January 3, 2022 - 6:00 pm - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 544 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners January 3 , 2022 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , January 3 , 2022 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 , Larry Wood , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , and Richard D Braswell Absent Commissioner Tony Braswell Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard , and Paralegal Deputy Clerk Dana Cuddington Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm and the following business was transacted 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Public Comment A Citizens Comments - Joe Preston Mr Joe Preston , Smithfield , offered his prayers to the Commissioners stating he understands the Board will have to make decisions this year that will have major impacts on the County down the road Mr Preston expressed his thoughts that we are living in divided times and 2022 will be an important year Mr Preston stated he wishes the Board the best , as the Commissioners will be facing many issues and tough decisions The Board thanked Mr Preston for his comments 3 Manager Reports and Comments None 4 Board Reports and Comments A Closed Session Requested Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr requested the Board to have a closed session at the end of the meeting for NCGS 14331811 a 1 - Prevent Disclosure of Confidential Information and NCGS 14331811 a 3 - Attorney - Client Privilege B Work Session Topic - Transportation Commissioner Patrick E Harris stated he would like the Board to have a discussion regarding transportation planning at the upcoming work session once it has been scheduled Commissioner Harris spoke on the importance of looking at things from a long - range perspective Commissioner Ted G Godwin agreed with Commissioner Harris noting there will be several things that need to be looked at from a long - range perspective C Resolution Supporting NCDOT Statewide Project Funds - Glen Laurel Road Extension Commissioner Richard D Braswell spoke on the Resolution Supporting NCDOT Statewide Project Funds for the Glen Laurel Road Extension that was on the 10 00 am Consent Agenda Commissioner R Braswell asked if the resolution had been revised to include language that asked for the DOT to hold community meetings in that area so the public is fully informed of any kind of road closures Page545 January 3 , 2022 - 6 00 pm Continued Chairman Butch Lawter stated the resolution did not include any language about road closures , but rather was in support of DOT Statewide Project Funds to be used for an extension of Glen Laurel Road which is needed for traffic safety in that area 5 Closed Session - NCGS 14331811 a 1 - Disclosure of Confidential Information and NCGS 14331811 a 3 - Attorney - Client Privilege Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of preventing the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential or not considered a public record , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 1 and for the purposes of consulting with an attorney employed by the board in order to preserve the attorney - client privilege , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Larry Wood moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 6 30 pm RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage