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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-1-2016 MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES March 1, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 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 Ken Robertson Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan G. Robertson, Attorney Lisa Valdez, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, 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 made the following adjustments: Remove: Closed Session — Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) Add: Appointments to Boards & Committees — IC Zoning Board of Adjustment ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for Approval of Lottery Proceeds Application and Budget Amendment #27: Assistant Superintendent Kenny Miller said this is part of the funding plan for the purchase of property at South Iredell High School. This will be a reimbursement to the fund balance. Chairman Mallory asked how frequently proceeds are distributed. Miller said it is based upon applications which are due on the 25th of each month with funds begin disbursed the following month. Lottery proceeds are posted quarterly with a lag time of about two months. time. Commissioner Bowles commented that lottery proceeds are less than 20% at the present This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#27 To recognize Lottery Proceeds and appropriate to Iredell-Statesville Schools for 3/1/2016 purchase of 162 acres of undeveloped property adjoining South Iredell High School. Account # I Current Budget Chane Amended Budget 104700 457101 Lottery Proceeds -l-SS (775,857) (650,000) (1,425,857) 105700 560004 Iredell-Statesville Lottery Proj 775,857 650,000 1,425,857 March 1, 2016 Request from the Health Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #28 for the Healthy Communities Grant Funds: Health Director Jane Murray said this is grant funding, from the State, in the amount of $4,160 to be used specifically for training. The goal is for two health planners to become Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists. This is a very comprehensive, extensive training and certification process. This was placed on the consent agenda BA#28 To allocate Healthy Communities grant revenues and expenditures 3/4/2016 Countywide Fire Tax District Fund Balance Reserved for Debt Account # Current Budget Chane Amended Budget 10493503 440011 Health Promotion Grant (26,830) (4,160) (30,990) 10935031536000 Training and Development 350,000 4,160 4,160 Request from the Finance Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #29 Appropriating $265,000 to Cool Springs VFD: Finance Director Susan Robertson stated the plans for the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department Public Safety Complex will include space for Iredell County EMS, Sheriffs Department, rescue bays, and a community room which could be used for elections. Part of the plan included a $265,000 appropriation from the county -wide fire tax district to Cool Springs to help fund the project. This request for the budget amendment will appropriate those funds. Chairman Mallory stated that this is a follow-up from the prior approval of that process. Commissioner Robertson asked if the location was satisfactory. Commissioner Bowles said this is the most logical plan. Commissioner Johnson stated that according to the city's plan for future growth, Old Mocksville Road is basically the line with what they intend to incorporate. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#29 To appropriate contribution to Cool Springs VFD for the new fire/safety complex from the 3/1/2016 Countywide Fire Tax District Fund Balance Reserved for Debt Account # I Current Budget Chane Amended Budget 204880 499462 Appro Fund Balance - Res for Debt - (265,000) (265,000) 205525 537602 Cool Springs VFD 350,000 265,000 615,000 Request from the Register of Deeds to Refund Excise Taxes Paid with the Erroneous Recording of a Deed: Register of Deeds Matt McCall said the General Statutes require a formal request to the Board of Commissioners to refund excise taxes paid. The document met the statutory requirements to be recorded but the description contained an error. The law firm caught the mistake within the statutory amount of time to request a refund. Chairman Mallory feels North Carolina legislators should streamline this process and give competent staff the authority to make the decision and execute the process with appropriate review and/or auditing by finance. This item was placed on the consent agenda. March 1, 2016 Request Approval of Corrected Minutes from December 15, 2015 and August 4, 2015 Minutes: Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither stated the minutes from August 4, 2015 concerned an economic development incentive that should have included the new facility as part of the improvements. The minutes from December 15 concerned a narrative by Commissioner Robertson. This item was placed on the consent agenda. (Excerpt from August 4, 2015 minutes that had been posted in the book. December 15, 2015 had not been posted by this date. ) PubiicHearing to Consider an Economicineendve for Project Forsyth presentedbyRob Carney, MSIEDC: Mooresville -South Iredell Economic Development Council Director Rob Carney stated Project Forsyth is a large supplier to the automotive industry. This is a family owned company with multiple facilities in the United States. Project Forsyth has tentatively selected Mooresville as its newest location. The company plans to locate in Mooresville Business Park East which is thefirst project in the new park. They intend to purchase 18/z acres, with an option for 12 more, to develop a 97, 000 sq. It. manufacturing facility. For Phase I they will invest $30 million for the new facility, new machinery and equipment along with 115 new jobs paying an average wage of $40, 000 per year. The incentive requested is $698,400 over a six year period. Chairman Mallory declared the public hearing open. No one from the audience wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTTO by Commissioner Ken Robertson to approve an economic incentive of $698,400 over a six year period based on the company's investment of $30 million in Iredell County and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Request for approval of the February 16, 2016 minutes: There were no changes or corrections. This item was placed on the consent agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS County Manager Ron Smith said there were seven announcements on the Board of Equalization and Review. Also, the Centralina Workforce Development Board has asked the Board to suspend the rules and make an appointment during regular session. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Steve Johnson reported that unexpectedly the Statesville Airport has been awarded a $761,000 grant to upgrade the lighting. This grant has a 10% local match. The County March 1, 2016 3 will need to contribute 5% which equals $38,050. This lighting will help to bring the airport into the 21" Century. Commissioner Bowles asked the source of the money. Commissioner Johnson said the state had received more money than expected from fuel sales at airports. The City of Statesville will pay 5% as well. This can be discussed further at a later date. Commissioner Robertson asked if a letter had been received from the Governor asking for comments concerning the Cintra contract for the I-77 toll lanes. He feels a portion of the contract with Cintra has made the entire contract objectionable, which is the portion pertaining to revenues. First the contract is for 50 years and if the State does anything to relieve congestion on I-77 which could, in -turn, negatively impact Cintra's revenues, the State must compensate Cintra. That is a part of the contract that guarantees traffic to only get worse. Currently, road projects are placed on a to-do list according to an extremely elaborate scoring system. If anyone, in the future, decides to add a project to the list, this contract guarantees that future road projects will never be scored favorably because of, not only the cost of the project, but the cost of the penalty that must be paid to Cintra. He feels members of the CRTPO were never privy to this part of the contract and therefore never agreed to it. He feels this Board should object to the portion of the contract that guarantees Cintra payment for any project to help relieve congestion. Also, he feels the Executive Branch should fix the portion of the contract that basically prevents ever widening I-77 again. Chairman Mallory said this goes beyond general purpose lanes. The thrust of it includes any projects that would relieve congestion on I-77, which would include parallel roads, such as Highway 21 and/or 115 widening. Commissioner Robertson asked staff to review the extensive contract to find these controversial items and inform the Governor of the objections. Commissioner Bowles said it would show up in a contract as a non -compete clause. The Board recessed at 6:18 PM until the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES March I, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 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 Marvin Norman Tommy Bowles Steve Johnson Ken Robertson March 1, 2016 Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan G. Robertson, Attorney Lisa Valdez, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. 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 Scouts from Troop #615, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The scouts in attendance were Ethan Helms, Matthew Goins, Anson Lloyd, Logan Elkins, Blake Barzee, Kelly Stouffer, and Jacoby Daniels. The leaders are Arlo Barzee, Danny Marlow, Lee Walker, and Natalie Barzee. Also attending, scouts from Troop #171, sponsored by Williamson Chapel United Methodist Church, Wyatt Nance and Cade Arus with their leader Rob Nance. Chairman Mallory thanked the scouts for attending and encouraged them to participate in local governance and beyond in serving this country. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Ron Smith made the following adjustments: Remove: Closed Session — Attorney -Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) OTIO by Commissioner Steve Johnson to accept the agenda as adjusted. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS (None) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Presentation from Pete Meletis for the Piedmont Veterans Assistance Council, Inc.: Mr. Pete Meletis stated he is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart located in Iredell County, as well as the Marine Corp League. Approximately three years ago it was learned there were over 80 homeless veterans in Iredell County. Immediately this volunteer organization was organized and gained support and interest from the Iredell County Veterans Council, the Marine Corp League, the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Purple Heart Homes, American Legion Post 6566 & 113, the Statesville Police Department, the Iredell County Sheriff's Department, Mooresville Soup Kitchen, and Brad Stroud, Veteran's Service Officer. The mission is to provide assistance to all veterans and their families in Iredell and surrounding counties. Purple Heart Homes has donated a van to be used to transport Veterans to needed appointments and to deliver food to various locations for free meals for the veterans. In addition, the Council helps to provide temporary shelter and assistance to transition to independent living. The long term goal is to create a transition shelter and long term housing for the homeless. Donations have allowed the purchase of equipment, freezers, and essentials for food preparation. Free meals are offered at the Church of the Nazarene in Statesville and at A Light in the Darkness March 1, 2016 Outreach in North Iredell. The Statesville Housing Authority offered the Piedmont Veteran Council a large house located at 1208 Wilson Lee Blvd., Statesville. Statesville Housing is remodeling and furnishing the home free of cost for the first five years. Fifth Street Ministries Management Team has offered to manage the veteran's shelter. The Council will be seeking community partners to raise funds for daily operation costs to make this home a reality. Meletis introduced fellow volunteers in attendance: PVAC Vice Chairman Leon Ijames, Spencer Harrison, John Galina, Patti West, David Pressley, Vivian Meletis and Frank Turner. Chairman Mallory thanked Mr. Meletis and all organizations that assist veterans, including Brad Stroud with the local Veteran's Service Office and the Sheriff Darren Campbell along with his staff. Commissioner Robertson stated that even when money was tight and the County was looking for ways to cut budgets, the Veteran's Service Office was never considered. This Board supports assistance to veterans. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Ron Smith summarized the consent agenda as follows: • Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for approval of lottery proceeds application and BA #27. • Request from the Health Department for approval of BA #28 for the Healthy Communications Grant Funds. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of BA #29 appropriating $265,000 to Cool Springs VFD. • Request from the Register of Deeds to refund excise taxes paid with the erroneous recording of a deed. • Request for approval of corrected minutes from August 4, 2015 and December 15, 2015. • Request approval of the minutes from February 16, 2016. MOTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to approved the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Board of Equalization & Review (7 Announcements) Centralina Workforce Development Board (1 Announcement) — Centralina has requested a suspension of rules to announce and appoint Mary Ann Mauldwin simultaneously. MOTIO by Commissioner Tommy Bowles to suspend the rules to make the announcement and appointment simultaneously. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 MOTION by Commissioner Steve Johnson to appoint Mary Ann Mauldwin by acclamation. March 1, 2016 6 VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Iredell County Zoning Board of Adjustment (1 Appointment) — Jonathan Madison has volunteered. OTION by Vice Chairman Marvin Norman to appoint Jonathan Madison. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Ron Smith distributed a proposed budget calendar for the budget work sessions. June 7 is slated for the public hearing and possible adoption. The work session dates presented were not convenient for several of the Board members and they will send some possible dates to the Clerk for rescheduling. CLOSED SESSIONS (None) ADJOURNMENT OTION by Commissioner Steve Johnson to adjourn at 7:41 PM. (The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 7:00 PM, in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Pre -Agenda Discussion at 5:30 PM in the South Wing Conference Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC) VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk March 1, 2016 7