03-18-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCMarch 18, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 18, 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 18, 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 Sims 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.
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING #1:
SUP-06-23 – A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER,
CONNER PERKINS, OF ±5.8-ACRES (SUJECT PROPERTY), LOCATED AT
1351 JIM THORPE HIGHWAY WITH TAX MAP NO. 68 135 AND PARCEL
IDENTIFICATION NO. 0917-00-54-6083.000, TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE
PERMIT SUP-06-23 FOR A CAMPER/RECREATIONAL PARK IN AN R
(RESIDENTIAL) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PERKINS RECREATIONAL
VEHICLE (RV) PARK, PER SECTION 155 OF THE PERSON COUNTY
PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-06-23 – A request by the Applicant and
Property Owner, Conner Perkins, of ±5.8-acres (Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim
Thorpe Highway with Tax Map No. 68 135 and Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-
6083.000, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-06-23 for a camper/recreational park in an
R (Residential) zoning district for the Perkins Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section
155 of the Person County Planning Ordinance.
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Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to
the following individuals who offered testimony during the quasi-judicial hearing:
Chris Bowley, Conner Perkins, and Charles Sams.
Chairman Powell asked the members of the Board if there was any conflict of
interest related to this request by the Applicant, Conner Perkins. All Board members agreed
to no conflict of interest.
Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for
SUP-06-23 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Conner Perkins, of ±5.8-
acres (Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim Thorpe Highway with Tax Map No. 68 135
and Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-6083.000, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-
06-23 for a camper/recreational park in an R (Residential) zoning district for the Perkins
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section 155 of the Person County Planning
Ordinance.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit A: General Map and stated that the map shows the
proximity of the property.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit B: Aerial Photo showing that the land is vacant and
consistent with adjacent land uses.
Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit C: Future Land Use Map showing the growth area and
future land use designation in all directions.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit D: Zoning Map and advised it is in the Residential Zoning
District.
Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit E: Site Plan and advised it is required and was followed
using Section 81 and Section 155-2 of the Planning Ordinance.
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Commissioner Sims asked the maximum number of RV’s that could be placed on
the property. Mr. Bowley advised that three RV’s is the maximum number allowed per the
Environmental Health Section.
Chairman Powell asked about additional permits. Mr. Bowley advised that other
permits would potentially be required, such as a driveway permit if the applicant chooses to
add a driveway easement from US Highway 501. Mr. Bowley advised that the applicant
would need permits through the Inspections Department to get any building permits for
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.
Commissioner Palmer asked about the septic system and wanted to know if it would
be a gravity line. Mr. Bowley replied that it would be contained on-site for on-site septic.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in favor of the
quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-06-23 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner,
Conner Perkins, of ±5.8-acres (Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim Thorpe Highway
with Tax Map No. 68 135 and Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-6083.000, to approve
Special Use Permit SUP-06-23 for a camper/recreational park in an R (Residential) zoning
district for the Perkins Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section 155 of the Person
County Planning Ordinance.
Charles Sams of 525 Mill Hill Road, Roxboro testified that he is an adjoining land
owner to the property, and that he has no problem with the RV Park as long as it is done
according to the application, that he cannot see it from his property and that it will contain
a fence to distinguish the property line.
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Conner Perkins, the applicant testified that he accepts the conditions as proposed
and is in agreement with the findings of fact as presented by Mr. Bowley. He addressed
the comment made by Mr. Sams, in reference to the fence, and advised that he intended to
have mostly vegetation to include cypresses to be used as screening and would evaluate if
a fence is needed. He also indicated that he would post no trespassing signs.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition of the
quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-06-23 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner,
Conner Perkins, of ±5.8-acres (Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim Thorpe Highway
with Tax Map No. 68 135 and Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-6083.000, to approve
Special Use Permit SUP-06-23 for a camper/recreational park in an R (Residential) zoning
district for the Perkins Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section 155 of the Person
County Planning Ordinance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-06-23 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Conner
Perkins, of ±5.8-acres (Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim Thorpe Highway with Tax
Map No. 68 135 and Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-6083.000, to approve Special
Use Permit SUP-06-23 for a camper/recreational park in an R (Residential) zoning district
for the Perkins Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section 155 of the Person County
Planning Ordinance.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SUP-06-23 – A REQUEST BY THE
APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, CONNER PERKINS, OF ±5.8-ACRES
(SUJECT PROPERTY), LOCATED AT 1351 JIM THORPE HIGHWAY WITH
TAX MAP NO. 68 135 AND PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NO. 0917-00-54-
6083.000, TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SUP-06-23 FOR A
CAMPER/RECREATIONAL PARK IN AN R (RESIDENTIAL) ZONING
DISTRICT FOR THE PERKINS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARK, PER
SECTION 155 OF THE PERSON COUNTY PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve SUP-06-
23 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Conner Perkins, of ±5.8-acres
(Subject Property), located at 1351 Jim Thorpe Highway with Tax Map No. 68 135 and
Parcel Identification No. 0917-00-54-6083.000, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-06-23
for a camper/recreational park in an R (Residential) zoning district for the Perkins
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park, per Section 155 of the Person County Planning
Ordinance.
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QUASI-JUDICAL HEARING #2:
SUP-01-24 – A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER,
MATTHEW BRANDON, BRANDON’S WRECKER SERVICE, INC., FOR A
SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL ON A ±25.6-ACRE LOT (TAX MAP NO. A58
192), LOCATED AT 5022 BOSTON RD. TO ALLOW FOR A SALVAGE
OPERATION/JUNKYARD-COMMERCIAL USE IN AN RC (RURAL
CONSERVATION) ZONING DISTRICT, PER SECTION 155 OF THE PLANNING
ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-01-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property
Owner, Matthew Brandon, Brandon’s Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit
approval on a ±25.6-acre lot (Tax Map No. A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow
for a salvage operation/junkyard commercial use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning
district, per Section 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to
the following individuals who offered testimony during the public hearing:
Chris Bowley, Howard Brandon, Timothy McElroy, Teresa Parkman, and Travis
Wilson.
Chairman Powell asked the members of the Board if there was any conflict of
interest related to this request by the Applicant, Matthew Brandon. All Board members
agreed to no conflict of interest.
Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for
SUP-01-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Matthew Brandon, Brandon’s
Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit approval on a ±25.6-acre lot (Tax Map No.
A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow for a salvage operation/junkyard commercial
use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district, per Section 155 of the Planning
Ordinance.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit A: Aerial Photo and advised that in the northeast corner is
where the salvage operation is currently. He stated that you can also see that there is a house
on the property, and soon to be a commercial building on the property as well.
Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit B: Future Land Use Map indicating the future land use
designation.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit C; Zoning Map and advised it is RC-Rural Conservation to
the north and R-Residential to the south.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit D: Site Plan and advised that in the northeast corner, it will
be fenced and screened in. He stated that all the salvage material will be at this location, and
the applicant will be acquiring a 50- foot access easement across the Puryear property to the
east, out to Jim Thorpe Highway. He stated that an alternate would be to come in off of
Gospel Lane, which is an existing public right of way.
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Commissioner Palmer asked about who would follow up on this if approved, for oil
spills/leaks. Mr. Bowley advised that the Planning Department has two contacts at DEQ in
Raleigh. He stated that they both have helped with similar properties in Person County.
Commissioner Sims asked how long has the operation been in business. Mr. Bowley
advised, unknown, that this came about from a code enforcement complaint. Commissioner
Sims asked about the type of fencing and screening required. Mr. Bowley advised to comply
with Person County’s Junkyard Ordinance, the fence has to be 100% opaque. He stated that
from his understanding, the fence is supposed to be a chain link fence with black screening.
Commissioner Sims asked if the applicant would be expanding, to which Mr. Bowley
replied no, they would not be expanding.
Chairman Powell asked if the property includes the house. Mr. Bowley stated a
house is on the property, and that is where the applicant lives, and the entire property is 25.6
acres, the area for the salvage yard will encompass about an acre. Mr. Bowley advised that
the applicant has built a pond on the property for on-site stormwater management adjacent
to where the salvage yard is proposed. He stated that there is an existing path across the
Kevin Puryear property from Jim Thorpe into this property, and that is where they are
recording the easement for access, to come and go, rather than go through Gospel Lane.
Chairman Powell asked if the area has public access or is it for private use. Mr. Bowley
stated that it would be for private use coming in off of the easement. He stated that one of
the conditions of approval would be for the applicant to get the easement recorded with the
Register of Deeds, so it would be a recorded instrument for ingress/egress.
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The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in favor of the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-01-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Matthew
Brandon, Brandon’s Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit approval on a ±25.6-acre
lot (Tax Map No. A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow for a salvage
operation/junkyard commercial use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district, per
Section 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Howard Brandon, the applicant’s father and representative, testified that they would
do whatever is needed and required to make people happy. He stated that they would put up
a fence with a black top around it. He stated that they have permission from Kevin Puryear
to use the right of way, to go in and out. He stated that they have gotten that surveyed. He
stated that the towing business is operational 24-hours a day and that the employees of the
salvage/junkyard operation usually end the workday at 5:00 p.m. with some occasional
overtime.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of the
quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-01-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner,
Matthew Brandon, Brandon’s Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit approval on a
±25.6-acre lot (Tax Map No. A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow for a salvage
operation/junkyard commercial use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district, per
Section 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Timothy McElroy of 5215 Boston Road, Roxboro testified that he lives across the
road from the applicant, Matthew Brandon, and Brandon’s Wrecker Service. He stated that
he is opposed to the salvage yard operation due to noise at all hours of the day and night,
with the tow trucks and flat beds coming through and the jake braking occurring. He stated
he also is opposed due to the possibility of oil and anti-freeze spills and leaks getting into
the groundwater.
Teresa Parkman of 5215 Boston Road, Roxboro testified that she lives across the
road from the junkyard. She stated that she is opposed to the salvage yard operation. She
stated that the property needs a fence surrounding it, so you can not see it from the road.
She stated that the property is on a hill, so even with the fence, you will be able to still see
all the junk. She stated that there are lots of traffic on the road, at all times, day and night,
from this operation and it is loud. She stated that with this junkyard brings the possibility of
environmental concerns as well as rodents. She stated that she also lives next to the RV
Park, that was approved a few years ago, and she was opposed to that as well. She stated
that she has been at her residence for twenty years and moved there because it was peaceful
and quiet.
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Travis Wilson of 5570 Boston Road, Roxboro testified that he has property on Jim
Thorpe Highway, Boston Road, and Gospel Lane. He stated that normally he is not opposed
to anybody doing anything they want to, as long as they pay the taxes and are not polluting
the air and water. He stated that he has received letters from the County demanding that he
clean up land on Gospel Lane or they would put a lien on his property, yet here we are
having a public hearing for a junkyard. He stated that if the salvage yard operation comes
in off of Gospel Lane, they would tear up the road with the big trucks. He stated that if this
is approved, he would like to see groundwater testing and soil testing to be completed
periodically. He stated that he does not care that the applicant has a place there or not, just
as long as it is contained.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to close the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-01-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Matthew
Brandon, Brandon’s Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit approval on a ±25.6-acre
lot (Tax Map No. A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow for a salvage
operation/junkyard commercial use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district, per
Section 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SUP-01-24 – A REQUEST BY THE
APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, MATTHEW BRANDON, BRANDON’S
WRECKER SERVICE, INC., FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL ON A
±25.6-ACRE LOT (TAX MAP NO. A58 192), LOCATED AT 5022 BOSTON RD. TO
ALLOW FOR A SALVAGE OPERATION/JUNKYARD-COMMERCIAL USE IN
AN RC (RURAL CONSERVATION) ZONING DISTRICT, PER SECTION 155 OF
THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
Chairman Powell had concerns about the checks and balances with the potential of
spillage and leakage from oil and so forth from the junked vehicles.
Commissioner Sims had concerns related from an environmental standpoint, on the
affect of oil leaking in to the ground. He stated that if approved by the Board, he would like
to make it a requirement for the ground to be checked periodically and to require stormwater
testing.
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised the Board that they could add
recommendations to the conditions of approval and see if the applicant is in agreement.
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It was the recommendation of the Board to add additional requirements to the
conditions of approval. The Board recommends the following to be added:
1) The tow yard-salvage operation shall include a minimum 10-ft. high
secured fence (not including the height of any security wire) that
completely screens the use from adjacent properties and keeps operations
entirely on the Subject Property.
2) The Applicant shall provide an environmental assessment annually to the
Person County Planning & Zoning Department by December 31st of each
calendar year that addresses soil and water conditions on the Brandon
Salvage Operation site. Should the assessment indicate environmental
concerns, the Applicant shall take proactive measures to remediate the
matter addressed in the report for Special Use Permit, SUP-01-24, to
remain in effect.
Mr. Brandon agreed to the conditions of approval as indicated with the addition of
the recommendations by the Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve SUP-01-
24 – A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Matthew Brandon, Brandon’s
Wrecker Service, Inc., for Special Use Permit approval on a ±25.6-acre lot (Tax Map No.
A58 192), located at 5022 Boston Rd., to allow for a salvage operation/junkyard commercial
use in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district, per Section 155 of the Planning
Ordinance with the following additional conditions of approval:
1) The tow yard-salvage operation shall include a minimum 10-ft. high
secured fence (not including the height of any security wire) that
completely screens the use from adjacent properties and keeps operations
entirely on the Subject Property.
2) The Applicant shall provide an environmental assessment annually to the
Person County Planning & Zoning Department by December 31st of each
calendar year that addresses soil and water conditions on the Brandon
Salvage Operation site. Should the assessment indicate environmental
concerns, the Applicant shall take proactive measures to remediate the
matter addressed in the report for Special Use Permit, SUP-01-24, to
remain in effect.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Katie Moore of 411 N. Lamar Street, Roxboro stated that she is a resident of Person
County. She asked the Board to consider reversing the rezoning of the Moriah Energy
Center (MEC). She asked the Board to call for an Environmental Impact Statement, which
has not happened, and will not be required of Dominion Energy. She stated that she got
emotional earlier, in relation to a hearing on the agenda, and meant no disrespect to anyone.
She stated she thought the hearing consisted of a thoughtful, and caring discussion of what
it is like to live next to an industrial facility, although smaller than the Dominion Energy
facility. She stated, what made her emotional was that the Board did not have that discussion
about Dominion Energy, and the fact that the Board wants to require ground and water
testing of this junkyard is wonderful; however, it does not make sense to do it for this small
operation when they would not even require it for a company much larger, and has a much
larger impact than this junkyard. She stated that everyone deserves to live in a safe and clean
environment that is peaceful.
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she has lived in
Person County for thirty-one years. She stated that she just sat there and listened to the
Board give more consideration to a one-acre salvage yard than they gave for a 50M gallon
bomb that is being placed 2,300 feet from her house. She stated that it is funny that when
people come to speak about Dominion Energy and No MEC, they are held to strict
regulations, yet today, she watched people address the Board back and forth, with no
mention from the Board, and if the people of No MEC did that, they would have been asked
to leave. She thanked Chairman Powell for providing the list of questions to Dominion
Energy that was submitted to the Board on November 6, and December 4, 2023. She asked
the Board to reverse the rezoning of the proposed MEC in southeastern Person County. She
stated that an Environmental Impact Study needs to be done on that site, along with a
Stormwater Runoff Policy.
Theresa Ahrens of 108 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that several of the Board
members commented that they visited Dominion Energy’s Cary plant, and felt confident
that what they do in Cary will work for Person County. She stated that the Cary facility is
an eleven-million-gallon facility, and the Person County facility would be five times that in
size. She compared a toddler to an adult, and stated that there is no comparison as an
example in relation to the size difference in the facilities mentioned. She stated that the
people of No MEC want answers. She stated that the Board has the power to fix this, and to
make Person County a fabulous place to live.
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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 20, 2024,
B. Approval of Minutes of March 4, 2024, and
C. Budget Amendment #19
NEW BUSINESS:
VAYA HEALTH UPDATE
Vaya Health Community Relations Regional Director Elliott Clark presented the
following after expressing gratitude to Chairman Powell, and Health Director Janet Clayton
for their service to Vaya Health’s Regional Board.
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Clark indicated there was an error in the below slide. He stated that it should read as 385,000,
instead of 835,000.
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Chairman Powell thanked Clark for his informational presentation and keeping the
Board informed. He stated that mental health issues typically are out of sight, out of mind
for most people, and that if you don’t experience it, you usually don’t pay a lot of attention
to it. He stated that he commends Vaya for deciding to go with the RHA facility on Weeks
Drive, as it is an asset to Person County and those in need of services.
Vice Chairman Sims expressed appreciation to Clark for what he is doing for Person
County. He stated that you hear of children and adults dying from opiates and fentanyl,
which is a very important issue. He stated that it is good to have a program locally that can
help with drug disorders and mental health issues.
REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION FOR 2024 LIMITED OBLIGATIONS BONDS
(LOB’s)
Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg presented the Board with the following
Reimbursement Resolution for 2024 Limited Obligations Bonds (LOB’s), which authorizes
the County to advance funds to pay for certain projects, not to exceed $21M, and reimburse
itself with the proceeds of tax-exempt LOB’s, to be executed and delivered later in the
calendar year.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the
Reimbursement Resolution for 2024 Limited Obligation Bonds.
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OPTIONS FOR EVALUATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Presented by Assistant County Manager Brian Hart. He advised that the Board
requested options for consulting services to conduct an evaluation of the Department of
Social Services (DSS), and on March 4, 2024 the Board requested additional information
regarding the timeframes and costs for the proposed services. He stated that he received
revised proposals from both consultants, Allies4Outcomes and CCR Consulting. He
provided the following information:
Allies4Outcomes stated that they could increase the timeline from 6 months
to 8 months, which would result in an early April 2024 start date, and end in
late November 2024. He stated that the 8-month proposed cost is $115,200,
which is less than the $166,740 proposed cost for 6 months.
CCR Consulting stated that they could reduce the timeline from 12 months
to 9 months, which would result in an early April 2024 start date, and end in
mid-December 2024. He stated that the cost for 9 months would remain the
same as the original 12 months, approximately $86,400.
He stated that based on the proposals and information gathered, staff recommends
contracting with CCR Consulting.
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that she agrees with the recommendation
to contract with CCR Consulting. She advised that State and Federal reimbursements are
expected to cover approximately 45% of the 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.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to contract with CCR
Consulting for a period of 12 months for evaluation of DSS.
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OPTIONS FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT
Presented by General Services Director Ray Foushee. He stated that the Board
requested more information in order to evaluate options for fleet management. He stated
that he contacted six other fleet management companies, which were selected based on their
ranking with Sourcewell’s evaluation of proposals for fleet management services. He
provided the following information:
D&M Leasing, ranked #1 by Sourcewell, stated that their business model is not a
good fit for the County. They provided leasing only.
Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc, ranked #2 by Sourcewell, stated that they can
address and manage critical elements that are currently lacking in our fleet program
by providing the following: improved vehicle safety, optimized time to replace
vehicles, long-term planning, detailed maintenance plans with extensive feedback
and follow-up, completely upfitted vehicles upon delivery-road ready, to include
Sheriff’s cruisers, and significant purchasing power-vehicles will be readily
available.
Holman Fleet, ranked #3 by Sourcewell, acknowledged initial email but did not
respond to multiple attempts for follow-up questions.
Element Fleet Management, ranked #4 by Sourcewell, has no government clients in
NC, and government effort is relatively new.
Merchants Fleet, ranked #5 by Sourcewell, stated that their business model is not a
good fit for the County.
Sewell Fleet Management, ranked #6 by Sourcewell, has no government clients in
NC.
Mike Albert Fleet Solutions, ranked #7 by Sourcewell, stated that their business
model is not a good fit for the County.
He stated that other than Enterprise, the vendors do not have government clients in
NC, they predominately service larger entities, and offer leasing options, rather than
purchasing vehicles. He stated that a representative from one of the vendors advised that
Enterprise has a business model that fits smaller government markets. He advised that staff
has not identified any other companies that compete with Enterprise in this market. He stated
that staff recognizes many benefits of this proposed program with Enterprise. He stated that
Enterprise has a relationship with several other government clients, such as, Granville
County, Stanley County, Yadkin County, Surry County, Onlsow County, Hertford County,
Bertie County, Gates County, Lenoir County, Emerald Isle, Mount Olive, Hendersonville,
Norwood, Roanoke Rapids, and Rocky Mount. He stated that Enterprise’s fleet management
program offers the County the opportunity to purchase and replace vehicles earlier,
improving driver safety, gas mileage, employee morale, and reducing routine maintenance
expenses due to having a newer fleet. He stated that over a 10-year period, the program is
projected to save $1.3M and support more predicable fleet budgeting. He stated that staff
recommends partnering with Enterprise for fleet management services.
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Commissioner Palmer asked if approved, when would this process be implemented.
Foushee stated it would be this upcoming budget season, as there is no way to do anything
quicker than that. Cathey stated that if the Board decides to partner with Enterprise, that the
County would be working with Enterprise by providing a list of vehicles for replacement to
be ready for the next fiscal year, prior to July 1, 2024. Foushee stated that they would be
partnering with Enterprise and that there is no contract, so if the County decides that
Enterprise is not a good fit, they could separate from Enterprise at any time.
Chairman Powell stated that he has spoken to several clients of Enterprise and that
they were not impressed with Enterprise, and it is not saving them money as depicted. He
stated that he is in agreement that we all want to keep our people safe. He stated the need to
spend tax payer money conservatively. Commissioners Sims, Palmer, Puryear, and Thomas
all expressed interest in Enterprise and agree with staff recommendation to partner with
Enterprise Fleet Management.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-1 to move forward
with a partnership with Enterprise Fleet Management. Commissioners Sims, Palmer,
Puryear, and Thomas voted in favor of the motion. Chairman Powell voted in opposition to
the motion.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that he attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony, and it was an
honor and a privilege to attend. He reported that he attended the Veteran Services event at
Piedmont Community College (PCC), and that the event was well attended. He reported
that he attended the opening day ceremonies for Person County Little League (PCLL) on
March 16, 2024, and there was a huge crowd in attendance, and it was a pleasure to be there.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey reminded everyone that the next Board of
Commissioners meeting will be April 1, 2024, and would begin at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00
p.m. She stated that Elliot Clark shared in his presentation earlier tonight about Person
County’s FamFest. She stated that FamFest is a new program that the County is offering in
conjunction with other community partners. She stated that FamFest will be an event that is
oriented towards all members of our community, with lots of activities and resourceful
information. She stated that FamFest will be held at Huck Sansbury on April 13, 2024 from
10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
March 18, 2024
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims stated that it was brought up earlier about his concerns with the
environmental health and safety, and the completion of a stormwater evaluation on an
annual basis. He stated that he thinks the other larger companies, just like the company he
works for, would already be required to conduct routine stormwater testing. He stated with
it being a junkyard that he feels that the County should be doing environmental testing with
the land and the water.
Commissioner Palmer reported that he attended the opening day ceremonies for
PCLL and there was a huge crowd in attendance. He advised that the Charters of Freedom
information, in reference to the brick and paver donations, is located on the table at the end
of the hallway for those that may be interested in donating. He reported that the light on the
pole across the street at the Charters of Freedom display, will be furnished by Tommy
Lawrence.
Commissioner Puryear had no report.
Commissioner Thomas reported that there was an incident that occurred at the
Person County Sheriff’s Office involving two detention officers that were hospitalized after
coming into contact with a substance.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #1 at 11:37 a.m. per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the purpose to discuss
personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and
Register of Deeds Tonya Wilson.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 11:38 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:47 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to increase Register
of Deeds Tonya Wilson’s salary by 6% to $77,976 effective February 18, 2024.
March 18, 2024
36
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 11:48 a.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman