Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - October 20, 2025 6:00 PM

10 625 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners October 20 , 2025 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , October 20 , 2025 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Ted G Godwin , April Stephens virtually , Bill Stovall , Michelle Pace Davis and Mike Rose Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with an invocation Commissioner Mike Rose 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 He noted that Commissioner April Stephens would be participating in the meeting virtually 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – September 15 , 2025 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Sexton Lane , Dot Drive and Isaac Lane – Goodwin Chase East – Wilders Township Sandcastle Lane , Flip Flop Court and Salt Life Place – Ruth Harbor – Elevation Township Thumper Way – Kyli Knolls – Clayton Township C Planning and Zoning – Adoption of Resolution for Approval – Case 25 - 06 , adopted as follows RESOLUTION FOR CASE NUMBER 25 - 06 RESOLUTION APPROVING ZONING AMENDMENT AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , pursuant to NC Gen Stat § 160D - 605 , prior to adopting or rejecting a zoning amendment , the governing board is required to adopt a statement approving or rejecting the zoning amendment and describe if the amendment is consistent or inconsistent with the comprehensive zoning plan and why the board considers the action taken to be reasonable and in the public interest ; WHEREAS , the Johnston County Planning Board has reviewed a proposed amendment to The Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County , for parcel identified as tax ID 06D01007C located on Pierce Road near the intersection Cleveland Road in Cleveland Township , from Agricultural Residential AR to Industrial 2 - Conditional Zoning I2 - CZ Page626 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued WHEREAS , based on a review of the proposed amendment the Planning Board found that the proposed amendment is not consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates and further recommended that the Board of Commissioners deny the proposed amendment ; and WHEREAS , this Board has reviewed and considered the above written recommendation of the Planning Board and has held a public hearing on the proposed amendment , and this Board desires to approve the zoning amendment and adopt a statement describing why the adoption of the proposed amendment is consistent with the Johnston County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and updates , and the Board considers the proposed amendment to be reasonable and in the public interest NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT 1 This Board finds and determines that the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Maps of Johnston County is consistent with the Johnston County Land Use Plan based on the following a Although the property lies within a regional mixed use center place type pursuant to the adopted future land use map , which is described as “ centers of activity that include a mix of retail , restaurant , service , office , and civic and institutional uses ” , the proposed limited industrial uses are not detrimental or adverse to the type of land uses expected for the place type identified 2 This Board finds and determines that it is reasonable and in the public interest to approve the proposed amendment because a The scale and intensity of the proposed conditional development is consistent with the intensity of existing development and future development as described for the regional mixed use place type b The development , if operated within the approved conditional requirements , minimizes impacts to the community with regard to infrastructure and environment 3 This Board approves the proposed zoning amendment from Agricultural Residential to Industrial 2 - Conditional Zoning th Adopted this the 20 day of October , 2025 D Appointments , approved as follows Bentonville Firefighter’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees – Wayne Langston was reappointed for a two year term to expire on October 31 , 2027 E Budget Revisions , approved as follows Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 4,89819 10 51007414 Capital Outlay - Sheriff 80525 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 5,70344 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032106 Controlled Substance Tax 80525 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 4,89819 TOTAL NET REVENUE 5,70344 3 Public Comment NonePage627 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued 4 Proclamation – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Johnston County Registrar of Deeds Craig Olive requested the Board to adopt a proclamation for November 2025 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month He thanked the Commissioners and everyone listening or watching the meeting for the observance of the proclamation Mr Olive noted that he comes before the Board each year at this time to request support for this proclamation as many people have been affected in some way with loved ones suffering from Alzheimers or dementia Mr Olive stated he is always an advocate for this cause and helped to organize the first Alzheimers Walk in Johnston County several years ago He noted that members of his own family have been affected by this disease , which makes it deeply personal for him Mr Olive stated that recognition of this disease means a great deal to him and he appreciates the Board’s willingness to adopt this proclamation Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commented that Mr Olive has led this effort in Johnston County for many years , and the Board appreciates all his work He stated Alzheimers truly affects everyone in one way or another and he thanked Mr Olive for his commitment to this cause Commissioners Ted G Godwin and Michelle Pace Davis both expressed how this disease impacts lives and it is a terrible illness Commissioner Ted G Godwin read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain causing deterioration in memory and thinking , as well as judgment and reasoning ability ; it also affects behavior , emotions and the ability to perform self - care ; and th WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is the 7 leading cause of death in North Carolina and also here in Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , one in three Senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and more than half of all Americans know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s ; and WHEREAS , more than six million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease with over 210,000 residing in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease affects whole families since it is a long - term illness that require long term care ; and WHEREAS , nearly twelve million family members and friends are serving as their unpaid caregivers nationwide , 381,000 of those giving care are North Carolinians ; and WHEREAS , the cost for caring for those with Alzheimers and other dementias is estimated to total 360 billion in 2025 By 2050 , these costs could rise to nearly 1 trillion One in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia ; and WHEREAS , with early detection and diagnosis , individuals and families can gain access to treatment medications , enroll in critical research trials , and fully participate in planning for the future ; and WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognizes individuals , families , friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease , the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure , and the educational programs and support services provided by Alzheimer’s organizations NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2025 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month in Johnston County and urges our citizens to commend its observance th Proclaimed this the 20 day of October , 2025 Page628 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued 5 Public Utilities – USGS Monitoring Station Agreement Public Utilities Engineering Manager Kim Rineer , PE , presented a request to the Board to approve the United States Geological Survey USGS Monitoring Station Agreement She stated staff is proposing a five - year agreement with the USGS for installing , maintaining , and operating a monitoring station on the Neuse River at Richardson Bridge , with payments totaling up to 108,000 Operations of the County’s future Lower Neuse Water Supply will be dependent on flows in the Neuse River at the proposed intake on Richardson Bridge Road and currently there is no stream monitoring gage at this location The data collected from this gage will be crucial for operations of the future intake once the new supply is on - line and will be part of the approval from NCDEQ Public Water Supply Funding for this agreement is included in the previously adopted Capital Project Fund for the Lower Neuse Water Supply At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Ms Rineer stated there are two additional monitoring stations in the area ; one at the bridge crossing in Clayton and another in Goldsboro She stated the rationale for establishing a station in the middle is its proximity to the County’s proposed lower Neuse water intake She stated data from this station will be used to model river flows for both wastewater discharge and water intake purposes , thereby improving the accuracy of these models Ms Rineer explained that relying solely on Clayton’s data is insufficient because several major tributaries , including Swift Creek , Middle Creek , and Black Creek , join the river after that point , altering its dynamics Similarly , the County cannot rely exclusively on data from Goldsboro , as Middle Creek , Moccasin Creek , and the Little River all enter the system before that gage She stated this region is particularly unique due to its extensive wetlands , for which current models cannot accurately predict buffering effects on water intake or drought conditions Ms Rineer continued that the US Geological Survey has expressed interest in studying this area for some time but has lacked adequate funding She stated the Division of Water Resources has requested this type of information to support planning for the new lower Neuse water supply intake and due to the complexity introduced by multiple tributaries converging in this location , there is currently no reliable modeling approach available Ms Rineer stated staff expects to receive meaningful , real - time , hourly data as soon as the equipment is installed , with more frequent updates possible during flood events She stated Richardson Bridge , a critical location during floods , will be closely monitored , and staff can request additional information during emergencies Commissioner Bill Stovall asked who covers the cost after the initial five years and 108,000 Ms Rineer stated the 108,000 budget covers installation , maintenance , and monitoring for five years , with data posted online She stated after that , staff will have an opportunity to renegotiate and extend the agreement She stated ideally this will become so valuable that other entities may want to participate or perhaps Federal funding will be available Upon a question by Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Ms Rineer stated it will be funded through the County’s Enterprise Fund Upon a question by Commissioner Stovall , Ms Rineer indicated that staff was only given the initial five - year plan and cannot predict future operational costs , though inflation may have some impact Commissioner Stovall stated this is a long - term financial commitment unless others see value in the data Ms Rineer stated if the County builds the water treatment plant , these costs would become operational , as river and quarry water use will be monitored by the gage She stated using this information allows the County to manage resources and protect the environment more effectively , making the investment worthwhile Ms Rineer stated the initial agreement is for 20,000 to 22,000 per year and staff will need to assess how this develops in the future Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris commented that the data to be provided is valuable for public safety and Emergency Services , especially for river rescue operations during floods He stated this is a good decision given the low cost and useful information to be gained Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the following USGS Monitoring Agreement PagePage pageNumber5629 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber6630 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued 6 Johnston County Veterans Services Office – Grant Request Johnston County Veterans Services Officer Robert Boyette provided the Board with details regarding the upcoming Veterans Day event at Smithfield Selma High School He stated various towns throughout Johnston County host their own Veterans Day observances and he encouraged citizens to participate in these activities Mr Boyette spoke on the event sponsored by the Johnston County Board of Education and held at Smithfield Selma High School , a tradition that has continued for approximately 18 consecutive years He encouraged citizens to consider attending this event , where Vietnam Veteran and Colonel Rudy Baker along with World War II Veteran and Colonel Cheryl Stevens will serve as speakers Mr Boyette stated additionally , students from the ROTC programs at all County high schools will contribute to the ceremony and lunch will be provided for veterans Upon a question by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Boyette stated Johnston County Schools organized this years event and has done an excellent job in the preparations He stated Veterans in attendance will also receive commemorative pins Mr Boyette continued that the Johnston County Veterans Services Office is requesting approval to apply for a Grant Program for County Veterans Offices GPCVO which is due on October 24 , 2025 He explained the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs NCDMVA administers the grant which was made possible by nonrecurring funds by the North Carolina General Assembly under provisions of Session Law 2023 - 134 The grant funding amount is not to exceed 20,000 and documents must be executed by the end of the 2026 budget year He stated staff will submit a statement of work to the NCDMVA which will provide the State with a spending plan of how the funds will be utilized The scope of work provides a detailed allocation to support veterans in areas such as Direct Veteran Assistance emergency shelter , utility arrears , and employment support ; Transportation Assistance provide transportation for veterans to attend VA medical appointments , mobility ramps , etc ; Training and Education VSO staff training , accreditation conferences expenses , workshops , annual subscriptions renewals to affiliated organizations such as American Legion , DAV , VFW ; Technology and Digital Access Digital programs subscriptions to provide immediate and timely submission of claims for veterans , up to date training documents such as Federal regulations that support veteran benefits , digital to print documents for veterans who do not have digital access such as health care overview material ; and Outreach and Community Engagement Veteran resource fairs and outreach marketing Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved for staff to apply for the grant as requested 7 Parks , Greenways , and Open Space – Request Approval for Contract Amendment – Phase I Johnston County Regional Park Parks and Open Space Director Adrian ONeal requested the Board’s approval of a contract amendment regarding Phase One of the Johnston County Regional Park project on October 6 , 2025 , the Board approved additional funding in the amount of 850,00000 to start and complete Phase I of the Johnston County Regional Park Mr O’Neal stated if approved , the project’s official start date will be November 3 , 2025 with a public th th groundbreaking anticipated between Thanksgiving and Christmas , most likely December 5 or 12 He stated project completion is expected by September 2026 , subject to weather conditions Mr O’Neal explained this request pertains to an amendment to the design - build contract and he offered to answer any questions by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated this amendment confirms the Board’s previous actions Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked for confirmation that the 850,000 will come from Open Space Funds Mr O’Neal confirmed the 850,000 will come from Open Space Funds Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis noted the project is ahead of schedule , which is exciting She stated hopefully this momentum can be maintained through completion Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the contract amendment as follows PagePage pageNumber7631 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued 8 Exercise Option to Purchase Agreement – Johnson Estate Road , Clayton County Attorney Jennifer Slusser recalled that on September 15 , 2025 , the Board approved an Option to Purchase Agreement for approximately 5112 acres of land for potential community college use and other government needs identified as Parcel ID Number 05F02032 and 05F02032L and owned by Charles Terry Coats and wife , Beatrice Ward Coats She stated since then , staff began due diligence with the help of the County’s Real Estate Attorney , Jason Wenzel , and Josh Bennett from Mosley Architects She stated the wetlands delineation , Phase One Study , and surveying are complete , and staff is now addressing access She noted staff has coordinated with the Town of Clayton regarding future property development and have communicated with adjacent property owners attorneys about potential plans She stated staff remains optimistic about moving forward Ms Slusser stated Mr Bennett has proposed a connection from Johnson Estate Road to the property and staff is working with the property owner on this connection She stated one of the conditions is escrowing funds if details are not resolved before closing , but staff hopes to settle everything in time for simultaneous closings She stated the option must be exercised tonight as it expires tomorrow and staff is prepared to close by month’s end as required by the contract Ms Slusser stated if issues arise , such as geotechnical problems or access easement complications , the remedy is not to close , and only the 5,000 option fee would be at risk Ms Slusser stated thanks to the efforts of Mr Bennett and Mr Wenzel , the Board has the information needed to decide on the option She noted that Mr Wenzel and Mr Bennett are both available to answer any questions Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis thanked everyone for their timely and diligent work on this project over the past month PagePage pageNumber8632 October 20 , 2025 – 6 00 pm Continued Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved exercising the Option to Purchase Agreement for the Johnson Estate Road Property 9 Manager Reports and Comments None 10 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin reported he attended the People to People Ceremony held at the St James Church of Christ Commissioner Godwin stated the St James Church of Christ has been having this ceremony for 45 years and they invite law enforcement , first responders , elected officials and veterans to attend Commissioner Godwin stated it is a great time to bring the community together and he commends that church on building strong communities Commissioner Godwin also reminded everyone to display a green light in support of Veterans from now to Veterans Day for Operation Green Light Commissioner Godwin also wished his wife a Happy Birthday Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis reported that she attended the Legislative Breakfast with the Board of Education along with Commissioner Mike Rose , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris and Commissioner Ted G Godwin last Monday Commissioner Davis stated it was great to have conversations and dialogue with the Board of Education along with other elected officials Commissioner Mike Rose stated he attended the Unified Basketball Game at Smithfield Selma High School last Monday Commissioner Rose explained that Unified Basketball is where youths with different abilities play basketball Commissioner Rose congratulated Smithfield Selma High School for being named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School Commissioner Rose stated this was a great event Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he attended the Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility event for the introduction of the Fiber Optic Network Training Program Vice Chairman Harris stated it is exciting to have a program here in the County to train young people on how to work in fiber optic Vice Chairman Harris stated Economic Development Director Chris Johnson did a great job on the event Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recognized County Employee Appreciation Week and thanked all County employees for the work they do every day for the citizens and the County He stated County employees are empowering , compassionate , responsive , and visionary Chairman Lawter also took a moment to wish his grandson , Lane , a happy belated birthday 11 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic Development Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of discussing matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 4 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 14 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage