081418wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
August 14, 2018
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, August 14, 2018,
in Conference Room A, County Administration Building, 420 McKinney Parkway, Lillington,
North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Gordon Springle, Chairman
Howard Penny, Vice Chairman
Abe Elmore, Commissioner
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Joe Miller, Commissioner
Paula Stewart, County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager
Allen Coats, Deputy Finance Officer
Chairman Springle called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner McKoy led the Pledge
of Allegiance and invocation.
Vice Chairman Penny moved to amend the work session agenda to remov Development Services
and touring of the new Benhaven Elementary School and adding discussions about the Harnett
Regional Jetport, the Airport Committee and panhandling. Commissioner McKoy seconded the
motion that passed unanimously.
The following revised agenda was before commissioners:
✓ Update on the Board of Elections
✓ Discuss Harnett Regional Jetport and Airport Committee
✓ Discuss Panhandling
/ County Manager's Report:
- August 20, 2018 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
August 28, 2018 Work Session Agenda Review
- Invitations and upcoming meetings
✓ Closed session
✓ Adjourn
August 14, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 1 of 3
Claire Jones, Elections Director, provided an update on the Harnett County Board of Elections.
Board of Election members Steve Blackburn and Tony' Spears were also in attendance. Mrs.
Jones reviewed recent session laws affecting how "One Stop" voting must be conducted noting
these changes will result in an increased cost in poll worker pay. She said the Board of Elections
tries to balance accommodating voters while remaining financially responsible. Mrs. Jones
estimates needing an additional $53,000 to accomplish the Board of Election's approved plan.
Staff noted they will come back to the commissioners in November requesting approval of a
budget amendment for the additional monies needed. Board of Elections members and staff
responded to questions and comments and discussed challenges.
General Services Director Barry Blevins and Steve Bright with Talbert and Bright were present
to discuss the Harnett Regional Jetport and Airport Committee. Mr. Blevins noted he is still
working with our Legal Department on the committee's revised bylaws. Commissioners talked
about alternatives to the Airport Committee including the Economic Development Council or
developing an Airport Authority. Mr. Blevins stressed that airport safety and technology must
remain a priority. The Board expressed an interest in being more involved in the governing of
the jetport that they fund, having more communication with the Airport Committee, and sharing
efforts towards the County's vision for the jetport. Mr. Bright addressed the Board. Discussions
continued. Staff suggested that the Airport Committee and Economic Development Council
work together to address the Board's concerns. Commissioner Elmore said he did not think
disbanding the Airport Committee was the answer but believes we should try to keep the
mechanism we have in place and revamp the membership if needed. Mr. Snow said the Board
could revise the Airport Committee's bylaws to reflect their wishes and require reporting. It was
a consensus of the Board to consider revised Airport Committee Bylaws and look at
membership.
Commissioners asked to discuss panhandling in Harnett County. Senior Staff Attorney Monica
Jackson said panhandling ordinances are by in large unconstitutional so says the United States
Supreme Court therefore staff does not recommend pursuing this. She said it would be
extraordinarily difficult to draft a panhandling ordinance that "passes constitutional mustard"
given First Amendment implications as panhandling is seen as a form of freedom of speech.
Discussions continued. Staff said there are other ways to deal with these individuals; current
laws on the books that can be used to address the panhandlers and their behaviors. Harnett
County Sheriff Officers Robert Wilson and Jeff Armstrong were present and addressed
commissioners.
Mrs. Stewart reviewed the following:
- August 20, 2018 Draft Regular Meeting Agenda
- August 28, 2018 Draft Work Session Agenda
- Invitations and upcoming meetings
August 14, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 2 of 3
Mrs. Stewart provided an update on Erwin Elementary School noting the structural engineer is
on site and should provide a report soon regarding the structural integrity of the facility however
a standard inspection showed they are not maintaining their buildings. Staff understands that the
Board of Education has called in an industrial hygienist research air quality and water issues at
the school.
Mrs. Stewart reported that Economic Development had been contacted by Elite Team Rescue
wanting to purchase the old Benhaven School site. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed
with the County's original plan for this site. Mrs. Stewart said the Child Advocacy Center is
currently looking for space to rent in Lillington to house their program however long-term they
would like to be housed in county -owned space. Last, she provided an update on the old
Shawtown school site saying the demolition had been delayed due to rain but January 2019 is the
completion goal.
Commissioner McKoy moved that the board go into closed session for the following purposes:
1) Consultation with the County's legal staff in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation including the following
case: Workers Compensation Claim of Wanda Carolyn Tart IC File No. 17-791887; and
2) To discuss certain personnel matters; and
3) To instruct the County staff regarding a possible contract for the acquisition of real
property.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3), (6) & (5).
Commissioner Penny seconded the motion which passed unanimously
Commissioner Elmore moved that the Board come out of closed session. Commissioner Miller
seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Commissioner Elmore moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm. Commissioner Miller
seconded the motion, which passed un
and Penny Jr, Ch. 'r an
ASD pro J e - / /Al)
t Regina � eeler, Clerk
August 14, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 3 of 3