March 6, 2023 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 351 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners March 6 , 2023 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , March 6 , 2023 , at 10 00 am 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 , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Absent Commissioner Tony Braswell Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr opened the meeting with a prayer American Legion Post 141 of Selma led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Commissioner Ted G Godwin was presented with a plaque for his 25 years of service with the American Legion Post 141 of Selma Chairman Lawter stated last year the Board of Commissioners set six priorities as follows Public Safety , Infrastructure , County Employees , Financial Stewardship , Educational Funding , and Land Use He reminded everyone that the Board is trying to address one or more of these items during the meetings to move the County forward 1 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 moving 911 Communications to become Item No 4 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – January 17 , 2023 6 00 pm B Order to Advertise Tax Liens Pursuant to NCGS § 105 - 369 a and b1 , the total amount of unpaid real estate taxes for 2022 is 5,574,64046 as of January 31 , 2023 To satisfy the requirement of NCGS § 105 - 369 b1 , notices of unpaid delinquent taxes were sent via US mail to the owners of record as of February 1 , 2023 At the request of Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews , the Board adopted the order to authorize the Tax Department to advertise the liens for the delinquent 2022 tax bills C Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the NC DOT’s request to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Upton Drive , Hound Dog Lane , N Rabbit Run Drive , and S Rabbit Run Drive – Langdon Farms – Phase 2 – Smithfield Township Brodie Rose Landing Way – Brodie Rose Landing – Phase 1 – Cleveland Township D Town of Micro – Appointment to Micro Planning Board Per a request by the Town of Micro , the Board made the following appointment to the Micro Planning Board representing the ETJ area of the Town Page352 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Gary Wheeler , 224 Bizzell Grove Church Road , Selma , NC term expiring 2 28 2026 E Option Agreement for Hughes Tract The Board approved an Option to Purchase Agreement between the County of Johnston and John Timothy Hughes for property identified as Parcel ID 15L11012 in the amount of 40,00000 per acre for not less than 47 acres F Public Utilities – Request to Discard Equipment – NCGS 160A - 266 The Board approved a request by Johnston County Public Utilities to dispose of the following property that is no longer of value to the County and to allow Public Utilities to work with a vendor to disassemble and remove the equipment at no charge to the County or the vendor The property is not in service and is not listed on the Countys asset list The equipment must be removed from the existing landfill property in order to avoid conflicts with landfill operations and the cost to disassemble and move the equipment exceeds any possible redeemable value of the property This property is not necessary for the conduct of public business , and given that the cost to disassemble and move the equipment exceeds any value it may have , financial considerations indicate disposing of the property serves the best interests of the County as it has no redeemable value Further , the location of the equipment conflicts with landfill operations and poses a safety risk One - Valley irrigation center pivot electric drive approximately 800ft long 5 towers with end gun - No county asset number Two - Valley irrigation center pivots hydraulically drive 263ft long each 1 tower w end gun each - No county asset number G Budget Revisions , approved as follows Economic Development REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 21 56017344 Grifols 658,97500 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 658,97500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 21 560133990 Fund Balance 658,97500 TOTAL NET REVENUE 658,97500 Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59550200 Salaries & Wages 69,38800 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 69,38800 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 595534155 State Grant 69,38800 TOTAL NET REVENUE 69,38800 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE Page353 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 10 51000210 Salaries – Overtime 1,59384 10 51001700 Vehicles 31,79634 10 51004300 Special Services 36000 10 51007414 Capital Outlay – Sheriff 74364 10 51007418 Capital Outlay – Drug Seizure 11,04948 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 45,54330 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032106 Controlled Substance Tax 74364 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 33,53018 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 22000 10 510035160 Federal Equitable Sharing 11,04948 TOTAL NET REVENUE 45,54330 Jail REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 52003300 Departmental Supplies 1480 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 1480 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 520033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 1480 TOTAL NET REVENUE 1480 Emergency Services – EMS REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 53557400 Capital Outlay 70,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 70,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 535533513 Insurance Recovery 70,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 70,00000 H Sheriff’s Office – The Board approved the Sheriffs bond in the amount of 10,00000 with Travelers Insurance pursuant to NCGS 162 - 9 I Tax Releases & Refunds – 1 16 2023 – 02 15 2023 Year Bill # Acct # Name Tran Type Paid 2021 2302 - 671723 2202 - 671723 HODGE , NUSURIKA SAFIYA Overpayment 12379 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 1 19 2023 12 48 29 PM ALassiter 2022 - 113070 2000219521 WE HAUL INC 56764 1 23 2023 2 52 24 PM dwoodward2 2022 - 81283 2000162856 RENFROW , CHARLES L LIFE 1,50094 ESTATE 1 25 2023 10 59 01 AM dwoodward2 2022 - 35432 2000032318 GARLAND , MARGIE MCLAMB 24318 2 3 2023 12 29 08 PM ALassiter 2022 - 64522 2000045546 LANGDON , BERNIE 4,88263 2 14 2023 11 56 47 AM ALassiter 2022 - 110360 2000173203 TOTAL CONSTRUCTION BY 5,64627 2 14 2023 12 06 25 PM ALassiter 2022 - 124342 2000244364 MCCALL , HENRY RANDALL 19955 2 14 2023 12 29 15 PM ALassiter 2022 - 126115 2000251189 ASHWORTH , IVAN RAY 21997Page354 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 2 14 2023 12 33 04 PM ALassiter 2022 - 126113 2000251187 AMMONS , LINDSEY CHARLEY 49710 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 1 17 2023 2 45 59 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 11944 8489221 BATTEN , JIMMY COLIN 32606 1 17 2023 2 45 59 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 35656 2000207468 GATES GROUP OF 1,20692 JOHNSTON COUNTY , LLC 1 17 2023 2 45 59 PM 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2000135379 NELL M HOWELL 2,51393 REVOCABLE TRUST 1 18 2023 3 44 41 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 82053 2000221410 OXENDINE HOUSING LLC 23700 1 19 2023 2 53 18 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 118156 2000212219 GHD - BEVERLY , LLC 45925 1 19 2023 3 38 52 PM tcronan 2022 - 69429 2000209432 NARRON LIVING TRUST 10000 1 20 2023 12 51 43 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 79581 2000135693 QUARLES PETROLEUM INC 3,18854 1 23 2023 2 31 38 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 92347 2000231249 KL FLOWERS PLANTATION 35916 LLC 1 23 2023 2 56 23 PM cfutch 2022 - 81283 2000162856 RENFROW , CHARLES L LIFE 1,50094 ESTATE 1 23 2023 8 06 08 PM LOCKBOX 2018 - 76908 2000038826 PIERSON , DANIEL A 1,21940 1 23 2023 8 06 08 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 85109 2000074775 SALAZAR , OMAR 1,28629 1 24 2023 12 26 22 PM awestbrook 2022 - 92419 2000108193 STEWART , JAMES KENNY 18000 1 24 2023 3 07 29 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 18900 2000050792 C & S JOHNSON INC 10000 1 25 2023 9 42 54 AM jmorrow 2022 - 97620 2000234441 JOAN J JOHNSON 53884 IRREVOCABLE TRUST 1 25 2023 3 05 22 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 89296 2000235932 POWHATAN STORAGE LLC 13367 1 26 2023 4 00 28 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 33181 2000202384 FISHER , WINFIELD THOMAS 1,33019 III 1 26 2023 4 01 50 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 33180 2000202384 FISHER , WINFIELD THOMAS 44469 III 1 27 2023 3 10 00 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 74864 68466420 PEACOCK , SAM 13923 2 1 2023 2 12 06 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 201157 2000067496 FOSCUE , JOHN ROBERT JR 84118 2 6 2023 1 58 35 PM jmorrow 2022 - 121168 2000140373 GOLDEN PROPERTIES AND 1,09650 DEVELOPMENT INC 2 6 2023 1 59 50 PM jmorrow 2022 - 118184 2000211213 MILAND , INC 54044 2 6 2023 2 02 08 PM jmorrow 2022 - 9645 2000090914 CARROLL CONSTRUCTION 20750 HOMES INC 2 6 2023 2 38 44 PM jmorrow 2022 - 84328 2000137301 ROXY DRIVE LLC 7,19131 2 6 2023 2 43 06 PM jmorrow 2022 - 84328 2000137301 ROXY DRIVE LLC 3,10171 2 6 2023 3 17 46 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 64900 2000018521 MCLAMB , WILLIAM ROY AND 19006 OTHERS 2 6 2023 3 20 06 PM jmorrow 2022 - 84356 2000137301 ROXY DRIVE LLC 6,70871 2 6 2023 3 50 06 PM ONLINE 2022 - 7088 2000140093 BAREFOOT , KATHRYN P 22898 2 6 2023 3 53 01 PM jmorrow 2022 - 84365 2000137301 ROXY DRIVE LLC 2,24282 2 6 2023 4 00 05 PM jmorrow 2022 - 32041 2000095765 EXUM , IRENE 20000 2 6 2023 4 06 18 PM jmorrow 2022 - 19321 2000144429 CHARLTON , JANICE ROSE 31907PagePage pageNumber5355 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 2 7 2023 3 28 44 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 83703 2000155196 ROGERSON , JAMES E JR 1,82934 2 8 2023 8 33 49 AM ajsoutherland 2022 - 35900 2000155362 GEORGE C MCLAMB 83659 PROPERTIES LLC 2 8 2023 3 12 49 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 30704 27016165 EARP , JAMES H 63794 2 8 2023 3 41 18 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 30919 2000188065 ELEGANT EVENTS & 12964 PLANNING LLC 2 13 2023 3 25 55 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 56894 2000005314 LASSITER , ANTHONY IVAN 2,14142 2 13 2023 3 25 55 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 56475 52001380 LASSITER , IVAN 1,94115 2 13 2023 3 35 03 PM jevans 2022 - 56475 52001380 LASSITER , IVAN 1,90227 2 13 2023 3 42 16 PM jevans 2022 - 56894 2000005314 LASSITER , ANTHONY IVAN 2,09854 2 15 2023 2 32 13 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 119046 2000229382 IGBA , EBI 89047 2 15 2023 2 39 26 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 12632 2000036195 BRASWELL , HUBERT 29341 RANDOLPH 2 15 2023 2 39 26 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 20123 2000110402 CLASSIC PROPERTIES 6,33547 HOLDINGS INC 2 15 2023 2 39 26 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 53163 2000224818 KAVALIAUSKAS , JOSEPH R 76448 2 15 2023 2 39 26 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 61195 2000197589 MAMCO ROCK HILL 28,45120 PROPERTIES , LLC 2 15 2023 2 39 26 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 81203 2000009121 REID , SANDRA M 91360 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – January 2023 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # Reason JETT , JOHN 0069760581 178778816 Adjustment 9636 DENNIS 1221 10857 QUALITY 0068905344 358817528 Situs error 001 THERAPY 19440 SERVICES , INC 7503 6480 18416 SMITH , 004101062 179733570 Adjustment 9468 DONNIE 1200 RUFFIN 10668 WARREN , 0069330731 179087028 Adjustment 19418 JOHN 2461 WEBSTER 21879 YOST , KYLE 0070082298 357437840 Situs error 000 ARTHUR 22897 3615 7632 26914 3 Public Comments A Blue Line Aviation – Fly Right Scholarship Program Adam Walters , President of Blue Line Aviation , shared information about the Fly Right Scholarship Program that will award 100,000 to a Johnston County School System student Mr Walters stated they will begin accepting applications on April 1 , 2023 and they are in the process of establishing a Board to choose the best candidate for the scholarship He invited the Board of Commissioners to consider serving on the scholarship selection board if interested 4 911 - Communications – Request to Adopt Resolution 911 - Communications Director Brett Renfrow requested the Board to adopt a resolution supporting the reclassification of 911 Dispatchers pursuant to the 9 - 1 - 1 SAVES Act Mr Renfrow recognized some of his staff in attendance at the meeting and stated 911 telecommunicators answer calls from the public at any given hour PagePage pageNumber6356 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued He noted the 911 staff works in coordination with the Sheriff’s Department and he commended all the staff for what they do every day Mr Renfrow stated this front - line staff is the first line of defense for public safety He expressed his appreciation to the Board for making public safety a priority in Johnston County Mr Renfrow explained the request is for a local resolution of support for a bill that was previously th introduced by the 117 Congress of the United States by Representative Norma Torres from California He stated it was passed in the House of Representatives and also proposed in the Senate by Senator Burke who is no longer serving in the Senate He noted it failed to pass the second reading in the Senate and is currently considered “ dead ” ; however , there is work underway to get the reclassification passed through the State of North Carolina and then forwarded to the Federal level Mr Renfrow stated the goal is that the classification be changed through the standard occupational classifications He reported that Representative Torres has agreed to reintroduce the bill and it has significant bipartisan support Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated these employees are the unsung heroes that answer the calls and every single staff member should be commended for this work He stated when the ISO Commission ratings are issued , out of 126 in North Carolina , Johnston County is the only one to receive a perfect score every time He stated this benefits the departments , the County , and the insurance rates for the citizens Additionally , there is triple accreditation and international accreditation in Emergency Medical dispatch , Fire dispatch , and Emergency Police Department dispatch Vice Chairman Harris stated Johnston County is the first in North Carolina to obtain all three accreditations and the third in the nation The Board applauded the 911 - Communications staff for their efforts Mr Renfrow noted that retired 911 - Communications Director Jason Barbour was instrumental in laying the groundwork for many of these efforts Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris read the following resolution aloud and moved for its adoption Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE RECLASSIFICATION OF JOHNSTON COUNTY 911 DISPATCHERS WHEREAS , in September of 2021 , US Representatives Norma J Torres and Brian Fitzpatrick announced that their 9 - 1 - 1 SAVES Act passed the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act The 9 - 1 - 1 SAVES Act is bipartisan legislation to reclassify 911 dispatchers from Office and Administrative Support to Protective Service Occupations in the Office of Management and Budgets Standard Occupational Classification SOC catalog , and WHEREAS , 911 dispatchers are the first line of response during an emergency , and they deserve to be classified in a way that recognizes their work is on par with the work of other public servants classified as first responders , and WHEREAS , Senator Richard Burr introduced the reclassification bill in the United States Senate , where it remained , and WHEREAS , 911 dispatchers are working with elected officials to re - introduce this legislation with the next Congress , and local support will assist this effort , and WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners is in support of such a legislative change NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMISSIONERS That the Johnston County Board of Commissioners is in support of bipartisan legislation to reclassify 911 dispatchers from Office and Administrative Support to Protective Service Occupations in the Office of Management and Budgets Standard Occupational Classification SOC catalog Adopted this 6th day of March , 2023 PagePage pageNumber7357 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 5 Partnership for Children - Proclamation – The Week of the Young Child – April 1 - 7 , 2023 Myra Burrell , Data and Contracts Manager , Partnership for Children of Johnston County , stated this week highlights their work for children , the families , and teachers She explained that 85 of a child’s brain is developed in the first five years and the Partnership for Children wants to lay a strong foundation for their success Commissioner Ted G Godwin read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD APRIL 2023 Whereas , the Partnership for Children of Johnston County , Inc , along with other local organizations , in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children are celebrating the Week of the Young Child a time to promote the needs of young children , their families , and the early childhood programs that serve them because the first years of a child’s life are the period of most rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all future learning and success ; Whereas , children’s cognitive , physical , social and emotional , and language and literacy development are built on a foundation of children’s positive interactions with adults , peers , and their environment ; and Whereas , public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial to young children’s futures and to the prosperity of our society as participation in high - quality early childhood education saves taxpayers dollars , makes working families more economically secure , and prepares children to succeed in school , earn higher wages , and live healthier lives ; Whereas , high – quality early childhood education depends on high – quality early childhood educators who ensure that children , supported by families , have the early experiences they need for a strong foundation ; Whereas , the majority of these costs , which often exceed the cost of a year of college tuition , are borne by parents , who often can’t afford it ; Whereas , young children need early childhood educators who are incentivized and supported to provide high - quality care to those with high and special needs ; Whereas , working families need robust subsidies , scholarships , and tax credits for families at all income levels that support the true cost of quality early childhood education ; Whereas , early childhood educators need the ability to earn a family – sustaining wage that is commensurate with the required education and skills they bring to the complex and valuable work they do ; Therefore , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim April 1 - 7 , 2023 as the Week of the Young Child and hereby encourages all citizens to work to support and invest in early childhood in Johnston County th Adopted this the 6 day of March , 2023 6 Request for Phase 1 – Fire Matrix Implementation Cleveland Fire Department Chief Chris Ellington stated work began on the Fire Matrix during discussions regarding the Fire Study to determine the next steps He stated Phase 1 of the Fire Matrix includes a one - time funding opportunity for non - profit fire departments that are contracted to serve districts identified as Tier 1 He explained that Tier 1 fire departments are those in which the current fire district tax revenue is less than 300,000 blue block within the matrix He stated Phase 1 implementation provides that Tier 1 Departments with a tax rate of not less than 012 are eligible for supplemental funding to bring them to a minimum funding level of 300,000 and under the plan departments will be eligible for the minimum funding supplement of 25,000 gray block within the matrix Chief Ellington stated the total cost of the program isPagePage pageNumber8358 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued anticipated to be 608,977 and funding in the amount of approximately 300,000 is currently appropriated for this program He stated in order to fully fund the program , additional funds must be appropriated At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Chief Ellington confirmed that 608,977 is needed to implement Phase 1 Commissioner Richard D Braswell asked what stations or districts would the funds cover Chief Ellington responded that Bentonville , Bethany , Blackman’s Crossroads , Micro , and Strickland’s Crossroads would be recipients of the Phase 1 funding Commissioner Godwin reminded everyone that the funding is no fault of the individual Fire Departments He stated the district lines were drawn to maximize the insurance ratings and this is a product of those areas with a low tax base Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated a recent request was received by Blackman’s Crossroads for additional time to evaluate their contract He noted this will assist with training needed by that department and this will be a benefit to all the Tier 1 departments Chairman Lawter noted the funding will come from the County’s General Fund Upon a motion by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the Phase 1 Fire Matrix Grant Program for Tier 1 departments with a total appropriation not to exceed 608,977 and authorized the County Manager and or County Finance Director to implement the program and execute all documents necessary to enter into the grant contracts with those qualifying Johnston County Fire Departments 7 Health Department – Opioid Settlement Funds Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson stated staff is seeking approval to enter into an agreement to accept additional supplemental funding for the opioid settlement for Johnston County She reported last year staff brought forward a resolution to accept 8 million over 18 years in Johnston County to assist with opioids Dr Pearson stated a preliminary plan was developed and in September 2022 the Board approved 309,000 to implement the plan Dr Pearson introduced Opioid Settlement Grant Coordinator Kim Ratliff , Health Education Supervisor Kimetha Fullwood , Health Education Specialist Mary Banks , and Health Education Specialist Samantha Patrick She thanked County Manager Rick Hester , Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb and County Attorney Jennifer Slusser for their work making sure everything has been carried out properly with the funding Dr Pearson stated currently staff is working on evidence based addiction prevention as well as working with CommWell Health on telehealth treatment programs She stated partnership discussions are being made with Wake County to implement detox programs and staff is being trained at the Behavioral Health Unit to provide addiction and counseling services She noted there is a Peer Support Specialist application in progress that includes individuals with lived experiences to connect clients with opioid services in Johnston County She stated staff is working with the Poe Center for Health Education to provide education in the community for families , parents , and children Dr Pearson invited Commissioners to the Drugs Uncovered Session being held in April to highlight information on where drugs are typically hidden and what to look for She stated Naloxone has been purchased to provide to the fire departments and law enforcement and discussions are ongoing with Emergency Services for a Post Overdose Response Team Dr Pearson stated more details are forthcoming as the plan is updated Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board adopted the following resolution and approved the supplemental agreement for additional funds RESOLUTION BY THE COUNTY OF JOHNSTON AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF OPIOID SETTLEMENTS AND APPROVING THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON PROCEEDS RELATING TO THE SETTLEMENT OF OPIOID LITIGATIONPagePage pageNumber9359 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , the opioid overdose epidemic had taken the lives of more than 32,000 North Carolinians from 2000 - 2021 ; WHEREAS , the COVID - 19 pandemic has compounded the opioid overdose crisis , increasing levels of drug misuse , addiction , and overdose death ; and WHEREAS , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is 785 billion a year , including the costs of healthcare , lost productivity , addiction treatment , and criminal justice involvement ; and WHEREAS , the overdose death rate in North Carolina was 28 out of 100,000 people in 2020 , with the overdose rate in Johnston County being 21 out of 100,000 people in 2020 , and WHEREAS , certain counties and municipalities in North Carolina joined with thousands of local governments across the country to file lawsuits against opioid manufacturers , pharmaceutical distribution companies , and chain drug stores to hold those companies accountable for their misconduct ; and WHEREAS , settlements have been reached in litigation against Walmart , Inc , Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd , Allergan Finance , LLC , Allergan Limited , CVS Health Corporation , CVS Pharmacy , Inc , and Walgreen Co , as well as their subsidiaries , affiliates , officers , and directors named in the these Settlements ; and WHEREAS , representatives of local North Carolina governments , the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners , and the North Carolina Department of Justice have negotiated and prepared a Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds SAAF to provide for the equitable distribution of the proceeds of these settlements ; and WHEREAS , by joining the settlements and approving the SAAF , the state and local governments maximize North Carolina’s share of opioid settlement funds to ensure the needed resources reach communities , as quickly , effectively , and directly as possible ; and WHEREAS , it is advantageous to all North Carolinians for local governments , including Johnston County and its residents , to sign onto the settlements and SAAF and demonstrate solidarity in response to the opioid overdose crisis , and to maximize the share of opioid settlement funds received both in the state and Johnston County to help abate the harm ; and WHEREAS , the SAAF directs substantial resources over multiple years to local governments on the front lines of the opioid overdose epidemic while ensuring that these resources are used in an effective way to address the crisis ; NOW , THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Board of Commissioners of Johnston County hereby authorizes the County Manager or County Attorney to execute all documents necessary to enter into opioid settlement agreements with Walmart , Walgreens , CVS , Allergan , and Teva , to execute the SAAF , and to provide such documents to Rubris , the Implementation Administrator Adopted this the 6th day of March , 2023 8 Public Utilities – Austin Pond Wastewater Pump Station Improvements Proposed Capital Project Budget Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer reported the County’s existing Austin Pond Wastewater Pump Station located at 200 St Jiles Drive , Clayton collects wastewater flow from the County’s retail customers in the Cornwallis Road area north of NC 42 and bulk flow from the Winston Pointe development Winston Road She stated the existing wastewater pump station allows the County to divert flow to the County’s downstream sewer system or to the Town of Clayton along NC 42 West The previously approved Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Plan includes a project for the County to expand the Austin Pond WWPS Ms Farmer stated the expanded station will have the ability to pump to the County’s system and the Town of Clayton simultaneously She stated the consultant McKim & Creed completed a preliminary study to evaluate improvement options for the facilities and they identified a detailed project scope to achieve additional pumping capacity and allow for simultaneous discharge into the County’s system and along NC 42 West to Clayton Ms Page0360 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Farmer stated staff recommends proceeding with the detailed project design and adoption of the following budget for technical services to complete the project Expense Technical Design Services Detailed Project Design , Survey , Permitting & Bidding 275,00000 Construction Administration & Observation 31,00000 Total 306,00000 Revenue Wastewater Fund 68 Balance 306,00000 Total 306,00000 Commissioner Richard D Braswell asked if it is anticipated that the pumping would occur primarily to Clayton Ms Farmer stated there would be two separate wet wells and one would pump to Clayton with the other pumping back and this would be needed long term to support the bulk wastewater services contracts Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked about the tentative construction date Ms Farmer stated construction is anticipated to begin by mid - 2024 Upon a motion by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the project budget as presented by staff and the following associated budget revision for the Austin Pond Wastewater Pump Station Improvements project design REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 83 85750406 Technical Services 306,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 306,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 83 857537925 Transfer from Other Funds 306,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 306,00000 9 Public Utilities – Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant – Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS Initiation Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer reported in May 2022 , the County submitted an application for an “ Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant ” to the Division of Water Infrastructure – DEQ She explained the State Water Infrastructure Authority awarded a 200,000 grant to the County for Initiation of a Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS at the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant Ms Farmer stated staff completed the Request for Qualifications process and selected HDR , Inc as a consultant for the project She presented the following proposed project budget Technical Services 200,00000 Software 40,00000 Network Modifications Hardware 10,00000 Total Project Cost 250,00000 Funding for the proposed project is as follows Asset Inventory and Assessment AIA Grant 200,00000 Water Fund Balance Fund 67 50,00000 Total Project Funds 250,00000 Ms Farmer stated staff recommends approval of the proposed capital project budget and adoption of the associated capital project ordinance Page1361 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Upon a motion by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the project budget as presented by staff and adopted the following capital project ordinance for the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant - Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS Initiation CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR THE TIMOTHY G BROOME WATER TREATMENT PLANT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEM PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 The project authorized is the initiation of a Construction Management and Maintenance System at the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant the “ Project ” The Project is to be financed by a NC Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Infrastructure Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant and an appropriation from the County Water Fund “ Fund 67 ” Section 2 The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the capital Project within the terms of the Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant offer and the budget contained herein Section 3 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project Technical Services 200,000 Software 40,000 Network Modifications Hardware 10,000 Total 250,000 Section 4 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this Project Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant 200,000 Fund 67 Appropriation 50,000 Total 250,000 Section 5 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the terms of the Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant shall be met Section 6 Funds may be advanced from Fund 67 for the purpose of making payments as due Reimbursement requests should be made to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in an orderly and timely manner Section 7 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to report annually on the financial status of each Project element in Section 3 and the total revenue received Section 8 Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners , the Budget Officer and the Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this Project Amended this 6th day of March , 2023 10 Public Utilities – Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility – Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS Initiation Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer stated in May 2022 , the County submitted an application for an “ Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant ” to the Division of Water Infrastructure – DEQ She explained the State Water Infrastructure Authority awarded a 200,000 grant to the County for Initiation of a Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS at the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility CJCRWWTF Ms Farmer stated staff completed the Request for Qualifications process and selected HDR , Inc as a consultant for the project She presented the following proposed project budget Technical Services 200,00000 Software 40,00000 Network Modifications Hardware 50,00000 Total Project Cost 290,00000 Funding for the proposed project is as follows Asset Inventory and Assessment AIA Grant 200,00000 Sewer Fund Balance Fund 68 90,00000 Total Project Funds 290,00000 Ms Farmer stated staff recommends approval of the proposed capital project budget and adoption of the associated capital project ordinance Page2362 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the project budget and adopted the following Capital Project Ordinance for the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility - Construction Management and Maintenance System CMMS Initiation CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR THE CENTRAL JOHNSTON COUNTY REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEM PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 The project authorized is the initiation of a Construction Management and Maintenance System at the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility the “ Project ” The Project is to be financed by a NC Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Infrastructure Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant and an appropriation from the County Sewer Fund “ Fund 68 ” Section 2 The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the capital Project within the terms of the Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant offer and the budget contained herein Section 3 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project Technical Services 200,000 Software 40,000 Network Modifications Hardware 50,000 Total 290,000 Section 4 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this Project Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant 200,000 Fund 68 Appropriation 90,000 Total 290,000 Section 5 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the terms of the Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant shall be met Section 6 Funds may be advanced from Fund 68 for the purpose of making payments as due Reimbursement requests should be made to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in an orderly and timely manner Section 7 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to report annually on the financial status of each Project element in Section 3 and the total revenue received Section 8 Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners , the Budget Officer and the Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this Project Amended this 6th day of March , 2023 11 Public Utilities – Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant , 14 - 18 MGD Design Build Expansion Project , Sole Source Request Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer stated design for the 14 to 18 MGD Expansion at the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant project is underway She explained the project schedules include a 30 cost estimate for the project by early April Ms Farmer reported the project engineer Hazen & Sawyer recommends sole sourcing several components of the proposed project and County staff requests the sole source purchase of several items at the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant in order to maintain standardization and efficiency for utility operations She presented the following identified proposed sole source items Item Manufacturer Reasoning Maintain standardization , compatibility and Cluster Filter Equipment Westech consistency for operation and maintenance Maintain standardization , compatibility and Belt Filter Press BDP Industries consistency for operation and maintenance Maintain standardization , compatibility and Rotary Lobe Pumps Borger consistency for operation and maintenance KWS Manufacturing Maintain standardization , compatibility and Conveyor System Company , Ltd consistency for operation and maintenance Chemical Metering Pumps Blue - White Maintain standardization , compatibility andPage3363 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued consistency for operation and maintenance Chemical Resistant Sump Only known chemical sump pump in the BJM Pumps , LLC Pumps market Maintain standardization , compatibility and Chemical Transfer Pumps IWAKI consistency for operation and maintenance Ms Farmer stated staff respectfully requests approval to sole source purchase the items referenced above for the proposed project Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked if there were any anticipated supply chain issues Ms Farmer responded she is not aware of any issues , but procurement will begin early in the process Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved sole source purchasing the above listed identified items for the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant , 14 - 18 MGD Design Build Expansion Project 12 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of January 2023 , as follows Enforced Collections January2023 YTD 22 23 Wage Garnishments 2 87 Bank Attachments 0 42 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed January 2023 0 Pending 4 Dollars Collected January 2023 0 Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2022 Real and Personal Levy 2021 Real and Personal Levy As of January 31 , 2023 As of January 31 , 2022 169,249,97429 Levy 157,107,29879 Levy 163,172,53319 Payments 152,027,49669 Payments 6,077,44110 Balance 5,079,80210 Balance 9641 Collected 9677 Collected - 036 RMV – NCVTS Collections January 2023 January 2022 1,782,47849 1,514,92614 YTD 22 23 - 11,995,91803 YTD 21 22 - 10,952,30838 Ms Andrews stated the 2025 revaluation process has begun with the vendor on site and signage on the vehicles for identification purposes She stated activity will begin in the eastern part of the County and move to the more densely populated areas Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr noted the increases in the real and personal levies as well as the motor vehicle collections , stating it appears to be an overall 13 million increase in revenue Ms Andrews confirmed that is correct Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated in his work with the bank he reviews recent real estate transactions and he noted that there have been revaluations with neighboring counties that have surprised and troubled the public in those areas He expressed concern that Johnston County will end up in the same situation Page4364 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Smith commented that the value of the real estate will not determine the taxes that the people will pay He stated the tax rate is determined by the Board of Commissioners including whether it is to be kept revenue neutral or if there will be a tax increase The Board commended the Tax Office for their excellent work 13 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester stated in speaking with Adrian O’Neal , the County’s Parks , Recreation & Open Space Director , regarding grant opportunities , some of those may require matches , which would be brought back to the Board for approval at the appropriate time He asked for Mr O’Neal to briefly update the Board on some of the grants in the works Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commented that Johnston County has the best Parks , Recreation & Open Space Director in the State Mr O’Neal addressed the Board and provided updates on current grants He stated the Paved Trails Feasibility Study has been discussed in a previous meeting and is identified for the East Coast Greenway and the Mountains to Sea Trail He stated this is a North Carolina Department of Transportation Grant in the amount of 118,500 with the match of 5,928 He stated this will help determine target routes , feasibility , and cost projections of trails Mr O’Neal shared that the North Carolina Land and Water Fund Grant is associated with the Wilson’s Mills property that is a partnership between the County and Johnston County Schools He stated this grant would be 11 million ; however , because of the wet area on the property that cannot be developed , there is an anticipated land match Mr O’Neal stated the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant is something that staff plans to apply for each year He stated part of the land in the Cleveland area was purchased with proceeds from this grant in the past and this grant can be matched with other grants Mr O’Neal stated a Master Plan for the Cleveland area park will be presented to the Board in the coming months He stated there may be matches through the Open Space Fund or an application can be made to the Land and Water Conservation Fund He stated the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant is 500,000 and requires a 500,000 match At the inquiry of Commissioner Richard D Braswell , Mr O’Neal updated the Board with regards to completed trail sections in the County 14 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Richard D Braswell stated there was a recent meeting with Harnett County officials and he was impressed with their campus He stated when there are good facilities that are practical and functional it creates a citizen pride Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he serves on the Alliance Mental Health Board and there is a need for mental health facilities in Johnston County He thanked Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris for arranging meetings with the appropriate personnel to discuss these matters Commissioner Godwin stated there is a meeting tomorrow with Alliance , and he is hopeful for something positive to come out of that meeting Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris commended Commissioner Godwin for his leadership and service on the Alliance Board stating he is pleased with the progress Vice Chairman Harris noted on the Consent Agenda the Board approved an option to purchase 47 acres between Johnston County and John Timothy Hughes He stated he would like for the Board to discuss beginning an RFQ process for design services for a Department of Social Services Building and an Administration Building on that property Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated the Board can begin looking at delivery methods for a project on the Hughes tract such as design build or construction manager at risk Commissioner Godwin agreed and stated this needs to be done sooner than later Commissioner April Stephens shared with the Board information about a terrible accident in the Benson area where four bystanders helped pull a mother and three children out of a burning vehicle She stated thePage5365 March 6 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued family and others are trying to identify those individuals that helped and she has spoken with County Manager Rick Hester about possibly forming a local Hometown Heroes Project where Board members can publicly recognize those that come to the aid of others She thanked Mr Hester for his work notifying the Department of Transportation about the need for a study and a four - way stop at that intersection where several accidents have occurred Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked for prayers for the family of Joe Preston who recently passed away He noted that Mr Preston came before the Board regularly during public comments and stated this is the second time this year that someone has passed away that participated frequently in public comments Chairman Lawter also mentioned the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization CAMPO and stated with the Census , it appears that Clayton , Archer Lodge and potentially part of the Wilson’s Mills area could form their own Metropolitan Planning Organization MPO He stated the Department of Transportation should be reporting about this soon Chairman Lawter announced that March 15 and 16 is the Strategic Planning Session of the Board being held at Campbell University He noted there will be a social function at the end of the first day for the Commissioners to gather for a meal 15 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege and NCGS 14331811 a 5 Acquisition of Property Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Vice Chairman 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 and to establish or instruct staff concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 5 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board to adjourn closed session and resume regular session Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Richard D Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 11 30 am RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage