06-17-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCJune 17, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 17, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims- ABSENT 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 17, 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. He announced Vice Chairman Sims
was absent due to a family emergency. Chairman Powell offered an invocation, and
Commissioner Thomas led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to approve the
agenda.
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 she is requesting the Board to reverse
the zoning decision made on December 4, 2023 to protect the residents of the community.
She stated that she is also requesting an independent environmental impact study to be
conducted before MEC is built. She referenced a party barn at Hyco Lake, Project Log at
Woodsdale, and MEC at Moriah. She asked ‘What do all three of these things have in
common?’ She stated that the commonality is, a small group of Personians stand to profit
from these transactions, while the health and wellbeing of residents of neighboring homes
that are by these facilities, are put into immediate danger. She stated that pleas for help and
support by these residents go ignored by this Board, all being done under the guise of
economic development. She stated the fact of the matter is, this Board does not want growth
in Person County, because growth would mean people not from around here, moving into
this County, asking questions and demanding something different from the “status quo”.
She stated that this Board does not want outsiders’ opinions or knowledge and no
transparency. She stated that this Board wants to continue making behind closed doors deals,
helping the same small group of people, while the rest of us Personians are sacrificed.
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Childers stated that the only thing that this Board wants from new residents is for
them to pay their taxes and keep their mouth shut; which is evident by the new alarm system
implemented last week, that is so-called legal. She stated that this is clearly an attempt to
intimidate and silence residents of this County, yet another action this Board has taken that
they can be proud of.
Don Ahrens of 108 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that he has been taking water
samples and pictures of the streams that are being polluted by the Moriah Energy Center
(MEC) and passing this information on to the Division of Water Resources (DWR). He
stated that the DWR went out and inspected on May 30, 2024 at sediment basin number
one. He stated that sediment was found to be leaving through the riparian buffer, a silt fence,
and a check dam. DWR requested that the sediment be removed by hand. He stated that at
sediment basin number three, sediment was found in the pond, east of the basin. He stated
that DWR advised the site manager to evaluate measures to prevent sediment from entering
the pond. He stated that because MEC was blasting sediment, basin number two was not
evaluated. He stated that this inspection only happened because the community complained
and sampled. He stated that the community will continue to complain and sample, because
it is obvious that MEC does not care about the environment. He asked the Board to require
a Risk Management Plan from Dominion.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of June 3, 2024,
B. Approval of Minutes of June 5, 2024,
C. Approval of Minutes of June 10, 2024,
D. Budget Amendment #25,
E. Person County Museum of History FY25 Funding Agreement,
F. FY25 Classification and Pay Schedule,
G. Personnel Policy Amendments,
H. ABC Board Request to Set Aside Additional Working Capital,
I. Energy Programs Outreach Plan,
J. Rezoning/Map Amendment Application, and
K. Resolution Requesting Abandonment of a Portion of State Road, Country
Club Road, from the State Road System
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NEW BUSINESS:
FY25 BUDGET ORDINANCE
County Manager Katherine Cathey and Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg
presented. Cathey advised the Board that before them is the FY25 Budget Ordinance for
adoption. She stated that provided in the agenda packet was a summary of the adjustments
that were made to the Manager’s recommended budget. She stated that about a month ago,
the Board was presented with the recommended budget, a public hearing was held on June
3, 2024 to obtain feedback from the public on the recommended budget and there were no
members of the public in attendance that spoke in reference to the public hearing, and the
Board had two budget work sessions the week after the public hearing. She stated that
based on the discussions and review during the work sessions, we are now at the point for
adoption of the budget ordinance, which incorporates the adjustments that the Board had
requested. She stated at the last work session, the Board requested that the Emergency
Services Director make a presentation on the ALS 360 Lease Program. She stated that the
Emergency Services Director will present to the Board at the July 15, 2024 meeting. She
stated therefore, this is item is not included in the recommended budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to adopt the FY25
Budget Ordinance.
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A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PERSON COUNTY SHERIFF TO
ENTER INTO TRAINING AGREEMENTS
Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn presented. Wilborn stated that he would like
to present to the Board for consideration, a Resolution authorizing the Person County
Sheriff to enter into training agreements with new recruits that are hired at the Sheriff’s
Office that have not attended any type of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). He
stated that BLET is a six- month course and the Detention Officer Training is five weeks.
He stated that the Person County Sheriff’s Office pays for them to become certified, if
they are hired without the certification. He stated that the Resolution would authorize the
Person County Sheriff to enter into training agreements with new recruits to the Sheriff’s
Office, which mandates the full or partial reimbursement of BLET, other training, and
uniform cost, if the recruit leaves employment with the County in less than three years
from the time of certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the State of North
Carolina. He advised that he has provided the Board with a sample training agreement. He
stated that training agreements have become common across the state
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to approve the
Resolution authorizing the Person County Sheriff to enter into training agreements.
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RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY AND DSS OVERNIGHT
SUPERVISION INCENTIVE PAY
Human Resources Director Sonya Carver presented the following:
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Commissioner Palmer stated that he feels that the Sheriff’s Department and
Emergency Services should be prioritized. He stated that it is his recommendation that the
County change the policy to allow for break in service to go towards the retiree health
insurance. Carver stated that regardless of what position they are in, every County employee
brings a lot to the table.
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Carver stated that she respects Public Safety, and the County thinks highly of them;
however, the County thinks highly of all employees and benefits are applied fairly across
the board, no matter what your position is within the County. She stated that staff does not
recommend what he has proposed, as it will hurt the County’s health insurance pool by
adding retirees and costs to the pool due to having more leniency in the criteria for eligibility
for retiree health insurance.
Commissioner Puryear stated that it was his understanding, that if the policy
remains the same, and an employee has extenuating circumstances, the employee can
request to come to the Board of Commissioners and have the Board consider their request.
He stated this is a case-by-case situation. County Attorney Morphis verified that what
Puryear had stated was correct.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 3-1 to approve the
alternative option for the Retiree Health Insurance, giving employees up to one year to be
reinstated. Chairman Powell, and Commissioners Puryear and Thomas voted in favor of the
motion. Commissioner Palmer voted in opposition to the motion.
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Commissioner Palmer asked where are the individuals housed. Carver advised that
the children stay at the Department of Social Services. Palmer asked where do they sleep
and do they have foldout beds. Assistant County Manager Brian Hart advised that the
children sleep in the rooms used for visitation and the rooms have couches and things of
that nature.
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Chairman Powell stated that this situation is sad and undesirable, yet needs to be
addressed. He stated that this policy provides incentive to employees supervising these
children. He stated that on another subject, moving forward, the discussion on changing
how things are done and evaluating options for remodeling the space at DSS to better
accommodate the children would need to be addressed. Commissioner Thomas stated that
the incentive pay is very much needed for DSS employees and is also in favor of looking
into ways to remodel the facility to make it more of a home setting for the children that have
to stay overnight.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 4-0 to approve the
policy for the DSS Overnight Supervision Incentive Plan.
PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION AND CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg presented. She stated that she is requesting
action on the Resolution included the agenda packet to authorize the negotiation of an
installment financing contract and direct the publication of notice that is related to the
upcoming bond issuance in August. She stated that the Resolution provides for the
following:
Designates and authorizes certain County officials to proceed and negotiate on
behalf of the County the Contract in an amount not to exceed $22M to finance (a)
the acquisition of a portion of a building currently being leased by the County and
used by the County Health Department and Social Services Department, (b) the
acquisition of a building for use by Piedmont Community College, (c) roof repairs
at South Elementary School and (d) improvements to the County’s recycling center
in connection with the consolidation of facilities for Person Industries and Person
County Recycling (collectively, the “2024 Projects”), and to provide as security for
the County’s obligations a Deed of Trust conveying a lien and interest in South
Elementary School, including the improvements thereon.
Authorizes the Chief Finance Officer or her designee to file with the Local
Government Commission (LGC) an application for its approval of the Contract, and
to include such facts and exhibits regarding the County and its financial condition
as the LGC may require in order to make its statutorily-required findings.
Provides direction to retain certain professionals as determined to be necessary in
the judgment of the Chief Finance Officer and her staff to carry out the transaction
contemplated in this Resolution.
States that a public hearing shall be conducted by the Board on July 15, 2024 at 9:00
a.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom, Room 215, Person County Office Building,
concerning the Contract, the Deed of Trust and the proposed financing of the 2024
Projects.
Directs the Clerk to the Board to cause a notice of the Public Hearing, in the form
attached (Exhibit A), to be published once in a qualified newspaper of general
circulation within the County no fewer than 10 days prior to the Public Hearing.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to approve the
Resolution and call for Public Hearing, to be heard at the Board of Commissioners’ July 15,
2024 regular scheduled meeting.
FUNDING REQUEST FOR PERSON INDUSTRIES AND MATERIAL
RECYLCLING FACILITY (PI/MRF) SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
PI/MRF Director Amanda Doss presented the following:
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to approve the
funding request in the amount of $351K from the General Fund.
TIRE AND MATTRESS SHREDDER PROPOSAL
PI/MRF Director Amanda Doss presented the following:
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A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to take the next
steps and move forward with the process for the Mattress and Tire Shredder.
PERSON COUNTY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL CENTER (PCBIC)
STRUCTURE
Chairman Powell stated that there have been recent discussions regarding the
overall structure of the PCBIC. He stated that PCBIC is a non-profit organization formed
in the early 90’s for the purpose of supporting businesses in Person County, and bringing
new business and industries into the County. He stated that PCBIC did a great job of doing
just that in the early days of its existence. He stated since those days, there has been very
little that PCBIC can claim as success, other than being supportive of EDC projects and
distribution of funds for those projects using claw back funds and limited revenues from
other sources. He stated that there have been no financial supportive actions by PCBIC as
a non-profit, and no engagement with business and industry and the private sector to raise
funds in support of their stated goals, objectives and mission statement. He stated that the
only business and industry attractions have been through the EDC Department. He stated
that PCBIC has a place in Person County’s future as an active and functioning non-profit,
but not under the original governance structure.
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Powell stated that change in the organizational structure, bylaws, vision and
mission statements is needed for future success. He stated as the appointing Board of
PCBIC and EDC members, the Board of Commissioners (BOC) is accountable to the tax
payer. He stated that the need for change is clearly before us and it is imperative that the
BOC do the right thing in assisting PCBIC in becoming the non-profit organization it was
intended to be, functioning independently of budgeted tax payer funds. He provided
suggestions on how to implement these changes and requested the Board take these
recommendations to the PCBIC Board at PCBIC’s meeting on July 23, 2024.
Commissioner Puryear stated that he appreciated Chairman Powell’s thoughts on this
item; however, the Board just received this recommendation and has not had time to look
over it, and one commissioner is absent. He deems it appropriate to table this item until
the next BOC meeting scheduled for July 15, 2024.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to table this item
until the July 15, 2024 meeting.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented to the Board interested citizen
applications for consideration for appointment to boards and committees, and requested
the Board to nominate for appointment as deemed appropriate.
ABC Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) John Bradsher requests reappointment as his term expires on 06/30/2024
2) Nikki Burke requests appointment
3) Harold Ray Carver, Jr. requests appointment
4) Bridgit Jones requests appointment
5) Dale Norris requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear to reappoint John Bradsher.
A separate motion was made; therefore, the second motion will be voted on first.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to nominate Bridgit Jones and failed to
carry 1-3. Chairman Powell, and Commissioners Puryear and Thomas voted in opposition
to the motion. Since this motion failed to carry, the first motion on the floor carries, without
a vote reappointing John Bradsher to the ABC Board for a 3-year term.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment: 5 positions available
1) Rhonda Haynes requests reappointment as her term expires on 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Rhonda
Haynes to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a 3-year term.
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Animal Services Advisory Committee
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Kirsten Brame requests reappointment as her term expires on 06/30/2024
2) Holly Yarbrough requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 4-0 to reappoint Kirsten
Brame and to appoint Holly Yarbrough to the Animal Services Advisory Committee for a
3-year term.
Board of Equalization and Review
4-Year Term: 1 position available to fill unexpired term to 2/28/2025
1) Larry King requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to appoint Larry King
to the Board of Equalization and Review to fill an unexpired term to 2/28/2025.
Board of Health
3-Year Term: 1 position for each of the following: a Doctor, a Nurse, and a Veterinarian;
and 2 positions available for members of the general public
1) Patsy Clayton requests reappointment -Nurse; her term expires on 06/30/2024
2) Phillip Edelblute requests reappointment- General Public; his term expires on
06/30/2024
3) Barbara Harris requests reappointment-Veterinarian; her term expires on
06/30/2024
4) Kenneth Strachan requests appointment- Doctor
5) Ben Tillett requests reappointment- General Public; his term expires on
06/30/2024
6) Gerald Jermaine Wallace requests appointment-General Public
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 4-0 to reappoint Patsy
Clayton representing a nurse to the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to reappoint Phillip
Edelblute representing the general public to the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Barbara
Harris representing a veterinarian to the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to appoint Kenneth
Strachan representing a doctor to the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to reappoint Ben Tillett
representing the general public to the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
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Environmental Issues Advisory Committee
3-Year Term: 1 position for a citizen residing in each of the following townships:
Holloway Township., the Olive Hill Township, the Roxboro Township, and 1 position in
the Woodsdale Township to fill unexpired term to 12/31/2024
1) Cheryl Allen requests reappointment for the Roxboro Township as her term
expires on 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to reappoint Cheryl
Allen to the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee representing the Roxboro
Township for a 3-year term.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
2 positions available for a citizen under the age of 21(one may be a member of the public
representing the interests of families of at-risk juveniles); and
1 position available for each of the following: Juvenile Defense Attorney, a member of the
Faith Community, a United Way or Nonprofit Agency Representative, and up to 4
citizens-at-large positions
1) Kelly Foti requests reappointment- Nonprofit Agency Representative- her
term expires 06/30/2024
2)Rev. Elizabeth McCoy requests reappointment- Member of the Faith
Community- her term expires 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Kelly Foti
representing a nonprofit agency and Rev. Elizabeth McCoy representing the faith
community to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 2-year term.
Library Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 3 positions available
1) Jonathan Bradsher requests reappointment as his term expires 06/30/2024
2) Elizabeth Bremer requests appointment
3) Paul Ehresmann requests appointment
4) Alisa Gentry requests appointment
5) Kathryn Greenwold requests appointment
6) Charles Harvey requests reappointment as his term expires on 06/30/2024
7) Rev. Elizabeth McCoy requests reappointment as her term expires on
06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to reappoint Jonathan
Bradsher, Charles Harvey, and Rev. Elizabeth McCoy to the Library Advisory Board for a
3-year term.
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Nursing Home Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term: 3-Year Reappointment: 5 positions available
1) Rhonda Haynes requests reappointment as her term expires on 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Rhonda
Haynes to the Nursing Home Advisory Committee for a 3-year term.
PATS Transportation Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available for each of the following: a School System
Representative, a Vocational Rehabilitation Representative, a Representative of Senior
Services, and a Representative of Economic Development/Chamber of Commerce
1) Rev. Laurence Greenwold requests appointment (Citizen-at-large)
2) Maynell Harper requests reappointment- Senior Center Rep.-her term
expires 06/30/2024
3) Lisa Jeffreys requests reappointment-Vocational Rehab Rep- her term
expires 06/30/2024
4) Walter Montgomery requests reappointment- School System Rep-his term
expires 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Maynell
Harper as senior center representative, Lisa Jeffreys as vocational rehab representative, and
Walter Montgomery as school system representative to the PATS Transportation Board for
a 3-year term.
Person-Caswell Lake Authority
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) John Byrd Sr. requests appointment
2) Anna Hester-Martin requests appointment
3) Christopher Terry requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 4-0 to appoint Anna
Hester-Martin to the Person-Caswell Lake Authority for a 3-year term.
Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees
4-Year term: 1 position available
1) Joel Adler requests reappointment as his term expires 06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to reappoint Joel
Adler to the Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees for a 4-year term.
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Planning Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Cynthia Lynch requests reappointment as her term expires 06/30/2024
2) Steven McFarland requests appointment
3) Gerald Jermaine Wallace requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to reappoint Cynthia
Lynch and to appoint Steven McFarland to the Planning Board for a 3-year term.
Recreation Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1)John Byrd requests appointment
2)Kirk Redman requests reappointment as his term will expire on
06/30/2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 4-0 to reappoint Kirk
Redman and to appoint John Byrd to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 3-year term.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that he attended the NCACC Legislative day in Raleigh
last week and met with Representative Ray Jeffers and Senator Graig Meyer. He stated that
Vice Chairman Sims and County Manager Cathey were also in attendance. He stated that
he attended the Willow Oak Music Park Festival this past weekend, and it was well attended.
He stated that this is a very good venue for Person County and attracts a lot of people. He
stated that he and other representatives from Person County attended the Public Hearing for
the Public Utilities Commission Thursday evening, in reference to the Duke Energy Planned
Combined- Cycle Plant. He stated that he and others in attendance, pleaded with the Utilities
Commission to consider Person County as the focal point for their plans of a combined-
cycle plant.
MANAGERS’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey thanked the Board for the adoption of the FY25
Budget. She expressed thanks to county staff for all the great teamwork in pulling together
this year. She stated a lot of hard work was put into the budget. She stated that she wanted
to commend the Finance Department, Amy and Tracy especially, for getting us to where
we are this morning. She stated that the next Board of Commissioners meeting is
scheduled for July 15, 2024.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Palmer reported that he did a consultation by telephone call on
Thursday of last week with CCR Consultants, and they stated that they would be at DSS
next week to consult with some of the employees.
Commissioner Thomas expressed thanks to the finance staff for their hard work
that was put into the budget.
Commissioner Puryear had no report.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed
Session at 10:38 a.m. 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, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., Health Director Janet Clayton,
Environmental Health Services Supervisor Bonnie Holt, and Economic Development
Director Brandy Lynch.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session to order at 10:42 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to return to open
session at 11:40 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to authorize the
County Manager to complete a budget amendment to transfer funds from contingency to
legal services in the amount of $20K.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at
11:42 a.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman