March 20, 2023 - 6:00 PM - Board of Commissioners Minutes

10 421 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners March 20 , 2023 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , March 20 , 2023 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell and April Stephens Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , 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 Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Ted G Godwin opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner April Stephens led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Lawter recognized and welcomed former Representative Leo Daughtry to the meeting Chairman Lawter noted that Representative Daughtry also currently serves as a North Carolina Department of Transportation At - Large Board Member 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 as presented 2 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 – February 6 , 2023 10 00 am & 6 00 pm and February 20 , 2023 6 00 pm B Municipal Funding Agreement – Agreement between the Town of Pine Level and Johnston County for the Johnston County Municipal Grant Funding Program for water , wastewater or stormwater projects for the purchase of additional capacity allocation in the amount of 500,00000 , approved as follows Page422 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage423 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued C Municipal Funding Agreement – Agreement between the Town of Four Oaks and Johnston County for the Johnston County Municipal Grant Funding Program for water , wastewater or stormwater projects for the purchase of additional capacity allocation in the amount of 500,00000 , approved as follows Page424 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued D Budget Revisions , approved as follows Airport REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 60 65003101 AVGAS 55,00000 60 65003102 JETA 220,00000 60 65000400 Legal and Professional Fees 20,00000PagePage pageNumber5425 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 295,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 60 650036139 Airplane Fuel 55,00000 60 650036140 Aviation JETA Fuel 220,00000 60 650033990 Fund Balance 20,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 295,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 60 65000431 IT Service Fees 5,20000 60 65001600 M & R Equipment 6,50000 60 65003318 Processing 3,50000 60 65007400 Capital Outlay 2,50000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 17,70000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 60 650033990 Fund Balance 17,70000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 17,70000 Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 50007303 State Directed Grant Expenses 50,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 50,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 500037958 State Directed Grant 50,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 50,00000 3 Public Comments None 4 Proclamation - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Inc – Johnston County Alumnae Chapter President of the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Telia Virgin addressed the Board She stated the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated received their charter on April 27 , 2003 and serves the entire geographical area of Johnston County She stated the sorority began with 12 women from Johnston County and she would like to acknowledge the hard work that has taken place over the years She stated the women believe in Johnston County and the work that has taken place and she thanked the Board for their support Ms Virgin stated the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter will celebrate 20 years of service on April 23 , 2023 at the Johnston County Agricultural Center She requested the Board to adopt a proclamation to proclaim April 23 , 2023 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Johnston County Alumnae Chapter Day Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried unanimously PROCLAMATION Commemorating 20 Years of Outstanding Service Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Inc WHEREAS , The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated received its charter on April 27 , 2003 , to serve the entire geographical area of Johnston County , North Carolina Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated , founded on January 13 , 1913 , is anPagePage pageNumber6426 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued organization of college - educated women committed to public service with a purpose to aid and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world ; and WHEREAS , The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter has worked diligently to serve the community with innovative programs and projects that encompass all aspects of Delta Sigma Theta’s strategic priorities Community partnerships include , but are not limited to , NC Med - Assist , providing free OTC medications to residents ; Financial Literacy Workshops , to foster first time home ownership ; The 5K Walk Run , aimed at raising awareness of pressing social issues that impact our community ; Launch JoCo and Young Entrepreneurs , both of which promote small business development and grass - roots community growth ; and WHEREAS , The dedicated members of Johnston County Alumnae Chapter give generously of their time and financial resources to support higher educational opportunities for young African American youth in Johnston County To date , Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta , Sorority , Inc has given away over 100,000 in college scholarships to students in Johnston County high schools Most recently , the Sorority established the Minnie Hunter Scholarship fund to support adult women returning to college ; and WHEREAS , The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta , Sorority , Inc was the first Black Greek Organization for Women to be established in Johnston County The Organization continues to have an impact on the local community This year the Sorority is supporting , House of Hope , a Christian therapeutic organization serving hurting and vulnerable girls ages 12 – 17 , through fundraising and community support ; and WHEREAS , The Johnston County Board of Commissioners commemorates the 20 - year anniversary of Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated celebrated on April 23 , 2023 , at the Johnston County Agricultural Center NOW THEREFORE , THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS does hereby proclaim April 23 , 2023 , as Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Inc Day throughout Johnston County ; congratulations on 20 - years of outstanding service th Proclaimed this the 20 day of March 2023 5 Public Utilities - Phase 2 Water and Sewer Regionalization Feasibility Evaluation Consultant JD Solomon recapped that the Board has previously received Phase 1 of the Water and Sewer Regionalization Study which was completed by Black & Veatch and covered physical infrastructure , interconnectivities , and capacities Mr Solomon presented a proposal from Black & Veatch for Phase 2 - Water and Sewer Regionalization Feasibility Evaluation He stated this phase is about staffing and how it is interconnected with other jurisdictions as well as relief for capacities Mr Solomon stated there are 13 jurisdictions inside and outside the County and Black & Veatch has indicated there would be a six - month duration for completion of Phase 2 He stated staff would be working with the County Attorney and he anticipates a report back to the Board sometime after Labor Day Mr Solomon stated staff requests approval with moving forward with Phase 2 He stated coordination will occur between the County Manager , Utilities Director , and neighboring communities He offered to answer any questions Upon a motion by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved to move forward with the Phase 2 Water and Sewer Regionalization Feasibility project Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted that at the Strategic Planning Session of the Board of Commissioners , the Board discussed priorities and this item along with the next item on the agenda relates to the Board’s goals of Infrastructure , Land Use , and Financial Stewardship 6 Comprehensive Land Use Plan – Continued Discussion Planning Director Braston Newton announced that the Board has received an outline of proposed modifications to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan generated from feedback from the Board of Commissioners He introduced Meg Nealon with Nealon Planning and Ben Hitchings with Green Heron Planning to provide additional information PagePage pageNumber7427 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Nealon introduced the key topics to be addressed as follows Agriculture , Mixed Use , Area Plans , and Utilities She stated the Future Land Use and Conservation Maps range from low density , agricultural and conservation place types and centers for mixed use She indicated that the place types are classifications of development and conservation and can be described as land use , scale and density , circulation , and open space She stated suitability of the land use map has been discussed Ms Nealon shared the following with the Board for suitability for residential and agriculture stating some of the areas are suited for and overlap for both agriculture and residential PagePage pageNumber8428 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber9429 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Nealon recalled that in December the Board received a presentation and it was discussed then how the future Land Use and Conservation map overlaps She demonstrated ideas for options stating for example in the Marks Creek area there would be justification for an agriculture area and it shows high agriculture suitability A high percentage of the properties are enrolled in Present Use Value PUV Program and there is limited existing residential and a limited road network She stated the property has sensitive environmental resources , and it is far away from County sewer service Ms Nealon stated the area around Selma and Pine Level is designated for rural living and agriculture The NE Pine Level area has a justification for an agriculture area and the special circumstances make it suitable for residential She noted the Pine Level to Princeton area is similar She stated Option 2 changes rural living expanded AR reduced south of NC 210 and Northeast of Four Oaks and Low Density Residential LDR is expanded and all is reduced and changed to rural living east of Archer Lodge Ms Nealon stated the suitability of land , activities that are taking place , and the potential of activities are all considered She stated Option 3 includes land devoted to the rural living place type and Option 4 supports the continuation of rural living Page0430 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1431 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage2432 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage3433 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Hitchings continued the presentation stating that Land Use LU - 6 supports the continuation of viable agriculture He stated agriculture continues to be an important component of Johnston County’s economy , even in urbanizing areas and it is important to recognize that it is an industry Mr Hitchings stated with some deliberate moves by County officials , landowners , farmers , and entities involved in forest management and agriculture this could become viable for many decades to come Mr Hitchings shared the following information with the Board based on feedback received from the Commissioners Page4434 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage5435 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage6436 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Hitchings stated that Board members ’ feedback included using the plan to guide decisions regarding public investment and he presented the following Mr Hitchings shared a map of priority investment areas for location of development He stated the darkest blue areas are more suitable for public investment and reimbursing for private investment where a developer may reimburse more fully and sooner He stated moving down through the tiers there would be more room for private investment and less public involvement Page7437 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr suggested that the utility map would have to be modified based on which options the Board chooses Mr Hitchens agreed that the utility map would match the options that the Board chooses He stated what has been discussed is based on the suitability analysis and a detailed process would be needed and possibly an implementation project once the plan is approved He stated this would include how to develop supporting policies that work with the map Mr Hitchings spoke about IWS - 1 that outlines prioritizing water and sewer service to identified growth areas and employment centers He stated the feedback from the Board was to add “ Create a system of priority investment tiers that provides greater infrastructure reimbursement sooner to developers in higher priority areas ” “ Evaluate formulas for user fee reimbursement agreements and update to support system ”Page8438 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Nealon stated it was suggested to have an implementation matrix to make the plan more user friendly She stated the matrix outlines many of the recommendations and establishes definitions , timeframes , and goals for the lead agency She shared the following sample matrix for the Board to consider and offered a suggestion for it to be an addition to the appendix She stated the lead agency is the Planning Department Ms Nealon offered to answer questions from the Board members Commissioner Ted G Godwin commented the Board needs to finalize the map and then the map needs to be used Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr thanked Ms Nealon and Mr Hitchings for the presentation and stated the Board needs to look at the information closer He asked for a redlined version of the document Ms Nealon noted the presentation has strike through information ; however , additional information can be provided Commissioner Smith commended Ms Nealon and Mr Hitchings for their work on this project He noted there appeared to be a conflict with LU - 4 and LU - 5 stating LU - 4 information indicates to “ support more intense residential development and a broader range of housing types ” while LU - 5 indicates to “ discourage intense residential development in the rural unincorporated areas of the County ” He asked for clarification on these two recommendations Page9439 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Nealon stated the context is the difference and they tie back to their related place types She stated intensification of residential development in the right places are necessary because of service delivery and transportation solutions Chairman Lawter stated the Board will review this information between now and the April meetings 7 Manager Reports and Comments None 8 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Richard D Braswell noted that JD Solomon reported the Phase 2 Water and Sewer Regionalization Feasibility process would take six months and he is eager for this to begin Commissioner R Braswell also stated as was mentioned at the Strategic Planning Session , the Board does not have control over transportation , but there needs to be meaningful conversations with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for feeder streets in the County to alleviate congested roads Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr shared comparisons of North Carolina and South Carolina stating there are two different systems to support roads He stated this is a result of the gas tax and property tax Commissioner Smith stated the gas tax in South Carolina is cheaper because counties in South Carolina have responsibilities for certain roads and those counties have an increased property tax to repair those roads He noted in North Carolina , with the exception of the Powell Bill to assist towns , all of the funding for roads is from the gas tax and it is a State responsibility He stated the property taxes are lower in North Carolina because counties in North Carolina do not have road responsibilities Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted in looking at the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update , the Board of Commissioners will have an opportunity to make an impact there as well as through participation with CAMPO and or the RPO to assist in future planning Commissioner Ted G Godwin commended Chairman Lawter and the staff for the Strategic Planning Session held last week He stated the staff from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners were outstanding in their facilitation Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris echoed Commissioner Godwin’s comments about the planning session and commended the County Attorney , County Manager , Finance Director , IT and PIO Departments , Clerk , and Deputy Clerk for their work with the session He stated it was a very productive two days Commissioners April Stephens agreed with the comments regarding the Strategic Planning Session Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stated it is a pleasure serving on this Board with his fellow Commissioners He noted there are seven different world views at the table with different ideas He added the Board does a great job showing courtesy , working together , and upholding the goal of keeping Johnston County at its best Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr thanked everyone for making the Strategic Planning Session a success Chairman Lawter reminded Board members that there is a Sewer Allocation Policy the Commissioners need to review 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 Page0440 March 20 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board 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 , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 13 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage