New Water Supply, Fire Station, Development Hearings Before Johnston Commissioners

JOHNSTON COUNTY — A $5 million first phase of a new Lower Neuse River water project, a third North Side Fire & Rescue station and several land-use matters are among the issues Johnston County Commissioners will take up during two meetings Monday.

The Board of Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.

Lower Neuse Water Project
One of the most significant items on the morning agenda involves Johnston County’s long-term plans for a new water supply on the lower Neuse River near Princeton.

Public Utilities staff will present recommendations on how the county should design and construct a new water intake and treatment plant.

Staff is recommending a design-build approach for the river intake and a traditional design-bid-build process for the treatment plant.

According to county staff, the proposed construction methods are expected to allow both facilities to be operational in 2031, when the county anticipates needing additional water capacity to meet daily demand.

Commissioners will also be asked to establish a $5 million budget for the first phase of the treatment plant project.

That work would include site planning, coordination of required permits and preliminary engineering.

A separate resolution would allow Public Utilities to use future revenue bond proceeds to reimburse the county for money initially spent on the Lower Neuse project.

Kenly, Micro Seek Fire District Change
Commissioners will receive an update on requests from the towns of Kenly and Micro to become part of the Johnston County Fire Protection Service District.

Both towns currently operate municipal service districts that use a portion of local property tax revenue for fire protection.

County staff is expected to update commissioners on the requests and what would be required for the towns to join the countywide fire protection district.

Third North Side Fire Station
North Side Fire & Rescue is seeking approval to begin construction of a third fire station.

The proposed station would be built at 4370 N.C. Highway 42 East in the Flowers Plantation community.

The department currently operates two stations.

Farmland Conservation Funding
The Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District is requesting $21,342 from commissioners to help purchase conservation easements in the Princeton and Selma areas.

Conservation easements are commonly used to permanently restrict development on property while allowing land to remain in agricultural or other conservation uses.

Double Bucks Program Proposed
Commissioners will also consider partnering with the Clayton Farm & Community Market on a pilot program aimed at stretching food assistance benefits.

Under the proposed Double Bucks program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients could double the value of benefits spent on fresh meats, fruits and vegetables at the market.

The proposal is intended to increase access to fresh food while directing additional spending toward market vendors.

Smithfield Sewer Lines
Another item involves a proposed memorandum of understanding between Johnston County and the Town of Smithfield involving sewer infrastructure.

Completion of the county’s new wastewater treatment plant on N.C. 210 means Johnston County no longer needs to send wastewater from other bulk customers through Smithfield.

As a result, some existing sewer mains now carry only Smithfield wastewater.

Under the proposed agreement, those lines could eventually be transferred to the town.

Smithfield would gain authority over future sewer service requests involving the lines but would also assume responsibility for their maintenance.

Veterans, Appointments And Other Business
Commissioners will consider a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans.

The annual observance encourages Johnston County residents and businesses to display green lights as a show of support for veterans.

The board is also scheduled to make appointments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Firefighter’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees, Johnston County Heritage Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Moccasin Creek Service District Board, Tourism Authority and Fire Protection Service District Commission.

Animal Services Director Chad Massengill is requesting the reappointment of Bryan Bryant and himself as Johnston County animal cruelty officers.

Commissioners will consider proclamations recognizing Employee Appreciation Week from Oct. 19-23, National 4-H Week from Oct. 4-10 and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Public Utilities is also seeking permission to declare two 2020 Chevrolet Silverado trucks surplus and sell them at public auction. One has 179,724 miles and the other has 211,415 miles.

Two budget revisions are also on the agenda, including $306,307 for Johnston County Area Transit System from the N.C. Department of Transportation and $21,776 in additional Sheriff’s Office revenue.

Evening Meeting
Commissioners will reconvene at 6 p.m. with land-use matters and long-range planning among the major topics.

The board will recognize the Johnston County 12U baseball team, which won the Tar Heel League State Baseball Championship.

Cell Tower Hearing
Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on a request involving 31.03 acres at 435 Taylor Road in Cleveland Township.

The applicant is seeking approval to construct a cellphone tower on the property.

Old Drug Store Road Rezoning
A second public hearing involves 8.13 acres at 488 Old Drug Store Road in Cleveland Township.

The property is currently zoned for agricultural and residential use.

The applicant is requesting general business zoning.

Transportation Planning Update
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is scheduled to provide commissioners with an update on transportation planning.

CAMPO coordinates long-range transportation planning for communities throughout the Raleigh metropolitan area, including portions of Johnston County.

Unified Development Ordinance
Commissioners will also receive another update on Johnston County’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance.

Planning Director Braston Newton is expected to summarize comments received during the county’s most recent community drop-in session.

The proposed ordinance is intended to consolidate and update county development regulations governing issues including zoning, subdivisions and land development.