HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch_18_2014_Regular_MinutesMarch Is- 2014
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
March 18, 2014
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 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
Renee Griffith
David Boone
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County
Manager Beth Dirks, Emergency Coordinator David Saleeby, Fire Marshal Garland Cloer,
Purchasing Manager Dean Lail, Facility Services & Parks/Rec Director Robert Woody, Parks/Rec
Assistant Director Michelle Hepler, ECOM Director David Martin, Register of Deeds Matt McCall
and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Chairman Johnson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Boy Scout Troop 363 from New Salem Methodist
Church. Scouts attending: Ben Simiele, Joel Marquez, Corbin Duncan, Lucas Duncan, Charles
Kelley, Trevor Wooten, Zach Little, Leaders Mark Doll and Josh Duncan.
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Chairman Johnson to approve the
agenda with the following adjustments:
Additions: Closed Session — Property Acquisition, G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5)
Deletions: Item B, Memo #6 from Administrative Matters
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Steve Johnson requested the Board approve a proclamation declaring April 8,
2014 as Advanced Manufacturing Day in Iredell County.
Commissioner Renee Griffith read the following proclamation:
PROCLAMATION DECLARING
APRIL. 8, 2014 AS ADVANCED MANUFACTURING DAY
IN IREDELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, a group of public and private organizations have recognized April 8, 2014 as
Advanced Manufacturing Day in Iredell County to highlight the importance of advanced manufacturing in
our national and local economy and to draw attention to the many rewarding high -skilled advanced
manufacturing jobs; and
WHEREAS, the United States is one of the world's largest manufacturing economies, producing
21 percent of global manufactured products and $1.7 trillion of value each year, or about 12 percent of U.S.
Gross Domestic Product. For every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.35 is added to the economy; and
WHEREAS, manufacturing supports an estimated 17 million jobs in the U.S., about one in six
private sector jobs. Nearly 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in
manufacturing; and
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WHEREAS, U.S. manufacturers are the most productive workers in the world, far surpassing the
worker productivity of any other major manufacturing economy, leading to higher wages and living
standards; and
WHEREAS, U.S. manufacturers perform two-thirds of all private sector Research and
Development in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector; and taken alone, U.S.
Manufacturing would be the ninth largest economy in the world; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, manufacturers account for 19 percent of the Gross State Product
with annual exports exceeding $76 billion. In Iredell County, approximately 300 manufacturers, with an
annual payroll of $476 million, employ more than 14,000 residents; and
WHEREAS, a day of activities including student tours and demonstrations led by Mitchell
Community College Technology & Workforce Development seeks to strengthen technical and academic
understanding of young adults with an interest in manufacturing, engineering and design courses of study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
joins the county -wide effort to proclaim April 8, 2014 as Advanced Manufacturing Day in Iredell County
to support and celebrate our local manufacturers and school programs that prepare our future workforce.
Commissioner Griffith asked John Merck and Mike Smith with Statesville Regional
Development, also Jessica Stewart, Existing Industry Representative with Mooresville -South
Iredell Economic Development and Carol Johnson, Vice President with Mitchell Community
College to come forward to accept the Proclamation.
Chairman Johnson thanked the group for excellent work in recruiting industry in the area.
He said when specific needs are requested, this group goes out of their way to accommodate. Many
times their work goes unnoticed. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Johnson thanked them for their
dedication.
Request from Iredell County Arts Council to Give an Update on the ADA Compliant
Construction on the Old Jail Building: Jodi John -Pippin began by thanking the Board for their
support and for continuing the lease of the building. In 1985 the old jail was recognized and
awarded as a Pivotal Historic Structure in downtown Statesville. It is now registered as a
Contributing Building in the National Registry of Historic Places. She reported they have been
working to get permits, design and review and are about 2 weeks away from the start of
construction for handicap accessible renovations for the entire first floor. However, the gallery,
which is used for concerts is in need of heating and cooling. She presented cost estimates from
HSA of Mooresville. HVAC for the gallery of 900 square feet is estimated at $11,500.00. She said
HSA is recommending another unit, at $23,000.00, which has energy recovery to meet current
codes. However, Larry Schaffer, Engineer from Adams Architecture in Mooresville, believes since
this historic building was built in 1909, code specifications may not be required.
Commissioner Renee Griffith asked who would make the determination if the second unit
is needed.
Pippin said Larry Schaffer felt confident that it would not be necessary because of the
historic property codes. She said she would get that determination in writing.
Commissioner Ken Robertson questioned the cost for the 900 square foot space.
Pippin said it is a tall room and the masonry does not provide a lot of insulation. Also, the
hallway just outside of this room will be included.
Chairman Steve Johnson said the Board will take this into consideration and suggested Ms.
Pippin submit a formal request to the County Manager for the upcoming budget.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Steve Johnson called the meeting into a public hearing.
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Public Hearing for the Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for
Project Arugula: John Merck of Statesville Regional Development requested an incentive for an
undisclosed existing company who is looking to expand its facility in Iredell County. The company
is based in Kansas City, was founded in 1907 and has been doing business in Statesville for more
than 30 years. They have similar facilities in Smithfield, NC and Coffeeville, KS. Their intention
is to increase the productive capacity at the Statesville facility by increasing the usable
manufacturing space and replacing the equipment with newer technologically advanced versions.
Upon completion in early 2015, the company will result in a net new investment between $10
million and $13 million in Iredell County. This will also insure the company's continued presence
for the foreseeable future. The company will create 20 new jobs, paying an average of $19 per
hour. The company is engaged in the production and transportation of raw materials used in
commercial baking and agricultural feed products. Merck stated Statesville Regional Development
is recommending this company be granted a performance based incentive as follows: the
improvement period will be from December 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015; the projected capital
investments will be between $10 million and $13 million; total of 20 new jobs above the base
following the completion of the project. The incentive will be 1.388% of the capital investment
over five years as specified by county policy for a total incentive between $158,890 and $206,557.
No one from the public wished to speak and Chairman Johnson closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approve an economic incentive of
$158,890 to $206,557 over a five year period, based on the company's investment of $10 million
to $13 million and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Chairman Steve Johnson called the meeting into a public hearing.
Public Hearing for the Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for
Project DBT: Mike Smith of Statesville Regional Development addressed the Board and stated
the project in question is competitive and is looking in other counties in North Carolina as well as
areas in South Carolina. The company's headquarters is overseas but has been in business in the
US since 1940. They are looking for additional manufacturing operations to support growth in
automotive, aerospace, and outdoor products. The site would be a show room for domestic and
international customers. The project will have $6 million in new investment which will include
capital equipment and building. They are planning to create 40 new jobs over a three year period
with an average wage above $19 per hour and will also cover 50% of the employee's health care.
Smith said this company is considering the Shell building. Statesville Regional Development is
requesting, based on the $6 million investment, a grant totaling $105,867 over a five year period.
Commissioner Ken Robertson asked to comment to help citizens understand how
incentives work. He said incentives, as presented, are fairly typical of the local incentive program.
These incentives are not gifts or checks written to companies, but merely an agreement to rebate a
portion of the increase in property taxes that these companies will pay if they move here. They
will not receive the rebate until they have paid the full amount of tax plus met all of the conditions
regarding the investment and jobs as stated in the agreement. He stated it is quite impossible for a
company to come, take the money and run without fulfilling their obligations.
No one from the public wished to speak and Chairman Steve Johnson closed the public
hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve an economic incentive of $105,867 over
a five year period, based on the company's investment of $6 million and contingent upon a contract
being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Chairman Steve Johnson took a moment to inform Mike Smith and John Merck that House
Bill 439 will be mentioned under Unfinished Business. This bill addresses deferment of taxes
limited to present use farm use value only. Johnson stated he asked Lisa Valdez from Pope,
McMillan Law Firm, to compose a letter to our legislative delegation with a proposed
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readdressing/amendment of this matter. He said he had spoken to every member of the legislative
delegate and Governor McCrory who seemed to be in agreement.
Smith said there is a key meeting to be held in Raleigh on April 3 and would like to address
this issue at that time.
Commissioner Ken Robertson asked to clarify that this bill is for individuals, not for
companies.
Smith said it was designed to help with industrial development by lessening the tax burden
on landowners who have property in a use that's not business related. He said some companies are
reluctant to wait for a rezoning.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Report from Fire Marshal to Approve and Sign a Five Year Agreement with
FireHouse Software to Convert and Store Fire Records and Inspections to a Hosted Storage
Environment: Fire Marshal Garland Cloer stated two years ago the Fire Marshal's office took on
a venture to go mobile with inspections of facilities and businesses within the County. He said last
year the Board approved a budget of $13,175 for the program. The present request is for a five
year contract with FireHouse, a division of Xerox, for the $13,175. The contract has been reviewed
by County Attorney Bill Pope.
OTION by Commissioner Renee Griffith to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Request from Parks and Recreation to Approve a Revised Inter -local Agreement with
the Town of Troutman for Use and Care of Troutman ESC Park: Assistant Parks/Rec Director
Michelle Hepler requested approval of a revised inter -local agreement with the Town of Troutman
for the use and care of Troutman ESC Park. The original approval was January 4, 2011. She said
the park was made possible by an existing partnership between the Town of Troutman, Engineered
Sintered Components and Iredell County. Existing amenities include practice fields, playground,
and walking trail. Projects still undergoing construction, or in future phases, include a
multipurpose field, baseball/softball fields, dog park, pavilion, and concession stands with
restrooms. Hepler stated costs associated with grounds maintenance of playing surfaces include
man hours and fuel. Also materials needed for the grassy areas will be paid by the County at 50%
and 50% by the Town of Troutman. All other maintenance work performed will be billed to the
Town by the County. She stated the original agreement did not clarify playing surfaces and
surrounding areas which the present agreement better identifies.
Commissioner David Boone asked the amount of the maintenance cost to the County.
Hepler said the original estimate was $5,000-$6,000 annually with 28 weeks of mowing
but may be closer to $11,000 now. They are in the process of devising a method to track the man
hours and fuel. This will be compared to rental fees similar to the rental of the soccer fields at the
Statesville Soccer Complex.
Commissioner Ken Robertson stated he expected it to be higher initially while establishing
the turf on the ball fields.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from Sheriff's Office to Approve three 24 -Month Operating Leases for
Vehicles and Budget Amendment #29 to Appropriate Federal Equity Sharing Funds for
Monthly Lease Payments: Deputy Rick Fades said the Sheriff's Office is asking for approval of
a 24 -month operating lease on three vehicles and budget amendment #29 to appropriate Federal
Equity Sharing Funds for monthly leases in the amount of $55,830.
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Chairman Steve Johnson asked if this was a closed end lease where the cars are returned at
the end of the lease.
Eades said yes, that is correct.
OTIO by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of February's Refunds and Releases: MOTION by
Commissioner Renee Griffith to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Request for Approval of the February 21-22, 2014 and March 4, 2014 Minutes:
OTIO by Commissioner Renee Griffith to approve.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARD & COMMISSIONS
I -Care Board of Directors (I Announcement)
Appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review will be added to the agenda for
the next meeting.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chairman Steve Johnson commented on House Bill 439. He stated this has been discussed
for some time. House Bill 439, in its original version, allows for the deferment of taxes if a local
jurisdiction improves property by extension of utilities, zoning, Phase I environmental, etc., which
may be conducive to someone choosing that site for development. However, the bill is somewhat
deficient in that it only allows for deferment of taxes if the property in question is under present
use value (farm use). Johnson said this bill will limit what a local government can do in regards to
economic recruitment and deferment of taxes. Lisa Valdez, Law Office of Pope McMillan, has
written a letter to the legislative delegation, primarily to Mrs. Rena Turner, along with an amended
version of House Bill 439. The amendment would allow property that is zoned in other ways,
besides farm use, for the deferment of taxes. He explained that someone could have a piece of
property that would be suitable for industrial development. The way the bill is written now, if that
land was under farm use and the county wanted to participate with one of the municipalities for
water/sewer, rezone, fiber optics, natural gas, ingress and egress for that property, as long as the
property was under farm use, the owner's property tax increase resulting from the change in zoning
could be deferred until the property is sold. This creates an incentive to participate in economic
development because they would not bear the burden of increased taxes during their ownership of
the property. However, it excludes property that is zoned other ways, such as residential
agriculture, from participating in this program. If Iredell County wanted to participate with a
property owner and with one of the municipalities to extend utilities to improve a site, the property
owner would bear the burden of the increased taxes as the result of the rezoning. This is a
significant disincentive to participate in this program. This amendment would afford citizens to
work with the County and municipalities. Johnson continued by explaining industries want the site
presented (ready) within 120 days, which means water/sewer, zoning, gas, etc. This amendment is
an attempt to remove the barriers for people who would be looking at our community for industrial
development.
Chairman Johnson said he would like for the Board to take some type of action to send this
to the legislative delegation. If this is passed it would be well on the way to taking an aggressive
position to economic development in Iredell County.
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Commissioner Ken Robertson questioned if the tax deferment is for companies or just
individuals.
County Attorney Bill Pope said the tax deferment is for property owners. He doesn't
believe there are any distinctions made for LLC, partnership or small corporations than any other
property owner.
Commissioner Robertson said that if it is passed then all industrial property developers will
have that tax deferment.
Chairman Johnson said it would only be properties that the County and municipalities
would be willing to improve and grant the opportunity to.
Pope said not all taxes are deferred. He said it is only the increased portion. There would
be no reduction in the tax base.
Commissioner David Boone said he is in agreement with Chairman Johnson but the
proposed rewording is to defer taxes due to an increase in value due to a rezoning of the property.
He believes the wording doesn't make it clear. He believes it should make reference specifically
to an increase in value due to rezoning.
Pope will speak to Ms. Valdez about the wording. The legislation, as it exists, is difficult
to read but felt the chances of getting modifications approved were better if changes were kept at
a minimum.
Commissioner Boone believes this should also apply to less than 100 acres.
Chairman Johnson asked for a proposed acreage.
Commissioner Boone said he personally feels it should be 20 acres. There are a lot of
industrial sites at 20 acres.
Mike Smith said Commissioner Boone made a good point and he feels the acreage should
be reduced and be defined it as buildable. What he has seen over the last five years has been 10-
20 acre sites.
Chairman Johnson suggested sending it back with County Attorney Bill Pope to change
the acreage plus change the wording to relate to improvements and rezoning.
Commissioner Renee Griffith asked if it could be returned to Lisa Valdez to make the
changes, but voted on now, without bringing it to the Board again in two weeks.
Chairman Johnson said it needs to be in Raleigh before the short session begins.
Smith said there is a specialty meeting on April 3.
Commissioner Griffith asked if it is procedurally correct to make a motion now.
Pope said he could make the corrections and allow each member to review it for a quick
comment on the subsequent redraft.
MOTION by Commissioner Griffith to accept the document with the changes that have
been directed to Mr. Pope and his staff.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Johnson asked to address another matter. He said funding has ceased for
Mooresville Rescue Squad which was an action taken very reluctantly, but necessary due to growth
and change in demographics. He said some have come to the conclusion the Board of
Commissioners do not have continued respect and confidence in the existing rescue squads, which
is a mistake. At this time, this Board has no intention to give any rescue districts to any more fire
departments in the county. Demographics and population north of Mooresville does not demand
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it. The existing rescue squads have the Board's full faith and support. The Board will continue to
fund them plus the Board is looking for ways to increase funding for next year to meet some capital
needs previously neglected. Chairman Johnson wanted to express, publicly, on behalf of the Board
and the County, confidence in Iredell County's rescue squads. He encouraged all citizens to
support and contribute to fundraisers sponsored by county rescue squads.
PUBLIC COMMENT
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
County Manager Ron Smith reported on a recent confiscation by Animal Services. He said
55 dogs were taken from a residence south of Statesville. Half of the dogs are housed at Iredell's
Animal Services' shelter. They are undergoing health checks and will be adoptable fairly soon. He
said the most important thing is the way in which this situation was handled by Iredell's Animal
Services' staff. He said it was extremely profession and calculated. He wanted to commend
Director Brad Gates and his staff.
CLOSED SESSION
OTION by Chairman Steve Johnson to enter into Closed Session at 8:08 p.m. under
G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) Property Acquisition.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(Returned to Open Session at 8:25 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Renee Griffith to adjourn the meeting at
8:25 p.m. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
Clerk to the Board