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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 18 2017 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES April 18, 2017 The Iredeil County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 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 County 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: Add: Closed Session — Personnel G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from Solid Waste for approval of Municipal Engineering as designer for the Phase VI Landfill Design and authorization for the County Manager to sign the agreement: Solid Waste Director David Lambert said it is time get started on Phase VI. A request for qualifications was sent to engineering firms with responses from eight. After individual evaluations if was found that Municipal Engineering was the top company due to experience, volume of work, low staff turnover, and cost of finished product. Therefore, the department requests approval to negotiate a contract with Municipal Engineering. Also, currently there is an option to apply for a Life -of -Site Permit which would tie Phase V to I & II that began in 1993. The engineering, construction, and permitting would be done at one time. The benefit is cost savings with construction and mobilization fees. Permitting cost will be about the same. This is an option the department would like to consider. Phase VI could probably be done without borrowing. The department would like permission to negotiate contracts and research the difference between the two options. The landfill gas transmission line is a portion of this and Lambert would like to make a separate contract for the gas transmission. Currently there are funds available in the budget to go forward and be ready to pull gas from Phase V using the same engineering firm. Chairman Mallory asked the timeline for Phase V and Phase VI. Lambert said typically cells are constructed to have a five year capacity. Phase V may run close because of the increase in the volume of waste. Phase IV lasted eight years. The overall life of the site is estimated at 20+ years. April 18, 2017 Commissioner Houpe asked if the research of longevity would be brought back to the Board for approval. Smith asked Lambert if this request was for options of one phase or to construct all. Lambert said he could do more investigating and come back with more accurate cost numbers or the Board could give authority to negotiate a contract for doing Phase VI so the contractors could begin. The Life -Site will be much more expensive. Commissioner McNeely asked that Lambert gather more exact numbers on the cost of Phase VI and an estimate to include Phase VII and VIII. Money is tight at the moment with construction on the jail and public safety. Vice Chairman Bowles clarified that this would be paid from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. Robertson said that is correct. Chairman Mallory asked the process if Solid Waste had to borrow money. Robertson said that with the enterprise fund it would require a special revenue bond because bond holders do not want to take a deed of trust or interest in a landfill. Therefore, the County has to pledge other revenue as collateral. There have been several over the years but they are structured in order to pay out totally from Solid Waste revenue within six to ten years. Currently, there is approximately $2 million remaining from the purchase of the Twin Oaks property that was rolled into the 2008 GO Bond. Chairman Mallory asked that Lambert return with estimates and financing options. Robertson said the bonds would not take place until the engineering is complete and ready to start building. Lambert said approval is needed for the gas line and stressed the importance of moving quickly. Vice Chairman Bowles suggested to instruct Lambert to go forward with the gas line contract, research Phase VI and the total Life -Site, and return to the Board for review. Lambert said he would have that information at the next meeting (May 2) and will ask the engineer to attend as well. The consent agenda will include the gas line contract, approval of Municipal Engineering and to return at the next meeting with the cost of Phase VI and the cost of Phase VI, VII, & VIII all together. County Manager Ron Smith said the next item concerns Solid Waste and wanted to express his appreciation, publically, for the excellent analysis the department prepared for the Board. Request from the Finance Department for approval of a sole -source award to purchase one ECD 800 Landfill Cover Deployer from Environmental Systems, Inc.: Contracts and Purchasing Manager Dean Lail said this is a request to award a sole -source contract. The landfill has been testing a self-propelled machine that lays film over the landfill each and every day which is legally required. It is a biodegradable film and has proven to be more cost April 18, 2017 2 effective than hauling dirt. It has eliminated a lot of issues and neighborhood complaints for Solid Waste. Assistant Solid Waste Director Teddy Boller described the machine as basically a huge Saran wrap machine. It wraps the waste in biodegradable plastic which deters birds and rodents. Hauling dirt is no longer an option due to the increase of waste. The state requires waste to be covered. If using soil there must be at least six inches but to obtain a sufficient cover it usually takes about 18 inches. There is a substantial savings by not using dirt. With the cost of film versus the cost of the current ADC, the machine could pay for itself in two to three years. Also, the inspector has not be pleased with the current ADC. The make-up of the product has changed and the proper coverage is difficult. The plastic has corrected this issue. Also, the neighbors' complaints of odor have ceased after the use of the film. Vice Chairman Bowles asked what goes on top of the film. Boller said dirt, sand, mulch or whatever is available. The film is just to seal the waste. Commissioner Houpe asked the life -span of the machine. Boller said 15 years and it should pay for itself in about three years. Commissioner McNeely noticed this machine is made in Canada and asked if there are any indications that in the future this type of machine could be made in America. Boller said there is another type of machine that covers waste and traps odor, but it does not shed water and water needs to be kept out of the landfill. However, Environmental Systems, Inc. is looking for a place in the US to warehouse parts. The driveline is made by Caterpillar. Commissioner McNeely asked if the film must be purchased from the same company. If so, would they lock in a price or give any type of discount on the film? prices. Boller said it is through the same company and he will ask about a price lock. Lail said it is estimated to need 22 rolls per year. Typically a sole -source will not lock in Chairman Mallory asked if any other landfills were using this method. Boller said Catawba County is using it. They leased a machine for two years but purchased it this year. Vice Chairman Bowies asked if the machine could be used for another purpose should the State change regulations and the film is no longer required. Boller said yes, it is basically a dump truck. Lambert said the State will not go back on their rules. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from ECOM for approval of an Inter -Local Agreement with Mooresville Police Department to be a Secondary Public Safety Answering Point: ECOM Director Candy Strezinski said this is a request to inter into a local agreement with Mooresville Police Department. April 18, 2017 This will benefit them as being recognized by the State as a secondary PSAP. If this agreement was not made they would not be approved by the 911 Board and they would not receive 911 funds. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the funds are based on the number of uses or if it is a flat fee. Strezinski said the formula is based on the number of 911 calls that are transferred to them. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Alexander and other counties would be secondary for Iredell. Strezinski said this has nothing to do with back-up. Those counties will remain as back-up. This is just to recognize them as a secondary. Smith asked Strezinski to define secondary and back-up. Strezinski said there is a primary PSAP that is recognized, governed and regulated by the State. If they are not recognized they are not eligible for any 911 funds. The State doesn't pay for any expenses unless recognized as a secondary. The back-up is in the event Iredell's ECOM goes completely down they would provide back-up and vice versa. Chairman Mallory asked about Statesville Police Department. Strezinski said Statesville received the same information but has not acted on it. If things were paid by the County in the past then that ceased, but 911 funds would help them financially if they take this route. Commissioner Houpe asked if Statesville applied would they be considered a secondary. Strezinski said yes. If they were approved they would be a secondary and a small amount of money would be distributed to them. It is up to the primary PSAP to make sure they are compliant with the State guidelines for spending the money. Commissioner Houpe asked the difference in revenue. Strezinski said she did not know the exact amount but believes there would be no comparison. Commissioner Houpe asked why Mooresville was chosen for back-up instead of Statesville. Strezinski said it is recommended to choose a location further away. It is most likely that should there be a catastrophic event it would affect Statesville as well as ECOM. up. Smith reported that the 911 Board indicated that Statesville could not be used as a back - Commissioner Houpe asked about dispatching for Mooresville once in the new facility. Strezinski said ECOM dispatches for the fire departments but not for the police department. The back-up is located in Mooresville's EOC. If necessary the County could move there with portable equipment. This item was placed on the consent agenda. April 18, 2017 4 Request from the Register of Deeds for approval of BA #29 in the amount of $130,345 to appropriate Technology and Preservation Funds: County Manager Ron Smith said this is money from the Technology and Preservation fund which will be used to preserve three sections of vital records beginning with 1915. Preservation has not been done in seven years. The total project is $130,345. Robertson said currently there is over $500,000 in the Preservation Fund that has accumulated over the years as required by law. This item was placed on the consent agenda. BA#29 To appropriate Technology and Preservation funds in the Register of Deeds 4/18/2017 budget for a records preservation,ect. Current Bud et Chane TArnended Bud et Account # 104880 499420 Appro. Fund Balance - ROD(130,345) (130,345) 105450 535200 6100 Technology and Preservation 230,085 130,345 360,430 Request from Animal Services to apply for the Petco Innovation Grant to fund a satellite location in Mooresville: Animal Services Director Brad Gates said this grant has a very short application period but is approximately $150,000. It is substantial and it follows the goals of public education, increased adoptions, decreased future intake, expanding into Mooresville, and would funded 100%. Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Vaughn said that "whiskers & Waggin' Tails" would be a store -front, a satellite adoption/retail area in Mooresville. Downtown is desired basically because of the foot traffic. It would be entirely run by volunteers and the hours would depend on the volunteers. The Adoption Ambassadors are approved to handle adoption processes off-site and work the store -front. The grant would fund the entire operation. Gates said there are no plans to have staff move to Mooresville. It would be 100% volunteer supported. There will be some staff time for the coordination of volunteers. Commissioner Norman asked if there would be any type of live -stream for citizens to see the animals. Vaughn said the Adoption Ambassadors take animals from the shelter to the Mooresville location. People would have to visit the location. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if there is any duplication with the rescue groups or Humane Society. Should it all be under one umbrella? Gates said the idea is to invite those groups into the store, by appointment, so they can show their animals as well. There would be conditions and many things to work out before that actually happens. Commissioner McNeely asked about the competition of the grant. Vaughn said yes it is a competition for the idea that is the most creative and innovative. It is similar to the TV series Shark Tank. If awarded and when the funds are depleted the project will cease to exist unless private funding becomes available. This item was placed on the consent agenda. April 18, 2017 Chairman Mallory suggested that Animal Services maintain a collaborative approach with other groups for their expertise on fund raising for the future. Request from Administration to approve the renewal contract for the Assistant District Attorney which expires on June 30, 2017: Deputy County Manager Beth Jones said this is part of the on-going inmate reduction efforts that began in 2015. This will be the second full year for the contract for the county funded ADA position. The County pays for the salary, benefits, and office expenses which total $64,484. Commissioner Norman asked if the number of cases has been reduced. Jones said yes. The savings more than pays for this position. The number of cases fluctuates with the jail population which has begun to climb due to the season. It tends to rise in the warmer months. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Tax Administration for approval of March 2017 refunds and releases: Smith said everything was in order. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on April 4, 2017: There were no corrections. This item was placed on the consent agenda. County Manager Ron Smith shared information from David Saleeby. There was a bid opening for the steel cells at the new jail. At the next meeting on May 2, Saleeby will present the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) for the steel cells only. The GMP for the overall project will be later. The Board entered into Closed Session at 6:00 PM. The Board recessed at 6:35 PM until the 7:00 regular meeting. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES April 18, 2017 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 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 April 18, 2017 Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan Robertson, Assistant to the County 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 Chairman Mallory. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA County Manager Ron Smith said there were no adjustments. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS Public hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for Project Sparrow: Economic Development Director Russ Rogerson stated that Project Sparrow is an existing industry with approximately $90 million in taxable value and 87 employees. The company is considering an expansion of 117,000 square feet at an estimated cost of $16 million, upgrades of the existing building at $2 million, equipment at $46 million and the addition of 27 new jobs at an average wage of $37,519. The investment in this project would generate an estimated $1.1 million in new tax dollars over a five year period of time. Iredell County and the City of Statesville already agreed to provide an 80% incentive for five years for the company. According to Project Sparrow an additional incentive is needed to cover unforeseen additional infrastructure expenses estimated at $1.5 million. The company has asked for an additional two years on the incentive to help defray the cost of the expansion. Additional funds will be sought from CBG and utility partners. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Jeff McNeely to approve an economic incentive not to exceed $1.7 million over a seven year period based on the company's investment of $66 million, the creation of 27 new jobs paying an average wage of $37,519, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS County Manager Ron Smith summarized the following items that were placed on the consent agenda: April 18, 2017 • Request from Solid Waste for approval of Municipal Engineering as designer for Phase VI of the landfill. Part of this will include the gas line portion of the project and research a new methodology for a life -cycle option for future phases. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of a sole -source award to purchase one ECD 800 Landfill Cover Deployer from Environmental Systems, Inc. • Request from ECOM for approval of an Inter -local Agreement with Mooresville Police Department to be a secondary public safety answering point. • Request from the Register of Deeds for approval of BA #29 in the amount of $130,345 to appropriate Technology & Preservation Funds. • Request from Animal Services to apply for the Petco Innovation Grant to fund a satellite location in Mooresville. • Request from Administration to approve the renewal contract for the Assistant District Attorney which expires on June 30, 2017. • Request from Tax Administration for approval of March 2017 refunds and releases. • Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on April 4, 2017. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT John Allen of 103 Windrow Lane, Statesville wished to speak concerning a problem in Agriculture. Iredell County is now on the front lines of a new insect invasion with the potential to cost home owners and businesses millions of dollars due to the loss of trees and income. The new bug was accidently brought in from China eight to ten years ago in Texas. It was just discovered in Mooresville this past fall. It is slow moving and the potential to eradicate is very possible. The trees would have to cut at the ground and then the burn the trunk. The ground around it would have to be treated. He would like to come back at another time to speak about this problem in detail. Chairman Mallory asked the kind of insect. Allen said it is called a Crepe Myrtle Scale. It is very tiny, attaches itself to the trunk and sucks the juice out of the tree. Then excretions from the bug causes a fungus which turns the trunk black. The bug is spread by the wind. Also, because it is so new, it is unknown what other vegetation it might infest. Chairman Mallory asked if it has been found in other counties. Allen said it has been found in Wake County. Materials being brought in are inspected but this insect is so tiny it can be missed. April 18, 2017 Commissioner Houpe asked if the State is addressing this through the Ag Departments. Allen said they are educating but it doesn't fall into the categories where there is funding and therefore nothing is being done physically to stop the problem. They also say that they don't have jurisdiction over the home owner's property. The State ultimately has the authority through legislature and each city has the authority to have jurisdiction over tree ordinances. Potentially the cities and county could be on the same page. Chairman Mallory feels the Board would be interested in helping where possible. Smith said staff is researching this issue and will be glad to work with Mr. Allen moving forward. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Houpe asked to recognize a couple of department directors. Positive feedback has been received about the Register of Deeds since his appointment. Citizens are appreciative of the service at the Register of Deeds Office. Also, Todd Carver is present on behalf of Sheriff Campbell who had provided an excellent end of year report. Houpe expressed appreciation for the innovative methods used to make the department run more efficiently and keep citizens safer. Commissioner McNeely reported on a recent meeting for Centralina Workforce Development. This is a seven county consortium that meets quarterly with the purpose to make North Carolina workforce ready for new industry. Several counties shared stories of how they were losing industry and how bad things were in their counties. However, McNeely chose to talk about the good things happening in Iredell County. The consortium discussion was centered on the demand for trained workers. Iredell County is now "Work Ready Accredited" and the upcoming Ag Early College is a big plus. Also, McNeely talked about the CCTL which is training for all the different potential jobs such as cooking, cosmetology, automotive, brick masonry, welding, etc. ISS and MGSD realizes that not every student will go to a four year college and needs training to enter the workforce. The discussion also included apprenticeship programs. Chairman Mallory said that is the challenge for the County. It is important to have the right skill sets, the ability to show up on time, dress accordingly, pass a drug test, be a member of a team, and also to have a life-long learning perspective. The Education Task Force has been working closely with ISS and MGSD to enhance the connectivity with the middle/high school population and the jobs of the future. Commissioner Houpe gave a shout out to David Lambert and staff at Solid Waste for a greatjob on behalf of the citizens. Chairman Mallory said the last meeting of the Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission had a presentation by Mr. Dunlap from the NC Department of Transportation specifically on the proposed super -street concept and expansion on Highway 150. They have taken into account comments from the Board and the Town of Mooresville relative to greater points of access. The point of the design is to eliminate time spent at traffic lights. The NCDOT website has more details concerning the 150 Project and the I-77 express lanes. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT April 18, 2017 9 County Manager Ron Smith spoke on the following items: • Recognition: A letter was received last week from the UNC School of Government concerning Dean Lail. Lail has achieved the life -time status as a Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer. A "life -time status is earned by a select few purchasing officers whose careers exemplify the highest level of profession achievement." • Recognition: Last week Bill Jeter was acknowledged as the Iredell County Emergency Communications Telecommunicator of the Year by a group of his peers. Jeter was hired in 2011 and recently promoted to supervisor. • Golden Leaf: The early college at North Iredell received a visit from Golden Leaf. The economic development road extension project at Mooresville's Business Park East has a scheduled visit for early May. CLOSED SESSIONS Closed Session item was discussed after pre -agenda. ADJOURNMENT OTION by Commissioner McNeely to adjourn at 7:45 PM. (The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 7:00 PM, in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Pre -Agenda Discussion at 5:00 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 April 18, 2017 10