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03-06-2023 Meeting Minutes BOC March 6, 2023 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 6, 2023 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager C. Derrick Sims Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board Kyle W. Puryear S. Ellis Hankins, County Attorney Charlie Palmer Jason Thomas The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in regular session on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 7:00pm 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. Vice Chairman Sims offered an invocation and Commissioner Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairman Powell stated the County Attorney would like to add a Closed Session to the Agenda for attorney-client privilege. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to add a Closed Session to the Agenda for attorney-client privilege and to approve the agenda as adjusted. PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT APPLICATION RZ-01-22, A REQUEST BY TIM GODWIN, TO REZONE A ±4.28-ACRE SITE (TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. A63 409) WITH ONE UNIFIED ZONING DESIGNATION LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 700-FT. SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF ANTIOCH CHURCH RD. AND DINK ASHLEY RD AND DIRECTLY SOUTH OF/ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16 DINK ASHLEY RD: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for a Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22, a request by Tim Godwin, to rezone a ±4.28-acre site (Tax Map and Parcel No. A63 409) with one unified zoning designation located approximately 700-ft. south-southwest of the intersection of Antioch Church Rd. and Dink Ashley Rd and directly south of/adjacent to the property located at 16 Dink Ashley Rd. Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for the Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22. March 6, 2023 2 March 6, 2023 3 March 6, 2023 4 March 6, 2023 5 March 6, 2023 6 Speaking in favor of the Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22, a request by Tim Godwin, to rezone a ±4.28-acre site (Tax Map and Parcel No. A63 409) with one unified zoning designation located approximately 700-ft. south-southwest of the intersection of Antioch Church Rd. and Dink Ashley Rd and directly south of/adjacent to the property located at 16 Dink Ashley Rd was the following individual: Mr. Tim Godwin of 229 Edgar Street, Roxboro, and the applicant of the Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22 stated he was available for questions. He noted his plans to build a home for his family on the parcel being discussed. There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition to the Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22, a request by Tim Godwin, to rezone a ±4.28-acre site (Tax Map and Parcel No. A63 409) with one unified zoning designation located approximately 700-ft. south-southwest of the intersection of Antioch Church Rd. and Dink Ashley Rd and directly south of/adjacent to the property located at 16 Dink Ashley Rd. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public hearing for a Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-01-22, a request by Tim Godwin, to rezone a ±4.28-acre site (Tax Map and Parcel No. A63 409) with one unified zoning designation located approximately 700-ft. south-southwest of the intersection of Antioch Church Rd. and Dink Ashley Rd and directly south of/adjacent to the property located at 16 Dink Ashley Rd. CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST BY TIM GODWIN, TO REZONE A ±4.28-ACRE SITE (TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. A63 409) WITH ONE UNIFIED ZONING DESIGNATION LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 700-FT. SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF ANTIOCH CHURCH RD. AND DINK ASHLEY RD AND DIRECTLY SOUTH OF/ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16 DINK ASHLEY RD: A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adopt Rezoning/Zoning Map Application RZ-01-22 and find that it is consistent with the adopted Person County & City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan; specifically, Guiding Principle 1.5 – to provide enhanced services for rural communities, Guiding Principle 2.6 – to provide an attractive and diverse housing stock to attract workers at all levels, and Guiding Principle 4.1 – to develop a coordinated approach to utility service extensions. March 6, 2023 7 PUBLIC HEARING: PETITION SUP-02-23, A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT, ADAM RICHARD OSBORNE, PROPERTY OWNER OF ±3.33-ACRES, LOCATED AT TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, AND A28, TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SUP-02-23 IN A B-2 (NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING) ZONING DISTRICT FOR A COMMERCIAL STORAGE FACILITY: A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for Petition SUP-02-23, a request by the Applicant, Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility. The public hearing set to hear a request by Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility required a quasi-judicial zoning decision whereby witnesses are to be sworn in and subject to cross examination, no ex parte communication and requires findings of fact. County Attorney Ellis Hankins said this was a different sort of procedure noting the first item was a legislative action and this one was not; he said this item was a special use permit hearing and it was a quasi-judicial process where the Board acts more like a court, more judicial than a legislative decision. He said this means the Board already has made a legislative decision that commercial storage units in this zoning district are appropriate if and only if the evidence in this public hearing shows that the four criteria that are listed in the Planning Ordinance are satisfied. Mr. Hankins said testimony will be under oath and the Board’s task is to consider the testimony and the other evidence and make those findings of facts and vote on the issuance of the permit. Chairman Powell administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following individuals who would offer testimony during the public hearing: Chris Bowley and Adam Richard Osborne Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for Petition SUP-02-23, a request by the Applicant, Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility. March 6, 2023 8 March 6, 2023 9 Mr. Bowley said this was at the intersection of Pixley Pritchard Road and Oxford Road on the south side of Oxford Road. Housing is considered very low density or very rural in nature, but nonetheless these demands for more urban uses would be similarly situated or properly located inside of a B-2 zoning district. These proposed storage units would serve the residential uses out there. He said as far as he knew this use was a low traffic generating land use noting the applicant could testify. Mr. Bowley said he did not believe there would be an office but they may with a few parking spaces. As illustrated on Exhibit A - General Map Pixley Pritchard Road is to the north; he pointed out the utility easement, which is bisecting the property for a gas line easement, which has existed for quite some time with lots of structures being built over the years. He asked the Board to note, especially on Exhibit A that outside of this application, there needs to be a recombination plat for this property that would remove the lot lines into a unified tract. At that time the applicant may vacate that portion of the internal roadways, which they have every right to do; he said the internal roadways shown here are public as platted originally. Mr. Bowley illustrated Exhibit B, an aerial photo noting the property has since been cleared some time ago. March 6, 2023 10 March 6, 2023 11 Mr. Bowley described Exhibit C to show the Future Land Use designation for the property as rural. Exhibit D shows the existing zoning map on both sides of the road, fairly symmetrical with good commercial depth. March 6, 2023 12 Exhibit E illustrated the current preliminary site plan included in the application, but subject to change obviously with a recombination for the lot and whether they petition to vacate the public rights of way, and whether they choose to add storm water, add access points and move the building, etc. March 6, 2023 13 March 6, 2023 14 Chairman Powell asked the Board if there were any questions of Mr. Bowley at this time to which there were none. Speaking in favor of Petition SUP-02-23, a request by the Applicant, Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility was the following: Mr. Adam Osborne of 2334 Peed Road, Rougemont said this was a fast developing area and stated this was a need for the future for the residents. Vice Chairman Sims asked Mr. Osborne how many storage units and sizes he was considering putting out there. Mr. Osborne stated initially there would be three buildings with 9,000 sq. ft. total with varying sizes, from 5 x 5.5 to 10 x 20. Vice Chairman Sims said there was some development not far from this parcel and that people would need somewhere to store extra stuff that will not go in their house or garage or whatever; Vice Chairman Sims stated it was a good idea and an opportunity for business. Vice Chairman Sims asked about fencing in the area to which Mr. Osborne said that was the plan. Chairman Powell asked if there was a requirement to fence the area to which Mr. Osborne said no. There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition to Petition SUP-02-23, a request by the Applicant, Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public hearing for Petition SUP-02-23, a request by the Applicant, Adam Richard Osborne, property owner of ±3.33-acres, located at Tax Map and Parcel No. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, and A28, to approve Special Use Permit SUP-02-23 in a B-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) zoning district for a commercial storage facility. March 6, 2023 15 CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST BY ADAM RICHARD OSBORNE, PROPERTY OWNER OF ±3.33-ACRES, LOCATED AT TAX MAP AND PARCEL NO. A84A C1, C2, C3, C4, A27, AND A28, TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SUP-02-23 IN A B-2 (NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING) ZONING DISTRICT FOR A COMMERCIAL STORAGE FACILITY: A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 that the Board make the four findings of fact as recommended in the agenda abstract and grant the Special Use Permit (SUP-02-23) for the Osborne Storage Unit Facility, with the three recommended conditions: 1. The Applicant obtains all required permits from the County Environmental Health Department, Planning & Zoning Department, and Inspections Department. 2. The Applicant obtains required permits from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and any other agency to achieve construction, operations, and maintenance of the Subject Property. 3. The Applicant submit a separate site plan for a future phase within the ±3.33- acre site, when future development is proposed.” INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Mr. Roger Faulkner of 79 Flat River Circle, Timberlake said he had people shooting guns outside very close to his home. He asked the Board to consider adopting into law the same outdoor shooting rules as Wake County has in place. He said Wake County updated its ordinance to increase the minimum distance from a home, public building or livestock in which a person may discharge a firearm from 100 yards to 300 yards. Mr. Faulkner said that a stray bullet has not hit anyone however; he has neighbors that have had bullets hit their home. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. Approval of Minutes of February 6, 2023, B. Approval of Minutes of February 15, 2023, C. Request to Authorize the Contract for the Clearing and Grading of the Person County owned North Park Site, D. Budget Amendment #15, and E. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Opioid Settlements and Approving the Supplement Agreement for Additional Funds Between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation March 6, 2023 16 NEW BUSINESS: CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER UPDATE: Meredith Peffley, Executive Director of CrossRoads: Sexual Assault Response & Resource Center in Burlington and CrossRoads Board Chair Kelle Sisk provided the following Child Advocacy Center Update as a follow up to the Board’s $100,000 appropriation to start a Child Advocacy Center in Person County. She noted Person County’s funding was the largest county support known in the state to start a Child Advocacy Center. March 6, 2023 17 Ms. Peffley said they have scheduled an open house for April 4 to which the Board was invited. Ms. Peffley said they needed six standards for provisional accreditation, and in two years, when eligible, they will apply for national accreditation to which she was confident they would attain. March 6, 2023 18 Ms. Peffley noted the house at 1011 N. Main Street in Roxboro has 1,300 sq. ft., and she estimated it was built in the 1950s, which was indicative of the needed improvements. March 6, 2023 19 Ms. Peffley noted an additional $10,000 grant was received from the Human Trafficking Commission. March 6, 2023 20 March 6, 2023 21 Ms. Peffley stated they have had their first forensic interview in Roxboro, which led to an SBI arrest in Monroe with additional individuals to be prosecuted for human trafficking. Chairman Powell and Vice Chairman Sims both commented on the great job, great cause and excellent report following a county appropriation. PERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS FUNDING REQUEST: County Manager Katherine Cathey recalled that in Oct. 2022, the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education met to discuss PCS’s long-range facility needs related to deferred maintenance, safety, and accessibility and projected growth associated with new development. To address the most pressing needs and construct additional classrooms, PCS’s request for debt funding totals $87 million through 2027. In Feb. 2023, the two boards had a joint meeting to continue the discussion, and at the annual budget retreat, the Board of Commissioners reviewed the school system’s requests and options for funding. The following options for funding school facility improvements were developed by staff and DEC Associates, the County’s financial consulting firm. Ms. Cathey stated approval by the Board of Commissioners was needed to move forward with issuing debt to fund one of the options outlined above. The financing schedule indicates construction bids must be advertised in May in order to issue debt in Oct. 2023. PCS has worked with a design and engineering firm to prepare for the bond issuance for the PHS Project to address various ADA and safety concerns at Person High School. They will need to resume this work in the next few weeks to meet the May deadline for advertising construction bids. Ms. Cathey noted the chart below summarizes the requests and next steps. March 6, 2023 22 Ms. Cathey request the Board of Commissioners to discuss the requests and funding options and to decide whether to move forward with debt financing and if so, which option to fund at this time. Following a formal decision with a debt financing, a resolution for the issuance of debt would be on the Board’s March 20, 2023 meeting agenda. Commissioner Puryear asked Ms. Cathey about the annual tax bill impact with a tax increase. Ms. Cathey described the impact on an annual tax bill based on the median home value of $146,900 with the following chart. Impact on Annual Tax Bill Median value: $146,900 Person County Property Fire Total Increase Options 1 & 2 (no increase) Tax Rate 0.7200 0.0500 0.7700 $ 0.00 Total Taxes $ 1,057.68 $ 73.45 $ 1,131.13 Option 3 (+0.25¢ Tax Rate 0.7225 0.0500 0.7725 $ 3.67 Total Taxes $ 1,061.35 $ 73.45 $ 1,134.80 Option 4 (+0.50¢) Tax Rate 0.7250 0.0500 0.7750 $ 7.35 Total Taxes $ 1,065.03 $ 73.45 $ 1,138.48 Option 5 (+7.25¢) Tax Rate 0.7925 0.0500 0.8425 $ 106.50 Total Taxes $ 1,164.18 $ 73.45 $ 1,237.63 March 6, 2023 23 Commissioner Puryear asked the Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg about the County’s past debt capacity. Ms. Wehrenberg stated in both 1999 and 2000, the County financed $10M each year to fund the new construction of Stories Creek Elementary School and Helena Elementary School respectively. More recently in 2016 and 2018, the County financed the public safety towers with school projects also bundled with the tower financing. Chairman Powell asked Ms. Wehrenberg if she was confident about the funding options provided to which she affirmed. Commissioner Puryear asked Dr. Rodney Peterson, Superintendent for Person County Schools about funding options 1, 2 or 3 and not the full funding request to which he stated the schools would need to prioritize the ADA and security needs. Vice Chairman Sims asked Dr. Peterson about ADA law in effect and compliance in school facilities to which he responded that a complaint could easily be filed noting they have patient and compassionate parents. Dr. Peterson said the facilities are old and when built, the ADA laws was not in effect; he added they have made some needed modifications to accommodate situations like installing ramps for accessibility. Commissioner Thomas asked Dr. Peterson how many students have special needs to which he answered that over 100 students were served (17% of the student population) with cluster classrooms at Person High School, Southern Middle School, Stories Creek Elementary School and South Elementary School. He noted state funding for this population is 12.75% with local funding used for the remaining needs. A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to proceed with a debt financing for Option #4 with a 0.50-cent tax increase for $38,985,000 in total projects with $12,745,000 financed in 2023, $12,085,000 financed in 2025 and $14,155,000 financed in 2027. Vice Chairman Sims and Commissioner Puryear voiced concerns of raising taxes early in the budget process and the unknown of what would be needed to set the new budget. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-1 to proceed with a debt financing for Option #3 with a 0.25-cent tax increase for $38,255,000 in total projects with $12,745,000 financed in 2023, $11,715,000 financed in 2025 and $13,795,000 financed in 2027. Commissioner Palmer cast the lone dissenting vote. March 6, 2023 24 PERSON COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY FY23 FUNDING REQUEST: County Manager Katherine Cathey stated on Feb. 21, 2023, Carrie Currie, the executive director of the Person County Museum of History, made a presentation to the Board of Commissioners and requested a one-time appropriation of $20,000 in FY23 to address several emergent and timely issues that impact the longevity of the organization. County funding would be used to support campus infrastructure updates and some operational expenses to enable proper staffing and additional fundraising to move toward the goal of self-sustainability. Description Amount Long/Woody House Development Phase 1 $7,000 Safety Measures & Campus Needs Phase 1 $3,000 Campus Sign Updates Phase 1 $1,250 Recurring Operational Expenses – Insurance, Security Monitoring, Phone & Internet, Support & Operations $8,750 TOTAL FY23 $20,000 Ms. Cathey presented an Agreement reviewed by both the County Attorney and the executive director of the Museum noting a revised Agreement was placed at their seats with feedback from both. The Agreement outlines the expectations for the use of one-time funding if approved by the Board. Ms. Cathey recommended the funding from FY23 undesignated contingency (remaining balance: $24,503) for this purpose. In addition, the Museum made a request for financial support in the amount of $40,000 in FY24 to be used to continue capital improvements and support some operational expenses. The request for FY24 funding will be considered during the annual budget process. Ms. Cathey asked the Board to consider the Museum’s request and the proposed agreement. Commissioner Puryear asked the Board to recuse him from the vote(s) due to his wife’s role as a board member for the museum to which the Board consented. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 4-0 to appropriate $20,000 from the County’s FY23 Undesignated Contingency to the Museum of History. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 4-0 to approve the revised Agreement as presented. March 6, 2023 25 March 6, 2023 26 March 6, 2023 27 March 6, 2023 28 March 6, 2023 29 March 6, 2023 30 CHARTERS OF FREEDOM: County Manager Katherine Cathey noted that on July 18, 2022, David W. Streater, PhD, Education Director with Foundation Forward presented a proposal to the Board of Commissioners to build a replica of the Charters of Freedom in Person County. Foundation Forward’s mission is to build replicas of the Charters of Freedom across the United States, synonymous with the originals, in the National Archives in Washington, DC. The founding documents include the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The scope of the project is to design and build replicas that are central and open to the community 24/7, with high visibility, voluminous foot traffic, and easy access for schoolchildren, veterans and all others. The displays are engineered and built to last 300- 500 years with all documents made to original size etched in bronze, each weighing 60 pounds and covered by engineered industrial viewing glass. The middle display measures 4’x16’ and each side display measures 4’x4’. Also included with the displays is a vault with a time capsule sealed inside to be opened on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2087. The Board voted to move forward with selecting a location and entering into a letter of agreement to begin the process. Representatives of the county and Foundation Forward toured and evaluated the following sites in Person County: 1) the Person County Courthouse, 2) Huck Sansbury Recreation Complex, 3) the Person County Veterans Memorial Park, and 4) the Person County Museum of History. Huck Sansbury was identified as the ideal location due to its location, accessibility, and visibility. Foundation Forward considers the Charters of Freedom settings to be a gift to the county from Foundation Forward. There will be expenses incurred by the county. At a minimum, the county will be responsible for site preparation to include removal of existing sign, monument, shrubs, and sidewalk and ensuring the site is level and free of standing water. The county will then be responsible for ensuring the site is accessible by restoring the sidewalks. Adding electricity, landscaping, benches, etc. to enhance the area will be at the county’s expense. Ms. Cathey presented the following options with various approaches to completing this project utilizing contractors, employee and volunteer resources, along with purchased and donated materials. March 6, 2023 31 Option 1 Project Components Completed by Estimated County Expenses Site preparation (clearing, grading and relocation of existing features) Contractor $5,000 Reconstruction of accessible approach and construction of apron around settings  Concrete 35’X35’: $5,000  Labor for concrete: $4,000  Grading: $2,000  Gravel: $1,000 Contractor $12,000 Landscaping (optional, pavers, shrubs, benches, etc.) – $10/sq. ft. Contractor $12,000 Electricity (optional, to light display cases and/or flagpole) Contractor $5,000 Flagpole and flag (optional) – New flagpole Contractor $7,500 Total $41,500 Option 2 Project Components Completed by Estimated County Expenses Site preparation (clearing, grading and relocation of existing features) Staff and volunteers Value of staff time: $1,400 (4 employees, 16 hours each) $0 Reconstruction of accessible approach and construction of apron around settings (labor, grading, construction, and materials)  Concrete 35’X35’: $5,000  Labor for concrete: $4,000  Grading: $2,000  Gravel: $1,000 Contractor, staff and volunteers Donation Contractor Contractor Donation $6,000 Landscaping (optional, pavers, shrubs, benches, etc.) = $5/sq. ft. Contractor $6,000 Electricity (optional, to light display cases and/or flagpole) Donation $0 Flagpole and flag (optional) – Flagpole built from reused light pole Contractor $2,500 Total $14,500 March 6, 2023 32 Option 3 Project Components Completed by Estimated County Expenses Site preparation (clearing, grading and relocation of existing features) Staff and volunteers Value of staff time: $1,400 (4 employees, 16 hours each) $0 Reconstruction of accessible approach and construction of apron around settings (labor, grading, construction, and materials)  Concrete 35’X35’: $5,000  Labor for concrete: $4,000  Grading: $2,000  Gravel: $1,000 Contractor, staff and volunteers Donation Donation Donation Donation $0 Landscaping (optional, pavers, shrubs, benches, etc.) None $0 Electricity (optional, to light display cases and/or flagpole) None $0 Flagpole and flag None $0 Total $0 Ms. Cathey further noted that funding for this project was not included in the FY23 budget. To proceed with the project prior to July 1, the Board will need to appropriate funding from undesignated contingency (remaining balance: $4,503) or fund balance. The process of receiving a Charters of Freedom setting begins with signing the letter of intent and establishing a point of contact (POC) whom Foundation Forward will coordinate with throughout the process. Per the agreement, the POC must form a committee for promoting community involvement and planning the Dedication Ceremony, Time Capsule Ceremony, and any other related events. Foundation Forward's Resources and Communications team will work with the POC and committee. Ms. Cathey asked the Board to further discuss interest in moving forward and timeline. Consider the following actions: 1. Approve location for Person County Charters of Freedom 2. Determine desired components (landscaping, electricity, flagpole, etc.) 3. Identify funding source for county expenses 4. Approve letter of intent 5. Designate a point of contact for the Charters of Freedom Project A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the Huck Sansbury Park as the designated location for the Charters of Freedom displays, to approve Option 3 as presented to be completed by staff, volunteers through donations, to appropriate the remaining FY23 Undesignated Contingency Funds of $4,503 to this project, to approve the letter of intent and to designate Recreation, Arts and Parks Director John Hill as the point of contact for the Charters of Freedom Project. March 6, 2023 33 March 6, 2023 34 March 6, 2023 35 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Powell reported a hearing for public comments on March 13, 2023 at 7:00pm in the Superior Courtroom at the Person County Courthouse related to an application of Duke Energy Progress for an electric service adjustment and increase in its rates. Chairman Powell requested the Clerk to send along some proposed dates for the budget work sessions to get on their calendars. Chairman Powell noted this was severe weather awareness week and urged citizens to get ready for such emergencies. Chairman Powell recognized March being designated for Women’s History Month and wanted to acknowledge the importance of women in our country and in Person County. MANAGER’S REPORT: County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report. COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS: Vice Chairman Sims thanked all the presenters and said he was looking forward to seeing the improvements at the Museum of History. Commissioner Palmer stated appreciation to hear from the public of its concerns and interest in moving Person County forward. Commissioner Puryear had no report. Commissioner Thomas thanked Dr. Rodney Peterson, Superintendent for Person County Schools for his efforts noting Person County was lucky to have him. He said the Board made a good decision for the schools. March 6, 2023 36 CLOSED SESSION #1 A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Session #1 at 8:29pm 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 Attorney Ellis Hankins, County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves and Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley. Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 8:31pm. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 8:45pm. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm. _____________________________ ______________________________ Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell Clerk to the Board Chairman