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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay_15_2017_Budget_Session_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION MINUTES May 15, 2017 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Monday, May 15, 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, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance Director Susan Robertson, Assistant Finance Director Deb Alford, Budget Analyst Susan Cornell, 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. General Government: County Manager Ron Smith began the meeting by explaining the budgets under General Government. The Board was reminded that most of the increases are going to be in salaries and benefits for either a position that may have been requested or positions that may have been approved last year with subsequent increases to that line item. Most of the capital has already been discussed. Smith discussed the budgets for the Commissioners, Administration, and Human Resources. HR asked for a $10,000 for EnviroSafe which is a company that will review the current safety programs and develop a safety plan. Safety has been one item that has been placed on the back burner. Individual departments have done their own but nothing uniform. This company will create plans for this year and they could do training later. Commissioner Norman asked about a Safety Director on staff. Smith said there hasn't been one since 2011. This is an investment in the safety of the employees. Smith continued with Elections and Finance. The new Kronos time keeping program is in the operating budget. Tax and mapping have minimal increases. Commissioner Houpe asked how many positions are currently open that could be frozen but not lost. If some could be frozen it may free some finds to repair the Government Center. Smith said departments are questioned if an open position is truly needed. Commissioner Houpe asked if any positions have been frozen in the past. Vice Chairman Bowles asked the typical timeframe of an open position. Smith said normally openings are filled fairly quickly. If a position stays open for six months then it will be examined more closely for justification. May 15, 2017 Commissioner Houpe asked if any positions have required qualifications that may be over stated. Smith said he would get that information for the Board. Most turnover is in public safety, ECOM, EMS and DSS. Smith continued explaining Information Technology, Register of Deeds, and Facility Services. The Register of Deeds asked for another position but it may not be filled at this time. The previous budget was cut to the bone and the current Register of Deeds is trying to correct many areas. Smith feels this department is moving in the right direction. The request for a carpenter in Facility Services was cut from the budget along with a truck. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the salary study was included. Smith said no, it will be in General Governmental. Assistant Finance Director Deb Alford said this year's merit increases are included. Smith continued with the Buildings' budget. There were several items that were pulled because they could be repaired with this year's budget. Vice Chairman Bowles asked the timeframe for replacing the building for Vehicle Services. Smith said it is pretty far down on the priority list but the need is definitely there. Commissioner Houpe asked about adding something for the security improvements of the Government Center. Smith said it's possible to cover it under the Facilities Improvements' Fund. The exact cost is still unknown at this moment. Smith continued with Courts and Legal. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if legal will be able to take over the loss of free legal for the Board of Elections. Jones said election laws are specialized. Elections is still using their attorney but now everyone has to contribute to the cost. Smith continued with Economic Development. The estimated pay out of economic incentives is shown with a recommendation of adding $300,000 in product development. A few years ago the County did not contribute to this fund but it is slowly building back. Chairman Mallory asked the fund balance for that line item. Robertson said it is $1.1 million with the recommended $300,000. Smith said General Governmental includes the salary study. The next item was Special Appropriations. A recent request was made by Chairman Mallory to show how the special appropriations fit into the strategic plan. Many special appropriations have been on the list for many years. Smith explained that ICATS was added because they have requested $10,000 as a match for the express service to Davidson. The justification is that ICATS is asking the same from all of the communities. Attention was brought to Iredell Kidney Dialysis Org. The Kidney May 15, 2017 2 Coalition facilitates the transportation of dialysis patients with ICATS. They have been given money from United Way to help fund, however, the cost of service through ICATS has been escalating over time. There are at least 35 or more patients that have multiple trips per week. A grant should have been written six months ago but wasn't for several reasons and now the money has passed by. The $50,000 will allow ICATS to continue to run the service as long as United Way contributes as well. The service can run until October of 2018 with the understanding that a grant application will be written through United Way to get funding through ICATS and back to what it should be. If these conditions are not followed then this item should be review next year. Stikeleather said Medicaid covers only patients that qualify. This group specifically covers patients that do not qualify for Medicaid. Many cases are people who are wheelchair bound and family members do not have vehicles to assist them. The dialysis organization is all volunteer staff and it is a lot to oversee in the grant writing process. Smith said the dialysis organization qualifies for more grant money than if the County had applied for the grant. Stikeleather said United Way will assist them next year. Commissioner Norman asked if the $50,000 is going to the Kidney Foundation or to ICATS. Smith said it will ultimately get to ICATS. Smith said Third Creek Watershed has increased due to maintenance on dams. Commissioner McNeely thought the watershed would be under Soil and Water and asked to clarify the purpose of their appropriation. Vice Chairman Bowles stated that Soil and Water are asking to purchase a truck. Smith said he could not clarify everything that funds go to but that agency is almost a County department. Robertson said that Soil and Water is part of county government in many other counties. Commissioner McNeely asked if Rowan County is contributing to the dams. Smith said no, Rowan County does not contribute anything. Vice Chairman Bowles said many years ago he attended a Rowan County Board of Commissioners' meeting with Joel Mashburn. Rowan was asked to own up to a promise they made to help with the dams. It was almost an upheaval. The farmers got really upset. They agreed to pay but then didn't. He feels it would be worth revisiting. Smith will start a conversation with the Rowan County Manager and see where it goes. Commissioner Houpe asked for a list of necessary repairs for the Government Center to prevent further deterioration. He also asked if this project was entirely cut from the budget. Smith said it wasn't all cut. There will not be anything new put into this building. Commissioner Houpe suggested that instead of putting $300,000 in Economic Development it should be used for the Government Center repairs. He feels this is a necessity May 15, 2017 3 because it is only going to cost more money in the long run. Very little is pulled from Economic Development on a regular basis. He suggested to pull $250,000 for repairs. Smith said the $240,000+ was a capital improvement line item and there is money from the project ordinance of $240,000 that was already accrued. However, that is only the "have-tos" and there is still a lot to do. The building is over 100 years old and water has been the worst enemy. Some of the items were moved to next year. If the Board wants, there is $300,000 designated in FYI 8-19 that would be the second phase of this complex so this could be funded with the $300,000 from Economic Development. Commissioner Houpe feels it will only continue to get worse and cost more money if repairs are delayed. Smith said this discussion should continue with the CIP portion of the budget. Smith continued with the Development Services budget. Commissioner Houpe asked if Building Standards is using part-time employees and suggested to use retirees especially during the summer when workloads may be heavy. Smith said the Director is using some retirees part-time. Smith continued with the Planning Department, Central Permitting, and Cooperative Extension. The Director of Central Permitting has resigned due to health problems and those duties will be redistributed. Smith continued with Human Services budgets. There is a request for a Human Services Planner who would be solely dedicated to substance abuse prevention and issues. However, some other options are being researched with ABC money and grant funding. Chairman Mallory feels people are more important than buildings. The Human Services Planner is a critical person to bring on -board to continue the work of the task force. He feels this needs further discussion along with renovations, economic development, etc. Vice Chairman Bowles said the ABC Boards are statutorily required to put 7% of their profits toward substance abuse. This positon is requested for the opioid addiction task force which has changed names to Drug Abuse Free Iredell. This person will be solely dedicated to keep these programs and the momentum going. The most pressing need is the opioid addiction. Every state in the union has the same problem. Smith said the total for this position is $61,000. Health Director Jane Hinson said Partners Behavioral Health's budget proposal was allocating $25,000 for each of the eight counties to go toward additional dollars from other entities for a full-time position. When the strategic planning began and the action plans were developed, there were four subcommittees created. Those subcommittees meet regularly but there is so much work involved with all of these. Smith asked if the Board wants this position to stay in the budget. Vice Chairman Bowles believes this position is a priority and should be kept in the budget even if outside funding is not available. This substance abuse problem is getting worse. May 15, 2017 The Board agreed to keep this position. Chairman Mallory asked about the easement to create a new entrance into the Health Department. Smith said that is still being researched. Smith continued with the Department of Social Services. Negotiations are continuing with DEQ at Government Center South. DSS Director Yvette Smith said the State is moving all of the programs into their system and they will cover the costs. For instance Day Care was $4 million and the State has taken ownership. They will bring it into NC Fast and will pay the providers. The County DSS budget was submitted with no money toward NC Fast but then the State came back and said they may not be ready. Therefore, the budget changed to include S 1 million for three months coverage. Medicaid transportation is another program the State is taking and will pay the providers which will not flow through the DSS budget. NC Fast is coming to Child Welfare. This work will be done in the field and they have suggested to use iPads to be more efficient. The request is for ten iPads to phase in during the spring of 2018. Robertson said the budget reflects 40 tablets and the amount is already recognized. Yvette Smith said she would like to phase them in to compare before purchasing 40. Commissioner McNeely suggested to only buy what is needed. Robertson said the budget can be changed to reflect only ten. Vice Chairman Bowles said if the iPads work well and the department wants to proceed mid -year to purchase more then a budget amendment can be made. The Board took a ten minute break at 7:45 PM. Smith continued with budgets for the libraries. There was some discussion on how the library is being used today. Jones said the library is still being used by many people but they are going to use the technology that they do not have at home, especially to apply for jobs on-line. Stikeleather said parents are still taking small children to the reading sessions. Smith continued with Parks and Recreation. Smith said Parks/Rec Director Michelle Hepler may be making some changes due to the retirement of a staff member. Chairman Mallory believes that within the next few years the Board should be thinking about what is the best design and best way to staff the libraries and Parks/ Recreation to meet the needs of the citizens. Commissioner Houpe asked about a property swap with Jennings Park. Smith said Jennings Park is long and narrow. There is a cut-out on one side of about 7 acres which is privately owned. The owners approached the County to offer a trade, acre for acre, of that 7 acre tract for a buffer around the property where they live near the end of the park. There was no problem with this offer but when Hepfer responded the couple had changed their mind and had May 15, 2017 added a price. Each conversation evolved with more conditions which is not agreeable. Hepler will make one more attempt at the original offer of an even swap. This is the only way the County will participate. Jones explained the Capital Improvement Plan. The fiber connection for the new Public Safety Complex along with Animal Services and Cooperative Extension is included. The VOIP will extend to other departments such as Elections and Facility Services. The additional radios for ECOM is the final year for VIPER 800MHz that the County is funding to get all county departments on VIPER. The DSS project for Government Center South has increased in cost. Smith said part of the DSS renovations could go away. Originally it was planned to renovate 20 offices on the second floor. If DENR agrees, it may be possible to renovate 6 offices on the fourth floor for DENR and in return the County will take over the DENR offices on the fourth floor. Jones explained the structural repairs for the Government Center in Statesville with some work being pushed out to FY18-19 and FY19-20. This is only for repairs and does not include security measures that have been discussed. Commissioner Houpe asked the cost of outer structural and paint. Smith said $240,000 is estimated to repair the portico, roof, and front columns. Commissioner Houpe suggested to move $300,000 with $240,000 into repairs and $60,000 for the position for the Health Department. He then changed and said to move $250,000 into repairs and $50,000 to the Health Department. Smith asked if $250,000 could be found through the lease with DENR could $250,000 be put back into Economic Development. Commissioner Houpe agreed that would be fine. Chairman Mallory said those funds should be parked somewhere to fund the Chaplain/Counselor position. Commissioner McNeely has no problem with putting money into Economic Development but feels it should be used in projects to multiple such as things at the airport, etc. Smith said the repairs are very complex which is another reason for stretching it over a couple of years. Also, the shrubs at the front of the building must be removed because of the size and drainage problems. Robertson said priorities are to have the funds accumulated for the jail so that when the GMP is received the County can enter into a contract to begin building. Robertson explained the options of taking the fund balance down to 18%, 17.5%, or 17% and finance 75% the Public Safety Complex cost. Smith said the estimated numbers for the Public Safety Complex does not factor in the grant that is being pursued. The award amount from the grant is unknown at this time. Jones said ECOM is a regional dispatch but one thing that could help is being a back-up for Alexander County because if crosses county lines. They have mentioned that once Iredell is May 15, 2017 6 established as a back-up they would actually be interested in Iredell dispatching for Alexander. That would get Iredell points toward a higher award in the grant. Chairman Mallory asked about Huntersville. Jones said Charlotte is dispatching for Huntersville but they have reached out to Iredell and Cornelius for possible dispatching. Candy Strezinski put together some numbers and Huntersville is very interested and they will be discussing it with their Board. Dispatching for Huntersville would also add favorable points toward the grant. Smith said he told Strezinski that if Huntersville proceeds with an agreement it should be treated as an enterprise because they are not county people. Commissioner Houpe asked about the recommended fund balance with the ratings agencies. Robertson said they would like to see 18% maintained. Currently the County is in the best financial shape ever and the bond rating agencies will not degrade for dipping down occasionally. Commissioner Houpe does not feel comfortable going below 18%. He asked about the interest on the 75% for 10 years. Robertson said the County typically structures financing for level principal plus interest which saves on interest costs. Vice Chairman Bowles said it is important to stay with at least 18% because of the unknowns with the sales tax. Chairman Mallory believes this is a good plan to take advantage of the County's good credit and take care of other necessary items. Commissioner Houpe would like to see an agreement with the financing agency to have no penalties for early pay off. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if ECOM would be the only PSAP for Huntersville. Jones said all of the phone calls for Huntersville, estimated at 40,000, would be answered here. Commissioner Houpe asked how much counties' charge for this type of agreement Jones said staff has hypothetically estimated the cost of staff needs and added that to the budget and then took a percentage, estimated at 11%, which would be about $350,000 per year. Huntersville is very eager and asked if the County might entertain a two or three year contract at a set price which could be renegotiated in two -three years. They wanted to start as soon as possible with the understanding that the complex will not be ready until 2019. Smith said ECOM is packed now and does not feel any extra staff can be added at this time. Vice Chairman Bowles suggested that maybe one position could be housed at the Mooresville Fire Department. Jones said ECOM estimated one 24 hour position to handle the calls for Huntersville. May 15, 2017 7 Chairman Mallory asked again about the financing of the Public Safety Complex. Robertson said calendar year 2017 is the time to finance. Governmental units can issue up to $10 million in a calendar year if that is all they are issuing. It is called direct placement tax exempt financing. The bank will give a very low interest rate because they will not have to pay any taxes on the interest paid to them. However, it is capped at $10 million. The refunding was done in December and there are no GOs issued until next spring for Mitchell. Robertson asked permission to amend the jail project ordinance and build into the general fund the fund balance appropriation, all of which will be reflected in the budget ordinance for next year. The Board agreed. Robertson continued with the County Wide Fire Tax District. One thing that was considered during discussions was that the County did not appropriate any funds to out -of -county departments for insurance. This budget includes an appropriation to those out -of -counties VFD and it is based on the area served within Iredell County. Another changed is that in July the County will have the full debt service for Cool Springs VFD. FY2017 has been interest only. This will also cover debt for Trinity of interest only plus a $265,000 appropriation to them as seed money for their building, which is the same that was paid for Cool Springs. It maintains the 7% tax rate. This budget also includes $337,700 for the purchase of radios. Vice Chairman Bowles stated the County has a commitment from Cool Springs and Trinity that once the old building is sold, those funds will be rolled into the new project. There is also a commitment from both departments that if they ever cease to exists that the deed reverts back to the County. Commissioner Houpe asked if there are any signatures on fire service contracts. Smith said the amended draft has just been received and there is a meeting scheduled for later in the week. This meeting is the last chance for the fire departments to make any objections. There are no signatures yet but several are willing to sign. Commissioner Houpe asked if there needs to be a deadline date. Smith said yes. The effective date of the budget is July I and feels the contracts should be signed by then. Chairman Mallory asked if the contract is not signed are the funds withheld. Smith said yes. Commissioner Houpe asked if there is a contingency plan if a department doesn't sign. They may have money to operate but they will not be allowed to operate. Smith said Director Kent Greene is diligently and strategically trying to get signatures from cooperating departments in order to cover the county should there be any holdouts. Vice Chairman Bowles said Mt Mourne asked for an increase in tax. They are a voted -in district. The taxes were increased the last two years. The reality is that their district is being taken over by Mooresville. They are on an unstainable course in that voted -in district. What is left of May 15, 2017 that district is not going to produce enough tax dollars to sustain the normal operations of that fire department. They must pick a partner such as Mooresville. Robertson brought attention to the worksheet for Trinity VFD. They have already spent $200,000 for land. Construction and site work is estimated at $4.2 million and it is proposed that $300,000 be built in the CIP for FY 18 and the county wide fire tax district to contribute to the fund balance. Trinity will then finance the remainder. Over a five year period the County will `Ye -pay" $388,000 plus interest that Trinity will be including in its financing. Robertson continued with individual fire tax districts for East Alexander, Mt. Mourne, Shepherds, and Troutman. Mt. Mourne is currently recommending the 6¢ rate. There is $66,550 set aside in contingency reserve when the tax went to 6¢. It was to be paid when they worked out a contract with Mooresville. Vice Chairman Bowles clarified that the increase they asked for last year has not been realized. Robertson said that is correct. They haven't worked out an agreement with Mooresville. Originally the increase was not recommended and there had been some annexation that shrank their base some. The half -cent was approved with Board direction that they were to create a cooperative agreement with Mooresville, but that did not happen. General statutes dictate that even if they walked in with a contract the Board must approve it before money can be expended. Jones said there has been no conversation at all with Mooresville. Mooresville is more than willing to talk about this. Mt. Mourne did a 30 -day pilot to be dispatched on all calls. This pilot ended last week which they would like to continue but to -date it has not been extended. Commissioner Houpe said this is not justified Robertson said Troutman requested an increase of 1¢ but it is not recommended. They asked for six additional full time employees, $350,000 down payment on new construction, and a $1,250,000 loan to expand. Smith said they did not receive the same rescue bonus that was given to Iredell Rescue and North Iredell Rescue. The increase in their levy is about $211,000. Robertson said the description Troutman gave is `replace Station 1 construction loan of $1,250,000.00' and for next year they budgeted $90,000 which is probably for interest. Smith said there has been no formal request but the contracts will require an in-depth look at funding for staff of the fire departments. Smith asked if the Board agrees with the fire tax as recommended. The Board agreed. Vice Chairman Bowles said that if the Town of Troutman annexes then it will j ust be taking money from one pocket and putting it in another. Stikeleather said annexation brings water/sewer and increased property valuations. The people in town pay fire tax. Chairman Mallory asked if money is dedicated for each station per year for capital. May 15, 2017 9 Robertson said those that are in the countywide fire tax district does get some, but part is for a truck fund that they are supposed to accumulate. It is not done for the voted -in districts unless the existing tax rate is going to result in more revenue than the expenditures they requested to cover. At that point it is built into the capital reserve to run into a fund balance. Commissioner Houpe asked if that was supposed to be held back in an apparatus fund and allocated to each department. Robertson said only for the vote -in, it will go to that fire district fund. Commissioner Houpe believed it was discussed at the Winter Retreat to build a capital fund instead of giving them the revenue. Robertson said she did not realize that was voted on and did not build it that way. Vice Chairman Bowles said it was just the Countywide Fire District departments because statutorily money can't be spent from one to another. Commissioner Houpe said the County was going to maintain the fund and build from year to year for apparatus as a replacement fund. Smith said that wasn't for this year. The contracts should be first. Commissioner McNeely thought the discussion instructed Kent Greene to do the research in the market place for cost. If a department spent more for a particular item then they had to justify. They need to remain separate entities. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if it stays in capital reserve for Shepherds or Mt. Mourne's account then it is essentially their nest egg. Robertson said it stays with the County which is the current case, the capital reserve rolls into the fund balance of that fire district fund. In order for them to draw down those funds they have to appear before the Board and explain their need. Smith said that is where the spec trucks come into play. Chairman Mallory stated that it has been discussed about a Chaplain/Counselor/First Responder need. Mallory asked if the County could pitch in a certain amount but this position is really for the benefit of the fire/rescue services. During the upcoming meeting with the departments maybe it could be discussed to get a feel if such a position would be beneficial and what would they be willing to contribute, collectively, to fund that position. Then maybe the County could fill in some, but not all. Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Kent Greene would talk about this. Chairman Mallory said he did not know the proper mechanism for this but maybe it could be initially contracted through Greene's department and not as an employee. Robertson said it could be contracted if the person is truly an independent contractor. If the County is the only customer and perimeters are set then that person would be an employee. If they are in the business and have other customers then it is a thin line. It could be paid out of the Emergency Management budget. When contributions come in they could be withheld from the fire tax districts and transferred to the General Fund to help support the position. May 15, 2017 10 Commissioner Houpe said the fire departments are standalone agencies and therefore they are different customers. Couldn't the contract contain a small line item that they agree to pay a certain amount per year towards a counselor/chaplain? Robertson said if it is in the contract then the County would just reduce the amount paid to the fire department. Greene could ask if they are interested during the upcoming meetings. Chairman Mallory stated that if the County pitches for this position then this person could service the EMS groups as well. The Sheriff's department has their own support. This person could also have the invocation at the Board meetings. Robertson said most fire departments are the center of the community and probably have a church, or multiple churches, that are closely connected to the department. Chairman Mallory said this person would coordinate with the local pastors, but he has technical training for PTSD. Commissioner Houpe feels that men are the worst to not share their feelings with local pastors for fear of friends and neighbors finding out. This person would not be part of the core group but would be available and keep it confidential. Commissioner McNeely asked if the funding for this position could be considered through the local churches. That way there is community cooperation and they realize there is a need. Chairman Mallory would like to add this position to the budget but solicit those contributions which may be enough to cover the entire cost. But if it doesn't, the need is still there. He asked if the Board agreed to the County paying 50% if the departments would pay 50%. Smith expressed concerns on the title of Chaplain. The title needs to be non-religious. Legal advice said it would be difficult to use County funds for a position with that title. Chairman Mallory said the person being considered is a retired Army Chaplain and will continue to be a Reserve Army Chaplain. He is trained to minister to folks who are non-believers, believers of other faiths, and he is used to dealing with people wherever they are. This person could be called a counselor/trauma specialist, etc. Also, because he is an ordained Army Chaplain why can't the Board invite him to have an invocation at the Board meetings? That would meet the legal requirements set out by the Supreme Court. Smith said this position will have to be done in a very specific way with the job description. Smith continued with JCPC and ICATS. ICATS is an enterprise fund. Solid Waste is also an enterprise fund and many items were discussed through capital. Robertson said there are several different insurance funds. The County is self-insured and this year it will be administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Commissioner Houpe asked about the clinic. Robertson said HR is working very closely with USI. It is planned for October 1. Smith said staff is working with USI and Iredell Memorial Hospital. However, estimates are leaning toward USI. Smith recapped the findings: May 15, 2017 I 1 • Research open positions for possible freezes • Talk to Rowan County about dams; keep opioid position • Down to 18% in fund balance and follow the 75% financing pian • Move the Economic Development of $300,000 and apply it repairs of the Government Center and opioid position • As the budget is built show the fund balance appropriation for the jail capital project fund • Kent Greene will start the conversation concerning the trauma counselor position. The tax rates will stay the same for fire districts and the deadline for signatures on the contracts will be July 1. Smith said the budget ordinance will be created and preparation will be made for the adoption after the public hearing on June 6, 2017. Vice Chairman Bowles asked to discuss the public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, for an ETJ in Mooresville. He spoke to the developer about the potential plans and suggested a Plan B. It is expected that there will be a lot of upset residents at the meeting. After conversations with the County Manager and the Planning Director the developer was told that the public hearing will continue as scheduled, listen to all of the public comments, listen to all of the questions from the Board, and then it will be tabled until another plan can be created to satisfy all parties. Bowles said there are three options: 1) turn down the ETJ and Mooresville does what they want eventually; 2) the Board approves the ETJ release and it develops under Mooresville's standards which means there will be a traffic study, water/sewer to area, some storm water run-off plan and better for the area under Mooresville's guidelines; 3) the can develop, by right under county zoning, for half as many house with septic and wells which is a bad plan for development in that area. The better plan is to release the ETJ, allow Mooresville to add more restrictions and let Mooresville develop it. At that point the water/sewer will be there. Environmentally package plants is not the best thing for this area. Mooresville should just go ahead and annex the area. Commissioner McNeely asked if Mooresville could authorize their own traffic study. Commissioner Houpe said they have and can. Vice Chairman Bowles said they have but they won't. They want the ETJ to start the process. Commissioner Houpe said Mooresville needs to be the caveat for a development for the water/sewer. Mooresville has the authority to annex as often as they want, they can authorize Planning and Zoning to review the plans upfront. Mooresville has known about this project and it was rumored that Mooresville approved it in February. It was on the June agenda until questions were raised and it was moved to December. They are telling people that once the ETJ is released they have to annex but all they really have to do is establish zoning within 60 days. If the Board can broker on behalf of county residents, to exit out to Williamson Road, maybe 2 houses per acre, and a stop light at Ponderosa. Mooresville could do the TIS (Traffic Impact Study). ponds. Chairman Mallory said there are also some water run-off issues. Commissioner McNeely said the owners are supposed to be taking care of three retention May 15, 2017 12 Chairman Mallory said the Board's only leverage is the ETJ and the Board will do what is best for citizens. Commissioner McNeely believes the motion should be tabled until July. Chairman Mallory said that a motion is tabled until it is retrieved not necessarily for the next meeting. Commissioner believes it should be tabled for at least 60 days. During the public hearing the facts need to be stated and the developer will have time to meet the concerns of the concerned citizens. Adjournment: Chairman Mallory adjourned the Board at 9:30 PM. Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk May 15, 2017 13