Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune_2_2015_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES June 2, 2015 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, June 2, 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 Tommy Bowles Steve Johnson Board Members Absent Ken Robertson 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: Remove: Closed Session — Attorney/Client I41`d Administrative Matters —Memo I 0-A PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing to Consider a Request from William L. Lodgek II to Rezone 3.0 Acres from M-1 to M-2 CD: Planning Division Director Matthew Todd said this request is pretty straight forward as this industrial park is currently light manufacturing. The applicants are needing heavy manufacturing to include the production of paints and varnishes. It is conditional. It will be M-1 with an additional use. There was no opposition during the public input meeting on -sight and only one person attended the Planning Board meeting to just ask questions. Public Hearing for the Consideration of the Proposed FYI 5/16 Budget: Smith said he would give a brief overview prior to any public comments. A draft budget ordinance was distributed to the Board. The budget must be adopted by July 1. Any issues or changes will need to be made immediately. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS June 2, 2015 Request from Facility Services and Finance to Adopt a Resolution to Establish a Design -Build Delivery Method for Construction Projects: Construction Specialist David Montgomery said the request is for the Board's consideration to adopt a resolution that will establish criteria to be used whenever a design -build is an option. It would also give the County Manager, or designee, the right to review and approve criteria on a project -by -project basis. In 2013, the General Assembly passed a statute that added a design -build as one of three new design construction delivery methods for public projects. It is a single point of contact project delivery. The design -builder will be responsible for the design, construction, project time line and keeping the project within an agreed budget. It promotes a team approach where the architect, contractors, engineers and consultant are all working together. With design -build, the construction and design can occur simultaneously, streamlining the design construction process for faster project completion and owner occupancy. Chairman Mallory asked if the proposed Public Safety Complex would be a candidate for this process. Montgomery said he believes it could be. Smith said South Iredell VFD was a design -build with a significant savings. Public Safety Director David Saleeby said a portion of the project was removed. The customer set the budget. The design -build process was very smooth. Everyone worked together as a team. Commissioner Steve Johnson expressed his concerns. One risk in design -build compared to a design -bid -build is when a designer designs the project with an objective set of criteria which the contractor is held to. If it is contracted with one firm who does the construction and the designing, it is in their best interest to jointly solve any issues that may arise. It is important to know the contractors and their employees. Montgomery said the most critical portion of this process is the qualification based interviews. It is necessary to ask a lot of questions Like have they worked together and to review former projects. Commissioner Johnson added they need to ask how much experience they have with a particular type of project. Saleeby stated that in the bid -build process it is required by law to take the lowest bid and therefore may not be the best contractor. Whereas, with design -build, RFQs (Request For Qualifications) are sent out and the choice is up to the Board. Commissioner Johnson said the community already has a misconception that this is going to be standard operational procedure for the County and these rumors need to be dispelled. This is just another tool. Chairman Mallory said there needs to be checklist to use this tool to determine if and/or when it is appropriate to use. June 2, 2015 2 Commissioner Johnson asked about the six criteria requirements. Are all six requirements required to be met orjust a portion at the County Manager's discretion? Montgomery believes they should meet all of them to the Board's satisfaction. The General Statutes require this section. However, the specific questions could be tweaked. Smith said each criteria should be answered as the overall assessment to determine if the Board wants to go in this direction. Even if they did not meet all, maybe just one would be more compelling than another to push a decision in a certain direction. Commissioner Johnson asked about the process. He asked to clarify, in the event of a particular project, the County Manager and others are going to examine the project to see if it meets the six criteria, and include justification when recommending the design -build to the Board. Smith said yes. However, even though the resolution says "County Manager or designee," he would not make that call without bringing the project analysis before the Board. Chairman Mallory said that should be stated specifically in the resolution. Purchasing & Contracts Manager Dean Lail said the present resolution does not cover that. The intent was for the Manager to determine if design -build is appropriate, examine and provide justification and then present to the Board for the decision to award the formal construction project. The design -build process can be used in the informal range. In design -build, regardless of whether formal or informal, at the conclusion of the project the criteria and how the criteria was evaluated must be reported to the Department of Administration on every project. Commissioner Johnson is concerned with the actual process of determining whether or not to use design -build. Lail said the review/approval process must be done up -front, it can't be done later in the process. The criteria must be satisfied before applying the design -build process. The reporting comes after the project is complete. Smith recommended adding to resolution a statement that says once the County Manager or designee makes the decision toward design -build that it is reported to the Board of Commissioners. The County Manager will then be accountable that the criteria has been met. The rationale will be presented to the Board. Commissioner Johnson agrees that would be another level of quality protection. He wants to ensure the parties involved are experienced. Chairman Mallory said there should be a formal process to avoid favoritism. Montgomery said each applicant would be rated, on a scale, for each aspect. In the end there would be a quantitative result for comparison. Lail said the decision for design -build must be made on qualifications which is the same process, to a point, for a design professional. A RFQ is distributed to the public and anyone who wants to participate can send a qualifications package. That information is reviewed to decide on June 2, 2015 the best design -builder for the project at hand. Past projects by the design -builder can be viewed, and the professionals can be interviewed to ensure a good rapport. At that point a recommendation can made to the Board. It is a very long process. Request for Qualifications can typically take 30- 45 days. Chairman Mallory feels it would be helpful, in addition to the authorization and the criteria, to describe the process for the average designer -builder on-line. Commissioner Johnson said there are not too many local companies that can do a design - build in-house. If unknown companies want to apply then the County Manager's report should include information on the number of previous similar projects. Chairman Mallory said the amendment should be added to the resolution stating the County Manager of designee will review and approve applicants for the design -build project and then make a recommendation to the Board. The Board agreed to the place this on the consent agenda with the amendment mentioned. RESOLUTION OF IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR DESIGN -BUILD DELIVERY METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recently passed Session Law 2013-401 authorizing local governmental entities in North Carolina to utilize the design -build method for construction contracting pursuant NC G.S. 143-128. 1 A; and WHEREAS, the design -build method is an integrated approach to a construction project that delivers both design (architectural and engineering) and construction services under one contract with a single point of responsibility. Under this delivery method, the County is provided the benefit of the design team and contractor working together to achieve the County's objectives under a single contract; and WHEREAS, the statute requires the County to establish written criteria for determining when the design - build method is appropriate for a project; and WHEREAS, the statute also requires the County to approve criteria for each individual project; and WHEREAS, the statute defines the written criteria for determining when the design -build method is appropriate for a project as; Establishment of Criteria Criteria 1: The extent to which the County can adequately and thoroughly define the project requirements prior to the issuance of the request for qualifications (RFQ) for a design -builder. The design -build method may be used if it is determined that, for the project, the County has professional staff that are qualified to thoroughly define project requirements prior to the issuance of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a design -builder. Consideration will be given to the qualifications and experience of County staff and the availability of professional staff in the areas of purchasing, finance and legal to assist in the development of an RFQ. Criteria 2: The time constraints for the delivery ofthe project June 2, 2015 The design -build delivery method may be used if a project has an established date by which a facility must be operational to meet the County's needs and a traditional delivery method (i.e. an RFQ, finalized design and specifications, bidding, and construction) is not likely to provide a finished project in a timely manner. Criteria 3: The County's ability to ensure that a qualityproject can be delivered. The design -build delivery method may be used if it is determined that, for the project, the County has staff experienced in design and construction to help ensure that the design -build firm will provide a quality project within the budget constraints established by the Board of Commissioners. Criteria 4: The capability of the County to manage and oversee the project, including the availability of experienced staffor outside consultants who are experienced with the design -build method ofproject delivery. The design -build delivery method may be used if it is determined that, for the project, the County has qualified staff experienced in construction administration and project management who will be involved during the design and construction of the project. However overall project management is a primary function of the design -build team. Criteria 5: A good faith effort to comply with historically underutilized business participation requirements (NCGS 143-128.2, NCGS 143-128.4), and to recruit and select small husiness entities. The design -build delivery method may be used if it is determined that, for the project, requirements will be imposed which ensure that contractors will comply with the M/WBE goals adopted by the Board of Commissioners. Criteria 6: The criteria utilized by the County, including a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of using the design -build delivery method in lieu of traditional construction and bidding methods. Criteria utilized by the County when considering Design -Build delivery method for a project will be as follows • Is the project well defined and does it include qualitative and quantitative characteristics? • Is the project timeline overly constrained and will it be necessary to have the facility operational within a short timeframe? • Will it be necessary to have partial occupancy of a portion of the facility while construction is ongoing? • Given the scope of the project, is there a maximum budget that must be adhered to in order to allow negotiations and flexibility to make appropriate decisions on scope as the project progresses? • Does the design -build delivery method meet the operational goals established for the facility and the desired quality of the product obtained, as a result of a more fluid and flexible delivery process? NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT: (1) The criterion for the design -build delivery method for construction contracts is established. (2) The County Manager or his designee is authorized to review and approve the criteria for each individual design -build project for compliance with this adopted criteria, and make a recommendation to the Board for final approval. Read, approved and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2015. Request from the Sheriffs Office to Approve BA #31 to Accept a 2015 CFAT Grant to Build a Fueling Station: Sheriff Darren Campbell said this request is to approve budget amendment #31 to accept the 2015 CFAT Grant from the NC Clean Energy and Technology Center in the amount of $49,920 and to approve the use of $12,480 of seized funds to match plus June 2, 2015 an additional $5,000 in seized funds to build a fueling station. This will fund the conversion of 13 vehicles and fueling infrastructures at the annex or the garage. During the month of May the cost of gas was approximately $2.12 and propane was $1.13 with a 50¢ rebate per gallon. The mileage estimate is about one mile less. Commissioner Johnson said they will save money on the maintenance of the vehicle. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#31 Appropriate a NC Clean Energy and Technology Center grant in the Sheriffs department to convert 13 vehicles to propane fuel and build 6/2/2015 fueling station. Account # General Fund Current Chane Amended 104510 436500 Clean Energy Technology Grant (46,100) (49,920) (49,920) 104510482000 Federal Equity Sharing 46,100 (17,480) (17,480) 105510 610000 15510 Depreciable Assets 15,000 5,000 5,000 105510 650000 15510 Vehicles 62,400 62,400 Request from the Sheriffs Office to Approve BA #32 to Purchase Three Canines: Sheriff Darren Campbell requested the approval of budget amendment #32 for the use of federal equity sharing funds to cover the purchase of three canines for the Sheriff's Office. Due to health reasons the number of canines has decreased. The amount of $39,600 will cover all lodging and training expenses. Also, $6,500 will cover lots, pads and related needs. This will bring the patrol units back to staffing levels. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#32 Appropriate Federal Equity Sharing Funds in the Sheriffs department 6/2/2015 for the purchase of 3 canines. Account# General Fund Current Chane Amended 104510 482000 Federal Equity Sharing (17,480) (46,100) (63,580) 105510 610000 Depreciable Assets 156,721 46,100 202,821 Request from the Sheriff's Office to Approve BA #33 to Expand Leased Premises at the Jail Annex: Sheriff Darren Campbell said budget amendment #33 is to expand the leased premises at the Iredell County Jail Annex by leasing an additional area of approximately 1.34 acres totaling 15,072 square feet. The money was set aside from commissary funds in 2011. The purposes is for jail and evidence storage. This will help to reduce the cost and storage at Ebenezer. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#33 Appropriate Commissary Funds to expand the lease premises at the 6/2/2015 Iredell County Jail Annex and provide for minor repairs. Account# General Fund Current Chane Amended 104880 499402 Appr. Fund Balance- Commissary (13,000) (90,000) (103,000) 105520 534500 Rental Payments - Buildings 3,500 75,000 78,500 105510 532500 M&R - Buildings 192,204 15,000 207,204 June 2, 2015 Request from Finance to Wave the Bidding and Award Contract to Purchase a Roll- off Truck for Solid Waste: Purchasing & Contract Manager Dean Lail said a DERG (Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant) was awarded earlier this year. It is a reimbursement grant. Once a new vehicle is purchased and an aged vehicle destroyed the money will be reimbursed. Solid Waste has the money in their budget to purchase the new vehicle and this will lessen the amount of out- of-pocket cost. They have discovered that Volvo has given the maximum usage with minimum repairs. Therefore, they would like to purchase another Volvo, but with the standard bid process they are not able to do so. However, there is a "piggyback" option that is available. If a contract has been awarded within the last year by another Board then Iredell County can piggyback that contract. Burke County awarded a contract for the same vehicle and Advantage Truck Center has made an offer. A rebate is also available which makes the purchase price $153,082.70. Commissioner Johnson asked if it is required to destroy the old truck or if it could be sold. Lail said it must be destroyed according to the grant. Pictures are also required. Commissioner Johnson asked if we could recover scrap price. Lail said yes, the County can receive the scrap price. Solid Waste Director David Lambert said the truck hasn't been road worthy in ten years. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Administration for Approval of an Amended Right of Way Temporary Construction Easement with Town of Troutman: Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks said in 2013 Iredell County granted an easement to the Town of Troutman for the greenway project which is in front of the fairgrounds property. The Town of Troutman's Engineer and Surveyor has stated they need an amendment in that easement. This is due to an adjustment made by the NC Department of Transportation showing some areas of drainage. This has been reviewed by the County Attorney and the changes are not significant to the County. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Fire Marshal's Office to Adopt a Resolution Clarifying the Boundaries of Shepherds and Mount Mourne Fire Tax District: Fire Marshal Garland Cloer said this request is to recover the proper district lines. The Shepherds and Mt. Mourne districts are rural voted fire tax districts which means a petition is circulated and signed by at least 60% of the residents. An election was scheduled and the residents voted to allow a fire department to provide service in their district at a designated rate. In 2007, there was a gentleman's agreement, without anything being known to the Board of Commissioners, to switch certain districts. The districts had overlapping parcel lines which could create some legal issues and could create delays in emergency responses. Shepherd's has contracted with the City of Mooresville to provide response within their district. Taxes were not being reported properly, therefore, there was a meeting with finance, the county attorney, and the tax office to remedy this problem. It was recommended by County Attorney Bill Pope not to recoup back taxes but make the proper corrections in the coming year. The Fire Marshal has created a letter, to be signed by the County Manager, informing the citizens June 2, 2015 of the new status. There will be a few other service district changes that will be presented for the Board's consideration at a later date. Those changes will deal with ISO ratings and the prospect of lowering home owners' insurance. Commissioner Bowles questioned a particular subdivision that appears (on the map) to be in the Mooresville service area. Cloer said a lot of the parcels have been annexed by the City of Mooresville. The City has built a fire station in between. Commissioner Bowles stated some residents may be confused about a first responder coming from Shepherds when they can literally see the Mooresville Fire Department. Once a community is annexed, Shepherds can no longer levy in that area. Smith asked Cloer to double check this particular area for accuracy. This item was placed on the consent agenda. RESOLUTION OF IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, within Iredell County there exist fire tax districts established pursuant to Chapter 69 of the North Carolina General Statutes and further, that Shepherds Fire Tax District is one such district served by Shepherds Fire -Rescue, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit corporation ("Shepherds"); and WHEREAS, in 2004, an oral agreement was made between the fire chiefs of Shepherds and neighboring Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit corporation ("Mount Mourne") regarding the district area shown on the attached Exhibit A, and said agreement was ratified by action of Shepherds and Mount Mourne; and WHEREAS, the oral agreement inadvertently resulted in the mapping of the fire districts by the County to show eighty-two (82) parcels ("Parcels") as being in the Mount Mourne district and said parcels were taxed at the Mount Mourne rate, which was a lower rate than Shepherds; and WHEREAS, the fire taxes collected from the owners of the Parcels went to provide fire protection services to those Parcels and fire protection services were effectively provided to the residents in the area since 2004 and continue to be provided; and WHEREAS, the County fire district map shall accurately reflect the district boundaries NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners: 1. That any oral agreement between Shepherds and Mount Mourne shall be null and void and have no further effect on the boundaries of the fire tax districts. 2. That effective this day, the boundaries of Shepherds and Mount Mourne shall be accurately depicted on the County maps and reflected in the County tax scrolls pursuant to the boundaries as existed in 2004. Further, that the 2015 Iredell County tax bills will reflect Shepherds as the appropriate tax district. 3. That the tax collected for the Parcels from 2004 through 2014 shall be deemed correct and appropriate for the services rendered. June 2, 2015 This 2nd day of June, 2015. Request from Pine Lake Preparatory, Inc. to Call for a Second Public Hearing in Respect to Proposed Issuance of $35 Million in Education Revenue Bonds: Chris Terrell stated he appeared before the Board in March and requested $30 Million, but the scope of the project has increased from 26,000 to 29,000 square feet to meet the needs. Therefore, there is an additional cost of the construction. The first bond, six years ago, did not require a year of debt service set aside in a separate fund, but now it is required. A year of debt service is approximately $2 Million. This means they have to finance $2 Million that will remain in a savings' account for emergencies. Chairman Mallory asked the administrative costs. Terrell said they are minimum if any. Commissioner Johnson asked if there is a penalty for an early pay-off. Terrell said after year seven they can make as large a payment as they choose. It is their vision, as cash reserves increase, to make a $10 Million payment after year seven. Chairman Mallory encouraged the tracking of students after graduation through social media, etc. Not just the ones that go to college but those that enter the work force, whether or not they were fully equipped to achieve their goals. Terrell said they do collect that data formally and informally. This item was placed on the consent agenda Request for Approval of the May 5, 2015 Minutes: There were no corrections. This item was placed on the consent agenda Request from the Finance Department for First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Town of Mooresville regarding a special assessment district for Langtree Development Company, LLC.: Finance Director Susan Robertson said an interlocal agreement was approved in April between the Town of Mooresville and the Iredell County Tax Collector's Office to bill and collect for the special assessments on Langtree at the Lake. Since that time, Mooresville's bond council advised that the enforcement of collecting the assessments should be strengthened to clarify that the Town of Mooresville, as issuer of the bonds, will enforce the collection. The Town of Mooresville approved the amendment on Monday, June 1. Section 4 of the agreement details the enforcement of the special assessments. Basically this designates the Town of Mooresville as primarily responsible for collections and Iredell County is secondary. The 3% fee for Iredell County remains in the agreement. Commissioner Johnson asked if this would, in any way, diminishes the County's standing. Finance Director Robertson said no. June 2, 2015 This was placed on the consent agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES Mooresville Planning Board (2) Partner's Behavioral Health Management Board (1) Region F Advisory Board (2) City of Statesville Planning Board (1) Iredell County Planning Board (3) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority (2) Centralina Workforce Development Board (2) Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (2) UNFINISHED BUSINESS Smith said he would give a task force update during the County Manager's Report during regular session. Chairman Mallory recessed the meeting at 6:40 PM until the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES June 2, 2015 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 2, 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 Tommy Bowles Steve Johnson Board Members Absent Ken Robertson 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 Chairman Mallory PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory June 2, 2015 10 ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith had the following adjustments: Remove: Add: Closed Session — Attorney/Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) Administrative Matters —Memo 10-A MOTIO by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approve the agenda as outlined. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) APPOINTMENTS FOR THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman James Mallory opened the public hearing. Public Hearing to Consider a Request from William L. Lodgek II to Rezone 3.0 Acres from M-1 to M-2 CD: Planning Division Director Matthew Todd said tonight's rezoning request is to rezone from M-1, which is light manufacturing, to M-2 heavy manufacturing. The property is located at the end of Buck's Industrial Road which has been an industrial park for a number of years. The applicant desires to produce paint which is only permitted in the M-2 zoning. It is Conditional which means it is all the M -I uses currently allowed with the addition of one additional M-2 use. Staff supports this request. The property is designated as employment/industrial/flex in the 2030 Horizon Plan. The property is currently zoned for light manufacturing and potential traffic impact should not exceed the road capacity. No one from the public wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Steve Johnson in favor of this rezoning to make a finding that the approval is consistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan and that said approval is reasonable and in the public interest and furthers the goals of the 2030 Horizon Plan because it is in harmony with the surrounding area, adjacent to commercially zoned property and should not exceed existing road capacity. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 June 2, 2015 11 IREDELL COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PLANNING DIVISION a PLANNING STAFF REPORT T. REZONING CASE # 1505-1 STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Jake Lowman EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST This is a request to rezone 3.0 acres at 208 Bucks Industrial Rd in Statesville from Light Manufacturing (M-1) to Heavy Manufacturing Conditional Zoning District (M-2 CD). This request is conditional per the submitted site plan and will be limited to the manufacturing of paints, varnishes and finishes as well as all M-1 uses. OWNER/APPLICANT OWNER: Wooten Real Estate Investments, Inc. APPLICANT: William A. Lodgek 11 PROPERTY INFORMATION LOCATION: 208 Bucks Industrial Rd; more specifically identified as PIN 4725455061.000 DIRECTIONS: Taylorsville Highway West; right onto Grayson Park Road; right onto Bucks Industrial Road; site is the last parcel on the right at the end of Bucks Industrial Road. SURROUNDING LAND USE: There are manufacturing uses to the North and West. Residential properties to the South and Agricultural uses and vacant properties to the East. SIZE: The property is approximately 3.0 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: The property was previously used for manufacturing by Donwalt Industries. ZONING HISTORY: The property was rezoned from Residential Agricultural (RA) to light Manufacturing (M-1) in 1991 to expand upon an M-1 area designated by countywide zoning. OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is located within Statesville's long range planning area. OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located in a flood hazard area or Watershed. IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES June 2, 2015 12 TRAFFIC: The closest traffic count is on Taylorsville Highway less than '/2 mile east of the entrance to Bucks Industrial Park and had a 2012 count of 7,300 vehicle trips per day. The capacity for this section of Taylorsville Highway is 13,100 vehicles per day. SCHOOLS: This is a commercial rezoning. There should be no implications on local schools. FIRE MARSHAL: This proposal has been reviewed by the Fire Marshal. They have no issues with the proposal. EMS: This proposal has been reviewed by the EMS Department. They have no issues with the proposal. UTILITIES: Water and sewer is furnished by the City of Statesville. REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES LOCAL: The applicant will have to provide a site plan to the Planning Department for review for non-residential development of the property or change of use. Zoning requirements such as parking, landscaping and buffering will be reviewed at such time. 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 Employment Center- Industrial/Flex/Office which is intended for development of industrial, flex space, and office uses including light manufacturing and assembly, research and development, warehousing, and building trade showrooms and offices. These lands are either currently served or are planned to be served in the future by public or private water or sanitary sewer systems. Other information to consider is that the site is currently part of Bucks Industrial Park and has been used industrially since 1991. The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request based on the following: The 2030 Horizon Plan Calls for this area to be Employment Center - Industrial/Office/Flex and the property is currently zoned and used for light - manufacturing. Potential traffic impacts should not - — come close to the road capacity. PUBLIC INPUT MEETING: The public input meeting was held on March 101E at 5:00 pm on site. One attendee from the community showed up to hear the proposal and voice their opinion. No concerns were expressed, but site requirements were discussed. SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: David Aman, Dennis Hutchens, and Jeff McNeely visited the site with staff on April 22, 2015. June 2, 2015 13 PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On May 6, 2015 the Planning Board held a public meeting to hear the request. No one spoke against the rezoning, but one representative for an adjoining owner inquired about future projected use of the area. The Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the request with the following motion: Motion to recommend in favor of the zoning map amendment and to make a finding that the approval is consistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan and that said approval is reasonable and in the public interest and furthers the goals of the 2030 Horizon Plan because it is in harmony with the surrounding area, adjacent to commercially zoned property and should not exceed existing road capacity. Public Hearing for the Consideration of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Iredell County Budget: County Manager Ron Smith gave a brief description of the FYI 5/16 budget. The recommended FYI 5/16 budget is $184,928,590. The tax rate will increase from 48.5¢ to 52.75¢ per $100 valuation. It is based on a tax base of $21,288,600,000 with a collection rate of 98.25%. The fund balance on June 30, 2015 is estimated to be $36,974,576 which is 20% of the recommended budget. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing Dr. Ralph Bentley addressed the Board representing Friends of Fort Dobbs. He expressed his appreciation to the Board for including, in the budget, the education goals for Fort Dobbs. They are in partnership with Iredell Statesville Schools and every 4°i grader visits Fort Dobbs during the year for a history lesson. This is a very important part of history dating back to 1750, pre -Civil War era. They are very thankful for the Boards' help. Kevin Leonard, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners reported he had received a letter stating the association membership dues were included in the budget. He thought the letter was very considerate and wanted to personally thank the board for their long term involvement in the Association of County Commissioners. Chairman Mallory expressed his appreciation to all of the leaders and staff of the association for the great job they do. Amy Eisele, SCAN, thanked the Board for their support to this program. She expressed her appreciation to the Board for being a very important part of the community. Chairman Mallory thanked all of the non -profits, families, and educators who help to fill in the gaps to provide necessary services to all citizens. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. He stated there were no written or oral questions raised concerning the budget and therefore, he asked if the Board would like to move forward with the adoption. OTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to adopt the FY2015-2016 Budget Ordinance for Iredell County. June 2, 2015 14 Commissioner Steve Johnson said he is going to vote in favor of this budget because he feels he has a fiduciary responsibility to pay the bills. He expressed that he still have concerns over this much debt and would caution the board to be very reluctant to assume more debt until the economy substantially improves. He feels the history and economic growth in this county is reliable. He took the average increase of a revaluation year and the average of the increase in the growth of the three intervening years and then calculated an average percentage of a four year revaluation cycle. This was projected into the future. If this were an average revaluation cycle, compared to the present projections, the difference in four years would be $38 million annually in revenue. Based on the current projections that is $38 million to address the capital and current expense needs of the County, but, more than likely, will not be there. This means any assumption of debt will have to be borne by the existing tax payers and the existing tax base. Economic growth is the best way to service infrastructure and to service debt over time. In the late 90s and early 2000s debt was assumed and it wasn't long before the debt was serviced with a healthy surplus. Johnson said he would like to go on record making this projection, `7f there is a change in economic philosophy by the folks in charge in a couple of years, you probably still have three to four years before you will see the re-establishment ofsolid economic growth in our country, North Carolina, and Iredell County. If you do not see a change in economic philosophy, then I don't know how long this will last. At a minimum I would prepare for substandard growth in revenues for the next three to four years. I don't know how long I will be here, or how long the people will elect me, but 1 offer them caution in the assumption of additional debt. " He stated the Wall Street Journal reported that the Chairman of the Richmond Federal Reserve asked his staff to total everything that the Federal Reserve was `on the hook for' which came to $25,887,000,000,000. They do not have any other tools in the tool box if another period of economy dislocation happens. It will be more difficult to escape subpar economic growth in the future without a serious change in economic philosophy. Again, he feels this Board should be hesitant. He cautions the Board, the next time there is a debate to assume debt that they will be more deliberate, even in the contemplation of it. He feels the current debt was done hastily and not properly debited and that there is a great deal of excess in this. In meetings of the Facilities Task Force, every project that Iredell Statesville presented was line -item budgeted. The cost of the HVAC, plumbing, bricks and mortar were known with a legitimate disagreement on the priority of the project. The County Manager asked and received what was suggested to be a line -item budget but it was not. That project far exceeds any recommendation by the Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Ms. June Atkinson signed and endorsed the project but evidently she did not read the recommendations of the department she heads. It was plainly written in that document that department recommends against public school/community facilities because of the cost of construction and because of the on-going cost of operation. The next time this is presented, the Board needs to move slower and more deliberate. It is a significant departure from the practice of the school's facility task force in the past, the school board in the past and this Board of Commissioners. In regard to the Iredell Statesville schools project Johnson doesn't find any fault although he feels the Board has assumed too much debt. If the economy falters again taxes will be raised again. Another concern is the building of performance art centers at a time when there are no high school seats south of Troutman outside of Mooresville. The performance arts center is nice but is a luxury that ill -afforded when there is no place to put the next two high school students in June 2, 2015 15 south Iredell. It is also a concern that so much of the resources to performing arts centers when the education community has only talked STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math. Every international assessment is showing Iredell County students are further and further behind in those skills compared to the rest of the industrialized world. If this county is going to be competitive in the future, it would be better to teach math and dance or musical instruments. Commissioner Johnson said out of the sense of fiduciary responsibility and bowing to the wishes of the people he will vote for this budget. One more concern, during the consideration of this debt the question was posed whether any money had been diverted from capital budgets to current expense revenues by the Boards of the school system. The answer was no, but the Department of Public Instruction web site shows that between 2013 and 2003 approximately $12 million was diverted. The reason is unknown which brings out another concern. The Board approved the financial plan for the first three years of the technology program for Iredell Statesville Schools and have asked for a sustainability financial plan after those three years but have not received it. He feels if there is no plan by the end of the three years they will begin to pull more money out of the capital maintenance budget to pay for technology. Then they will have buildings that will be to deteriorate. That means the same conditions in Mooresville will be county -wide which must be avoided at all cost because that bill will be significant. Commissioner Johnson thanked the County Manager for this budget. He thanked the other members of the Board for their due diligence in regard to this budget. The County staff has submitted a budget that is acutely in tune with the financial conditions of the county and the economic conditions at large. He feels it is a balance between some of the concerns that are legitimate for the operations of the County and the overall economic conditions. Chairman Mallory stated that many of the issues raised by Commissioner Johnson are absolutely valid. The overall economic health of the country and state is determined at echelons far above the County level. Like every other county in this state and in this nation are subject to the monetary and fiscal policies over which this Board has little or no input. The expenditures are dependent upon a simple algebraic formula of tax rate times tax base. If the tax base is not growing then the only way to achieve county -wide services is to increase the tax rate. The Board must intentionally try to increase the tax base through a balanced economic growth program by off- setting the residential growth with quality commercial and industrial development. This is controlled by the private sector. All participants (municipalities, boards, non -profits, businesses, etc.) must come together to determine how to achieve the quality economic growth needed in order to deliver the quality and quantity of services desired by the citizens. Iredell County continues to be the lowest (tax rate) great county of all nine contiguous counties. Commissioner Johnson agreed with Chairman Mallory comments. He added if the toll is high enough on I-77 the residential development problem will be solved. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Ron Smith summarized the items placed on the consent agenda: June 2, 2015 16 • Request from Facility Services and Finance to Adopt a Resolution to establish a design - build delivery method for construction projects. (There was one minor change to add a Board of Commissioners' reporting mechanism by the County Manager.) • Request from the Sheriff's Office to Approve BA #31 to accept a 2015 CFAT Grant to Build a Fueling Station. • Request from the Sheriff's Office to Approve BA #32 to purchase three canines. • Request from the Sheriff's Office to approve BA #33 to expand leased premises at the jail annex. • Request from Finance to wave the bidding and award contract to purchase a roll -off truck for solid waste. • Request from Administration for approval of an amended Right of way temporary construction easement with Town of Troutman. • Request from the Fire Marshal's office to adopt a resolution clarifying the boundaries of Shepherds and Mount Mourne Fire Tax District. • Request from Pine Lake Preparatory, Inc. to call for a second public hearing in respect to proposed issuance of $35 million in education revenue bonds. • Request for approval of the May5, 2015 minutes. • Request from Finance to approve the first amendment to the Interlocal Agreement by and between Iredell County and the Town of Mooresville regarding administration of the Town's Special Assessment District regarding Langtree Development Company, LLC. Commissioner Johnson clarified that the item concerning the design -build was amended and the final draft will include that amendment. MOTION by Commissioner Steve Johnson to adopt the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARD & COMMISSIONS Mooresville Planning Board for ETJ (2) Partner's Behavioral Health Management Board (1) Region F Aging Advisory Board City of Statesville Planning Board (1) Iredell County Planning Board (3) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority (2) OTIO by Commissioner Tommy Bowles to reappoint Steve Robinson and Kevin Donaldson who are willing to serve again. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Centralina Workforce Development (2) June 2, 2015 17 OTION by Commissioner Steve Johnson to nominate Brenda Speece and table the other nomination due to there being no other applicants. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (1) MOTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to nominate June Tutterow. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) NEW BUSINESS & COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Ron Smith said five task forces have been established. Economic Development, Education, Public Safety & Justice, Public Health & Well Being, and General Governmental. Parts of the structure has been placed. There is a goal and set of objectives for each task force. Each commissioner has been assigned two task forces. Staff has met with various departments and agencies to suggest names to the Board for the population on those task forces. The Commissioners assigned to these task forces should review the suggested names. Smith feels 15 is a manageable number of participants but that is the Board's discretion. It is desired to have the composition of each task force together within a couple of weeks to have an initial meeting after July 1. A very small group for Economic Development has met but expect that to expand. Also, when considering who will participate, please consider from guidance for each task force as to what your expectations are. Chairman Mallory said it will take time to develop the process and expressed his appreciation to the Board members for their willingness to participate. This process will focus on the specific issues in order to obtain the best available data so as to make informed decisions. Smith concluded his report by expressing his appreciation to the Board for the conclusion of the budget. Chairman Mallory recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 7:45 PM. The Board returned to Open Session at 8:59 PM. Chairman Mallory called the meeting back to order and stated the closed session was for consideration of salary adjustments and merit increases for the County Manager, Sheriff and the Register of Deeds. The County Manager's salary will increase by a 3% adjustment plus a 3% merit raise. The Sheriff will increase by a 2% adjustment with a 3% merit. The Register of Deeds will increase by a 2% adjustment with a 3% merit. MOTION by Commissioner Tommy Bowles to approve the salary adjustments and the merit increases for the County Manager, Sheriff, and Register of Deeds. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 June 2, 2015 18 OTIO by Commissioner Steve Johnson to adjourn at 9:02 PM. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 The next meeting of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. The pre -agenda session will begin at 5:30 PM in the South Wing Conference Room and the regular session will begin at 7:00 PM in the Commissioners' Meeting Room. Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk to the Board June 2, 2015 19