32
Solid Waste Fees
$
352.50
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
1.45
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
80.54
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
419.10
All County Fire #4
$
1,593.25
B&F Fire #5
$
115.10
Statesville City
$
2,078.70
Statesville Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
9,155.93
Mooresville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
1,658.93
Love Valley
$
32.01
Harmony
$
4.15
Troutman
$
123.06
Davidson
$
-
Refunds for the month
of January 2012
Breakdown of Refunds:
County
$
92,446.89
Solid Waste Fees
$
104.00
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
-
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
1.67
All County Fire #4
$
248.97
B&F Fire #5
$
410.54
Statesville City
$
22,770.15
Statesville Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
69,374.10
Mooresville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
7,222.67
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
-
Troutman
$
-
Davidson
$
-
Monthly
Total
$45,246.04
Monthly
Total
$192,578.99
Request for Approval of the February 7, 2012 Minutes: OTION by Commissioner
Griffith to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Animal Grievance Committee (1 announcement)
Nursing Home Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
Historic Properties Commission (3 announcements)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Equalization & Review (6 appointments): Commissioner Robertson nominated
Mike Brotherton, Ken Prichard, Hal Jolly, Danny Allen, and Don Daniels.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to appoint Brotherton, Prichard, Jolly, Allen, and Daniels by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
No one was appointed as an alternate, and Chairman Johnson requested for this appointment
to be listed on the March 6 agenda.
VA
Board of Equalization & Review Officer's Positions:
Commissioner Mitchell nominated Mike Brotherton as Chairman of the Equalization &
Review Board and Ken Prichard as Vice Chairman.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to appoint Brotherton as the Board of Equalization &
Review Board Chairman and Ken Prichard as the Vice Chairman.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (1 appointment): OTION by Commissioner
Mitchell to postpone this appointment.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Troutman Planning Board — ETJ (1 appointment): Commissioner Robertson nominated
Mike Todd.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Mike Todd.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Reminder List
Centralina Economic Development Commission (1 appointment): Commissioner
Robertson nominated Robby Carney.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Carney to the Centralina EDC.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
RED LINE RAIL COMMUTER PROJECT: Chairman Johnson read the following letter
sent by John Edwards, the Norfolk Southern General Director for Passenger Policy to Paul Morris,
the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Deputy Secretary for Transit regarding the Red
Line Commuter Project. Mr. Johnson noted that Mr. Edwards, in the letter, had made a statement
nat me Kea Line Dian was tatauv riawea.
.ao.aam., eon., v. eawarns
see axis Pia�ome tl ca.,era� ol.aoro. P�ssecae, ammr
Th— commarael cla=e _
N n.Tolk. VA 23510 -
�oi,n.EtlwardsCrvmcam. co m
Febru.ry 21, 2012
via email only
Paul F. Morris
IDaputy Secretary for Transit
North Carolina [Department of Transportation
1501 Mail Sarvica Center
Transportation Building
Raleigh, NC 27699-1501
Ra: Proposed Had Lina Commuter Project
near Paul
We have followed with interest and concern the recent campaign to Introduce "Rad Lina"
commuter servica on the Norfolk Southern -owned rail line between Charlotte and Mooresville.
Norfolk Southern stands ready to study with NCO and CATS the introduction of commuter
rails ca on the Norfolk Southern O Lina. Although i cannot now anticipate thea ntual
conclusions of such a study, Norfolk Southern commits to ensuring that any new study Is based
upon realistic operating, financial and regulatory assumptions.
Having said that, Norfolk Southern cannot support the current "Rad Lina' plan proposed by
NCMOT for use of Norfolk Southern'. property. The "Red Line" plan is fatally hawed and based
upon assumptions about the projected freight use of the C Line that are no longer valid. For
those os s, the current proposal Is not feasible and does not constitute a starting point for
further disci ..ions. The JPA davelopment process, therefore. Is pramature and will not lead to
an accelerated construction schedule.
If NC[DOT wishes to pursue some form of commuter rail on Norfolk Southern's -C- Line, Norfolk
Southarn will be ready to begin the study basad upon updated freight operating assumptions,
and the con'ect financial, tax, liability and regulatory modals. This process is net short or easy.
It will be an expensive process for NCn - nut we will work with you to ensure that together
we gat it right.
John V. Edwards
8
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The public was offered an opportunity to speak but
no one accepted.
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) — Personnel and G.S. 143-
318.11 (a) (3) — Attorney Client, Chairman Johnson at 7:38 P.M., made a motion to enter into
Closed Session.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:15 P.M.)
ADJOURNMENT: OTIO by Chairman Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 8:15
P.M. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
DI
Clerk to the Board