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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031318wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Minutes of Work Session March 13, 2018 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, March 13, 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 Barbara McKoy, Commissioner Joe Miller, Commissioner Abe Elmore, Commissioner Paula Stewart, Interim County Manager Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk Chairman Springle called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner Elmore led the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. The following agenda was before commissioners: ➢ ReEntry Space Needs > Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Update > Cooperative Extension Employee Merit Increase (county portion) ➢ Parks and Recreation Fee Discussion > EMS Training Captain Position ➢ Airport Committee and Bylaws ➢ Employee Health Committee Dissolution ➢ Occupancy Tax Discussion > County Manager's Report: - Reappointment of Tax Administrator - March 19, 2018 Regular Meeting Agenda Review - Invitations and upcoming meetings > Closed Session ➢ Adjourn Harnett County Emergency Services Director Jimmy Riddle, EMS System Medical Director Dr. Erin Wirths and EMS Division Chief Ricky Denning presented Harnett County Emergency Services' request to create a new position for the Emergency Medical Services Division titled March 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 1 of 4 Training Captain at a Salary Grade 25, $50,579 - $60,695. An EMS Level II Instructor is required for this position. This position will require a Paramedic certification as well as several other certifications in the process of understanding all documentation principles. Mrs. Honeycutt confirmed that there is funding in contingency to fund this position May 1st. Commissioners will consider approval to create this new position during their upcoming regular meeting. Harnett County Cooperative Extension Interim Director Bill Stone asked for approval of a 3% merit increase of $336 to Kittrane Saunders, Community Rural Development Agent, retroactive to July 1, 2017. Mr. Stone explained that the State gave the merit increase in 2017 however staff fail to follow through regarding the County's portion. The positon is currently funded 60/40. The Board will consider approval of the merit increase during their upcoming regular meeting. Mr. Stone and Mrs. Stewart update the Board on the current interview process for the new Director of Harnett County Cooper Extension. Harnett County Parks and Recreation Director Carl Davis lead the Parks and Recreation Fee discussion. Mr. Davis gave a quick overview of the process to establish a service district stating a public hearing is required before the adoption of the tax. He said a .05 cent county -wide parks and recreation tax would raise about $2.8 million a year. Mr. Davis said this does not include municipalities even though towns could opt to be included. He also said the amount could change annually. Mr. Davis said this money would allow the County to build parks in all areas of the county hopefully allowing everyone quick access to a park. Commissioners talked about the need to do the most for citizens outside of incorporated areas the fairest way. Discussions continued. It was suggested that staff develop a solid plan, using different amounts, to present to commissioners for consideration. Mr. Davis also noted that staff, in the upcoming budget, is looking at paying every town the same amount as Western Harnett which is approximately $27 per kid. He also said he is thinking about developing an advisory board for parks and recreation in Harnett County. Mr. Penny reminded the group that the elderly do get an exemption on property taxes and talked about the need to educate citizens about this exemption. Mrs. Stewart proposed for discussion the dissolution or restructuring of the Employee Health Benefits Committee. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Pollard said they did not believe the advisory committee members should be involved in the decision making related to employee benefits. Commissioner McKoy said she thinks the Employee Health Committee has been a great resource for Human Resources. She also believes it has helped employees understand more about healthcare and rising costs. Commissioner McKoy believes the committee could still be helpful but the members need to be switched around. It was the consensus of the Board to dissolve the current Employee Health Committee and staff will come back with recommendations on how to restructure an internally appointed employee committee. March 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 2 of 4 The Board and staff had a lengthy discussion regarding the Airport Committee. Commissioners stressed changes needed as they talked about revising the bylaws, membership and term limits. Commissioners would like to discuss the pros and cons of a committee or an Authority. Staff will research options and come back before the Board. Harnett County Public Relations Director Brian Haney provided a brief overview of the occupancy tax process thus far. Commissioners previously adopted a Resolution Levying a Six Percent (6%) Room Occupancy Tax within Harnett County District H. Mr. Haney said the County would collect an estimated $63,000 in occupancy tax in the first year from the two eligible entities. He shared a NC map showing 81 counties in NC that currently levy the tax in some version. Staff mentioned that they are currently researching how to force air B&B's in county to collect the tax. Mr. Haney said the County is also authorized to set-up a Tourism Authority, who would decide how to spend these funds, and reviewed membership requirements. Discussions continued. Jon Hockaday, General Manager of Anderson Creek Club, and Kevin Mishra, owner of Lillington's Microtel Inn & Suites, represent the only two entities in the county currently affected by the occupancy tax. Mr. Hockaday and Mr. Mishra addressed the Board saying they do not see the benefit in this tax, there is no incentive for them in this and they believe the County should wait until there are more entities to impose such a tax. The Board discussed possibly lowing the percentage of collection. Ken Adelburg, also representing the Anderson Creek Club, responded they are against adding an additional percentage of any amount. It was the consensus of the Board to resend the previously approved Resolution Levying a Six Percent (6%) Room Occupancy Tax within Harnett County District H in June 2018, which is the end of the fiscal year in which the resolution was adopted, and to refund any taxes collected back to the two businesses. Dot Ehlers and Natalie Mabon talked about ReEntry's space needs in Harnett County. ReEntry is a nonprofit that the County has provide free office space to since 1999. The Town of Lillington, who now owns the Noble House in Lillington, has told ReEntry that they must relocate. ReEntry currently offers four programs including: Healthy Choices Program (JCPC funding), Family PRIDE Program (DSS funding), HALT Program (GCC funding), and Drug Diversion. Mrs. Ehlers and Mrs. Mabon briefly reviewed these programs, saying all have a substance abuse recovery component. They responded regarding their funding sources from multiple state and county entities as well as charging client fees for most of their programs. The group talked about possibly leasing ReEntry office space at Shawtown once it is renovated. Mrs. Stewart informed the Board it is time to consider reappointing the Tax Administrator. She also reviewed the proposed March 19 regular meeting agenda and upcoming meetings, invitations and dates of interest. Staff was directed to poll commissioners regarding the proposed agenda for the upcoming work session with the Board of Education. March 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 3 of 4 Mrs. Honeycutt stated her intention to continue to including within the budget ordinance the calculation regarding teacher bonuses so she can monitor that number however commissioners responded that once they give the School Board the money for bonuses that they can do whatever with it. Vice Chairman Penny moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes: 1) Consultation with the County's legal staff and special counsel in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation including: a. The claim investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice vs. the Harnett County Sheriff s Office; and b. Anderson Creek Partners, L.P. vs County of Harnett, Harnett Superior Court File No. 17 CVS 2251; 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) To discuss certain personnel matters; and 4) To discuss matters relating to economic development. This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3)(5)(6) & (4). Commissioner Miller 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 2:32 pm. Vice Chairman Penny seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. tom Is tan � .�.=-.i7� and Penny Jr., Ch. an S *� a gare Regina W. eler, Clerk Appb"OU g -- 1'7 March 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 4 of 4