071216wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
July 12, 2016
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, in
the County Manager's Conference Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front
Street, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Jim Burgin, Chairman
Gordon Springle, Vice Chairman
Abe Elmore, Commissioner
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Joe Miller, Commissioner
Paula Stewart, Deputy County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Allen Coats, Deputy County Manager
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
Chairman Burgin called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Chairman Burgin led the pledge of
allegiance and invocation.
The following agenda was before commissioners:
➢ Request for new position for HARTS (90% state 10% local)
• Spay/Neuter Program Agreement with Rescue Groups
r Amend Personnel Ordinance
• Special Tax/Service Districts for Harnett County Parks and Recreation
• Naloxone (Narcan) for Law Enforcement Officers
• County Manager's Update:
1) Agricultural Summit discussion
2) City of Dunn/CCCC invoices
3) Service Contracts for Exterminator and Fire Extinguisher
4) Request for land by Reggie Kelly
5) July 18, 2016 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
Closed session
✓ Adjourn
Immediately following the work session some commissioners may visit the site being
considered for proposed zoning change: Case # RZ-16-116, Landowner/Applicant:
Johnny Faircloth; 2.52 +/- acres (consisting 5 parcels) Pin's # 9575-24-1972, 9575-24
-4817, 9575-24-4764, 9575-25-2300; 9575-25-1192; From RA -20R to Commercial
Zoning District; Off NC Hwy 24 (on Red Bird Drive & Chipmunk Court);
Johnsonville Township.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Chairman Burgin noted that County Manager Joseph Jeffries was out attending the Pubic
Executive Leadership Academy in Chapel Hill this week.
General Services Director Barry Blevins addressed the board regarding the request for approval
of an additional administration position for Harnett Area Rural Transit (HARTS) funded partially
within the NC DOT FY17 grant funding in the amount of $285,428 with a total county
match of $47,108. The position would be funded 85% state and 15% local and would strictly
perform billing for HARTS. Mr. Blevins said the position is needed given HARTS coordinates
all transportation for the County as well as handling Medicaid for the Department of Social
Services. Mr. Blevins responded HARTS continues to use two outside contractors for
travel.
Mr. Blevins also discussed recommended changes for Harnett County Animal Services' shelter
operations. Animal Services Program Manager Steve Berube and Harnett Animal Welfare
Coalition (HAWC) President Kristen Perry were present for this discussion. Regarding the
spay/neuter voucher program adopted in 2015, Mr. Blevins said the program is not as successful
as anticipated. For private `citizen' adopters, 53% of vouchers were not returned and for
`rescue' adopters only 42% returned for verification of spay/neuter program compliance.
Mr. Blevins proposed requiring a pre-release spay/neuter procedure for all adoptable animals
before adoption with all spay/neuter fees expended being recouped at adoption. `Rescues' would
also be required to pay spay/neuter fees at adoption. Eligible animals will be determined by the
Animal Services Manager. Staff proposes using the Spay/Neuter Veterinary Clinic of the
Sandhills (SNVC) in Vass, NC, which is a non-profit supported by the Companion Animal
Clinic Foundation. Mr. Blevins noted that SNVC offers these services for the lowest amount.
Animal Services proposes partnering with HAWC to transport shelter animals to Vass to be
spayed/neutered. Mr. Blevins said if approved, staff will ease into the transition. They will
start small until the program outcomes are as anticipated and will continue to use the voucher
program until fully implemented. Mr. Blevins believes a robust spay/neuter program is a first
step in reduction of unwanted animals and additional strain on taxpayers.
It was the consensus of the Board to consider approval of the change to the current spay/neuter
voucher program to move toward a pre-release spay/neuter program at their upcoming July 18,
2016 meeting. Commissioners will also consider for approval the new fees reflecting cost for
size and male/female, dogs/cats to be added to the department's fee schedule.
Commissioner Miller asked if staff had looked at Cumberland County's Breeding Ordinance.
Staff responded that they had but don't think it is needed in Harnett County at this time.
Mr. Blevins said Harnett County Animal Services consists of two separate but equal operations.
The Animal Control function is to reduce rabies exposure within Harnett County by capturing
July 12, 2016, Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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stray animals, oversee rabies control and quarantine/disposal of bite animals. The Shelter
Operations function is to shelter, care and prepare adoptable animals to be released to either the
pubic or rescue organizations. Mr. Blevins told commissioners he believes it will be important
in the future to hire a full time Adoption/Volunteer Coordinator Program Manager who will
concentrate on building relationships between the public, rescues and staff for the specific goal
of fmding permanent homes for animals released by Animal Control for adoption as well as
coordinating volunteer activities. Mr. Blevins and Mr. Berube responded to questions regarding
Animal Control operations on weekends or holidays.
Human Resource Director John Rankins discussed the following proposed amendment to the
Personnel Ordinance: Article III, Section 9E "In the event a reclassification results in the
downgrade of a position, the County Manager has the authority to reclassify that position without
Board of Commissioners approval." It was the consensus of the Board to consider approval of
the proposed amendment at their upcoming July 18, 2016 regular meeting.
Mrs. Stewart said staff researched a special recreation tax district in response to Vice Chairman
Springle's inquiry. Mrs. Stewart noted about 75% of the county doesn't really have a municipal
recreation opportunity. Intern Taylor Emory presented information regarding a proposed special
tax/service districts for Harnett County Parks and Recreation. Mr. Emory explained a service
district is a defined area within a municipality or county in which the unit's governing board
levies an additional property tax (to the county -wide tax) in order to provide extra services to the
residents or properties in the district. Mr. Emory noted general uses of special districts which
includes recreation. He reviewed general guidelines for Special Tax/Service Districts which
include:
• Presence of a great demand for specific services
• Rates must be uniform to all taxed property
• Taxes levied are applied to ALL taxable property
• The board can alter the rate each year, and may choose not to levy the tax in a given fiscal
year without abolishing the district
• Revenue may not be transferred to the county's general fund or diverted to other purposes,
• Revenue not spent within a given fiscal year can be used for future expenditures within the
district, and
• A municipal territory may not be included in the county service district unless the
municipality gives consent for the inclusion (must adopt a resolution)
Mr. Taylor also reviewed the process for establishing a service district.
Harnett County Parks and Recreation Director Carl Davis reviewed the revenue that would be
generated by 1/2 cent, 1 cent, 2 1/2 cents and 5 cents on $100 valuation for the proposed parks and
recreation tax increase. He discussed how those types of fees could be used. Mr. Davis
discussed current parks and recreation funding given to municipalities. Discussions continued.
It was the consensus of the Board for staff to continue researching this as well as gathering input
from municipalities and citizens.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Commissioner Miller announced the Swamp Dogs are interested in coming to Harnett County.
Emergency Management Director Jimmy Riddle informed commissioners that Harnett County
law enforcement officers may now administer Naloxone (Narcan) thru intra -nasal (IN) route
provided they have taken the Naloxone administration class. Mr. Riddle said Narcan works
quick to reverse symptoms of opioid based drug overdoses and law enforcement are usually the
first on the scene. NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation requires administration of
shall be under the medical oversight of the County EMS Medical Director and incorporated into
the respective EMS System in the county. EMS Assistant Medical Director Gregory M.
Christiansen and EMS Division Chief Ricky Denning were also present. Mr. Denning said this
is a drug they use frequently. He said a protocol policy has been developed and they recently
held a training class for law enforcement. Mr. Denning said law enforcement will purchase their
own Narcan kits which cost approximately $50 each with a two-year shelf life. Mr. Riddle
reminded the group of Dr. Mark Glaser's upcoming retirement reception.
Mrs. Stewart sought direction from the Board regarding Ted Abernathy's proposal of $59,600
plus travel, plus materials to coordinate the proposed 2016 Agricultural Summit. Commissioners
said the proposal seemed a little high and to thank Mr. Abernathy but let him know that we are
going to go check with some other folks.
Mrs. Stewart responded that we have gotten a proposal from the consultant, regarding Economic
Development, and are routing it though our internal process and it will come before the board for
consideration in the near future. She also reported that staff has advertised for the two new
economic development positions. The group discussed the possibility of the new staff, along
with the help of the consultant, coordinating the 2016 Agricultural Summit.
Mrs. Honeycutt reviewed the City of Dunn/CCCC invoices for the new facility located in Dunn
again. She noted the City of Dunn is requesting reimbursement from CCCC in the amount of
$72,105 for expenses incurred in April 2015. Mrs. Honeycutt explained CCCC is now being
asked to pay for upfit costs which originally they were told would not be passed on to them.
Mrs. Honeycutt referenced the MOU which stated the County would pay for operational costs
associated with the facility only. It was the consensus of Board that the County has paid what
they were obligated to pay and do not have anything to these expenses. It was noted that CCCC
is saying that they don't agree with the expenses either.
Regarding service contracts for pest and fire ant control and fire extinguisher maintenance, Mrs.
Stewart said only one contractor bid on each of the bids and staff feels like they really need to
open it back up and have more bids. Commissioners approved award of these contracts on June
20, 2016. Mrs. Stewart said staff's proposal is to rescind the awards of contract and rebid. Staff
discussed this issue with the UNC SOG and believes this is proper as no contract has been signed
with either vendor. It was noted that only one bid was received for HVAC services also. It was
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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the consensus of the Board to consider rescinding the three awards of contract that only received
one bid and rebid them. The group discussed the current bidding process.
Senior Staff Attorney Monica Jackson reported she had been approached by Attorney Reggie
Kelly who has a client interested in purchasing some land from the County. She said the land is
a 13 acres' tract adjacent to the client's property in the Upper Little River District; it is a subset
of family land that his brother lost to a tax foreclosure in 1995. Mrs. Jackson said the total
assessed tax value is $45,500. Mrs. Jackson was directed to go back to Mr. Kelly to get an offer
on the land. Commissioners asked why this property had not been listed on the list of county
properties for disposal.
Mrs. Stewart announced the Tax Department has a 99.2% collection rate for FY 2015/16. She
also noted the Public Utilities water treatment plant expansion to 42MGD is about a month away
from completion.
Vice Chairman Springle distributed the Harnett County Department of Social Services Monthly
Report Totals to give the group an idea of what kind of impact the department has on the county.
He said they estimate that they put $40 million back into the economy of the county each year
through benefits they provide.
Mrs. Stewart reviewed the draft July 18, 2016 regular meeting agenda.
Mrs. Stewart and Vice Chairman Springle updated the group on recent meetings at the old Boone
Trail School facility. Mrs. Stewart said citizens have formed a Parks and Recreation Committee
and are very excited about the possibility of doing something on that property. She said the
group is going to create a 501c3 to help manage the ball fields and future park and the County
would have a relationship with them similar to that of Western Harnett Youth Recreation. Mrs.
Stewart talked about on-going projects and goals at the facility. Vice Chairman Springle stressed
the citizens are asking for permission to do something out there but are not asking for money.
Commissioner Miller moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes:
1) To consult with the County's special counsel and legal staff in order to preserve the
attorney-client privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation
including the following case:
"Estate of John Livingston vs. Stewart and Harnett County", Harnett County File
No. 16 CVS 822; and
2) To instruct the County staff concerning the position to be taken by the County in
negotiation a contract for the acquisition of real property.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3)&(5). Vice
Chairman Springle seconded the motion which passes unanimously.
Commissioner Elmore moved that the Board come out of closed session. Vice Chairman
Springle seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
July 12, 2016, Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Commissioners briefly recessed before visiting the following site being considered
for proposed zoning change: Case # RZ-16-116, Landowner/Applicant: Johnny Faircloth; 2.52
+/- acres (consisting 5 parcels) Pin's # 9575-24-1972, 9575-24-4817, 9575-24-4764, 9575-25-
2300; 9575-25-1192; From RA -20R to Commercial Zoning District; Off NC Hwy 24 (on Red
Bird Drive & Chipmunk Court); Johnsonville Township.
Vice Chairman Springle moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:15 pm. Commissioner McKoy
seconded the motion which passed 3 - 0.
• . et Regin , Wheeler, Clerk
July 12, 2016, Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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