August 4, 2014 - 6:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes (Rezoning)

10 187 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners August 4 , 2014 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , August 4 , 2014 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Jeffrey P Carver , Vice Chairman Tony Braswell , Cookie Pope , Allen L Mims , Jr , Ted G Godwin , and Chad M Stewart Absent DeVan Barbour Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Clerk to the Board Paula G Woodard , County Attorney David F Mills , and Paralegal Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington Chairman Jeffrey P Carver called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm and the following business was transacted 1 Public Comment A Comments from Holly Nielsen - Animal Shelter Concerns Holly Nielsen , 371 Riverstone Drive , Clayton , provided the Board with statistics on public animal shelters in North Carolina Ms Nielsen spoke on her concerns with the Johnston County Animal Shelter regarding adoption and euthanasia rates Ms Nielsen asked the Board to take the following actions 1 conduct a review of shelter policies and identify where improvements can be made , and if possible form a citizens ’ review board to oversee the review ; 2 increase funding for the Animal Shelter ; 3 establish a low - cost spay neuter program for the County which would include a reduced fee for low income families ; and 4 set a goal for the Director of the Animal Shelter to reduce the euthanasia rate by no less than 5 in 2014 Ms Nielsen asked the Board to contact other successful animal shelters in the State for advice on how to improve conditions in Johnston County The Board asked the County Manager to look into Ms Nielsen’s concerns and requests B Comments from Betty Harman – Animal Shelter Concerns Betty Harman , 118 Benton Place Drive , Angier , addressed the Board regarding her concerns with the Animal Shelter Ms Harman spoke on how Harnett County has been working to improve the way they work with animals and decrease euthanasia rates Ms Harman stated she is aware of people who live in Johnston County but choose to take animals to Harnett County because they believe the animals will have a better chance of being adopted out in Harnett County Ms Harman asked the Board to give the matter their attention C Sheriff Steve Bizzell – Request to Surplus Vehicles At the request of Sheriff Steve Bizzell , upon a motion by Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board voted to declare the following two vehicles surplus and approved for the Sheriff to work with the County Attorney on the sale of the vehicles at a future public auction pursuant to NCGS 160A - 266 and 267 Year Make Model VIN Mileage 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2G1FJ1EJ4B9170250 85,194 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2G1FJ1EJ9B9168882 71,387 2 Public Hearing Rezoning and Special Use Requests Advertised – The Smithfield Herald – July 23 and July 30 , 2014 Certified letters were mailed to adjoining property owners on July 21 , 2014 A notice was posted at the location on June 3 , 2014 , for Case 14 - 14 The Chairman opened the Rezoning Hearing for Case 14 - 14 Case 14 - 14 Petition to rezone a 076 acre tract located at 11461 NC 210 in Elevation Township from Community Business – Special Use District CB - SUD to General Business – Special Use District GB - SUD Tax ID 07F07035B Owner Applicant Nicholas Chungo Page188 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued Planning Director Berry Gray stated the petition is to rezone a 076 acre tract located at 11461 NC 210 in Elevation Township from Community Business – Special Use District to General Business – Special Use District He noted the special use request associated with the rezoning to allow for an automotive repair facility Mr Gray reported the site was formerly used as a beauty salon , tanning facility , and boutique He stated the applicant wishes to open an auto repair business The surrounding land uses are zoned Agricultural Residential and used for such purposes ; Industrial 2 – Special Use District for an automotive repair facility ; and Interstate Highway Interchange for various commercial and light industrial uses The area is located within a designated “ Primary Growth Area ” on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan which denotes areas in which high levels of growth pressures currently exist or are anticipated near term Additionally this site is located within a “ Community Centers ” activity node Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked for an explanation of the differences between General Business and Community Business Mr Gray reported Community Business is a less intense zoning than General Business He stated the allowed uses are primarily the same but on a smaller scale with Community Business Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr asked if the applicant intended to use the existing house as a residence Mr Gray stated the applicant does not plan to live on the site and will use the existing dwelling as an office Applicant Nicholas Chungo , 765 Sedgewood Road , Four Oaks , stated he would like to open an auto repair business and he plans to use the existing house as an office and waiting area for customers Mr Chungo stated the house already has handicap accessible bathrooms and would need very little modifications He stated he plans to build a shop on the site with paved parking in the front Mr Chungo stated there is a shed on the property which he plans to keep for the storage of items such as a lawnmower , etc Mr Gray reported the Planning Board recommended approval Mr Gray stated the nearest house is approximately 800 feet away from the subject site and visibility from any existing house is very limited There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the Rezoning Hearing for Case 14 - 14 Decision on Rezoning Case 14 - 14 Case 14 - 14 Petition to rezone a 076 acre tract located at 11461 NC 210 in Elevation Township from Community Business – Special Use District CB - SUD to General Business – Special Use District GB - SUD Tax ID 07F07035B Owner Applicant Nicholas Chungo Commissioner Tony Braswell moved the Board conclude and adopt a statement that the rezoning requested is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan , and it is therefore reasonable and in the public interest , and further that the petition for rezoning case 14 - 14 to rezone a 076 acre tract located at 11461 NC 210 in Elevation Township from Community Business – Special Use District to General Business – Special Use District be approved Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The Chairman opened the Special Use Hearing for Case 14 - 14 Case 14 - 14 To allow for an automotive repair facility Owner Applicant Nicholas Chungo Those wishing to speak on Special Use Case 14 - 14 were sworn in by the Clerk to the Board Planning Director Berry Gray introduced the special use case and stated the request is to allow for an automotive repair facility Mr Gray introduced the following summary of evidence into the record A pre - application consultation was held with the applicant for Case 14 - 14 on April 10 , 2014 At that time , the applicant was informed of the following • If approved , applicant must provide to the Planning Office a Site Plan for their review and approval • Applicant must comply with the requirement of the Johnston County Land Development Code regarding landscaping , buffering and fence or any additional requirements as approved by this Board • Applicant will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision Page189 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued • If denied , no application can be accepted for the same use affecting the same property for a period of twelve 12 months and that their right of appeal to the Superior Court must be exercised within thirty 30 days of the receipt of notice of denial by the Board of County Commissioners • Applicant’s Special Use Permit will expire at the end of twenty - four 24 months if it is not used as permitted within the time period • When necessary , staff informed the applicant of further Planning and Zoning Department requirements and the requirements of other departments such as soil erosion and sedimentation requirements , Health Department regulations , stormwater and public utility requirements • Subsequent to the pre - application consultation , all required notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet The property was posted and notices of public hearings were advertised in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina General Statutes On June 17 , 2014 , the Johnston County Planning Board held a public hearing regarding Rezoning Special Use Permit Case 14 - 14 and made the following recommendations Upon a motion by Mr Letchworth to approve the request , seconded by Ms Hackler and carried by a unanimous vote of 8 - 0 Rezoning Case 14 - 14 was approved at the June 17th , 2014 Planning Board Meeting Statement This request is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in that the use can be limited in scope through the use of special conditions to blend in with a growing commercial area The request is reasonable in that the conditions will ensure that the request is compatible with the surrounding area and will not negatively impact the public Upon a motion by Mr Stewart to approve the Special Use Conditions , seconded by Ms Hackler and carried by a unanimous vote of 8 - 0 , Rezoning Case 14 - 14 Special Use Conditions were approved at the June 17th , 2014 Planning Board Meeting Finding of Facts for the Special Use Permit 1 That the use or development is located , designed , and proposed to be operated so as to maintain or promote the public health , safety , and general welfare ; Applicant The proposed auto repair business NC Auto Repair will consist of the existing 1500 sq ft office building , the existing 1000 sq ft storage shed , the addition of a 1500 sq ft 4 bay garage and a 10 - 15 space paved asphalt parking lot between the buildings and highway The office building will serve as the company’s office as well as a very clean , quiet , and comfortable waiting lounge area for customers and a nice restroom that is handicap accessible It will have a renovated kitchen and an eating area as well as wifi internet and TV to make customers feel right at home The storage shed will be painted and stay on the property to store equipment and keep the property free of any loose items or debris The garage will be a newly constructed 1500 sq ft building built to code with 4 garage bay doors The garage will have an extra thick concrete foundation for the safe installation of 4 new hydraulic lifts NC Auto Repair will help to ensure the Johnston county community with safety and efficiency when traveling to and from work along with personal and social activities Quality car care equals safety on the roads Staff The applicant will be subject to the special use conditions which will ensure that the development maintains the public health , safety and general welfare of the community 2 That the use of the development appears to comply with all required use and intensity regulations of Articles II & IV of the Johnston County Land Development Code and the applicable specific standards in section 14 - 257 and with all applicable regulations ; Applicant NC Auto Repair will strictly follow all county , state , and federal regulations It will also operate by EPA and OSHA standards This business is to be a very clean and professional repair facility that specializes in labor intensive repairs such as electrical diagnostics and internal engine transmission work but will also perform routine maintenance when needed All fluids and chemicals will be contained inside the garage in the approved containers and trash inside a steel dumpster next to the garage All waste will be emptied and removed from the property by the appropriate waste removal companies The garage will be located on the rear section of the property away from the highway and will maintain the proper setbacks and distance from adjoining property l1nes , electrical , HVAC , water , and waste systems Staff The use shall comply with the use and intensity regulations as set forth in the Land Development Code 3 That the use or development is located , designed , and proposed to be operated so as to maintain or enhance the value of contiguous property , or that the use or development is a public necessity ; Applicant The operation of NC Auto Repair will be as a small auto repair business specializing in Imports that serves the Johnston county community with clean , affordable , and comfortable auto repair 7 days a week The hours of operation will be Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm and sat - sun 10am - 4pm As for property value , constructing an appealing auto repair garage paired with a comfortable customer lounge where people can feel at home will not only be adding value to the property at 11461 HWY 210 but the property surrounding it Quality auto repair is a public necessity in Johnston County as well as every other county because automotive transportation is the most common form of transportation and will be for quite some time to come Staff The business is limited in scale and is similar to existing uses within the area This and along with the special use conditions required by the Boards , will maintain the value of contiguous properties 4 That the use or development conforms with general plans for the physical development of the County’s Planning jurisdiction , the Design Manual , or other development policies as adopted by the Board of Commissioners Applicant McGees crossroads is an up and coming area with a lot of traffic and a lot of potential NC Auto Repair will help enhance this specific area of Johnston County by allowing residents and families to have their vehicles repaired locally at an affordable price in an efficient manner This business will specialize in Imports ,Page190 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued but will also service all makes and models NC Auto Repair will help to complete the future business structure of the Johnston County community Staff Applicant’s development will conform to all requirements of the Land Development Code and any conditions as required by the Boards and Federal , State and Local agencies Specific Land Uses APPLICANT To allow for an automotive repair facility Special Use Conditions 1 Permitted Uses automotive repair facility 2 The Special Use Permit may be revoked with the violation of any Special Use Condition 3 Applicant shall submit a detailed site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department Staff 4 All buildings and or structures must comply with rules enforced by Federal , State and Local agencies 5 Installation of at least a Class B buffer along all property lines 2 large trees , 3 small trees , and 9 shrubs every one hundred 100 linear feet Existing natural vegetation may be used if more intense than the buffer requirement 6 Limited to the outdoor storage of 15 vehicles awaiting pick up or repair , outdoor storage must be enclosed by an 8 ’ opaque fence or vegetative screening 7 All signage must comply with the sign code as stated in Section 14 - 509 8 Hours of operation shall be limited to Monday – Saturday 8 00am - 8 00pm ; Sunday 8 00am – 5 00pm 9 Must properly dispose of all petroleums , oils , and lubricants Mr Gray listed and reviewed the special use conditions with the Board Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr asked about condition # 6 Mr Gray stated the condition calls for the storage of the 15 vehicles to be enclosed by an 8 ft opaque fence or vegetative screening , if more intense Upon a question by Commissioner Chad M Stewart , Mr Gray stated the site has enough vegetative screening on the left and right sides to avoid the installation of an opaque fence ; however , the back of the property is visible towards Raleigh Road as well as a fence would need to be installed across the front of the storage area Applicant Nicholas Chungo , 765 Sedgewood Road , Four Oaks , confirmed that he has read and understands the proposed special use conditions Mr Chungo stated there is a good vegetative screen already on the site and he believes the site is good for a small auto repair type business At the inquiry of Commissioner Tony Braswell , Commissioner Stewart stated he felt the site already had enough vegetative screening that he did not see the need for the applicant to spend additional money to install a fence Commissioner Mims asked about security for the site Mr Chungo stated he plans to install a camera security system as well as an alarm system at the business Mr Chungo also stated he plans to install security lighting Mr Gray reported the Planning Board recommended approval There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the Special Use Hearing for Case 14 - 14 Decision on Special Use Case 14 - 14 Case 14 - 14 To allow for an automotive repair facility Owner Applicant Nicholas Chungo Based on the findings of facts and special use conditions as listed below , Commissioner Cookie Pope moved the Board authorize the Planning Department to issue a special use permit for Case 14 - 14 to allow for an automotive repair facility on a 076 acre tract located at 11461 NC 210 in Elevation Township Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion Discussion Commissioner Chad M Stewart asked about the buffer condition Planning Director Berry Gray stated the buffer calls for an 8 ft opaque fence or existing vegetation if it is intense enough to screen the use Mr Gray stated staff will work with the applicant on the buffer PagePage pageNumber5191 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued Vote The motion carried by unanimous vote Finding of Facts for the Special Use Permit 1 That the use or development is located , designed , and proposed to be operated so as to maintain or promote the public health , safety , and general welfare ; Applicant The proposed auto repair business NC Auto Repair will consist of the existing 1500 sq ft office building , the existing 1000 sq ft storage shed , the addition of a 1500 sq ft 4 bay garage and a 10 - 15 space paved asphalt parking lot between the buildings and highway The office building will serve as the company’s office as well as a very clean , quiet , and comfortable waiting lounge area for customers and a nice restroom that is handicap accessible It will have a renovated kitchen and an eating area as well as wifi internet and TV to make customers feel right at home The storage shed will be painted and stay on the property to store equipment and keep the property free of any loose items or debris The garage will be a newly constructed 1500 sq ft building built to code with 4 garage bay doors The garage will have an extra thick concrete foundation for the safe installation of 4 new hydraulic lifts NC Auto Repair will help to ensure the Johnston county community with safety and efficiency when traveling to and from work along with personal and social activities Quality car care equals safety on the roads Staff The applicant will be subject to the special use conditions which will ensure that the development maintains the public health , safety and general welfare of the community 2 That the use of the development appears to comply with all required use and intensity regulations of Articles II & IV of the Johnston County Land Development Code and the applicable specific standards in section 14 - 257 and with all applicable regulations ; Applicant NC Auto Repair will strictly follow all county , state , and federal regulations It will also operate by EPA and OSHA standards This business is to be a very clean and professional repair facility that specializes in labor intensive repairs such as electrical diagnostics and internal engine transmission work but will also perform routine maintenance when needed All fluids and chemicals will be contained inside the garage in the approved containers and trash inside a steel dumpster next to the garage All waste will be emptied and removed from the property by the appropriate waste removal companies The garage will be located on the rear section of the property away from the highway and will maintain the proper setbacks and distance from adjoining property l1nes , electrical , HVAC , water , and waste systems Staff The use shall comply with the use and intensity regulations as set forth in the Land Development Code 3 That the use or development is located , designed , and proposed to be operated so as to maintain or enhance the value of contiguous property , or that the use or development is a public necessity ; Applicant The operation of NC Auto Repair will be as a small auto repair business specializing in Imports that serves the Johnston county community with clean , affordable , and comfortable auto repair 7 days a week The hours of operation will be Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm and sat - sun 10am - 4pm As for property value , constructing an appealing auto repair garage paired with a comfortable customer lounge where people can feel at home will not only be adding value to the property at 11461 HWY 210 but the property surrounding it Quality auto repair is a public necessity in Johnston County as well as every other county because automotive transportation is the most common form of transportation and will be for quite some time to come Staff The business is limited in scale and is similar to existing uses within the area This and along with the special use conditions required by the Boards , will maintain the value of contiguous properties 4 That the use or development conforms with general plans for the physical development of the County’s Planning jurisdiction , the Design Manual , or other development policies as adopted by the Board of Commissioners Applicant McGees crossroads is an up and coming area with a lot of traffic and a lot of potential NC Auto Repair will help enhance this specific area of Johnston County by allowing residents and families to have their vehicles repaired locally at an affordable price in an efficient manner This business will specialize in Imports , but will also service all makes and models NC Auto Repair will help to complete the future business structure of the Johnston County community Staff Applicant’s development will conform to all requirements of the Land Development Code and any conditions as required by the Boards and Federal , State and Local agencies Specific Land Uses APPLICANT To allow for an automotive repair facility Special Use Conditions 1 Permitted Uses automotive repair facility 2 The Special Use Permit may be revoked with the violation of any Special Use Condition 3 Applicant shall submit a detailed site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department Staff 4 All buildings and or structures must comply with rules enforced by Federal , State and Local agencies 5 Installation of at least a Class B buffer along all property lines 2 large trees , 3 small trees , and 9 shrubs every one hundred 100 linear feet Existing natural vegetation may be used if more intense than the buffer requirement 6 Limited to the outdoor storage of 15 vehicles awaiting pick up or repair , outdoor storage must be enclosed by an 8 ’ opaque fence or vegetative screening 7 All signage must comply with the sign code as stated in Section 14 - 509 8 Hours of operation shall be limited to Monday – Saturday 8 00am - 8 00pm ; Sunday 8 00am – 5 00pm 9 Must properly dispose of all petroleums , oils , and lubricants 3 P - 25 Radio Conversion Update County Manager Rick Hester stated staff would like to update the Board on the P - 25 radio conversion project He stated the project will be very expensive ; however , grants have been applied for and he is pleased toPagePage pageNumber6192 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued report that one of those grants was recently awarded for 850,000 to pay for radios in the southern portion of the County and another grant is pending to pay for radios in the northern portion of the County He thanked Chairman Jeffrey P Carver and Vice Chairman Tony Braswell for their efforts in reaching out to the elected leaders in Washington on the grants Mr Hester noted a 10 match is required for the grants and funds are included in the budget for the matches Mr Hester requested the Board to formally approve the 10 match for the grant that has been awarded southern portion grant He stated once staff receives word if the second grant northern portion grant is awarded , he would bring that match request back to the Board Mr Hester also asked the Board to consider formally approving the start date for the P - 25 conversion as October 1 , 2017 He noted the County has been working with October 1 , 2016 as the start date ; however , for funding purposes he would recommend the date be set at October 1 , 2017 Mr Hester stated by setting the date as October 1 , 2017 , it would allow the County and Towns more time to budget funds and in the County’s case , it would mean possibly avoiding having to borrow money or being able to borrow a lesser amount to pay for the project Finally , Mr Hester asked the Board to consider approving an overall funding plan for the P - 25 fire department radios He summarized his recommendations to the Board , as follows 1 Approve the 10 match for the 850,000 federal grant that was recently awarded for the P - 25 radio conversion project southern portion grant Funds are in the budget for this match , but would need Board approval to move forward Note For the other federal grant northern portion grant pending for radios , if approved , an additional 10 match will be required for this 850,000 grant Staff recommends if this additional grant is not awarded in this federal grant funding cycle , that the grant application be resubmitted for the next round of funding 2 Formally approve a start date for the P - 25 system conversion as October 1 , 2017 to give the County and Towns another fiscal year to prepare for radio purchases 3 Approve an overall funding plan for P - 25 fire department radio purchases Note Radios would not be purchased immediately and timelines for the purchases would be determined in the near future The recommended plan is for the County to purchase the mobile radios and also a set number of portable radios for the fire departments as documented by Emergency Services The funding proposal discussed at the Board’s 2014 annual work session assumed no grant awards ; therefore , since one grant has been awarded and a second is pending , staff feels the County can fund the fire department radios better than first thought The estimate for the fire department radios will likely be between 15 - 22 million depending on the pending federal grant application Further , there will be an additional 1 million in 911 center upgrades as well as the need to fund EMS , Emergency Services and Sheriff Department radios during the next couple of budget years The County may need to borrow some funds at some point , but staff prepared for that when determining the total debt capacity for the Johnston County Schools and Johnston Community College bond referendums Mr Hester thanked the Fire Chiefs and the County staff for their work and cooperation on this project and the grant opportunities Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted there were several fire departments in the audience and he asked for their feedback on setting the start date as October 1 , 2017 50 - 210 Fire Chief Nathan Burgess asked the Board to leave the start date as October 1 , 2016 Chief Burgess acknowledged it is difficult to budget for projects like this , but with the award of the southern portion grant and the purchase of equipment needed for the P - 25 conversion , by delaying the start date a year , that will be another year that the equipment cannot be utilized Chief Burgess reiterated he would prefer for the start date to be October 1 , 2016 if at all possible Chief Burgess noted the conversion will allow him to open up more communications with neighboring counties to his fire district Mr Hester reiterated that one of his reasons for recommending the October 1 , 2017 start date was to lessen the probability of having to borrow money Selma Fire Chief Phillip McDaniel stated the Selma Fire Department supports the start date being October 1 , 2016 Chief McDaniel stated the conversion project is something everyone knew was coming in the last three or four years Chief McDaniel stated the Selma Fire Department has received their own grant and it is their hopes to start the conversion as soon as possible PagePage pageNumber7193 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued Commissioner Chad M Stewart congratulated Chief McDaniel for seeking and receiving their own grant funding because it has helped the overall project Commissioner Stewart also thanked the Benson and Kenly Fire Departments for their work on the southern portion grant and northern portion grant respectively Commissioner Stewart asked Benson Fire Chief Alan Johnson to come forward and congratulated him on the award of the southern portion grant Benson Fire Chief Alan Johnson stated the southern portion grant covers 13 fire departments located in the southern portion of the County Chief Johnson thanked the County Fire Marshal’s Office for their work and help on the grant Chief Johnson stated he is hopeful the northern portion grant will be funded Chief Johnson also asked the Board to leave the start date as October 1 , 2016 Sheriff Steve Bizzell stated he could agree with all of the County Manager’s recommendations except for the start date Sheriff Bizzell asked the Board to leave the start date as October 1 , 2016 Sheriff Bizzell stated he has radios that are 15 years old , are at the end of their life cycle , and he needs to purchase the P - 25 compatible radios as soon as possible Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr stated he understands the County Manager’s recommendation for the start date due to funding concerns , but he asked Director of 911 - Communciations Jason Barbour if the County’s 911 operations could be ready by October 1 , 2016 Mr Barbour stated 911 can be ready for a conversion date of October 1 , 2016 , but it is a function of money Mr Barbour stated he can have the 911 operations ready within six months of receiving the money needed to purchase the equipment Chairman Jeffrey P Carver stated he is also concerned over the possibility of having to borrow money and asked the County Manager how much would need to be borrowed Mr Hester stated worst case scenario and if the northern portion grant is not awarded , the County may have to borrow 3 million - 4 million to be ready for the October 1 , 2016 start date Mr Hester stated staff would continue to budget money as well as review the financial situation and once exact figures are known he would come back to the Board with an exact amount as well as loan options Mr Hester stated he understands and can appreciate the positions of the fire departments with leaving the date as October 1 , 2016 ; however , he is just trying to consider the funding side of the project and borrow the least amount of money possible Commissioner Tony Braswell stated he understands the budget and financial situation ; however , public safety issues must be considered Commissioner Braswell stated there is something to be said for utilizing the new technology as soon as possible and staying with the October 1 , 2016 date in order to achieve better public safety communication standards for the citizens Mr Barbour clarified that the P - 25 radio conversion project will not allow the County to gain additional coverage , but instead will allow more functionality with outside counties He stated the coverage will be no better than it is today for day to day operations , but it will allow better communications with out of county units Commissioner Stewart thanked the County Manager for going above and beyond on this project working with the fire departments on the overall funding proposal and he is not discounting the Manager’s recommendations on the start date from a financial standpoint However , Commissioner Stewart stated in this instance , he must advocate for the October 1 , 2016 date to support the fire departments Mr Barbour stated he has done all the upgrades he can at this point to the system with the funding available Mr Barbour stated the 911 Center in Smithfield and the backup facility in Clayton is P - 25 ready He stated the last piece of the project to be converted is the tower equipment Commissioner Mims asked if the Board could approve the County Manager’s recommendations and then take another look at the finances if and when the second grant is received to determine if the start date could then be moved to October 1 , 2016 Mr Barbour stated the towns are asking for a definite start date so they can begin budgeting for the conversion Commissioner Stewart stated the fire departments are also asking for a definite start date so they can plan properly PagePage pageNumber8194 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued Sheriff Bizzell stated he meets monthly with the Town Police Chiefs and he has been telling them for two years that this project was coming and to be ready Sheriff Bizzell stated he is also aware that communications have been going to the Town Managers and Mayors advising them this project was coming Sheriff Bizzell stated he greatly needs to purchase radios and to go out another year will be detrimental to the Sheriff’s Department At the request of Commissioner Stewart , Fire Marshal Paul Whitehurst stated the grants will fund mobiles for engines , a base station radio , and also a portable radio per officer in the fire departments He stated it would not cover mobiles and portable radios in the other apparatus and equipment such as brush trucks , etc Mr Whitehurst stated under the County Manager’s overall funding proposal the County would fund mobiles for the apparatus and portables in each apparatus Mr Whitehurst stated if the fire departments want to purchase extra radios for others such as first responders or seated positions it would be up to the fire departments to purchase those Commissioner Braswell asked if the towns would be getting any relief since the County would be purchasing some of the radios for those fire departments in the towns Mr Hester stated for those towns that have fire departments , they would get a little relief by the County purchasing some of those radios Chairman Carver stated he is unsure about the towns and how their budgets will be impacted ; however , under the County Manager’s recommendation , they would have three budget cycles to prepare Chairman Carver stated he understands this project has been discussed for a couple years now , but he asked how the towns would be impacted Smithfield Fire Chief Patrick Harris stated he can speak for the Town of Smithfield Chief Harris stated the Town of Smithfield has had the October 1 , 2016 deadline in mind and have been budgeting and planning appropriately Chief Harris stated he understands the County has a bigger picture to consider , but from the Town of Smithfield’s end , they are ready to go Chief Harris thanked everyone for working together on what is best for the people Four Oaks Fire Chief Barry Stanley stated he can speak for the Town of Four Oaks and although Four Oaks is a small town , they are ready for the October 1 , 2016 date Selma Fire Chief Phillip McDaniel stated the Town of Selma has been working from the October 1 , 2016 start date and is ready Benson Fire Chief Alan Johnson stated the Town of Benson has been working from the October 1 , 2016 date There being no further discussion , the Board took the following actions 10 match for the Southern Portion Federal Grant Approved Upon a motion by Commissioner Chad M Stewart , seconded by Commissioner Cookie Pope , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the 10 match for the 850,000 federal grant award southern portion grant with funds budgeted from capital outlay P - 25 Conversion Start Date Set – October 1 , 2016 Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Chad M Stewart , and carried unanimously , the Board set the P - 25 conversion start date as October 1 , 2016 Overall Funding Plan for P - 25 Conversion Project Approved Motion and Second Commissioner Chad M Stewart moved the Board approve an overall funding plan for the P - 25 fire department radios that the County will purchase the mobile radios and also a set number of portable radios as documented by the Fire Marshal’s Office for the fire departments whether or not the northern portion federal grant is received Commissioner Cookie Pope seconded the motion PagePage pageNumber9195 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued Discussion Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr stated the County Manager’s overall funding plan was based on the October 1 , 2017 start date and he asked how that would affected by moving the start date to October 1 , 2016 Mr Hester stated staff would just have to expedite the process Mr Hester asked the Board to approve for the northern portion grant to be resubmitted if it is not awarded and staff would look at loan options with those coming back to the Board when appropriate Amendment to Motion and Vote Commissioner Stewart amended his motion to approve an overall funding plan for the P - 25 fire department radios that the County will purchase the mobile radios and also a set number of portable radios as documented by the Fire Marshal’s Office for the fire departments whether or not the northern portion federal grant is received ; and if the second federal grant northern portion grant is not awarded for it to be resubmitted during the next funding cycle with staff to research loan options to cover the additional funds needed for 911 center upgrades as well as EMS , Emergency Services and Sheriff radios and bring those options back to the Board at the appropriate time Commissioner Cookie Pope seconded the amended motion which carried by unanimous vote 4 Manager Reports and Comments A Triangle J Council of Governments - Regional Public Safety Facility Study County Manager Rick Hester stated Triangle J Council of Governments is asking Johnston County , as a member county of the COG , for a contribution in the amount of 9,000 to fund a study to determine if a regional public safety training facility is needed Upon a question by Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr , Mr Hester noted there has been some concerns expressed by Johnston Community College Chairman Jeffrey P Carver stated the contribution would not be a commitment to fund a regional facility , but only for a study at this time Chairman Carver stated it is only a study at this time to see if a regional facility would be better suited to serve multiple counties He stated it is about seeing what makes sense for the overall region and if it could ultimately reduce expenses to save the taxpayers money Sheriff Steve Bizzell stated the County has a good relationship with Johnston Community College for training of law enforcement and emergency response personnel He asked the Board to consider discussing the issue first with the Community College since they have expressed concerns Commissioner Chad M Stewart moved for the Board not to allocate the 9,000 contribution to Triangle J Council of Governments for the study Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded motion which carried by the following vote Ayes Commissioners Tony Braswell , Cookie Pope , Allen L Mims , Jr , Chad M Stewart , and Ted G Godwin Nays Chairman Jeffrey P Carver Absent Commissioner DeVan Barbour 5 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin spoke on the recent ISO rating inspections that have been undertaken by a few of the fire departments in the County Commissioner Godwin stated he would like for the Board to send letters of recognition to those fire departments commending them for their hard work and effort on the inspections Commissioner Godwin noted the inspections require tremendous amounts of work and time and he offered to work with the Clerk to the Board to draft a letter for the Chairman’s signature Page0196 August 4 , 2014 – 6 00 pm Continued There being no further business , Commissioner Cookie Pope moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Allen L Mims , Jr seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 6 57 pm Jeffrey P Carver , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage