HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember_3_2013_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, September 3, 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, Planner Matthew Todd, Transportation Administrator Ben Stikeleather, and
Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: OTION by Chairman Johnson to approve the
agenda with the following adjustment.
Deletion: • Request for Approval to Allow the State Employees' Credit Union to Locate an
Automated Teller Machine on the Iredell County Government Center -South
Property in Mooresville, NC, and Approval of an Associated Agreement
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Rezoning Request; Case #1308-1: Wilson Properties Limited Partnership II
Requests that 204.76 Acres be Rezoned from R-20, Single Family Residential and RO,
Residential Office to RA, Residential Agricultural District: Planner Matthew Todd described
the staff report for this request as follows.
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
This is a request to rezone 204.76 acres on Old Mocksville Road in Statesville from R20,
Single Family Residential and RO, Residential Office to RA, Residential Agricultural
District. This is a straight rezoning request and therefore, all uses as described in the
Table of Permitted and Special Uses (Section 2.21) in the Land Development Code will
be allowed. No conditions are proposed in the request.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER/APPLICANT:
Wilson Properties Limited
Partnership II
James Wilson, Partner
PROPERTY INFORMATION
LOCATION:
Old Mocksville Road just north of Wilson Park Road, in Statesville; more specifically
identified as PIN 4756-50-9284.000.
DIRECTIONS:
1-40 East to Old Mocksville Road; left on Old Mocksville then site is on your left past
Wilson Park Road.
SURROUNDING LAND USE:
This property has industrial, commercial , and residential uses on all adjacent properties.
SIZE:
The property is 204.76 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: The property currently has one single family residence and the
remainder is used as open space and agricultural.
ZONING HISTORY: This parcel was zoned RO/R20 with county wide zoning in 1990.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is located within Statesville's short
range USA boundary. The City of Statesville stated they would not object but were
curious as to the reason for down zoning.
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located within a Water Supply
Watershed.
IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: The closest traffic count is on Old Mocksville Road and had a 2010 count of
5,100 vehicle trips per day. The closest capacity numbers for Old Mocksville Road is just
east of this site at Chestnut Grove Road and is 12,400 vehicles per day.
SCHOOLS: If approved there would be a net loss in permitted residential density and
therefore, this request has the potential to lessen the impact on schools if developed
under the RA zoning request.
FIRE MARSHAL: This proposal has been reviewed by the Iredell County Fire Marshal's
Office. The Fire Marshal's Office has no issues with the proposal.
EMS: This proposal has been reviewed by the EMS Department. They have no issues
with the proposal.
REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES
LOCAL: None at this time.
STATE: None at this time.
FEDERAL: None at this time.
STAFF AND BOARD COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for this area to be Employment Center -
Industrial/Flex/Office. This property is currently zoned for single family residential and
office. This property has had that zoning since 1990 but has been used as farmland and
open space. The applicant states that there are parts of the site that are not
conducive for development due to steep grades, current water features, and previous
existing lakes.
Other things to consider is per current zoning this property can be developed as single
family residential. The density in the R20 portion is one unit per 20,000 sq/ft, while the
density in the RO is one unit per 8,000 sq/ft. The proposed RA has a density of one unit
per 20,000 sq/ft so if approved there would be a net loss (approximately 390 homes) in
density based on the minimums set forth in the Land Development Code.
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The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request based on the following:
The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for this area to be an employment center-
industrial/flex/office area but the change is a lateral move. Based on minimum lot size
requirements from the Land Development Code the potential residential density of the
parcel will decrease. Potential traffic impacts should not come close to the road
capacity.
SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: David Aman visited the site with the staff on July 17, 2013.
PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On August 7, 2013, the Planning Board held a public
meeting to hear this request. No one spoke in opposition of this request. The Planning
Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval of this request with the following motion:
Motion to recommend in favor of the zoning map amendment and to advise
that although it is inconsistent with the Iredell County 2030 Horizon Plan, approval
is based on the rezoning request being a residential lateral move, reduction in
density, and general conformity with existing land uses in the area and on site.
This approval allows all uses as described in the Table of Permitted and Special
Uses (Section 2.21) in the Land Development Code.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the public hearing.
OT10N by Commissioner Robertson to approve the zoning map amendment and to
make a finding that although the approval was inconsistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan,
that said approval was reasonable and in the public interest based on the rezoning request being a
residential lateral move, reduction in density, and general conformity with existing land uses in
the area and on site; as a result, said approval furthers the goals and objectives of the 2030
Horizon Plan. This approval allows all uses as described in the Table of Permitted Uses (Section
2.21) in the Land Development Code.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Rezoning Request; Case #1308-2: Applicant Russell W. Chapman Jr., for Owner
Zimmer Orthopedic Surgical Products, Inc., Requests that 10.25 Acres be Rezoned from
RA, Residential Agricultural to MI, Light Industrial District: Planner Matthew Todd shared
information from the staff report, as follows, about this request.
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
This is a request to rezone 10.25 acres at 2021 Old Mountain Road in Statesville from RA,
Residential Agricultural to M1, Light Industrial District. Previously the property has been
used for manufacturing. This is a straight rezoning request and therefore, all uses as
described in the Table of Permitted and Special Uses (Section 2.21) in the Land
Development Code will be allowed. No conditions are proposed in the request.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER: Zimmer
Orthopedic Surgical Products,
Inc.
APPLICANT: Russell
Chapman, Jr.
PROPERTY INFORMATION
LOCATION:
2021 Old Mountain Road, in Statesville; more specifically identified as a PIN
4704633685.000 and a portion of PIN 4704632276.000.
DIRECTIONS:
1-40 West to Old Mountain Road; North on Old Mountain then site is on the left.
SURROUNDING LAND USE:
This property has residential, industrial and commercial uses on all adjacent properties.
SIZE:
The property is 10.25 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: The property is currently developed and was previously used as a
manufacturing space.
ZONING HISTORY: This parcel was zoned RA and M1 with county wide zoning in 1990.
The surrounding properties were also zoned RA and Mi in 1990 with county wide zoning.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is not located within Statesville's
USA boundary.
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is partially located within the WS -IV
Protected Area Water Supply Watershed.
IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: The closest traffic count on Old Mountain Road is just south of the site and
had a 2011 count of 7,700 vehicle trips per day. The capacity for this section of Old
Mountain Road is 13,800 vehicles per day.
SCHOOLS: Because this is an industrial rezoning, there should be no implications on local
schools.
FIRE MARSHAL: This proposal has been reviewed by the Iredell County Fire Marshal's
Office. The Fire Marshal's Office has no issues with the proposal.
EMS: This proposal has been reviewed by the EMS Department. They have no issues
with the proposal.
REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES
LOCAL: Depending on changes the applicant may have to provide a site plan to the
Planning & Development Department for review to change the use or develop the
property. Zoning requirements such as parking, landscaping and buffering would be
reviewed at such time. Plans will be reviewed by the Planning & Development
Department for compliance with Erosion & Sedimentation Control standards.
STATE: Other than building code, there should be no formal state agency review at this
time.
FEDERAL: None at this time.
STAFF AND BOARD COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for this area to be Corridor Commercial.
This property is currently zoned M1 and RA. The property directly to the north is already
zoned M1 while to the south is RA.
Other information to consider is that the property has been used industrially since
county wide zoning in 1990. This area has an industrial base with commercial that will
continue to grow based on the 2030 Horizon Plan and the close proximity to the
interstate. The only way for this building to continue the previous industrial use is either
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with a rezoning or to request a "Change in Kind of Non -conforming Use". The second
option is approved per the Land Development Code by the Board of Adjustment
(BOA). Based on the above it seems a rezoning is the better option due to the chances
that the future occupants of the building may change numerous times. Each time the
occupant changes may require going back though the BOA. The rezoning should be a
one-time solution.
The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request based on the following:
The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for this area to be Corridor Commercial but was previously
used as industrial and the property to the north of this site is zoned industrial. The
proposed district fits into the existing development pattern and neighboring uses.
Potential traffic impacts should not come close to the road capacity.
SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: David Aman and Jeff McNeely visited the site with the staff on
July 17, 2013.
PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On August 7, 2013, the Planning Board held a public
meeting to hear this request. No one spoke in opposition of this request. The Planning
Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval of this request with the following motion:
system.
Motion to recommend in favor of the zoning map amendment and to advise
that although it is inconsistent with the Iredell County 2030 Horizon Plan, approval
is based on how the property has been used since the early 1990s and
conformity with existing land uses in the area and on site. This approval allows
all uses as described in the Table of Permitted and Special Uses (Section 2.21) in
the Land Development Code.
Chairman Johnson said it was assumed the site was served by a conventional septic
Todd said he thought this was correct. He said there was a well for fire suppression.
NancyFox an adjoining property owner, asked if someone planned to purchase the
property, and if so, the intended use.
Planner Todd said the former occupant, Zimmer Orthopedic, had closed its operations,
and the property was on the market. He said there might be a prospective buyer, but no more
details were known. Todd said the request was for a straight rezoning, and with this, anything in
the "table" would be permitted in the industrial zone.
Nancy Fox said it was difficult to voice any objections, or to speak in favor of the
request, if nothing was known about what would occur on the property. She mentioned that her
house was behind the property, and if a company operated three shifts this would be difficult for
her.
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Todd to explain what was permissible in an M-1 area.
Todd said, "There is a whole list of light industrial uses that could be permitted there. Of
course, there are other things in place that should help protect adjacent property owners as far as
noise issues. They could definitely run a third shift out there with a straight request. I'll point
out again that it has been used as industrial since 1990, and we expect the use to be something
similar to what was there in the past. Specific to that building, they are going to be limited if you
look at the aerial photos, due to watershed restrictions."
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to approve the zoning map amendment and to make a
finding that although the approval was inconsistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan, that
said approval was reasonable and in the public interest based on how the property has been used
since the early 1990s and conformity with existing land uses in the area and on site; as a result,
said approval furthers the goals and objectives of the 2030 Horizon Plan. This approval allows
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all uses as described in the Table of Permitted and Special Uses (Section 2.21) in the Land
Development Code.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the North Carolina Department of Transportation in Regards to the
Selection of the Texture and Color of Three Noise Barriers Along the I-77 High Occupancy
Toll (HOT) Lanes Located Within Iredell County: Planner Matthew Todd said this request
was from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT). He said the DOT was
allowing Iredell County to provide input on the color and texture of three noise barriers located
along the I-77 High Occupancy Toll Lanes. Todd said there should be no cost to the county
unless additional barriers were requested. He said the Town of Mooresville had recommended
that Ashlar Stone be chosen as the texture, but no color was specified. Todd said the State had
indicated that only grey and brown color palettes could be used. He said within the county's
jurisdiction there would be approximately 1,100 feet of the barrier walls, and the Town of
Mooresville would have 6,400 linear feet.
Commissioner Boone asked if the Mooresville officials had consulted the businesses and
residences near the proposed walls in regards to the interior color and texture preferences.
Todd said it was believed the Town had not opened this up for public input.
Boone said that in regards to the inside part of the walls it would be helpful to have input
from the people who either resided near the area or who had businesses nearby. He mentioned
these were the individuals who would have to look at the structures every day.
Todd said he was sure the Mooresville officials had not consulted anyone.
Vice Chairman Norman asked Mr. Todd if he planned on contacting the business and
property owners about their preferences.
Todd said there was a State DOT deadline for the county to submit the choices, and the
public would not be asked for input.
Commissioner Griffith said she had talked to individuals in different parts of the State
about the textures and colors. She said many people did not like the standard brick texture due to
it resembling an industrial wall. In addition, she said a varied pattern was recommended, as
many people had to look at the wall every day. She said nonstandard colors were not
recommended as these could easily become eyesores. Griffith said Ashlar Stone was
recommended by Mooresville, and she concurred with this selection or with the Dry Stack Stone
type. Pertaining to the color, she said brown #30475 was a neutral color that might be
satisfactory along with #36400 and #36642 in grey.
Commissioner Robertson said either the Ashlar Stone and Dry Stack Stone were fine
with him, but he preferred a grey color.
Commissioner Boone preferred the grey over the brown color also.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to choose the Ashlar Stone in #36400 grey.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request to Call for a Public Hearing in Regards to a Request by Joyce Johnson,
with Phifer I Johnson Limited Partnership, to Release Zoning and Subdivision Jurisdiction
of 38.09 Acres to the Town of Mooresville: Planner Matthew Todd explained this request and
a copy of the staff report is as follows.
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EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
Joyce Johnson, with Phifer I Johnson Limited Partnership RLLLP, has requested the
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction of 38.09 acres of a 40.48 acre tract be released to the
Town of Mooresville. The remaining 2.39 acres includes a home and business, which are
to be retained by the owner. The proposed use of the property (under the Town of
Mooresville's jurisdiction) is a 114 lot residential subdivision that includes single-family
patio homes and duplex homes.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER: Phifer I Johnson Limited Partnership RLLLP
123 Rocky River Road
Mooresville, N.C. 28115
PROPERTY INFORMATION
LOCATION: On Rocky
River Road near the
corner of Shearers Road
in Mooresville; more
specifically identified as
PIN # 4665456853.
DIRECTIONS: Coddle
Creek Highway, right on
Rocky River Road, at the
end near the corner of
Shearers Road.
SURROUNDING LAND
USE: This property is
surrounded by
residential uses and
farm uses to the west,
north, and east, as well
as commercial uses to
the south.
SIZE: The property is 40.48 acres, of which 38.09 acres is being requested to be
released.
EXISTING LAND USE: The portion of the tract to be released is currently being used for
agricultural purposes.
ZONING HISTORY: The majority of this property has been zoned RA since county wide
zoning in 1990. In 2012, approximately 3.2 acres were rezoned to NB, Neighborhood
Business in order to allow an existing non -conforming business to continue as a business
use.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is located inside Mooresville's short
range USA boundary. On August 5, 2013, the Town of Mooresville Board of
Commissioners approved water and sewer extension to the property, but due to town
policy, the property will not be considered for annexation in June 2014. The Town
Planning staff has submitted a letter of acknowledgement regarding the request and is
in support of the request. This area is proposed for neighborhood residential
development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan adopted by the Town of
Mooresville.
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located in a water supply watershed.
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IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: In 2010, the average number of vehicles per day on Rocky River Road was
5,000. The capacity for this section of Rocky River Road is 12,000 vehicles per day. The
additional population from the proposed development would generate approximately
770 trips per day of additional traffic in this area.
SCHOOLS: This property is located inside the Mooresville Graded School District
boundary and would be served by Rocky River Elementary, Mooresville Intermediate,
and Mooresville Senior High.
STAFF COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: The property is identified for future medium density residential uses in
the 2030 Horizon Plan and neighborhood residential uses in the Town of Mooresville's
comprehensive plan. The Town Planning staff has recommended in favor of this
request. From a planning perspective, this request meets the criteria for release of
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction. The release would allow the property to be
developed with water and sewer. One of the strategies in the 2030 Horizon Plan calls
for the Planning staff to direct growth to areas within the USA boundaries where water
and sewer can be provided by the towns. The proposed uses of the property fit into the
future land use plans for the County and the Town of Mooresville, as both plans call for
residential and development in this area. There should be no significant impact from a
traffic standpoint since the road is not close to capacity. The proposed development
will be served by Mooresville Schools as the property is located within the Mooresville
Graded School District Boundary. The planning staff recommends in favor of this
request.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to set a public hearing on September 17, 2013
regarding a request for a release of zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of
Mooresville by Joyce Johnson, with Phifer I Johnson Limited Partnership RLLLP.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for the Appointment of Melia Miller as the Iredell County Assessor:
County Manager Smith requested that Melia Miller be appointed with a four-year term as the
Iredell County Assessor effective October 1, 2013, and for her salary to be $76,505.
Commissioner Boone said the following: "The Tax Assessor is a very powerful official.
It is of utmost importance that we have the right person in that job. I mean no disrespect to
Ms. Miller when I say this, but one takes some risk when hiring an individual from outside the
county. This county's experience of a few years ago confirms the truth of that assertion. I will
defer to our County Manager's judgment in approving this appointment. He has stated that an
Assessor appointed by the commissioners for a term of years has no greater job security than a
department head hired directly by him. 1 welcome our new Assessor, but caution that it is
paramount that any occupant of the office be fair and courteous in dealing with the taxpayers of
Iredell County."
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Melia Miller as the Iredell County Assessor
for a period of four years with a salary of $76,505 or Grade 79, Step 54.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request to Call for a Public Hearing on September 17, 2013, at 7:00 PM, for Citizen
Input Regarding the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Rural Operating
Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant: Transportation Administrator Ben Stikeleather said
ROAP was a formula grant from the NCDOT that provided transportation funds for the elderly,
disabled, general public, and for those needing assistance to their employment destinations.
Commissioner Robertson said the agenda memo noted that $315,845 would be available.
He asked how this compared to last year.
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Stikeleather said it was $14,903 more than last year.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to call for a public hearing on September 17, 2013,
at 7 PM, for citizen input on the NC Department of Transportation's Rural Operating Assistance
Program Grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of a Renewal Agreement with the State Employees' Credit
Union for the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Hall of Justice: County Manager
Smith said this agreement had existed for two years and a renewal was requested. He said $100
in rent would be collected and having the ATM at the site was advantageous for the Hall of
Justice employees as well as individuals transacting business in the building.
Commissioner Boone said it was assumed the county was furnishing the electricity.
County Manager Smith said yes, but the costs were unknown.
Boone said that hopefully the $100 would pay the electrical costs.
Smith said the $100 would probably cover the costs.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the renewal agreement with the State
Employees' Credit Union.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of the August 20, 2013 Minutes: MOTION by Vice Chairman
Norman to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Recreation Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Personnel Advisory Committee (1 appointment): Commissioner Robertson
nominated Eugene Cheek.
MOTION by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Cheek by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Troutman Board of Adjustment (ETJ - l appointment): Vice Chairman Norman
nominated Wayne Rogers.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Rogers by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Commission (1 appointment): Chairman
Johnson nominated Jim Lawton.
OTIO by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Lawton by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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NEW BUSINESS
Announcement of the Appointment of a New Iredell County Health Director:
County Manager Smith said Jane Murray would begin work on September 30, 2013, as the new
health director. Smith said Ms. Murray was from Scotland County, North Carolina, where she
was the Hospice CEO. He said previously, Ms. Murray had served as the Scotland County
Health Director.
Chairman Johnson Speaks about the County's Economic Development Strategy:
Chairman Johnson said the following: "I would like to share with my fellow commissioners and
those present a concern I have had for some time in regard to our economic develop strategy.
"We are uniquely qualified from a transportation standpoint. Immediate access to 1-40
and I-77 is a definite advantage. I-85 is not far removed. Our local airport, Charlotte -Douglas
and rail are all transportation advantages that we enjoy. These advantages are not sufficient in
today's recruiting environment. The process has changed, and we have not adapted to the
present methodology employed by the majority of site consultants.
"North Carolina has advantages which can be exploited. The Savannah and Charleston
harbors are in the process, or near completion, of $1 billion each in improvements to deepen and
expand their ports. These ports can be accessed via our highways without excessive
transportation costs. Wilmington has the disadvantage of having one of North America's largest
fresh water aquifers less than 100 feet under its harbor floor. Wilmington does have an
extremely natural berth and is presently deep enough to allow the import and export of medium
weight equipment and products. The State is currently assessing this matter and plans substantial
improvements.
"We are simply not ready. Why? Site consultants I have spoken to generally like our
county and communities. Those who are direct and honest say we are not performing the due
diligence necessary in today's market. A fault they find across the State. Hence we have an
opportunity, in my mind, ripe for exploitation.
"Businesses are increasingly thinking regionally in their approach to locating facilities.
These regional concerns are initially global and then they are confined to regions in one
particular country as compared to another. They narrow this to a multi -state area. At this point,
they secure the services of a site consultant. This consultant is contracted at a minimum to
provide a short list of sites to visit. They may be contracted to present a suitable site in as little
as 60 days. A process which used to take months now takes weeks.
"This process increasingly makes our current strategy obsolete and irrelevant.
"This is a process of elimination. Time constraints dictate an Internet search of
communities with suitable and ready sites.
"To be successful we must have what our customers need when they need it. A suitable
inventory of sites must contain a list of sites on our website with most, if not all, of the
following:
1. Proper zoning
2. Utilities — water and sewer, electric, fiber, natural gas, and perhaps rail
3. Environmentally clean with a minimum of a Phase I environmental study having
been accomplished
4. Cleared
5. Service road (minimum)
6. Topo map
7. Drawings depicting a layout for future planned development
"Remember that a 60 to 90 day mandate exists contractually for most site selection
processes. We can see these tasks cannot be accomplished in the time allotted. This results in
us not being given serious consideration.
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"Our website must provide the inventory with detailed information about each site.
"Requests for information must be responded to quickly and comprehensively.
"Please understand that buying and developing land is not the strategy being suggested.
Substantial tax increases and the moral hazards associated with negotiating the sale of taxpayer
owned land are valid concerns with which I agree. What is suggested is an approach which
relates to current market conditions. This strategy will require money to be spent. These costs
can be factored and recovered over time. Our present strategy focuses too much on incentives
(15 to 20% of the deliberative process) and not enough on the due diligence necessary today. In
short, it is quantitative process. Qualitative comes later; such as quality of life, schools, and
recreational opportunities.
"It is a different approach, but I think it is an approach that is consistent with
today's market. We must change."
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Smith distributed a letter from Sheriff Phil
Redmond about the Crime Lab. Smith said additional information about the crime lab would be
presented at the Fall Planning Session in November.
Chairman Johnson reminded Mr. Smith that previously the board had requested a
business plan regarding the crime lab.
Smith said draft business plans had already been reviewed, and they were looking
"good."
CLOSED SESSION: OTIO by Chairman Johnson at 7:50 PM, pursuant to
Economic Development - G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4); Attorney/Client - G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3)
and Personnel - G.S. 143-318.1 1 (a) (6) to enter into closed session.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:50 PM)
CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 REGARDING AN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE FOR PROJECT METAL: MOTIO by
Commissioner Griffith to call for a public hearing on September 17, 2013, at 7 PM, regarding an
economic development incentive ranging between $58,200 and $116,400 over a five-year period
for Project Metal based on an investment ranging between $3 million and $6 million in Iredell
County.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
REORGANIZATION OF THE PLANNING/DEVELOPMENT, CENTRAL
PERMITTING & CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS: MOTION by Chairman
Johnson to consolidate the Departments of Planning and Development, Central Permitting, and
Code Enforcement into the Department of Development Services. This department will be
comprised of the following three divisions: Planning, Central Permitting and Building
Standards.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, Chairman Johnson at
8:52 PM made a motion to adjourn the meeting. (Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 17, 2013,
at 7 PM, in the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
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Clerk to the Board