May 1, 2023 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 489 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners May 1 , 2023 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , May 1 , 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 , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell and April Stephens Absent None 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 Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with a prayer American Legion Post 270 of Smithfield led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag 1 Veterans Services Office – Memorial Day Proclamation Veterans Services Officer Robert Boyette requested the Board to adopt a proclamation for Memorial Day 2023 Mr Boyette stated there are 14,000 veterans in Johnston County and he thanked the Board for their support of veterans Mr Boyette invited everyone to attend a Memorial Day Celebration on May 29 , 2023 at 11 00 am in the Old Superior Courtroom at the Johnston County Courthouse Commissioner Ted G Godwin read aloud the following Memorial Day Proclamation and moved for its adoption Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote Memorial Day Proclamation Johnston County Board of Commissioners May 29 , 2023 WHEREAS , on Memorial Day , America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the security of our nation ; and WHEREAS , we are constantly reminded that there are those in the world who would attempt to deprive us of our freedom and undermine our nation’s very foundation ; and WHEREAS , military men and women from Johnston County have served our nation throughout American history with 248 Johnston County service members losing their lives in action in WWI , WWII , the Korean War , the Vietnam War , the Gulf War , and the War in Iraq and Afghanistan ; and WHEREAS , by honoring these proud Soldiers , Sailors , Airmen , Marines and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout our country’s history , we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve ; and WHEREAS , the citizens of Johnston County must never take for granted our privileges and freedom or forget to give thanks and honor to those who risk their lives so that we may enjoy our many blessings NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 29 , 2023 as Memorial Day in Johnston County and urges citizens to remember the bravery of those who gave their lives , so that their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the cost of our freedom Adopted this the 1st day of May , 2023 2 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented Page490 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – March 15 & 16 , 2023 Work Session ; April 3 , 2023 10 00 am & 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Long Grass Drive SR 3341 ext and Eastland Court – Walkers Ridge – Cleveland Township Redhawk Place , N Hawks Ridge Lane , S Hawks Ridge Lane and Raptor Drive – Redhawk Landing – Smithfield Township C Call for Public Hearing – Proposed County Budget for FY 2023 - 2024 The Board scheduled a public hearing for the June 5 , 2023 10 00 am meeting on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 Additional special meetings to be scheduled D Budget Revisions , approved as follows Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 8,31569 10 51003350 Supplies - Special - Sheriff 2,50000 10 51004300 Special Services 10000 10 51007414 Capital Outlay – Sheriff 38329 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 11,29898 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032106 Controlled Substance Tax 38329 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 8,07569 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 2,60000 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 24000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 11,29898 Social Services REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61001400 Travel 5000 10 61001900 General Assistance 33735 10 61004515 Program Expense 2,14621 10 61101917 LIEAP Program 13,27673 10 61106217 Low Inc Household Water Assistance Program 10603 10 61401902 State County General Assistance 7,31633 10 61401906 State Foster Care 1,55218 10 61451906 State Foster Care 1,55215 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 26,33698 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE Page491 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 10 610034123 Social Services Administration 26,33698 TOTAL NET REVENUE 26,33698Page492 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued E Appointments • Brogden Fire Protection District Commission – Appointed Cecil C Woodall for a two year term to expire on April 30 , 2025 • Nahunta Fire Protection District Commission – Reappointed Janelle E Fiamingo for a two year term to expire on April 30 , 2025 and granted Ms Fiamingo a waiver in the length of service policy • Shoeheel Fire Protection District Commission – Reappointed Stephen Bradley Pittman for a two year term to expire on April 30 , 2025 F Tax Releases & Refunds – 03 16 2023 – 04 15 2023 Motor Vehicle Release Refund Report Year Bill # Acct # Name Tran Type Paid 2022 2303 - 649145 2301 - 671725 G & G Builders of Wendell , Inc Overpayment 13698 Real Personal Property ReleasesPagePage pageNumber5493 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 3 16 2023 3 00 01 PM cfutch 2022 - 18332 2000029403 BUNN , TONY MARTIN 2,41143 2,41143 3 24 2023 7 29 04 AM ALassiter 2022 - 25145 2000206912 CLOUD JUMPER 27253 27253 3 24 2023 7 39 24 AM ALassiter 2022 - 201003 2000202554 PRESTON , CALVIN M III 75778 75778 3 27 2023 8 37 48 AM ALassiter 2022 - 113983 2000249223 CONNECTIVITY SOURCE 20320 20320 3 31 2023 11 07 43 AM ALassiter 2022 - 88719 2000249265 GPM INVESTMENTS 3,54160 3,54160 3 31 2023 11 12 42 AM ALassiter 2022 - 88682 2000249256 GPM INVESTMENTS 4,08499 4,08499 4 6 2023 8 46 20 AM AlLaassssitieter r 2023 - 800060 2000141620 G & G BUILDERS INC 13569 13569 4 6 2023 8 47 47 AM ALassiter 2023 - 800061 2000141620 G & G BUILDERS INC 13792 13792 4 6 2023 8 50 18 AM ALassiter 2023 - 800063 2000141620 G & G BUILDERS INC 35376 35376 Real Personal Property Refunds AMOUNT TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME 3 16 2023 2 08 02 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 85852 2000159259 SAPP , TRACY MITCHELL 37316 3 17 2023 1 53 08 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 111047 2000185614 WALKER , MARIA G 43069 3 20 2023 8 55 13 AM jmorrow 2022 - 74334 2000202280 PARSHLEY , DEAN WALTER 12757 3 20 2023 2 39 11 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 5196 2000192092 BAGWELL , JASON M 36593 3 20 2023 2 43 25 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 32619 2000152081 EVANS , BRIAN 23917 3 20 2023 3 02 26 PM jmorrow 2022 - 53403 2000115356 KEITH , DONALD DEWITT 1,34124 3 20 2023 3 04 06 PM jmorrow 2022 - 56738 2000108717 LAVEE HOLT BAILEY 3,07329 REVOCABLE TRUST 3 20 2023 3 05 33 PM jmorrow 2022 - 48582 2000046337 HERRING , DAVID G 4,94280 3 21 2023 8 52 24 AM tmeacomes 2022 - 5196 2000192092 BAGWELL , JASON M 30753 3 23 2023 11 17 20 AM awstancil 2022 - 21765 2000198440 CBK ENTERPRISES 1,13262 3 24 2023 10 56 08 AM jevans 2022 - 80476 2000061301 RAY , SADE PAUL 35707 3 24 2023 2 39 34 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 65068 2000077251 MCLEOD , JODY L 3,66340 3 27 2023 8 14 48 AM tmeacomes 2022 - 99341 2000152679 VALADEZ , MARIA S 1,06482 3 27 2023 9 04 42 AM awstancil 2022 - 93132 2000178966 STITH , LISA 2,27104 3 27 2023 9 11 42 AM awstancil 2022 - 54584 2000180596 KNIGHT , PAMELA R 2,26312 3 27 2023 1 37 01 PM awstancil 2022 - 29484 2000228054 PEREZ , TONYA SUE 52289 3 27 2023 4 20 06 PM awstancil 2022 - 29484 2000228054 PEREZ , TONYA SUE 22193 3 27 2023 4 23 03 PM awstancil 2022 - 96926 2000157639 THORNTON , WILLIAM ASHLEY 30096 3 29 2023 11 35 37 AM awstancil 2022 - 31352 2000132256 ENNIS , DAVID LAVON 36143 3 29 2023 2 27 31 PM awstancil 2022 - 80755 74621180 RAYNOR , RUDOLPH 24000 4 3 2023 8 28 43 AM ONLINE 2022 - 15514 2000242153 BYRDS WHOLESALE 14907 4 3 2023 1 09 00 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 15039 2000032713 BROWN , DANNY VESTER 52697 4 3 2023 2 59 00 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 85262 2000181788 PERDUE , PERRY D 21007 4 4 2023 8 09 28 AM ONLINE 2022 - 41722 2000065179 HEATH , ALVIN TRAVIS SR 20000 4 5 2023 3 21 55 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 9380 2000007370 BASS , JAMES D 10836 4 5 2023 3 21 55 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 124034 2000207147 C & B DEVELOPMENT , LLC 36373 4 5 2023 3 21 55 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 124023 2000207147 C & B DEVELOPMENT , LLC 36373 4 5 2023 3 21 55 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 124036 2000207147 C & B DEVELOPMENT , LLC 15956 4 5 2023 3 21 55 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 85354 2000209151 SANCHEZ , NANCY 61635 4 7 2023 2 55 11 PM LOCKBOX 2022 - 44841 2000175381 HOLLOMAN , ELIZABETH 1,90291 CHESTNUT 4 10 2023 9 14 02 AM awstancil 2022 - 52145 2000193233 JONES , DENISE W 16394 4 10 2023 11 00 25 AM awstancil 2022 - 6338 4351820 BAILEY , JOHNNY WILBERT 50337 4 10 2023 1 02 07 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 38125 2000199671 GRAY , ROY A JR 21838 4 10 2023 1 41 41 PM awstancil 2022 - 27194 2000040303 DENNING , WILFRED MARLIN 25570 4 11 2023 1 39 46 PM awstancil 2022 - 17124 2000173923 BRIANS AUTO REPAIR LLC 24086 4 13 2023 7 36 34 AM tcronan 2022 - 59179 2000116927 JOHNSON , JIMMY 13297 4 14 2023 1 55 17 PM awstancil 2022 - 5297 2000066138 BAILEY , FREDDIE JR 32512 4 14 2023 2 41 28 PM awstancil 2022 - 40653 2000129701 HARGIS , LEE A 67495PagePage pageNumber6494 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued AMOUNT TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME 4 14 2023 2 50 38 PM awstancil 2022 - 80162 2000142445 RAMIREZ , CELINA JAIMES 1,00706 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – March 2023 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # Reason HAWKEY , 0069809790 182079088 Military 19725 JONATHAN 2162 KALA 21887 0071027906 182502086 Adjustment 10877 HODGE , JIM 1639 MCCOY 12516 0067858833 366086292 Situs error 22059 HUDDLESTON , 4257 DONALD WADE 7353 JR 25155 0069729681 181909276 Adjustment 18688 3008 LEE , GEORGE RODRICK 21696 0070897118 363818604 Situs error 10446 MURRAY , JOHN 1649 CUTLER 3482 12279 0071025426 364871032 Situs error 17542 8309 5847 ONEAL , JOSEPH LYNN 15080 0071082382 273977115 Adjustment 5775 4746 SPENCER , 000 JOHN DAVID 10521 4 Public Comments None 5 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 The Honorable Retired Judge Addie Rawls , Juvenile Crime Prevention Council JCPC Chair , presented the Council’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 and requested its approval She recognized JCPC Vice Chair Steve Strickland in attendance Judge Rawls reported the State’s allocation for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 is anticipated to be 393,380 , and the JCPC is requesting 112,000 from the County for the upcoming year Judge Rawls presented the following to the Board We are mandated by statute to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners funding for dispositional alternatives for sentencing juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent or undisciplined Currently , it costs each individual county 12200 per day for a juvenile that is held in detention and the State 126,401 per year for each juvenile that is committed to a Youth Development Center , formerly known as training school Currently Johnston County has at least 1 committed in training school There are three levels of sanctions Level 1 includes community service , restitution , emergency home shelter and community - based programs that target changing the negative behavior of delinquent youth Level 2 sanctions include community service and restitution , structured day and other out of home placements Level 3 is commitment to training school We recommend funding for the following programs PagePage pageNumber7495 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Johnston County Youth Services This program has several components The Structured Day Program is used for juveniles who have been short and long term suspended from school and are on juvenile probation This is a Level 2 sanction and is frequently used by the Court to prevent further delinquent behavior of youth suspended from the school system The actual cash money requested from the County is used to pay for the instructor in this program The State funds will not pay for an instructor and this program cannot exist without an instructor The next component is New Directions , which is a Guided Growth Program with a male group that meets twice a week and a female group that meets twice a week This program will address the needs of juveniles by providing mentors and counselors to deal with anger management , conflict resolution and problem solving The third component is Restoration Alternatives , a program that provides community service and restitution It is one of our most used programs and it provides restitution to victims of crimes The juveniles perform contract work for the citizens of Johnston County and the money paid is applied towards that juvenile’s court obligations The program coordinator of this program works on site with the juveniles and has limited part - time help Recommended Funding 234,699 , plus anticipated 65,494 in county funds for instructor and maintaining raise the age standards Preparing To Soar Teen Court Teen Court provides an alternative to prosecution of youth between the ages of 11 - 17 Youth are sanctioned with constructive sentences by a jury of their peers This program trains volunteers as courtroom clerks , bailiffs , jurors , defense , and prosecuting attorneys Recommended Funding 95,040 , plus anticipated 37,980 in county funds to maintain operations st The 21 Century Village Passport to Success The Passport to Success Program is designed to equip students with the interpersonal skills necessary to interact positively with others The program focuses on helping youth deal with behavioral issues that may hinder successful school performance The program begins with targeting students needs , creating goals to translate needs into effective social behaviors , and ends with behavioral outcomes that improve their personal and academic growth Groups will meet 2 days per week for 16 weeks Recommended Funding 48,665 , plus anticipated 2,767 in county funds to maintain operations The Exchange To mentor , educate and empower minority students through culture awareness , education , and self - esteem enrichment We desire to develop youth who will have the tools necessary to successfully navigate their current environment and succeed educationally We will provide college tours , classroom shadowing sessions , parent advocate sessions , workshops on social and educational topics and community service opportunities Recommended Funding 6,976 , plus anticipated 5,759 in county funds to maintain operations Administrative Budget These are funds set aside to cover the expenses of the committee which include the salary of the administrative assistant , mail , and other administrative costs As a committee , we must advertise the availability of funds and meet at the very least on a monthly basis We currently have at least ten meetings per year and minutes are taken at these meetings Additionally , we provide community awareness through conferences , yearly achievement recognitions of juveniles in our programs , training , and expenses of the board members The State allows us to set aside up to 15,000 , but we only allocate a minimum amount Any overage is usually allocated back to our programs Recommended Funding 8,000PagePage pageNumber8496 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Total Anticipated Amount from State 393,380 Total Anticipated Requested from County 112,000 Judge Rawls reported as was mentioned in her request , it currently costs 122 a day for each child that is in detention She stated each County is given a block of funding from the State of North Carolina and a 20 in kind or cash match is required to provide services Judge Rawls noted that effective July 1 , 2023 , this will increase to 150 a day Judge Rawls stated Re - Entry closed last year and some of those funds can be reallocated to continue with summer programs She noted one of the programs had transportation issues , but because of the new program with JCATS , there is now some assistance to help children with transportation to the program in Selma and then back to their homes Judge Rawls continued that there are less children in teen court because of a mandate from the State for first time offenders to try other measures to avoid the court system Judge Rawls commended County Manager Rick Hester for his assistance and further commended the Board of Commissioners for their support The Board thanked Judge Rawls for her continued work with the JCPC Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board approve the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s State budget and the local allocation in the amount of 112,000 for the upcoming FY 2023 - 2024 budget Commissioner Richard D Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote 6 Recovery Alive , Inc – Presentation to the Board Ms Tisha Temple , National Outreach Director , Recovery Alive , Inc , shared information with the Board on educational training services related to co - occurring substance use disorder and mental health conditions offered by Recovery Alive , Inc She introduced Recovery Alive , Inc COO Tasha Ellington Ms Temple provided an information packet to the Commissioners and stated that she lives in long - term recovery which means that she has chosen not to use any mind or mood altering substances since July 26 , 2014 She stated her previous employment was with the Alcohol Drug Council of North Carolina for four and a half years Ms Temple stated she is a certified substance abuse counselor for the State of North Carolina and she is passionate about her work Ms Temple reported that Recovery Alive , Inc was founded in Johnston County , North Carolina by John Eklund in 2020 when COVID - 19 opened the door for more online recovery meetings She stated not all recovery groups were open to this shift , so Recovery Alive leaders created the organization to fill this gap Ms Temple stated the mission of the organization is to have an ambitious and optimistic church - based response to human brokenness rooted in Christ centered 12 steps She stated the purpose of Recovery Alive , Inc is to construct systems of care in recovery ready churches She reported a comprehensive twelve step curriculum is offered in person and online to help individuals and groups move through the process of recovery and the program offers an early intervention comprehensive twelve step curriculum for teens and children Ms Temple stated Recovery Alive , Inc offers harm reduction services and education and training which includes overdose reversal education and training services , distribution of naloxone kits , substance test kits , safer sex kits , medication disposal kits , wound care supplies , and medication lock boxes Ms Temple shared stories with the Board from an opioid overdose survivor , a survivor of childhood sexual trauma , and her husband who is a suicide attempt survivor She stated educational training around church friendly training resources outline a simple plan to provide recovery for those with and without a church community She stated the program provides a network of support to communities throughout the country through recovery equipped churches Ms Temple reported suicide is the twelfth leading cause of death in the United States and in 2020 , 45,979 Americans died by suicide She stated in 2020 , there were an estimated 120 million suicide attempts Ms Temple stated Recovery Alive , Inc not only assists with drug , alcohol , depression , and substance abuse , but assists with mental health issues Ms Temple explained that their program is possible with the assistance of engagement from nonprofits , faith communities , and community coalitions to support people in prisons , jails , alcohol drug treatment centers , and mental health facilities She stated the program supports family members in their efforts to support persons co - occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions She noted the program provides transportation to recovery programs related to opioid use disorders and other substance use disorders and mental health treatment centers PagePage pageNumber9497 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Temple shared her personal story of surviving drug use , prostitution , and homelessness stating the prison ministry had a huge impact on her life She stated the prison ministry provides access to recovery housing for people with co - occurring opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders and mental health conditions Ms Temple shared her personal relationship with Christ but noted that a relationship with Jesus is not a requirement to stay in the Recovery Alive facility She stated the focus is to provide a safe place for people to know that they are surrounded by those that have been in their place Ms Temple provided the Board with information on upcoming events and meetings and thanked the Board for allowing her to present their mission Ms Temple asked for guidance on how to request funding from the County to support their program Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commended Ms Temple for her work with Recovery Alive , Inc and thanked them for what they do Chairman Lawter suggested Ms Temple reach out to County Manager Rick Hester on the process of requesting funding from the County during the budget process Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he attended Recovery Alive’s recent banquet and was really impressed at the individuals that have received assistance from the program He thanked Ms Temple and Ms Ellington for their interest in the community He stated the work they do is changing the lives of individuals At the inquiry of Commissioner Tony Braswell , Ms Temple stated Mr Brandon Gray won the car from the recent fundraiser and donated it back to Recovery Alive Commissioner April Stephens suggested Ms Temple consider a partnership with the hospital and a possible collaboration with Public Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson 7 Health Department – Approval of Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 Fee Schedules Assistant Health Director Steve Strickland requested the Board to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 fee schedules for the Behavioral , Preventive , and Environmental Health Divisions He stated there are minor changes recommended for the Environmental Health schedule charging lab fees for water analysis that is no lower than the current rate charged by the State He stated the changes in the Preventive Health and Behavioral Health schedules represent changes in Medicaid , Medicare , or private insurance increase and decreases Mr Strickland stated the Board of Health recommended approval of the fee schedules at their April 11 , 2023 meeting He noted the fees are comparable to other counties and they have a team that reviews them each year Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he serves on the Board of Health and these schedules were reviewed and recommended for approval by the Board of Health unanimously He commended Mr Strickland for his leadership in Public Health Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated that Mr Strickland is an unsung hero serving with JCATS , Community & Senior Services , and the Health Department Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr agreed with Commissioner Godwin noting that Mr Strickland does a tremendous amount of work for the County behind the scenes Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the fee schedules for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 , as follows Page0498 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage1499 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Preventive Health Fee SchedulePage2500 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage3501 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage4502 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage5503 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 8 NCDOT – Multi - Modal Transportation Rail Division Presentation North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division Director Jason Orthner presented to the Board a presentation regarding Multi - Modal Transportation He stated the North Carolina Department of Transportation has one of the most robust rail divisions in the country Mr Orthner stated his staff is serious about providing passenger service , freight , and overseeing safety on the rail system He shared the mission statement as follows Page6504 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Orthner stated there are three major rail programs , including freight , passenger , and safety programs He reviewed the following maps of the rail system in North Carolina Mr Orthner stated there are partnerships with Norfolk Southern , CSX , the North Carolina Railroad Company , Amtrack , and 25 short line railroads across the State He stated the Freight Rail and Rail Safety Improvements FRRCSI program has projects all over the State of North Carolina and the program works with the short line railroads on track improvements and customers that want to do business along the rail line specifically around manufacturing Mr Orthner stated safety includes building crossings , bridges , and grade separations He stated the division manages 1 billion in the State Transportation Improvement Program which include the following Page7505 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Orthner stated the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working with MPOs across the State for the next version of prioritization as rail broadens He shared the types of passenger rail as follows Mr Orthner shared the following as it relates to the Intercity Passenger Rail Program He stated the Piedmont service between Raleigh and Charlotte and Carolinian service between Charlotte and New York are two of the most successful rail services in the country He reported that last year they had highest ridership in the country in 32 years with over 522,000 passengers at the end of 2022 which was 13 greater than 2019 before the pandemic Mr Orthner shared a map of the system from Charlotte , Raleigh , Selma , and Rocky Mount north Page8506 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Orthner stated there is a feeder line serving Wilmington and Morehead City He continued that Amtrack provides four route services through North Carolina , Washington to Atlanta , and services from New York to Florida through North Carolina He stated another Piedmont will be added this year due to the success and demand of the program and this would be service from Raleigh to Charlotte Mr Orthner continued with the presentation by sharing the following Mr Orthner stated last year the FRA established a new program called the Corridor ID Program and he noted that North Carolina may win for the most corridors submitted He stated the corridors in the east will need to come through Johnston County He noted the selection of the corridors should be determined by September of this year and if any are not selected this year then they will be resubmitted next year under the same program Page9507 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage0508 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Orthner concluded his presentation stating the FRA Corridor Program is the beginning of a pipeline of projects that will have a system to be funded and entered into operation He stated these are the first phasesPage1509 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued of the discretionary funding program and under the bipartisan infrastructure law safety , freight , and passengers are of importance He stated the advanced appropriations are 66 billion for Fiscal Year 22 - 26 and the fully authorized funds are 36 billion for Fiscal Year 22 - 26 in total funding Mr Orthner stated he looks forward to working with Johnston County Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated this has been an impressive presentation Commissioner Godwin recognized Mr Scott Saylor , former CEO of North Carolina Railroad , in the audience Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr expressed his support for the twelve projects and the connections in Morehead , Selma , and Raleigh Chairman Lawter recognized Selma Mayor Byron McAllister in the audience He encouraged other Towns to support stops near their areas Commissioner Godwin asked of the twelve applications submitted , what are odds of those all being funded Mr Orthner responded that all the corridors have the potential for significant success and meet the criteria Chairman Lawter asked when looking at greenway trails and safety , if there are funding opportunities for pedestrian bridges Mr Orthner responded that Brian Brumfield leads the Integrated Mobility Division and is working closely with the pedestrian aspect on development and funding to support these initiatives Mayor McAllister stated the Town of Selma supports these programs and efforts to expand rail in North Carolina He stated he is excited about the opportunity of connecting with other towns in Johnston County and the entire State Mayor McAllister stated he appreciates the work being placed on mobility in Johnston County and the work of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division Chairman Lawter stated unless there were objections , he would provide a letter of support on behalf of the Board for Intercity Passenger Rail before tonight’s meeting and he would also reach out to the Mayors and Managers in Wilson’s Mills and Clayton to see if they are interested in adopting a Resolution of Support There were no objections by the Board Chairman Lawter thanked Mr Orthner for his presentation 9 Animal Services – Proposed Revisions to Chapter 4 Code of Ordinances County Attorney Jennifer Slusser presented proposed clarifying amendments to the Johnston County Code of Ordinances , Chapter 4 – Animals Ms Slusser explained that staff proposes minor clarifying edits and re - numbering mostly for Section 4 - 16 , entitled “ Keeping Stray Animals ; Failure to Surrender ” She stated that Director of Animal Services Chad Massengill and Shelter Superintendent Chuck Lively were present to assist with questions from the Board Ms Slusser stated in reviewing the ordinance , revisions were needed regarding the keeping of stray animals and surrender She continued that the purpose is to help reunite an animal to its rightful owner and if the animal cannot be reunited , it is then placed for adoption She stated Section 4 - 17 of the ordinance references the amount of time an animal is given before it is deemed abandoned in the case of a law enforcement action or medical emergency She stated the standard amount of time is 72 hours , and this would extend it to 120 hours for reunification Ms Slusser stated staff has not received a lot of feedback from the public about these revisions , and it is not expected for them to be controversial Ms Slusser requested the Board to approve the revisions and offered to answer any questions Commissioner Tony Braswell commended Mr Massengill and his staff stating they do an outstanding job Commissioner T Braswell noted he has adopted three animals from the shelter Commissioner Ted G Godwin expressed his concerns with proposed language in the ordinance as follows “ it shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to surrender any stray animal to an authorized representative of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office or Animal Services upon demand of the representative ” He stated this language seems arbitrary as well as the language “ it shall be unlawful for any person or organization to accept any animal that is stray or where the owner has no proof of ownership of said animal ” Commissioner Godwin noted his dog was given to him by a farmer in Wilson County and he does not have proof of ownership of that dog Page2510 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Slusser reminded the Board that the ordinance is enforced civilly and not criminally She stated there are often times a stray will found by someone and Mr Massengill will post a picture with the hopes that the owner and animal can be reunited She stated after the 72 hours passes and no owner comes forward , the animal could be given to the person that found it She stated the purpose of the ordinance is to ensure an opportunity exists so that animals can be returned to their rightful owner if at all possible Mr Massengill stated a lot of times people are not reporting stray animals and the larceny of an animal is a felony He stated they are trying to prevent a situation where law enforcement has to be involved because someone does not report the stray animal Commissioner April Stephens suggested the public information team get the word out so citizens will be aware of the changes Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated this language makes it unlawful to take in a stray animal and keep it without reporting it to Animal Services because there could be a family out there searching for their pet He stated this would help pets to be returned to their rightful owners Mr Massengill stated the important thing is that if an animal is found , that a picture of it needs to be forwarded to Animal Services so they can send out that picture and potentially the owner can be found Commissioner Stephens asked if there is a lost and found Facebook group Mr Massengill responded there is a lost and found site on the County website Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the following revisions to Chapter 4 of the Johnston County Code of Ordinances Page3511 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage4512 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 10 Public Utilities – Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Sole Source Request Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer reported the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility CJCRWWTF Improvements project is at the 90 design state She stated the project is included in the County’s previously approved Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Plan and includes preliminary treatment grit removal and a new SCADA system at the existing plant site She stated the projectPage5513 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued engineer Hazen & Sawyer and staff recommend sole sourcing several components of the proposed project in order to maintain standardization and consistency , as follows Item Manufacturer Reasoning • Only qualified manufacturer vendor of this type of Grit Removal Eutek HeadCell equipment Equipment Hydro International • Previously approved for the 210 WWTF • WEMCO was the product selected for installation at the 210 WWTF after a competitive bid process Grit Pump & Installation of the same product at the CJCRWWTF WEMCO Cyclone Classifier will allow the County to maintain standardization , compatibility and consistency for operation and maintenance • Hirschmann Ethernet switches were selected for installation at the 210 WWTF Installation of the Ethernet Switches Hirschmann same product at the CJCRWWTF will allow the County to maintain standardization , compatibility and consistency for operation and maintenance • Ignition is the previously selected software for the County’s upgraded SCADA system Installation of the same software is essential to integrate the systems SCADA Software Ignition and allow the County to maintain standardization , compatibility and consistency for operation and maintenance Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if the improvements will last through the decommission process of the existing plant Ms Farmer responded yes , these will last through the lifetime of the existing plant At the inquiry of Commissioner Richard D Braswell , Ms Farmer stated currently the permit allows for operation at 115 mgd and the additional nitrogen has been acquired to allow for 135 mgd She stated staff will be working with the State to modify the permit when the new plant is online Ms Farmer stated an expansion at the new plant site is in progress to go from 4 mgd to 8 mgd and it will be a matter of timing and where the flow will be coming from as to which option will be considered and where the 2 mgd and nitrogen is used accordingly Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the sole source purchase of items referenced above for the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Ms Farmer reported that at the Board’s request there will be a stakeholder meeting on May 11 , 2023 at 3 00 pm in the Johnston County Land Use Center conference room to discuss the draft Wastewater Allocation Policy She stated feedback is being requested from stakeholders and the draft is currently located on the Public Utilities website with stakeholders being encouraged to provide comments She stated there will be an additional week to provide comments before the information comes back to the Board 11 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of March 2023 , as follows Enforced Collections March 2023 YTD 22 23 Wage Garnishments 140 390 Bank Attachments 334 464 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed March 2023 0 Pending 4 Dollars Collected March 2023 0Page6514 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 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 March 31 , 2023 As of March 31 , 2022 169,235,37278 Levy 157,074,69600 Levy 167,826,91259 Payments 155,690,54592 Payments 1,408,46019 Balance 1,384,15008 Balance 9917 Collected 9912 Collected + 005 RMV – NCVTS Collections March 2023 March 2022 2,010,42988 1,814,98034 YTD 22 23 - 15,612,88804 YTD 21 22 - 14,242,43685 12 Manager Reports and Comments None 13 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated the team at UNC Health Johnston in Clayton did an outstanding job while his wife was there for a procedure recently Commissioner Godwin also commended Public Information Officers Adam Carroll and Ben Armstrong for their assistance to him last Friday Commissioner Godwin stated although he was able to attend the meeting in person today , they did an outstanding job working with him on how to attend virtually if needed Commissioner Godwin reported the Smithfield Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity , Inc recently held their second annual 1911 Bike Fest fundraiser Commissioner Godwin stated the fraternity focuses their endeavors on mentorship , scholarships and education in typically high - risk communities Commissioner Godwin mentioned that Kevin Richards with Team Flow , the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Town of Smithfield Police Department were instrumental in the bike event Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr brought to everyone’s attention the Wastewater Allocation Policy stakeholders meeting mentioned by Utilities Director Chandra Farmer to be held on May 11 , 2023 at 3 00 pm at the Land Use Center He asked the Commissioners to continue their review of that draft policy Chairman Lawter also stated a draft letter would be sent to the Board for review regarding the rail program Chairman Lawter reminded the Board of the need to soon make a decision on whether or not the County wants to establish its own Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Lawter stated the Department of Transportation has invited representatives from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization CAMPO , Johnston County , Clayton and Archer Lodge for a meeting on Wednesday and he stated he would provide feedback to the Board after that meeting Chairman Lawter also stated with potential building projects coming up there has been internal discussions about a training workshop on construction delivery methods which would cover the design bid build , construction manager at risk and the design build process where they could evaluate those processes and become familiar with them Chairman Lawter stated there has been interest from several towns to join in that they also have upcoming building projects Chairman Lawter asked the County Manager to set up a time and place for a meeting with all involved to plan on how to make the best use of the tax dollars of the Johnston County citizens 14 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege , NCGS 14331811 a 4 Economic Development and NCGS 14331811 a 6 - PersonnelPage7515 May 1 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 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 , to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 4 and for the purposes of personnel pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 6 No action was taken by the Board Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris moved the Board to adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote 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 12 27 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage