February 6, 2023 - 6:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes (Rezoning)

10 340 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners February 6 , 2023 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , February 6 , 2023 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell and April Stephens Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm and the following business was transacted 1 Appointments Announcement Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated the Board utilized written ballots at the 10 00 am meeting for the appointments to the Airport Authority , Board of Health representing General Public , and the Planning Board Chairman Lawter stated the votes have been tallied and he announced the following Airport Authority – Bobby Kenneth Jones , II was appointed to fill an unexpired term ending March 31 , 2024 Board of Health – Ray Stott General Public was reappointed for a three year term to expire on February 28 , 2026 Planning Board – Will Letchworth and A Brooke Holmes were reappointed and Jared Keith Crenshaw , Jack H Sasser , II , and Gary Lovering were appointed for three year terms to expire on February 28 , 2026 Page341 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 2 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda tabling Cases 22 - 17 and 22 - 18 Applicant Shenandoah Homes until the April 3 , 2023 6 00 pm meeting 3 Public Comment A Comments from Blue Line Aviation of Smithfield Joshua Weber , Blue Line Aviation of Smithfield , stated he is accompanied by students of Blue Line Aviation who would like to address the Board and express their appreciation for the County’s continued support as well as their interest in the future of flight training in Johnston County Jordan Nelson stated he is from Hickory , North Carolina and he hopes to complete his training with Blue Line Aviation Mr Nelson stated he would ultimately like to become an instructor with Blue Line Aviation and move his family to Johnston County Mr Nelson spoke on the opportunities Blue Line offers to people and how he hopes to continue to grow his family in Johnston County Brandon Lowe stated he is from Colorado and he used to be a police officer there ; however , he found Blue Line Aviation after looking for a career change Mr Lowe stated every school he found for flight training had programs that lasted longer than one year , but Blue Line offered a program that could be completed in less than a year He stated all kinds of people attend the training at Blue Line Aviation from all different states and he hopes to bring his family to Johnston County David Munoz , Jr stated he currently attends Blue Line Aviation and he spoke on all the different people from all over the country that Blue Line brings to Johnston County Mr Munoz expressed his appreciation to Blue Line for what they have done for him Rohan Driscoll stated he is from the United Kingdom and he attends Blue Line Aviation’s training program Mr Driscoll stated since attending Blue Line , he feels more at home here and he would definitely consider Johnston County as his permanent home He thanked Blue Line Aviation for all they have done for him Tyler Glaccum stated he is from Delaware and is attending Blue Line Aviation for their pilot program He stated Blue Line is committed to the students and he has come to enjoy being in Johnston County Leslie Jordan stated she is a Johnston County native and currently works for Blue Line Aviation Ms Jordan stated as an employee of Blue Line , it is an honor to see all the people that attend Blue Line Aviation achieve their dreams and goals Ms Jordan stated as the area around them continues to grow , they would appreciate the opportunity to be involved in planning process At the inquiry of Commissioner Tony Braswell , Ms Jordan stated they currently have over 100 students with more being added every week She stated the class is 5 ½ months in length and many of the students choose to stay in Johnston County once they complete training 4 Public Hearing Rezoning Conditional Use Requests Advertised – The News & Observer , The Johnstonian News and The News in Review – January 22 and February 1 , 2023 Certified letters were mailed to adjoining property owners on January 20 , 2023 Notices were posted at the locations on December 8 , 2022 for Cases 22 - 31 , 22 - 32 , 22 - 33 , and 22 - 34 The Chairman opened the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 31 Case 22 - 31 Petition to rezone 263 acres located at 4631 NC 42 West in Clayton Township from Agricultural Residential AR to General Business GB Tax ID 06E02006D Owner & Applicant Amrutlal N Parmar Planning Director Braston Newton stated the petition is to rezone 263 acres located at 4631 NC 42 West in Clayton Township from Agricultural Residential to General Business The surrounding land uses are zoned Agricultural Residential and used for residential and agricultural purposes ; Interstate Highway Interchange – Special Use District for a mixed use development ; General Business for an auto parts store ; General Business – Special Use District for a carwash , gas station , and shopping center ; and Industrial 2 and Interstate HighwayPage342 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Interchange for a variety of industrial as well as business purposes The area is located within a designated “ Primary Growth Area ” on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and is also between a Regional and Community Commercial Activity Node Mr Newton stated the traffic count for this portion of NC Hwy 42 is 16,500 vehicles per day as of 2021 and it does appear on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as an existing boulevard needing improvement Douglas Cooper appeared before the Board on behalf of the applicant and offered to answer any questions At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Cooper stated they have not decided on a specific use at this time but it would fit within the General Business zoning classification There being no further public comments , the Chairman closed the public comment portion of the hearing Mr Newton reported the Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning and adoption of a Resolution for the Statement of Consistency as submitted in the agenda packet There being no further comments , the Chairman recessed the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 31 Decision on Rezoning Case 22 - 31 Case 22 - 31 Petition to rezone 263 acres located at 4631 NC 42 West in Clayton Township from Agricultural Residential AR to General Business GB Tax ID 06E02006D Owner & Applicant Amrutlal N Parmar Commissioner Richard D Braswell moved the Board adopt the following Statement of Consistency Resolution and approve the rezoning request for Case 22 - 31 Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote RESOLUTION FOR CASE NUMBER 22 - 31 RESOLUTION APPROVING A ZONING AMENDMENT AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , pursuant to NC Gen Stat § 160D - 605 , prior to adopting or rejecting a zoning amendment , the governing board is required to adopt a statement approving or rejecting the zoning amendment and describe if the amendment is consistent or inconsistent with the comprehensive zoning plan and why the board considers the action taken to be reasonable and in the public interest ; WHEREAS , the Johnston County Planning Board has reviewed a proposed amendment to The Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County , for parcel identified as tax ID 06E02006D located at 4631 NC 42 West in Clayton Township , from Agricultural Residential to General Business WHEREAS , based on a review of the proposed amendment the Planning Board found that the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates and further recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve the proposed amendment ; and WHEREAS , this Board has reviewed and considered the above written recommendation of the Planning Board and has held a public hearing on the proposed amendment , and this Board desires to approve the zoning amendment and adopt a statement describing why the adoption of the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates , and the Board considers the proposed amendment to be reasonable and in the public interest NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT 1 This Board finds and determines that the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County is consistent with the Johnston County Land Use Plan and updates thereto because the Land Use Plan and updates indicate that a The amendment aligns with “ Goal 1 Grow in a fiscally efficient , compact manner ” found in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2 This Board finds and determines that it is reasonable and in the public interest to approve the proposed amendment because a The zoning designation of General Business provides expanded opportunity for job creation and economic stability and the property is located along an arterial corridor ; andPage343 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued b The site is located within the Primary Growth Area The request is reasonable and in the public interest in that General Business is compatible with surrounding land uses and zoning , which include other General Business zoning designations 3 This Board approves the proposed zoning amendment from Agricultural Residential to General Business Adopted this the 6th day of February , 2023 The Chairman reopened the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 32 Case 22 - 32 Petition to rezone 16584 acres located at the NE and SW corners of Thanksgiving Fire Road , NC 42 East in the Wilders Township from Agricultural Residential AR to General Business GB Tax ID 16L05030F , 16L05029G & 16L05029I Owner Black & Grey , LLC , Black & Grey II , LLC & Big Rooster , LLC Applicant Lipscomb Development , LLC Planning Director Braston Newton stated the petition is to rezone 16584 acres located at the north east and southwest corners of Thanksgiving Fire Road , NC 42 East in the Wilders Township from Agricultural Residential to General Business The surrounding land uses are zoned Agricultural Residential and used for residential and agricultural purposes and a fire station ; and General Business – Special Use District and approved for a convenience store and storage facility The area is located within a designated “ Secondary Growth Area ” on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan These parcels are also in a Neighborhood Commercial Activity Node Mr Newton stated the traffic count for this portion of NC Hwy 42 E is 8,600 vehicles per day as of 2021 and it does appear on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as an existing boulevard needing improvement The traffic count for this portion of Thanksgiving Fire Road is 900 vehicles per day as of 2019 At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Newton stated once a specific use is identified then it could generate a requirement from the Department of Transportation for a turn lane Emily Beddingfield , representing Applicant Lipscomb Development , addressed the Board Ms Beddingfield stated General Business is appropriate for these parcels because there is consistency with the Land Use Plan and they see a pattern of development happening in this area Ms Beddingfield noted that part of the owners of the property also own Hudson Hardware and if approved , they do plan to open a hardware store at this location as one of the uses She stated they contracted with a soil scientist to evaluate the parcels and the soils there are adequate to develop septic for a commercial use She stated they have discussed the site with the Department of Transportation and any improvements required by the Department of Transportation would come once specific uses are identified She stated after speaking with the Department of Transportation , a four - way stop sign is anticipated to be completed by May of 2023 at the intersection Commissioner Godwin noted the Department of Transportation is already working on the four - way stop sign at the intersection There being no further public comments , the Chairman closed the public comment portion of the hearing Mr Newton reported the Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning and adoption of a Resolution for the Statement of Consistency as submitted in the agenda packet There being no further comments , the Chairman recessed the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 32 Decision on Rezoning Case 22 - 32 Case 22 - 32 Petition to rezone 16584 acres located at the NE and SW corners of Thanksgiving Fire Road , NC 42 East in the Wilders Township from Agricultural Residential AR to General Business GB Tax ID 16L05030F , 16L05029G & 16L05029I Owner Black & Grey , LLC , Black & Grey II , LLC & Big Rooster , LLC Applicant Lipscomb Development , LLC Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board adopt the following Statement of Consistency Resolution and approve the rezoning request for Case 22 - 32 Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote PagePage pageNumber5344 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued RESOLUTION FOR CASE NUMBER 22 - 32 RESOLUTION APPROVING A ZONING AMENDMENT AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , pursuant to NC Gen Stat § 160D - 605 , prior to adopting or rejecting a zoning amendment , the governing board is required to adopt a statement approving or rejecting the zoning amendment and describe if the amendment is consistent or inconsistent with the comprehensive zoning plan and why the board considers the action taken to be reasonable and in the public interest ; WHEREAS , the Johnston County Planning Board has reviewed a proposed amendment to The Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County , for parcels identified as tax ID 16L05030F , 16L05029G , and 16L05029I located at NE and SW corners of Thanksgiving Road and NC 42 East in Wilders Township , from Agricultural Residential to General Business WHEREAS , based on a review of the proposed amendment the Planning Board found that the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates and further recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve the proposed amendment ; and WHEREAS , this Board has reviewed and considered the above written recommendation of the Planning Board and has held a public hearing on the proposed amendment , and this Board desires to approve the zoning amendment and adopt a statement describing why the adoption of the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates , and the Board considers the proposed amendment to be reasonable and in the public interest NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT 1 This Board finds and determines that the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County is consistent with the Johnston County Land Use Plan and updates thereto because the Land Use Plan and updates indicate that a The amendment aligns with “ Goal 1 Grow in a fiscally efficient , compact manner ” found in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2 This Board finds and determines that it is reasonable and in the public interest to approve the proposed amendment because a The zoning designation of General Business provides expanded opportunity for job creation and economic stability and the property is located along an arterial corridor ; and b The site is located within the Primary Growth Area The request is reasonable and in the public interest in that General Business is compatible with surrounding land uses and zoning , which include other General Business zoning designations 3 This Board approves the proposed zoning amendment from Agricultural Residential to General Business Adopted this the 6th day of February , 2023 The Chairman reopened the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 33 Case 22 - 33 Petition to rezone 43 acres located at 15219 NC Hwy 39 in O’Neals Township from Agricultural Residential AR to Community Business - Conditional Zoning CB - CZ Tax ID 11K99016C Owner Lisa Jane Landis Applicant Lisa Jane Landis and Nathan Landis Conditional Zoning Request Retail sale of Portable Wooden Utility Sheds Planning Director Braston Newton stated the petition is to rezone 43 acres located at 15219 NC Hwy 39 in O’Neals Township from Agricultural Residential to Community Business - Conditional Zoning He stated the conditional zoning request is to allow for the retail sale of portable wooden utility sheds The surrounding land uses are zoned Agricultural Residential and used for residential and agricultural purposes The area is located within a designated “ Primary Growth Area ” on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan Mr Newton stated the traffic count for this portion of NC Hwy 39 is 5,200 vehicles per day as of 2021 and it appears on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as an existing boulevard needing improvement Mr Newton noted the applicant has provided an updated site plan for the Board’s review Upon a question by Commissioner Tony Braswell , Mr Newton confirmed the request came in as a violation that resulted from a complaint The Chairman called for the applicant to come forward Staff displayed the proposed conditions on the screen , as follows 1 Proposed uses Retail sale of portable wooden utility sheds Proposed by applicant 2 No more than 16 display sheds on the front lot Proposed by applicant PagePage pageNumber6345 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 3 Lighting will be one overhead lot lamp in the back that does not shine onto adjacent properties Proposed by applicant 4 There will be a paved drive through the lot Proposed by applicant 5 Hours of operation will be M - F 9am - 6pm 8pm and Saturdays from 9am - 5pm Proposed by applicant 6 The development shall conform to all requirements of the Johnston County Land Development Code 7 Applicant shall submit a detailed site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department Staff 8 A Class B 2 large trees , 3 small trees , and 9 shrubs every 100 linear feet landscape buffer shall be installed along all property lines existing vegetation may be used 9 All signage shall comply with the Johnston County sign code 10 All structures must comply with all rules enforced by Federal , State , and Local agencies 11 Secure an NCDOT driveway permit 12 Fire Lane signs may be required 13 May require a fire hydrant Items in bold or stricken through were changed at the meeting by the Planning Board with approval from the applicant Attorney Bob Spence addressed the Board on behalf of the applicants Mr Spence stated his clients purchased the subject site which is in front of their residence and saw an opportunity to possibly operate a used car lot Mr Spence stated they have since decided to sell the portable sheds which have become very popular in the area Mr Spence stated this business allows his clients to work and stay at home Mr Spence stated 90 of the sheds are sold online and he shared a photo of the subject site with the Board taken prior to the start of business Mr Spence stated the subject site is located south of the Mudcats Stadium and US Foods He shared photos with the Board of nearby developments in the area as well as the current state of the subject site At the inquiry of Commissioner Tony Braswell , Mr Spence confirmed that his clients are agreeable to the conditions as proposed Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked about the site plan noting the Board had been given two drawings Mr Spence stated they did not have time to get a formal site plan drawn before the agenda ; however , a surveyor provided a better site plan earlier in the week Mr Spence reviewed the site plan with the Board Chairman Lawter stated on the site plan it appears there is no front buffer and buildings are planned up against the highway right - of - way Mr Spence stated they have moved most of the sheds off the right - of - way Chairman Lawter asked if a buffer would added along NC Hwy 39 Commissioner April Stephens stated a buffer is noted in the application , but not on the drawing Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted that condition # 8 requires a Class B buffer along all property lines Mr Newton stated staff received the updated site plan on Friday which is why it was not included in the agenda packet Mr Newton stated if the request is approved , there would be a 40 ft building setback from the edge of the NC Hwy 39 road right - of - way and buffers would be required along all property lines Chairman Lawter stated it is difficult for him to visualize the site without a better version of the site plan that matches the conditions Chairman Lawter noted the letter in opposition from Jeannetta Brown and neighbors that was provided to the Board Applicant Nathan Landis addressed the Board and stated they are willing to comply with all the conditions Mr Landis stated this business would allow him to earn income while being able to care for his family Mr Landis stated they have been recognized for their good business practices Upon a question by Commissioner Godwin , Mr Landis stated not a great deal of units were moved in and out of the site last year because 87 of their sales are done online which are built at the factory and delivered straight to the customer PagePage pageNumber7346 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued There being no further public comments , the Chairman closed the public comment portion of the hearing Mr Newton reported the Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning and adoption of a Resolution for the Statement of Consistency with an attached list of conditions as submitted in the agenda packet At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Mr Newton stated staff is good with the conditions since they require a completed site plan before going forward Chairman Lawter advised that in the future , applicants need to submit a completed set of site plans that match up to the conditions In response to Commissioner Godwin , Mr Newton stated one person attended the Planning Board meeting and provided a letter in opposition There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the Rezoning Hearing for Case 22 - 33 Decision on Rezoning Case 22 - 33 Case 22 - 33 Petition to rezone 43 acres located at 15219 NC Hwy 39 in O ” Neals Township from Agricultural Residential AR to Community Business - Conditional Zoning CB - CZ Tax ID 11K99016C Owner Lisa Jane Landis Applicant Lisa Jane Landis and Nathan Landis Conditional Zoning Request Retail sale of Portable Wooden Utility Sheds Commissioner Tony Braswell moved the Board adopt a Statement of Consistency Resolution and approve the rezoning request with conditions for Case 22 - 33 Commissioner Richard D Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by the following vote Ayes Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Tony Braswell , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Nays Commissioner Ted G Godwin RESOLUTION FOR CASE NUMBER 22 - 33 RESOLUTION APPROVING A ZONING AMENDMENT AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , pursuant to NC Gen Stat § 160D - 605 , prior to adopting or rejecting a zoning amendment , the governing board is required to adopt a statement approving or rejecting the zoning amendment and describe if the amendment is consistent or inconsistent with the comprehensive zoning plan and why the board considers the action taken to be reasonable and in the public interest ; WHEREAS , the Johnston County Planning Board has reviewed a proposed amendment to The Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County , for parcel identified as tax ID 11K99016C located at 15219 NC Hwy 39 in O’Neals Township , from Agricultural Residential to Community Business - Conditional Zoning WHEREAS , based on a review of the proposed amendment the Planning Board found that the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates and further recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve the proposed amendment ; and WHEREAS , this Board has reviewed and considered the above written recommendation of the Planning Board and has held a public hearing on the proposed amendment , and this Board desires to approve the zoning amendment and adopt a statement describing why the adoption of the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates , and the Board considers the proposed amendment to be reasonable and in the public interest NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT 1 This Board finds and determines that the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County is consistent with the Johnston County Land Use Plan and updates thereto because the Land Use Plan and updates indicate that a The amendment aligns with “ Goal 1 , Objective 2C Reduce the possibility of incompatible uses and mitigate them when they occur ” found in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2 This Board finds and determines that it is reasonable and in the public interest to approve the proposed amendment because PagePage pageNumber8347 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued a The zoning designation of Community Business - CZ provides a complimentary service within a growing area ; and b The site is located within the Primary Growth Area which is experiencing the stressors of growth and requires a need for specific services within the community 3 This Board approves the proposed zoning amendment from Agricultural Residential to Community Business - Conditional Zoning th Adopted this the 6 day of February , 2023 Conditions 1 Proposed uses Retail sale of portable wooden utility sheds 2 No more than 16 display sheds on the front lot 3 Lighting will be one overhead lot lamp in the back that does not shine onto adjacent properties 4 There will be a paved drive through the lot 5 Hours of operation will be M - F 9am - 8pm and Saturdays from 9am - 5pm 6 The development shall conform to all requirements of the Johnston County Land Development Code 7 Applicant shall submit a detailed site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department Staff 8 A Class B 2 large trees , 3 small trees , and 9 shrubs every 100 linear feet landscape buffer shall be installed along all property lines existing vegetation may be used 9 All signage shall comply with the Johnston County sign code 10 All structures must comply with all rules enforced by Federal , State , and Local agencies 11 Secure an NCDOT driveway permit 12 Fire Lane signs may be required 13 May require a fire hydrant Case 22 - 34 – Tabled due to absence of the applicant Case 22 - 34 Petition to rezone 6611 acres located at 608 - 772 Williford Rd in Bentonville Township from Agricultural Residential AR to Industrial 2 - Conditional Zoning I2 - CZ Tax ID 02O15007 , 02O15007B & 02O15007C Owner K Farms , Inc Applicant Blue Water Sand & Gravel , Inc Conditional Zoning Request Sand Pit It was determined that the applicant for Case 22 - 34 was not present Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board table Case 22 - 34 until the March 6 , 2023 6 00 pm meeting , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried unanimously 5 Johnston County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Consultant Selection Planning Director Braston Newton reported that the Board requested staff to seek assistance with the development of a new Comprehensive Transportation Plan through a request for qualifications RFQ process Mr Newton stated an RFQ was released and responses were received by three qualified consulting firms including McAdams , Kimley - Horn , and Stantec Mr Newton stated a group consisting of professionals in the transportation industry along with staff evaluated the responses from the three firms and that scoring has been provided to the Board Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated as he understands , the scoring was based on the qualification statements submitted by the firms and actual presentations were not made Chairman Lawter stated he would like for staff to schedule a meeting with the top two firms McAdams and Kimley - Horn and have them come in for a formal presentation to a larger committee that would include himself and Commissioner Ted G Godwin Following discussion , it was the consensus of the Board for staff to schedule meetings with McAdams and Kimley - Horn for presentations and further evaluation and that Chairman Lawter and Commissioner Godwin would be a part of those meetings 6 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Continued Discussion Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted the Board has either individually met with or sent their comments to staff as it relates to the draft Land Use Plan Planning Director Braston Newton thanked the Board for their comments and stated staff is in the process of compiling those commonalities and differences and will be sending them to the consultant Mr Newton stated there will be a meeting with the consultant regarding amendments to the draft plan as well as the future land map and he would bring those back to the Board when completed PagePage pageNumber9348 February 6 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 7 Manager Reports and Comments A Memorandum of Understanding – Commuter Rail Study Extended One Year County Manager Rick Hester stated Johnston County has been a part of a Memorandum of Understanding MOU for the past three or four years with several partners concerning the commuter rail study Mr Hester stated the partners would like to extend the MOU for another year He stated there would be no additional funding involved from Johnston County for that extension Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated it would not cost the County any more money and he thinks it is important to have a seat at the table so he can agree with extending the MOU for another year It was the consensus of the Board to extend the Memorandum of Understanding for the commuter rail study for another year 8 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin shared with the Board an editorial from a local newspaper written in July of 1982 regarding zoning in Johnston County , or lack thereof , at that time He stated this editorial was written prior to countywide zoning but it hit home with him because it talked about how the local communities are affected when outside development wants to come in and make changes Commissioner Tony Braswell mentioned a recent meeting regarding the fire matrix for the fire departments and stated there would be a formal presentation from that committee at the next Board meeting on March 6 , 2023 Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr referenced an article in the Triangle Business Journal regarding the State of North Carolina purchasing 1,100 acres for the Mountains to Sea Trail in southeastern Johnston County There being no further business , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 08 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage