Mecklenburg County Government



MINUTES OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Board of Commissioners of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, met in Informal Session in the Meeting Chamber Conference Room of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center located at 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, North Carolina at 5:00 p.m. and in Formal Session in the Meeting Chamber of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

ATTENDANCE

Present: Chairman Trevor M. Fuller and Commissioners

Karen Bentley, Dumont Clarke, Patricia Cotham,

George Dunlap, Bill James, Vilma Leake, Kim Ratliff

and Matthew Ridenhour

County Manager Dena R. Diorio

County Attorney Marvin A. Bethune

Clerk to the Board Janice S. Paige

Absent: None

____________________

-INFORMAL SESSION-

Commissioner Dunlap was absent when the meeting was called to order and until noted in the minutes.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Fuller, after which the matters below were addressed.

REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT

The Board identified item(s) 14-1720, 14-1725, 14-1726, 14-1727 and 14-1738 to be removed from Consent and voted upon separately.

STAFF BRIEFINGS - NONE

(14-1751) CLOSED SESSION – CONSULT WITH ATTORNEY

Motion was made by Commissioner Clarke, seconded by Commissioner Leake and carried 8-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to go into Closed Session for the following purpose: Consult with Attorney.

The Board went into Closed Session at 5:19 p.m. and came back into Open Session at 5:32 p.m.

Commissioner Dunlap was present when the Board came back into Open Session. He entered the meeting during Closed Session.

The Board then proceeded to the Meeting Chamber for the remainder of the meeting.

____________________

-FORMAL SESSION-

Chairman Fuller called this portion of the meeting to order which was followed by introductions, invocation by Commissioner Ratliff, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; after which, the matters below were addressed.

Awards/Recognition

(14-1750) Mecklenburg County's Volunteer Program Recognition

Motion was made by Commissioner Ratliff, seconded by Commissioner Leake and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to adopt a proclamation designating April, 2014 as National Volunteer Month in Mecklenburg County and to recognize and thank individuals who have and are participating in Mecklenburg County's Volunteer Program.

Sophia Hollingsworth, Citizens Involvement Coordinator, presented County volunteers to the Board.

A copy of the proclamation is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

(14-1749) Public Appearance

The following persons appeared to speak during the Public Appearance portion of the meeting:

Sean Bird on behalf of the Beverly Woods Elementary School Parents Facilities Planning Committee addressed maintenance needs at Beverly Woods Elementary. He noted recent problems with mole and plumbing. He spoke in support of the future replacement of Beverly Woods Elementary. He said the school was based on a design from the 1960’s.

Appointments

(14-1733) Air Quality Commission

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Ratliff and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to reappoint Keith Long as Chair of the Air Quality Commission for the duration of his term.

(14-1734) Nominations/Appointments

Bicycle Committee

Commissioner Clarke nominated all applicants for appointment consideration to the Bicycle Committee: Tyteen Humes, Darryl Parker, and Kurt Robinson.

Commissioner Ridenhour ask that nominations remain open to allow others an opportunity to apply.

Commissioner Ridenhour said he was aware of at least one person that was interested in applying, who would have done so had the County’s website regarding vacancies been updated to show when nominations were occurring and the application deadline.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ridenhour, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to defer further nominations until the May 20, 2014 meeting, in order to allow other interested applicants an opportunity to apply.

Domestic Violence Advisory Board

Commissioner Clarke nominated all applicants for appointment consideration to the Domestic Violence Advisory Board: Bakari Burton, John Murphy and Glenda Spann-Hinnant.

Note: An appointment will occur on May 7, 2014.

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council

Commissioner Dunlap nominated all applicants for appointment consideration to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council: Renee Barfield, Heston Blake, Shalonda Gallman, Ryon Smalls and Paul Strickland.

Commissioner James noted Stephanie Carter-Tyson’s request to be reappointed to complete her unexpired term that she was removed from because of failing to meet the attendance requirement for 2013.

Commissioner Dunlap suggested the Board request feedback from the Chairman of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in response to Ms. Tyson’s letter requesting reappointment.

County Attorney Bethune said in order for the Board to consider Ms. Tyson’s request at the next meeting, she would have to be nominated.

Commissioner Dunlap said he would nominate Ms. Tyson in light of County Attorney Bethune’s statement and contingent upon a response from the Chairman of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council regarding her attendance.

Note: Appointments will occur on May 7, 2014.

Public Arts Commission

Motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Leake and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to reappoint L.M. Cathay Dawkins to the Public Arts Commission as the Community representative to complete his unexpired term expiring June 30, 2016.

Mr. Dawkins was removed from the Public Arts Commission because he failed to meet the 2013 attendance requirement. He asked the Board to consider reappointing him and his request was granted. Mr. Dawkins attended 75% of the regular Public Arts Commission meetings, but fell below the 75% requirement because of a sub-committee meeting that he was required to attend but was unable to. Therefore, in light of the missed sub-committee meeting, Mr. Dawkins’ overall attendance was 60%.

Region F Aging Advisory Committee

Motion was made by Commissioner Clarke, seconded by Commissioner Leake and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to nominate and appoint Dee Jones to the Region F Aging Advisory Committee for a two-year term expiring June 30, 2016.

She replaced Katie Spegal.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board

Commissioner Clarke nominated all applicants for appointment consideration to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board: Mitchell Abdullah, Travis Bucholtz, Trymaine Gaither, James Guin, Eleanor McIntire, Michael Minnix, Sasha Tomaszycki and Rico Wagner.

Note: An appointment will occur on May 7, 2014.

Waste Management Advisory Board

Motion was made by Commissioner Clarke, seconded by Commissioner James and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to reappoint Linda Ashendorf, William Harrison and Jacqueline Levister to the Waste Management Advisory Board for three-year terms expiring March 31, 2017.

Public Hearings - None

Advisory Committee Reports

(14-1589) Women's Advisory Board 2013 Annual Report

The Board received the 2013 Annual Report from the Women's Advisory Board.

Stephanie Gryder, Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Board gave the report. She was accompanied at the podium by other members of the advisory board.

The report identified key issues and recommendations affecting the status of women in Mecklenburg County.

Summary of Recommendations

Women in the Workplace/Discrimination

• Promote visibility of senior female county officials

• Promote access to affordable childcare options

Wage Gap

• Support Equal Pay Legislation at all levels

• Support wage gap educational initiatives

Women’s Health

• Improve access to affordable health care

• Promote early screening and education opportunities

Homelessness

• Support ‘housing first’ initiatives

• Connect school social workers to existing support resources (Second Harvest, Urban Ministry, etc.)

Support Women’s Equality Day at $2,500 level in 2014

A copy of the report is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

Comments

Commissioner Dunlap said going forward he would like the Board to receive a report from staff regarding any action taken in response to recommendations received from the Women’s Advisory Board, per their annual reports.

Commissioner Leake echoed Commissioner Dunlap’s remarks regarding receipt of a status report going forward with respect to a response to recommendations received from the Women’s Advisory Board.

Commissioner Leake said she was particularly interested in receiving data on where the County stood as an employer with respect to equal pay for women.

Commissioner Bentley commented on the wage gap between women and men. She asked that the following information from the U.S. Department of Labor be included in the minutes for record purposes. Commissioner Bentley said this information would be useful if the Board was going to consider policy changes or adaptations to current policy. The title of the report referenced was “An Analysis of Reasons for the Disparity in Wages Between Men and Women.” The report was done by CONSAD Research Corp.

“During the past three decades women have made notable gains in the workplace and in pay equity, including increased labor force participation; substantial gains in educational attainment, employment growth, and higher paying occupations and significant gains in real earnings. In 1970, about 43% of women, age 16 and older were in the labor force, by 2007, over 59% were in the labor force. In 1970, only 17.9% of women, age 25 and older had gone to college; by 2000 almost half had gone to college and by 2006, one-third of the women in the labor force held a college degree, remarkable progress. In 2007, women accounted for 51% of all workers in the high paying management, professional and related occupations. They out-numbered men in such occupations such as financial managers, human resource managers, education administrators, medical and health service managers and accountants and auditors. In 1970, the median usual weekly earnings for women working full time was only 62.1% of those for men; by 2007, the raw wage gap had shrunk from 37.9% to just 21.5%. However, despite these gains, the raw wage gap continues to be used in misleading ways to advance public policy agendas without fully explaining the reasons behind the gap. The purpose of this report is to identify the reasons that explain the wage gap in order to more fully inform policymakers and the public. The following report was prepared by CONSAD Research Corporation. It presents the results of a detailed statistical analysis, the attributes that contribute to the wage gap and a synopsis of the economic research that has been conducted on the issue. The major findings are: There are observable differences in the attributes of men and women that account for most of the wage gap. Statistical analysis that include those variables has produced results that collectively account for between 65.1% and 76.4% of the raw gender gap wage of 20.4% and thereby, leaving an adjusted gender wage gap that is between 4.8% and 7.1%. These variables include a greater percentage of women, than men, tend to work part-time, part-time work tends to pay less than full-time work. A greater percentage of women, than men, tend to leave the labor force for childbirth, childcare, and elder care. Some of the wage gap is explained by the percentage of women who are not in the labor force during previous years, the age of women, and the number of children in the home. Women, especially working mothers, tend to value family friendly workplace policies more than men. Some of the wage gap is explained by industry and occupation, particularly the percentage of women who work in industry and occupation. Research also suggest the difference is not incorporated into the model due to data limitations, may account for part of the remaining gap, specifically, CONSAD’s model and much of the literature, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlight that women’s earnings focuses on wages, rather than total compensation. Research indicates that women may value non-wage benefits more than men do; and as a result prefer to take a greater portion of their compensation in the form of health insurance and other fringe benefits. Although additional research in this area is clearly needed, the study leads to the unambiguous conclusion that the differences in the compensation of men and women are the results of a multitude of factors and that the raw wage gap should not be used as the basis to justify corrective action. Indeed there may be nothing to correct. The differences in raw wages may be almost entirely the result of individual choices being made by both male and female workers. “

Commissioner Bentley said it was important for the Board when considering policy decisions, to avail itself to all of the evidence.

Commissioner Cotham encouraged members of the Women’s Advisory Board to reach out to Commissioners, or at least to her, for small group meetings to talk about various issues.

Commissioner Cotham addressed her knowledge and experience, having worked as an executive recruiter, of the differences in pay for women and men. Commissioner Cotham said this was a complicated issue and that the disparity was across the board with respect to occupations.

Commissioner Dunlap said what he took from the presentation with respect to pay disparity between men and women, was 1) the issue needed to be highlighted, 2) the County, as an employer, should not be found guilty of pay disparity between men and women, and 3) that the County promote equity across the board.

Commissioner Dunlap said he was confident the County Manager would do her own research to see where the County stood with respect to this issue and that if there’s a problem the County Manager would address that in her budget recommendation.

Commissioner Clarke noted the advisory board’s recommendation regarding improving access to affordable health care. Commissioner Clarke said to really address the issue of improving access to affordable health care for residents of NC, the expansion of Medicaid needed to occur for those who were up to 133% of the federal poverty level.

Commissioner Clarke commented on the NC General Assembly’s failure to expand Medicaid. Commissioner Clarke asked whether the issue of expanding Medicaid was discussed by the advisory board. The response was not in any length, but that it would be a “tangible” way to provide access.

Advisory Board Chairperson Gryder said their discussion on improving access to affordable health care was from the perspective of encouraging the Board to push out information to residents regarding eligibility and how to enroll.

Commissioner Ridenhour said the Board would need to have further debate on the recommendations recommended before they could be implemented.

Commissioner James asked for clarity regarding the term pay equity audit. The response was that a definition would be provided at a later date. Chairperson Gryder said the point the advisory board was trying to make was that they wanted to make sure County employees were receiving “fair” pay across the board from the “highest levels to the lowest levels.”

Commissioner James said he believed persons doing the same job should receive the same amount of pay, but he wanted to make sure that a “pay audit” didn’t become “loaded up” with some of what he referred to as “political baggage;” that it’s not where you’re trying to create some sort of situation where “everything is balanced and everybody gets paid the same; and you’re making sure that men and women make the exact same thing even if their skills are different and their desires and goals are different.”

This concluded the discussion. The above is not inclusive of every comment but is a summary.

Chairman Fuller thanked the presenters for their report.

Manager’s Report

County Manager Diorio noted the following as part of her Manager’s report.

Control of Hepatitis A from potential outbreak

• Thanks was expressed to Health Department Director Dr. Marcus Plescia and his staff for all of their work to prevent an outbreak of Hepatitis A in the community

• Thanks was expressed to Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and Janet Malkemes, Dean of the CPCC Cato Campus for allowing the use of their facility over the weekend as an immunization site

• Since Friday, April 11, 2014 nearly 2000 vaccinations were administered by the Health Department

• To date the initial case of Hepatitis A was the only documented case associated with the Pappa Johns restaurant in Cabarrus County

• Because of the location of the restaurant, the Mecklenburg County Health Department and the Cabarrus County Health Department worked in conjunction with each other, and their joint efforts were successful

• A video was shared of the events that took place over the weekend to avoid the potential outbreak of Hepatitis A

• Persons in need of the vaccine and would like to receive it, should go to the Mecklenburg County Health Department located on Beatties Ford Road from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. this week April 14-April 18, 2014.

(14-1771) Mt. Island Lake Marine Commission Update

The Board received an update on the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission from County Manager Diorio. The following was noted:

About the Commission

Pursuant to Session Law 1997-257, the General Assembly authorized Mecklenburg, Gaston and Lincoln Counties to create by joint resolution the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission. Later that year, these three counties adopted a joint resolution and created the Commission. Mecklenburg County and Gaston County both have three appointments to the Commission and Lincoln County has one appointment.

The Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission has very broad authority and can use that authority to: adopt regulations concerning all matters relating to or affecting the use of the lake; setting navigation aids and other signage designed to enhance public safety on the lake, its shoreline and protection of property on the shoreline; and the operation of vessels on the lake.

The Session Law states that in the event one of the participating counties withdraws from the Commission, the Commission is dissolved.

Current Condition

Gaston County has indicated by letter dated December 23, 2013 its intent unilaterally to withdraw from the Marine Commission on June 30, 2014.

As a result, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has already removed no wake zones established by the Marine Commission that do not meet the safety standards of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

The impact of the dissolution of the Commission would be as follows:

1. Mecklenburg County would no longer need to budget funds for the Marine Commission, which totaled $21,884 in FY2014.

2. All pending no-wake zones that have been deemed acceptable by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are being processed through the established procedures for inclusion in the N.C. Administrative Code. Mecklenburg County has no role in this process.

Next Steps

In instances where a lake is not managed by a marine commission, the respective county submits applications for no-wake zones. Initially, the County would be required by NCGS 75A-15 to give “public notice” of its intent to make formal application to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for the Wildlife Resources Commission to adopt rules (such as the creation of no wake zones) on Mountain Island Lake. The application process requires:

1. The completion of an application

2. A certified resolution requesting the Wild Life Resources Commission commence the rulemaking process

3. Copies of the maps showing the area to be marked

4. Cover letter indicating the specifics around the public hearing process

Options assuming that the Commission dissolves

1. Not process future application requests. This could result in no additional no-wake zones being placed in Mountain Island Lake. Without County involvement there are no mechanisms for residents to apply for no-wake zones directly to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The Wildlife Resources Commission does have the authority, however, pursuant to NCGS 75A-15 to “adopt rules applicable to local areas of water defined by the Commission that are found to be heavily used for water recreation purposes by persons from other areas of the State and as to which there is not coordinated local interest in regulation.”

2. Establish a process that would enable the public to petition the County for assistance in making application to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for new no-wake zones in Mountain Island Lake. This would provide the public an avenue for possibly addressing perceived safety concerns in the lake.

Manager’s Recommendation

Establish a procedure to process future applications for no-wake zones that would require that public notice be given by publication of a notice in The Charlotte Observer of a public hearing on any petitions received from the public for assistance in making application to the Wildlife Resources Commission for new no-wake zones or other rules for Mountain Island Lake. The process would be managed by the Water and Land Resources Division of LUESA. Any resources required to implement the process would be included in the FY 2015 recommended budget for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners.

Comments

Commissioner Clarke asked for clarity regarding an internal process to accept applications for no-wake zones. He asked who would have the ultimate decision-making authority to approve the application, the County or the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. County Manager Diorio said the NC Wildlife Resources Commission would have the ultimate decision-making authority, but would want to know whether the County supported the request.

Commissioner Clarke asked would staff make a recommendation to the Board with respect to requests received. County Manager Diorio said staff would do an analysis and provide its findings to the Board.

Commissioner Dunlap asked about other duties performed and/or discussed by the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission, such as boat size issues and their disturbance of the water. He asked who those duties would be assigned to.

Commissioner Bentley said she believed those types of issues, although discussed by the Marine Commission, were outside of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s purview and were Marine Commission specific matters.

County Manager Diorio said Commissioner Bentley was correct. County Manager Diorio said she believed it was the discussion of those types of issues that caused some of the dissention on the Marine Commission.

Rusty Rozzelle, Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) Environmental Manager, confirmed that any issues undertaken by the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission, with the exception of the no-wake zones, would “go away.”

Chairman Fuller inquired about the handling of other lake concerns. Mr. Rozzelle said the County’s Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) was charged with protecting the water quality in the lake and that it was also one of the charges of the Marine Commission. Mr. Rozzelle said although the Marine Commission will be going away, the County via LUESA would continue to protect the lake. He said if something needed to be done with respect to the lake in the interest of Mecklenburg County to protect the lake, staff would bring that matter before the Board.

Commissioner Bentley said it would be helpful for the Board’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee to receive a briefing from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and from Mr. Rozzelle and his team regarding Mountain Island Lake, the implications of the recommendation to establish a process, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s charge and how the NC Wildlife Resources Commission deems an area safe and or not safe for a no-wake zone.

Commissioner Bentley shared a response she received from Chris Carlson regarding the County Manager’s recommendation with respect to this matter. Mr. Carlson appeared at the Board’s April 1, 2014 meeting and expressed concerns he and others had regarding no wake zones on Mountain Island Lake.

Commissioner Bentley said Mr. Carlson interpreted the County Manager’s recommendation to mean that all no-wake zone requests would require public notice and publication in the Charlotte Observer of a public hearing on any petitions received from the public for assistance in making application to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Commissioner Bentley asked whether the County would provide assistance to someone making a request.

County Manager Diorio explained that part of the application process was the inclusion of a resolution from the Board of County Commissioners documenting that a public hearing was held, which would be a form of assistance.

Chairman Fuller asked for clarity with respect to who would make the application to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. County Manager Diorio said the County would make the application, per the request of a petitioner(s). County Manager Diorio said the internal process had not been worked out, but once completed, the matter would be brought to the Board for consideration.

Commissioner Fuller asked was it correct that a petitioner(s) can’t make direct application to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. County Manager Diorio said that was her understanding.

Commissioner Cotham noted for staff’s awareness that recently she received calls regarding trash on the lake.

Commissioner James asked for clarity regarding Gaston County’s withdrawal from the Marine Commission. Commissioner James said he understood there were differences of opinion between Mecklenburg County and Gaston County with respect to what the lake should be used for, development around the lake, etc.

Commissioner James said he wanted to make sure that since there would no longer be a Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission as of June 30, 2014, that nothing would occur on the lake that would negatively impact Mecklenburg County, especially in light of Mountain Island Lake being a source of drinking water.

Mr. Rozzelle said Mountain Island Lake would continue to be protected. He said there was good communication with staff in Mt. Holly and Gaston County that control the jurisdiction on the west side of the lake. He said staff would be made aware of anything that might take place as it related to the lake and would be involved. He didn’t foresee that as being a problem.

County Attorney Bethune clarified that the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission didn’t have the ability to put in zoning or land use regulations along the shoreline.

County Manager Diorio said her take on what brought about Gaston County’s withdrawal was that the Gaston County side wanted the least amount of regulation possible on the lake and on the Mecklenburg County side there was more interest in regulating things around no-wake zones for the protection of people’s personal property. She said she believed it was a “philosophical” difference that the members on the Marine Commission could not “get pass.”

Motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Ratliff and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to authorize the County Manager to establish, for the Board’s consideration, a procedure to process future applications for no-wake zones that would require that public notice be given by publication of a notice in The Charlotte Observer of a public hearing on any petitions received from the public for assistance in making application to the Wildlife Resources Commission for new no-wake zones or other rules for Mountain Island Lake. The process would be managed by the Water and Land Resources Division of LUESA. Any resources required to implement the process would be included in the FY 2015 recommended budget for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners.

This concluded the discussion. The above is not inclusive of every comment but is a summary.

(14-1772) MeckLINK Transition Update

The Board received an update on the MeckLINK Transition from Assistant County Manager Michelle Lancaster. The following was noted:

• Recruitment for appointees to the Cardinal Innovations Community Oversight Board has begun.

• A notice regarding the acceptance of applications was placed in the Charlotte Observer and posted on the County’s website.

• Assistant County Manager Lancaster will attend an upcoming Consumer and Family Advisory Committee meeting to share application information with them as well.

• Hopefully appointments can be made at the Board’s May 13, 2014 Budget/Public Policy workshop, which would allow the Community Oversight Board Chairman to attend the next meeting of Cardinal Innovations Governing Board on May 16 & 17, 2014.

• The first Community Oversight Board meeting and orientation is being planned for June.

• The Community Oversight Board will have five members; three of the five will be appointed by the Board from an applicant pool; the remaining two members are for a Board representative or designee and the chair or designee of the Mecklenburg County Consumer and Family Advisory Committee.

• The three Board appointments consist of two vacancies for a Cardinal Innovations consumer or a family member; and one vacancy for a community stakeholder (which can’t be a provider in the community).

• The focus of the Community Advisory Board is to ensure strong provider network, high quality services, and that Mecklenburg County consumers’ needs were met.

• The Community Oversight Board is advisory to the Cardinal Innovations Governing Board and takes no formal action.

• The Community Oversight Board will provide monitoring and recommendations to the Cardinal Innovations Governing Board based on the local view it takes.

Comments

Chairman Fuller addressed appointments to be made by the full Board, including the appointment of a Board representative on Cardinal Innovations Governing Board. He asked Board members give thought as to which member of the Board they would want to appoint to serve on the Board’s behalf.

It was noted that it would be a three-year term and if a sitting Commissioner was in a three-year term and rolled off the Board, then another Commissioner would be selected to fill that slot and would also begin a three-year term. Cardinal Innovations Governing Board meets nine times a year in Chapel Hill, NC. The meetings are held on Friday and Saturday. Board members receive a stipend of $50 for attending the two-day meeting session. Cardinal Innovations incurs travel expenses and provide meals at the meetings.

Commissioner Clarke said the Board needed to give thought to the criteria for selecting someone to serve. He said criteria such as someone with experience in the area of behavioral health.

Chairman Fuller said he inquired of Cardinal Innovations what needs they had on their Board and the response was persons with health related experience, insurance industry experience, or finance related experience. He said the governing board’s responsibility was for policy related matters, so they were looking for business/policy type individuals.

Commissioner Leake asked would this be the final report regarding the transition of MeckLINK. Assistant County Manager Lancaster said the County was still in the midst of close-out procedures, which could last up to six months, particularly as it related to the financial piece of the former operation. Thus, periodic updates may be necessary.

Commissioner James acknowledged receipt of an email regarding Cardinal Innovations opening up a new facility.

County Manager Diorio said the facility being opened by Cardinal Innovations was their Community Operations Center to be located on South Tryon Street.

This concluded the discussion. The above is not inclusive of every comment but is a summary.

Departmental Directors' Monthly Reports

(14-1739) Department Directors' Monthly Reports

The Board received as information monthly departmental reports for March 2014.

A copy of the reports is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

(14-1756) Feature Department: Provided Services Organization

The Board received a presentation on the Provided Services Organization. Connie Mele, Director of Provided Services Organization gave the report.

The following was covered:

• Children Developmental Services

• Significant Collaborations

• Trauma & Justice Partnerships

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services

A copy of the report is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

Comments

Commissioner Leake asked were there other Jail programs for specific groups of people other than the Latino program. The response was no. Director Mele said there were programs for men, women, & the Latino program. She said staff was limited in what programs could be provided because of space limitations within the jail. Director Mele said part of the reasoning behind developing the Latino program was because of the language barrier. She said bilingual staff was hired so that the program could be presented. Director Mele said in all of their programs there were things related to cultural issues because that played a part in a person being successful in their recovery.

Commissioner Leake requested the number and gender of those participating in the jail program.

Commissioner Leake asked about children with substance abuse problems, particularly alcohol. Director Mele acknowledged this was an issue. She said there were prevention, as well as, treatment programs aimed at children but that a lot of those programs no longer existed because of funding issues, particularly around 2008-2009. She said school counselors could refer children to programs that still existed.

Commissioner Ridenhour asked for clarity regarding the change in the term substance abuse to substance abuse disorder, which was addressed.

Commissioner Ridenhour asked whether the work performed by the Crisis Intervention Teams and the Mobile Crisis Unit the same. Director Mele described how the process worked. She said the police officer typically arrived at the scene first and might call the Mobile Crisis Unit to come in and assist.

Commissioner Ridenhour asked about the results of having the Crisis Intervention Teams involved, which was addressed.

Commissioner Dunlap asked whether the community drug survey that use to take place still being done. Director Mele said the survey was done by the Drug Education Center, now called Carolinas Prevention Services, and that she believed one was done a couple of years ago. She said the agency was having financial issues and having to look at the services they were providing, so she’s not sure if they’ll do another one or not.

Director Mele said the community drug survey was a valuable tool and one that should be continued if possible, even if it’s done by a different agency.

Commissioner Dunlap asked about services provided to children and recommendations for those children going forward with respect to their entry into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which was addressed.

Commissioner Cotham commented on cases of domestic violence where the female obtained a 50C type of restraining order, when there was a problem of abuse but there’s no relationship with the individual.

Commissioner Cotham said women who have a 50C restraining order often weren’t able to access services available for domestic violence victims, versus women who had a 50B, when there was a problem of abuse and there was a relationship with the individual.

Commissioner Cotham asked Director Mele to keep this in mind going forward because all victims of domestic violence should be able to access services regardless of the type of restraining order they might have.

Commissioner Cotham commented on how substance abuse and mental health issues affected not only the involved individual but their family as well. She said these types of problems don’t discriminate and that they existed all over the community. She thanked Director Mele for the work that she and her staff did and noted that it was very critical.

Chairman Fuller thanked Director Mele for the report.

This concluded the discussion. The above is not inclusive of every comment but is a summary.

Staff Reports & Requests

(14-1748) Legislative Agenda

Brian Francis, Public Affairs Officer presented the Board’s proposed 2014 state legislative agenda and federal action plan.

A copy of the proposed 2014 state legislative agenda and federal action plan is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

The Board took the following actions with respect to the 2014 State Legislative Agenda and Federal Action Plan.

1) Motion was made by Commissioner Clarke, seconded by Commissioner Leake and carried 8-1 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes and Commissioner James voting no, to add the following to Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda:

Education

• Support legislation that provides all public school teachers with an increase in base pay.

At the request of the Chairman, Board members were asked to indicate their support or non-support of the items below.

| The Board voted by unanimous consent with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to do |

|the following with respect to Mecklenburg County’s 2014 Federal Action Plan and urge the Congressional Delegation to follow these Guiding Principles: |

| |

|Support legislation that grants counties greater flexibility |

|Support legislation that provides funding to counties |

|Oppose legislation that removes authority from counties |

|Oppose legislation that creates unfunded mandates or directly or indirectly shifts costs to counties |

| |

|3) The Board voted by unanimous consent with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, |

|James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 |

|Federal Action Plan with respect to ways to apply the Guiding Principles: |

| |

| |

|Job Creation and Economic Growth |

|Maintain tax-exempt municipal bonds ($38.9 million-estimated cost to Mecklenburg County if tax- |

|exempt status were repealed (2012) |

| |

|The Board voted 6-3 with Commissioners Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, and Ratliff voting yes, and Commissioners Bentley, James, and Ridenhour |

|voting no, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 Federal Action Plan with respect to ways to apply the Guiding Principles: |

| |

|Job Creation and Economic Growth |

|Protect county revenues including remote sales tax collection |

| |

| |

|The Board voted by unanimous consent on each of the items below with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and |

|Ridenhour voting yes, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 Federal Action Plan with respect to ways to apply the Guiding Principles: |

| |

|Natural Resources |

|Support federal partnership in rehabilitating and constructing urban parks and greenways |

|Support federal partnership in stream restoration and flood mitigation |

| |

|Health and Human Services |

|Provide flexibility and funding to county governments in the administration of health and human service programs |

| |

|Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda: |

| |

|The Board voted by unanimous consent with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to do |

|the following with respect to Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda: |

| |

|Mecklenburg County urges its Delegation to follow these Guiding Principles: |

|Support legislation that grants counties greater flexibility |

|Support legislation that provides funding to counties |

|Oppose legislation that removes authority from counties |

|Oppose legislation that creates unfunded mandates or directly or indirectly shifts costs to counties |

| |

|The Board voted 5-4 with Commissioners Clarke, Cotham, Fuller, Leake, and Ratliff voting yes and Commissioners Bentley, Dunlap, James, and Ridenhour |

|voting no, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda: |

| |

|Natural Resources |

|Support legislation allowing greater flexibility in the use of storm water fees (Carry over, H573) |

| |

|The Board voted 8-1 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes and Commissioner Dunlap voting |

|no, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda: |

| |

|Protect Children |

|Create an additional aggravating factor for violent crimes knowingly committed in the presence of minors. (budget impact) |

| |

| |

|The Board voted by unanimous consent on each of the items listed below with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff,|

|and Ridenhour voting yes, to include the following in Mecklenburg County’s 2014 State Legislative Agenda: |

| |

|Avoid Cost Shifts |

|Ensure 911 funds for secondary PSAPs |

|Revise the Medicaid plan to insure full funding for providers when treating dual eligible Medicaid/Medicare recipients (budget impact) |

|Reinstate tax credits for the donation of land to local government for conservation |

| |

County Commissioners Reports & Requests - None

Consent Items

Motion was made by Commissioner Ratliff, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and unanimously carried with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, James, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to approve the following item(s):

(14-1730) Budget Amendment - DSS (Revenue Increase/Decrease)

Recognize, receive and appropriate additional Medicaid revenue of $230,481 in the Economic Services Division (DSS); and

Amend the DSS budget due to a reduction from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety JCPC Program of $120,466 in the Youth and Family Services Division (DSS).

(14-1736) Proclamation - Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month

Adopt a proclamation designating April 2014 as “Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention” month in Mecklenburg County.

A copy of the proclamation is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

(14-1737) Easement Donation - Toby Creek Greenway

Accept the donation of a temporary construction easement on Tax Parcel 049-251-12 (±1,773 square feet) for future access trail construction for Toby Creek Greenway from Target Corporation.

(14-1744) Land Acquisition - Hazard Mitigation Program

Accept the “Offer of Sale of Real Estate” from Adam and Gina Prestia, owners of property at 2223 Jennie Linn Drive (Tax Parcel 099-062-12) for $35,000.00 as part of the County’s Hazard Mitigation Program.

(14-1745) Lease Agreements - Health Department

Authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute three (3) one year lease renewals for office space for the Health Department's Pregnancy Care Management, Care Coordination for Children, and HIV Case Management programs at several Carolinas HealthCare System facilities.

(14-1747) Land Donation - Six Mile Creek Greenway

Accept the donation of a portion of Tax Parcel 229-373-75 (±5.911 acres) for future construction for Six Mile Creek Greenway from Ardrey Woods Homeowners Association, Inc.

(14-1752) Minutes

Approve Minutes of Regular meeting held April 1, 2014

(14-1753) Tax Refunds

Approve refunds in the amount of $43,499.17 and interest as statutorily required to be paid as requested by the County Assessor resulting from clerical errors, audits and other amendments, including revaluation appeals.

A list of the refund recipients is on file with the Clerk to the Board.

(14-1754) Revaluation Review Resolution Regarding Property Tax Commission Cases

Adopt Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners April 2014 Resolution Regarding Certain Property Tax Commission Cases.

Resolution recorded in full in Minute Book _______ Document # ________.

(14-1769) Grant Application--Governor's Crime Commission (Criminal Justice Services)

Approve the submission of a formal grant application for funding in the amount of $135,000 from the Governor's Crime Commission; and if awarded, recognize, receive and appropriate such funds.

Note: The requested funding will allow Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services to partner with Race Matters for Juvenile Justice to conduct a total of fifteen workshops with the capacity to train more than 1,350 justice stakeholders. The training will consist of three modules that will 1) examine explicit and implicit bias, 2) explore disparity in systems and institutions, and 3) provide tools for redesigning organizational culture with a view towards equity.

T H I S C O N C L U D E D I T E M S A P P R O V E D B Y C O N S E N T

____________________

Commissioner James left the meeting and was absent for the remainder of the meeting.

Commissioner Clarke left the dais and was away until noted in the minutes.

(14-1720) Donation of Playground Equipment and Amenities for Lincoln Heights Park

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried 7-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to recognize, receive and appropriate approximately $200,000 in donations from various corporations, manufacturers and associations in the form of playground equipment, ground surfacing, and significantly reduced prices for picnic shelters.

Commissioner Leake removed this item from Consent for more public awareness.

(14-1725) Donation to Park and Recreation Department’s Paralympic Sports Club-Metrolina

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Ratliff and carried 7-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to recognize, receive and appropriate a $10,000 donation to Park and Recreation Department’s Paralympic Sports Club - Metrolina from Mark Oil as part of BP Oil’s Fueling Communities initiative involving residents with physical and visual disabilities in sports and physical activity.

Commissioner Leake removed this item from Consent for more public awareness.

Note: The $10,000 donation from Mark Oil as part of BP Oil’s Fueling Communities initiative is earmarked to be used to enhance the ability of the Paralympic Sports Club - Metrolina to provide programs to community members.

(14-1726) Department of Social Services Positions

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Ratliff and carried 7-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to authorize seven positions in Department of Social Services Mail Room: Administrative Assistant II (annual market rate $35,050).

Commissioner Leake removed this item from Consent for more public awareness.

Commissioner Clarke returned to the dais.

(14-1727) Budget Amendment - Health Department (Revenue increase)

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Bentley and carried 8-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to recognize, receive and appropriate additional revenue of $17,361 from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Epidemiology/Communicable Disease Branch for the Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) Safe Spaces.

Commissioner Leake removed this item from Consent for more public awareness.

Note: CAPUS Safe Spaces services would be provided by a community-based organization to provide information, education, and linkage to care for minority men who are newly or previously diagnosed with HIV and are currently out of care, for the purpose of achieving viral suppression.

(14-1738) Grant Application - Health Impact Assessment for Improved Community Design

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried 8-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, to approve the submission of a grant application for up to $500,000 over three years to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and if awarded, recognize, receive and appropriate awarded funds; and approve the carry forward of any unspent funds.

Commissioner Leake removed this item from Consent for more public awareness. Health Director Dr. Plescia addressed this item.

Note: Through this grant the Health Department will be guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to utilize a best practice model and supporting tools and expertise in guiding community planning framework to expand the consideration of impact on health to planning decisions.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Commissioner Leake, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried 8-0 with Commissioners Bentley, Clarke, Cotham, Dunlap, Fuller, Leake, Ratliff, and Ridenhour voting yes, that there being no further business to come before the Board that the meeting be adjourned at 9:43 p.m.

____________________

______________________________ ____________________________

Janice S. Paige, Clerk Trevor M. Fuller, Chairman

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