June 14, 2021 - 6:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes (Special)

10 227 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners June 14 , 2021 Special Meeting The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in special session Monday , June 14 , 2021 at 6 00 pm in the Old Superior Courtroom Courtroom No 4 at the Johnston County Courthouse , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Chad M Stewart , Vice Chairman Larry Wood , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Patrick E Harris , RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , and Fred J Smith , Jr Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , Clerk to the Board Paula G Woodard , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , and Paralegal Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington Chairman Chad M Stewart called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm and announced the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 County budget and related matters 1 Town of Four Oaks – Four Oaks Veterans Memorial Park Reid Williams , Economic Development Director for the Town of Four Oaks , thanked the Board of Commissioners for their continued support and partnership with the Town of Four Oaks Mr Williams presented a request for funding for the Town of Four Oaks Veterans Memorial Mr Williams stated the Town has been working with American Legion Post 346 on the memorial in Barbour’s Grove Park at the corner of Baker Street and East Railroad Street in Four Oaks He submitted a sketch of the new design for the memorial and requested the Board to consider allocating 29,108 to the project , which represents 75 of the total project cost Mr Williams stated the remaining cost would be covered by the Town of Four Oaks The Board noted that no decisions would be made this evening on any requests , but would be taken under advisement for consideration along with the County budget as a whole 2 Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield Johnnie Pippin , Director for the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield , addressed the Board and introduced the Chair of the Library Board of Trustees , Megan Shaner Mr Pippin presented the following information to the Board of Commissioners and requested the Board to consider allocating 610,000 in the budget for the Library Page228 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage229 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Pippin thanked County Manager Rick Hester , Finance Director and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb , Human Resources Director Lu Hickey , the Johnston County Buildings & Grounds Department , and Smithfield Town Manager Michael Scott for their support and assistance to the Library At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Pippin reported that rather than being a hindrance , the evolution of technology has allowed them to reach a completely new market with online resources 3 Town of Smithfield – 16 ” Water Line Improvements Project Michael Scott , Smithfield Town Manager , addressed the Board regarding a water line improvements project that the Town started in 2017 He noted they are now at the last phase of that project which will benefit both the County and the Town of Smithfield Mr Scott stated the last portion of the improvements project is estimated to cost just over 15 million and he asked the Board to consider allocating funds for the project Ted Credle , Smithfield Public Utilities Director , presented the following information to the Board regarding the project Page230 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber5231 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Credle explained the project would provide greater quantities as well as better water quality along with a redundant connection to West Smithfield and the delivery point to the County He offered to answer any questions Commissioner Patrick E Harris stated he has had the opportunity to discuss the project in detail with both the County and Town staff Commissioner Harris reported this is a unique project in that it provides a significant benefit to both the County and the Town through the redundant connection , which is greatly needed At the request of Chairman Chad M Stewart , Johnston County Utilities Director Chandra Farmer stated on a peak demand day , Johnston County purchases approximately 20 of its water supply from the Town of Smithfield She stated Smithfield’s supply is critical in order for the County to meet its demand and if the Town experiences problems with their supply , then it significantly affects the County She also stated the second connection allows for redundancy if there is a problem at the current connection point 4 Town of Micro – Micro Community Building Micro Mayor Jay Warren explained that the Town of Micro’s community building has been sitting vacant for approximately ten years ; however , it is an important part of Micro’s history He stated the Town has been in discussions regarding the need to renovate the building so that it can be used for meetings and other events Mayor Warren stated it is a significant need for the Town and he asked the Board to consider allocating funding in the budget to help with the renovation costs Mayor Warren reported they are in the process of applying for grants to help with the costs and they have set aside some donations ; however , they would appreciate any contribution towards the project Mayor Warren stated they estimate the total project to cost 300,000 Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he has discussed this project with the Town in the past and he invited them to come to tonight’s meeting Commissioner Godwin spoke on the expansive area associated with the Micro community that could benefit from the project 5 Johnston County Schools Johnston County Schools Superintendent Dr Eric Bracy appeared before the Board and introduced Board of Education Chairman Todd Sutton , Chief Financial Officer Stephen Britt , and Chief of Facilities and Construction Brooks Moore attending with him Dr Bracy stated Johnston County Schools is requesting 799 million for current expense funding and 29 million for capital outlay for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 Dr Bracy referenced the presentation from Johnston County Schools that was included as supporting documentation in County Manager Rick Hester’s budget proposal Dr Bracy spoke on the “ Budget Priorities ” included within the presentation , specifically the priority of “ Investing in our employees ” Dr Bracy stated they are requesting funds for an additional 1 in the local teacher supplement , which they feel will be a great recruitment tool to attract the best teachers Dr Bracy also spoke on his mission to hire additional Exceptional Children’s teachers and teacher assistants and other initiatives to assist schools with their performance Dr Bracy concluded his remarks by speaking on extraneous budget factors including the unpredictability of the State’s budget , average daily membership fluctuation , changes in State and Federal regulations , and local and State economic circumstances PagePage pageNumber6232 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Chief Financial Officer Stephen Britt reviewed the following information with the Board as it relates to Fund Balance details for Johnston County Schools PagePage pageNumber7233 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Britt stated Johnston County Schools receives approximately 6,600 per child from the State ; therefore , the majority of their funds is driven by the number of students enrolled in school Upon a question by Chairman Chad M Stewart , Mr Britt stated the past two school years were very unusual and they were able to go from an almost zero fund balance to having a fund balance of 20 million because of COVID - 19 He further explained that while it was terrible that children were not able to attend school due to the pandemic , it did allow them to refill their coffers Mr Britt stated the challenge going forward is how to sustain that fund balance Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr congratulated Dr Bracy on the positive things he has done for Johnston County Schools since he has been the Superintendent , stating he has brought a lot of hope for the children in this County Commissioner Smith continued that one very important issue to him involves the Critical Race Theory CRT , which he believes has no place in Johnston County Schools Commissioner Smith stated he hopes that Dr Bracy can assure him that Johnston County Schools has a policy prohibiting CRT from being taught in the school system Commissioner Smith stated Johnston County Schools should be educating the children and not indoctrinating them Commissioner Smith stated he would not vote to increase the funding for Johnston County Schools until a policy is adopted by the Board of Education Dr Bracy responded that he is unaware of a current policy ; however , Johnston County Schools does not teach CRT and if there is any evidence of it being taught to inform him so he can address the issue Dr Bracy stated Johnston County Schools teaches the standards handed down by the Department of Public Instruction Dr Bracy further stated that a policy is something that could be discussed between County Commissioner Chairman Stewart and Board of Education Chairman Sutton Chairman Stewart noted that the issue concerning CRT was brought up by Commissioner Smith at the June 7 , 2021 meeting Chairman Stewart stated he recently spoke with Chairman Sutton who assured him that CRT is not being taught within Johnston County Schools , and although they did not discuss a specific policy , the conversation was started Chairman Stewart stated while he also does not agree with CRT being taught in schools , when it comes to funding , he will not allow students , teachers , bus drivers , etc to go without because of a policy being adopted or not Board of Education Chairman Todd Sutton stated at the present time , Johnston County Schools does not have a policy regarding CRT Chairman Sutton stated he agrees that it should not be taught in schools and while they do not have a policy in place at this time , he will take the matter to their Policy Committee At the inquiry of Commissioner Larry Wood , Dr Bracy stated the goal for Johnston County Schools in 2022 is to improve itself academically , and had it not been for the COVID - 19 Pandemic , he feels they would have been much further along in that goal Dr Bracy stated he is very confident that the performance levels of all schools will improve under his leadership , just as it did for Sampson County when he was the Superintendent there Upon a question by Commissioner Butch Lawter , Dr Bracy confirmed that Johnston County Schools teaches the standards according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Commissioner Lawter commented that many times the County gets mandates handed down from the State and he asked if the Department of Public Instruction were to add CRT or some other divisive theory to the standards , would Johnston County Schools be expected to teach those standards PagePage pageNumber8234 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Dr Bracy stated Johnston County Schools is expected to teach the standards ; however , he cannot imagine that the Department of Public Instruction would include that as part of its standards Dr Bracy also noted that the North Carolina Superintendent has spoken out against CRT and stated she is totally opposed ; therefore , he does not see it becoming a part of the standard course of study Upon a question by Commissioner Wood , Mr Britt stated the per pupil expenditure amount is the same for virtual students as in - person students Dr Bracy concluded the presentation , stating that his entire focus every day is to improve the academic achievement of Johnston County Schools because if we improve our schools then everyone benefits Dr Bracy also reiterated that if anyone is aware of any CRT teachings in Johnston County Schools to report it directly to him so it can be addressed Commissioner Patrick E Harris thanked Mr Britt for his informative budget information stating he appreciates that transparency Citizen John Saluppo , 117 Hansen Run , Clayton , spoke on his concerns of the performance of Johnston County Schools and the Critical Race Theory Mr Saluppo stated there is information available showing that CRT modules have been taught in the schools and it is in the system Mr Saluppo encouraged the Commissioners to look further into the matter before deciding upon funding for Johnston County Schools 6 Special Olympics of Johnston County Carolyn Stafford , Volunteer Coordinator for the Special Olympics of Johnston County , addressed the Board and requested funding to support their activities Ms Stafford reported on how past funds from the County have been spent with the Special Olympics She stated they are requesting 10,000 for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 and plan to use those funds for uniforms , awards , equipment , transportation , facility fees , and competition fees to return to in - person training and competition She noted they have a few events coming up soon for the athletes and any assistance would be appreciated The Board thanked Ms Stafford for her work with the Special Olympics 7 My Kids Club Lynn Daniels , Treasurer for the My Kids Club Board of Directors , addressed the Board and thanked the Commissioners for their past support to My Kids Club Ms Daniels provided the Board with a brief overview of how they continued services during COVID - 19 She reported they have continued to support middle and elementary school students through all day care as well as after school care learning , in - person camps , meal service , and providing technology access and support Ms Daniels stated their partnership with Johnston County Schools continues to be successful Ms Daniels reported they are still planning for the construction of their new facility and she presented the following financial data to the Board Ms Daniels stated due to the additional cost of materials , they still have a need of 982,840 and she requested the Board to consider allocating 200,000 in the upcoming budget towards their capital campaign PagePage pageNumber9235 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 8 Harbor Executive Director Kay Johnson addressed the Board and stated like many entities in 2020 , Harbor had its share of challenges Ms Johnson stated in order to comply with the Executive Orders issued by the Governor’s Office , Harbor had to furlough 25 of their staff , move staff to a hybrid work schedule , and temporarily close both of their thrift stores and later reopen them on a modified schedule only to ultimately close the Pizazz store in October 2020 She stated even though many services in surrounding counties were closing , Harbor remained open to provide direct services for those in need Ms Johnson stated they also strengthened their partnerships with the Johnston County Department of Social Services , the Johnston County Health Department , and Johnston Health to develop solutions for those who face danger from domestic violence and sexual assault She noted they have seen a 30 increase in sexual assault and a 35 increase in domestic violence to date this year Ms Johnson stated because of the COVID - 19 Pandemic and having to close the thrift stores , they lost 100,000 in revenue in 2020 She introduced Harbor Board of Directors Chairperson Ruth Anderson and thanked the Board for considering their needs At the inquiry of Commissioner Patrick E Harris , Ms Johnson stated they are requesting 75,000 , which was their allocation last fiscal year Commissioner Ted G Godwin thanked Ms Johnson for all that Harbor does , especially through the COVID - 19 Pandemic 9 Smithfield Rescue Mission Executive Director Ben Olsen provided the Board with an update on the Smithfield Rescue Mission’s operations He stated throughout the COVID - 19 Pandemic , they were fortunate in that they only had two positive cases to date and have been able to continue their services although at a reduced capacity to maximize social distancing Mr Olsen stated last year they served 140 individuals , provided 4,385 nights of safe lodging , served 21,449 meals , and helped place 65 people in jobs Mr Olsen stated he is thankful for the support of the County and the Commissioners as individuals Mr Olsen asked the Board to continue their financial contribution to the Smithfield Rescue Mission Commissioner Patrick E Harris thanked Mr Olsen for their work stating the rescue mission has been in existence serving the community for many years 10 North Carolina Forestry Service Johnston County Forest Ranger Mike Winslow thanked the Board of Commissioners for their past funding support to the Forestry Service Mr Winslow stated he has been the County Ranger since 2009 and he currently has a staff of three Mr Winslow presented the following update to the Board Page0236 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Patrick E Harris , Mr Winslow confirmed that any local funding from Johnston County stays in the County Page1237 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 11 Project Access Georgia Anthony , Director for Project Access , stated Project Access of Johnston and Harnett Counties is a volunteer physician initiative that has provided more than 4,900 residents with access to health care services since 2008 She explained that area providers donate care to low income and uninsured residents in the counties Ms Anthony stated since 2008 , patients have received over 65 million of free care from the community providers Ms Anthony reported they are one of 31 other Project Access programs across North Carolina and South Carolina that coordinate care for the uninsured Ms Anthony explained the enrollment process and the qualifications for enrollment Ms Anthony stated they are a grant - funded program through a Duke Endowment and Johnston Health also financially supports the program with one full time employee She requested the County to consider allocating 50,000 to be used to cover the costs of medications for patients as well as any medical equipment necessary from surgeries and other health concerns Ms Anthony thanked the Board for considering the request 12 Johnston Regional Airport Johnston Regional Airport Director Phil Lanier and Airport Authority Chairman Ken Starling addressed the Board Mr Lanier stated the airport is in demand and at capacity which is a good problem to have Mr Lanier stated they anticipate receiving many grants in Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 and they are requesting the Commissioners to consider allocating matching funds in the budget for those grant opportunities Mr Lanier stated in 2017 - 2018 they received approximately 11 million , in 2018 - 2019 they received 12 million , in 2019 - 2020 they received 36 million , and in 2020 - 2021 they received 7 million Mr Lanier requested the Board to consider allocating 200,000 in the upcoming 2021 - 2022 budget to be used as local matching funds for grants to be received Mr Lanier stated some of the grant opportunities require quick turnaround times and they would like to be as prepared as possible He thanked the Board for the County’s continued partnership with the airport At the inquiry of Chairman Chad M Stewart , County Manager Rick Hester stated traditionally in the past , the airport has come to the County on an as needed basis for local matching funds and he noted that the airport has also contributed their own funds at times as well Mr Hester acknowledged that the Johnston Regional Airport is a shining star in the County and helps contribute to the economic growth 13 Pleasant Grove Community Building Tim Callahan , Member of the Pleasant Grove Community Building Board of Trustees , addressed the Board and requested financial assistance to help with needed renovations and improvements to their building Mr Callahan stated the building has served the Pleasant Grove Community for over 50 years in a variety of ways and it has been a blessing for the area Mr Callahan spoke on recent improvements that have been completed since he was appointed to the Board of Trustees , but noted more work is necessary Mr Callahan presented a list of needed renovations and improvements and stated the total cost is 40,241 He noted that local businesses and sponsors have already invested 31,228 in labor and materials towards other projects since October of 2020 Mr Callahan also spoke on a brick patio and retaining wall fundraising project that they hope will allow them to cover future maintenance and improvements At the inquiry of Commissioner Larry Wood , County Attorney Jennifer Slusser explained that the property is owned by the County ; however , it is maintained by the Pleasant Grove Community Building Board of Trustees Chairman Chad M Stewart noted there is another similar type building in the Bentonville Community County Manager Rick Hester commented that the buildings are at least 50 years old and he has heard different reasons as to why they were originally constructed by the County Mr Hester stated the associated Board of Trustees manage the facilities and he admires the members for the time they volunteer towards the properties Page2238 June 14 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 14 Introduction of New Public Information Director County Manager Rick Hester introduced new Public Information Director Adam Carroll who recently began work with the County The Board welcomed Mr Carroll 15 Final Comments Chairman Chad M Stewart announced that the Board would consider adopting the budget at the regular June 21 , 2021 meeting as part of the agenda for that meeting County Manager Rick Hester thanked Finance Director and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb for all his work on this year’s budget Mr Hester asked about the possibility of moving the Board of Commissioners meetings back to the Commissioners Meeting Room beginning in August Following discussion , it was the consensus of the Board for staff to begin making arrangements to move back to the Commissioners Meeting Room for the August meetings There being no further business , Commissioner Tony Braswell moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 8 00 pm Chad M Stewart , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage