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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-2023 1 December 19, 2023 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION December 19, 2023 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, December 19, 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 Brad Stroud, Sr. Board Members Participating Remotely Gene Houpe 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: County Manager Beth Mull went over the following adjustment: Remove: Economic Development from Closed Session. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of Budget Amendment #22 to appropriate Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant funds in the amount of $200,000. Sheriff Darren Campbell requested approval of Budget Amendment #22 to appropriate Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant Funds in the amount of $200,000 for two underwater evidence recovery units. The units will assist the Sheriff’s Office in locating drowning victims and underwater crime scenes. The units also have other useful GPS tools. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee for approval of Budget Amendment #23 to appropriate $71,572 of fund balance to West Iredell Fire Department from the Countywide Fire Service District to cover apparatus repairs. Kent Greene requested approval Budget Amendment #23 to appropriate $71,572 of fund balance to West Iredell Fire Department from the Countywide Fire Service District to cover apparatus repairs. The West Iredell Fire Department has had some extenuating repairs on two frontline apparatus totaling close to $80,000. Greene noted the fire department will cover the remaining $8,000. 2 December 19, 2023 This item was placed on consent. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Tier 2 hazardous materials grant up to $10,000 to support the mission of the LEPC. Fire Services & Emergency Management Director Kent Greene requested approval to apply for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Tier 2 hazardous materials grant up to $10,000. This is an annual grant and if awarded, the funds will be used solely to support the mission of the LEPC. There is no match for the grant. This item was placed on consent. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Program (HMEP) grant to conduct a multi-jurisdictional exercise with local hazmat teams. Fire Services & Emergency Management Director Kent Greene requested approval to apply for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Program (HMEP) grant for up to $11,000. There is no match and if awarded the funds will be used to conduct a multi-jurisdictional exercise with local hazmat teams. This item was placed on consent. Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $54,041.06 for general support of the County's Emergency Management program. Fire Services & Emergency Management Director Kent Greene requested approval to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $54,041.06. There is no match required and if awarded the funds will be used to support salaries and other operational costs. This item was placed on consent. Request from Health Department for approval of Budget Amendment #21 to allocate Medicaid Cost Settlement funds to purchase Digital Dental Sensors from Patterson Dental. Clinical Services Director Shannon Thompson requested approval of Budget Amendment #21 to allocate $19,801 of Medicaid Cost Settlement Funds to purchase digital dental sensors from Patterson Dental to increase quality and efficiency of client services. The current x-ray digital system is 16 years old and is unable to be repaired. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department for approval of an amended Fairgrounds Capital Project Fund for the Regional Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant Program. Finance Director Deb Cheek requested approval of an amended Fairgrounds Capital Project Fund for the Regional Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant Program. The State appropriated $5 million the Fairgrounds Project. Cheek noted this is the second $5 million appropriation received from the State. This item was placed on consent. 3 December 19, 2023 Request from Administration for approval to amend the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Ordinance and to award the bid for the Jennings Park Water and Sewer Project. Projects Manager David Saleeby requested approval to amend the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Ordinance and to award the bid for the Jennings Park Water and Sewer Project. Saleeby said the Jennings Park project will require water and sewer services brought to the Deitz Road park site. Previously Jennings Park was served by a small well for water service and a septic tank for sewer service. The sewer system will be part of the City of Statesville collection system on January 2, 2027. The water line will be conveyed to Iredell Water Corporation on January 2, 2027. Both projects are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The sewer line will tie into an existing gravity line that is owned, operated, and serviced by the City of Statesville. Statesville will operate and maintain the line until January 2, 2027. The water line will run from Whites Farm Road to the main entrance of the park. The water line will be for irrigation and domestic waste water use of the park. Iredell Water will operate and maintain the waterline until January 2, 2027. Saleeby is hopeful both lines will be in within the 440 day contract, weather permitting, so that the park will open on time. Commissioner Brown asked the size of the water line. Saleeby said the water line is eight inches. Saleeby requested approval to amend the Grant Ordinance, a contract with Buckeye Bridge Corporation for $4,142,635, and to allow the County Manager to sign the contract. Buckeye Bridge Corporation was the lowest responsive responsible bidder. Saleeby noted the company completed the Barium Springs/Troutman Sewer Line project. Saleeby said from the time the lines are installed until January 2, 2027 the Cit y of Statesville and Iredell Water will operate and maintain the lines. The County will own the lines and customers cannot be added. After January 2, 2027 both lines are conveyed to the collection and distribution systems. This item was placed on consent. Consideration of the 2045 Horizon Plan. County Manager Beth Mull said the Board held a public hearing on December 5, 2023 and was tabled to gather additional input. Planning Director Matthew Todd explained staff did not receive any additional comments. Mull noted the draft plan was sent to all the elected officials, state officials, and Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization Chair. Chair Neader noted the plan was also provided to newly elected officials. This item was placed on consent. This includes the change with the map north of Statesville. Request from Tax Administration for approval of the November 2023 Refunds and Releases. 4 December 19, 2023 This item was placed on consent. Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the December 5, 2023 meeting. There were no additions or corrections. This item was placed on consent. COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:  Senate Bill 255 regarding Occupancy Tax: There have been some questions regarding the County’s stance on the bill. The County was not in an adversary relationship with the municipalities over Senate Bill 255. It was not an effort to take money from municipalities. Legislation in 1985 created an occupancy tax and that tax went to the municipalities and an equal part could go to the County to which the County did not institute. It was not limited to where the County could spend the tax but it did reference the civic centers. Senate Bill 255 expanded the occupancy tax into the unincorporated areas. The County had some concerns over how the bill was written. There is a two- thirds and one-third provision. The one-third provision can be spent for civic centers or alike. The County wanted to spend it on the regional events center which is the Fairgrounds. The County was concerned about collecting occupancy tax in the unincorporated areas and then spending that one-third on the fairgrounds, which is located inside an incorporated area. The County asked for clarifying language in the Senate Bill to make sure it was okay for the County to spend the occupancy tax inside an incorporated area or not to repeal the 1985 legislation which would allow the County to spend the occupancy tax on the property regardless. The County did not want to take money from the municipalities. The County currently has a masterplan for the Fairgrounds and the State has graciously provided $10 million in funding towards the project. The County strives to be a good partner with the municipalities. There was no attempt to hurt any of them. Chair Neader said at no time was there a discussion to take money from the municipalities.  Health Director Jane Hinson received the National Certification in Public Health. This is a prestigious honor. There are very few directors in the State that have received this accreditation. Hinson leads the department by example and her staff is following in her footsteps. There were no items for Closed Session and the Board recessed until 6pm. 5 December 19, 2023 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES December 19, 2023 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 19, 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 Brad Stroud, Sr. Board Members Participating Remotely Gene Houpe 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 Vice Chair Connolly. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chair Neader. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the following adjustment: Remove: Economic Development Closed Session MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the agenda as adjusted. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS Recognition of Pat Shannon. Chair Neader presented Pat Shannon with a certificate of recognition for his service to his listeners and community through his 60 years on the radio. APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD Update from the Town of Harmony. Newly elected Mayor Sean Turner expressed appreciation to the Board for allowing him to give an update on Harmony. He also thanked the Board for tabling the decision regarding the 2045 Horizon Plan to allow him and other council members to review the plan. Turner said Planning Director Matthew Todd has been instrumental in helping the Town of Harmony regarding its current zoning regulations and future updates thereto. The Town plans on developing its own Planning Board. 6 December 19, 2023 Mayor Turner explained the Town is looking to expand its sewer as they want to be self- sufficient and not become dependent upon the State. Commissioner Brown thanked Mayor Turner for the update and complimented the Town on its Christmas Parade. Mayor Turner explained that he and several others started the parade while in high school. The Board expressed appreciation to Turner for the update and they look forward to working together in the future. Presentation of the audited June 30, 2023 Financial Statements. Cassie Wilson with Martin Starnes presented the audited June 30, 2023 Financial Statements. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion. There were no findings or questioned costs. There were five programs tested. GASB 96 was implemented with the audit. The County entered into subscription-based information technology arrangements (SBITASs). The County’s total fund balance was $139,703,729, an increase of $28,224,314. There was a 9.7% increase in revenues to $28,914,517 while expenditures increased by 6.5% to $246,992,571. Ad Valorem Taxes increased by 3% to $158,018,849 and other taxes increased by 6.3% to $67,006,123. The majority of the increase is sales tax. Sales and services increased by $2,485,524, an increase of 17.4%. Education funding increased by $4.6 million to $84,354,898. Debt Service increased 4.1% to $30,424,094. Wilson noted that a significant portion of debt service is related to schools. Human Services expenditures increased by $2,923,226 to $34,501,285. This line item had an increase in grant funding. Public Safety increased 3.9% to $52,513,678. Solid Waste Disposal Facility Fund had a total net position of $52,652,691. Operating income was negative at $5,398,084. There was a decrease in unrestricted net portion of 14%. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fund had a total net position of $2,202,785. Wilson expressed appreciation to staff for their hard work during the audit. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the audited June 30, 2023 Financial Statements as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS 7 December 19, 2023 Public Hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Royal. Craig Goodson presented Vandor Corporation for an economic development incentive. Vandor Corporation is headquartered in Richmond, IN. The company manufactures plastic ejection molded parts and packaging for the linear wound products industry and automotive industry. This will be the company’s second location in the United States. Vandor will lease an existing space in Statesville. Goodson requested approval of an economic development incentive to Vandor Corporation for up to $33,273 over a five-year period based on the company’s investment of $3,250,000 and the minimum creation of 10 jobs, up to 18 jobs, with an average wage of $53,723. Chair Neader opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chair Neader closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve an economic incentive up to $33,273 over a five-year period based on the company's investment of up to $3,250,000, creation of minimum of 10 jobs, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS  Request from the Sheriff's Office for approval of Budget Amendment #22 to appropriate Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant funds in the amount of $200,000.  Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee for approval of Bud get Amendment #23 to appropriate $71,572 of fund balance to West Iredell Fire Department from the Countywide Fire Service District to cover apparatus repairs.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Tier 2 hazardous materials grant up to $10,000 to support the mission of the LEPC.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Program (HMEP) grant to conduct a multi-jurisdictional exercise with local hazmat teams.  Request from Emergency Management for approval to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $54,041.06 for general support of the County's Emergency Management program.  Request from Health Department for approval of Budget Amendment #21 to allocate Medicaid Cost Settlement funds to purchase Digital Dental Sensors from Patterson Dental.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of an amended Fairgrounds Capital Project Fund for the Regional Economic Development Reserve Directed Grant Program. 8 December 19, 2023  Request from Administration for approval to amend the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Ordinance and to award the bid for the Jennings Park Water and Sewer Project.  Consideration of the 2045 Horizon Plan.  Request from Tax Administration for approval of the November 2023 Refunds and Releases.  Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of minutes from the December 5, 2023 meeting. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the consent agenda. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Planning Board - 1 appointment William Hamby, Lisa Meier, and Cameron Cheek volunteered to serve for the first time. Vice Chair Connolly thanked the three excellent applicants for applying. The vacancy is due to a resignation from a member in southern end of the County and it is important to have fair representation throughout the County. MOTION by Vice Chair Connolly to appoint Lisa Meier to the Planning Board. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 Recreation Advisory Board - 1 appointment Jeff Cheek has volunteered to serve again. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to reappoint Jeff Cheek to the Recreation Advisory Board. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Jack Benyon, 253 Beaten Path Road, expressed appreciation to the Board for their work on the short-term rental issue. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES 9 December 19, 2023 Commissioner Brown wished everyone a Merry Christmas and asked for everyone to remember the Reason for the Season. Chair Neader gave an update on the Breakfast with a Leader event hosted by South Iredell High School Future Farmers of America. Commissioner Stroud thanked Benyon for sharing some greenspace ideas in the southern end of the County. Commissioner Stroud encouraged everyone to spend time with their families and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Chair Neader recently attended ECOM’s Christmas Celebration. She also gave an update on a tour of BestCo. She ended with, “The greatest gift we can give others is the way we treat them.” Vice Chair Connolly has served as commissioner for one year. The job is very demanding and make difficult decisions. The County continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Connolly said 2024 will bring new challenges, the new high school, EMS, fire services, and the Health Department. Commissioner Houpe wished everyone a Merry Christmas. NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:  Health Director Jane Hinson received the National Certification in Public Health. This is a prestigious honor. There are very few directors in the State that have received this accreditation. Hinson leads the department by example and her staff is following in her footsteps.  Senate Bill 255: Mull said there has been some misinformation regarding the County’s position on Senate Bill 255. The County was not in an adversarial position and combatting with municipalities for occupancy tax. The legislation from 1985 that established the occupancy and in that a part of it would go to the municipalities and the County had an opportunity to collect a portion. The County elected not to exercise that option. The occupancy tax went towards the civic centers and debt service payments for those. Senate Bill 255 created occupancy tax in the unincorporated areas. The County was concerned about collecting occupancy tax in the unincorporated areas and then spending that one- third on the fairgrounds, which is located inside an incorporated area. The County asked for clarifying language in the Senate Bill to make sure it was okay for the County to spend the occupancy tax inside an incorporated area or not to repeal the 1985 legislation which would allow the County to spend the occupancy tax on the property regardless. The County 10 December 19, 2023 did not want to take money from the municipalities. The County currently has a masterplan for the Fairgrounds and the State has graciously provided $10 million in funding towards the project. The County works well with the municipalities and prides itself on that. Commissioner Stroud asked if that was a unanimous decision by the Board. Mull said yes. Commissioner Stroud asked if at any time there would have been a tax increase for county residents. Mull said no. The Board has always prided itself on maintaining a low tax rate. CLOSED SESSION There were no items for Closed Session and the agenda was adjusted as such. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:31pm. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, January 2, 2024 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