November 18, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 1526 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners November 18 , 2024 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , November 18 , 2024 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 , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , April Stephens and Bill Stovall 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 Cuddington , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner April Stephens opened the meeting with an invocation Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr 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 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , 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 Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm B 2023 State Appropriations Act Directed Grants The Board adopted the following grant project ordinances GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR STATE 2023 APPROPRIATIONS ACT DIRECTED GRANT OF 222,750 AWARDED TO JOHNSTON COUNTY FOR RADIOS FOR WATER RESCUE TEAMS BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 This ordinance is to establish a budget for a State 2023 Appropriations Act directed grant of 222,750 for radios for water rescue teams managed by the County and fire departments in the County the “ Project ” Section 2 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project and authorized for expenditure Radios for Water Rescue Teams 222,750 Section 3 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete the project 2023 State Appropriations Act Directed Grant 222,750 Section 4 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the Office of State Budget and Management , the grant agreement , and all State and federal regulations Section 5 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to report on the financial status of the Project to the Board of Commissioners on an annual basis Section 6 Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board , the Budget Officer and the Deputy County Manager Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this project Section 7 This grant project ordinance expires when the Grant agreement expires or when all the Grant funds have been obligated and expended , whichever occurs sooner Adopted this 18th day of November , 2024 Page1527 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR STATE 2023 APPROPRIATIONS ACT DIRECTED GRANT OF 385,000 AWARDED TO JOHNSTON COUNTY FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND NON - PROFITS BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 This ordinance is to establish a budget for a State 2023 Appropriations Act directed grant of 385,000 for 1 335,000 for grants to Fire Departments in the County to purchase equipment , gear or supplies ; 2 25,000 for Preservation Johnston County , Inc to be used for operating and administrative costs incidental to hire qualified staff , submit grants , prepare studies , conduct outreach , purchase properties related to the purpose of the nonprofit and conduct educational programs in the community ; and 3 25,000 for The Redeemed House Biker Church , Inc for upgrades and installation of a fire alarm at its facility at 500 West Goldsboro Street in Kenly so that it can continue to provide temporary housing and meals to serve the homeless population the “ Project ” Section 2 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project and authorized for expenditure Grants to Fire Departments 335,000 Grant to Preservation Johnston County , Inc 25,000 Grant to Thee Redeemed House Biker Church , Inc 25,000 385,000 Section 3 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete the project 2023 State Appropriations Act Directed Grant 385,000 Section 4 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the Office of State Budget and Management , the grant agreement , and all State and federal regulations Section 5 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to report on the financial status of the Project to the Board of Commissioners on an annual basis Section 6 Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board , the Budget Officer and the Deputy County Manager Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this project Section 7 This grant project ordinance expires when the Grant agreement expires or when all the Grant funds have been obligated and expended , whichever occurs sooner Adopted this 18th day of November , 2024 GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR STATE 2023 APPROPRIATIONS ACT DIRECTED GRANT OF 700,000 AWARDED TO JOHNSTON COUNTY FOR THE BENTONVILLE BATTLEFIELD STATE HISTORIC SITE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 This ordinance is to establish a budget for a State 2023 Appropriations Act directed grant of 700,000 for the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site the “ Project ” Section 2 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project and authorized for expenditure Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site 700,000 Section 3 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete the project 2023 State Appropriations Act Directed Grant 700,000 Section 4 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the Office of State Budget and Management , the grant agreement , and all State and federal regulations Section 5 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to report on the financial status of the Project to the Board of Commissioners on an annual basis Section 6 Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board , the Budget Officer and the Deputy County Manager Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this project Section 7 This grant project ordinance expires when the Grant agreement expires or when all the Grant funds have been obligated and expended , whichever occurs sooner Adopted this 18th day of November , 2024 GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR STATE 2023 APPROPRIATIONS ACT DIRECTED GRANT OF 250,000 AWARDED TO JOHNSTON COUNTY FOR MOCCASIN CREEK SERVICE DISTRICT BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted Page1528 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Section 1 This ordinance is to establish a budget for a State 2023 Appropriations Act directed grant of 250,000 for Moccasin Creek Service District the “ Project ” Section 2 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project and authorized for expenditure Moccasin Creek Service District 250,000 Section 3 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete the project 2023 State Appropriations Act Directed Grant 250,000 Section 4 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the Office of State Budget and Management , the grant agreement , and all State and federal regulations Section 5 The Deputy County Manager Director of Finance is hereby directed to report on the financial status of the Project to the Board of Commissioners on an annual basis Section 6 Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board , the Budget Officer and the Deputy County Manager Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this project Section 7 This grant project ordinance expires when the Grant agreement expires or when all the Grant funds have been obligated and expended , whichever occurs sooner Adopted this 18th day of November , 2024 C Health Department – AthenaHealth Agreement The Board granted approval for the Johnston County Health Department to enter into a contract with AthenaHealth as the EHR service provider for the Health Department Funding for implementation is in the current budget The Health Department sought proposals from four vendors prior to choosing AthenaHealth and negotiated the best rate for service with the assistance of the County Finance Director and County Attorney D Budget Revisions , approved as follows Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 46 59000200 Salaries & Wages 530,41800 46 59000300 Salaries Part - Time 24,00000 46 59000400 Legal & Professional 18,60000 46 59000501 Social Security 40,57700 46 59000600 Health Insurance 67,20000 46 59000610 Life Insurance 1,27300 46 59000620 125 Administration Fee 43200 46 59000700 Retirement 68,37100 46 59000701 401k 20,00000 46 59001100 Telephone 2,40000 46 59001200 Printing 7,70000 46 59001400 Travel 6,00000 46 59001410 Employee Training 12,00000 46 59003200 Office Supplies 2,00000 46 59003300 Departmental Supplies 27,70000 46 59004500 Contract Services 570,68000 46 59004530 Clinicians 6,24000 46 59004546 MOUD 60,00000 46 59004600 Medical Supplies 126,00000 46 59005305 Dues and Subscriptions 41300 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 1,592,00400 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 46 590034255 Opioid Settlement Funds 1,441,48300 46 590033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 150,52100Page1529 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued TOTAL NET REVENUE 1,592,00400 LEO Separation REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 27 51100200 Salaries & Wages 6,68500 27 51100501 Social Security 21700 27 51100600 Health Insurance 99100 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 7,89300 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 27 511033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 7,89300 TOTAL NET REVENUE 7,89300 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51007400 Capital Outlay 53,75506 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 53,75506 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 53,75506 TOTAL NET REVENUE 53,75506 Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted that the Opioid Settlement Fund adjustment for 2024 - 2025 was included in the budget presentation but was inadvertently omitted from the Budget Ordinance 3 Public Comment A Johnston County Health Department – Achievement of Accreditation with Honors Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson explained that local Health Departments are required to undergo an accreditation process and typically this is every four years but was extended to every six years during the pandemic Dr Pearson stated accreditation requires certain standards and there are 41 benchmarks and 147 activities She stated the standards are agency core function and essential core services that evaluate the capacity to provide essential services as well as collaboration with partners to serve the needs of the community Dr Pearson stated facilities and administrative services are reviewed which includes maintenance , safety , protecting patient confidentiality , how policies and procedures are developed , governance and how they are involved in the community Dr Pearson continued that the Johnston County Health Department site visit occurred on October 9 , 2024 and the Health Department met all of the 147 activities She stated staff attended the Accreditation Board meeting in Raleigh this past Friday , and the Accreditation Board voted unanimously for Accreditation with Honors for the Johnston County Health Department Dr Pearson thanked her staff for providing excellent services to the residents of Johnston County She recognized Accreditation Coordinators NarShira Vann and Tracy Hadjipetrou who were instrumental in keeping the staff on track and managing over 1,000 documents for the accreditation process Dr Pearson also thanked the community partners and stated the staff is dedicated to their work of keeping everyone as healthy as possible She noted the Accreditation Staff were particularly impressed with how the Board of Commissioners supports public health in Johnston County Dr Pearson shared the accreditation plaque that was received Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he has been blessed with the opportunity to serve on the Board of Health for many years , and the Health Department’s dedication never ceases to amaze him He commended Dr Pearson , Assistant Health Director Steve Strickland , and all the staff at the Johnston County Health Department stating this recognition is well deserved PagePage pageNumber51530 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued B Citizen Comments – Kevin and Tonia Saunders Kevin and Tonia Saunders , residents of Johnston County , addressed the Board regarding a chicken coop that has been constructed by his neighbors and placed near the back of his property line Mr Saunders stated the coop was placed on the property without a building permit and drainage from the site is running onto his property Mr Saunders also stated there are existing issues from the neighborhood behind his property where the drainage ditch has been covered up causing water to run from the street to his property and flooding his crawl space Mr Saunders expressed his concerns that the County is not looking into the issues and that his neighbors are not following proper laws Mr & Mrs Saunders both expressed their frustrations with the matters and the odor that is coming from the neighboring chicken coop At the request of the Chairman , County Manager Rick Hester reported that staff issued a citation which has been received by the neighbor with the chicken coop and he noted this was the second notice and citation He stated the Planning Department is aware of the issue and will be following up Mr Hester stated the drainage ditch issue is a North Carolina Department of Transportation matter He stated the homes built behind Mr and Mrs Saunders were constructed before stormwater regulations were enacted Mr Hester indicated he would follow up with Mr Saunders 4 Parks , Open Space & Greenways – Regional Park Engineering Contract Approval Johnston County Parks , Open Space , and Greenways Director Adrian O’Neal requested the Board’s approval to enter into a contract with Balfour Beatty Construction , LLC to complete engineering of the Johnston County Regional Park This contract obligates 344,766 and sets the cost of construction of Phase I not to exceed 3,000,000 Phase I will include two 2 basketball courts , four 4 pickleball courts , a retention pond including accessible fishing dock , rough grading of the site , driveway connections , parking layout and the base layer of parking , and all underground utilities Mr O’Neal reported that staff applied for a PARTIF Grant and there must be three items in order to receive points on those grants He stated 500,000 was received and staff also expects to use a LWCF reimbursement He stated 1,000,000 would come from the Wilson’s Mills Conservation Easement reimbursement and another 500,000 LWCF application is in progress Mr O’Neal stated an additional 500,000 will be needed and he is hopeful another grant will cover those funds He stated the scope of work for rough grading , utilities , and parking will be adjusted in accordance with available budget funds and the engineering and site work is expected to occur over the next 18 months Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr expressed his excitement that this project is moving forward Mr O’Neal reported the surrounding neighbors want to see this project move forward and staff is also excited to see progress He thanked the Board of Commissioners for their support Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the request to enter into a contract with Balfour Beatty Construction , LLC for the Johnston County Regional Park 5 Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District – Farmland Preservation Grant Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District Director Greg Walker reported staff prepared a grant application in the spring to the USDAs Regional Conservation Partnership Program RCPP He stated the request was for 12 million for a conservation easement program to protect Johnston County farmlands Mr Walker continued that he has been informed by USDA that the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District will receive a notice of award for the 12 million grant and staff will begin working with USDA to prepare the necessary agreements He stated these County and Federal funds will allow Johnston County to be more competitive in securing additional funds for farmland protection He stated County funds will be used to match Federal funds to purchase conservation easements as well as assist with closing costs and it is anticipated that approximately 1,600 to 2,200 acres will be preserved Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commended Mr Walker on his department’s ability to secure the grants to help protect farmland At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Walker reported there will be crop production on these lands with some being pasture lands PagePage pageNumber61531 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Upon a question by Chairman Lawter , Mr Walker stated there will be a closing on Monday on an easement that was already underway , another three are anticipated to close by March , and more over the next year Chairman Lawter asked Mr Walker to keep the County Manager and the Public Information Office in the loop on these announcements 6 Public Utilities – Memorandum of Agreement between Johnston County and the Town of Clayton – Johnston County Long Range Water Supply Program Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , reported that staff has worked with the Town of Clayton’s staff to develop a proposed Memorandum of Agreement related to the future Lower Neuse Water Supply She stated Phase One will include a new water intake off Richardson Bridge Road , new water treatment plant on land the County already owns , development of an existing quarry the County owns , and some finished water mains She noted that based on current projections , the Town of Clayton anticipates water supply needs equating to approximately 50 of this supply The proposed agreement indicates that both parties pledge to work together in partnership to achieve the goal of successfully bringing Phase One of the Lower Neuse Water Supply online by 2030 Ms Farmer indicated the Memorandum of Agreement outlines each party’s commitment to stage one of the project She stated the County has already encumbered the funds and there is a capital budget for the project Stage One includes • Owner’s Advisor Agreement – Project Development o Project administration o Permitting management o Project delivery plan o Project definition and preliminary engineering raw water model , treatability study , and basis of design report o Preliminary stakeholder communication o Analysis of treatment and transmission capacity as it relates to ownership , operation and initial capital • Installation & Maintenance of USGS Gauge at Richardson Bridge Road • Additional Preliminary Engineering pipeline routing , hydraulic evaluations • Field Evaluations survey , SUE , geotechnical and Environmental Surveys for o Intake Raw Water Pump Station o Water treatment facilities o Raw and finished water pipelines The proposed agreement includes the following provisions • The County shall serve as the lead agency fiscal and contracting agent • Cost sharing shall be proportional to the capacity share currently , 50 each • The County will invoice the Town for their share of the costs as the County incurs project costs • The parties may enter into future agreements Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked about the existing budget Ms Farmer responded that the existing budget is 817,000 which consists of the owner advisor services and the gauge installation with USGS at Richardson Bridge Road Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement between Johnston County and the Town of Clayton , as follows PagePage pageNumber71532 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber81533 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber91534 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage01535 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued 7 Public Utilities – Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility SCADA Improvements Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , reported the County received bids on October 31 , 2024 for the Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility CJCRWWTF SCADA Improvements project Ms Farmer reported Dellinger , Inc of Monroe , North Carolina submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of 3,076,53900 and Dellinger , Inc is properly licensed and experienced in the type of construction involved and appears to have the financial , labor and equipment resources required to complete the construction within the stipulated contract completion time Ms Farmer reported the County still has some remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds that were originally designated for the new Wastewater Treatment Facility , but all the funds were not needed ; therefore , those funds can be transferred towards this project She stated the funds do not require repayment Ms Farmer presented the following revised project budget Existing Revised Technical Services 378,60000 300,00000 Construction 3,674,00000 3,076,53900 Contingency 367,40000 153,82100 Cost of Revenue Bond Issuance 37,62665 000 Total Project Cost 4,457,62665 3,530,36000 County ARPA Funds 2,421,00000 3,530,36000 Water Sewer Revenue Bonds 2,036,62665 000 Total Project Funds 4,457,62665 3,530,36000 Commissioner April Stephens thanked Ms Farmer and her staff for being good stewards of the County’s funds so these projects can continue Upon a motion by Commissioner April Stephens , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board awarded the CJCRWWTF SCADA improvements project to Dellinger , Inc in the amount of 3,076,53900 , approved the revised project budget as presented , and adopted the following capital project ordinance CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR THE CENTRAL JOHNSTON COUNTY REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATEMENT FACILITY SCADA IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTPage11536 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 The project authorized is the County’s Central Johnston County Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility “ CJCRWWTF ” SCADA Improvements Project the “ Project ” , including replacement of the instrumentation and control system at the CJCRWWTF to allow controls to match the controls at the 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility for more efficient operations , to increase system resiliency and to improve cybersecurity The Project is to be financed by an appropriation from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act – Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds “ ARPA ” Section 2 The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the capital Project within the terms of the ARPA , applicable State and federal regulations and the budget contained herein Section 3 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project Technical Services 300,000 Construction 3,076,539 Contingency 153,821 Total 3,530,360 Section 4 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this Project County ARPA Funds 3,530,360 Section 5 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy state and federal regulations , and the terms of the ARPA shall be met Section 6 Funds may be advanced from Fund 68 for the purpose of making payments as due Reimbursement requests from the invested ARPA funds will be requested in an orderly and timely manner Section 7 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to report annually on the financial status of each Project element in Section 3 and the total revenue received Section 8 Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners , the Budget Officer and the Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this Project Amended this 18th day of November , 2024 8 County Commissioner District 3 Appointment Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr shared background information of the County Commissioners appointment process for the District 3 seat vacancy He explained the Board has 60 days to fill the vacancy and the seat was advertised with five applications received Chairman Lawter stated four applicants were interviewed last Thursday He stated applicant Jason Barbour was not interviewed ; however , the other applicants were Kim LeQuire , Mike Rose , Steve Woodard and James Gathers and all four were good quality candidates Chairman Lawter stated the list was narrowed to two applicants He stated as it is required by statute , the Board consulted with the Republican Party who was also a part of the interview process , and he noted the appointee must live in the old District 3 boundaries as well as be a member of the same political party as the Commissioner vacating the seat Chairman Lawter read aloud the following statement from the Chairman of the Johnston County GOP “ Commissioners , As of October 7 , 2024 the District 3 seat on the Johnston County Board Commissioners became vacant Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 153A - 27 , the members of Executive Committee of the Johnston County Republican Party have reviewed and interviewed the four prospective candidates being considered by the Board of Commissioners , have confirmed they are members of the Republican Party , and have consulted with the Board of Commissioners ahead of the decision to fill the vacancy on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners By my signature below as the Chairman of the Johnston County Republican Party , I hereby certify that the Commissions requirements under North Carolina General Statute 153A - 27C have been met as it concerns the Johnston County Republican Party ” Sincerely , Marshall Conrad Motion to Appoint Mike Rose Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved to appoint Mike Rose to fill the District 3 vacancy Commissioner Smith stated Mr Rose has been a member of the Town of Princeton Board of Commissioners for eleven years and he has experience in government , especially with water and sewer needs for the future Commissioner Smith stated Mr Rose has worked on a farm in Johnston County , has been a teacher in Johnston County , and has been a businessman in Johnston County He stated based on those experiences , Mr Rose would be a great member of the Board of Commissioners to help make Johnston County the great place it is and will be for the future Page21537 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Commissioner April Stephens seconded the motion Discussion Commissioner Bill Stovall echoed the Chairman’s comments that there were qualifying candidates across the board and stated whoever is chosen , the County will come out ahead Commissioner Stovall stated he went into the selection process not knowing any of the candidates , but he looked at the applicants with three characteristics in mind , including exceptional business acumen , extensive overall business and life experience , and the ability to analyze facts and be decisive , which he feels are the characteristics that County Commissioners should have Commissioner Stovall stated Ms LeQuire and Mr Rose were both great candidates and he would welcome Mr Rose to serve on the Board of Commissioners if that is the Board’s decision Commissioner Stovall continued that Ms LeQuire has a family farming operation of over 5,000 acres and their products are marketed domestically and internationally with her responsibilities including customer service to buyers from the United States , Canada , United Kingdom , and the European Union He stated Ms LeQuire manages the fiscal side of the business and payroll for 100 plus full - time and seasonal employees and she serves on eleven regional and State boards focused on the advancement and continued viability of the agriculture business in today’s economy which he feels is important Commissioner Stovall stated it is increasingly difficult in today’s market to be successful in farming and those that can adapt and have good business practices will prosper , while those that do not will fall by the wayside He stated Ms LeQuire completed the North Carolina State University Executive Farm Management Program and is enrolled in the North Carolina Agriculture Leadership Development Program Commissioner Stovall further stated that Ms LeQuire had six formal letters of recommendation that were impressive , with two of those being from major farmers in District 3 and one from Charlie Young who is an Agency Manager for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company He stated there was also a recommendation from Princeton Town Administrator Michael King , Johnston County Extension Director Bryant Spivey , and Michelle Pace Davis who is an incoming Commissioner from District 1 He stated the County received six emails from citizens in support of Ms LeQuire Commissioner Stovall noted that he also received a phone call and one email in support of Mr Rose Commissioner Stovall stated when he looks at the needs of the County , he believes Ms LeQuire would be the better candidate to fill the position Commissioner Stovall stated for all those reasons he will respectfully vote no on the motion to appoint Mr Rose although he means no offense and is not trying to split the Board’s vote , but he is only being true to himself Chairman Lawter noted that the District 3 appointment would be a two - year appointment so there will be an election in 2026 Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he respects Commissioner Stovall’s comments and he personally has anguished over the decision He stated there were four good candidates and two that met the criteria of what he felt was important Commissioner Godwin stated he met Ms LeQuire several months ago when she made a speech before the Richmond Federal Reserve President and he found her to be an outstanding person Commissioner Godwin stated when he looks at government experience and regionalization of infrastructure from the town perspective , he supports Mr Rose ; however , he reiterated this was not an easy decision Commissioner April Stephens agreed that this was not an easy decision and stated they were blessed to have such hardworking and amazingly talented people that not only had a heart for business , but a heart for serving Chairman Lawter echoed the previous comments about this process being a tough decision and stated there were two really good candidates that stood out He stated his decision was made based on experience and the fact that Mr Rose had more experience and he felt would be the most prepared Chairman Lawter stated he respects and appreciates Commissioner Stovall’s comments He stated the Commissioners value each other’s opinions and although they may not be united in all things , they are able to move on to the next issue Chairman Lawter stated Johnston County is lucky to have people willing to serve and he thanked all the applicants Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he echoes all the previous comments and he is thankful to have passionate people in Johnston County that are willing to serve Vice Chairman Harris stated he believes that any of the applicants would serve the citizens well He stated either one of the top two candidates would be a great addition to the Board , but he believes Mr Rose would bring a lot to the table because of his involvement in municipal budgets and water and sewer infrastructure matters Vice Chairman Harris noted that he does not like to make this decision in that he would prefer it to be made by the voters in the County Page31538 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Chairman Lawter thanked the Republican Party for their input and participation in the interview process Commissioner Stovall commented that the County will win regardless of who is chosen to fill the seat because the applicants were all good Vote The motion to appoint Mike Rose for the District 3 seat vacancy carried by the following vote Ayes Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and Commissioners Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , and April Stephens Nays Commissioner Bill Stovall Chairman Lawter stated the Clerk to the Board will notify Mr Rose that he was selected by the Board to represent the District 3 seat He thanked Ms LeQuire for participating in the process and stated he looks forward to her future involvement 9 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester reported on the funds received for the Hurricane Helene donation drive He stated there were 16 tractor trailer loads of supplies taken to western North Carolina and a fund was established for the public to donate money He stated 48,830 was raised for western North Carolina and a committee of staff members from the Sheriff’s Office , Emergency Services , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb , and County Attorney Jennifer Slusser met to discuss the funds Mr Hester reported the committee recommends sending the funds to the Samaritans Purse which he stated is currently doing many great things in the western part of the State , and the Board agreed by unanimous consensus Commissioner Ted G Godwin spoke on his appreciation for the Boswell and Holt Families that donated the use of the tractor trailer trucks to transport the supplies He stated the entire event was very well organized with the Sheriff’s Office Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell addressed the Board and stated the donation drive was an overwhelming success He reported that in addition to the use of the tractor trailer trucks , the Boswell and Holt Families furnished the fuel , drivers , pallets , and bins for use in the transports Sheriff Bizzell thanked Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , County Manager Rick Hester , and Chief Deputy Bengie Gaddis for traveling with the Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Bizzell thanked his staff as well as 911 Communications , Emergency Services , all the County staff that helped , and the Board of Commissioners Sheriff Bizzell stated the citizens of Johnston County really stepped up to show what can be done when people come together during times of disaster Sheriff Bizzell also thanked all the churches , businesses , and fire departments for their assistance and support Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated during the process of designing the County’s new logo , there were four words highlighted that were associated with the County , with two of those being “ responsive ” and “ compassionate ” Chairman Lawter stated 16 tractor trailer trucks filled with supplies donated by the people of Johnston County demonstrates the responsiveness and compassion for those in need Commissioner April Stephens commented that given the current economy , it is admirable that there were so many that stepped up and donated to help others in the western part of North Carolina Chairman Lawter noted that he and Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris were born and raised in the western part of the State , and it means a lot to them especially to be able to help that area 10 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner April Stephens stated one of the greatest things she received from the District 3 vacancy interview process was getting constructive feedback from some of the candidates during the interviews Commissioner Stephens stated Mr James Gathers made a very good point in saying that during Board Comments , the Commissioners should say something to represent their respective Districts every time and she agrees with this suggestion Commissioner Stephens noted the recent passing of the Town of Benson Mayor Jerry Medlin and expressed her condolences stating this is a huge loss for Benson Commissioner Stephens alsoPage41539 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued took the opportunity to congratulate Public Information Officer Adam Carroll on graduating from the Johnston Leadership Academy Commissioner Bill Stovall mentioned a recent North Carolina Board of Transportation meeting where they formally adopted the resolution to name the US Hwy 70 Business East Bridge after the late County Commissioner Tony Braswell Commissioner Stovall stated there will be a public event sometime in the spring to dedicate the bridge and he knows there will be a lot of people looking forward to attending that event Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted the Johnston County Firemen’s Association provided the funds to cover the application fee for that bridge naming and he agreed there will be a lot of people there to support Commissioner Tony Braswell’s name being on the bridge Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated one of the Board’s priorities is County employees and he noted there are employees in attendance that have done extraordinary things for the County Commissioner Godwin stated he attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners NCACC Legislative Goals conference last week where they talked about legislative priorities Commissioner Godwin spoke of a Harnett County Senator at the meeting who also mentioned the passing of Benson Mayor Jerry Medlin and how this is a tremendous loss Commissioner Godwin also stated years ago there was an individual running for County Commissioner and he saw that candidate’s picture on a billboard in his military uniform Commissioner Godwin stated that candidate was Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr and he has supported Commissioner Smith from day one Commissioner Godwin expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Smith for his service on the Board and stated he will miss him Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris noted the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and stated there is so much to be thankful for Vice Chairman Harris stated he is blessed to be in Johnston County serving the people and he could not think of a better place to live Vice Chairman Harris wished everyone a blessed holiday Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stated this would be his last time to make a comment on the Board and he wanted everyone to know that his heart has an attitude of gratitude tonight Commissioner Smith spoke on being grateful to have moved to Johnston County in 1974 and being a part of and learning what he believes to be the greatest industry in this country , which is agriculture Commissioner Smith stated raising crops and cattle has been one of his greatest joys of living in Johnston County Commissioner Smith continued that when he moved to Johnston County the population was 60,000 people and the road from Covered Bridge Road to the Wake County line was a dirt road Commissioner Smith also stated how grateful he was to have raised five children in Johnston County that he believes have become successful adults Commissioner Smith went on to say how grateful he was to have been elected by the people to serve and he has cherished being a part of Johnston County and its values and culture Commissioner Smith spoke on being in the stands at Clayton High School watching his sons play football and how that was an unforgettable experience Commissioner Smith stated he has watched a sleeping giant arise in the way the economy of Johnston County has done over the past fifty years and there are many counties in North Carolina that would like to be in the same place as Johnston County Commissioner Smith stated when he was elected as a County Commissioner the first time , County Manager Rick Hester was new at his job ; however , Mr Hester has since become a leader of County Managers Commissioner Smith spoke of former Commissioners James H Langdon Jr and Wade M Stewart and how they were great leaders he served with on the Board He stated he had the opportunity to go to Raleigh for six years to represent Johnston County in the State Senate and the message he took to Raleigh was “ if all counties in North Carolina were as efficient and effective as Johnston County , then this would be a better State ” Commissioner Smith stated he has watched Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr grow as a Chairman and he feels the County is in great hands Commissioner Smith stated he is grateful for all that the County has meant to him and his family , he has loved serving , but he is now looking forward to taking care of his cows Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted there were many opportunities to celebrate Veterans last week , and he was able to attend two events that were very well done Chairman Lawter thanked the Veterans in this County and in particular the Board members that have served their Country including Commissioners Smith , Stephens , Godwin and former Commissioner Tony Braswell among others He acknowledged all the Veterans that serve in North Carolina and stated it is an honor to serve with those that have served the Country County Manager Rick Hester expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stating he has enjoyed working with him over the years and learning many things Mr Hester read from the highlights of the January 6 , 2003 minutes where Commissioner Smith had made suggestions to the Board before leaving to serve in the Senate He stated the suggestions were to continue to realize the need to provide for necessaryPage51540 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued infrastructure as the County grows , Board Committees , begin the meetings with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance , and remember that the County is spending the people’s money paid to the government to be used for public purpose Mr Hester recalled that Commissioner Smith suggested the Board should receive monthly cash flow reports so the Commissioners will always know where the County’s finances stand and how this has since been in practice for over twenty years Mr Hester stated Commissioner Smith will be missed Commissioner April Stephens recalled at her first meeting with Commissioner Smith , he had a big textbook on NC Local Government Ordinances with him and she immediately went home and ordered one thinking she was supposed to have one at her first meeting Commissioner Stephens thanked Commissioner Smith for all the inspiration he has given to her Commissioner Bill Stovall noted he has had the briefest term on the Board , but has had the opportunity to work in State government to see Commissioner Smith’s career and he applauded him for his lengthy public service Commissioner Stovall thanked Commissioner Smith for all he has done for Johnston County and wished him well in his next endeavors Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated it has been an honor to serve with Commissioner Smith and he has brought an interesting perspective to the Board and to the issues Vice Chairman Harris stated Commissioner Smith always faced the issues with facts and figures and would break out a spreadsheet in a heartbeat with a lot of things highlighted if need be Vice Chairman Harris stated he has learned a lot and he wished Commissioner Smith well Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated it has been an honor to serve with Commissioner Smith and he has learned a lot Chairman Lawter stated a couple of things that come to mind are knowing Commissioner Smith’s best quality is his directness and that is also his toughest quality Chairman Lawter stated the second thing is the art of negotiation , and he appreciated Commissioner Smith bringing that to the Board Chairman Lawter stated Commissioner Smith has been a true advocate for the taxpayers of Johnston County and he presented the following plaque of appreciation to Commissioner Smith WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FOR DEDICATED SERVICE FRED J SMITH , JR JOHNSTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER 2000 – 2003 2020 – 2024 11 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 Page61541 November 18 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin 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 , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris moved the Board adjourn Commissioner April Stephens seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 30 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage