Rutherford County public meetings in 2020

Social Services Board

The board will discuss the December 2020 budget and review November financial and service reports. Agenda items include updates on COVID-19 procedures and modifications to food and nutrition services. The meeting also addresses behavioral health placement needs in foster care.

• December 2020 budget discussion
• November 2020 financial and service reports
• COVID-19 procedure and practice updates
• Behavioral health placement needs in foster care
• Modifications to Food & Nutrition Services and Energy programs due to COVID-19

The Rutherford County Social Services Board met with three members present (Chairperson Thompson, Vice Chairperson King, Member Maimone) and two absent (Steele, Herndon). The board unanimously approved the agenda and the previous meeting's minutes. Staff presented reports on personnel, budget, services, and COVID-19 procedures, but no substantive policy decisions were made. The meeting adjourned without closed session or public comments.

• Approved the meeting agenda (3-0, 2 absent)
• Approved the previous meeting minutes (3-0, 2 absent)
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0, 2 absent)

Board of Commissioners

The meeting includes an organizational session to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Board will also swear in Judge Robert Martelle and consider the approval of bonds for county officials. A closed session regarding an industrial location is scheduled.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice-Chairman
• Approval of Bonds for County Officials
• Swearing in Judge Robert Martelle
• Closed Session regarding an industrial location

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the conveyance of the Gateway West Commerce Park tract for economic development. The agenda also includes budget amendments and appointments to various county boards.

• Public hearing for Gateway West Commerce Park Tract ID 20-2661A
• Resolution authorizing sale of real property for economic development
• Amendment to the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) County Plan
• December 2020 budget amendments
• South Mountains Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution

The Board approved an amended Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) County Plan to reallocate unused municipality allocations to other municipalities and transfer remaining county funds to eligible payroll expenses, ensuring no funds are returned to the state by the December 30 deadline. The Board also approved several appointments, including Commissioner Benfield as voting delegate to the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference, and Commissioner Hunt to the Tourism Development Authority, Library Board, and Animal Appellate Board. A public hearing on the conveyance of Gateway West Commerce Park was removed from the agenda for further review.

• Approved amended CRF Plan to reallocate unused municipality funds and transfer remaining funds to payroll (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as voting delegate to NCACC Legislative Goals Conference (5-0)
• Advertised vacancy on Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees after Toney resigned (5-0)
• Advertised Tourism Development Authority vacancy after Guarriello resigned (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Lovelace to Partnership for Children, Region C Aging Advisory Committee, Foothills Health Board (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Hunt to Tourism Development Authority, Library Board, Animal Appellate Board (5-0)
• Appointed 13 members to fire department boards and Rutherford Town Revitalization Board (5-0)
• Approved South Mountains Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review the Child Care Subsidy Services Local Waiting List Policy. The meeting includes discussions on the November 2020 budget and October 2020 financial reports. Updates regarding COVID-19 procedures and Medicaid transformation are also scheduled.

• Child Care Subsidy Services Local Waiting List Policy discussion
• November 2020 budget discussion
• October 2020 financial report review
• Update on COVID-19 procedures/practices
• Medicaid transformation program update

The board approved the Child Care Subsidy Services Local Waiting List Policy, which outlines how families are prioritized when funds are limited. The board also approved the agenda and minutes, and heard reports on personnel, budget, services, and COVID-19 procedures. No public comments were made.

• Approved Child Care Subsidy Services Local Waiting List Policy (3-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding several grant programs for the 2022 fiscal year. These include funding for senior center services, Transit Rutherford transportation, and a Community Development Block Grant. The board will also review appointments to county boards and pricing for Gateway West Commerce Park tracts.

• Public hearing for FY 2022 Senior Center grant
• Public hearing for FY 2022 Transit Rutherford transportation services grant
• Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV)
• Pricing schedule for Gateway West Commerce Park commercial tracts
• Appointments to county boards and the Watershed Review Board

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will discuss the 2021-22 NCDHHS-County MOU and review September 2020 financial and service reports. The meeting also includes updates on COVID-19 procedures, APS/CPS funding, and pandemic EBT benefits.

• Review of 2021-22 NCDHHS-County MOU
• COVID-19 procedures and practices update
• Update on COVID-19 funding for APS/CPS
• Update on Pandemic EBT Benefits
• September 2020 financial report

The Rutherford County Social Services Board met on October 21, 2020, and approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. The board received reports on personnel, budget, services, and COVID-19 procedures, and discussed board member compensation and the 2021-22 NCDHHS-County MOU. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy items; the meeting was primarily informational.

• Approved meeting agenda (all in favor)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed board member compensation; agreed to draft a statement for Chairperson Thompson's signature to request County Commissioners review the rate
• Discussed 2021-22 NCDHHS-County MOU; no formal action taken
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a first public hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant. The agenda also includes agenda approval and adjournment.

• Public Hearing: Community Development Block Grant (ID 20-2626A)

The Board of Commissioners held the first of two required public hearings for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. County Manager Steve Garrison said the county plans to request up to approximately $900,000 in CDBG-CV funds to expand broadband access, with only 66% of county households having broadband subscriptions. The county would partner with Carolina Community Broadband Alliance and Pisgah Legal Services. No action was taken; a second hearing is set for the November 2, 2020 regular meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Opened and closed the first public hearing for the CDBG application (no action taken)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority is reviewing a request from HeliServiceID. The proposal involves the installation of a propane tank and a concrete pad.

• Request for a propane tank and concrete pad from HeliServiceID 20-2620

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review October 2020 budget amendments and several board appointments. The agenda also includes grant award recommendations for the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program and a presentation from Partners Behavioral Health Management.

• October 2020 budget amendments
• Appointments to the Library Board of Trustees, Watershed Review Board, and NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee
• NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program grant award recommendations
• Tax refunds and releases for October 2020
• Partners Behavioral Health Management update

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, including tax refunds and September minutes, and made two appointments: Darla Henderson to the Library Board of Trustees and Johnathan Jones to the NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee. The board also approved budget amendments, the NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee's funding recommendations totaling $20,188 for local arts organizations, and a resolution setting 2021 meeting dates. A closed session was held for attorney-client discussion, and the board received an update from Partners Behavioral Health Management.

• Approved consent agenda including tax refunds and September minutes (5-0)
• Appointed Darla Henderson to Library Board of Trustees, term ending June 30, 2023 (5-0)
• Appointed Johnathan Jones to NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee, term expiring October 6, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for October 2020 (5-0)
• Approved $20,188 in arts grants as recommended by NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee (5-0)
• Approved resolution setting 2021 meeting dates (5-0)
• Held closed session for attorney-client discussion (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will review August 2020 service and financial reports. The meeting includes updates on COVID-19 telework changes, funding for APS/CPS, and Medicaid transformation. The board will also discuss legislative updates regarding HB 1105.

• COVID-19 telework changes and procedures
• COVID-19 funding for Adult Protective Services (APS) and Child Protective Services (CPS)
• Medicaid transformation and coverage for COVID-19 testing
• Food & Nutrition Services modifications
• Legislative updates regarding HB 1105

The board approved the agenda and minutes, and received reports on personnel, budget, services, and COVID-19 procedures. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with updates on telework changes and program updates.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Herndon, second by Steele)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review the July financial report and approve previous meeting minutes. The board will also consider an updated service contract for Approach Equipment and a name change for Hangars 3A and 3B.

• Updated service contract for Approach Equipment
• Name change for Hangar 3A and 3B
• Updated public comment guidelines
• July financial report

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider a Highway 74 designation and an annual write-off of uncollectible EMS debt. Presentations are scheduled regarding the Carolina Community Broadband Alliance and the 2020 Census. The agenda also includes tax refunds, releases, and appointments to county boards.

• Highway 74 designation consideration
• Annual EMS uncollectible debt write-off
• Carolina Community Broadband Alliance presentation
• US Census 2020 presentation
• September 2020 tax refunds and releases

Social Services Board

The board will discuss COVID-19 risk reduction procedures and a needs assessment for employees with school-aged children. The meeting includes updates on food benefits for Food & Nutrition Services recipients and the July 2020 financial report.

• Update on COVID-19 risk reduction procedures and practices
• Additional food benefits for Food & Nutrition Services recipients
• Review of the July 2020 financial report
• Presentation of the June 30, 2020 turnover report
• Director's legislative updates

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review August 2020 budget amendments and approve tax refunds and releases. The meeting includes the appointment of a new Chairperson for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. Additionally, the Board will receive reports from the Tax Collector and recognize individual achievements.

• August 2020 budget amendments
• Appointment of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority Chairperson
• Tax refunds and releases for August 2020
• Presentation of the Governor Robert Scott Leadership Award to Ms. Lauren Street
• October 2020 appointments to county boards and commissions

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will elect a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The meeting includes reviews of June 2020 financial and service reports, as well as updates on COVID-19 procedures and practices.

• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Review of June 2020 financial and service reports
• Update on COVID-19 procedures and practices
• Social Work and Economic Services program updates regarding COVID-19
• Legislative updates from the Director's Report

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider July 2020 budget amendments and an amendment to the Coronavirus Relief Fund County Plan. The agenda also includes a lease agreement for Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rescue.

• Amendment to the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office Coronavirus Relief Fund County Plan
• July 2020 budget amendments
• Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rescue Lease Agreement
• Rutherford County 911 Data Center IRU Agreement
• Resolution for vehicle and equipment reimbursement

The Board approved an amended Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) County Plan, increasing Rutherford County's allocation from $1,340,584 to $2,641,479, and directed staff to incorporate the new amounts into interlocal agreements with municipalities. The Board also approved several appointments, budget amendments, a reimbursement resolution for vehicles and equipment, and other routine items. Public comments on the Confederate statue were heard but no action was taken on the statue.

• Approved amended CRF County Plan with increased allocation (5-0)
• Approved appointments to Tourism Development Authority, Transit Advisory Board, ICC Board of Trustees, and Industrial Facilities Authority (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for July 2020 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RES 20-010 for vehicle/equipment reimbursement (5-0)
• Approved $102,000 Maintenance of Effort funds recommendations (5-0)
• Approved Charge to Collect for FY 2019-2020 (5-0)
• Authorized lease negotiation with Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rescue (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RES 20-011 awarding service side arm to Sgt. Jenkins (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review May 2020 financial and service reports alongside budget discussions. Agenda items include an energy program outreach plan and updates on COVID-19 procedures. Program updates for social work and economic services are also scheduled.

• Energy Program Outreach Plan
• Update on COVID-19 Procedures/Practices
• EBT Double Bucks at the Farmer's Market
• Adult Services Response Data Results - 2018-2019

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing the draft budget ordinance for fiscal year 2020-2021. This item is presented under new business.

• FY20-21 Draft Budget Ordinance (ID 20-2448A)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will consider a resolution regarding the transfer of Hangar 5C to Heliservice, LLC. This item is listed under new business for the June 1 meeting.

• Hangar Transfer 5C to Heliservice, LLC (ID 20-2474)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. The agenda also includes discussions on budget amendments and the Coronavirus Relief Fund Interlocal Agreement. Additionally, the Board will consider new policies for the 2020 Urgent Repair Program.

• Public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget
• Coronavirus Relief Fund Interlocal Agreement
• Resolutions awarding service side arms to retiring officers Robert Owens and Ricky McKinney
• Urgent Repair Program assistance and procurement policies for 2020
• Contract with Energov and termination agreement with Central Square/Superion

Social Services Board

The board will review the final 2020-2021 budget and April 2020 financial reports. Discussion includes updates on COVID-19 procedures, foster parent licensing changes, and economic services such as TANF and EBT ordering.

• Review of 2020-2021 final budget
• Updates on COVID-19 procedures and practices
• Foster parent training and licensing changes
• Discussion of TANF supplemental benefits and LIEAP payments
• P-EBT FAQ benefits and online EBT ordering

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to review the recommended FY2020-2021 budget, which includes allocations for schools, community college, and an $8 recycling fee. No formal budget vote was taken; the board agreed to cancel the May 18 budget workshop. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Canceled May 18, 2020 budget workshop (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review the requested and recommended budgets for 2020-2021. The meeting also includes a presentation regarding CARES Act grant amounts.

• 2020-2021 budget request and recommendation
• CARES Act grant amount presentation
• July-March 2020 airport financial report
• Approval of January 21, 2020 meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2020-2021 budget presentation and several budget amendments. The agenda includes a resolution for the Queens Gap Devlp Phase 1 parcel sale and a purchase agreement with Central Square Systems. Additionally, commissioners will receive reports on COVID-19 response and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

• 2020-2021 budget presentation and amendments
• Queens Gap Devlp Phase 1 parcel sale resolution
• Central Square Systems purchase agreement
• Gould Killian audit contract
• Policy to waive late listing penalties due to COVID-19

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan, budget amendments, an audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, a SEC Continuous Disclosure Policy, a Central Square Systems purchase agreement, a resolution to sell Queen's Gap property, an updated Public Comments Policy, JCPC funding, a resolution awarding Sergeant Marc Duncan's service side arm, and a resolution honoring Purple Heart recipient Brent Hendrix. All votes were 5-0. The board also received the FY2020-2021 budget presentation and set workshop and hearing dates.

• Approved Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group (5-0)
• Approved SEC Continuous Disclosure Policy (5-0)
• Approved Central Square Systems purchase agreement (5-0)
• Approved resolution to sell Queen's Gap property via upset bid (5-0)
• Approved updated Public Comments Policy (5-0)
• Approved JCPC funding allocation for FY2020-2021 (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review the 2020-21 budget presentation and recent financial reports. The agenda includes requests for several new staff positions and updates on COVID-19 risk reduction procedures. Members will also discuss Medicaid transformation and program changes.

• Proposed new Social Worker III (Bridge) position
• Proposed new Peer Specialist position
• Proposed Income Maintenance Caseworker II and III positions
• Procedures for reducing risk of COVID-19
• Medicaid Transformation and Public Charge Rule updates

The Rutherford County Social Services Board approved the proposed 2020-21 budget with an amendment to remove parking lot resurfacing. The board also approved the agenda and minutes, and received reports on personnel, budget, services, and COVID-19 procedures. No public comments were made, and no closed session was held.

• Approved 2020-21 proposed budget with parking lot resurfacing removed (all ayes)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (4-0, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners is conducting a budget meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees. This item is listed under new business for the April 9, 2020, meeting.

• Budget meeting with Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees (ID 20-2399A)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a budget meeting with the Rutherford County Board of Education. This is the only item listed under new business for this meeting.

• Budget meeting with Rutherford County Board of Education (ID 20-2398A)

The Board of Commissioners held a joint special meeting with the Board of Education to receive the 2020-2021 school budget request. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only. The school system presented a projected budget shortfall of $1,936,472, citing COVID-19 uncertainty, state funding decreases, and rising costs.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review April 2020 budget amendments and FEMA disaster assistance for COVID-19. The agenda also includes contractor recommendations for 911 communications renovations and new emergency leave policies.

• April 2020 Budget Amendments
• FEMA COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Agreement
• 911 Communications Renovation contractor recommendations
• Conservation easement request from the Town of Rutherfordton
• Emergency leave policy updates

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items unanimously (5-0), including a budget amendment, FEMA assistance agreements, a lease purchase for computer hardware, a conservation easement for Cleghorn Creek, two COVID-19-related leave policies, a resolution supporting House Bill 966, and the 911 communications renovation contract. The board also appointed four applicants to the Historic Preservation Committee and agreed to advertise vacancies for the Economic Development Association.

• Approved consent agenda including March 2, 2020 minutes and tax collector's report (5-0)
• Appointed Karen Tegen, David Hall, Willard Whitson, and Kevin Goettge to Historic Preservation Committee (5-0)
• Approved April 2020 budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved FEMA Public Assistance agreements for COVID-19 disaster assistance (5-0)
• Authorized negotiation and signing of SHI lease purchase contract for computer hardware (5-0)
• Approved Deed of Conservation Easement to Town of Rutherfordton for Cleghorn Creek stabilization (5-0)
• Approved Emergency Closing Leave (Admin Leave) Policy and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act Policy (5-0)
• Approved resolution calling for House Bill 966 to be enacted into law (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review February 2020 financial and service reports. The meeting includes discussions on the March 2020 budget and requests for several new personnel positions. Program updates will cover Medicaid transformation and legislative bills.

• Discussion of the March 2020 budget
• Requests for new IMC III, IMC II, and SW III positions
• Review of February 2020 financial and service reports
• Update on Medicaid transformation and HB 966
• Public Charge Rule update

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider budget amendments and a financial RFP for vehicles and associated equipment. The agenda also includes appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review and the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission. Additionally, the board will review the Transit System Safety Plan.

• Budget Amendments
• Financial RFP for Vehicles and Associated Equipment
• Transit System Safety Plan
• Appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review
• Tax Refunds and Releases - March 2020

The Board approved a $1,313,500 financing agreement with Regions Bank for vehicles and equipment, including sheriff's vehicles, ambulances, and dump trucks. They also approved budget amendments, a housing rehabilitation agreement, the Transit System Safety Plan, and made appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review and the Isothermal Planning Commission. Public comments raised concerns about proposed chicken houses, but no action was taken on that matter.

• Approved Regions Bank financing for $1,313,500 for vehicles and equipment (4-0)
• Approved budget amendments (4-0)
• Approved Housing Rehabilitation and Inspection Service Agreement (4-0)
• Approved Transit System Safety Plan (4-0)
• Appointed Rodney Robbins and Chuck Jones to Board of Equalization and Review (4-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as chair of Board of Equalization and Review (4-0)
• Appointed Chairman King to Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including tax refunds and minutes (4-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review personnel, financial, and service reports from early 2020. Discussions include the impact of the state budget stalemate on NC FAST and potential Medicaid expansion effects. The agenda also includes updates on Medicaid transformation and proposed legislative bills.

• Budget discussion for February 2020
• Impact of state budget stalemate on NC FAST
• Potential Medicaid expansion effects on workload
• Medicaid transformation update
• Review of proposed legislative bills including HB 966

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review and the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission. The agenda includes discussing highway right-of-way deeds for Laurel Hill Drive and reviewing tax refunds and property tax lien reports. The board will also consider fee changes for the Foothills Health District.

• Bid results for Recycling Materials Transport, Processing, and Marketing
• Deed for Highway Right of Way for Laurel Hill Drive Property
• 2019-2020 Fee Schedule Changes for Foothills Health District
• Resolution to support US 74 as an Interstate Quality Corridor
• Agreement with Spatialest

The Board voted unanimously to authorize the County Manager and County Attorney to negotiate a contract with Curbside Management for recycling hauling, processing, and marketing services, after tabling the discussion in January. The Board also approved several other items, including advertising vacancies for the Board of Equalization and Review, selling property along Laurel Hill Drive to NCDOT, approving tax refunds, and adopting a resolution supporting a future interstate designation for US 74.

• Authorized contract negotiations with Curbside Management for recycling services (5-0)
• Approved advertising vacancies for Board of Equalization and Review (5-0)
• Approved sale of two property segments along Laurel Hill Drive to NCDOT (5-0)
• Approved tax refunds and releases (5-0)
• Approved recommended membership for Child Protection Team (5-0)
• Authorized contract with Spatialest for appraisal software (5-0)
• Approved advertising real property tax liens (5-0)
• Approved Foothills Health District fee schedule changes (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will conduct elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman. The board will review the July-December 2019 financial report and receive information regarding the Spindale Operation Center Cell Tower. Meeting dates for 2020 will also be established.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice Chairman
• July-December 2019 Financial Report
• Spindale Operation Center Cell Tower information
• 2020 meeting date resolutions

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review budget, financial, and service reports from late 2019 and early 2020. The meeting includes discussions on staffing needs for Social Work and Economic Services, as well as updates on Medicaid transformation.

• Drug screening cost savings efforts
• Staffing needs for 2020-21 in Social Work and Economic Services
• Medicaid transformation update
• Appointment of a Board Member to CCPT/CFPT
• Legislative program evaluation regarding CPS intake