11-06-2023 Meeting Minutes BOC
November 6, 2023
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 6, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Michele Solomon, 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, November 6, 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. Commissioner Sims offered an
invocation and Commissioner Puryear 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 addition of the Northern Middle School Utility Easement to the Consent
Agenda and the deletion of Closed Session #2.
RECOGNITION:
The Disabled American Veterans awarded the following Certificate of Appreciation
to the Person County Board of Commissioners.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Andrea Childers of 270 Blackberry Ln, Rougemont spoke in opposition to Dominion
Energy’s proposed Moriah Energy Center. Childers stated that she has been a resident of
Person County for the past 31 years and owns 10 acres located less than a half-mile from
the proposed Dominion Energy site. She advised that she has worked for Person County
Schools and Piedmont Community College. Childers stated that she has given this county
her heart, energy and time to try to make it a better place. She stated that in return, her
county has destroyed her with the news that they are going to build a fossil fuel storage
facility next to her 10-acre slice of paradise. Childers read a report from the Sierra Club.
She provided to the Board a signed petition from residents in the community to postpone
the approval process for Dominion Energy’s Moriah Energy Center and a list of questions
they want addressed and answered before any zoning or permit decisions are made. Childers
expressed thanks to Chairman Powell for his presence at the Dominion Energy public
meeting on November 1.
Kris Clayton of 6600 Helena Moriah Rd, Rougemont spoke in opposition to
Dominion Energy’s proposed Moriah Energy Center. Clayton stated that he and his son
have lived in Person County for the past 11 years. He stated that he moved to Person County
from northern Durham County, as he was looking for a great place that is peaceful, and quiet
to live and raise his son. Clayton pleaded with the Board to choose the right answer.
Susan Jacque of 546 Lockamy Rd, Timberlake spoke in opposition to Dominion
Energy’s proposed Moriah Energy Center. Jacque stated that she has been a resident of
Person County for the past 33 years. She stated that during the past 33 years, she has owned
a couple of small businesses in Durham County and was part of an Economic Development
Board in Durham. Jacque stated she has some understanding of the importance of economic
development in the county and the city. She stated she moved to Person County to be in a
rural setting, to see trees, and have fresh air. Jacque stated that if the Dominion Energy site
were here 33 years ago, she would not have chosen to move here. She stated she believes
this project will be harmful to the economic development of Person County. She encouraged
all to ask if the benefits of this facility are worth the risks we are facing.
Don Narensky of 1 Summer Place Farm Rd, Timberlake spoke in opposition to
Dominion Energy’s proposed Moriah Energy Center. Narensky stated that he and his family
own a 55-acre farm in Timberlake. He advised that he has sent multiple emails to the Board
with little response. Naresnsky read his email that he sent to the Board. He had concerns
about the impact that such a massive facility storing liquefied natural gas on 400 acres of
rural farm and wetland could do in terms of noise, light, and air pollution, as well as
underground water and wells. Narensky stated he had safety concerns, such as, leaks, fires
and explosions. He asked what benefit is this project to the people of Person County.
Naresnsky stated Dominion Energy has advised there will be only 12 full-time positions
once the facility is up and running. He stated that none of the stored gas would be delivered
to the citizens of Person County.
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Narensky stated the lack of transparency was also an issue as this project was rushed
through economic development without public input. He asked how long the Board knew
about this proposed facility before it was made known to the public. Narensky stated that
this a terrible ill-advised project.
Sabrina Verrier of 4196 Oxford Rd, Roxboro spoke on matters related to the Person
County Department of Social Services (DSS) and foster care reform that needs to happen.
Verrier expressed thanks to the Board for taking the time to discuss and listen to the issue.
She stated this month is National Adoption Month. Verrier advised that in support of
National Adoption Month, Person County as well as DSS have posted on social media sites.
She stated that when she asked DSS to help and support her with adoption, they turned her
to a private agency.
Liz Bradsher of 976 Estate Rd, Semora spoke on matters related to Person County
Department of Social Services (DSS). Bradsher expressed thanks to the Board, as she is
grateful they are discussing restructuring of the agency. She stated when PJ Gentry was on
the Board a few years ago, she was the Board of Commissioners appointee to the DSS
Board. Bradsher stated Gentry toured DSS and met with several people in the agency. She
stated that Gentry received several calls from employees of DSS that wanted to meet.
Bradsher stated due to the influx of employees wanting to meet, Gentry reached out to her
for assistance, as all of the employees wanted to meet in anonymity. She advised she met
employees at different times of the day and night and in inconspicuous locations to ensure
they were not seen. Bradsher stated the employees’ stories were sad and dealt with an
unprofessional climate, nepotism, lack of protocol for employee mentoring, bullying, and
high turnover. She stated the agency was described as a chaotic and toxic environment.
Bradsher stated that Gentry spent months compiling research for ways to restructure the
agency and hopes the Board will now take this seriously. She stated in reference to the
former foster care case with DSS, the case is now in court and reminded the Board the
guardian ad-litem did not recommend or agree for the children to be placed with their
biological mother, and the DSS Attorney sought 18 continuances over the course of 4 ½
years. Bradsher advised she spoke to a resident today that reached out to her to in reference
to a similar case with DSS, with the same attorney and judge.
George O’Neal of 1591 Chambers Loop Rd, Timberlake spoke in opposition to
Dominion Energy’s proposed Moriah Energy Center. O’Neal expressed thanks to those in
the audience for their comments and to the Board for allowing public comments. He stated
that he is a farmer in Person County. O’Neal stated Person County could be known for many
awesome things, and the dumping ground for Raleigh’s pollution should not be one of them.
He urged the Board to make the right decision for Person County’s future.
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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 16, 2023,
B. Resolution Amending the Board of Commissioners 2023 Meeting Schedule to add
a Strategic Planning Retreat,
C. Budget Amendment #10,
D. Person County Health Department Fee Schedule Amendment related to RSV
vaccinations, and
E. Northern Middle School Utility Easement
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS
Director of Emergency Services Thomas Schwalenberg read a Resolution in support
of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Schwalenberg encouraged all citizens and
businesses to display green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from
November 6-12, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day and support of Operation Green
Light.
Chairman Powell stated that he is proud of all service men and women and fully
supports Operation Green Light for Veterans.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the
Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans.
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PERSON COUNTY PREPARE MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Director of Emergency Services Thomas Schwalenberg presented the following
slideshow presentation on Person County Prepare. Schwalenberg stated Person County
Prepare was launched on November 1, 2023 and replaces CodeRed. He advised that Person
County Emergency Services has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety; which is a leader in
mass notifications and incident management services for public agencies. Schwalenberg
stated that they collaborate during emergencies to help organizations work together to help
spread information. He advised Person County Prepare has more functionality than
CodeRed and it is a free service to citizens in real time by text, email, or by voice response
system to relay important emergency alerts to registered users. Schwalenberg advised that
this system has been implemented on all county user devices. He advised that citizens would
have to register, as the information did not integrate over from CodeRed if they were
previously signed up.
County Attorney Ellis Hankins advised the General Assembly enacted a bill that
provides that when a citizen provides their contact information for emergency notification
purposes, their personal information is not a public record; therefore, the County would not
disclose that information.
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DIVISION OF COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION
Director of Emergency Services Thomas Schwalenberg presented the following
slideshow presentation in reference to the Division of Community Risk Reduction.
Schwalenberg stated with restructuring of the department, with the new position of Division
Chief, it is a more targeted and collaborative approach for fire prevention, risk assessment
and other risks in the community. He introduced Division Chief Michael Shawn Bradsher,
who fills the Fire Marshal position and advised they are currently looking to fill the vacant
position of Deputy Fire Marshal.
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OPTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNANCE OF HUMAN SERVICES
AGENCIES
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented, per the Boards request, more
information for further discussion on Governance of Human Services Agencies as a follow-
up from the October 16, 2023 meeting. Cathey advised the Board that within their agenda
packet, she has included an outline of various options that could be considered within Person
County Government. She stated there is an interest in the Board to be more involved with
the governance structure of Person County Social Services.
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Cathey advised Option A is the model currently used by Person County
Government. She explained the options listed and how each would affect county employees
and the governing body and answered questions received from the Board. Cathey advised
the Board if they decide to move forward with restructuring and reorganization, a Public
Hearing would need to be held to obtain feedback from the public prior to a final decision
being made. Hankins advised the Board it is his recommendation that they make a decision
on how to proceed with the option they are leaning towards.
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It was the consensus of the Board to consolidate DSS with PATS (Person Area
Transportation System), rather than with the Health Department or Veterans Services. The
Board agreed to move forward with a public hearing for Option D; in which the Board of
Commissioners serves as the Consolidated Human Services Board, and employees are not
subject to State Human Resources Act (SHRA). The public hearing will be set for the
earliest possible date allowing for a 30-day notice, subject to the adoption of the BOC 2024
Meeting Schedule.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to schedule a Public
Hearing at the earliest date allowable by a 30-day notice to obtain feedback from the public.
CHAIRMANS REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that he attended the VAYA Health Board Meeting and
one topic of discussion was statewide issues of children in foster care.
Powell reported that he attended the Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony on
November 2 and urged all to please go see the precious documents related to our Country.
He stated it is educational for children. Powell expressed thanks to all involved.
Powell reported he attended the Person County Museum Brick Dedication
Ceremony on November 4, and there was a great turnout.
Powell provided a public announcement in reference to Republic Services Landfill.
He advised the public that the landfill is owned and operated by Republic Services. Person
County has no control over the landfill, as it is private property. Powell stated citizens using
the landfill have become disrespectful to employees and have even threatened them. He
pleaded to citizens to respect the landfill and employees and to abide by their rules and
regulations.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey reported she received word today that all permits
have been issued for the County Farm Park project and the next step would be to begin work
on Stormwater Control Measures with the anticipation of moving forward with construction
of the project.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims reported that he had the privilege to attend the Disabled
Veterans Ball at Antioch Baptist Church on November 4.
Sims reported that he attended the Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony and
gave props to Commissioner Puryear for leading the National Anthem.
Sims reported that he attended the Food Truck Rodeo on November 5, and it was a
great event, well attended with 24 Food Trucks.
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Commissioner Palmer reported that he attended the Charters of Freedom Dedication
Ceremony, and it was emotional. He stated that it was great asset to Person County.
Palmer reported that he attended the Person County Museum Brick Dedication on
November 4.
Commissioner Puryear reported he attended the Charters of Freedom Dedication
Ceremony, and it was an emotional ceremony.
Puryear reported he attended the Brick Ceremony at the Museum, and there was a
large crowd, and he was happy to be there to be part of the experience.
Puryear thanked Person County staff for the Trick or Treat event that was hosted by
most County departments. He enjoyed it.
Commissioner Thomas thanked everyone in attendance for coming out to the
meeting and for voicing his or her opinion. Thomas stated he looks forward to the public
hearing and hopes that it will be a huge turnout from the citizens. He urged citizens to
support Operation Green Light in support of Veterans.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #1 at 8:22 p.m. per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to establish, or to instruct
the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on
behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract
or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or
lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment
contract or proposed employment contract with the following individuals permitted to
attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County
Attorney Ellis Hankins, Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg, PCC President Pamela G.
Senegal, and PCC Trustee Phillip Allen.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session # 1 to order at 8:24 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 9:41 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 9:44 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman