HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-2023
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June 20, 2023
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
June 20, 2023
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, June
20, 2023 at 4:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Neader called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: There were no adjustments.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of a Resolution for Law Enforce ment
Service Side Arms & Badges: County Attorney Lisa Valdez said the resolution pertains to retirees
who are presented there sidearm and badge. Valdez said legislation recently removed the
requirement for the recipient to have a permit. The resolution will allow the Board to continue the
same practice under the current revised statute. Resolution is below.
This item was placed on consent.
RESOLUTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE SIDE ARMS & BADGES
WHEREAS, sworn law enforcement officers protect the public safety and assist the public in all
kinds of emergencies; and,
WHEREAS, career law enforcement officers are among the most esteemed and valued public
servants; and,
WHEREAS, it is the policy of Iredell County to recognize and honor, upon retirement, career
public servants, including career law enforcement personnel; and,
WHEREAS, as a token of appreciation, Iredell County has traditionally awarded to retiring law
enforcement officers the badge worn by them and has offered for sale at a nominal sum the service sidearm
carried by them; and,
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June 20, 2023
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of Commissioners of Iredell County to make the process
more efficient, but to maintain the tradition and the dignity of the occasion.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. Upon recommendation of the Sheriff, the Chair of the County Commission is hereby
empowered, without the approval of the Board of County Commissioners:
a. To present to the retiring law enforcement officer or to the family of a deceased officer,
the badge worn or carried by the officer.
b. To sell to the officer, or the family of a deceased career law law enforcement officer,
the service side arm of such officer for a price of One Dollar ($1.00) upon determining
that the person receiving the weapon is not ineligible to own, possess, or receive a
firearm under the provisions of State or federal law, under N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-
187.2(a), or if the weapon has been rendered incapable of being fired.
c. To present such plaques, certificates, or awards as shall under the circumstances seem
appropriate.
d. Such presentations may, in the discretion of the Chair of the County Commission, be
with such ceremony and at such location as shall seem appropriate under the
circumstances then existing.
2. This resolution replaces and supercedes the resolution of the same title adopted by the
Board of County Commissioners on April 21, 2009.
Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #42
to appropriate additional EMS fees received for overages in EMS billing services fees and
our Separate Directed Payments: EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval of Budget
Amendment #42 to appropriate $300,000 additional fees received for overages in billing services
fees. Richey said this is reflective of the overage in collections that the department has collected.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from ICATS for approval of Budget Amendment #43 to recognize NC
Department of Transportation funding for the increased cost of vehicles approved in fiscal
years 2021 through 2023: ICATS Director Bradley Johnson requested approval of Budget
Amendment #43 to recognize DOT funding for the increased cost of vehicles approved in FY21 –
FY23. Johnson said the cost of the vehicles approved increased and the NCDOT will be providing
the funds to cover the increase.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #44 to
appropriate SCIF investment earnings for FYE 6/30/2023: Finance Director Deb Cheek
requested approval of Budget Amendment # 44 to appropriate investment earnings for FYE
6/30/2023. The County has received 6 State Capital Improvement Fund (SCIF) grants from the
State for various purchases. According to the contract with the State, the investment earnings for
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June 20, 2023
these funds must be spent on the original project or returned to the State. This appropriation makes
these additional funds available to the departments that received the grants.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #45 to
appropriate lease financings to record the full value of leases and Subscription Based IT
Arrangements recorded in fiscal year 2023 as required by the Governmental Account ing
Standards Board: Finance Director Deb Cheek requested approval of Budget Amendment #45
to appropriate lease financings to record the full value of leases entered into during fiscal year
2023 and Subscription Based IT Arrangements recorded in fiscal year 2023 as required by the
Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of the May 2023 Refunds and
Releases:
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on
May 16 and June 6, 2023: Commissioner Stroud had one change regarding the Invocation and
asked the Clerk to the Board to ensure the previous minutes accurately reflect an invocation.
This item was placed on consent.
The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:40PM.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
June 20, 2023
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 20,
2023 at 6:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER by Chair Neader.
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June 20, 2023
INVOCATION: Commissioner Houpe led in the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chair Neader.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustment:
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Request from Planning & Development to conduct a public hearing to consider a
request by Howard Bryan to release zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of
Troutman: Planning Director Matthew Todd presented the following case. Howard Bryan has
requested the Release of Zoning and Subdivision jurisdiction of 39.29 acres to the Town of
Troutman. The property is adjacent to commercial uses and surrounded by Troutman’s
jurisdiction. The 2030 Horizon Plan shows the area to be Highway Interchange Commercial and
Corridor Commercial. Todd said the applicant plans to develop commercial use of the property.
Planning staff has not received any feedback from the public regarding the request.
Vice Chair Connolly asked if the property will be strictly commercial. Connolly shared
concerns over future residences increasing the need for future schools. Connoll y asked if
conditions can be placed on the release.
Commissioner Brown said it is unlikely for the area to become residential with all of the
surrounding commercial uses.
County Attorney Lisa Valdez said no.
Chair Neader opened the public hearing.
Howard Bryan spoke in favor of the request. The property is surrounded by Troutman
Town Limit and has Troutman water and sewer. Almost all of the property with the exception of
two very small tracts is currently High Business. Bryan has applied for annexation with the Town
of Troutman and for zoning the property Troutman Highway Business.
Vice Chair Connolly asked Bryan if there are residential plans for the property.
Bryan said that is not the intent of the project.
Chair Neader asked Mr. Bryan if he has done other projects in the Town of Troutman.
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June 20, 2023
Bryan said Lowes, McDonalds, Sheetz, Wendy’s, and several others. The property on the
table tonight is already under contract and the buyers have several things in mind.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the request for a release of zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Troutman by Howard Bryan.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
IREDELL COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING STAFF REPORT
Release of Zoning & Subdivision Jurisdiction
Staff Project Contact: Rebecca Harper
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
Howard Bryan has requested release of the zoning and subdivision jurisdiction of 39.29
acres owned by Superior Properties of Iredell, Piedmont Landco LLC, and The Great
Brittany Trading Company to the Town of Troutman. The proposed use of the property is
retail, restaurant, and service businesses.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNERS: Superior Properties of Iredell The Great Brittany Trading Company
PO Box 5339 409 E. End Avenue
Statesville, NC 28687 Statesville, NC 28677
Piedmont Landco LLC APPLICANT: Howard Bryan
PO Box 1654 PO Box 1654
Statesville, NC 28687 Statesville, NC 28687
PROPERTY INFORMATION
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June 20, 2023
LOCATION: PIN #s 4750039924,
4750048098, 4750049215, 4750037946,
4750034863, 4750031554, 4740938470,
4750032267, 4750035271, 4750030048,
4750022928, 4750021706, 4750028954,
4750023822, 4750022750, 4750022529,
4750024696, 4750130875, 4750036051, &
4750048395.
DIRECTIONS: Charlotte Highway
between Taco Bell and Iredell Charter
School.
SURROUNDING LAND USE: This property
is surrounded by farmland, vacant land
and commercial and industrial properties.
SIZE: The property is 39.29 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: The property is currently being used as two rental homes and the
rest is vacant.
ZONING HISTORY: This property has three different zoning districts assigned to it. The
majority of the area was zoned HBCUD in 2007. A smaller portion has been zoned HB
since 2005. The remainder has been RA since county-wide zoning.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property is located inside Troutman’s USA
boundary. This area has been identified on Troutman’s Future Land Use Map as
Interchange Commercial, which offers typical chain retail establishments with general
commercial or industrial uses nearby.
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located in a water supply watershed.
IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: The most recent traffic count for this section of Charlotte Highway was
completed in 2020 and was 13,500 vehicles per day.
SCHOOLS: The proposed use of the property is retail, restaurant, and service businesses.
STAFF COMMENTS
STAFF COMMENTS: From a Planning perspective, this request meets the criteria for release
of zoning and subdivision jurisdiction. The Town Manager has provided a letter that states
the property is served by Town water and sewer lines. The 2030 Horizon Plan recommends
Highway Interchange Commercial uses for this area. The Town of Troutman has
regulations in their code to require a Traffic Impact Analysis to try to mitigate that impact.
The Planning staff recommends in favor of this request.
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June 20, 2023
Request from Planning & Development to conduct a public hearing on June 20, 2023
at 6:00 p.m. in regard to a text amendment to the Land Development Code: Planning Director
Matthew Todd said currently the Land Development Code regulates billboard based on if they are
digital or static. Digital was added a number of years ago. In the proposed text amendment those
regulations are combined and will be treated the same. Todd said the difference between the current
and proposed is billboards will only be allowed on interstates, US and NC routes. Those are
specifically outlined in the text amendment. There were some small changes including an
additional setback of 15 feet from commercial zoning. Currently, there is a 400 feet setback from
residential zoned property.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this text amendment addresses the Town of Mooresville’s
concerns.
Todd said yes. Billboards will no longer be allowed on Brawley School Road and
Williamson Road, but will be allowed on Highway 150.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the zoning text amendments and to make
a finding that the approval is consistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
IREDELL COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING STAFF REPORT
Proposed Text Amendment – Billboards
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
Currently the Iredell County Land Development Code regulates billboards based on
static or digital copy area. Concern has been shared regarding the county’s billboard
requirements mostly associated with location requirements.
Existing text that is bold and with strike through is text to be removed. Text in red and
underlined is new text to be added.
The Planning Board voted 7-0 to recommend approval.
STAFF COMMENTS
The intent of the proposed text amendment is to amend the County’s regulations for
billboards. Currently we regulate billboards based on if copy area is static or digital. We
are proposing to combine these sections in order to apply a consistent standard.
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June 20, 2023
TEXT AMENDMENTS
Section 6.8 Billboards
There are two types of billboards (outdoor advertising signs) addressed by this ordinance,
static and digital. Static billboards are considered the traditional billboard with a manual
change in copy that is generally leased/rented on a long-term basis. Digital billboards
are, as their name suggests, electronic in nature and typically have a group of messages
that rotate or change frequently.
Section 6.8.1 Static Billboards
The following permanent off-premises advertising (billboard) signs are permitted in H-B,
G-B, M-1, and M-2 Zoning Districts upon issuance of a zoning permit regarding the
proposed sign(s), provided that the stated specific requirements, conditions and
stipulations are met:
A. Size
1. The maximum copy area of static billboards shall be 300 square feet, or 600 square
feet if located within 660 feet of the right-of-way of an Interstate Highway, or 400
square feet if located within 660 feet of a US or NC Primary Highway.
a. The maximum permitted copy area shall be determined from the road which
the sign predominantly faces.
b. If a sign equally faces two (2) different roads, the larger of the two (2) permitted
copy areas may be erected.
2. One (1) sign face shall be permitted per sign, except that if back-to-back or v-
shaped there may be two (2) sign faces; so long as the two (2)sign display boards
are located within fifteen (15) feet of each other at their farthest point.
B. Setbacks
1. Billboards shall not be located closer than 100 feet to a residentially zoned
property or a residential use.
2. The minimum horizontal separation on any one road between two billboards shall
be 1000 linear feet.
3. Billboards shall not be located less than 500 feet from any Interstate Highway
access/exit ramp or safety rest area measured along the Interstate roadway from
the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the
main traveled way. (Refer to Figure 6.5.)
4. All advertising signs within 660 feet of the edge of an Interstate Highway right-of-
way, located on opposite sides of the same roadway shall be spaced at least
1,000 feet apart from each other. The distance between signs shall be measured
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June 20, 2023
along the center line of the road by the closest distance between the points of
perpendicular intersection of each sign.
a. This provision shall not apply when one side of the roadway and all advertising
signs on that portion of the roadway are not visible to the motorist on the
opposite side of the roadway.
b. In no instance, however, shall two advertising signs on the same side of the
roadway be located less than 1,000 feet apart. (Refer to Figure 6.6.)
5. All advertising signs within 660 feet of the edge of all non-Interstate road rights-of-
way, located on opposite sides of the same roadway shall be spaced 750 feet
apart from each other. The distance between signs shall be measured along the
center line of the road by the closest distance between the points of perpendicular
intersection of each sign.
a. This provision shall not apply when one side of the roadway and all advertising
signs on the roadway are not visible to the motorist on the opposite side of the
roadway.
b. In no instance, however, shall two advertising signs on the same side of the
roadway be located less than 750 feet apart. (Refer to Figure 6.6.)
6. All advertising signs shall be located at least 1,000 feet from any portion of the lot
containing the principal use being advertised.
C. Height
Maximum height: thirty-five (35) feet (50 feet if located within 660 feet of the right -of-
way of an Interstate Highway; 40 feet if located within 660 feet of a US or NC Primary
Highway)
D. Illumination
Signs may be either internally or externally illuminated
E. NCDOT Approval
Must have written verification of NC DOT approval prior to the issuance of a zoning
permit.
Section 6.8.1 Digital Billboards
The following permanent off-premises advertising (billboard) signs are permitted in H-B,
G-B, M-1, and M-2 Zoning Districts upon issuance of a zoning permit regarding the
proposed sign(s), provided that the stated specific requirements, conditions and
stipulations are met:
A. Size
1. Maximum sign face area shall be: 380 square feet.
Road designation Maximum Copy Area
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June 20, 2023
Interstate (77 and 40) 600
NC and US Routes (NC 21, 90, 115, 150
901 and US 21, 64, 70)
400
2. One (1) sign face shall be permitted per sign, except that if back-to-back or v-
shaped there may be two (2) sign faces; so long as the two (2)sign display boards
are located within fifteen (15) feet of each other at their farthest point.
3. For digital Tthere can only be one (1) message at a time on the outdoor advertising
sign.
4. For digital aAdvertising messages or information shall remain in a fixed, static
position for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. The change sequence must be
accomplished within an interval of two (2) seconds or less.
5. The maximum permitted copy area shall be determined from the road which the
sign predominantly faces. If a sign equally faces two different roads, the larger of
the two permitted copy areas may be erected. The copy area of an advertising
sign shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or
combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign. The copy area shall
include any border or trim but shall exclude the base or apron supports and other
structural devices. If an advertising message appears on the base or apron, it will
not be excluded from the copy area.
B. Setbacks
1. There shall be a minimum spacing of 400 feet between the electronic changeable
face outdoor advertising sign and residential zoning properties and residential
uses and shall be a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines. The distance shall
be calculated as the shortest measurable distance between the nearest point of
the sign to the edge of a residentially zoned property. or to the property line of the
institutional use.
2. There shall be a minimum spacing of 2,000 feet between any electronic
changeable face outdoor advertising sign and other electronic changeable face
outdoor advertising sign on the same side or opposite side of the street.
3. There shall be a minimum spacing of 1,000 feet between any electronic
changeable face outdoor advertising sign and static billboard sign on the same
side or opposite side of the street. (Refer to Figure 6.7.)
4. Off-premises advertising (billboard) signs shall not be located less than 500 feet
from any Interstate Highway access/exit ramp or safety rest area measured along
the Interstate roadway from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at
the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way. (Refer to Figure 6.5.)
5. All electronic changeable face outdoor advertising signs shall be within 660 feet
of the edge of a right-of-way, located on opposite sides of the same roadway and
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June 20, 2023
shall be spaced at least 2000 feet apart from each other, including those located
on opposite sides of the same roadway (Refer to Figure 6.76 a and b) The distance
between signs shall be measured along the center line of the road by the closest
distance between the points of perpendicular intersection of each sign. All
advertising signs shall be located at least 1,000 fee t from any portion of the lot
containing the principal use being advertised.
C. Height
The maximum height shall be fifty (50) feet if located within 660 feet of the right-of-
way of an Interstate Highway and forty (40) feet if located within 660 feet of a US
Primary Highway.
D. Illumination
1. Permitted illumination: The outdoor advertising sign shall have an automatic
dimmer (factory set to the illumination intensities set below) and a photo cell
sensor to adjust the illumination intensity or brilliance of the sign so that it shall not
cause glare or impair the vision of motorists, and shall not interfere with any driver's
operation of a motor vehicle.
a. The sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 7,500 nits (candelas per
square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 nits
between dusk and dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum
brightness.
b. Before receiving a certificate of occupancy a written report shall be provided
certifying the above standards. , the Zoning Administrator shall be present at a
test (by the applicant) to ensure that the sign meets this standard. Furthermore,
a written report of the test shall be given to the Zoning Administrator in order for
the original test to be duplicated at any given time.
2. Any external illumination devices shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent
beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of a street or highway,
or any residential use.
3. Electronic changeable face outdoor advertising signs shall contain a default
design that will freeze the sign in one position with no more than a maximum
illumination of 500 nits if a malfunction occurs.
E. NCDOT Approval
It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain all required NCDOT permits. Must have
written verification of NC DOT approval prior to the issuance of a zoning permit.
F. Maintenance
The area immediately surrounding advertising (billboard) structures shall be
appropriately maintained.
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June 20, 2023
G. Construction
1. Sign support shall be freestanding with uni-pole construction only.
2. No moving, rotating, fluttering, blinking, or flashing elements are permitted. No
animation, video, audio, pyrotechnic, or blue-casting components are permitted.
H. Location
1. Electronic changeable face outdoor advertising signs shall not be located in any
Municipal Growth Overlay.
2. Electronic changeable face oOutdoor advertising signs are permitted only along
limited access Interstate Highways and limited access US Primary Highways as
defined in the Iredell County Comprehensive Transportation Plan. the following
roads:
a. Interstate 77
b. Interstate 40
c. US Routes 21,64 and 70
d. NC Routes 90, 115, 150 and 901
Figure 6.5 Billboard Setbacks From
Interstate Highway Access/
Exit Ramps
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June 20, 2023
Figure 6.6 (a) Distance Between Billboards Figure 6.6 (b) Distance Between Billboards
(same side of road) (opposite side of road)
D. Non-Conforming Signs
1. Any sign legally in use prior to the effective date of this Ordinance or any
amendments hereto which does NOT satisfy the requirements of Chapter 6 is
declared to be nonconforming and may be continued subject to regulations of
Subsection 2 below.
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June 20, 2023
2. A nonconforming sign may be continued but it shall NOT be:
a. Changed or replaced with another nonconforming sign. Only copy may be
changed.
b. Moved, expanded, altered or modified (including changing copy from static
to digital) in any way, except to bring the sign into complete conformity with
Chapter 6.
c. Re-established once the sign structure has been removed.
d. Re-established after damage or deterioration as defined in Subsection 3 or 4
below.
3. Damaged or Deteriorated Non-Conforming Signs
If a non-conforming sign suffers more than sixty percent (60%) of its value by
damage or deterioration it must be brought into conformance with this ordinance
or be removed. The value shall be determined as the replacement cost at the time
of damage or destruction. The applicant is required to provide two (2) estimates
from different companies to the Zoning Administrator, which will be averaged to
determine the replacement cost. If the Zoning Administrator approves the
replacement, it must be completed (i.e. final building approval) within six months
of the determination. If the Zoning Administrator denies the replacement, the sign
must be completely removed within thirty (30) days of the determination.
4. Maintenance of Non-Conforming Signs
Non-conforming signs shall be subject to all requirements of Chapter 6 regarding
safety, maintenance and repair. Non-conforming signs shall be maintained in
good condition including necessary non-structural repairs, incidental alterations or
copy alterations, such as repainting and electrical repairs which do NOT extend or
intensify the non-conforming features of the sign.
Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Iso: Jenn
Bosser presented Racing Force USA Inc. for consideration of an Economic Development
Incentive. Racing Force USA is a leading company in the Motorsports Safety Industry with some
of the most advanced and complete range of protection and performance products used by
worldwide professionals. The company currently operates a 4,000 retail store called Bell Helmets
Pro Shop located at 111 Poplar Pointe Drive, Mooresville. The company is expanding their retail
presence to a larger facility to include a distribution center for racing safety equipment and the
production of custom fire suits for race car drivers and teams. The project will create a minimum
of 15 jobs up to 25 jobs. Bosser requested approval of an economic development incentive for
Racing Force USA, Inc. for up to $22,372 over three years based on a capital investment of
$2,015,000 and the minimum creation of 15 jobs.
Chair Neader opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
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June 20, 2023
Chair Neader closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve an economic incentive up to $22,372
over a three-year period based on the company's investment of up to $2,015,000 and contingent
upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the
Pre-Agenda meeting held at 4pm:
Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of a Resolution for Law Enforcement
Service Side Arms & Badges.
Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #42 to
appropriate additional EMS fees received for overages in EMS billing services fees and
our Separate Directed Payments.
Request from ICATS for approval of Budget Amendment #43 to recognize NC Department
of Transportation funding for the increased cost of vehicles approved in fiscal years 2021
through 2023.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment # 44 to
appropriate SCIF investment earnings for FYE 6/30/2023.
Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #45 to
appropriate lease financings to record the full value of leases and Subscription Based IT
Arrangements recorded in fiscal year 2023 as required by the Governmental Accounting
Standards Board.
Request from Tax Administration for approval of the May 2023 Refunds and Releases.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on May 16
and June 6, 2023.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNCOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
County Manager Beth Mull went over the following appointments and applicants. In the
past if there are more applications than positions the Board has tabled that appointment to allow
time for further vetting of the applications.
Animal Grievance Committee - 2 appointments
Keith Loundermilt (alternate) and Fred Savage have volunteered to serve again.
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June 20, 2023
Centralina Workforce Development Board - 2 appointments
Richard Hill and Todd Williams have volunteered to serve again.
Farmland Preservation Advisory - 1 appointment
Andrew Sherrill has volunteered to serve again.
Jury Commission - 1 appointment
Rena Turner has volunteered to serve again.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - 2 appointments
James Mixson and Mark Vaughn have volunteered to serve again.
Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees - 1 appointment
Kevin Donaldson has volunteered to serve again. Dr. Tim Brewer recommended the
reappointment of Mr. Donaldson.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to appoint all of the individuals above to the
respective Boards and Committee.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Planning Board - 2 appointments
Robert Palms and Kristi Pfeufer have volunteered to serve again. William Hamby and
Leigh Prince have volunteered to serve for the first time.
Troutman Planning Board (ETJ) - 1 appointment
Brent Tedder has volunteered to serve again. Natasha Sells has volunteered to serve for
the first time.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to table the appointments to the Iredell County
Planning Board and Troutman Planning Board (ETJ) until July 18, 2023.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Angela Matthews, 210 Southview Drive, spoke about Occupancy Tax. She asked the
Board to look at why all of the occupancy tax revenue is being used to maintain one venue, the
Civic Center. The revenue from Occupancy Tax can be used for a wide range of activities.
Tom Snyder, 237 Sundance Circle, shared concern over the County buying and selling
property, tearing down buildings, and building new ones. Snyder suggested repurposing the
Ebenezer School building.
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June 20, 2023
David Parks, 144 Barrier Circle, asked why the County is now allowing private
organizations to run sports. Currently, NB Mills and Third Creek do not have a league to plan in
because the associations chose not to invite them to participate. Parks said youth sports is the
pipeline to middle and high schools. Sports also help shape and mold them in addition to giving
the kids an outlet.
Commissioner Brown asked to speak with Mr. Parks after the meeting.
Chair Neader highlighted DSS. Staff spends hours dedicated to figuring out solutions to
the problems. Often times it is forgotten how hard someone else’s day is. DSS is far more than an
8am – 5pm position. Staff take their work home with them. It is on their hearts and minds. In
addition to Children’s Services DSS also has Adult Services. That division recently had an audit
and the overall impression of the monitoring stated that: Iredell County DSS has a very strong
Adult Services Program, they have strong leadership with their supervisors Jimmie Ann Joh nson
and Rhonda Southard, the cases are very well organized, the records had very thorough evaluations
and documentation to support their decisions and efforts contact with clients family members
service providers and Community providers were very well documented, guardianship records
were amazing, special assistants and home records were also amazing, all the necessary documents
were in the case records, and all time frames were met on each case.
Commissioner Brown said building the Health Department beside DSS has been a
longrange plan and the County has owned the property for 10 years. The Board has been setting
money aside for the project. There are other needs in the County including a new Sheriff’s Office.
The County is not in the business of buying and selling property but there are some things that
need to be purchased to handle the continuous growth.
Commissioner Stroud said there are many wants, wishes, and needs of the County. The
Board of Education gets to look solely at the school system and that is just one component of the
County. Many people understand folks moved to the County and may have paid more for a
property than it is worth and the County does not control that. Stroud said there are a few people
who took some very unfair shots at some fellow commissioners and staff specifically regarding
chairs at the Library. The chairs are medical grade vinyl that can be cleaned easily and will last a
very long time. As a government body, the Board is to be fair regardless of race, creed, color, or
sex. The Board represents the person traveling Highway 150 and the Union Grove farmer.
Vice Chair Connolly said Iredell is a big county and continues to grow. The FY24 budget
is $323 million; 47% is for Capital Improvement including the needs for schools and fire
departments. Connolly said he is looking at numbers regarding the Recreation Center. The youth
needs to stay busy. The County is very unique in its services.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation for the public’s dialogue. Iredell County is a
leading county in the State. The tax rate has been cut to what can be done. The County is on a four
year cycle. The revaluations are not controlled by the Board or county.
NEW BUSINESS
18
June 20, 2023
(None)
CLOSED SESSION
The Board held a Closed Session prior to the regular meeting and there were no action
items to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 8:02pm. The Board will meet for a
regular meeting Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 6pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room,
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk