# May Pre-Agenda Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** May 7, 2024 2:56 PM EDT (2024-05-07T14:56:28-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934

## Summary

On May 7, 2024, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting to prepare for their regular meeting later that day. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents, focusing on how these actions will impact our community.

**Protecting Our Water: Opposition to Charlotte’s Request**

The most significant topic of discussion centered around a request from the city of Charlotte to significantly increase their water withdrawal from the Catawba River. Representatives from the Wesson-Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) presented information highlighting potential negative impacts on Burke County and the broader region, including reduced water availability for local governments and concerns about water quality. Following this presentation, the Board unanimously approved a resolution formally opposing Charlotte’s proposed water transfer. This decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding Burke County's vital water resources and ensuring our community’s future. Residents can attend a public hearing on this issue in Hickory on May 8th at 5:30 PM.

**Strong Finances & Community Recognition**

Beyond the water transfer discussion, the Board received positive financial updates. The Tax Administrator reported strong tax collections exceeding budget targets, indicating a healthy local economy. The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) also reported increased visitor numbers and vacation rentals, boosting revenue for our community. In a heartwarming moment, the Board approved a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month and honoring Robert Hewat’s 100th birthday. They also recognized the Litter Sweep winners from the Chamber of Commerce, celebrating community efforts to keep Burke County beautiful.

**Moving Forward: Budget & Committee Updates**

The Board approved several important administrative actions, including appointments to key committees like the Adult Care and Nursing Home Committee and the Local Economic Development Partnership (LEPC). They also approved budget amendments to support crucial upgrades, including a new scale server for IT infrastructure and funding for trail design and engineering services for the Fauna Floor/Over Mountain Victory State Trails. Finally, they approved a contract with Community Education Group to develop a strategic plan for utilizing opioid settlement funds – an important step in addressing the ongoing impact of substance abuse in our county.

**What’s Next for Burke County?**

Several key action items will shape the coming months. The Board will continue to monitor Charlotte’s public input process regarding their water transfer request and consider further action as needed. The County Manager will report back on the outcome of Charlotte’s meeting, allowing for informed discussion and potential adjustments to our strategy. Residents can expect further discussions on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 at the regular Board meeting on May 21st.

**Why This Matters to You:**

The decisions made at this meeting directly impact the quality of life for all Burke County residents. Protecting our water resources, supporting local businesses, and investing in essential infrastructure are crucial for a thriving community. By staying informed about these discussions and decisions, you can actively participate in shaping the future of Burke County.

## Agenda

- [AS - Pet of the Month - Presented by Kaitlin Settlemyre, Animal Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27093)
- [Approval of the Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7319)
- [BOC - Presentation Opposing Charlotte's Water Transfer Request from Catawba River - Presented by Anthony Starr, Executive Director, WPCOG](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27094)
- [AS - PET OF THE MONTH](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7320)
- [BOC - Proclamation Celebrating Robert Hewat on His 100[th] Birthday - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7323)
- [BH - Brighter House - Proclamation Declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month - Presented by Stephen Savarimuthu, Executive Director, Brighter House, and Sherri & Eddie McGimsey Brighter House Co-Founders](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27095)
- [BCCOC - Recognition of Winners from the Chamber's Spring Litter Sweep - Presented by Tonia Stephenson, President & CEO, Burke County Chamber of Commerce](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7324)
- [TDA - Financial Update for the Period Ending March 31, 2024 - Presented by Ed Phillips, CEO, Tourism Development Authority](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7325)
- [BCPS - Presentation of Financial Data for the Period Ending March 31, 2024 - Presented by Keith Lawson, BCPS Finance Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27096)
- [WPCC Presentation of Financial Data for the Period Ending March 31, 2024 - Presented by Sandy Hoilman, WPCC Chief Financial Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7330)
- [Clerk - Appointments to the Adult Care & Nursing Home Committee - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27097)
- [Clerk - Appointment to LEPC - Seat No. 16 - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7332)
- [Clerk - Board of Adjustment Removal - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27098)
- [Clerk - Removal from the Planning Board - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27099)
- [Clerk - Residency Waiver America 250 NC Committee - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7334)
- [Comm. Dev. - Locally Administered Project Program Canal Bridge Sidewalk Presented by Sarah Chabaane, Trails Specialist](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27100)
- [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 12 for Scale Server Upgrades - $360,000 Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27101)
- [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 13 - $302,000 for SCIF Projects Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7336)
- [DSS - Approval of Northwoods Consulting Partners, Inc. Contract - Presented by Hugh Sandoe, Budget Strategy and Performance Analyst](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7337)
- [Finance - USDA Lease Renewal - Presented by Margaret Pierce, Deputy Co. Mgr. / Finance Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7338)
- [JCPC - Approval of County Plan for Burke County & Funding Allocation - Presented by AJ Coutu, JCPC Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7339)
- [JCPC - Removal of Member for Seat 15 - Presented by AJ Coutu, JCPC Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27102)
- [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for April 2024 - Presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7327)
- [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for April 2024 - Presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7328)
- [Co. Mgr. - Presentation of Recommended Budget for FY 24-25 and Scheduling of Public Hearing (Place Holder) - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7341)
- [GS - Approval of Lease for Semi-Trucks, Contract for Refuse Trailers & Related Budget Amendment No. 14 (Place Holder) - Presented by Mark Delehant, General Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7342)
- [Comm. Dev. - Award Contract for Trail Design and Engineering (Place Holder) Presented by Sarah Chabaane, Trails Specialist](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27103)
- [Health / Opioid - RFQ / Vendor Selection for Strategic Plan - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27104)
- [Health - Revised Resolution Directing Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds for Multiple Uses - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/27105)
- [BOC - Resolution Opposing Charlotte's Water Transfer Request from Catawba River Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934/item/7322)

## Votes

- To approve the agenda as amended. The amendment was to reschedule Action Item No. 1 to occur immediately after Presentation Item No. 2 due to scheduling conflicts and to change Consent Items No. 15 and 16 to Consent Items No. 1 and 2. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2024-09. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELLhbQ1VIlg
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1633/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2024-05-07.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934?document=4625)
- [agenda_2024-05-07.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934?document=4623)
- [agenda_packet_2024-05-07.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1934?document=4624)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELLhbQ1VIlg)