06-03-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCJune 3, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 3, 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, June 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.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 Palmer 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 addition of Closed Session # 2 related to property acquisition.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PRIVATE ROADWAY SIMPSON FARM
DRIVE TO BE ADDED TO THE DATATBASE FOR E-911 DISPATCHING
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Simpson Farm
Drive to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
GIS Director Sallie Vaughn presented. She stated that the owners of six parcels of
land along an access easement are adding additional dwellings. She stated that the road will
serve at least three homes, which invokes the ordinance regulating addresses and road
naming in Person County and requires that the road be named. She stated that the name of
Simpson Farm Drive was chosen by several of the occupants who will be living in those
homes and was approved by all the people who responded to the certified mailing. She stated
that the road name is compliant with all naming regulations in the ordinance and that the
GIS department advertised in the paper and placed a sign out.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Simpson Farm Drive to be
added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
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A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Simpson Farm Drive to be added
to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF
PRIVATE ROADWAY SIMPSON FARM DRIVE TO BE ADDED TO THE
DATABASE FOR E-911 DISPATCHING
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve Private
Roadway Simpson Farm Drive to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
PUBLIC HEARING:
COUNTY MANAGER’S FY2024-2025 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2024-2025
Recommended Budget.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the County Manager’s FY 2024-2025 Recommended Budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2024-2025 Recommended
Budget.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Joseph DiBiasi of 53 Dorothy Brooks Lane, Roxboro stated that he lives adjacent to
the Woodsdale property also known as Project Log. He stated that he would like to address
an issue brought up at the last Commissioners’ meeting. He stated that in response to one of
the Commissioners stating, “that they are not a part of the cover up in regard to Woodsdale”.
Dibiasi read the definition of a cover up. He stated that the residents of Woodsdale believe
that the direction and leadership of Project Log committed several serious mistakes, and the
residents are asking for the truth. He stated that he has been interviewed by the local paper
and no word of the mishandling or mistakes were mentioned. He stated that several people
have submitted requests for the conveyance of the project, which is public knowledge, and
have not received acknowledgement of such requests. He stated from residents’ perspective,
the County and the Board are guilty of a cover up, and hopes that the issues are resolved,
and the truth is known, not through the residents’ investigation, but from County
representatives.
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Vonda Frantz of 98 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that it is heartbreaking to
see what is happening to our County, all because of a polluting source of energy, which is
worse in some ways than coal. She stated that a storage facility is being built for this
polluting source of energy, methane, with no respect for water quality, rare and protected
species, or for the human neighbors who spoke against it. She stated that she does not want
streams and water quality ruined in any part of the County, as well as protected and valuable
natural areas. She stated that it is everyone’s job to protect and benefit our County. She
stated that it is unfortunate that the State has approved natural gas as a part of a clean energy
plan. She stated that natural gas is simply another fossil fuel. She stated that these new plants
are going to cost residents billions of dollars over time on their utility bills, and will be
obsolete before they are finished. She stated that these fossil fuel companies are not thinking
of the future, only of their profits. She stated that she was one of the 35 people who spoke
against this methane storage facility, and she was not paid to be at the meeting. She stated
that the Board never identified anyone who was paid; therefore, she thinks the Board owes
the residents an apology for this accusation.
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that as a member of
Down Home, she asked the Board “Why have they chosen to leave millions of dollars from
the Inflation Reduction Act unclaimed?” She stated that North Carolina (NC) has received
$20B. She stated that the Board stated the reason they are allowing Dominion to poison the
residents is to help the residents of this County who suffer financially. She stated that the
Board has not applied for any of these grants. She stated that is hypocrisy at its finest. She
stated that she was disappointed that she did not see any of the Board members on May 23,
2024, at Dominion Energy’s open house. She stated while at the open house, she spoke to
several representatives from Dominion. She stated that when she asked Rusty how
Dominion plans to notify neighbors who had no cell phone service, he replied, “There will
not be any emergencies”. She stated that when she asked Brian what their plan to clean up
ground water, if it was contaminated, would be, and he replied that “It would not happen”.
She stated that accidents happen; that is why they are called accidents and not on purpose.
She stated that last week in Ohio, a methane gas explosion caused a bank to blow up, seven
people were injured, and one died. She stated that at the last meeting, she shared pictures of
her neighboring creek. She stated that the sediment pollution is not about the rainfall we
have been receiving; it is about the pollution that occurs several days after the storm. She
stated that when Dominion is skimming water off the top of the sediment ponds and
releasing it, she knows that they are following their best management practices. She stated
that even when they do their best, their best is not good enough. She stated that our creeks
are still polluted, not a little, but a lot. She stated that the creeks and the critters that live in
the creeks are being harmed. She asked, “What will be harmed next by Dominion’s best
actions”?
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Jeff Hammer of 548 Potluck Farm Road, Rougemont asked for a moment of silence
for the 480 acres of the forest that has been destroyed with all the explosions and
construction trucks beeping constantly. He stated that he is here on behalf of Down Home
NC, as well as No MEC. He stated that he is a farmer who lives in the sacrifice zone with
his 12-year-old and all their animals. He stated that Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction
Act, to ensure that rural places in this country that are experiencing extreme energy price
hikes on a routine basis are protected, which includes NC. He urged the Board to look into
this, to improve the lives in this County, and not to bow down to giant conglomerations that
have absolutely no interest in protecting the environment.
Chester Downey of 1330 Chub Lake Road, Roxboro stated that he is a supervisor at
Polywood. He stated that he got off work at 3:00 p.m. today and was at the Parks and Rec
Department until 5:00 p.m. trying to rent a basketball gym. He stated that he was able to
rent a gym for two hours of practice for one week and was charged $270.00. He stated that
we want our kids off the streets, but what else is it for them to do. He stated that he has an
eleven-year-old son, who would do anything for basketball. He stated that we have got to
give our kids an outlet. He stated that he was one of the protestors that was locked up from
holding a gun. He stated that after that, he tried to find a better way, and the better way was
through the kids. He stated he is coming before the Board to see if he can get something
opened up for the kids, as it should not be that hard for him to get a gym for two hours. He
stated that for the past three years, he has been trying to get a gym, and finally rented it
today, and was told he could only get it for this week. He stated that he wants to do
something for the kids, and he sees what it does for his son and his son’s friends. He stated
that his basketball team is named “I Am”. He stated that when he says” I Am”, he means,
“We can be anything. I am Person County, I am Roxboro”.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of May 6, 2024,
B. Approval of Minutes May 20, 2024.
C. Budget Amendment #24,
D. Person County JCPC Funding Recommendations for FY25,
E. Resolution Authorizing the Person County Sheriff to Enter into Training
Agreements, and
F. Resolution to Ratify the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Human Services
Building
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NEW BUSINESS:
2025 REAPPRAISAL UPDATE
Tax Administrator Russell Jones presented the following update for the 2025
reappraisal.
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Russell stated for 2021, the annual sales ratio ended up at 92.71% and that January 2022
was at 81%.
Russell stated that for 2022, the annual sales ratio ended up at 79.71% and that January 2023
was at 85%.
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Russell stated that for 2023, the annual sales ratio ended up at 75.34%.
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Chairman Powell asked if the reval was being done by a third party, to which
Jones responded, yes. Commissioner Palmer asked Jones how many contractors are in the
field, to which Jones replied, three. Commissioner Puryear asked that Jones be present for
the budget work session on June 5, 2024.
No action was taken by the Board, as this was an update for the 2025 reappraisal.
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HYCO LAKE AQUATIC VEGETATION GRANT TECHNICAL CORRECTION
REQUEST
Presented by Assistant County Manager Brian Hart. He stated that in House Bill
259, Person County was awarded a special appropriation of $250K in nonrecurring funds
for the primary purpose of treating and removing native and noxious aquatic weeds in Hyco
Lake. He stated that there have been many conversations and meetings between County
staff, the Person-Caswell Lake Authority and other entities, and it has been determined that
the most appropriate course of action would be to submit a legislative technical correction
to have the Person-Caswell Lake Authority designated as the recipient of the funds. He
stated that Person-Caswell Lake Authority has provided a letter of support indicating that
they are willing to accept financial and reporting responsibilities associated with the grant.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize the
County Manager to request a Legislative Technical Correction to reallocate funding and
designate Person-Caswell Lake Authority as the recipient of the $250K grant.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NCDHHS AND PERSON
COUNTY FOR FY25-FY26
Assistant County Manager Brian Hart and DSS Director Carlton Paylor presented
the following:
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A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize the
County Manager and the DSS Director to sign and return FY25-FY26 Memorandum of
Understanding to NC Department of Health and Human Services.
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LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR DUKE ENERGY’S APPLICATION TO
CONSTRUCT A COMBINED-CYCLE PLANT AT THE ROXBORO SITE
Presented by County Manager Katherine Cathey. She stated that on February 5,
2024, the Person County Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution of Support for Duke
Energy in Person County. She stated that the resolution confirms the Board’s support of
Duke Energy’s plans to construct two new combined-cycle plants at the Roxboro Plant and
to continue exploring other innovative solutions for generating clean and reliable power in
Person County, making the most of the existing energy infrastructure. She stated that Duke
Energy and North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation have submitted an application
for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to construct a 1,360 MW
natural gas-fueled combined-cycle electric generating facility at the site of Duke Energy’s
existing Roxboro Plant.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to authorize the
Chairman to sign a letter of support for Duke Energy.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that the Board would be having a budget
work session to discuss the recommended budget on June 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. She stated
that the Person County Museum of History and Person County Business and Industrial
Center (PCBIC) will both be presenting requests for FY25.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims asked Assistant County Manager Brian Hart if he had followed
up with the DSS case involving Jose Tierrablanca. Hart advised that he had followed up and
has been in contact with the family and with DSS staff. Sims stated that he would like for
the County’s Planning & Zoning Department to look in to what ordinances may pertain to
drones, and what can be done to prevent someone from spying and invading one’s privacy.
He stated that drones have their place, where they have saved lives by searching for lost
children and people with health issues as well as aiding law enforcement to watch for illegal
activity or to follow an automobile trying to run from law enforcement. He stated that he
has no problem with those who fly drones for recreational purposes, however those who fly
for other purposes to harass and invade one’s privacy should not be tolerated nor allowed.
He stated that he attended RCS award’s night for seniors and handed out a scholarship. He
stated that he did a five-mile walk with the veteran’s fundraiser. He stated that he gave a
speech at the Memorial Service on Memorial Day.
Commissioner Palmer reported that he toured the Dominion Energy project site, that
it was top notch, and had safety protocols in place.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he agreed with Sims and would like for the
County’s Planning & Zoning Department to look in to what can be done about drones. He
stated that his family has also been harassed.
Commissioner Puryear had no report.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Sessions at 7:08 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for the
purpose to consult with the county attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, Planning and Zoning Director Chris
Bowley, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion to enter into Closed Session #2 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) for the
purpose to instruct the public body's staff concerning the position to be taken by or on
behalf of the public body in negotiating the price and other material terms of a contract or
proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or
lease with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
Chairman Powell called the closed session to order at 7:09 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:36 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Option and Purchase Agreement between PCBIC and Person County in the amount of
$100.00.
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RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting
at 7:38 p.m. until Wednesday, June 5, 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.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman