August 4, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 427 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners August 4 , 2025 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , August 4 , 2025 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 , April Stephens , Bill Stovall , Michelle Pace Davis and Mike Rose Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis opened the meeting with an invocation Vietnam Veterans of America Group 990 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 Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as revised postponing Agenda Item Number 5 - Public Utilities – Buffalo Road Parallel Force Main to the August 18 , 2025 6 00 pm meeting and adding a closed session at the end of the meeting 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon an amended motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board took the following actions 1 removed Consent Agenda Item G4 Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board appointments and instructed staff to readvertise those positions to receive additional applications ; and 2 approved the remaining consent agenda items as follows A Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Dundalk Drive SR 3568 ext , Big View Court , Split Rock Way , and Pedestal Court – Woodmont – O’Neals Township Lassiter Ridge Drive and Hampshire Court – Lassiter Ridge – Elevation Township Snowball Street , Vibernum View , Tupelo Trail , Chingquapin Court and Devilwood Drive – Homestead Farm – Elevation Township B Johnston County Government Facilities Master Plan and Design for DSS Building and Onsite Offsite Improvements On July 21 , 2025 Moseley Architects presented to the Board a proposal for design services for the Department of Social Services building and onsite offsite improvements a reimbursement resolution was previously approved by the Board on October 16 , 2023 relating to County facility projects Per the request of staff , the Board approved the design proposals by Moseley with the understanding that contracts will come back to the Board for consideration and that there will be updates to the Board at the conclusion of each design phase C Approval of the Johnston County ABC Board Travel Policy On July 21 , 2025 , the Johnston County ABC Board presented the ABC Board Travel Policy to the Board of Commissioners The local Alcoholic Beverage Control ABC Board is governed byPage428 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Chapter 18B , Article 7 of the North Carolina General Statutes This statute allows local boards to adopt a travel policy that conforms to the travel policy of Johnston County The Johnston County ABC Board approved the travel policy on February 25 , 2025 Per the request of the ABC Board , the Board of Commissioners approved the policy as submitted by the ABC Board on July 21 , 2025 D Emergency Services - Request to Surplus Vehicles Per the request of Emergency Services , the Board declared the following vehicles surplus and approved for them to be sold at the next public auction scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office on September 13 , 2025 1 Fleet # 128 VIN 1GB6G5CL0D1173983 2013 Chevrolet 4500 Ambulance Mileage 188,994 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 2 Fleet # 142 VIN 1GB6G5CL7F1143561 2015 Chevrolet 4500 Ambulance Mileage 180,970 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 3 Fleet # 225 VIN 1FMJK1GT2GEF15532 2016 Ford Expedition Mileage 174,838 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 4 Fleet # 226 VIN 1FMJK1GT4GEF15533 2016 Ford Expedition Mileage 178,638 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 5 Fleet # 245 VIN JALE5B141Y7902209 2000 Isuzu Fuel Tanker Mileage 25,416 This vehicle was purchased from the JC Airport in 2021 It has not been used in several years and requires regular maintenance and annual inspections It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 6 Fleet # 155 VIN 1FDXE4FS1KDC09559 2019 Ford E450 Ambulance Mileage 217,640 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus 7 Fleet # 152 VIN 1FDXE4FS7JDC13159 2018 Ford E450 Ambulance Mileage 181,631 This vehicle has high mileage and needs mechanical repairs to remain in use This vehicle also does not meet current standards of our fleet and has been taken out of service We have purchased a replacement for this vehicle It is recommended that this unit be declared for surplus Page429 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued E Authorization to Proceed with Bidding for DA Renovation Project The Buildings and Grounds Department requests the Board’s approval to proceed with the bidding process for the “ DA Renovation ” project After reviewing the project proposal and associated documentation , submitting a bid for this project aligns with strategic objectives and offers a valuable opportunity Staff will prepare and finalize the bid proposal , ensuring adherence to all specifications and requirements outlined in the Invitation to Bid , represent Johnston County throughout the bidding and negotiation process and ensure all necessary resources and support are provided to facilitate a successful bidding process This project was planned in Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 Per the request of staff , the Board approved proceeding with the bidding process for the “ DA Renovation ” project F Budget Revisions , approved as follows Library REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 18 44500200 Salaries & Wages 49700 18 44500300 Salaries Part - Time 1,43300 18 44500501 Social Security 13700 18 44500610 Life Insurance 200 18 44500700 Retirement 6,34400 18 44500701 401K 1300 18 44500400 Legal & Professional Fees 50000 18 44501110 Postage 30000 18 44501300 Utilities 1,00000 18 44503100 Fuels 20000 18 44503200 Office Supplies 90000 18 44503300 Departmental Supplies 90000 18 44504590 Programming Expense 10600 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 7,50000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 18 445033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 50000 18 445033102 Transfer from General Fund 28,00000 18 445033406 Gifts – Friends 4,00000 18 445033424 Grants 4,00000 18 445033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 10,00000 18 445036137 Copy Fees 2,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 7,50000 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 22578 10 51003350 Supplies – Special Sheriff 10000 10 51007418 Capital Outlay – Drug Seizure 3,15080 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 3,47658 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 32578 10 510035160 Federal Equitable Sharing 3,15080 TOTAL NET REVENUE 3,47658Page430 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51003350 Supplies – Special Sheriff 18,01444 10 51007414 Capital Outlay – Sheriff 265,46776 10 51007418 Capital Outlay – Drug Seizure 849,56716 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 1,133,04936 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 460033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 1,133,04936 TOTAL NET REVENUE 1,133,04936 G Appointments , approved as follows i Johnston County Board of Health – James Matthew Oldham representing Dentist was appointed for a three year term to expire on August 31 , 2028 ii Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority – Jesse “ Skip ” W Green , Jr was reappointed for a six year term to expire on August 31 , 2031 and granted a waiver in the length of service policy iii Livestock Arena Management Board – Chad E Holloman , Paul H “ Sonny ” Howard , Jr , Eric W Honeycutt and Connor Edwin Peacock were reappointed for two year terms to expire on August 31 , 2027 Mr Howard and Mr Honeycutt were granted waivers in the length of service policy H Tax Releases & Refunds – 06 16 2025 – 07 15 2025 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 6 26 2025 3 16 06 PM cfutch 2024 - 106312 2000206958 WOMACK , EDWARD S 1,39434 7 8 2025 3 53 48 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 201569 2000145909 WILLIAMS , CAROLYN W 10,37172 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 6 17 2025 10 52 37 AM awstancil 2024 - 44221 2000078947 GOSZEWSKI , NATALIE ANNE 13624 6 17 2025 12 03 06 PM awstancil 2024 - 118961 2000205781 DANIEL - LAN DEVELOPMENT , LLC 22125 6 23 2025 11 43 34 AM tmeacomes 2024 - 46372 2000252160 GUTIERREZ MAGANA , DANIEL 26320 6 26 2025 3 21 34 PM cfutch 2025 - 201525 2000206958 WOMACK , EDWARD S 69717 7 1 2025 9 57 05 AM awstancil 2024 - 118961 2000205781 DANIEL - LAN DEVELOPMENT , LLC 22759 7 8 2025 4 04 26 PM tmeacomes 2024 - 17675 2000015607 CARTER , OSWALD STEVE 20054 7 14 2025 10 45 34 AM tmeacomes 2024 - 132110 2000265787 ADEL LLC 62903 7 15 2025 10 28 58 AM awstancil 2024 - 118961 2000205781 DANIEL - LAN DEVELOPMENT , LLC 12353 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – June 2025 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # Reason CONNER , 0085543395 457807168 Situs error 000 CHARLIE LEE 34673 8516 11558 37715 GYS CABINETS 0084685592 457317152 Situs error 000 SERVICES , INC 18314 4498 6105 19921 LEITZKE , 0085637898 229209358 Military 16650 PagePage pageNumber5431 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued BRAIN 3479 JEFFREY 20129 MASSENGILL , 0083022693 458599412 Situs error 000 TINA MARIE 13166 BARESE 3234 4389 14321 MEDLIN , 0085629984 458417496 Situs error 001 THOMAS RAY 17662 4338 5887 19212 OWEN , 0084420772 458417468 Situs error 000 AMANDA 21876 RENEE 5373 7292 23795 PRUITT , JOHN 0085646565 458418452 Situs error 000 ERVIN 21660 5320 7220 23560 SPINELLI , 0084750443 456096568 Situs error 000 SALVATORE 9942 NICHOLAS 17710 5903 13671 THOMPSON , 11732 AARON 0083737225 229458128 Military 9981 DUNBAR 21713 3 Public Comments A Introduction of New District Attorney Jason Waller Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr introduced Johnston County’s newly appointed District Attorney Jason Waller Mr Waller addressed the Board and stated he has been on the job for just over a month Mr Waller stated he spent 19 years as a prosecutor with 11 of those years in Wake County and 7 years in Johnston County He stated that he and his family currently reside in Clayton and he has a wonderful wife and three kids Mr Waller stated he is committed to three core principles for the office , which he calls the “ iron triangle ” ; 1 prioritizing public safety , 2 efficiency , and 3 building relationships Mr Waller noted that he is already taking action on these fronts He reported violent crime rates are increasing and he is implementing a PIE method prevention , intervention , and enforcement He stated recently , several murder cases have involved juveniles , which highlights the importance of addressing this issue He stated the establishment of a Dangerous Offenders Task Force is also under consideration Mr Waller continued that efficiency is a key priority and effective prosecutors are recognized not only for their courtroom skills but also for their ability to manage dockets efficiently , whether dealing with serious charges or minor offenses He stated to improve case management , a homicide status and custody review calendar was initiated in collaboration with the Honorable Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Thomas H Lock in 2023 He stated this initiative has streamlined both homicide and custody case sessions , allowing them to be addressed within a single session rather than over two extended sessions Mr Waller stated that maintaining professional relationships continues to be a focus , including ongoing collaboration with law enforcement , the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office , and Judges He stated regular engagement with stakeholders and open discussion of relevant concerns remains valued and informs ongoing considerations Mr Waller stated he appreciates the collaboration with County Manager Rick Hester and County Attorney Jennifer Slusser PagePage pageNumber6432 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Waller assured the Board that his office will use funds efficiently , especially for the needed office renovation project to improve workflow and safety He stated if the Board has questions about the District Attorney’s office or needs any assistance , his door is always open Mr Waller stated he is proud to serve as Johnston County’s District Attorney Commissioner Bill Stovall stated after he retired from public safety seven years ago , he saw that the juvenile crime numbers had decreased until COVID led to the closures of youth development and detention centers and since then , juvenile crime rates have surged He stated recent data indicates that some of the recent murders have involved offenders aged 13 to 15 years old , which suggests an increase in violent crime during adolescence Commissioner Stovall asked if there is any insight as to what factors might be driving this trend Mr Waller responded that while he does not have specific statistics at hand , his personal experience suggests that juveniles are increasingly involved in violent offenses , often with little apparent remorse He stated for example , in a recent case he prosecuted , two juveniles approached a parked vehicle containing five other young individuals and fired approximately 20 gunshots into the car He stated the court then had to initiate the process of transferring their cases from Juvenile Court to Superior Court in order to try them as adults He stated it is important to note that the penalties for such acts , when committed by juveniles , are significantly less severe than those imposed on adults He stated while prevention efforts are essential , it is equally important to allocate sufficient time and resources to the prosecution of these cases , as the transfer from Juvenile to Superior Court can be a complex and time - consuming process Mr Waller stated his office wants to prioritize addressing issues related to juvenile violent crime , as recent years have demonstrated a significant need in this area Commissioner Stovall reported that Bill Lassiter , who leads the States Juvenile Justice Division , provided feedback indicating that school closures during the COVID pandemic have affected juveniles He noted that after several years of declining admissions , there was a 25 increase , accompanied by more violent offenses He stated according to Mr Lassiter , most juveniles admitted required immediate mental health treatment , yet few community resources were available to meet those needs Commissioner Stovall stated Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris has been working to establish an urgent care mental health facility in the County as mental health has emerged as a significant factor in these discussions Mr Waller stated as part of his Dangerous Offenders Task Force , one of the goals is not only to enforce penalties , but also offer services such as mental health support to help prevent violent crimes The Board welcomed Mr Waller as the new District Attorney B Comments from Johnston County Association of Realtors Jordan Forest Streuli addressed the Board representing the Johnston County Association of Realtors and its membership Ms Streuli stated the Association of Realtors appreciates the efforts by staff and the Board on water and sewer infrastructure planning and recognizes that growth requires investment and proper funding She stated Johnston County expects considerable growth in the next decade but affordability is a concern She stated high development fees , land costs , interest rates , labor shortages , and stormwater compliance requirements can hinder workforce housing for teachers , nurses , first responders , and young families Ms Streuli stated while System Development Fees are paid by builders , these expenses are often passed on to homeowners when purchasing their homes She further stated that while considering the needs of future Johnston County homeowners and residents , there are concerns from specific groups such as farmers , who may require larger water meters for backup purposes although their actual usage is much lower than initially anticipated She noted these situations underscore the importance of maintaining flexibility in the decision - making process Ms Streuli stated the Association of Realtors supports the principle that growth should contribute its fair share ; however , this must be balanced with responsible development and housing accessibility She stated to assist in these efforts , last week she shared Bowen National Research’s 2024 housing analysis for Johnston County and she provided hard copies for the Board’s reference She stated the opportunity to collaborate is welcomed as the County evaluates future fees that will affect both development and housing Ms Streuli stated the goal is to take a holistic approach , ensuring that decisions are made with consideration for how future residents will be impacted by growth She stated they recognize the substantial responsibilities managed by the County and know that decisions can be challenging , but they are committed to providing all necessary resources to support the County in this process PagePage pageNumber7433 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued 4 Public Hearing – Stormwater Ordinance Proposed Revisions Advertised – The Johnstonian News and The News in Review – July 23 and 30 , 2025 Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr opened the public hearing to allow for public comment on proposed revisions to Article VII – Stormwater Management of the Johnston County Land Development Code , Code of Ordinances Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE introduced Consultant Beth Umstead and Stormwater Manager Jessica Batten She stated following a presentation on the proposed revisions there will be opportunities for questions and public comments Ms Farmer stated staff plans to come back to the Board’s first meeting in September to seek adoption of the revisions , based on feedback received , with implementation recommended for November 1 , 2025 Ms Umstead explained the presentation will cover familiar material , with the exception of one recent decision that may be new information for the Board of Commissioners Ms Umstead stated the revision process has been ongoing for approximately four years , which included delays primarily related to clarifying State requirements and incorporating those into the updated program She stated the revisions were initiated in response to the Neuse Rules revisions as well as nutrient management requirements within the Neuse River Basin She stated discussions with the State began in March 2020 , starting with a stakeholder process to understand State expectations Ms Umstead reported the primary objective was to identify necessary actions She stated multiple submittals have been made to the Division of Water Resources , with the ultimate goal of obtaining required approval from the Environmental Management Commission , which has not yet been received Ms Umstead stated that given the length of this process and feedback regarding the need to address flooding and stormwater complaints , adjustments are being made proactively She stated all known requirements have been integrated into the stormwater ordinance and design manual and additionally , updates to the US Fish and Wildlife Agreement have been incorporated She stated recent modifications include establishing built upon area BUA limits based on previously defined impervious surfaces and updating buffer applications within certain watersheds She stated attenuation criteria has been revised , land dedication requirements have been removed , and the ordinance and design manual have been available for public comment since early July through the County’s website PagePage pageNumber8434 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Batten reported the only comment received was an inquiry regarding the effective date , and other than that , no substantive feedback concerning design criteria was submitted , aside from a request for simplification , which will be implemented as much as regulations permit Ms Umstead referred to the following slide for a summary of the major revisions Ms Umstead stated it has become evident that previous BUA restrictions for residential development have not sufficiently accommodated homeowner additions She stated furthermore , the nature of current construction differs from that of the early 2000s and new criteria stipulates that residential developments not served by public sewer must be designed with a minimum BUA of 6,000 square feet per lot She stated this figure refers to the minimum design and actual construction is not required to meet this threshold , but rather lots must be able to accommodate at least 6,000 square feet She noted that lots served by public sewer are typically smaller , so applying a 6,000 square foot requirement to each may not be feasible and these cases will be evaluated individually Ms Umstead stated within the stormwater program , both quantity and quality components are addressed She stated in environmentally sensitive areas , as well as Middle Creek , attenuation is required for storms ranging from the one - year to the one hundred - year event to mitigate minor system flooding , rather than hurricane related incidents In other areas , attenuation standards will apply to storms from the one - year through the twenty - five year events She stated most new developments will require attenuation , but there are exemptions for smaller projects Residential developments with 19 lots or fewer and less than an 8 increase in post development runoff are not subject to attenuation requirements , though water quality rules still apply She stated for non - single family residential projects under 10,000 square feet BUA and that does not exceed 24 density , attenuation is also exempt She stated stormwater plans are still required for single - family projects disturbing one acre or more and for non - single family projects disturbing half an acre or reaching a BUA of 24 density , as needed by current regulations PagePage pageNumber9435 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Umstead explained that the Land Dedication Program would be discontinued because it has not met its intended purpose She stated previously , single - family residential developments exceeding the 12 - 15 BUA limit could participate in the program to reach a maximum BUA of 50 - 60 She continued that under the new plan , the land dedication option will be removed , and the maximum BUA is increased to 30 - 40 for residential projects , while non - residential sites can go up to 80 without land dedication She stated notably , previous caps will be eliminated , allowing developers to purchase nitrogen loading offsets and receive credits She stated designers are no longer restricted by the previous cap and can now exceed it , but the limit remains at 36 pounds per acre per year She stated the design manual offers detailed guidance on required submissions and expectations to streamline communication between designers and plan reviewers , aiming to make the process more efficient Chairman Lawter asked about the text color differences between the green and red color coding Ms Batten explained the green color highlights requirements from the US Fish and Wildlife Agreement , while red indicates the Neuse rules She stated both colors denote mandatory items Commissioner April Stephens asked about the potential consequences of removing the Land Dedication Program Ms Batten responded that instead of the program , there will be onsite attenuation rather than offsetting by paying into a fund Commissioner Stephens stated her two main questions are ; 1 what is the financial impact if payment into a fund continues , and 2 is onsite treatment the appropriate method for managing these issues She stated this clarification can help citizens better understand the Board’s discussion Ms Batten stated rather than contributing to a fund that remains unused for some time , the funds will be directed toward constructing treatment facilities directly onsite Ms Umstead stated additionally , attenuation serves two primary purposes ; 1 it manages water quantity , and 2 it incorporates a water quality component Page0436 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued She stated with the removal of land dedication requirements , attenuation whether dry or wet , will now occur onsite thereby addressing both water quality and quantity locally Chairman Lawter noted the decision is whether to spend the money onsite or elsewhere Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked how the quality is determined or monitored Ms Umstead stated quality is determined by initial design criteria and confirmed by engineer certification upon construction She stated ongoing maintenance continues , but long - term water quality is not directly monitored ; instead , the results are supported by national data that predicts expected outcomes Commissioner Godwin asked if FEMA has expanded their timeframes for flood events He stated the administrative manual references a 25 - year period , which is different from the commonly known 100 - year floodplain Ms Umstead explained there is an established hydrologic design protocol that defines these storm events In modeling , a one to two year event matches the channels bank full flow , while larger events like the 25 - year are for overbank management , though not as extensive as the 100 - year event She stated these criteria serve as design guidelines aiming to minimize the impact of development Commissioner Bill Stovall asked if the 25 - year event is always used as the maximum standard or does addressing the 25 - year storm also ensure coverage for smaller events like the one - year storm Ms Umstead stated engineers often design multi - stage outlet control devices to achieve stormwater attenuation at pre - development flow rates She stated devices typically include features for both one - year and 25 - year storms , usually combined into a single stormwater system Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked about the land dedication payment and whether the focus should be on parks or open space in this context She asked how much money goes into that account each year Ms Batten responded the amount is minimal , varies by site , and has not been used significantly due to strict requirements She stated these funds cannot be used for parks or usable spaces , only undeveloped areas Ms Farmer pointed out this is separate from the open space requirement that Planning has for subdivisions Ms Umstead stated with regards to stormwater management controls , these will include dry detention , wet detention , and wetlands She stated each feature must be designed and constructed in accordance with specifications , as this ensures expected outcomes upon project completion and achieving proper construction prior to project turnover is essential She indicated that detailed clarification has been provided regarding bonding , conversion processes , performance guarantees , and certification of completed structures Additionally , an annual inspection is being mandated for all stormwater control measures SCMs to ensure ongoing compliance She stated the owner of each SCM is responsible for completing these inspections yearly and submitting corresponding reports to the County She noted the ordinance has been revised to separate the buffer rules from the stormwater regulations , due to differences in their enforcement procedures She stated the buffer rules currently exist within the recodified ordinance , but modifications are necessary to align them with state stormwater and buffer requirements and these updates will be addressed in the future Commissioner Davis asked about the annual inspections and whether they are conducted by Johnston County or someone else Page1437 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Batten stated developers can hire a private engineer or attend a certification class at North Carolina State University to become certified to perform the inspections Ms Umstead added that the ordinance provides details about the professionals authorized to conduct these inspections Ms Umstead provided an overview of what has changed and what remains the same stating it is also included in the manual for reference She stated the recommended effective date is November 1 , 2025 Ms Umstead stated questions have arisen regarding vested and non - vested status and these are determined by State requirements which will be followed accordingly She stated designers may compare development scenarios under previous and updated rules and make a permit choice if their projects are still in progress She noted once all materials are submitted , the new rules will apply to everyone ; however , those who are mid - development may choose to proceed under either the old or new regulations Commissioner Davis asked if a permit for a subdivision is approved but no action is taken for several years , is there a time limit before reapplication under new rules is required Ms Batten stated the project remains under the original approval unless that approval expires ; whereupon applicants would follow the new regulations Page2438 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Stovall asked who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of stormwater control measures Ms Batten responded the property owners are responsible , typically through a Homeowners Association HOA rather than individual homeowners Ms Umstead explained that as designs come in , stormwater control measures must be located in drainage easements and are usually not on lots with houses to avoid confusion about ownership She stated they are usually placed on open space or property owned and maintained by the HOA Commissioner Stovall stated he has noticed that many of these measures fall into disrepair in older subdivisions and he asked if there is a way to address this through the revisions Ms Batten stated the annual inspection requirement is intended to ensure regular maintenance and improvements if problems arise Commissioner Stephens reported that she has consulted with Ms Batten on several occasions to clarify responsibilities and related matters , and she appreciates these revisions and the decision not to rely solely on Homeowners Associations as their involvement cannot always be guaranteed Commissioner Mike Rose asked about the BUA requirement of 6,000 square feet and whether this contingent upon lot size or service type Ms Umstead responded that the requirement depends on whether the property is served by public sewer or septic systems She stated if served by public sewer , the provision is not applicable ; but if served by septic , then it applies to residential subdivision lots Commissioner Rose asked if a subdivision lot served by septic is two acres rather than one , does the 6,000 square foot minimum still apply Ms Batten stated 6,000 square feet is the minimum required , regardless of lot size She stated larger lots may be designed with greater BUA , but the design must accommodate at least 6,000 square feet Commissioner Rose asked if , at a later stage , significant portions of an area are covered with concrete or additional structures , is there a process in place for monitoring or managing those changes Ms Batten stated if a building permit is required , that provides an opportunity to address such modifications She stated in those cases , owners may be required to implement solutions like rain gardens , rain barrels , or other engineered measures to offset the impact Page3439 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Umstead stated for larger lots , it is advisable to consider these factors during the initial subdivision process for properties exceeding 6,000 square feet so homeowners do not need to repeat the approval process later She stated this size is set as the minimum for design , but owners have the flexibility to build beyond that if necessary Ms Umstead reported staff’s desktop analysis of existing lots and homes on septic systems within the County indicated that 6,000 square feet generally accommodates a driveway and house while leaving enough space for future additions such as a pool , patio , or wider driveway She stated the goal is to incorporate this capacity into the initial design , preventing situations where property owners are restricted by lower limits Upon a question by Commissioner Stephens , Ms Umstead stated for commercial properties , the threshold is 10,000 square feet or 24 coverage She added one confusing part is how to apply the rule because the State indicates if you have 24 now and add more square footage , you will exceed the 24 , so the new BUA must meet quality not quantity standards She stated this is important to remember for non - single family residential cases Commissioner Stovall stated with regards to enforcement and inspection , the guidelines indicate that the individual responsible for maintaining any stormwater control measures is required to submit an annual inspection report to the stormwater administrator He stated in the context of a residential development this responsibility typically falls to the HOA He noted the stormwater administrator operates at the County level He stated the inspection reports must be completed by either a qualified registered engineer , landscape architect , or someone who has passed the SEM construction inspection course at North Carolina State University and if reports are not submitted , notifications will be sent to prompt compliance Ms Batten confirmed letters would be mailed to the responsible parties to notify about compliance issues Upon a question by Chairman Lawter , Ms Batten stated the annual reporting requirements are being updated so that they would be due every January 1 which will make tracking easier Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris asked what happens if the HOA does not respond to the first notice letter County Attorney Jennifer Slusser stated if there is no response to the first letter then a second notice will be sent with an attempt to contact them directly She stated typically , if there is still no satisfactory response , the case is referred for enforcement action by her office Ms Slusser stated the proposed ordinance includes several enforcement options , such as civil penalties and injunctive relief , with lawsuits reserved as a last resort and only when necessary She stated these mechanisms are designed to achieve compliance Vice Chairman Harris noted that many of the calls he receives , and that he believes other Commissioners similarly receive , involve concerns about Homeowners Associations not functioning as intended , which creates challenges for property owners and homeowners Ms Umstead stated the intention is not simply to enforce the submission of paperwork , but rather to ensure compliance and maintain a sound structure that meets required standards Commissioner Davis asked if there is enough staff to handle these changes Ms Batten responded that another inspector was hired last week and they are in the process of hiring an additional staff member Chairman Lawter asked what is the plan for regularly updating the stormwater ordinance going forward Ms Batten responded the updates are usually triggered by State rule changes , complaints , or changes in development trends Chairman Lawter spoke on the need to make sure the County keeps up with compliance requirements and development changes collectively as a group He asked that since the Board will be voting on these revisions at the September 2 , 2025 meeting , and there are many changes to consider , could there be a cross - reference created where specific changes occur within the sections He stated this would help the Commissioners review the revisions more efficiently , given the volume of the updates Page4440 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Stephens asked if there would be any more public stakeholder meetings before September Ms Batten noted the document has been available online for public comment and was also distributed to the regular development community contacts Chairman Lawter stated that while there were few public responses received , the information was distributed early on to encourage public involvement Chairman Lawter stated unless there are any objections , the revisions will be added to the September 2 , 2025 agenda for consideration and approval He thanked Ms Batten and Ms Umstead for the presentation and discussion The Chairman closed the public hearing 5 Public Utilities – Request for Approval of Water and Sewer System Development Fee Study for Fiscal Year 2026 Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE requested the Board to consider approval of the Water and Sewer System Development Fee Study for Fiscal Year 2026 that was presented to the Board in July with a public hearing held on July 21 , 2025 , including the updated Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Plan She stated during the meeting in July , a detailed overview of the Water and Sewer System Development Fee calculations and updated analysis for Fiscal Year 2026 was provided She stated following that presentation , the financial advisor prepared a revised report dated July 25 , 2025 and copies of this report have been distributed for review Ms Farmer stated the information in the report is consistent with what was presented at the last meeting She stated according to statute , there is a formal process for establishing System Development Fees , which includes adopting the analysis and methodology used to determine the maximum allowable fee She clarified that the current request is for approval of this document , not adoption of the fees themselves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted the interim measures previously discussed for Raleigh and Harnett County are not included in the 2026 Capital Improvements Plan CIP update Ms Farmer stated the only item covered is the cost to purchase an additional 2 million gallons per day of capacity from the City of Raleigh as a short - term water supply through the County’s current interconnect She stated additionally , the CIP includes one project to construct the minor upgrades required for this purchase Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board adopted the “ Water and Wastewater System Development Fee Study for Fiscal Year 2026 , ” including the updated Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Plan 6 Public Utilities – Proposed Water and Sewer System Development Fees for FY 25 26 and Water and Sewer Bulk Capacity Fees for FY 25 26 Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE explained this item covers proposed Water and Sewer System Development Fees as well as Bulk Capacity Fees for Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Ms Farmer recommended the County continue phasing in these fees over the next few years , aiming towards the maximum amount She stated the County’s 20 - year Capital Improvements Plan CIP is the main driver of this analysis Ms Farmer noted that project costs vary by timeline , with more accurate estimates determined as projects approach She stated the largest expense , the Lower Neuse Water Supply Project , is currently planned to be online by 2033 , with major expenditures expected to begin around Fiscal Year 2027 - 2028 She stated as the County moves closer to these key projects , it will need to update the fee analysis , which may affect and change future recommendations Ms Farmer stated another reason for recommending a gradual increase toward the maximum amount is that , if the County secures any appropriations or grant funding , which currently remains uncertain , System Development Fees would need to be recalculated She stated such costs cannot be included and they cannot be recouped through these fees She noted while this amount is not expected to be significant , an updated analysis would be necessary should the situation arise Ms Farmer outlined the proposed System Development Fees for Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 , as follows Page5441 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer stated the largest adjustment affects the new residential fee , which is proposed to increase from 4,750 to 6,000 for Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 She stated the System Development Fee analysis identified a maximum allowable charge of 8,980 per unit Ms Farmer stated the accompanying chart displays proposed rates for all non - residential meter sizes , as well as existing residential , and outlines the per gallon per day rate applicable in cases where the impact of the meter size needed does not align with actual system usage Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked for further clarification on the meter - based rate Ms Farmer explained that in certain situations , applying a meter - based rate may not reflect actual usage She stated for example , facilities such as churches might require a large meter size due to infrequent high - volume needs , though their average daily usage is substantially lower than typical for that meter size She stated in those cases , the usage - based fee would more accurately reflect their impact on the system Ms Farmer stated staff has applied this rate in certain institutional settings , such as schools and churches , but it is uncommon She noted that for someone needing a 2 ” connection , their daily water demand per gallon often exceeds the recommended flat rate for that size , but these cases are rare At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated there is a distinction between commercial and institutional customers and residential customers She stated with regards to new construction , the number of residential customers significantly exceeds that of non - residential customers She stated out of 49,000 total retail water customers , fewer than 5,000 are classified as non - residential She stated currently , the system adds approximately 1,500 to 2,000 new taps per year due to new construction Ms Farmer stated with regards to the Sewer System Development Fees , staff has finished a major expansion and has another expansion underway She stated sewer rates increased significantly a few years ago but are now expected to drop slightly from 4,020 to 3,080 per residential unit , with non - residential rates adjusted based on meter size and usage She stated for water , a large new supply project requiring substantialPage6442 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued investment is planned , while recent sewer projects , including the new wastewater treatment plant , are already underway or completed Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if moving toward the maximum allowable rate affects the County’s eligibility for State funding or grants He commented that it seems like fees tied to growth can make the County less eligible for State and Federal funding Ms Farmer stated staff continues to apply for State funding through low - interest loans She stated the County qualifies for few grants ; however , in the last round , Johnston County projects just missed being funded She noted that growth tends to reduce points for awards Commissioner Bill Stovall asked for clarification on phasing in the rates since past discussions have suggested that not increasing to the maximum at the next opportunity could mean leaving significant revenue on the table , even if calculations provide justification Ms Farmer stated if the County phases into the maximum water and sewer fees , the County will collect about 8 million less in Retail System Development Fees over the next two Fiscal Years based on growth projections as opposed to just going to the maximum fee Chairman Lawter stated based on this information , there are two options to cover these costs ; 1 increase System Development Fees , or 2 ask current users to pay more , and he opposes placing the burden on existing customers Ms Farmer stated these fees go into a reserve account for capital projects that create and add capacity , reducing the need for revenue bonds and future debt Commissioner Stovall stated with over a billion dollars in capital construction anticipated over the next twenty years , it is important to leverage every eligible dollar from System Development Fees as intended Commissioner Mike Rose stated often headlines claim County Commissioners are raising rates , portraying it negatively ; however , many Johnston County residents are frustrated that new growth leads to higher rates for them He stated under this scenario new growth covers its own costs rather than existing customers shouldering the burden Commissioner Rose stated the County does not take rate increases lightly , and they are carefully considered He stated it is important for new development to fund itself Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis stated she appreciates the distinction in rates for existing residential customers with wells that want to tap on to the system versus new construction Ms Farmer continued that for Bulk Customer Capacity Fees , these are calculated similarly to previous years Page7443 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer stated for Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 and beyond , staff is proposing adjusting fees , so bulk customers pay based on their hydraulic zone , which determines service delivery requirements She stated higher zones like 492 , incur more costs to deliver water , while lower zones such as 323 , are less expensive due to gravity flow She explained that most capital improvements are focused on the 492 hydraulic zone , as outlined in the Capital Improvements Plan She stated the existing lines in the 323 zone are sized for anticipated 20 - year growth and should remain sufficient Ms Farmer stated staff has proposed phasing in the rates over time and currently , she only has the recommended rate for 2025 - 2026 , not the maximum rate from last month , but can provide that if needed She stated with regards to Bulk Capacity Fees , the County transmission capacity for sale is limited She stated retail water customers are served through water districts that each own bulk water capacity with the County and currently have some excess available She noted as demand grows , this excess will be used up , and future needs will increase She stated any remaining capacity in the County system is allocated to bulk customers , which is limited Ms Farmer stated staff proposes limiting sales to bulk customers until additional water supplies are available Ms Farmer continued that staff recommends restricting sales to those bulk customers who are already utilizing more than 80 of their current available capacity She stated these customers would be permitted to purchase only enough additional capacity to ensure they have no more than 20 excess capacity , pending the implementation of the County’s expanded water supply plan She stated certain bulk customers have interlocal agreements that govern their capacity purchases and these customers may continue to acquire capacity as specified within the terms of their respective agreements She stated as previously discussed the County will collaborate with the towns to assess future water capacity requirements and develop specific interlocal agreements She stated these agreements will also support compliance with State regulations for local water supply plans and related needs Chairman Lawter stated with regards to the water districts , currently staff is discussing bulk customers , which includes nine towns and two private entities He stated historically , he understands that the County has charged the same rate across all water districts He asked now that there are three distinct hydraulic zones , will rates for those water districts change depending on their respective zones Ms Farmer responded that it is possible to apply this approach moving forward She stated at present , all districts have excess capacity and sales of additional capacity to the towns are not under consideration ; therefore , further evaluation will be necessary She stated the districts operate differently due to how some loans are structured , nevertheless , it would be equitable to apply bulk water rates in the same manner as the towns Chairman Lawter stated for example , in zone 492 , there are two towns and certain areas wrap around nearby communities He stated residents in incorporated areas may pay higher rates , which suggests the need for consistent application of policies Ms Farmer confirmed this is correct and that uniform implementation is required At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer explained that the current policy , adopted in 1997 , says that the towns buy more capacity when they are at 110 of their current allocated capacity She noted that State rules and guidelines for local water supply planning recommend that additional capacity should be secured when usage approaches 80 She stated for this reason , staff suggests adopting the 80 threshold to align more closely with State requirements She stated this approach should also be reflected in upcoming interlocal agreement language Chairman Lawter spoke on the importance of ensuring that the County does not allocate more water than is currently available Ms Farmer stated until new agreements are implemented and future water supply options are identified , utilization of the 80 threshold for purchasing additional capacity is advisable Ms Farmer stated the proposed Bulk Sewer Capacity Fees are set to increase slightly due to higher costs from the Capital Improvements Plan and inflation affecting long - term projects She stated the fee will rise from 1068 to 1101 per gallon She noted this change applies to Smithfield , Selma , Pine Level , and Four Oaks , which each have interlocal agreements allowing them to purchase capacity as needed , with annual reevaluations Page8444 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer stated the towns are aware of the proposed increase and she suggested setting an effective date of November 1 , to ensure they have been informed in advance Ms Farmer stated staff strives to provide the towns with a 90 - day notice , as outlined in their agreements She stated any additional bulk wastewater sales require new interlocal agreements Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked to clarify the 350 - foot rule for mandatory water connections She stated for example , if someone decides to build a new house , does the 6,000 new construction rate apply Ms Farmer stated for any new house built , regardless of location , the new construction rate applies She stated the 350 - foot rule determines whether connection is mandatory under the County’s water policy Chairman Lawter asked what was the original reason for the 350 - foot policy Ms Farmer responded it was established in the 1990s when the water districts were first formed and she believes the intent was to protect public health by ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water , as well as to create a customer base for the districts Ms Farmer noted she is meeting with relevant department heads this afternoon to discuss potential policy options She stated that choosing alternative approaches may require adjusting lot sizes and addressing related issues Chairman Lawter stated there is a lot of information to consider and notices need to be provided to customers , including bulk customers Chairman Lawter stated although he has a preliminary opinion , he would prefer additional time to review the details , particularly regarding existing residential customers at the lower end of the rate structure He stated phasing in changes for this group could be more practical Commissioner Davis asked if it is possible to differentiate between new residential construction rates and rates for existing residential customers , such as beginning with one rate for new construction and maintaining another for existing customers , or if a single approach must be applied County Attorney Jennifer Slusser advised that distinguishing between these categories can be challenging , so clear standards or criteria must be established to guide decision - making She stated previously , discussions considered using the number of lots as a factor for differentiation but implementing this may prove complex She stated another concern she has involves the distinction between minor and major subdivisions Ms Slusser stated occasionally , there are instances where a property undergoes a minor subdivision initially , only to later return for classification as a major subdivision Ms Slusser stated she recommends exercising caution in such scenarios ; however , if the Board would like further analysis , staff can explore this matter in greater detail Chairman Lawter asked for clarification on whether new minor or major subdivisions should be classified under new construction Ms Slusser stated for example , if a minor subdivision was completed several years ago and then returns for the addition of a new lot it then gets into the major subdivision classification She stated while such cases are infrequent , they do occur and should be addressed thoughtfully Chairman Lawter asked about the estimation process and bulk fees and whether there is a pressing need to define these fees more clearly He noted that clarifying them may help towns and private entities inform their residents or customers in a timely manner Ms Farmer stated the relevant parties have been notified following the last meeting , and they are fully informed about the proposal and aware of the complete calculation She stated staff recommends effective datesPage9445 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued for System Development Fees as October 1 and bulk rates to begin November 1 She stated if there are changes to the recommended rate for bulk in advance , notification would need to be provided accordingly Commissioner April Stephens stated she has a few more questions that she would like to have more time to deliberate At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , there was a consensus of the Board to discuss this item further at the August 18 , 2025 Board meeting 7 Child Support Proclamation – Child Support Awareness Month – August 2025 Attorney Dionne Fortner reported that she recently joined the County Attorneys Office after working for decades in similar roles supporting Child Support collections Ms Fortner stated in the past few months , she has gained insight into the County’s Child Support Enforcement agency’s work and has great respect for its leadership , staff , and mission She stated at its core , the County’s mission recognizes that children are a priority , and both financial and emotional support are vital for their well - being and development Ms Fortner stated Child Support Services assists with locating non - custodial parents , establishing paternity and enforceable support orders , managing payments , and pursuing unpaid support through legal and administrative actions She stated the County’s Child Support Office is led by experienced directors and supervisors , with 13 Child Support Agents She noted these agents are supported by four administrative staff and three part - time staff Ms Fortner introduced team members Sandy Murray , Carmen Pollock , Britney Arant , and Kimberly Stephenson Ms Fortner shared statistics from Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 regarding Johnston County Child Support She stated the agency averaged 5,081 open cases at any given time and new child support orders were established in 444 cases with total collections amounting to 15,479,76768 through 3,715 wage withholding processes and 4,131 contempt actions in court She stated a significant aspect of these collection efforts was communication , which is often among the most challenging and time - consuming tasks for the agency She stated staff communicated regularly with custodial parents , non - custodial parents , other child support agencies , employers , attorneys , clerks , judicial staff , and the Sheriffs Office to facilitate the delivery of financial resources to children Ms Fortner stated in line with promoting effective communication , the agency supports the adoption of a proclamation aimed at increasing public awareness and outreach Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION Child Support Awareness Month August 2025 WHEREAS , children are entitled to financial support from their parents ; and WHEREAS , children who do not receive adequate financial and emotional support from their parents may experience greater difficulty in becoming happy , healthy , and productive residents ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County applauds the parents who support their children and make child support payments consistently to care for them ; and WHEREAS , many concerned and dedicated judges , attorneys , clerks of court , law enforcement personnel , and child support professionals work to establish and enforce child support orders for Johnston County’s children , one of our most vital resources ; and WHEREAS , it is important to increase public awareness of the child support program through outreach and education to reinforce that all parents must take responsibility for the financial , emotional , and physical support of their children NOW THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim August 2025 as “ Child Support Awareness Month ” in Johnston County and encourages all citizens to work together to make our children’s future stable and bright th Adopted this the 4 day of August , 2025 Page0446 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued 8 Johnston County Rail Network Update Consultant Scott Saylor , Retired President of the North Carolina Railroad , provided an update to the Board on the rail network in Johnston County Mr Saylor stated he is an adviser to the County on rail issues and the focus recently has been on Amtrak service expansion Mr Saylor began with a brief network update noting several railroad changes , including proposed mergers , that have emerged in the past 30 days He shared the following map with the Board , noting the area marked in red on the east represents Norfolk Southern He stated notably , a merger has been proposed between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern , which would be the first major railroad merger in three decades He stated such mergers are uncommon and , if approved , would establish a company spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast Mr Saylor stated although both railroads currently operate extensive networks , this merger would formally unite their corporations He stated this development has generated significant interest among rail shippers , some expressing support , while others remain opposed He stated the railroads themselves are advocating for the merger , citing increased operational efficiency as a primary benefit Mr Saylor continued that the following map shows Johnston County has the advantage of being served by two of the six Class I railroads in the United States Mr Saylor stated should the merger proceed , the number of Class I railroads would decrease to five He further stated that industry speculation suggests that CSX may pursue a partnership with BNSF , owned by Berkshire Hathaway , the largest privately held railroad company , to propose another merger He stated such a move could result in competing east west Class I railroads He stated if the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific is approved , which is still pending regulatory review , and CSX merges with BN , this could significantly affect freight rail economics for customers in the County and the Mid - Atlantic Mr Saylor stated BN operates in the west and midwest , reaching as far east as Birmingham He stated if both mergers occur , it will mark the first time that the US rail system’s corporate headquarters would not be in the east , but would move to Omaha , Nebraska shifting the industry’s center of gravity westward Mr Saylor reported currently , BN and Union Pacific are headquartered in Omaha , CSX in Jacksonville , and NorfolkPage1447 August 4 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Southern in Atlanta previously Norfolk at Roanoke He stated this shift may reduce the rail presence in the east for the first time in 200 years Mr Saylor continued that North Carolina sits at the crossroads of key lines ; the north south CSX route and the east west North Carolina Railroad operated by Norfolk Southern under a long - term lease , with Charlotte as the western terminus He stated the CSX line serves as the primary freight corridor , comparable to Interstate 95 for railroads , while Norfolk Southern functions similarly to Interstate 85 , fostering competition between the two networks He stated the following map illustrates both the freight network and the Amtrak passenger r