03-04-2024 Meeting Minutes BOC
March 4, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 4, 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, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 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. A moment of silence was observed
for former County Commissioner Curtis Bradsher who passed away on February 7, 2024.
Commissioner Sims offered an invocation and Boy Scout Troop 260 members,
Bryson Gregory, Daniel Pulliam, Ryan Sharlow, and M.C. Williams led the group in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the deletion of Closed Session #1.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNZING MARCH AS SOCIAL WORKER MONTH
Chairman Powell read a Proclamation recognizing March as Social Work month and
presented the Proclamation to Person County Department of Social Services Director,
Carlton Paylor.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Proclamation recognizing March as Social Work Month.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PRIVATE ROADWAY LOOKOUT
RIDGE WAY TO BE ADDED TO THE DATABASE FOR E-911 DISPATCHING
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Lookout Ridge
Way to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
GIS Director Sallie Vaughn presented. She stated that in 1979 the Red Mountain
Estate Subdivision was created of off Moores Mill Road. She stated that at that time, road
names were not required for each road within the subdivision. She stated that a recent
increase in sales and residential development within the subdivision has necessitated the
naming of one of these previously unnamed private roads. She stated that the GIS
Department has been in discussions with the developer about this. She stated that, currently,
there is only one piece of land that is owned by a citizen, with the remainder of land being
owned by a developer. She stated that the developer’s intent is to sell and build at least three
homes on this private roadway, which would necessitate the naming of that road. She stated
that the citizen and the developer have agreed to the name Lookout Ridge Way, which is
consistent with Person County’s local ordinance. She stated that the public hearing was
advertised properly per NC General Statutes.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Lookout Ridge Way to be
added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Lookout Ridge Way to be added
to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF
PRIVATE ROADWAY LOOKOUT RIDGE WAY 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 Lookout Ridge Way to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Susan Jacque of 546 Lockamy Road, Timberlake read her letter to the editor that
was published in the January 11, 2024 edition of The Courier=Times. The letter referenced
actions taken at the December 4, 2023 meeting where agricultural land was rezoned to
industrial. The letter also referenced comments made by two Board members at the January
2, 2024 meeting. Jacque stated that people at the end of the December 4, 2023 meeting
chanted shame, which was an appropriate word to end her letter to the editor, shame.
Joseph DiBiasi of 53 Dorothy Brooks Lane, Roxboro stated that he would like to
address the Woodsdale property. He stated that he is a direct neighbor of that parcel. He
stated that he is not here to be a spearpoint of any political agenda. He stated that he has
concerns on what is being done at the property. He stated that construction had started in
early November 2023, with the cutting in of the additional parcels and the forestry. He stated
that the building of roads is tearing down the trees and forestry. He stated someone has been
lighting trees on fire on the property. He stated that he has called multiple departments
within the County, and no one had any idea what was going on. He stated that he contacted
DEQ, and was advised no permits had been issued, and that a stop work order would be
issued. He stated that he and his neighbors all have concerns and have the right to know
what is going on.
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she has lived in
Person County for 31 years. She stated that she would like the Board to reverse the rezoning
of the 440 plus acres in southeast Person County that they rezoned on December 4, 2023.
She stated that it is her understanding that some of the Commissioners toured the Cary
facility and were impressed with safety measures that Dominion has in place. She stated
that what Dominion Energy plans to construct, approximately 2,300 feet from her home, is
no way comparable to the Cary facility, as she also has toured the facility in Cary. She stated
that no one from this community was invited to tour the Cary facility, and that no one sat
down with the future neighbors of Dominion and shared what they had seen or learned on
that tour. She stated that the Board was presented with a list of questions, and the public is
still waiting on answers to those questions.
Katie Moore of 411 N. Lamar Street, Roxboro stated that she is a resident of Person
County and is in opposition to the Moriah Energy Center. She requested the Board reverse
the rezoning decision that was made on December 4, 2023. She stated that residents
submitted over six pages of questions to the Board and have not received answers.
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Kristopher Clayton of 6600 Helena Moriah Road, Timberlake stated that he lives
directly across the street from the proposed Moriah Energy Center. He stated that the Board
still has many questions before them that need answers. He stated that he feels that is the
Board’s job, to provide the answers.
Liz Bradsher of 976 Estate Road, Semora spoke on matters related to the Woodsdale
property. She stated that she sent emails to the Board and EDC, with no response back. She
stated that she did receive a response from the County Manager. She stated that this is not
Washington, D.C., that the Board needs to respond to communications from the people they
represent, as this is starting to look like a coverup.
John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Lane, Semora spoke on concerns and matters
related to the Woodsdale property. He stated that he owns over 100 acres in Person County,
and if he were to be doing what is being done on the property owned by PCBIC, he would
be in trouble. He stated yet, Person County wants the people to behave appropriately, when
you have illegal RV parks, you have people who used to be EDC directors that are now
consultants on such projects, and a couple years ago, the Board made a motion to remove
somebody from the EDC because the person could not get along. He stated that the County
needs competent people to represent them.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of February 5, 2024,
B. Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure Amendment,
C. Board of Commissioners 2024 Meeting Calendar Amendment, and
D. Budget Amendment #18
NEW BUSINESS:
OPTIONS FOR EVALUATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Presented by Assistant County Manager Brian Hart. He stated that this agenda item
is a follow up per the Board’s discussion at the previous Board meeting, as it relates to
securing an option for consulting services for the Department of Social Services (DSS). He
stated that on February 26, 2024 he received feedback and information from two consulting
companies, Allies4Outcomes, and CCR Consulting. He stated that based on the proposals,
staff recommends contracting with CCR Consulting. He provided the following summary
for comparison.
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County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that State and Federal reimbursements
are expected to cover approximately 45% of costs associated with the evaluation. She stated
that funding is available in the DSS Fund Balance to cover the portion for which the County
is responsible.
Commissioner Palmer stated that he feels that Board members need more time to
look over the proposals and comparisons. He stated that he would like to table this agenda
item to another meeting date.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to table this agenda
item to the next meeting scheduled for March 18, 2024.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented to the Board an application for
consideration for a vacancy on the Animal Services Advisory Committee. Solomon advised
the Board that there is one vacant position available for a citizen at large to fill an unexpired
term to June 30, 2024. She advised that Deputy Sheriff K-9 Handler Kirsten Brame requests
appointment. Solomon requested the Board to nominate for appointment, as deemed
appropriate.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Deputy
Sheriff Kirsten Brame to the Animal Services Advisory Committee to fill the vacancy for
the unexpired term to June 30, 2024.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that he recently attended Duke Energy’s open house, and
saw some people there who are in the audience tonight. He stated that Duke Energy did a
good job with being open and transparent about their plans for Person County. He stated
that Senator Ted Budd visited the Veterans Park and the Charters of Freedom. He stated
that it was a good event. He reported that Fishing University was here in Person County
doing a production that will be aired on television at some point. He reported that he
attended a coffee hour that was hosted by the PCC Education Foundation. He reported that
he attended the groundbreaking ceremony at PI, and it was well attended.
Powell made a statement to the members in attendance. He stated that he wanted to
let everyone know that the questions that were presented to the Board, in reference to
Dominion Energy and Moriah Energy Center, have been forwarded to Dominion Energy.
He stated that, hopefully, they would respond soon and provide much needed answers to the
public.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that she wanted to make everyone aware
that on the Consent Agenda the Commissioners did approve an amendment to their Rules
of Procedure and to their meeting schedule. She stated that the night meetings, effective
April 1, 2024, would begin at 6:00 p.m., so that we can have an earlier start time. She stated
that the Commissioners also set an ending time of 10:00 p.m. for the meetings, unless there
is a vote of the Board to continue past 10:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims expressed thanks to the Boy Scout Troop for leading the Pledge
of Allegiance and stated that they did a great job. He stated that in every meeting the Board
has heard about Dominion Energy and the comments that he has made. He stated that he is
not an engineer; he is an environmental health and safety manager. He stated that he cares
about the environment. He stated that the Dominion Energy Cary facility’s safety and
emergency procedures and protocols were all in check. He stated that he was happy from
what he saw, from a safety standpoint, when he toured the Cary facility.
Commissioner Palmer apologized for not attending the groundbreaking ceremony
for PI today. He stated that Charters of Freedom provided information on how one may
donate by doing a plaque or a paver for the memorial site across the street. He stated that he
has requested the County Public Information Officer (PIO) to put out information on the
County website and social media pertaining to dogs and confinement of animals.
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Commissioner Puryear reported that he attended the PI/Recycling Center
Groundbreaking Ceremony. He expressed thanks to the Boy Scouts in attendance for
leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Thomas reported that he attended and spoke at the PI/Recycling
Center Groundbreaking Ceremony. He gave thanks to PI Director Amanda Everett for her
hard work. He stated that he looks forward to the completed merger.
CLOSED SESSIONS
Chairman Powell advised that the Board would be handling closed sessions a little
bit differently moving forward. He advised that one motion would be obtained to go in to
all closed sessions to help expedite the process, and once the Board goes in to closed
session, they would remain there until all closed session have been completed.
Powell advised that closed sessions would include, County Manager Cathey, Clerk
Solomon, and County Attorney Morphis.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Sessions #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to establish, or to instruct the
public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on
behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract
or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or
lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment
contract or proposed employment contract with the following individuals permitted to
attend:, General Services Director Ray Foushee, and Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg,
followed by Closed Session #2 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 in
matters related to the lawsuit Clayton v. Person County.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Sessions to order at 8:02 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 8:24 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman