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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune_16_2015_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES June 16, 2015 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 5:30 PM, in the Iredell County Government Center (South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Vice Chairman Marvin Norman Steve Johnson Ken Robertson Board Members Absent Tommy Bowles Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks, Finance Director Susan G. Robertson, Public Safety Coordinator David Saleeby, Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith had the following adjustments: Add: Announcements of Vacancies to Boards & Committees—Troutman Planning Board ETJ (1) month) Unfinished Business — Inmate Reduction Report (This will be a standing item each Remove: Both Closed Session topics PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Incentive for Project Cobia Presented by Mike Smith, Statesville Regional Development: County Manager Ron Smith gave a brief overview. Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Incentive for Project Albacore Presented by Mike Smith, Statesville Regional Development: County Manager Ron Smith gave a brief overview. Public Hearing for Pine Lake Preparatory, Inc. in Respect to the Proposed Issuance of $35 Million in Education Revenue Bonds: This was discussed at a previous meeting. Public Hearing to Give Staff Direction on the Naming and Addressing for Mazeppa, Cornelius, and the New Connector Road: Planning Division's Director Matthew Todd said they held the public input meeting with approximately 80 attendees. There were four options for each June 16, 2015 resident to choose: 1) Assign the entire road one new name and split it into East and West segments at Charlotte Highway (US 21); 2) Leave Cornelius Road as is and name the connector and existing Mazeppa Road as Mazeppa. This option would require all Mazeppa addresses to be reassigned; 3) Leave Mazeppa and Cornelius as is and give the connector a new name; 4)Leave Mazeppa Road as is and rename the existing Cornelius Road as West Cornelius and name the connector East Cornelius. Most of the attendees were from the Mazeppa Community. Three businesses, located on these roads, reported the difficulties and costs related to changing their business addresses. Commissioner Steve Johnson said the residents he talked with want Cornelius and Mazeppa to stay as they are now. He feels the connector road should be named something entirely different. Chairman Mallory asked if emergency services were contacted. Todd said he was told by residents that emergency services would not have a problem but he did not contact them personally. This is a unique situation because of all the existing addresses. Commissioner Johnson asked if Mooresville has had any input on the actual name of the connector road. Todd said no. Chairman Mallory said the current policy encourages one name. He feels that citizens' input should be considered and not have a one -size -fits -all type of policy. He feels staff should be given some additional criteria for more flexibility when this type of situation arises. There just doesn't seem to be a compelling reason for simplicity to trump the other issues. He is inclined to agree with the option to name the connector road something different and leave Cornelius and Mazeppa Road as is. Mooresville has stated they would like input on the name but has not been specific. He suggested to adopt a motion that the road would be a separate name with no changes to Mazeppa or Cornelius with a second motion to refer this to the Town of Mooresville for the adoption, by resolution, for a name. Commissioner Ken Robertson suggested to announce, prior to the public hearing, the inclinations of the Board. Smith said the road naming policy was created in the 90s. Chairman Mallory reiterated the policy should be reviewed to allow more flexibility. Commissioner Johnson said the spirit and strong sense of the community was underestimated. He believes their desires should be respected. He feels if there is anything missing in today's world it is a strong sense of community like these residents have. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Planning Division to Consider Calling for a Public Hearing for a Request by Triangle Real Estate of Gastonia, Inc. to Release ETJ to the Town of Mooresville: County Manager Ron Smith said a letter was sent to the Town of Mooresville to discuss the ETJ issues and the timing of their annexations. Staff will be meeting with them soon to talk about June 16, 2015 making changes. This particular request is a picture perfect request for the reasoning behind meeting with the Town of Mooresville. Under current practices, this particular property will not be annexed until 2016 which is one of the reasons for the meeting. Planning Division Director Matthew Todd said this request is to call for a public hearing on July 21 for a 13 acre tract off River Highway near Lake Norman High School. It is slated to be commercial use. It was zoned commercial (GB/conditional district) a number of years ago. The Town of Mooresville will take it in and assign light conditions initially in order to connect to water and sewer. Chairman Mallory said the request to Mooresville is for a more regular/frequent annexation process as opposed to just once a year. He asked if it would be problematic if the public hearing was not called and the decision was postponed until after the meeting with Mooresville. Commissioner Johnson expressed his concern for the property owner if there is a set timeline for whatever his project might be. Todd said the owner has not mentioned the need for a loan to be contingent on this change. It has not been advertised and therefore there has been no public feedback. Smith said it may take several months to make any changes within Mooresville's policy. Commissioner Norman asked why the ETJ had to done now if annexation is a year away. Todd said Mooresville will not review any plans on this property until it is in their jurisdiction. The developer cannot start the process. If released on July 21 and Mooresville assigns zoning the following month then the owner can begin with the submission of plans. Commissioner Johnson stated this property owner was making plans with the current rules and may already have a timeline. He believes the rules shouldn't be changed for someone that has already begun the process. Chainuan Mallory asked if a notice could be given for future applicants but not apply changes to this particular property owner. Commissioner Robertson stated the property owner purchased the property under county rules and he may have assumed there could be changes. He doesn't see a conflict if a public hearing is not approved. Vice Chainuan Norman agreed. Smith said he will proceed with the meeting with Mooresville but feels this applicant shouldn't be hindered. Commissioner Johnson said the Board is assuming they know the applicant's timeframe. He feels the applicant made a reasonable assumption that this is the way the process works because it has been the same for quite a while. The applicant is going by the rules established by the Board. Johnson asked Todd if he knows of any other potential ETJ requests. June 16, 2015 3 Todd said the applicant has talked to Mooresville about the water and sewer. He said there are two more requests in the office but there are no details at the moment. Commissioner Johnson suggested the best, and fair, course of action is to inform Mooresville that on a certain date the County will not take any more ETJ requests until an amended annexation process is adopted by Mooresville. Anyone who has already begun the process should be allowed to proceed. Todd said this discussion will be relayed to the Town of Mooresville when they meet. Chairman Mallory suggested to proceed with the requests already in the Planning Office right now. Any subsequent requests the staff will review and assign a reasonable timeframe for their particular requests. Smith suggested the first meeting in August as a deadline. Todd said that would be fine and will relay this information to Mooresville. Chairman Mallory stated to proceed with this public hearing and asked Todd to report the results of the meeting with the Town of Mooresville. This item was not placed on the consent agenda. It will be discussed further in regular session. Request from ISS for approval of a Lease Purchase Agreement with Energy United: Kenny Miller stated this is a request for a partnership with Energy United for a controls contract which is for three schools that currently have old, outdated controls for HVAC. This is a phased approached to update all controls to digital. This is the third such contract with Energy United. This is just for controls and not for any other equipment. Commissioner Robertson asked if the change in controls would save money. Miller said there are many inefficiencies in the environment. Many have no way to balance the air because there is no control. The new system will be internet based. Heat/air can be monitored remotely. Commissioner Johnson asked if it would zone the building for one room to be used if others are not. Miller said yes and it can be controlled remotely which also saves money on sending a technician. Commissioner Johnson asked about lease/purchase instead of straight purchase. Miller said the savings is based on usage and would be the same even with a purchase. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to Approve an Amended Project Ordinance to Close the Animal Shelter Project Fund and Transfer Funds to the Jail Capital Project June 16, 2015 4 Fund: Finance Director Susan Robertson said this request is to close the Animal Services Capital Project Fund and transfer residual funds. The project was originally funded at $3 million. The unspent funds total $234,931. She suggested the funds be transferred to the Jail Capital Project Fund with the Board's approval. The finds could be transferred to the Public Safety Complex or to the General Fund with an assignment to the Capital Improvement Plan or it could be assigned to any legal purpose desired by the Board. Commissioner Johnson would like for it to be placed in the Jail Capital Project Fund. Chairman Mallory believes it should go into a capital reserve account but non -designated in order to have more flexibility to deal with issues that may arise over the next year. Then at the end of the year it could be transferred to the jail. Finance Director Robertson said it could be transferred to the General Fund and then assigned in Fund Balance to the Capital Improvement Plan. This will allow it to be used for any capital project. She will make the change. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to Approve an Amended Project Ordinance to Close the Scotts Rosenwald Park Project Fund and Transfer Funds to the Future Parks Project Fund: Finance Director Robertson said the residual funds are $750 from the $500,000 approved for that project. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to Approve an Amended Project Ordinance to Close the West Iredell High School HVAC Project Fund: Finance Director Robertson said this request is to close the West Iredell HS HVAC project. This fund has $4,384 remaining and she would like to transfer this to Iredell Statesville Schools. ISS provided $150,000 for the project. Request from the Finance Department for Approval of a Five -Year Agreement with Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services: Finance Director Robertson said this request is for Bingham to handle all of the independent arbitrage rebate calculations that are required on refundings and the new debt financing. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department for the Adoption of the Cool Spring Elementary School Capital Project Ordinance: Finance Director Robertson said this is the adoption of the final Cool Spring Elementary Capital Project Ordinance that establishes how $13.5 million will be spent. These expenditures were designed by the schools in the planning of what would be needed for architect management, testing, general construction, etc. Chairman Mallory asked when the funds would be available. Finance Director Robertson said the funds are available now. The County has already been repaid the $500,000 that was advanced. June 16, 2015 5 This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department for Approval of BA #34 for the 2015 GO Refunding Bond and BA #35 for the 2015 Limited Obligation Refunding Bond: Finance Director Robertson said this request is to actually budget for the bond refundings. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#34 To Recognize receipts from 2015 Refunding Bonds and Appropriate for Current payment and defeasement of 1997 School GO Bonds, 2006 Public 6/16/2015 Improvement GO Bonds and 2006 School Bonds (31,315,066) Account# General Fund Current Chane Amended 104880 490200 Proceeds of Refunding Debt - (31,114,404) (31,114,404) 105710 575100 Bonds Refunded - 30,927,410 30,927,410 105710 575103 Refunding Closing Costs - 187,000 187,000 BA#35 To Recognize receipts from 2015 Limited Obligation Bond and Appropriate for 6/16/2015 payment and defcasement of 2006 Certificates of Participation Account # General Fund Current Chane Amended 104880 490200 Proceeds of Refunding Debt (31,114,410) (31,315,066) (62,429,476) 105710 575100 Bonds Refunded 30,927,410 31,001,770 61,929,180 105710 575102 Refunding ClosingCosts 187,000 313,296 500,296 Request for Sole -Source Award of Purchase Contract and Approval of a Five Year Contract with Cott Systems to Upgrade Computer Systems in the Register of Deeds Office: Purchasing and Contracts Manager Dean Lail said the sent out RFPs in 2014 to vendors for the software requested. Cott Systems has been in the Register of Deeds office for 15+ years. Staff and patrons are familiar and comfortable with this system. Cott was also the lowest cost and will save a considerable amount of amount. This request is for a 60 month agreement for the upgraded software to support the updates. The Board has the authority to approve a sole -source on the premise to standardize what is already there. There has been a correction to the agreement since the agenda package was distributed. Therefore, the request is for the sole -source award and approval of the five-year contract contingent upon the last few detail changes and a new contract presented to the Chairman for his signature. Commissioner Johnson asked if any of the changes would affect the cost. Lail said it will not affect the cost. The changes are minor. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Tax Administration for Approval of Releases for May, 2015: All were in order. This item was placed on the consent agenda. June 16, 2015 6 Releases for the month of May 2015 Monthly Total $ 2,584.22 Breakdown of Releases: County S 2,057.35 Solid Waste Fees $ 26.00 Mooresville Solid Waste Fees $ 30.00 Davidson Solid Waste Fees S - E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 S - Shepherd's Fire #2 S - Mt. Mourne Fire 43 $ 72.44 All County Fire #4 S 154.51 B&F Fire #5 S - Statesville City S Statesville Downtown $ - Mooresville City S 184.94 Mooresville Downtown S - Mooresville School $ 58.98 Love Valley S - Harmony S - Troutman S - Davidson S - Request for Approval of the Minutes for May 6, 7, and 19,2015: There were no changes or corrections. This item was placed on the consent agenda. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Troutman Planning ETJ (I Announcement) APPOINTMENT TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Commissioner Ken Robertson asked to table the appointments for the Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees and the Iredell County Planning Board until the next meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks will present this report during the regular session. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Mallory asked if all members had received the email concerning the Lazy 5 Ranch and all deer farmers. Commissioner Johnson said he discussed this with Agriculture Extension Agent Nancy Keith. He asked if this would put more responsibilities on them without additional staff. The deer farmers have valid concerns about protecting their livestock from disease. The Department of Agricultural employees more veterinarians. June 16, 2015 7 Chairman Mallory said this has had an impact on the breeding stock of deer farmers and private zoos. This individual is requesting a letter from the Board supporting the Senate Bill transferring the authority to the Department of Agriculture. He suggested a letter be crafted and sent to the legislative delegation. The meeting recessed until the regular session at 7:00 PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES June 16, 2015 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 7:00 PM, in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. Board Members Present Chairman James B. Mallory III Vice Chairman Marvin Norman Steve Johnson Ken Robertson Board Members Absent Tommy Bowles Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks, Finance Director Susan G. Robertson, Public Safety Coordinator David Saleeby, Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory. INVOCATION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith had the following adjustments: Remove: Both Closed Session topics. Add: Announcement of Vacancies on Board & Commissions — Troutman Planning ETJ (1) MOTIO by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to adopt the agenda as amended. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS June 16, 2015 8 Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Incentive for Project Cobia Presented by Mike Smith, Statesville Regional Development: Mike Smith expressed his appreciation to the Board and introduced John Marek who is the Director of Business Recruitment and Retention. Marek said this is a request for an industrial tax incentive for Project Cobia. (The company wishes to anonymous at this time.) This involves the retrofitting of a currently vacant industrial building, the relocation of an existing business and the conditioning of new manufacturing equipment. There will be 30 new jobs. The anticipated capital investment will be between $3.25 million and $3.75 million over two years. The company is offering a variety of different manufacturing sectors but the relocated business unit will primarily be in the advanced metal sector. The expected wage is above the county average and the company will pay 50% of the employee's health insurance costs. Based on the investment the company is requesting a grant between $51,639 and $59,284 to be paid over five years. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. Richard Beck, 356 River Hill Circle, Mooresville, commended and applauded the county for bringing more industry into the area. However, he also stated the wages are not enough for the I-77 toll lanes that are slated to be installed. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve an economic incentive ranging between $51,639 and $59,284 based on the company's investment ranging between $3.25 million and $3.75 million and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Incentive for Project Albacore Presented by Mike Smith, Statesville Regional Development: John Marek stated Project Albacore involves the expansion of an existing facility and the addition of three phases over a four year period. The total anticipated capital investment is $96.6 million and 83 new full time jobs created. The company is involved in the automotive sector, the wages are above the county average and they will pay 50% of the employees' insurance costs. Based on the investment the company is requesting an incentive of $1,828,272. This equates to $459,023 for Phase 1, $735,097 for Phase II, and $634,152 on Phase III paid over six years. As per county policy this grant will be self- funded and no funds will be disbursed until the company makes the required investment and paid the property taxes in full. For competitive reasons the company wishes to remain anonymous at this time. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. Richard Beck asked that the same comments for the first public hearing be applied to this. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. June 16, 2015 9 OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve an economic incentive of $1,828,272 over a six year period based on the company's investment of $96.6 million and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Public Hearing for Pine Lake Preparatory, Inc. in Respect to the Proposed Issuance of $35 Million in Education Revenue Bonds: Chris Terrell, of Pine Lake Prep, asked for approval to issue these bonds. There is no tax payer liability with the issuance of these bonds. There is no debt borne by the citizens of Iredell County. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approve this request. Chairman Johnson expressed his congratulations to Pine Lake on meeting the education needs of their students without raising taxes and increasing the debt load on the County. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Public Hearing to Give Staff Direction on the Naming and Addressing for Mazeppa, Cornelius, and the New Connector Road: Planning Division Director Matthew Todd said staff is seeking direction from the Board to name the connector road. A public input meeting was held. Four options were presented with the majority choosing Option 3 which is to name the connector road a separate name and not impact any Cornelius or Mazeppa addresses. Chairman Mallory explained that the Board reviewed the information received from the community meeting. It is the inclination of the Board to adopt Option 3 which is to leave Cornelius and Mazeppa as is and to name the connector road a separate name. The naming of the road will be made by resolution by the Town of Mooresville Board of Commissioners. The resolution naming the road will then be adopted by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. Citizens who registered to speak: Robert Olifant, Randy Hedrick and Jack Combs. Olifant and Hedrick withdrew. Combs of Trivette Road said he lives in Mazeppa Community and expressed he did not want the name changed. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. Commissioner Johnson commented that the Board made a mistake. The Board underestimated the feeling of the community. He congratulated the residents of Mazeppa for their perseverance and maintaining a sense of community. June 16, 2015 10 OTION by Commissioner Johnson to request the Town of Mooresville to name the connector road between Mazeppa and Cornelius. The Town provided the majority of the funded and it will be in their jurisdiction. This request is for the name to be different from Mazeppa or Cornelius. The residents of Mazeppa and Cornelius will not change addresses. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Chairman Mallory stated the policy was created in the 90s to have one name for one continuous road. The staff applied the policy to this situation. This policy should be reviewed in order to provide staff more guidance and flexibility. However, the sense of community and heritage should also be considered. He thanked the Mazeppa Community for the respectful and passionate communications toward this matter. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS ***Consent Agenda*** The following items were placed on the consent agenda during the 5:30 pre -agenda session: • Request from ISS for approval of a Lease Purchase Agreement with Energy United • Request from the Finance Department to approve an amended project ordinance to close the Animal Shelter Project Fund and transfer funds to the Jail Capital Project Fund. (This was approved with a change to transfer the funds to the General Fund and assign to Capital Improvement.) • Request from the Finance Department to approve an amended project ordinance to close the Scotts Rosenwald Park Project Fund and transfer funds to the Future Parks Project Fund. • Request from the Finance Department to approve an amended project ordinance to close the West Iredell High School HVAC Project Fund. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of a five-year agreement with Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services. • Request from the Finance Department for the Adoption of Cool Spring Elementary School Capital Project Ordinance. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of BA #34 for the 2015 GO refunding bond and BA #35 for the 2015 limited obligation refunding bond. • Request for sole -source award of a purchase contract and approval of a five-year contract with Cott Systems to upgrade computer systems in the Register of Deeds Office. • Request from Tax Administration for approval of releases for May, 2015. • Request for approval of the minutes for May 6, 7, and 19, 2015. OTIO by Commissioner Steve Johnson to approve the Consent Agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Request from the Planning Division to Consider Calling for a Public Hearing for a Request by Triangle Real Estate of Gastonia, Inc. to Release ETJ to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Division Director Matthew Todd said this is just to call for a public hearing for the release June 16, 2015 11 of property off Doolie Road. Currently it is zoned GB conditional Use District. If released to the Town of Mooresville they would assign light zoning with the same conditions. The requested release is for water/sewer purposes and the owner can proceed with development. Vice Chairman Norman asked the intended use of the property. Todd said he does not know the proposed development at this time. Commissioner Robertson stated it is the Board's desire for Mooresville to act more frequently on annexations. The Board has discussed whether to act on this request now or wait until there is a policy. The intent of this Board is to grant requests contingent upon Mooresville's annexation within a reasonable amount of time. Commissioner Johnson said this Board should proceed with existing rules for this request and any requests already in the Planning Office. The Board can set a date that any further requests will not be granted until there is an agreement with the Town of Mooresville. He feels a delay may be a hardship on the applicants. Todd explained the process. The applicant will first talk to the Town to approve water/sewer in order for the Iredell County Planning Division to bring it before the Board of Commissioners. Many times the applicants start the process in Mooresville before coming to the County. MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to grant this request and call for a public hearing as requested by Triangle Real Estate of Gastonia to release ETJ to the Town of Mooresville. VOTING: Ayes — 3; Nays — 1 (Vice Chairman Norman against) ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Troutman Planning ETJ (I Announcement) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Mooresville Planning Board ETJ (2) OTION by Commissioner Robertson to nominate Danny Martin and Mark Brady. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Partner's Behavioral Health Management Board (1) OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to nominate Bill Torches. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Region F Aging Advisory Board (2) OTION by Commissioner Robertson to nominate Luc Gretta Raven as a primary and Denise Bair as an alternate. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 June 16, 2015 12 City of Statesville Planning (1) MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to nominate Bo Walker. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Chairman Mallory stated appointments to the Iredell County Planning Board and the Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees has been tabled until the next meeting on July 21. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Inmate Reduction Update: Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks presented an update to the Inmate Reduction programs. She reminded the Board that APO is closing out their part of the program. Beginning Jail Population Jail Annual Cost From To New# Goal Inmates Processed of Days Reduced $47,865 Date Date 2/1/2015 3/1/2015 18 28 431 ($30,170) 3/1/2015 3/31/2015 18 33 606 ($42,420) 4/1/2015 4/30/2015 18 14 394 ($27,580 5/1/2015 5/31/2015 18 13 315 ($22,050) Beginning Jail Population Annual Difference Annual APO Cost ADA Cost New 254 $86,400 8 New $78,000 Goal Inmates # of Days Reduced Goal # of Days Inmates Reduced Processed Processed* 6 0 0 23 0 0 6 6 100 $7,000 23 14 78 $5,460 6 5 189 ($13,230) 23 10 367 ($25,690) 6 0 29 ($2,030) 23 21 361 ($25,270) Beginning Jail Population Ending Jail Population Difference 281 288 7 288 254 34 254 262 8 258 263 5 Connie Evans, 1718 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, addressed the Board. She has participated in petitions, protests, numerous letters to legislators, filed an injunction, sold bumper stickers and t -shirts, and numerous community meetings to stop the 1-77 toll lanes. She expressed June 16, 2015 13 strong negative feelings for the I-77 toll lanes, stating issues such as the safety of egress, effects on local businesses, effects on property values, emergency services accessibility, financial burdens, etc. She said transparency does not exist with this project. She asked the Board to continue to support the community in fighting this project. Richard Beck stated his negative feelings toward I-77 toll lanes. He asked the Board to support the community against this project. He asked the Board for a stronger more direct resolution to send to the state. Commissioner Robertson said the contract for the toll lanes was signed in 2014. He doesn't like, never has liked, the contract. There is a provision that if the contract is broken there is a large penalty, but where will the money come from. The General Assembly will not pay for it. The only chance this contract will be broken is if the law suit prevails. Then the widening of 1-77 is back to square one. Citizens do not realize the intense, complex, convoluted process of allocating money for roads. The time to have had the public's rejection of this concept was in 2012/2013. This is a most difficult spot but this Board has been consistent. A resolution was passed that expressed the concerns of the Board which he feels will be used in the lawsuit to show the Board's apprehensions. However, any further resolutions will not make a difference in the fact that the contract has been signed and there will be a financial burden of breaking that contract. He is not defending this contract or concept of this type of toll road. He doesn't want citizens to have the false impression that the Board has any power to change anything by adopting another resolution or proclamation. Commissioner Johnson said he attended a meeting with NCDOT in 2011. At that meeting they were told it would be a toll road or nothing. There was not enough money to buy the right of way to widen I-77 much less pay for it. Commissioner Robertson said most of the objections have not been against a toll, nor is the objection about a lane for faster commutes. He feels the objection is that government is guaranteeing congestion which forces people onto the toll lanes in order for it to pay for itself. The transportation planning groups have changed in the last ten years and they have reported there would be no federal money allocated for general purpose lanes to widen highways. Commissioner Johnson stated that when a business plan is to the point of borrowing money then there should be an idea of what the debt service will be, the operational cost, etc. This far in the process NCDOT should know how much the toll is going to be, but they don't know! Commissioner Robertson feels they know but just do not want to admit how high it is. Commissioner Johnson said if the toll is high enough there will be no more economic growth in Iredell County. Chairman Mallory stated this board is on record against this project. He thanked the citizens for coming and sharing their concerns. W11001 WELI P_R`I_T01of 7LY 751217:71 Y County Manager Ron Smith stated the new web site will be released live on Friday, June 19, 2015. June 16, 2015 14 CLOSED SESSIONS (None—removed during adjustments) EV-PH619-11407UMMI OTIO by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn at 8:30 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2015, at 5:30 PM, Iredell County Government Center (South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk June 16, 2015 15