04-18-2022 Meeting Minutes BOC
April 18, 2022
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 18, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Heidi York, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear S. Ellis Hankins, County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Patricia Gentry
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 9:00am in the Person County Office Building
Auditorium.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order. Vice Chairman 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 Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Andy Perrigo of 500 Moss Creek Drive, Roxboro made informal comments
about the Emergency Management Ordinance procedures that allowed a local declaration
of emergency with an amendment that stretched two years providing bridge loans. Mr.
Perrigo advocated for a review to be in place when under an emergency declaration every
30-days or have a sunset date to further increase government transparency and trust.
Mr. John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Lane, Semora prefaced his comments that
he would submit a public records request by the end of the day if he did not get answers to
his questions. Mr. Seepe questioned the Board on the scope to which Ms. Peg Carlson, a
facilitator, with the UNC School of Government, who was commissioned to meet
individually or in small groups with commissioners in January. He asked if there was a
contract with Ms. Carlson and if so, how much was it.
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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 April 4, 2022,
B. Budget Amendment #17,
C. Review and Adoption of Person Area Transportation System (PATS) Drug and
Alcohol Testing Policy and Title VI Program Plan,
D. Tax Adjustments for April 2022, and
a. Tax Releases
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
E. Request to Authorize County Manager to Enter into Contract with the Timmons Group
for Geotechnical Services for $12,000
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
COMPREHENSIVE BACKUP SOLUTION AND SECURITY APPLIANCE:
IT Director, Chris Puryear stated Person County has completed the public notice
requirements of General Statute 143-129(g) to utilize the piggyback procurement method
to purchase a comprehensive backup solution and security appliance, Rubrik, from Tego
Data under General Services Administration (GSA) Contract # GS-35F-303DA. Mr.
Puryear said information regarding this purchase was presented to the Board at its April 4,
2022 meeting.
Mr. Puryear asked the Board to authorize the County Manager to sign and execute
any documents required for the purchase of the comprehensive backup solution and
security appliance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 for approval and to
authorize the County Manager to sign and execute any documents required for the purchase
of the comprehensive backup solution and security appliance.
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RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS
2023-2027:
County Manager, Heidi York presented the Recommended Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2023-2027 that was introduced to the Board at its April 4, 2022
meeting for further discussion, adjustments and adoption. Ms. York noted the adoption of
this CIP would allocate funding for the priority projects for the County, Person County
Schools, and Piedmont Community College for FY 2022-2023. The document also sets
the priorities of projects for future fiscal years, although funding is only appropriated on
an annual basis and the plan is reviewed annually. Ms. York said the total amount proposed
for funding in Fiscal Year 2023 is $6,078,133, and of this amount, $3.3M was
recommended from the County’s General Fund.
Ms. York brought to the Board’s attention $120,000 that was appropriated in the
upcoming fiscal year to up-fit the Person County Office Building auditorium for use as the
Board’s dedicated meeting room noting the funds were to invest in improving the acoustics
by lowering the ceiling, installing a quiet air conditioning/heat pump system, install
cameras, hard-wired microphones, sound equipment, build a bench and add new, more
comfortable chairs, with all to be managed in-house. Ms. York stated the Board could
leave in and review making changes at any time. It was the consensus of the Board to leave
the item in the CIP.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt the Capital
Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-2027, as presented, allocating $6,078,133
funding in Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
By reference, the adopted Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-2027
has hereby incorporated into the minutes by reference.
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NEW BUSINESS:
VAYA HEALTH OVERVIEW AND PRESENTATION:
Mr. Elliot Clark, Regional Community Relations Director with Vaya Health stated
he wanted to review the governing structure of Vaya Health with the Board, provide county
specific data and progress, and outline current concerns around NC DHHS Child and
Family Specialty Plan.
Mr. Clark said Person County had transitioned to Vaya Health, a local management
care organization (MCO) since January. Mr. Clark noted he would like to come before the
Board each quarter with a report noting this was the first of such reports to be shared
through the following presentation. He added that Vaya Health had concerns regarding the
state’s Child & Family Specialty Plan to which he would be asking the Board to entertain
endorsement of a Letter of Support to DHHS to delay issuance of an RFP and to consider
a model that aligns with regional plan for each region LME/MCO.
Mr. Clark said his region included Person, Franklin, Granville and Vance counties.
In addition he recognized Chairman Powell and Ms. Janet Clayton, Person County Health
Director as members of the Region 4 board as well as Ms. Benita Purcell, present in the
audience, as a member of the Child and Family Advisory Council (CFAC).
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Mr. Clark said since January, in Person County, Vaya Health has entered 70 adults
into its complex care management program; those 70 adults are primarily individuals living
with severe and persistent mental illness with the frequency of contact totaling 189 within
the first 90 days was substantial. In addition, Vaya Health, in Person County, has 14
children receiving complex care management with 56 contacts, which is the population
that requires the most attention.
Mr. Clark stated at-risk youth are engaged with the school system, DSS, law
enforcement, juvenile justice for organized services. He stated the next quarter update
could be summarized by service i.e., emergency department, in-patient psychiatric
hospitalization or basic outpatient. Mr. Clark noted a 70% increase in emergency
department utilization at Person Memorial from last year and a 50% reduction in some of
the crisis services through Vaya Health’s network development plan for diversion services.
Mr. Clark further noted staffing issues have affected services as well.
Mr. Clark informed the group that the Vaya team has identified a provider, Freedom
House, to expand access for comprehensive care (walk-in) center to improve service
delivery. He said Vaya committed to hiring a full-time embedded care manager at the DSS
office. Mr. Clark stated a single point assessment is completed and operational in Person
County primarily for youth.
Commissioner Gentry asked how successful are the mobile crisis management
centers to which Mr. Clark noted a reduction by 20-30% of implementation and directing
such to be embed with the comprehensive care center for an array of services. He provided
a card for access to Care Line 24/7 for treatment information, crisis assistance and mobile
crisis team connection for a risk assessment. Mr. Clark said Vaya Health would like to roll
out in Person County, a co-responder model that puts somebody with law enforcement very
quickly.
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Mr. Clark said the proposed statewide tailored plan would be effective December
2022 and highlighted the following points of concern:
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Mr. Clark said there were strengths in the proposed plan as well.
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Mr. Clark asked the Board to consider its position to send along a letter of support
to NC DHHS for a delay of the issuance of the RFP as described in the February 18, 2022
policy paper and to consider a model that allows regional plans to align with the
LME/MCO regions.
Chairman Powell stated the great need in Person County for immediate response
time and urgent care centers. He stated he was not in favor of a statewide plan and was in
favor of a letter of support from the Person County Board to the NC DHHS Secretary to
delay the process to implement a statewide plan. Fellow commissioners agreed with
Chairman Powell.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to endorse a Letter
of Support to NC DHHS Secretary requesting to delay issuance of the RFP as described in
the February 18, 2022 policy paper and to consider a model that allows regional plans to
align with the LME/MCO regions.
INTERIM COUNTY MANAGER PLACEMENT THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE
OF THE NC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Chairman Powell introduced Mr. Kevin Leonard, Executive Director of the NC
Association of County Commissioners. The NC Association of County Commissioners is
available to assist boards of commissioners through the transition of hiring a county
manager. Chairman Powell asked Mr. Leonard to speak to the Board about the process of
appointing an interim manager and answer any questions that the Board may have.
Mr. Leonard introduced Mr. Neil Emory who is a retired county manager with 30
years of service that has been with the Association for 16 years as an Outreach Associate.
Mr. Emory said they are in contact with former county managers and can assist with
collecting resumes and contacting individuals for interest and availability to send along as
potential candidates.
Mr. Emory asked the Board to be flexible with a retired manager for his/her
schedule as they are limited to 1,000 hours; he asked the Board to evaluate how much time
would an interim be needed. County Manager, Heidi York recommended the Board to
schedule the needed start date at her departure date.
Mr. Leonard said they would send recommended names with resumes to Chairman
Powell.
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins stated the Board could interview any such
candidates for their qualifications in closed session.
Mr. Leonard thanked the commissioners for their public service.
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REQUEST TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR GRANT FUNDING AND TO
AUTHORIZE COUNTY STAFF TO SUPPORT THE WESTERN SEWER
PROJECT:
Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City of Roxboro City Manager stated the leadership with
Person County and the City of Roxboro, through each governing body was uniquely
positioned to both apply for grants funding to support the Western Sewer Project.
Both the County and the Economic Development Commission have expressed
understanding for the need to see the City of Roxboro’s Western Sewer Project completed
for future growth in the City as well as western and southern Person County. As the costs
for the project are greater than funding sources that have been identified by the City, a
request is being made to have Person County apply for infrastructure funds available
through NCDEQ – Division of Water Infrastructure grants for up to $15M per unit of local
government. The City will likewise apply, as eligible. Funding options may include 100%
grant funds, combination of grant and loan, or loan. County Manager, Heidi York sated the
County would apply for the grant funds, and if awarded, the City would manage the project.
In addition, Ms. York said there was $1M appropriated in the adopted Capital Improvement
Plan for the Western Sewer Project as an additional funding source.
Mr. Lockhart requested the Board of Commissioners to adopt a Resolution to
comply with actions necessary for grant award through NCDEQ, Division of Water
Infrastructure, and to authorize county staff to work with the City of Roxboro to support
the Western Sewer Expansion Project.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution for Grant Funding through NCDEQ, Division of Water Infrastructure, and to
authorize County Staff to work with the City of Roxboro to support the Western Sewer
Expansion Project.
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NC BEAVER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
Ms. Nancy McCormick, Soil & Water Manager on behalf of the Person Soil &
Water Conservation District and the Person County Soil & Water Department stated the
North Carolina Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP) is designed to help
manage problems caused by beaver on private and public lands. Due to practical and
ecological considerations, the program’s goal is to address specific beaver damage
problems rather than to eliminate beaver from North Carolina. BMAP-related beaver
removals account for about 17% of total known annual beaver harvest (including regulated
trapping and damage-related removals), and about 0.5% of the total beaver population
annually. BMAP service providers use an integrated approach, in which a combination of
methods (some lethal, some non-lethal) may be used or recommended to reduce beaver
damage. The program places first priority on issues that threaten public health and safety,
and secondly on assistance to landholders experiencing beaver damage.
Ms. McCormick said the BMAP will be implemented by USDA Wildlife Services
(Wildlife Services) through cooperative service agreements with the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC), the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and
Person County. Landholders gain access to assistance at a reduced cost-share rate or may
receive free training on beaver management techniques if they are willing to perform the
work themselves.
Ms. McCormick stated the cost for Person County to participate in the BMAP is
$6,000; she requested the Board to approve funds of $6,000 and designate the Person Soil
& Water Conservation District office to act as liaison.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to appropriate $6,000
in the Soil & Water departmental budget for the Beaver Management Assistance Program
in the upcoming fiscal year as well as to designate the Person Soil & Water Conservation
District office to act as liaison, as presented.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell asked the County Manager if any of the opioid settlement funding
that will come to Person County could be used for a diversion center to which Ms. York
stated the opioid settlement funding would have restricted uses and a committee would be
established to recommend uses noting the county would have seven years to expend the
funding, after receipt.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the Board that they would convene their
May board meetings in its boardroom 215 upstairs.
Ms. York followed up to the questions of Mr. John Seepe during public comments
to note that Ms. Peg Carlson was engaged via phone call to possibly present at the Board’s
retreat noting there was no contract, no formal proposal and no charge for her time. Ms.
York added there was no report following her meetings saying she did not deem a good fit
for the Board’s retreat.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims commented that Mr. John Seepe’s comments were a campaign
speech for two candidates and he disagreed with the term bullying when there was
questions to a commissioner; he opined that threatening the Board with a public records
request unless he got answers to his questions was in his opinion bullying. Vice Chairman
Sims appreciates the public making comments before the Board.
Commissioner Palmer commended county employees for their work and in
particular noticed the grounds maintenance staff working at the Sansbury Park.
There were no reports or comments from Commissioner Gentry or Puryear
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 10:52am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman