HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-20-2017 MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE -AGENDA MINUTES
June 20, 2017
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, June
20, 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: Administrative Matters — VIII.12 Duke Power Easement
Closed Session—Personnel G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6)
Unfinished Business — Update on Mount Mourne VFD Contract
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of BA #32 to appropriate South
Iredell Soccer Association's Donation of $24,700 for the purpose of field restoration at
Stumpy Creek Park: Parks/ Rec Director Michelle Hepler stated this request is for approval of
Budget Amendment #32 to appropriate donated funds in the amount of $24,700 from South Iredell
Soccer Association. These funds are to restore three soccer fields at Stumpy Creek Park.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the Soccer Association approved the wake boarding event
that reserves the entire park.
Hepler said yes. Typically those events occur in the off-season when no soccer is
scheduled.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this is an annual donation.
Hepler said no, although the South Iredell Soccer Association has made several
contributions in the past. Parks/Rec allowed $15,000 in the budget to restore one field and then the
Association said they would pay for the other two if all could be reconditioned at the same time.
That offer saved about $5,300 with all three fields completed within six weeks. There will be a
press release acknowledging the donation.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
June 20, 2017
BA#32
To appropriate a donation from the South Iredell Soccer Association for the
refurbishment of 2 fields at Stumpy Creek and transfer from the Parks Building
6/30/2017
Budget to supplement the Parks & Ree budget for a third field.
11 Current Budget Chane Amended Budget
Account #
104655 481233
Donations - South Iredell Soccer
-
(24,700)
(24,700)
10545590 532615
General Exterior Repairs
70,620
(6,000)
64,620
105655 537508
Contracted Services
52,000
30,700
82,700
Request from the Finance Department for approval of a three-year lease extension
with the USDA for the Forestry Service and Rural Development Divisions: Purchasing and
Contracts Manager Dean Lail said the County has rented space to the USDA Farm Service for a
number of years. The most recent request is for a three year renewal which will expire July 1,
2020. The current rent is $34,413.80 annually.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for adoption of a resolution to sell real estate
concerning a house at 504 Woodlawn using GovDeals Online Surplus Auction: Purchasing
and Contracts Manager Dean Lail said this is an old item that has resurfaced. The County acquired
the deed by tax foreclosure in 2015. The Board authorized a sell of the property but the bidder
declined to complete the sale, and forfeit the bid deposit, after viewing the property. Therefore, the
County still owns the property. After research the County is limited in ways of marketing this lot.
The issue is that the condition of the house is substantially grim. Inspections have determined that
renovations would probably be cost prohibitive. Lail asked to lower the price to move the property
from the County's ownership. The last bid process was started at $10,000. However, if the bid is
lowered and then he can do an absolute auction. The lot is less than one half acre. The other option
is to demolish the house and then sell just the land.
Chairman Mallory asked if a fire department could use the house as a controlled burn
exercise.
Fire Services Director Kent Greene believes the property is within city limits and there
would be several factors to consider but it may be possible.
Commissioner McNeely asked if fire/rescue students from Mitchell Community College
could participate.
Greene said they are usually included in training events such as this.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked the liability to the County.
Valdez said currently the safety liability is more due to the current condition of the house.
Commissioner Houpe asked the timeline of selling through GovDeals.
Lail said about two and a half months. The process would require the high bidder to pay to
GovDeals website. Once the bidder has paid, the property is theirs. They can't change their mind.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Habitat for Humanity would be interested in the real estate.
Lail doesn't know the process to donate the property.
June 20, 2017 2
Commissioner McNeely agreed with Lail to try GovDeals and if that does not succeed then
research other options.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of an updated financing plan for
Trinity VFD Building Project: Finance Director Susan Robertson said Trinity has researched
financing with Blue Harbor Bank and First National Bank. Blue Harbor said Trinity can only get
tax exempt financing for a certain portion of the building. To qualify for that tax exemption Trinity
has to occupy the building. The original plan was for the County to contribute $388,000 and
County -wide Fire Tax District would contribute funds towards the Trinity complex with financing
a part of the County's facility. After reviewing, the plan now is to advance the full amount of
$688,000 from County -wide Fire Tax District so they will only finance a portion that Trinity will
occupy. The County General Fund will reimburse the County -wide Fire Tax District over a five
year period.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of the Services and Facility
Agreement at the new Trinity Volunteer Fire Department Public Safety Building: Robertson
said this is a services and facility agreement between Iredell County and Trinity VFD that
memorializes the commitments that have been made between the two entities. The total to fund in
construction costs is $4,248,300. The new building includes 21,003 sq. ft. for fire services
(including mezzanine), 225 sq. ft. for the Sheriff's office, 2,157 sq. ft. for EMS, and 2,765 sq. ft.
for the rescue squad pull-through bay. The maximum annual payment is estimated at $361,000
which fits the debt service worksheet for the County -wide Fire Tax District. The exact number
will be determined when the financing proposals are approved by Trinity. This is patterned after
the same agreement signed with Cool Springs VFD.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Fire Services and Emergency Management to appoint Jody Smyre as
the Emergency Management Coordinator: Fire Services and Emergency Management Director
Kent Greene asked the Board to appoint Jody Smyre as the Emergency Management Coordinator
effective July 1 due to the retirement of Paul Webster. Smyre has been with Iredell County for 19
years and is currently an EMS Supervisor. He is state certified as an Emergency Manager and has
a Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Emergency Management for approval of BA #33 to cover Paul
Webster's compensatory time upon his retirement on June 30, 2017: Greene asked the Board
to approve BA #33 to cover Webster's compensatory time that has been accumulated. Webster has
been with Iredell County for 30 years and accumulated many hours of comp time. The funds are
available in contractual services to move into Personnel. Webster was on call all the time but
Smyre and Greene will rotate on-call duties beginning July 1.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
June 20, 2017 3
BA#33
6/20/2017
To transfer funds to cover a retirement payout and overlap of replacement
employee in the Emergency Management Department.
Current Budget Chane Amended Budget
Account #
105546 537508
Contracted Svcs- Other
61,000
(7,115)
53,885
105546 510003
Salaries - Part Time
20,000
(12,550)
7,450
105546 510004
Salaries - OT
2,500
545
3,045
105546 510002
Salaries - Regular
70,620
16,100
86,720
105546 512501
FICA Tax
6,212
275
6,487
105546 512503
Retirement
7,583
2,745
10,328
Request from Administration for approval of the Lease Agreement for the Probation
and Parole Offices located at 226 N. Tradd Street, 610 E. Center Avenue, 204 Cooper Street,
433 South Meeting Street and 221 Water Street: Deputy County Manager Beth Jones said the
County is mandated by the State to provide space to probation and parole. The locations are listed
above. The County Manager is the signer of the contract with the Board permission.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Administration for consideration of a reimbursement to the Town of
Harmony for a water drain project: County Manager Ron Smith said this is a continuation of
discussions concerning the drain issue and the Town of Harmony. There is no absolute resolution
at this point. If the Board is willing to contribute money, the preferred way is to contribute the
money to the school system. They will then handle an arrangement with the Town of Hannony.
The County is in charge of school capital projects. It is the easiest way to handle without taking
on any liability.
Commissioner Norman said the school system must understand that the money goes to
Harmony.
Commissioner Houpe said this item is on the agenda for the Board of Education's meeting
in July. He would like to table this matter until the July 18 meeting which will give time to hear
from the Board of Education.
Smith had already told Mayor Rogers that this item may not be resolved at this meeting.
There are other various factors that need to be resolved first.
Vice Chairman Bowles clarified that the amount discussed is $75,000.
Commissioner Houpe said his original proposal was to divide that amount by three entities,
the County, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and the Town of Harmony at $25,000 each.
Chairman Mallory suggested to refer this matter to the staff, County Attorney, and school
system to craft an agreement to authorize a contribution up to $25,000. That agreement can be
returned to the board for approval now or later.
Smith said if the $25,000 is authorized, it can be encumbered from this year's budget.
Vice Chairman Bowles and Commissioner McNeely suggested the agreement include
language that this is 1/3 of the cost and that the school is to contribute 1/3 as well.
Smith said there needs to be a motion in open session.
June 20, 2017
Request from Tax Administration for approval of May Refunds and Releases:
Everything was in order.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from meeting on
June 6, 2017: There were no corrections.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of a Duke Power easement at
Rocky River Elementary School: Finance Director Susan Robertson said Mooresville Graded
Schools District needs an easement approved for the Rocky River Road Elementary School in
order to add a 10 -room mega unit to comply with the K-3 classroom size. Duke Power will run an
underground power line with this easement.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Commissioner McNeely asked if the class size mandate was actually passed by the State.
Stikeleather said it passed but was pushed back for a year. It will be implemented in the
2018-2019 school year.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mount Mourne Update: Fire Services Director Kent Greene reported on a meeting with
Mount Mourne's Chief Roger Hoover. Mount Mourne signed the contract but Hoover asked what
happens now with the half cent that was held during the current fiscal year.
Chairman Mallory said the half cent from last year was predicated on creating a good faith
effort with Mooresville Fire, relative to future disposition and allocation of resources, which never
really came to fruition. This is not concerning the declined request for another half cent in this
year's budget.
Greene said no formai discussions have taken place other than what was already in place.
Mooresville and Mount Mourne, as well as Lake Norman and Shepherds, would respond to each
other's calls within one and one half miles of the opposite department's station. They are doing
that through a hand shake automatic aid agreement. Both are automatically being dispatched in
those instances but there was no formal discussion about the future with Mount Mourne and
Mooresville.
Commissioner Houpe feels that was enough of a good faith effort to move in the right
direction. Houpe asked Greene to meet with Deaton and the Chief of Mount Mourne to put this
agreement in writing. It was indicated to Mount Mourne that hopefully the previously allocated
funding could be released since the new tax increase will not be approved.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the agreement with Mooresville is any different than any
automatic aid.
Greene said currently Mount Mourne, Lake Norman, and Shepherds fall under that
agreement. Shepherds' is more clear-cut because Mooresville Engine 4 is in their station. As the
CAD build out moves forward, automatic vehicle locators have been installed in county vehicles
June 20, 2017 5
and Mount Mourne is going to purchase licenses. Mooresville has already purchased their licenses.
The concept of the "closest unit responds" will continue to evolve and improve.
Commissioner Houpe said the Chiefs have indicated that since this intent was established
last year the relationships with those entities is the best it has ever been.
Smith said one thing should be considered when talking about co -location and this
building. Langtree Road and Highway 115 intersection is up for debate about closing. With the
east/west connector and the proposed location of that road, they will have to close two or three
railroad crossings. Langtree and 115 could be one of those closing.
Greene said Mount Mourne understands their days are number and that Mooresville
continues to annex property. There must be a formal agreement with volunteer departments to
respond with the closest unit and not base it on territory.
Chairman Mallory feels they have made a good faith effort to address those issues.
However, continued dialog must be encouraged but feels the funds could be released.
Commissioner McNeely believes there should be a deadline to revisit this in three months
and only send 1/3 or 1/4 of the money.
Robertson said the money could be rolled over and paid out in the next fiscal year.
Vice Chairman Bowles expressed concerns that Mount Mourne did sign the contract and
the first question was, "What happens to the $66,0007 Mount Mourne believes that if they sign
the contract and get the agreement in writing with Mooresville it will satisfy the reason for holding
the $66,000. Once the signed agreement with Mooresville's signature is received then release the
money. However, it really doesn't meet the original intent that was set forth. Bowies believes that
if the money isn't sent now it might sever the County's relationship with them. It was made very
clear that the request in this year's budget was not approved.
Commissioner McNeely feels there needs to be a timeline.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the timeline needs to be specific as to what this Board wants.
Greene said messages are relayed but they are being misconstrued. He suggested to ask the
Chief and other Board members to attend the pre -agenda on July 18 so that everyone receives the
same instructions.
Commissioner McNeely agrees that is a good idea.
Commissioner Houpe asked to clarify if the money is being released now or after July 18.
Greene suggested July 18 and Commissioner McNeely agreed.
Chairman Mallory believes they should understand that if they come in and acknowledge,
with the Board, that the mutual understanding is to move forward in good faith then they will walk
out with $66,000. There just needs to be clear comprehension.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Smith reported on a recent phone conversation with Rhett Melton from Partners Behavioral
Health. There is potential legislation that would have a serious impact on their organization and
thus the County. House Bill 403 started because there is a rogue LME that has had some excessive
June 20, 2017
spending with very high CEO pay and a lot of other things that are out of balance for an agency
that uses public dollars. This bill was proposed in order to reign that in and regionalize similar to
what is being proposed for Social Services. However, legislation has changed significantly since
it began in the House of Representatives. The original House version was good but the Senate
version will be detrimental to the mental health organizations and to the County. Two specific
points about this legislation is 1) the local connections that Partners has with DSS, Health, the new
HUB, and law enforcement would all be severed; 2) the original legislation addressed the problems
and issues that were the reason for the bill. It is desired to return to the original language of the bill
which will address the issues while keeping the partnerships. Partners Behavioral would like for
the Board of Commissioners to adopt a resolution and send it to legislators.
Commissioner Norman said there are always problems when the State wants to take the
money and spend it for you. The hub is just now arriving in Iredell County to help deal with mental
issues and this will take those funds away. Law enforcement will go back to traveling long
distances to take patients to mental facilities.
Smith said that Melton will assist in crafting a resolution. If the Board is in favor then the
resolution will be created and distributed by email for final approval.
Commissioner Norman said Partners is building mental health hubs all around the nine
counties to aid citizens without driving long distances.
Smith said this will need a motion in open session.
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to enter into Closed Session at 6:10 PM.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
The Board recessed from Closed Session at 6:55 PM until the regular meeting at 7:00 PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
June 20, 2017
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 20,
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, Finance Director Susan Robertson, Assistant to the County Manager Ben
Stikeleather, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory.
June 20, 2017
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:
Add: Administrative Matters, Memo VIII. 12, Request for approval of a Duke Power
Easement at Rocky River Elementary School.
Smith said a Personnel item under Closed Session was added at pre -agenda but was dealt
with during the closed session following pre -agenda.
Chairman Mallory added a discussion about Mount Mourne VFD under Unfinished
Business. Also, a resolution on HB403 to discuss under New Business.
OTION by Commissioner Norman to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Presentation of American Heart Association Award to Iredell County EMS: Amy
Craver, BSRS RT(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT), Heart and Vascular Center Outreach/RACE Coordinator
from Wake Forest Baptist in Winston Salem addressed the Board. Wake Forest is one of the PCI
receiving centers that handles and cares for cardiac arrest and heart attack patients. Craver has had
the opportunity to work with 27 counties in North Carolina and expressed pleasure to work with
Iredell County EMS. This year Iredell County EMS has earned the Mission: Silver Plus Life Line
Award for the outstanding care of patients with the most severe form of heart attack. This is a
nationally recognized award in partnership with the American Heart Association. The Plus
measure indicated along with the Silver Award indicates additional efforts and care that are beyond
the minimum requirements for this award. These include EKGs within 10 minutes of patient
contact and early notification of the receiving center. These acts have proven to save lives. Craver
presented the award to Director Blair Richey, Ryan Wilmoth, Lynn Hooper, Kristy Smyre, and
Eric Schenk. This is the highest award achieved by the first effort and application.
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to agencies outside the County that recognizes
the service that the EMS professionals provide daily. This year's budget includes a new truck and
eight staff as the demand continues to raise throughout the County.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Ron Smith summarized the following items that were placed on the
consent agenda:
June 20, 2017
• Request from Parks and Recreation for approval of BA #32 to appropriate South Iredell
Soccer Association's donation of $24,700 for the purpose of field restoration at Stumpy
Creek Park.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of a three-year lease extension with the
USDA for the Forestry Service and Rural Development Divisions housed at the Agriculture
Center on Bristol Drive.
• Request from the Finance Department for adoption of a resolution to sell real estate
concerning a house at 504 Woodlawn in Statesville using GovDeals Online Surplus
Auction.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of an updated financing plan for Trinity
VFD Building Project.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of the Services and Facility Agreement
at the new Trinity Volunteer Fire Department Public Safety Building.
• Request from Fire Services and Emergency Management to appoint Jody Smyre as the
Emergency Management Coordinator.
• Request from Emergency Management for approval of BA #33 to cover compensatory time
for an employee who is retiring on June 30, 2017.
• Request from Administration for approval of the lease agreement for the Probation and
Parole Offices located at 226 N. Tradd Street, 610 E. Center Avenue, 204 Cooper Street,
433 South Meeting and 221 Water Street.
• Request from Tax Administration for approval of May refunds and releases.
• Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on June 6,
2017.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval of a Duke Power Easement at Rocky
River Elementary School in Mooresville.
OTION by Commissioner McNeely to approve the consent agenda items.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Request from Administration for consideration of a reimbursement to the Town of
Harmony for a water drain project: County Manager Ron Smith said this request is a
continuation of a request from Mayor Joyce Rogers at the June 6 meeting. At the prior meeting
there was discussion of funding part of the project but there was no motion at that time. The
recommendation is that if the Board chooses to fund any of this project that those funds are paid
to the school system and not directly to the Town of Harmony. The Board of Commissioners is
responsible for capital projects for the school system.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to allocate up to 1/3 of the Harmony storm water repair
cost incurred by the Town of Harmony following construction behind Harmony Elementary
School not to exceed $25,000 and provided that the Iredell-Statesville School System contributes
the same amount. The allocated funds shall be distributed to the Iredell-Statesville School System
earmarked solely for the reimbursement to the Town of Harmony. The County Manager is hereby
authorized to negotiate any further terms necessary for distribution of these funds.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
BA#34 To appropriate contingency to the Iredell - Statesville School System for 1/3 of the
6/20/2017 cost of the Town of Harmony's storm water project
June 20, 2017
Account#
Current Budget I Change I Amended
105480 530200 Contngency (61,617 (25,000) 136,617
105700 560002 Iredell Statesville Capital Outlay 5,903,163 25,000 5,928,163
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
Social Services Board — 1 appointment
OTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint Alice Stewart to continue her years of
service on the Social Services Board.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
Chairman Mallory stated that Vice Chairman Bowles will be excused at 7:20 PM to attend
a public information meeting hosted by the Town of Mooresville. This meeting concerns citizens
and residents in the Bridges Farm area.
Chairman Mallory noted, for the record, that a quorum is still present to continue with the
regular meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
County Manager Ron Smith said a signed contract was just received from Mount Mourne.
This contract is required from all VFDs by July 1. Mount Mourne questioned funding that the
County had been holding back that was allocated for FY2017, based on a requirement of an
agreement with Mooresville. Mount Mourne had asked if the County would consider releasing
those funds.
Chairman Mallory asked for a motion to add this to the agenda for July 18, to review the
disbursement process of those funds. Also, to review the status of negotiations/discussions with
the Town of Mooresville Fire Department relative to issues of concurrent jurisdiction and
responses in leveraging their resources effectively.
OTION by Commissioner Houpe to add this to the July 18 agenda. Members from that
department and their board, along with Kent Greene, are asked to attend the pre -agenda meeting
to discuss moving this process forward and release the funding.
Commissioner McNeely reiterated that there has been some confusion in the past and this
will prevent confusion going forward as well as create an amicable solution.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 (Bowles was absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT
No one from the audience wished to speak.
Chairman Mallory gave a "shout -out' to Lincoln County Commissioner Martin Oaks who
is the Vice Chairman of their Board of Commissioners. Mallory expressed his appreciation for
Oaks attendance.
NEW BUSINESS
June 20, 2017 10
County Manager Ron Smith said Partners Behavioral Healthcare has been sharing
information about proposed legislation that would be detrimental to their organization and to the
State at large. Executive Director Rhett Melton told Smith that HB 403 is intended to reign in an
agency that has had some spending issues and running foul with tax payer money. In the early
stages of the legislation Melton was invited to provide comment and review the legislation. At that
time there were no problems with the language. However, at some point it changed when it came
before the Senate. That change is seriously detrimental to the organization. One reason to oppose
this legislation is the inability to interact with the local agencies such as DSS, Health, law
enforcement, and the new hub. All of those current relationships would be severed with the new
legislation. The second reason is that the original house bill is adequate. It solved the problems of
the rogue LME but was not damaging to other LMEs.
Commissioner Norman said there are other issues with HB403. It will effect, not only the
citizens of Iredell County, but a new mental health hub that is currently being built in Iredell
County. Law enforcement will no longer have to travel to Morganton or Raleigh because patients
could be housed here. This bill will cut funding and potentially loose the hub.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman for this Board to craft a resolution stating this Board
is in agreement with HB403, which is the House version not the Senate version. Also, to authorize
the County Manager to craft this resolution expressing the Board's support of HB403 as drafted
and the Board's desire for the legislation delegation to support HB403 in its original form. This
should be sent to state legislators.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 (Bowles absent)
Commissioner Houpe stated that he and Commissioner Norman are on the Education Task
Force and work with members of the community. Houpe said the school boards and Mitchell
Community College expressed their appreciation to the citizens of Iredell County, this Board, and
staff for investing in their school system. They also wanted to express appreciation to the Sheriff
and his department for the work of the SROs, the traveling trailer, etc. Houpe congratulated the
Administration of the school boards, their teachers, and staff and wished them all a safe and happy
summer.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Jail Project: County Manager Ron Smith said there has been a slight set -back in the jail
expansion. On Thursday, June 8, there was a second bid opening which came in high. At that point
there were conversations with the Project Manager, Architect, Construction Manager, and Sheriff
seeking ways to proceed. The Architect suggested to move away from the procurement method.
Currently the jail is in a Construction Manager At Rick process which has been redirected to a
single prime bid process. This will delay things about 60 days. There is no money spend for this
process but it will effectively test the numbers through the market. Bid packages will be sent on
July 2 to be returned on July 27 at 3:00 PM for the opening. If the numbers don't improve then
there will be decisions to make.
Commissioner Houpe said the cost of construction and materials are beyond the Board's
control. Quality and safety should not be jeopardized.
June 20, 2017 I 1
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to the County Manager, Sheriff, and all staff that
is working diligently to achieve efficiencies and savings but not at the expense of safety or the
provision of services to meet the needs of the County going forward.
Legislation Update: County Manager said SB126 which is the sales tax bill has begun to
move slightly. It has come out of the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations and has
moved to the Finance Committee. SB594 which is the DSS regionalization, seems to have stalled.
It has gone to four different committees and only received one recommendation. There hasn't been
any action since May 26.
Chairman Mallory said the discussion has shifted from mandating regionalization to giving
that option to counties that are able to provide the services and meet the state requirements.
CLOSED SESSIONS
Chairman Mallory said there are two items as a result of the Closed Session held after the
pre -agenda meeting.
OTION by Commissioner McNeely to call for a public hearing on July 18, 2017, at 7:00
PM, regarding an economic development incentive not to exceed $503,000 over a five year period
for Project Tea based on a $27.8 million investment in Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 (Bowles was absent)
OTION by Commissioner McNeely to call for a public hearing on July 18, 2017, at 7:00
PM, regarding an economic development incentive not to exceed $106,700 over a five year period
for Project Harmony based on a $5.5 million investment in Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 (Bowles absent)
Commissioner Houpe asked to give a shout out to staff for a great job while the County
Manager was on vacation.
ADJOURNMENT
OTION by Commissioner Norman to adjourn at 7:40 PM. (The next meeting will be
Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 5:00 PM, in the South Wing Conference Room, Government Center, 200
South Center Street, Statesville, NC)
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 0 (Bowles absent)
Date Approved
Retha C. Gaither, Clerk
June 20, 2017 12