05-20-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCMay 20, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 20, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear G. Nicholas Herman, County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Jason Thomas
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, May 20, 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. Commissioner Thomas 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 Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mary Bennett of 86 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she has lived near two
beautiful streams in Rougemont for the past 34 years, and has walked to those streams
almost every day. She stated that when Dominion Energy came to her community and
talked to her, she showed them the map that indicated where the streams were located. She
stated that the Dominion site was in the headwaters of one of the streams, and she
expressed her concerns to Dominion at that time. She stated that Dominion assured her
that they would have erosion control measures in place to prevent downstream problems.
She stated that Dominion will be using 16M gallons of water to clean the tanks. She stated
that Dominion will be using their stormwater systems to release water on-site from all the
construction. She stated that the stream coming from that area has been contaminated and
looks terrible since Dominion began construction. She stated that the streams are usually
clear and beautiful. She stated that the this is a very serious problem.
John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing, Semora stated that a few meetings ago
Chairman Powell expressed his frustration and sorrow for not speaking up for decades
about County matters, which should have been addressed. He stated that he watched as the
Board rolled their eyes at the Chairman and did not acknowledge the good stipulations
that he put forward courageously.
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Seepe stated that at the last meeting, Alan Booker asked himself, “Why did he
thank the Board at a prior meeting that he had spoken at? Was it for failing to listen to
Person County residents, for not responding to their requests for information, and for not
being able to address the Board as individuals in an open meeting?” Seepe stated that this
occurred after the Board ignored three residents who came before the Board to petition for
some modifications which had safety and quality of life impacts on their families. He
stated that the residents asked for a small berm and a better hedge, which the Board failed
to discuss and proceeded to vote on a motion as written. He stated that the lack of concern
for these families was astounding. He stated that people take time out of their lives to
come to the meetings, just to be ignored. He asked the Board, “What kind of hope do you
think you give the community by such behavior? Where is their love and respect for the
County residents? Why are you here? Is it just to be a pawn of the powerful and
influential? To enjoy some side benefit through some LLC that you or a family member
owns and operates? How about a fellow Board member or prior Board member that you
hang with? Are you counting on the community’s apathy when you reassess their homes
in January, increasing their property taxes to a population that is over 18% under poverty?
He stated that Booker stated at the last meeting that the Board’s behavior clearly
demonstrates democracy at its worst. He stated that Larry Yarborough, a state
representative made this statement in writing “The Board’s ruling indicated that the Board
wanted this business entity to succeed and would not hinder this business entity with silly
regulations.” Seepe stated that this is astounding, and that Yarborough made a mockery by
calling them silly regulations. He directed a question to Vice Chairman Sims, “How about
when you are out there and begging for votes Mr. Sims, from the very voters that you have
ignored and trampled on?’ Vice Chairman Sims stated to Seepe “Do not make this
personal.” Seepe asked” When will you start putting the County and citizens before self?”
He stated that the Board has drifted away from any public service foundation and
abandoned any instruction as a child. Chairman Powell advised Seepe to please address
the entire Board. Seepe stated that if the Board does not like the tone and the spirit of the
community, that they have largely established it, and they are reaping that which they
have sown.
Jose Tierrablanca of 207 Broad Street, Roxboro stated that he comes before the
Board to speak on matters related to CPS at the local DSS. He stated that he and his wife
have been attacked by DSS. He stated that their two daughters were wrongfully removed
from their care due to improper reports and false allegations. He stated that he is a believer
in God and Jesus, and believes in the Bible. He stated that his psych evaluation that DSS is
determining his parenting skills on is that his belief in God is nothing but delusions and
hallucinations. He stated that he has a very troubled past, and some in this town are aware
of that. He stated that he has lived here for almost 25 years, and that he loves this County.
He stated that no one is doing anything to help him and his wife get their daughters back.
He stated that his family are believers in Christ and are being persecuted and are being
told that they are mentally unstable because of their beliefs. He stated he just wants help to
get their daughters back home.
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Liz Bradsher of 976 Estate Road, Semora stated that we are playing a shell game
with Project Log. She stated that the public questions are covered up by the use of the
game done by the County and the PCBIC. She stated that both entities are covering up for
individuals and the mistakes that have been made. She stated that Jay Poindexter, Donald
Long, Phillip Allen, and others have played this game in front of all of us. She stated that
the land has garbage piles on it. She stated that Poindexter stated when he spoke to Joseph
Dibiasi, that he cannot trespass this land. She stated that Poindexter is a member of the
PCBIC, and the land is still owned by the PCBIC. She stated that Ms. Wilborn, a
candidate for commissioner and sister-in-law to our Sheriff, refuses to speak about this
under the guise of economic development confidentiality. She stated that everyone knows
that there are no competing bids on this project, and there is nothing secret on this project,
and yet the word confidentiality is repetitively used. She stated that what it really means
is, public obstruction. She stated that shell games are easy to see. She referenced shell
games by the Biden Administration. She stated that she knows what a shell game is. She
stated the shell game being played here is documented with emails and information
obtained from the Department of Environmental Quality, Norfolk Southern Rail, The
Timmons Group, the State Department of Transportation, English Construction, and the
list goes on and on. She stated that she has all the emails. She stated that is all too
convenient that the only paper in Person County, The Courier=Times refuses to write
anything about this matter. She stated that it may be because the editor is covering up for
his friend. She stated that she was raised in the DC area and can see a cover up a mile
away. She stated that three of the Board members owe their seats to Wilborn’s brother-in-
law, as the dots are easy to connect. She stated that Project Log is imploding and the main
people involved are hiding information from the public. She asked the Board “What is the
Board’s intention to give taxpayer money to a nonprofit that has raised not a dime on their
own for over 20 years and has caused this blunder?’ She stated not a dime of public
money should go to this entity, Mr. Allen should be removed from the EDC, and the entire
EDC’s purpose and their work should be evaluated. She stated that Benjamin Franklin
once said “Virtue and honesty is expected from our leaders.”
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that sediment is the
greatest water pollutant by volume in NC. She stated that sediment can quickly fill rivers,
lakes, and reservoirs destroying aquatic habitats, fish populations, and result in damage to
drinking utilities. She stated that Person County lies in the Neuse River basin, home to
threatened and endangered species. She stated that Deep Creek, which is less than two
miles from the Moriah Energy Center, home to the federally threatened Atlantic Pigtoe
Mussel, Neuse River Waterdog, the Green Floater Mussel, and the Carolina Madtom
Catfish. She stated that as of today, Dominion Energy has violated erosion standards set
by the state of NC, as well as violating the Clean Water Act. She stated that turbidity
standards are not allowed to exceed 50 NTU’s. She stated that over the past few weeks,
Mr. Clayton’s creek has reached as high as 750 NTU’s. She stated that her creek has
reached as high as 220 NTU’s. She stated that only pre-construction is going on at the site.
She implored the Board to stop this.
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Elissa Huffstetler of 104 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she was not paid
to be at the meeting. She stated that she is one of the originators of the No MEC. She
stated that she was pondering Memorial Day, and that her father was a fighter pilot during
WWII and the Korean War and fought for democracy. She stated that she and her father
fought a lot about politics, as they were not on the same side, but he always respected the
fact that she had an opinion. She stated that we would not be in this whole thing with the
LNG, and all the other meetings we have had, if the Board had respected the people’s
democracy. She stated that the Board’s constituents pay their salary, and pay taxes to a
county they love. She stated that the same people speak every week, and the Board has
disregarded what has been said. She stated that at the Chamber breakfast, Chairman
Powell told her that the Board does not have to listen to constituents, that they listen to
experts. She stated that the people have become experts.
Rhonda Currier of 106 Shannon Court, Timberlake stated that she is here in
opposition to the Moriah Energy Center. She stated that the people continue to share
valuable information about the negative impacts that the LNG facility will have on
residents and the environment. She stated that the residents feel like they are not being
heard. She stated that there should be no sacrificial lambs as a result of this project. She
stated that everyone who lives and breathes in this community should be heard, and
considered important. She stated that this was not a minor decision the Board made to
rezone and allow this LNG monstrosity into the community, yet the Board made the
decision without regard to the facts that have been and continue to be presented. She asked
the Board to reverse the rezoning decision. She stated that religious or not, God is
watching.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Budget Amendment #23, and
B. Written Order for SUP-03-24 – A request by the Applicant and Property
Owner, Jay Poindexter, Poindexter Property Management, LLC, for Special
Use Permit approval on an ±14.39-acre lot (Tax Map No. A3 161), located at
9958 Semora Rd., to allow the Poindexter Event Center in an R (Residential)
zoning district; per Section 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
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NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY LINE SURVEYING
GIS Director Sallie Vaughan presented the following.
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Copy of letter from Caswell County in 1998.
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Copy of letter from Person County in 2001.
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Plat of Survey from 2003
Survey was completed in 2003. Plat was generated, but not adopted by either local
government.
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Plat of Survey from 2003
Three County line markers were placed
Caswell/Person/Virginia Corner
Leasburg Rd
Caswell/Person/Orange County Corner
NCGS will re-survey those markers using current technology to produce the plat of
survey.
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What is changing?
Change is very slight and mostly impacts uninhabited areas (farmland, forest, etc.)
Shifts the boundary west ranging from less than a foot, several feet as pictured to the
right, and up to 70 ft. in some places
Help resolve some long-standing issues with 911 dispatching and taxation
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What is changing?
This area has roughly a 70-ft. difference between surveyed boundary lines.
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Next Steps
Approve the Resolution Authorizing County Line Surveying
Authorize the NC Geodetic Survey (NCGS) to complete any necessary
research and perform survey work
Appoint Russell Jones as the Special Commissioner on Boundaries
NCGS will create and submit a plat of survey for ratification by the Board.
Survey will become conclusive after ratification or within one year of submission.
Vice Chairman Sims asked who requested this to be done and would there be any
cost to Person County. Vaughan stated that NCGS initiated the request. She stated the only
cost would be for advertisement if the Board chooses to have a public hearing, which is not
required.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve a resolution
authorizing county line surveying.
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AIRPORT REHABILITATION PROJECT CONTRACT
Presented by County Manager Katherine Cathey. She stated that there is a project
planned for airport rehabilitation, which is for resurfacing of the runway as well as the
connecting taxiways and apron pavements at Raleigh Regional at Person County Airport.
She stated that NCDOT has awarded additional funds, which will cover the entire project,
as far as their 90%, as this is a 90/10 grant, pending approval of receipt of additional grant
funds in the amount of $4.1M (includes local match of $410K), funding for the county match
will be budgeted and is available in the Airport Construction Fund. She stated that the
project was bid, and Fred Smith Company of Raleigh provided a bid in the amount of
$10.42M. She stated that she is asking the Board to recognize additional grant funds in the
amount of $4.1M, award contract to Fred Smith Company, and authorize the County
Manager to execute the contract.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to recognize
additional grant funds in the amount of $4.1M, award contract to Fred Smith Company, and
authorize the County Manager to execute the contract.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET PRESENTATION
Presented by County Manager Katherine Cathey. North Carolina General Statutes
require that on or before June 1 of each year, managers present their recommended budget
for the next fiscal year to the Board of Commissioners. County Manager Katherine Cathey
provided an overview of the FY 2024-2025 budget through the following presentation. She
presented the Board with copies of the budget documentation for commissioners’ review.
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Manager Cathey advised the Board that the public hearing will be on June 3, 2024
at 6:00 p.m. She stated that the Board could schedule two budget work sessions, June 5,
2024 and June 10, 2024, followed by adoption of the budget on June 17, 2024.
It was the consensus of the Board to hold a budget work session on June 5, 2024 at
9:00 a.m. and a second budget work session on June 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., if needed
Chairman Powell thanked Manager Cathey for her presentation, and recognized that
a lot of hard work was put in to the budget recommendation. He expressed that he is not in
favor of a tax increase.
Vice Chairman Sims stated that a work session is needed and that he is not in favor
of a tax increase.
No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS UPDATE
Human Resources Director Sonya Carver presented the following.
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Carver stated that the recommended changes are included in the FY25 Manager’s
Recommended Budget, and a Personnel Policy Amendment that incorporates the approved
changes will be presented in June following adoption of the FY25 Budget.
Vice Chairman Sims stated that employee benefits are very important for retaining
and recruiting. He stated that he thinks the County does need to look at enhancing those
benefits as we go forward. He thanked Carver for the presentation.
No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that he attended PCC’s graduation ceremony on May 17,
2024. He stated that he also attended the 25th Anniversary Celebration at Canterbury House
on May 17, 2024.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims stated that he would like for the Assistant Count Manager to
look in to the DSS complaint mentioned today and report findings back to the Board. He
stated that in reference to comments made referencing Dominion Energy and stormwater,
that we have had a lot of rain last week, which is hard to control, and he wants to make sure
they are following regulations. He stated that he is not part of any cover up whatsoever, and
those type of accusations are thrown out, it seems like, at every meeting. He stated that he
is the only one on the Board running for office, and he thinks that the Board needs to review
public comment rules. He stated that the Board has rules in place, and people are not
supposed to be personal, and that the rules need to be followed and enforced. He stated that
he respects the Chairman and his position, but when you have someone that is going to get
up and personally attack you, he will speak up. He stated that he attended the Person High
JROTC program on May 18, 2024. He stated that there were about 20 cadets there, and it
was an honor to attend. He stated that he presented an award at that event for Outstanding
Cadet. He expressed thanks to all for their comments.
Commissioner Palmer stated that over the past several weeks, he has had numerous
county citizen complaints on DSS. He stated that he provided the County Manager with two
booklets full of complaints. He stated that he hopes that the issues get resolved with that
department.
Commissioner Puryear and Commissioner Thomas both had no report
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to enter in to closed
sessions at 10:38 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the
purpose to discuss personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County
Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney Nicholas
Herman, and Deputy Sheriff Charlie Oakley.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion to enter into 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 with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, Economic Development Director Brandy
Lynch, and County Attorney Nicholas Herman.
CLOSED SESSION #3
A motion to enter into Closed Session #3 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, Economic Development Director Brandy
Lynch, and County Attorney Nicholas Herman.
Chairman Powell called the closed sessions to order at 10:41 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:08 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to extend the option
through September 4, 2024 for the Mega Park.
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 12:09 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman