061521 wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
June 15, 2021
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in
the Commissioners Meeting Room, Harnett County Resource Center and Library Building, 455
McKinney Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present: W. Brooks Matthews, Chairman
Lewis W. Weatherspoon, Vice Chairman
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Mark B. Johnson, Commissioner
Matt Nicol, Commissioner
Staff present: George Wood, Acting County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Lindsey B. Lucas, Interim Clerk
Melissa D. Capps, Clerk
Chairman Matthews called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Vice Chairman Weatherspoon led
the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.
Chairman Matthews welcomed Melissa Capps who will be taking the Clerk to the Board
position.
County Attorney Dwight Snow administered the Oath of Office to Melissa Capps.
The following agenda was before the Board:
➢ Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
➢ Discuss setting up the Airport as a General Fund -type fund, separating it out of the
General Fund, Kimberly Honeycutt
➢ Discussion on allocating the remaining COVID first round funding for an employee
bonus, George Wood
➢ Discussion on the 43,000,000 G.O. School Bond issue the Board of Commissioners
needs to approve on June 21, 2021, Kimberly Honeycutt
➢ Discuss the annual renewal for our Workers Compensation Stop -Loss Insurance
Policy, Heather Pollard
➢ Discuss the hiring process for the County Manager Position, George Wood
➢ Discuss some proposed changes to the Fleet Management Vehicle Lease Program,
Lisa McFadden and Renee Paschal
➢ Discuss the Termination of Easement for KDP Development, LLC, Christopher
Appel
➢ Development Services briefing on upcoming public hearings:
- Proposed Land Use Plan Amendment: Case # PLAN2105-0001,
Landowner/Applicant: Woodshire Partners, LLC, LLC AD Site Solutions,
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Inc. Pin # 0506-88-4099.000; 72.6 acres. The applicant requests a Land Use
Map Amendment from Agricultural & Rural Residential to Medium Density
Residential Use; Anderson Creek Township
Proposed Text Amendment: Case # PLAN2105-0002, Harnett County
Unified Development Ordinance; Article VII, Sections 13.1, 13.2. To amend
Harnett County's U.D.O. where it pertains to greenway, bicycle, &
pedestrian facilities.
- Proposed Text Amendment: Harnett County Unified Development
Ordinance; Article III; VII, XIV, Sections 2.0 & 4.0; 2.2; 2.0 & 4.0. To
amend Harnett County's U.D.O. in order to comply with North Carolina
General Statute 160D. This amendment brings consistency to definitions as
referenced in the newly adopted language of 160D.
➢ Discuss Resolution from the Town of Lillington Requesting Extension of
Development Rights with the County of Harnett
➢ Discuss proposed amendments to the Harnett County Economic Development
Council Bylaws to add a Harnett County Schools representative, Angie Stewart
➢ Discuss Budget amendment to fund Northwoods Traverse, Paul Polinski
➢ Discuss the hiring of a law firm to assist with redistricting, Dwight Snow
➢ Discuss signing a SASO agreement with Executive Flight Training for operating a
flight school at the airport, Barry Blevins
➢ Discuss reopening meetings
➢ County Manager's Report:
- June 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
- Announce Hiring of the Airport Operations manager, the Senior Line
Technician, and the P -T Line Technicians
- Inform the Board of Commissioners of the decision to delay the Airport Apron
Project bids for 30 -days to determine if a better alternative to shorten the airport
closure time is feasible
Discuss hiring the Economic Development Director
Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees
Upcoming meetings and invitations
➢ Closed Session
➢ Adjourn
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Director, provided information on setting up the Airport as a
General Fund -type fund, separating it out of the general fund by moving all airport revenues and
expenditures into a separate Harnett Regional Jetport fund. It was the consensus of the Board to
add this to the agenda at the next regular meeting.
Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager, provided a handout with cost estimates for a one-time
bonus for county employees and Harnett County Schools classified staff based on date
employed, amount of bonus for full-time and/or part-time employees and shared information on
how the supplement could be funded.
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Commissioners reviewed the information provided and consensus of the board was to add this
item to the next regular meeting agenda for qualifying employees to receive a one-time
supplement of $1,000; qualifying part-time employees to receive a one-time supplement of up to
$500, prorated based on the hours they worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The supplement
does not apply to election workers, who received hazard pay for their work during the 2020
General Election. The supplement could be funded using the remaining $406,979.43 from the
County's displaced Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allocation with the remaining balance
coming from the County's fund balance, which includes a transfer of $644,682.10 from the
County's displaced CRF allocation in FY2020 to cover salaries, which was ultimately not
needed.
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Director, provided information on bonds being issued to provide
funds, together with any other available funds to pay the costs of construction, renovation,
improvement, equipping and furnishing of public school facilities with the county. Namely, the
construction of the new NW Harnett Elementary School and other needed additions and
renovation to existing school properties. If adopted, the resolution would authorize up to
$43,000,000 in General Obligation School Bonds which is the remaining balance of the
$100,000,000 authorization approved by the vote of a majority of voters who voted on the
referendum called and held on November 4, 2014. Ms. Honeycutt also provided a handout of the
Debt Affordability Analysis Existing Debt and Debt Affordability Analysis Existing & Proposed
Debt. It was the consensus of the Board to add this to the agenda at the next regular meeting.
Heather Pollard, Human Resources Director, provided information on the evaluation of
responses to the Request for Proposals for a Third -Party Administrator for the County of
Harnett's self-insured worker's compensation insurance program. Ms. Pollard shared a
comparison of two finalists, John's Eastern and North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners (NCACC) which included a TPA rating pricing comparison sheet with the
following notes:
John's Eastern is still securing an additional quote for Excess Worker's Compensation
coverage. This option could cause the Premium/Contribution number to very
materially.
The NCACC's premium/contribution number does not include a multi -pool credit of
$30,000. If selected the County could apply this credit to either the P&L or WC
pool.
The NCACC's program would replace the County's existing $1,000,000 self-insured
retention with a $500,000 deductible. The NCACC also provides higher deductible
options.
Ms. Pollard shared RiskVersity, the consulting firm hired to conduct the RFP search,
recommends that the County remain in its self-insurance program and transition existing claims
to John's Eastern. The internal Workers' Compensation committee agrees with the
recommendation to transition our current workers' compensation claims management and
processing to John's Eastern. The Departments of Legal, Human Resources, and the County
Manager's Office has worked diligently the past few years to move our workers' comp program
to a higher level to maintain lower costs and low claims volumes. By adding John's Eastern to
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our efforts we will continue to drive down costs due to data access, implementing a strong safety
program, and adding new management tools to our program. From a legal aspect, the real value
is the County being able to control and manage the costs as we are now. Attorney Appel pointed
out the importance of having control over claims. Chairman Matthews asked for the experience
modifier rating. Angela McLamb, Risk Management & Safety Coordinator, stated currently we
have to ask for that from the adjuster, however, with Johns' Eastern we would be able to pull that
information. Ms. Pollard stated these prices are locked in for three years. The consensus of the
board was to include this item in the next regular meeting agenda.
Vice Chairman Weatherspoon moved that the Board go into closed session for the following
purposes:
(1) Consultation with the County's legal counsel in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation including the following
cases:
a. "Estate of John David Livingston, Il, el als vs. Kehagias, et als US District Court,
Eastern District of NC, Western Division File No. 5: CV -00906 -BO."
b. "Anderson Creek Partners, L.P., et al vs. County of Harnett" Harnett County
Superior Court File No. 17CVS363 and "DF Development Group, LLC vs
County of Harnett" File No. 17CVS 1361.
c. "In RE: National Prescription Opiate Litigation," MDL 2804, United States
District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
(2) To discuss certain personnel matters.
Commissioner Nicol seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Chairman Matthews called the meeting back into open session at 11:21 a.m.
Vice Chairman Weatherspoon moved to amend the motion to go into closed session to include:
(3) To discuss an economic development matter.
Commissioner Nicol seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
George Wood, Acting County Manager, discussed the hiring process for the county manager and
whether or not the Board of Commissioners would like to go with a consulting firm or handle in-
house. Discussion included a second round of Request for Proposals (RFP) for a search firm for
the County Manager position. The consensus of the board was to include this item in the next
regular meeting agenda.
Renee Paschal, Budget Consultant, provided information regarding the 2021 Fleet Leasing
Analysis. The main goal of the analysis was to determine if the fleet replacement system was
financially sustainable with or without continuing the general fund contribution. FY 20 mileage
was used in the analysis to avoid the major effects of the pandemic. Ms. Paschal reviewed the
recommendations:
• 10 -year funding and vehicle replacement plan developed
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• Standardize the lease rate to recover 120% of the projected replacement cost (less resale
value) of the next vehicle—these new rates have already been budgeted
• Institute requirements/incentives for departments to rotate vehicles appropriately
• Give the Fleet Manager the authority to rotate vehicles between departments; make it
clear the Fleet Fund "owns" the vehicle
• Low -mileage vehicles will be sold or reassigned to a motor pool managed by Fleet or to
other departments that can maximize usage
• When possible, spares will be centralized and managed by Fleet
• Beginning July 1, 2021, departments exceeding the mileage threshold by 5% (600 miles)
will incur a penalty equal to the percentage exceeded
• Mileage penalty will be based on annual mileage
• Fleet Manager already provides monthly reports from fuel records on vehicles not being
driven appropriately
• It is the department head's responsibility to manage its fleet
• Departments that do not have enough vehicles will be evaluated for additional vehicles
• The Fleet Manager will also monitor mileage reimbursements to recommend when
additional vehicles are needed
• Service trucks will be sold after 8 years/96,000 miles; the mileage penalty still applies
• Animal Control trucks will be sold after 5 years/125,000 miles; no mileage penalty
applies
Additional discussion included the penalty fee. Vice Chairman Weatherspoon asked that a copy
of the presentation be sent out for them to review and consider. Lisa McFadden, Budget
Director, stated they would send out a copy of the presentation.
Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney, reviewed information pertaining to the termination of
an easement for KDP Development, LLC. The consensus of the board was to include this item in
the next regular meeting agenda.
Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney, also reviewed information pertaining to a request from
the Town of Lillington requesting extension of development rights with the County of Harnett
for the Winston Tract pursuant to NCGS 160D-203 split jurisdiction.
Harnett County Development Services Director Mark Locklear reviewed the following
applications for upcoming public hearings:
Proposed Land Use Plan Amendment: Case # PLAN2105-0001, Landowner/Applicant:
Woodshire Partners, LLC, LLC /4D Site Solutions, Inc. Pin # 0506-88-4099.000; 72.6
acres. The applicant requests a Land Use Map Amendment from Agricultural & Rural
Residential to Medium Density Residential Use; Anderson Creek Township
Proposed Text Amendment: Case # PLAN2105-0002, Harnett County Unified
Development Ordinance; Article VII, Sections 13.1, 13.2. To amend Harnett County's
U.D.O. where it pertains to greenway, bicycle, & pedestrian facilities.
Proposed Text Amendment: Harnett County Unified Development Ordinance; Article III;
VII, XIV, Sections 2.0 & 4.0; 2.2; 2.0 & 4.0. To amend Harnett County's U.D.O. in order
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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to comply with North Carolina General Statute 160D. This amendment brings
consistency to definitions as referenced in the newly adopted language of 160D.
George Wood, Acting County Manager, shared Ms. Stewart requested to remove proposed
amendments to the Harnett County Economic Development Council By-laws to add a Harnett
County Schools representative, as they are not meeting until the 24th of this month. Chairman
Matthews stated I think the idea is for this to be the school superintendent or designee.
Kelly Kelly, Social Services Deputy Director, provided information regarding a budget
amendment to fund Northwoods Traverse, a mobile software program used by DSS social
workers on home visits. Northwoods is offering a 50% discount of the initial purchase price of
$426,540 if DSS renews by June 30, 2021. The discounted cost would be $231,270. The state
will reimburse 50% of the cost. The consensus of the board was to include this item in the next
regular meeting agenda.
Dwight Snow, County Attorney provided background information regarding the selection of a
law firm to assist with re -districting following the census. Back in April at a Joint Meeting with
the Board of Education, Representative Adam Mitchell with Tharrington Smith, came and gave
you highlights of what redistricting meant this year and then made a proposal of how his firm
could help. There are other firms that are also making proposals that the Board of Education and
we will be considering by the end of the month. Attorney Snow provided an update on census
data. The Census Bureau came out last week and said they would not have the data to anybody
until the end of September. Senate Bill 722 has been passed by the Senate, it is being moved
over to the House, if the bill is passed, they will grant counties an extension to have plans done
by November 17th. The key is we are going to have a short window of opportunity to get it done.
Chairman Matthews shared the Board of Education has a virtual meeting scheduled for June 30th
at 9:00 am and they are going to hear a proposal firm another firm and I have asked if the Board
of Commissioners can participate as well. I would like for us to be prepared to make a decision
on the 30th
Barry Blevins, General Services Director provided information regarding a SASO agreement
with Executive Flight Training for operating a flight school at the Harnett Regional Jetport. The
consensus of the board was to include this item in the next regular meeting agenda.
Mr. Blevins also provided information regarding an agreement with Parker Aviation, LLC to
lease a hanger located at 559 Airport Road, Erwin, North Carolina with a the term of lease
expiring June 21, 2022. The consensus of the board was to include this item in the next regular
meeting agenda.
Mr. Wood provided an update on the Airport Operations Manager, we selected Ms. Natalie
Pusser, she is the FBO under Warren Aviation now, we do take the airport over on Thursday.
We have selected Mr. Dale Massey for the Senior Line Technician and we have also hired all of
the part-time line technicians that were out there. No one's job was compromised jeopardized by
this transition.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Mr. Wood provided an update on the decision to delay the Airport Apron Project bids for 30 -
days to determine if a better alternative to shorten the airport closure time is feasible. Mr.
Blevins provided information on the phases for the construction of the airport apron. Mr.
Blevins stated we were able to reduce the number of days that most of the owners with private
aircraft are without use of the airport. More than likely, having to go back to the Department of
Aviation (DOA) with this phasing, will cost more. We do have to go back to FFA and DOA to
get approval of the phasing.
Mr. Wood provided an update on the hiring of an Economic Development Director.
Chairman Matthews reviewed the following information regarding board appointments:
• Shirley Allen is interested in serving on the Mid -Carolina Aging Advisory
Committee.
• Ken Aldridge and Ricky Ray are interested in being reappointed to the District H
Tourism Authority Development Board.
Mr. Wood reminded the Board of Commissioners the next meeting will be held Monday, June
21, 2021. There will be no meeting due to the Fourth of July Holiday until the Work Session on
July 13, 2021, except for the Special Meeting on June 30, 2021.
Vice Chairman Weatherspoon moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:46 pm. Commissioner Nicol
seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
W. Brooks Matthews, Chairman Meli, a D. Capps, Clerk to th�oard
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