October 18, 2021 - 6:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 435 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners October 18 , 2021 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , October 18 , 2021 , at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , 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 , Clerk to the Board Paula G Woodard , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , 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 Commissioner Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner Tony Braswell led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and called for a moment of silence for the troops in Afghanistan that recently lost their lives 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Butch Lawter , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Larry Wood , seconded by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Cattail Lane – Corinth Meadows – O’Neals Township B Appointments – Remaining from October Appointments Advertisement i Firefighter’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees – The Board made the following appointments for two - year terms to expire on October 31 , 2023 - indicates a waiver in the length of service policy was granted Beulah – Douglas Whitley was reappointed Blackman’s Crossroads – Aaron Allen Wood was reappointed Micro – Trenton V Lassiter was appointed Pi - Le – Gregory Duane Johnson was reappointed ii Local Emergency Planning Commission – Marie J Rogers was reappointed to represent Community Groups for a two - year term to expire on October 31 , 2023 iii Nursing Home Adult Care Home Community Advisory Board – Marie Dodson and Carolyn Harper were appointed for a one - year initial term to expire on October 31 , 2022 3 Public Comments A Grant Funding for Parks , Greenways , & Open Space Parks , Greenways and Open Space Coordinator Adrian O’Neal stated in 2020 , the Board authorized staff to apply for state and federal grant funding that would be used to offset the cost of the purchase of land in the Cleveland Community off of Matthews Road Mr O’Neal reported the County was awarded 500,000 from the State through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and last week , staff received confirmation that the County was awarded an additional 500,000 in federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Mr Page436 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued O’Neal stated the total purchase price of the 77 acre tract of land was 16 million and with the award of these two grants totaling 1 million , the County will have approximately 600,000 invested in its first dedicated open space property Mr O’Neal stated the two grants would not have been possible without the Board’s support of the Parks , Greenways , and Open Space Program and he thanked the Commissioners B Citizen Comments – Joe Preston Joe Preston , Smithfield , expressed his concerns about a safety issue with drop off and pick up lines at schools Mr Preston stated he has been to half of the schools in the County including the rural schools , and it is dangerous at the entrances and exits Mr Preston stated there is a shortage of officers at these intersections He stated there is a shortage of bus drivers , so more people are involved in the drop off and pick up lines now and he asked the Board to keep these issues in mind at budget time Chairman Chad M Stewart stated this is an issue for the Board of Education ; however , the Commissioners are hopeful that the recently approved additional funding will help with some of these issues C Citizen Comments – Angelique Legette Angelique Legette , Smithfield , expressed her concern of citizens providing their home addresses when speaking at public comment Ms Legette stated she feels that it is a matter of safety At the inquiry of Chairman Chad M Stewart , County Attorney Jennifer Slusser stated there is no requirement that an address be given during public comment ; however , it is her understanding that in the past , the Board uses the addresses as a way to approximate where people live Ms Slusser stated alternative options could include providing the address to the clerk or just announcing that the speaker lives in a particular town or township of the County Chairman Stewart stated he appreciates the comments from Ms Legette and the Board does like to know if speakers live in the County He also indicated that perhaps the Board began asking for addresses as part of the rezoning and special use hearings over the years Chairman Stewart stated Ms Legette brings up a good point to consider Upon a question by Commissioner Larry Wood , Ms Slusser stated if the Board’s preference is to only require a speaker to give their general location such as a town or township , then a general consensus of the Board would be sufficient Ms Slusser also stated that Chairman Stewart is correct in that when the Board is hearing a quasi - judicial matter , it is important to know the address of the speaker to make sure they have standing to speak before the Board in such matters ; however , a town or township general location is sufficient during public comments It was the unanimous consensus of the Board going forward for citizens to only provide their general location of residence such as the town or township , except for quasi - judicial hearings in which an address is required as part of the evidentiary process Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard indicated no additional email public comments had been received for the Board 4 Public Hearing – Proposed Economic Development Incentive Grant Advertised – The News & Observer , The Johnstonian News and The News in Review – October 6 , 2021 Chairman Chad M Stewart opened the public hearing and called on Economic Development Director Chris Johnson to present the purpose of the hearing Economic Development Director Chris Johnson began his remarks by stating that during his tenure there has been well over 3 billion in Economic Development announcements in Johnston County that have created thousands of jobs Mr Johnson stated all of this has been made possible through the support of the Board of Commissioners and the pro - business leadership of this Board as well as past Commissioners He noted even with the successes , there have been some missed opportunities ; however , with the new spec building lease program the Board has authorized , he hopes these issues will be addressed Page437 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Johnson stated this hearing is to consider an incentive grant proposal for a state - of - the - art Class A Office Complex campus project by Craig Davis Properties Mr Johnson explained the project would be located in the NC Hwy 42 and Hwy 70 Bypass area of Clayton He stated the project consists of 525,000 square feet of multi - story Class A office space that will allow corporate executives to secure high paying employment in Johnston County Mr Johnson stated the project will have an investment of over 200 million and will create thousands of new jobs at an average annual salary over the Johnston County average Mr Johnson stated as with all economic development incentive grants from Johnston County , this proposal comes at no risk to the taxpayers in that the incentives are generated from the company’s own investment Mr Johnson stated if required benchmarks in the agreement are not met , then no incentive is paid Mr Johnson reported the proposal has been vetted and approved by the Economic Development Advisory Board Mr Johnson stated when a project is located within a municipality or annexation is required , then the County’s incentive package is contingent upon the municipality also offering an incentive package He noted the company would be meeting with the Town of Clayton at their meeting later this evening Mr Johnson stated the project has also been evaluated by Dr Mike Walden , retired Professor and Economist with North Carolina State University , who has reported the monetary investment as well as job and ancillary job growth is projected to be over 264 million annually , with the potential of creating more than 2,000 jobs Mr Johnson stated this investment would result in nearly 400,000 in new ad valorem taxes for the Town of Clayton and nearly 2,000,000 for the County Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if the extension of infrastructure by the County is necessary for the project Mr Johnson responded the project is all within the Town of Clayton and they would be providing services County Attorney Jennifer Slusser presented a proposed resolution to the Board for Davis Park Leasing , LLC Ms Slusser stated the incentive grant agreement is based on Davis Park Leasing’s construction of 525,000 square feet of Class A office space with a 200 million capital investment in the western portion of the Town of Clayton for office and industrial usage for medical and other purposes She stated this project would serve as a catalyst for future development in that corridor Ms Slusser stated the employment for the project would be no less than 100 permanent full - time net new jobs in Johnston County and cannot be jobs transferred from another location within Johnston County Ms Slusser stated the first milestone must be completed by March 31 , 2024 and the final milestone completed by December 31 , 2029 She stated the incentive grant would th be cash payments from the County’s general fund and paid in six annual installments on or before March 15 of each calendar year beginning March 15 , 2025 and continuing through March 15 , 2030 She stated the amount of each grant would be measured by an amount equal to 50 of the ad valorem taxes paid Ms Slusser continued that incentives can only be considered for the new facilities on the site and no incentives will be paid on the cost of land or for the relocation of existing offices within Johnston County She stated Davis Park Leasing must assume the 65 - acre site by March 31 , 2024 , must be current on investments of 40 million by March 31 , 2024 , and make eligible incentive investments of no less than 200 million to attain the investment goal by the final milestone of December 1 , 2029 She further stated Davis Park Leasing must meet the employment goal of no less than 100 permanent full time job positions in the office component on the project site , with an endeavor to produce no fewer than 2,800 jobs at the site Ms Slusser reviewed with the Board the following conditions for the incentive grant During each of the years that Davis Park Leasing is eligible for grants , the grant for such year will be paid to Davis Park Leasing only after Davis Park Leasing pays in full its ad valorem tax bills for that year on all of its property situated in the County that is subject to ad valorem tax The County will only be obligated to make Grants for an Eligible Tranche for a given year if as to such Eligible Tranche , Davis Park Leasing • is then current in its payments of all taxes , charges , and fees owed to the County ; • is then current in the filing of its annual property tax listings and such filings are in compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines ; • has no current appeal pending regarding the valuation of property at the Project Site in which case any grant payment will be held in abeyance pending final resolution of the appeal ;Page438 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued • has not been found to be in violation of any other obligations of DPL to the County , including conformity with all County ordinances and regulations and any laws , orders or regulations that the County is obligated to enforce against DPL on behalf of another body of government ; and • has complied with its other obligations and duties to the County as set forth herein The payment of all taxes and other sums due the County for each Eligible Tranche is a material condition of eligibility for a Grant in any year during the term of this Agreement and shall not be construed as implying or suggesting that the County is reimbursing to Davis Park Leasing any or all ad valorem tax collected from DPL Ms Slusser explained that in considering the agreement the Board is required to consider job creation , capital investment , competition , and if the proposed project diversifies the economy Ms Slusser stated the capital investment for the project is 200 million and it would create no less than 100 permanent full time jobs with an average annual salary of 55,000 Ms Slusser continued that as reported by Dr Mike Walden there is an expectation of direct and indirect job creation as a result of the investment of 2,800 new jobs in Johnston County She further stated with regards to the capital investment , according to the report from Dr Walden , taking into account all of the direct , indirect , and included impacts from the development contemplated for the office component , it is estimated to be in excess of 470 million She stated the project was a competitive situation with several other locations in North Carolina being considered Ms Slusser concluded her remarks and suggested that since the Town of Clayton is also having their own public hearing for the project , that the Board’s approval be contingent upon the Town of Clayton approving their own incentive grant At the inquiry of Commissioner Butch Lawter , Mr Slusser stated language regarding the County’s incentive grant being contingent upon the Town of Clayton’s is not in the Resolution ; however , the Board could include that as part of their motion Mr Dean Penny , representing Craig Davis Properties , thanked the Board for this partnership and for consideration of this proposal , which will allow them to bring something new to Johnston County Mr Penny confirmed that other locations were considered and the incentives proposed were key in their decision to select Johnston County Chairman Stewart called for anyone else in the audience that wished to comment to come forward There were no further comments Chairman Stewart asked if there were any final comments or questions by Commissioners Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated that over the years , the Board has discussed the nature of these public hearings and the confidentiality associated with such projects He continued that the public has indicated a need to have more time for public comment , but he noted this incentive hearing was properly advertised and there is no one present to speak on this issue Commissioner Godwin stated if there had been a citizen present that had a strong issue to consider then he would not have hesitated to put this off to consider that issue , but in this case there is no one present There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the public hearing Upon a motion by Commissioner Butch Lawter , seconded by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , and carried unanimously , the Board adopted the following resolution approving the Economic Development Incentive Grant Agreement between the County and Davis Park Leasing , LLC , contingent upon the Town of Clayton approving an incentive package for the project RESOLUTION OF THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING INCENTIVES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS , Davis Park Leasing , LLC the “ Company ” has prepared conceptual plans the “ Plans ” for the development in phases and segments of the Lumen mixed use development the “ MUD ” of an urban planned community containing housing , neighborhood shopping and buildings for office and institutional usage for medical and other business purposes on a Project Site at a significant intersection in the western portion of thePagePage pageNumber5439 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Town of Clayton which is now largely undeveloped and which is strategically important to the County , in that it will be a catalyst for future development of the NC Highway 42 Corridor the “ Target Area ” and a valuable asset enhancing the County’s economic development efforts ; WHEREAS , the Economic Impact Analysis containing a fiscal analysis of the Office Component of the MUD prepared for Johnston County in October 2021 indicates that at full buildout the businesses and other developments within the MUD would result in a substantial increase in direct property tax revenues for the County and the direct and indirect creation of a substantial number of new jobs ; WHEREAS , North Carolina General Statute 158 - 71 a authorizes the County to make appropriations for economic development purposes which will increase the population , taxable property , employment , industrial output or business prospects of the County ; WHEREAS , the Board has determined that granting incentives the “ Incentives ” to the Company in exchange for the commitment of the Company to locate , develop and build out the Office Component of the MUD on the Project Site in the Target Area of Johnston County would be beneficial to the County’s efforts to increase economic opportunities for its residents , its population , ad valorem tax revenues and sales tax revenues , and enhance and improve business prospects in general , including the creation of a substantial number of jobs ; WHEREAS , the Board has received and reviewed a proposed Economic Development Incentive Agreement between the County and the Company the Agreement providing for the County’s granting the Incentives to the Company in consideration of the Company’s commitments set forth in the Agreement ; and WHEREAS , the Board has , pursuant to the notice and hearing requirements of North Carolina General Statute 158 - 71 , held a public hearing to consider whether to grant the Incentives in exchange for the commitment of the Company to locate and operate the Office Components of the MUD in Johnston County NOW THEREFORE , the Board 1 Determines and concludes a that granting the Incentives in exchange for the commitment of the Company to proceed with the development and buildout of the Office Component of the MUD on the Project Site in the Target Area of the County would be beneficial to the County’s efforts to increase overall economic opportunities for , and improve the general welfare of , its residents and increase its population , ad valorem tax revenues , sales tax revenues and business prospects in general and result in the creation of a substantial number of new jobs in the County , b that , in particular , the development of the Office Component in accordance with the provisions of the Plans and Agreement would significantly accelerate the economic development of the Target Area and have a positive catalytic effect on economic development throughout the County , and c that the benefits described above accruing to the County will outweigh the cost of the Incentives granted hereunder , creating a net public benefit ; and 2 In consideration for the commitment by the Company to proceed with the development and buildout of the Office Component in accordance with the terms set forth in the Plans and Agreement and to exercise commercially reasonable efforts to develop the entire MUD , authorizes the Chairman of the Board and , alternatively , the County Manager , subject to compliance with any pre - audit requirements under the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act , to enter into and execute the Agreement on behalf of the County for the County to grant Incentives on terms not materially inconsistent with the Agreement as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference 3 The Agreement shall be construed as a continuing contract in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 153A - 13 th Adopted this the 18 day of October , 2021 5 Proclamation – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Register of Deeds Craig Olive requested that the Board of Commissioners adopt a proclamation for November 2021 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Mr Olive introduced and recognized Mr Neal Davis , Executive Director for Community and Senior Services Mr Olive shared a personal story of how his mother , sister , and grandmother all passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease and howPagePage pageNumber6440 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued his extended family continues to cope with dementia related to the disease He also spoke on the many caregivers that take care of loved ones dealing with the disease Chairman Chad M Stewart agreed that almost every family is affected by the disease in one way or another Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated his mother dealt with Alzheimer’s disease for six years and that it affects the entire family Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Larry Wood , and carried unanimously , the Board adopted the following proclamation PROCLAMATION Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain causing deterioration in memory and thinking , as well as judgment and reasoning ability ; it also affects behavior , emotions and the ability to perform self - care ; and th WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is the 7 leading cause of death in United States , killing more people than breast and prostate cancer combined ; and th WHEREAS , it is also the 6 leading cause of death in North Carolina and also right here in Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , one in three Senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and more than half of all Americans know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s ; and WHEREAS , more than six million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease with over 180,000 residing in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease affects whole families since it is a long term illness that requires long term care ; and WHEREAS , over eleven million family members and friends are serving as their unpaid caregivers nationwide , 358,000 of those giving care are North Carolinians ; and WHEREAS , an estimated 153 billion hours of care valued at nearly 257 billion dollars will be provided to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2021 ; and WHEREAS , in 2021 Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation 355 Billion , that figure could be as high as 11 Trillion by the year 2050 ; and WHEREAS , with early detection and diagnosis , individuals and families can gain access to treatment medications , enroll in critical research trails , and fully participate in planning for the future ; and WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognizes individuals , families , friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease , the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure , and the educational programs and support services provided by Alzheimer’s organizations NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2021 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month in Johnston County and urges our citizens to commend its observance th Proclaimed this the 18 day of October , 2021 Chairman Stewart recognized Mr Davis for comments Mr Davis stated that Mr Olive has been a long - time supporter of Alzheimer’s Disease and thanked him for his dedication Mr Davis invited the Board to a candlelight vigil in the Johnston County Courthouse on November 4 , 2021 , at 6 00 PM PagePage pageNumber7441 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 6 Technology Services – Fiber Upgrade Project Technology Services Director Jeff Howard requested the Board’s approval to proceed with a fiber upgrade project at a cost of 94,364 with Benchmark Network Solutions Mr Howard explained the fiber to be replaced is Multimode fiber version 625 , which has distance and speed limitations , and in certain areas is 20 - plus years old He stated this version of fiber limits the ability to take advantage of the new network and switch upgrades Mr Howard stated the outdated multimode fiber will be replaced with Single Mode fiber , which does not have distance limitations or speed limitations based on the current network configurations He noted funds for this project were budgeted and approved in the Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 budget and Technology Services requests permission to proceed with the upgrade Mr Howard also stated that this includes 911 fiber upgrades that came before the Board at the last meeting Upon a motion by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Tony Braswell , and carried unanimously , the Board approved for staff to proceed with the fiber upgrade project 7 Public Utilities – Utility Capital Reimbursement Agreement Budget Revision – Eastfield Associates Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , stated in February 2021 , the Board of Commissioners gave staff the authority to enter into a reimbursement agreement with Eastfield Associates , LLC and approved the estimated project budget She stated staff has been working on finalizing the project since February 2021 She presented key points of the approved developer reimbursement agreement as follows 1 Eastfield shall design , permit , acquire necessary easements and complete construction for a new wastewater pump station at Seaboard Coastline Railroad and US Hwy 70 and 16 ” force main from the new pump station to the SEWWPS 2 County shall reimburse Eastfield for 50 of the costs of item # 1 above 3 Eastfield shall design , permit and complete necessary upgrades in order to divert to Selma’s PS # 3 to the new wastewater pump station 4 County shall reimburse Eastfield for all costs associated with item # 3 above 5 County shall design , permit , acquire necessary easements and complete construction for new force main from Town of Pine Level 6 Eastfield shall reimburse County for any costs associated with upsizing the necessary portion of the new force main from Pine Level in order to allow connection by Eastfield Ms Farmer stated design of the facilities is approximately 90 complete , and Bohler Engineering provided an updated project cost estimate to be included with the final reimbursement agreement Ms Farmer stated actual costs will be determined after construction contract bidding and may require further budget revision She stated staff recommends adoption of a revised project budget based on the current cost estimate prior to execution of the reimbursement agreement She presented the proposed project budget as follows Expenses Existing Proposed Reimbursement for 50 of new wwps and 16 ” force main to SEWWPS 2,185,10000 2,663,75600 Reimbursement for Flow Diversion of Selma PS No 3 117,15000 474,43800 Total 2,302,25000 3,138,19400 Funding Sewer System Development Fee Reserve 2,302,25000 3,138,19400 Total 2,302,25000 3,138,19400PagePage pageNumber8442 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Farmer stated staff respectfully requests the Board’s approval of the revised project budget and associated budget revision Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the revised budget and adopted the associated budget revision as follows REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 83 85641816 50 Reimb For WWPS FM to SEWWPS 478,65600 83 85641817 Reimb For Flow Diversion of Selma PS # 3 357,28800 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 835,94400 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 83 856436270 Transfer from SDF Reserve Fund for Capital 835,94400 Project Costs TOTAL NET REVENUE 835,94400 8 Budget Revisions Finance Director and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb presented six budget revisions He noted that Budget Revision A is the second part of the Emergency Rental Assistance drawdown and is the NCPRO funds , which is in addition to the American Rescue Act funding from the Federal Government The Chairman accepted a request from Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr to abstain from voting on the budget revisions Upon a motion by Commissioner , Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously with Commissioner Smith abstaining , the Board approved the following budget revisions Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 58556216 NCPRO Emergency Rental Assistance ERA1 6,439,17725 Grant Expenditures TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 6,439,17725 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 585534202 US Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance 6,439,17725 Grant TOTAL NET REVENUE 6,439,17725 Finance Public Utilities REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 67 78204500 Contract Services 207,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 207,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 67 781033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 207,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 207,00000 Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59153300 Departmental Supplies 5,09000PagePage pageNumber9443 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 5,09000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534155 State Grant 5,09000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 5,09000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59103300 Departmental Supplies 16,32500 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 16,32500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534155 State Grant 16,32500 TOTAL NET REVENUE 16,32500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59157050 Non - Major Capital Assets 16,34246 10 59207050 Non - Major Capital Assets 221,94506 10 59257050 Non - Major Capital Assets 158,08721 10 59457050 Non - Major Capital Assets 493,84327 10 59607050 Non - Major Capital Assets 9100300 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 981,22100 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534154 Medicaid 16,34246 10 592034154 Medicaid 221,94506 10 592534154 Medicaid 158,08721 10 594534154 Medicaid 493,84327 10 596034154 Medicaid 9100300 TOTAL NET REVENUE 981,22100 Library REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 18 44500200 Salaries & Wages 94500 18 44500201 Longevity 1,30000 18 44500501 Social Security 50000 18 44500600 Health Insurance 5,48000 18 44500602 Retiree Hospital Insurance 4,94000 18 44500700 Retirement 34500 18 44501110 Postage 20000 18 44501400 Travel 1,00000 18 44501500 Building & Grounds 76700 18 44501600 M & R Equipment 3,00000 18 44502115 Postage Meter Rent 70000 18 44503305 Books – Main 5,00000 18 44503307 Books – Children 5,00000 18 44503309 Periodicals 30000 18 44503319 AV Supplies 1,70300 18 44506605 Gifts 1,00000 Page0444 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 26,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 18 445033102 Transfer from General Fund 21,00000 18 445033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 21,00000 18 445034103 Town of Smithfield 26,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 26,00000 9 Manager Reports and Comments A Change Order with Nealon Planning Planning Director Braston Newton requested the Board to approve a change order with Nealon Planning for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update Mr Newton stated the change order is in the amount of 7,80000 and would include the following 1 ten additional project coordination calls ; 2 WikiMapping at the upcoming public forum ; and 3 up to two additional , in - person Steering Committee Meetings instead of virtual He stated increase in cost would be 7,80000 bringing the total cost to 153,60000 up to amount Commissioner Larry Wood agreed with the change order stating the additional services are necessary to have a better understanding of the process and moved the Board approve the change order with Nealon Planning , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously B Positions for the Inspections Department County Manager Rick Hester and Inspections Director Shane Hudson requested the Board to approve two new building inspector positions for the Inspections Department as well as convert one administrative position from temporary to permanent full time Mr Hester provided a handout to the Board with a 20 - year record of inspections data to support the request Mr Hester pointed out that the Inspections Department is supported by the fees they collect for services Commissioner Larry Wood also pointed out that multiple municipalities utilize the County’s Inspections Department Commissioner Tony Braswell asked if this would cover the needs of the Inspections Department or if additional staffing would be needed in the future Mr Hester stated that he has discussed the staffing situation with Mr Hudson , and they believe this will help the workload for the time being At the inquiry of Commissioner Wood , Mr Hudson explained the various levels of inspectors and stated the growing number of commercial inspections has put a strain on the department Mr Hudson stated in the industry itself , it is more difficult to find Level 3 certified inspectors , but if these positions are approved he can shift some staff around within the Inspections Department to make things work Upon a question by Commissioner Butch Lawter , Mr Hudson stated in the Inspections Department , each inspector has trades in all five areas Motion Commissioner Patrick E Harris commended Mr Hudson for keeping his department going amid the increase in inspections and stated it is evident that additional positions are needed Commissioner Harris moved the Board approve the two new building inspector positions and the conversion of one administrative position from temporary to permanent full - time Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion Page1445 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Discussion Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if the department could utilize temporary on call persons for inspections , if the need arises , similar to a substitute teacher or traveling nurse type scenario Mr Hudson stated this type of employment is very limited due to the certifications required by the inspectors Commissioner Lawter commented that more of the growth related departments are stretched with staffing and the Board needs to keep this in mind during future budget discussions Mr Hudson noted that the Technology Services Department has helped the Inspections Department with things to make their workflow more efficient ; however , the new positions are still necessary Vote The motion carried unanimously 10 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he is still getting calls from citizens regarding broadband connectivity and he wants to make sure this issue stays on the forefront County Manager Rick Hester responded that he is speaking later this week with the County’s broadband consultant and would report back to the Board Commissioner Godwin also spoke on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update and stated as Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr has reminded the Board in the past , the Commissioners need to steer that process on the front - end rather than being surprised with the final product Commissioner Larry Wood noted the first public forum is being held on October 21 , 2021 from 4 00 pm until 7 00 pm at the Johnston County Agricultural Building and all citizens are invited to attend At the request of Commissioner Butch Lawter , staff stated an update on the Land Use Plan can be provided to the Board at their next meeting Commissioner Lawter took a moment to announce the birth of his newest grandson , Lane Carter The Board congratulated Commissioner Lawter on the new addition to his family 11 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege ; NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic Development ; and NCGS 14331811 a 6 – Personnel Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of consulting with an attorney employed by the Board in order to preserve the attorney - client privilege pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 ; to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 4 ; and for the purposes of personnel pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 6 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Larry Wood seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote Page2446 October 18 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued There being no further business , Commissioner Larry Wood moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 30 pm Chad M Stewart , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage