January 20, 2021 - 6:00 pm - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 731 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners January 20 , 2021 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Wednesday , January 20 , 2021 at 6 00 pm in the Old Superior Courtroom Courtroom No 4 at the Johnston County Courthouse , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Chad M Stewart , Vice Chairman Larry Wood , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Patrick E Harris , RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , and Fred J Smith , Jr Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard , and Paralegal Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington Chairman Chad M Stewart called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Stewart announced that Item No 5 COVID - 19 Additional Funding Opportunities has been postponed to allow staff more time to research the matter Chairman Stewart also announced that Item No 7 Broadband Study Update from ECC Technologies is postponed until the February 1 , 2021 10 00 am meeting 1 Public Comment A Letter from Smith Douglas Homes Chairman Chad M Stewart stated the Board had received a letter from Joe Padilla , Vice President of Governmental Affairs , with Smith Douglas Homes dated January 20 , 2021 containing comments and concerns regarding the Public Hearing scheduled for this meeting for proposed revisions to the Residential Sewer Service Policy Chairman Stewart stated the Commissioners had all received a copy of the letter and it would be entered into the record for the Public Hearing 2 Public Hearing – Residential Sewer Service Policy Modification Advertised The News & Observer Friday Zone Edition – December 25 , 2020 and January 1 , 2021 ; The Johnstonian News and The News in Review – December 23 , 2020 and December 30 , 2020 Tabled from the January 4 , 2021 6 00 pm meeting The Chairman opened the public hearing Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , stated the purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment and discussion on proposed modifications to the Johnston County Residential Sewer Service Policy Ms Farmer explained that most of the revisions are to ensure consistency with the previously amended Johnston County Land Development Code LDC as well as changes to North Carolina General Statute 162A - 213 Ms Farmer reviewed the following proposed revisions with the Board Page732 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Farmer explained that the first reason for the proposed revisions pertains to eligibility for residential sewer service in the Outlying Residential Sewer Service Area ORSSA to ensure consistency with the previously updated LDC Ms Farmer reported the Residential Sewer Service Policy currently allows residential sewer service in the ORSSA under two circumstances 1 if the property is zoned for a PUD ; or 2 if the property is immediately adjacent to existing residential development and can gravity flow into the County’s system without requiring a new wastewater pump station Ms Farmer stated because the LDC has been modified so that PUDs are not necessarily allowed in the ORSSA , staff recommends deleting that portion of the policy Page733 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Farmer continued that the second reason for the proposed revisions pertain to the reservation of capacity timing She stated currently , the policy allows for reservation of sewer capacity via a deposit Ms Farmer explained that the County required developers , after their preliminary plat approval was issued , to submit a schedule of when wastewater capacity would be needed over time and then pay a 10 deposit to reserve that capacity Ms Farmer stated because the general statute has changed and no longer allows counties to collect the system development fee prior to recordation of a final plat or prior to an application for service , it is staff’s understanding that the County cannot collect the deposit up front since that is taking a portion of the system development fee Ms Farmer stated the final reason for the proposed revisions involves the timing of the collection of system development fees to ensure consistency of the general statute She stated the current policy requires the County to collect the system development fee at the time of plat recordation Ms Farmer stated under the new statute , the County is required to collect those fees at the time of application for service which would be on a lot by lot basis when the developer applies for the building permit and also for water and sewer service Ms Farmer offered to answer any questions Commissioner Ted G Godwin referenced the letter received from Joe Padilla , Vice President of Governmental Affairs , with Smith Douglas Homes dated January 20 , 2021 regarding the proposed revisions and questions about assurances of having sewer capacity available for all phases of an approved subdivision rather than on a phase - by - phase basis Commissioner Godwin stated he can understand Mr Padilla’s concerns and asked for more information Ms Farmer responded the concern is that the County has to reserve capacity when the development is approved ; however , the County is not collecting the system development fees to pay for treatment and transmission capacity until the lots are recorded which could be a significant amount of time later Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stated the proposed revisions to the policy have far - reaching consequences , some of which he feels may not have been completely thought out , and he would like to table any decision on the matter until after the Board’s upcoming work session Commissioner Smith stated he would like to have a chance for a full discussion of all the ramifications Upon questions by Commissioner Larry Wood , Ms Farmer stated with regards to reserving capacity for all phases of a development , if the County is required to reserve capacity in the system on paper “ paper flow ” , then that is committed capacity that could not be committed to other development which may be ready to occur immediately Ms Farmer stated regarding the municipal customers , staff has been working with the respective towns on modifications to the interlocal agreements so they can purchase capacity upfront and have it in hand to commit to future development The Board continued to discuss the changes within the statute and how that has affected the County’s current policy and the proposed revisions Chairman Chad M Stewart stated he agrees that the item needs more discussion at the Board’s upcoming work session Commissioner Butch Lawter commented that he would like to see more information on the financial impact of the proposed revisions at the work session Commissioner Godwin asked what the implications would be for the County if the Board were to table a decision on the proposed revisions since some of them are to ensure consistency with updates to the general statute Ms Farmer responded that on January 1 , 2021 , the Utilities Department implemented changes in order to become compliant with the updated general statute , which meant that the system development fees would not be collected at the time of plat recordation , but rather when an application for service is submitted Commissioner Tony Braswell noted that some of the proposed revisions are necessary to be consistent with previous LDC amendments approved by the Board Ms Farmer agreed that the proposed revisions are to ensure the policy matches the LDC Chairman Stewart asked if there were any audience members present that wished to address the Board on the matter Page734 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Godwin , Ms Farmer stated staff recommends approval of the revisions There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the public hearing Motion to table decision Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board table any action on the proposed revisions until such time as the Board can discuss the matter further at the upcoming February 18 , 2021 work session Commissioner Butch Lawter seconded the motion Discussion Commissioner Wood stated as Commissioner Braswell mentioned , some of the proposed revisions are to be consistent with the Land Development Code and asked if it would be feasible to approve those revisions and discuss the remainder at the work session Commissioner Smith stated he would not accept an amendment to the motion Commissioner Smith stated he sees many issues with this matter and he would like to discuss it further Commissioner Wood spoke on conflicts he sees with this policy and previously approved LDC amendments Vote The motion carried by the following vote Ayes Commissioners Chad M Stewart , Patrick E Harris , Butch Lawter , and Fred J Smith , Jr Nays Commissioners Larry Wood , Tony Braswell , and Ted G Godwin 3 COVID - 19 Update from the Health Department Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson thanked all the County departments and partner agencies that continue to support the Health Department in the response to the COVID - 19 Pandemic Dr Pearson thanked Johnston County Schools for working with the Health Department on locations for the vaccine clinics as well as allowing the school nurses and social workers to help in the vaccination process Dr Pearson also noted that national guardsmen have been deployed to Johnston County to assist with the response over the next few months Dr Pearson stated testing continues in the County and the positivity rate currently stands at 14 She noted testing is an extremely important part of the response and they encourage people who have symptoms or who have been in close contact with someone that has COVID to be tested Dr Pearson stated currently the County is holding drive - through vaccination clinics for people in Phases 1 and 2 which include health care providers responding to the pandemic and people aged 65 and older She stated the clinics are first come first serve ; however , there are opportunities for appointments through UNC Healthcare Dr Pearson stated to date they have held three mass vaccination clinics at various high schools and a fourth is scheduled at Johnston Community College later in the week She stated the goal is to provide as many vaccines as possible in coordination with their healthcare partners in the County Dr Pearson spoke on the mass vaccination clinics and stated they are continually working on improving the process and procedures She stated they are working with the State to try and obtain as much of the vaccine as they can and she offered to answer any questions Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he is aware that there have been a lot of people waiting in lines for the vaccines ; however , the feedback he has received has been positive and the clinic staff have been most helpful , which he appreciates At the inquiry of Commissioner Tony Braswell , Dr Pearson stated they provided 1,200 vaccinations at today’s clinic She reported the Sheriff’s Department stated approximately 500 people had to be turned away when they reached capacity Dr Pearson stated as the State provides more vaccine to the counties , they will do all they can to get it out to the community as quickly as possible Dr Pearson spoke on the difficulties of scheduling appointments stating there has to be enough staff on hand to schedule those appointments Dr Pearson stated eventually she believes they will be in a position to offer appointments ; however , as the localPagePage pageNumber5735 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Health Department they are also responding to positive tests She stated when their private partners , consisting of the local pharmacies and physicians , are able to get more vaccines then they can begin to offer appointments Dr Pearson stated as the local Public Health Department , the mass vaccination clinics are the best way for them to get the vaccine out to the public given the amount of staff they currently have Commissioner Patrick E Harris asked how the hospital is getting their allocation of vaccines out to the public Dr Pearson responded that the hospital is getting their allocation out through their UNC physician network as well as transferring some of their allocation to the Health Department Dr Pearson reiterated that people are able to get appointments through UNC Commissioner Butch Lawter stated he heard nothing but praises from people who attended the clinic at North Johnston High School Commissioner Lawter stated given the efficiency of the testing sites he is not surprised by the success of the vaccine clinics to date Chairman Chad M Stewart commented that he visited the North Johnston High School clinic and he agreed that it was a great effort Update from North Carolina House Representative Donna White Representative Donna White praised Dr Pearson stating she has done an excellent job in balancing all the issues with COVID - 19 as well as other ongoing health issues Representative White reported on a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting held recently with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr Mandy Cohen and her team Representative White stated she believes the Department of Health and Human Services is working hard ; however , there are many moving parts associated with the vaccine distribution Representative White spoke on issues with the computer database system and software programs used to track the vaccine data and stated anytime there is a new system or program , it takes some time to work out issues that arise She continued to update the Board with regards to the State’s response and how the General Assembly is monitoring the situation in an effort to provide assistance where they can Chairman Chad M Stewart thanked Representative White for attending the meeting and sharing the information with everyone 4 Community Development Block Grant - COVID Resolution and Capital Project Ordinance Grants Consultant Skip Green stated Johnston County has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus CDBG - CV in the amount of 900,000 Mr Green reviewed with the Board a resolution and capital project ordinance necessary for the grant funds to be accepted and distributed Mr Green requested the Board to adopt the resolution and capital project ordinance He stated the grant funds would be used to provide funding to eligible families who need assistance making subsistence payments including utilities , heating fuel , water bills , and rent mortgage payments due to the adverse impact of COVID - 19 Mr Green stated the program would be administered through the Department of Social Services He offered to answer any questions Upon questions by Commissioners , Mr Green outlined the eligibility criteria of the families that would receive assistance from the grant He noted payments would be made directly to the utility and or mortgage company rather than to the family directly Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , and carried unanimously , the Board adopted the following resolution and capital project ordinance for the CDBG - CV Program A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR JOHNSTON COUNTY’S CDBG - CV SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS Whereas , the administration of a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant CDBG requires the adoption and implementation of specific policies and guidelines ; and Whereas , Johnston County on October 8 , 2018 adopted the following CDBG Policies and Guidelines for a CDBG project CDBG - I Project # 17 - I - 2965 Equal Opportunity and Procurement Plan , Section 3 Plan , Language Access Plan , Residential Anti - Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan , Citizen Participation , and Excessive Force ; andPagePage pageNumber6736 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Whereas , Johnston County has received a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant – COVID CDBG - CV Project Number 20 - V - 3515 ; and Whereas , Johnston County desires to use CDBG policies adopted on October 8 , 2018 for the CDBG - CV project NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT 1 Recipient’s Plan to Further Fair Housing schedule of activities be extended through December 31 , 2022 as per attached Quarterly Fair Housing Activity schedule 2 Community Development Block Grant Program Local Jobs Initiative Section 3 Plan Local Economic Benefit for Low - and Very Low - income Persons resolution coverage time be extended to December 31 , 2022 3 Providing Meaningful Communication with Persons with Limited English Proficience resolution coverage time be extended to December 31 , 2022 4 Citizen Participation Plan , all references to North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality – Division of Water Infrastructure NCDEQ - DWI will be amended to the Rural Economic Development Division , North Carolina Department of Commerce REDD - DOC ; and the address for comments or complaints to be submitted to the State REDD - DOC changed to CDBG Section , Rural Economic Development Division , NC Department of Commerce , 4346 Mail Service Center , Raleigh , NC 27699 - 4346 th Adopted this the 20 day of January , 2021 in Smithfield , North Carolina CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS CDBG - CV FUNDING FOR JOHNSTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES DSS COVID SUBSISTENCE PAYMENT RELIEF PROGRAM PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners the “ Board ” of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , that pursuant to Section 132 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted Section 1 The project authorized is the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus “ CDBG - CV ” Funding for Johnston County Department of Social Services “ DSS ” COVID Subsistence Payment Relief Program Project , which will provide funding for eligible families who need assistance making subsistence payments including utilities , heating fuel , water bills , and rent mortgage payments due to the adverse impact of COVID - 19 the “ Project ” The Project is to be financed by a CDBG - CV grant Section 2 The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the capital Project within the terms of the CDBG - CV grant and the budget contained herein Section 3 The following amounts are appropriated for the Project Subsistence Payments CDBG - CV Expenditures 900,000 Section 4 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this Project CDBG - CV 900,000 Section 5 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the terms of the CDBG - CV grant shall be met Section 6 Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments as due Reimbursement requests should be made to the North Carolina Department of Commerce in an orderly and timely manner Section 7 The Director of Finance is hereby directed to report annually on the financial status of each Project element in Section 3 and the total revenue received Section 8 Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners , the Budget Officer and the Director of Finance for direction in carrying out this Project Adopted this 20th day of January , 2021 5 Human Resources – Request for Approval – COVID - 19 Sick Leave Policy Human Resources Director Lu Hickey reported the Consolidated Appropriations Act , 2021 , commonly called the stimulus bill , was recently signed into legislation She noted that one of the provisions not included within the Bill was an extension of the previously mandated Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act or the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act enacted under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act FFCRA Ms Hickey stated as a result , the Emergency Paid Sick Leave EPSL and Emergency Family Medical Leave EFML expired effective December 31 , 2020 She stated many counties and municipalities are extending this leave up to 90 days PagePage pageNumber7737 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Hickey stated staff recommends the Board extend the availability of up to 80 hours of paid leave , and adopt the newly titled COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL policy Ms Hickey reviewed the policy with the Board , as follows Beginning January 1 , 2021 through March 31 , 2021 CSL is available for employees impacted by the coronavirus for the following reasons ? If an employee is subject to a federal , state of local quarantine order related to the Coronavirus ; ? If the employee has been advised by a healthcare provider to self - quarantine due to concerns related to the Coronavirus ; ? If the employee is experiencing symptoms of the Coronavirus and is seeking a medical diagnosis Employees will qualify for COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL based on the following conditions ? Employees are limited to a total of up to 80 hours , or two weeks , of paid sick leave between the previously mandated Emergency Paid Sick Leave and the new leave type , COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL ? Those who have exhausted Emergency Paid Sick Leave beginning April 1 , 2020 through December 31 , 2020 will not qualify for COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL ; and ? Part - time employees are eligible for COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL equal to the hours that the employee works , on average , during a two week period Ms Hickey offered to answer any questions Upon a motion by Commissioner Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Larry Wood , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the COVID - 19 Sick Leave CSL Policy as presented by staff 6 Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail Representatives Parks , Greenways , and Open Space Coordinator Adrian O’Neal introduced Executive Director Kate Dixon and Coastal Crescent Project Manager Ben Jones from the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail and stated they would like to present an update to the Board Ms Dixon stated they are a nonprofit that helps to support the Mountains to Sea Trail all across North Carolina Ms Dixon stated the trail is now 1,175 miles across the State of North Carolina starting at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains and ending at Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks She stated of the 1,175 miles , she is excited that 720 miles is now actually on trails , the beach , or on unpaved forest road She spoke on the sections located in Johnston County near Clayton and Smithfield and noted that Clayton has been building a trail that will take hikers into downtown Clayton Ms Dixon stated in Johnston County there is also an optional paddle route for people that want to paddle down the Neuse River Ms Dixon continued her remarks and stated they are very excited to be working with Mr O’Neal and they are eager to be a part of all he is doing for the County She stated Mr Jones began working with them approximately two years ago bringing great design skills and the ability to work with landowners Ms Dixon stated Mr Jones has recently been looking closely at the connection between Howell Woods to Bentonville because they believe it can be a great addition to the statewide trail as well as a standalone place to visit Mr Jones addressed the Board and stated his role is to be an asset to all the communities and land managers along the Mountains to Sea Trail essentially from Smithfield south through Sampson , Cumberland , Bladen , Pender , and Onslow Counties until it connects back up into the Croatan National Forest Mr Jones stated he has been working on trail development plans , contacting landowners , building trails , working with volunteers , and creating trail plans in GIS as well as cost estimates He stated they are pursuing grant funding and donations to continue with land acquisitions and trail construction Mr Jones stated in Johnston County there will eventually be two land routes with one following the Neuse River and the other following the Coastal Crescent route south as well as the paddle route Mr Jones stated they are very excited about what is becoming a great partnership with Bentonville Battlefield and what they believe will become a great partnership with Howell Woods Mr Jones stated they have been talking with representatives from Camp Tuscarora and are hopeful that a partnership will develop there as well Mr Jones reviewed the following information with the Board PagePage pageNumber8738 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber9739 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage0740 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1741 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Jones stated currently they have 22 miles of trail at Bentonville Battlefield and they hope to add 104 miles for a total of 126 miles in this area He stated the 22 miles of existing trail has seen an amazing amount of use recently in part because of the pandemic and people are looking for ways to get outdoors Mr Jones stated they will be moving forward with finding ways to extend the trail and he noted that there has been some pushback near the Camp Tuscarora area mostly due to concerns with liability ; however , they are willing to continue discussions Mr Jones stated he and Mr O’Neal would be reaching out to landowners in the area in an effort to begin discussions He offered to answer any questions Commissioner Butch Lawter asked how much of the 104 miles in the Bentonville Battlefield area has been secured in easements Mr Jones noted the areas where easements have been secured on a map for the Board and stated of the 104 miles , approximately two or three miles of easements are still required He stated they are still trying to determine where exactly they will cross Mill Creek Commissioner Lawter noted there are economic benefits of the trail ; however , it also offers great health benefits for citizens Commissioner Lawter expressed his appreciation to Ms Dixon and Mr Jones for their work on this project and in working with Mr O’Neal Chairman Chad M Stewart stated since the COVID - 19 Pandemic began , he has had the opportunity to walk the trails and be a part of other outdoor activities that he never thought he would do and he is thoroughly enjoying those opportunities Chairman Stewart stated he is very excited over this project Mr O’Neal thanked the Board for hearing the presentation and stated he wanted the Board to be aware of what they are doing and would appreciate any assistance with contacting landowners anywhere along the trail route Page2742 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 7 Planning Department – Steering Committee for Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update Planning Director Braston Newton stated staff would like to discuss with the Board the appointment and composition of a Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update Mr Newton stated the role of the Steering Committee would be as follows 1 Act as a liaison to the community about the project listen and help raise awareness of the project and community outreach opportunities ; 2 Provide insight and expertise on local conditions and issues ; 3 Brainstorm ideas and concepts with the consultant team and staff ; and 4 Review and comment on draft plan ideas , recommendations , and work products maps , presentations , reports , etc Mr Newton stated the Steering Committee should be comprised of a diverse group of people from the community consisting of landowners , both short and long - term residents , real estate expertise , the development community , institutional , environmental conservation , and agricultural among others along with a representative from the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board He stated staff recommends forming a Steering Committee with 12 to 15 members in an effort to keep the group effective and manageable Mr Newton reported the Planning Board discussed the Steering Committee at their last meeting and they have a volunteer willing to serve Mr Newton stated he would welcome feedback from the Commissioners regarding the composition of the Steering Committee Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr asked who would be the appointing authority for the Steering Committee and how the appointment process would work Mr Newton responded that staff is looking for guidance from the Board of Commissioners since they are more familiar with their respective district areas and know the needs of their communities The Board discussed the various ways the Steering Committee could be formed and the process for advertising for and appointing members Commissioner Butch Lawter suggested following the same process as the Board currently does for advertising and appointing of the various other regular boards and committees County Attorney Jennifer Slusser stated staff could advertise the process very similar to how other boards and committees are advertised , receive applications , and then work with the Board on reviewing the applications Chairman Chad M Stewart stated he wanted to make sure that whenever the Steering Committee is established , he wants the expectations and charge to be clearly communicated so the members will understand the work ahead Following further discussion , it was the consensus of the Board to advertise the Steering Committee membership the same way the other boards and committees are advertised and follow that general appointment process 8 Public Utilities Requests Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board approve the following requests as presented in the agenda packet for Public Utilities Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion , which carried unanimously A BioSolids Dewatering Improvements Project – 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility Sole Source Request In order to maintain standardization , compatibility and consistency for operation and maintenance and in accordance with North Carolina General Statue 133 - 3 , the Board approved the sole source purchase of the floating decant weir to be installed in the new sludge holding tank for the BioSolids Dewatering Improvements Project 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility from Jim Myers and Sons B Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant Efficiency Project and 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility Project Sole Source RequestPage3743 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued In order to maintain standardization , compatibility and consistency for operation and maintenance and in accordance with North Carolina General Statue 133 - 3 , the Board approved the sole source purchase of Ethernet Network Switches for the Timothy G Broome Water Treatment Plant Efficiency Project and the 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility 40 MGD WWTP Project from Cisco C Wilson’s Mills Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades Proposed Project Budget In order to proceed with the proposed project design of the Wilson’s Mills Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades project located on Twin Creek Drive , the Board approved the proposed project budget in the amount of 215,00000 for technical and design services and adopted the following associated budget revision REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 83 85610406 Technical Services 215,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 215,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 83 856136270 Transfer from SDF Reserve Fund for Capital 215,00000 Project Costs TOTAL NET REVENUE 215,00000 9 Manager Reports and Comments A Capital Improvements Program and Finance Update County Manager Rick Hester called on Finance Director and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb for a financial update to the Board Mr Hester noted that staff looks forward to discussing the finances in more detail at the work session in February Mr McLamb reported the County’s auditor will present the audit for year ending June 30 , 2020 at the st February 1 meeting Mr McLamb stated for the first half of the fiscal year revenues are tracking much better than anticipated He noted the tax collection rate is where staff anticipated it would be at this time Mr McLamb stated because of uncertainties surrounding the COVID - 19 Pandemic , staff was very conservative regarding the sales tax projections ; however , sales taxes have been much better than originally anticipated Mr McLamb reported the departments are doing their parts to keep expenses in check and with revenues being stronger than projected , the estimated fund balance will be somewhere in the upper 40s percentage wise Mr McLamb stated Davenport , the County’s financial consultant , will be at the work session in February and can provide a detailed look at the finances Commissioner Patrick E Harris stated he appreciates Mr McLamb’s diligence with the finances and the County is fortunate to have him along with County Manager Rick Hester who are very conservative while doing all they can to provide the best services Mr McLamb stated the County’s finances are a credit to the entire Finance team Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr agreed with Commissioner Harris and stated he appreciates the time that Mr McLamb spent with him recently in reviewing the finances in detail At the inquiry of Commissioner Larry Wood , Mr McLamb stated Johnston County Schools has reached out to him to begin talking about the upcoming budget Mr McLamb reported he believes they are currently tracking well with their finances and will have some good numbers this year for the budget discussions Commissioner Butch Lawter asked if the Board could begin receiving the monthly financial information from Johnston County Schools again Mr McLamb stated he would request that information from Johnston County Schools Mr Hester reported that financial planning as well as facilities planning go hand in hand and they are currently looking at planning for future County needs , educational needs for Johnston County Schools and Johnston Community College , as well as needs for the Judicial System Mr Hester stated they are running many scenarios for the Board to review and consider Mr Hester stated there are many things going on at the momentPage4744 January 20 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued including the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update , the Broadband Study , and the Solid Waste Disposal Funding Study along with another upcoming bond sale and the next budget cycle B February Work Session County Manager Rick Hester stated based on the feedback he received from Commissioners , unless there th were any objections , the upcoming work session will be held on February 18 at the Agricultural Center Auditorium in an effort to properly social distance Mr Hester stated he would be in touch with Commissioners individually to get topics for the work session agenda At the inquiry of Commissioner Butch Lawter , Mr Hester stated as he understands , plans are to have the th work session on February 18 followed by a joint meeting with Johnston County Schools and then the Board of Commissioners could hold another work session if needed C Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act of 2014 Funding Opportunity Utilities Director Chandra Farmer reported that on January 8 , 2021 the County received notice that the Wastewater Treatment Improvements Program has been selected to submit an application for assistance through the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act of 2014 WIFIA program She stated the County has been invited to apply for 50 million in assistance which is approximately half of what is needed for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements and associated improvements for transmission , effluent outfall , and biosolids Ms Farmer stated staff has been working on a financial plan for the Board to evaluate and she hopes to discuss it further at the upcoming work session 10 Board Reports and Comments Chairman Chad M Stewart noted he is working on the committee assignments for the Commissioners and should have more information to share soon Commissioner Ted G Godwin reported on the recent virtual Legislative Goals Conference he participated in on behalf of the County and stated it was a good conference He noted the Association of County Commissioners would be sending a summary of the goals to the counties very soon in an effort to further prioritize the list 11 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege and NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic Development Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr moved the Board go into 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 and 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 Commissioner Larry Wood seconded the motion which carried unanimously No action was taken Commissioner Larry Wood 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 Larry Wood moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 8 30 pm Chad M Stewart , Chairman Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage