021318wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
February 13, 2018
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, February 13,
2018, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 420 McKinney
Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Gordon Springle, Chairman
Howard Penny, Vice Chairman
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Abe Elmore, Commissioner
Joe Miller, Commissioner
Brian Haney, Government Relations Director
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
Chairman Springle called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Vice Chairman Penny led the Pledge
of Allegiance and invocation.
The following agenda was before commissioners:
> Tax Office Update
> Neills Creek Park Expansion
➢ County Manager's Report:
- February 19, 2018 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
Recognition of special contributions
Award recognitions
Invitations and upcoming meetings
NCCCMA Conference report
➢ Closed Session
➢ Adjourn
Harnett County Tax Administrator Keith Faulkner and Deputy Tax Administrator Jenny Harrop
provided an overview of the Tax Department including:
Listing and Billing - Exemptions and Exclusions
Appraisal - Reevaluation
Collections - Pre -payments
Net Value & Taxes - Registered Motor Vehicles
Customer Service - Highlights of the Past Year
Future Goals - Board of Equalization and Review
February 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Staff sought direction from commissioners regarding the NC Department of Revenue's
recommendation that counties go to a four-year revaluation cycle. The Board will need to
decide this within the year. Staff also noted they are looking at outsourcing the next revaluation.
Staff responded to questions and discussions continued.
Harnett County Parks and Recreation Director Carl Davis talked about the Neills Creek Park
Expansion and presented for discussion a proposed Joint Use Agreement with the Harnett
County Board of Education. Mr. Davis clarified that the County leases the park property from
Harnett County Schools. He said within the 30 year lease agreement it states that the County
maintains the tennis courts, ball fields, pond and roadway which enables the public to use these
facilities. Mr. Davis said they would like to expand over to the middle school fields so they can
be open to the public as facilities are in high demand. He said this would be similar to what has
been done in other areas of the county where the County renovates existing facilities and then
manage and maintain those facilities so they are available to the public. Mr. Davis also proposed
relocating the tennis courts at Neills Creek Park in this year's budget. He said this expansion
would also include a new entrance which Campbell University, who owns the adjourning land,
has agreed to an easement for driveway access.
Mr. Davis said they are looking at lighting additional fields in the future. He noted a current
quote of $273,000 to light the two middle school fields at Western Harnett with a 10 year
warranty. He said remote LED lights would cost approximately $350,000 but are higher quality
and would be a better choice in the long run. Mr. Davis said there are finance options
available on the lighting. The group will revisit the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
discuss possible recreational fees/taxes during their upcoming planning retreat.
Mr. Haney reviewed the proposed February 19, 2018 regular meeting agenda. The Board
reviewed a draft Proclamation Recognizing Robert E. Doberstein for His Dedication Service to
Harnett County and Its Citizens which they will present to Mr. Doberstein's family in the near
future. Mr. Haney also reviewed upcoming meetings and invitations.
Mr. Haney announced that Campbell University's Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic
Medicine is being recognized as the 2018 Community Outreach Health Care Hero, having been
nominated by Harnett County Economic Development. He also mentioned that Commissioner
Elmore has received the M.H. Jack Brock Memorial Award by the Mid -Carolina Council of
Government. Last, Mr. Haney shared highlights from the North Carolina City and County
Manager's Conference.
Chairman Springle reminded fellow Board members to schedule a time to review applications
for County Manager. He noted upcoming interviews for County Manager will be conducted at
Campbell University.
Commissioner Elmore left the meeting.
February 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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It was the consensus of the Board that the County not join any litigation against the
pharmaceutical companies at this time. Discussions continued. Commissioners currently
support NCACC's hands-off approach and believes the Association is keeping them well
informed. It was noted that counties that do not join the litigation may still benefit from any
settlement.
Vice Chairman Penny moved that the Board go into closed session to discuss:
1) To discuss certain personnel matters; and
2) To instruct the County staff concerning the position to be taken by the County in
negotiating a contract for the acquisition of real property; and
3) Consultation with the County's legal staff concerning the handling of a certain claim in
order to preserve the attorney-client privilege.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(6),(5)&(3).
Commissioner Miller seconded the motion that passed 4-0.
Commissioner Miller moved that the Board come out of closed session. Commissioner McKoy
seconded the motion that passed 4-0.
Chairman Springle requested clarification regarding easements beside the new school. Staff
reported that the Department of Public Instruction has approved the Overhills cafeteria expansion
and the pre-bid meeting will be held in next few weeks.
Commissioner Miller moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 am. Commissioner McKoy
seconded the motion that passed 4-0.
Penny, Jr., C
t Regina ler, Clerk
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February 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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