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Home My WebLink About6-20-2016 MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES December 20, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 5:00 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 Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan Robertson, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither, and Amy Anderson. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith made the following adjustments to the agenda: Remove — Item VIII.? Request from Animal Services to accept the Iredell County Board of Health guidelines for rabies confinements. PRESENTATIONS OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS Commissioner Houpe will acknowledge Amy Rhyne, principal of East Iredell Elementary who was named the Southwest Region Principal of the Year for North Carolina. Rhyne will not be in attendance. Commissioner Houpe will congratulate her publicly. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Finance Director Susan Robertson said Cassie Wilson, CPA from Martin, Starnes, and Associates will audit highlights. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Sheriff's Office to use Federal Equity Sharing funds and Jail Commissary Profit funds to purchase educational materials, an unmarked vehicle, and radio system for same: Sheriff Darren Campbell said the funds will be used for the purchase of supply items needed for the Sheriff's Youth Educational Trailer to include fatal vision marijuana, fatal vision alcohol educational kits, and other needed supplies. Also, to use jail commissary profit funds for the purchase of an unmarked vehicle and radio system for same. The funds are strictly from jail commissary profit, no tax dollars used for the purchase. The vehicle cost is $37,422 and the radio system cost is $7,000. The purpose of the purchase is to continue the fleet aging process and maintain adequate SUV coverage. This item was placed on the consent agenda. December 20, 2016 Request from the Sheriffs Office for approval of an amendment to the Retention and Disposition Schedule in regard to House Bill 972 for audio and video recordings: Sheriff Darren Campbell said this is to ensure the office is compliant with HB 972. Any kind of video that is generated by the Sheriff's Office, including personal videos can be destroyed after 30 days if not involved in a criminal case. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department for approval of Mooresville Graded School District's Lottery and Public School Building Capital ADM Fund Applications: Terry Haas, Chief Finance Officer with Mooresville Graded School District said the MGSD Board of Education recently approved applications to draw down $1,161,170 from Lottery proceeds and $344,000 from Public School Capital Building Funds. A little over one million will be left in lottery funds. site. Dr. Stephen Mauney, Superintendent of MGSD invited the Board to visit the construction Commissioner Houpe said the projects are 55% complete. Commissioner McNeely asked if there are any foreseeable construction issues. Dr. Mauney said the new construction is going very well. However, there is concern with adhesive in the ceilings with the renovation project. The school district is working with the Fire Marshall's office to create the most efficient way to address this problem. He said there have been two change orders issued with a total of $11,000 for the projects. The cost to rectify this problem has not been determined. Chairman Mallory asked for a tentative occupancy date. Dr. Mauney said construction is set to be complete in July 2017. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to approve transfers and an amendment to Mooresville High School Project Ordinance: Finance Director Susan Robertson the request includes an amendment for a transfer that MGSD made to move money in order to recognize interest on unspent financing proceeds and recognize sales tax refunds that have already been earned on construction materials being used in the projects. Transfers were for the turf baseball field and the moving of light poles, and will also include a sound system for the auditorium that was inadvertently omitted from the original cost of the construction. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department to approve BA#11 for a State Grant -In -Aide to Mitchell Community College Endowment LLC for asbestos abatement at old Davis Hospital Site: County Manager Smith explained that he needed the Boards approval to accept the $250,000 grant while giving Smith the authority to transfer that to the Mitchell Community College Endowment LLC. December 20, 2016 2 Chairman Mallory said it is important to note that Mitchell Community College Endowment LLC does not currently own the property. Chairman Mallory said the grant does have a sunset clause in terms that the grant must be exercised within the fiscal year that it was appropriated. Smith said if the grant is sub -granted the money is considered encumbered and the sunset clause would go away. Request from the Finance Department on behalf of Stony Point VFD for BA#12 to Appropriate $12,400 from Fire Tax District Fund Balance to retire debt: Finance Director Susan Robertson explained the funds would be appropriated to retire debt and that the Stony Point Fire Department has been excellent stewards of the fire taxes that are collected. Scotty Abernathy, Chief of Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department, said the department was $450,000 in debt in 2009 but currently only $45,000. Abernathy explained the funds will be added to funds received from Alexander County and the debt should be paid off in March 2017. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Finance Department for approval and signature of a seven-year lease with Iredell Arts Council for the Old County Jail Building: Lisa Valdez, County Attorney, gave a brief history of the lease. The lease became month to month after the Iredell Arts Council was award a $44,000 grant from Lowe's. The grant was contingent on the council having a 20 -year lease with the County. Since that was not feasible the county promised the council ten years in 2013, but a lease was not executed. Commissioner Bowles expressed his concern over the cost of maintaining the building. Smith said the building is a county facility. The County recently painted the building and installed a new HVAC system. Commissioner Houpe asked if the building is maintained to the Arts Council liking Smith said the building was painted because of the poor appearance. Smith said there are a few offices on the first floor and the second floor houses old jail cells. Robertson said years ago the county provided an annual special cash appropriation to the Arts Council. That process has since stopped and the county provides a location for the Arts Council. Smith said the Arts Council director has asked that the lease be consummated because of the commitment to Lowe's. Commissioner Norman asked if the county could possibly need the building for space within seven years. Smith said not within seven years due to the cost of necessary renovations. December 20, 2016 3 Commissioner Houpe said he is not comfortable voting on the issue without further research. Commissioner Bowles asked staff to calculate the yearly cost of maintaining the building. Chairman Mallory instructed Valdez to update the lease and limit the maintenance cost by the County. This item was tabled until January 3, 2017. Request from Tax Administration to approve the November Refunds and Releases: Everything was in order. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Releases for the month of November 2016 Monthly Total $ 4,963.45 Breakdown of Releases: County $ 3,192.36 Solid Waste Fees $ - Statesville Solid Waste Fees $ - Mooresville Solid Waste Fees $ - Davidson Solid Waste Fees $ - E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $ - Shepherd's Fire #2 $ 71.07 Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $ - AII County Fire 44 $ 479.61 B&F Fire #5 $ 122.06 Statesville City $ 216.83 Statesville Downtown $ - Mooresville City $ 668.31 Mooresville Downtown $ - Mooresville School $ 213.21 Love Valley $ - Harmony $ - Troutman $ - Davidson $ - Refunds for the month of November 2016 Monthly Total $809.05 Breakdown of Refunds: County $ 527.87 Solid Waste Fees $ 26.00 Statesville Solid Waste Fees $ - Mooresville Solid Waste Fees $ - Davidson Solid Waste Fees $ - E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $ - Shepherd's Fire #2 $ 70.05 Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $ - All County Fire #4 $ - B&F Fire #5 $ - Statesville City $ - Statesville Downtown $ - Mooresville City $ - Mooresville Downtown $ - Mooresville School $ 185.13 Love Valley $ - Harmony $ - December 20, 2016 4 Troutman Davidson NC Vehicle Tax System Refunds November 2016 Breakdown of NCVTS Refunds: County $ E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $ Shepherd's Fire #2 $ Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $ All County Fire #4 $ B&F Fire #5 $ Statesville City S Statesville Downtown $ Mooresville City S Mooresville Downtown $ Mooresville School S Love Valley $ Harmony $ Troutman $ Davidson $ Monthly Total (856.04) (2.98) 5.11 (258.84) (649.21) (207,06) S (1,969.02) Request from Clerk to the Board to approve the minutes from meetings on December 5 & 6, 2016: There were no changes. This item was placed on the consent agenda. The Board recessed into Closed Session at 5:48 PM. The Board returned to open session at 6:40 PM and recessed again until the 7:00 regular session. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES December 20, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 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 Tommy Bowles Gene Houpe Jeff McNeely Marvin Norman Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan Robertson, Attorney Lisa Valdez, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither, and Amy Anderson. December 20, 2016 CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory. INVOCATION: Chairman James Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith made the following adjustments to the agenda: Remove — Item VIII.? Request from Animal Services to accept the Iredell County Board of Health guidelines for rabies confinements. PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS North Carolina State House Representative Mitchell Setzer presented former County Commissioner Frank Mitchell with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in honor of his dedicated and devoted public service to the citizens of Iredell County, Iredell County Board of Commissioners, and the State of North Carolina. Mr. Setzer said Mr. Mitchell has made an impact on his life as a friend, brother, and mentor. Mr. Setzer also presented Mr. Mitchell with a United States Flag that was flown over the state capital on November 28, 2016 in honor of his dedicated and devoted service to the citizens of Iredell County and the State of North Carolina. Mr. Mitchell thanked Mr. Setzer for the honor. Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to Mr. Mitchell's service to the county and state. Commissioner Houpe recognized Amy Rhyne, principal of East Iredell Elementary School, for being selected as the Southwest Regional Principal of the Year for North Carolina. Ms. Rhyne will represent Iredell Statesville Schools and the Southwest Region in the North Carolina Principal of the Year competition held March 3, 2017. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Martin Starnes and Associates Presentation of Audited Financial Statements: Finance Director Susan Robertson introduced Cassie Wilson, managing auditor from Martin, Starnes and Associates. Wilson provided a summary of audit highlights. Martin, Starnes and Associates issued an unmodified opinion which is a clean report and is the highest opinion that can be given. Wilson thanked the finance staff for all the hard work, cooperation, and great communication throughout the process. Chairman Mallory asked where Iredell County ranked in relation to other counties in the State. Wilson said she is very pleased with the internal controls that are in place. Wilson said the NCACC website is a great resource to retrieve information on population comparable counties. Robertson thanked Assistant Finance Director Deb Alford for coordination of the audit process. December 20, 2016 Iredell County Crosby Scholars gave an introduction of their program: Susanne Wegmiller, Executive Director, said the program works hard to assist public middle and high school student in preparing themselves personally, academically, and financially for successful college enrollment. Crosby Scholars makes students aware of the opportunities that are available in the county. The program currently serves 2,200 students in the county. Wegmiller invited two students within the program to share their reasons for joining. Presentation of the Annual Community Services Block Grant Anti -Poverty Plan by Bryan Duncan, Executive Director of I -CARE, Inc.: I -CARE Director Bryan Duncan explained that the Community Services Block Grant Anti -Poverty Plan is required to report annually. I - CARE uses block grant funds to provide services to low income families in an effort to help them rise above the poverty line. I -CARE is currently working with 33 employers in Iredell County. This past year 20 families arose above poverty. The average change in income was over $12,000. The program was able to reduce food stamp dependency by 38%. Sixteen participants gained employment and five gained better employment. The average hourly wage rate was $9.89. Twenty- four participants were provided with employment support and 46 educational support. PUBLIC HEARINGS (None) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Ron Smith summarized the following items for the consent agenda: • Request from the Sheriff s Office to use Federal Equity Sharing funds and Jail Commissary Profit funds to purchase educational materials, an unmarked vehicle and radio system for same. • Request from the Sheriffs Office for approval of an amendment to the retention and Disposition Schedule in regard to House Bill 972 for audio and video recordings. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of Mooresville Graded School District's Lottery and Public School Building Capital ADM Fund Applications. • Request from the Finance Department to approve transfers and an amendment to Mooresville High School Project Ordinance. • Request from the Finance Department on behalf of Stony Point VFD for BA#12 to appropriate $12,400 from Fire Tax District Fund Balance to retire debt. • Request from Tax Administration to approve November Refunds and Releases. • Request from Clerk to the Board to approve the minutes from meetings on December 5 & 6, 2016. MOTION by Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles to approve the consent agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Request from the Finance Department to approve BA#I1 for a State Grant -In -Aide to Mitchell Community College Endowment LLC for asbestos abatement at old Davis Hospital site: County Manager Ron Smith said he and County Attorney Lisa Valdez have been speaking with the State about $250,000 that was appropriated and the best utilization of the funds. Smith explained the steps in the process are still unclear. Smith asked the board to recognize the money and the authority to move forward on a sub -grant to Mitchell Community College December 20, 2016 7 Endowment LLC. Smith explained that the money would be pooled together with an additional $200,000 granted by the State to Mitchell Community College to help with the abatement and cleanup of the old Davis Hospital Site. Chairman Mallory noted that the funding has a sunset at the end of the fiscal year. Smith said that is correct as it was initially appropriated, however, if the County is able to sub -grant the funds to Mitchell Community College Endowment LLC the sunset will either be extended or eliminated. Chairman Mallory said the purpose is for the county to lock -in the funds regardless of the mechanism or the ultimate disposition of the old Davis Hospital site. OTION by Commissioner McNeely to give County Manager Smith the authority to recognize said funds and move forward with the sub -grant process. VOTING: Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Iredell County Board of Health (1 Appointment) OTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to reappoint Candace Brewer Reeves. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Ron Smith provided an update on the jail construction. The site improvements are almost in culmination. The flag poles have been raised, monuments moved, and sidewalks have been poured all in effort to shift the front of the Courthouse to the Stockton Street side. Smith said new signs have been added for parking and to encourage the public to utilize the Stockton Street entrance. Some parking has been blocked, but there has been no negative feedback. Smith thanked David Saleeby and David Montgomery for all their hard work on the project. Smith said county offices will be closed Friday, December 23 — Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. CLOSED SESSIONS Chairman Mallory said the closed sessions were completed earlier. December 20, 2016 I_\ 171 rein 130101Dieu 1 OTIO by Commissioner Gene Houpe to adjourn at 8:05 PM. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Deputy Clerk December 20, 2016