011420wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
January 14, 2020
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, January 14, 2020,
in Conference Room A, County Administration Building, 420 McKinney Parkway, Lillington,
North Carolina.
Members present:
Howard Penny, Chairman
Mark B. Johnson, Commissioner
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Gordon Springle, Commissioner
Member absent: Joe Miller, Vice Chairman
Staff present: Paula Stewart, County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
Coley Price, Assistant County Manager
Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager
Alien Coats, Assistant Finance Officer
Lindsey Lucas, Deputy Clerk
Chairman Penny called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and led the Pledge of Allegiance and
invocation.
The following agenda was before the Board:
➢ Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
➢ Year in Review
> Discuss Harnett County Nonprofit Committee's bylaws, funding criteria and
priorities
➢ Communications Survey Results
> Discuss the County's Legislative Priorities
> County Manager's Report:
January 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees
Invitations and upcoming meetings
➢ Closed session
➢ Adjourn
Chairman Penny asked that the agenda be rearranged so that the Board could go into closed
session first.
January 14, 2020 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 1 of 2
Commissioner McKoy moved that the Board go into closed session to instruct the County staff
concerning the position to be taken by the County in negotiating a contract for the acquisition of
real property. This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(5).
Commissioner Springle seconded the motion that passed 4 - 0.
Commissioner Springle moved that the Board come out of closed session. Commissioner
McKoy seconded the motion, which passed 4 - 0.
Mrs. Stewart presented a brief year in review, sharing highlights, noting a more detailed review
for each department will be provided to commissioners in their upcoming planning retreat
agenda package. She said she hopes to be able to schedule the 2020 planning retreat on February
11, 2020.
Staff Attorney Thomas Royer sought guidance regarding the Harnett County Policy for Funding
Nonprofits he previously presented to the Board. Discussions continued at length. The revised
policy for funding, application and by-laws will be forthcoming. Mr. Royer also noted the
meetings of the Harnett County Nonprofit Committee are subject to the open meetings law
therefore should be noticed properly.
Mrs. Stewart left the meeting.
Ashley Deans, Community Relations Coordinator, presented the results of recent
communications surveys completed by citizens and county employees. Mrs. Dean said she
would like to develop a Strategic Communications and Citizen Engagement Plan.
Commissioners and staff discussed the County's 2019-2020 legislative priorities.
Commissioners will finalize and approve an updated list of priorities during their upcoming
regular meeting.
Mr. Haney and Mr. Price reviewed the draft January 21, 2020 regular meeting agenda,
invitations and upcoming meetings. Commissioners discussed appointments to serve on boards
and committees.
Commissioner Springle moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 am. Commissioner Johnson
seconded the motion that passed 4 - 0.
and Penny, Chairman
January 14, 2020 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 2 of 2