HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober_1_2013_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
OCTOBER 1. 2013
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at 7:00
PM, 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
David Boone
Renee Griffith
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein, Planning Division Manager Matthew Todd, Transportation Administrator
Ben Stikeleather, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith announced and
requested the following adjustments to the agenda.
Additions: *Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #7 for the 2013 Refunding of the
2003 COPS and Rescue Squad Installment Payment Financing
*Under New Business, an Update on the Year -End (FY 2012-13) Close Out will be Presented
*Pertaining to Memo #1 (2012 Scattered Site Housing Project), the Analysis of
Impediments was not included in the agenda packet. (A copy of this document was distributed
to the board members at the meeting.)
OTIO by Commissioner Griffith to approve the agenda with the adjustments.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request for Approval of Documents Relating to the 2012 Scattered Site Housing
Project and Future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) With all Items being
Effective October 2013 — October 2016: Joining Planning Division Manager Matthew Todd to
discuss this request was Program Administrator Alicia Broadway, with Benchmark CMR, Inc.,
the agency providing the administrative and service delivery work for the CDBG.
Ms. Broadway said Benchmark was honored to assist with the 2012 Scattered Site
Housing grant. She said six items needed to be approved, and each one required a separate
motion. (The items for approval are as follows: (1) Approval of a Resolution for the Required
CDBG Policies, Procedures and Plans (2) Approval of a Fair Housing Resolution (3) Approval of a
Resolution Authorizing the County Manager and the Planning Division Manager to Sign DCA
Report Reports and Documents (4) Approval of a Project Budget Ordinance (5) Approval of an
Analysis of Impediments and (6) Approval of a Language Access Plan.)
Commissioner Boone said the following: "I attended a partisan event at the Republican
Women's Club last Thursday, and the program had good information. I went to the city council
candidate forum first so I heard about one-half of the program, but it was one of the best I've
heard recently. Mr. Guy Smith from Cleveland County was describing how the Federal
government, and to a lesser extent the state governments, used money or grants and attached
conditions to them. They use these as a tool to impose their will and their control on local
governments. I wish that all members of this board and all members of the local governments in
this county had been able to attend. It was a very eye opening and informative meeting.
I
"We often complain about the mandates imposed upon this Board by the Federal and
state governments and rightfully so. These mandates are sometimes imposed by direct coercion,
but in many cases local governments are enticed into bending to the will of Washington or
Raleigh by the lure of `free' money. We are offered some sort of grant, paid for with tax dollars,
that may benefit at least a few people in the community. We are told that if we do not accept the
money, someone else will get it. The only catch is that this `free' money almost always comes
with strings attached.
"The next several items on our agenda provide a textbook example. These are contained
in Memo #1 plus the additional information that we just received.
"If we approve these items, the County Manager will be tasked with receiving housing
discrimination complaints, attempting a local resolution, and informing state authorities. The
County would have to publicize in the local newspaper and on the County's website notices that
the County Manager can be contacted with housing discrimination complaints. The Manager
would also be required to accept complaints involving any HUD funded program and be the
Compliance Officer for Section 504 grievances. The County would additionally be required to
post Fair Housing posters in both English and Spanish in a visible location in this building and at
other public buildings, as well as distribute county -specific and state -printed Fair Housing
pamphlets to lending institutions and housing -related nonprofit organizations in the county.
"Enforcement of fair housing laws has been a responsibility of the Federal and state
governments, not of the county. If the Board approves these agenda items, we will be imposing
upon ourselves a mandate to enforce state and Federal laws. Publicizing the fact that complaints
can be lodged with a local official will likely increase the number of complaints.
"One document we are being asked to adopt would commit the County to pursuing
affirmative action in employment matters. It reads, `Responsibility for implementing equal
opportunities and affirmative action measures is hereby assigned to the Board of Commissioners
Chairman.....'
"The County would be required to hold at least three public hearings relating to the grant.
Upon request, we would be mandated to provide a translator for any non-English speaking
person desiring to attend one of the hearings. Upon request, the County would have to translate
`vital' documents into other languages, and provide translation assistance to any Limited English
Proficiency individual wishing to file a complaint.
"This is only a brief summary of the mandates we are being asked to impose upon
ourselves. Just the memo on this matter in our agenda packet is nearly 50 pages long. It would
be safe to say that complying with all the requirements of the Housing Grant would involve
hundreds of hours of county staff time. In addition, five or ten minutes ago, we were given
another memo relating to this matter which is 22 pages long, and I'm sure the members have not
had a chance to read it.
"The red tape attached to the acceptance of the Housing Grant is even worse than I, and I
suspect most other Board members, realized it was when the proposal was first presented.
"I am very cognizant of the argument that if we do not accept the grant someone else will
receive the money, and that some people would benefit by our acceptance of the grant. That is
the very reason I have voted to accept many grants I would not have voted to fund had I been a
state or Federal legislator.
"But there comes a point where the onerous mandates attached to acceptance of the
sovereign's money outweigh the benefits. I believe such is the case in the matter at hand. For
those who disagree, I would ask how high a price they would be willing to pay for the grant at
issue. I respectfully ask my fellow Board members who originally voted in favor of accepting
the money to reconsider their position in light of the information we now have before us."
OTIO by Commissioner Boone to move to the next item on the agenda.
VOTING: Ayes — 2 (Boone & Griffith); Nays — 3
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to approve a resolution for the required CDBG
policies, procedures and plans.
VOTING: Ayes - 3; Nays — 2 (Boone & Griffith)
2. OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to Approve the Fair Housing Resolution.
VOTING: Ayes - 3; Nays — 2 (Boone & Griffith)
3. OTIO by Commissioner Robertson to approve a resolution authorizing the County
Manar-er and the Planning Division Manager to Sign DCA reports and documents.
VOTING: Ayes - 3; Nays — 2 (Boone & Griffith)
4. OTIO by Commissioner Robertson to approve a Project Budget Ordinance.
VOTING: Ayes — 3; Nays — 2 (Boone & Griffith)
Analysis of Impediments: Commissioner Boone said the information on this item
consisted of 22 pages. He said the information had only been shared at the meeting, and it was
doubtful that any board members had been given enough time to read the analysis.
Commissioner Boone said it was assumed that if the board members approved the document,
they would be approving something they had not read.
Chairman Johnson asked if the county staff had reviewed the document, and if so, was
there a recommendation for approval.
Planning Division Manager Matthew Todd said the staff recommended approval.
5. OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the Analysis of Impediments.
VOTING: Ayes - 3; Nays - 2 (Boone & Griffith)
6. OTIO by Chairman Johnson to approve the Language Access Plan.
VOTING: Ayes — 3; Nays — 2 (Boone & Griffith)
Note: A copy of all of the items included in this request may be found at the end of the minutes.
Request from ICATS to Call for a Public Hearing on October 15, 2013 to Allow
Citizen Input on the FTA 5310 — Elderly and Disabled Grant Application: Transportation
Administrator Ben Stikeleather said the FTA 5310 grant would provide funding for elderly and
disabled individuals to travel to dialysis appointments and to make personal trips. He said the
only change from last year would be a funding increase of $100,000.
OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to call for a public hearing on October 15 to allow
citizen comments about the FTA 5310 grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from ICATS to Call for a Public Hearing on October 15, 2013 to Allow
Citizen Input on the FTA 5311 — Administrative and Capital Grant Application:
Transportation Administrator Ben Stikeleather said the FTA 5311 funds would provide $260,000
for administrative costs during the next fiscal year along with $130,000 in capital funds to
replace vans that had aged out.
OTIO by Commissioner Griffith to call for a public hearing on October 15 to allow
citizen comments about the FTA 5311 grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from ICATS to Call for a Public Hearing on October 15, 2013 to Allow
Citizen Input on the FTA 5316 — Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant Application:
Transportation Administrator Ben Stikeleather said FTA 5316 funds would remain the same next
year ($200,000) and the funding would assist in transporting individuals to and from work when
their hours began before 8 AM or after 5 PM.
OTIO by Commissioner Griffith to call for a public hearing on October 15, 2013 to
allow citizen comments regarding the FTA 5316 grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources - Division of
Archives and Records for Approval of Amendments to the County Management Records
Retention & Disposition Schedule: County Manager Ron Smith said two minor amendments
had occurred to the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule approved by the board of
commissioners in July. He said one amendment clarified the language for escheat an unclaimed
property reports, and the other related to employee eligibility records.
OTIO by Commissioner Boone to approve the amendments to the County
Management Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of the September 17, 2013 Minutes: OTIO by
Commissioner Boone to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #7 for the 2013 Refunding of the
2003 COPs and Rescue Squad Installment Payment Financing: Finance Director Susan
Blumenstein said the refinancing of the 2003 Certificates of Participation and the 2004
Installment Purchase Agreement for the Rescue Squad had closed out, and the net present value
savings would be $2.3 million over the next ten years. She said a budget amendment was needed
in order to record the proceeds in the general fund.
OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #7.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Partners Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors (2 announcements)
11
To record proceeds of 2013 Debt Refunding and retirement of existing Installment Payment Debt for
Iredell County Rescue Squad and remaining 2003 Educational COPS
BA#7
10/1/2013
Account#
Current
Chane
Amended
General Fund
-
(18,545,000)
(18,545,000)
104880 4902.00
Proceeds of Refunding Debt
105700 5600.30
Debt Financing Fees - ISS
15,000
(1,175)
13,825
105700 5602.30
Debt Financing Fees -MGSD
6,000
(606)
5,394
105710 5751.00
Debt Refunded
-
18,480,781
18,480,781
105710 5751.02
1 Refunding Closing Costs
-
1 66,000
1 66,000
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Partners Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors (2 announcements)
11
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Nursins Home Advisory Committee (2 appointments): OTIO by Commissioner
Griffith to postpone these two appointments.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee 0 appointment): OTIO by
Commissioner Griffith to postpone this appointment.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (3 appointments): Commissioner Griffith
nominated Ryan Laney, Marge Gray, and Jane Murray.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Laney, Gray,
and Murray by acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
NEW BUSINESS
YEAR END BUDGET UPDATE: Finance Director Susan Blumenstein distributed a
spreadsheet containing the following consolidated general fund information for year ending
June 30, 2013.
1011512013
Revenue
i MQ
j 6130110
tTil
6130111 j
tTiL
6130112
rTTJ
6130H3 '',
rTR4T1J I
Inc lDec)
r7lanwj5w i xerrna n
Budget 1 Budget
amrr www'
(tinder) Budget
LAdyatoran Taxes
91,716290
92,840,505
98245152
100,334,891 ,.
2.13%i
99,160,4151
101.18%
1,174,476
;Other TaxesgUmnses
815015{
1,108,695'
1,142570
1,120,343
-1.95%
3,722,729
_
10373%
40,243
sales ram (1)
1 23,076,683
20.414,8321
2484972
26958,072 L_
4.41%1
-..1,080,100,
27,487,6001
9807%
(529528)
i8ldg8LandDev(2)
NlOther Revenue__ _
_
11.682,885.__7768,201)-
6,684,8471_-
6,873,078
16,736,0391
39.35%
151,004,5021
153,875,210
LReglst erolDeeds
_ 7518791
--1,6889131
. 710,194
-.. 742,018
Cade Eniercement
2628732
_
_ 1,927X7 (
2,367,614
1,811,020
239,795
190,6491
198,618
'Health -on-site Wastewater 1
334,773
283,918(
310,280
'(EMS
3,432,147
4,087,3631
3,895,560
.:Health Dept -all other ';
3,663,367 _
3586,132
3,722,729
social Services 1
17,021.449
16,014,466
15,383,058
�SheffsOepartnutt
2557808:
1,621,161
1,824,813
Jail
696,603,
539,434
436,125
NlOther Revenue__ _
_
11.682,885.__7768,201)-
6,684,8471_-
6,873,078
Total Bullftg 8 LarldDeveMpment revenues up a totat o/1&5%overFY12
990,6451
67,895
33.50%
750000
132.09%
2628732
1,789,451
11.03%1
1,811,020
145.15%
_
235,548 �.
18.59%
_
174,050!
135.33%
433,8301
39.82%1
319,5601
135.76%
4,573,477 1
_ 17.40%.
3,962,2501
_1.15.43%
_
3,524,337
-5.33%t
4.229.555 i
83.33%
14,300,725
.7.04%'�
15,456,945
92.52%
1,257,758
-31.07%
1,130.824
111.22%
506,480
16.13%
460,850 i
109_90%
6,684,8471_-
x.19%
16,736,0391
39.35%
)Genera( Govemmenial.._.-1 .11070242___--,11162,430'.,-- 11,489,412 j 13,339,8841 16.11%1 17,024,949! 789
iPubiie Sat _. I 27,724,500 28,024517 -_
etyj28751,9161 29818,906; 371%I 32577858.��92%
'Bldg &Land Deuelopmenl
i
595,067 553.566 i_ 401,975
Bu8drlg Standards Center
67,895
. 67,6791
--
55,460
Code Enim_cemen_t
1,947,092
1,789,451
1774,020
Planning I
.. 801,157
819,900
671,463
On-site Wastewater (
748,329
693,354
667,844
(Cooper rExtension I
365,906
357,8001
291,575
Human Servxes
33,203,091
32,381,012.
-69242289
_ 32,082,822
'Education lucludes Debt Rm)
75997465
69_,829.938
(Debi Semce(County) i
_. 1,050.661 1
_
1020,321
990,405
!Cultural&Reueatienal
5,146,808-
4,892,183
4,818,931
joiner financing uses
1,005,675
2.194,050
I
159,723,668 1
151,004,5021
153,875,210
432855 7.68%j
474169:
_ _
276,700 i
100.00%
285,511
--
97%
+-
62180:.
12.12%
92,518 .
671A
1,644,153 1_ _
-7.32%1
_
1732 006
750,816 1
1182%1
_ 785,373961A
_951A
._...
604,822
9.44%1
618,026
98%
323,698.1 _ 11.02%1 414,531 78%
30,267,270 ! 566%1 34,330.877_ 88%
73.217,534 4.85%.-, 73.677,708
_ 99%
1060,015~„ 703%� _ 1,084,800 _. 98%___
FY 2013 Addition to Unassigned Fund Balance 2;457;088
61
817
611,227
126,934
Ms. Blumenstein said the auditors had finished auditing the financial statements for year
ending June 30, 2013, and a report of findings would be presented to the board on November 19.
Using the aforementioned spreadsheet, Blumenstein noted a few highlights as follows:
*Ad valorem tax base was budgeted at $20.46 billion, but it came in at $20.582 billion
*Tax collection rate was budgeted at 96.95%, but it came in at 97.06%. (Almost $1.2
million more was collected in ad valorem taxes.)
*Retail sales are up
*Revenues are up for the departments of the Register of Deeds, Code Enforcement,
Planning, Environmental Health, and EMS (Blue Cross & Blue Shield paid a settlement due to
previous underpayments, and there was a Medicaid settlement payment)
*Some health divisions (maternal health, WIC, and child health coordination) have lower
revenues than what was budgeted, but overall, when looking at revenues and expenditures, the
county did not spend the full amount budgeted in county funds
•Revenues were down in social services, but expenditures were down too with much of
this being in foster care and adoption assistance payments
•In expenditures, it appears the county underspent by $11.7 million. (Almost $5.7
million of this; however, is in encumbrances for next year due to unfinished projects. The actual
unspent amount will be around $6.1 million.)
•$2,457,088 will be added to the unassigned fund balance
Chairman Johnson cautioned everyone about getting too confident about the finances as
he still had a concern about the economy. He mentioned the importance of retaining a
"substantially higher percentage of fund balance than what was historically maintained." He
said that until there was fiscal policy in place on the Federal level to keep the economy going on
a sustained basis, a fund balance at a minimum of 18% should be retained. Johnson said that at
the Fall Planning Session some consideration should be given on how much of the $2.457
million could be set aside for the jail. He said this would reduce the level of debt service should
the county have to incur future debt for a jail. Johnson encouraged the other board members to
talk with the county staff about how much of the funding might be set aside in a jail capital
reserve fund. He said that in 18 months there could be new members on the board of
commissioners, and it was already known that a jail needed to be built.
Commissioner Boone agreed that a healthy fund balance was needed and future debt
should be at a minimum.
Future Planning Sessions or Retreats
Commissioner Boone mentioned the county was having a planning session in November.
He said that in the past there had been some discussion about having incentives for employees
who found ways to save money. Mr. Boone requested that a portion of time be devoted to
incentive proposals at the planning session.
In addition, Commissioner Boone requested that the board members not engage in any
official business during planning sessions or retreats. He said that agenda packets were
distributed before the regular meetings, and this provided time for the board members to review
and research the items. Boone said at the planning sessions much information was either
distributed or presented and the board members sometimes approved items without having
enough time for due consideration. He said this process wasn't conducive to good decision
making. Boone said a consensus could occur at the planning sessions, but on substantive matters
not requiring urgent attention, he preferred for the topics to be placed on a subsequent agenda for
a regular board meeting.
Chairman Johnson agreed about not making decisions at the planning sessions, but he
requested leeway pertaining to a discussion on economic development in November. He said at
some point strategies and recommendations might be presented, and the staff would need some
general direction on how to proceed.
Mr. Boone asked that planning session agenda item information be provided to the board
members in advance, if possible.
1.1
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Environmental Health Inspections: County Manager Smith said the environmental health
inspection backlog had been cut down to one week in Statesville and two weeks in Mooresville.
New Health Director Recognized and Welcomed: Chairman Johnson welcomed Health
Director Jane Murray to Iredell County. Ms. Murray began work on September 30, 2013.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, Commissioner Griffith
made a olio to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 PM. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday,
October 15, 2013, in the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville,
NC.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
Clerk to the Board
IREDELL COUNTY'S
RESOLUTION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
WHEREAS, Iredell County has been awarded Community Development Block Grant
funds from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of
Community Assistance; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County desires to adopt and maintain current Community
Development Program Policies, Procedures, and Plans as listed in
Attachment A and individually attached to this Resolution; and
NOW. TIIEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Iredell County hereby adopts Community
Development Program Policies, Procedures, acid Plans as herein contained.
Adopted this the ]sl day of October , 2013.
Stephen D. Johnspd Chairman
ATTEST:
(lean Moore, Clerk to the Board
IREDELL COUNTY
SECTION 504/SELF-EVALUATION SURVEY
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A
The County uses newspaper advertisements and posts information on publicly accessible bulletin
boards to notify all persons including the disabled of their rights under the County -funded or
directed government projects. The County informs all job applicants that the County is an Equal
Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against anyone for any reason
including the disabled in considering the applicant for employment.
Crossroads Behavioral Health represents disabled persons located within the County. The
County will establish contact with this organization and other organizations in surrounding
jurisdictions that may serve the County in the future. The County will continue to consult with
individuals interested in the special needs of handicapped and disabled persons.
The County has hiring policies to assure that no person, disabled or otherwise, is discriminated
against when being considered for employment with the County.
Attachment B
The County provides for translators, people to sign for the hearing impaired, and any other
auxiliary services necessary to participate if the County Clerk is notified prior to meetings, visits,
or hearings.
The County utilizes the State's Relay Number for the Deaf — TDD Number (1-800-735-8262) to
make County services available to the hearing impaired.
Attachment C
A copy of the County's personnel manual, which includes this FIR policy, has been placed in the
CDBG program files.
IREDELL COUNTY
SECTION 504
COMPLIANCE OFFICER/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
Iredell County, North Carolina, hereby designates Ron Smith. County Manager. or his
designee, to serve as Section 504 Compliance Officer throughout the implementation of Iredell
County's Community Development Block Grant Programs.
Citizens may file Section 504 grievances at any point in the program. 'file County will
respond in writing to written citizen grievances. Citizen grievances should be mailed to Ron
Smith, County Manager, Iredell County. P.O. Box 788, Statesville, NC 28687. The County will
respond to all written citizen grievances within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the
comments.
Should any individual, family, or entity have a grievance concerning any action
prohibited under Section 504, a meeting with the compliance officer to discuss the grievance will
be scheduled. The meeting date and time will be established within five (5) calendar days of
receipt of the request. Upon meeting and discussing the grievance, a reply will be made, in
writing, within five (5) calendar days.
If the citizen is dissatisfied with the local response, they may write to the North Carolina
Division of Community Assistance (DCA), 4313 Mail Service Center, Raleigh. NC 27699.
DCA will respond only to written comments within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the
comments.
1\
IREDELL COUNTY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE OF CONDUCT
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
HATCH I ACT
No employee or agent of the County may perform any function during work hours that is
considered political activity. This includes: soliciting votes, transporting voters, distributing
campaign materials, working on or developing campaign materials, etc.
DISCRIMINATION
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or familial
status, Vietnam Era Veteran status or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the
benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in
part with federal funds.
ENGAGEMENTIN PROCUREMENT
No employee, officer or agent of the County shall participate in the selection or award of
administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent,
would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
a) The employee, officer, or agent;
b) Any member of his immediate family;
C) His or her partner; or
d) An organization which employs or is about to employ, any of the above, has a financial
or other interest in the firm selected for award.
The grantee's officers, employees, or agent shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or
anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to sub -agreements.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No employee or agent shall influence or attempt to influence the outcome of any case or matter
in which he has a direct interest either personally or in the person of any relative by blood or
marriage. Employees or agents so involved shall abstain from dealing with such matters; they
may provide information at the request of the Board of Commissioners, but shall not attempt to
influence the decisions of the Board of Commissioners.
IREDELL COUNTY
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
fredell County has developed a procedure to process complaints, which may be received
involving the 2012 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Project or any other HUD -funded program.
There are two basic forms of complaint procedures: 1) verbal complaints which will be dealt
with informally by the County Manager's Office (CMO), and 2) written complaints which will
be dealt with formally with a set of procedures including appeals.
All written complaints received by Congressional staff, local elected officials, the Clerk to the
Board, and the County Manager will be loggcd in as received by the CMO. Within a ten-day
period following the receipt of this complaint, a response will be developed by the CMO.
reviewed by the Clerk to the Board, and mailed to the party who wrote the complaint. This
response will include property documentation and background of the case in question, the
proposed action, and the time frame in which the complaint will be addressed.
In the event this response is unsatisfactory to the person making the complaint, that party will be
referred to the North Carolina Division of Community Assistance (CA), specifically the CA
Representative serving the County. The CA Representative will respond in writing to the
complaint and the County with a decision or recommendation for resolution. The written
recommendation made by the CA staff will be final in all cases.
It is the responsibility of the person making the complaint to furnish documents, provide
documentation to support allegations, provide counsel if desired, inform in writim, to the CMO if
they are represented by a third party, and attend the meeting involving a review of their
complaint.
IREDELL COUNTY
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION PLAN
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
Iredell County provides for and encourages citizen participation, with particular emphasis
on participation by persons of low and moderate income that are residents of low and moderate -
income neighborhoods and/or slum and blight areas. The County provides citizens with
reasonable and timely access to local information and records relating to the grantee's proposed
use of funds. This is done through Board of Commissioners' meetings, which are advertised in
the local newspaper.
The County provides technical assistance to facilitate citizen participation, when
requested. Such assistance is provided to groups representative of persons of low -and moderate -
income that request assistance in developing proposals. 'file level and type of assistance will be
determined by the applicant.
The County provides for public hearings to obtain citizens views and to respond to
proposals and questions at all stages of the community development program. including one
hearing to receive citizen input as to the housing, community and economic development needs
of its citizens, one hearing prior to the submission of any application for CDBG funding from the
North Carolina Division of Community Assistance, and one hearing at the close-out of the grant
program. Adequate notice is given for these meetings at times and locations convenient to
potential or actual beneficiaries, and with accommodation for the handicapped. Any published
advertisement issued by Iredell County includes the State TDD telephone number (1-800-735-
2902).
Iredell County provides for timely written answers to written complaints and grievances.
A response will be made within 10 calendar days. (See attached Complaint Procedure)
Iredell County will provide a translator for non-Emolish speaking residents for public
hearings when the County is notified that any non-English speaking resident will attend the
public hearing. An interpreter will be provided for hearing; impaired residents. A minimum of
48-hour notice to the Clerk to the Board is required for interpretation services, which may be
needed for all County public hearings.
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1REDELL COUNTY
RESIDENTIAL ANTI -DISPLACEMENT
AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
(n order to comply with the requirements of Section 104(d) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974. Iredell County adopts the following plan:
Iredell County will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable very -low or low-income
dwellings units demolished or converted to a use other than low/moderate-income housing as a
direct result of activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974, as amended, as described in 24 CFR 570.606 (b)(1).
All replacement housing will be provided within three years of the commencement of the
demolition or rehabilitation relating to conversion. Before obligating or expending funds that
will directly result in such demolition or conversion, the County will make public and submit to
HUD the following information in writing:
1. A description of the proposed assisted activity:
2. A general location on a map and approximate number of dwelline units by size (number
of bedrooms) that will be demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate-
income dwelling units as a direct result of the assisted activity;
;. A time schedule for the commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion:
4. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by size
(number of bedrooms) that will be provided as replacement dwelling units;
5. The source of funding and a time schedule for the provision of' replacement dwelling
units; and
6. the basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will remain a
low/moderate-income dwelling unit for at least 10 years from the date of initial
occupancy.
The County will provide relocation assistance, as described in 570.606 (b)(2), to each
low/moderate-income household displaced by the demolition of housing or by the conversion of
a low/moderate-income dwelling to another use as a direct result of assisted activities.
J
R.
IREDELL COUNTY
PROCUREMENT POLICY FOR THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
In the procurement of supplies, equipment or services in Iredell County's CommulluN
Development Block Grant Program, the following policies shall apply:
I) Small purchase procedures. 'theses are relatively simple and informal procurement
methods that are sound mid appropriate For a procurement of services, supplies, or other
property, costing in the aggregate not more than $25.000. Under this procurement
method, price or rate quotations shall be obtained from an adequate number of qualified
sources. Miscellaneous professional services, office supplies and equipment may be
secured by this method.
2) In competitive sealed bids (formal advertising), sealed bids shall be publicly solicited and
a firm. fixed, price contract shall be awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid,
conforming with all of the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is
lowest in price.
.i) In competitive negotiations proposals shall be requested from a number of sources and
the Request for Proposals shall be publicized. All aspects of the competitive negotiations
shall be carried out in conformance with 24 CFR Part 85. The general administrative
contract, appraisal contract, surveying contract and all other required services related to
the program implementation shall be awarded utilizing this method. Under this method
special consideration shall be given to experience, technical abilities, and familiarity with
the services to be provided. Price shall not be the sole consideration for award of
contract.
All procurement efforts shall include the solicitation of bids from qualified small, female, and
minority-owned business firms.
In all cases, procurement under this Policy must conform to the requirements for procurement set
forth in 24 CFR Part 85.
An adequate record of procurement most be maintained to ensure that these policies and the
rcquiremcnts of 24 CFR Part 85 have been followed in their entirety.
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'�Innl1'It `
IREDELL COUNTY
FAIR HOUSING COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
Housing discrimination is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and by
the North Carolina State ['air Housing Act. In an effort to promote lair housing and to ensure that
the rights of housing discrimination victims are protected, Iredell County has developed the
following procedures for receiving and resolving housing discrimination complaints:
Any person or persons wishing to file a complaint of housing discrimination in
Iredell County may do so by informing the County Manager of the facts and
circumstances of the alleged discriminatory acts or practice.
2. Upon receiving a housing discrimination complaint, the County Manager shall
acknowledge the complaint within 10 days in writing and inform the North
Carolina I luman Relations Commission about the complaint.
When a housing complaint cannot be resolved at the local level, the County
Manager shall offer assistance to the North Carolina Human Relations
Commission in the investigation and reconciliation of all housing discrimination
complaints, which are based on events occurring in Iredell County.
4. The County shall publicize in the local paper and on the County's website that the
County Manager is the local official to contact with housing discrimination
complaints.
ATTACHMENT A
Policies, Procedures, Plans, etc. for
Iredell County's CDBG Programs
1. Fair Housing Plan and the Fair Housing Complaint Procedure - This plan states
how the County will affirmatively further fair housing and the procedure states
how the County will handle complaints of housing discrimination and the steps
that will be undertaken to resolve these complaints.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity and Procurement Plan - This plan certifies that
the County will comply with all nondiscrimination laws and regulations in
employment, and will take action in the areas of enforcement, education and
removal of barriers and impediments that affirmatively further equal access in
procurement.
3. Procurement Policy — This policy outlines the three methods of procurement to be
used within this project for the award of contracts and for purchases made.
4. Section 3 -Local Economic Benefit for Low and Very Low Income Persons Plan -
This plan explains the County's strategy for identifying employment opportunities
arising out of a CDBG-assisted project and for making these jobs available for
low-income residents in the project area It also states that the project activities
will try to utilize local suppliers.
5. Residential Anti-DiVlacement and Relocation Plan - This plan outlines how the
County will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable low/moderate income
dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than low/moderate income
housing as a direct result of activities assisted with funds provided under the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and what steps the County
will take to replace these units.
6. Citizens Participation Plan - This plan states that the County will provide for and
encourage citizen participation and will provide technical assistance to groups
representative of persons of low and moderate income who request such
assistance.
7. Citizens Participation Procedure for Complaints - This plan outlines the
procedures developed by the County to handle complaints received involving the
Community Development Block Grant or any HUD -funded programs.
8. Code of Conduct - This policy states that no public official, employee, officer or
agent of the County shall participate in the selection, the award or the
administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest,
real or apparent, is involved.
9. Section 504 Plan & the 504 Grievance Procedure — The County's 504 Self
Evaluation and the 504 Grievance Procedure documents the hiring policies and
practices of the County and describes how citizens can file a grievance concerning
504. Section 504 preceded the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and deals
with handicapped access to public facilities. It mirrors the more recent
requirements adopted under ADA regulations, but is applicable only to public
facilities.
C
IREDELL COUNTY'S
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
2012 CDBG SCATTERED SITE HOUSING GRANT
PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED by Iredell County's Board of Commissioners that, pursuant to Section 13?
of Chapter 154 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following Grant Project Budget
Ordinance is hereby adopted:
Section 1. The project authorized is the Community Development Block Grant Program
described in the work statement contained in the Grant Agreement between this unit and the
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance. This project is
more familiarly known as the 2012 CDBG Scattered Site l lousing Project.
Section 2. The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the Grant Project
within the terms of the Grant document(s), the rules and regulations of the Department of
Commerce's Division of Community Assistance and the budget contained herein.
Section 3. The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project:
Community Development Block Grant: $225.000.00
TOTAL. $225.000.00
Section 4. The following amounts are appropriated for the project:
C-1 (Fill Rehab) Activities:
Rehabilitation $182,250.00
.Administration $20.250.00
TOTAL C-1 PROJECT BUDGET $202,500.00
L-1 (Emergency Repair) Activities:
Rehabilitation $20.250.00
Administration $2.250.00
TOTAL L-1 PROJECT BUDGET $22,500.00
Section 5. The Finance Director is hereby directed to maintain, within the grant project fiord.
sufficient detailed accounting records to provide the accounting to the grantor agency required
by the Grant Agreement(s) and federal and state regulations.
Section 6. Requests for funds should be made to the grantor agency in an orderly and timely
manner as funds are obligated and expenses incurred.
Section 7. The Finance Director is directed to report quarterly on the financial status of each
project element in Section 4 and on the total grant revenues received or claimed.
Section S. The Finance Director is directed to include a detailed analysis of past and future costs
and revenues on this grant project in every budget submission made to this Board of-
Commissioners.
fCommissioners.
Section 9. Copies of this Grant Project Budget Ordinance shall be made available to the Finance
Director for direction in carrying out this project.
Section 10. the Finance Director is hereby authorized to transfer funds from one line item to
another line item without further approval by the Board of Commissioners. subject to the
regulations of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Division of Community Assistance.
Adopted this the Ise day of October . 2013.
Stephen .Johnson, Chairman
//,Attest: Jean Moore. Clerk to the Board
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
IREDELL COUNTY, NOIY['H CAROLINA
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
WHEREAS, Iredell County seeks to protect the health, safety and welfare of its
residents; and
WHEREAS, citizens seek safe, sanitary. and habitable dwellings in all areas of the
County; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County finds the denial of equal housing opportunities because of
religion, race, color, sex, familial or handicap status, or national origin legally wrong and
socially unjust: and
WHEREAS, the denial of equal housing opportunities in housing accommodations is
detrimental to public welfare and public order; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County finds the practice of discrimination against a citizen in
housing a denial of his equal rights and his equal opportunity to seek a better living and develop
community pride:
NOW THEREFORE, BE 11' RESOLVED, by the Hoard of Convnissioners of Iredell
County, North Carolina, that
Section 1. Iredell County has declared it an official policy that there shall not be
discrimination in the terms or conditions for buying or renting housing
within the County.
Section 2. All business groups and individual citizens of the County are tinged to
respect and implement this policy.
Section 3. The County Managcr or his designate. of Iredell County is the official
authorized by the County to (1) receive and document complaints
regarding housing discrimination in the County: and (2) relcr such
complaints to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission for
investigation, conciliation and resolution.
Adopted this the Ise day of October 2013.
Stephen D. Johns9riLthainnan
�/Attest Jean Moore, Clerk to the Board
i
IREDELL COUNTY
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MANAGER AND
THE PLANNING DIVISION MANAGER TO SIGN
REQUIRED DCA REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
WHEREAS, Iredell County has received a Community Development Block Grant from
the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance for the
Scattered Site Housing Program; and
WHEREAS, Iredell County must sign various reports and documents, which need to be
periodically sent to the Division of Community Assistance during the administration of the grant:
and
BE IT RESOLVED, that Ron Smith, the County Manager, is designated to sign these
reports and documents on behalf of Iredell County's Board of Commissioners, and that Matthew
"Codd, the County's Planning Division Manager, is designated as an alternate should the County
Manager not be available.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the authorization is to be effective on the I" day of
October, 2013.
Adopted this the Is' -day of October ,2013.
_ t -1 Ate! y 4
Stephen`D. JohnsonChairman
/Attest: ,lean Moore. Clerk to the Board
IREDELL COUNTY
RECIPIENT'S PLAN TO FURTHER FAIR HOUSING
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
Grantee: I redell
Recipient's Address: P.O. Bos 788, Statesville, NC 28687
Contact Person: Ron Smith
Contact Phone #: 704-878-3050
Contact Email: rsmith�cdco.iredell.ne.us TDD #:1-800-735-8262
Indicate if the Recipient will be affirmatively furthering fair housing for the first time or
has implemented specific activities in the past.
First Time
Past Activities X
H. Identify and analyze obstacles to affirmatively furthering fair housing in recipient's
community. (Use additional pages as necessary)
The basic obstacle is a lack of knowledge among housing agencies in the community concerning
Title VIII requirements.
III. Will the above activities apply to the total municipality or county?
Yes_X No__ If no, provide an explanation.
(Use additional pages as necessary)
IV. Briefly describe the quarterly activities that the recipient will undertake over the active
period of the grant to affirmatively further fair housing in their community. A time
schedule and estimated cost for implementation of these activities must be included.
Activities must be .scheduled for impleatetttatiou at least oil a ytrttrterlp basis. (Use attached
table)
The County will adopt a Fair Housing Resolution and a Complaint Procedure in the 4i' quarter of
2013, which will designate the County Manager as the official to receive complaints regarding
housing discrimination. These complaints will then, by formal agreement, be referred to the
North Carolina Human Relations Commission for investigation, conciliation and resolution
within ten (10) calendar clays from the date of receipt. The County Manager also will submit a
written response to the individual that filed the complaint to summarize the action being taken.
This response will be made within ten (10) calendar days Brom the date the complaint was
received. "file County Manager will place an advertisement in the local newspaper, which will
inform residents of the Countys Pair Housing Resolution and who to contact for information and
filing complaints. The County will distribute fair housing pamphlets in the 2nd quarter of 2014.
which summarizes the Title Vill requirements, to various agencies in the community involved in
housing services. This would include financial institutions and area nonprofit organizations.
Grantee Name: Iredell County
Quarterly Fair Flaceing Activity
Nbndm
Year
Estimated
Actual
Cost
cost
Adopt a new Fair Housing Plan and add the contact
Oct. — Dec.
2013
$270
information for the County's designee for housing
complaints and Section 504 grievance complaints to
the County's website. (Two activities to cover hdy-
Sept 2013 before the FH Plan was adopted and Oct —
Dec 2013.
Request Fair Housing posters and pamphlets from the
Jan. —Mar.
2014
$45
N.C. Human Relations Commission (NCHRC) and
post the Fair Housing posters in both English and
Spanish at an appropriate location at the County's
Government Center Building to be visible to the
public.
Advertise both the Fair Housing Resolution and
Apr. —June
2014
$225
Complaint Procedure. This notice will include the
State's TDD( TY number.
Establish a cunvnt list of local realtors that are
July — Sept.
2014
$375
available to assist in locating housing for anyone
needing assistance.
Host a Fair Housing Workshop in collaboration with
Oct — Dec.
2014
$300
another agency.
Post Fair Housing posters at other public buildings
Jan. — Mar.
2015
$80
visited by its citizens.
Distribute County -specific Fair Housing pamphlets to
Apr June
2015
$400
lending institution throughout Iredell County.
Distribute County -specific Fair Housing pamphlets to
July — Sept.
2015
$400
housing -related nonprofit organization throughout
Iredell County.
Advertise again the Fair Housing Resolution and the
Oct — Dec.
2015
$150
Complaint Procedure. This notice also will include
the State's TDDfM mrmber.
Review and update the current list of local realtors tint
Jan. — Mar.
2016
$270
are available to assist in locating housing for anyone
needing assistance.
Distribute Fair Housing pamphlets from the N.C.
Apr.—June
2016
$270
Human Relations Commission to local lending
institution and nonprofits throughout the County for
display in public areas.
Reassess its Fair Housing strategy to see how the plan
July — Sept.
2016
$270
has worked to date.
V. Describe recipient's method of receiving and resolving housing discrimination
complaints. This may be either a procedure currently being implemented or one to
be implemented under this CDBC grant. Include a description of how the recipient
informs the public about the complaint procedures. (Usc additional pages as
necessary)
I ) Any person or persons wishing to file a complaint of housing discrimination in the
County may do so by informing the County Manager of the facts and circumstance of the
alleged discriminatory acts or practice.
2) Upon receiving a housing discrimination complaint, the County Manager shall
acknowledge the complaint within 10 days in writing and inforni the Division of
Community Assistance and the North Carolina Human Relations Commission about the
complaint.
;) The County Manager shall offer assistance to the Commission in the investigation and
reconciliation of all housing discrimination complaints, which are based on events
occurring in the County.
=4) The County Manager shall publicize, in the local newspaper with the TDD number.
information for the local agency to contact with housing discrimination complaints.
Adopted this I st day of October . 20 13 .
Stephen D. Jo'lmson, Chairman
ATTEST:
can Moore. Ckfrk to the Board
IREDELL COUNTY
Local Economic Benefit for Low- and Very Low -Income Persons Plan
Section 3 Plan
October 2013 — October 2016
To ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, contracts for work are awarded to business concerns
located or owned in substantial part by persons residing in the Section 3 covered area, as required by
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act oh 1968, Iredell County has developed and hereby
adopts the following Plan:
This Section 3 Plan shall apply to services needed in connection with the grant including, but not limited
to, businesses in the fields of planning, consulting, design, building construction/renovation, maintenance
and repair, etc.
This Section 3 covered project area for the purposes of this grant program shall include Iredell County
and portions of the immediately adjacent area.
When in need of a service, the County will identify suppliers, contractors or subcontractors located in the
Section 3 area. Resources for this identification shall include the Minority Business Directory published
through the State Department of Commerce, local directories and Small Business Administration local
offices. Word of mouth recommendation shall also be used as a source.
The County will include this Section 3 clause in all contracts executed under this CDBG Program. Where
necessary, listings from any agency noted above deemed shall be included as well as sources of
subcontractors and suppliers.
The prime contractor selected for major public works facility or public construction work will be required
to submit a Section 3 Plan which will outline his/her work needs in connection with the project. Should a
need exist to hire any additional personnel, the Iredell County Employment Security Commission shall be
notified and referred to the contractor.
Each contract for housing- rehabilitation under the program, as applicable. forjobs having contracts in
excess of $100.000 shall be required to submit a Section 3 Plan. This Plan will be maintained in the grant
tiles and shall be updated from time to time oras the grant staff may deem necessary.
Early in our project, prior to any contracting, major purchases or hiring, we will develop a listing of' ,jobs.
supplies and contracts likely to be utilized during the project. We will then advertise in our local
newspaper an advertisement, prominently located as a display advertisement, the pertinent information
regarding the project including all Section 3 required information.
Adopted this _ ls1 day of October .20 13 .
Stephen D. Johnson, Chairman
AT"I FST: / l /✓%/r Jean Moore, Clerk to the Board
NC CI Section 3 Template, English 512011 Pg9e 1
IREDELL COUNTY
Equal Employment and Procurement Plan
OCTOBER 2013 — OCTOBER 2016
Iredell County maintains the policy of providing equal employment opportunities for all persons
regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, political affiliation, or any
other non -merit factor, except where religion, sex, national origin, or age are bona tide
occupation qualifications for employment.
In furtherance of this policy, Iredell County prohibits any retaliatory action of any kind taken by
any employee of the locality against any other employee or applicant for employment because
that person made a charge, testified, assisted or participated in any manner in a hcaring.
proceeding or investigation of employment discrimination.
Iredell County shall strive for greater utilization of all persons by identifying previously
underutilized groups in the workforce, such as minorities, women, and the handicapped, and
making special efforts toward their recruitment, selection, development and upward mobility and
any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
Responsibility for implementing equal opportunities and affirmative action measures is hereby
assigned to the Board of Commissioners' Chairman to assist in the implementation of this policy
statement.
Iredell County shall development a sctf-evaluation mechanism to provide for periodic
examination and evaluation. Periodic reports as requested on the progress of' Equal Employment
Opportunity and Affirmative Action will be presented to the Board of Commissioners`
Chairman.
The County is committed to this policy and is aware that with its implementation, the County
will receive positive benefits through the greater utilization and development of all its human
resources.
Adopted this Ist day of October .20 U .
Stephen IS Ighn§on, Chairman
ATTEST:
bean Moore, Clerk to the Board
Providing Meaningful Communication to Persons with Limited English Proficiency
b•edell Couem
October 2013 - October 2015
The purpose of this Policv and Plan is to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Righls
Act of 1964, and other applicablefederal mrd state laws and their intplennenting regulations with
respect le persons with limited English proffciene•y (LEP). Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
prohibits discrimination based on the ground of race, color or national origin by any entity receiving
federal financial assistance. Administrative methods or procedures, which have the effect of subjecting
individuals to discrimination or alejeating the objectives of these regulations, are prohibited
POLICY:
In order to avoid discrimination on the grounds of national origin, all programs or activities administered
by Iredell County will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency
(LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in benefits and services for which
such persons quality. This Policy defines the responsibilities the agency has to ensure LEP individuals
can communicate effectively.
DEFINITIONS:
Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual - Any prospective, potential, or actual recipient of benefits
or services from the agency who cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level
that permits them to interact eftectively with health care providers and social service agencies.
Vital Documents -These forms include, but are not limited to, applications, consent forms, all
compliance plans, bid documents, fair housing information, citizen participation plans, letters containing
important information regarding participation in a program; notices pertaining to the reduction, denial, or
termination of services or benefits, the right to appeal such actions, or that require a response from
beneficiary notices advising LHP persons of the availability of free language assistance, and other
outreach materials.
Title V1 Compliance Ojjicer: The person or persons responsible for administering compliance with the
"title VI LEP policies.
Sabstaruial number of LEP: 5% or 1,000 people, whichever is smaller, are potential applicants or
recipients of the agency and speak a primary language other than English and have limited English
Proficiency.
PROCEDURES:
1. IDENTIFYING LEP PERSONS ANDTHEIR LANGUAGE
Iredell County will promptly identity the language unit communication needs of the LEP person. Staff
will use a language identification card (or "I speak cards," provided by Community Assistance (CA) and
LEP posters to determine the language. In addition, when records are kept of past interactions with
NC CA LAP Template, May 2012 Page 1
individuals or family members, the language used to communicate with the LEP person will be included
as part of the record.
2. OBTAINING A QUALIFIED INTEPRETER
List the current name, off ice telephone number, office address and email address of the Title V I
compliance officers:
Ron Smith, (704) 878-3050
Iredell County Govemment Center
200 S. Center Street, Statesville. NC 28677
(Note: The agettcp must notify the CA Compliance Office intmetliatel), of changes in name or
contact information for the Title VI compliance officer.)
Check all methods that will be used:
❑ Maintaining an accurate and canent list showing the language, phone number and hours of
availability of bilingual staff (provide the list):
® Contacting the appropriate bilingual stafllnember to interpret, in the event that an interpreter is
needed, if an employee who speaks the needed language is available and is qualified to interpret:
Z Obtaining an outside interpreter ifa bilingual staff or staff interpreter is not available or does not
speak the needed language.
(Identify the agency(s) name(s) with whom you have contracted or turtle arrangements)
• Iredell County Department of Social Services
• Mitchell Community College
• South Iredell I bull School
• West Iredell High School
The Iredell County Department of Social Services has agreed to provide qualified interpreter services.
'file agency's telephone number is (704) 873-5631 option 0, and the hours ofavailability are 8:00 a.m. —
5:00 p.m. (M -F). Mitchell Community College and both of the local high schools (South Iredell I tigh
School and West Iredell High School) also will provide interpreters as needed.
❑ Other (describe):
All staff will he provided notice ofthis policy aml procedure and vtafftlun nmy have direct contact
with LEP fudividuals will he trniued in effective communication techniques including the effective use
of an interpreter.
Some LGP persons may prefer or request to use a family member or friend as an interpreter. However,
family members or friends of the LEP person will not be used as interpreters unless specifically requested
by that individual and alter the LEP person has understood that an offer of an interpreter at no charge to
the person has been made by the facility. Such an offer and the response will be documented in the
NC CA LAP Template, May 2012 page 2
person's file. If the LEP person chooses to use a family member or friend as an interpreter, issues of
competency of interpretation, confidentiality, privacy, and conflict of interest should be considered. If the
family member or friend is not competent or appropriate for any of these reasons, competent interpreter
services will be provided to the LEP person.
Children and other residents will not be used to interpret, in order to ensure confidentiality of information
and accurate communication.
3. PROVIDING WRITTEN TRANSLATIONS
i. Iredell County will set benchmarks for translation of vital documents into additional languages.
ii. When translation of vital documents is needed, Iredell County will submit documents for
translation into frequently -encountered languages.
iii. Facilities will provide translation of other written materials, if needed, as well as written notice of
the availability oftranslation, free of charge, for LEP individuals.
4. PROVIDING NOTICE TO LEP PERSONS
Iredell County will inform LEP persons of the availability of language assistance, free ofcharge, by
providing written notice in languages LEP persons will understand. Example: The notification will
include, in the primary language of the applicant/recipient, the following language: IMPORTANT: IF
YOU NEED HELP IN READING THIS, ASK THE AGENCY FOR AN INTERPRETER TO HELP.
AN INTERPRETER IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE.
All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without
cost to the person being served, and individuals and their families will be inforlmcd of the availability of
such assistance free of charge.
At a minimum, notices and signs will be posted and provided in intake areas and other points of entry,
including but not limited to the main lobbies, waiting rooms, etc.
Notification will also be provided through one or more of the following: outreach documents, telephone
voice mail menus, local newspapers, and community-based organizations.
5. MONITORING LANGUAGE NEEDS AND IMPLEMENTATION
On an ongoing basis, Iredell County will assess changes in demographics, types of services or other
needs that may require reevaluation of this policy and its procedures. In addition, Iredell County wil I
regularly assess the efficacy of these procedures, including but not limited to mechanisms Ivr securing
interpreter services, complaints filed by LEP persons, feedback from residents and community
organizations, etc.
Compliance Procedures, Reporting and Monitoring
A. Reporting
The agency will complete an annual compliance report and send this report to CA. (Format wil I
be supplied by Cl)
B. Monitoring
NC CA LAP Template, May 2012 Page 3
I he agency will complete a self-monitoring report on a quarterly basis, using a standardized reporting
system proposed by the local government. These reports will be maintained and stored by the Title VI
Compliance Officer and will be provided to the CA upon request.
The agency will cooperate, when requested, with special review by the CA.
H. Applicant/Recipient Complaints of Discriminatory Treatment
A. Complaints
The agency will provide assistance to LEP individuals who do not speak or write in English if they
indicate that they would like to file a complaint. A complaint will be tiled in writing, contain the name
and address of the person filing it or his/her designee and briefly describe the alleged violation of this
policy. The form can be found at %/, u..Nr dI, 1" I'M i M , .t , r;1 t 'Ylt'-Ml 'QW'';;/ Tui Ml 1-1
The agency will maintain records of any complaints filed, the date of filing, actions taken and resolution.
The agency will notify the appropriate section within CA of complaints filed, the date of filing. actions
taken and resolution. This information will be provided within 30 days of resolution.
B. Resolution of Matter
If the matter cannot be resolved by informal means, the individual will be informed of his or her right to
appeal further to CA. This notice will be provided in the primary language of the individual with Limited
English Proficiency.
The CA Compliance Office will conduct an investigation of the allegations of the complaint. The
investigation will afford all interested persons and their representatives, ifany, an opportunity to submit
evidence relevant to the complaint.
The investigation will not exceed 30 days, absent a 15 -day extension for extenuating circumstances.
If the investigation indicates a failure to comply with the Act, the local unit of government, agency
Director or his/her designee will so inform the recipient and the matter will be resolved by informal
means whenever possible within 60 days.
If the matter cannot be resolved by informal means, then the individual will be informed of his or her
right to appeal further to the Department of Justice. ']'his notice will be provided in the primary language
ofthe individual with Limited English Proficiency.
If not resolved by CA, then complaint will be forwarded to Department of Justice (00.1), Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Field Office.
NC CA LAP Template, May 2012 Page 4
SUBMITTED AND ADOPTED BY:
Stephen D. Johnson
Chairman. Board of Commissioners
Signature of Chair�a��i
/, Gws
Date
NC CA LAP Template, May 2012 Page S
September 2013
1 "1 F
BY BENCIRVIARK CMR
Iredell County
Analysis of Impediments
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF ANALYSYS........................................6
Historical Overview of the Fair Housing Requirement..........................................................................5
WhoConducted......................................................................................................................................5
Participants.............................................................................................................................................6
MethodologyUsed..................................................................................................................................6
HowFunded............................................................................................................................................7
Conclusions............................................................................................................................................. 7
JURISDICTIONAL BACKGROUND DATA...........................................................................8
DemographicData..................................................................................................................................9
IncomeData.......................................................................................................................................... l I
EmploymentData.................................................................................................................................1 I
HousingProfile.....................................................................................................................................12
Maps.....................................................................................................................................................13
EVALUATION OF JURISDICTION'S CURRENT FAIR HOUSING LEGAL STATUS ......... 14
Fair housing complaints or compliance reviews where the Secretary has issued a charge of or
made a finding of discrimination..........................................................................................................14
Fair housing discrimination suit filed by the Department of Justice or private Plaintiffs .................... 15
Reasons for any trends or patterns........................................................................................................15
IDENTIFICATION OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE.................................18
PublicSector.........................................................................................................................................16
Private Sector Lending Policies and Practices......................................................................................18
Publicand Private Sector......................................................................................................................19
ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FAIR HOUSING PROGRAMS
AND ACTIVITIES IN THE JURISDICTION..........................................................................20
FAIR HOUSING PLAN TO COVER b YEARS ..........ERRORI BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................29
SIGNATUREPAGE.............................................................................................................22
4
Iredell County
Analysis of Impediments
1 t a
Historical Overview of the Fair Housing Requirement
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is committed to eliminating racial
and ethnic segregation, illegal physical and other barriers to persons with disabilities, and other
discriminatory practices in housing. The provisions to further fair housing emanate from the
mandate of Section 808(eXS) of the Fav Housing Act which requires the Secretary of HUD to
administer the Department's housing and urban development programs in a manner to
affirmatively further fair housing. The extent of the AFFH obligation has never been defined
statutorily. However, HUD defines it as requiring a grantee to:
1. Conduct an analysis to identify impediments to fair housing choice within the jurisdiction
2. Take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through the
analysis
3. Maintain records reflecting the analysis and actions in this regard.
HUD interprets those broad objectives to mean:
• Analyze and eliminate housing discrimination in the jurisdiction
• Promote fair housing choice for all persons
• Provide opportunities for inclusive patterns of housing occupancy regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, familial status, disability or national origin
• Promote housing that is structurally accessible to, and usable by, all persons, particularly
person with disabilities.
• Foster compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of the Fair Housing Act.
HUD and the NC Department of Commerce require grantees that accept HUD program funds to
certify that they will affirmatively further fair housing as part of the grant obligations. An
analysis of impediments to fair housing must be conducted by the grantee, along with taking
appropriate actions to overcome those impediments, and maintenance of the records preceding
analysis and actions.
Who Conducted
The federal regulations require that an Analysis to Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Study be
conducted. The Analysis to Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Study identifies impediments
to fair housing choice and establishes goals to address those various identified impediments. The
Analysis to Impediments, also known as an Al was developed as a part of the development of the
2011-2015 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan partners manage and administer four
funding sources for which HUD requires this plan. The North Carolina Department of
Commerce, Division of Community Assistance manages the Community Development Block
Grants (-CDBO). The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (-NCHFA) manages the HOME
program. The Housing Opportunities for Person with Aids (-HOPWA) manage HOPWA funds.
The Emergency Shelter Grant (-ESG) manages Emergency Shelter Funds. Both HOPWA and
ESG are managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Participants
The estimates of housing need in the Consolidated Plan are based on data from the 2007 American
Community Survey, from the U.S. Census Bureau. This was the most recent data available for the
State of North Carolina at the time the Housing Market Analysis and Needs Assessment were
drafted. North Carolina has been undergoing significant demographic shifts and in light of the current
housing market conditions, because of this the State did not believe the needs identified in the CHAS
data book in 2000 adequately reflected the nature and extent of North Carolina's general housing
needs for 2011-2015, the five year period of this Consolidated Plan.
The Housing and Homeless Needs Assessment also includes data on homeless and other special
needs populations. NCHFA collaborated with other agencies because of their expertise in these areas,
specifically with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Office of Economic
Opportunity (0130), and the North Carolina Council to End Homelessness (NCCEH). Text and data
explaining the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS and their families was provided by the AIDS Care
Unit in the Division of Public Health and NCCEH.
As a continued effort to gain public input on the development of the Analysis to Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice, a statewide survey was distributed from June 2010 -July 30, 2010. A total of 848
responses were received. All information pertaining to public notice for the Analysis to Impediments
to Fair Housing Choice was distributed in both English and Spanish languages to ensure access to
persons with limited English proficiency. No additional requests were made for information to be
provided in other languages. Public Input Sessions for both the Analysis to Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice and the Consolidated Plan were also held across the state of North Carolina.
Methodoloev Used
The 2010 North Carolina Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice offers a thorough
examination of a variety of sources related to housing, such as demographic change, economic
influences, and the state of the housing market, but also information pertaining to affirmatively
furthering fair housing, the state of the fair housing delivery system and housing transactions
affecting people throughout North Carolina This information was collected and evaluated
through four general approaches.
The four methodological research activities utilized in creating this Al were:
I. Primary Research —the collection and analysis of raw data that did not previously exist.
2. Secondary Research— the review of existing data and studies.
3. Quantitative Analysis — the evaluation of objective, measurable and numerical data
4. Qualitative Analysis — the evaluation and assessment of subjective data, such as people's
beliefs, feelings, attitudes, opinions and experiences.
Some of the baseline secondary and quantitative data providing a picture of the State's housing
marketplace were drawn from the 2000 census and estimates. These data included population,
personal income, poverty estimates, housing units by tenure, cost burdens and housing
conditions. Other data were drawn from records provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis,
the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a variety of other sources.
0
How Funded
Funding for the Analysis of Impediments study was incurred and derived from staff time and
equipment of Benchmark CMR, Inc.
Conclusions
The 2010 Analysis of Impediments for the state of North Carolina uncovered several issues than can
be considered barriers to affirmatively furthering fair housing and, consequently, impediments to fair
housing choice.
These issues are as follows:
1. Imiloldent system capachy. A lack of sufficient resources and personnel in fair housing- related
organizations has resulted in inadequate outreach and education efforts as well as insufficient
testing and enforcement activities. Ultimately, these shortcomings have led to insufficient
awareness and understanding of fair housing in the general public and housing providers as well
as inadequate understanding of the complaint process.
2. Discrimination in the rental markets Housing complaint data and survey research revealed a
problem of discriminatory actions by housing providers in the rental markets. Two main groups
were cited: racial and ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities including failure to make
reasonable accommodation.
3. Constraints In the lending markets Disproportionately high home purchase loan denial rates
were found for racial and ethnic minorities, even after adjusting for income. These high loan
denial rates were especially common in lower-income areas. Furthermore, householders
receiving loan with high annual percentage rate terms were disproportionately from minority
racial and ethnic groups.
4. Possible barriers in la rd -ase policies or practices Current zoning and development practices
may not be in the spirit of affirmatively furthering fair housing.
Addressing the Indentified Impediments
In response to these listed impediments, over the nett five years, the Consolidated Plan partners will
address the identified impediments through in the state of North Carolina should consider taking by
the following actions:
1. Increase system capacity The fair housing system capacity in the state can be enhanced through:
A. Engaging the Saran Relations Commission (IMP. The state should more closely and
consistently partner with the HRC to increase education efforts and training activities.
L Education efforts can include preparation and distribution of pamphlets and flyers or
other advertisements that clearly explain the importance of fair housing, types of
housing discrimination and how to file a complaint.
ii. Training activities can include the same topics and be held to further fair housing
education of departmental sta$ community grantees, and others, as necessary
including both providers and consumers of housing.
B. Demdeping a Fair Housing In&iruiwas Program (FHIP) recoient The creation of a FHIP
recipient would reduce the burden on the HRC and expand the system capacity.
L The FHIP recipient would be charged with implementing additional outreach and
education activities.
7
ii. The FHIP recipient would also cribs= the fiequency of testing and enforcement
activities in the state.
C. Forming a Fair Housing Task Force OWTP) An FHTF would be comprised of fair
housing agency representatives from throughout the slate and would work to coordinate
statewide fair housing activities and efforts.
i. The group could meet on at least a quarterly basis.
ii. The FHTF would incorporate existing task forces that are related to fair housing.
iii. This group would aid in prioritizing fair housing activities as well as encourage
participation of state and local agencies in statewide fair housing planning.
2. Reduce AcnUrdnation in the rental market. In order decrease discrimination against protected
classes in the rental market, targeted outreach and education efforts as well as testing and
enforcement activities should be utilized
A. Outreach and education efforts could include training or educational seminars for rental
housing providers and housing consumers and focus on topics such as protected classes and
types of discriminatory actions.
B. Testing and enforcement could also be used to monitor the occurrence of discriminatory
activities in general or to target providers that have been reported to practice discriminatory
activities.
3. Decrease constraints in the lending markets. To reduce constraints and the perception of
discrimination in the lending market, efforts should be focused on both lenders and applicants for
loans for housing.
A. For lenders, activities envisioned in this action pertain to targeted training sessions to prevent
uneven terms in the making of home loans as well as possible testing activities.
B. Consumers of housing could be targeted with outreach and education efforts that describe the
attributed of good credit, how to establish and maintain good credit, what constitutes fair
tending and how to identify predatory loans.
4. Examine land ase policies and practiew. This action is to include enhanced discussion with
individuals and entities that reach out to the Consolidated Plan subgramees about best practices
in land use planning, making people more aware of North Carolina's new land use laws and
suggesting advocacy for reducing NIMBYism.
Jurisdictional Background Data
Demoeraphic Data
2010 Population by Sex
Source: 2010 US Census
Female
w Male
2000 Population by Age
80 to 84 years
70 to 74 years
60 to 64 years
50 to 54 years -
40 to 44 years - - -
30 to 34 years
20 to 24 years
10 to 14 years - -- -- -
Under 5 years -
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000
Under 5 years
9,975
6.26%
5 to 9 years
11,367
7.13%
10 to 14 years
11,950
7.50%
15 to 19 years
11,361
7.13%
20 to 24 years
8,356
5.24%
25 to 29 years
8,934
5.60%
30 to 34 years
9,224
5.79%
35 to 39 years
11,470
7.19%
40 to 44 years
12,396
7.77%
45 to 49 years
13,260
8.32%
50 to 54 years
11,827
7.42%
55 to 59 years
9,879
6.20%
9
60 to 64 years
8,993
5.64%
65 to 69 years
6,874
4.31%
70 to 74 years
5,026
3.15%
75 to 79 years
3,717
2.33%
80 to 84 years
2,729
1.71%
85 years and over
2,099
1.32%
159,437
100.00%
Source: 2010 US Census
0%
2010 Population by Race
,.,, 0% __. _2%
M
White
Black
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Source: 2010 US Census
128,646
19,047
547
2,922
43
5,348
2,884
159,437
10
White
n Black
American Indian and
Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and
Other Pacific Islander
Some Other Race
80.69%
11.95%
0.34%
1.83%
0.03%
3.35%
1.81%
100.00%
Income Data
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
000 ppp ppb �,Cj pip ys' ps' p00 ppp os2
c ,y0 o .yb O,Lb o o -CP �1N 0
° Ooi.
��a Op0` pop` �0� O0p` Opp` p00`
'0 pp'0 000
�yy X10' h15' htih' h3h' Shp' huh' pp� hp� hti0
r�1 51
Source: 2011 American Community Survev I -Year Estimates
Employment Data
The major employers in Iredell County are Iredell Memorial Hospital, Lowe's Regional
Distribution Center, Piedmont healthcare, JCP Logistics Distribution Center, Davis Regional
Medical Center, Kewaunee Scientific, Doosan Inrracore-Portable Power, Engineered Sintered
Components. Manheirn Statesville, Wal-Mart, Asmo orNC, Inc, and Pratt Industries.
Public
Administration Employers by Industry Agriculture,
3% Forestry,
Constructiorpishing,
8% Mining
2%
Manufacturing
19%
Services pr 1
qp% a ,rTransportation,
Utilities
Retail - 5%
Trade `Information
12% 1%
Fire Wholesale
5% Trade
Industry
Employers
Percentage
of
Employees
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining
1,054
1.50`io
Construction
5.971
8.50%
Manufacturing
13.278
18.90%
Transportation, Utilities
3,583
5.10%
Information
913
1.30%
Wholesale Trade
3,302
4.70%
Retail Trade
8,430
12.00%
Fire
3,723
5.30%
Services
27,890
37.90%
Public Administration
2,108
3.00%
Source: HSR12009
Mousing Profile
2000 Housing Tenure
Source: 2000 LIS Census
Owner -
occupied
73%
12
mm
Statesville q
Aim
moors
Sey4n
13
Evaluation of Jurisdiction's Current Fair Housing Legal Status
HUD maintains records of all complaints filed that represent violations of federal housing law.
Over the 2004 through 2009 time period, HUD reported a total of 804 fair housing complaints
from within the state of North Carolina with a high of 208 in 2004 and a low of 21 in 2007. The
majority of these complaints, 582, were filed in entitlement areas in the state, while 222 were
filed in the non -entitlement areas. Details regarding complaints filed in entitlement or non -
entitlement areas are presented in Appendix D of this report.
Table V.1 presents the complaint data broken down by basis or the protected class status of the
person alleged to have been aggrieved in the complaint. Complainants may cite more than one
basis; hence the number of bases cited can exceed the total number of complaints. The majority
of the fair housing complaints filed with HUD in North Carolina were filed on the basis of race,
with 363 of the 1,021 bases cited An additional 267 complaints were filed on the basis of
disability, 131 were filed on the basis of national origin, and 100 were filed on the basis of
family status.
The issue, or alleged discriminatory action, that was related to each complaint is presented in the
following table; similar to the way bases are reported, more than one issue may be counted per
each complaint. In this case, 1,028 issues were cited with discrimination in tenors, conditions or
privileges in rental transactions cited 315 times. Discriminatory terms, conditions, privilege or
services and facilities was cited 145 times and failure to make reasonable accommodation was
cited 102 times. The most commonly cited issues related to rental transactions, which suggests
that discriminatory acts leading to the filing of fair housing complaints are more commonly
associated with the rental market.
Housing complaints filed with HUD can also be examined by closure status. Of the 804 total
complaints, 349 were determined to be without cause. However, 200 complaints were settled
successfully, another 55 were withdrawn by the complainant after resolution was reached, and
one was resolved through FHAP judicial consent order, but this represents a fairly low rate of
success for the complaint system in the state. These data are presented below in the following
table.
The 256 housing complaints that were successfully settled were further examined The table
below shows that successfully resolved fair housing complaints in North Carolina most
commonly related to disability, followed by race, national origin and family status.
Some housing complaint data regarding number of complaints, basis and closure were also
received from the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (HRC). These data were
relevant to 2007 through July 2010, and, as shown in the following table, a total of 269
complaints were filed during this time period More than 100 complaints were filed in 2008
while only one complaint was filed in 2007. Eleven of these total complaints were missing
detailed information regarding year filed, basis or closure status.
14
Fair housing discrimination suit filed by the Department of Justice or miyate Plaintiffs
No know cases filled within the County by the Department of Justice or private Plaintiffs.
Reasons for any trends or pattems
Fair housing complaint data was collected from HUD and the North Carolina Human Relations
Commission. Data from these sources showed that more than 800 complaints were filed in North
Carolina from 2004 through 2009. The most common bases for complaints were race and
disability and the most prevalent issue was discriminatory terms and conditions in the rental
market.
A fair housing survey regarding the state of fair housing throughout North Carolina showed that
many respondents have concerns about fair housing in their communities and that they see
barriers to affirmatively furthering fair housing, including discrimination in the rental markets,
lack of enforcement of fair housing laws, and zoning and land use restrictions.
Some respondents also found fair housing laws difficult to understand and noted that additional
outreach and education efforts regarding fair housing are needed in their communities.
15
Identification of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
Public Sector
Zoning and Site Selection
Exclusionary zoning is sometimes associated with discrimination in housing, while inclusionary
zoning is looked upon as a weapon to force affordable housing on communities. Neither form of
zoning is intended to be either discriminatory or coercive.
Recognizing that local zoning ordinances have broad extraterritorial impact, some courts and
policy makers sometimes determine that each community must provide its share of a region's
affordable housing needs. This fair -share principle is often articulated as inclusionary zoning. It
is, in effect, the converse of exclusionary zoning.
Inclusionary zoning and its correlative, inclusionary housing are terms used to describe a wide
variety of techniques local governments use to link the construction of low- and moderate -
income affordable housing to the construction of housing for the marketplace. Under an
inclusionary zoning program, affordable housing is constructed and integrated into more
expensive housing developments, thereby becoming an integral part of the overall residential
development of a community. Simply put, inclusionary zoning encourages or requires
developers, as a condition of permit approval, to include some portion of affordable housing in
new market -nate housing developments. The principal objectives of inclusionary zoning are to
increase the supply of affordable housing in a community and to do so in a manner that fosters
greater economic and racial integration.
There are three types of inclusionary zoning programs:
L Mandatory
ii. Conditional
iii. Voluntary
Neighborhood Revitalization, County and Other Services, Employment -Housing -Transportation
Linkage
hedell County Area Transportation System (ICATS) is a Community Transportation Program
that serves both human service consumers as well as the general public. The service office hours
are 8:00 am. and 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. Services are provided through deviated
fixed routes, subscription routes, and demand response service trips. ICATS is a paratransit
service; a ridesharing public transportation system that enables routes and schedules to be
structured to transport multiple passengers to multiple destinations. Service is provided curb -to -
curb unless door-to-door service is requested for special populations. Types of service provided:
Medical, personal, and employment trips are available.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provides the opportunity for vanpools These are
flexible, comfortable, cost-effective way for groups of 5 to 15 commuters to share their ride to
work. A Vanpool consists of a group of people who live and work near each other and share
similar commuting schedules. Each service tailors its schedule around the group's needs, with all
members deciding on the pick-up and drop-off locations and times. CATS Vanpool program
provides modem vans, gas cards, insurance and maintenance.
16
PHA and Other Assisted/Insured Housing Provider Tenant Selection Procedures; Housing
Choices for Certificate and Voucher Holders
Presently, there are twenty (20) housing choices within the Iredell County of permanent
subsidized housing. There are also five (5) housing choices of affordable rental developments
that allow subsidized agreements. There are also four (4) HUS approved housing counseling
agencies within the County.
Property Tax Policies
Iredell County does provide for a few tax exclusions and a deferral for qualified homeowners.
They are:
1. Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion: This exclusion is for homeowners aged 65 or
older or those that are totally and permanently disabled.
2. Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion: This exclusion is for Honorably Discharged
Veterans that are 100% totally disabled from a service -connected disability or that received
benefits for specially adapted housing under 38U.S.C. Sec. 2101. There is no income test for
this exclusion.
3. Circuit Breaker Homestead Tax Deferment Program: This program limits the amount of
taxes one must pay annually on their permanent residence to a fixed percentage of their
income. The amount of taxes above that percentage is deferred and does not have to be
repaid until such time that a disqualifying event occurs. Examples of disqualifying events
would be death, transfer of the property, or the property is no longer the taxpayer's
permanent residence. Upon a disqualifying event, the last three years of deferred taxes plus
interest become due and payable. To qualify, the income of the homeowner and spouse must
not exceed $42,150.
Planning and Zoning Boards
The Iredell County Planning Board is an advisory board to the Board of Commissioner. The
Board is composed of nine members appointed by Board of Commissioners for terms of four
years.
The Planning Board is responsible for the following:
A. Make studies and recommend to the Board of Commissioners plans, goals and objectives
relating to the growth, development and redevelopment of the County;
B. Develop and recommend to the Board of Commissioners policies, Ordinances,
administrative procedures and other means for carrying out plans in a coordinated and
efficient manner,
C. Make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners concerning proposed Zoning
Map and Land Development Code text changes; enlargement of nonconforming uses;
vested rights requests; and,
D. Perform any other duties assigned by the Board of Commissioners.
Building Codes (Accessibility)
Iredell County Code Enforcement uses the 2009 North Carolina Residential Code as adopted by
the North Carolina Building Code Council on March 11, 2008. Chapter l I of this Code details
the regulations for accessibility.
17
Private Sector Lending Policies and Practices
Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) financial institutions are required to disclose
the race, sex, ethnicity, household income of mortgage applicants, and the outcome of the loan
application.
After the owner occupied home purchase loan application is submitted, the financing institution
makes one of several decisions:
• Originated indicates that the loan was made by the lending institution.
• Approved but not accepted notes loans approved by the lender, but not accepted by the
applicant.
• Application denied by financial institution defines a situation where the loan application
failed.
• Application withdrawn by applicant means that the applicant closed the application process.
• File closed for incompleteness means that the loan application process was closed by the
institution due to incomplete information.
• Loan purchased by the institution indicates that the previously originated loan was purchased
on the secondary market.
Part of the HMDA data includes information about the reason for the loan denial. The most
frequently cited categories of denials were credit history and debt -to -income ratio. These data do
not offer proof of discrimination in the home purchase market, only that there is institutional
inequity in these denial rates. These problems could be diminished through enhancing programs
for consumers to better understand credit and the importance of establishing good credit.
In addition to modifications implemented in 2004 for documenting loan applicants' race and
ethnicity, the HMDA reporting requirements were changed in response to the Predatory Lending
Consumer Protection Act of 2002, as well as the Home Owner Equity Protection Act (HOEPA).
Consequently, loan originations are now flagged in the data system for three additional
attributes:
1. If they are HOEPA loans;
2. Lien status, such as whether secured by a first lien, a subordinate lien, not secured by a lien,
or not applicable (purchased loans); and
3. Presence of high annual percentage rate loans (HALs), defined as more than three percentage
points for home purchases when contrasted with comparable treasury instruments or five
percentage points for refinance loans.
Evaluated home purchase loan applications from 2004 through 2008 showed that in the State of
North Carolina there were 752,088 loan originations and 156,881 loan denials, for an average
five-year loan denial rate of 17.3 percent. The data also showed that American Indian, black and
Hispanic applicants experienced significantly higher rates of loan denials than white applicants,
even after correcting for income. Further, some geographic areas of the state had significantly
higher denial rates that exceeded 80.0 percent, including areas with high concentrations of
minority populations. Analysis of high interest rate loans showed that minority populations also
received a disproportionate share of these lower quality loan products.
18
Public and Private Sector
Fair Housing Enforcement
Any person who feels their housing rights have been violated may submit a complaint to HUD
via phone, mail or the Intemet. A complaint can be submitted to the national HUD office in
Washington, DC or at the regional HUD office in Atlanta When a complaint is submitted,
intake specialists review the information and contact the complainant in order to gather
additional details and to determine if the case qualifies as possible housing discrimination.
Complaints that are specific to a state or locality that is part of HUD's Fair Housing Assistance
Program are referred to the appropriate parties, who have 30 days to address the complaint. If
HUD is handling the case, the formal complaint is sent to the complainant for review and is then
forwarded to the alleged violator for review and response.
Next, the circumstances of the complaint are investigated through conducting interviews and
examining relevant documents. During this time, the investigator attempts to rectify the situation
through mediation, if possible. The case is closed if mediation of the two parties is achieved or if
the investigator determines that there was no reasonable cause of discrimination. If reasonable
cause is found, then either a federal judge or a HUD Administrative Law Judge hears the case
and determines damages, if any. A respondent may be ordered:
• To compensate for actual damages, including humiliation, pain and suffering.
• To provide injunctive or other equitable relief, for example, to make the housing available.
• To pay the Federal Government a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest.
• To pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
Within the Iredell County the County Manager or his designate, is the official authorized by the
County to:
• Receive and document complaints regarding housing discrimination in the County
• Refer such complaints to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission for investigation,
conciliation and resolution.
In addition to general fair housing discrimination complaints, HUD accepts specific complaints
that violate Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits programs or
organizations that receive federal funds from discriminating against persons with disabilities.
Citizens in Iredell County may file Section 504 grievances. The County will respond in writing
to written citizen grievances. The County will respond to all written citizen grievances within
ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the comments.
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (HRC) accepts fair housing
complaints as they are related to fair housing violations in regard to the federal Fair Housing Act
or the North Carolina Human Rights Act. This agency accepts complaints that are alleged to
occur in areas that are not covered by existing FHAP agencies.
Informational Programs
The North Carolina Human Relations Commission (HRC) works as a clearinghouse of fair
housing information and resources for citizens of North Carolina.
19
Visitability in Housing
According to HUD, housing that is "visitable" has a very basic level of accessibility that enables
people with disabilities to visit friends, relatives, and neighbors in their homes within any
community. Visitability can be achieved for little cost, with the use of two simple design
standards:
• Provide a 32" clear opening in all bathroom and interior doorways
• Provide at least one accessible means of egress/ingress for each unit.
Visitability design incorporates the following in all construction or alterations, in addition to the
applicable requirements of Section 504 and the Fair Housing Act, whenever practical and
possible for as many units as possible within a development:
Visitability also expands the availability of housing options for individuals who may not require
full accessibility. It will assist project owners in making reasonable accommodations and reduce,
in some cases, the need for structural modifications or transfers when individuals become
disabled in place. Visitability will also improve the marketability of units.
Assessment of Current Public and Private Fair Housing Programs and
Activities in the Jurisdiction
The County currently implements a two year fair housing plan the thrust of which is public
education. Mus consists of published public notices regarding fair housing, posting fair housing
posters on County properties, development and distribution of fair housing brochures etc. A fair
housing activity is undertaken each quarter. In regard to private fair housing activities local
banters and realtors have periodic training on fair housing laws.
Five (S) Year Strategy of Quarterly Activities to Implement Analysis of
Impediments Study
• A 30 month Fair Housing Plan will be prepared in the 1' Quarter.
• A Complahnt Procedure will be adopted in the 2"' Quarter.
• The County will request Fair Housing posters and pamphlets from the North
Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC) in 3rd quarter.
• The County will post Fair Housing Posters in both English and Spanish at an appropriate
location at the Iredell County Government Center, to be visible to the public, in 4th
quarter.
• The County will advertise both the Fair Housing Resolution and Complaint Procedure in
5th quarter. This notice will include the State's TDD number.
• The County will maintain a current list of local realtors who are available to assist in
locating housing for anyone needing assistance, in 6th quarter.
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• The County will prepare Fair Housing Pamphlets and distribute them to appropriate
lending institutions throughout the County in P quarter.
• The County will distribute Fair Housing Pamphlets to realtor organizations throughout
the County, in 8th quarter.
• The County will again advertise the Fair Housing Resolution and the Complaint
Procedure in 9th quarter.
• The County will post Fair Housing Posters at other County maintained buildings
visited by its citizens in 10" quarter.
• A second 30 month Fair Housing Plan will be prepared in the I' Quarter.
• A Complaint Procedure will be readopted in the le quarter.
• The County will request Fair Housing posters and pamphlets from the North Carolina
Human Relations Commission (NCHRC) in 1P quarter.
• The County will post Fair Housing Posters in both English and Spanish at an appropriate
location at County Buildings, to be visible to the public, in 15th quarter.
• The County will advertise both the Fair Housing Resolution and Complaint Procedure in
169i quarter. This notice will include the State's TDD number.
• The County will update its list of local realtors who are available to assist in locating
housing for anyone needing assistance in 1'7t6 quarter.
• The County will prepare Fair Housing Pamphlets and distribute them to an updated list
lending institutions throughout the County in I e quarter.
• The County will distribute Fair Housing Pamphlets to citizen organizatums; throughout the
County in the 199i quarter.
• The County will prepare a new Analysis to impediments Plan in the 209i quarter.
Conclusions and Recommendations
It is recommended that Iredell County continue the following activities to affirmatively further fair
housing choice:
A. Iredell County should continue its periodic advertisement, in a newspaper of general
distribution, of a notice advising County residents of the County's commitment and who to
contact should a complaint need to be investigated.
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B. The County should continue to disburse a Fair Housing Pamphlet which summarizes Title VIII
requirements. "These should be distributed annually to various agencies in the community
involved in housing services.
C. The County should continue to post fair housing information in its Government Center and
other County offices as a further effort to inform residents and housing providers of fair
housing laws.
D. The County should continue to be a receiving agency for fair housing complaints within its
jurisdiction in conformance with the Pair housing Resolution adopted by the lredell County
Board of Commissioners.
E. The County should periodically review programs and policies relating to fair housing of the
major institutions in the County involved in fair housing choice issues.
Signature
ate Chief hlected Offteini