05-01-2023 Meeting Minutes BOC
May 1, 2023
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY 1, 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, May 1, 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 and offered an invocation.
Commissioner Puryear led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION SUP-03-23 FOR BV/WESTON JIM
THORPE SPE, LLC IN RURAL CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT FOR AN
ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION (POLYWOOD FACILITY SUBSTATION) AT TAX
MAP #69-313:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-03-23, for
BV/Weston Jim Thorpe SPE, LLC in Rural Conservation zoning district for an electrical
substation (Polywood Facility Substation) at Tax Map #69-313.
County Attorney Ellis Hankins requested to give the Board a short speech about
these special use permit hearings; he said these are quasi-judicial proceedings, not the
typical sort of public hearing where anyone can just stand up and say whatever they want
and the Board makes a legislative decision. Mr. Hankins said this was a little different,
more like a court, but more informal than court; in this case the Board, by adopting the
zoning and planning ordinances, have already decided generally what uses are allowable in
each zoning district but they provided for these special use permits, if, and only if, evidence
is submitted during the public hearing that establishes that four criteria that are set out in the
ordinance are satisfied. He said all the sworn testimony is under oath and the Board must
make the decision based only on the evidence in the record, which includes the application,
other information from the planning staff, all testimony in the public hearing, but nothing
else outside the record.
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The public hearing set to hear a request for a Special Use Permit Application,
Petition SUP-03-23, for BV/Weston Jim Thorpe SPE, LLC in Rural Conservation zoning
district for an electrical substation (Polywood Facility Substation) at Tax Map #69-313
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.
Chairman Powell administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following
individuals who would offer testimony during the public hearing:
Chris Bowley and Kurt Updegraff
Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for
Petition SUP-03-23.
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Mr. Bowley said the subject was north, at the existing Polywood campus. He said
the existing building does not currently have a substation and there is a new 500,000sq ft.
building being built next to it, on that campus, and this substation would serve both buildings
and be in close proximity to the power grid.
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The General Map shows the 31-acres on the east side of Jim Thorpe Highway and
south is shown on the Aerial Photo; Mr. Bowley pointed out where the proposed substation
would be located, where the driveway would be, where the existing building is located, and
where the new 500,000sq ft. building will be with the remainder of the parcel wooded. He
showed the Duke Energy existing power-line easement noting Duke Energy would work
(and Mr. Updegraff can talk about it), with Polywood to best locate the proposed substation.
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Mr. Bowley said this (Exhibit C) affirms the industrial future land use designation
exists on the existing Polywood building site, the new Polywood building site, and lands to
the south of the 31-acres. He said where the substation would be entirely within the
industrial designated area.
The Zoning Map shows rural conservation or RC (shown in green) noting that is
why the public hearing was being held; due to the Table of Permitted Uses, in the Planning
Ordinance which requires such type facility be located by special use permit in the RC
zoning. He noted the yellow to the west is on the opposite side of Jim Thorpe Highway,
and it is about a quarter-mile to the west to the nearest residence and about a half-mile to
the south to the nearest residence. Keeping in mind that the existing vegetation is going to
stay in place to act as buffering and screening and it’s about 1,800 feet to the east to the next
residence.
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Mr. Bowley noted the proposed Site Plan (Exhibit E) illustrates the substation in the
shaded gray area with the southern driveway coming in off Jim Thorpe and with the
driveway extension for operations and maintenance purposes to the substation with the
proximity of the substation to the existing building and the new 500,000sq. ft. building. In
addition, Mr. Bowley further noted a potential to connect to the existing transmission line.
Mr. Bowley said the application meets the findings of fact.
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Speaking in favor of the Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-03-23, for
BV/Weston Jim Thorpe SPE, LLC in Rural Conservation zoning district for an electrical
substation (Polywood Facility Substation) at Tax Map #69-313 were the following:
Kurt Updegraff of 4760 Richmond Road, Suite 200, Cleveland, Ohio, representing
the applicant, BV/Weston Jim Thorpe SPE, LLC as its Director of Development noted he
manages all construction and design. Mr. Updegraff described the Polywood operations;
he said Polywood makes plastic Adirondack chairs, and all types of outdoor furniture and
is a fully integrated operation. He noted they use recycled milk jugs and laundry detergent
jugs, grind those up and mix them with colored plastic pellets (50 different colors), and then
run them through an extruding machine to create lumber. Mr. Updegraff noted this will be
one of the big functions of the new building: the extrusion machines (there will be 48 of
them) which draw quite a bit of power and the reason why Polywood needs to supplement
the power that is already there. Also the new facility, Mr. Updegraff said, would house the
recycling area where they receive the milk jugs to grind them up as well as a shipping area.
Once they extrude the lumber, Mr. Updegraff said they would take it to the existing building
where they have machines that will cut it into pieces, drill it and fabricate it into all kinds of
different outdoor furniture. Once manufactured and put together, they ship to a 2,000sq.ft.
warehouse for distribution.
Mr. Updegraff estimated 500 to 600 people working when it’s all said and done,
combined in both facilities. He said they did try to locate the substation in proximity to the
new building so it is right there, in the back on land they own and fronts Jim Thorpe so there
is 1,000 ft. of trees between this facility and Jim Thorpe. He stated Weston would be
building a pad and cutting a few trees down (about 1.5-acres), and Duke will come in and
actually build the substation using their contractors and under their supervision.
Mr. Updegraff stated he would answer any other questions to which there were none.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition to the
Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-03-23, for BV/Weston Jim Thorpe SPE, LLC
in Rural Conservation zoning district for an electrical substation (Polywood Facility
Substation) at Tax Map #69-313.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-03-23, for BV/Weston Jim
Thorpe SPE, LLC in Rural Conservation zoning district for an electrical substation
(Polywood Facility Substation) at Tax Map #69-313.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SPECIAL USE PERMIT
APPLICATION, PETITION SUP-03-23, FOR BV/WESTON JIM THORPE SPE,
LLC IN RURAL CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT FOR AN ELECTRICAL
SUBSTATION (POLYWOOD FACILITY SUBSTATION) AT TAX MAP #69-313:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve Special
Use Permit, Petition SUP-03-23, for the Polywood Facility Substation project noting all
four findings of fact were met and in accordance with Person County ordinances, with the
following conditions:
1. The Applicant obtains all required permits from the County Environmental
Health Department, Planning & Zoning Department, and Inspections
Department; and
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.
PUBLIC HEARING:
SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION, PETITION SUP-04-23, BY GARY
GARRETT FOR A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK TO BE LOCATED
ALONG THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF THOMAS STORE ROAD AT TAX MAP
A95-26:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-04-23, by
Gary Garrett for a Recreational Vehicle Park to be located along the northwest side of
Thomas Store Road at Tax Map A95-26.
County Attorney Ellis Hankins said this was the same sort of proceeding with no
need for him to make the same speech but the same provisions apply.
The public hearing set to hear a request for a Special Use Permit Application,
Petition SUP-04-23, by Gary Garrett for a Recreational Vehicle Park to be located along the
northwest side of Thomas Store Road at Tax Map A95-26 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.
Chairman Powell administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following
individuals who would offer testimony during the public hearing:
Chris Bowley, Gary Garrett, Jody Williams, Garland Ragland, Tabitha George, Tim
Avants and Clarence Holloway, Jr.
Planning & Zoning Director Chris Bowley shared the following presentation for
Petition SUP-04-23.
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Mr. Bowley presented Exhibit A: General Map illustrating location between Pixley
Pritchard Road and Thomas Store Road.
Mr. Bowley illustrated on Exhibit B: Aerial Photo, the pond in the middle and the
proposed location of the RV pads, closest to Thomas Store Road. The Roxboro Motorsports
Park is to the right with a single family house across the street, set back about 700ft. with
200ft. of existing vegetation from the closest house where the RVs would be and homes to
the north of Pixley-Pritchard Road.
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Mr. Bowley illustrated Exhibit C: Future Land Use Map showing rural for the entire
area in the Comp Plan.
Exhibit D: Zoning Map shows corresponding zoning of RC (rural conservation)
matching that rural to the east side of the county off Oxford Road.
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Mr. Bowley illustrated Exhibit E: Site Plan showing topography and the pond in the
middle of the property. He said the Site Plan shows six slips listed along with a drain field.
Mr. Bowley said the applicant met with the Environmental Health Dept. and noted what
was actually physically constructible are four pads, not six noting the application was
already set for the process for six but, as proposed, they will only be putting in four pads,
highlighting the typical pad shown at the bottom of the Site Plan.
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Speaking in favor of the Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-04-23, by
Gary Garrett for a Recreational Vehicle Park to be located along the northwest side of
Thomas Store Road at Tax Map A95-26 were the following:
Gary Garrett of 1977 Bowmantown Road, Roxboro (the applicant) said the reason
he wanted to build this park was to give racers and race fans going to the Roxboro
Motorsports Park a place to park their RVs with full hook-up and a quiet atmosphere with
a view of pond. Mr. Garrett said he has been an RVer for 30 years and knows the ins and
outs of running an RV Park and what is needed to maintain and operate one. He noted the
RV Park will bring business to the local stores, increase sales, and tax revenue as well as
promote Roxboro Motorsports Park giving camping facilities right across the road.
Mr. Garrett stated he was available to answer questions to which there were none.
Jody Williams of 1183 Rocky Branch Drive, Skipwith, VA, and owner of the
Roxboro Motorsports Park, said he has quite a few families that always asking for water
and sewer hook-up which is not offered at the Roxboro Motorsports Park. He said this RV
Park would be a great asset for a few campers that do come in with family and kids. He
would like to have more than four, but noted it was a start. He thanked the Board.
Speaking in opposition to the Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-04-23,
by Gary Garrett for a Recreational Vehicle Park to be located along the northwest side of
Thomas Store Road at Tax Map A95-26 were the following:
Garland Ragland of Mountain Road, Roxboro, spoke on behalf of his church, New
Saint James Missionary Baptist Church and said he did a little study and most of the time
when a RV Park is in your area; it brings down the land value. He said his church has
services on the first and third Sundays and on some Sundays during the summertime with
the racetrack, they hear noise during that time. He spoke of another church he knew of that
has a RV Center next to them and the RV vehicles parked in the church grounds and started
doing donuts; the church, in turn, had to get lights and cameras for protection for their
church; that is why the New Saint James Missionary Baptist Church was opposing. He
added a whole lot of their older members live right there in the area and that is also why
they were opposing. He thanked the Board.
Tabitha George of 430 Mountain Pasture Lane, Timberlake stated she wanted to
start with point #2, which states it meets all the requirements and conditions according to
the site plan requirements, which are in the ordinance. She said the following have not been
met on the Site Plan, which she had reviewed. She said it was not met on the site plan that
was presented. First of all, Ms. George stated it said the boundary of the lots; she said it did
not show the complete lot with bearings and distances; she said there were no bearings and
distances. Total gross land area; she said there was not a total gross land area. Property
owner and applicant; Ms. George said that was not listed on the site plan per the ordinance.
Vicinity map; Ms. George said this was not shown on the site plan. Topography of the site;
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Ms. George said this was not shown for the entire parcel, only shown for a select portion of
the parcel; existing buildings and structures within 500 ft. adjacent variance to; Ms. George
said these were not shown on the site plan. Ms. George said all those things were missing
from the site plan. She said the site plan should be considered incomplete and not meeting
the conditions in the finding of fact #2.
As far as finding of fact #1, public health and safety, Ms. George said this could
make potential increase in trespassing and potential vandalism at the New Saint James
Church which is right there at the proposed RV Park. Ms. George said there is not very
much of a police presence in this area of the county at all. She said it (looking on her phone
earlier when one time her alarm system hit the panic unknowingly called the Sheriff) either
took an hour or 30 minutes for anyone to come to her location in this same area; she noted
it would take a long time to get a police response in her experience.
For #3, it should be a public necessity or not materially injure the properties, Ms.
George said it was not a public necessity and on page 88, there may be some slight
discrepancies in formatting. Item #8, it states the burden of proof of not injuring the
property values is on the applicant.
Also, part #4 finding of fact, Ms. George said this was mainly an agricultural and
residential area of the county; this sports park is an outlier and Ms. George said she did not
know if there were zoning provisions in place at the time that it was installed.
Tim Avants of 3739 Pixley Pritchard Road, Timberlake said he did not oppose or
object, whatever, for or against, neither one, basically had some general questions. He said
he talked to the gentlemen earlier and he kinda answered some of those for him. He guessed
the concern with some of the neighbors; he said he talked to a lady in planning and was told
they are limited to four spots and he understood that but his concern was does this open the
window for even more spots to be opened later on, and also, what are the limits are far as
how long someone can stay there; are there limits or are there not limits? Mr. Avants said
he was concerned that it would turn into something where someone would come in and plant
there and be there year-round. He noted that was his concern as well as the expansion of it.
He said those questions really haven’t been answered.
Another concern Mr. Avants said he brought up with the lady in Planning, just
something he has noticed over the years, being there 35 years living the community was
when there was a heavy rain a lot of times, especially when we get a tropical storm that
come through, the water comes out of that pond there and he knows there is nothing Gary
and them can do about that as the pond has been there forever; he said water comes out of
there and washes across right there at the intersection of Pixley Pritchard and Thomas Store
Road and a lot of times the water stands there. Mr. Avants said he knew they are trying to
do a little bit of something to address that there in the corner noting his concern is if these
four lots, he thinks they have studied that and talked about how much water it will allow to
run-off but even if it is expanded more, is that going to cause more run-off and a problem
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in that corner? Mr. Avants stated he did not know that has been addressed; somebody might
can answer that for them noting it was a concern.
Clarence Holloway, Jr. of 4130 Pixley Pritchard Road, Timberlake said a lot has
been addressed and he didn’t want to beat the dead horse and ask the Board again but stated
his main concern would be, as Ms. Tabitha said, the vandalism and different things that
would happen to their church. Speaking on behalf of the Church, Mr. Holloway said with
there not being a police presence out there, if anything was to take place, whatever the case
may be, what would be the guidelines and procedures of that? Mr. Holloway said he
understood as it is, they have to maintain the structure and integrity of their building
themselves from standard day-to-day use; but if there was someone to come over to the
property and damage or vandalize the property from the RV Park, he wanted to know what
were their guidelines and what lines they would need to take to regain some finances if they
have to fix different things. He asked what would they be willing to solidify in making sure
that the church was sealed off to make sure they don’t have any problems with that, if this
was to pass. Those were the questions Mr. Holloway wanted to ask to understand and know
what those procedures would be.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for a Special Use Permit Application, Petition SUP-04-23, by Gary Garrett for a
Recreational Vehicle Park to be located along the northwest side of Thomas Store Road at
Tax Map A95-26.
Mr. Hankins wanted to add a legal comment that commissioners could take into
consideration all testimony that was offered by proponents and opponents but one comment
about a couple of statements that were made, in particularly, about the effect of property
values. He noted the statute was very clear about who can offer testimony that can be
considered related to the effect on property values; the statute says that lay people (not
educated nor certified on real estate valuation) are not competent to offer evidence about
the effect on properties in the area.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SPECIAL USE PERMIT
APPLICATION, PETITION SUP-04-23, BY GARY GARRETT FOR A
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK TO BE LOCATED ALONG THE
NORTHWEST SIDE OF THOMAS STORE ROAD AT TAX MAP A95-26:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve Special
Use Permit, Petition SUP-04-23, for the Gary Garrett Recreational Vehicle Park project on
Thomas Store Road, with the following conditions:
1. The Applicant obtains all required permits from the County Environmental
Health Department, Planning & Zoning Department, and Inspections
Department; and
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.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Frank Stoltmann of 131 Rosewood Drive, Roxboro proposed to the Board to take
consideration to pursue actions for opening up Mayo Lake for development. Mr. Stoltmann
suggested that the fact that Duke Energy has a requirement from the Utilities Commission
to work with the local community to replace the economic shortfalls created by the closing
of the coal-fired plants and that the county retained lobbyists, an opportunity may exist
while Duke Energy is motivated to replace tax value in this community that developing the
property around Mayo Lake to increase tax revenues would be wise. Currently, Mr.
Stoltmann said the Mayo Lake property owners were not allowed to construct permanent
docks, nor to clear the land to the waterline or have riprap on the shoreline where Hyco Lake
property owners are allowed to do these things. As Mr. Stoltmann understood it, Duke
Energy does not control Mayo Lake however, the state environmental health and the Corps
of Engineers have control. In his experience, Mr. Stoltmann said the Corps has no issues
and encourages adding riprap to the shoreline of Mayo Lake. He felt the great resistance
would be with environmentalists at the state that would like to keep Mayo Lake in its pristine
state.
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DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
County Attorney Ellis Hankins commented that he had reviewed all items on the
Consent Agenda and found all to be acceptable in legal form.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda with the following items:
A. Uniform Guidance Policies and Related Documents related to the Use and Eligibility
Determination for Expenditures under the American Rescue Plan and Coronavirus
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund:
a. Resolution for Eligible Use of Expenditures Under American Rescue Plan
Act of 2021 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds by Person
County,
b. Resolution for Allowable Costs and Cost Principles for Expenditure of
American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds by Person County,
c. American Rescue Plan Act 2021 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Fund Eligibility Determination and Allowable Cost Review, and
B. Growing Rural Economics with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant Agreement
NEW BUSINESS:
LEASE OF AIRCRAFT HANGAR AT RALEIGH REGIONAL AIRPORT AT
PERSON COUNTY:
General Services Director Ray Foushee stated Person County received a verbal
proposal for the lease of the county’s new corporate hangar, located at 385 Montgomery
Drive, Timberlake, NC. The lessee, PMG Aero, Inc., has offered $20,000 per month with a
five-year lease term. County Attorney Ellis Hankins prepared a draft lease agreement for
Board consideration, which also been provided to the potential lessee for their consideration.
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated after the lessee’s review, the County Attorney
revised the lease to incorporate the changes, as requested by the potential lessee. Mr.
Foushee stated the revised lease provided for the following: all the utilities would be the
responsibility of the lessee and the county would provide all maintenance needs. The annual
rent adjustment on each annual anniversary after commencement was proposed to increase
by 2.5%, and the lessee requested the escalator amount be lowered to 1.5% which is in
paragraph 6 Annual Rent Adjustments. Another revision was in paragraph 18 Airport
Development whereby the lessee requested a rent reduction for temporary airport closure
(construction, etc.). The last revision can be found in paragraph 24b whereby the County
would be entitled to receive 12 months of rent if the lessee defaults on the initial five-year
lease term. Mr. Hankins reiterated that a provision was included for renewal at the
termination of the stated term (5-years) that the lessee would renew and continue on a year-
to-year basis including the escalator per year increase, until either party gives written notice
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of intent to terminate the Lease to the other party, at least 60 days prior to the termination
date or any anniversary thereof.
Mr. Foushee requested feedback from the Board as they consider approval of Lease
of Aircraft Hangar at Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County.
Vice Chairman Sims stated he was not against leasing the aircraft hangar however,
he wanted to reiterate the County has not had an opportunity to sale the newly constructed
hangar and would not for another 5 years should the Board approve the lease before them
for action.
Commissioner Puryear asked if Bill Tougas, the current FBO at the County’s
Airport, would answer some questions to which he was present in the audience and agreed
to answer questions. Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Tougas if the rental rate at $20K for
year one was a good rate to which he affirmed. Vice Chairman Sims asked Mr. Tougas was
it hard to sale a hangar to which Mr. Tougas stated it was very hard to sale a hanger. Mr.
Tougas added the lease would pay for the hangar over and over, with time, versus a sale.
Chairman Powell noted that county government has a great opportunity to be in a position
with this product that would produce revenue. Commissioner Thomas asked Mr. Tougas if
the County was selling itself short with the $20K rate to which Mr. Tougas said the rate was
very fair.
Mr. Hankins stated the Board would have the ability to renegotiate the lease after
the initial term, if so desired. He added the lessee was not required to register its aircraft in
Person County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to approve an Aircraft Hangar Lease
at Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County with PMG Aero, Inc. at the first-year rental
rate of $20,000 with the built-in escalator at 1.5%.
Mr. Hankins stated it was not entirely clear with the Secretary of State’s Office
related to the status of the PMG Aero, Inc., noting the principal of the company says the
Secretary of State’s Office has reinstated that named corporation, which was previously
dissolved, noting that was not uncommon. He added the principal of the company says he
has received notice verbally of the reinstatement of the named corporation, noting the last
time he looked into it, it did not appear online. Mr. Hankins suggested the motion be
amended to reflect that if staff cannot determine that issue with certainty that the lessee can
be the principals’ other named corporation, Bully Aeroplane Works and Airshows, which
was listed on the Secretary of State’s Office.
Commissioner Palmer amended his motion, which carried 5-0 to approve an
Aircraft Hangar Lease at Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County between Person
County and Aero PMG, Inc. or another acceptable corporate entity as Lessee, as presented.
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LATE FINE-FREE POLICY AND PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE FACILITY:
Library Director Kayli Reyna stated at the April 10, 2023 Library Advisory Board
(LAB) meeting, the LAB voted unanimously to implement a late fine-free policy and to
become a passport acceptance facility in July 2023. The late fine-free policy eliminates the
cumulative bill for late materials. The library will still collect fees for lost or damaged items.
The library sets a fee for lost and damaged items based on the cost of the item plus a $2
processing fee. The LAB will implement the $35 per application passport processing fee set
by the U.S. Department of State.
These two changes will be incorporated in the FY24 recommended fee schedule for
approval by the Board of Commissioners in the annual budget. The new passport acceptance
service will replace some or all of the lost revenues associated with the implementation of
the fine-free policy and ensure that residents have access to passport services locally.
Ms. Reyna requested the Board to authorize the Library to establish a late fine-free
policy and begin serving as a passport acceptance facility and indicate support for the fee
changes that will be recommended in the FY24 Fee Schedule (below).
Department Fee Type FY2023
Adopted
FY2024
Recommended
Library
Overdue fines for books, audios, CDs, magazines
(individual item cap $5.00)
$0.20 per
day No overdue fines
Overdue fines for DVD's (individual item cap
$5.00)
$1.00 per
day No overdue fines
Passport processing fee New $35.00
Commissioner Palmer asked Ms. Reyna if the Library would have to purchase
equipment to become a passport acceptance facility to which she stated no equipment was
required to become a passport acceptance facility. Ms. Reyna explained the Library would,
for a fee, accept individuals’ application which have attached a passport photo and the
necessary fees to the state to submit to the state agency. She indicated if the Library desired
to provide the service to take passport photos in the future, the costs would be minimal.
Vice Chairman Sims asked Ms. Reyna when would the service be in effect to which
she noted that she and her staff would become certified to deliver this service and requested
it be effective July 1, 2023.
Commissioner Puryear, a member of the Library Advisory Board, stated support for
the Library Directors’ request.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize the
Library to establish a late fine-free policy and begin serving as a passport acceptance facility
and indicate support for the fee changes that will be recommended in the FY24 Fee
Schedule, as presented.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported the following:
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week noting a Coffee Hour at the Golden
Corral starting at 8:00am on May 2, 2023,
Acknowledged Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves for her support,
Recognized County Attorney as the newly elected Chairman for the RDU Airport
Authority,
Attended a drug resources awareness event at City Hall,
Toured the Emergency Services facility and discussed needs,
Met with the County’s representatives: Representative Ray Jeffers and Senator
Graig Meyer to discuss local needs related to legislative actions,
Continuing to stay in touch with Duke Energy pursuing regeneration at the County’s
two coal-fired plants that are closing, noting these plans looked favorable to the
County, and
Gave the commissioners an appreciation letter from George Auten, Jr. for the
County’s action to name a section of Mt. Harmony Church Road as the Lieutenant
George H. Yarborough, Jr. Highway which is a tribute honoring Mr. Auten’s great
uncle’s exemplary service over 100 years after his death.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey reported she would submit the signed Great
Grant Agreement with Zitel and the state to get the construction phase of the broadband
project underway, noting the County ARP funding would be used. Ms. Cathey said the
RFQ for the Human Services Building would be posted to accept proposals for potential
lease or purchase and at the same time, negotiations with Brixmor would continue.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims thanked everyone for attending and those presenting concerns.
Commissioner Palmer thanked those for attending and noted the Charters of
Freedom project was progressing quickly.
Commissioner Puryear asked the County Manager to look into Mr. Frank
Stoltmann’s comments related to potential development of the property at Mayo Lake. He
added he was very happy to hear the impact was made on a relative because the Board of
Commissioners’ action recognizing the service of Lieutenant George H. Yarborough, Jr.
Commissioner Thomas reported that the Department of Social Services (DSS)
continues to seek out individuals interested in fostering children and should anyone be
interested, he suggested they contact DSS directly.
May 1, 2023
32
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 8:13pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman