11-04-2024 Meeting Minutes BOCNovember 4, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 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 November 4, 2024 at 6:00 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. Chairman Powell 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 Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING NOVEMBER AS ADOPTION AWARENESS
MONTH:
Person County Department of Social Services Director Carlton Paylor read a
Proclamation Designating November as Adoption Awareness Month in Person County.
Chairman Powell presented the Proclamation to Paylor.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve a
Proclamation Designating November as Adoption Awareness Month.
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QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING:
SUP 04-24- A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, GARY
GARRETT, OF ±22.35- ACRES, LOCATED ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THOMAS
STORE ROAD AT TAX MAP #A95-26 AND A107-142, TO APPROVE SPECIAL
USE PERMIT SUP-04-24 IN AN RC (RURAL CONSERVATION) ZONING
DISTRICT FOR THE GARRETT RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK
EXPANSION, PER SECTIOS 60, 81, AND 155 OF THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-24 - A request by the Applicant and Property
Owner, Gary Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at
Tax Map #A95-26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC
(Rural Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion,
per Sections 60, 81, and 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 quasi-judicial hearing:
Katherine Cathey, Gary Garrett, Laura Harper, and Susan Marks.
Nicole Talley, Planner for Person County Planning and Zoning Department, was
administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony, as she may be asked to assist with the
presentation or to answer potential questions related to the hearing.
County Manager Katherine Cathey shared the following presentation for SUP-04-
24 - A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located
along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-26 and #A107-142, to approve
Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett
Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning
Ordinance.
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Ms. Cathey presented Exhibit A: General Map and stated that the map indicates two parcels
A95 26 and A107 142. She stated that Thomas Store Road runs between the two parcels.
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Ms. Cathey presented Exhibit B: Aerial Photo showing the existing RV Park, the Motorsport
Park, and the adjacent roads to the properties.
Ms. Cathey presented Exhibit C: Future Land Use Map which shows that both parcels and
all other adjacent parcels on the map are designated rural.
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Ms. Cathey presented Exhibit D: Zoning Map and indicated that both parcels and the
adjacent parcels are currently zoned as Rural Conservation (RC).
Ms. Cathey presented Exhibit E: Site Plan and stated that it depicts the plans to add an
additional four pads to the existing park and to expand across the road and add seven pads,
for a total of fifteen.
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There were no questions by the Board for Ms. Cathey.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in favor of during the
quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-24- A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary
Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-
26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural
Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per
Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Gary Garrett, the applicant, and property owner, testified that he would like to
expand the Garrett RV Park from the four current sites to a total of fifteen. He stated that he
would be adding eleven new sites. He stated that he receives numerous calls weekly from
people checking the availability. He stated that since he began operation of the Garrett RV
Park, he has had no issues or complaints from any neighbors. He stated that he keeps his
current sites clean and orderly. He stated that all his tenants are required to sign a set of rules
and guidelines, and if not followed, they are told to leave. He stated that he feels that the
expansion is needed in the area, and would increase County taxes, bring in other revenue,
and promote local businesses.
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The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of
during the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-24- A request by the Applicant and Property
Owner, Gary Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at
Tax Map #A95-26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC
(Rural Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion,
per Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Laura Harper of 4009 Pixley Pritchard Road, Timberlake testified that she resides
on Pixley Pritchard Road. She stated that she has a few concerns in reference to the RV
Park. She stated that the signs for this hearing were put out on Saturday, which did not allow
much time for people to get organized. She stated the biggest concern is that RVs are
supposed to be temporary living quarters. She stated that it has been almost a year since the
first pad of four went in, and she, nor her neighbors, have not seen one single RV move in
that time; therefore, it seems to be a permanent residence. She stated that according to the
code, it references that you cannot have RVs as a permanent residence. She stated that when
the RV Park initially opened, she thought that people would come on the weekends, and
then leave. She stated that despite what was presented, she worries about people driving
down the road seeing a bunch of RVs that are permanent. She stated that the properties have
one septic system, and had concerns about the septic being shared amongst eight homes,
and stated, that it is a lot of septic waste. She stated that the property has a pond on it, and
that is where the neighborhood kids go to fish, or used to go. She stated that obviously
Garrett purchased the property, and it is his right not to let that happen. She stated that this
is really not what she expected when she moved from Raleigh out to the country, so that she
could have property, and animals. She stated that she knew the racetrack was there, and that
was fine. She stated that over time it has gotten louder, as they have added an entertainment
section that nobody was told about. She stated and now, we are starting to add permanent
RVs, and she would like to have that looked at.
Susan Marks of 3921 Pixley Pritchard Road, Timberlake testified that she has lived
at her current address for the past thirty years and was blessed to get fifteen acres of land.
She stated that she moved to this location knowing that there was a drag strip. She stated to
this day, the noise and cars do not bother her, and that she enjoys it. She stated that she does
not go to the drag strip as much as many other people do. She stated that what has bothered
her recently is a music venue at the drag strip. She stated that it is so loud that she has called
the police, who advised that there is nothing they can do. She stated that you say, it does not
change the character or harmony of your land when you bring in temporary travel trailers,
and that if that happened across the street from you, would that impede on your harmony
and your peace. She stated that it is a good community, and a good farming area that she
wishes would stay that way.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to close the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-04-24 - A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary
Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-
26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural
Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per
Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
Chase Dew approached the Clerk to the Board to advise that she would like to
address the Board related to this hearing and did not know that she had to sign up to do this.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reopen the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-04-24- A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary
Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-
26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural
Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per
Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning Ordinance to allow an additional individual to
speak in opposition that was not signed up to speak at the beginning of the hearing.
Clerk to the Board, Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to
the following individual who offered testimony during the quasi-judicial hearing:
Chase Dew of 1335 Thomas Store Road, Timberlake testified that she and her
husband live right beside the original RV Park. She stated that the new part is planned to go
in front of her house in the big field. She stated that there have been several occasions where
the children who are living at the park, have been in her woods behind her house, and it
causes chaos with her dogs that are secure in the pin. She stated that she has a creek in the
back of her property and the kids have been out there playing. She stated that her husband
has told them plenty of times that he hunts back there, and it is not safe for them to be behind
the house. She stated that the RV Park is not something you want to see every time you look
out your window, that she wants to see the peaceful country, not permanent RVs.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the quasi-
judicial hearing for SUP-04-24- A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary
Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-
26 and #A107-142, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural
Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per
Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning Ordinance.
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Chairman Powell asked how does the County address the issue of permanent
dwellings in these parks throughout the County. County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised
that the Board needs to understand that there is a distinction or difference in the ordinance
between Camper/RV Parks and mobile homes or manufactured home parks. He stated that
if we were talking about mobile homes or manufactured homes, those are permanent
dwellings. He stated that it is a completely different regulation, and RV Parks are intended
to be a space for temporary housing.
Commissioner Palmer asked the applicant, and property owner, Gary Garrett if any
of his tenants work at any construction sites. Mr. Garrett advised that yes, currently three
out of the four, are working at construction sites in the area.
Vice-Chairman Sims asked Mr. Garrett, in reference to the septic waste, is it
designed to handle that many. Mr. Garrett stated that he already got approval for the septics
for all the sites, which is for the additional eleven. Vice-Chairman Sims asked County
Manager Katherine Cathey how soon are notices mailed out for this type of hearing. County
Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the public hearing was advertised in the Courier-
Times on the 24th and 31st of October. She stated that the mailings went out to the property
owners within the required limits that week as well. She stated that the ordinance requires
the property owner to pick up the signs. She stated that Mr. Garrett picked up the signs from
the Planning Department on October 25th. Mr. Garrett advised that he placed the signs out
on the same day he picked them up, which was October 25th. County Manager Katherine
Cathey stated that the provision of the ordinance states that the ad is required to be run in
the paper for two weeks prior, and that mailings go out that week, and the applicant signs
out the signs and places them on the road frontage. Vice-Chairman Sims stated that Mr.
Garrett referenced that 75% of his current tenants are construction workers, and he knows
this is temporary housing, yet it is hard to put a time limit on how long they can reside in
the RV park. He stated that it is a balancing act. He stated in reference to the music venue,
he would hope that it has been permitted. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that she
is unsure about the permitting status of the music venue. She stated that the noise ordinance
would apply, and there is a provision that applies specifically to the motor park. Vice-
Chairman Sims stated that he just wanted to make sure that everyone is compliant. County
Manager Katherine Cathey advised she would check on that.
Chairman Powell asked Mr. Garrett who does the day-to-day monitoring at the RV
park. Mr. Garrett replied that he does the daily monitoring. Chairman Powell asked Mr.
Garrett if there were a fence at the existing park, and were there any plans for a fence for
the expansion. Mr. Garrett stated that there is currently no fence, and no future plans for
one.
Vice-Chairman Sims advised Mr. Garrett, with the issue of children running into the
woods, that is a safety issue, and he may want to look into placing no trespassing signs up
on the property.
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Commissioner Puryear advised Mr. Garrett, to reinforce to current tenants, and
future tenants, to remain on his property, and for him to have dialogue with his surrounding
neighbors to ensure that they have his contact information if he is needed to be reached.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SUP 04-24- A REQUEST BY THE
APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, GARY GARRETT, OF ±22.35- ACRES,
LOCATED ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THOMAS STORE ROAD AT TAX MAP
#A95-26 AND A107-142, TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SUP-04-24 IN AN
RC (RURAL CONSERVATION) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE GARRETT
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK EXPANSION, PER SECTIOS 60, 81, AND 155
OF THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve SUP-04-
24- A request by the Applicant and Property Owner, Gary Garrett, of ±22.35-acres, located
along both sides of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map #A95-26 and #A107-142, to approve
Special Use Permit SUP-04-24 in an RC (Rural Conservation) zoning district for the Garrett
Recreational Vehicle Park Expansion, per Sections 60, 81, and 155 of the Planning
Ordinance.
PUBLIC HEARING:
ADOPTION OF THE 2025 SCHEDULE OF VALUES AND PRESENT-USE VALUE
SECTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Adoption of the 2025 Schedule of Values and Present-Use
Value Section.
Tax Administrator Russell Jones presented the following:
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Tax Map 134A 86, Roxboro Township, 5 Banbury Drive
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Tax Map A84 263, Allensville Township, 97 Izuba Day Drive
Tax Map A62 121, Flat River Township, 2495 Lucy Garrett Road
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Tax Map 102 44, Roxboro Township, 54 3rd Street
Tax Map 42 61, Roxboro Township, 1273 Pointer Street
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Tax Map 42 28, Roxboro Township, 1250 Pointer Street
Tax Map 102 121, Roxboro Township, 33 Judith Lee Lane
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Tax Map A1636, Olive Hill Township, Willifords Point Drive, vacant lot, .906
acres
Tax Map A3 136, Cunningham Township, 29 North Stillwood Lane, Talley Pointe
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Tax Map A13 98, Cunningham Township, 1160 Crystal Forest Drive, vacant lot,
Boat House, 1.97 acres
Tax Map A78 197, Holloway Township, 327 Shady Oak Road
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Tax Map a97 142, Mt. Tirzah Township, Peed Road, vacant lot, 5.28 acres
Tax Map A15 148, Cunningham Township, 57 Old NC Hwy, vacant lot, 7.20 acres
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Tax Map A104 21, Allensville Township, Polk Huff Road, vacant lot, 2.48 acres
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There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the public hearing for Adoption of the 2025 Schedule of Values and Present-
Use Value Section.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Adoption of the 2025 Schedule of Values and Present-Use Value Section.
Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Jones if a future Board in June approves a revenue
neutral tax rate, when would that tax rate take effect. Mr. Jones stated that the revenue
neutral rate is published so the citizens know what the rate would have been if the County
did not have an increase in revenues. He stated that the appeals are not based on the tax bill.
He stated that he will not know the tax bill during the appeals process. He stated that
normally the tax rate is not set until June 30th, and appeals are all but done by then. He stated
that if your property goes up less than average, and the County does adopt a revenue neutral
rate, your tax bill will probably go down. He stated that this does not change the County
Commissioners’ responsibility during the budget process. He stated that the tax rate set by
the Board in June will be based on the values that the County will send out in January.
Puryear asked County Manager Cathey if the board at their February budget work session,
would they have an answer of what the revenue neutral rate would be. Cathey stated that in
calculating that, you would have to wait until the majority of the appeals are completed, so
that the County would know what the tax base looks like, as that is a factor in calculating
the revenue. Jones stated that it is normally done as part of the final budget adoption.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY ADOPTION OF THE 2025 SCHEDULE
OF VALUES
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
Adoption of the 2025 Schedule of Values.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY ADOPTION OF THE 2025 PRESENT-
SCHEDULE OF VALUES, PRESENT-USE VALUES SECTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
Adoption of the 2025 Schedule of Values, Present-Use Values Section.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Lane, Rougemont stated that on Thanksgiving
Day she will have lived in Person County for 32 years. She stated that on November 6,
2023 she submitted 260 questions to the Board from the community members of Moriah
in reference to the Moriah Energy Center (MEC). She stated to this day, most of these
questions have gone unanswered. She stated that this evening marks one full year of her
coming to every meeting and speaking before this Board. She stated that she has been here
to inquire, to inform, sometimes she has spoken out of anger, and other times just out of
pure desperation. She stated that every time she spoke to the Board, it was to protect her
home and community. She stated that sadly her words have fallen on deaf ears. She stated
that she knows the Board is currently reveling in the Microsoft deal, as they should be.
She stated, have you Googled the environmental impact of a data center, and what that
would be like in Person County, and why haven’t we heard about how many jobs this deal
is going to create. She stated it is her time to say goodbye to this Board, as this is the last
time she will come to speak before this Board, as it will change come tomorrow. She
stated that she is sure that there will be other times that her friends will ask her to speak on
their behalf, and she will happily continue to be their voice. She stated that she will be
back at some point to inquire and to inform, and when she does return there will be new
faces sitting before her, and she hopes that those new faces will be open to listening to and
representing the citizens of Person County. She advised the Board that you reap what you
sow, and so far, she has only seen this Board reap poison.
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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 October 21, 2024,
B. Budget Amendment #9,
C. Amended Health Department Fee Schedule, and
D. Consideration of Approval of Late Tax Exemption Applications
NEW BUSINESS:
PERSON COUNTY/CITY OF ROXBORO CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN
(COOP)
Emergency Services Director Thomas Schwalenberg presented the following and
stated that the COOP is required by the Federal and State Government; however, the Board
is not required to formally adopt the COOP.
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Chairman Powell asked Schwalenberg if he has met with the City of Roxboro.
Schwalenberg stated that he has met with City management, not City Council, as he
wanted to present this to the Board of Commissioners first. County Manager Katherine
Cathey stated that she realized while Schwalenberg was presenting, that she did not email
the 300- page PDF version of the plan to the Board. She stated that was an oversight on
her part, as Schwalenberg sent it to her a few weeks ago. She stated that she will email it
to the Board for review. Commissioner Puryear stated that he thinks it would be prudent to
at least give the Board a chance to look through the plan and to bring it back before the
Board at the next meeting. Vice-Chairman Sims asked if there is a cost associated with
this plan. Cathey advised that there is no cost, that the plan outlines how the City/County
will respond in those type of situations, and it identifies who is responsible for what, and
how we would implement our plans in an emergency. Schwalenberg stated that the
equipment list allows him to go to the State and request equipment that is needed in the
case of an emergency.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to table this item
until November 18, 2024 to allow the Board time to review the COOP.
ADDITION OF BOARD-APPOINTED COMMITTEES
Emergency Services Director Thomas Schwalenberg presented the following
information on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). He stated that the LEPC
is a federally mandated entity comprised of government officials, business representatives,
and members of the press. He stated that the role of the LEPC is to form a partnership with
local governments and industries as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials
preparedness. He stated that local governments are responsible for the integration of hazmat
planning and response within their jurisdiction. He stated that this includes ensuring the
local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents; incorporating planning for
hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes; assessing
capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid
and contractors; training responders; and exercising the plan. He stated in the wake of the
Bhopal disaster in India in the 1980's Congress passed the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Title III of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), in 1986. He stated that EPCRA establishes
requirements for businesses and for federal, state, and local governments regarding
emergency planning and community right-to-know (CRTK) reporting for hazardous
chemicals. He stated that the CRTK provision in EPCRA helped increase awareness about
the presence of chemicals in their communities and releases of these chemicals into the
environment. He stated as a result, communities, working with industry, are better able to
protect public health and the environment. He stated that the membership comes from the
local area and should be familiar with factors that affect safety, the environment, and the
economy of the community. He stated that expertise is essential as the LEPC advises the
writers of the local emergency management plan, so that the plan is tailored to the needs of
the planning district.
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Schwalenberg stated in addition to its formal duties, the LEPC can serve as a focal
point in the community for information and discussion about hazardous substance
emergency planning, and health and environmental risks. He stated currently the LEPC
functions as a stand-alone committee within the Office of Emergency Management. He
stated that in an ongoing analysis of OEM projects and responsibilities, a review of the
LEPC program was conducted and several areas of opportunity were found to strengthen
the program. He stated, additionally, in 2025, the North Carolina Office of Emergency
Management is going to be focusing more on LEPC involvement within their communities
to strengthen those relationships so communities are better prepared. He stated as part of
this analysis, staff has determined that it makes for good governance to elevate this
committee to a Board of Commissioners-appointed committee to give it the recognition it
deserves and to better assist the Board of Commissioners in making decisions on issues
regarding hazardous material planning, response and mitigation. He stated that the
composition of the membership of the LEPC is listed in Section 301(1.4) of SARA, Title
III. The LEPC Committee must be made up of one at least one individual from each of the
following categories:
State/Local Official
Law Enforcement
First Responder (Fire)
Emergency Management
Health
Broadcast/Communication Media
Print Media
Emergency Medical Services
Transportation
Local Environmental Group
Community Group
Facility Owners/Operators
Other/At Large Community Member
He stated that this is considered the minimum membership list but the local
jurisdiction can add additional members if they choose to do so. He stated that staff
recommends adding the following positions to the minimum membership list for the Person
County LEPC:
Roxboro-Person County Rescue Squad
Person Memorial Hospital
Person County Chief’s Association
Facility Owner/Operator (additional position)
Economic Development
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to establish the
Local Emergency Planning Committee as a Board-Appointed Committee effective
January 1, 2025
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Health Director Janet Clayton provided the following information on the Child
Fatality Local Team. She stated that since the early 90’s each county in NC has had two
teams, one being a Child Fatality Prevention Team (CFPT) and one being a Community
Child Protection Team (CCPT). She stated that in Person County, the CFPT is coordinated
by the Person County Health Department, and the CCPT is coordinated by the Person
County Department of Social Services. She stated that in 2023 a legislation passed doing
away with those two teams and combining them. She stated that per the legislation, the
local team membership will be appointed by the following entities and include the
following positions:
Board of County Commissioners will appoint 3 positions:
Local Law enforcement officer
An emergency medical services provider or firefighter
A parent of a child who died before reaching the child's eighteenth birthday
She stated that the remaining positions, not appointed by the Board of County
Commissioners are:
Director of the Department of Social Services or the Director of the Consolidated
Human Services Agency
Additional staff member of the Department of Social Services or the Consolidated
Human Services Agency (appointed by the agency director.)
Director of the Person County Health Department
Attorney from the district attorney's office (appointed by the district attorney.)
Executive director (or designee) of the local community action agency, as defined
by the Department of Health and Human Services
Superintendent (or designee) of each local school administrative unit located in the
county
A member of the Person County Board of Social Services (appointed by the chair
of the Board of Social Services)
Local mental health professional (appointed by the director of the area authority
established under Chapter 122C of the General Statutes)
The local guardian ad litem coordinator (or designee)
Local health care provider (appointed by the Person County Board of Health)
District court judge (appointed by the chief district court judge)
County medical examiner (appointed by the Chief Medical Examiner)
A representative of a local child care facility or Head Start program (appointed by
the director of Person County Department of Social Services)
There may be 5 additional invitees for a specific child fatality review by the Local
Team chair.
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Clayton stated that there are two options, the County could remain as a single local
team or they could join with other counties. She stated that staff recommendation is to
keep this as a single county review team.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to establish the
Child Fatality Local Team as a Board-Appointed Committee effective January 1, 2025.
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the following information on the
America 250 Committee. She stated that in 2026, the United States will be
commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
She stated that America 250 NC, a program of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural
Resources, is partnering with local governments and nonprofits throughout North Carolina
to mark this anniversary. She stated that many NC counties have formed official
committees dedicated to planning and organizing events, projects, and initiatives at the
county level. She stated that having a committee unlocks the opportunity for resources
from the State through the America 250 NC office, most notably a county grant program.
She stated that this $10,000 grant with no match requirement can be used for a variety of
project types, including planning, exhibits, events, public art, and other qualified expenses.
She stated that the State will provide the committee with an official logo signifying the
county’s alignment with the State in the 250th commemoration. She stated that the
committee does not have to be a county committee, it could be a committee that is
convened by the museum or by another entity within the County. She stated that State
recommends that the local committee include representatives from:
Museums & Historic Sites
Local Libraries & Archives
Tribal Representatives
Local History and Cultural Groups – DAR, SAR, etc.
Education – primary through college level where possible
Military Veterans/Veterans Organizations – VFW, DAV, etc.
Tourism – local attractions, lodging, & restaurants
Economic Development – Chamber of Commerce
Local Governing Body – Mayor, Commissioners, Planners, etc.
She stated that it is essential that the County 250 Committee has representatives
from local historic and cultural organizations. She stated that the first step to ensuring that
all stories are told is to be intentionally broad when forming a county committee by
gathering historians, but also find people with other skills, such as marketing, business,
community advocates, artists, local media, tourism, elected officials, influencers,
celebrities, and more. She stated in addition to the representatives identified above, the
board may want to consider adding two to four at-large seats.
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Cathey stated that she has reached out to Carrie Currie at the Museum and to Julie
Maybee at the TDA. She stated that they are both interested in participating on the
committee but are not quite sure if they would have the capacity to take the lead on a
committee, and that would also require their board approval. She stated from County staff,
the Library Director and the Public Information Officer both have expressed interest in
serving on the committee.
Commissioner Puryear stated that Cathey may want to reach out to the Veterans to
see if they have any interest in this committee and to take the lead. He suggested that
Cathey reach out to other organizations as well before making a decision on this
committee.
It was the consensus of the Board to explore organizations that may be interested
in taking the lead on this committee.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Powell stated that he is looking forward to tomorrow’s election, and
thinks that over 50% of Person County voters have voted already during early voting. He
encouraged voters to vote with integrity, and vote for someone that would be honest. He
stated that he has seen several green lights in windows, including the one here in this
building, and around town in support of our veterans. He stated that there have been several
veterans’ events in the County, to include the parade, and the Veterans Ball. He stated that
the Veterans Ball was well-attended and very impressive. He stated that the veterans do a
tremendous job in Person County, and he fully supports them. He stated that he attended
the Person Industries banquet, which was a good event for a deserving set of people in
Person County, especially those that have handicaps and cannot do for themselves. He stated
that EMS held a fundraiser event that was done at the request of El Ranchero Mexican
Restaurant, and was well attended. He stated that he attended a Health Board meeting, and
the County employee fall festival.
He stated that Microsoft has purchased the Person County Mega Park. He stated that
this announcement is huge for Person County, and will go down in history of one of the
most important economic developments ever in Person County. He stated that this
announcement is a culmination of several years of work by Person County’s Economic
Development Department, and County Commissioners. He expressed thanks to Economic
Development Director Brandy Lynch for her leadership throughout this process, and stated
that she was the tip of the spear in the negotiations. He stated that he, along with others, was
under an NDA, and could not discuss the project or answer questions from his peers or the
public. He stated that Microsoft has not given the County any information regarding
possible jobs and has not provided a site plan for the Mega Park.
He stated that he has concerns related to PCBIC that were mentioned at the Board
of Commissioners meeting on July 15, 2024. He stated that he circulated a list of
organizational changes in EDC and PCBIC. He stated that the list was not shared with EDC
or PCBIC by PCBIC President Phillip Allen, to whom he provided a list.
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Powell stated that once he was made aware that the list was not shared, he emailed
the list to the members of the EDC and PCBIC. He stated that he is requesting PCBIC
President Phillip Allen to present to this Board at the next regular meeting, a status report
on pending changes in the organization, in particular, how it intends to operate in the future
as a nonprofit organization, which it is.
He stated that another concern is that County employees are an important asset, they
work hard to carry out the will of this Board on a daily basis, and deserve the best possible
benefits that we can provide. He stated that approximately one year ago, he requested that
the County seek input from employee benefit providers that would ensure employees had
the best possible coverage at the best possible cost to the County. He stated at that time a
review of the benefits package was conducted by staff and the decision was made to remain
with the current provider. He stated that the process was done inhouse with limited input
from Commissioners.
Powell stated that it was done by phone, not in a regular meeting. He stated that at
that time, he shared thoughts that the employees may not be getting the best benefit package
available, nor the County getting the best possible deal for its money. He stated that it is
imperative that this Board protects taxpayers’ money, at the same time, ensuring that our
employees get the best possible coverage at the best possible price. He stated that he has
been advised by some of the providers that there could be a significant savings to the County
and maintain the current coverage or better. He stated that he is requesting the County
Manager to arrange to have at least three providers make fifteen-minute presentations each
to the Board at the next Board meeting for consideration and possible recommendations of
a provider going forward.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that she wanted to remind everyone about
voting tomorrow, and encourage those that did not take advantage of early voting to go vote.
She stated that the polling locations are open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. She stated that
everyone should bring a valid photo ID and vote at their assigned precinct. She stated that
curbside voting is available for individuals who cannot enter the building.
She stated to follow-up on what Chairman Powell mentioned about the Benefits
Brokers, she advised that the County went through an RFP process last year, which is a
lengthier process, usually thirty days. She stated that as far as having a presentation from
three providers on November 18, 2024, that would not allow time to go through a process
to identify those in a structured way. She stated that she is interested in hearing more about
what the Board would be looking for. Chairman Powell stated that he would like information
to be gathered and presented to the Board by the providers, so that the Board can see if the
County is providing the best possible package, at the best price, for County employees.
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COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Sims and Commissioner Puryear had no report.
Commissioner Palmer stated that he attended the Employee Fall Festival, the
Retirement celebration for Chief Deputy Jonn Walker, and the Personality Festival. He
stated that he wanted to remind everyone that this Saturday at the Veterans Park at 11:00
a.m., there will be a Veterans recognition service.
Commissioner Thomas thanked all for coming out to Personality and stated that it
was a great turnout. He expressed thanks to the Veterans for all that they do for the
community.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 7:56 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman