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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-17-2016 MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES Mav 17, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, May 17, 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 Steve Johnson Ken Robertson Board Members Absent Tommy Bowles 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 Deputy Clerk to the Board 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: Add: Closed Session — Economic Development G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) Add: Closed Session — Legal G. S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Public Safety Facility Presentation: will be made at the regular meeting at 7 PM. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for Approval of the Application for Lottery Proceeds: Dr. Kenny Miller, Iredell-Statesville Schools, said the lottery proceeds are for a project reimbursement. Commissioner Robertson said the school system has done a good job at not letting the lottery proceeds build up and get taken away. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#33 To recognize Lottery Proceeds and appropriate to Iredell-Statesville Schools for 5/17/2016 Construction of Concessions and student locker rooms Account # I Current Budget Chane Amended Budget 104700 457101 Lottery Proceeds -I-SS (1,425,857) (325,000) (1,750,857) 105700 560004 Iredell-Statesville Lottery Proj 1,425,857 325,000 1,750,857 May 17, 2016 Request from the Finance Department for the Adoption of a Resolution Approving Cool Springs VFD Financing with Blue Harbor Bank: Susan Robertson, Finance Director, said Cool Springs VFD will be financing the construction of the new fire department with Blue Harbor Bank. The county previously agreed to fund annual debt payments not to exceed $267,648 of the County Wide Fire Tax District. The Internal Revenue Code requires the county to approve the financing although the county is not a party to the debt and will not pay the debt. The resolution states that "provided by the financing and the contract shall be an obligation of the fire department and shall never be a debt of Iredell County and Iredell County shall not be liable payment thereof." Mrs. Robertson said the fire department held a public hearing on May 13, 2016 and a resolution was adopted subsequent to the public hearing. This item was placed on consent agenda Request from the Finance Department for Approval and Signature on a 36 -month Renewal Subscription to WESTLAW Legal Research: Dean Lail, Purchasing Manager, said DSS has had a subscription to WESTLAW for a number of years in order for staff attorneys to research for the agency. Monthly cost for renewal is $236.23. Chairman Mallory said the intemet has become a valuable source of information. He asked if the legal research can be obtained in a different route. DSS Staff Attorney Christopher Main said he has utilized WESTLAW for the five years he has been with the department. There are times where it is used heavily and times that it is rarely used. There are two staff attorneys within DSS. Chairman Mallory asked if the subscription is available to other departments and the county attorney's office. Mr. Lail said the subscription is exclusive to DSS. Commissioner Johnson said one of the advantages of the subscription is the company categorizes law. Mr. Main agreed. Mr. Main said the provider has the duty and ethical obligation to provide the most accurate information to the court. He said cases may be searchable online, however WESTLAW does provide information on overturns or etc. Chairman Mallory asked staff to see if the scope usage can be broadened. The county is paying for it and should have the advantage of using it regardless the department. Mr. Lail said the cost of the service is charged by terminal. DSS currently has two tenninals. Ms. Valdez said the county attorney's office uses LexisNexis. There is a service contract between the county and the county attorney's office and she does not think the county is required to provide such service. Chairman Mallory asked how many other attorneys are employed periodically by other departments. May 17, 2016 2 Mr. Smith said none as close as the county attorney's and the two attorneys that are employed by DSS. Commissioner Johnson said this system saves counsel a lot of time. He also said he utilizes a similar system in his business that has proved beneficial. Chairman Mallory said since there were no other departments that could potentially use the system then it would be fine to proceed with the subscription. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Tax Administration to Approve Funds and Releases: This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request for Approval of the May 3, 2016 minutes: There were no changes or corrections. This item was placed on the consent agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Smith said based on recent budget discussions there is an additional net of $320,591. Mrs. Robertson said the amount is from insurance and eliminating one position in Administration, moving one position from the general fund, and splitting 60/40 with two project funds. Mr. Smith recommended placing $160,296 towards the jail and the remaining half towards Economic Development. Mr. Smith said having the extra available for the jail project is a wise decision, whether it be for transition, furnishings, or whatever need may rise. Mr. Smith said having some extra funds towards Economic Development would give more flexibility with projects. Any additional revenues prior to this have been leveled into the capital improvements plan. Mr. Robertson asked what message is being sent to the contractor if the jail project amount is being increased by $160,296. Mr. Smith said the contractor will be unaware that the additional is available. The county is preparing for the transitional cost of moving over into the new jail. Mr. Smith said there is a signed contract with the contractor and the number will be adhered to. Mr. Smith explained that at the end of every phase of the jail project contract the architect sends a letter that he is required to sign. Recently, the design phase was completed and the estimated construction cost was $24.7 million. Mr. Smith said he spoke with Moseley Construction and the amount has been decreased by $5 million. May 17, 2016 3 Chairman Mallory said everyone involved in the jail project has done an outstanding job. The project has evolved into a more architecturally appropriate design as well better functionality. NEW BUSINESS (None) The Board entered into closed session at 5:33 PM. At 6:25 PM the board recessed from Closed Session until the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES May 17, 2016 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 17, 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 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 Deputy Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson. 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: Remove: Closed Session —Personnel G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) Add: Closed Session — Economic Development G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) OTIO by Commissioner Johnson to accept the agenda as adjusted. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) May 17, 2016 4 Public Safety Facility Presentation. David Saleeby said the Public Safety Facility will house ECOM, EMS, Emergency Management and Fire Services. Currently, there is one department in a bunker, one in an old car dealership, and one in an old hospital morgue. Being scattered out makes the inter -operability between the departments has not grown to level as hoped. Mr. Saleeby said as the county grows so does the demand of the citizens and requires these departments to work more closely together. Having these departments under one roof drives efficiency and allows the sharing of resources. He explained an organizational chart within the new facility. David Montgomery, county architect, said about a year and a half ago the county contracted an outside contractor to conduct a space needs study. Staff utilized the study and consulted each department and took the findings to make the building more efficient. He said that the facility is designed so that each department can expand independently of each other. Mr. Montgomery said staff went through a lengthy design build selection process and is now in negotiations with one of the firms. The firm selected will refine and further develop the drawings the county currently has. He said an Emergency Communication Consultant has been contracted. He also said consideration of future development is being considered while constructing the facility as well as making a connector with the nearby Animal Services building. Chairman Mallory said according to the current plan there is only one egress and ingress and asked if it was feasible to have access to egress only directly from the EMS bay's to Bristol Drive. Mr. Montgomery said that would be a good idea and was suggested by a build design team. Blair Richie, EMS Director, said EMS is made up of two divisions. The EMS/911 side responds to 911 emergency calls. The EMS Specialty Services Division responds to non- emergency request. The EMS side of the facility will house multiple 911 emergency ambulances, the entire special services division side, and the EMS management team. Ms. Richie said due to population growth and expansion of EMS services the facility will help provide the necessary space for current and anticipated needs. Kent Greene, Director of Fire Services and Emergency Management, said the facility would be very advantageous to the county. The Fire Marshall's Office, Public Safety Educator, Emergency Management Coordinator, and coordinator of the county's 19 volunteer fire departments would be housed in the new facility. Candy Strezinski, 911 Director, said the new facility will house the 911 operations center. There will be 16-18 workstations, administrative offices and a data center. The operations center answers 911 and non -emergency calls for Iredell County. In 2015 there were over 300,000 phone calls. There continues to be a steady increase of dispatched incidents. The facility will hopefully allow for more staff and up to date equipment. Commissioner Johnson asked how many conference rooms there are in the facility. Mr. Saleeby said there are six, but one of those is 6,000 square feet and will have dividers. Therefore, that room can be divided into several different spaces and used as a multi-purpose room. The facility will be designed for expansion. Chairman Mallory asked if there are any load bearing walls. May 17, 2016 5 Mr. Saleeby said no. Commissioner Bowles asked if there will be a common reception are for citizens to enter into the facility. Mr. Saleeby said there will be a common entry with a receptionist who will also be administrative support from one of the departments. Commissioner Bowles said this facility is not designed to be used as an emergency center. Mr. Saleeby said that is correct, the emergency shelter is currently South Iredell High School. Chairman Mallory thanked staff for the effort that has gone into the facility. This facility is an opportunity to encourage operational coordination between the three entities. Chairman Mallory asked Ms. Ritchie, Mr. Greene, and Ms. Strezinski if they felt they have had the opportunity to evaluate the proposed design and that it meets their respective department needs going forward. Each one agreed. Vice Chairman Norman asked if safety standards of the building have been taken care of. Mr. Saleeby said the architect is well versed in these types of facilities. There are state and federal standards that will be complied. Chairman Mallory commended Mr. Saleeby and staff for the heavy lifting that has been done. The work being done internally has saved architectural dollars. Commissioner Johnson said one his favorite things about the facility is that it will be paid for when it is built. The money to pay for the building has been accumulated over some tough times. Staff has done a great job and it has been a team effort. He congratulated fellow commissioners on keeping a tight hand on unnecessary spending over the years. PUBLIC HEARING (None) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD (None) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Ron Smith summarized the consent agenda as follows: • Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools for Approval of the Application for Lottery Proceeds. • Request from the Finance Department for the Adoption of a Resolution Approving Cool Springs VFD Financing with Blue Harbor Bank. • Request from the Finance Department for Approval and Signature on a 36 -month Renewal Subscription to WESTLAW Legal Research. • Request from Tax Administration to Approve Funds and Releases. • Request for Approval of May 3, 2016 Minutes. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda. May 17, 2016 6 VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS A. Mooresville Planning Board ETJ (i Announcements) B. Farmland Preservation Advisory Board (3 Announcements) C. Personnel Advisory Committee (1 Announcement) D. Region F Aging Advisory Committee (3 Announcements) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Troutman Board of Adjustment (2 Appointments) —Helen Byers and Layton Getsinger were both nominated by the Troutman Town Council. MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to appoint Helen Byers and Layton Getsinger. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Board of Health (1 Announcement) — Candace Brewer Reeves and Melinda Childress have volunteered. Commissioner Bowles said both candidates are both well qualified. MOTION by Commissioner Bowles to appoint Candace Brewer Reeves. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Social Services Board (1 Appointment) — Chairman Mallory was appointed to fill the term of Sheryl Lucas which expires June 30. It is requested that Chairman Mallory be reappointed. At this time, Vice Chairman Norman presided over the appointment and asked for a motion. OTIO by Commissioner Robertson to appoint Chairman James Mallory. VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0; Abstained — 1 (Chairman Mallory) At this time, Chairman Mallory continued to preside over the meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (None) NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Ron Smith received a request from the Town of Mooresville to participate in the newly created Lake Norman Transportation Commission. There are dues associated. The Town of Mooresville has taken a leadership role and is looking to include Iredell County, Statesville, Troutman, and Davidson. Mr. Smith said he would bring this formally back to the board at a later date. May 17, 2016 Mr. Smith said the first phase of the jail design is complete. This is an $18-21 million dollar project and everything is going well so far. The architect has completed the schematic design phase and will be going into the draw design phase. The jail is a large project through which prudent saving will be able to have several years saved to culminate building ajail without having to raise taxes. Commissioner Johnson said there is no substitute for time and discipline. CLOSED SESSIONS OTION by Commissioner Norman to enter into Closed Session for Economic Development G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) The Board returned into Open Session at 8:21 PM. ADJOURNMENT OT10N by Commissioner Steve Johnson to adjourn at 8:23 PM. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Deputy Clerk May 17, 2016