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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-2024 1 May 21, 2024 IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRE-AGENDA SESSION May 21, 2024 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 2024, 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, Assistant County Manager Rodney Harris, 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. Chair Neader said Commissioner Houpe is participating in the meeting remotely as he recovers from surgery. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the following adjustment: REMOVE: Economic Development from Closed Session ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee on behalf of Cool Springs VFD for approval of Budget Amendment #39 to allocate $44,856.22 from the Countywide Fire Service District Undesignated Unreserved Fund Balance to assist with unexpected apparatus repairs. Fire Services Director Kent Greene reported that Cool Springs VFD is requesting approval of Budget Amendment #39 to allocate $44,856.22 from the Countywide Fire Service District Undesignated Unreserved Fund Balance to assist with unexpected apparatus repairs. Greene said that Cool Springs VFD is almost double its apparatus budget so the request has been made to pull the funds from the Old Countywide Fire District Fund Balance. This item was placed on consent. Request from Fire Services and Emergency Management for approval to apply for the 2023 Local Emergency Shelter Capacity Grant Program to install a transfer switch at Northview Church of Christ for use as a shelter. Fire Services Director Kent Greene requested approval to apply for the 2023 Local Emergency Shelter Capacity Grant Program to install a transfer switch at Northview Church of Christ for use as a shelter. Greene said there is a 2 May 21, 2024 lack of transfer switches or the ability to install a generator. Northview Church of Christ has been used for exercises and has agreed to go through the process and install a transfer switch if the County should need to open a shelter. Commissioner Brown asked for the amount of the grant. Greene said $44,830.29. Chair Neader asked if Northview Church of Christ is an identified shelter. Greene said yes. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Emergency Communications for approval of Change Orders #008 and #009 for the Iredell County VIPER Simulcast System Project, to Purchase and Replace Olin Tower and complete Barium Springs Tower modifications. Jamie Barrier requested approval of change orders 008 and 009 for the VIPER Simulcast System Project. Change order 008 is for modifications to the Barium Springs Tower. The modifications include additional metal to protect from the wind. The cost of change order 008 is $40,240. Change order 009 is to remove and replace the Olin Tower. The tower is over 20 years old and the foundation failed. Additional equipment cannot be added to it. The cost to replace the tower with a 325-foot tower is $625,840. Commissioner Stroud asked how critical the need is for the tower. Barrier said Olin is the most critical out of the seven. It will tremendously progress the northern end of the County. Currently, there is only Fox Mountain and there is a lot of overshooting. Commissioner Brown said the tower will provide better radio service. Barrier said the tower failed by 200%. Mull said a coverage study was done to determine what areas needed to be concentrated on. The caveat with existing towers is that they needed to be inspected to ensure it could support the new equipment. Unfortunately, the existing Olin Tower did not pass. Commissioner Brown said ARP funds is being used for the VIPER project. Mull said there are also loss revenue funds that can be used to help bridge the gap. Assistant Finance Director Caroline Taylor said all of the ARP funds have been appropriated but for the VIPER project, there were additional funds that have not been put onto the contract therefore a budget amendment is not needed. This is expend everything available in the project and in ARP. There are also ARP-enabled funds that can be used on these types of projects. If those funds are needed the request will come back to the Board. This item was placed on consent. Commissioner Houpe congratulated the ECOM team on receiving the following state awards.  2024 Communications Director of the Year presented to Nikki Carswell  2024 Radio Technician of the Year presented to Jamie Barrier 3 May 21, 2024  2024 Support Personnel of the Year presented to Scott Niblock  2024 Communications Trainer of the Year presented to Kristie Harbison  2024 Communications Supervisor of the Year presented to Ashley Crankshaw Approval to proclaim May 19 - 25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week. EMS Director Blair Richey requested approval to proclaim May 19-25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week. The Board expressed appreciation to Richey and her staff for their dedicated service to the citizens of Iredell County. This item was placed on consent. EMS Week Proclamation To designate the Week of May 19 - 25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week WHEREAS, emergency medical services is a vital public service; and WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and WHEREAS, emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine; and WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers; and WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating the Emergency Medical Services Week; now THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners in recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of May 19 - 25, 2024, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK The 50th Anniversary of EMS Week theme is Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future. I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. 4 May 21, 2024 Request from Social Services for approval of the Department of Health & Human Services/Iredell County Memorandum of Understanding (Fiscal Years 2024-2025 and 2025- 2026) pursuant to NCGS 108A-74. Donna Rufty requested approval of the Department of Health & Human Services/Iredell County Memorandum of Understanding (Fiscal Years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026) pursuant to NCGS 108A-74. There are mandated performance benchmarks for areas throughout DSS. Karen Thompson gave an update on performance measures in child abuse investigations. Mull noted the Board has approved the MOU in the past under protest. DSS staff strives for 100% in every category but that is not practical because they work with and depend on so many agencies which count towards the department's percentages. The Board expressed sincere appreciation to the DSS staff for their dedication. This item was placed on the consent agenda. Request from Planning & Development for approval of a resolution amending the Map Review Officer list. Planning Director Matthew Todd requested approval of a resolution amending the Map Review Officer list. The list is updated due to staff changes. This item was placed on consent. WHEREAS, G.S. 47-30.2 requires the Board of County Commissioners in each County, by Resolution, to appoint a person or persons to serve as Review Officer to review each plat before it is recorded and certify that it meets the statutory requirements for recording; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners to insure an expeditious review of all maps and plats as required by G.S. 47-30.2 before they are presented to the Register of Deeds for recording; and WHEREAS, staffing changes have occurred in the City of Statesville, Town of Mooresville and Iredell County which necessitate an amendment to the approved list of Map Review Officers; and WHEREAS, Will Washam, Xavier Bauguess, Lynne Hair are hereby removed from the list of appointed Review Officers. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Veronica Bateson, Christopher Hooper, Rayvon Walker and Sandy Howell are hereby appointed to perform the responsibilities as required for Map Review Officer for their respective jurisdictions, as indicated in accordance with the appropriate General Statutes; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution designating the Review Officers be recorded in the Iredell County Register of Deeds Office and indexed in the name of the Review Officer. ADOPTED this the 21st day of May, 2024 With the above change, the comprehensive list of Map Review Officers is as follows: Iredell County: Tessa Clanton, Rebecca Harper, Rich Hoffman, John Lowman and Matthew Todd City of Statesville: Sherry Ashley, Veronica Bateson, Herman Caulder, Christopher Hooper and Matthew Kirkendall Town of Troutman: Andrew Ventresca Town of Mooresville: David Cole, Ricky Cyper, Christa Jordan, Erika Martin, Rayvon Walker and Sandy Howell 5 May 21, 2024 Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #41 to recognize and appropriate insurance claim proceeds. Assistant Finance Director Caroline Taylor requested approval of Budget Amendment #41 for $331,961 to recognize and appropriate insurance claim proceeds. The County collects insurance proceeds throughout the year for claims. The request is to appropriate these funds to the departments to which they apply to make the repairs on the vehicles or equipment that the claims pertain to. This item was placed on consent. Request from the Finance Department to call for a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6pm to consider the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Assistant Finance Director Caroline Taylor requested approval to call for a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6pm to consider the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #40 to appropriate fund balance to Iredell-Statesville Schools to coordinate and run youth football athletics. County Manager Beth Mull said this item came out of a budget workshop. Iredell-Statesville Schools has agreed to coordinate and run the youth football league. Currently, the County pays $85,000 for the youth leagues to use ISS fields for play. The Board has agreed to increase that amount to $200,000. Approval of Budget Amendment #40 will appropriate the funds for the remainder of this current fiscal year. This item was placed on consent. Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #42 to appropriate fund balance to purchase a Rook with attachments, a truck, and a trailer. County Manager Beth Mull said this item also came out of a budget workshop. The Rook is an armored tactical unit that will lift personnel to elevated heights in standoffs and situations where personnel need to access multiple story buildings. This is an added layer of protection for the Sheriff’s Office. Mull requested approval of Budget Amendment #42 for $739,830 for the Rook, attachments, truck, and trailer. Chair Neader noted the truck and trailer can be used in other capacities. Sheriff Darren Campbell thanked the Board for their proactive efforts. This item was placed on consent. Request from Tax Administration for approval of the April 2024 Releases and Refunds. This item was placed on consent. 6 May 21, 2024 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:  The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Legislative Goals process is beginning. The deadline to submit the goals is August 23, 2024. She shared the following list and asked the Board to think about any others: o The ability to charge impact fees to help large developments minimize the impact on the community. o Basing the County’s tier designation on zipcode. o Restore lottery funding for education. The original 35% designation to education has dropped to 30%. The Board recessed at 4:54pm. IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES May 21, 2024 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 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, Assistant County Manager Rodney Harris, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson. CALL TO ORDER: by Chair Neader. INVOCATION: by Commissioner Stroud. 7 May 21, 2024 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chair Neader. Chair Neader said Commissioner Houpe is participating in the meeting remotely as he recovers from surgery. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the following adjustment: REMOVE: Economic Development from Closed Session. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the agenda as presented. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS (None) APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD Presentation of the 2023 Iredell County Community Health Assessment. Dinikia Savage presented the 2023 Iredell County Community Health Assessment. A full copy of the Health Assessment is available in the Clerk to the Board’s office. MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to accept the 2023 Iredell County Community Health Assessment. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Thor. Jenn Bosser presented McCombs Steel also known as Project Thor for consideration. McCombs Steel Company is a fourth-generation privately held company that was founded in 1929. The company has more than 90 employees and operates across the southeast United States and is leader in manufacturing, development, distribution, and sale of structural and miscellaneous fabrication service centers. The company plans to expand its facilities on its current site in Statesville with an anticipated amount investment of $7,860,000 in new machinery and equipment. The company also plans to add up to 15 jobs with an average wage of $55,733. Bosser requested approval of an economic development incentive for McCombs Steel for up to $101,749 over five years based on a capital investment total of $7,860,000. Chair Neader opened the public hearing. No one wished to speak. Chair Neader closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve an economic incentive up to $101,749 over a five-year period based on the company's investment of up to $7,860,000, creation 8 May 21, 2024 of a minimum of 8 jobs, up to 15, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS  Request from the Fire Tax Oversight Committee on behalf of Cool Springs VFD for approval of Budget Amendment #39 to allocate $44,856.22 from the Countywide Fire Service District Undesignated Unreserved Fund Balance to assist with unexpected apparatus repairs.  Request from Fire Services and Emergency Management for approval to apply for the 2023 Local Emergency Shelter Capacity Grant Program for $44,830.29 to install a transfer switch at Northview Church of Christ for use as a shelter.  Request from Emergency Communications for approval of Change Orders #008 and #009 for the Iredell County VIPER Simulcast System Project, to Purchase and Replace Olin Tower and complete Barium Springs Tower modifications.  Approval to proclaim May 19 - 25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week.  Request from Social Services for approval of the Department of Health & Human Services/Iredell County Memorandum of Understanding (Fiscal Years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026) pursuant to NCGS 108A-74.  Request from Planning & Development for approval of a resolution amending the Map Review Officer list.  Request from the Finance Department for approval of Budget Amendment #41 to recognize and appropriate insurance claim proceeds.  Request from the Finance Department to call for a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6pm to consider the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.  Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #40 to appropriate fund balance to Iredell-Statesville Schools to coordinate and run youth football athletics.  Request from Administration for approval of Budget Amendment #42 for $739,830 to appropriate fund balance to purchase a Rook with attachments, a truck, and trailer.  Request from Tax Administration for approval of the April 2024 Releases and Refunds. 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 (None) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD 9 May 21, 2024 Jeannette Dickens, President of Books for Birthdays, spoke on the nonprofit. Books for Birthdays provides new personalized books to children in foster care. Since starting the nonprofit in 2015, they have provided 689 books to children in Iredell County. Dickens asked the Board to consider supporting their mission. Chair Neader thanked Dickens for her involvement. She will look into collaborative efforts. Matt Isaak, Normandy Road, spoke about the issues surrounding short-term rentals and the detriment that they are becoming. Michelle Brown, Isle of Pines Road, shared concerns about short-term rentals in her neighborhood. There is a short-term rental next door to her home. The owner of the short-term rental lives in New York. She referred to the rental as an unstaffed motel. Brown explained the short-term rentals are creating serious issues for the other neighbors. Michael Charles, 596 Isle of Pines Road, shared concerns about short-term rentals. The rentals increase traffic and noise in the neighborhood. Jack Benyon, 263 Beaten Path Road, said two new communities have joined the group in opposition to the short-term rentals. Some of the neighborhoods have been told to call the property owner, not the Sheriff’s Office. County Attorney Lisa Valdez said the County adopted regulations through its zoning ordinance to address the short-term rentals and then was served with two different lawsuits. If neighbors have issues with cars parked along the road and noise they can call the Sheriff’s Office or the respective municipality department as those issues are not in the regulations. Case law in NC specifically says local governments cannot require registrations for rental properties. The Board of Commissioners is unable to change that as it is a state law issue. Some things tie the Board’s hands. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES Commissioner Houpe thanked the staff for the budget workshops. He also thanked the speakers regarding the short-term rental process. The comments are not falling on deaf ears. Commissioner Brown said the short-term rental process has been an issue for a couple of years and the Board is working on the things that they can. Commissioner Stroud encouraged everyone to remember the significance of Memorial Day and specifically remember the families. Chair Neader gave an update on the Smithsonian Exhibit at the Library and the Statesville Sports Hall of Fame. Vice Chair Connolly said the Board’s hands are tied in so many ways regarding short- term rentals until legislation is passed. 10 May 21, 2024 Vice Chair Connolly expressed the importance of being able to charge impact fees. NEW BUSINESS (None) COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:  The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Legislative Goals process is beginning. The deadline to submit the goals is August 23, 2024. She shared the following list and asked the Board to think about any others: o The ability to charge impact fees to help large developments minimize the impact on the community. o Basing the County’s tier designation on zipcode. o Restore lottery funding for education. The original 35% designation to education has dropped to 30%.  The following ECOM staff members won state awards. 2024 Communications Director of the Year presented to Nikki Carswell 2024 Radio Technician of the Year presented to Jamie Barrier 2024 Support Personnel of the Year presented to Scott Niblock 2024 Communications Trainer of the Year presented to Kristie Harbison 2024 Communications Supervisor of the Year presented to Ashley Crankshaw CLOSED SESSION There were no items for Closed Session as the agenda was adjusted to remove Economic Development. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:13pm. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC. VOTING Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 ____July 16, 2024___________ ___ _____ Date Approved Beth M, Mull, County Manager Minutes were drafted by Amy B. Anderson and amended by Beth M. Mull.