02-05-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCFebruary 5, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS February 5, 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, February 5, 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. Pastor Ben Francis, Troop Leader of
Trail Life Troop NC-0200 and Pastor of Theresa Baptist Church offered an invocation and
Trail Life Troop NC-0200 Navigators, Eli Francis, Dylan Kirby, Gary Robeson, and Colton
Shipley 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.
PUBLIC HEARING #1:
REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT APPLICATION RZ-03-23 IS A REQUEST BY
THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, CHRIS HICKS, TO AMEND THE
ZONING DESIGNATION FOR A ±1.11-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT THE US
501/THAXTON RD. INTERSECTION (TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. 72 48),
FROM R (RESIDENTIAL) TO B-1 (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL)
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-03-23, a request
by the Applicant and Property Owner, Chris Hicks, to amend the zoning designation for a
±1.11-acre site located at the US 501/Thaxton Rd. intersection (Tax Map and Parcel No.
72 48), from R (Residential) to B-1 (Highway Commercial).
Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for the
Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-03-23.
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There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the public hearing for Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-03-23, a
request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Chris Hicks, to amend the zoning
designation for a ±1.11-acre site located at the US 501/Thaxton Rd. intersection (Tax Map
and Parcel No. 72 48), from R (Residential) to B-1 (Highway Commercial).
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-03-23, a request by the Applicant
and Property Owner, Chris Hicks, to amend the zoning designation for a ±1.11-acre site
located at the US 501/Thaxton Rd. intersection (Tax Map and Parcel No. 72 48), from R
(Residential) to B-1 (Highway Commercial).
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT
APPLICATION RZ-03-23 IS A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND
PROPERTY OWNER, CHRIS HICKS, TO AMEND THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FOR A ±1.11-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT THE US
501/THAXTON RD. INTERSECTION (TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. 72 48),
FROM R (RESIDENTIAL) TO B-1 (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL)
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve
Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-03-23, a request by the Applicant and
Property Owner, Chris Hicks, to amend the zoning designation for a ±1.11-acre site
located at the US 501/Thaxton Rd. intersection (Tax Map and Parcel No. 72 48), from R
(Residential) to B-1 (Highway Commercial).
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PUBLIC HEARING #2:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PRIVATE ROADWAY SWALLOWTAIL
DRIVE TO BE ADDED TO THE DATABASE FOR E-911 DISPATCHING
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Swallowtail
Drive to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
GIS Director Sallie Vaughn presented. She stated that the GIS Department received
an address request for a third address along a private driveway. She stated that the ordinance
does require that once a third addressable structure is added along a private driveway, that
the driveway be named. She stated that the GIS Department appropriately advertised in the
newspaper and by placing a sign out at the area. She stated the GIS Department chose the
road name, and it was agreed upon by all who responded.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway
Swallowtail Drive to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF
PRIVATE ROADWAY SWALLOWTAIL DRIVE TO BE ADDED TO THE
DATABASE FOR E-911 DISPATCHING
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve Private
Roadway Swallowtail Drive to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Jimmie Whitfield of 699 Charlie Reade Road, Timberlake spoke on matters related
to the possible $7M purchase of the Carolina Pride Carwash Building to service PCC’s
southern campus. He stated that the property has a tax value of $1.8M. He stated that the
college owns plenty of land at its existing campus for future expansion. He stated that a few
years ago, money was spent wisely to set up Person Early College. He stated that expansion
was cost effective. He stated that if you go forward with this proposed new purchase, it
would likely be thousands of dollars in expenditures to retrofit the building for use, as well
as hundreds of thousands of dollars for maintenance and upkeep. He stated that this purchase
is a bad idea for Person County and money would be better suited spent on updating the
current PCC facility.
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Chris Weaver of 342 Satterfield Farm Road, Timberlake spoke in reference to a
project in Woodsdale that is being developed. He stated the public needs to know how all
of this came about, and who is spending whose money. He stated that we do not need
cronyism or nepotism in our county. He stated that we need to step out of the 19th century
and move forward with honesty and integrity.
Jim Senter of 41 Potluck Farm Road, Rougemont stated that he was at the December
4, 2023 meeting, he is a tax -paying resident of Person County, and that he was not paid to
be at the meeting. He read an excerpt from the Courier-Times, from his neighbor Vonda
Frantz, who wrote a letter to the editor.
Patrick Riley of 256 Hicks Yarboro Road, Roxboro spoke on matters related to
Dominion Energy’s Moriah Energy Center. He stated that the location of the site is far
enough away from his residence and his opinion is neither yay nor nay. He stated that all
the relevant facts should be considered allowing the decision making process to be honest
and fair. He stated facts obtained from the Encyclopedia Britannica in reference to liquefied
natural gas and the effects it may cause.
Katie Moore of 411 North Lamar Street, Roxboro stated that she attended the
December 4, 2023 meeting. She stated that she was not paid to be at the meeting, nor were
the people around her. She stated that the only people in the room paid to be there, was
Dominion Energy. She stated that she has spent over a decade working as a scientist and
researcher supporting communities that live next to oil and gas facilities, mostly in Texas
and Louisiana. She stated that she has seen communities destroyed by oil and gas. She had
concerns about the safety and the effect that a liquefied natural gas facility would have on
this community. She advised everyone to learn more about this topic and to reach out to
members of the Person County Community Action Network.
Jill Hoffman of 260 BC Way, Rougemont stated that she is less than a mile from the
proposed liquefied natural gas facility. She stated that she was at the December 4, 2023
meeting as a concerned citizen, and was not paid to be at the meeting. She stated that she
has concerns about the effects of the liquefied natural gas, to include, health and pollution.
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she has lived in
Person County for 31 years. She asked the Board to reverse the rezoning decision made on
December 4, 2023 of 480 acres from Rural Conservation to Industrial for the Moriah Energy
Center. She stated that if the rezoning reversal request is denied, the residents of this
community deserve to be informed of the details of construction of the Moriah Energy
Center, and need more consistent communication from Dominion Energy and the Board of
County Commissioners. She stated that the residents still have many unanswered questions;
therefore, the residents would like the Board of County Commissioners and representatives
from Dominion Energy to have a panel set up to answer one-on-one questions from
residents.
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Cutch Winstead of 82 Woodspryte Hollow Road, Timberlake stated that he has lived
at his current residence for 25 years, and has been a resident of Person County for 70 years.
He stated that he was at the December 4, 2023 meeting and was not paid to be there.
Jim Dykes of 548 Potluck Farm Road, Rougemont stated that he is a retired family
physician and now a farmer. He stated that he owns a farm 1,000 feet from the proposed
Moriah Energy Center. He stated that he was at the December 4, 2023 meeting, and spoke
in opposition to the rezoning. He stated he was not paid to be there.
PJ Gentry of 541 Byrd Creek Lane, Hurdle Mills stated the issue with Moriah Energy
Center was handled poorly, which is a concern to her. She stated another issue of concern
is the amount of closed sessions the Board goes in to. She stated that is reason for concern.
She discussed issues pertaining to PCBIC and the EDC.
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 December 21, 2023,
B.Approval of Minutes of December 26, 2023,
C.Approval of Minutes of January 2, 2024,
D.Approval of Minutes of January 16, 2024,
E.Resolution Approving Review Officers,
F.Written Order for SUP-05-23 - A request by the Applicant and Property Owner,
Brandon Patrick/Patrick Properties Management, LLC, for Special Use Permit
approval on a ±2.0-acre lot (Tax Map No. A3 158) located at the southwest corner
of the Semora Rd. and Skylark Dr. intersection to allow for open storage within a
B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district, per Section 155 of the Planning
Ordinance,
G.Budget Amendment # 17,
H.Report of Unpaid 2023 Taxes,
I.Advertisement of Unpaid 2023 Real Estate Taxes, and
J.Tax Adjustments for February 2024
a)Tax Releases
b)NC Vehicle Tax System Pending Refunds
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NEW BUSINESS:
FY24 ISO FIRE RATING REDUCTION BONUSES
Presented by Division Chief Shawn Bradsher. He stated that the Board of
Commissioners established a process to reward fire departments for their efforts to lower
the ISO fire rating for the county’s rural fire districts by awarding a recurring $7,500 from
the Fire Tax District Fund for each ISO fire rating point reduction achieved. He stated that
reduced ISO fire ratings demonstrated an improvement in how well the fire departments can
protect the community and result in savings to county residents on their homeowner’s
insurance. He stated that previously, the following volunteer fire departments in Person
County have lowered their ISO ratings and received bonuses: Allensville VFD, Hurdle Mills
VFD, Timberlake VFR and Semora VFD. He stated that the City of Roxboro Fire
Department has also lowered their ISO rating, which greatly benefits Person County
residents as they provide primary fire coverage to a significant section of County rural fire
district area. He stated that effective January 1, 2024; the following three fire departments
have lowered their ISO fire ratings:
Fire Department Current ISO
Rating
ISO Rating
Effective 1/1/24
Bonus
Ceffo VFD 9E 4/9E $37,500
Moriah VFD 9E 4/9E $37,500
Triple Springs VFD 9E 5/9E $30,000
He stated that the contract addenda will be executed and the bonuses will be added
to the departments’ FY24 Fire Tax District Fund allocation. He stated that the FY24 Fire
Tax District budget includes $266,253 in the unallocated line item. He stated that a budget
transfer will reduce the unallocated amount by $105,000 to award funding for ISO fire rating
reduction bonuses to the three departments identified above. He asked the Board to consider
approving the Contract addenda and award bonuses to the three fire departments.
Commissioner Sims stated that this is not easy work for the Fire Department to do,
it is a lot of hard work, and he commended them for their service and dedication. Chairman
Powell expressed thanks to the members of the VFD’s in attendance and thanked them for
all their hard work.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve Contract
Addenda and Award Bonuses.
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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF DUKE ENERGY
Chairman Powell read the Resolution in Support of Duke Energy.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve a
Resolution in Support of Duke Energy.
Chairman Powell presented the Resolution in Support of Duke Energy to Elizabeth
Townsend, a representative from Duke Energy. Townsend thanked the Board for the
Resolution and stated Duke Energy is very appreciative to Person County and looks forward
to the continued partnership.
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ADDITION OF BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION
Presented by Building Inspections Director Dale Tillman. He stated that the addition
of a one full-time Building Code Enforcement Officer position is proposed due to the
increasing volume of work and the projected growth in residential development within
Person County, including the City of Roxboro. He stated, in FY23, the Inspections
Department staff completed 10,657 inspections and permitted 205 new single- family
dwellings. He stated that this was an increase of 2,410 inspections and 97 single- family
dwellings from the year before.
The chart below shows the steady increase in workload over three fiscal years.
He stated, based on the ISO Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule report,
the State of North Carolina recommends that one inspector conduct no more than an average
of 15 inspections in one day and an estimated 2,333 inspections in a year. He stated that
based on these recommendations and projected inspections for FY24, the Person County
Inspections Department should have 5.5 full-time Code Enforcement Officer Positions. He
stated that we currently have 4.0 positions responsible for inspections, to include, one
Inspections Director, one Chief Code Enforcement Officer, and two Building Code
Enforcement Officers. He stated that approximately 40% of the Inspections Director’s time
is devoted to overseeing the operations of the department and 60% to work in the field. He
stated that the addition of another Code Enforcement Officer position would bring the total
number of inspector positions closer to the recommendation. He stated that proposed
projects have the potential to bring more than 1,700 new residential units to the City of
Roxboro. He stated that the estimated salary and benefits costs for the new position are
$21,294 for the remainder of FY24, and additional operating costs, which include supplies,
computer, furniture, vehicle, etc., total $60,700. He stated that a fund balance appropriation
would cover these costs.
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Tillman stated at the end of each fiscal year, the County reports Inspections revenues
and expenditures to the State, and the State expects expenditures to exceed revenues. He
stated, for the past two years, the Inspections Department has had a revenue surplus, and a
surplus is anticipated again this year. He stated the surplus for FY22 was $120,743, and it
was $35,543 for FY23. He stated the projected surplus for FY24 is $10,000. He stated that
since these surplus revenues have already been accounted for in the General Fund balance,
a fund balance appropriation would cover the cost of the new position in FY24, and reduce
the cumulative surplus at yearend. He stated that he is asking the Board to approve the
addition of one full-time Building Code Enforcement Officer position to be effective March
1, 2024, and a fund balance appropriation for $81,994.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
addition of one full time Building Code Enforcement Officer.
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST POLICY
Assistant County Manager Brian Hart presented. He stated that the Public Records
Request Policy provides the process by which Person County Government will receive,
review, and respond to public records requests. He stated that the purpose of the Public
Records Request Policy would aid in determining what is a public record, the protocol for
updates and responses from requesters, a general protocol for determining which
department(s) need to respond, and how the County Manager’s office, County Attorney,
and other relevant staff respond to public records requests. He stated that this policy became
a necessity due to the overwhelming responses for requests received over the past 18
months. He stated that over that the County has received 208 public records requests since
they began tracking them in May 2022. He stated that with this new policy, it would include
the implementation and use of a public record liaison system, where designated staff
member(s) would assist with responding to the requests. He stated that the policy stipulates
a timeframe for which to acknowledge requests within two business days and then provide
a full response within ten business days. He stated the policy adheres to NC General Statutes
to allow a special service charge to be implemented for certain items and situations. He
stated that the policy has been reviewed by the County Attorney and that he has received
input from other County Staff.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt Public
Records Request Policy.
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PURCHASE OF THE CAROLINA PRIDE CARWASH BUILDING
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that Piedmont Community College (PCC)
has made a request to the Board of Commissioners to purchase the Carolina Pride Carwash
Building, located at 225 Crown Blvd Timberlake. She stated that PCC would relocate
several of their programs to the proposed building, as they have outgrown the current space
at the PCC campus. She stated that the location of the proposed building is along the 501
corridor and it would provide easy access and visibility for perspective students. She stated
the purchase price for the building is $7M. She stated that PCC received a $5M allocation
from the State in this year’s budget, to be used for capital as well as equipment needs for an
Advanced Technology Center. She stated that the money PCC received would assist in the
purchase of the building and for up fits and equipment. She stated that the County would
contribute funds just over $5M towards the purchase price after PCC contribution. She
stated that she signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 19,
2024, following Board discussion on this topic in negotiating the purchase of the property.
She stated that based on that MOU, the County received a draft Purchase and Sale
Agreement from the property owner, and the agreement has been reviewed by the County
Attorney. She advised the Board they each have a hard copy before them for consideration.
She turned the presentation over to Dr. Pamela Senegal.
Piedmont Community College President Dr. Pamela Senegal presented the
following.
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Newconstructioncostswereestimatedfora40,000squarefootbuilding.
Dr.SenegalshearedthattheBoardofNursingdescribedfaculty,qualityofinstructionand
studentoutcomesastopnotch,buttheywerenotpleasedwithPCC’sfacilities.Current
healthprogramsarespreadoutacrossfivedifferentbuildingsandtherearenospaces
largeenoughforsimulationsandclassroominstruction.PCCisusingcommunitymeeting
roomsfornursinginstructionandpayingforsmalllabinstructionduetospace
constraints.
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PCC Board of Trustee Phillip Allen stated that he has been on the Board of Trustees
for the past 12 years. He stated that PCC has been around for almost 55 years. He stated that
in 1969, legislators introduced a local bill that created Person Technical Institute. He stated
a bond was past after much public lobbying in the 1970’s, to support and fund the building
and construction of PCC at its current campus. He stated that the current campus is about
45 years old, and has a lot of wear and tear. He stated that the current campus is tucked away
in a remote area and needs additional space to address our workforce development needs.
He stated that in the 1980’s 501 S was developed. He stated that once 501 S was constructed,
an airport and industrial center were built. He stated that the southern part of the county is
the ideal place for advancing PCC and increasing the county’s workforce development. He
asked the Board to please support this project.
Cathey advised the Board of provisions in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. She
stated that the stipulated closing date is August 31, 2024. She stated that date is the
timeframe identified to be able to work through the process of completing due diligence,
and to make sure all studies and analysis are completed, to ensure that this is the purchase
that the County wants to proceed with. She stated, in addition, the County will be going
through a process to finance the purchase through the issuance of debt and that requires
going before the Local Government Commission (LGC) for approval. She stated that the
County’s financial advisors have worked with the County to determine that this debt can
be included within the County’s debt model without an impact on the County tax rate, and
that there would be no need to raise taxes for this purchase. She stated that the earliest that
the County can go before the LGC for consideration of the County’s application would be
the LGC’s June meeting. She stated based on that, the earliest the County could close on the
purchase of the building would be July 10, 2024. She stated that the Purchase and Sales
Agreement requires a $100K deposit within three days of the agreement being finalized.
She stated that the deposit is held during the due diligence period which is defined as
through April 30, 2024. She stated during that timeframe the County would be conducting
the studies and completing the necessary paperwork needed in order to go to the LGC. She
stated the County anticipated everything would be completed by April 30, 2024. She stated
that one provision within the Purchase and Sales Agreement, beginning May 1, 2024, if
closing has not occurred, the County would be responsible for making lease payments to
the owner of the building, Dale Reynolds. She stated that the current tenant had been
responsible and would continue to make the lease payment through April 30, 2024. She
stated that if the County enters in to agreement for purchase, this is affecting the current
tenant from subletting the property to someone else, therefore ultimately making the County
responsible for the lease payments, which come out of the $100K deposit for the months of
May, June, July, and up to August if the closing date occurs after August 31, 2024. She
stated that if the Board approves the Purchase and Sales Agreement, a public hearing would
be held on the financing.
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Commissioner Sims stated that the Board has been talking about this for several
meetings now, in closed session. He stated that he would like for the Board to table making
any vote until the next meeting, as the public needs to have an opportunity to look at the
Purchase and Sales Agreement, and they need to be heard. He thanked Dr. Senegal for her
presentation. Commissioner Palmer and Puryear both expressed that the existing PCC
campus is old and in need of repairs and updates.
Dale Reynolds owner of the Carolina Pride Carwash Building stated that he wanted
to clarify since there has been some confusion, the $100K deposit would be applied towards
the purchase price if the LGC approves it, any time before August 31, 2024. He stated that
if it does not get approved through the LGC, that is when the County becomes responsible
for the lease payments, deducted from the $100K deposit.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Purchase and Sales Agreement with the partnership between Piedmont Community College
and Person County Government for the Carolina Pride Carwash Building.
UPDATE ON TRANSITION TO A CONSOLIDATED HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Presented by County Manager Katherine Cathey. She stated that at the direction of
the Board, she was asked to provide an update on the transition to moving the Department
of Social Services (DSS) and Veteran Services to the Consolidated Human Services
Agency. She stated the effective date is April 15, 2024. She stated that there were five steps
outlined in the resolution the Board approved on January 16, 2024. She stated that the DSS
Board would continue to meet as scheduled. She stated that she has met with DSS
supervisors for a question/answer session and for them to express any concerns they had in
reference to the consolidation. She stated that one suggestion that came out of the meeting
was an orientation to be held with the Board to include DSS management staff and others
who are interested in participating. She stated that this would be open to the public, and
prior to April 15, 2024. She stated that she has spoken with DSS Director Carlton Paylor
about scheduling two meetings, which would be with all DSS employees and HR to address
any questions or concerns that they may have. She stated that the Veteran Services Officer
(VSO) transitioned to full-time on January 26, 2024. She stated that that the County is
continuing to evaluate the space in the Human Services Building to accommodate both
Medicaid expansion and Veteran Services. She stated that the Board of Commissioners will
assume the role of the Consolidated Human Services Board effective April 15, 2024. She
stated that the Board would need to discuss when they would be meeting as a Consolidated
Human Services Board and adopt a schedule of meetings. She stated that the Board would
need to provide advice and consent for appointment of the Consolidated Human Services
Director. She stated the importance of keeping staffed informed, so the transition will go
smoothly.
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Chairman Powell stated that this is a good change, that it will now give the County
better oversight in DSS day-to-day operations. He suggested the County Manager identify
an outside agency to look into the DSS overall operations, a neutral party, apart from the
State to better assist the Board with how operations work within DSS. He asked the County
Manager to provide an update at the next Board meeting.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that it is good news that Duke Energy announced that
they are moving forward with the proposal to construct two plants rather than one plant in
Person County and he looks forward to that happening.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims expressed thanks to all that came out and gave presentations.
He stated that that during public comments, he thinks there are always accusations that are
made during those public comments, which are not always accurate. He stated that the Board
does not comment when people make those comments or accusations. He stated that people
classify all of the Country Commissioners as one, and they are individuals. He stated that
this bothers him. He stated that the Board has had several people speaking during public
comments about Dominion Energy and their gas facility. He stated that he toured the
Dominion Energy facility in Cary. He stated that he asked many safety questions and looked
at many of their safety protocols at that plant. He stated after asking questions and looking
over their safety protocols, he felt good about it.
Commissioner Palmer reported that he attended the Chamber of Commerce Banquet
at the Homestead, and it was well attended. He stated that the Charters of Freedom glass
would be installed on February 6, 2024. He stated that one individual has accused him many
times, that he made the comment that not everyone at the December 4, 2023 was from
Person County. He stated that he did not says this. He stated that his comment was, the
majority was not from Person County.
Commissioner Puryear had no report.
Commissioner Thomas expressed thanks to all in attendance. He expressed thanks
to all the volunteer fire departments for their hard work. He reported that the PI
groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 4, 2024 at 10 a.m.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session # 1 at 9:02 p.m. 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: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County
Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., General Services Director Ray Foushee, and Finance Director
Amy Wehrenberg.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 9:03 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 9:40 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #2 at 9:42 p.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, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session # 2 to order at 9:42 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 9:45 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION #3
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #3 at 9:48 p.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., and Economic Development
Director Brandy Lynch.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session # 3 to order at 9:48 p.m.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 10:18 p.m.
A, motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve a contract
with ECS for geo-tech work at the County’s North Park site.
CLOSED SESSION #4
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #4 at 10:25 p.m. per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of
discussion of matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses
in the county (economic development) and 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.,
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch, and Economic Development Chairman
Phillip Allen.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to add Sherry
Wilborn to the individuals permitted to attend Closed Session #4.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session # 4 to order at 10:32 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:06 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 12:07 a.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman