Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember_21_2017_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE -AGENDA MINUTES November 21, 2017 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre -agenda session on Tuesday, November 21, 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, 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 adjustment: Add: Administrative Matters — Item VIIIA Discussion of the Personnel Policy concerning accruals of vacation time; VIII.5 Discussion of the I-77 Local Policy Advisory Group ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Health Department for permission to write-off uncollected patient accounts in the amount of $23,415.12: Health Director Jane Hinson stated this is the 2014 bad debt write-offs which total $23,415.12 and is required to be brought before this Board. Letters were mailed at intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days plus a letter from the County Attorney. If there is a valid social security number and the debt is greater than $50 it is taken to debt set-off. Since 2005 over $100,000 has been collected. The total amount is all private pay with no Medicaid write-offs. Staff works aggressively to collect all Medicaid funding. Commissioner Houpe asked if patients with bad debt write-offs are allowed to return for services. Hinson said if they return within two years of service the contract is required to be brought up to date with what is owed. If there is no contract in place then 50% of the balance will establish a new contract. However, some programs cannot be denied such as minors, child health, and emergencies such as dental or maternal. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Tax Administration for approval of the October refunds and releases: All were in order. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on November 7, 2017: There were no corrections. November 21, 2017 This item was placed on the consent agenda. Discussion of the Personnel Policy concerning accruals of vacation: County Manager Ron Smith said this is a continuation of a discussion from the Fall Retreat concerning the accrual of vacation and sick time. The current policy has an 80 -hour cap for the number of hours that can be transferred to sick leave. Vacation is capped at 240 hours per year. The change will remove the 80 -hour cap and all vacation over 240 hours can be transferred to sick leave. Research has shown that Iredell County is the only county in the State that still had this rule. Vice Chairman Bowles asked to clarify that this will enable employees to roll over vacation without trying to use it or lose it at the end of the year. It will also allow employees to bank hours into shared leave if they choose. Smith said that is correct. This time is earned and can be used toward retirement. County Attorney Lisa Valdez said if this is an ordinance then it will need a public hearing. Chairman Mallory said the motion to call for a public hearing will be made at the 7:00 meeting. Commissioner McNeely asked if this will be effective immediately upon approval after the public hearing. Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson said yes, accruals are not calculated until late December. Discussion of the I-77 Local Policy Advisory Group: County Manager Ron Smith said a letter was received from Secretary of Transportation James Trogdon asking to assemble a group of local officials, community and business leaders. This group will provide local input based on a Mercator report of various options of the I-77 contract. Commissioner Jeff McNeely volunteered to attend these meetings. This item was placed on the consent agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Iredell-Statesville Schools Gate Guards: Commissioner McNeely suggested that, after 60 days, there needs to be a review of the quality of the security guards. There have been complaints in the past that the guards were not doing their jobs. Chairman Mallory said the task force will have an inquiry and review of security over the next few months. Commissioner Houpe stated that he and Commissioner Norman plan to make site visits. Commissioner Norman said gate guards will not solve all of the problems. Outside doors are being left unlocked and staff is not taking security seriously. Commissioner Houpe said the gate guard is the first line of defense. They are not to act as a deputy or to physically interact. Their job is to call for help. The Sheriffs Office is already involved with other types of security items. Chairman Mallory said school administrators and school board should be part of the conversation. Administration and the school board are responsible for operations and policies. November 21, 2017 Chairman Mallory moved the Board into Closed Session at 5:38 PM. The Board returned to open session at 6:40 PM. Concealed Carry Survey: Commissioner Houpe suggested that the employee survey go only to the departments and employees that would be affected by the concealed carry policy, if implemented. Also, Houpe feels the surveys should not be anonymous as the only people that will read/review the surveys are senior staff and this Board. Chairman Mallory feels there needs to be a definite breakdown by department. However, participation should be encouraged and therefore, anonymous responses may bring a larger number of replies. If certain concerns need to be addressed then it can be done by department. Smith said the questions will be open-ended with a chance to explain their answers. Chairman Mallory suggested to address and discuss all issues by department and then give the survey again. Smith said the survey will ask if the survey taker is in a supervisory position which may make a difference in the response. Commissioner Houpe suggested that if the concealed carry is implemented that all disciplinary actions/hearings should take place at the Government Center with Human Resources and not at the individual departments. This meeting could have witnesses and some type of security or deputy attend as well. Commissioner McNeely said this should be only for serious disciplinary actions. Vice Chairman Bowles said some department heads expressed concerns that some employees with recurring issues should not be allowed to carry. Smith said that after some research the feelings of the department heads is split almost in the middle of for and against. Some that were definitely `against' in the beginning has migrated over to being `for' a new policy. Smith said the survey will go out at the beginning of the next week. First Tryon Financial: Smith stated that ECOM's latest numbers on the project will be plugged into the model. First Tryon will take those numbers and report back. The Board recessed at 6:50 until the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES November 21, 2017 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 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 November 21, 2017 Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Strategic Planner Ben Stikeleather, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory. INVOCATION: Chairman Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of silence and to remember law enforcement, first responders, and all emergency services personnel especially during the busy holiday season. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA County Manager Ron Smith made the following adjustments: Add: Administrative Matters — Items VIIIA Discussion of the Personnel Policy concerning accruals of vacation time; and VIII.5 Discussion of the I-77 Local Policy Advisory Group. OTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the adjusted agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS (None) APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Request from Allyson Sigmon, President of Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter, Inc., to introduce their program and to adopt their proclamation: Allyson Sigmon, of Catawba, and President of Pink Heals introduced Darlene Huffman, CEO. Sigmon stated that Pink Heals is a group of firefighters, EMS, police officers, and business owners. However, primarily it is a group of current and retired emergency personnel and their families. It is a 501(c)3 organization who raises awareness and funds for families in their time of need. The focus is to bring the community together to help everyone in times of need. All funds raised are given back to the community. Funds are divided into $200 increments and then paid directly to a doctor or pharmacy or a fuel card or a grocery card. Help is provided for all illnesses or diseases. They have one pink truck and another truck is in the process of being painted pink which are used to make home visits. The request is to adopt the proclamation of support to bring Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter into Iredell County. Pink Heals has already been adopted in Catawba, Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, and Lincoln Counties. Vice Chairman Bowles stated that this Board receives many requests such as this. However, when the opportunity came to meet and talk with Ms. Sigmon it was apparent this organization is truly genuine in trying to help the community. Bowles said he is whole-heartedly in support of this organization. Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation and suggested the organization mesh with the Sheriff's Office and keep this Board informed of all success stories. Commissioner McNeely thanked the organization for giving of their heart and time but then ask for nothing in return. November 21, 2017 4 Chairman Mallory commended the organization for filling a need and giving of themselves. Commissioner Norman thanked the entire organization for the helping communities in need. Chairman Mallory thanked Vice Chairman Bowles for bringing this cause to the attention of the Board and for sponsoring this resolution which was read into the record. Proclamation of Support Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter, Inc. Whereas, the Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter, Inc., drives pink fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and business sponsored vehicles throughout our community and America carrying forth the "Cares Enough to Wear movement. This is not a single month of awareness but a yearlong movement among emergency services. Whereas, Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization that raises awareness and funds for families and non-profit entities that assist women and their families in the time of need. Pink Heals brings a community together out of Lr I, not on behalf of a cause, ribbon, or a Targe corporate charity. Pink Heals uses the color to represent women and their families NOT a specific disease or illness. This is not about breast cancer, but about ALL illness and needs within a community that can be cured or supported by keeping all money raised local. Whereas, Pink Heals NC Foothills Chapter, Inc. is a group of firefighters, police, EMS, and other civil servants who proudly wear . Pink Heals NC Foothills, Inc. is 100% non-profit and 100% volunteer. No one from the organization is paid nor are they compensated in any manner. Whereas, Pink Heals NC Foothills, Inc. is wishing to bring love and support to the citizens of Iredell County beginning December 1, 2017. This is to be done by assisting families battling ALL illnesses and diseases within the county. This will be done through home/work visits with the vehicles in conjunction with emergency service personnel and businesses in the jurisdiction. This will also be done by raising funds within the community to assist said families with financial needs by direct payments being paid to illnesses based bills. Whereas, beginning on this day, the county commissioners with the support of the citizens of Iredell County will support the non-profit of Pink Heals NC Foothills, Inc. The governing body of Iredell County will support the efforts of Pink Heals NC Foothills, Inc. in bringing awareness to the citizens in Iredell County. Now, therefore, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the support of Pink Heals NC Foothills, Inc. throughout Iredell County and encourage all Iredell County Citizens to recognize the positive impact this nonprofit organizations has on the quality of life of the citizens and the Commonwealth of Iredell County. Adopted this 2l't day of November, 2017. xxxxx MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowles to adopt the proclamation. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public hearing for the consideration of an economic development incentive for Project Elsa: Economic Development Director Russ Rogerson presented an expansion opportunity for Cheney Brothers, Inc. This company is a food service distributor based in Riviera Beach, Florida, with sales of approximately $1.9 billion. They are family owned and were founded in 1925. They purchased Pate Dawson in 2016 and obtained operations in Statesville, Goldsboro, and Greensboro. The former Dawson property is located at 195 Business Park Drive in the Statesville Business Park off of Highway 70 East. The 98,000 sq. ft. building does not allow Cheney Brothers to operate in a full service manor. Cheney Brothers, Inc. is proposing to invest $20-24 million into the Statesville facility by adding 160,000 sq. ft. and hire an additional 105 employees paying the County's average wage over the next five-year period of time. The cost of new construction and the need to obtain additional land, adjacent to the facility, places the Statesville facility in direct competition with South Carolina and Georgia options. Therefore, in order to incentivize the November 21, 2017 company into choosing Statesville it is recommended to approve a five-year incentive no greater than $465,000 for an investment of up to $24 million. Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation for the economic development group for all of the hard work. Chairman Mallory said this project has been almost a year in the making. These types of incentives give Iredell County the extra edge in a highly competitive environment. Commissioner McNeely said this company is a good fit for Iredell County and hopefully be a model for other companies. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. OTION to approve an economic incentive not to exceed $465,000 over a five-year period for Cheney Brothers' Project Elsa based on the company's investment of a minimum of $18 million and contingent upon a contract being executed with 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Public hearing for the consideration of an amendment to an approved incentive grant for Mack Molding: Chris Younger announced Project Victory, which is Mack Molding, and their increased plans for expansion of their Statesville facility. They are a manufacturer and long-time corporate citizen of Iredell County. The expansion will be an additional 65,000 sq. ft. and could reach $6 million in investment. The previous approved total was $4,850,000. This project is expected to be complete by the end of 2019. The request is for the previously approved incentive package granted to be increased accordingly with the new investment. This would increase the tax grant back amount to approximately $23,280 per year for five years, totally up to $116,400. Commissioner McNeely stated it is great to see companies invest in Iredell County and even more exciting to see companies wanting to invest even more in Iredell County. This company has been long-standing in the community. Chairman Mallory said these incentives are foregoing additional tax revenues. The primary focus is to get good wages from good employers for the citizens of Iredell County. Therefore, foregoing some of those additional property tax revenues is the goal of getting good jobs to provide income for the citizens of Iredell County. Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to approve a amendment to a prior economic development incentive granted in the amount up to $116,400 over a five-year period for an additional investment of $1.15 million with a new total investment of $6 million in Iredell County and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS November 21, 2017 County Manager Ron Smith summarized the following items on the consent agenda: • Request from the Health Department for permission to writ -off uncollected patient accounts in the amount of $23,415.12. • Request from Tax Administration for approval of the October refunds and releases. • Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on November 7, 2017. • Discussion of the I-77 Local Policy Advisory Group. As a result of that discussion, Commissioner McNeely was appointed as the representative of Iredell County on this group with Chairman Mallory as the alternate. This group is being formed by the Secretary of Transportation to bring local comments and review of the Mercator Report and the I-77 project in general. OTION by Commissioner Houpe to adopt the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Discussion of the Personnel Policy concerning accruals of vacation time: County Manager Ron Smith said this was a discussion of Article 5, Section 5 of the Personnel Ordinance and deals with the accrual of vacation and sick leave. Currently there is a limit of 240 hours of vacation per year and any additional hours can be transferred to sick time up to a cap of 80 hours. The proposal is to remove the cap of 80 hours and allow unlimited accruals over the amount of 240 hours to go into sick leave. There will be no cost to the County but would go toward the employee's retirement with the Local Government Retirement System. Since this is an ordinance a public hearing is required. Therefore the request is to approve the call for a public hearing on December 5. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to schedule a public hearing on December 5 to consider a change in the Personnel Ordinance concerning the accrual of vacation. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Statesville Airport Commission — 1 announcement. Chairman Mallory said the Board appoints a representative to the Statesville Regional Airport Board. The current member is former Commissioner Steve Johnson. However, he has recently been elected to the Statesville City Council and will resign the position on that Board upon being sworn in as a Councilman. Commissioner Houpe has been the alternate. OTION by Commissioner Norman to suspend the rules and to move forward with the appointment of Commissioner Houpe as the primary appointee to the Statesville Airport Commission with Chairman Mallory as alternate. VOTING for the suspension of the rules: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 VOTING for the appointment of Houpe as primary appointee and Mallory as the alternate effective upon the date of Steve Johnson's swearing in as City Councilman: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS November 21, 2017 7 Chairman Mallory stated there had been many concerns communicated about the absence of gate guards at the high schools. Commissioner Houpe and Norman investigated the safety and security of the schools. Commissioner Houpe said the Education Task Force meets regularly with the school's task force and community leaders. Due to funding shortfalls the schools made some internal cuts. However, there have been many comments received from the community to consider bridging the gap temporarily, from December of 2017 to June of 2018. Gate guards are intended to be the first line of defense. The Task Force will be charged to research and review security at all of the high schools in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office and school staff to determine permanent funding streams and ways to make the campus a hard target. Commissioner Norman expressed appreciation to the many parents who brought this issue to the attention of the Board. MOTION by Commissioner Norman to appropriate $91,000 from contingency to pay for security or gate guards from December 2017 to June 2018. At that time the situation will be reviewed. Commissioner McNeely feels that this is kind -of rewarding bad behavior. This was not well thought out when the gate guards were not renewed. However, the young people and children of this community must be protected. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to the Board for fielding various queries about this issue and then acting quickly with a temporary solution pending a full review of options to provide a safe and secure environment for schools and work. BA#15 To appropriate contingency to fund gate guards at the Iredell-Statesville Schools and 11/27/2017 Mooresville Graded School District high schools through ,tune 30, 2018 Account # Current Budget Chane I Amended Budget 105480 530200 Contingency 232,487 (91,000) 141,487 105700 560009 tredell-Statesville Sch Guards - 70,858 70,858 105700 560209 MGSD - School Gate Guards 20,142 20,142 No one wished to speak. PUBLIC COMMENT NEW BUSINESS MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to call for a public hearing on December 5, 2017 at 7:00 PM regarding an economic development incentive not to exceed $503,000 over a six-year period for Project Eager based on a $23.6 million investment in Iredell County. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0 COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Ron Smith commented on the following items: • Summary of the Fall Retreat: The Planning Department went through a residential development report which shows that the County is growing. The growth is tied November 21, 2017 geographically in the County and can be tracked actively through building permits. This information is important for future planning purposes and important to the school as well. This information can be viewed on the web site. There was a long discussion about the County's strategic plan and task force initiatives which showed a number of achievements and accomplishments made by this Board. There was a report from First Tryon Advisors who are the advisors of debt services and capital projects. They presented a capital planning model overview which provided a wealth of information. This model could be beneficial when used with the Schools' Facilities Task Force and for all capital projects in the future. There are 25 actions items from the Fall Retreat that staff is working on and progress will be reported. One of those items was the amendment to the Personnel Ordinance which was addressed during this meeting. • Barry Whitesides: Whitesides, who is a member of the Planning staff, was seriously injured on September 26. He suffered very significant injuries and is still hospitalized. The Planning Department is sponsoring a BBQ fundraiser to help with the medical bills. The BBQ will be on Wednesday, December 6, from 11:00 to 2:00. CLOSED SESSIONS Closed Session was held after the pre -agenda and Commissioner McNeely made the motion under new business. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Houpe wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and God's blessings on this County, State, and Country. Commissioner McNeely reported that he is serving of the Agriculture Steering Committee with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and a meeting is scheduled in Raleigh on Thursday, November 30. This meeting will be to set a legislative agenda for the upcoming legislative conference in February. OTION by Commissioner Norman to adjourn at 8:00 PM (The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 5, 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 November 21, 2017