HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Regular Meeting
August 15, 2011
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, August 15,
2011, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front
Street, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, Vice Chairman
Dan B. Andrews, Commissioner
Gary House, Commissioner
Jim Burgin, Commissioner
Staff present:
Scott Sauer, County Manager
Tony Wilder, Deputy County Manager
Dwight Snow, Staff Attorney
Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk to the Board
Chairman McNeill called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Commissioner Burgin led the pledge
of allegiance and invocation.
Chairman McNeill called for additions and deletions to the published agenda. Commissioner
Burgin moved to approve the agenda as published. Commissioner Andrews seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
Vice Chairman Hill moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Commissioner House
seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved the following items on the consent
agenda:
1. Minutes: August 1, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. Budget Amendments:
19 Cooperative Extension
Code 110-7319-465.11-00
110-7319-465.21-00
110-7319-465.21-02
110-7319-465.22-00
110-7319-465.23-00
110-7319-465.26-08
110-7319-465.32-26
110-7319-465.58-14
110-7319-465.60-33
110-0000-331.73-19
Salaries
Group Insurance
Insurance Expense/HRA
FICA Tax
Regular Retirement
Worker’s Comp
Incentives
Travel Admin
Materials & Supplies
Revenue – Adolescent Parenting
34,151 increase
6,124 increase
924 increase
2,617 increase
2,201 increase
523 increase
1,958 increase
6,493 increase
587 increase
55,578 increase
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 1 of 7
27 Health Department
Code 110-0000-347.75-52
110-0000-353.75-73
110-0000-353.75-02
110-0000-353.21-00
110-0000-353.75-03
Contributions
Nutrition Program
Aging – Fans
Donations
Aging Donations
30 Parks and Recreation Department
Code 110-8200-450.11-00 Salaries and Wages
110-8200-450.22-00 FICA Tax Expense
110-8200-450.23-00 Retirement
110-8000-450.31-06 Park Development
110-8200-450.32-78 Special Programs
110-8200-450.55-12 Printing and Binding
110-8200-450.58-01 Training and Meeting
110-8200-450.58-14 Travel Admin
110-8200-450.60-36 Uniforms
110-8200-450.60-53 Dues and Subscriptions
110-8200-450.60-57 Miscellaneous
110-0000-322.82-01 Recreation fees
Anderson Creek Senior Center Programs
110-0000-331.82-03 Senior Center
15,000 decrease
15,000 increase
200 increase
700 decrease
500 increase
4,684 decrease
358 decrease
327 decrease
1,000 decrease
1,000 decrease
200 decrease
80 decrease
1,000 decrease
300 decrease
145 decrease
50 decrease
842 decrease
8,302 decrease
3. Tax refunds, rebates and releases (Attachment 1)
4. General Services requested approval of a newly negotiated Republic Services Solid
Waste Management five-year agreement for convenience center operations and transport
services.
5. Sheriff’s Department requested permission to trade in 46 older model weapons for instore credits totaling $10,545 from Gunner’s Choice in Dunn, NC.
6. Health Department requested permission to submit a grant application to Kate B.
Reynolds under the Health Care Division. The funding requested will be used to support
operational funds for the Diabetes Self-Management and education programming for
low-income residents of Harnett County. No matching funds are required. The Harnett
County Board of Health approved to submit this grant application at its meeting on July
21, 2011.
7. Health Department requested permission to submit a grant application to Susan G.
Komen for the Cure-NC Triangle Division for the 2011-2012 grant cycle requesting
funding for the Mammography program which provides screening, education, and
outreach through the health department to under/uninsured women in Harnett County.
No matching funds are required. The Harnett County Board of Health approved to
submit this grant application at its meeting on July 21, 2011.
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 2 of 7
8. Cooperative Extension requested permission to accept $37,945 in grant funds from the
Division of Child Development for the purpose of reinstating the employment of Parent
Referral Specialist, Nancy Lee (terminated June 30th due to lack of funding) and hire one
additional Parent Referral Specialist. Both employees would be hired as part time
employees with no benefits.
9. Public Utilities requested the Board to accept a $7,007,100 Clean Water State Revolving
Loan for the Erwin Wastewater Improvement Project. This loan will fund the Erwin
Wastewater Improvements Project. The loan term is 20 years and currently carries an
interest rate of 2.445%. (Attachment 2)
10. Approval of the Policies Governing the Use of the Commons Room Area
11. Planning Services requested permission to apply for a reimbursement grant through NC
DENR for the Abandoned Mobile Home Removal Grant Program in the amount of
$37,500. This grant will allow staff to continue their efforts in administering the AMPI
Program. There is no county match required.
12. County Engineer requested approval of the interlocal agreement between the Town of
Lillington and County of Harnett. The agreement addresses the water main to serve the
Brightwater Business Park, participation in the sidewalk construction for US 401
improvements and the construction of a manual bar screen needed for the Town’s pump
station to screen sewage from the County Government Complex.
Chairman McNeill opened the floor for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 3
minutes for each presentation.
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Mr. Carl McGarity, 1580 Loop Road in Bunnlevel, spoke about the need to regulate
shooting ranges in Harnett County and distributed a handout to commissioners. He noted
the current guidelines for shooting ranges reads “the amount of noise generated shall not
disrupt the activities of the adjacent land uses” which he said is subjective with no way to
measure the noise level.
Mrs. Barbara McKoy asked about the status of the Policies Governing the Use of the
Commons Room Area which was approved in the consent agenda prior to this public
comment period.
Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the appointment listed below. Commissioner Burgin
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc.
Ursela McLean (nominated by Vice Chairman Hill) was reappointed to serve an
additional two year term expiring February 28, 2013.
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 3 of 7
Lynn Lambert, 4-H Agent, recognized Mason Blinson, Victoria Cutler, Veronica Campbell,
Taylor Miles and Adrianna McNeill who were present from the dozen youth, ages 13-18, that
had just completed the Harnett Citizenship Focus Day Camp. Mrs. Lambert noted the purpose of
the day camp is to empower teens to become active citizens by understanding how local
government operates and how they can become involved. It is the hope that teens, after
completing this day camp, will identify project areas and action plans to implement in their
communities.
Ms. Mason Blinson shared her experience as the group preformed a mock county commissioner
election process. She said they also went through a budgeting exercise, with the help of Harnett
County Finance staff, where they had to defend their particular budget and learned it was a
difficult process.
Mrs. Lambert reported that Ms. Veronica Campbell had recently attended the National 4-H
Conference and Ms. Kayla Hill would be representing Harnett County at the upcoming NCACC
4-H Youth Summit.
Mrs. Lambert recognized youth that had recently earned state level 4-H recognition. Ms.
Victoria Cutler placed silver (ages 14–18) with her presentation on wool gathering in the area of
heritage crafts, Ms. Mason Blinson placed silver (ages 11-12) in the area of livestock
management, and Spencer Hunter Lashbrook placed gold (ages 9-10) in wheels and engines
category with his presentation of radio controlled aircraft.
Mr. Alvin McArtan, President of the Sandhills Antique Farm Club, presented an annual report.
Mr. McArtan announced the club was celebrating their 11th year anniversary this year and he was
proud of their accomplishments and thanked commissioners for their support.
Mr. Bill King, a member of the Board of Directors for the club, updated the board on their
progress and the many additions of equipment to the club. Mr. King reported the club has
purchased parking lot lights from an old Food Lion with plans to install for night lighting as well
as constructing and installing a park sign. Mr. King also reported the club has established a
benevolence fund to donate to needy families as well as establishing a scholarship program for
high school seniors studying in an agricultural related field.
Mr. Donald Thomas, Treasurer, stated the club currently has between 60 and 70 member families
and updated the group on events and activities of the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club.
Mark Locklear, Planning Manager, petitioned the Board for a public hearing on the Proposed
Rezoning, Owner of Record: Kathelene Faust & Rhonda Wilson, Applicant: Dallas West, 2
tracts – 18.29 +/- acres, From RA-20M to Commercial Zoning District, SR: 1124 Rambeaut
Road, Anderson Creek Township.
Mr. Locklear reported the two sites consist of manufactured homes, a vacant car lot and vacant
land. Surrounding land uses consist of manufactured homes, single family residences, a welding
shop, and junkyard. This property is located approximately one half mile from the intersection
of Hwy 210 S and Ray Road, which is predominately commercial land uses. Mr. Locklear also
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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reported, as required for all zoning changes, within a five mile radius of Fort Bragg, the Regional
Land Use Advisory Commission was contacted and had no issues with this rezoning. A public
hearing was held by the Planning Board on July 5, 2011. The Planning Board unanimously
voted to recommend to that the County Commissioners approve the request based upon
favorable findings of fact and that the site is contiguous to existing commercial zoning.
Staff Evaluation:
- The IMPACT to the adjacent property owners and the surrounding community is
reasonable, and the benefits of the rezoning outweigh any potential inconvenience or
harm to the community. REASONING: In the vicinity of the subject properties, nonresidential development has continued from Hwy 210 S along Ray Road and the
requested zoning change to Commercial will not have a negative impact on the
surrounding properties or the community.
- The requested zoning district is COMPATIBLE with the existing Land Use
Classification. REASONING: The requested zoning to Commercial is compatible with
the existing Land Use Classification of Compact Mixed Use. This classification is meant
to encourage a combination of different residential types such as small lot single family,
multi-family, commercial, and institutional uses.
- The proposal does ENHANCE or maintain the public health, safety and general welfare.
REASONING: The proposed commercial zoning is more appropriate for both sites due
to properties to the East that are zoned commercial. The proposed zoning would enhance
the public health and general welfare.
- The request is not for a SMALL SCALE REZONING and should not be evaluated for
reasonableness. REASONING: The two sites are contiguous to Commercial zoning and
therefore, it is not necessary to evaluate this site for a small scale rezoning.
Suggested Statement-of-Consistency (staff concludes that. . .) The requested rezoning to
Commercial is compatible with Harnett County regulatory documents and would not have an
unreasonable impact on the surrounding community and will enhance the public health, safety,
and general welfare for the reasons stated in the evaluation. It is recommended that this rezoning
request be approved.
Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for
comments from the public. Seeing no one move, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Burgin moved to approve the rezoning request as presented. Commissioner
Andrews seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mark Locklear, Planning Manager, petitioned the Board for a public hearing on Proposed Text
Amendments, Applicant: H2O Fowl Farms LLC, Andy Howard, Zoning Ordinance: Article VI,
Section 11.3 – Shooting Range.
Mr. Locklear reported a public hearing was held by the Planning Board on July 5, 2012, where a
request was presented to increase safety precautions for shooting ranges. Mr. Andy Howard has
been issued a Conditional Use Permit for a “shooting range” and is in the process of proceeding
with his “site plan” permits. It was noted by staff members that the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) that is currently being developed will contain increased safety provisions
however; Mr. Howard requested that they be considered and adopted before he proceeds.
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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It was noted that Planning Board members expressed concerns with noise, hours of operation and
distance from residences. Mr. Locklear noted that the Board of Adjustment considers
applications on a case by case basis and has the power of placing certain conditions on each use.
There was further discussion among Planning Board members regarding whether or not to
include a fence around the actual shooting range. The Planning Board voted five to one to
recommend approval of the amendment with the stipulation that planning staff present
information back to the Planning Board regarding fence requirements in the proposed UDO.
Mr. Locklear said Mr. Howard submitted some proposed regulations to them and they had
worked with closely with him to come up with regulations they feel are more stringent and make
the ordinance stronger. Mr. Locklear said some of the proposed regulations were taken straight
from the NRA guide. Mr. Locklear said the proposed text amendments address the size and type
of berms, require the firing line to include baffles and require that warning signs be placed along
range boundaries to take the place of six-foot fence requirement which they feel gives a false
sense of security. Mr. Locklear noted the current noise ordinance, which is enforced through the
Sheriff’s Office, does not include decimal levels for measuring noise.
Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for
comments from the public.
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Andy Howard of 3494 Fairground Road spoke in favor of this request. Mr. Howard
submitted to the commissioners a copy of a letter from the Town of Coats Police
Department supporting this request as well as supporting H20 Waterfowl Range.
Steven Fry of Fairground Road spoke in support of this request saying it is important to
have a facility where law enforcement can train.
Scott Tripp of Coats, who is also the Chairman of the Harnett County Board of
Adjustments, spoke in support of this request. He asked commissioners to please look at
each one of these requests individually. He said the requirement of fencing is an issue.
Bill King of 1663 Loop Road commended Mr. Howard for his efforts and asked to make
existing shooting ranges adhere to these standards within a year. He also stated his belief
that it should be a requirement that range owner be the closest living resident of that
range commenting “that a person living 35 miles away doesn’t get the same noise level
that he is putting neighbors through”.
Carl McGarity of Loop Road said he is not in favor of removing the fence requirement
from the ordinance as a blanket rule but asked that it be looked at on a case by case basis.
Kent Jeffries of Chalybeate Springs commended Mr. Howard and the Planning
Department for attempting to put “teeth” in current requirements for shooting ranges but
listed what he thought were deficiencies in the proposed requirements.
Seeing no one else move, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing. Commissioner Burgin
moved to approve the proposed text amendments as presented. Commissioner House seconded
the motion which passed unanimously. Chairman McNeill did asked staff to research a way to
measure noise levels.
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 6 of 7
Mark Locklear, Planning Manager, petitioned the Board for a public hearing on Proposed
Amendments to Planning Board By-Laws, Applicant: Harnett County Planning Services,
proposed changes address inconsistencies with current procedures as well as a change in the
number of members to five while making two members in the overlapping commissioner’s
districts alternative members.
Chairman McNeill called to order a public hearing on the matter and opened the meeting for
comments from the public. Seeing no one move, Chairman McNeill closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Andrews moved to approve the proposed amendments as presented.
Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Sauer presented the following report:
 July 2011 Veteran Affairs Activities Report
 June 2011 Landfill Billing
 Internal Budget Amendments
Mr. Sauer reminded the group of their upcoming special session scheduled for Tuesday, August
30, 2012.
There was no need for closed session.
Chairman McNeill called for any new business. Commissioner House questioned why the
landfill billing statement, which was presented during the County Manager’s report, showed an
outstanding balance of $500,000 monthly. Staff will research and report back.
Commissioner Andrews moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 pm. Commissioner Burgin
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
____________________________________
Timothy B. McNeill
______________________________
Margaret Regina Wheeler
August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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