Board of Commissioners

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the Oct. 7, 2024, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, which was held at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams noted the difficulties faced by those in western North Carolina who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Chairman Adams asked County Manager Clarence Grier to provide an update about County support efforts, including numerous County employees who have traveled to western North Carolina to help local governments and communities in their recovery efforts. Chairman Adams and Commissioner Jimmy Keefe also noted the importance of the County’s contribution and partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) to create the Dr. J. Larry Keen Regional Fire & Emergency Training Complex and Swift Water Rescue Training Facility and the training that has been provided to rescue teams around the state, region, and across the nation who are assisting in ongoing rescue efforts, and those who will do so in the future.

Vice Chairwoman Stewart led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board recognized Cumberland County Department of Social Services Employee Al Foote for being inducted into the Order of The Long Leaf Pine, which is the highest civilian honor given by the State of North Carolina. Mr. Foote has served the Cumberland County Department of Social Services for more than 30 years, managing programs like the Medicaid Transportation Program and serving as the department’s Disaster Coordinator, including following hurricanes Matthew and Florence. He has also been involved in numerous community organizations and programs including the Cumberland Disaster Recovery Coalition, serving as chairman, Cumberland HealthNET, the Phoenix Center (formerly known as the Rape Crisis Center of Cumberland County) and the Cumberland County Family Treatment Court.                                                                     

The Board recognized retired Cumberland County Employee Laverne Howard for 20 years of County service in the Planning & Inspections Department.

Commissioners recognized the Department of Public Health’s Baby Store for receiving the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Child Health Recognition Award. The award honors local health departments, public health staff and individuals for innovative, collaborative programs that improve the lives of North Carolina’s children. The Health Department received the award and $10,000 for the Baby Store program, which is an incentive-based, health promotion program that aims to create healthy moms and healthy babies. Health Department clients earn “baby bucks” by attending their appointments and educational programs. The “baby bucks” can then be used in the Baby Store to purchase items such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing, car seats, sleep sacks, pack and plays, and more. The Baby Store opened in 2010 and since then has become a staple of health department services. More information about the program can be found by visiting www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health/baby-store.

The Board also recognized two Health Department employees who received North Carolina Public Health Association Scholarships, which are available for individuals pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree with application towards public health. Amichia Gainey-Jones and Leah Rhome were awarded $1,500 in scholarships to continue pursuing advanced degrees in public health.

The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items from the Sept. 16, 2024 meeting. Commissioners previously voted unanimously to approve these items during that meeting, however because only three commissioners were physically present with others attending remotely, the County Attorney recommended ratifying these items with a quorum physically present.

1. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Annual Water Quality Monitoring & Reporting
2. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Stormwater Compliance
3. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Borrow Area Drilling
4. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Stormwater Improvements for Ammonia
5. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Landfill Gas to Energy Evaluation
6. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Landfill Gas Routine Compliance Assistance
7. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Overhills Water and Sewer System Regionalization Study
8. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services for Ann Street Transfer Station
9. Resolution for Funding Assistance for the Proposed Future Cedar Creek Water and Sewer District
10. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Gray's Creek Water and Sewer District
11. Amendments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee Bylaws
12. Policy for Leasing County-owned Property
13. Approval of Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures
14. Approval of NC Cardinal Memorandum of Agreement Between the Cumberland County Public Library and the State Library of North Carolina
15. Approval of Amendment to the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
16. Approval of Capital Project Budget Ordinance Amendment B250150 for the Crown Event Center Project
17. Community Development Program Year 2023 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
18. Section 5311 Grant Application and Approval of Submission of the FY26 Applications for the Community Transportation Program (Sections: 5311, 5310, 5307, ROAP) Grant Funds
19. Adoption of the North Central Area Land Use Plan
20. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the September 16, 2024 Board of Commissioners' Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items from the Sept. 16, 2024 meeting. Commissioners previously voted unanimously to approve these items during that meeting, however because only three commissioners were physically present with others attending remotely, the County Attorney recommended ratifying these items with a quorum physically present.

1. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Annual Water Quality Monitoring & Reporting
2. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Stormwater Compliance
3. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Borrow Area Drilling
4. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Stormwater Improvements for Ammonia
5. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Landfill Gas to Energy Evaluation
6. Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Solid Waste Landfill Gas Routine Compliance Assistance
7. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Overhills Water and Sewer System Regionalization Study
8. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services for Ann Street Transfer Station
9. Resolution for Funding Assistance for the Proposed Future Cedar Creek Water and Sewer District
10. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Gray's Creek Water and Sewer District
11. Amendments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee Bylaws
12. Policy for Leasing County-owned Property
13. Approval of Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures
14. Approval of NC Cardinal Memorandum of Agreement Between the Cumberland County Public Library and the State Library of North Carolina
15. Approval of Amendment to the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
16. Approval of Capital Project Budget Ordinance Amendment B250150 for the Crown Event Center Project
17. Community Development Program Year 2023 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
18. Section 5311 Grant Application and Approval of Submission of the FY26 Applications for the Community Transportation Program (Sections: 5311, 5310, 5307, ROAP) Grant Funds
19. Adoption of the North Central Area Land Use Plan
20. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the September 16, 2024 Board of Commissioners' Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items:

1. Approval of Proclamation Honoring the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion
2. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing the Southeastern Regional 555th Parachute Infantry Association
3. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cumberland County
4. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing Light Up Fayetteville Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
5. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing October 2024 as Global Diversity Awareness Month in Cumberland County
6. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing Diversity Month in Cumberland County
7. Approval of Proclamation Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Cumberland County
8. Approval of ABC Board's Request to Adopt Cumberland County's Travel Policy
9. Approval of Formal Bid Award for Yard Spotter
10. Approval to Pay Prior Year Invoices
11. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the October 7, 2024 Board of Commissioners' Agenda
12. Approval of Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session Items

1. Resolution Regarding Continued Participation in the County Health Insurance Plan by Retirees

The following items were also added to the CONSENT AGENDA and approved unanimously.

• Proclamation Recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week
• Proclamation Designating October 14, 2024 Fire Fighter & Emergency Services Memorial Day, Honoring Firefighter and Emergency Services Personnel who Sacrificed their Lives Serving the Citizens of Cumberland County

The following ITEMS OF BUSINESS were discussed:

1. Capital Planning Model for Cumberland County Schools Presented by DEC Associates: Doug Carter and Andrew Carter with DEC Associates, the County’s financial advisor, presented an update on the County’s three capital planning models with an emphasis on the Education model, which includes debt service and pay-go capital projects for Cumberland County Schools. Doug Carter noted that all three of the County’s models have considerable affordability to fund planned projects based on the revenue the Board has set aside to fund each model. He also noted the models are “prudently conservative” in their projections for factors such as revenue growth and anticipated interest rates. Andrew Carter shared that the Education capital planning model can support between $150 million and $153 million without the need for additional revenue. He said the model is funded mostly with restricted sales tax revenues and includes a significant amount of funding for pay-go projects. In terms of next steps related to financing a new E.E. Smith High School, Doug Carter recommended engaging with Cumberland County Schools to share the affordability information and get more information from them on costs, cash flow projections and timing to refine the capital planning model and bring back to the Board of Commissioners. The Board voted unanimously to build a new E.E. Smith High School, but not on Fort Liberty, and to direct management and staff to determine the financing needed for the school.
2. Consideration of the Proposed Schedules, Standards, and Rules and Timeline for the 2025 Property Tax Revaluation Process: Joe Utley, Tax Administrator, presented. Utley submitted the proposed Schedules, Standards and Results for the 2025 Property Tax Revaluation to the Board of Commissioners for review as required by N.C. General Statute 105-317(b)(1). He said the proposed schedules, standards and rules are available for inspection in the Cumberland County Tax Office in Room 570 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse at 117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, and a public hearing will be held during the Oct. 21, 2024 Board of Commissioners meeting. The Board will then be asked to adopt the schedules, standards and rules at their Nov. 4 meeting and the public may submit written appeals to the N.C. Property Tax Commission by Dec. 5, 2024. New property values take effect Jan. 1, 2025, and revaluation notices will be mailed in January. For more information, taxpayers may call the Tax Office Customer Service Line at 910-678-7507 or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/tax.
3. Consideration of Design-Build Contract for Government Services Parking Deck (Ratifying Vote from September 16, 2024 Meeting): This Board previously voted to approve this item at the Sept. 16, 2024 meeting, but the vote was not unanimous so it was brought back to the Oct. 7 meeting as an Item of Business. The Board voted to approve this item in a 5-to-1 vote.

The following APPOINTMENTS were made:

1. Fayetteville Technical Community College Board of Trustees (1) Vacancy: The Board unanimously appointed Dr. Andrea Dickerson to the Fayetteville Technical Community College Board of Trustees.

The Board recessed the Board of Commissioners’ meeting and convened the GRAY'S CREEK WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD.

The Board unanimously approved ratifying the vote of the following CONSENT AGENDA item from the Sept. 16, 2024 meeting:

1. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Gray's Creek Water and Sewer District

The Board adjourned the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District Governing Board meeting and convened the OVERHILLS PARK WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD.

The Board unanimously approved ratifying the vote of the following CONSENT AGENDA item from the Sept. 16, 2024 meeting:

1. Resolution for Funding Assistance for Overhills Water and Sewer System Regionalization Study

The Board adjourned the Overhills Park Water and Sewer District Governing Board meeting and reconvened the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS meeting.

The Board went into CLOSED SESSION to discuss an Attorney Client Matter pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and a Real Property Acquisition pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5).

Meetings are live streamed on CCNC-TV though the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab.

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