HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 1 2017 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE -AGENDA MINUTES
August I, 2017
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, August
1, 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, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Debra Alford,
Strategic Planner 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 — Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3)
New Business — Commissioner Houpe will have a topic to discuss
Clarification: Appointments to Board and Commissions — Sara Lewis should be appointed
to the Transportation Advisory Board and not to the Advisory Committee for Home and
Community Care Block Grant.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement and
approval of Orders to Collect: Tax Administrator Bill Furches said the presentation of the annual
tax settlement is a requirement by law. This request includes orders for the Tax Collector and
Sheriff to collect taxes for the coming year and permission to advertise any prior year tax liens that
are appealed to the property tax commission that remain unpaid. However, currently there are no
such tax liens.
Chairman Mallory asked for an explanation of discoveries.
Furches said discoveries are items that were not listed or were not found until after the year
began. The majority of items are business and personal property. This year the Sheriffs Office
was used to issue warrants which was extremely successful. Therefore, the plan is to do the same
for this year. Also, this year three notices will be sent by HyperReach to contact all of Iredell
County. The first message will tell everyone that notices are in the mail with a brief explanation
of the bill. The second one will be sent toward the end of the year as a reminder and a third sent
before delinquent taxes are advertised.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
August 1, 2017
2016 Taxes
Real & Personal Levy
$
107,413,758.26
MV-VTS
$
9,519,985.35
Add: Discoveries
$
829,850.66
Deduct: Releases
$
(149,805.83)
813($170,217)
$
117,613,788.44
Collections
$
116,265,185.59
2016 Outstanding Taxes
$
1,348,602.85
Collection Rates:
All Property 98.85%
Excluding Motor Vehicles 98.75%
Motor Vehicles 100.00%
Delinquent Taxes:
Collections $ 1,832,683
Delinquent Taxes Outstanding $ 3,556,463
2017 Taxes Collected $ 181,449
The Numbers
Collected $3,677,912 more in current Iredell County taxes than previous year — up 3.3%
Collected $1,973,404 more than was budgeted — I01.69% of original budget
Thirteen year cumulative total $22.129 million over budgeted revenues
Thirteen year cumulative delinquent collections $23,961,123
Collected for all jurisdictions: 6-30-17 $180,240,027
Tax Collection Actions
Vehicle Tags Blocked
0
Tax Statements
1,203
Sheriffs Warrants
185
Debt Setoff
676 ($390,662)
Garnishments
1,133 ($882,213)
Credit Agency
813($170,217)
Payment Arrangements
0
Lien Holder Letters
81
Bank Attachments
197 ($896,789)
Tax Collection Problems
Bankruptcies 135 for $145,521 (163 for $185,117 FY2015)
1,414 bankruptcy mail items with 1,980 researched
Foreclosures filed 418 (decrease from 433)
Debt Setoff
August 1, 2017
Collection Rates Last Nine Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year
Original Collection Rate
Current Collection Rate
2016
98.54%
99.43%
2015
98.58%
99.64%
2014
97.74%
99.63%
2013
97.06%
99.43%
2012
96.77%
99.57%
2011
96.81%
99.64%
2010
96.77%
99.66%
2006
96.89%
99.72%
2008
97.58%
99.70%
Average
97.42%
99.60%
Debt Setoff
August 1, 2017
For the fiscal years 2002-2017, Iredell ranked 20°i in the state out of 493 units of government participating
with $3,068,558 collected. Iredell County did not participate in 2002 and 2003. For all years, we rank 16°i among
counties.
Foreclosures
As of this date, the collector's office has sent 872 properties to foreclosure. 588 (67.43%) of these cases
have settled with 284 open. We have collected $5,206,106 in current and delinquent taxes.
Request from the Finance Department to surplus 83 sets of Extrication Suits and
transfer them to Mitchell Community College for use in the Public Safety Training Program:
Purchasing and Contracts Manager Dean Lail said EMS has several extrication suits that are
outdated. Typically these items are destroyed because there is no re -sale value. However, Mitchell
Community College would like to have the suits to use in training programs. It would be a sale to
MCC for $0 with their promise to use the items for specific training. Once the transfer is complete
MCC will assume all liability.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department to adopt a resolution to sell 1226 Williams
Road, Statesville, recently acquired through tax repossession: Purchasing and Contracts
Manager Dean Lail said this property is owned by the County as a result of repossession. It is in
the western section of town. The structure is currently in disrepair but it has potential to be rebuilt.
However, someone has been inside and used a candle which caught the room on fire. Lail would
like to approach this sale differently. If there are no offers at the highest bid or even enough to
recoup the taxes, Lail would like permission to reduce the price and try again. Typically the bidding
will begin at the amount of taxes owed. A couple of previous properties did not bring bids for the
taxes owed and the County still owns those. If this property doesn't sell then reduce the price and
try the auction again.
Chairman Mallory asked if legal fees are recouped.
Lail said some of the sales have recouped fees.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Smith asked for an update on the house that burned.
Lail said he has not seen the property at 504 Woodlawn. The price on the house was
reduced and put back out for auction. That auction should be let within the next several days.
However, that house is in extremely bad shape and has a lot of structural issues.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the property could be released in trade for demolishing the
house.
Lail said the only option for the County is to sell at auction. The next option would be to
destroy the house and try to sale just the lot.
Smith suggested to research the value of the land.
Lail doesn't feel the property is large enough to be desirable.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked about donating to Habitat for Humanity.
Lail doesn't believe the County can donate the property, by law, unless it is a charity that
the County actively supports.
August 1, 2017
Smith said they could bid on it.
Valdez asked about city taxes.
Lail said the taxes owed are a combination of city, county, and special assessments.
Valdez said the city would get a prorated amount of the proceeds.
Request from Administration for approval of BA #2 to accept and appropriate
$50,000 JCPC Level II Funding: Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson said $50,000 has
been allocated by the NC Department of Public Safety for Barium Springs Home for Children
TASK program. TASK is a treatment option for sexualized children aged 10 to 18 years old. These
children have already been adjudicated for sexual offenses and are court ordered to participate in
evaluations and/or treatment. It also includes the family. The program offers a range of services
for the child to remain in the home safely and prevent future sexual abuse. It has been very effective
with 80% of the clients successfully completing without recidivism, or new complaints, within 12
months following. This is the third year for this program. There is no match required but the funds
flow through the County to Barium.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
BA #2 To Recognize JCPC Level 2 Discretionary Funds and appropriate for Treatment
8/t/2017 Alternatives for Sexualized Kids.
Account #
I Current Budget
Change
Amended Budget
394486 434125 JCPC Level II Disposition Fund
(50,000)
(50,000)
395486 563500 Level II TASK Program
50,000
50,000
Request from the Finance Department for approval to revise the receipt processing
requirement for ICATS: Finance Director Deb Alford stated that Brad Johnson, Director of
ICATS, has asked if the daily deposit requirement could be modified. The daily deposit is a
requirement by statute and only the Board can relieve that requirement. The reasons for the request
is due to staffing, the length of time it takes to process, and the small of amount of money. It can
be set to make a deposit when the funds reach $250 or two to three times per week or the last
business day of the month. Finance believes this is a reasonable request due to the new Medicaid
billing.
This was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools to approve BA #2A in the amount of $1.8
million to advance funds prior to the next GO issue in 2018: ISS Kenny Miller said the 2014
bond projects are on-going and the next round will be two middle schools which is about $47
million. The design phase needs to start now to be ready for the bid package to be released when
the bonds are sold. The fund balance is not large enough to handle this particular project. Therefore
the request is for an advancement of $1.8 million for the design phase.
Alford said money has been set aside in reserve each year and there is $1.8 million in fund
balance.
Robertson said the bonds can't be sold until bids are in hand but any time after July 2018.
Miller said the target date for the design phase is prior to July with bids between July and
August which will give plenty of time for the LGC.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
August 1, 2017 4
BA#2A To appropriate funds from the Project Reserve for Capital set aside in fund balance for
Iredell-Statesville Schools. The funds will be forwarded to ISS to begin design on the
8/1/2017 Fall 2018 Middle School Project. These funds will be reimbursed to Iredell County with
the bond proceeds for this proJect,
Account # I Current Budget Change Amended Budget
104880 499470 Appro. Fund Balance - Schools (I 800,000) (1,800,000)
105700 560003 ISS - GO Advance 1,800,000 1,800,000
Request from the Finance Department to adopt a resolution regarding installment
financing for the Public Safety Complex Project: Finance Director Deb Alford said it was first
discussed at the Winter Retreat to finance part of the Public Safety Complex. The recommendation
from management is to finance 75% and the County fund 25%. At that time, the project cost was
estimated at $10.8 million with 75% being $8.1 million. The current projected estimated costs are
$14.1 million, with expectations of $1 million in grant funding. The County has already designated
$3.3 million which leaves a balance of $9.8 million. The number is expected to decrease because
the 911 grant funding is expected to increase but the award will not happen until the end of August.
Therefore, the request is to adopt a resolution not to exceed $11 million to begin the financing
process. The number is set higher to give leeway to meet LGC requirements. If, for any reason,
there is a need to go beyond $8.1 million and it is not in the resolution, then the process would
have to start all over. If the costs are greater than $8.1 million, it will come back to the Board for
input.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the bide process was similar to the jail
Smith said the safety complex is a design build process which is different. Interviews were
with firms to do the entire process. A GMP will be available soon. Constructions costs are
continuing to increase but estimates were conservative on the grant in the beginning.
ECOM Director Candy Strezinski said information about grant awards should be available
by August 25.
Smith said an expansion has been planned for the inclusion of Mooresville and Statesville
if they chose to participate, although both have said no at this point. There will be an alternate bid
of $900,000 for the expansion but it is included in the $14.1 million total estimate.
Commissioner Houpe asked if that should be done with original construction or would it
have to be added later.
Project Manager David Saleeby said it would have to be added later. When the bids and
grant funding are in, then the Board can make a decision whether to continue with the alternate
wing.
Commissioner Houpe would rather proceed with the wing during construction instead of
more construction happening later.
Smith said prior approval will come before the Board.
The request for the financing was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Department of Planning & Development to approve a project
ordinance amendment related to the 2015 Single -Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Program:
Planning Director Matthew Todd said this request is to approve a project ordinance amendment.
A grant was received for housing rehabilitation in 2016 and the cap was $170,000. It was
August 1, 2017
understood that, based on the timeframe of getting to that cap, if there was money still available
then more could be requested. Three homes have been done but would like to move forward with
two additional homes requesting an additional $113,680.
Smith asked about the admin costs.
Todd said the soft (admin) costs are set by the NC Housing Finance Agency which are
rather high but are paid through the grant. It does not cost Iredell County anything. The hard
(construction) costs are reduced by the administrative costs. The admin costs include additional
inspections, lead based paint sampling, and many other steps that one might not think about.
This item was placed on the consent agenda
Request from the Department of Planning and Development to resume a tabled
matter from the May 16, 2017 meeting concerning a release of zoning and subdivision
jurisdiction for the John Clontz Family LLC property to the Town of Mooresville: Planning
Director Matthew Todd said the developer held an input meeting at Mount Mourne VFD on
Tuesday, July 25, with Vice Chairman Bowles and Commissioner Houpe in attendance. The site
plan was shared with the neighbors. It included the secondary access to Bridgewater. It still
proposes just over 90 homes which is 42 more than what the County would allow. If it is released,
Mooresville has 60 days to assign zoning.
Chairman Mallory asked what happens if no zoning is assigned
Todd said it stays with the County.
Commissioner Houpe said the developer addressed the main entrance at the red light off
Williamson which is a second entrance. The problem, with some of the neighbors, is that the
second entrance would not be completed before construction began due to NCDOT timeframes.
To address that concern there was a conversation with Mayor Atkins for a potential temporary
construction entrance other than Ponderosa. Houpe is assuming that the Town of Mooresville can
authorize a temporary construction entrance which would decrease much of the opposition to the
new development. The developer adequately addressed everything within his control. If the Board
releases the ETJ, Mooresville has preliminarily approved all the changes the neighbors have seen
thus far.
Vice Chairman Bowles said ingress and egress was the main concern of the neighbors. It
would be great if DOT and Mooresville could allow a temporary drive for the heavy truck traffic.
It could take up to 18 months for the intersection to change.
Commissioner Houpe said the developer agreed to a temporary construction entrance but
it is up to NCDOT and the Town of Mooresville.
Smith said a letter was received today from the he Town of Mooresville requesting this
Board not release the ETJ.
Vice Chairman Bowles said he would like to accommodate Mooresville's request but feels
it would not be fair the MVR who has been asked and made changes twice.
Commissioner Houpe feels this Board needs to fulfill obligations to the developer and the
neighbors.
Commissioner McNeely feels this Board has made requests of the developer and that this
Board needs to follow through.
August 1, 2017 6
Commissioner Norman said this Board needs to do what is right which is to release it to
Mooresville.
Commissioner Houpe feels there should be no more ETJ releases. Municipalities can
annex or instruct staff to review projects for a nominal fee before annexation takes place. This
Board should be left out of those decisions.
Smith said this could be included with the new business item.
Chairman Mallory said this takes a lot of staff time as well as the citizen's time and Board
time. A motion will be made at the 7:00 regular meeting.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
July 18, 2017: There were no corrections.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe asked if staff and the General Government Task Force could meet
to discuss the special permitting process along with items/issues that go before the Board of
Adjustment. There seems to be some feedback about items going to that Board that may need to
be under the Board of Commissioners' jurisdiction. However, it needs research and then report to
this Board for a recommendation.
Commissioner McNeely feels there needs to be a review of zoning classifications and
maybe add more.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
County Manager Ron Smith updated the following items:
Mount Mourne VFD: The contract between the Town of Mooresville and Mount Mourne
was created by the Town. It is basically putting an agreement in writing that is already been
practiced. Mount Mourne shared this agreement with a consulting firm. Comments from the firm
have been received and forwarded back to Mooresville. Everyone is working in good faith to put
this agreement in place. The changes are very minor.
Vice Chairman Bowles feels the money should be released due to the steps that have been
made within the last 30 days.
Chairman Mallory feels that it is just a matter of going through the administrative process
with the Town of Mooresville. Therefore, Mount Mourne has done what was asked of them.
Smith said a motion could be made under Unfinished Business at the 7:00 regular meeting.
Jail: Jail bids will come in August 10 from four bidders. At the moment there are no local
bidders.
Saleeby said local bidders mentioned the project was too large orjust wasn't interested.
Smith said one local firm acknowledged they invested $50,000 just to submit a proposal.
Property fire: Smith said this is the run-down house that was discussed earlier with Dean
Lail. It will be advertised through GovDeals on August 10.
Chairman Mallory moved the Board into Closed Session at 6:12 PM.
August 1, 2017 7
The Board moved from Closed Session at 6:55 PM into regular session.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
August I, 2017
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 1,
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
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Beth Jones, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Debra Alford,
Strategic Planner 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 but a clarification under
Appointments to Boards and Commissions. Sara Lewis is requesting to be appointed to the
Transportation Advisory Board.
OTION by Commissioner Norman to accept the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Recognition of Marty Byers, retiree from the Sheriffs Department: Chairman Mallory
asked Marty Byers, his family, and Sheriff Campbell to join him in front of the dais.
Chairman Mallory shared some highlights of Byers' career and expressed his appreciation
for his dedication and service to Iredell County. Mallory also expressed appreciation to his family
for their support and faith in Byers. Mallory presented Byers with a plaque in honor of his
retirement.
Sheriff Darren Campbell shared a few stories and also expressed appreciation for Byers
dedication. Campbell presented Byers with his service weapon.
Byers thanked the Board for the opportunities given to him during his career.
August 1, 2017 8
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Ron Smith summarized the consent agenda items as follows:
• Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement and approval of
Orders to Collect.
• Request from the Finance Department to surplus 83 sets of Extrication Suits and transfer
them to Mitchell Community College for use in the Public Safety Training Program.
These suits have no resale value and will be transferred at $0.
• Request from the Finance Department to adopt a resolution to sell 1226 Williams Road,
Statesville, recently acquired through tax repossession. The minimum price will begin at
$4,200 which is the value of delinquent taxes.
• Request from Administration for approval of BA #2 to accept and appropriate $50,000
JCPC Level II Funding.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval to revise the receipt processing
requirement for ICATS.
• Request from Iredell-Statesville Schools to approve BA #2A in the amount of $1.8
million to advance funds prior to the next GO issue in 2018. This is for two middle
school projects being designed. The County has been saving money since the original tax
level on the school bonds to cover this advance.
• Adoption of a resolution regarding installment financing for the Public Safety Complex
Project. This will be 75% of the project. The estimates have been set fairly high but
expect to return to the Board with lower amounts.
• Request from the Department of Planning and Development to approve a project
ordinance amendment related to the 2015 Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool
Program.
• Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on July
18, 2017.
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
Transportation Advisory Board — 1 appointment.
OTION by Commissioner Norman to appoint Sara Lewis.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Centralina Workforce Development— 1 appointment.
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to appoint John Challis.
August 1, 2017
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
JCPC — 1 appointment.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to appoint Debra Alford.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS (continued)
Request from the Department of Planning and Development to resume a tabled
matter from the May 16, 2017 meeting concerning a release of zoning and subdivision
jurisdiction for the John Clontz Family LLC property to the Town of Mooresville: Chairman
Mallory said procedurally the first item to consider is to remove it from the table for consideration.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to remove the matter from the table for discussion.
Commissioner Houpe said that board members and staff have been heavily involved with
neighborhoods about this release of ETJ. After the public hearing, the developer made changes
and addressed every issue that he can control with a preliminary approval of the Planning staff
along with the elected officials in Mooresville. If ETJ is release it will be in the jurisdiction of the
Town of Mooresville. Houpe expressed appreciation to the citizens' for their respectful
involvement. After all of the work, at this point, this Board should be comfortable releasing the
ETJ to Mooresville.
Chairman Mallory said each member of this Board received a letter from the Town of
Mooresville asking the Board not to release the ETJ to allow their staff additional time to work on
some issues. If this is removed from the table and the vote is negative it will end the issue. If the
vote is positive to release the ETJ then Mooresville will have 60 days to assign zoning to this
property. If Mooresville does not act within 60 days then the zoning release is null and the property
returns to the County's jurisdiction. If the item is left on the table and Mooresville works through
their issues, it could be retrieved at any time.
Commissioner Houpe said the Town of Mooresville's staff is bogged down, but this
process began several months ago, and a lot of staff time along with the developer and citizens'
time has been spent. The final say is in Mooresville's jurisdiction and their process will annex the
property in December. A release will allow them to begin a review of the planning phases. If
Mooresville chooses not to assign zoning, it returns to the County just until December's
annexation. This Board should honor the commitment to the developer and citizens. With respect
to Mooresville, they may not be aware of all the time already spent on this project.
VOTING: Ayes -4; Nays— 1 (Chairman Mallory)
MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to approve the zoning release and subdivision
jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville.
VOTING: Ayes 5; Nays — 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe said there was a discussion, at the last meeting, for Mount Mourne
VFD to formalize an already existing practice of mutual aid with fire departments in the Town of
Mooresville. This is moving in a positive direction and Mount Mourne is willing to sign. The
process is far enough along that the proceeds being held should be released.
August 1, 2017 10
OTION by Commissioner Houpe to release Mount Mourne's proceeds from last year
that were being held.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe for the General Governmental Task Force and staff to
review special use permits and various other zoning issues throughout the county. A report of any
possible changes will be brought before this Board for approval.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
County Manager spoke on the following items:
Public Safety Complex and Jail — There are a lot of moving parts to these two major
construction projects. Answers to many funding questions and timelines will be answered with a
couple of weeks and possibly begin moving dirt by September.
CLOSED SESSIONS
Closed session was held after pre -agenda and there is nothing to report.
OTHER COMMENTS
Commissioner McNeely said an email has been received, which is a response to a letter
sent to the State, concerning property on Bristol Drive. The Board voted in June to move forward
to purchase this land but now that land is no longer for sale to the County or anyone else at this
time. The proposed project for that land is dead. The State Agricultural Department stated it may
be a year or more before it is reviewed again.
Chairman Mallory said that particular piece of property may no longer be available but that
doesn't mean the project must be deserted. It will just go from Plan A to Plan B which means other
property will be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
OTION by Commissioner Houpe to adjourn at 7:32 PM (The next regular meeting will
be Tuesday, August 15, 2017, 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
August 1, 2017 I 1