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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-2023 1 November 21, 2023 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION November 21, 2023 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, November 21, 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. Continue the public hearing to consider a request from Applicant/Owner Phillip Rotella, of Lake Vision Development, Inc., to rezone approximately 1.6 acres along Brawley School Road in order to initiate compliance of an existing code violation. Planning Director Matthew Todd provided a brief background on the rezoning case. The Board of Commissioners considered the request in September 2023 and sent the case back to the Planning Board for further consideration. At that point, the applicant had no t attended the Planning Board meeting. At the second meeting, the Planning Board again voted unanimously to recommend denial. The Planning Board stated the General Business designation may be too intense for the area, the applicant expanded onto adjacent property, and there was a code violation. Staff supports the request as it does meet the 2030 Horizon Plan and their adjacent commercial uses. The applicant operates a contractor’s facility at the site and needs a General Business designation. The public hearing for the matter will be held at 6pm. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of a 3-year lease of the building located at 1714 Wilkesboro Rd. Statesville, NC. Contracts and Grant Procurement Officer Kaitlyn Sparks requested approval of a 3-year lease of the building located at 1714 Wilkesboro Road. The County is relinquishing Monticello and the staff housed there will be moved to the new property. Sparks noted the correct amount is $230,000. Sheriff Darren Campbell said this is a temporary fix but will bring some stability for several divisions within the department. This item was placed on consent. 2 November 21, 2023 Request from North Iredell Rescue Squad to spend $66,436 from the North Iredell Rescue - Reserve account for the purposes of purchasing chassis for replacement of Rescue 3, a medium duty rescue vehicle. Fire Services & Emergency Management Director Kent Greene said Greene noted the requested amount is $66,436 to replace Rescue 3. The truck is 21 years old. Chair Neader noted that Richard Renegar sent the Board a letter regarding the request. This item was placed on consent. Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #17 to appropriate insurance proceeds to replace two ambulances. EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval of Budget Amendment #17 to appropriate insurance proceeds in the amount of $214,225 to replace two totaled ambulances. This item was placed on consent. Request from Department of Social Services for approval and signature of 2 -year agreement for PeopleGoal online human resources platform. Business Officer Dan Edward requested approval of a two-year agreement and expend funds totaling $10,000 per year for PeopleGoal human resources platform. The included tools will be used in the creation, management, and tracking of a new agency Continuous Feedback Framework that is part of the county strategic goals for the department in 2023 and 2024. Chair Neader asked if there will be a learning curve. Edward said there may be a bit of a learning curve but staff is excited about the new platform. This item was placed on consent. Request from Department of Social Services for approval of Budget Amendment #20 to expend and receive $6,969.29 in Adult Protective Services (APS) Essential Services Funds for use in making purchases on behalf of eligible APS clients. Business Officer Dan Edward requested approval of Budget Amendment #20 to expend and receive $6,969.29 in Adult Protective Services (APS) Essential Services Funds for use in making purchases on behalf of eligible APS clients. North Carolina DHHS has allocated special APS Essential Services Funds totaling $6,969.29 for the County. Funds are available for use through May 2024. Payments will be submitted for reimbursement as part of the existing monthly claiming process. Approved uses for funds include the provision of medical care for physical and mental health, assistance in personal hygiene, assistance with obtaining appropriate food, clothing, seeking and providing heated and ventilated shelter, providing for protection from health and safety hazards, and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This item was placed on consent. Request from Human Resources for approval of the Public Official Bonds. Risk Management/Wellness Manager Melissa Poteat requested approval of the Public Official Bonds. Poteat noted the annual premium totals $2,804. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Library to accept Farber Specialty Vehicle's bid, award the contract in the amount of $250,920, and approve Budget Amendment #18 to appropriate additional State Aid to Public Libraries to purchase a mobile library. Library Director Juli Moore requested approval to accept Farber Specialty Vehicle's bid, award the contract in the amount of 3 November 21, 2023 $250,920, and approve Budget Amendment #18 to appropriate additional State Aid to Public Libraries to purchase a mobile library. Moore noted that the Library budgeted $34,500 in the FY24 for the Library Services and Technology Grant and received $36,212. This item was placed on consent. Request from Mooresville Graded School District for approval to amend the Selma Burke Middle School capital project ordinance by transferring funds within the project. Finance Director Deb Cheek requested to amend the Selma Burke Middle School capital project ordinance by transferring funds within the project. The MGSD is in the final stages of the Selma Burke Middle School project, as the project progresses line item adjustments are needed within the budget to maintain the County’s project ordinance requirements. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for consideration and acceptance of the highest upset bid offer for Bluefield Road Surplus Property and to close the upset bid process. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines request approval to accept the highest upset bid of $1,900,000 and to close the upset bid process. Stines explained the upset bid process began after an initial offer on the property from Maxwell Group/Weller Life in the amount of $1,400,000 was accepted. The initial offer was upset a total of three times, with the highest and final offer on the property coming from Crescent Acquisitions with a bid of $1,900,000. No additional bids were received on the property at the end of an additional 10 day upset bid period that ended on November 15, 2023. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of conveyance of personal property to Lawmen's Distribution. This matter will be presented at 6pm. Request from the Finance Department for approval of conveyance of personal property to the Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines said the County has been presented an opportunity to donate computers to the Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont for its Students in Training Program (SiT). This program is designed to teach students how to troubleshoot, complete diagnostic screenings and any skills associated with computer technology. Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont is a non-profit that provides after-school programs to students. The Board agreed this was a unique opportunity for the County to provide students with hands on experience. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of a replacement contract with Cintas. Contracts & Grant Procurement Officer Kaitlyn Sparks requested approval of a replacement contract with Cintas. Rental Uniforms was bought out by Cintas recently. Cintas offered to allow the County to transition services over to them using a contract from a cooperative. They have also agreed to honor the prices that we were previously paying with Rental Uniforms and waive the $35 delivery fee. This would be a 3-year contract that would have the capability to be utilized by many county departments. 4 November 21, 2023 This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval to enter into a Build Ready Site Grant Agreement between Williams Development Group and the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) with the County being the third-party administrator of the grant. Finance Director Deb Cheek said Williams Development Company has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the NCRR. Iredell County will contract with the NCRR to administer this grant. This grant is to provide funding to assist with a Build Ready Site Project including but not limited to grading, drainage, and any other incidental work associated with the land preparation. Cheek requested approval to enter into a Build Ready Site Grant Agreement between Williams Development Group and the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) with the County being the third-party administrator of the grant. County Attorney Lisa Valdez said NCRR agreed to a clause stating that the County can assign the responsibility to another local government entity. This item was placed on consent. Request approval of Budget Amendment #19 and to amend the Jennings Park Capital Project Ordinance to accept Guaranteed Maximum Price 3 and the related additional design and testing expenses. Project Manager David Saleeby requested approval of Budget Amendment #19 and to amend the Jennings Park Capital Project Ordinance to accept Guaranteed Maximum Price 3 and the related additional design and testing expenses. The Jennings Park project is in the Guarantied Maximum Price (GMP) 1 phase which is the site package portion of the project. GMP 2 includes remaining trade packages such as buildings, fencing, site electrical, site plumbing, athletic field surfaces/lighting along with other items listed on the attached GMP item sheet. The Board of Commissioners asked to upgrade the playing surface for 4 soccer fields, change 4 baseball field infields from pro dirt to synthetic turf which is reflected in the attached GMP 3. Saleeby said the brown is 60 ounce synthetic turf and the green diamond is 42 ounce synthetic with a sod and bermuda grass outfield, and a pro-dirt warning track for all four fields. On October 17, 2023, the Board of Commissioners decided to not include an alternate bid for a crow’s nest building at the championship baseball field. The footprint for the crow’s nest will remain "pad ready" for use if the Board of Commissioners choose to build there in the future. Concrete sidewalks to connect all walkways to the championship baseball field bleachers will be needed since the crow’s nest is not being built at this time, is included in GMP3. To ensure matching bricks for all buildings, GMP 3 includes purchase of additional bricks for a future building at the crow’s nest site. Design for the synthetic turf baseball infields along with soil testing for a proper subbase for the synthetic turf is included in budget amendment #19 Saleeby requested approval of GMP3 Amendment to the Edifice Construction contract for $1,044,121. Also, the Board is being asked to consider approval of Budget Amendment #19, and approval of an amendment to the Capital Project Ordinance which includes GMP 3, a contract amendment for Stewart Engineering for design and a contract amendment for F&R Engineering for special testing. GMP 3 - Edifice - $ 1,044,121 Infield design - Stewart - $ 92,000 Special Testing for Infields - F&R - $ 14,645 Total for BA# 19- $1,150,766 5 November 21, 2023 Mull said the funds from the Bluefield Road property will go into the Jennings Park fund. Because the project is moving forward these funds will be coming out of fund balance and when Bluefield Road property closes the money will be put back into fund balance with any residual going to Jennings Park Fund. Commissioner Houpe asked if the sale of Bluefield Road property would help fund the crow’s nest. Saleeby said the alternate for the crow’s nest is $906,426. Mull said there is $1,150,766 coming out of fund balance and the proceeds from Bluefield Road is about $1.9 million but realtor fees will need to come out of that therefore there is a shortage. Commissioner Houpe said the company will honor the price of the crow’s nest until January 2024. Commissioner Houpe said now is time to do everything right for the park. It is a great investment for the community. Saleeby noted the weigh turf for the soccer field was increased from 42 ounce to 60 ounce. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration to solidify a proclamation for Survivor of Suicide Loss Day. County Manager Beth Mull said The County was asked to support a joint proclamation with the City of Statesville, Town of Mooresville, and Town of Troutman by proclaiming November 18, 2023 as Survivor of Suicide Loss Day. The request is to solidify the Board's consensus for the proclamation. Chair Neader thanked the fellow commissioners for allowing her to participate in the proclamation. She will speak more about this item during 6pm meeting. This item was placed on consent. Request from Tax Administration for approval of the October 2023 Refunds and Releases. This item was placed on consent. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the 2024 meeting calendar. County Manager Beth Mull requested approval of the 2024 meeting calendar. For consistency, staff recommends continuing the standard of conducting one meeting in July and November. This item was placed on consent. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from meetings on October 3, 12, 13, and 17, 2023. There were no additions or corrections. This item was placed on consent. 6 November 21, 2023 . At this time the Board entered into Closed Session. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES November 21, 2023 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 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, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson. CALL TO ORDER by Chair Neader. INVOCATION: by Commissioner Houpe. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led Chair Neader. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: There were no adjustments to the agenda. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS (None) APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD (None) PUBLIC HEARINGS Continue the public hearing to consider a request from Applicant/Owner Phillip Rotella, of Lake Vision Development, Inc., to rezone approximately 1.6 acres along Brawley School Road in order to initiate compliance of an existing code violation. Planning Director Matthew Todd said a portion of the property is currently zoned highway business and two parcels are zoned residential agricultural. Staff supports the request however Planning Board recommend in denial. In September 2023, the Board of Commissioners sent the case back to the Planning Board for consideration with instructions for the applicant to attend the meeting. The applicant did attend the meeting however the Planning Board recommended in denial of the request. 7 November 21, 2023 Chair Neader said there is a difference of uses between General Business and Highway Business. Chair Neader reconvened the public hearing. Phillip Rotella, applicant, 2242 Long Cove Court, Sherrill’s Ford, spoke in favor of the rezoning. He runs a small outdoor living business that caters to a lot of clients in the Brawley School Road area. He said the business used to be located on Highway 150 but the amount of traffic created an issue. He put up a storage building on Brawley School Road and decided it would be a better location for the business. Rotella said he has improved the property by removing a burned down house and old barns. He added a new driveway, irrigation, and grass. Rotella asked the Board to allow a fenced in area to keep outdoor materials shielded from adjacent property owners. He added that 90% of the stock pile has been removed. Chair Neader asked Rotella about the business. Rotella said his company installs pools and outdoor living spaces. Chair Neader asked if the pools are stored at the business. Rotella said the pools are custom concrete and built on site. He said there are other materials delivered to the business. Commissioner Houpe asked Rotella if he applied for a rezoning when he purchased the first piece of property. Rotella said he bought all three pieces together and wanted to put up a storage building but was told the property needed to be rezoned to Highway Business. At that time is when Rotella applied for a rezoning but the business was still operating on Highway 150. Commissioner Houpe asked Rotella if he was aware during the rezoning process that he may need to apply for another rezoning if the business was moved to the site. Rotella said probably but it was something he did not think about. County Attorney Lisa Valdez said the applicant can offer conditions however the Board cannot enforce them because the request is not conditional. Chair Neader asked if the concrete was poured when the building was put in. Rotella said yes. Commissioner Houpe asked if additional concrete has been poured since moving the business there. Rotella said everything was done at the same time. He said where the concrete is used to be a blacktop driveway and concrete floor barn. Commissioner Houpe said in order for the Board to hold the applicant accountable the applicant would need to withdraw the current request and reapply for a conditional rezoning. Commissioner Houpe asked approximately how long that process will take. 8 November 21, 2023 Todd said if the applicant withdraws the request before the Board votes the ordinance requires him to wait 180 days to resubmit the request. At that point, the applicant can apply for a conditional rezoning request. Commissioner Houpe asked Todd if there are any conditions that could possibly change the Planning Board’s position. Todd said Planning Board did not discuss that other than the look of the site was more intense than what General Business allows. Todd said possibly screening and outdoor storage. Commissioner Stroud asked for a current view of the property. Todd also showed an older aerial and explained that the materials to the left of the house and in front of the building are no longer there. Chair Neader asked if customers come to the site. Rotella said no. Commissioner Brown does not have an issue with the rezoning because of the small lot size. Vice Chair Connolly explained that the applicant has put the Board in a situation because they sent the case back to Planning Board resulting in two recommendations to deny. Both boards and staff has spent a lot of time on the matter. Connolly thanked Rotella for his honesty. Chair Neader said the Board wants to support businesses while choosing smart paths with growth. The Board realizes there are a lot of thoughts that comes with decision making. Rotella asked if Highway Business zoning designation be appropriate if the outdoor storage was screened. Todd said the applicant has a Contractor’s Facility which falls into the General Business zoning designation. Commissioner Stroud said the Board is here to assist the citizens and make it a healthy environment for the property owner and neighbors around. Stroud asked Rotella how long the business has been there. Rotella bought the property approximately three and half years ago and started improving it shortly after. Commissioner Stroud said the applicant has improved the conditions of the property. Commissioner Houpe said the situation come to light due to a complaint. Commissioner Stroud asked what the complaint was based on. Todd said the complaint was made on the appearance of the property. Commissioner Stroud asked if the complaint was made prior to the improvements to the property. Todd did not have a timeframe. 9 November 21, 2023 Rotella thought the complaint stemmed from mud on the road. Commissioner Houpe explained he would be more comfortable with a conditional rezoning because of the number of uses in General Business. County Attorney Lisa Valdez’s interpretation of the 180 days is a little different from the standpoint. She said the applicant can come back with a conditional rezoning application limiting uses and conditions that address concerns of the Planning Board if he withdraws the current application before the Board votes tonight. Commissioner Stroud said under Valdez’s interpretation the applicant can bring the application back before the 180 days. If the applicant chooses not to withdraw and the Board votes he will have to wait 12 months. The applicant withdrew the current rezoning application. Chair Neader closed the public hearing. There was no action taken by the Board. Iredell County PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING STAFF REPORT REZONING CASE # 2308-2 STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Leslie M. Meadows EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST This is a request to rezone three parcels of land at the corner of Brawley School Road and Drye Drive, approximately 1.6 acres, from split-zoned Highway Business (HB)/Residential Agricultural (RA) to General Business (GB). This is a conventional rezoning request which will initiate compliance of an existing code violation. No additional agreed upon conditions are proposed at this time. OWNER/APPLICANT OWNER/APPLICANT: Phillip M. Rotella, Lake Vision Development, Inc. PROPERTY INFORMATION 10 November 21, 2023 ADDRESS/LOCATION: 754 and 748 Brawley School Road; more specifically, PINs#: 4637919474.000, 4647010570.000, & 4647011743.000. SURROUNDING LAND USE: Adjoining and diagonal to this site are a variety of NB and CB/CB-CUD uses (which converts to HB/HB-CUD under the current LDC) in the surrounding area. Properties directly to the north and south are still residential in nature. SIZE: The total acreage to be rezoned includes approximately 1.6 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: Metal building (warehouse/storage) and former single-family dwelling turned office space, that has been operating as a Contractors’ Facility. ZONING HISTORY: The properties were originally zoned, Residential Agricultural (RA) when county-wide zoning was established in 1990. In 2021, Mr. Rotella rezoned the most western parcel (PIN#: 4637919474) to Highway Business (HB) in order to build a sizeable, stand-alone warehouse-type structure, for a small building supply dealership (indoor). In time, the site has become a hub/storage facility for Mr. Rotella’s growing construction company, Lake Vision Development, Inc. Due to an accumulated amount of outdoor storage and employee parking, the watershed limitations have been maxed out on the lot. The use has spilled over onto Mr. Rotella’s adjoining residential parcels. These various code violations have resulted in the need for code enforcement actions. OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: The property is inside of the Town of Mooresville’s Urban Service Area. Future annexation and/or public utilities may be made available in the future. The Town of Mooresville has been made aware of the request. No feedback has been received. OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is located within the regulated WS-IV-CA Critical Watershed Area for Catawba/Lake Norman. Proposed new development will be limited to the Non-Residential Low-Density Option for 24% built-upon area. The Non- Residential High-Density Option is not allowed along Brawley School Road in the County’s jurisdiction. This rezoning and combination of parcels will aid the applicant in adhering to the site’s watershed restrictions. The property is not located in a flood hazard zone. UTILITIES: This site is currently served by well and septic, but could have access to public utilities through the Town of Mooresville in the future. IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES 11 November 21, 2023 TRAFFIC: Brawley School Road is considered an existing boulevard according to the current CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The closest and most recent traffic count, east of this property along Brawley School Road, had a traffic count of 34,000 vehicles per day in 2021. According to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan 2008 Study Report for Iredell County, the capacity for this section of Brawley School Road is approximately 36,600 vehicles per day through the year 2030. This portion of Brawley School Road does not currently appear in Iredell County’s 2021 Transportation Master Plan; which does slate improvements to Brawley School Road, but they are all east of the I-77 corridor. The speed limit along this section of Brawley School Road is 45 mph. SCHOOLS: This is a commercial rezoning and should have no implications on local schools. EMERGENCY SERVICES: This proposal has been reviewed by the Iredell County Fire Marshal’s Office and Iredell County EMS. Neither office addressed any concerns regarding the request. REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES LOCAL: The applicant must provide a site plan to the Planning & Development Department for review to develop the property. Zoning requirements such as parking, landscaping, and watershed calculations will be reviewed at such time. Erosion & sedimentation control standards will also be reviewed for compliance. STATE: Other than building code, there should be no formal state agency review at this time. FEDERAL: None at this time. STAFF AND BOARD COMMENTS STAFF COMMENTS: The owner/applicant, Mr. Phil Rotella, represents Lake Vision Development, Inc., a construction company that specializes in designing and building luxury outdoor living spaces: pools, cabanas, and other hardscapes. Mr. Rotella’s plans include combining these three parcels for use of the properties’ existing warehouse-type structure to house building supplies, and a construction office operating out of the existing residential structure. Some outdoor storage has already accumulated. Such a Contractors’ Facility requires a GB zoning designation, or higher (M-1, M-2). Thus, this rezoning will bring the current use into zoning compliance. Combining the three lots will allow additional space for the necessary parking requirements and existing outdoor storage, while staying within the Critical Watershed limitations. A formal commercial site plan review will be required upon rezoning approval. It is noted that this is a conventional (straight) request that will allow for any of the permitted GB uses. Being along Brawley School Road, the parcel in question is inside what the 2030 Horizon Plan calls the Corridor Commercial area. Corridor Commercial areas include existing commercial, office, and/or retail uses that exist along major thoroughfares and highways 12 November 21, 2023 or areas that will include commercial development in the future, and can contain both large and small mixed-use commercial centers. These areas are both within and outside the Iredell County Urban Service Areas. They may be serviced by and incorporated into one of the municipalities at some point in the future. According to the plan, commercial uses within this area generally should include retail, restaurants, entertainment centers, automobile services, personal services, other commercial uses, and office developments. The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request based on the following: The property lies within the 2030 Horizon Plan Corridor Commercial area, it is surrounded by various existing commercial uses, and will initiate bringing an existing use into zoning and watershed compliance. SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: Staff performed a site visit on July 14, 2023, to post property and take photo documentation. PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On October 4, 2023, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, the Planning Board held a second public meeting to hear the rezoning request. The applicant/landowner, Phil Rotella, was present for questioning this time. No neighboring landowners were in attendance. However, Planning Board still expressed concern that they could not recommend for approval in good faith that the applicant would come into compliance, or remain in compliance into the future. It was also reiterated that surrounding uses; while commercial, are considered more Neighborhood Business or possibly Highway Business in nature, which seems more conducive to Brawley School Road. Public hearing to consider a request from applicant Gerald Grant, of Jordon Grant & Associates, representing landowners Lowland Group, LLC and North Iredell Grinding, Inc., 77 to rezone approximately 10.97 acres along Shelton Avenue. Todd presented the following rezoning case. The property in between Troutman and Statesville. The front portion of the property is currently zoned Neighborhood Business and the rear portion of the property is zoned Neighborhood Business Conditional. The applicant is requesting to rezone the property to Highway Business. The request is conditional and a Public Input Meeting was held. Some neighbors had some questions about the use. The applicant intends to develop a mini-storage and the opportunity for additional businesses. Staff supports the request and the Planning Board voted unanimously to support the request. The 2030 Horizon Plan calls for the property to be Rural Commercial. There is a corner piece identified as Medium Density Residential. Chair Neader opened the public hearing. Robert Baldwin, owner, 323 River Bend Drive, Advance, spoke in favor of the rezoning. He has completed a similar project in Davie and Yadkin County. The masonry mini-storage is climate controlled and create minimal traffic. Hours are limited to 5am – 11pm. Chair Neader closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the zoning map and 2030 Horizon Plan amendment, and to make a finding that said approval is consistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan, and is also reasonable and in the public interest because: the property lies within the 2030 13 November 21, 2023 Horizon Plan Rural Commercial designation, conditions of the request aim to maintain safeguards for the surrounding landowners, and traffic impacts should be minimal. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Iredell County PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING STAFF REPORT REZONING CASE # 2310-1 STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Leslie M. Meadows EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST This is a request to rezone a portion of two parcels of land along Shelton Avenue, approximately 10.97 acres, from split-zoned Neighborhood Business (NB)/ Neighborhood Business Conditional Use District (NB-CUD) to Highway Business Conditional District (HBCD). The intent of this conditional request is to amend the existing conditions at this site, and will limit permitted HB uses, as well as the built-upon area, as attached to the request. OWNER/APPLICANT OWNER(S): Robert Baldwin, Lowland Group, LLC Don Church, North Iredell Grinding, Inc. APPLICANT: Gerald V. Grant, Jordon Grant & Associates PROPERTY INFORMATION ADDRESS/LOCATION: 2370 Shelton Ave. More specifically, PINs#: 4732670884.000 & 4732676816.000 SURROUNDING LAND USE: The surrounding areas to the south and west remain residential in nature. A corridor of Neighborhood Business zoning runs along both sides of Shelton Ave., with a Light- Manufacturing use, Troutman Chair Company, to the north. SIZE: The total acreage to be rezoned includes approximately 10.97 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: Vacant, heavily wooded. 14 November 21, 2023 ZONING HISTORY: Both properties were originally split-zoned Residential Agricultural (RA)/Neighborhood Business (NB) when county-wide zoning was established in 1990. The existing NB zoning, along the front of the properties, follows the Shelton Avenue corridor. In 2007, then landowner Anita Johnson, represented by Michael & David Johnson, were approved to rezone the middle portion of the larger parcel from RA to Neighborhood Business Conditional Use District (NB CUD), and the rear portion to Multi-Family Residential (R-8A). The portion in question, currently zoned NB CUD, includes the following conditions: Permit all R-8A and NB uses with the exception of service stations (with and without gas), stub outs to be provided on both sides of the property to the large adjoining tracts, Roadway Protection Overlay (RPO) standards along Shelton Avenue, all parking for the business uses shall be located to the rear of the non-residential buildings, and only two driveway cuts to be allowed per NCDOT approval. Theses NB CUD conditions shall no longer apply, if the proposed HBCD request is approved. It is also important to note that, in 2011, amendments were adopted to the LDC that discontinued the Conditional Use District (CUD) zoning option. OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: According to Statesville Planning Director Sherry Ashely, this area of Shelton Avenue is projected to be the “gateway” into the City of Statesville. Within the City’s urban service area, Ashley stated that the City’s 2045 Land Development Plan depicts these properties as “Activity Corridor”, which encourages a mix of retail, commercial, and office uses along main commercial corridors. Ashley adds that, per the City’s 2019 Mobility + Development Plan, Shelton Avenue is proposed to be widened with sidewalks and bicycle facilities. The new bridge over Third Creek was widened to accommodate future sidewalk at the City’s request. While adjoining Troutman Town Limits to the rear, Troutman’s Associate Planner, Andrew Ventresca, shared that the properties fall outside Troutman’s long-range planning boundary, thus provided no recommendation. OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: These properties are not located within a regulated Watershed Area. Proposed new development will be not be limited by built-upon area calculations. The properties are not located in a flood hazard zone. However, due to proximity to a perennial tributary of Third Creek and unfavorable terrain/soils, the applicant has agreed to leave the northern portion of the larger parcel as required buffer yard. (See attached map for a preliminary example.) UTILITIES: This site is currently served by well and septic. However, future public utilities may be available via the City of Statesville. IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES TRAFFIC: According to the current CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan. This portion of Shelton Avenue, from Moose Club Road to Winston Avenue, is considered an existing boulevard in need of improvements. The closest and most recent NCDOT annual average daily traffic count along Shelton Avenue was approximately 9,100 vehicles per 15 November 21, 2023 day in 2021. In Iredell County’s 2021 Transportation Master Plan, the Shelton Avenue corridor contains a proposed future Bike/Pedestrian project, to include sidewalk and curb & guttering. The speed limit along this section of Shelton Avenue is 45 mph. SCHOOLS: This is a commercial rezoning and should have no implications on local schools’ capacity. EMERGENCY SERVICES: This proposal has been reviewed by the Iredell County Fire Marshal’s Office and Iredell County EMS. Neither office addressed any concerns regarding the request. REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES LOCAL: An official site plan must be submitted to the Planning & Development Department for review in order to redesign or further develop the property. Zoning requirements such as parking, landscaping, and buffering will be reviewed at such time. Erosion & sedimentation control standards will also be reviewed for compliance. STATE: Other than building code, there should be no formal state agency review at this time. FEDERAL: None at this time. STAFF AND BOARD COMMENTS STAFF COMMENTS: The applicant, Gerald V. Grant, of Jordan Grant & Associates, is aiding the landowners to design and develop a neighborhood commercial plaza that will include an internal-access, climate-controlled self-storage facility, and enough land for another retail/service/office space in the future. They expressed intentions to recombine the parcels; initially constructing the self-storage facility, and anticipate creating another parcel for future commercial development. A rezoning to amend the existing conditions aids in revitalizing these properties. The applicant has consented to a conditional rezoning; limiting future HB uses and applying additional measures to be considerate of the surrounding neighborhoods. The specific conditions imposed as part of the HBCD application are as follows: 1.) Permitted HB uses would be limited to the following uses only: Accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping, Administrative or management services, Advertising agencies or representatives, Agencies & offices rendering specialized services NOT involving retail trade such as advertising, architecture, engineering, & NOT listed elsewhere, Antique shop, Apparel sales, Appliance sales & service, Art studios & galleries, Arts & crafts sales, Bakeries, retail. Banking; including loan offices, investment houses, & ATMs, Barber & beauty shops, Bicycle sales, service & repair, Book stores, Camera & photography; sales & service, Candy stores, Clothing shops; including alterations or repairs, Computer services; including sales, maintenance & repairs, Dance studios & schools; including aerobics, Employment agencies; personnel agencies, Fabric or piece goods stores, Florist shops, Fraternal & social associations or organizations Gift, novelty, & souvenir shop, Hobby & toy 16 November 21, 2023 stores, Home furnishings; miscellaneous, Insurance agencies, Jewelry sales & repair, Law offices, Leather goods sales, Martial arts instructional schools, Medical offices or laboratories, Mini-warehouse/self-storage, Museums & art galleries, Music stores including instrument repair, Newsstands, Office; NOT classified elsewhere, Office supply store, Optical goods sales, Photocopying & duplicating services, Photography studio, Physical fitness centers, Picture framing shop, Real estate offices, Recreation facilities; commercial, Recreation facilities; private including county clubs, private neighborhood parks & multi-family recreation areas where the principal use is permitted in a zone, Recreation facilities; public, Rehabilitation or counseling services, Restaurants, Schools; specialty training, such as cosmetology, vocation or trade services NOT elsewhere classified, Signs as regulated by Article XI, Sporting goods stores, Stock, security or commodity brokers, Structures and uses clearly incidental to a permitted use, Tanning salons, Travel agencies, Utility company offices. 2.) Approximately 4.4 acres (40%) will be buffer yards with largest buffer on north boundary (see attached map). 3.) No outside storage. 4.) Storage units accessed internally and climate controlled. 5.) Proposed buildings will be brick façade. 6.) Dedicated, public street right-of-way along southern boundary line to provide access to the rear 13.663 acres zoned R-8A CUD. With the front portion of these properties existing as commercial zoned NB/NB CUD for almost 20 years, the 2030 Horizon Plan has already been amended in the past to include the majority of the site within the Rural Commercial designation. Planning staff also supports extending the Rural Commercial designation to the smaller parcel. The intent of Rural Commercial areas is that they will remain rural in character for the projected planning period, and not be serviced by public utilities. Land uses appropriate within Rural Commercial areas include supporting farm services, small-scale commercial uses such as small markets, convenience stores, small neighborhood service businesses, restaurants, churches, and institutional uses. Other commercial and offices use could be permissible provided the property is rezoned to a conditional district, as in this case. The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request, and 2030 Horizon Plan amendment, based on the following: the majority of the site lies within the 2030 Horizon Plan Rural Commercial designation, conditions of the request aim to maintain safeguards for the surrounding landowners, and traffic impacts should be minimal. PUBLIC INPUT MEETING: Due to limited onsite access, a public input meeting was held in the 2nd floor large conference room of the Iredell County Building Standards Center, located at 349 N. Center Street, on Thursday, August 24, 2023 starting at 6:00 pm. Approximately 4 property owners from the area, were in attendance to hear the proposal and ask questions. Two representatives from the Lowland Group, LLC, described the future climate-controlled self-storage facility. Concerns included the size of the property and possible other retail sales/services not accounted for. A copy of the applicant’s summary of said public input meeting has been included at the end of this report. 17 November 21, 2023 SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: Staff performed a site visit on September 15, 2023, to post property and take photo documentation. PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On October 4, 2023, the Planning Board held a public meeting to consider the rezoning request, which includes extensive agreed upon conditions per the applicant. The applicant/landowner was present for questioning. Only one neighboring landowner spoke regarding their curiosities, but were not in opposition. Subsequently, the board voted unanimously, 9-0, to recommend approval of the rezoning application. Public hearing to consider a request from applicant Howard Bryan, of Piedmont Landco, LLC, representing landowners 77 Amity Hill, LLC, to rezone approximately 65.68 acres between Murdock Road and Amity Hill Road. Matthew Todd presented the following rezoning request. The property is just over 65 acres and is currently zoned Highway Business and Rural Residential. The applicant is requesting to rezone the property to straight General Business. Staff support the request and Planning Board voted unanimously to support the request. There was no opposition. Chair Neader opened the public hearing. Howard Bryan, representing owner Kathy Godley, spoke in favor of the rezoning. He said Godley is known for the one million square feet building for Walmart on Murdock Road. She paid for the waterline to the property and she is prepared to extend Troutman’s waterline to the property. No one else wished to speak. Chair Neader closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the zoning map and 2030 Horizon Plan amendment, and to make a finding that said approval is consistent with the adopted 2030 Horizon Plan, and is also reasonable and in the public interest because: a portion of the largest parcel lies within the 2030 Horizon Plan Highway Interchange Commercial designation, and the properties are within close proximity to the I-77 corridor. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Iredell County PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING STAFF REPORT REZONING CASE # 2310-2 STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Leslie M. Meadows EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST This is a request to rezone seven parcels of land between Murdock Road and Amity Hill Road, approximately 65.68 acres, from split-zoned Highway Business (HB)/ Rural Residential (RU-R) to General Business (GB). This is a conventional request, with no additional agreed upon conditions presented at this time. 18 November 21, 2023 OWNER/APPLICANT OWNER(S): Kathy Godley, 77 Amity Hill, LLC APPLICANT: Howard Bryan, Piedmont Landco, LLC PROPERTY INFORMATION ADDRESS/LOCATION: 612 Murdock Road. More specifically, PINs#: 4742743282.000, 4742636509.000, 4742631628.000, 4742632794.000, 4742643011.000, 4742645368.000, and 4742648712.000 SURROUNDING LAND USE: North and south of the site is already zoned commercially, primarily Highway Business, with the I-77 corridor running directly to the east. while surrounding areas to the west & southwest remain residential in nature. SIZE: The total acreage to be rezoned includes approximately 65.68 acres. EXISTING LAND USE: Vacant, heavily wooded; except for a power-line easement and one former residence. ZONING HISTORY: The front portion of the largest parcel, along Amity Hill Road and the I- 77 interchange (Exit 45), was originally zoned Highway Business (HB) when county-wide zoning was established in 1990. The remaining rear portion of the largest parcel, along with the other six smaller parcels, were part of the Hoover Road Area non-owner rezoning in July of 2000. Hoover Road Area property owners (93% in favor) requested approximately 739.65 acres be rezoned from Residential Agricultural (RA) to Rural Residential (RU-R). The RU-R designation promotes rural atmosphere and does not allow for single-wide manufactured homes. OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: According to Statesville Planning Director Sherry Ashely, this area of Amity Hill Road/I-77 Exit 45, per new municipal agreement, is in Troutman’s jurisdiction. However, in the City’s LDP is projected “Activity Corridor” as well. The City’s planning department would recommend a Traffic Impact Analysis because this is at an interchange in which an Industrial Park/Commercial Retail has been approved (Larkin). In addition, Murdock Road is part of the City’s outer loop and is projected to be widened with sidewalks and bicycle facilities. Troutman’s Associate Planner, Andrew Ventresca, shared that Troutman’s long-range land use plan map recommends both Interchange Commercial and Heavy Industrial for this area. Troutman Planning Staff feels the request is consistent with their plan and have no opposition to these properties being rezoned. 19 November 21, 2023 OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: These properties are not located within a regulated Watershed Area. Proposed new development will not be limited by built-upon area calculations. The properties are not located in a flood hazard zone. UTILITIES: This site is currently served by well and septic only. However, future public utilities may be available via the Town of Troutman. IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES TRAFFIC: According to the current CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Murdock Road is considered a minor thoroughfare, an existing boulevard in need of improvements from Hoover Road to Amity Hill Road. Amity Hill Road is also denoted as a minor thoroughfare, an existing boulevard in need of improvements from Ostwalt Amity Road to Third Creek Road Extension. The closest and most recent NCDOT annual average daily traffic count is along Amity Hill Road, approximately 3,700 vehicles per day in 2021. Traffic capacities are unknown. The Iredell County 2021 Transportation Master Plan acknowledges the need for improvements at the intersection of Murdock Road and Amity Hill Road, but is currently not funded. The speed limit along this section of Murdock Road is 45 mph, and is 50 mph along Amity Hill Road. SCHOOLS: This is a commercial rezoning and should have no implications on local schools’ capacity. EMERGENCY SERVICES: This proposal has been reviewed by the Iredell County Fire Marshal’s Office and Iredell County EMS. Neither office addressed any concerns regarding the request. REQUIRED REVIEWS BY OTHER AGENCIES LOCAL: An official site plan must be submitted to the Planning & Development Department for review in order to redesign or further develop the property. Zoning requirements such as parking, landscaping, and buffering will be reviewed at such time. Erosion & sedimentation control standards will also be reviewed for compliance. STATE: Other than building code, there should be no formal state agency review at this time. FEDERAL: None at this time. STAFF AND BOARD COMMENTS STAFF COMMENTS: The applicant, Howard Bryan, of Piedmont Landco, LLC, is aiding landowners, 77 Amity Hill, LLC, to market these properties at highest and best use. Due to proximity to the I-77 corridor and the sizable (reconfigurable) acreage, the applicant foresees a possible business park for distribution/supply chain companies, with a mix of smaller retail and travel related businesses along street frontages. The General Business 20 November 21, 2023 zoning allows multi-story and pitched roof buildings with height limit of 50 feet, which is greater than the 30 feet height limit allowed in Highway Business (HB). It is noted this is straight/conventional request, with no additional agreed upon conditions at this time. All permitted GB uses would be allowed. Due to close proximity to the I-77 corridor, a portion of the properties already lie within the 2030 Horizon Plan Interchange Commercial designation. The remaining acreage is currently considered Medium-Density Residential in the 2030 Horizon Plan. However, the 2045 Horizon Plan update is underway, which proposes extending the Employment Center – Industrial/Flex/Office designation existing to the south, northward to include this area. Thus, staff supports an amendment to the 2030 Horizon Plan to designate this property as Employment Center – Industrial/Flex/Office. Employment Center – Industrial/Flex/Office areas are intended for development of industrial, flex space, and office uses including light manufacturing and assembly, research and development, warehousing, and building trade showrooms and offices. These lands are either currently served or are planned to be served in the future by public or private water or sanitary sewer systems. These areas should have access to planned arterial or collector streets to provide adequate infrastructure for transportation of goods to and from distribution centers. Development should provide adequate transitions to adjacent lower intensity uses, such as residential and commercial uses, in the form of vegetated buffers, landscaping, setbacks, and building heights. An Employment Center – Industrial/Flex/Office designation would also be consistent with the Town of Troutman’s future plans for this area. The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request, and 2030 Horizon Plan amendment, based on the following: a portion of the largest parcel lies within the 2030 Horizon Plan Highway Interchange Commercial designation, and the properties are within close proximity to the I-77 corridor. SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: Staff performed a site visit on September 15, 2023, to post property and take photo documentation. PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On October 4, 2023, the Planning Board held a public meeting to consider the rezoning request, which includes extensive agreed upon conditions per the applicant. The applicant was present for questioning. No neighboring landowners spoke regarding concerns. Subsequently, the board voted unanimously, 9- 0, to recommend approval of the rezoning application. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS • Request from the Sheriff's Office to approve a 3 -year lease of the building located at 1714 Wilkesboro Rd. Statesville, NC. • Request from North Iredell Rescue Squad to spend $66,436 from the North Iredell Rescue - Reserve account for the purposes of purchasing chassis for replacement of Rescue 3, a medium duty rescue vehicle. • Request from Emergency Medical Services for approval of Budget Amendment #17 to appropriate insurance proceeds to replace two ambulances. 21 November 21, 2023 • Request from Department of Social Services for approval and signature of 2-year agreement for PeopleGoal online human resources platform. • Request from Department of Social Services for approval of Budget Amendment #20 to expend and receive $6,969.29 in Adult Protective Services (APS) Essential Services Funds for use in making purchases on behalf of eligible APS clients. • Request from Human Resources for approval of the Public Official Bonds. • Request from the Library to accept Farber Specialty Vehicle's bid, award the contract in the amount of $250,920, and approve Budget Amendment #18 to appropriate additional State Aid to Public Libraries to purchase a mobile library. • Request from Mooresville Graded School District for approval to amend the Selma Burke Middle School capital project ordinance by transferring funds within the project. • Request from the Finance Department for consideration and acceptance of the highest upset bid offer for Bluefield Road Surplus Property and to close the upset bid process. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of conveyance of personal property to the Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont. • Request from the Finance Department for approval of a replacement contract with Rental Uniforms. • Request from the Finance Department for approval to enter into a Build Ready Site Grant Agreement between Williams Development Group and the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) with the County being the third party administrator of the grant. • Request approval of Budget Amendment #19 and to amend the Jennings Park Capital Project Ordinance to accept Guaranteed Maximum Price 3 and the related additional design and testing expenses. • Request from Administration to solidify a proclamation for Survivor of Suicide Loss Day. • Request from Tax Administration for approval of the October 2023 Refunds and Releases. • Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the 2024 meeting calendar. • Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from meetings on October 3, 12, 13, and 17, 2023. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 At this time, there was a MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to recuse Vice Chair Connolly from the following item of business. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 22 November 21, 2023 Request from the Finance Department for approval of conveyance of personal property to Lawmen's Distribution. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines said the Sheriff's Office has submitted 239 used firearms into surplus and requested to authorize the conveyance of personal property in exchange for (48) new rifles from Lawmen's Distribution. The exchange is for fair consideration in the amount of $46,800. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe for approval of conveyance of personal property to Lawmen's Distribution. VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chair Neader circled back to Survivor of Suicide Loss Day. Chair Neader said, “Mayor Miles Atkins reached out to me several weeks ago to share with me about Survivor of Suicide Loss Day and I learned a lot more from that day than just elected officials coming together to talk about a proclamation. I would like to take time to read the proclamation. Since then conversations have arisen and I will ask Vice Chair Connolly some thoughts as he brought more things into perspective. Unfortunately, the way things are we are all impacted by suicide some way, shape, or form. It touches lives and those who are left behind have a perspective that is hard to put into words. The proclamation is a way to help those that are left behind.” Chair Neader ready the following proclamation into the record. Chair Neader said, “I want us to continue the conversations as citizens in the County more than on November 18th. It is critical for those of us to have difficult conversations, and to reach out to those we know. Vice Chair Connolly, please share the perspective you shared with me.” Vice Chair Connolly said, “When we start talking about suicide it is not just about the person who committed suicide and their friends and family. It also effects the 911 call taker, dispatcher, EMS, Rescue Squad, Fire personnel, law enforcement, detention officers, and inmates. We have troops that go across seas and fight for our Country and come back here, and have a hard battle. Life is hard enough. Much less all the drama that everyone creates with life. It’s unfair. With the holiday season coming up, it is time to check on people. Sometimes it is the people you least expect that have suicidal tendencies. It happens with students. It effects other kids, guidance counselors, and everyone. It is not just the person who is taking their own life but it is effecting everyone else. We all have known someone or dealt with someone that has gone through these tragic times. It is especially tragic for parent who have children who do that because they have friends at school picking on them or not being accepted. We need to take time to check to see how 23 November 21, 2023 each other is. The elderly and young. If we start looking at numbers of the people who take their life just in this county and add it with the nation’s numbers it is unimaginable the number of people who take their own life. It is truly sad. There are resources that people can lean on. I was thinking earlier how it effects so many people. It is an entire cycle of people. Someone has to knock on the door to tell them their loved one committed suicide. Imagine doing that during an entire career span of a paramedic or law enforcement. It is unreal. It is a big problem that needs to be addressed. In the world that we live in people love drama. People love to post on social media. People need to understand when they talk about people sometimes they need to be quiet.” Chair Neader said, “The power of words.” Commissioner Brown said, “My brother committed suicide six years ago and wife’s brother 10 years ago. It is tough especially at the holidays. It effects so many people. My brother committed suicide on the bank of Lake Norman and people on the lake witnessed it and were devastated.” Vice Chair Connolly said, “They’ll never forget it.” Commissioner Brown said, “I was mad at my brother for doing this to my mom. It is really tough. I was on the phone with him that morning and didn’t have a clue. We were supposed to meet but he didn’t want to get out in the rain. You have to listen and pay attention.” Commissioner Stroud said, “The 23rd of October my 70 year old sister, her grandson committed suicide in her living room. This was a very unique and socially awkward young man that rarely, including myself, anybody took the time to get to know or talk to. He didn’t fit the social norm that everyone places. I said for a lot of years until cancer directly effects your family it is just a word in the dictionary. Suicide can be added to that list. Over the last month, I have replayed…is it live or Memorex of walking into that home to see my sister. What could have been said or done differently. If I had shown a little more kindness. I was never ugly to him. I just didn’t show any interest. What if I or anyone else could have made that difference? It is in every family. If you are thinking it is not in your family you are lying to yourself. Check on people. Talk to them. Even if they are not the same as you take the time to engage them on their terms. Right now in this world we are in such a polarizing place if you don’t agree with me you’re wrong. God says we are all wrong there. God tells us to come to Him as we are. He will help clean you. In today’s world we play more judge and jury than we play support. I see it play out in our politics in this country and county. We need to put our differences aside and reach out to these folks. Talk to them. Don’t shun them just because you don’t share interests. Now to watch my 70 year old sister walk into her home that she can’t enjoy anymore. Take the time.” Commissioner Houpe said, “The things you see in a 32-year law enforcement career you can’t un-see. In my business, we used to do suicide and homicide clean up. I looked at that as a service. My wife is a principal and you would be amazed at the number of interactions the school system makes on a weekly basis with the programs that are pulling words off of social media and trying to intervene before a child does something. It is because of judgement, labels and pressure on students and adults. I think we need to continue to work with staff to provide outlets for our employees and support the intervention programs in school. There have been six or eight school aged children commit suicide in the last five years. Brad, you can’t second guess yourself. We 24 November 21, 2023 could all have done things differently. The best thing we can do is have Christ in our life. That is the best peace I have on a daily basis. I pray daily for my mouth and temper because we are quick to fire back and do things we later regret. I understand that people have frustrations that build up. They take it out on their loved ones and people who love them the most. We have to provide outlets for emergency services personnel and military. Years ago if someone seeks mental health help it would blackball you in a career. It is looked upon differently now. We should provide those outlets.” Chair Neader said, “That is exactly what the goal is with the proclamation – to continue the conversations. Thank you to each one of you for your wise words. I appreciate each one.” PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No one wished to speak. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES Commissioner Houpe highlighted Operation Greenlight and the importance of recognizing the military for their service. He also expressed appreciation for Facilities Services for their hard work during the municipal elections. Vice Chair Connolly said it is unfortunate for there to be drama among elected officials. Being elected does make someone a king or queen. That mentality was ran out of the Country in the 1700s. Elected officials serve to ensure the betterment of the entire county. Not themselves or a small group of people. Chair Neader highlighted the recent Employee Appreciation Breakfast. It was a great opportunity to recognize so many county employees for their various years of service. Chair Neader also shared that she recently participated in a ride along with Emergency Medical Services. Commissioner Stroud said there was an employee recognized at the breakfast for their 50 years of service to the County. Commissioner Stroud said there are approximately 140,000 registered voters in the County. In the last election cycle for commissioners there were 14 people who felt the desire to serve out of which three were elected to serve. Stroud said the five commissioners make a contentious effort to do the right thing and represent the 200,000 population. Everyone has to put petty differences aside. Commissioner Stroud believes the applicant for one of the rezonings made an honest mistake but the Board asked him to correct the situation. The Board cannot pick and choose who they hold accountable. If the Board starts picking and choosing they are putting themselves above the law. Each commissioner took an oath to uphold the laws of the State and the policies and procedures of Iredell County. Commissioner Brown said the Commissioners are servants and elected to serve the citizens of the County. Commissioner Brown asked everyone to remember the ones working on Thanksgiving Day. 25 November 21, 2023 NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following: • Iredell-Statesville Schools provided a copy of their financial audit to each commissioner. Clerk to the Board will hand those after the meeting. • County offices will be closed November 24 & 25, 2023 for the Thanksgiving holiday. • There are several vacancies on Boards & Committees: o Board of Health o Personnel Advisory Board o Recreation Advisory Board Statesville Board of Adjustment ETJ o Statesville Planning Board ETJ o Zoning Board of Adjustment • The County is currently under a burn ban. • Several State laws have recently gone into effect. As a subset of the State, it is the County’s duty and responsibility to enforce laws and rules. Mull asked for patience as staff carry out those duties and responsibilities. • Recognized IT employee Doug Lail for his upcoming retirement. He has been a true asset in keeping everything running for meetings. CLOSED SESSION The Board held a Closed Session prior to the regular meeting and there are no action items to report. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:31pm. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, December 5, 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