December 4, 2023 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 893 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners December 4 , 2023 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , December 4 , 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 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 Cuddington , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk 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 Marine Corps League Detachment 1236 of Johnston County led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Lawter reminded everyone of the Board’s six priorities including Public Safety , Infrastructure , County Employees , Financial Stewardship , Educational Funding , and Land Use and the Board’s continuing efforts to keep these priorities in mind when working through the agenda The Chairman noted that Commissioner Tony Braswell would not be attending the Board meeting this morning but would join the evening session 1 Organization of the Board Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris called on County Manager Rick Hester to conduct the nominations for Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Board County Manager Rick Hester called for nominations for Chairman of the Board Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr nominated Commissioner RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , to serve as Chairman There being no further nominations , the County Manager closed the nominations , and Commissioner Lawter was elected by acclamation to serve as Chairman for a one - year term Chairman Lawter thanked the citizens and the Board for trusting him to serve as a Commissioner and Chairman Chairman Lawter stated he looks forward to serving as Chairman again Vice Chairman of the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin nominated Commissioner Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , to serve as Vice Chairman There being no further nominations , the Chairman closed the nominations and Commissioner Harris was elected by acclamation to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board for a one - year term Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Board and as Vice Chairman He stated all the Board members work to the best of their ability to serve the citizens of Johnston County and he is thankful to be a part of that work 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 moving Item Number 6 Appointments to the 6 00 pm meeting 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 Page894 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued A Approval of Minutes – November 6 , 2023 - 10 00 am and 6 00 pm B Call for Public Hearing – Johnston County Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance The Board scheduled a public hearing for the March 4 , 2024 10 00 am meeting to allow for public comment on proposed ordinance amendments as it relates to Erosion and Sediment Control C RTZ Advisory Board Appointment The Board appointed Niels Nielsen to the RTZ Advisory Board representing Novo Nordisk to fill an unexpired term ending December 31 , 2024 D County Attorney’s Office – Sole Source Procurement for Legal Management Software Per the request of staff , the Board approved Sole Source Procurement for HighQ legal management software from Thomson Reuters with a one - time implementation cost of 30,55000 and software subscription and licensing at 1,99700 per month The Johnston County Attorneys Office does not have a case , matter , and document management software system that consolidates information in a single platform HighQ provides a secure , customized , integrated software solution for legal intake , case , matter , and document management , public records workflow , team collaboration , and reporting intended to enhance services provided This request meets sole source requirements because it is a needed product that provides an enterprise - wide software application system that is available from only one source of supply and is compatible with the current software systems , enhancing effective and efficient operations The proposed scope of work and quote were negotiated , and the proposal was reviewed by Tech Services staff E Design - Build Project Delivery – Johnston County Law Enforcement Center - Public Defender’s Office Upfit Project The North Carolina General Assembly established a Public Defenders Office for Johnston County effective July 1 , 2024 Johnston County is responsible for providing space for this office and the schedule demands require this work be completed as soon as possible in such a manner to meet the needs of Johnston County and the Court System Given the immediate need of the Public Defenders Office Upfit Project , the flexibility required to move the project forward , and the anticipated cost of this project , staff reports the design - build project delivery method advantages best coincide with the core needs and risks of this project Per the request of staff , the Board approved the establishment of these criteria for determining circumstances under which the design - build method is appropriate for the Public Defenders Office Upfit Project and authorized the use of the design - build project delivery method for the project F Town of Selma – Appointment to Appearance Commission Per a request by the Town of Selma , the Board made the following appointment to the Selma Appearance Commission representing the ETJ area of the Town Dr Brittany McCoy – 68 Montgomery Heights Road , Selma G Town of Benson – Resolution for Jimmy Capps Highway Per a request by the Town of Benson , the Board adopted the following resolution to rename a portion of I - 40 to “ Jimmy Capps Highway ” Resolution Jimmy Capps Highway WHEREAS , Jimmy Capps was born on May 25 , 1939 and raised in Benson ; and WHEREAS , Jimmy Capps received North Carolina’s prestigious “ Order of the Long Leaf Pine ” award from Governor Jim Hunt on August 10 , 1996 ; and WHEREAS , Jimmy Capps was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2014 ; andPage895 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , Jimmy Capps played on thousands of Country Music hits including “ Country’s Family Reunion ” and “ Larry’s Country Diner ” ; and WHEREAS , In 2019 , the Town of Benson placed a historical sign at 216 W Church Street , the home where he grew up , and declared the month of May , 2019 as Jimmy Capps Month in honor of his outstanding career ; and NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED That the Johnston County Board of Commissioners requests the North Carolina Board of Transportation name Interstate 40 “ Jimmy Capps Highway ” beginning at Exit 325 and continuing for 6 miles east th Adopted this 4 day of December , 2023 H Adoption of Regular Board Meetings for 2024 , as follows JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 2024 REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS Meeting Place - Johnston County Courthouse Commissioners Meeting Room 207 E Johnston Street , Smithfield , North Carolina January Tuesday , January 2 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Tuesday , January 16 , 2024 – 6 00 pm February Monday , February 5 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , February 19 , 2024 – 6 00 pm March Monday , March 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , March 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm April Monday , April 1 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , April 15 , 2024 – 6 00 pm May Monday , May 6 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , May 20 , 2024 – 6 00 pm June Monday , June 3 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , June 17 , 2024 – 6 00 pm July Monday , July 15 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm August Monday , August 5 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , August 19 , 2024 – 6 00 pm September Tuesday , September 3 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , September 16 , 2024 – 6 00 pm October Monday , October 7 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm November Monday , November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Monday , November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm December Monday , December 2 , 2024 – 10 00 am & 6 00 pm Page896 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued I Approval of Public Officials Bonds for the County , as follows Amount of Policy Position Official Name Bond Number Effective Dates 11 20 2018 - Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews 50,00000 107011815 Indefinite Social Services Director Christine Dowdell 55,00000 106950126 7 2 23 - 7 2 24 Sheriff Steve Bizzell 60,00000 3548642 12 07 22 - 12 07 26 Register of Deeds Craig Olive 60,00000 LSF220061 12 02 23 - 12 02 24 Blanket Bond All employees 50,00000 105806221 7 01 23 - 7 01 24 County Manager Rick J Hester 500,00000 105806221 7 01 23 - 7 01 24 Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington 500,00000 105806221 12 01 23 - 12 01 24 Finance Officer J Chad McLamb 500,00000 105806221 7 01 23 - 7 01 24 Asst Finance Officer Tyson Radford 500,00000 105806221 7 01 23 - 7 01 24 Asst Finance Officer Martha Lasater 500,00000 105806221 12 01 23 - 12 01 24 Economic Dev Director Chris Johnson 100,00000 105806221 7 01 23 - 7 01 24 J Appointments , approved as follows with waivers in the length of service policy where needed Smithfield Fire Protection District Commission - Mark Lane was reappointed for a two year term to expire on December 31 , 2025 and received a waiver in the length of service policy Nursing Home Adult Care Home Community Advisory Board – Glenda Apple , Florence Burrell , Renee Zais , Leighanna Worley , Elena Marie Dodson and Catherine McCormick were appointed for three year terms to expire on December 31 , 2026 Veterans Services Advisory Board – Rudy Baker representing District 5 was reappointed for a three year term to expire on December 31 , 2026 and received a waiver in the length of service policy Research and Training Zone Advisory Committee – Norwood Thompson was reappointed for a three year term to expire on December 31 , 2026 and received a waiver in the length of service policy K Budget Revisions , approved as follows Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 46 59006219 Opioid Abatement Expenses 62,20521 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 62,20521 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 46 590034255 Opioid Settlement Funds 62,20521 TOTAL NET REVENUE 62,20521 Jail REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 52003205 Food & Provisions 6400 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 6400 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 520033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 6400 TOTAL NET REVENUE 6400PagePage pageNumber5897 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Library REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 18 44501400 Travel 8800 18 44503305 Books - Main 2,00000 18 44503307 Books – Children 50000 18 44503308 Books - Bookmobile 1,20000 18 44503316 AV 2,00000 18 44503324 LSTA Grant 57400 18 44503326 Books – YA 1,30000 18 44504590 Programming Expenses 50000 18 44505810 Endowments to Audio Books 2,00000 18 44505817 Occupational Training 16000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 10,32200 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 18 445033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 8800 18 445033424 Grants 10,23400 TOTAL NET REVENUE 10,32200 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51000210 Salaries Overtime 2,76642 10 51001700 Vehicles 8,09673 10 51003350 Supplies – Special - Sheriff 5,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 15,86315 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 7,94173 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 7,76642 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 15500 TOTAL NET REVENUE 15,86315 L Tax Releases & Refunds – 10 16 2023 – 11 15 2023 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 10 17 2023 4 12 36 PM cfutch 2020 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,76970 ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 15 30 PM cfutch 2021 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,73711 ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 21 29 PM cfutch 2022 - 93919 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,45223 ATLANTIC INC 10 24 2023 10 00 27 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202700 2000263742 THOMPSON , JOHN GLENN 15552 10 24 2023 10 33 59 AM ALassiter 2023 - 55580 2000110637 HOWARD , TEDDY R 65580 10 25 2023 4 32 40 PM ALassiter 2023 - 202918 2000191729 LOFLIN , NATHAN RONALD 13722 10 27 2023 8 40 27 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202947 2000263991 HUNT , WILLIAM CHRISTIAN 17660 10 27 2023 11 42 22 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202186 2000206205 BARBEE , JOHNNY 17380 10 27 2023 11 44 43 AM ALassiter 2023 - 126441 2000252650 MCLAMB , MICHAEL ALLEN 29652 10 27 2023 3 07 21 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 125141 2000226068 LEERKES , THOMAS FRANCISCUS 13122 11 1 2023 12 26 55 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 21144 2000253508 LOCKAMY , JAMYZHA JOINT 1,25709 TENANTS WROS 11 2 2023 1 47 09 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 2424 2000253735 NARRON , MICHAEL 1,52797 11 2 2023 2 21 54 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 34116 2000159662 FOURNIER , CHARLES A 1,84212 11 6 2023 10 33 57 AM ALassiter 2023 - 203096 2000263307 SPRADLING , BRIAN L 1,08675PagePage pageNumber6898 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 11 9 2023 9 30 21 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 203176 2000209567 C BREEZE PROPERTIES , LLC 1,21110 11 9 2023 9 31 04 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 121693 2000251552 COPPEDGE , CAROLYN PARRISH 21117 10 17 2023 4 12 36 PM cfutch 2020 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,76970 ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 15 30 PM cfutch 2021 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,73711 ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 21 29 PM cfutch 2022 - 93919 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS MID 4,45223 ATLANTIC INC 10 24 2023 10 00 27 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202700 2000263742 THOMPSON , JOHN GLENN 15552 10 24 2023 10 33 59 AM ALassiter 2023 - 55580 2000110637 HOWARD , TEDDY R 65580 10 25 2023 4 32 40 PM ALassiter 2023 - 202918 2000191729 LOFLIN , NATHAN RONALD 13722 10 27 2023 8 40 27 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202947 2000263991 HUNT , WILLIAM CHRISTIAN 17660 10 27 2023 11 42 22 AM ALassiter 2023 - 202186 2000206205 BARBEE , JOHNNY 17380 10 27 2023 11 44 43 AM ALassiter 2023 - 126441 2000252650 MCLAMB , MICHAEL ALLEN 29652 10 27 2023 3 07 21 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 125141 2000226068 LEERKES , THOMAS FRANCISCUS 13122 11 1 2023 12 26 55 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 21144 2000253508 LOCKAMY , JAMYZHA JOINT 1,25709 TENANTS WROS 11 2 2023 1 47 09 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 2424 2000253735 NARRON , MICHAEL 1,52797 11 2 2023 2 21 54 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 34116 2000159662 FOURNIER , CHARLES A 1,84212 11 6 2023 10 33 57 AM ALassiter 2023 - 203096 2000263307 SPRADLING , BRIAN L 1,08675 11 9 2023 9 30 21 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 203176 2000209567 C BREEZE PROPERTIES , LLC 1,21110 11 9 2023 9 31 04 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 121693 2000251552 COPPEDGE , CAROLYN PARRISH 21117 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 10 17 2023 4 14 01 PM cfutch 2020 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS 4,76970 MID ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 16 35 PM cfutch 2021 - 118567 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS 4,73711 MID ATLANTIC INC 10 17 2023 4 22 47 PM cfutch 2022 - 93919 2000225914 RENAL TREATMENT CENTERS 4,45223 MID ATLANTIC INC 10 18 2023 3 09 11 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 108521 2000234410 THANKSGIVING42 LLC 2,04500 10 24 2023 4 37 22 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 119826 2000231466 RICHARDSON , REBECCA 1,19622 LOUEREN 10 25 2023 3 11 28 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 11219 2000092313 BOGAN , LINDA DEJESUS 1,28402 10 25 2023 3 18 19 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 64715 2000131242 KENNEDY , CHAD 20000 10 31 2023 3 02 37 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 48629 2000234870 BRITTON , HAROLYN MARVETTE 93580 JEFFREYS 11 1 2023 12 25 10 PM ajsoutherland 2023 - 44698 2000224597 COLELLI , PHILLIP DALE 1,14068 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 4016 2000193445 ARTEAGA , JOSE MIGUEL 97289 CORDOVA 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 119762 2000239696 BARNETTE , DONALD GENE 13863 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 48589 2000155809 JEAN MICHEL , YVANE 1,73931 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 77544 2000226080 JEAN - MICHEL , YVANE 1,10450 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 54464 2000086231 KLEIN , LINDA L 47248 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 115415 2000253578 PADRNOS , CODY 2,44936 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 75368 2000232566 PENA , OMAR GEOVANY 60960 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 85046 2000175402 SAID , SAMIYEV 3,03046 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 91204 2000226598 STANCIL , LINDA JO 1,24512 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 128425 2000217189 STONE STREET BUILDERS , LLC 37800 11 2 2023 4 32 53 PM WFHL 2023 - 117313 2000232675 SWEENEY , ERIC EDWARD 1,78329 11 3 2023 11 04 01 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 44796 2000210078 GARIBAY , JEREMY 10718 11 7 2023 10 20 11 AM awstancil 2023 - 203151 2000080486 HIGHWAY 39 # 6217 LIMITED 5,80792 PARTNERSHIP 11 7 2023 1 05 56 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 128456 2000249990 FTH DEVELOPERS , LLC 37800 11 7 2023 1 07 07 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 128457 2000249990 FTH DEVELOPERS , LLC 37800 11 7 2023 1 08 02 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 128454 2000249990 FTH DEVELOPERS , LLC 37800 11 7 2023 1 09 03 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 128455 2000249990 FTH DEVELOPERS , LLC 37800 11 8 2023 2 31 22 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 106495 2000255867 CROCKER , STEPHANIE D 50000PagePage pageNumber7899 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 5974 2000215813 CRUMB , SHAWN E 1,25868 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 26832 2000173670 DEFALCO , DEANNA ROBIN 2,65280 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 53639 2000239793 DOTSON , CURTIS SR 2,59867 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 122884 2000254359 FERNANDEZ , DRANILDA D 2,59443 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 62422 2000237880 GARCIA , JOSUE 1,40491 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 53870 2000195847 KEITH , JASON EDWARD 2,40210 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 12583 2000225198 LESHINSKY , JEFFREY 4,93243 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 71786 2000210124 OLSON , WAYNE GLENN 4,35517 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 75986 2000159888 PERRY , LASHAWN J 1,50265 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 117264 2000240625 WILSON , CHELSEA 3,90896 11 13 2023 9 02 05 AM CORE 2023 - 58812 2000238654 WILSON , KYLE T 1,55241 11 13 2023 3 26 49 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 124045 2000244838 GUIN , CHARLES R 85058 11 13 2023 3 26 49 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 65760 2000006997 MEDLIN , DANIEL G JR 30000 11 14 2023 7 59 43 AM PHONE 2023 - 13 2000227230 AADLAND , ERIK 1,88333 11 14 2023 8 10 13 AM ONLINE 2023 - 4251 2000247108 STURGESS , DYLAN 1,72364 11 14 2023 2 47 50 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 87955 2000256882 SHORTS , CAROLYN L 36152 11 14 2023 2 47 50 PM LOCKBOX 2023 - 103355 2000170697 WHITE , ROY E 1,95048 11 14 2023 4 04 52 PM LRTA 2023 - 54070 2000213962 FONTENEAU , JEFFREY 2,17558 11 14 2023 4 04 52 PM LRTA 2023 - 83399 2000100265 ROCHA , FELIX 1,06177 11 15 2023 11 07 15 AM ajsoutherland 2023 - 60107 2000199085 LOPEZ , MANUEL E 13180 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – October 2023 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total # Reason Change BADWAN , ZAHIRA 0074725185 293431086 Change of 33274 MINWER County 27487 9162 69923 CLARK , CHARLES 0074844382 293431077 Change of 36524 DAVID County 28519 9507 74550 COSTON , MICHAEL 0073702770 388787136 Situs error 000 LEONARD 26150 5230 3000 23920 CROCKER , JAMES 0063778416 194893794 Adjustment 18078 RICHARD 2096 20174 GARCIA , IRMA 0074482836 291590118 Change of 6242 MILAGROS County 4874 1625 12741 PORTILLO , EDWIN 0074790196 390462392 Situs error 000 ANTONIO 11850 1663 3950 14137PagePage pageNumber8900 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 4 Public Comments A Regional Transportation Alliance Update Joe Milazzo , Executive Director , Regional Transportation Alliance RTA , informed the Board that the RTA is the voice of the regional business community as it relates to transportation Mr Milazzo stated he represents 150 organizations including more than 25 Chambers of Commerce in central and eastern North Carolina from a business perspective for transportation Mr Milazzo recalled that approximately six months ago he briefed the Board about an upcoming study called FAST Freeway Arterial Street and Tactical Transit He stated the study is about using existing and upcoming freeway and roadway systems to improve operations for transit and creating new travel options Mr Milazzo stated it was always and continues to be a pro - transit and pro - mobility study He clarified that the study is not anti - car because the RTA wants projects such as 540 and 70 to continue to move forward Mr Milazzo stated the RTA desires to advance the transit pieces , and he noted the study is doing well Mr Milazzo continued that the Department of Transportation DOT has hired WSP , a global engineering consulting firm , to manage the study He noted they have advanced to the procurement stage , and the DOT is managing that study with partners from Wake , Durham , and Orange Counties as well as the Regional Transit Agency and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations , including CAMPO Mr Milazzo stated Johnston County is welcomed to contribute funding to the study if it would like to do so , but he noted the County will be a partner in the study either way Mr Milazzo indicated the FAST study will complement the Bus Rapid Transit BRT extension that is currently being reviewed and will extend from Clayton to Garner He stated from the business community , BRT stands for buses resembling trains because that is the desirable outcome over time in a scalable fashion He indicated this is a big element of the study and will utilize BRT or rapid transit service to transport people to Raleigh Durham International Airport Mr Milazzo stated one of the biggest questions in the business community that has been discussed for many years is how transit is going to get to the airport Mr Milazzo stated the RTA is pleased to see that the DOT has procured their consultant and it is expected that the scope to proceed will become more finalized in the next several weeks B New Department of Social Services Director Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris recognized DSS Board Chairman James Coleman , Vice Chair Susan Watson , and Johnston County’s new DSS Director Christine Dowdell Vice Chairman Harris stated this is Ms Dowdell’s second day on the job Mr Coleman introduced Ms Dowdell and stated she has a wealth of experience most recently as Director of Social Services in Forsyth County Mr Coleman stated Ms Dowdell is currently meeting with staff and becoming familiar with her new surroundings He stated Johnston County is fortunate to have someone with Ms Dowdell’s knowledge and experience to lead the County’s DSS agency in a time when so much is happening in the field of Social Services Mr Coleman stated the cases are increasing in number and complexity ; however , they are confident in the selection of Ms Dowdell as Director Mr Coleman expressed his appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for their support of the Department of Social Services and he wanted to personally thank the Board for addressing the compensation study for the more than 300 dedicated employees that care for the most vulnerable citizens in the County Ms Dowdell thanked the County for appointing her as the next DSS Director and stated she looks forward to working with everyone and all the community partners Ms Dowdell stated she wants to continue the great work in Johnston County and she thanked everyone for their vote of confidence in her Ms Dowdell stated she felt very welcome during the interview process and it was one of the reasons why she made the decision to accept the DSS Director position in Johnston County Vice Chairman Harris stated the Board is expecting remarkable things from DSS and he is confident Ms Dowdell will do an excellent job Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated there was recent news regarding the expansion of Medicaid and he asked if Johnston County is prepared for the impact it will have Ms Dowdell stated there were lower numbers waiting in the lobby earlier today , which is a good sign and the online applications are being supported by staff She stated things are going well so far PagePage pageNumber9901 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr agreed with Vice Chairman Harris that the expectations are indeed very high , and he noted the Board will do their part to assist in any way Vice Chairman Harris thanked Mr Coleman and Ms Watson for their leadership on the DSS Board stating they have done an extraordinary job in leading that Board and their work is appreciated Mr Coleman stated he has been a resident of Johnston County for 19 years and he paraphrased a bumper sticker he once saw that read , “ I wasnt born in Johnston County , but I got here as quickly as I could ” 5 Johnston County Economic Development Corporation – HVAC Equipment Replacement and Repair Project for the Workforce Development Center County Attorney Jennifer Slusser explained that the Johnston County Economic Development Corporation solicited qualification statements for professional design and construction services for an HVAC equipment replacement and repair project for the Johnston County Workforce Development Center She stated the Johnston County Research Training Zone Advisory Committee recommends funding the project to provide for necessary building upgrades to replace and repair equipment that is past its end of life and is now obsolete Ms Slusser stated the funding request for the project is 840,00000 from the RTZ Special Revenue Fund , and this project is an example of an appropriate use of those funds She stated the Research Training Zone Advisory Committee met and voted to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the funds for the project and to allow for the necessary rebuilding upgrades Ms Slusser stated staff requests the Board to approve an appropriation of 840,00000 from the RTZ Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of the HVAC Equipment Replacement and Repair Project for the Johnston County Workforce Development Center and approve the necessary budget amendments along with any other documents necessary to facilitate the project Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr reported that he serves as the Commissioner Representative on this Committee and was part of the discussion about this project Commissioner Smith confirmed that the Committee supports the project Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the appropriation of 840,00000 from the RTZ Special Revenue Fund , approved the following budget amendment as well as any other documents necessary to facilitate this project Research Triangle Zone REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 61 46109062 WFDC Project 840,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 840,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 61 461033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 840,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 840,00000 6 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews congratulated Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr and Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris on their elections as Chair and Vice Chair for another year Ms Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of October 2023 , as follows Enforced Collections October 2023 YTD 23 24 Wage Garnishments 3 46 Bank Attachments 2 26 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed October 2023 0 Pending 4 Dollars Collected October 2023 0Page0902 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2023 Real and Personal Levy 2022 Real and Personal Levy As of October 31 , 2023 As of October 31 , 2022 169,518,47662 Levy 169,194,48791 Levy 26,419,51702 Payments 27,154,40850 Payments 143,098,95960 Balance 142,040,07941 Balance 1559 Collected 1605 Collected - 046 RMV – NCVTS Collections October 2023 October 2022 1,772,05601 1,70202812 YTD 23 24 - 7,416,34807 YTD 22 23 - 7,158,54663 Ms Andrews reminded everyone that January 5 , 2024 is the last day to pay taxes without penalty Recognition of Deputy Tax Administrator Dennis Woodward Ms Andrews indicated that when she came to Johnston County , she was informed by both inside and outside sources about the excellent group of people she would be working with in the Tax Department Ms Andrews stated five years later , that has been repeatedly proven true and is an understatement because she works with such a talented team Ms Andrews recalled that earlier this year , Johnston County was recognized as having a tax collection employee of the year for the State and now a different statewide organization of property tax professionals has recognized another Johnston County employee for exemplary work in the field Ms Andrews stated the North Carolina Association of Assessing Officers named Deputy Tax Administrator Dennis Woodward as the 2023 North Carolina Appraiser of the Year Ms Andrews praised Mr Woodward’s work and stated she could not do her job without him and she wanted to bring him before the Board to publicly recognize this award The Commissioners applauded Mr Woodward for this accomplishment and a photo was taken with the Board 7 Manager Reports and Comments None 8 Board Reports and Comments Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris reported on a tour of The Hope Center in Fuquay Varina last week He stated The Hope Center is a partnership between Alliance Health and KidsPeace and the committee will soon be meeting with Alliance on options to have a similar facility in Johnston County Vice Chairman Harris also mentioned the Health Department is looking at options to add more clinical space to their facilities and more information will be brought back to the Board at a later date Commissioner April Stephens commented that she is excited to see Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr and Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris reappointed as Chair and Vice Chair for another year Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated one part of the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan looks at the preservation of open space Commissioner Godwin further stated that he serves on the State’s Agriculture and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Board , and they are currently working on some good things Commissioner Godwin noted that funding plays a big part in that process and he would report back with more information when available Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated the Board’s Strategic Planning Session will be held on February 15 and 16 , 2024 at The Clayton Center Chairman Lawter also mentioned the DOT’s proposed name change of a portion of NC Hwy 42 , and noted there have been three community meetings held on this matter Page1903 December 4 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued He stated the Board is also required to have a public hearing Chairman Lawter called for the public hearing to be held at the Board’s January 2 , 2024 6 00 pm meeting 9 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 April Stephens moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Commissioner April Stephens seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 10 29 am RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage