001All right. I call the December 8th, 2025 regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners to order. Under our traditional p practice, the county manager serves as the presiding officer at the first regular meeting in December until the election of the oath of the officer of chair and vice chair have been completed. At this time, I would like to recognize Commissioner Gary Sides or um if he has selected someone else for the invocation. >> Thank you, Mr. Manager. I have selected it is my honor for Thank you. It is my honor for uh Sergeant Davis to come forward if you would uh honor us with the invocation. Good evening. Um, good to be here in the meeting room tonight. I think about when I come in the Union County uh, meeting up here. I
002think about our Union County government and government's not a new thing. It's been a long time ago we've had governments and and even recorded early in the Bible. Um the verse I've got close to my heart is talking about Solomon when he is called into government. He is called to be king. Um the one thing he asked that he knew he needed to do what he needed to do as king. He said first kings chapter verse 9. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people that I may discern between good and evil. for who is able to govern your good people. Thankful to be up here to to be able to pray to begin our meeting tonight. Father, I thank you so much just for the opportunity to come to you before
003we get started and look into what all we have on the agenda tonight. Lord, uh I thank you for how you've put in place our Union County government with our commissioners and our Union County leadership. Father, Lord, tonight, just as King Solomon asked for wisdom, I want to pray for wisdom for all of our commissioners. Lord, I pray for our Union County leaders as well, that you'd give them wisdom. Lord, I pray that you give them good health. And Lord, I pray that you'd just be with them in all that they face on a day-to-day basis. Lord, I'm also thankful for our Sheriff Kathy, how you've blessed Union County with him and his leadership. I pray that you'd continue to give him the wisdom he needs to take care of your good people in Union
004County. And father, um, such a good time of year as we're in in the middle of our Christmas season. We're thankful for that. And we have a lot on our hearts and minds during this time of year, Lord. So, what I'd like to ask most during this time of year for all the folks in our county and across the nation is more of you. And Lord, sometimes that means more of you and how to operate on a day-to-day basis, Lord. How to take care of our homes and how to take care of where you've called us to be. Lord, sometimes it it might be in our health situations, Father. And we know you're the one that we look to to take care of our health. So, we ask for more of you and those circumstances,
005Lord. But most of all, I just ask that you would just draw us closer to you and help us to look more like you every day so that we can do the work you've called us to do. I pray for a good peaceful night um just for us to take care of what we got ahead of us in this agenda. And thank you for being a part of what we've got going on in our lives. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Next item on the agenda is the election of officers. Pursuant to state statute and the board's rules, the board elects a chair and vice chair
006annually at the first meeting in December. The chair position will be considered first and then the vice chair. As I open the floor for nominations for officer positions, I want to make a procedural note. If there are multiple nominations, each nomination will be voted on in order in which they were received. The first nominee to receive a majority of the votes will be appointed. I will now open the floor for nominations to the office of chair. Are there any nominations for the office of chair that a board member wishes to make at this time? >> Brian, I would like to nominate Brian Hail to be our chair. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Are there any further nominations? All right. Hearing none. Uh first for nomination of chair for commissioner Brian
007Helms. All those in favor of a nomination, please say I. >> I. >> All right. That is unanimous. All right. Congratulations, uh, Commissioner Brian Helms on your selection as the chair. And I will now open the floor for nominations of the office of vice chair. Are there any um nominations for the office of vice chair? >> Yes, county manager. I would like to nominate Christina Helms. >> Thank you very much. Are there any additional nominations? Hearing none. All those in favor of the nomination of Commissioner Christina Helms for vice chair, please say I. >> I. >> Very good. Thank you very much. Congratulations, Commissioner Christina Helms. It's a Helms [laughter] thing going on here. So, all right. Okay, let's see where we got here. All right, so now we're at the point where we actually
008have to do the oath of office. So, Commissioner Brian Helms, please come forward for the administration of the oath of office. If you would like to ask someone to come up and be part of that, please go ahead. didn't bring his crew. >> Oh, there Brian Hillly swear that you will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina, not consistent there, and that you will discharge the duties of your office as chair County Commission Union held and sincerely swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the Constitutional Powers and authorities which are or may be established to the government thereof and that you will
009endeavor to support, maintain, and defend the Constitution of State. for the Constitution of the United States to the best of the ability and truly exeutility according to the law. >> [applause] [applause] >> Please come forward. support and maintain the laws of the United States and the Constitution Commission. Christina that you will support the Constitution of the United States, that you will be faithful in allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof and that you will endeavor to support the knowledge and ability that you will and truly exeute the duties of the office of right of the board of commissioners for the county according to the bestord. [applause] >> [clears throat] >> All right. Uh, first of all, congratulations, uh,
010Chair Brian Helms and Vice Chair Christina Helms. Before moving on to the next item on the agenda, I would like to take a moment to recognize Commissioner Merrill for her service as chair to the board of for the past year. We have a plaque and we have something else for you. So, just want to bring that up. Thank you very much. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] [laughter] >> Well, after his entertainment tonight, I think >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. >> I just wanted to say again, thank you so much for your leadership during this time and this is our way of saying again, thank you. >> Thank you very much. It's been an honor. >> Also, with that, um, we also recognize our vice chair. So, I'd like to take a moment to recognize
011Brian Helms with his year with vice chair. And we have a plaque for you as well during your time. Thank you very much. [applause] It is with great pleasure that I now turn the meeting over to you, Mr. Chair Brian Helms. Take it away. >> Thank you, Mr. County Manager. Appreciate that. All right. Um, so the next item on our agenda is item 25621. That's the proclamation for cervical cancer awareness month. I will now entertain a motion to adopt the proclamation before presenting it to Christy Chambers. >> Motion to adopt. >> All right. So, we have a motion. Um, any discussion? All those in favor? >> All those opposed photo op for you there. Uh, Mr. Chambers is out there. Thank you very much. >> Guess [snorts] we need to stand up. >> Yeah. >>
012[laughter] [applause] >> Okay. So, the next item on our agenda is informal comments from the community. Um I have received a speaker list for those that have signed up in person and we also have uh those that have signed up online. Um we will recognize uh both lists speakers from both from both lists. And as a reminder each speaker must address the board from the lectern and begin their remarks by giving their name stating whether they reside in Union County and indicating the municipality within which they reside if any. Each speaker will have three minutes to make remarks. A tone may sound at the conclusion of your remarks. A speaker may not yield any of his or her time to another speaker. Speakers may not discuss matters which are the subject of public hearings and
013they must be courteous in their language and presentation. Restatements or repetitive comments by the same speaker whether at the same or separate meetings may be ruled out of order and terminated by the chair. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Speakers may leave written comments and or supporting documents, if any, with the clerk to the board. Our first speaker tonight is Gina Guerrero. Good evening. My name is Gina Guerrero and I live in Indian Trail. I'm a resident, parent, and teacher in Union County. First of all, I would like to address something that occurred at last month's meeting. The board sat here and listened. I put that in quotation marks because I don't think it was listening to teacher after teacher asking you to treat educators with respect and value. Then you spent over an hour
014deciding whether or not the rural land use committee should build a pond or a lake. The fact that you had zero comments for the teachers and parents who came to speak is in my opinion unacceptable. When a parent or other stakeholder engages with a teacher, that teacher must respond within 24 hours. Why? Because that's the expectation. We all work for the public, including you. Last weekend, I saw many of you on Facebook attended Brandon Reeves bike fundraiser for children. It was wonderful to see. Community service matters. He said something about all of you that whenever he calls, you pick up the phone and help. I'm asking respectfully, what does it take for a teacher, a taxpayer, or a resident to receive the same level of responsiveness? Do I need to own a business, contribute to
015a campaign? Because our kids, your constituents kids, should be reason enough. Teachers are the backbone of Union County. They are mentors, role models, and advocates for every child who walks through their doors. When we fail to provide the resources they need, we risk losing them to neighboring counties or other professions. And when teachers leave, our students lose stability, guidance, and opportunity. The supplements that we're speaking of are not luxuries. They're lifelines. They help us recruit and retain talented educators. They recognize the countless hours that teachers spend beyond the classroom, and they affirm the value of their work. When the funding falls short, so does our ability to honor and support those who shape the next generation. This is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about the future of our children and the
016strength of our community. I'm asking this board to do two things. Number one, reconsider local priorities so that education funding is treated as an investment, the investment that it truly is. And number two, go to Raleigh and advocate for the general assembly to pass a state budget. Without a state budget, Union County Schools can't access the full funding that they need. Our teachers and students are caught in the middle of a political gridlock, and they deserve better. Your voice, your voices carry weight. When county commissioners stand together and demand action, it sends a powerful message to the state leaders that Union County values education, values teachers, and values the future of our children. Commissioners, tonight, I urge you to see beyond the numbers. See the teachers who stay late grading papers, the students who dream
017of becoming doctors, engineers, and artists, and the families who trust our schools to prepare their children for life. Education is not an expense. It's an investment. and every dollar we fail to provide today is a missed opportunity tomorrow. Please stand with our teachers, stand with our students, and stand with Union County's future. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. So, our next speaker is uh Councilman Todd Barber. Thank you. Um, my name is Todd Barber. I live in Indian Trail. Congrats to Mr. and Miss Helms on your chair and vice chair. Uh, I'm here today to speak for myself, not on behalf of the town of Indian Trail government or for the elected body of Indian Trail. My views are mine. The Indian Trail Town Council recently approved funding for our share of the waterline and more
018park. And I'd like to thank you for considering to partner with the town on that. That water line will enable residents to get off their dangerous wellwater. I know the county's had a big commitment to helping people get off well water and this would be the second time the town has partnered with the county for a water line to enable residents to do that. And I just want to say thank you and I hope you'll approve it. I think it's on the agenda tonight if I'm correct. Good to see you. You're still here, Mr. Matthews. Yes. So, uh, also like to thank you for approving, [snorts] uh, the sheriff's contract through your budget. The town recently renewed its contract with the sheriff's office. We have a wonderful relationship, Sheriff Kathy and your team. You do
019a great job and we appreciate it and [snorts] your team was always nice every time they arrested me and I appreciate that. [clears throat] No convictions. So um also like to thank the commissioners for expanding 12mi Creek sewer treatment plant. As I understand the expanding capacity will be coming on soon. In the last three years, no business in Indian trail has been denied sewer by the county. This allows a continued commitment to jobs and business growth in Indian Trail. I'd like to say kudos to the foresight and planning of sewer capacity in a physical responsible manner that has equated to no huge increases in water and sewer bills. Thank you. And my wife thanks you. We got six kids. So, yeah, the bills were were really important. [snorts] Um, my youngest honorable son, number six,
020is last year in college, so I might have some money next year. So, and I so I have to thank you for that commitment to that and being good respon stewards of the people's money. Good representation is achieved when elected officials successfully embody the will and interests of their constituents. I think you've done a good job in doing that and certainly a good relationship between the county and the town is a win for the people of Indian Trail. [snorts] [clears throat] I look forward to continuing to support and embracing that partnership along with working with the new Union County Economic Development uh department. Thank you for doing that. I understand a couple of you file for reelection and I wish you well and success. Godspeed [clears throat] and God bless you. Thank you for what
021you do and have a merry Christmas. Thank you for the time. [applause] >> Thank you, Councilman Barber. Um, our next speaker is Amy Brantley. >> Hi, my name is Amy Brantley. I live here in Waxaw in Union County. Both of my children attend Cupersonson and I work for UCPS. I'm here tonight to voice my strong support and unwavering support for my children's teachers, your children's teachers, my colleagues, and myself. I am deeply concerned about the lack of respect the board of county commissioners showed at the last board meeting on November 17th. The educators in this county deserve better. What I witnessed at the last meeting was infuriating. I left feeling even more defeated than when I arrived. Many educators showed up for the last meeting. Some educators and parents spoke about their concern for public
022education as well as the lack of transparency over the $2,000 teacher stipend. Some board members chuckled and snickered as teachers and parents shared their concerns about education. A board member was caught on video rolling her eyes while a teacher spoke at the podium. You may not like what we are saying, but we act like like a political figure and show some respect for the people that you work for. We all know the state has not yet passed the 2025 2526 budget, but you, the board of county commissioners, can act. Why hasn't the board made a specific effort to raise Union County teacher supplement knowing the cost of living has skyrocketed and teachers have not received a raise from the state in two years? What specific actions have you done as the board of county commissioner
023members to advocate for your teachers at the state level? We are the only state in the entire state US to not have an approved budget and still you are silent. Being the sixth largest county in North Carolina, why haven't you all as county commissioners not helped teachers at the state level and despite this teachers continue to show up every day to make Union County number one in the state? County commissioners are elected to represent their community. Taxpayers expect accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Yet, you are silent when it comes to publicly supporting teachers and public education. A person's true character is not defined by their words, but by their actions. Guess what? Your silence speaks louder than your actions. Thank you. [applause] >> [cough] >> Our next speaker is Jen Sanders. >>
024Good evening, commissioners. Jen Sanders, Waxaw. First, um, I want to say it's good to see you, Mr. Sides, this evening. Um, I know that we've had our differences over the years as as you and I have been in the room together for a very long time, but we've always agreed that education is the foundation for the county and the country. So, thank you for being here tonight. I stand not just as to speak to you, but to echo the voices of our educators, the very backbone of our schools. We are we are known we are all known families move. We all know that families move to Union County because the quality of the schools and that quality doesn't happen by accident. It's directly tied to how we support and fund our teachers. When we ignore
025them, then we're not just risking school ratings. We're risking home values, infrastructure investments, the future appeal for entire communities, and also our teachers leaving. letting our skilled school system fail by refusing to pay those who make them strong is simply not an option. I also want to thank every single teacher who stood up here last time. Your courage is seen and your voices matter. And let me be clear, the disrespect shown by ignoring you will not be tolerated. It's frankly audacious that certain commissioners think it was it's okay to run again while disregarding the very constituents that you're supposedly here to serve. We need real solutions, real respect, and real commitment for our schools. And while I have an extra moment, I'm going to circle back to another elephant that's in our rooms here. I
026am publicly going to remind this board that Robert Burns is a disaster for this board. The division and hate that he spreads around Union County would only make meetings more divisive. There are changes coming to this board and we're reminding you that your decisions have lasting consequences. He is not right for Union County and he's not right for this board. And on that, merry Christmas. [applause] Okay, so that's the end of our speaker list. Are there any other speakers who have not signed up that would wish to speak? >> Good evening. Deb Helms, unincorporated Union County. I just wanted to step up and I wanted to say thank you Melissa for your service as the chair, but most importantly, I want to thank you for stepping up at a time when we suddenly lost Tony
027Rushing. stepping up, being strong and supportive for this board and obviously congratulations to the new chair Helms and the new vice chair Helms. So, thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right. Is there any other speakers that would like an opportunity to speak? Okay, seeing none, then we'll move on to our next item on our agenda. Uh, the next item on our agenda is item 25748, a public hearing to consider conveyance of county-owned property in Union County Industrial Park, project Canopy. I will now open the public hearing and recognize Ron May, economic development director for comments from county staff. >> Chairman Helms, congratulations. Uh, commissioners, manager Matthews, I want to thank you for allowing me to bring before you tonight a request to consider the conveyance of county-owned land to the McGee Corporation. By
028way of background, our economic development department began discussions with McGee Corporation in December of regarding their interest in purchasing 60.97 acres of county-owned land located on the south side of Goldmine Road just past the Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport. NEC Corporation is a fourth generation manufacturer of steel frame canopy systems used at fueling stations and several other custom architectural applications. The company is headquartered in Stallings where it's been in business since 1961. That's 64 years. They employ 163 people of whom 50% are Union County residents. McGee Corporation's business has grown to such a level where they have simply outgrown their current facility. Their goal from the beginning has been to find a location where they can build a modern, efficient facility that will accommodate their business growth for not only the years to come, but decades
029to come. The 60.97 acres we're asking to convey to the McGee tonight achieves that goal perfectly. This land would enable the McGee to construct a new 360,000 square foot facility um that will house all design, engineering, fabrication, and distribution activities. And it will still leave plenty of land for future expansions. Anticipated capital investment in the land and structure is approximately $40 million and will not only retain the company's 163 employees, but also create 35 new positions over a three to fiveyear period. Both the current and future employees will earn an average annual wage of $63,000 plus full benefits. Union County has determined the fair market value of the 60.97 acres to be 4,267,900 which equates to $70,000 per acre and the McGee Corporation has agreed to pay that amount. You'll recall on October 20th, 2025,
030this board uh expressed its support of this project by awarding a step four economic development incentive grant in an amount not to exceed $696,000 paid over a 5-year period beginning in fiscal year 2028. Therefore, given the clear economic benefits of this project, the Union County Economic Development Department recommends the conveyance of 60.97 acres of county-owned land to the McGee Corporation for a consideration of $4,267,900 in cash. At this time, it is indeed my pleasure to recognize uh Sweden McGee, Todd McGee, and Kevin McGee of the McGee Corporation. So, the whole McGee McGee um uh leadership team is here. They will be able to answer any questions on the project as would I. Uh with that, I thank you very much. >> Thank you, Ron. Um would any of the applicants here like to say a
031few words? anything that you'd like to share with with us or uh or the public? >> Sure. >> I just uh I need to step up here. [laughter] >> I just want to say uh it's been quite a journey uh for us. We we've appreciate all of you folks working with us and going through this process. It's uh it's uh it's been quite scary for us to to be honest, but we're very excited and uh to be back and stay here in Union County and uh we started in Monroe, North Carolina 1961, so we're we're coming back to our roots there in Monroe. So, thank you all for working with us. Look forward to to the next journey. Thank you, >> Mr. Chairman. There are no individuals signed up for that public hearing. >> [clears
032throat] >> Okay. Um, so if we have no speakers, sorry, bear with me one second here. Okay, so we have no speaker signed up for the public hearing. Are there any speakers who have not signed up who wish to speak in this public hearing? All right, seeing none, then I will now close the public hearing. The next item in uh for consideration of is the I'm sorry. The next item is consideration of our consent of our agenda and consent agenda. Are there any motions regarding the requested revisions to either the consent agenda or business agenda? >> Chairman Helms, I'd like to make a motion that we approve the agenda and the consent agenda as published. Uh, Vice Chair Helms, is is that a motion to approve the items on the consent agenda? >> Yes, sir.
033>> All right. Thank you, Vice Chair. Vice Chair Helms. Uh, so we have a motion. Any discussion on that motion? All right. All those in favor? I. >> All those opposed? None. We are now at the business portion of our agenda. The next item on the agenda is item 25749, consideration of conveyance of county-owned property in Union County Industrial Park project canopy. I will now once again recognize Ron May, economic development director concerning this item. [clears throat] Uh >> again, Chairman Helms, commissioners, I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Commissioner Helms, I just want to say thank you for um staying in Union County. Um there should have never been any concern or worry. If there had been, I wish you had picked up the phone, but um we're extremely happy
034to have McGee Corporation um stay in Union County and thank you for employing our citizens. And I know you work with a lot of young people in the community with internships and our welding programs. And um I just want to thank you for all that you do for Union County. Thank you for being here tonight. >> Commissioner Suts. >> Oh, I also want to add my congratulations. Having owned a one generation business. I know what kind of a challenge that could be, let alone three or four. I just have one request. Could somebody could I Who do I contact about getting a tour to learn more about your facility? Could somebody when they have a moment? Of course, I understand the holidays are not the best of times, but I would appreciate an opportunity to
035tour and learn more about the actual inner workings of your facility and your business. If someone wouldn't mind reaching out, I would appreciate it. >> Absolutely. or tell me who to pester. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner Sides. Um, you know, I'll echo Commissioner Merrill's comments as well. Um, I took some time over the weekend and um, I went to your website and I looked over the history of McGee Corporation and, uh, what really impressed me was is that it was a series of calculated risks that grew your company to where it is now. um starting back in 1961. And so um you know, you could see on the timeline that you guys publish, you know, where you would take small steps that turned into big steps. And uh and obviously, you know, what started
036out as something small, a small calculated risk has turned into the number one canopy business in the country today. And so we are very thankful to have McGee here in Union County. We're excited to continue this partnership and uh and you know, we want to continue to see you guys grow. So, thank you very much for being here and thank you for staying in Union County. >> Commissioner Helms, I'd like to make a motion to adopt the resolution for conveyance of county property to McGee Corporation for Economic Development pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 158-7.1. And secondly, to authorize the county manager to negotiate and execute documentation and agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item and necessary to effectuate such sale. Exercise any extension terms term options set forth in the agreement and terminate the
037agreement if deemed in the best interest of the county. Each in the county manager's discretion. [snorts] Thank you, Commissioner Merrell. So, we have a motion. Uh, any discussion on that motion? >> No, I I'll be supporting the motion, but u um speaking of keeping McGee Corporation in this county, I can't imagine McGee Corporation anywhere else. This is a Union County company. That's right. >> So, I'm just Yes, I'm thankful you're here, but I just figure you'll always be here. Your neighbors All right. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All those opposed. >> Thank you. All right. So, our next uh matter of business is item 25736. It's the reszoning petition RZ-2025-010 Haney. I will now recognize Bjornne Hansen, senior planner, for a brief comment
038concerning this item. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Manager Matthews. This is a continuation from a a public hearing last month for this reszoning. This is a straight rezoning. There's no site plan associated with it. It's in the um 601 corridor just south of the city of Monroe. And this is a request to reszone from RA40 to highway corridor. And I'll go to the staff recommendations. U noted pluses and minuses. The the use is consistent with the land use plan 601 is an employment corridor, but it's a very small piece of land. We had concerns about the development potential and the precedent for subsequent reszonings. So staff recommended denial. However, the land use board did recommend approval due to the consistency with the land use map. [snorts] And I'm happy to answer
039any questions that you may have. I don't believe the applicant is in the audience. Yeah, I think that's a true statement. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Bujorn. Any questions for Bujorn on this item? Chairman Helms. >> Vice Chairman. Uh, I'd like to make a motion that we approve uh 25-736 the resoning position for RZ-20225-010 Haney. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Chairman Helms. Um, do we >> Yes. And also there is a statement of reasonable and consistency. Uh, would you also um if you wish to include that? That would be need we need to include that. Thank you. >> Um wait for my mic on [clears throat] uh to uh adopt the ordinance approving resoning of the official resoning map of Union County, North Carolina and adopt the consensus statement for approval. >> Thank
040you, Commissioner Helms. All right, so we have a motion. Any discussion on that motion? >> Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion say I. I >> unanimous. Okay. So, our next matter of business is item 25737, reszoning petition CZ-2024-005. I will again recognize Bejorn Hansen, senior planner, for a brief comment on this item. >> Good evening again. This is a conditional resoning. So, there is a site plan and a list of conditions associated with it. This is in the um Serest Shortcut corridor before you get to the turn in the Monroe Expressway um surrounded by Indian Trail. This is approximately 12 acres and they're requesting to reszone to B4 with conditions. There's a special use permit incorporated with this resoning and the uses are for a flea market and a driving school and
041the development has been shown to meet our development standards. They requested five-year vesting. Uh the uses would be limited to the site plan and the uses proposed. I'll hit the site plan. So you have um parking. This is a large power line for Duke Power. um some of the stalls for the flea market and then a structure where there'll be some inside and then the small area for the driving school. [snorts] Terms of staff recommendations, uh we noted consistency with the land use map, the fact that there's a a lot of flood plane on this corridor as well as power line crossing it. So that wasn't necessarily ideal for residential. Um there are negatives because it is near uh existing residential areas. Obviously you're going to have those um different uses plus the additional traffic
042that would be generated by the site. So we recommended approval. The land use board uh took a different tact and noted the flooding concerns and proximity to the residential areas in recommending denial. And we did receive one letter of support since the public hearing which was in your agenda packet and the applicant is here. Um I'm happy to answer any questions or or they will as well. [clears throat] >> Any questions from the board? >> All right board. Anybody want to make a motion? >> I will make a motion on to take the land use board's um perspective on this and deny the proposed amendment um to the proposal um being inconsistent with the current plan and regarding traffic. one denying reszoning petition CZ-2024-00005 from Carmine Milton and second adopt the consistency and reasonleness statement
043for denial. >> All right. Any discussion on the motion? >> I'll just make a couple of comments. Um [clears throat] I'll be in favor of the motion. I um I've got significant concerns uh with well potential flooding issues you know with this and and I do agree with the land use board's concerns regarding uh regarding that uh more than half the property is within flood flood plane uh power line divides the usable portion of the property and um again my concern is going to be that you know when you have that sort of you already have flood problems that are existent there And my concern is going to be the impact to the surrounding uh residents, the surrounding property owners with this. So again, I will be in favor. >> All right. Well, if there's
044no other discussion, then um all those in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? None. >> Thank you, Bujorn. Yes, sir. All right. So, uh, we have come to county manager comments. >> Thank you, Chairman Helms. I just want to say, um, also it's good to see Commissioner Sides here at our meeting. I appreciate having you here. Also, again, thank you to Melissa and Brian for your time and your leadership roles. And again, welcome to Brian and Christina in your new leadership roles. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Matthews. Uh, it's now time for commissioner comments. And you know, I'm going to kick things off with Mr. Gary size. Commissioner Sides, >> start with beauty before her age. Yeah. Okay. [laughter] Well, whatever. Thank you. I want to my
045heartiest congratulations to our new officers. I'm sure you do a great job. And my thanks to the outgoing officers [snorts] because you did do a great job. Uh we've heard numerous comments not this meeting but previous meetings about public education and um frankly I uh uh deservedly so I've been called out on a few and I understand having served on our board of education and being a family of educators I feel like in certain instances I have not fulfilled all the advocacy that I have in in my power. And I want to say to you that in the upcoming months, especially as we start to work on our budget and our planning for next and following years, you will see that a change in that attitude. I uh [snorts] my other commissioners, I will not
046speak for them. they are more than capable of doing what they feel is right for this county and I have every every assurance that they will do just that. I want to personally encourage each of you if you feel like you have not received uh from me in particular or uh government in general feedback or comments or acknowledgement that is so deserving on this important issue. I want to encourage you to reach out to me personally and I authorize the county manager to provide my uh [snorts] county phone number for them to reach out to me directly for an in-person phone however discussion I don't promise results I don't prom promise outcomes but I do promise that you will receive the respect and um investment in my time that is so deserving of this issue
047and encourage you to reach out to me personally for a conversation either in person over the phone or what have you form I can't agree more that education particularly as a county function is one of the most if not the most important thing we do but It's also talk is cheap, action speaks louder. So I want to ask for you not to give up on me in particular. And as we approach a new budget year, I will be proposing some significant changes not just in educ public education but on other areas such as public safety which I also feel is important to our citizenry as uh we move forward that these important issues will be addressed uh hopefully to your satisfaction. But I can only speak for myself, my colleagues. I have every assurance we'll
048do what they feel is best for this county. And I encourage you to reach out to them as well. But however I may be of service to the citizens of this county, while I am still in a position to offer those uh opportunities, I would again encourage you to reach out. The end result may not be what you'd hope for. I don't promise results, but I do promise to listen. And again, I look forward to your comments, suggestions, and particularly your your prayers as we move forward. I wish you all a happy holiday season. May you be blessed in the same way that I feel like I and my family have been. And I wish you a a good evening and a safe holiday. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Sides. [applause] >> Commissioner Balkam, >>
049thank you. Um, I would like to congratulate our chair, vice chair, chair Helms, Vice Chair HS. [laughter] I know you guys will do a great job and I know you have the county's best interest at heart. Um, also, I would like to thank Melissa for her service. um you sort of got thrown sort of baptism by fire there at one time when you had to step in, you know, when we lost Stony. So, um I appreciate I appreciate you doing that, stepping in and um I know there was nerve-wracking times, but you you stepped in and you served well. Um the only other thing I would like to say, um it is good. It's so good to see Commissioner Sides back with us this evening. >> Thank you. >> And that >> Thank you. >>
050So, I will just conclude by wishing everyone a merry Christmas. [snorts] >> Thank you, Commissioner Balkam. Vice Chair Christina Helms. >> Thank you, Chairman Helms. Congratulations on your new appointment as chair. I know that you're going to do a fabulous job. Um, I'd also like to thank uh Commissioner Merrill for her job. Um, it is not easy to sit up here. Um, but we do thank you for all the support that you've given us um, since I've been on the board for a little over a year now, a year and a few days. So, I do want to thank you for that. Um, I'd like to thank the board as a whole for supporting me in my new role and staff. Um, sure, I'll ask more questions than I already do now. Good luck. So,
051but thank you very much. Um, thank you for everyone that took time to come here tonight. We do appreciate you and uh just wish you a merry Christmas and I hope everyone has a very safe and happy holiday and thank you very much. >> Thank you. I'm just going to go and say you because I still feel like, you know, you're you're my chair. So, um, Commissioner Merrill, >> I just want to, um, say congratulations, um, Chair Helms and Vice Chair Helms. Um, I am very excited to support you both in your new roles. And I do want to say, um, how nice it is to have Commissioner Sides um, back with us tonight. >> And I to say that, I'm sorry. [laughter] >> Sorry, Gary. You heard that right, Gary? >> Yeah. So, we're
052very glad to have you back. >> Thank you all. >> And um >> I just want to tell the teachers that we have always supported you and there's a lot of conversations that happened weeks before we sent our letter um to the superintendent um that were not corrected and he made promises that were not kept. and I reached out to three different board of education members that never returned any of my messages or phone calls. I'm going to let Commissioner Brian Hams speak on his calls that were never returned. And if you go back and listen to the June 2nd meeting, we talked about your supplement and how we wanted the supplement to go to the classroom teachers and they stood here and promised us that they would do the teacher supplement for the classroom
053teachers. and Commissioner Helms and I clarified and they stood right here and promised us when we asked that it would go to the classroom teachers who take attendance, assign grades, and have a roster. And they said it would. and teachers actually messaged me in October after a tax meeting and said that we had been blamed that we did not support, vote for or fund the [clears throat] supplement. So from April when we had our joint meeting, no calls, no comments, no problems. May, no phone calls, no no problems. June, we get all the way to the vote on the budget [snorts] where there had been discussions that we were going to give them an additional $8.8 million. And when there are 2500 classroom teachers, a $1,000 increase is $2.5 million. A $2,000 increase would be
054about $4.8 or $5 million. And we told them that we would support them on either one they wanted to do, but that if they did do the 2,000, it would take up almost all of the $ 8.8 million and they wouldn't be able to do anything else on their [snorts] request for the new year. But we sent them So our budget ends on June 30. The new budget, we send them the money on July 1. all the money goes to them. So from the time we voted on the budget in June all the way to me getting screenshots after a tax meeting, we didn't even know that the teachers had not received their increase. And I immediately contacted the superintendent because I thought I could. And he said he would fix it, that he would
055take care of it. And when it didn't, I reached out to three board members and they never returned my phone call. I've got it all in writing. I love our teachers and I love our schools. >> I admire you. If I could go back to my 17-year-old self, I'd want to be a teacher. what has happened since October 1st. And I want everybody to know that when I reached out to him on October 2nd, this board didn't send our letter requesting your increase until October 10th. [sighs] If we had not voted and sent that letter requesting your supplement increase, they would have never voted on it in October. And in their April budget meeting, they requested like 11.5 million dollars to go to the classroom teachers, the TAs, transportation, and facilities. By the time we
056found out you hadn't gotten your increase in October, >> it's too late. >> Teacher assistance had disappeared. Transportation had disappeared and facilities had disappeared and they had added seven new positions to getting your teacher supplement. I'm sorry. I don't even know what to say. I gave eight years of my life to that board of education. I helped Christina and I and Gary helped hire Dr. Hulahan and recruited him from Texas and this is what we get. >> Oh boy, >> I'm sorry. You do deserve better. And I'm sorry we didn't talk about this at the November 17th meeting, but we did cover it at the November 3rd meeting, and the agenda is released the week prior. When I found out that you were coming on November 17th and you clearly didn't know that the board
057of education chair had written me the nastiest letter you've ever seen in your life and to and demanded that I put it on our next agenda. [snorts] I did. It was November 3rd. I'm sorry you weren't here on November 3rd. I'm sorry that we didn't do it all over again on November 17th. But that agenda had already been released. And when I found out you were coming at the wrong meeting, I had staff print 30 copies to put outside on the table so that y'all would have copies of everything that we released on November 3rd. And then your board of education talks about us being number 113 and 115 in the state. That's the state allocation. That's the federal allocation. Our county is number six in the state for how much money we send to
058K12 education. There's a state formula and I'm happy to sit down with you any day and go over this. There is a state formula that tells every county how much money they have to give to public education [clears throat] so that no county in North Carolina can underfund education because that has happened. That has happened. So, in one of the slides at November 3rd, it shows what the state formula is, and we exceed that by like $5 million. This board exceeds it. We We love our teachers. We love our schools. We're not too happy about how leadership has handled your supplement. We're not happy they hadn't picked but picked up the phone to call nobody, but I sure got a letter requesting their stipen increase for us to vote on it. I got that letter
059to increase their stipen. We love you. I love you. I value you. I admire you and I respect you. today, yesterday, and tomorrow. And I will sit down with you any time you want to talk about the budget and our commitment to public education. And with that, I just want to wish everybody a merry Christmas. Good night. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Um so so with that I I do want to take a minute and thank uh Commissioner Merrill for her leadership and her service. Um those of you that maybe have not been coming to our meetings and maybe don't know the history here. Uh when we lost Tony [clears throat] Rushing, Commissioner Merrill stepped up. She was our our acting vice chair. she became um our acting chair in with his untimely passing. And
060um I just want to tell you personally that I appreciate your leadership, your service, and your heart. Um I think that our county has got many challenges. We've got many challenges uh in front of us and um whether it's uh communication with our teachers or perhaps um you know other challenges that we're facing with public safety. I think that the path forward with all of that is communication. And so you've heard it said numerous [clears throat] times up here. Uh, Commissioner Merrill has said it, Commissioner Sides has said it, and I know that uh, Vice Chair Helms and also Commissioner Balkcom uh, are also available to the public. We're all available to the public. Okay? And, um, and we can be reached. We're glad to talk. So, I want to thank my colleagues on the
061board. Um, I want to thank all of you for uh putting your faith in me uh to serve as your as your chair. I want to let you know that it's not a responsibility that I take lightly. Um, there's going to be some some hiccups, I'm sure, you know, as we transition here because Melissa became a pro. Um, so I'm going to have to um I'm going to have to learn my way. Um, but I I promise you that I'll do my best and I'll give my best effort for our county and also our board. Um, final note is obviously um Christmas is upon us and we're all busy. Uh, we're not going to have another meeting before Christmas. And uh when I when I say that we're all busy, I I fully understand because
062I've got two kids at home and um and I you know, we're trying to work day jobs and and do our Christmas shopping just like everybody else is. Um so I I I understand how chaotic this is and I want to say I appreciate all of our speakers tonight. I appreciate you taking the time and joining us here for this meeting. Um, but I also want to say this too is that in the middle of all the chaos, in the middle of all the issues that we may be facing, um, in the middle of all this busyness, my my prayer and my hope is is that we all remember what the true meaning of Christmas is. And we do count our blessings because we are all very blessed here in this county. Our county's blessed.
063We're blessed. My family's blessed. All of us are blessed. So remember the real reason for Christmas and [snorts] uh and Commissioner Sides, good to see you, buddy. >> Thank you. >> I missed you. >> Thank you. >> And uh I'm glad that you were here tonight. >> Thank you. >> So with all that, I'll say um I wish you all blessings, Christmas blessings as well as New Year blessings. And to all merry Christmas. That concludes our regular meeting for tonight. Thank you to all attended and I move that the board adjurnn. All those in favor of the motion say I. >> I thank you very much.