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HomeMy WebLinkAbout092915ssmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Minutes of Special Session September 29, 2015 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front Street, Lillington, North Carolina. Members present: Member absent: Staff present: Jim Burgin, Chairman Gordon Springle, Vice Chairman Abe Elmore, Commissioner Joe Miller, Commissioner Barbara McKoy, Commissioner Joseph Jeffries, County Manager Paula Stewart, Deputy County Manager Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk The following agenda was before the commissioners: 1) Joint Meeting with the Harnett County Board of Education 2) County Manager's Report: - October 5, 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda Review - Boards and Committees 3) Closed Session Chairman Burgin called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. The Board was joined by the following members of the Harnett County Board of Education and staff: Bill Morris, Chairman Howard Penny, Jr., Vice Chairman Vivian Bennett, Member James Ray Bryant, Member Chad Smith, Member Stan Williams, Superintendent Brooks Matthews, Assistant Superintendent Tammy Magill, Chief Finance Officer Terry Byrd, Clerk Charles Bullock, Attorney Chairman Bill Morris called the meeting of the Board of Education members to order and Mrs. Vivian Bennett led the pledge of allegiance and invocation. September 29, 2015 Special Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 1 of 5 Chairman Burgin said, especially thanks to Representative David Lewis, Harnett County is going to get an additional $3.7 million. Chairman Burgin said the expansion of tax base that generates this money will start next July 1st with the first money coming in September 2016. He said the money must be spent for education and economic development purposes. Chairman Burgin said one of the big things to discuss today is teacher's supplements and the best way to address them. He stressed everything being discussed today is subject to all of that funding coming in. Chairman Burgin said in talking and looking at surrounding areas they have talked about trying to get teachers supplements to 10% over multiple years. Chairman Burgin suggested for discussion, and based on income, trying to raise teachers supplement about $1000 next September and then based on the results we all see maybe an addition $500 the next year. Chairman Burgin stressed the next component, the possible additional $500, would be very results oriented. Chairman Morris said that would put us competitive with other counties. Superintendent Williams said supplements are key; getting and retaining good teachers is the best thing you can do for the children. Commissioner Miller confirmed that the average teacher's salary in Harnett County is $40,000 before benefits. Discussions continued. Chairman Burgin announced that the 45 acres at the Western Harnett Industrial Park (WHIP) has been surveyed and recorded and the County is now ready to donate it to the Board of Education. Mr. Snow distributed a map of the property. It was the consensus of the Board to consider approval of Resolution To Convey Certain Real Property to the Harnett County Board of Education at their October 5, 2015 regular meeting. Mr. Jeffries, noting the Board of Education has been able to use the 1/4 sales tax to take care of some capital maintenance issues, said he hopes there is some consideration by both boards to set aside some of the additional sales tax for capital maintenance. Mr. Jeffries also noted the Board of Education is requesting an extension to spend the $2.2 million QSCB monies. Commissioner Springle suggested that the property that we haven't built on at Highland Middle would be a good place to build a park and the land may could be used for an in-kind match. Mr. Williams noted they are currently working on a stoplight to ease congestion in the area. Mr. Jeffries responded, regarding the possible connection to Tingen Road, that Planning and Engineering staff have been talking to FAMPO and RPOs to investigate potential dollars to help fund the extension that would improve traffic flow out there. Commissioner Miller said he would walk the property this afternoon. Commissioners asked the Board of Education if they would start providing complete financials as previously requested. Superintendent Williams and Mrs. Magill said they had just gotten state allotments and given they have such a flux of things they were hesitate to put something out there that will change. Chairman Burgin said he believes monthly financial statement is what the statute states and clarified they are looking a financial statement after the fact, expenditures and historical data. Discussion continued. September 29, 2015 Special Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 2 of 5 Mr. Bryant asked about legislative Bill 605 that he said would give commissioners authority over funding for classroom teacher's supplements. Chairman Burgin had not read the bill but responded that our legislative team is looking out for Harnett County. Mr. Jeffries said, in reference to the old Benhaven School, if the Board plans to use the building in the future then we need to start planning now and can't let it sit like other buildings. Mr. Williams suggested that County Engineer Amanda Bader and Harnett County Schools Director of Maintenance Daren McLean walk through the building. Commissioners Burgin and Springle asked them to also include someone from CCCC in the walk-through to see how they would use the building if they had it. Discussions continued. Chairmen Burgin and Morris thanked everyone for working together. The Board of Education members left the meeting at 9:50 am. Mr. Jeffries reported the estimate to repair some major maintenance issues, HVAC and window replacement, at the old Shawtown School is $182,000. Mr. Jeffries said the Alumni originally wanted to know the costs associated with the major repairs and if the Board was willing to participate in any of the costs. Commissioners questioned putting that much money into something just to give it away. Commissioner Springle asked who would take care of the facility once the Shawtown Alumni members aged out. Mr. Jeffries said they have not presented a long term plan yet but they do have community support for the project. Mr. Jeffries said they will have immediate income with the Head Start rent. Commissioners proposed offering the Shawtown Alumni the facility "as is: however they will discuss the issue at the next special session with Commissioner McKoy present. Mrs. Stewart noted the tax value of the old Shawtown facility is $232,800. Mr. Jeffries noted staff has prepared a capital maintenance list with cost estimates for all of the maintenance needed over the next five years. The proposed cost this year is $900,000 which does includes $182,000 for Shawtown and over $300,000 for the old Dunn school facility. They continued to discuss needed repairs and county property. Mr. Jeffries noted staff would present capital needs at an upcoming work session. Mr. Jeffries provided a chart detailing the actual cost for the new positions requested by the Sheriff's Office. It was the consensus of the Board to consider approval of two new detectives and two new deputies, including vehicles, as of January 1, 2016, as part of their October 5, 2015 consent agenda. Mr. Joseph reviewed the October 5, 2015 regular meeting agenda. He shared the FY16 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list of potential projects developed by Airport administration and Talbert & Bright, Inc., in collaboration with DOA. Commissioners will consider approval of the TIP list at their upcoming October 5th regular meeting. Commissioner Springle said this is important, there is going to be money and asked staff to get the top five priorities to FAMPO as soon as possible. September 29, 2015 Special Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 3 of 5 Mr. Jeffries stated the need for the Board to appoint two members to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP). Mr. Jeffries noted the RTRP President Charles Hayes would like to have decision makers involved in their board. Commissioner Elmore is interested in being appointed. The Board also agreed to ask George Womble if he would be willing to serve as a RTRP member. Mr. Snow sought direction regarding the Asset Transfer Agreement between Flatwoods Community Fire Department, Inc., and the County of Harnett. Mr. Snow noted Flatwood's bylaws stated if and when they dissolve all of their assets must be turned over to the County. He said the game plan was for Lillington to take Flatwood's place and they will eventually get all of their assets, equipment, land, etc. but in between time they must use the County as a conduit for the transfer. Mr. Snow said once the Board approves the Asset Transfer Agreement, proposed for consideration on October 5th they are authorizing the chairman and/or county manager to close out this deal. He noted EMS is currently paying the Town of Lillington $1,500 a month for rent for EMS personnel however the County will own the land prior to transfer. Commissioners discussed options regarding the four parcels of land. Mr. Jeffries will schedule a meeting with the Town of Lillington to work out details. Sheriff Rollins joined the group. Commissioners let him know of their intent to consider approval of two new detectives and two new deputies, including vehicles, as of January 1, 2016, as part of their October 5, 2015 consent agenda. Sheriff Rollins, who said he needs the positions now and is ready to hire, asked commissioners to approve the positions to start as soon as possible and not wait until January 1st. Commissioners agreed to consider approval of the four positions and other associated costs; two starting in October and two starting in November, on October 5th. Mr. Jeffries continued the October 5th agenda review. Commissioners postponed consideration of Tanner Aviation's request for waiver of fees until they could get an opinion regarding the request from Barry Blevins. Vice Chairman Springle asked staff to invite Fuquay-Varina's Economic Development Director Jim Seymour to their October 13th special session to hear his suggestions and recommendations. Mr. Snow requested clarification regarding the transfer of 45 acres of land in WHIP to the Board of Education. Mr. Snow distributed a map of the property. Mr. Snow said banks do not like reverter clauses. It was the consensus of the Board to include "use for education" in the deed. Public Utilities Director Steve Ward responded to Commissioner Miller's question about the cost of $1,750 to put a new meter back in an existing hookup. Mr. Ward explained this and also noted that citizen take risks when they buy foreclosed properties. September 29, 2015 Special Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 4 of 5 Commissioner Elmore moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes: 1) 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 following case: "Dollie Griggs, as Administrator of the Estate of Christian Griggs, Plantiff vs William Pat Chisenhall and Katie Griggs, Defendants" Harnett County File No.: Harnett County No.: 15 CVS 779; and 2) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in Harnett County including economic development incentives that may be offered by the County in negotiations; and 3) Instructions to the County staff as far as negotiations toward offers on the purchase of real property This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3)(4)&(5). Vice Chairman Springle seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Commissioner Elmore moved that the Board come out of closed session. Vice Chairman Springle seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Commissioner Elmore moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:28 am. Vice Chairman Springle seconded the motion which passed un fL s• W. Brooks Matthews, Chairman C4 `Ove(! t Regina W € - eler, Clerk September 29, 2015 Special Session Minutes Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page 5 of 5