011221wsHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
January 12, 2021
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, January 12, 2021,
in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 420 McKinney Parkway,
Lillington, North Carolina. Due to COVID-19 this meeting was not open to members of the public
to attend in person however, citizens and staff were provided options to listen to the meeting live.
Only County staff necessary to conduct the meeting or to speak on scheduled agenda items were
in attendance, stationed in the meeting chambers to maintain the recommended social distancing
of six feet, as the Board demonstrated compliance with State law and prudent public health
practices.
Members present:
Staff present:
W. Brooks Matthews, Chairman
Lewis W. Weatherspoon, Vice Chairman
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Mark B. Johnson, Commissioner
Matt B. Nicol, Commissioner
Paula Stewart, County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Lindsey Lucas, Deputy Clerk
Chairman Matthews called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and Commissioner McKoy led the
Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.
The following agenda was before the Board of Commissioners:
➢ Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
➢ 2020 Cape Fear Hazard Mitigation Plan
➢ Review of Proposed Zoning Change: Case # PLAN2012-0001
Landowner/Applicant: Buckhorn Partners, LLC / Benton Dewar, PLS; 20.95 +/-
acres; Pin # 0635-07-4357.000; From RA -40 to RA -30 Zoning District; SR # 1407
(Wade Stephenson Road); Buckhorn Township
➢ Request to renew the contract between the Harnett County Public Library, Affiliate
and Branch Libraries
➢ Harnett Regional Jetport Master Plan Discussion
➢ Discuss the Town of Angier's ABC Board request for reimbursement of
Rehabilitation Contribution.
➢ Discuss Legislative Priorities
➢ County Manager's Report:
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- January 19, 2021 Regular Meeting and Agenda Review
Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees
• Discuss Board of Equalization and Review
appointments needed for Districts 2 & 4
Invitations and upcoming meetings
- Discuss Board technology needs
➢ Closed session
➢ Adjourn
Harnett County Emergency Services Director Larry Smith reviewed the Adoption of the 2020
Cape Fear Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan that is coming up for its five-year review. FEMA
requires every community including all of our municipalities have a Hazard Mitigation Plan for
any type of reimbursement for a disaster (example of that would be Hurricane Florence or
Hurricane Matthew). About six years ago Harnett County along with Chatham County, Lee
County, Moore County and Johnston County came together to create one plan and that plan was
approved by the state. Mr. Smith explained that in order to move forward, the Board needs to
continue to adopt the plan as they go along so they will continue to receive the grant funding that
comes with having a Hazard Mitigation Plan. Commissioners will consider approval of the
Adoption of the 2020 Cape Fear Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan during their upcoming regular
meeting.
Mr. Smith gave an update on the COVID-19 Vaccine explaining they had begun vaccinating first
responders who were interested in receiving the vaccine and then were going to continue with
getting the rest of the community vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Harnett County Development Services Director Mark Locklear requested a proposed rezoning
from RA -40 to RA -30 of 21 acres on Wade Stephenson Road, which is planned to become a
housing development. Mr. Locklear said Development services did not have an issue with the
rezoning nor did the Planning Board as they voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning. Questions were
asked by the Board and discussions continued.
Mr. Locklear asked the Board if they would like him to bring anything that might be
controversial to them before a public hearing. The Board asked questions and it was the
consensus of the Board for Mr. Locklear to bring any controversial planning matters to the Board
before a public hearing.
Harnett County Library Director Angela McCauley requested that the Board renew the contract
between the Harnett County Public Library, Affiliate and Branch Libraries. Mrs. McCauley went
over in great depth the roles, responsibilities of and relationship between the County,
Municipalities, and School system in regards to library services and operations. Questions were
asked by the Board and discussions continued.
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Harnett County General Services Director Barry Blevins came before the Board to discuss
changes to the Jetport Committee bylaws and the Harnett Regional Jetport Master Plan. Mr.
Blevins told the Board he along with Senior Staff Attorney, Chris Appel did some research on
changing the bylaws. Mr. Appel will draft a letter to send to the committee notifying them of the
changes to the bylaws for their review. The Board agreed to continue with this plan of action.
Mr. Blevins updated the Board on the Harnett Regional Jetport Master Plan. Discussions
continued and it was the consensus of the Board to add the General Service request for approval
of a pending work authorization for professional services with Talbert & Bright, Inc. to update
the airport's master plan and project ordinance.
County Manager Paula Stewart informed the Board of an overpayment made by the Town of
Angier's ABC Board in April 2020 in the amount of $4,925.45. The Town of Angier's ABC
Board is requesting a refund of these funds. Finance Officer Kimberly Honeycutt is going to do
some research on the refund request and bring this back to the Board.
Assistant County Manager Brian Haney went back over the Legislative Priorities with the Board.
Comments were made by the Board and discussions continued.
Mrs. Stewart sought direction from the Board regarding the Economic Development Director
position. Discussions continued and Chairman Matthews stated he would like to revisit the topic
at a later date.
Mrs. Stewart reviewed the proposed January 19, 2021 regular meeting agenda, invitations and
upcoming meetings. Commissioners reviewed applicants interested in serving on boards and
committees.
The Board agreed to postpone the Legislative Luncheon and to continue with having the retreat,
just with a limited attendance.
Mrs. Stewart gave an update on the COVID Vaccinations in Harnett County.
IT Director Ira Hall went over different options of technology with the Board members.
Commissioner Nicol moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes:
a) To consult with the County's Legal staff in order to preserve the attorney client
privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation including the
workers' compensation claim of Dave Cameron I.C. File No. 170394; And
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3).
Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
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Commissioner Nicol moved to amend the motion to go in to closed session to include:
(b) To discuss an economic development matter.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(4).
Commissioner McKoy seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Commissioner Johnson moved that the Board come out of closed session. Vice Chairman
Weatherspoon seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Commissioner Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:12 pm. Vice Chairman
Weatherspoon seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
W. Brooks Matthews
indsey
B. L as, Deputy Clerk
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