May 16, 2022 - 6:00 pm - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 775 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners May 16 , 2022 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , May 16 , 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 , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Absent Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , and Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner Ted G Godwin led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Lawter announced that Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris was unable to attend today’s meeting and sends his regrets 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated that Clayton High School Principal Dr Bennett Jones has requested to postpone the Clayton High School funding request until the June 6 , 2022 meeting Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda postponing the Clayton High School request for funding until the June 6 , 2022 meeting 2 Visit from 2022 Miss Cleveland Outstanding Teen 2022 Miss Cleveland Outstanding Teen Madison McVey addressed the Board She stated her social impact initiative began last July due to a family friend passing away and as an organ donor , donated his heart to another young adult Miss McVey stated she began to research organ donation , which led her to the Miss America organization Miss McVey informed the Board that she competed for Miss Cleveland Outstanding Teen and began to spread the word about the importance of organ donation She stated she will be competing for Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen title in June 2022 and hopes to promote her platform at a State level Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted that he is a donor and proud to be a participant A photo was taken with the Board , and the Commissioners wished her well 3 Consent Agenda Items Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr requested to add a letter of support to the consent agenda for the I - 95 I - 40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance Advanced Technology Training Center Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows , adding the letter of support for the Alliance Advanced Technology Training Center A Approval of Minutes – April 18 , 2022 B Proclamation – Summer Learning Week , adopted as follows PROCLAMATION FOR SUMMER LEARNING WEEK Whereas , Summer Learning Week is a time to reflect on the importance of keeping youth learning , safe , and healthy every summer , ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed in the year ahead ; andPage776 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued Whereas , Summer learning loss is a significant contributor to the achievement gap — a gap which remains constant during the nine months of the school year but widens during the summer months ; and Whereas , Summer learning programs are proven to maintain and advance students ’ academic and social growth , keep children safe and healthy during the summer , and send young people back to school ready to learn Additionally , summer youth employment programs engage older youth in meaningful activities that allow them to explore careers of interest , take on new responsibilities , contribute to their community , and earn money for the future ; and Whereas , A wide array of public agencies , community - based organizations , schools , libraries , museums , recreation centers , camps , and businesses in our community contribute to the well - being of youth through summer programming ; and Whereas , Summer learning is a critical component of our collective effort to ensure all students graduate from high school prepared for college , careers , and life NOW , THEREFORE , THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS , hereby proclaims July 11 - 15 , 2022 as SUMMER LEARNING WEEK in Johnston County and commends this observance to all of our citizens th Adopted this the 16 day of May , 2022 C Celebrate Cleveland Committee – Request for Temporary Road Closure Per a request by the Celebrate Cleveland Committee , the Board approved the temporary closure of Cleveland Road on July 4 , 2022 from 10 00 am until approximately 10 45 am for the annual th Cleveland July 4 Parade route , subject to the Celebrate Cleveland Committee notifying the NC Department of Transportation , the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office , and the North Carolina Highway Patrol , and obtaining all required permits D Johnston County Soil & Water Conservation District – Letter of Support for EEG Grant The Board approved sending a letter of support from the Commissioners for a 2022 Attorney General’s Environmental Enhancement Grant EEG application in the amount of 150,000 for the Moccasin Creek Service District restoration stabilization project E Budget Revisions , approved as follows Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 82 85230406 Engineering 7,20817 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 7,20817 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 82 852336212 NCDOT Reimbursement 7,20817 TOTAL NET REVENUE 7,20817 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 11 45009058 Civil Penalty Paid to School 175,00000 30 48009213 Deed of Trust Fees 238,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 413,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 11 450032700 Tax Penalties 175,00000 30 480035153 Deed of Trust Fees 238,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 413,00000Page777 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59101400 Travel 6,50000 10 59101410 Employee Training 1,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 7,50000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591034155 State Grant 7,50000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 7,50000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59207050 Non - Major Capital Assets 8,58969 10 59257050 Non - Major Capital Assets 12,26272 10 59457050 Non - Major Capital Assets 32,75071 10 59607050 Non - Major Capital Assets 4,23988 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 57,84300 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 592034154 Medicaid 8,58969 10 592534154 Medicaid 12,26272 10 594534154 Medicaid 32,75071 10 596034154 Medicaid 4,23988 TOTAL NET REVENUE 57,84300 Social Services REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61101917 LIEAP Program 405,16980 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 405,16980 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 610034123 Social Service Administration 405,16980 TOTAL NET REVENUE 405,16980 F Appointments , approved as follows ? Meadow Fire Protection District Commission – Reappointed Samuel Neal Johnson and appointed Roy Johnson for two year terms to expire on April 30 , 2024 G I - 95 I - 40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance Advanced Technology Training Center The Board approved sending a letter of support from the Commissioners for I - 95 I - 40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance Advanced Technology Training Center 4 Public Comments A Friends of Johnston County Parks – Earth Day Cleanup Event Mr Derrick Applewhite , Cleveland Community , distributed a pamphlet to the Board with information about the second annual Earth Day Countywide Cleanup held on April 23 , 2022 and hosted by the Friends of Johnston County Parks Mr Applewhite stated there are thousands of friends who support this work and know how vital it is to the community He stated volunteers collected nearly 3,000 lbs of trash across Johnston County at seven participating locations Mr Applewhite stated they will continue to advocate for parks ,Page778 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued recreation , trails , and arts in the community He stated this effort is an economic development tool for the County and he encouraged the public to get involved Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr thanked the Friends of Johnston County Parks for their work 5 Public Hearing – Public Safety Center Financing The Chairman announced that this was the date , place and hour fixed by the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing concerning a proposed plan of financing in an aggregate principal amount of up to 17,500,000 , which plan would involve the entry by the County into a one or more long - term installment financing contract s with the Johnston County Finance Corporation the “ Corporation ” or one or more other third parties pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A - 20 , as amended , the proceeds of which would be used to pay all or a portion of the costs of i acquisition , construction and equipping of one or more new buildings to be used as public safety facilities for Johnston County , including acquisition of necessary land and rights - of - way , ii any related improvements and iii any “ preliminary expenditures ” related to the foregoing architectural , engineering , surveying , soil testing , reimbursement bond issuance and similar costs that are incurred prior to commencement of acquisition or construction , but excluding land acquisition , site preparation and similar costs incident to commencement of construction collectively , the “ 2022 Projects ” , and under said one or more long - term installment financing contract s the County would secure the repayment by the County of the moneys advanced pursuant to such one or more long - term installment financing contract s by granting a security interest in and lien on all or some portion of the 2022 Projects and or all or some portion of the real property upon which the 2022 Projects are located and or b into one or more short - term installment financing contract s with one or more third parties pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A - 20 , as amended , the proceeds of which would be used to provide interim financing for all or some portion of the 2022 Projects pending execution and delivery of said one or more long - term financing contract s , and under said one or more short - term installment financing contract s the County would secure the repayment by the County of the moneys advanced pursuant to such short - term installment financing contract s by granting a security interest in and lien on all or some portion of the 2022 Projects and or all or some portion of the real property upon which the 2022 Projects are located The plan of financing was described in the notice of public hearing published in The News & Observer on April 28 , 2022 the “ Notice ” The Board of Commissioners first ratified and approved the designation of the meeting as a public hearing on the proposed plan of financing , the publication of the Notice and the call of the public hearing It was then announced that the Board of Commissioners would immediately hear anyone who might wish to be heard on such matter No one appeared , either in person or by attorney , to be heard on such matter or the advisability of the plan of financing and the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners announced that no written statement relating to said matters had been received by the Clerk or the Director of Finance It was then announced that the public hearing was closed 6 Finance – Resolution for Public Safety Center Financing The Chairman introduced the following resolution , a summary of which had been provided to each Commissioner , a copy of which was available with the Clerk to the Board and which was read by title RESOLUTION APPROVING INSTALLMENT CONTRACT FINANCING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECTS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT UP TO 17,500,000 ; THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY FINANCE CORPORATION OF LIMITED OBLIGATION BONDS RELATED THERETO ; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ; AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER RELATED MATTERS WHEREAS , the Board of Commissioners desires to approve a proposed plan of financing in an aggregate principal amount of up to 17,500,000 , which plan would involve the entry by the County into a one or more long - term installment financing contract s with the Johnston County Finance Corporation the “ Corporation ” or one or more other third parties pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A - 20 , as amended , the proceeds of which would be used to pay all or a portion of the costs of i acquisition , construction and equipping of one or more new buildings to be used as public safety facilities for Johnston County , including acquisition of necessary land and rights - of - way , ii any related improvements and iii any “ preliminaryPagePage pageNumber5779 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued expenditures ” related to the foregoing architectural , engineering , surveying , soil testing , reimbursement bond issuance and similar costs that are incurred prior to commencement of acquisition or construction , but excluding land acquisition , site preparation and similar costs incident to commencement of construction collectively , the “ 2022 Projects ” , and under said one or more long - term installment financing contract s the County would secure the repayment by the County of the moneys advanced pursuant to such one or more long - term installment financing contract s by granting a security interest in and lien on all or some portion of the 2022 Projects and or all or some portion of the real property upon which the 2022 Projects are located and or b into one or more short - term installment financing contract s with one or more third parties pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A - 20 , as amended , the proceeds of which would be used to provide interim financing for all or some portion of the 2022 Projects pending execution and delivery of said one or more long - term financing contract s , and under said one or more short - term installment financing contract s the County would secure the repayment by the County of the moneys advanced pursuant to such short - term installment financing contract s by granting a security interest in and lien on all or some portion of the 2022 Projects and or all or some portion of the real property upon which the 2022 Projects are located ; WHEREAS , as part of said proposed plan of financing , the Corporation may also execute and deliver one or more series of Limited Obligation Bonds in said one or more long - term installment financing contract s in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding 17,500,000 to finance the advancement of moneys to the County pursuant to said one or more long - term installment financing contract s between the County and the Corporation or one or more other third parties ; WHEREAS , as part of the proposed plan of financing for the 2022 Projects , the Board of Commissioners further desires to authorize interim financing for all or some portion of the 2022 Projects in an aggregate principal amount of up to 17,500,000 , which would involve the entry by the County into one or more short - term installment financing contract s with one or more third parties pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A - 20 , as amended , the proceeds of which would be used to provide interim financing for all or some portion of the 2022 Projects pending execution and delivery of said one or more long - term financing contract s and the related Limited Obligation Bonds , if any , and under said one or more short - term installment financing contract s the County would secure the repayment by the County of the moneys advanced pursuant to such short - term installment financing contract s by granting a security interest in and lien on all or some portion of the 2022 Projects and or all or some portion of the real property upon which the 2022 Projects are located ; and WHEREAS , as part of said proposed plan of financing , the Corporation may also execute and deliver one or more series of Limited Obligation Bonds in said one or more short - term installment financing contract s in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding 17,500,000 to finance the advancement of moneys to the County pursuant to said one or more short - term installment financing contract s between the County and the Corporation or one or more other third parties ; WHEREAS , there have been submitted to this meeting draft forms of the following documents the “ Financing Documents ” with respect to the proposed plan of financing for the 2022 Projects 1 an Amendment Number One , proposed to be dated as of June 1 , 2022 the “ First Contract Amendment ” , to the Installment Financing Contract dated as of July 1 , 2020 the “ Original Contract ” and , as amended by the First Contract Amendment , the “ Contract ” , each between the County and the Corporation as counterparty , pursuant to which the Corporation will advance moneys to the County to finance all or a portion of the 2022 Projects and the County agrees to make periodic installment payments the “ Installment Payments ” to repay the moneys so advanced , with or without interest , as applicable ; and 2 a Supplemental Indenture , Number 1 , proposed to be dated on or about June 1 , 2022 the “ First Supplement ” , between the Corporation and the trustee named therein , as trustee the “ Trustee ” , which supplements and amends the Indenture of Trust , dated as of July 1 , 2020 the “ Original Trust Indenture ” , between the Corporation and the Trustee , and pursuant to which there are to be executed and delivered the Limited Obligation Bonds County of Johnston , North Carolina , Series 2022 the “ 2022 LOBs ” , the proceeds of which will be used to advance the moneys to the County under the First Contract Amendment ; WHEREAS , the obligations of the County to make Installment Payments and other payments pursuant to the Contract shall constitute limited obligations of the County payable solely from currently budgeted appropriations of the County and shall not constitute a pledge of the faith and credit of the County within the meaning of any constitutional debt limitation ; WHEREAS , no deficiency judgment may be rendered against the County in any action for breach of a contractual obligation under the Contract , and the taxing power of the County is not and may not be pledged in any way directly or indirectly or contingently to secure any moneys due under the Contract ; andPagePage pageNumber6780 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued WHEREAS , the Board of Commissioners desires to approve the Financing Documents and to authorize other actions in connection therewith ; NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners , as follows Section 1 All actions taken by or on behalf of the County to date to effectuate the proposed plan of financing , including the selection of Nexsen Pruet , PLLC , as special counsel or bond counsel , are hereby ratified , approved and authorized pursuant to and in accordance with the transactions contemplated by the Financing Documents Section 2 The Board of Commissioners hereby finds and confirms that i the 2022 Projects and the financing thereof by one or more installment financing contracts is necessary and expedient for the County ; ii financing of the 2022 Projects by one or more installment financing contracts , under the circumstances , is preferable to a bond issue by the County ; iii the sums to fall due under said one or more installment financing contracts are adequate and not excessive for their proposed purpose ; iv the County’s debt management procedures and policies are good and its debt will continue to be managed in strict compliance with law ; v the increase in taxes , if any , necessary to meet the sums to fall due under said one or more installment financing contracts will not be excessive ; and vi the County is not in default regarding any of its debt service obligations Section 3 The acquisition , construction and equipping of the 2022 Projects , the financing thereof and the granting of security interests therein , all as provided in the Financing Documents referenced in this Resolution , are hereby ratified and approved Section 4 The First Contract Amendment is hereby approved in substantially the form submitted to this meeting , and each of the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners or the County Manager is hereby authorized to execute and deliver such document in the name and on behalf of the County , with such changes , insertions or omissions as the persons executing such document may approve , including but not limited to changes , insertions or omissions related to obtaining a policy of municipal bond insurance with respect to the 2022 LOBs , their execution and delivery thereof to constitute conclusive evidence of such approval The County Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the seal of the County to such document as may be appropriate and to attest to the same Section 5 The First Supplement including the form of 2022 LOBs therein is hereby approved in substantially the form submitted to this meeting , with such changes , insertions or omissions as appropriate , including but not limited to changes , insertions or omissions related to obtaining a policy of municipal bond insurance with respect to the 2022 LOBs , as the representative s of the County executing the First Contract Amendment may approve , the execution and delivery of the First Contract Amendment to constitute conclusive evidence of such approval The Board of Commissioners hereby approves the sale of the 2022 LOBs by the Corporation in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of the amount of moneys to be advanced to the County pursuant to the First Contract Amendment Section 6 Each of the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners , the County Manager and the Director of Finance are authorized to approve all details of the financing of the 2022 Projects , including , without limitation , the amount advanced under the First Contract Amendment and the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 LOBs which shall not exceed 17,500,000 , the maturities , the principal payments amounts and the interest amounts of the Installment Payments and the 2022 LOBs , which interest amounts calculated with respect to the 2022 LOBs shall not exceed 60 per annum on an effective interest cost basis , the prepayment terms and prices which shall not exceed 103 of the principal amount being prepaid and , if applicable , the amount of any underwriters ’ discount exclusive of any original issue discount which shall not exceed 20 of the principal amount of the 2022 LOBs Execution of the First Contract Amendment by the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners or the County Manager shall conclusively evidence such approval of all such details of said financing Section 7 The Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners , the County Manager , the Director of Finance and the County Attorney are hereby authorized to take any and all such further action , including approval of modifications to the Financing Documents , and to execute and deliver for and on behalf of the County such other documents and certificates including , without limitation , agreements with securities depositories , financing statements , one or more contracts of purchase or purchase agreements , one or more placement agreements , one or more private placement agreements or other offering documents or memoranda , tax certificates and agreements and other documents and agreements including repurchase agreements relating to the investment of the proceeds from the execution and delivery of the First Contract Amendment as they may deem necessary or advisable to carry out the intent of this resolution and to effect the financing pursuant to the First Contract Amendment and the other Financing Documents The County Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the seal of the County to such documents and certificates as may be appropriate and to attest to the same and to execute and deliver the same as may be needed Section 8 The Director of Finance shall prepare and file a sworn statement of debt with the LGC and the Clerk to the Board in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Section 159 - 150 PagePage pageNumber7781 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued Section 9 The County covenants that , to the extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina , it will do and perform all acts and things to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 , as amended the “ Code ” , in order to assure that interest paid with respect to the 2022 LOBs will not be includable in the gross income of the owners thereof for purposes of federal income taxation , except to the extent that the County obtains an opinion of bond counsel to the effect that noncompliance would not result in interest with respect to the 2022 LOBs being includable in the gross income of the owners of the 2022 LOBs for purposes of federal income taxation Section 10 This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption Thereupon , upon motion of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , the foregoing resolution entitled “ RESOLUTION APPROVING INSTALLMENT CONTRACT FINANCING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECTS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT UP TO 17,500,000 ; THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY FINANCE CORPORATION OF LIMITED OBLIGATION BONDS RELATED THERETO ; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ; AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER RELATED MATTERS ” was passed by the following vote Ayes Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , and Commissioners Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Noes None Absent Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris 7 Fire Chiefs Association – Fire Service Supplemental Funding Matrix Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington addressed the Board on behalf of the Johnston County Fire Chiefs Association Chief Ellington reviewed a proposed Fire Service Supplemental Funding Matrix with the Board as follows PagePage pageNumber8782 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued Chief Ellington informed the Board that after the Fire Study was completed earlier this year , the Committee began to review the modules contained within the study and developed an overview of issues in the County He noted one of the more significant issues had to do with all the fire departments being able to provide equal services across the County as well as meeting State and Federal standards and the amount of funding it takes to meet those standards Chief Ellington stated another issue of concern is staffing and he spoke on the declining number of volunteers every year Chief Ellington stated at a minimum , 333,000 on an annual basis is necessary in order to meet the State and Federal standards for firefighting services and Johnston County currently has eight low wealth departments that do not generate those funds He spoke on necessary fundraising campaigns that many of the fire departments have to organize in order to generate additional funds Chief Ellington also spoke on the other issues of concern , which include maintaining ISO ratings , first responder funding , and funding for specialty rescue services He noted that specialty rescue funding is a topic that has not been discussed in a long time ; however , it needs to be brought into attention Chief Ellington submitted a letter of support for the funding matrix signed by all 23 Fire Chiefs in the County He stated if the entire matrix were adopted , 35 million in funding would be needed and he acknowledged that this would be a lot to consider at one time He presented a proposed implementation plan to the Board , as follows PagePage pageNumber9783 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued Chief Ellington concluded his presentation and stated all the Fire Chiefs agree that every citizen deserves the same or similar levels of fire protection services He offered to answer any questions Commissioner Ted G Godwin commended Chief Ellington for obtaining a letter of support signed by all the Fire Chiefs in the County Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commended the Fire Chiefs and their departments for all the work they do for the citizens in the County He stated with volunteering on the decline , this is an issue that needs to be looked at Chairman Lawter stated no matter where someone lives , all citizens should expect a similar level of service Chairman Lawter stated he sees this proposal as a starting point and the information would help the Board with decisions on how to fund fire service in the future Commissioner Tony Braswell thanked Chief Ellington for the Committee’s work He suggested the Board accept this information and for the Chairman to appoint a committee to study the recommendations with a June timeframe to report back Commissioner Richard D Braswell commented that the fire tax does not always cover all the needs across all the districts , and the County definitely needs to address the volunteer issue Chairman Lawter stated he would appoint a group of two or three and consult with Chief Ellington and the Emergency Services Director for a report in the June timeframe 8 Parks , Greenways , and Open Space Coordinator – Park Master Plan Project Agreement Parks , Greenways , and Open Space Coordinator Adrian O’Neal stated the County received qualification statements from six firms for the Park Master Plan Project at Cleveland Matthews Road Polenta Road Cleveland Park Project He stated after careful review , staff recommends the County enter into an agreement with Stewart Inc to complete the master planning process at a cost of 122,600 Mr O’Neal reported this project will includePage0784 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued the old Cleveland School Site and the new 77 - acre site at the corner of Matthews and Polenta Roads He noted there will be no less than two public information sessions to allow for countywide input and ample online opportunities He stated the result of this agreement will be a conceptual design with pricing and funding options for both sites and connections between the two The final plan will also include phasing recommendations The project would be completed in the December2022 January 2023 timeframe Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked about the process by which input will be solicited from the stakeholders Mr O’Neal stated the public information sessions would likely be a drop in format that would also include an informative website for public comments At the inquiry of Commissioner Richard D Braswell , Mr O’Neal stated in addition to the Cleveland Park project , the County has obtained land adjacent to the East Clayton Elementary School as well as land beside the County’s water treatment plant in the hopes of developing more park opportunities in the future He stated staff is always seeking land through donations or acquisitions and the countywide Master Plan for Trails and Greenways is in the works Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board approved for the County to enter into an agreement with Stewart Inc for the Park Master Plan Project at Cleveland and authorized the County Manager and County Attorney to finalize the agreement terms 9 USDA - Rural Development – Update to the Board USDA - Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight presented an update to the Board Mr Speight offered greetings on behalf of the Commissioner of Agriculture and he introduced Mr Larry Sampson whose office is in Lumberton and Mr Rob Kearns , Public Information Officer Mr Speight stated while he is new to Rural Development , he is not new to rural and he is originally from Farmville in Pitt County Mr Speight informed the Board that the County has friends at the Rural Development Office He noted that he made contact with some of the Fire Chiefs attending the meeting and has shared his information with them Mr Speight stated USDA - Rural Development stands ready to partner with the Fire Chiefs and make some of their ideas a reality He spoke on the importance of making sure the first responders have everything they need to serve the communities Mr Speight provided the Board with an overview of their services , which includes funding for multi - family housing , town halls , schools , fire stations , fire trucks , and community centers He also reported that there will be more assistance coming to aid in the expansion of broadband and his office can share the particulars of that assistance once available Mr Speight spoke on the new Rural Partners Network initiative which is aimed at being a one - stop portal the public can access in order to connect with a Federal Government office He noted this is currently a pilot program that has not reached North Carolina yet but he hopes for an August September appearance in North Carolina Mr Speight offered to answer any questions and encouraged the Commissioners to contact him or his staff at any time for assistance The Board thanked Mr Speight for the update and for visiting Johnston County 10 Moseley Architects – Presentation of County Space Needs Study Mr Josh Bennett , Moseley Architects , presented the Johnston County Facility Space Needs Analysis and Master Plan to the Board He stated this a living document to be updated , used , and continually evaluated as County needs change Mr Bennett highlighted the Executive Summary and stated the County’s population has increased 32 from 2010 - 2021 and noted that over the next 20 years the population is expected to increase 43 Mr Bennett provided the Board with a background on how the analysis was completed , stating Mosley Architects issued questionnaires to all the County department heads and asked them about current and future needs 5 , 10 , 15 , and 20 years He stated once these were completed , his team reviewed those questionnaires and then met with each department head to lightly challenge them as to their responses Mr Bennett reported a Condition Assessment Summary was completed to document the type , condition , and systems for each existing building He stated the walls , roofs , mechanical systems , plumbing , and securityPage1785 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued systems were evaluated and assigned a number based on their condition and the numbers are a guide for the lifespan of the building to assist with upgrades Mr Bennett continued that Moseley Architects worked with County staff and the County Manager for Master Plan options for the overall space needs of the County He shared the following two options with the Board Page2786 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued At the inquiry of Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Mr Bennett spoke on the Condition Assessment Summary and stated six is a good number to be rated He stated all buildings have been well - maintained and six represents a very well maintained , but aging building Chairman Lawter commented that the study is good and there is a lot of information for the Board to consider going into next budget year He thanked Mr Bennett for the thoroughness of the analysis because it provides a good base for the Board to make some decisions 11 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester noted that the Board would be having their official public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023 County Budget at the June 6 , 2022 10 00 am meeting He requested the Board to consider scheduling an additional special meeting to allow for additional requests and discussions to be heard Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board scheduled Monday , June 13 , 2022 at 6 00 pm as a special meeting for the purposes of discussing and hearing requests for the Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023 County budget to be held in the Commissioners Meeting Room and to consider adoption of the budget at the regular June 20 , 2022 6 00 pm meeting Page3787 May 16 , 2022 – 6 00 pm Continued 12 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Richard D Braswell asked the County Attorney to look into the County’s policy on wastewater allocations Commissioner Braswell expressed concern that there could be allocations sitting idle and asked if there is a better way to manage this Commissioner Ted G Godwin reminded everyone that Memorial Day is coming up on Monday , May 30 , 2022 and he encouraged everyone to observe this important event Commissioner Godwin stated the County th Veterans Services Office would be holding their observance on May 30 at 11 00 am in the Old Superior Courtroom at the Johnston County Courthouse Commissioner Tony Braswell asked the Chairman if two new members could be appointed to the Fire District Tax Review Committee to serve along with him since the former members are no longer on the Board Upon a motion by Commissioner April Stephens , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried unanimously , the Board voted to appoint Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris and Commissioner Ted G Godwin to serve along with Commissioner Tony Braswell Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr asked if any further thought had been given to establishing a set of rules and procedures for the Board of Commissioners to adopt Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated he had given it some thought ; however , he would like to look more closely at the matter after the Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023 budget is adopted Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted that USDA - Rural Development Regional Director Reginald Speight had mentioned opportunities for broadband funding and he asked staff to follow up for more details Chairman Lawter also reminded everyone that the Board of Commissioners would be sitting as the Johnston County Finance Corporation to hold a brief special meeting following the adjournment of the County Commissioners meeting The special meeting is to elect a Secretary Treasurer and Assistant Secretary as well as adopt a resolution for the Public Safety Center financing 13 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege , NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic Development , and NCGS 14331811 a 5 – Acquisition of Property Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Tony Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of consulting with an attorney employed by the Board in order to preserve the attorney - client privilege including but not limited to Flowers vs Aqua and Johnston County , 21 CVS 3096 pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 , to discuss 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 , and to establish or instruct staff concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 5 ” No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Richard D Braswell moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 57 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage