August 1, 2022 - 10:00 am - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 42 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners August 1 , 2022 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , August 1 , 2022 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 , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Clerk to the Board Paula G Woodard , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with a prayer Vietnam Veterans of America Group 990 led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Appointments ? Industrial Facilities Pollution Control Financing Authority – Reappointed Burrell Brock and J Chad McLamb for six year terms to expire on August 31 , 2028 ? Johnston County Board of Adjustments – Reappointed Craig Jones and Flint Benson for three year terms to expire on August 31 , 2025 and granted Mr Jones and Mr Benson a waiver in the length of service policy ? Library Board of Trustees – Appointed Gary R Underwood to fill an unexpired term ending August 31 , 2024 B Budget Revisions , approved as follows Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59103300 Departmental Supplies 5,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 5,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591034155 State Grant 5,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 5,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59200200 Salaries and Wages 17,87700 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 17,87700 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 592034155 State Grant 17,87700Page43 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued TOTAL NET REVENUE 17,87700 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59550200 Salaries & Wages 20,53500 10 59550501 Social Security 1,57100 10 59550600 Health Insurance 8,47200 10 59550610 Life Insurance 4900 10 59550620 125 Administration Fee 7200 10 59550700 Retirement 1,60200 10 59553300 Departmental Supplies 8,00400 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 40,30500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 595534155 State Grant 40,30500 TOTAL NET REVENUE 40,30500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59154538 Pharmacy Supplies 39495 10 59204538 Pharmacy Supplies 20,86688 10 59254538 Pharmacy Supplies 1,90896 10 59454538 Pharmacy Supplies 52661 10 59704538 Pharmacy Supplies 36,20437 10 59354538 Pharmacy Supplies 1,84314 10 59154610 Vaccines 79020 10 59604538 Pharmacy Supplies 4,08466 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 66,61977 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591533099 Miscellaneous Revenue 1,18515 10 592033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 20,86688 10 592533099 Miscellaneous Revenue 1,90896 10 594533099 Miscellaneous Revenue 52661 10 597033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 36,20437 10 593533099 Miscellaneous Revenue 1,84314 10 596033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 4,08466 TOTAL NET REVENUE 66,61977 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59157820 Salaries & Wages 266,41500 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 266,41500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534155 State Grant 266,41500 TOTAL NET REVENUE 266,41500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59157819 COVID 19 expense 543,76800Page44 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 543,76800 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534155 State Grant 543,76800 TOTAL NET REVENUE 543,76800 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59157819 COVID 19 expense 916,68300 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 916,68300 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534155 State Grant 916,68300 TOTAL NET REVENUE 916,68300 LEO Separation REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 27 51100200 Salaries & Wages 35,20500 27 51100501 Social Security 7,89500 27 51100600 Health Insurance 11,30300 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 54,40300 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 27 511033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 54,40300 TOTAL NET REVENUE 54,40300 Public Utilities REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 68 79709116 Transfer SDF Reserve Fund 1,500,00000 68 79004500 Contract Services 50,00000 68 79101600 M & R 50,00000 68 79104500 Contract Services 75,00000 68 79207400 Capital Outlay 950,00000 68 79707400 Capital Outlay 200,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 175,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 68 790033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 175,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 175,00000 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 4,98792 10 51004300 Special Services 1400 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 5,00192 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 4,90792 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 1400 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 8000Page45 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued TOTAL NET REVENUE 5,00192 Social Services REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61001400 Travel 4500 10 61001900 General Assistance 9,46228 10 61004515 Program Expense 2,28128 10 61101909 Crisis 69886 10 61101917 LIEAP Program 1,96678 10 61354523 Contract and Program Expense 4,42500 10 61401902 State County General Assistance 15,69593 10 61401906 State Foster Care 2,62376 10 61401906 State Foster Care 2,62374 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 39,82263 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 610034123 Social Security Administration 39,82263 39,82263 TOTAL NET REVENUE C Tax Releases & Refunds – 06 15 2022 – 07 15 2022 Motor Vehicle Release Refund Report Year Bill # Acct # Name Tran Type Paid 2021 2206 - 649125 2204 - 671700 Walden , Zageon Cameron Overpayment 21473 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 6 29 2022 9 49 08 AM ALassiter 2022 - 200747 2000244375 MILLS , KENNETH WILLIAM 1,06245 6 30 2022 1 18 03 PM ALassiter 2021 - 115428 2000219528 TASK LOGISTICS CORP 1,44524 6 30 2022 1 24 18 PM ALassiter 2021 - 202975 2000242436 GARDNER , ADAM 36498 6 30 2022 1 35 08 PM ALassiter 2021 - 115445 2000219579 ASBILL , ROSS MAJOR 68491 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 6 20 2022 8 14 44 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 74334 2000202280 PARSHLEY , DEAN WALTER 23456 6 27 2022 8 15 21 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 74334 2000202280 PARSHLEY , DEAN WALTER 14512 6 27 2022 8 25 23 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 24258 2000076680 CREECH , BILLY EARL 11220 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2019 - 4023 2000053036 ARTHUR , CLIFFORD MACK 82406 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 4023 2000053036 ARTHUR , CLIFFORD MACK 77658 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 17952 2000175984 CAPPS , ELIZABETH ANN 32716 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 16696 2000211937 CAPPS , JAMES ROBERT 60795 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 67535 2000197731 MONGIELLO , JOAN 42700 6 28 2022 3 51 31 PM LOCKBOX 2020 - 85914 2000198450 SASSER , PATRICIA ANN B LIFE 11606 ESTATE 6 29 2022 11 07 22 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 203423 2000211410 HOLLAND , CORY L 17456 6 29 2022 11 10 50 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 35895 2000127525 GAINEY , DONNA L 11821 7 1 2022 2 54 26 PM ajsoutherland 2021 - 45789 2000105574 HOUSE , CURT B 12662 7 6 2022 10 23 48 AM tmeacomes 2021 - 45789 2000105574 HOUSE , CURT B 12818 7 11 2022 1 55 29 PM ajsoutherland 2021 - 107434 2000156634 WOOLARD , PEGGY LEE 25664 7 11 2022 3 12 42 PM ajsoutherland 2022 - 200503 2000119395 LASSITER , THOMAS R 90375 7 15 2022 12 14 07 PM tmeacomes 2021 - 100624 2000010074 WARREN , PATRICK DALE 12444 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – June 2022 100 +PagePage pageNumber546 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # Reason BEASLEY , 0067295422 335749632 Situs error 000 RICHARD EARL 17687 2482 5896 21101 CHINI , 0066164408 250291872 Military 9326 VALENTINA 7409 000 16735 DUFRANE , 0059360562 167780054 Change of 24762 ROBERT County 2714 DELMA 27476 HALL , DONNIE 0066652397 166861406 Adjustment 47815 DEANE III 37335 85150 HORNIK , 0065217760 167132950 Adjustment 9998 JAMES M 1233 11231 NOEL , THOMAS 0067125792 167780410 Military 35055 BYRON 5642 40697 ROSE , 0064940590 333867872 Situs error 000 TIMOTHY PETE 22086 3487 7362 25961 WILLIAMS , 0065357789 334579808 Situs error 000 DAVID 15953 JONATHAN 2589 5318 18682 3 Public Comments A Citizen Comments – Christine Livingston Christine Livingston , McGee’s Crossroads , thanked Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr and Commissioner April Stephens for reaching out to her after the Board’s meeting on July 18 , 2022 where she spoke Ms Livingston spoke on the Board’s decision in July to postpone the elimination of the solid waste decals stating she feels it is a broken promise to the citizens and she expressed concern over the lack of discussion Ms Livingston further spoke on her concerns that although some Commissioners did attend a meeting recently regarding County parks , no Commissioner attended the most recent Comprehensive Land Use Plan public forum Ms Livingston shared her thoughts as it relates to Commissioner Richard D Braswell’s presence on the Board stating although innocent until proven guilty , she is uncomfortable with his presence She shared information from a UNC School of Government blog post as it relates to vacancies on Boards of County Commissioners B Citizen Comments – Tony Tetterton Tony Tetterton stated he was a resident of Johnston County for seventeen years , but recently moved away Mr Tetterton shared his concerns regarding presumptions of guilt stating there is a need to be mindful ofPagePage pageNumber647 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued innocent until proven guilty Mr Tetterton stated he finds it concerning that there are those who would say people are guilty until proven otherwise C E - mail Received Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr acknowledged an email received for Public Comment from citizen Shannon Petersen regarding the lack of response to emails sent to the Commissioners and the need for the Board to adopt an ethics policy At the request of Chairman Lawter , County Attorney Jennifer Slusser stated the Board of Commissioners does have an adopted Code of Ethics Ms Slusser stated she would be introducing a draft Rules of Procedure to the Board later in the meeting 4 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of June 2022 , as follows Enforced Collections June 2022 YTD 21 22 Wage Garnishments 20 451 Bank Attachments 25 663 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed June 2022 0 Pending 6 Dollars Collected June 0 Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2021 Real and Personal Levy 2020 Real and Personal Levy As of June 30 , 2022 As of June 30 , 2021 157,067,00644 Levy 150,948,41747 Levy 156,882,57380 Payments 150,607,53466 Payments 184,43264 Balance 340,88281 Balance 9988 Collected 9977 Collected + 011 RMV – NCVTS Collections June 2022 June 2021 1,783,77441 1,752,67703 YTD 21 22 - 19,403,59091 YTD 20 21 - 18,575,19168 5 Annual Tax Settlement for 2021 and Charge to Collect Taxes for 2022 Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews submitted the following annual tax settlement as of June 30 , 2022 Annual Settlement - June 30 , 2022 Total 2021 - 2022 Real Personal Property Tax Levy 157,067,00644 Total 2021 - 2022 Collected 156,882,57380 Percent Collected - Real Personal 9988 PagePage pageNumber748 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued 0998825 up 011 Collected Credited Real Business Personal 152,787,07919 Discoveries 4,526,35236 Releases 246,42511 Levy 157,067,00644 Payments 156,882,57380 Balance Unpaid 184,43264 A final collections audit will be conducted by an outside auditing firm and included in the county - wide audit for 2021 - 2022 2010 - 2020 Levy Collected Real Personal 206,75926 Motor Vehicles 8,98789 Increase in Real Business Personal Property Levy 2020 150,948,41747 2021 157,067,00644 Increase Percentage 405 Enforced Collections 2021 - 2022 Garnishments Served 451 320,42692 Paid 326 224,85552 Unpaid active 72 48,24608 Terminated 41 41,14726 Released 12 6,17806 Bank Attachments Served 663 961,61467 Paid 430 646,17288 Unpaid active 38 68,50679 No funds 36 49,65497 Account closed 14 14,38335 Released 2 81383 No Accounts etc 59 76,44375 Protected Funds SS 18 14,93833 Unpaid Partials 66 90,70077 Levies 0 Debt Setoff Program 57 5,62475 Field Collections Deputy Collectors 788 1,713,11417PagePage pageNumber849 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued Total collected by enforcement actions 10943 1,718,73892 Excludes dollars collected by foreclosure attorney Interest and fees collected 425,32967 Real Estate Foreclosure Collections Accounts sent to Foreclosure Attorney 3 Complaints Filed 0 Complaints Pending 6 Accounts Paid 5 Total Collected by Foreclosure 97,72805 Multi - Year Taxes Foreclosure Sales Property Sold Property Redeemed 1 0 One 1 property sold October 28 , 2020 but not finalized until July 21 , 2021 Payment Arrangements We encourage taxpayers to enter into payment arrangements prior to their taxes becoming delinquent The tax collections office accepted 290 payment arrangements totaling approximately 813,90487 As of June 30 , one 1 remains unpaid with an outstanding balance of 1,07260 due to bankruptcy Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Real and Personal 40,14825 52 New Filings Previous year 71 filings - 133,35626 2021 Post Petition Taxes 15,09902 Protected from Enforcement Property Tax Commission Appeals in 2021 2 Unpaid Taxes from 2021 Appeals 8,10001 Total Taxes Protected from Enforcement 63,34728 Unenforceable accounts represent 3435 of the Unpaid Balance of Real and Personal Property 63,34728 184,43264 3435 Tax Collection Rate Summary FY 2021 2022 9988 FY 2020 2021 9977 PagePage pageNumber950 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued FY 2019 2020 9943 FY 2018 2019 9988 FY 2017 2018 9990 FY 2016 2017 9989 Annual Ad Valorem Levy Real & Personal Property Registered Motor Vehicles FY 2021 2022 Levy 157,067,00644 Collected 156,882,57380 19,403,59091 FY 2020 2021 Levy 150,948,41747 Collected 150,607,53466 18,575,19168 FY 2019 2020 Levy 142,412,05324 Collected 141,602,25238 15,892,39862 FY 2018 2019 Levy 117,814,10987 Collected 117,668,89563 15,391,76914 FY 2017 2018 Levy 113,714,90011 Collected 113,595,65756 14,429,89218 FY 2016 2017 Levy 109,207,06352 Collected 109,077,08288 13,967,99650 Summary The 2021 - 2022 fiscal year proved to be another busy year for Johnston County Tax Administration Record growth translated to an increased workload in all areas of the department An increasing number of parcels and permits for new construction are constant indications of Johnston County being the location of choice for individuals and businesses Recent real estate sales prices compared to the 2019 tax valuations affected our 2022 Sales Assessment Ratio With a median ratio of 8078 , well below the minimum allowable ratio of 85 , the Department of Revenue notified us of a mandatory January 1 , 2025 countywide reappraisal Fortunately , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners had the foresight in 2019 to advance the reappraisal schedule and staff was already preparing for a 2025 reappraisal when notification was received January 2023 is the target date for the reappraisal vendor , accommodations , and tools to be in place Citizens took their tax responsibility seriously and timely remitted 9212 of the record setting levy Staff addressed the outstanding balance and collected an additional 776 The year - end collection percentage for 2021 - 2022 was 9988 Page051 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued My team and I do not take lightly the part that the public has in a successful collections year Timely payment of taxes by the public , support of the Commissioners , county management and staff , and a dedicated staff made this another successful year for Johnston County Tax Administration To each group , I say thank you North Carolina General Statute 105 - 373 requires that I provide a settlement of the prior year’s tax collections This settlement is a true and accurate accounting of the 2021 FY 2021 - 2022 taxes , and I request that the Johnston County Board of County Commissioners accept this settlement I further request , that as required by North Carolina General Statute 105 - 321 , the Board of Commissioners charge me with the responsibility for collection of 2022 FY 2022 - 2023 taxes Jocelyn S Andrews Johnston County Tax Administrator August 1 , 2022 Motion to Accept the 2021 Tax Settlement and Charge to Tax Administrator to Collect 2022 Taxes Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board accept the above Annual Tax Settlement for 2021 taxes and issue the following charge to the Tax Administrator for collection of 2022 taxes Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote You are hereby authorized , empowered , and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed in the office of the Tax Administrator and in the tax receipts herewith delivered to you , in the amounts and from the taxpayers likewise therein set forth Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the respective taxpayers in Johnston County , and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct , require , and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers , for and on account thereof , in accordance with law 6 Appointments Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr announced that the votes for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Hospital Authority nomination would be completed by written ballot Ballots were distributed to the Commissioners who completed their votes , signed the ballot , and submitted for the Clerk to the Board to collect upon adjournment The Chairman stated the votes will be tallied this afternoon and results announced at the 6 00 pm meeting Note At the 6 00 pm meeting , the Chairman announced the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Board – Jeffrey P Carver was appointed for a three year term to expire on October 31 , 2025 Hospital Authority Nomination – Brad Oakes was nominated The nomination will be sent to the Hospital Authority for review and recommendation The Chairman will make the final appointment at the September 6 , 2022 meeting 7 Manager Reports and Comments None 8 Board Reports and Comments A Draft Rules of Procedure At the request of the Chairman , County Attorney Jennifer Slusser introduced a draft Rules of Procedure for the Board to take under advisement Ms Slusser explained that the Board has been using the School of Government’s Suggested Rules of Procedure for the Board of County Commissioners with a few exceptions as a basis for conducting their meetings She stated staff used the SOG’s publication as a starting point with modifications in accordance with the Board’s current practices Ms Slusser noted that General Statute references are provided as comments in the draft document for further information Ms Slusser stated staff welcomes feedback and looks forward to future discussions Page152 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued Ms Slusser also took a moment to advise the Commissioners on the Board’s adopted Code of Ethics Policy , which is a separate document from the draft Rules of Procedure Ms Slusser stated in addition to the adopted policy , the Commissioners receive required ethics training through the UNC School of Government Ms Slusser explained that the Board’s appointed staff members County Manager , County Attorney , Clerk to the Board , and Tax Administrator are accountable under North Carolina General Statutes and Johnston County employees are accountable under the Johnston County Personnel Policy Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stated it would be helpful to review a redlined version of the draft as a comparison from the SOG’s version Ms Slusser stated staff would prepare and provide a redlined draft B Other Board Comments Discussion Commissioner Richard D Braswell reminded the Board of the need to be looking at the County’s water and sewer capacities and policies Commissioner Ted G Godwin recalled remarks that have been made during Public Comment from citizens who have expressed concerns with Commissioners not responding to emails Commissioner Godwin stated if he receives an email directly from a citizen , he responds to that email ; however , he does not always respond to emails sent to the entire Board , but he is aware that County Manager Rick Hester does respond Commissioner Godwin stated he wanted it known that even though he may not always respond , he does read the emails from citizens and he is listening Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he also reads all the emails that the Board receives ; however , he would rather talk with citizens on the phone than email Vice Chairman Harris stated most of the time when he responds to emails it is to ask the citizen if they have time for a phone call to speak on their issue Vice Chairman Harris stated his phone number is published on the County’s website and he does answer his phone and returns calls Commissioner Tony Braswell stated the Commissioners are a policy board and not an operational board He continued that 80 of the emails the Commissioners receive are about operational matters , which is the responsibility of the County Manager who does respond to those issues Commissioner T Braswell also stated that if he receives an email directly then he does respond ; however , like Commissioner Godwin , if the email is sent to the group he does not always respond Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference is next week and although he will be on vacation , there are a few Commissioners who will be in attendance Commissioner Godwin invited the Commissioners to provide him with any feedback or concerns as he will be the voting delegate for the County at the conference Chairman Lawter asked his fellow Commissioners to be looking at their calendars for possible dates in March 2023 for next year’s strategic planning session Chairman Lawter stated Johnston County is in a transitional time and is seeing growth like never before He stated there are many challenges , in particular with infrastructure Chairman Lawter identified the following matters in which he would like for the Board and staff to focus as it relates to water and sewer I Policy Making A Allocation of Sewer Board Decision 1 Short Term - Residential Sewer Service Area ; Towns 2 Long Term - Industrial Commercial Retail ; Residential - Towns County B Time Frame for Using Allocation II Regionalization – There is a study underway ; towns are working together ; need to add Cape Fear industry to the study III Expand the Wastewater Plant - How IV Buy Nitrogen Credits - HowPage253 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , Utilities Director Chandra Farmer discussed with the Board the current wastewater capacity allocations actual flow versus paper flow Ms Farmer explained how staff tracks this information and provides a reconciliation each year Commissioner Smith expressed his concerns that the policy on sewer allocations is not clear and he spoke on his understanding of the County’s zoning ordinance that vested rights expire after two years if there has been no activity on a development unless there is a provision to extend for five years Commissioner Smith spoke on the paper flow versus actual flow calculations and asked why the County does not remove a paper flow allocation if there has been no activity on a development within the vested rights timeframe He stated to leave that allocation on the list as paper flow is holding it up for other projects that are actively developing Commissioner Smith spoke on the need for clear rules with no areas that require judgment calls and for the public to be kept informed of such matters He also spoke on the importance of water and sewer capacities and how that factors into smart development where the land is used in the most efficient ways possible Ms Farmer stated staff reconciles the list annually and she can review it again in order to update the Board ; however , she does not think there are many that would no longer be valid Ms Farmer stated most of the paper flow allocation is for commercially zoned property where two or three lots of the property have been recorded and the overall plan approved with the total sewer allocation Commissioner T Braswell stated Commissioner Smith has made good points and he would like to see this discussion added to the Board’s August 15 , 2022 6 00 pm meeting Upon questions by Commissioners , Ms Farmer recalled that the Board recently adopted an updated 20 - Year Capital Improvements Plan for water and wastewater projects to ensure there are adequate capacities for the next 20 years Ms Farmer stated the County currently has 184 million in water and sewer projects under construction ; 53 million in projects currently under design ; a Request for Qualifications has been issued for the next 55 million water treatment plant expansion ; and another Request for Qualifications has been advertised to expand capacity at the new wastewater treatment plant currently under construction by an additional 4 million gallons per day Ms Farmer also noted that various studies are underway including a study to expand the NPDES discharge permit capacity to the Neuse River and she explained that the State allows the County to permit against the expansion Ms Farmer offered to prepare and provide any additional data to the Board that the Commissioners feel would be helpful in discussions The Commissioners continued their discussion with Ms Farmer and inquired as to the status of the updated interlocal agreements with the four towns that are provided with bulk sewer capacity by the County Ms Farmer stated the County has been working on obtaining updated interlocal agreements since 2019 and noted the original agreements date back to 1979 She spoke on her thoughts as to why the updated agreements have not been signed by the towns and how important this is for staff to be able to properly prepare for future expansions Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he and Commissioner Tony Braswell have been involved in some of the town meetings with staff because those towns are within their districts Vice Chairman Harris noted that staff has worked diligently on getting the updated agreements in place and a lot of work has gone into the process Commissioner Smith expressed concerns that information regarding those meetings and the updated interlocal agreements have not been discussed publically Following further discussion , at the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Farmer reported a third party consultant is managing the water and wastewater regionalization study and staff is anticipating an update soon that she will share with the Board Chairman Lawter stated “ regionalization ” to him should include not only the towns , but also areas outside the County Chairman Lawter spoke on the need to clarify the Board’s position for staff stating he th anticipates a lengthy discussion at the August 15 meeting Page354 August 1 , 2022 – 10 00 am Continued 9 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege ; NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic Development ; NCGS 14331811 a 5 – Acquisition of Property ; and NCGS 14331811 a 6 – Personnel Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , 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 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 , 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 , 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 , and for the purposes of personnel pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 6 No action was taken 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 Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 12 10 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage