HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-2023
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August 1, 2023
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
August 1, 2023
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, August
1, 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: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
ADD: Attorney Client under Closed Session.
ADD: VIII.5 Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board
Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Mooresville Police Department.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board
Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Statesville Police
Department. ECOM Director Candy Miller requested the renewal of a two-year agreement that
is in place with the North Carolina 9-1-1 Board to accept and disburse funds for the 911 portion
for a secondary PSAP at the Statesville Police Department.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement for 2022
along with Orders for Collection. Tax Administrator Bill Furches presented the 2022 Annual
Tax Settlement and asked for approval of the Order for Collection.
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August 1, 2023
2022 Taxes
Real & Personal Levy $ l40,724,482.07
Motor Vehicles $14,712,502.54
Discoveries $2,459,849.22
Releases ($250,911.26)
$157,645,922.57
Collections $156,708,241.24
2021 Outstanding Taxes: $937,681.33
Collection Rates:
All Property 99.41%
Excluding Motor Vehicles 99.34%
Motor Vehicles 100.00%
Delinquent Taxes:
Collections FY22 $ 746,575
Delinquent Taxes FY14-FY22 $ 1,371,354
Prepaid Taxes: 2023 Taxes Collected $ 257,890
Collected $5,352,781 more in lredell County taxes than previous year — up 3.5%
Collected $2,537,369 more than was budgeted — 101.63% of original budget
Nineteen—year cumulative total $36,377,306 million over budgeted revenues
Nineteen-year cumulative delinquent collections $30,971,567
Collected for all jurisdictions: 6-30-23 $245,335,219 ($7,672,941 more than FY22)
Chair Neader thanked Furches for the thorough report.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on
July 18 & 24, 2023. There was one correction to the attendance on the July 18, 2023 meeting.
This item was placed on consent.
County Construction Projects Update. There were no comments or questions regarding
current projects.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board
Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Mooresville Police
Department. ECOM Director Candy Miller requested the renewal of a two-year agreement that
is in place with the North Carolina 9-1-1 Board to accept and disburse funds for the 911 portion
for a secondary PSAP at the Mooresville Police Department.
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August 1, 2023
This item was placed on consent.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
August 1, 2023
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 1,
2023 at 6:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER by Chair Neader.
INVOCATION: Vice Chair Connolly led in the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chair Neader.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
ADD: Attorney Client under Closed Session.
ADD: VIII.5 Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board
Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Mooresville Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearing to consider a request from Owner/Applicant Paul “Pete” Barger, of
Barger Properties, LLC, to rezone approximately 50.32 acres along Old Airport Road for
Southern Distilling Company aged-barrel storage. Planning Director Matthew Todd presented
the proposed rezoning. The property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural Conditional Use
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August 1, 2023
District. The property was originally zoned Single-Family Residential (R-20) when county-wide
zoning was established in 1990. In 2001, the existing RA-CUD conditional use district was created
in order to allow for an additional manufactured home subdivision. The applicant is requesting to
rezone the property to General Business Conditional District. Staff supports the request due to
location near airport, the 2030 Horizon Plan amendment to Employment Center-
Industrial/Flex/Office remains consistent with City of Statesville’s future plans for the area, the
conditions of the request aim to maintain safeguards for the surrounding landowners, and the
limited use should generate minimal traffic impacts. Todd noted the development of the property
would be on the Old Airport Road side of the property because of the floodplain.
Chair Neader opened the public hearing.
Pete Barger, applicant, spoke in favor of the rezoning request. Barger was born and
raised in Iredell County and is excited for the opportunity to expand his business here. He
expressed appreciation of the County’s support throughout the years. Barger gave a brief
background of Southern Distilling. He said for every person the company employees they
employee up to five people in the agricultural community. The rezoning would allow the company
to provide aged-barrel storage.
No one else wished to speak.
Chair Neader closed the public hearing.
The Board expressed appreciation to Barger for being a wonderful community partner
specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the zoning map amendment, and
to make a finding that said approval is reasonable and in the public interest and furthers the goals
of the 2030 Horizon Plan because: Due to location near airport, the 2030 Horizon Plan amendment
to Employment Center-Industrial/Flex/Office remains consistent with City of Statesville’s future
for this area, the conditions of the request aim to maintain safeguards for the surrounding
landowners, and the limited use should generate minimal traffic impacts.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Iredell County
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING STAFF REPORT
REZONING CASE # 2307-1
STAFF PROJECT CONTACT: Leslie M. Meadows
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
This is a request to rezone a parcel of land along Old Airport Road, approximately 50.32
acres, from Residential Agricultural Conditional Use District (RA-CUD) to General Business
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August 1, 2023
Conditional District (GBCD). This request is conditional per the submitted application.
Specific GB uses and conditions shall be imposed as attached to the request.
OWNER/APPLICANT
OWNER/APPLICANT: Paul “Pete” Barger, Barger Properties, LLC
PROPERTY INFORMATION
ADDRESS/LOCATION: Old Airport Road, west of Deerfield Estates. More specifically,
PIN#: 4723675694.000.
SURROUNDING LAND USE: The
surrounding area, in most all directions,
remains residential in nature; with
exception of a couple GB properties to
the west.
SIZE: The total acreage to be rezoned
includes approximately 50.32 acres.
EXISTING LAND USE: Vacant, heavily
wooded.
ZONING HISTORY: Part of the airport
area rezoning, the property was
originally zoned Single-Family
Residential (R-20) when county-wide zoning was established in 1990. In 2001, the
existing RA-CUD conditional use district was created in order to allow for an additional
manufactured home subdivision. The current RA-CUD conditions limit residential
construction types to new double-wide manufactured homes or modular units only.
Also, each unit shall include certain façade/building materials: vinyl lap siding, asphalt
shingle roofing, masonry foundation, masonry front porch, and concrete driveway.
OTHER JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION: This property lies within the Urban Service Area of
the City of Statesville. Future annexation and/or public utilities may be made available
in the future. The City of Statesville has been informed of the request: no negative
feedback was reported. Planning staff has confirmed that this parcel is projected to be
Employment Center/Industrial Flex per the City of Statesville’s 2045 Land Development
Plan (See attached Exhibit “A”).
OTHER SITE CHARACTERISTICS: This property is not located within a regulated Watershed
Area. Therefore, there are no imposed built-upon area restrictions. However, perennial
waterway, Third Creek, runs along the rear of the property. Portions of the property along
Third Creek are located within a flood hazard zone and may not be buildable, or be less
suitable for development.
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August 1, 2023
UTILITIES: This site is currently served by well and septic only.
IMPACTS ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FACILITES
TRAFFIC: According to the current CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Old
Airport Road is considered an existing boulevard; minor thoroughfare with no necessary
improvements needed at this time. The closest and most recent NCDOT annual average
daily traffic count along Old Airport Road, just east of this site’s entrance, was
approximately 1,400 vehicles per day in 2021. Traffic capacities are unknown. In Iredell
County’s 2021 Transportation Master Plan, the intersection of Old Airport Road and
Buffalo Shoals Road (less than half a mile east of this property) is currently not recognized
as a priority for improvements, but is to continue to be monitored. The speed limit along
this section of Old Airport Road 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, Paul “Pete” Barger, is owner/operator of Southern
Distilling Company on Jennings Road. As the distillery has gained notoriety, Mr. Barger
requires additional storage facilities to age their product. Mr. Barger has purchased this
property with the intention of developing a series of warehouses for aged barrel storage.
Only one warehouse is planned initially; and the site will be unmanned, except for
occasional deliveries/transport vehicles. The applicant has consented to a conditional
rezoning that limits the allowed GB uses, and is considerate of the surrounding neighbors’
environmental conservation concerns. The specific conditions imposed as part of the
GBCD application are as follows:
1.) GB uses limited to only: Warehousing & Storage.
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August 1, 2023
2.) Provide 30’ vegetative buffer option around perimeter using existing vegetation
where possible; except along Panhandle Driveway, where 10’ with a fence and
evergreen shrubs will be used along adjoining residentially zoned property.
3.) Install paved driveway along portion of Panhandle adjoining residentially zoned
property.
While this request is currently inconsistent with the current 2030 Horizon Plan, which slates
this site to remain Medium-Density Residential, the 2045 Horizon Plan update is underway.
Being mostly surrounded by the Statesville Municipal Planning Area, and in close proximity
to the expanding Statesville Regional Airport, 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.
The Planning staff can support the proposed rezoning request; and subsequent 2030
Horizon Plan amendment, based on the following: Due to location near airport, the 2030
Horizon Plan amendment to Employment Center-Industrial/Flex/Office remains consistent
with City of Statesville’s future plans for this area, the conditions of the request aim to
maintain safeguards for the surrounding landowners, and the limited use should generate
minimal traffic impacts.
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING: A walk-in style, or “floating”, public input meeting was held on
Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 from 5:00pm - 6:30 pm at the Iredell County Agricultural
Center. Approximately 10 property owners from the area were in attendance to hear
the proposal, ask questions about the future development/expansions, and express any
apprehension. Clear-cutting and loss of wildlife habitat was of upmost concern. A copy
of the applicant’s summary of said public input meeting has been included at the end
of this report.
SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE: Staff performed a site visit on June 16, 2023, to post property
and take photo documentation.
PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On July 5, 2023, the Planning Board held a public
meeting to hear the rezoning request. The applicant/landowner, Pete Barger, his
consultant William Allison, and Architect David Reese were present for questioning and
to verify certain easements across the property. While several neighboring landowners
were in attendance, only two came forward to speak. While not in direct opposition,
both expressed concerns with erosion control and fire hazard/fire prevention. The board
voted 9-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning.
⁘ ⁘ ⁘ ⁘
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August 1, 2023
Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Crew. Jenn
Bosser presented United Racing Parts, LLC (D3 Holdings LLC). United Racing Parts was founded
in 2015 and is a leading company in the motorsports safety product industry with some of the most
advanced and complete range of protection and performance products. The company is interesting
in building a 20,000 square foot facility in South Fork Business Park in Mooresville. Bosser
requested approval of an economic development incentive for United Racing Parts for up to
$63,585 over five years based on a capital investment of $3.2 million and the retention of the nine
existing employees.
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 development
incentive for up to $63,585 over a five-year period based on the company’s investment of up to
$3.2 million, retention of a minimum of nine jobs, and contingent upon a contract being executed
within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
⁘ ⁘ ⁘ ⁘
Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive Project Hue. Jenn
Bosser presented Bridgford Foods for consideration of an Economic Development Incentive. The
company is located on Progress Lane in Statesville. The food manufacturer specializes in meat
wholesaling, frozen food distribution, meat process, and vacuumed packed desserts. The company
is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has facilities in California and Chicago. Bridgford Food
Company plans to incorporate a novel vacuum microwave technology to produce a new
lightweight and compact food bar and close compact rations which is used in military applications.
It is a food drying technology that supports the production of nutrient dense portable components
intended to support small units for up to seven days across the spectrum of feature operating
environments and the addition of this new technology allows Bridgeford to reduce the overall
weight and volume of military rations and will help the company provide a unique offering
amongst its competitors. Bosser requested approval of an economic development incentive for
Bridgford Foods for up to $24,277 over three years based on a capital investment of $2,094,500
and the minimum creation of five jobs.
Chair Neader opened the public hearing.
Mike Bivens was signed up to speak but was not present to speak during the public
hearing. No one else wished to speak.
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August 1, 2023
Monty Griffith, General Manager of Bridgford Foods, was present to answer any
questions.
Chair Neader closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve an economic development incentive of up
to $24,277 over a three-year period based on the company’s investment of up to $2,094,500,
creation of a minimum of five jobs, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180
days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
⁘ ⁘ ⁘ ⁘
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board Secondary
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Statesville Police Department.
Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement for 2022 along
with Orders for Collection.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meetings on July
18 & 24, 2023.
County Construction Projects Update.
Request from Emergency Communications for approval of the NC911 Board Secondary
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Agreement for Mooresville Police Department.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNCOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
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August 1, 2023
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES
Chair Neader asked the Board to limit comments to five minutes in respect for staff and
citizens’ time. Exceptions can be made upon any topics that may need more time.
Commissioner Houpe expressed appreciation to public safety personnel through the
recent storms.
Vice Chair Connolly gave an update on the Selma Burke Middle School Ribbon Cutting.
Barnhill did a fantastic job on the construction of the school. Connolly is excited for the students
and Mooresville Graded School District. Connolly said it was great to see the Burke Family at
the ribbon cutting.
Commissioner Stroud gave an update on the Tourism Summit. He shared a phrase
“Economic Development is anything that increases the value or wealth of your community.”
From quality of life programs to industrial.
Commissioner Stroud also attended the groundbreaking at Jennings Park and expressed
appreciation to the families who participated. Stroud is looking forward to seeing the children’s
smiles.
Chair Neader gave an update on the recent Post 65 event with Statesville Native
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Bachek who is Commander of the 98th Space Range Squadron Delta 11.
Commissioner Brown said the fairground committee is waiting for figures.
The Board asked for citizen’s patience as school starts back soon. Please be vigilant as
buses will be back on the roads.
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:
2045 Horizon Plan draft is on the County website and comments will be received
through September 12.
Mull said it is important for everyone to view the plan and make comments. The plan is a
team effort from the Board to the citizens.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board held a Closed Session prior to the regular meeting and there was one item to
report.
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August 1, 2023
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the acquisition of 40.2832 acres, as part
of Iredell County PIN 4778195493 located on Chief Thomas Road, pursuant to a contract with
Joseph and Phillip Barker, and to accept assignment of said contract, and authorize the Chair
and/or County Manager to sign the necessary closing documents.
VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 6:38PM. The next regular meeting is
Tuesday, August 15, 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