All commissioners present:
Chairman Chad Stewart, Tony Braswell, Ted Godwin, Patrick Harris,
Butch Lawter, Fred Smith, and Larry Wood


BOARD ADOPTS UPDATED RECREATION MASTER PLAN:
NEW EMPHASIS ON GREENWAY TRAILS, SCHOOL PARKS

By unanimous vote without discussion or revisions, the board approved an update to the county's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, originally adopted in 2015.

Responding to a recent survey, the revised plan calls for a "countywide greenway, bikeway, and blueway master plan to help link the communities within the county and celebrate the regional Mountains-to-Sea Trail." A top priority under that objective is completion of a paved trail along the Neuse River between existing sections at Clayton and Smithfield.

Regarding "blueways," the new plan calls for evaluation of "existing water access points to add and improve access, amenities, and support facilities" to promote fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Another recommendation based on recent surveys calls for more "outdoor movies and arts festivals" promoted and rotated throughout the county.

Another point of emphasis in the plan calls for "partnership opportunities to create school parks and shared-used facilities specifically starting with the middle-school facilities."

One of the key recommendations in the plan adopted in 2015 has been fulfilled: employment of a "county park director." Since then, Adrian O'Neal has been hired as the county's first parks, greenways, and open-spaces coordinator.

The entire Master Plan is posted on the county's website>


A COUNTYWIDE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY?

Commissioner Lawter, an advocate of a countywide water and sewer authority, invited Jeff Hudson, CEO of the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority based in Jacksonville, to address the board about the workings of that agency. Following his presentation, the board approved a motion from Mr. Lawter directing the county's staff to evaluate options for managing water and sewer services as Johnston continues to receive more and more residents and businesses. "I just want to start a process to see what's best and who wants to be involved," he said, referring to Johnston's municipalities as potential partners in a unified program. Currently, the county provides sewage treatment for the towns of Smithfield, Selma, Pine Level, Four Oaks, and part of Clayton and purchases water for its rural customers from the Town of Smithfield, County of Harnett, City of Wilson, and water districts in Wayne County.


ARCHER LODGE, THANKSGIVING FIRE DISTRICTS MERGED

No objections were voiced during a public hearing on consolidation of the Archer Lodge and Thanksgiving fire districts into a single "Northside Fire District" that extends from territory near NC 96 to the Wake County line including the rapidly developing Flowers Plantation community east of Clayton. Both districts currently get revenue from a 9-cent property tax assessed by the county that remains in place with consolidation.


40 NEW VOTING MACHINES TO BE PURCHASED

The board approved a $139,207 contract with Election Systems and Software of Omaha, Nebraska to purchase 40 "ADA Compliant ExpressVote Ballot Marking Devices with carrying cases," paid for with federal CARES Act coronavirus-relief funds. Leigh Anne Price, the county's director of elections, said the new machines will replace older models purchased in 2006. The equipment being purchased has been certified by the State Board of Elections.