HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 7 2002 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
MAY 7, 2002
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 7,
2002, at 7:00 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street,
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, County Attorney Bill Pope, Finance
Director Susan Blumenstein, Planning Supervisor Ron Smith, and Clerk to the Board Jean
Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Tice.
INVOCATION by Commissioner Williams.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES FLAG: Members of
Boy Scout Troop 176, affiliated with Oakdale Baptist Church, led the pledge.
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: OTION by Chairman Tice to adjust the
agenda by the following actions.
Deletions: • Request from the Department of Social Services for Approval of a
Six Month Pilot Project Involving Flex -Time Options (delayed until May 21, 2002)
• Presentation from the County Manager Regarding an hnpoundment
Structure on Hunting Creek (see briefing minutes)
Additions: • Request for the Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing
Susan Blumenstein or Suprenna Tabor to Purchase a Certificate of
Deposit from Piedmont Bank
• Request from Project Challenge for the Approval to Use Office Space
at the Juvenile Court Counselor's Facility on Stockton Street in
Statesville, NC
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
RECOGNITION OF THE TEACHERS IN THE IREDELL-STATESVILLE
SCHOOL SYSTEM AND THE MOORESVILLE GRADED SCHOOL DISTRICT WHO
RECENTLY ACHIEVED NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION: MOTION by
Chairman Tice to approve the following resolution in recognition of the teachers recently
achieving the National Board certification.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
RESOLUTION HONORING TEACHERS IN THE
IREDELL-STATESVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM
MOORESVILLE GRADED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR ACHIEVING NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION
WHEREAS, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent,
nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to establishing high and rigorous standards for teachers and
improving student learning in American schools; and
WHEREAS, all 50 states have taken action to participate in the National Board Certification
program; and
WHEREAS, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has developed a national,
voluntary system to assess and certify teachers; and
WHEREAS, 29 teachers recently achieved the national certification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of the Iredell County Board of
Commissioners hereby congratulate Pamela Bumgarner, Paula Cress, Cathy M. Duckett,
Nancy S. Gardner, Carol Hardison, Susan D. Lee, Beverly A. Stewart, Sandra Ellis, Teressa
Helms, Vicki Hedrick, Pam Isenhour, Donna Johnson, Teresa Johnson, Penny Ledbetter, Donald
Lourcey, Wanda McConnell, Kim Miller, Sherri Moran, Dewana Nealy, Lynn Rainwater, Robin Reeves,
Vicki Romeo, Paula Sharpe, John Sherrill, Wendy Stroud, Erica Thaxton, Elaine Turner, Stacy Williams,
and Patricia Wilson for achieving the national certification and for increasing their knowledge and skills.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the members of the Iredell County Board of
Commissioners honor these exemplary teachers and commend them for their tireless efforts in the pursuit
of teaching excellence.
This the 7°i day of May 2002.
The teachers who were able to attend the meeting were congratulated on their
accomplishments and presented a copy of the resolution. Dr. Julia Williams, the Superintendent
for the Iredell-Statesville School System, and Dr. Bruce Boyles, the Superintendent for the
Mooresville Graded School District, attended the meeting with the teachers.
Chairman Tice noted that May was Teacher Appreciation Month, and she thanked and
praised all of the educators in the school systems.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
PRESENTATION OF THE HOME & COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT
(HCCBG) FUNDING PLAN FOR FY 2002-2003 BY ANNA RICE, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR FOR THE COUNCIL ON AGING: Mrs. Rice said May was Older Americans
Month. She said the older population in Iredell County was growing at a rate faster than the state
average. Rice said 23,000 people in the county were 60 years of age or older, and 11,000 of
these were 70 years of age or older.
Rice then described the following services that would be funded out of the HCCBG funds
during FY 02-03.
SERVICES
BLOCK GRANT FUNDING
Access
In-home
Other
Transportation
$117,725
Adult Day Care
$ 51,977
Senior Center
94,766
$ 15,125
In Home Level I
(Chore Services --fight housekeeping)
109,037
In Home Level 11
(Certified Nurses' Assistant Care that
Provides Relief Time for Unpaid Care
Givers)
122,218
Congregate Meals
105,653
Home Delivered
450
Supplemental Meals
TOTALS
$117,725
$255,780
$243,44
Grand Total
$616,951
OTION by Commissioner Johnson to accept the FY 2002-03 Home and Community
Care Block Grant Funding Plan as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
2
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for an Undisclosed Industry
(Incentive up to $112,800 Over a Five -Year Period): Economic Developer Jeff McKay
introduced James Lestorti, the Chairman and CEO of LesCare Kitchens, Inc., and Tim Longino
(Managing Director). McKay said LesCare Kitchens was a cabinet manufacturer that desired to
locate in the county and utilize the former King Arthur/Thonet site. Mr. McKay said the
company proposed to have a first -phase investment of $6 million and employ 60 to 150
individuals. He said the cabinetry work would be "high-tech," and the county's economic
incentive policy would allow the company to receive $112,800, over a five year period, due to
the investment. McKay said the company would use the funds to renovate an existing building.
Commissioner Williams asked when the company would begin operations.
Lestorti said his company would like to target the fourth quarter of this year as the
opening time. Mr. Lestorti said that in five years another 500 jobs might be added. He said the
company began in 1945 as a small woodworking facility in Waterbury, Connecticut. Mr.
Lestorti said the company had two major plant facilities with over 400 employees making it the
largest privately held kitchen cabinet manufacturer in the United States.
No one else spoke, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Bowles to approve the economic incentive grant of
$112,800, over a five year period based on a $6 million investment, for LesCare Kitchens, Inc.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing and invited the individuals
desiring to speak in reference to Conditional Use Case No. 0204-1 to come to the dais and be
sworn in.
Request for Approval of an Amendment to the Land Development Plan Regarding a
Rezoning Request from Ronnie Taylor, an Applicant for the Kathleen Martin Property,
(Case No. 0204-1) from Residential Agricultural to Highway Business Conditional Use
District (Location: 866 W. Memorial Hwy., Harmony, NC): Planning Supervisor Ron Smith
said Kathleen Martin owned property where the applicant, Ronnie Taylor, desired to operate a
refrigeration equipment repair business. Mr. Smith said the proposed site was located
approximately 2,400 feet east of the intersection of Eagle Mills Road and Hwy. 901 (PIN#4862-
70-1966). He said the site was currently vacant, and one of the county's solid waste transfer
stations was on an adjacent property. Smith said Mr. Taylor had worked with the planning staff
to create the following conditions for the business.
I . Use of the property shall be limited to that proposed (light equipment repair with outside
storage and vehicle trailer parking).
2. No billboards shall be permitted on the property.
3. Signage shall be limited to one non -illuminated sign with a maximum sign face of 36
square feet.
4. Roadway landscaping on the front portion of the property will be required. This will be
accomplished either by a row of shrubs or trees at a ratio of 15 per 100 linear feet.
5. Paving of the driveway from the pavement of the road to the right-of-way edge.
Smith said Mr. Taylor desired to put a steel building on the property with a driveway. He
said the daily traffic count on Hwy. 901 was low, and it could accommodate the operations of
the business. Smith said that, initially, the planning staff had concerns about the lack of
commercial development in the area; however, he said the road was a major thoroughfare. Mr.
Smith noted that the transfer station was on an adjacent site, and there was commercial node
located at the intersection. He said the planning board on April 3, 2002, in a vote of 8-2,
recommended approval of the request.
3
Commissioner Johnson asked the concerns of the two planning board members that voted
against the request.
Smith said they had concerns about potential spot zoning. He said there was really "no
clear cut" answer on spot zoning -- what was legal and what wasn't.
Ronnie Taylor said his repair service involved multi-million dollar medical units or
trailers used for PET (Positron Emission Tomography) CT (Computerized Tomography) and
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans. Taylor said the site would be used for the short-
term storage of the mobile units and there would be low traffic impact on the highway. He said
the trailer units would be worked on one at a time, and they did not contain anything that would
be harmful to the environment.
Commissioner Bowles asked, other than the air conditioning system, what would need
refrigeration.
Taylor said the magnets in the MRI units had to stay at a certain temperature. He said
liquid helium was involved. Mr. Taylor said the repair work was specialized and the closest
facility in the southeast doing similar work was in Atlanta, Georgia.
Commissioner Williams noted the area chosen for the business was in an isolated area.
He asked about security.
Mr. Taylor said an eight -foot fence would be erected with an electronic gate. He said the
units would be to the backside of the property with trees lining the road frontage.
No one else spoke, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to amend the Iredell County Land Development
Plan as it related to Case No. 0204-1 (Specialty Refrigeration Services).
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
OTION by Commissioner Williams, after reviewing the findings of fact relating to
Case No. 0204-1 (Specialty Refrigeration Services) and finding them to be in order, to grant the
request and rezone the property from Residential Agricultural to Highway Business Conditional
Use District with the five conditions outlined by the planning supervisor.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Tice declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Request for the Approval of an Amendment to the Iredell County Zoning
Ordinance Regarding Non -Profit Retreat Centers: Smith said his office had been working
on a zoning violation case involving a non-profit retreat center in a Resort Residential District.
Mr. Smith said the case had revealed a discrepancy in the zoning ordinance. He said non-profit
retreats were allowed in Residential Agricultural (RA) Districts, Rural Residential (RU -R)
Districts, and Single Family Residential (R-20) Districts, and he didn't see why they were
eliminated from Resort Residential (RR) Districts. Smith said his staff had looked at
disallowing non-profit retreat centers in the R-20 districts; however, after review, it was found
there wasn't much difference between RA and R-20 with the exception of the exclusion of
mobile homes.
Smith said the planning board had recommended that a definition of non-profit retreat
centers be written for the ordinance. He said the following had been written.
Retreat Center, Non -Profit. A facility operated by a corporation or
association of persons or churches for social and recreational purposes.
The retreat center must be owned by a not -for profit organization.
Commissioner Bowles asked the districts where Moose Clubs or Elks Lodge's would be
permissible.
4
Smith said these would be defined as clubs and traditionally they were located in
commercial districts. He said applicants could petition in a RA district for a special use permit
for these types of clubs.
No one else spoke, and Chairman Tice adjourned the hearing.
OTION by Commissioner Bowles to (1) continue with the practice of allowing non-
profit retreat centers in RA, RU -R and the R-20 Districts after a special use permit has been
obtained (2) amend the zoning ordinance by allowing non-profit retreat centers as a permitted
use in Resort Residential Districts and (3) amend the zoning ordinance by inserting the definition
of non-profit retreat centers as defined by the planning supervisor.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
---------------------------------------------------CONSENT AGENDA -------------------------------------
OTION by Chairman Tice to approve the following 12 consent agenda items.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
1. REQUEST FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR
APPROVAL OF THE ABANDONMENT OF PORTIONS OF SR-1100/BRAWLEY
SCHOOL ROAD (0.46 MI.), SR -3005 TORRENCE CHAPEL ROAD (0.07 MI.), SR -3006
TUSKARORA TRAIL ROAD (0.01ML) & SR -3012 GAINSWOOD ROAD (0.07 MI.) DUE
TO A REALIGNMENT PROJECT: (Planning Supervisor Ron Smith said during the agenda
briefing that the Division 12 Office of the State Department of Transportation had requested the
abandonments due to a realignment in conjunction with an improvement project. He said the
road section eliminations were done in an attempt to correct a sharp curve.)
2. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AND AGREEMENT FOR
THE CABARRUS/IREDELL/ROWAN CONSORTIUM FOR THE HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP ACT: (The following resolution was approved.)
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS TO ENTER INTO A JOINT COOPERATION AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE
CABARRUS/IREDELL/ROWAN CONSORTIUM
WHEREAS, the County of Iredell, North Carolina has determined that the health and welfare of its
jurisdiction may benefit from increasing the availability of safe, affordable and standard housing; and
WHEREAS, the County of Iredell has determined that providing safe, affordable housing will benefit
work force productivity and area economic development; and
WHEREAS, a cooperative approach to providing housing in Iredell, Cabarrus, and Rowan Counties will
avoid duplication of effort and promote more effective delivery of housing services; and
WHEREAS, a consortium of local governments may be entitled to receive funds from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of North Carolina that they may be unqualified to
receive individually; and
WHEREAS, the Cranston -Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 makes provisions whereby
units of general local government may enter into cooperation agreements and form consortia to undertake or assist in
undertaking affordable housing pursuant to the IIOME Investment Partnership Program; and
WHEREAS, the County of Iredell, North Carolina, as a cooperating unit, along with other units of general
local governments desire to form the Cabarrus/Iredell/Rowan Consortium to undertake or assist in undertaking
affordable housing under the Cranston -Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990; and
WHEREAS, Article 23 of Chapter 153A of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes units of local
government to enter into contracts or agreements with each other in order to execute any undertaking.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY OF IREDELL THAT:
k'
1. The County of Iredell hereby supports the formation of the Cabarrus/Iredell/Rowan Consortium. The
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute an agreement with other participating units of
general purpose local government in Iredell, Cabarrus, and Rowan Counties to create and sustain this Consortium.
2. The Chairman is further authorized to sign all contracts, grant agreements, including certifications,
approved by the County Attorney, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of North
Carolina or other Agencies as may be required to carry out activities of the Consortium.
Adopted this 7th day of May 2002 in a regular meeting of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners in
Statesville, North Carolina.
3. REQUEST FROM PROJECT CHALLENGE FOR THE APPROVAL TO USE
OFFICE SPACE AT THE JUVENILE COURT COUNSELOR'S FACILITY ON
STOCKTON STREET IN STATESVILLE, NC: (Project Challenge is a juvenile restitution
program funded by the Governor's Crime Commission along with a small portion of funding
from North Carolina Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention funds. The Project Challenge staff
requested permission to use space at the Juvenile Court Counselor's facility. Project Challenge
would then use the space as an in-kind match for juvenile justice funding. Juvenile Chief Court
Counselor Carl Duncan previously sent a letter indicating that Project Challenge was a resource
being used to meet the needs of juveniles and their families. The board of commissioners agreed
to allow the program to use the space.)
4. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CLOSING OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS' OFFICE FROM 12:00 NOON ON
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2002 THROUGH, AND INCLUDING, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST
21, 2002, DUE TO THE RELOCATION OF THE OFFICE: (The following resolution was
approved.)
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Register of Deeds' Office is relocating from its present
facility in the Iredell County Hall of Justice to a new facility in August, 2002; and
WHEREAS, the relocation will take several days to complete, during which time the
Register of Deeds' Office will be unable to perform its usual services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Iredell County Board of
Commissioners that the:
Iredell County Register of Deeds' Office shall be closed from 12:00 noon on Friday,
August 16, 2002, through and including Wednesday, August 21, 2002, and shall re -open to the
public in its new facility on Thursday, August 22, 2002.
5. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #41 FOR
RECOGNITION OF ADDITIONAL RECORDING FEE REVENUES AND
APPROPRIATION TO THE REGISTER OF DEEDS' SPECIAL RETIREMENT
ACCOUNT: (During the agenda briefing, Finance Director Blumenstein said the Register of
Deeds' special retirement contribution was calculated at 4.5% of the recording fees. She said
that based on the first nine months of this year, the account was under budgeted by $14,245.
Blumenstein said the amendment would recognize and appropriate the additional recording fees.)
6. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #42 FOR THE
TRANSFER OF FUND BALANCE ($83,840) FOR AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED FOR COMMSCOPE, INC.: (At the briefing, Blumenstein
said that representatives of Commscope had applied for a reimbursement of ad valorem taxes
paid in 2001, as agreed upon by an incentive agreement approved in December of 2000. She
said the reimbursement was not budgeted in the 2001-02 budget, and the amendment would
appropriate fund balance for the expenditure.)
6
7. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #43 FOR THE
TRANSFER OF CONTINGENCY FUNDS ($15,000) TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES — LEGAL ACCOUNT: (Mrs. Blumenstein advised during the briefing that legal
fees incurred this fiscal year were approaching the total amount budgeted. She said the
amendment would move the $15,000 to the Professional Services -Legal line item for a total year
cost of $90,000. This amount [$90,000] covers the charges for all attorneys used this year, e.g.
the county attorney's annual retainer/hourly billings and other costs, labor attorney costs, and
other special counsel fees.)
8. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #44 FOR THE
RECOGNITION OF ADDITIONAL CHILD DAY CARE GRANT REVENUE
RECEIVED FROM THE STATE AND FOR THE APPROPRIATION TO THE
COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM: (During the briefing, Social Services Director
Don Wall said the federal government had given $1.9 million in "new" money to North Carolina.
He said the state divided the money between the counties and Iredell's portion was $224,854.
Mr. Wall said the money would be used to reduce the child day care waiting list which would
assist parents in obtaining and maintaining employment.)
9. REQUEST FROM THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #45
FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FUND BALANCE TO BE USED AS A
REIMBURSEMENT TO THE TOWN OF MOORESVILLE & TO COVER THE COST
OF MOVING 911 EQUIPMENT: (Finance Director Blumenstein explained during the
briefing that a 43¢ charge was placed on all Southern Bell telephone lines to maintain the 911
System. She said the Town of Mooresville had requested $11,630 to purchase console furniture
out of the 911 fund. In another matter, Blumenstein said the Emergency Management
Operations Director had requested $2,215 for the purpose of rearranging equipment at the 911
base. [ESI, the contractor for 911 equipment, will remove a computer system server and add an
additional rack for phone lines and cables in the 911 room.] Mrs. Blumenstein said that both
requests were acceptable uses of the 911 funds.)
10. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE
TRANSFER OF $25,500 IN WHITE GOODS RETAINED EARNINGS TO THE LAND
& LAND IMPROVEMENTS LINE ITEM: (At the agenda briefing, Solid Waste
Administrative Manager Susan Cornell explained that the white goods facility was nearing
completion and it was time to pave the driveway. She said the paving was included in the
budget, and the request would be to transfer $25,500 from retained earnings/white goods to the
land/land improvements line item for the driveway costs.)
11. REQUEST FOR THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
SUSAN BLUMENSTEIN OR SUPRENNA TABOR TO PURCHASE A CERTIFICATE
OF DEPOSIT FROM PIEDMONT BANK: (During the agenda briefing, Mrs. Blumenstein
said she recently requested bids on a $2 million certificate of deposit. She said Piedmont Bank
had the highest interest rate, and it was at two percent. Blumenstein said the bank needed a
resolution from the board authorizing the county's financial representatives to purchase the 60 -
day certificate.) (Note: The motion adopting the consent agenda will suffice as the resolution.)
12. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 16, 2002 MINUTES
----------------------------------------END OF CONSENT AGENDA --------------------------------
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION
COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE APPROPRIATION OF
JUVENILE JUSTICE FUNDING FOR FY 2002-2003: MOTION by Commissioner
Johnson to approve the FY 2002-2003 funding recommendation from the Juvenile Crime
Prevention Council regarding Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds
with the exception of the $25,000 to VisionsWork Youth Services, Inc.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(Approved amounts for the agencies are as follows.)
7
Agencies Requesting
FY 2002-2003
Funds
Funding
Recommended by
JCPC
Residential Services
$134,461
Barium Springs Home
for Children
The Counseling Center
35,504
SCAN (Exchange Club)
58,124
Project Challenge
Restitution Program
35,000
Psychological Services
6,820
JCPC
10,500
Training/Administrative
Mr. Johnson said he had expressed a concern about the level of supervision being
maintained over the juveniles in the VisionsWork structured day program during the briefing
session. He said that after the briefing, other issues had been brought to his attention. Johnson
said further investigation needed to occur before the county approved the juvenile justice funding
for VisionsWork.
CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY
BETWEEN THE COUNTY (10.27 ACRES ON HWY.150/PLAZA DRIVE,
MOORESVILLE) AND TARHEEL AUCTION AND REALTY, ET AL. (23 ACRES ON
EASTSIDE DRIVE, STATESVILLE): County Manager Mashburn said the county owned ten
acres of surplus property in Mooresville. He said the board authorized the disposal of the
property over a year ago, and the staff had tried to sell it. Mashburn said that after no potential
buyers surfaced, the board authorized him to work with a Tarheel Auction & Realty auctioneer to
auction off the site. He said that one of the owners of the auction company inquired about the
possibility of a property swap involving a site in Statesville that was of comparable value.
Mashburn said the intent to swap the two properties was approved at the last meeting, and a
notice describing the exchange had been published in a local news publication.
Attorney Pope said the property exchange should be contingent upon the following
stipulations:
1. environmental status,
2. marketable title conveyed by warranty deed,
3. matters revealed by survey,
4. no unpaid taxes or assessments,
5. closing expenses,
6. any use -impairing regulations (deed covenants).
Commissioner Bowles said that when the board made the decision to sell the property, a
motion was made stipulating the proceeds would be placed in the capital reserve fund. He asked
if the property exchange would violate the motion.
Mashburn said no. He said the county was just exchanging one asset for another one.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to proceed with the exchange of properties with the
stipulations expressed by the county attorney.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
The two properties involved in the exchange are described as follows.
i
Iredell Countv Prooerty:
Location: Corner of Highway 150/Plaza Drive & MacLeod Drive in Mooresville
Acreage: 10.27 acres
County Appraised Value: $65,000 an acre
PIN# 4657-24-2309
Tarheel Auction Realty, et al., Propertv:
Location: Eastside Drive in Statesville (bordered on the east by Glover
Street and Cornerstone Church)
Acreage: 23 acres (approximately)
County Appraised Value: $32,500 an acre
PIN# 4744-94-1434 (a portion)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Communitv Advisory Committee: Commissioner Johnson nominated
Belinda M. Stewart.
Chairman Tice nominated Margaret Snelling.
Commissioner Bowles nominated Denise Judge -Brown.
Chairman Tice move to close the nominations and appoint Stewart, Snelling and Judge -Brown
to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Nursing Home Advisory Committee: Commissioner Bowles nominated Glenda Bean.
Commissioner Ray nominated Jan Sills.
Chairman Tice moved to close the nominations and appoint Boan and Sills.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
LOCATION OF NEW LIBRARY: Commissioner Williams said many people had
asked him about the location of the new library since the county was acquiring the Eastside
Drive property. He said some of the Statesville city officials had asked the board of
commissioners to consider other options besides the Eastside Drive site. Williams said he would
like to delay a decision on the location until the Statesville representatives could let their
thoughts be known.
MOTION by Commissioner Williams to delay the decision regarding the location of the
library for 30 days or until the first regular meeting in June.
Commissioner Johnson said that if the citizens wanted the library to remain in downtown
Statesville, they needed to know the obstacles at the Tradd Street location. He said these were:
1. There would be no room for further expansion without purchasing additional and
expensive real estate.
2. The day the new library opened (downtown site) it would be without adequate
parking.
3. The property has a steep grade and the patrons would have to park on the side
which might make accessibility difficult for the elderly and young.
4. The ingress and egress on Tradd Street is less than ideal.
5. The county needs storage space and two county buildings being used for this
would need to be demolished (former maintenance building and Bryant Supply
Building). (If these are demolished something will need to be built to replace
them.)
9
Johnson said some city officials had also called him. He said that if the City of Statesville
agreed to financially contribute to the library's construction, then perhaps some of his concerns
could be addressed. He said the Eastside Drive property would require practically no grading,
and the Support Services Director had advised there was enough dirt on the site to level it -- none
would have to be hauled in. Johnson said the site had easy access from Eastside Drive, and
there would be plenty of space for parking and expansion.
Commissioner Bowles said the county had decided to build a $5.6 million library and if
Statesville wanted to participate in the cost, he would be willing to listen. Mr. Bowles asked the
county manager if waiting 30 days would delay the construction schedule.
Mashburn said 30 days would be workable, but anything after this would affect the
schedule.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
the tol
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Presentation of the FY 2002-2003 Iredell County Budget: The county manager read
Budget Message
FY 2002-2003
(Submitted in accordance with the North Carolina Local Government Fiscal Control Act)
The budget, as submitted, complies with the laws of the state of North Carolina, as well as the stipulations as
presented by the board of commissioners at the Winter Planning Conference on January 25, 2002. The stipulations
made by the board were that the proposed budget should:
L Maintain a fund balance of at least 10.5%;
2. Maintain the tax rate at the current level;
3. Maintain the same levet of services.
The FY 2001-2002 original budget was approved by the board of commissioners in the amount of $99,967,360
(excluding Solid Waste). The budget as proposed shows a .6% increase. This is probably the smallest increase ever.
Does this budget have in it everything needed to provide quality services to the citizens of Iredell County? Not in
my opinion. Are there areas that are at risk of providing reduced services to the point of being detrimental to citizen
safety and welfare? Again, not in my opinion. Is this budget the very best that can be done within the parameters
established by the board and considering available funding? I think so; however, if there had been more time to
develop the plan, a more settled economy, a more stable state government, and a greater willingness to do what is
necessary today to insure for provisions tomorrow, maybe the proposed budget plan would be a more reliable
document.
Revenues
In January, the Finance Director was estimating revenues of $100,949,982. By April, that estimate was reduced to
$100,570,450, and this included $3.1 million in reimbursements from the state.
One area where our revenue is negatively impacted is in property taxes. We are finishing out FY 2001-2002 with
about $500,000 less than we budgeted and almost $600,000 less in earnings on investments. The slump in the
economy that started last year has carried over into this year, and all indications are that it will continue on into FY
2002-2003. For FY 2002-2003, the Director of Tax Administration estimates only a 3.45% increase in the tax base.
A factor, however, that diminishes this number even further is the tax collection rate that has dropped from 96.35%
to 96.08%. This accounts for $140,000 less in revenue.
It probably needs to be stated again that property tax only accounts for about 49% of our revenue. Over 24% is
received from the local sales tax. In past years we have seen a healthy growth in this revenue item. During the
current year, budgeted sales taxes were reduced over St million due to decreased retail sales. Because of this, our
projection for FY 2002-2003 has been held to a 5.5% increase in one -cent sales tax and a 3.5% increase in the two
one-half cent sales taxes over estimated actual collections for FY 2001-02. We should keep our fingers crossed that
it does not become worse.
The only bright spot in the revenue picture is the Register of Deeds' recording fees. The General Assembly has
nearly doubled the fee for recording documents, and it is anticipated this will bring in over $200,000 more for this
fiscal year and as much as $600,000 more for the next year. In addition, the county should receive over S100,000 to
help with technology and preservation improvements in Iredell County. All in all, revenues for next year are
projected to stay almost flat, but many of our expenses are increasing.
Expenditures
As a percentage of total expenditures, appropriations have gone up for schools, social services, and jail, but have
gone down for health, EMS, and tax administration. Everything else has remained about the same.
10
New Emplovees
This year, there was a request for 25.1 new positions compared to 25.5 new positions being requested for 2001-
2002. 1 am recommending 11.6 positions compared to 14.5 positions recommended last year. Of the 11.6 positions,
34%2% are in the sheriffs department, 52'/2% are in human services, and 13% in tax administration and land records.
Were other positions needed'? 1 believe there was justification for some more; however, only the positions needed to
provide the absolute minimum level of service, or are being funded by outside resources, are being recommended.
The exception is in the tax office. By adding 1.5 more people, we can increase our revenue to more than offset the
cost.
Pav Increase
Last year employee salaries were adjusted by 3% across the board, but no funds for merit increases were
appropriated. A merit system is very important to the employees of the county, and as a practical matter, without
such a system, we will soon build up a system that does not have internal equity, thereby leading to greater problems
down the road. This year I am recommending a 4% pay package, with 1.5% provided as an across the board increase
effective July 1, 2002, and the balance placed in a reserve to be awarded based on a performance appraisal.
School Funding
The budget, as presented, includes an increase for current expense funding of 51,280,799 based entirely on increased
ADM. There is no increase in the per pupil rate of $1,107. However, I have set aside a 3% increase in the
contingency fund of $761,904, which can be appropriated as the state releases our reimbursements. A schedule is
enclosed in the school section of the budget, which shows when schools will receive this money if the state doesn't
hold our reimbursements. School capital outlay appropriations include the actual amounts estimated for the 7.5¢ ad
valorem tax, the state restricted portions of the two one-half cent sales taxes, and the annual allotment of Public
School Building Capital Funds. Fiscal year 2002-2003 will include a full year's debt service on all existing debt
issued for school construction.
Other Budeet HiLhli2hts
I. The DSS director estimates that Medicaid costs will increase by 18% and will cost the county over $715,000
more in local funds.
2. $150,000 is appropriated for operating expenses for the Harmony Library.
3. Transportation services, a new department of the general fund, has been established to account for the
operating and capital costs formerly administered by the Iredell Vocational Workshop.
4. The budget includes general fund capital outlay appropriations of $776,672 including $214,700 in grant
funds providing vehicles for transportation services. Many of the replacement items not recommended for
funding in fiscal year 2002-2003 will have to be funded next fiscal year.
5. Funds are not included to renovate and operate a satellite jail (estimated to be over $700,000); however, the
Sheriffs proposal is included for your consideration.
6. The recommended funding level for most of the outside agencies included in special appropriations is at
95.50% of the 2001-02 funding level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the requests for 2002-03 came in at S103,552,665. I am recommending a budget of S100,570,450 or
a 2.88% reduction. However, it needs to be stated again that the proposed budget anticipates receipt of all
reimbursements. I am not sure this is the wisest course of action to take, so during the budget workshops the
Finance Director and I will discuss some alternatives, none that we are really excited about, but will allow for a
balanced budget just in case the state pulls the same stunt again this year as it has for the last two. I also want to
conclude by expressing deep appreciation for all the cooperation received from each department head. Without
exception, each came to the table in a spirit of cooperation, recognizing the difficult position the county is in and
willingly cooperating. I doubt, however, that this spirit can continue to spring forth as the demands for services
increase and resources to provide those services become scarcer. If the board approves the budget as presented, we
can make it through the year. Next year, however, the board needs to be prepared for increased requests and a
recommendation that more realistically recognizes the true needs of a progressive and fast growing county.
Submitted by Joel Mashburn, County Manager and Budget Officer
May 7, 2002
CLOSED SESSION: Citing G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) - Property Acquisition, Chairman
Tice at 8:50 p.m. FM0_V_ed1 to enter into closed session.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(Return to Open Session at 9:10 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT: At 9:10 p.m., Chairman Tice ove to continue the meeting to the
first budget session scheduled on Monday, May 13, 2002 at 5:30 p.m., in the South Wing
Conference Room of the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street,
Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approved:
Clerk to the Board