07-15-2024 Meeting Minutes BOC
July 15, 2024
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS July 15, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Jason Thomas
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom
215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order. Chairman Powell offered an
invocation, and Commissioner Puryear led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the removal of Item #2, as it is not needed due to Items # 3, and #4, and the
removal of Closed Session #1.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF FINANCING OF 2024 PROJECTS
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Financing of 2024 Projects.
Chief Financial Officer Amy Wehrenberg stated that the purpose of the hearing is
to obtain feedback from the public on the County’s plans to finance, at an amount not to
exceed $22M, the acquisition of the Human Services Building, the Carolina Pride
Carwash Building for Piedmont Community College’s use, roof repairs at South
Elementary School, and improvements to the Person County Recycling Center in
connection with the consolidation of facilities for Person Industries and the Person County
Recycling Center. She stated that once the public hearing is closed, she will bring forth
other related documents for the Board’s consideration.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Consideration of Approval of Financing of 2024 Projects.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Consideration of Approval of Financing of 2024 Projects.
July 15, 2024
2
APPROVING RESOLUTION 2024 LOB’S ISSUANCE
Chief Financial Officer Amy Wehrenberg stated that since the hearing has been
closed, she is now requesting the Board’s approval of the final resolution for the 2024
Limited Obligation Bonds (LOB’s) issuance in an amount not to exceed $22M for financing
the projects that were presented during the public hearing. She stated that as part of the
resolution, the Board is authorizing County staff to execute and deliver a related deed of
trust, a lease and agency agreement with the school board, and other underwriting
documents associated with the sale of these bonds. She stated that in addition, the resolution
designates certain County staff as representatives to execute the final documents and
perform certain duties with respect to the financing in its post-closing phase. She stated that
copies of all documents referenced in the resolution can be made available to any Board
member upon request.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adopt the
Approving Resolution for 2024 LOB’s Issuance.
July 15, 2024
3
July 15, 2024
4
July 15, 2024
5
July 15, 2024
6
July 15, 2024
7
2024 LOB’S CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE
Chief Financial Officer Amy Wehrenberg stated that budget approval for these
projects allows for the creation of this project in the County's financial system. She stated
that expenditure categories include acquisition cost for the Human Services and Carolina
Pride Carwash Buildings, estimated costs related to the Person Industries and Recycling
Center merger, and roofing replacement construction at South Elementary School. She
stated that the County has set aside contingency funds in the Capital Improvement Project
Fund for FY25 to supplement the project, as necessary. She stated that the total budget for
this Project is $21,122,000, all of which is proposed to be sourced from LOB’s in FY25.
She stated that the Capital Project Ordinance also includes direction to the Chief Financial
Officer and Budget Officer for the advancement of funds prior to receiving bond proceeds
and direction for reporting the status of project expenditures to the Board of Commissioners.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the 2024
LOB’s Capital Project Ordinance.
July 15, 2024
8
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she has been a
resident of Person County for 31 years. She stated that Person County Government is not
willing to allow the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Air
Quality (DAQ) to hold its Public Hearing for a permit for Moriah Energy Center (MEC)
here in Person County because they would not sign the indemnity clause in the rental
agreement for rental of a Person County Government facility; therefore, they are having to
hold the hearing in Vance County. She stated that she believes the Board is uninformed and
uneducated about the facts that lead to them continually making horrible decisions. She
stated that this month we have had record-setting heat, yet the Board wants to fill Person
County with fossil fuels that continue to spew chemicals that contribute to climate change.
Katie Moore of 411 North Lamar Street, Roxboro voiced concerns about Person
County not hosting the Permit Hearing for the NCDEQ Division of Air Quality. She stated
that for most residents here, the location two counties away is not feasible. She stated that
over the course of the last eight to nine months, there has been a lot of concern about MEC.
She stated that she would have thought the Board would have worked something out with
the State to make sure that the location for the hearing was in Person County.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of June 17, 2024,
B. Budget Amendment #1,
C. Budget Amendment #2,
D. FY25 Budget Ordinance Correction,
E. Person County Schools Request for Distributions from the North Carolina
Education Lottery Public School Building Repair & Renovation Fund,
F. Contract for School Nursing Services between Person County and Person County
School System,
G. Home and Community Care Block Grant Funding for FY25,
H. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Opioid Settlements and Approving the
Second Supplement Agreement for Additional Funds, and
I. Tax Adjustments for June 2024
a. Tax Releases
b. NC Vehicle Tax System Pending Refunds
July 15, 2024
9
NEW BUSINESS:
FUNDING REQUEST FOR TAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCY TO PURHASE
“MT. HARMONY TRACT” FOR PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION
Recreation, Arts and Parks Director John Hill stated that he has been working on a
project with the Tar River Land Conservancy (TRLC) on possibly preserving an 85-acre
tract of land in the Mount Tirzah area in Person County for future environmental and
watershed quality purposes, and so that the land would forever remain rural and natural. He
stated that he has worked with the TRLC for 24 years, and they have helped Person County
gain millions of dollars in grant support. He turned the presentation over to Derek Halberg
and Michelle Mound with the TRLC who presented the following:
July 15, 2024
10
July 15, 2024
11
July 15, 2024
12
July 15, 2024
13
July 15, 2024
14
July 15, 2024
15
Vice Chairman Sims asked if anyone has walked the property to which Hill
responded that he, Mound, and GIS Director Sallie Vaughan walked the property. He
stated that the property is nice, very rural, and one of those properties in Person County
that you would probably want to keep as nice countryside. He stated that this land is a
gem, is located in the middle of Mount Tirzah, and compliments the surrounding rural
area. Sims stated that looking at the pictures, he sees an old barn and inquired about the
possibility of restoring and keeping it, as he would hate to see it get torn down. Hill stated
that from a liability standpoint, the TRLC would probably want the barn off the property.
He stated that the County would like to work with neighboring organizations to keep the
barns that are on the property in Person County. Chairman Powell asked if approved by
the Board, looking long-term, how does the County tie in to the maintenance and upkeep.
Hill advised that it would be a nature preserve allowing public access to the property, and
would be controlled, operated, and maintained by the TRLC. He stated that it is a benefit
of having a land preserve in your ‘backyard” with the Parks and Rec Department not
operating it, as it could build partnerships through volunteers, Friends of the Park, and
other organizations in conjunction with TRLC. Halberg stated that Hill is absolutely
correct. He stated that in Granville County, the TRLC has designed these preserves with
minimal infrastructure, as the intention is not to create a place where you have lots of
buildings, yet their objective is to create a place where people can park their vehicles and
walk two to three miles of trail through the woods. Sims asked about ATV use. Hill
advised strictly hiking trails, similar to the County Farm Park. Commissioner Puryear
asked why this particular piece of property? Halberg replied that first off, the property was
listed for sale, and secondly, the TRLC had been looking at a number of tracts of land in
Person County. He stated that they get to work with landowners who want to work with
them to preserve the land. Puryear asked Halberg, what would be the anticipated timeline
to have the property cleaned? Halberg stated that approximately one to two months from
the closing date. He stated that they would be obtaining bids from contractors and would
be speaking with the property owner about vehicles and boats on the property that have
been abandoned. Puryear asked if the TRLC would be absorbing 100% of the cost for the
cleanup, to which Halberg replied yes, the cost has been budgeted and the City of Raleigh
has included the cleanup in their grant that was awarded to the TRLC. Powell asked if the
TRLC has a board of directors. Halberg stated that yes, they have a board of directors, and
that Nola Knouse owns land in Person County and is a board member that is present
today. Knouse stated that she resides in Winston-Salem, and owns approximately 100
acres of land along the Flat River and Highway 501 S in Timberlake. She stated that she is
a descendant of the JG Chambers family, and the land she owns has been in her family
since the late 19th Century. She stated that she and her sister did research and were
extremely impressed with the TRLC; therefore, they signed a conservation easement on
the property in 2021 that will prohibit further development in perpetuity. She stated that
she joined the TRLC Board in February 2023, and has found it to be a positive experience.
Commissioner Palmer stated that he would assume that the property would be posted as
no hunting. Halberg stated that there will be signage posted on the property such as, Open
to the Public, No Hunting, and No ATV Use, after acquisition of the property.
July 15, 2024
16
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that within the County’s Stormwater
Fund, which is funded through the stormwater fees that are paid along with property taxes
each year, there is a balance of $575,194 in that account. She stated that out of that fund,
the County already has commitments, such as developing the County Farm Park property,
and work at the Sportsplex. She stated that beyond that, the County still has that fund
balance that exists; therefore, her recommendation is that the County appropriate $50K
from the Stormwater Fund fund balance towards the acquisition of this property.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
resolution to contribute funding to Tar River Land Conservancy for the purchase of the
“Mt Harmony Tract” and a Stormwater Fund fund balance appropriation in the amount of
$50K.
July 15, 2024
17
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that Chief Financial Officer Amy
Wehrenberg will be retiring at the end of the month. She stated that the County has a Deputy
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton. She stated that Clayton is very experienced with
Person County and has agreed to assume the role as Interim Finance Officer while the
County continues to search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer. She stated that it is her
recommendation that the Board approve Clayton’s interim appointment and administer the
oath of office to be effective August 1, 2024, upon the retirement of Wehrenberg.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt the Resolution
Appointing Tracy Clayton as Interim Finance Officer.
July 15, 2024
18
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Office to Interim
Finance Officer Tracy Clayton.
July 15, 2024
19
TAX COLLECTOR SETTLEMENT
Tax Administrator Russell Jones presented the following:
July 15, 2024
20
July 15, 2024
21
July 15, 2024
22
July 15, 2024
23
Chairman Powell expressed thanks to the citizens of Person County for paying their
tax bills and thanked the Tax Administrator and staff for their hard work and collection
efforts. Commissioner Palmer stated great job on the presentation and collection efforts.
July 15, 2024
24
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to accept the
settlement report.
ORDER TO COLLECT TAXES
Tax Administrator Russell Jones asked the board to approve the order to collect taxes
for 2024 and delinquent taxes from prior years.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to direct the Tax
Collector to collect taxes for 2024 and delinquent taxes from prior years.
July 15, 2024
25
STRYKER ALS360 FUNDING REQUEST
Director of Emergency Services Thomas Schwalenberg presented the following:
July 15, 2024
26
July 15, 2024
27
July 15, 2024
28
July 15, 2024
29
July 15, 2024
30
July 15, 2024
31
July 15, 2024
32
July 15, 2024
33
July 15, 2024
34
July 15, 2024
35
July 15, 2024
36
July 15, 2024
37
July 15, 2024
38
July 15, 2024
39
July 15, 2024
40
July 15, 2024
41
July 15, 2024
42
Chairman Powell asked in reference to the Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD’s),
would part of their funding coincide with this. Schwalenberg stated yes it would, and that it
is two funding streams, with one purchase. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that
originally this was included as a new line item within the Fire Tax District Budget, and
when the Board pulled this from the budget, prior to approval, it was moved into
unallocated, so it is still within their budget for this year. She stated that if approved by the
Board, it would be moved from unallocated into a line item specifically for this purchase.
Powell asked if the proposal is from ARP funds for the County’s share. Cathey replied yes,
from ARP funds, which he had mentioned during the budget work session. She stated that
the alternative is appropriating fund balance, because at this point, it is not included in the
budget and we do not have another funding mechanism for it at this time. She stated that
this would be for the first year of funding for this program, then the funding source will be
reconsidered. Powell asked what was the funding balance in the ARP fund. Cathey advised
that currently there is $1.5M that is not appr opriated or designated yet in the ARP fund and
is reserved. She stated that there are many things that are reserved within the ARP fund, to
include broadband expansion and economic development. She stated that some of this
year’s CIP is funded through ARP funding. She stated that if you shift $358,337, that is
going to leave about $1,140,000 left to consider potential uses within the ARP fund. Powell
asked, if we do that this year out of the fund, then next year it becomes part of the budget,
to which Cathey replied yes. He asked, one penny in tax gives you how much money, to
which Cathey replied around $550K this year. He stated that you are looking at a penny
increase maybe next year to compensate for that and offset it. Cathey stated that it would all
be taken into account when creating the budget and looking at the revenue that is available
next year. Powell stated that he does not have a problem with the needs, and it was very
well explained much more in depth, and clearer than previously presented. He stated that he
does not like the ten-year lease, as no one knows what tomorrow brings, and that it is all
about the people we serve and that is a priority. Vice Chairman Sims had questions related
to the VFD’s. He asked if the County was taking $80K from the fire tax fund. Cathey replied,
yes to the amount, and stated that we are not pulling it out of their fund balance, the money
is available within the collections for this current fiscal year. She stated that their budget is
based on the amount that we anticipate collecting in the fire tax district. She stated that we
can fund everything that was previously included in the budget as well as the addition of
this item. Sims asked what about moving forward, where would the money come from and
how would it be budgeted. Cathey stated that this is adding to their budget within the amount
of revenues that we anticipate collecting. She stated that as long as we continue to collect
that amount of revenues or more that this can become a staple within their budget from year
to year. Sims asked about the number of Lifepaks to be purchased for the VFD’s, to which
Schwalenberg replied, under the fire contract, it would be a total of sixteen, which is two
per department. Sims asked Schwalenberg if he had discussed that with the VFD’s.
Schwalenberg stated that yes, he has presented it to the fire chiefs. Sims asked if they were
OK with it, and Schwalenberg replied that they did not present opposition. Sims asked what
happens to the current AED’s that the VFD’s currently have. Schwalenberg stated that is up
to the VFD’s as they own them not the County. He stated that a lot of them are past their
service life and probably need to be put out of service.
July 15, 2024
43
Sims asked Schwalenberg why is equipment so far out of compliance, past their
service life, and have not been replaced. Schwalenberg stated that was before his time, and
he is trying to fix the issue now. Commissioner Palmer asked Schwalenberg, based on his
professional experience, which would he prefer and recommend, the Lifepak 15 or 35.
Schwalenberg stated that he would recommend the continuance of the Lifepak 15 until the
35’s have a little bit more experience. He stated that the 35 is a great device, just has not
been out that long. Powell asked if there was any effort to make this device compatible with
other industries in the County. Schwalenberg stated that he works with the industries in the
county with their questions about AED’s; however, as a county entity he cannot recommend
one brand over another, yet he can give them his opinion. Sims asked, if we do not like the
lease, say two years down the road, can we cancel the contract, and what happens to the
equipment. Schwalenberg stated that the contract can be canceled at any time and the
County would have to buy the equipment at fair market value at the residual schedule that
Stryker produces. Sims asked how much is Stryker’s profit, to which a representative from
Stryker advised that it depends on when you would exit. Sims asked, what happens if a piece
of equipment breaks or is damaged. Schwalenberg replied that it is covered through
maintenance unless it is pure negligence on the County’s part. He stated that everyday
normal wear and tear is covered under the maintenance plan. A representative from Stryker
stated that as part of the maintenance, lithium batteries are replaced, and they recommend
replacement every three to four years. Sims stated that when the Board saw this in the
budget, it looked like a big increase from the year before, and anytime there is an increase
at that amount, it raises a red flag, which made them dig deeper into this and figure out what
we are getting into. He stated that is why the Board requested more information.
Commissioner Puryear stated that if the Board had heard this presentation before the budget
was adopted, they would have found a way for it to be included in the budget. County
Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised that a sample agreement was provided. He stated if the
Board decided to enter into the agreement, that would be the next step, and they would
authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement. He stated that he would review
and negotiate any terms, and if there is something substantive, it can certainly come back to
the Board.
Cathey advised that the $109K is already within the EMS budget to pay for existing
maintenance agreements and would be shifted into this line item through a budget transfer
within the department. She stated that would cover the General Fund EMS allocation
portion, then we would also need to move $80,562 from the unallocated line item within the
Fire Tax District Budget into Contract Services, and reduce unallocated by this amount to
fund this program this year. Sims asked how much is in the unallocated fund. Cathey advised
that there is currently $186,852 in the unallocated line item for FY25 for the Fire Tax
District.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve Stryker
ALS360 funding request and to allocate ARP funding in the amount of $358,337 to fund
the first year of the program
July 15, 2024
44
ANIMAL SERVICES CITATION AND FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENTS
Animal Services Director Kelli Lewis stated that at the request of the Board of
Commissioners (BOC) during their May meeting, she is here today to discuss Animal
Service’s Citation and Fee Schedule Amendments. She stated that the Animal Services
Advisory Committee met in June to discuss potential changes regarding the BOC’s request.
She stated that the Animal Services Advisory Committee is recommending the following
changes:
Edit the wording at the top of the Animal Control Citations from “Warning” to
“Written Warning” for the purpose of ensuring issuance of the citation for
documentation and public education purposes
Increase the fee amount on the citation from $100 to $250 in reference to leaving
a dangerous dog unattended
Commissioner Palmer stated that is a good move and that he is sure the County will
appreciate this change. He stated that Lewis did a good job and expressed thanks to the
Animal Services Advisory Committee.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
recommended changes to the Animal Services Ordinance as presented.
PCBIC STRUCTURE
Chairman Powell stated as the BOC continues discussions on the future of
EDC/PCBIC, that he believes that there are two things Commissioners should remember:
BOC members are the stewards of taxpayer money and should be cautiously aware
of how tax money is spent.
Secondly, as Commissioners, a major emphasis should be placed on building the
County’s tax base.
He stated that PCBIC was first initiated as a non-profit arm of the County EDC
Department designed to assist in accomplishing that goal. He stated that the BOC
appointed members with faith and trust in their ability to carry out the goals and objectives
of the BOC, and must be a mirror image of the County’s long-range goals and objectives.
He stated that having a determined, thriving, self-motivated non-profit is critical to future
growth and as such is charged with raising funds to be a self-funded, self-perpetuating
organization, not one funded by a line item of taxpayer funds in the County budget.
July 15, 2024
45
Powell provided the following options for changes in the structure of the EDC/PCBIC:
Elimination of the EDC Board - Within current County structure, the EDC has
three employees capable of carrying out the economic development business of the
County. This change eliminates back-to-back meetings and frequent duplication of
agenda items, streamlines the County’s economic development efforts, and
eliminates lengthy and unproductive meetings that can be a burden to the volunteer
members.
PCBIC would continue to operate with current membership as allowed by statute
and would be completely responsible for future removal or appointment of its
members.
PCBIC should review their vision and mission statements assuring that they
coincide with County economic goals to ensure a joint plan for economic growth
between both organizations.
PCBIC should establish fund raising guidelines that support economic goals and
objectives of the County without County budgeted funds. The EDC staff has
visited other counties, which have successful non-profits, that PCBIC could adopt
or incorporate into current operations, taking advantage of what others have done
without wasting time and effort.
PCBIC should establish guidelines for projects that require County support to
include an itemized, detailed list of projected costs, benefits, incentives, expected
outcomes, and submit to the Board of Commissioners 60 days prior to being
considered as an agenda item. Historically, the BOC has supported PCBIC
economic efforts, and he believes the BOC will continue to do so when viable
projects are presented to the BOC.
Research has found that there are some unknowns about where the funds to
purchase some of the land titled to the PCBIC came from and at minimum, PCBIC
should be required to re-title land paid for by taxpayers back to the County. To
whom property is titled, has been an unnecessary issue in recent negotiations, and
needs to be corrected.
He stated that economic development is a team sport, with the County citizens and
taxpayers being the winner. He stated that he is offering this as a recommendation to
go to the PCBIC at their meeting on July 23, 2024. PCBIC President Phillip Allen
advised that he had not received the most recent handout that Powell provided for the
BOC today. Commissioner Puryear stated he thinks this is a good start, but before the
BOC makes a recommendation, he feels the BOC needs feedback from the PCBIC.
Allen advised that he would discuss this with the PCBIC Board at their meeting
scheduled for July 23, 2024 and come back to the BOC at some point to discuss the
consensus of the PCBIC Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to table this item
related to the structure of PCBIC.
July 15, 2024
46
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the FY25
Funding Agreement.
July 15, 2024
47
July 15, 2024
48
July 15, 2024
49
July 15, 2024
50
DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE TO NC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon stated that the NC Association of County
Commissioners Annual Conference will take place August 8-10, 2024 in Forsyth County,
with the business meeting taking place on August 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. She stated that we
need a voting delegate to represent Person County. She stated that she is requesting the
Board to designate Vice Chairman Sims, who is attending the conference.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to designate Vice
Chairman Sims who is attending the Conference, as Person County’s delegate.
July 15, 2024
51
County Manager Katherine Cathey advised the Board that since we are on the
topic of a voting delegate, she would like to call to the Board’s attention, that they should
have received an email on Friday from Abbey Thayer with the NCACC. She stated that
there will be a District 8 Caucus next Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. She stated
that Thayer sent a calendar invite to the meeting along with an explanation of what the
meeting is about, and the description of the role of District Director, which is a two-year
term. She stated that based on previous history of rotation, Person County is next in the
rotation to take on the District Director role. She stated that someone from Person County
would need to attend the meeting to vote or nominate a District Director. Vice Chairman
Sims stated that he would attend the Zoom meeting on behalf of Person County.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Powell stated that he attended a very productive meeting with the Airport
Commission last week regarding future plans. He stated that he also attended the very
lengthy Planning Board meeting related to some projects, one of which was the Mega Park,
and the vote was unanimous by the Planning Board to proceed with actions to be taken for
the rezoning.
Chairman Powell stated that he wanted to speak on the comments made earlier
referencing Person County’s refusal to allow the DEQ hearing regarding MEC to take place
here in Person County. County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that she is not aware
there was a decision made for Person County not to host the Air Quality Permit Hearing.
She stated that she does know that the State inquired as to a place within the County to hold
the hearing. She stated that the County offered a few suggestions and the State reached out
regarding reservations. She stated that beyond that, she was not aware that there was any
type of challenge to them being able to reserve a facility in Person County. She advised that
she would check with their staff, as well as County staff to find out what conversations were
had, which would have happened at the reservation level. She stated that she was very
surprised to learn that the hearing was not being held in Person County. She stated that she
was not aware that it was a conscious decision for Person County to decide not to host the
hearing. Powell stated that he was not aware of any discussions along that line, that we knew
the hearing was coming, and talked about it several months ago. He stated that the County
offered to have the hearing in the auditorium, and the State made a suggestion to have it at
PCC, due to space limitations in the County Office Building Auditorium. He stated that
there was no opposition to holding the hearing in Person County, and the BOC never had
any discussions related to this matter. He stated that he is surprised at the comments that
were made earlier, and wanted to make it perfectly clear that Person County was not
opposed to holding the hearing here and had nothing to do with the decision-making process
of where the hearing would be held.
July 15, 2024
52
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that Chairman Powell referenced the
Airport Commission meeting. She stated at the meeting, there was a presentation about
terminal possibilities. She stated that she brought hard copies for the Board if they would
like to look at it while they are here today.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice Chairman Sims expressed thanks to everyone for the well wishes he received
for his grandson. He indicated that he had a family medical emergency; therefore, he was
not in attendance at the last meeting.
Commissioner Palmer thanked department heads for the presentations today for the
betterment of Person County.
Commissioner Puryear stated that he is very happy but also sad that the Library
Director is moving on to a great opportunity with UNC-G. He stated that Kayli has done a
great job and he hates to lose her, and he hopes that the County can find another Director as
good as she was.
Commissioner Thomas had no report.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session at 11:39 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the
purpose to discuss personnel.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Sessions to order at 11:45 a.m.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:00 p.m.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 12:00 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman