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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120224 mHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 9:00 am, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Harnett County Resource Center and Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina. Members present: William Morris, Chairman W. Brooks Matthews, Vice Chairman Barbara McKoy, Commissioner Matthew B. Nicol, Commissioner Member absent: Lewis W. Weatherspoon, Commissioner Staff present: Brent Trout, County Manager Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Melissa Capps, Clerk Chairman Morris called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner McKoy led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided the invocation. Chairman Morris called for any additions or deletions to the published agenda. Commissioner Nicol made a motion to approve the agenda as published. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Matthews. The motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Matthews made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Nicol seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The items on the consent agenda were as follows: A. Minutes i. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2024 ii. Work Session Minutes of November 26, 2024 B. Harnett County Library requests the Board of Commissioners approve the library's 2024-27 Strategic Plan. This comprehensive plan is designed to align library services with the evolving needs of our community while advancing the County's core priorities — enhancing organizational excellence, fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, and supporting superior educational opportunities. C. Harnett County Health Department requests the Board of Commissioners confirm designation of Child Fatality Prevention Team/Community Child Protection Team (CFPT/CCPT) as a single county team. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 Page 1 of 4 D. Harnett County Health Department requests approval of funding from NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the amount of $2,319 to assist staff in utilizing the new National Review Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS). This is a requirement in NC Session Law 2023-134. E. Harnett County Health Department requests the approval of the establishment of a $50 vaccine administration fee for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. This fee is consistent with other vaccine administration fees we charge. F. Administration requests the Board of Commissioners approve to amend the Grant Project Ordinance for the $26,411,744 received from the American Rescue Plan Act - Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA/CSLFRF). This amendment shall recognize modifications to spending amounts for projects previously approved by the Board in Project Ordinance format. (Attachment 1) G. Adopt a Resolution Recognizing the Service of Commissioner Lewis W. Weatherspoon. (Attachment 2) H. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners would like to appoint Drew Bryant to serve on the Administrative Appeals Board for School Bus Stop Arm Violations as the Harnett County Employee Alternate Member and Ciara Monique Suros to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council as a Public Member. Swearing -in Ceremony. Dwight Snow, County Attorney, was the Master of Ceremonies. Attorney Snow welcomed everyone and recognized elected officials. Dr. Les Lofquist, Executive Pastor of The Shepherd's Church provided the invocation. The Honorable Associate Justice of the NC Supreme Court, Philip Berger, Jr. administered the Oath of Office to William Brooks Matthews, District 3; Duncan Edward Jaggers, District 4; and Matthew B. Nicol, District 5. Dr. Les Lofquist, Executive Pastor of The Shepherd's Church provided the benediction. Chairman Morris recessed the meeting at 9:21 am. Chairman Morris called the meeting back to order at 9:28 am. Members present: William Morris, Chairman W. Brooks Matthews, Vice Chairman Barbara McKoy, Commissioner Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Matthew B. Nicol, Commissioner Chairman Morris turned the meeting over to Melissa Capps, Clerk to the Board. NC General Statute 153A- 39 requires the Board of Commissioners to reorganize at its first regular meeting in December of each year. Ms. Capps opened the floor for nominations for chairman. Commissioner Morris nominated Commissioner Nicol. Commissioner Morris moved to close the floor for nominations. Commissioner Matthews seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Vote Record: Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 Page 2 of 4 W. Brooks Matthews, Yes Barbara McKoy, Yes William Morris, Yes Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Yes Matt B. Nicol, Yes Voting Totals: Yes: 5 No: 0 Commissioner Nicol was elected Chairman of the Board. Ms. Capps opened the floor for nominations for vice chairman. Chairman Nicol nominated Commissioner Morris. Nominations were closed. Vote Record: W. Brooks Matthews, Yes Barbara McKoy, Yes William Morris, Yes Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Yes Matt B. Nicol, Yes Voting Totals: Yes: 5 No: 0 Commissioner Morris was elected Vice Chairman of the Board. Chairman Nicol thanked the staff and citizens of Harnett County for their continued faith in him. Chairman Nicol called for any additions or deletions to the agenda. Chairman Nicol stated he would like to add as number 8 and each item will move down one; Discuss Public Comment period changing from a maximum of 30 minutes to one hour and 3 minutes per person to 5 minutes. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to change the public comment period from 3 minutes to 5 minutes per speaker to a maximum of one hour. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews. Commissioner Jaggers asked if that would be effective immediately or at the next meeting. Chairman Nicol stated effective immediately. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Nicol opened the meeting for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 5 minutes for each presentation up to one (1) hour. The following people spoke: 1. Larry Mitchell of 478 Century Drive, Cameron, NC. 2. Elizabeth Longman of 234 Hamilton Road, Bunnlevel, NC. 3. Alan Longman of 234 Hamilton Road, Bunnlevel, NC. 4. Rebekah Brock of 5220 Christian Light Rd., Fuquay Varina, NC. No one else spoke and the public comment period was closed. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 Page 3 of 4 Brent Trout, County Manager, invited the Board to the Employee Luncheon on Friday beginning at 11:00 am. until 1:00 pm. You received the booklet for the Capital Improvements Program which lists out programs to be included in the CIP for FY 2026-2032. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the budget amendments as requested by the Finance Officer. Commissioner Jaggers asked for a copy of the budget amendments and copies were provided. The motion was seconded by Chairman Nicol and carried unanimously. (Attachment 3) Mr. Trout shared information regarding Senate Bill 382 Subpart III-K that has had a provision added where no local government can initiate down -zoning without the consent of the affected property owner. This provision is a concern for us. This will affect our ability as a board to change zoning on property such as if a property was zoned R-30 and we wanted to change it to R-40, thereby limiting the number of homes that could be built on that property, if the owner did not consent to that change, we would not be able to make that change. If the owner requested the change, it would be ok. Mark Locklear, Development Services Director, shared additional information. "Down -zoning" means a zoning ordinance that affects an area of land in one of the following ways: • Decreasing the development density • Reducing the permitted uses • Creating any type of nonconformity on land not in a residential zoning district. This would be retroactive to 180 days prior to the date this section becomes effective. Discussion included impacts on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan staff has been working on updating. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to oppose Senate Bill 382 Subpart III-K and direct staff to work with Kairos to express the County's opposition. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. Commissioner McKoy stated she would like to add that the Commissioners should reach out to our representatives and express our opposition. The motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 10:00 am. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and carried unanimously. Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman Melissa-D. Capps, Clerk Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT 1 ORDINANCE NO. 2024-32 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS (CSLFRF) GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Harnett County, North Carolina, sitting as the governing board for Harnett County that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted. Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a budget for projects to be funded by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of H.R. 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA/CSLFRF). The County of Harnett has received a total allocation of $26,411,744 of ARPA/CSLFRF funds. These funds may be used for the following categories of expenditures, to the extent authorized by state law: 1. Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff, 2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector; 3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic; 4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors; and, 5. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet. Section 2. The following amounts are appropriated for the project and authorized for expenditure: ARPA/CSLFRF Allocation Unassigned Revenue Replacement (Eligible Employee Salaries) VIPER Radio - County and Fire EMS Premium Pay VIPER Radio - Local Law Enforcement GREAT Grant (Brightspeed) GREAT Grant (Spectrum) North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant CAB Grant (Brightspeed) Total Current Ordinance Adjustment Amended Ordinance 1,411,600 $ (1,411,600) $ - 10,000,000 $ - $ 10,000,000 5,619,227 $ - $ 5,619,227 117,823 $ - $ 117,823 1,571,309 $ - $ 1,571,309 $ 375,000 $ - $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ (156,374) $ 218,626 $ 5,000,000 $ 3,509,759 $ 8,509,759 $ 1,941,785 $ (1,941,785) $ (0) $ 26,411,744 $ (0) $ 26,411,744 Section 3. The following revenues are hereby appropriated for this project: Current Amended Ordinance Adjustment Ordinance ARPA/CSLFRF Allocation $ 26,411,744 $ - $ 26,411,744 Total $ 26,411,744 $ - $ 26,411,744 Section 4. This ordinance will amend the Grant Project Ordinance to recognize changes in previously approved projects and allocate funding to projects which have been approved since the last amendment. The VIPER Radio - County and Fire project is now complete. This project provided 913 radios to the county for use by the following departments: Emergency Management Services (EMS), Fire Marshall, Transportation (HARTS), Sheriff, and Harnett Regional Water, as well as local fire departments. The county must pay sales tax on the purchase of goods and services but is eligible to file for reimbursement of the sales tax paid. The original budget included the amount of sales tax; this adjustment reallocates the unspent funds that were originally dedicated to this project. The EMS Premium Pay project is no longer eligible under ARPA/CSLFRF because Congress declared an end to the COVID-19 National Emergency on April 10, 2023. This adjustment reallocates the unspent funds that were originally dedicated to this project. The VIPER Radio - Local Law Enforcement project is complete. At the request of our municipalities, the county is dedicating a portion of its ARPA/CSLFRF allocation to purchase VIPER radios for all police departments in the County. As an eligible use, the project will provide 242 radios. The GREAT Grant (Brightspeed) project is ongoing. Through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Program, the NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) sought to enter into a three- way agreement with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and local governments to expand broadband accessibility in rural areas. Initially, C1oudWyze was identified as the ISP to receive the GREAT Grant for Harnett County. However, in late 2023, NCDIT designated Brightspeed as the recipient. This amendment reflects the amount that the county has agreed to match for this project. Section 5. This ordinance will amend the Grant Project Ordinance to allocate funding to the projects outlined below which have been approved by the Board of Commissioners. The North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is ongoing. This project is expected to cost over $100,000,000. This infrastructure upgrade is an eligible use of ARPA funds, so $8,509,759 of the County's ARPA allocation will be contributed to this project. The GREAT Grant (Spectrum) project is ongoing. Through the same program outlined previously, the county has entered into a three-way agreement with Spectrum for a second GREAT Grant award. This amendment reflects the amount ($218,626) that the county has agreed to match for this project. The difference from the original $375,000 and $218,626 was added to the North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project. The CAB Grant (Brightspeed) is ongoing. Through the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, the NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) enters into a three-way agreement with ISPs and county governments to deploy broadband projects in unserved areas of each county. House Bill 10 was approved by veto override on November 21, 2024 eliminating the Harnett County match requirement for this grant. The originally obligated amount of $1,941,785 was added to the North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project obligation. The unobligated funds in the amount of $1,411,600 is now obligated in this ordinance to the North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project in order to obligate all funds by the December 31, 2024 deadline. The total cost for this project will exceed $100,000,000 and the project is already under contract for construction. Section 6. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the grantor agency and the grant agreements, including payroll documentation and effort certifications, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430 & 2 CFR 200.431 and the County's Uniform Guidance Allowable Costs and Cost Principles Policy. Section 7. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to report the financial status of the project to the governing board on a quarterly basis. Section 8. Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, the Budget Director and the Finance Officer for direction in carrying out this project. Section 9. This grant project ordinance amendment expires on December 31, 2026, or when all the ARPA/CSLFRF funds have been obligated and expended by the county, whichever occurs sooner. Duly adopted this ��d day of 1 �_ rrx , 2024. ATTEST: Melissh Capps, Clerk tote Board Morris, Chairman County Board of Commissioners Harnett C0UNT'Y NORTH CAROLINA RESOLUTION NO. 2024-37 ATTACHMENT 2 OF RESOLUTION By SERVICE OF COMMISSIONER NETT COUNTY BOACOMMISSIONERS TO RECOGNIZE THE LEWISWIS W. WEATHERSPOON WHEREAS, Lewis W. Weatherspoon has served the County of Hamett and its citizens as the District 4 Commissioner since December 7, 2020; and WHEREAS, Mr. Weatherspoon served as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from December 6, 2021 to December 5, 2022 and served as a member on the Jetport Committee, Southeastern Economic Development Committee, Harnett County Economic Development Partnership, Executive Board of Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Executive Board of CAMPO, Advisory Board of Good Hope Behavioral Hospital and the Transportation Advisory Board, Chairman of the Mid -Carolina Workforce Consortium, and serves as the Mid -Carolina representative on the Council of Government Forum; and WHEREAS, Mr. Weatherspoon dedicated his time and energy to diligently strive to make the County of Harnett a better place through carrying out his civil duties as a County Commissioner; and WHEREAS, Mr. Weatherspoon has a lifelong career serving others in the community in addition to his time as a County Commissioner including his service to the Town of Angier on the Board of Commissioners and as Mayor of the Town of Angier, NC League of Municipalities Board of Directors, NC Mayors Association, the Executive Board of the Triangle Council of Government, and Harnett County Mayors Association; and WHEREAS, the County of Harnett, its elected officials, employees, and citizens individually and collectively commend commissioner Weatherspoon for his service to the County of Harnett and wish to express their deep gratitude for his efforts, professionalism, and devotion to the County. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution be presented to Lewis W. Weatherspoon in acknowledgment of his years of public service and his dedication to his duties as the District 4 Commissioner for the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. Duly adopted this the 26"' day of November, 2024. ee1j,, , . / - AW-_ - A( 1 William H. Morris, Chairman Harnett County Board of Commissioners Attest: Meliss Capps, Clerk 16 ie Board 33a COUNTY OF HARNETT ATTACHMENT 3 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Harnett, North Carolina, that the following amendment be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Section 1. To amend the Human Resources department of the Workers' Comp Claims fund. The appropriations are to be changed as follows: ORG I OBJECT I PROJECT I TASK I SUB -TASK I JOB I DESCRIPTION OF CODE I INCREASE I DECREASE �- PAYMENT OF CLAIMS $400.000 REVENUE T AMOUNT ORG OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE DECREASE 8103900 390990 jRND BALANCE APPROPRIATED $400,000 SYD1 ANATI/lN• additional funding needed to cover workers'compensation claims through June 30, 2025. APPROVALS: EjydVx1jirector Dat County Manager Date Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for their direction. �y ,� Adopted this 0 day of '�`�-' , 20* Melissa Capps Clerk to the Board Prepared by: alcoats -� _ : !"1' oa}d of Comnuss o-- Date: November 15, 2024 unm COUNTY OF HARNETT BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Harnett, North Carolina, that the following amendment be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Section 1. To amend the Health - Environmental Health department of the General fund. The appropriations are to be changed as follows: EXPENDITURE AMOUNT ORG OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE DECREASE 1109910 599000 CONTINGENCY $38 483 1105180 502010 SALARIES & WAGES - 9 1105180 505050 STATE RETIREMENT - GENERAL9 A 1105180 503030 401K - GENERAL 2 1105180 505010 FICA WH 5 1105180 507010 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE4 1105180 506010 MEDICAL INSURANCE $5,291 1105180 506020 DENTAL INSURANCE $176 1105180 506040 LIFE INSURANCE $35 1105180 507070 OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT $55 1105180 507050 EMPLOYEE CLINIC $83 1105180 507030 WORKER'S COMPENSATION $14 REVENUE = AMOUNT ORG OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE I DECREASE L' RrLA TN A 11V11. Use Contiengency funds to cover the cost of a new Environment Health Specialist position. The Environmental Health Division is experiencing significant growth, with a 10% annual increase in permit applications. To maintain efficient operations and regulatory compliance, a new Environmental Health Specialist position is needed. The new position was approved by the Board of Commissioners on 11/18/2024. The effective date of the new position is 1/16/2025. APPROVALS: Z Date �' i,�� • Budget Direct at County Manager Date Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for their direction. Adopted this � day of , 20 . Melissa Capp Clerk to the Board Prepared by: Lisa McFadden VMftdm Morris, Chairman Board of Commissioners Date: November 13, 2024 �za�b Pap i on