HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 25 2002 Retreat MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING SESSION HELD ON
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2002 & SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2002
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met for a Planning Session on Friday,
January 25, 2002 and Saturday, January 26, 2002, beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Agricultural
Resource Center, 444 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC.
Present: Chairman Sara Haire Tice
Vice Chairman Karen B. Ray
Tommy E. Bowles
Steve D. Johnson
R. Godfrey Williams
Staff Present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, Finance Director Susan Blumenstein,
Support Services Director Jim Vernon, and Clerk to the Board Jean C. Moore.
Media in Attendance: Record & Landmark Reporters Allison Hart and Michele
Harrison, Charlotte Observer/Iredell Neighbors Reporter Jim Wrinn, Mooresville Tribune
Reporter Michael Roessler, Iredell Citizen Reporter Eileen Wilkinson.
Chairman Tice called the meeting to order.
BUDGET UPDATE AND REVIEW: Finance Director Blumenstein said this year's ad
valorem tax extimates would be short around $470,030. She said this was because the
anticipated revenue projections would not be met. In addition, she said investment earnings
would be short by $540,000. Mrs. Blumenstein said that most of the money was invested in the
North Carolina Capital Trust, and she communicated almost every other day with the brokers.
Blumenstein said the overall estimated revenue shortage for the county would be $1.6 million.
She said, however, that at the year end of June 30, 2002, $3,728,604 would probably be
remaining from unspent county departmental funds.
FY 2002-03 PROJECTED REVENUES & EXPENDITURES: Blumenstein
estimated the county's revenues for the upcoming year would be $100,949,982, and the
estimated expenditures would be $105,474,200 resulting in a $4,524,218 difference. She said
that if the fund balance were reduced by the $4.5 million to cover the difference, a 7.46% fund
balance would occur. Blumenstein said the Local Government Commission required an 8%
(one -twelfth of a budget) fund balance, and it recommended that counties the size of Iredell
retain a 16 to 17% amount.
County Manager Mashburn said he would like to build the fund balance, if possible.
Commissioners Johnson and Bowles said they would not be comfortable with a fund
balance that was lower than the present year's 10.5%.
Mashburn said the budget estimates did not include the proceeds that might be available
from the disposal of ten acres of land owned by the county in Mooresville. He said the county
was asking $750,000 for the property.
After further discussion, Mashburn summarized what he perceived to be the goals for the
upcoming budget. These were:
1. Maintain a fund balance of at least 10.5%.
2. Maintain the tax rate at the current level.
3. Maintain the same level of services.
Mashburn said the board had traditionally placed $2.5 million in the capital projects fund,
and he hoped this practice would continue.
DISCUSSION ON CONSTRUCTING OR LEASING SOCIAL SERVICES
SPACE/BUILDING: Blumenstein presented a spreadsheet that showed the principal and
interest that would be paid, the annual depreciation, the 50% reimbursement on the loan interest
from the federal government, for both the construction of a building and the leasing of a building
for the next 16 years. The information revealed that after the 16`h year, the net cost to purchase
would be $902,347. The net cost to lease would be $13,039,601.
UPDATE ON CURRENT CAPITAL PROJECTS: Support Services Director Jim
Vernon briefed the board on the capital projects underway and the ones in the design
development stage. Of particular note, he mentioned the maintenance department would lose
2,500 sq. ft. in the current bookmobile building and 7,500 sq. ft. in the Bryant Building when the
library construction began. He mentioned one solution would be to build a 7,500 to 10,000 sq.
ft. metal building at the Meeting Street Service Center site. He estimated the construction costs
would be $150,000 to $175,000. Vernon noted that if the building were constructed, it would
consolidate the entire maintenance department into one location.
BRIEFING ON HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES: Human Resources Director Carolyn
Harris discussed the following items.
Substantially Equivalent Personnel System: Harris said the employees of the Department of
Social Services, Health, and some Emergency Management staff members were subject to the
following portions of the North Carolina Personnel Act.
1. Recruitment, Selection, and Advancement
2. Classification/Compensation
3. Training
4. Employee Relations
5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA)
6. Political Activity
Harris said that in the past, the county had received assistance from the state in complying
with the Personnel Act. She said that now, however, due to state budgetary cutbacks and a
reduction in the workforce, the state would not be able to offer as much guidance. Harris said
the state had been working with the counties in an effort to make their personnel policies
substantially equivalent to the guidelines of the North Carolina Personnel Act. She said that with
a few modifications, Iredell County could already be deemed equivalent in
Recruitment/Selection/Advancement, Training and Political Activity segments. Mrs. Harris
cited the following advantages and disadvantages in having a substantially equivalent system.
Advantages • One personnel policy for all employees;
• Shorter waiting time for actions to be processed since they are done in-house;
• Pay/compensation criteria will be consistently applied;
• Will eliminate duplication of personnel files/records; and
• Will not be dependent on the State.
Disadvantages: • Computerized personnel program will need to be developed/purchased; and
• Will need at least one additional position in the county's Human Resources
Office to centralize functions.
Mashburn said other counties had already met the equivalency standards. Mr. Mashburn
said the Human Resources Office was pursuing the substantially equivalent system.
Commissioner Johnson said he understood the county would be reviewing what the state
had done in the past. He asked about the liability.
Mashburn said the county would be enforcing state laws.
Health Care Benefits: Harris briefly discussed pharmaceutical costs and trends.
CLOSED SESSION: After a 30 -minute lunch break, Chairman Ticeave to enter
into closed session for the purpose of discussing an Economic Development matter — G.S. 143-
318.11(a) (4) at 12:35 p.m.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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(No action resulted from the closed session, and Chairman Tice resumed the planning
meeting at 1:00 p.m.)
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON WATER NEEDS: The following individuals
attended the meeting and participated in the water needs discussion.
Name Representing
Keith Snoddy
Iredell Water Corp.
Victor Crosby
Iredell Water Corp.
H. Carson Fisher
Town of Mooresville (Engineer)
Rick McLean
Town of Mooresville (Town Mgr.)
Al Jones
Town of Mooresville (Mayor)
Rod Watts
EnergyUnited Water Corp.
James Holler
West Iredell Water Corp.
Harry Tsumas
Amity Development & Realty
Jan Woodside
Amity Development & Realty
Rob Hites
City of Statesville (City Mgr.)
Kelly R. Sheeks
Iredell County Health Department
Ron Smith
Iredell Co. Planning/Enforcement
Lynn Niblock
Iredell Co. Planning/Enforcement
(Note: Town of Troutman representatives were invited, but were unable to attend.)
Iredell County Health Director Ray Rabe served as the moderator for the discussion. He
said the county was facing major growth in some areas and that with the past drought conditions,
the commissioners were requesting information on the county's water situation.
Holler said the growth in west Iredell was primarily mobile home developments. He said
West Iredell Water could not install meters fast enough. He said 142 meters were installed last
year. Holler said the company presently had 1,200 customers, and water was purchased from the
City of Statesville and EnergyUnited (formerly Alexander Water Corp.). Mr. Holler said the
company had two pumping stations and both could be pressurized. He said the company was
presently installing two new lines (Sharon School Road and Wood Bridge Road). Holler said
West Iredell Water would be purchasing more water from EnergyUnited in the future. Mr.
Holler cited several problem areas in his company's territory. He said private wells had to be
taken over in the Mock Mill Road area. Holler said another area of concern was the Arcy Road
and Stamey Farm Road area.
Watts said EnergyUnited was active in the county. He said another connecting line with
West Iredell Water would soon be completed, and a study of the Love Valley area was being
conducted. He said EnergyUnited had a backup system with Hickory, and his company was
discussing a hookup with the City of Statesville. Watts said that recently, residents of the
Absher Farm Road area had asked for assistance. He said the residents complained about the
quality of their water, and they were told to obtain the number of households that would commit
to a line. He said, unfortunately, only eight households were interested.
Fisher said the Town of Mooresville had doubled its system's size since the 1980s. He
said the Town, which provides water and sewer, had 8,000 customers. Fisher said the system
had over 30 pump stations. He said an urban growth boundary had been created and this aided in
determining the Town's service area. Mr. Fisher said the Town hit 80% of its capacity in May of
2001. He said a water conservation plan, similar to Statesville's, would be used if the same
situation occurred in the future. He said the Town was discussing an interconnect with the
Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Department (C -MUD). Mr. Fisher said the Town was reviewing
a 45 -acre site for a new water filtration plant. Fisher said the Town's police department was
fully informed about the operations of the water system. (He mentioned this in response to a
question from Rabe on what measures would be taken if Lake Norman were exposed to an act of
terrorism.)
Snoddy said Iredell Water would finish up a $2 million project soon. He said his
company averaged about 300-400 new customers each year. Snoddy said the company hoped to
borrow funds for expansion into a new area of the county. He said Iredell Water tried to service
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as many people as possible at the lowest rate possible. Mr. Snoddy said the northwest sector of
the county was a difficult service area. He said this was due to the topography -- the vast
differences in elevation that could occur in just a small area. Snoddy said his company had
service up to the Friendship Church Road area and this was as far north as the coverage
extended.
Hites said the City of Statesville was developing a Land Use Development Plan. He said
the City was looking at natural ridge lines and was working with developers on areas that would
have service. Hites said Statesville did not desire to become another Charlotte.
Crosby said he had been talking with North Carolina Department of Transportation Board
Member Frank Johnson on the possibility of using state bridge money to impound water. He
offered an invitation to the attendees to join in this effort. Mr. Crosby said that several years
ago, he had requested the board of commissioners to create a water board.
Rabe asked the attendees if they saw a need for a taskforce or a board.
Fisher said he was unaware of any efforts to coordinate a group or taskforce. He said his
office communicated on a regular basis with Statesville.
Crosby said that if a multi -county board were created, he felt there might be money
available.
Fisher said the state was encouraging regional systems.
Hites said the City of Statesville was talking with Rowan/Salisbury about an
interconnect. He noted that Forsyth County had a link to Fuquay Varina. Hites said, "More so
than providing more supply, we are trying to protect our systems."
Sheeks said drinking water was probably one of the most regulated items in the state. He
said that from a health standpoint, health officials liked to see public water systems being used.
He said this was because of the high regulations placed on them compared to private wells.
Watts said Alexander County had a water taskforce; however, he was unclear as to the
group's mission.
Snoddy mentioned a problem with private wells going dry. He said this sometimes
occurred when one well was producing water, but later, after other wells or developments were
built, it (initial well) began to go dry. Snoddy said he could think of one example where Iredell
Water could have serviced an area where this occurred; however, the developers chose to install
private wells.
Commissioner Ray asked the effect of septic systems on private wells, especially in large
developed areas.
Sheeks said the health department was not seeing any evidence of massive groundwater
contamination.
Commissioner Ray asked how the department would know if this started occurring.
Sheeks said the residents could have their water tested. He said fecal coliform bacteria
would be evident if the water had been contaminated.
Smith asked about surface water contamination.
Sheeks said the size of the reservoir (Lake Norman) helped.
OTIO by Commissioner Johnson for the staff to research the policies of other water
companies (profit and nonprofit) and counties, in reference to a requirement for water service to
be rendered by a water company, if a company was willing to supply the service.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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Mayor Jones said the entire county needed to be consistent with water policies. He said
the developers should be told what pipe size needed to be installed.
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
MOORESVILLE GRADED SCHOOLS: Joining Supt. Bruce Boyles to discuss the
Mooresville School needs were: Mooresville School Board Chairman Frank Fields and staff
members Roger Hyatt (Asst. Supt. for Support Services), David Dutton (Finance Officer) and
Dr. Barry Shepherd (Asst. Supt. for Instruction and Human Resources).
Dr. Boyles said the OR/ED study had been very accurate in projecting the number of
students. In reference to current expense requests for 2002-2003, Boyles outlined the following
requests or needs.
• Anticipate a budget increase request within 5% of current per pupil budget (plus growth)
• Planned projects/programs include:
- implementation of an employee supplement increase plan recognizing years of
of experience
- Additional support services' positions
- Technogy support
- Begin preschool program
- Expand alternative school program
- Continuation of facilities' improvements for safety and accessibility
- Increased utility costs
In capital outlay, Boyles said the planned projects included:
- mobile classrooms
- additional buses
- debt service
- technology
- long-range facilities' design and planning
Boyles then discussed the capital requests for 2002 — 2006. These were:
1. New intermediate school for 750 students. (A property will have to be located.
The system will use a design utilized in the past to speed up construction.)
Projeettotal: $11,564,825
2. Addition to Mooresville Middle School Project total: 4,883,066
3. New elementary school for 500 students
(To be located behind the Kistler Road site.) Project total: $9,082,740
The total for all three projects is $25,530 631.
Dr. Boyles said the state recognized only one school system per county in reference to
buses and maintenance. He said the Iredell-Statesville System serviced the Mooresville buses.
IREDELL-STATESVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM: Acting Superintendent Julia
Williams was joined by Board of Education Chairman Vaughn Sprinkle and Finance Officer
Terry Haas to discuss the Iredell-Statesville School System's needs. Dr. Williams gave a
construction update on current building projects. She said Lake Norman High School was on
budget and it was 85% completed. In reference to Lakeshore Elementary and Middle Schools,
Dr. Williams said all of the punch list items had been completed and the final retainage was
being requested. She said the final sales tax refund had not been received. Also, she said the
Department of Transportation refund had not been received. Williams said the system desired to
put a canopy in the rear of Lakeshore, along with sidewalks, using the remaining funds of
$71,668.16.
Blumenstein asked if the Dickson & Odom audit figures would substantiate the
Lakeshore cost summary figures, and Haas said yes.
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Dr. Williams said the Third Creek Elementary School project was on budget. She
mentioned the school system had 145 mobile units, but it would not need to obtain anymore in
the upcoming year. She said the school officials were evaluating the uses of the properties at
Wayside and ADR. She said the Wayside property encompassed nine acres.
Dr. Williams then discussed five facility needs that were established by the Facility
Needs Task Force in March 2001. These were:
New Western Zone Middle School $ 14,910,000 +
Replacement buildings/expansion for Scotts Elementary School 7,965,000
Replacement buildings/expansion for Harmony Elementary School 4,376,500
New Southern Zone Elementary School 12,759,500
Additional building/renovations for the Bus Garage 1,890,000
Dr. Williams said the bus garage was built in 1959 to service 90 buses. Williams said the
garage serviced 215 school buses, 31 activity buses, and 122 maintenance and driver education
vehicles. She said additional space was needed. Williams said the School Facilities Task Force
had recommended that an additional service building (20,000 s. f) be built on the existing site.
Dr. Williams said the cost would be $1,890,000 to renovate the existing building and construct
the additional structure.
In reference to the funding for the building projects, Blumenstein said, "From May of
2003, we could structure a bond of about $30 million. In 2003-04 some of the interest could be
funded, and in 2004-05 some of the interest and principal could be funded."
Commissioner Johnson said he felt some undesignated money could be used for the
western zone middle school land acquisition.
It was the consensus of the commissioners for the county staff to draw up a resolution
regarding the funding for the new western zone middle school land purchase and to include a
provision regarding a financing arrangement for the Scotts Elementary School project, the
Harmony Elementary School project, and the new southern zone elementary school project.
MITCHELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (MCC): The college was represented by:
President Doug Eason, Board of Trustees Chair Joe Troutman, Board of Trustees Member Frank
Fields, Vice President for Development William Findt, Vice President of Finance Dick Lefevre,
and Director of Facilities Gary Johnson.
2003.
Eason said the board of trustees was submitting the following budget requests for 2002-
1. HVAC system for the library and student center $500,000
2. Parking lot repair and expansion on the main campus 200,000
3. Security lighting and sidewalk construction for the main campus 150,000
4. Roof repairs for the library and student center 30,000
$880,000
Dr. Eason said the college would open bids for the Mooresville center expansion next
week. He said the expansion would be covered by bond money. Eason said the college's bond
money was split two ways ($3 million new construction and $2 million renovation).
Eason.
A ten year, long-range plan consisting of the following items was also described by
Main Campus $10,044,973
Continuing Ed. Ctr. 5,688,823
Mooresville Ctr. 1,040,408
Deferred Maintenance 1,760,000
Total $18,534,204
Chairman Tice thanked the Mitchell College representatives for their presentation and
announced the meeting would resume at the Historic Vance Hotel in Statesville, NC.
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Historic Vance Hotel
226 South Center Street
Statesville, NC
6:30 P.M. Dinner Meeting, Friday, January 25, 2002
Mark Heath, Senior Vice President for the Charlotte Regional Partnership, was the guest
speaker for the evening. He said the partnership assisted in economic development for a 16 -
county region in North & South Carolina. Heath said the partnership was created in 1991 and
was funded through public and private funds. Mr. Heath said Iredell County, with its two
interstates, should consider "land banking." He said sites near the I-77/1-40 connection should
be purchased and protected until development could occur. Heath said counties sometimes
worked together in multi -ventures to aid in economic development, and this practice was used
extensively in Virginia.
Melanie O'Connell Underwood, economic developer for the Mooresville -South Iredell
area, said she was seeing an increase in inquiries. She said the Mooresville -South Iredell region
continually tried to obtain diverse projects. Underwood said a large retirement center had been
announced last year along with an $80 million Lowe's project. She said the racing industry was
active in her area. Underwood said 1,500 new jobs were announced last year.
Jeff McKay, the economic developer for the Statesville area, said the county needed to be
adaptable. He said it was important to retain the industries already here. McKay was optimistic
about future development, and he said the county would remain competitive.
North Carolina 42"d House District Representative Frank Mitchell said the General
Assembly had raised the income tax levels for some people, and this might diminish the
attractiveness of the state and county for some industries.
North Carolina 43rd House District Representative Mitchell Setzer and North Carolina
39`h District Senator Jim Forrester also attended. Dr. Forrester asked what impact would occur if
the Hornets Basketball team left Charlotte.
Heath said that sports teams generated many jobs. He said it would hurt the Charlotte
area's image if the basketball team left. He said the Charlotte region could never pay for the
advertising that naturally occurred by having a sports team.
North Carolina Division 12 Department of Transportation Board Member Frank Johnson
said infrastructure drew industry, and that Iredell County's sections of I-77 and I-40 would be
resurfaced. In addition, he said a new diamond would be constructed for the Jane Sowers Road
area, and a new interchange for Exit 36 in Mooresville was scheduled.
At 8:00 p.m., Chairman Tice thanked the dinner guests for attending and recessed the
meeting until 8:00 a.m., on Saturday morning.
Continuation of the Planning Session
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Agricultural Resource Center
444 Bristol Drive
Statesville, NC
8:00 a.m.
Chairman Tice called the meeting to order. All commissioners were present.
PRESENTATION FROM DAVID SWANN, AREA DIRECTOR/CEO FOR
CROSSROADS BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE: Swann discussed North Carolina House
Bill 381 (Mental Health Reform Legislation & State Plan). He said mental health remodeling
was a national trend, but the North Carolina General Assembly passed HB 381 due to:
1. Mental health programs in the state were overburdened and under funded.
2. The state officials were tired of hearing complaints about the system. The state feels
the local jurisdictions have not done enough.
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Swann said the reform would be guided by:
1. The Mental Health System Reform Act (Session Law 2001-437 House Bill 381)
2. The State Plan of 2001 (Blue Print for Change)
3. The Local Business Plan (Under control of County Governments)
Mr. Swann said Iredell County would need to select a mental health method of
governance, and he requested a decision by March of 2002. The governance options are:
• A single -county program (must meet criteria)
• A single county area authority
• An interlocal agreement pursuant to Article 20 of Chapter 160A of the
General Statutes; or
• A multi -county area authority (Crossroads' current method. In the future, the
counties will not have to be contiguous.)
Mr. Swann also said:
• The state currently had 38 area authorities, but this number would probably be reduced
to 20 by year 2007.
• The focus of the reform is to change from supply management to demand management.
(A cost analysis sheet, per service, is being prepared by Crossroads.)
• The new state policy says, "Within available resources, it is the obligation of the
state and local government to provide mental health, developmental disabilities
and substance abuse services to meet needs of consumers in the least
restrictive, therapeutically most appropriate setting and to maximize their
quality of life." (Swann said this had never been written in this manner before.
He said the statement was written in a way, where the state and counties, would be
liable in class action suits, e.g., Willie M. and Thomas S.)
• The area authority or county program, shall contract with other qualified
public/private providers, agencies, institutions, or resources for the provision of
services. (Swann said some of his employees were already looking for other
jobs.)
• The county, or area program, shall develop Local Business Plans that will be in
effect for three years beginning January 1, 2003.
• There will be changes in the structure of the governing boards.
Commissioner Williams requested that Swann research the average cost per county for
the services.
Swann said he would prepare the information. He added that he would like a
subcommittee to aid in the preparation of the local business plan. He said he had approached Dr.
Jane Carrigan Testerman, a member of the Crossroads' Board of Directors, about steering the
committee.
UPDATE ON BALANCED GROWTH INITIATIVES: Planning Supervisor Ron
Smith briefly discussed the seven balanced growth initiatives researched by his office. He said
1,400 acres of land had been approved for protection, under the Farmland Preservation
Ordinance, and another 1,700 acres were in the review process.
SUBDIVISION INTERCONNECTIVITY: Smith, who had been requested to research
the interconnectivity matter, shared the following draft amendment for the subdivision
ordinance.
In cases where it is deemed suitable and beneficial to the overall
public good, the Subdivision Review Committee, upon recommendation
by the Subdivision Administrator, and NCDOT, may require that proposed
public roads shall be extended by dedication to the boundary gl'such property
being subdivided and a temporary turn -around be provided.
Upon development of the neighboring property the same situation shall
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apply and a through street shall be created. Being a public road,
maintenance of it shall be the responsibility of the NCDOT upon
dedication by the developer.
Commissioner Johnson said he didn't feel the county should mandate the
interconnectivity since there might be creeks and gullies involved. He said the developers
shouldn't be asked to build bridges, but he felt there were some situations were interconnectivity
might be feasible.
Commissioner Bowles said the developers would have to give up property for the roads,
and he felt the amendment could be written in a more acceptable manner.
Smith raised concerns about higher -priced subdivisions that might abut lower -end
developments. He said that in this instance, the homeowners might not want interconnectivity.
Mr. Smith said he would continue to research the issue and share his information in the future.
Local developers Harry Tsumas and Robb Collier, in attendance at the meeting, made a
few remarks. Tsumas said developers had to work with different types of typography. Collier
said interconnectivity could possibly enhance some developments.
Small Area Studies: Commissioner Johnson requested Smith to continue his work on
small area studies, especially in regards to future designation of areas for industrial development.
SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES: Director of Planning/Code
Enforcement Lynn Niblock reviewed a draft substandard building ordinance. He said his
department currently relied on the state building code for guidance. Niblock said the state code
was written whereby "buildings just about had to be ready to fall down, and it had to be proven
there were life -safety problems, before corrective action could be taken."
Commissioner Williams asked what would trigger the inspections department to use the
proposed ordinance.
Niblock said it would primarily be complaints from the public. He added that if a
burned -out property was being investigated for arson, his office could not do anything until the
law enforcement's investigation was completed.
It was noted that the draft ordinance, as written, would apply to abandoned/vacant
structures, as well as occupied residences.
Bowles said he had concerns about the ordinance.
Williams also voiced concerns.
Johnson requested for the matter to be discussed again in the future, perhaps at an
upcoming budget discussion.
POSSIBLE APPEARANCE STANDARDS FOR MOBILE HOMES: Niblock said
the county assessor had recently shared information about North Carolina House Bill 253 ratified
on December 3, 2001. He said the legislation changed the definition of real property in regards
to singlewide mobile homes. Niblock said that prior to 2002, singlewide mobile homes could
not be listed as real property unless they had living areas added that made them multi -sectional.
He said the new legislation indicated that if the moving hitch, wheels, and axles were removed,
and the singlewides were on a permanent foundation, they could be listed as real property.
Mashburn said the standards were being presented for information at this time, and they
would be on a future agenda.
POSITION RECLASSIFICATION IN THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: Finance Director Blumenstein recommended that a
position reclassification be approved. She recommended that Colin Barnes be reclassified from
an Information Tech Consultant — Grade 72 (Salary Range $36,906 - $57,206) to a Network
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Administrator - Grade 73 (Salary Range $38,588 - $59,811). She said there were sufficient
funds in the Information Systems Management budget to cover the 4.5% increase.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to approve the position reclassification of an
Information Tech Consultant - Grade 72 to Network Administrator - Grade 73.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
DISCUSSION OF A BRANCH LIBRARY IN HARMONY, NC: Commissioner
Williams said he still felt the upcoming budget could be reduced enough to aid the proposed
Harmony library. He mentioned that Mayor Campbell was proceeding with the library's
construction.
Commissioner Bowles asked where the money would be found.
DISCUSSION ON IREDELL-STATESVILLE'S REQUEST FOR FUNDING IN
REFERENCE TO THE BUS GARAGE: Commissioner Bowles asked about the possibility of
allowing some of the school buses to be serviced at the county's vehicle service center.
Support Services Director Jim Vernon said the county had space at the Tradd Street
facility.
Mashburn said this was true at the current time. He noted, however, the county would be
in the transportation business when the Vocational Workshop ceased its van service. Mashburn
said the county would then have to service and maintain 15 additional vans.
PROSPECTIVE TENANT AT THE IREDELL COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CENTER -SOUTH: Vernon said he had talked with an agency that was in need of 20,000 sq. ft.
of office space. He said the agency had 100 employees and would need parking to accommodate
that many private vehicles along with 30 company cars. He said discussions would continue.
ADJOURNMENT: At 11:20 a.m., Chairman Tice motione to adjourn the Planning
Session. (The commissioners had a 30 -minute lunch break and then proceeded to Hickory, NC
for a tour of a library constructed by Calloway Johnson Moore West.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
NEXT MEETING: February 5, 2002, 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Approved:
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Clerk to the Board