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10-02-2023 Meeting Minutes BOCOctober 2, 2023 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS October 2, 2023 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, October 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC. Chairman Powell called the meeting to order. 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 Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda as adjusted with the deletion of the Closed Session. PUBLIC HEARING # 1: A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Stan’s Way to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. GIS Director Sallie Vaughan presented. She stated that within the last year, the county gained access to the 280-acre County Farm Park, over an easement on lands owned by Ronald Tilley. She advised that the County would construct an access road to the County Farm Park over the easement. She stated that for the purpose of public safety, it is best to name the access road, as it would help facilitate calls that are placed to 911 to be able to obtain a precise location to aide First Responders. She stated that that since the access road crosses Mr. Tilley’s property; the GIS Department asked for his input on naming the access road. Mr. Tilley’s suggestion was Stan’s Way, which honors a member of the Tilley Family. She stated this is not the typical request usually brought forward by the GIS Department for Public Hearing. She stated that this roadway does not meet the criteria set forth by the Addressing Ordinance, as it will not be serving three or more addressable structures. She is recommending the Board’s approval of this road name due to the importance of the access to the County Farm Park. There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in opposition to the public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Stan’s ay to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. October 2, 2023 2 A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to close the public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Stan’s Way to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the Private Roadway Stan’s Way to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. PUBLIC HEARING # 2: A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Bluebird Trl to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. GIS Director Sallie Vaughan presented. She stated that Ephesus Church Road parallels the NC/VA border for a few miles in the Cunningham Township. She stated there are several homes on the north side of Ephesus Church Road that are physically located in VA. She stated that since Ephesus Church Road is in NC, and the homes are in VA, the address discrepancy could create issues with 911 response. She stated that occupants of the homes in VA approached Halifax County about a resolution to the 911 response problem. She stated that she, and Andy Wells, her counterpart in VA, discussed potential solutions to remedy this problem. She stated that with citizen input, they have decided to name the driveway and give each occupant an address off that driveway, which would allow them to have an address that is on a road in VA and alleviate the issue with 911 dispatching. She stated this is not the typical request usually brought forward by the GIS Department for Public Hearing. She stated that this roadway does not meet the criteria set forth by the Addressing Ordinance, as it will not be serving three or more homes on a roadway 200 feet or longer. She is recommending the Board’s approval of this road name as it would immensely help the residents and allow 911 dispatching to assist with a more accurate location. There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in opposition to the public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Bluebird Trl to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to close the public hearing for Consideration of Approval of Private Roadway Bluebird Trl to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the Private Roadway Bluebird Trl to be added to the Database for E-911 Dispatching. October 2, 2023 3 INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Kim Wooten of 632 Whitt Town Rd, Roxboro spoke on concerns related to Solar Farms. She stated she moved to Person County in 2016 and is currently an Electrical Engineer, and was formerly a farmer. She stated she loves Person County, it is a wonderful place to live, she loves the rural farms and it is not an urban environment. She is happy to be a Persononian. She stated that she is in favor of Solar Farms and thinks it is in Person County’s best interest, and she would love to see it built. She stated Solar Farms do not hurt farms and that farming can still occur on lands also occupied by solar. She stated Duke Energy is a good corporate citizen to Person County and they would be building a Solar Plant that would create jobs and increase economic development. She stated the county should not turn them away. She stated she fully supports Duke Energy. Holly Ann Rodgers of 405 Younger Rd, Roxboro spoke on matters related to the September 18, 2023 Board meeting. She advised that the statements made were factually incorrect and offensive to those who were not born in Person County. She stated she is referring specifically to the public comments made on September 18. She stated that the attitude of: if you were not born here you should not have a right to feel passionately about this place, offends her. She stated that she cares about Person County. She urged the Board to give weight to actual experts in their field and to consider the possible motivations of those presenting themselves as more informed than the average citizen. She stated that she has nothing to gain or lose regarding energy decisions in Person County. 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 September 18, 2023, B. Budget Amendment #8, C. Environmental Health Fee Schedule Amendments, D. Health Department Fee Schedule Amendments related to COVID vaccinations, E. City of Roxboro Contract Amendment-Fire, and F. Ratify Termination of Agreement with EQV Strategic Effective Oct. 31, 2023 October 2, 2023 4 NEW BUSINESS: PERSON COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT Person County Tourism Development Authority (PCTDA) Annual Report presented by PCTDA Executive Director Julie Maybee. October 2, 2023 5 October 2, 2023 6 Maybee advised that on October 6 and October 7, WRAL would be doing “Wine and Beer Tour” in our community on their “Out and About Show”. Maybee stated that on October 6, WRAL would be filming at Rock of Ages, 1792, Black Creek Brewery, and interviewing Mayor Newell. She also shared that on October 7, WRAL would be at Tunnel Creek Vineyards and Wine a Little. Maybee advised that the PCTDA Board awarded a $20K grant to the Person County Recreation, Arts & Park Department for the County Farm Park. Maybee stated that she has worked with the Person County Recreation, Arts & Park Department with the Mayo Lake Paddle Trail. Maybee stated that PCTDA wants to attract more people, and promote growth and tourism to our county. Chairman Powell thanked Maybee for all the work she and other members of the PCTDA have done, and continue to do, to promote growth and tourism in Person County. Vice Chairman Sims had positive comments about PCTDA and thanked them for their efforts to promote more foot traffic in Person County. Maybee provided the following video that PCTDA has on their website emphasizing ‘It’s Better in Person”: https://itsbetterinperson.com/#/video. COUNTY FINANCING RESOLUTION County Financing Resolution presented by Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg. Wehrenberg advised the Board that they should have before them the final document that requires approval for the 2023 Limited Obligation Bond issuance, in an amount not to exceed $13M, to finance certain improvements to Person High School. Wehrenberg stated as part of the resolution, the Board is authorizing County staff to execute and deliver a related deed of trust, a lease and agency agreement with the school board, and other related underwriting documents. Wehrenberg stated, in addition, the resolution designates certain County staff as County representatives to execute final documents and perform certain duties with respect to the financing in its post-closing phase. Wehrenberg stated that all copies referenced in the resolution would be available to any Board member upon request. Wehrenberg stated that she is seeking the Board to approve the resolution as presented. Chairman Powell stated that school facilities need improvements, and agrees to the financing resolution. Vice Chairman Sims stated that he is looking forward to the end result. Commissioner Palmer questioned if contracts had been awarded. Wehrenberg advised that the contract has been awarded to Legacy Building Company. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the County Financing Resolution as presented. October 2, 2023 7 COUNTY ATTORNEY APPOINTMENT PROCESS County Manager Katherine Cathey presented to the Board the process to follow to appoint the next county attorney. Cathey stated that County Attorney Ellis Hankins is retiring from private practice at the end of December. Cathey advised that the Board would need to make a decision on how they want to go about choosing a new county attorney. Cathey advised the Board that they may continue to contract with The Brough Law Firm for legal services and appoint one of their attorneys as the next county attorney or they could conduct a competitive recruitment process as they previously did when they selected Hankins. Cathey advised the Board that they should have before them a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding with The Brough Law Firm as well as an example of the job ad posted at the last selection process. Cathey advised that the FY24 budget for legal services is $75K, and the county expended approximately $65K a year for legal services over the past two years. Cathey stated that T.C. Morphis Jr. is available for questions. Chairman Powell stated that the Board’s primary desire is an attorney that will provide correct legal advice on how to handle legal matters dealing with local government and is able to guide the Board in the direction needed on all legal matters. Vice Chairman Sims asked if the Board continues to stay with The Brough Law Firm, would it be an attorney rotation or would it be a consistent attorney representing the Board at each meeting. Morphis advised the Board that if the Board chooses to stay with The Brough Law Firm, he would be the assigned county attorney and he would attend meetings on a regular basis. Morphis stated that he is the managing partner at The Brough Law Firm and his experience is with municipalities. Commissioner Palmer had concerns about salary of the attorney. Morphis advised that the salary would not change if the Board continues with The Brough Law Firm. Commissioner Puryear stated that the Board has had a good experience with current attorney Hankins, and The Brough Law Firm, and is in favor of continuing legal services with The Brough Law Firm. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve continuing to contract with the Brough Law Firm for the next County Attorney. October 2, 2023 8 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD AND COMMITTEES Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented the board with applications for current vacancies for nomination and appointment as deemed appropriate. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council 1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment 2 positions available for a citizen under the age of 21(one may be a member of the public representing the interests of families of at-risk juveniles) 2-Year Term: 1 position for each of the following: Juvenile Defense Attorney, and up to 4 citizens-at-large positions 1) Beverly Cates, citizen-at-large requests appointment A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Beverly Cates to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 2-year term. Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee 2 citizen-at-large positions with lived experience (personal or family member), and a substance use treatment provider representative position 1) Joyce Harper with Freedom House Recovery Center requests appointment 2) Arthur Payne with the Morse Clinic requests appointment A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Joyce Harper with Freedom House Recovery Center to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. October 2, 2023 9 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Powell reported the following: Attended DSS Employee Appreciation Day and advised it was well attended by staff. Attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for RHA Health Services, which is under Vaya Health, and is a new walk in mental health facility located on Weeks Dr. Attended a special called meeting by EDC as well as the regular scheduled EDC meeting to discuss Duke Energy updates for Person County. Attended a tour of Dominion Energy Facility in Cary along with Vice Chairman Sims, County Manger Cathey, and other county staff, and advised it was very informative. Attended the annual Kerr-Tar COG Banquet and was the recipient of the award for Outstanding County Elected Official. He stated it was an honor to have received this award. Congratulated Vice Chairman Sims on being appointed Chair of the Kerr-Tar COG. Provided update on Charters of Freedom. He stated the concrete trucks were on site today and that Chandler Concrete donated 10 yards of concrete. MANAGER’S REPORT: County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the Charters of Freedom is nearing completion, and a dedication ceremony should take place in November. Cathey stated that she and Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon attended the Kerr- Tar COG Annual Banquet along with Chairman Powell and Vice Chairman Sims. Cathey stated that Chairman Powell received an award for Outstanding County Elected Official, and Vice Chairman Sims was appointed as Chairman of the Board for the Kerr-Tar COG. Cathey advised that the Person County Library is now a Passport Acceptance Facility by appointment only. COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS: Vice Chairman Sims reported that he visited the Dominion Energy site in Cary, and it was informative and he presented many safety questions to Dominion Energy. Sims stated that he attended the annual Kerr-Tar COG Banquet, where he was appointed Chairman. Sims stated the Charters of Freedom is nearing completion, he is happy with the progress, and the site looks good. Sims thanked the individuals who spoke during informal comments and stated he is appreciative for public comments. Commissioner Palmer had no report. October 2, 2023 10 Commissioner Thomas reported that he attended DSS Employee Appreciation Day, and stated it is important to show appreciation to staff. Thomas invited all to attend Personality Festival, scheduled for October 6 and October 7 in Uptown Roxboro. Commissioner Puryear congratulated Chairman Powell and Vice Chairman Sims on their accomplishments with the Kerr-Tar COG. Puryear expressed thanks to PCTDA staff and board for all they do to promote Person County and advised they are doing an outstanding job. Puryear stated that he is appreciative of people showing up for the BOC meetings and for the public comments. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m. _____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Gordon Powell Clerk to the Board Chairman