October 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 1486 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners October 21 , 2024 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , October 21 , 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 , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , April Stephens and Bill Stovall Absent Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris 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 Chairman Lawter noted this week is Employee Appreciation Week and he thanked all the County employees for all they do for the County and its citizens 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Recognition of Little Miss Benson Holland Brooke Harper Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recognized former County Commissioner Chad Stewart for this item along with Miss Holland Brooke Harper who introduced herself as Little Miss Benson 2024 - 2025 Miss Harper thanked the Board of Commissioners for inviting her to the meeting Mr Stewart thanked the Board for their work and tireless dedication to the County He stated the Benson Area Ministerial Association was founded in 1985 and currently has twenty members He explained that it is a 501c3 organization that puts money back into the community for projects He stated those projects include the Little Miss Benson and Junior pageants , two annual bingos , two yearly music shows , flower sales , Benson’s Christmas on Main , the Benson Veterans Day Celebration , and other parks and recreation events Mr Stewart also stated funding is given to South Johnston High School for scholarships , a Thanksgiving meal , local funding to the Food Bank , the Benson Police Department , Friday Night Hoops , the Chamber of Commerce’s Mule Days , Sundown in Downtown , the Benson Singing Convention , and other events as needed Mr Stewart stated the pageants provide the participants with a voice and confidence as they are the future of Johnston County A photo of Miss Harper , Mr Stewart , and the Board of Commissioners was taken 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – September 16 , 2024 – 3 30 pm and 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Jacqueline Drive , Kiowa Court , and Pawnee Place – Pecan Grove – Pleasant Grove Township Andrews Landing Drive – Andrews Landing – O’Neals TownshipPage1487 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued C Sheriff’s Office – Request to Surplus Vehicles Per the request of Sheriff Steve Bizzell , the Board declared the following vehicles surplus that were involved in accidents and deemed a total loss 2021 Dodge Charger VIN 2C3CDXAT4MH671003 2023 Dodge Charger VIN 2C3CDXAT4PH595156 D Appointments , approved as follows Meadow Firefighter’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees – Jeremy D Norris was appointed for a two year term to expire on October 31 , 2026 4 Public Comment None 5 Proclamation – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Johnston County Registrar of Deeds Craig Olive requested the Board to adopt a proclamation for November 2024 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month He stated the families that have been affected by Alzheimer’s are appreciative of this recognition Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated many families are affected by Alzheimer’s , including his own Commissioner Godwin read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , and carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain causing deterioration in memory and thinking , as well as judgment and reasoning ability ; it also affects behavior , emotions and the ability to perform self - care ; and WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in United States , killing more people than breast and prostate cancer combined ; and WHEREAS , it is also the seventh leading cause of death in North Carolina and also here in Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , one in three Senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and more than half of all Americans know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s ; and WHEREAS , more than six million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease with over 210,000 residing in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease affects whole families since it is a long term illness that requires long term care ; and WHEREAS , over eleven million family members and friends are serving as their unpaid caregivers nationwide , 373,000 of those giving care are North Carolinians ; and WHEREAS , an estimated 184 billion hours of care valued at nearly 347 billion dollars was provided to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2023 ; and WHEREAS , almost two - thirds of Americans with Alzheimers are women The cost for caring for those with Alzheimers and other dementias is estimated to total 360 billion in 2024 By 2050 , these costs could rise to nearly 1 trillion One in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia WHEREAS , with early detection and diagnosis , individuals and families can gain access to treatment medications , enroll in critical research trials , and fully participate in planning for the future ; andPage1488 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognizes individuals , families , friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease , the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure , and the educational programs and support services provided by Alzheimer’s organizations NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2024 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month in Johnston County and urges our citizens to commend its observance st Proclaimed this the 21 day of October , 2024 6 Down Home North Carolina Elizabeth Lynn , Organizer with Down Home North Carolina Johnston County Chapter , provided information to the Board on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Inflation Reduction Act Environmental and Climate Justice Program Community Change Grants She noted that there had been several meetings with Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr about the Central Pines Regional Council Grant Proposal She stated they wanted to provide this information to the entire Board to promote the Inflation Reduction Act IRA funding for the entire County and the citizens of Johnston County She presented the following Jennifer Issen , Campaigner for Down Home North Carolina , Garner , stated one of the focuses is how to transform Johnston County Schools as a resilience hub through decarbonization and the generation of on - site renewable energy She stated the goal is to provide lower emissions , create healthier environments , and make schools central to community climate action and storm recovery She indicated that renewable energy subsides through programs like Solar4All and the Investment Tax Credit , energy efficiency funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund , and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant with smaller pools of funding supporting electric school buses and other transportation initiatives Page1489 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Lynn spoke about the Housing Authority project and stated Johnston County can partner with a Housing Authority to research the high energy burden faced by low - income residents She reviewed the following information with the Board Natasha Chapman , Clayton , stated Down Home North Carolina would like to hire someone to educate the community for Energy Efficiency Community Education , energy efficiency , and IRA opportunities She stated this would assist residents with navigating the system She spoke on the following opportunities Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr acknowledged Executive Director Marie Watson with Johnston - Lee - Harnett Community Action who will be assisting the County with navigating the process in collaboration with the Central Pines Regional Council Commissioner April Stephens thanked Down Home North Carolina for presenting this information to the Board of Commissioners PagePage pageNumber51490 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Issen stated this is a collaborative call to action to meet with NC Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Awardees post - election and create a grant working group of Down Home NC members , County Commissioners , and Central Pines representatives Chairman Lawter thanked Down Home North Carolina for the opportunity to share information for which these funds can be used 7 Planning and Zoning – Land Development Code Update Planning Director Braston Newton introduced Vice President and Project Manager Kelley Klepper with Kimley - Horn Associates , Inc to provide an update to the Board on the proposed new Land Development Code Mr Klepper introduced Project Director and Local Client Manager Cindy Szwarckop Mr Klepper and Ms Szwarckop presented the following update to the Board PagePage pageNumber61491 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber71492 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber81493 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber91494 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage01495 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Klepper stated that he and Ms Szwarckop have been working with Planning Director Braston Newton and staff on these proposals and he offered to answer questions of the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin commented that he fears for the quality of life going forward and stated when he looks at the structure presented , he is concerned about freedom Commissioner Godwin spoke about signage and freedom with the citizens and stated the proposals about density and open space are good points , but he does have concerns Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated he is impressed by the organization in the process and the suggestion of visuals and graphics He commended the work of Kimley - Horn Associates and staff and stated he looks forward to future updates 8 Manager Reports and Comments A Update from Solid Waste Director At the request of County Manager Rick Hester , Solid Waste Director Brian Beasley updated the Board on the convenience center sites usage now that decals are no longer required Mr Beasley stated some sites have seen more of an increase in usage than others He noted the customer flow has been monitored throughout the twelve sites in the County and at the landfill site He stated in looking at the data on a weekly average , at July 1 , 2023 , 10,505 customers were being served weekly on average He stated when looking at the data as of July 1 , 2024 when the decals were no longer required , 12,168 customers were served on a weekly average He noted the trend upward was also due to growth in the County He stated last week’s numbers were 13,597 customers forPage11496 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued all sites as a total with some sites busier than others Mr Beasley stated the tonnage has remained about the same and recycling has increased Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if there have been any significant problems at any of the convenience center sites Mr Beasley responded there have been only minor complaints , which have been addressed as they arose Commissioner Bill Stovall asked if there had been any noticeable impacts to roadway litter now that citizens can dispose of trash without a fee Mr Beasley stated he is hopeful now that everyone has access to the facilities that littering will decrease He noted the complaint calls for littering have decreased Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr requested Mr Beasley to provide another update next year and thanked him and his staff for their work B Request for Letter of Support from Isaiah 117 House County Attorney Jennifer Slusser provided information to the Board regarding a request from Isaiah 117 House for a letter of support Ms Slusser explained that at the direction of the Board of Commissioners , the Social Services Board , and the DSS Director she has spoken with Isaiah 117 House North Carolina Director Julie Dixon about their proposal being made in Johnston County to see if a facility would be beneficial to the citizens Ms Slusser stated Isaiah 117 House representatives are currently raising awareness and taking steps to open a facility in Johnston County that would be a temporary space where custodial children can be served while waiting for foster care placement She stated Isaiah 117 House also provides supervised visitation between children and their families in conjunction with the Department of Social Services She stated the program provides a place with kitchenettes , snacks , living and dining areas with games , toys , and bathrooms for foster children Ms Slusser continued that the mission of Johnston County Social Services is to serve , aid , and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families She stated after a review of the proposed initiative , staff has determined that an Isaiah 117 House in the County could be beneficial to the children and families that are served She stated the Social Services Board voted at their last meeting to write a letter of support for this initiative to support Isaiah 117 House’s desire to establish a location in Johnston County Ms Slusser stated there is no investment being requested from Johnston County for this project She reported th that on October 29 there will be an awareness luncheon and dinner hosted by Isaiah 117 House staff and there will be representatives attending from Johnston County She noted this will be an opportunity to learn more about the organization Ms Slusser stated the Social Services Board and DSS Director supports the initiative to establish a location in Johnston County and staff would like feedback from the Board of Commissioners if the Board would also like to send a letter of support Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if this initiative would fall under mental health services such as Alliance Health Ms Slusser stated this is more of a respite transitional space for children that need custodial care She stated the ability to have supervised visitation space would be especially beneficial to strengthen and preserve families It was the unanimous consensus of the Board to move forward with a letter of support C Personnel Policy Amendment – Clarification to Emergency Pay County Attorney Jennifer Slusser presented to the Board a technical amendment to the Personnel Policy to clarify emergency pay when providing mutual aid to the State and other local governments during an emergency She stated this came about when resources and staff were being deployed to western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene She noted the County’s policy is unclear and this would be important for FEMA reimbursements and to support those employees chosen by the Emergency Services Director in the event of an emergency She stated the amendment would add language to cover times not only for when the Johnston County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated but would allow for mutual aid pursuant to the State or another local Emergency Management agency She stated this would clarify how the County would pay personnel Ms Page21497 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued Slusser stated the amendment has been vetted by the County Manager , County Finance Director Deputy County Manager , Emergency Services Director , Human Resources Director , and the Internal Auditor Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if an employee decided to take personal leave to assist another area , would this policy still apply Ms Slusser stated this policy would only apply if an employee were deployed pursuant to the State Operations Center and assigned by the Emergency Services Director Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Bill Stovall , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the following amendment to the Personnel Policy Page31498 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued 9 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin reminded everyone of the Operation Green Light initiative supporting Veterans and noted this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the Smithfield Selma High School on th November 11 at 11 00 am Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recognized 911 Communications and District Attorney Susan Doyle who were recipients of this year’s Dogwood Award Chairman Lawter stated he would like to once again thank all the Johnston County employees for their work in recognition of Employee Appreciation Week Chairman Lawter announced that the Board’s upcoming Strategic Planning Session has been tentatively scheduled for February 20 – 21 , 2025 with a location to be determined Chairman Lawter stated four applications were received with one withdrawn for the Commissioner District 3 vacancy He stated the deadline to apply is 3 00 pm on Friday , October 25 , 2024 and there will be an th interview process to follow Chairman Lawter stated the goal is to make an appointment on November 18 with the swearing in of the new Commissioner on December 2 , 2024 10 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , 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 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 Page41499 October 21 , 2024 – 6 00 pm Continued There being no further business , Commissioner April Stephens moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin 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