September 2, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 506 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners September 2 , 2025 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday , September 2 , 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 Ted G Godwin opened the meeting with an invocation VFW Post 5886 Smithfield 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 Commissioner Ted G Godwin announced that he recently attended the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Anniversary Ceremony where Johnston County native and retired Colonel Rudy Baker was honored Commissioner Godwin stated he is grateful for Colonel Baker’s service and was proud to attend the event with him Commissioner Godwin stated Colonel Baker was also presented with a Johnston County Challenge Coin 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 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Bill Stovall , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the Consent Agenda with the following two amendments Item F – Appointments – postpone the Johnston County Planning Board appointment until October to allow time for additional applications ; and grant a waiver in the length of service policy for the Livestock Arena Management Board appointment of Otis Byrd A Approval of Minutes – August 4 , 2025 10 00 am and 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to the System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Lotus Avenue – Water View Landing – Boon Hill Township Kitty Branch Way and Claude Creek Drive – Hearon Pointe – Cleveland Township C Proclamation – 2025 Fall Litter Sweep – September 13 - 27 , 2025 , adopted as follows PROCLAMATION FALL LITTER SWEEP 2025 WHEREAS , the North Carolina Department of Transportation organizes an annual fall statewide roadside cleanup to ensure clean and beautiful roads in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , the FALL LITTER SWEEP roadside cleanup encourages local governments and communities , civic and professional groups , businesses , churches , schools , families and individual citizens to participate in the Department of Transportation cleanup by sponsoring and organizing local roadside cleanups ; andPage507 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , Adopt - A - Highway volunteers , Department of Transportation employees , Department of Public Safety – Division of Adult Correction inmates , community service workers , local government agencies , community leaders , civic and community organizations , businesses , churches , schools , and environmentally concerned citizens conduct annual local cleanups during FALL LITTER SWEEP and may receive certificates of appreciation for their participation ; and WHEREAS , the great natural beauty of our state and a clean environment are sources of great pride for all North Carolinians , attracting tourists and aiding in recruiting new industries ; and WHEREAS , the cleanup will increase awareness of the need for cleaner roadsides , emphasize the importance of not littering , and encourage recycling of solid wastes ; and th WHEREAS , the 2025 FALL LITTER SWEEP will celebrate the 38 Anniversary of the North Carolina Adopt - A - Highway program and its many volunteer groups that donate their labor and time year round to keep our roadsides clean ; and WHEREAS , the FALL LITTER SWEEP cleanup will be a part of educating the children of this great State regarding the importance of a clean environment to the quality of life in Johnston County and North Carolina ; and NOW , THEREFORE , THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS , does hereby proclaim September 13 through September 27 , 2025 as FALL LITTER SWEEP time in Johnston County , and encourages all citizens to take an active role in making their communities cleaner nd Adopted this the 2 day of September , 2025 D Town of Pine Level – Appointment to Pine Level Planning Board Per a request by the Town of Pine Level , the Board appointed the following individual to the Pine Level Planning Board representing the ETJ area of the Town James O’Malley , 1283 Firetower Road , Selma term expiring October 31 , 2026 E Budget Revisions , approved as follows Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 18500 10 51007418 Capital Outlay – Drug Seizure 27,23204 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 27,41704 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 18500 10 510035160 Federal Equitable Sharing 27,23204 TOTAL NET REVENUE 27,41704 Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59204558 Diabetes Program MDPP 7,50000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 7,50000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 592034155 State Grant 7,50000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 7,50000Page508 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued F Appointments , approved as follows Hospital Authority Board of Commissioners – Brad Oakes was nominated The nominations will be sent to the Hospital Authority for review and recommendation Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr will make the final appointments at the Board’s September 15 , 2025 meeting Livestock Arena Management Board – Otis Byrd was reappointed for a two year term to expire on September 30 , 2027 and granted a waiver in the length of service policy G Tax Releases and Refunds – 07 16 2025 – 08 15 2025 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 7 21 2025 11 29 39 AM ALassiter 2024 - 200641 2000242436 GARDNER , ADAM 60588 7 21 2025 4 37 22 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 3592 2000248653 AMERICAN SELF STORAGE , INC 7,49693 7 28 2025 9 34 45 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 45757 2000190125 GRAY CREEK PROPERTIES , LLC 1,07922 7 31 2025 10 16 28 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 114712 2000253844 MCMANUS , LINDSAY 1,35769 7 31 2025 2 51 01 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 46588 2000228371 GRIFOLS THERAPEUTICS LLC 602,34417 8 4 2025 12 27 31 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 100053 2000269762 ROKICKA , JOHNATHON 4,65214 8 4 2025 12 34 07 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 43679 2000262364 GILCHRIST , VALERIE GRIFFIN 14053 8 4 2025 1 01 27 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 6368 2000247132 AVERY , THOMAS E 1,65074 8 5 2025 1 22 12 PM ALassiter 2025 - 5268 2000271114 ARMSTONG , REBECCA RANDOLPH 13462 8 5 2025 1 28 30 PM ALassiter 2025 - 96068 2000219499 RAYNOR LOGISTICS INC 38958 8 5 2025 4 14 21 PM ALassiter 2025 - 8736 2000094654 BAREFOOT INS AGENCY 13378 8 6 2025 12 14 47 PM ALassiter 2025 - 138211 2000246142 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS & 21219 SERVICES INC 8 7 2025 9 07 40 AM ALassiter 2025 - 27425 2000264428 CRAIG , RONALD WILSON 27938 8 7 2025 2 21 44 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 54625 2000108090 HOUSTON , BRANDON K 11291 8 7 2025 4 43 00 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 129365 2000182791 WOOD , JOHN LARRICE LIFE 3,16496 ESTATE 8 8 2025 10 43 10 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 74435 2000132007 MASSEY , WALTER SCOTT 2,35350 8 8 2025 10 46 00 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 48943 2000272106 HARPER , RUTH LIFE ESTATE 1,37835 8 11 2025 2 46 13 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 118516 2000100583 TUCKER , RONNIE S 1,54610 8 12 2025 8 06 36 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 62125 2000207173 JOSEPH ALEXANDER WRIGHT , JR 5,04368 AND MARGARET S WRIGHT FAMILY TRUST 8 13 2025 9 06 56 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 5978 2000224911 ATKINSON - KENDALL , LINDA 55810 8 13 2025 9 15 26 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 69675 2000267804 LEWIS , JEFFREY ALLEN 1,26720 8 13 2025 3 02 37 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 44138 2000222082 GO INVESTMENT , LLC 1,43147 8 14 2025 8 18 43 AM ALassiter 2025 - 137720 2000276958 ROSS DRESS FOR LESS INC 75785 8 14 2025 8 46 36 AM ALassiter 2025 - 138023 2000225900 TESLA INC 8461 6,40481 8 14 2025 8 51 21 AM ALassiter 2025 - 51721 2000153576 HILL , DONNA M 12872 8 15 2025 3 53 39 PM dwoodward2 2025 - 3124 2000160226 ALTIERI , LEE ANN 2,63640 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 7 19 2025 12 00 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 13877 2000157143 BOLYARD , ROBERT BURL 22999 7 19 2025 12 00 00 AM ajsoutherland 2025 - 24395 2000079871 CLODFELTER , TODD D 20375 7 19 2025 12 00 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 98992 2000039881 ROBBINS , MAGALENE 15066 7 19 2025 12 00 00 AM ajsoutherland 2025 - 88926 2000275547 SURUTA , ARMANDO JUAREZ 72587 7 19 2025 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 50208 2000207724 HEDMAN , MARY W 15000 7 19 2025 12 01 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 98992 2000039881 ROBBINS , MAGALENE 20000 7 19 2025 12 02 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 50208 2000207724 HEDMAN , MARY W 15000 7 19 2025 12 03 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 50208 2000207724 HEDMAN , MARY W 15000 7 19 2025 12 04 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 50208 2000207724 HEDMAN , MARY W 15000 7 19 2025 12 07 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 103660 2000184035 SCHOLLE , VIRGINIA L 27500 7 19 2025 12 08 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 103660 2000184035 SCHOLLE , VIRGINIA L 27500 7 19 2025 12 10 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 123364 2000014426 WATSON , WINSTON O 40000Page509 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued 7 19 2025 12 11 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 123364 2000014426 WATSON , WINSTON O 40000 7 19 2025 12 13 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 78284 2000231581 METEVELIS , MARTHA 14682 7 19 2025 12 14 00 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 37094 2000053031 ELLIS , JIMMY GRAY 10000 7 19 2025 12 14 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 78284 2000231581 METEVELIS , MARTHA 30000 7 19 2025 12 15 00 AM ajsoutherland 2025 - 78284 2000231581 METEVELIS , MARTHA 30000 7 21 2025 8 41 50 AM awstancil 2025 - 78349 2000176628 MEZA , JORGE IRAN MARCOS 11649 7 21 2025 8 45 05 AM ajsoutherland 2025 - 50139 2000220446 HEAVEN SENT GROUP HOME , INC 32288 7 21 2025 1 35 41 PM PayIt 2025 - 48381 2000268599 HANKINS , ARMOND SCOTT 2,57836 7 25 2025 10 49 13 AM awstancil 2025 - 32689 2000259251 DIERKS , BRIAN 12594 7 25 2025 10 53 21 AM awstancil 2024 - 85177 2000242666 LANE , KARENE 16529 7 28 2025 9 55 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 133404 2000233483 CLAYTON PROPERTIES GROUP , 48699 INC 8 5 2025 11 43 47 AM tmeacomes 2025 - 9908 2000261609 BARTLETT , KRYSTIE 66106 8 7 2025 12 53 01 PM awstancil 2024 - 85177 2000242666 LANE , KARENE 16546 8 15 2025 12 06 40 PM tmeacomes 2025 - 137232 2000276219 HARDEE , MELISSA MARIE 1,85137 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – July 2025 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction # Refund Total Change Reason ALTAREB , 0084593652 461174272 Situs error 000 BESHIR 37591 HUSSEIN 9233 12530 40888 JAMES , 0086143199 460281776 Situs error 000 GEORGE 19152 LOWELL 4704 6384 20832 KORNEGAY 0085412015 230215872 Adjustment 24912 FAMILY FARMS 5205 LLC 30117 MEYERING , 0085736865 229713644 Mileage 12207 JENNIFER 11842 MEGAN 24049 MORTENSEN , 0078857887 230890992 Military 21830 DALE 4561 ALEXANDER 26391 PILLAR , JASON 0081739367 460281780 Situs error 000 MICHAEL 17116 4204 5706 18618 REINHEIMER , 0082486443 462633048 Situs error 000 JAMES EUGENE 9331 JR 2292 3110 10149 REINHEINER , 0082486481 462633052 Situs error 000 JAMES EUGENE 13509 JR 3318 4503 14694 VARGAS , 0086301905 461000268 Situs error 000 WILLIAM 12078 OBDULIO 2967 4026 13137PagePage pageNumber5510 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued 3 Public Comments A Recognition of Retiring County Employees Human Resources Director Paulette Williams recognized Beverly Herring with the 911 Communications Department who will be retiring this month Ms Williams noted that Ms Herring was unable to attend the meeting today ; however , staff wanted to make sure and recognize her for this achievement The Board extended their congratulations to Ms Herring on her retirement 4 Emergency Services – Resolution for Firefighters Week in Johnston County Johnston County Fire Marshal Travis Johnson requested the Board to declare the week of September 8 - th 12 , 2025 as Firefighter’s Week in Johnston County Mr Johnson stated with the anniversary of September 11 approaching , Emergency Services is requesting this resolution to honor those who have served and continue to serve He noted it has been 24 years since 9 - 11 Mr Johnson thanked the Board for their time , consideration , and continued support of emergency and public safety personnel in Johnston County He stated this ongoing support has enabled the Fire Commission to address budget proposals , equipment replacements , and staffing needs Mr Johnson also reported that staff is gathering data through a Fire Station Study to ensure that the needs of the citizens are being met fairly and promptly Commissioner Bill Stovall commented that with regards to the physical risks faced by first responders , according to a recent news report , a firefighter in Richmond County was shot in the leg while responding to a fire He stated incidents involving gunfire directed at firefighters is relatively new , but this incident illustrates there are risks associated with these roles Commissioner Stovall stated it is important to recognize that public safety positions involve inherent dangers Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated Johnston County is fortunate to have dedicated fire services personnel that responds to emergencies , often facing unpredictable and dangerous situations He added that having spent 30 years working alongside them , he appreciates their commitment and skills th Mr Johnson stated he was in his mid - twenties during the September 11 attacks , and it was an event that left a lasting impact He stated since then , many individuals have stepped forward to serve as firefighters , and it is essential that everyone honors their service by remembering their contributions He stated as the challenges continue to evolve , it is important for the County to adapt accordingly Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted that Commissioner Ted G Godwin mentioned the Johnston County Challenge Coin during opening remarks , which features four carefully chosen words on its reverse side to represent Johnston County employees - Empowering , Compassionate , Responsive , and Visionary Chairman Lawter stated the recent North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference showcased the innovative practices in Johnston County’s fire services , which is attracting interest from many other counties He stated these four qualities clearly apply to the County’s firefighters as well as all emergency services and public safety personnel Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris read aloud the following resolution and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried unanimously RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FIREFIGHTERS WEEK IN JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , fighting fires is one of the most hazardous professions requiring physical strength , stamina , extensive training , courage , and selfless concern for the welfare of others ; and WHEREAS , firefighters provide valuable services to the citizens of Johnston County , their communities , and the County ; and WHEREAS , firefighters make sacrifices to protect the lives and financial interests of the citizens of Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , firefighters respond to emergencies without hesitation when the call of duty arises ; andPagePage pageNumber6511 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , firefighters work with public safety officials and law enforcement officers to protect the integrity of crime scenes , which is necessary to resolve arson cases ; and WHEREAS , firefighters reside in the community in which they serve and have a great appreciation for protecting their communities ; and WHEREAS , it is appropriate to recognize the duties and services that firefighters perform by observing Firefighters Week in Johnston County NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners that all firefighters deserve to be honored for the invaluable service they provide to the County , its citizens , and communities The Board of Commissioners encourages the citizens of Johnston County to observe the week of September 8 - 12 , 2025 as Firefighters Week in Johnston County nd Adopted this the 2 day of September 2025 5 Emergency Services – Johnston County Preparedness Month Proclamation Emergency Services Deputy Director Josh Holloman stated he is representing the Emergency Management Division today and was accompanied by Emergency Management team members Brenda Allen and Tanner Holland , whose contributions are greatly appreciated Mr Holloman explained that September is officially recognized as Preparedness Month , and staff is requesting the Board to formally proclaim September as such for Johnston County He stated Emergency Services is committed to being prepared and encourages all citizens to take individual responsibility by developing emergency plans ensuring their families are also prepared for potential emergencies or disasters He noted it is currently the peak of hurricane season and preparedness is particularly important Mr Hollomon reminded everyone that hurricanes are just one of several possible challenges the County may encounter so it is important to be prepared Mr Holloman stated the Emergency Management Division appreciates the Board’s consideration of the proclamation Commissioner Mike Rose read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried unanimously JOHNSTON COUNTY PREPAREDNESS MONTH 2025 A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS , all North Carolinians should be prepared for natural and man - made disasters as well as disease outbreaks ; and WHEREAS , North Carolina is traditionally an active state for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms , with tornado touchdowns and straight - line winds causing severe damage in parts of the state this year ; and WHEREAS , in 2024 the state experienced 37 tornado touchdowns , 432 flood incidents and 755 severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and hail ; and WHEREAS , last year the National Weather Service in North Carolina issued 181 tornado warnings , 641 severe thunderstorm warnings , and 267 flash flood warnings ; and WHEREAS , communities across the state have borne the impacts from wildfires , severe weather , damaging hail , high winds and flooding ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County had Hurricane Matthew which resulted in tremendous physical and financial impacts ; and WHEREAS , every community , business , family and individual in Johnston County must be ready for natural and man - made disasters including tornadoes , flooding , hurricanes and public disturbances that might disrupt normal daily activities ; and WHEREAS , all Johnston County residents can take a few simple steps – making a family disaster plan , creating an emergency supply kit and staying informed – to help make preparedness and personal responsibility a priority ; andPagePage pageNumber7512 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , Johnston County residents should know the risks for their area and plan accordingly ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County residents should help the elderly and those who cannot help themselves ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County residents should include the safety of their pets and or livestock in their emergency plans ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County , North Carolina Emergency Management and the State of North Carolina have collaborated to recognize September as North Carolina Preparedness Month to encourage Johnston County residents to be disaster ready NOW THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners , do hereby proclaim the month of September 2025 , as “ PREPAREDNESS MONTH ” in Johnston County , and encourage all county residents to plan and prepare weather - related and man - made disasters by assembling their emergency supply kits and updating their emergency plans nd Adopted this the 2 day of September , 2025 6 Proclamation – Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday Ms Jennifer Williams , Coordinator for Safe Kids at the Johnston County Partnership for Children , updated the Board on the Child Passenger Safety Program Ms Williams thanked the Board of Commissioners for supporting Child Passenger Safety Week in the County She reported that as of June 30 , 2025 Johnston County has 79 certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians registered in the State’s database She noted these technicians include community advocates , Human Services personnel , and first responders She stated at present , two fire departments and two police departments are actively involved in the program , with another department potentially joining soon following the certification of four officers in the last three months Ms Williams stated the participation of these agencies helps ensure families throughout the County have access to education and resources related to child passenger safety Ms Williams continued that their mission is to ensure every child in Johnston County travels safely in the correct car seat She stated thanks to private donations , grants , and support from the State and Town of Smithfield , Safe Kids Johnston County has supplied car seats to families in need , held public safety events , and educated caregivers on proper use She noted the next event will be at the Clayton Walmart on September 20 , 2025 Ms Williams stated Safe Kids Johnston County continues their work to help families , especially those with special needs , with access to safe transportation for their children Ms Williams also reported that with the Board’s continued support and advocacy , Safe Kids Johnston County can continue to expand their impact , enhance their technician network , and ensure all children in Johnston County receive adequate resources for safety She encouraged the Board of Commissioners to further promote the significance of this program within the community She stated collectively , Safe Kids Johnston County can position the County as a leader in child passenger safety throughout North Carolina Ms Williams shared key data from Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 with the Board stating during this period , Johnston County conducted 174 car seat checks , 36 of which were part of the Child Restraint Diversion Program She stated Safe Kids Johnston County distributed 87 car seats to families across the County , with participation from seven agencies She stated thus far in Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 , Safe Kids Johnston County has checked 38 car seats , with 11 involved the Child Restraint Diversion Program , and 17 families have received new car seats Ms Williams thanked the Board of Commissioners for their attention and ongoing support Commissioner Ted G Godwin spoke on how safety for child transportation has changed over the years noting there has been significant progress He thanked Ms Williams and all those involved with Safe Kids Johnston County At the inquiry of Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , Ms Williams stated permanent checking stations include the Partnership for Children of Johnston County office , the Selma Fire Department , Clayton Fire Department , Clayton Police Department , and the Benson Police Department She stated it is anticipated that the Selma Police Department will be added in the near future Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted the Cleveland Fire Department also offers these services Commissioner April Stephens read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried unanimously PagePage pageNumber8513 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK 2025 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS , children are Johnston County’s most precious resource ; and WHEREAS , between 2010 and 2023 there has been an 188 percent decline in the number of child motor vehicle traffic fatalities ; and WHEREAS , children ages 2 to 5 who use safety belts instead of child safety seats or booster seats are four times more likely to suffer serious head injuries in a crash ; and WHEREAS , when installed and used correctly , child safety seats can prevent injuries and save young lives ; and WHEREAS , child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 to 4 ; and WHEREAS , research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates a 46 percent misuse rate for child safety seats , significantly reducing their effectiveness ; and WHEREAS , all 50 States , have laws requiring the use of child safety seats for children ; and WHEREAS , child passenger safety technicians in Johnston County continue to support caregivers by ensuring children are safely and properly secured every time they ride ; and WHEREAS , for all of these reason , and for the well - being of our children , Johnston County is committed to working closely with caregivers and safety advocates to help reduce the number of young lives lost on our roadways Our goal is to educate all caregivers on how to properly install and use child safety seats Caregivers are urged to take advantage of the free services provided by child passenger safety technicians to ensure their children receive the best possible protection NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners , do hereby proclaim September 21 - 27 , 2025 as Child Passenger Safety Week Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be hosting a public event at the Clayton Walmart on September 20 , offering free car seat inspections and hands - on guidance to caregivers By ensuring every child is properly buckled up – on every trip , every time – we can work together to prevent injuries and save lives nd Adopted this the 2 day of September , 2025 7 Public Utilities – Johnston County Stormwater Management Ordinance Revisions Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , stated the Johnston County Land Development Code Stormwater Management Ordinance revisions have been underway She noted that staff has provided several updates regarding this matter and she would like to summarize past actions , the current status , and future plans Ms Farmer shared the following introduction and summary of the timeline PagePage pageNumber9514 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer noted the process began in early 2020 , when the State released updated Neuse Rules , prompting staff to initiate revisions to the County’s program She stated the first stakeholders meeting took place in March of 2020 ; however , progress was delayed due to the onset of the COVID - 19 pandemic She stated that despite these challenges , staff continued to submit proposed program revisions to the State to remain compliant with the new Neuse Rules She reported in 2024 , staff revised the agreement with US Fish and Wildlife Services and on January 15 , 2025 , staff held a stakeholder meeting regarding the County’s proposed program revisions Subsequently , on February 17 , 2025 , staff presented these revisions to the Board of Commissioners and provided an update on their status She stated on June 19 , 2025 , the ordinance revisions were posted on the County’s website for public review and comment , along with an announcement for the public hearing in August She noted on June 23 , 2025 , staff emailed stakeholders , specifically those who had previously attended meetings , to inform them of the proposed revisions and details about the public hearing th Ms Farmer stated on July 7 , the administrative manual revisions were posted on the County’s website and these revisions were more detailed than those for the ordinance and required additional time to prepare She stated on July 15 , 2025 , the ordinance revisions were presented to the Johnston County Planning Board , which recommended approval to the Board of Commissioners and a public hearing regarding the revisions took place on August 4 , 2025 Ms Farmer stated no public comments were received at the public hearing or through email during the comment period She stated the website displayed information regarding the revisions and the public hearing announcement Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked how many comments were received during the overall time period Ms Farmer stated during the initial period from January to February , a few comments were submitted by engineers , primarily suggesting that the requirements remain as simple as possible and raising questions about attenuation , minor subdivisions , and potential exemptions not required under the Neuse Rules She stated the Neuse Rules for quality generally require enforcement down to the individual lot level Ms Farmer stated after the revisions were posted on the County website , no further technical comments were received , aside from questions about the timing of the public hearing She noted that in the last week , some additional comments have been submitted , and these will be addressed while reviewing the proposed revisions Page0515 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer reviewed a summary of the revisions with the Board She stated the first revision is a recommendation for new residential developments not served by public sewer to be designed with a minimum built - upon area BUA of 6,000 square feet per lot She stated the reasoning behind this minimum BUA relates to agreements with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and should have been coded in green on the chart Ms Farmer noted the items coded in green indicate those included in the US Fish and Wildlife agreement , red refers to State Neuse rules , and black represents local requirements She clarified that the requirement for the 6,000 square feet minimum BUA was developed locally and later accepted by US Fish and Wildlife as beneficial for the agreement Commissioner Bill Stovall asked for an explanation on the rationale for increasing the minimum BUA to 6,000 square feet Ms Farmer explained that previously , there was no minimum BUA per lot She noted the County’s current stormwater ordinance exempts residential subdivisions from attenuation if the impervious area is under 15 countywide or 12 in the environmentally sensitive areas She stated developers design for these limits by allocating the impervious area after roads among lots , allowing them to avoid attenuation requirements and paying land dedication fees However , the BUA includes homes , driveways , pools , and additions , and staff found this is often inadequate for homeowners to expand without violating recorded restrictions , causing issues during property sales She stated to resolve this , staff proposes a 6,000 square foot minimum BUA to give owners more flexibility Ms Farmer stated the staff analysis relies on experience and the review of multiple site plans across the County She stated for homeowners with low limits , some as low as 2,500 - 3,000 square feet per lot , options like rain barrels or rain gardens have been allowed , but cumulatively these measures do not attenuate the rain water At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated the 2,500 – 3,000 square feet BUA is what some homeowners have been designed for by the engineer or developer She stated some lots are purposefully designed below the 12 – 15 impervious coverage to avoid land dedication requirements and attenuation measures , leaving homeowners with strict building limits She noted that sometimes , engineers or developers decide on the limit based on the product they plan to build Commissioner Stovall thanked Ms Farmer for the explanation stating it is important for the public to understand this revision is proposed for the homeowners benefit based on conditions observed by staff At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated the 6,000 square feet BUA figure comes from a staff analysis of site plans , countywide overages , and homeowner requests She acknowledged that while it will not solve every case , it should help most buyers avoid purchasing lots that are already maxed out Chairman Lawter stated he wanted to clarify that this number was not chosen arbitrarily Ms Farmer agreed stating it is based on data and she noted the design does not have to be limited to 6,000 She stated builders and developers can design for more if larger lots or different products are desired Ms Farmer stated the second revision pertains to quantity design criteria , which refers to attenuation She stated in environmentally sensitive areas and Middle Creek , an attenuation requirement for events rangingPage1516 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued from 1 to 100yr storms is being added , in accordance with the agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service She stated in other areas , a 1 to 25yr attenuation requirement is being introduced She stated currently , the ordinance specifies a 1yr , 24 - hour storm design requirement for attenuation Chairman Lawter clarified that the green letters on the presentation indicates requirements established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as outlined in that agreement He asked for clarification on the 6,000 square foot BUA figure and the Land Dedication removal Ms Farmer clarified that the black text represents local requirements , while the red denotes regulations based on State Neuse Rules She stated the 6,000 square foot BUA figure , was classified under the black text because it originated as a local proposal that was subsequently accepted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service , as part of adjustments to the Land Dedication Program and other limitations previously included in the agreement She stated the Land Dedication Program is proposed for removal because it had been required whenever a subdivision exceeded certain thresholds 12 or 15 She stated with the implementation of new attenuation requirements , the necessity of maintaining land dedication would not be as beneficial and staff does not recommend retaining this restriction Ms Farmer continued that the third and fourth revision covers exemptions from attenuation requirements She explained that in reviewing residential development guidelines , staff consulted with engineers and developers in stakeholder meetings to determine an appropriate threshold She stated the result was that developments with 19 lots or less would be exempt from attenuation , provided the increase in runoff from pre - development to post - development does not exceed 8 She stated additionally , for non - single family residential properties , any addition of less than or equal to 10,000 square feet per lot would also be exempt from attenuation requirements Upon a question by Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated a stormwater management plan is generally required for developments with 19 lots or more She stated this threshold was set after staff analysis , considering long - term maintenance concerns for stormwater devices , especially in smaller developments without a strong Homeowners Association She stated fewer than 19 lots can make effective maintenance challenging Additionally , there is the analysis of pre - development versus post - development , and the 8 increase in that a 19 - lot subdivision with high density may significantly increase downstream flow and require attenuation Ms Farmer stated according to the Neuse Rules , single - family lots disturbing over one acre requires a stormwater management plan She stated non - single family lots that disturb more than half an acre or reach 24 BUA also require such plans based on State Neuse Rules She stated attempts to define minor subdivisions have been difficult due to specific language in the Neuse Rules She noted attenuation may not be required , but the quality and nutrient factors still apply , even for minor subdivisions Chairman Lawter referenced the revision regarding 19 lots and asked if there is any connection to the Unified Development Ordinance UDO Ms Farmer stated UDO revisions are ongoing , so outcomes are uncertain She stated stormwater administration staff evaluated this issue , which was then discussed during final stakeholder meetings Chairman Lawter stated it seems to him that this should be aligned with the UDO Ms Farmer stated minor subdivisions are too small to be relevant in these instances She stated staff began with an exemption for 19 lots and although it has been mentioned considering attenuation at 10 lots , that did not seem practical from a logistical perspective She stated since adding the 19 - lot exemption , staff has received no feedback until last week Ms Farmer stated the fifth revision is the proposed removal of the Land Dedication Program from the ordinance requirement She stated currently , exceeding 12 in the Environmental Sensitive Area ESA or 15 in other County areas requires payment into this program Ms Farmer noted that few utilize the program , and it has not been as effective as hoped She stated developers can either purchase and dedicate land within the same watershed or pay the County to secure permanent conservation easements She stated some funds have supported partnerships with the Triangle Land Conservancy for permanent easements She noted that local protection is not always the same as implementing a measure directly within a specific watershed or drainage basin and that is why staff is proposing to remove this option and add an attenuation requirement , which would provide localized protection for the area Page2517 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked about the funds remaining in the land dedication account Ms Farmer stated the remaining funds would still be used to benefit the Triangle Land Conservancy and serve their original purpose Commissioner April Stephens stated as Commissioners , conserving land matters to the Board She asked whether removing the option is truly necessary , or could it be refined to remain viable Ms Farmer responded that participation is low because subdivisions are being designed at 15 to avoid attenuation Commissioner Stephens asked if there is an opportunity for the County to be able to conserve more land while addressing stormwater Ms Farmer stated legally the County cannot hold a permanent conservation easement , so an outside agency like the Triangle Land Conservancy must assume ownership , but their interests may not align with the County She stated this presents challenges in both implementation and preservation She noted that land can be marked as non - developable on a plat , but without permanent conservation restrictions , the status could change She stated the main issue is determining who will own and maintain the land She stated while conservation groups were initially expected to take responsibility , they generally prefer larger , more cohesive projects over smaller , scattered projects Chairman Lawter asked for clarification if part of the problem is development is on the western side of County with the land dedication being on the eastern side Ms Farmer responded that is not always the case and often , when staff allocates these funds to another program or entity , the projects are not always in the same watershed Upon a question by Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated she is not certain about the exact number of projects that have participated in the land dedication program , but the current program balance is likely under 200,000 Upon a question by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Ms Farmer stated the allocation allows for up to 30 within the ESAs and up to 40 outside of those zones Ms Farmer stated revision number six indicates nitrogen caps have been removed She stated previously , the ordinance restricted buying down nitrogen in environmentally sensitive areas after six pounds per acre per year was reached She stated the new rules allow developers to choose between purchasing nitrogen offsets or implementing treatment measures She stated if the impervious area reaches 24 , installing a stormwater control measure for nitrogen is required under the revised guidelines , which is a Neuse Rule Ms Farmer stated revision number seven involves revisions to the Design Manual to clarify plan submissions andPage3518 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued the required documentation She stated this is an administrative measure intended to organize the checklist more thoroughly , thereby streamlining the review process Ms Farmer stated revision number eight provides clarification on the conversion of bonds and performance bonds She stated staff has added more language to the Design Manual to provide further clarification She reported there have been many inquiries regarding these types of bonds , especially concerning long - term maintenance and the responsibility for stormwater measures She explained that in most residential subdivisions , this responsibility will likely fall to the Homeowners Associations She noted additional details about completion bonds have also been included She stated the County does not maintain these devices over the long term , and due to recent changes in State regulations , there are limitations on the financial requirements that can be initially established for ongoing maintenance Ms Farmer noted that typically , when discussing bonds , the focus is on recording a final plat when the subdivision is essentially constructed , but some lot - level activities may still be ongoing She stated developers may choose not to convert the final stormwater pond from a sediment basin at this stage She stated the plan allows bonding until subdivision disturbances are completed , after which the final stormwater measure is implemented She noted this is a temporary solution until permanent measures are in place Page4519 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer stated revision number nine requires as - built certifications for all installed stormwater facilities , certified by an engineer as per current requirements She noted additionally , records of these facilities must be kept and made available to the Homeowners Associations for ongoing maintenance and this is addressed in the Design Manual Ms Farmer stated revision number 10 relates to annual inspections of stormwater control measures , which is a Neuse Rule requirement She stated these devices will require annual inspection and certification by a qualified professional , such as a Professional Engineer , registered landscape architect , or licensed surveyor Commissioner Davis asked who will be keeping track of inspections Ms Farmer responded the tracking is managed through a program that requires annual submission to the County She stated while the responsible party must complete the inspections , the County ensures that all required documentation is submitted and inspections are conducted Chairman Lawter asked if spot checks are conducted Ms Farmer confirmed that spot checks are conducted as part of the current program , and stated this new program will implement more stringent procedures Commissioner Stephens asked for public clarity what the inspection requirements are Ms Farmer stated inspections include a final approval process by the County , involving both the inspection and maintenance agreement recorded with the Register of Deeds She stated this agreement outlines the conditions that must be met for the facility and device She stated the responsible party for inspections may be either the Homeowners Association , the HOA management company , or the developers , depending on the circumstances She stated inspection protocols and responsibilities vary based on the type of stormwater control device involved She noted regular maintenance involves tasks like mowing vegetation , inspecting spillways and outlet devices , and keeping them clean She stated specific requirements vary by facility and are detailed in a checklist She reiterated that a qualified professional must complete and submit this process annually to the County and responsibility for compliance lies with the Homeowners Association , developer , or whoever holds the agreement Commissioner Stephens voiced concerns that Homeowners Associations and or their management companies throughout the County often fail to deliver results , which may force the County to step in sooner than expected , especially when Homeowners Associations become inactive She stated more developers are choosing not to establish Homeowners Associations , as buyers prefer rural living and fewer restrictions She stated this trend raises concerns about unmanaged stormwater treatment areas not functioning properly At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated if a device is present , the County has an established program that mandates annual inspections She stated recently , staff filled a new position specifically tasked with ensuring enforcement , including the collection of inspection and maintenance records Commissioner Godwin asked about the remedies for non - compliance Ms Farmer stated as for remedies for non - compliance , this was a primary concern in the proposed revisions She stated staff’s objective is to ensure ongoing maintenance of these devices and to address this , staff plans to prioritize public education initiatives particularly outreach to Homeowners Associations and management companies , and to enhance awareness and understanding of requirements She stated enforcement will be supported by timely reminders for required inspections Commissioner Davis asked when inspections are set to occur Ms Farmer stated currently , the draft policy stipulates that inspections be completed by January 1 of each year to maintain consistency She stated while this approach may pose challenges long - term , especially for smaller subdivisions that may lack effective Homeowners Associations , it represents a necessary step forward She stated it is important to note that inadequate maintenance of stormwater ponds often result in excessive vegetative growth , which can compromise their intended function Upon a question by Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer stated currently most residential developments are designed at 15 and do not install attenuation devices , unlike higher - density or sewer - served neighborhoods She stated staff anticipates an increase in the deployment of these devices Page5520 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Stovall , Ms Farmer stated the ordinance specifies consequences , and legal action may be pursued if necessary She noted there is also a physical consequence of the device not being maintained County Attorney Jennifer Slusser advised that enforcement of the stormwater ordinance follows the same procedures as other land development ordinances implemented by the County She noted that compliance is the first goal , typically involving communication with property owners ; however , when this approach does not succeed , there is provision for legal proceedings to obtain injunctive relief through a court order , requiring the necessary improvements She stated in rare cases where enforcement against an individual is not successful due to a lack of response , the court may authorize the County to carry out the improvements directly She stated subsequently , the cost of remediation may result in a lien on the property and this process aligns with enforcement practices for other County land development ordinances Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated while he is sure that there are some Homeowners Associations in the County that perform well , most of the complaints he receives from residents is that Homeowners Associations are not fulfilling their responsibilities , and unfortunately the County has limited control over this Commissioner Stephens stated relying solely on Homeowners Associations for compliance may not be effective without consequences for noncompliance , especially among self - managed associations , where organizing collective actions like hiring an engineer can be challenging Commissioner Stephens stated she is concerned about how Homeowners Associations are managed in that often times , one person ends up responsible for expenses while others are not willing to contribute Commissioner Davis asked if there is a way , from a planning perspective , to tie the device to one lot within the development so that if a Homeowners Association dissolves , the remedies would go back to that lot Ms Farmer stated the location and number of drainage basins in a subdivision depend on its natural grade and layout She stated a retention pond must be placed at the lowest point in the drainage area and depending on the subdivisions size and topography , there may be one or several basins or devices She stated natural topography is the key factor Ms Farmer stated revision number eleven concerns buffer rules She stated no changes are being proposed to the current buffer rules She stated these rules would be moved into a separate section within the Land Development Code without any revisions Commissioner Mike Rose stated with regards to stormwater , everyone can agree that more paving , parking lots , and rooftops contribute to runoff concerns and rules are being considered to address downstream impacts which he does not think anyone is against However , he noted that several emails from developers , builders , and realtors recently have requested a postponement of the vote on these changes as there are potential modifications that may reduce complexity for developers while others could see an increase in the complexity He asked Ms Farmer to talk about the benefits of the revisions Ms Farmer stated the anticipated benefits include additional protection for County residents by addressing stormwater quantity and managing runoff , as the County receives daily concerns and complaints related to this issue She stated some complaints are currently addressed through the existing ordinance , while others may be better managed under the proposed changes She stated the intent is to minimize downstream impacts on residents and natural waterways She stated over time , as additional impervious surfaces are introduced , larger storm events result in immediate runoff that causes erosion and channel migration within creeks and waterways She noted this increased flow can lead to concerns from homeowners when shifting channels threaten their properties She stated implementing appropriate measures will help protect the natural environment of these channels , including wildlife habitats , and safeguard downstream property owners over the long term Ms Farmer stated additionally , it ensures that property owners retain flexibility to modify and utilize their property without exceeding impervious surface limits upon purchase She stated the primary drawback involves the ongoing maintenance of stormwater management devices , which imposes both financial and labor responsibilities Commissioner Rose stated the main theme of this discussion is environmental responsibility , which appears to be universally accepted ; however , there are concerns regarding potential costs He asked if there is an expectation that housing costs in Johnston County will increase , either initially or over time Ms Farmer stated the answer may vary depending on the subdivision , as factors such as topography can influence requirements She stated some subdivisions may require only one stormwater device for attenuation ,Page6521 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued while others could need multiple devices , leading to variable outcomes She stated staff has not yet conducted a comprehensive cost analysis , as these costs can vary considerably She noted each subdivision presents unique circumstances , and developers and engineers must make numerous decisions regarding design and overall project objectives Ms Farmer stated originally , the ordinance was recommended to take effect on November 1 , 2025 She noted recently , several emails and comments requesting a delay in the vote have been received Ms Farmer stated she met last week with representatives from the Johnston County Building Industry Association to discuss the proposed changes She noted that some suggestions can be addressed through the County’s Design Manual , while others may require further revisions to the ordinance Chairman Lawter noted that he and other Commissioners also received several similar emails Commissioner Stovall stated he is interested in understanding why the commenters in the emails did not utilize the designated comment period that was available since the beginning of the year Ms Farmer reported that she received feedback from the Johnston County Building Industry Association that due to staff changes on their end , they were not able to distribute communications to their members until recently Chairman Lawter asked if there are areas within the County where these rules are not applicable , such as municipalities Ms Farmer explained the regulations would be applicable for any proposed new development within the Countys planning jurisdiction upon the implementation date and going forward She clarified that they would not apply to the extraterritorial jurisdictions ETJs of the towns , as those areas are governed by their own respective planning regulations She noted the Flowers Plantation PUD , which falls under the County’s jurisdiction , was grandfathered prior to 1997 and the stormwater ordinance does not apply to this development Commissioner Davis asked if a subdivision is approved at this months Planning Board meeting if it will be grandfathered under the existing stormwater regulations Ms Farmer stated applicants may choose to use the new ordinance when they submit , but anything submitted or approved by the Planning Board before the November 1 , 2025 or the effective date deadline could follow the old rules Commissioner Stephens shared that her concern is that decisions with rapid implementation may negatively affect both residential and commercial developments , especially since large developments often begin 12 to 24 months prior to coming to fruition She stated in the Johnston County Planning Department , discussions are ongoing about changes affecting developments that began 12 to 18 months ago , noting a 60 - day implementation could have significant impacts Commissioner Davis asked for clarification of exemptions for subdivisions with 19 lots or less Ms Farmer responded that this means they do not need attenuation if their runoff increase is under 8 She stated they may still require dry or wet ponds for nitrogen , depending on the specific development , but generally with 19 lots no attenuation is required Commissioner Godwin asked how the 8 is calculated Ms Farmer responded it is an accepted stormwater engineering method outlined in staff’s Design Manual and used across the industry She stated although there are several methodologies available , staff follows the manual for consistency and to ensure accurate runoff factors Commissioner Stovall commented that the County has been working on this since 2020 and being five years into this process , he questions how much more study is needed Commissioner Godwin noted there will always be changes to address issues as they develop Commissioner Davis asked if the County needs to further revise or modify the ordinance , what is the process Page7522 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Farmer stated once the revised ordinance is adopted , future changes would follow the same steps as before with an evaluation of proposed revisions , stakeholder meetings , a public hearing with the Board , and then consideration adoption by the Board Commissioner Davis inquired about the last amendment to the stormwater ordinance Ms Farmer reported the stormwater ordinance has not been revised in the past 10 to15 years and the last significant change came about when buffer rules were added She stated since its initial adoption in 1997 , there have been few modifications Commissioner Davis commented that she has received many comments regarding stormwater runoff and flooding issues due to 10 - 15 years of development Chairman Lawter stated there have been several months of stakeholder meetings and opportunities for comments to discuss changes to the stormwater ordinance which he thinks has been plenty of time He stated the Board’s goal is to improve the regulations without imposing punitive measures or increasing costs for residents , although he is concerned that the impact on costs remains unclear He stated rather than setting an arbitrary deadline , it seems more logical to him to align decisions with the UDO completion , which is expected to be enacted around January of 2026 He stated Planning Director Braston Newton may want to address this further , but he believes that approach makes sense Chairman Lawter continued that additionally , the County has the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update and a Sewer Allocation Policy to consider , all of which need to be coordinated and aligned He stated in his view , rather than making multiple changes and revisions due to the complexity and number of moving parts involved , it would be more prudent to implement these adjustments simultaneously as much as possible Chairman Lawter continued that this schedule would allow those with projects in progress , who may not have accounted for these stormwater impacts , more time to adjust accordingly Chairman Lawter stated while the extent of these impacts remains uncertain , he believes this is a fair solution Chairman Lawter stated this rationale seems reasonable and provides an equitable way forward He stated it would be helpful to examine examples of various projects to assess how the new stormwater ordinances could affect development , especially affordable housing He noted the County must balance the need for better stormwater regulations while preserving affordability and protecting downstream residents , as complaints about runoff are common He asked Planning Director Braston Newton to provide an update on the UDO and provide an estimated timeline Planning Director Braston Newton stated the anticipated effective date for the UDO is targeted to be January 1 , 2026 He stated a complete draft of the UDO will be presented to the Board later in the fall and following an open public comment period , a public hearing will be scheduled Commissioner Stephens clarified that she does not intend to slow progress and asked about further concerns or gaps that the Planning Department anticipates with this initiative She inquired if there are any additional issues Mr Newton may have identified that have not yet been addressed Mr Newton stated internally , maintaining consistency with other plans , policies , and procedures is essential , particularly regarding water and sewer policies for both residential and non - residential areas , whether it involves allocation , capacity , or general service guidelines He stated ensuring these policies are aligned is critical , and staff believes that alignment is feasible within the current process , between the release of the full UDO draft and its eventual adoption or effective date Commissioner Davis inquired as to how staff is ensuring that the proposed revisions are updated in the UDO as far as submittals for residential and commercial developments Mr Newton stated the timing of when these revisions take effect is not a major concern , but aligning them with the UDO does add value by allowing staff more time to ensure consistency between the UDO and specific ordinances Commissioner Stovall stated there is no question that the County needs a more robust standard because the current standard is inadequate He stated there has been flooding events , outside of unusual weather activity , that have damaged infrastructure and caused fatalities He stated drivers often misjudge floodwaters , leading to accidents so this is a public safety concern as well as water quality issue Commissioner Stovall stated he fully supports raising the design standard to try and better manage the stormwater runoff issues Page8523 September 2 , 2025 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Stephens stated everyone can agree that it is necessary to address stormwater issues because these are concerns and frustrations that have been expressed by many over the years Commissioner Stephens stated her concern is whether the current revisions would be moving too quickly or going too far , which could unintentionally impact ongoing or planned projects She stated there is no question that changes are needed , but she wants to make sure the Board is not causing some kind of unknown detriment Chairman Lawter noted there are several industry professionals present in the audience He stated the Board has been discussing this matter since February , and the conversation has intensified over time He stated given the number of people who would like to speak , he suggests selecting one or two individuals to address the Board to ensure that everyones perspective can be heard Mr Adam Kingsley stated he is representing the Johnston County Building Industry Association and they are late in participating due to staffing issues at the Association , which affected their ability to share important information with its members He stated after the last meeting , there were a lot of updates sent out but little feedback was seen from industry professionals , possibly due to time constraints or assumptions that others would respond Mr Kingsley stated the ordinance is complex , and as an industry , they have not had enough time to review the revisions closely He stated given the number of questions raised even after five years of discussion , it is clear these matters require more expert analysis He stated input from professionals is needed who understand the statutes and regulations He stated it is essential to understand the State mandates , the US Fish and Wildlife requirements , and what the County has decided to include Mr Kingsley stated the industry would appreciate more time to review the revisions before the Board votes on the changes He stated waiting until January for the presentation of the final UDO seems reasonable Mr James Lipscomb addressed the Board and thanked the Commissioners for all their work Mr Lipscomb stated there are several important points to address regarding the implementation of the stormwater devices and their associated costs He stated his engineering te