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HomeMy WebLinkAbout082625 wsHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Minutes of Work Session August 26, 2025 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 9:00 am, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Harnett County Resource Center and Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina. Members present: Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman William Morris, Vice Chairman Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Members absent: Barbara McKoy, Commissioner W. Brooks Matthews, Commissioner Staff present: Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Brent Trout, County Manager Melissa Capps, Clerk Chairman Nicol called the Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting to order at 9:00 am. Vice Chairman Morris led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided the invocation. Chairman Nicol called for any additions or deletions to the published agenda. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the published agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. The following agenda was before the Board of Commissioners: 1. Call to order — Chairman Matt Nicol 2. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation — Commissioner Barbara McKov 3. Consider any additions and/or deletions to the published agenda. 4. Recess to reconvene for Joint Meeting with the Harnett County Board of Education and the Harnett County Board of Elections in Training Room 103A. 5. Recess and reconvene in the Board of Commissioners Meeting Room. 6. Presentation concerning historic tourism in Harnett County; Sion Harrington 7. Discuss a request for the approval the Northeast Harnett Water Treatment Facility Project Ordinance; Seann Byrd, Harnett Regional Water Assistant Director 8. Discuss a request to award an engineer contract in the amount of $400,000 to Hazen and Sawyer for the Water System Master Plan Update; Seann Byrd, Harnett Regional Water Assistant Director 9. Discuss a request to consider and approve contract negotiations for the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center architect/engineer for design and engineering; Barry Blevins, General Services Director and Coley Price, Deputy County Manager Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 1 of 6 10. Discuss a request to apply for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Preservation Grant; Barry Blevins, General Services Director 11. Discuss a request to approve an agreement with Southeastern Aero, LLC to operate a Special Aviation Service Organization (SASO) to provide maintenance activities at Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ); Brad Abate, Harnett Regional Jetport Director 12. Discuss a request to approve the Purdue Pharmaceutical Settlement and Second Opioid Manufacturer Settlements; Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney 13. Discuss the Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action Group Lease; Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney 14. Discuss a request from the North Carolina Home Builders Charitable and Educational Foundation to approve reimbursement of permit fees for a nonprofit build located at 460 Beacon Road, Lillington; Brent Trout, County Manager 15. Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees. 16. County Manager's Report — Brent Trout, County Manager • Harnett County Heroes Remembrance Presentations • September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Review • Upcoming meetings and invitations 17. Closed Session 18. Adjourn Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to recess and reconvene for Joint Meeting with the Harnett County Board of Education and the Harnett County Board of Elections in Training Room 103A. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. Chairman Nicol reconvened the meeting at 9:07 am in Training Room 103A. Members present: Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman William Morris, Vice Chairman Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Harnett County Board of Elections Members present: Dan Moody, Board Chair Rickie Day, Secretary Allison Fenderson, Board Member Betsy McCormick, Board Member Harnett County Board of Education Members present: Joey W. Powell, Chairman Bradley J. Abate, Vice Chairman Sharon Gainey, Board Member Don Godfrey, Board Member Hamett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Board Chair Moody welcomed everyone to the Joint Meeting of the Harnett County Board of Elections, Harnett County Board of Commissioners and Harnett County Board of Education. Board Chair Moody stated the purpose of the meeting is to reach a determination if there are any problems associated with early voting held in our public schools. I am aware that this matter has been discussed from time to time. Board Chair Moody called upon Sheriff Wayne Coats to discuss from a law enforcement standpoint, problems he may see with early voting in schools. Sheriff Coats stated my concerns have been not just this year, but past years since I've been Sheriff. My job when you elected me was to protect the citizens of Harnett County. That includes the schools. Sheriff Coats expressed concerns regarding safety of the kids and faculty during early voting. Specific concerns were expressed regarding Western Harnett High School. Chairman Powell stated he is opposed to the use of schools for early voting sites. I think we are all fine with using the schools on election day as we can hold a teacher workday. Chairman Powell expressed concerns regarding safety of students and teachers, loss of instructional time and structure for students. Vice Chairman Abate also expressed concerns regarding safety of students and teachers. Board Member Gainey stated I speak on behalf of citizens that have contacted me. I am a retired educator so safety of students is first and foremost in my eyesight as well as the curriculum being taught. Board Member Gainey shared the seniors in Harnett County that have spoken with me, are feeling that this move may be confusing to them, as to them finding another location and also a distraction to them. One suggested having additional officers present. They also want to know if this may be a form of voter suppression. That's how our seniors are feeling. They wondered if a new place would be user friendly and handicap accessible. Board Member Godfrey reiterated safety concerns expressed with early voting at Western Harnett High School and offered alternate locations such as the recently renovated Benhaven and the Early College. Chairman Nicol expressed concerns regarding the safety of the children. Commissioner Jaggers stated I know some people think there's other motives, but this is strictly a safety issue. Commissioner Jaggers stated if the education is put out there and enough notice ahead of time, we can educate the public about a change in voting location. Vice Chairman Morris stated it comes down to control of the building, keeping folks from wandering throughout the building and exposing the children to what may or may not happen. We do have Benhaven, there is a gymnasium over there, and we ask that you all please consider that. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Secretary Day stated I would like to get it out of all the schools. Fortunately, this year we do not have any early voting, that gives us about a year and half to get notices out to everybody. Board Member McCormick stated I understand the concerns about safety; I want the children to be safe. Our problem is finding another location. We're probably going to have to look at fire stations. I do believe Benhaven may be a good solution and maybe with the addition of the new fire department. Additional discussion included the use of additional deputies and complaints about voter intimidation. Board Member Fenderson stated we appreciate your honesty and candor. We take safety just as serious as any board in this county. We will need funding to notify the public of any changes to voting locations. Board Chair Moody stated our plans at our Board of Elections meeting next Tuesday, we will place this matter on the agenda and if we can reach a decision, I will come before the Commissioners and the School Board. Board Chair Moody stated their meeting is next Tuesday at 6:30 pm and will have a public comment period. The Board of Elections adjourned at 9:51 am. Vice Chairman Abate made a motion to adjourn the Board of Education. The motion was seconded by Board Member Godfrey at 9:52 am. Chairman Nicol recessed the Board of Commissioners to reconvene upstairs in the Board Meeting Room. Chairman Nicol called the meeting back to order at 10:05 am. Sion Harrington stated I appreciate the opportunity to come and address you this morning. Those that know me know my passion for preserving the rich history of Harnett County. Mr. Harrington shared information regarding recent census statistics which places Harnett County among the top five fastest growing counties in North Carolina. Because of this growth, we stand to benefit significantly from the increased revenue tourism can provide. In 2023, visitors to North Carolina generated nearly $4.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes, just tax revenue. And that figure is continuing to grow. Eash year, North Carolina welcomes 43 million visitors who spend nearly $36 billion in our state. Mr. Harrington also shared information from Visitnc.com and historical structure restorations in Harnett County including Shaw's Halfway House and Tar kiln village. Mr. Harington requested the Commissioners consider the creation of a Harnett County Historical and Cultural Arts Commission to identify, promote and encourage the development of historical and cultural arts related resources with an eye to increasing Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 4 of 6 visitation. Mr. Harrington stated if we invest in making Harnett County a tourist destination by investing in the development of our county's historical and cultural assets, we will maximize their economic potential in the lucrative and rapidly expanding North Carolina tourism industry. Mr. Harrington stated on behalf of the Harnett County Historical Society Incorporated and many people around the county who support historical preservation and cultural development and increasing our tourist footprint, I thank you for your time. Following some discussion, Commissioner Jaggers requested the Board to add discussion of the creation of a Harnett County Historical and Cultural Arts Commission to the next work session on September 9a'. Seann Byrd, Harnett Regional Water Assistant Director, reviewed a request for the Board to approve the Northeast Harnett Water Treatment Facility Project Ordinance. This project involves the permitting, design, and construction of a new 10-20 MGD water treatment facility in Erwin, NC. This water treatment facility will primarily serve the Northeast Harnett Service Area as well as the Towns of Erwin and Coats. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Mr. Byrd also reviewed a request to award an engineer contract in the amount of $400,000.00 to Hazen and Sawyer for the Water System Master Plan Update. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Coley Price, Deputy County Manager, reviewed a request to approve contract negotiations with Moseley Architects, Raleigh NC. Moseley Architects is ranked number one (1) of three (3) short listed firms who responded to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Animal Adoption Center. RND Architects, PA (2) and Davis Kane Architects, PA (3) are the other short-listed firms. There was a total of fifteen (15) respondents to the RFQ. After considerable deliberation from the RFQ Review Committee, Moseley is rated the most qualified firm to design the Animal Adoption Center. Moseley Architects' design team includes Moseley Architects, Shelter Planners of America, and WithersRavenel. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Barry Blevins, General Services Director, reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to approve the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Housing Preservation Grant application in the amount of $95,000. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Brad Abate, Jetport Director, reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to approve an agreement with Southeastern Aero, LLC to operate a Special Aviation Service Organization (SASO) to provide maintenance activities at Harnett Regional Jetport. The term of the agreement will be from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028 with Southeastern Aero providing an annual payment of $900. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney, reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to approve the Purdue Pharmaceutical Settlement and Second Opioid Manufacturer Settlements and Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 5 of 6 adopt a Resolution authorizing the execution of the opioid settlements with secondary opioid manufacturers. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Attorney Appel also reviewed a request for approval of the Johnston -Lee -Harnett Community Action lease agreement. The new rent amount is $431 and the terms of the new lease are an initial term of two years with three one-year options to renew. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Brent Trout, County Manager shared information regarding a request from the North Carolina Home Builders Charitable and Educational Foundation. The foundation is requesting the Board of Commissioners approve the reimbursement of all appliable fees for the construction of a house located at 460 Beacon Hill Road, Lillington, NC. The purpose of the build is to provide funds to Deputy Chris Johnson's family. The estimated building fees are $1,275 and water tap fees are $3,440 for a total fee reimbursement of $4,715. Tim Minton, President of the NC Home Builders Charitable Foundation provided information regarding their foundation and provided additional information regarding the request. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. The Board of Commissioners reviewed applications and the consensus of the Board was to appoint Nancy Jackson (District 2) and Lyndra Johnson (District 5) to the Harnett County Commission for Women and Youth, appoint Abigale Farina as an alternate member to the Dangerous Dog Committee and reappoint William Dan Andrews to the Board of Adjustment (District 4). Mr. Trout shared the Public Safety Committee that was formed by the Board of Commissioners, the application is now live on the website. Ms. LeeAnn Blackmon received her Hero award last week at the NCACC Annual Conference. Community Day is Thursday, August 28a' from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the RCL. I have a suggestion that was brought forward related to Harnett County Heroes Remembrance presentations; I'd like to propose to the Board as a solution to that, that if you look at the front of our agenda, we do the Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, is to insert a Harnett County Heroes Remembrance presentation at that point, if the board would be supportive of that. The Board agreed that would be a good place to add to the agenda. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn the Board of Commissioners at 10:39 am. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman MelissiLCapps, Clerk Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 26, 2025 Page 6 of 6