Pagel1 Henderson County If CUNTY HENDERSON LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA" Historic Courthouse [1 Historic Courthouse Square Hendersonville, NC 28792 Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 3:00 p.m. MINUTES Present: City of] Hendersonville: Mayor Barbara Volk Henderson County: Chairman William Lapsley, Vice-Chair J. Michael Edney, and Clerk to the Board Denisa Lauffer Village of Flat Rock: Mayor Anne Coletta, Vice-Mayor Matt Toner Town of Fletcher: Mayor Preston Blakely, Council Member Keith Reed Town of Laurel Park: Mayor J.Carey O'Cain, Council Member Travis Bonnema Town of Mills River: Mayor Shanon Gonce, Council Member Sandra Goode Also Present: Henderson County County Manager John Mitchell, Assistant County Manager Chris Todd, Financial Services Director Samantha Reynolds, Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie, Tax Assessor Harry Rising, County Engineer Marcus Jones, Strategic Behavioral Health Director Jodi Grabowski, and Adult Recovery Court Coordinator Daniel Conway. Flat Rock - Pat Christie, City of Hendersonville - City Manager John Connet, Fletcher Town Manager Mark Biberdorf, Mills River Town Manager Matt McKirahan, and Flat Rock Town Administrator Pat Christie CALL TO ORDER (Henderson County Hosting) Henderson County Board ofCommissioners Chairman Lapsley called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Chairman Lapsley led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Additions/Deletions Mayor O'Cain moved to adopt the agenda as presented, seconded by Keith Reed. All voted in favor, and the motion carried. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page/2 Approval of 2025 Meeting Schedule Approval of Minutes - July 16, 2024 Vice-Chair Edney moved to approve the July 16, 2024, minutes and the 2025 Meeting Schedule, seconded by Mayor Coletta. All voted in favor, and the motion carried. OLD BUSINESS = None NEW BUSINESS Hurricane Helene Update LGCCA Update CVTy HEACERNEN C Topics: Grant Programs Hurricane Helene LGCCA Update Housing Long Term Recovery Group - Debris Update 1/21/25 FEMA Disaster Grants Individual Assistance (IA) . Aprogram that provides financial and direct assistance to eligible individuals and families who have experienced a disaster. IA is intended tol help survivors meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. Public Assistance (PA) Provides financial aid to communities after a federally declared disaster or emergency. Available to state governments, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, and certain private non- profit organizations. . Emergency work: Includes debris removal and preventative measures to secure property and prevent further damage. Permanent work: Includes measures to restore or replace property. Mitigation Grants (HMGP) . Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides funding for long term solutions to reduce the impact oft future disasters. The grants are available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments after a presidentially declared disaster. Homeowner grants are also available. Over $1.7 billion in funding is expected for HMGP grants. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA", - January 21, 2025 Page13 Typical FEMA Public Assistance Process INCIDENT SUBAWARD FUNDING FEMA obligates funds to Recipient APPLICANT Damages to be COLLABORATION Subreciplent completes Declared: Recipient conducts work and requests Applicant Briefings Closeout of its projectis) State of North SUBAWARD Carolina Applicants submit FORMULATION Recipient certifies $19,730,443.32 PRE-DECLARATION Requests for Public Applicant identifies completion (within Preliminary Damage Assistance (within 30 and reports all damage 180 days of project Henderson Assessment days of Declaration) (within 60 days of completion) and FEMA Recovery Scoping closes project(s) County State/Teritory/Tibe FEMA approves Meeting) $548,846.32 submits Declaration Applicant RPAS FEMA closes request (within 30 Develop project Scope the Subrecipient days ofi incident) FEMA conducts of Work and costs Recovery Scoping FEMA closes the Presidential Meeting (within 21 FEMA and Reciplent Disaster PAI Program Declaration days of RPA approval) conduct Exit Briefing Award Project Review and Funding Timeline DERSON CUNTY FEMA FEMA FEMA Formulate CRC Eligibility State Review Obligates Final Inspection Issues Payment sProject Review Project toHC CFUNTY HENDERSON C FEMA FEMA RSON CUNTY 0N CUNTY FEMA PDMG Review Field Leadership Signs Completes Issues Funding Review Project Work to State Currently only 13 Applicants with obligated Sitel Inspections are being scheduled for February projects: Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy still has open . 1st two PA projects submitted for Henderson County: projects that are being closed out a CatAE Expedited Debris- $20.8M COVID-19 is still being processed by FEMA CatB BC Cut andi Toss- $1.14M - Geographic complexity of Helene / Milton LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page/4 Hazard Mitigation Grants Application Period Open for Homeowner Hazard Mitigation Grants Grants will allow eligible property owners to request FEMA funding to prevent future storm losses. Both residential and commercial a properties are eligible. (residential is 1st priority) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide Potential projects include: home acquisitions, BLane structural elevations and land stabilization. Effective July 30, 202 4 Local Government Boards will have final approval FEMA of applications for eligible properties. Homeowner Applications NCEM conducted an in-person intake at the DRC during the week of December 2nd Over 70 families attended to learn more and complete applications. HCEM continues to receive MZABDMTAATANORANTS -/ applications in our office and at the DRC. WOHEOWRERINTAKEN NOW OPEN! Applications will be batched for submission to APPUCAI ACQUISITIONS ATIONS NOW 5 ELEVATIONS ACCEPTED FEMA. WHAT TOI DO: votch ddeo Grant application deadline - October 2025 CACE et epoga letet STI FOR RM OMEOWAER hots om sea finnl 4 responsey your Do ce . Applications received by NCEM: 54 DPS ReadyNC.m . Applications received by Henderson Co. 13 Mayor Blakely asked about the timeline for the applicants to receive FEMA funds, noting the urgency oft their financial needs. Mr. Brissie explained that while the federal government's "Help Act" was designed to speed up the process, North Carolina is implementing buyout and elevation projects under this act for the first time, SO there is no prior experience to reference. Before the Help Act, the wait time for funds was 18 to 24 months, which was not helpful for residents in immediate need. Keith Reed asked whether the program was available to all property owners or only those without loans. Brissie confirmed that all property owners could participate, and the property did not have to be in a floodplain. However, properties in floodplains were the top priority in reducing future financial loss. He added there were three priorities of properties for this program: LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page15 Primary Residence Secondary Residence Commercial Properties (lowest priority) Chris Todd presented the latest numbers in regard to housing. Housing & LTRG Currently 183 households are checked into TSA 48 households are approved for FEMA Direct Housing 18 direct housing units placed 17 direct housing units currently being used 11 additional sites are approved and ready for occupancy Henderson County and the United Way of Henderson County are actively collaborating with partners and non-profits to mobilize the Henderson County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) The County Engineer presented the status of debris removal in the county. He estimates debris removal will likely take over two years. Debris Management Debris Management Debris removal projects underway: Total Loads Collected Total Citizen Debris Reports Right ofWay (ROW) 11k 4.6k . 334,000 cubic yards collected 1,500,000 cubic yards initially estimated Total Volume Collected, Cubic) Vards Electronics largeAppliances Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) 334.4k 196 171 - Applications being accepted at the DRC Vegetative C&D Hazardousv Waste VegetativeD Debris Waterways 10.7k 130 258 3.5k . Initial pass of Mud Creek debris collection has been approved by FEMA. Wood Chips Undergoing additional approvals now. 155 2 1.3k 108 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA"- - January 21, 2025 Page16 Debris Management Debris Management Total Loads Collected Total Citizen Debris Reports 11k 4.6k Refer all debris calls to 828-771-6670 TotalVolume Collected, Cubic) Yards Electronics LargeA Appliances 334.4k 196 171 . Or email C&D Hazardous Waste Vegotative! Debris Vegetative hdlene-nlo@hcem.org 10.7k 130 258 3.5k Wood Chips Comm mercial Constru to sehold 155 2 1.3k 108 Mayor Blakely asked about the criteria the debris contractor uses to determine whether debris qualifies for pick-up. Mr. Jones stated there was no appeal process for debris classified as "not storm-related." Sandra Goode asked if there were any other debris sites besides the one located in Mills River. Jones replied that there were nowi five- twoi in Mills River, one at Blue Ridge Community College, one on Ridge Road, and one at McAbee Road. Tax Assessor Harry Rising presented the following information. Henderson County Tax Administrator Briefing to LGCCA C'UNTY January 21st, 2025 HENDERSON LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page17 ( 2024 Municipal Collections fn CFUNTY ENDERSON District Bill Count 2024 $ Charge 2024 % Collected City of Hendersonville 8,898 $ 15,342,503.99 95.70% Downtown MSD 440 300,613.14 94.05% 7th Ave MSD 170 44,998.72 87.84% Town of Laurel Park 1920 2,553,401.88 96.40% City of Saluda 19 34,287.97 100.00% Henderson County 85,985 $101,686,331.65 95.12% 2023 $ Charge 2023 % Collected $ 99,148,460.67 95.52% UITTE C'UNTY Total Property Assessments by Municipality and Special Districts HEND:RSON 2024 2025 % Change Hendersonville $3,280,710,903 $3,349,097,774 2.08% Laurel Park $ 698,972,403 $ 704,696,789 0.82% Mills River $2,390,705,840 $2 2,400,510,910 0.41% Flat Rock $1,493,982,288 $1 1,511,426,678 1.17% Fletcher $1,884,326,800 $1,896,129,626 0.63% Saluda $ 6,286,281 $ 6,301,205 0.34% Henderson County $25,193,261,705 $25,590,491,599 1.58% LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page/8 Valuation Trend of Site Appraisals C'UNTY HEADESON 2025' Value Date Value $27,000,000,000 1/7/25 25,601,770,409 $26,500,000,000 1/9/25 25,597,786,840 $26,000,000,000 1/10/25 25,597,788,371 $25,500,000,000 1/13/25 25,592,529,345 $25,000,000,000 1/14/25 25,592,376,993 I $24,500,000,000 1/15/25 25,592,776,994 $24,000,000,000 1/16/25 25,590,729,563 2, ,000 1/17/25 25,590,491,599 $23,000,000,000 1/21/25 25,587,351,341 $22,500,000,000 $22,000,000,000 e & s A s A & & Date Field Appraisal Status As of January 17th, this was the status of appraisals on Helene-affected property: 1. Structures identified FEMA assessment as C'UNTY by HENDERSON damaged: 4,376 2. Number of parcels with damaged structures: 3,822 3. Parcels visited to inspect damage: 3,126 (82%) 4. Parcels remaining to visit: 696 Mr. Rising stated that nine field appraisers visit properties daily and hope to visit all county properties by the end of January. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA". January 21, 2025 Page19 Tax Appeal Dates for 2025 TTITE HENDERSON C'UNTY Completion of Helene-related valuation inspections is expected by end of January Value Change Notices go out to taxpayers 2nd Week of February Informal appeals begin January 2025 Board of Equalization and Review convenes April 16th, 2025; adjourns May 30th, 2025. This means formal appeals may be submitted during that time. John Connet asked that the slides from today's meeting be shared with the municipalities. Commissioner Edney left the meeting. Down-zoning Commissioner Lapsley shared that during a recent planning board meeting, the county attorney advised the planning board of a line in a recent bill passed by the General Assembly in late November that included in the State Budget Bill was a long list ofitems, one of which indicated that local governments that have zoning ordinances could not down-zone a particular property without the property owner's written approval. When drafting the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2024, the Board heard from the public that there were concerns about the density in areas of the county, particularly with residential development. The Board was encouraged to focus on farmland preservation, which this down-zoning could potentially impact. Lapsley says this puts the county in a "stall situation": in updating the land development code. The Board's position is to seek meetings with our legislative delegation to get their feedback for the new session of the General Assembly and see what may be done. Mr. Lapsley and John Mitchell are scheduled to meet with Representative Balkcom and Senator Moffitt to discuss. Mr. Lapsley said he would update the committee members after that meeting. Opioid Abatement Jodi Grabowski provided an update on the county's opioid abatement efforts, highlighting that the county would receive approximately $1 million annually for 16 years. She emphasized the importance of ensuring program sustainability. She discussed the Adult Recovery Court, led by Daniel Conway, which supports high-risk, high- needs individuals who would otherwise face lengthy prison sentences. The intensive program LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA"-, January 21, 2025 Page/10 currently has ten participants, 4 of whom are no longer involved with DSS. She shared impactful stories, including one participant that was forced into dealing drugs in seventh grade and another who has struggled with meth addiction for years but is now receiving help. Conway was also invited to join a statewide council. She noted that "Option B" funding has been unlocked to support prevention and treatment, with all expenditures requiring Board of Commissioners approval. So far, no treatment costs have been paid out of county funds. Additionally, the Health Navigator role at the Detention Center has evolved into a full reentry program, costing approximately $67,000 per person annually for those who remain in the program. Funds are also being allocated to prevention programs like Camp Glow and Camp Star, funding a partial navigator position at the Children and Family Resource Center, and supporting recovery housing for both men and women. Looking ahead to 2025, the group plans to expand the Adult Recovery Court, with interest from smaller counties in the district looking to utilize the program. Efforts will continue in collaboration with DSS to support families affected by substance abuse, including working with EMS to provide peer support. They are also exploring grants and other funding options to sustain the program. Commissioner Lapsley acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts and legislative support that contributed to securing funding. He highlighted a $30 million appropriation in the state budget through Vaya Health for an Adolescent Behavioral Facility at Pardee Hospital. The regional facility will serve more than just Henderson County, with plans to renovate an existing hospital floor for the project. UPDATES City of Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk shared that things had been relatively quiet in town. She noted the city's annual planning retreat was scheduled for the end of February. Additionally, City Hall will host a floodplain development workshop tomorrow at 6 p.m., covering topics such as floodplain definitions, mapping systems, and existing regulations. Everyone was encouraged to attend. Village of Flat Rock Mayor Anne Coletta shared that following the seating ofthe new council in December, noting that former. Mayor Nick Weedman retired after 21 years, the town honored him by naming its assembly room the Nick Weedman Assembly Room. They also welcomed new council member Emily Whitmire. The town was in the process of updating its floodplain ordinance when Hurricane Helene hit. Fortunately, consultant Kaitlyn Finkel from the Land of Sky Regional Council assisted in the effort. Pat Christie and Finkel assessed 35 structures, primarily along King Creek, with none sustaining over 50% substantial damage. However, the hurricane caused additional damage to LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA"- - January 21, 2025 Page/11 North Highland Lake Road, particularly near the culvert at King Creek, and the DOT is still developing a repair plan. The town park also suffered damage and was closed for three weeks. A FEMA site inspection is scheduled for March to assess the impact. Town of Fletcher Mayor Preston Blakely shared that Fletcher began its budget season with an initial workshop in January and plans to hold another in March. The town is currently in a 12-month moratorium on new development in the lloodplain. It is considering regulation changes, including limits on fill, elevation requirements, and restrictions on certain uses like schools and multi-family housing in flood zones. Most of the town's damage from Hurricane Helene affected the park. The town is bidding out various repair projects and working with FEMA for reimbursement. Of the 137 structures inspected, 15- primarily mobile homes- sustained damage beyond the 50% threshold. Fletcher hosted a pill drop and shred event last fall and is exploring the launch ofa farmer's market in collaboration with Cooperative Extension and the nonprofit ASAP. They are working on finalizing a location, date, and time. The council unanimously appointed Amber McKinney to complete the remainder of former council member Sheila Franklin's term. Town of Mills River Mayor Shanon Gonce reported that things were running steadily. He introduced the new town manager, Matthew McKirahan, who was hired just before Hurricane Helene and was quickly put to the test. The town also welcomed two new council members, Brian Kimball and Jeff Moore. Mayor Gonce suggested that the committee consider receiving a quarterly report from the Partnership for Economic Development. He believes these updates would help municipalities stay informed about ongoing efforts and identify available land for potential development, emphasizing that creating more local jobs will help keep residents in the area. Council member Sandra Goode stated that the Mills River Park served as a distribution site after the hurricane. At one point, the park was inaccessible due to surrounding floodwaters. The Town ofLaurel Park Mayor J. Carey O'Cain introduced new council member Travis Bonamma, owner of the Echo Mountain Inn in Laurel Park. Damage from Hurricane Helene mainly consisted oflandslides, with some homes sliding off the mountain, but no fatalities were reported. Henderson County Commissioner Bill Lapsley stated that today's discussion would serve as Henderson County's update. He apologized for the extended meeting but emphasized the importance of informing everyone about the county's efforts for all municipalities. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA" January 21, 2025 Page/12 REMINDER OF NEXT MEETING = April 15, 2025; Host; Town of Fletcher ADJOURN Commissioner Lapsley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:48 p.m., seconded by Mayor Blakely. All voted in favor, and the motion carried. William G. Lapsley fhairman! Henderson County Board ofCommissioners ATTEST: A A Denisa A. Lauffer, lerk toge Board LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION "LGCCA", January 21, 2025