HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2018
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March 6, 2018
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA MINUTES
March 6, 2018
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, March
6, 2018 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
Board Members Absent
Marvin Norman
Staff present: Interim County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez,
Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Deb Alford, 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: Interim County Manager Beth Jones made the
following adjustments:
Add: Appointments to Boards and Commissions – Iredell County Planning Board – 1
appointment. Closed Sessions – Economic Development G.S. 143.318.11 (a) (4), Property
Acquisition G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5), and Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Public Library for approval of an application to the State Library
of North Carolina for an Edge EZ Technology Grant of $7,900: Library Director Steve Messick
stated the request is for approval to apply for another grant from the State Library of North
Carolina. It will help the Library to meet some national technology goals.
Assistant Library Director Julie Moore said Edge is a nationally recognized set of standards
that helps libraries achieve community goals in the areas of management, leadership, and
technology. Iredell County Library is participating in this initiative through the State Library of
North Carolina. There is an assessment that rates the library. The reported results are broken into
three strategic areas and eleven benchmarks. The report also gives recommendations in areas that
need attention. This grant will assist with benchmark #9 which addresses sufficient devices and
band width. The public library has a service population of 132,480 in three locations and is open
to the public for 156 hours per week. There are 45 computers at the Statesville location, 8 in
Harmony and 8 in Troutman which gives the library 1.5 hours per capita. The minimum goal hours
needed, based on population and hours open, is 3 device hours per capita. Adding 23 additional
devices the library will increase the device hours to 2.1. The 23 tablets will be divid ed – 15 for
Statesville, 2 for Harmony, and 2 for Troutman. The grant does not require any matching funds
and the total amount requested is $7,990 which will cover 23 tablets, cases, screen protectors,
charging hubs, and asset tags. The asset tag will alarm if someone tries to take the device outside
the building.
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March 6, 2018
Messick said an announcement of grant approval will be made March 21. If approved, then
a budget amendment will be requested at a future meeting. The funds must be expended by June
30, 2018. The will be a purchase and not a lease.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Emergency Management to apply for a Hazardous Materials
Preparedness Grant (HMPG): Emergency Services Director Kent Greene stated this is another
non-matching grant through the State for a hazardous materials preparedness grant. It will allow
the County to conduct an exercise to test responders and hospitals on how to decontaminate
patients that may leave the scene before responders arrive. This event wil l partner with first
responder agencies, hospitals, DOT, and SHP. It is a grant up to $10,000 which will be contracted
out to a provider who will actually administer the exercise.
Chairman Mallory asked the scope of the exercise.
Greene said that has not been developed at this time. It will probably take place in late
spring but the scenario specifics have not been developed, except that it will be a hazardous
materials incident in the Troutman area.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Emergency Management to apply for a $38,000 grant through the NC
Domestic Preparedness Region for 1,000 cots, pillows, and blankets for sheltering :
Emergency Management Director Kent Greene said this grant is through the Domestic
Preparedness Region which contains 10 counties, including Mecklenburg. This group meets
quarterly to discuss projects through the year. One issue identified is the inability for counties to
rapidly set up shelters in case of disasters. The region decided to purchase a 1,000 cots, pillows,
and blankets to assist in shelter readiness. The equipment will be dispersed 100 per county within
this region. This project, that Iredell County chose to sponsor, is $38,000. There is a total of
$178,000 in regional projects. It would require up-front money sometime later this year. After the
grants are awarded and expenditures compiled the funds are reimbursed.
Commissioner Houpe asked where the equipment will be stored.
Greene said there is trailer space to house it.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked where the money would come from.
Jones said it would be included in Emergency Services’ budget and then reimbursed.
Permission is needed to apply for the grant, but the actual expenditure and revenue will be in next
year’s budget.
Greene said confirmation of awards will not come until September.
Chairman Mallory asked how many different initiatives and/or grants there were in
addition to this one and what will this county be participating in?
Greene said there are animal sheltering trailers, generators, sign boards, cameras, etc. that
are part of the total projects. They are all regional assets and if needed they can be state assets and
deployed to any part of the State.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
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March 6, 2018
Request from Planning & Development to adopt a Resolution of Intent calling for the
closure of an unnamed road and publically dedicated road right -of-way, located off
Campanile Drive, in Mooresville, NC and call for a public hearing to be held on April 3,
2018: Planning Director Matthew Todd said this request is to call for a public hearing for a road
closing in the Bell’s Crossing subdivision. A citizen has purchased two properties adjacent to a
stub-out that was required for connectivity reasons. The owner has already built a house that is
furthest to the west. They are proposing to close the stub out, combine it with the properties and
move it to the parcel to the east. The connectivity will remain as required by code. Todd said it
would be a simultaneous closing and recording of the new plat.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Planning & Development to make a recommendation to rename a lake
in Iredell County: Planning Director Matthew Todd said this request concerns a nine-acre lake
near Lake Norman that many assumed was just part of Lake Norman. However, the Vice President
of Regency Lake Village subdivision sent a request to the US Board of Geographic Names, who
is charged with any federal maps showing names of water bodies on their maps. On those federal
maps this lake was called Auto Storage Lake #1. There are four options the Board can take: 1)
Approve the proposed name, 2) Reject the proposed name, 3) Take action as specified, or 4)
Render a decision without their recommendation. Staff is recommending the name be changed to
Regency Lake as requested. The HOA of Regency Lake Village actually owns the lake and it has
its own parcel number. It would create some consistency with naming as many people already
refer to it as Regency Lake. Again, this is just a recommendation that will be sent to the NC Board
of Geographic Names who then sends a recommendation on to the US Board of Geographic
Names.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of a contract for Arbitrage
Rebate Services with Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services, Inc., in regards to the Public
Safety Complex financing: Finance Director Deb Alford said the County has the advantage of
being able to issue tax exempt debt and that comes with an arbitrage calculation that must be
performed. With arbitrage the County cannot earn more interest on the money than is paid on the
money. Therefore, an arbitrage company is necessary to perform this calculat ion every year. The
County has worked with Bingham for several years and it is now necessary for this calculation to
be done on the Public Safety Complex. There won’t be any cost until the next budget year which
will be included in the Finance budget.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Finance Department for approval and award of high bid for tax
foreclosed property at 360 Forest Hollow Drive, Statesville, with authority to close sale by
registering deed: Finance Director Deb Alford said this is the sale of .71 acres at 360 Forest
Hollow Drive. It is listed as a single family residential but is currently not habitable. It will require
major renovation or removal. The bidder is from California and made the decision to bid sight-
unseen. The amount is $15,076 that will cover back taxes and about $600 to the general fund.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from the Sheriff’s Department for approval of budget amendment #29 in the
amount of $45,800 to use federal equity funds for the purchase of a K-9 replacement and an
unmanned aerial system: Sheriff Darren Campbell said this request is to use federal equity
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March 6, 2018
sharing funds to purchase a K-9 replacement at $11,800 which will include all annual
recertifications, patrol leashes and training. The K-9 will come from Highland K-9. Also,
requesting an unmanned aerial system at $34,000. This technology has been around the State and
general assembly has recently passed legislature that allows flir and thermal imaging. It is amazing
at the images received from this device. From over 2,000 feet you can read the denomination of a
coin. Flight times are about 30 minutes and can be sent out for five miles. It can be used for lake
searches, crime scenes, chase documentation, active shooters, SWAT team, etc. When needed in
the past, aircraft has been pulled from as far away as Florida.
Chairman Mallory asked about qualifications to use the drone.
Campbell said two detectives were sent to be certified to be “pilots” which includes a long
list of items in the training.
Commissioner McNeely asked about the insurance and maintenance.
Campbell said technology is built in that brings it back to the pilot. Batteries and much of
the maintenance is included in the purchase price.
Chief Deputy Bert Connolly said the insurance is covered by the Association.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Note: Just as the Board was entering into Closed Session, Sheriff Campbell asked if the
budget amendment could be adjusted to include $45,000 for other safety equipment, all of which
will come from federal equity sharing funds.
Commissioner Houpe said this was an oversight for budget amendment #29. The amount
needs to be $90,800 for the original requested items and other safety equipment. All of this will be
federal equity sharing funds.
The Board agreed and this was added to the consent agenda.
BA#29 To appropriate Federal Equity Sharing funds for the purchase of a K -9 replacement
and all handlers training as well as to purchase an Unmanned Aerial System and
Balistic Shields 3/6/2018
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
104880 499404 Appro Fund Balance - FES (37,400) (90,800) (128,200)
105510 610000 15510 Depreciable Asset 5,000 45,800 50,800
105510 620000 15510 Non-Depreciable Asset 4,500 45,000 49,500
Request from Administration for approval of an interlocal agreement between
Emergency Communications and the Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Darren Campbell said he is very
passionate about officer safety, job performance, and delivering top tier service. The original
solution was to give assigned positions to fall under the Sheriff’s Office. However, that would
have caused a loss in 911 funds, which was not feasible. This agreement is a good last step to
alleviate some problems. It allows for a governance board and is a good way of bringing policies
and procedures of law enforcement to the dispatchers. The Sheriff’s Office will assist with training.
Citizens judge how services are delivered and this is a new cutting edge way to deliver that service
and feels other agencies will look at this model as well.
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March 6, 2018
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation of the work done with staff in balancing the
equities of effectiveness and efficiency. This will be a work in progress that may be adjusted along
the way.
Commissioner McNeely asked if this program is ready to go.
Jones said it will be effective April 1. Jones also expressed appreciation to the parties
involved for their cooperation to create a solution.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Commissioner Houpe said the Task Force and the Sheriff are meeting this week with the
schools to work on more aggressive ways to make schools safer. Many successful things are
already in place.
Request from Animal Services for approval of budget amendment #30 in the amount
of $12,948 for a new kennel technician position to compensate for the discontinued inmate
labor program: Chairman Mallory said this was discussed in length at the Winter Retreat.
Animal Services Director Brad Gates said it is basically that inmate labor is no longer an
option and the work has been an overload on the current limited staff.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
BA#30 To appropriate funds to fund a kennel technician position in the Animal Services
department. 3/6/2018
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
105480 510008 Pay Scale Adjustment 1,627,730 (12,948) 1,614,782
105532 510002 Salaries & Wages-Regular 674,044 7,100 681,144
105532 512501 FICA 51,394 543 51,937
105532 512502 Employees Group Health Ins 168,725 910 169,635
105532 512503 State Retirement & 401K 83,598 1,654 85,252
105532 535016 Pre-Exposure Rabies 70,730 780 71,510
105532 536000 Training & Development 8,025 451 8,476
105532 536600 Uniforms 7,050 550 7,600
105532 537514 Cont Serv-Software 17,139 960 18,099
Request from Human Resources for approval of budget amendment #31 in the
amount of $24,313 for a new position: Chairman Mallory said this item was discussed in length
at the Winter Retreat.
Jones said this is a promotion for one staff member and a new position at a lower level.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
BA#31 To appropriate funds to fund an Assistant Director position in the Human Resources
department. 3/6/2018
Account # Current Budget Change Amended Budget
105480 510008 Pay Scale Adjustment 1,614,782 (24,313) 1,590,469
105421 510002 Salaries & Wages-Regular 259,479 17,099 276,578
105421 512501 FICA 19,851 1,308 21,159
105421 512502 Employees Group Health Ins 49,625 2,266 51,891
105421 512503 State Retirement & 401K 32,642 2,481 35,123
105421 535000 Departmental Supplies 3,150 450 3,600
105421 535500 Telephone 2,000 709 2,709
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March 6, 2018
Request from Administration on behalf of the City of Statesville for approval of an
easement deed to place an underground electrical utility line across the front of the Solid
Waste Twin Oaks site to service electric utility customers: Interim County Manager Beth Jones
said this request originated from a residential property owner that needs electrical service on Twin
Oaks Drive. The City of Statesville is asking the County to grant a 20-foot wide easement deed
along with right-of-way access in front of the Solid Waste Twin Oaks Road property. This will
allow underground electrical service from Fan Joy Road along Twin Oaks Road. The primary
intent is electrical service to this property but it will open property down the road for electrical
service as well.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Request from Administration to call for a public hearing on March 20, 2018
regarding proposed text amendments to Iredell County Personnel Ordinance, Article V,
Section 4, Adverse Weather Conditions and Administrative Leave: Interim County Manager
Beth Jones said this request was also discussed at the Winter Retreat. A public hearing is required
because it is amending the Personnel Ordinance.
Commissioner Houpe asked if approved that it will be retroactive to the last time county
offices were closed for weather.
Jones said yes, that is correct.
Commissioner McNeely feels this should be voted on during the 7:00 regular session and
not on the consent agenda.
The Board agreed.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on
February 20, 2018: There were no comments or corrections.
This item was placed on the consent agenda.
Chairman Mallory moved the Board into Closed Session at 5:50 PM.
The Board moved from Closed Session directly into the regular meeting at 7:00 PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
March 6, 2018
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 6,
2018, 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
Board Members Absent
Marvin Norman
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March 6, 2018
Staff present: Interim County Manager Beth Jones, County Attorney Lisa Valdez,
Assistant County Manager Susan Robertson, Finance Director Deb Alford, 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 asked everyone to remember Commissioner Norman who was home with the flu.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory
Chairman Mallory gave a shout out to members of the Sheriff’s Department who were
present at the meeting. He expressed appreciation for providing 24/7 safety and security to the
citizens of Iredell County.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Interim County Manager Beth Jones made the following adjustments:
Add: Appointments to Board and Commissions – Iredell County Planning Board – 1
appointment (It was agreed in pre-agenda to delay this for two weeks.) and Closed Sessions –
Economic Development G.S. 143.318.11 (a) (4), Property Acquisition G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5),
and Attorney Client G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) (The Closed Session items were dealt with following
pre-agenda.)
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the agenda as adjusted.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Interim County Manager Beth Jones summarized the following items on the consent
agenda:
Request from the Public Library for approval of an application to the State Library of North
Carolina for an Edge EZ Technology Grant of $7,900. This is a zero match grant.
Request from Emergency Management to apply for a Hazardous Materials Preparedness
Grant. This is a zero match grant.
Request from Planning & Development to adopt a Resolution of Intent calling for the
closure of an unnamed road and publically dedicated road right-of-way, located off
Campanile Drive, in Mooresville, NC and call for a public hearing to be held on April 3,
2018
Request from Planning & Development to make a recommendation to rename a lake in
Iredell County.
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March 6, 2018
Request from the Finance Department for approval of a contract for Arbitrage Rebate
Services with Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services, Inc., in regards to the Public Safety
Complex financing.
Request from the Finance Department for approval and award of a high bid for tax
foreclosed property at 360 Forest Hollow Drive, Statesville, with authority to close sale by
registering the deed.
Request from the Sheriff’s Department for approval of budget amendment #29 in the
amount of $45,800 to use federal equity funds for the purchase of a K-9 replacement and
an unmanned aerial system. There was an additional $45,000 for safety equipment for a
total of $90,800.
Request from Administration for approval of an interlocal agreement between Emergency
Communications and the Sheriff’s Office for the creation of a specialized law enforcement
dispatch division in the ECOM Department.
Request from Animal Services for approval of budget amendment #30 in the amount of
$12,948 for a new kennel technician position to compensate for the discontinued inmate
labor program.
Request from Human Resources for approval of budget amendment #31 in the amount of
$24,313 for a new position.
Request from Administration on behalf of the City of Statesville for approval of an
easement deed to place an underground electrical utility line across the front of the Solid
Waste Twin Oaks site to service electric utility customers.
Request from Emergency Management to apply for a $38,000 grant through the NC
Domestic Preparedness Region for 1,000 cots, pillows, and blankets for sheltering. Another
zero percent match grant.
Request from the Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the meeting on February
20, 2018.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
Request from Administration to call for a public hearing on March 20, 2018,
regarding proposed text amendments to Iredell County Personnel Ordinance, Article V,
Section 4, Adverse Weather Conditions and Administrative Leave: Interim County Manager
Beth Jones said this is concerning the inclement weather days in January. The Board expressed a
desire to address a time-for-time or hour-for-hour match for those individuals that have to work
when the County Manager closes offices due to adverse weather. An amendment was created and
because it is an addition or revision to the Personnel Ordinance it requires a public hearing. The
proposal is that if it is a normal work schedule for full time personnel and if someone has to work
when other county offices are closed then they will have that time (hour-for-hour) to be used
anytime within the next 12 months. However, this must be approved by the Department Director.
If the time is not used within 12 months it will expire.
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to call for a public hearing on this personnel issue.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Iredell County Board of Equalization and Review – 6 announcements.
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March 6, 2018
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
Iredell County Planning Board – 1 appointment. However, this notice was not placed on
the published agenda and therefore it was the consensus of the Board to table it for two weeks.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Houpe said that the some of the law enforcement present at the meeting
may have thought the Board would be discussing the interlocal agreement. The Sheriff has met
and worked hard with staff and the ECOM Director. A plan has been created with better training
in order to operate in a safer manner. Appreciation was expressed to all the people involved in this
project.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
Interim County Manager Beth Jones shared the following information:
There will be a press release for the next day regarding the recycling program with Solid
Waste. Last year China enacted some bans regarding imports into China. As a result, it has
been difficult to find a market for some recyclables that are being collected. Iredell County
will temporarily discontinue recycling low grade plastics like, buckets, barrels, crates, toys,
tubs and other non-bottle rigid type plastics. There just simply is no market at the current
time.
The State will be conducting a state-wide hurricane exercise on April 3-4, 8:00 to 5:00.
Iredell County will be “directly in the path of the hurricane.” Again it is just an exercise!
CLOSED SESSIONS
Chairman Mallory stated there is one item from Closed Session.
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to call for a public hearing on March 20, 2018 at
7:00 PM regarding an economic development incentive up to $958,000 over a ten-year period for
Project Control based on up to $28,960,200 investment in Iredell County.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner McNeely to adjourn at 7:20 PM. The next regular meeting
will be Tuesday, March 20, 2017, 5:00 PM, in the South Wing Conference Room, Government
Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
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March 6, 2018
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk