06-20-2022 Meeting Minutes BOC
June 20, 2022
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 20, 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, June 20, 2022 at 9:00am in the Person County Office Building
Auditorium.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order and offered an invocation.
Commissioner Gentry led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Gentry requested to add to the agenda to authorize acquisition of
real property (An Offer to Purchase and Contract Access and Utility Easement).
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to add an item to
the agenda to authorize acquisition of real property (An Offer to Purchase and Contract
Access and Utility Easement) and to approve the agenda as adjusted.
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COUNTY MANAGER
Chairman Powell read and presented County Manager, Heidi York a plaque
recognizing her tenure as Person County’s Manager from July 2008 to June 2022.
Chairman Powell recognized NC Representative Larry Yarborough, Jr. and former county
commissioner Jimmy Clayton to express their appreciation of Ms. York’s dedication to the
citizens and employees of Person County. The Board extended their appreciation to Ms.
York and wished her well.
County Manager, Heidi York stated it was a pleasure serving Person County and
was thankful for the Board that hired her for taking a chance on her. Ms. York said she
had a great team in place and her success was due to the Person County employees.
June 20, 2022
2
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Ms. HollyAnn Rogers of 405 Younger Road, Roxboro addressed the national crisis
of gun violence and urged the commissioners to make a difference on the local level with
mental health awareness to prevent future gun violence in Person County.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of May 16, 2022,
B. Approval of Minutes of May 27, 2022,
C. Approval of Minutes of June 6, 2022,
D. Approval of Minutes of June 7, 2022,
E. Budget Amendment #21, and
F. 3-Year Renewal of Forestry Space Lease
NEW BUSINESS:
OLD HELENA SCHOOL REUSE CONCEPT:
Mr. Phillip Jackson shared with the Board the following presentation outlining a
proposal for the county owned property known as the Old Helena School for a reuse
concept for a creation of a vocational training center to include Jobs for Life classes, trades
school, job placement, financial literacy, and counseling. In addition, the establishment of
a culinary program which will include venue space, culinary school, and the Community
Gathering Table.
Mr. Jackson introduced Mr. Rick Morgan with the Jobs for Life Program noting
that character building was touted as the success of the program for skilled labor and the
technology center.
Mr. Jackson introduced Mr. Clevie Brandon with the Person County Ministerial
Alliance and Mr. Tom Meyer, owner of a catering and culinary center, Love and Nourish,
both instrumental in the development of the concept plan for the Old Helena School
June 20, 2022
3
June 20, 2022
4
June 20, 2022
5
June 20, 2022
6
June 20, 2022
7
Vice Chairman Sims asked Mr. Jackson if they were requesting the park area where
the softball field and basketball goals were located to which Mr. Jackson confirmed those
areas were not in their request, only the main school building and the three outer buildings
next to the gym. He noted they did not want to take away how the community uses those
recreational areas.
Vice Chairman Sims asked if they were confident to raise the $6.5M to $8M in
funds for the project to which Mr. Jackson replied affirmatively,
Commissioner Gentry asked Mr. Jackson what was his proposed timeline for this
concept plan to which he stated an aggressive schedule would be 18-24 months noting they
have not had an architect draw up a site plan as they wanted to gain the Board’s support
prior to expending funds.
June 20, 2022
8
Commissioner Puryear asked if their committee had reached out to the community
for buy-in of the proposed concept plan to which Mr. Jackson stated they certainly would
engage with the community.
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins suggested Mr. Jackson and his committee to write
a concise concept paper with more details for a future Board meeting as the Board voiced
support of the Concept Plan, as introduced.
Chairman Powell asked if a survey of the property was in order since the proposal
does not include the entirety of the property, to which Mr. Hankins stated would be a good
idea. Chairman Powell said, as the commissioners like the initial Concept Plan noting the
location and the building were important to the community, he concurred with Mr. Hankins
for a more detailed plan with the attorney guiding the process.
Mr. Jackson and his partners present at the meeting confirmed their desire for this
reuse Concept Plan of the Old Helena School site and would move forward in the process
with the attorney.
FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET ORDINANCE:
General Statute 159-13(a) directs that the annual budget must be adopted by July
1. The budget ordinance may be adopted at any regular or special meeting at which a
quorum is present, by a majority of those present and voting. County Manager, Heidi York
stated the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance was before the Board for adoption
having fulfilled the legal requirements including the conducting of a public hearing.
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg presented the final Adjustments from
Recommended to Adopted Budget summary as noted below which reflected an increase of
$332,761 to the General Fund noting there were no adjustments made to any of the Other
Funds.
June 20, 2022
9
Department Explanation of Change
Revenue
Changes
Expenditure
Changes
Equivalent
Tax Rate
(1 cent =
$519,741)
General Fund
Recommended Budget 70,610,683 70,610,683
Revenues Fund Balance Appropriation (10090-399991)316,710 0.61
Fund Balance Appropriation (12090-399991)16,051 0.03
Expenditures Admin Dept-Interim County Manager contracted services (1004120-430000)54,600 0.11
Contingency-EMS Salary adjustments (1009910-499700)180,000 0.35
Kirby ADA Improvements (1006122-430000)82,110 0.16
Public Health Dept-Part-time restoration & related costs (1205110)16,051 0.03
Total Amended General Fund Budget 70,943,444 70,943,444 0.00
Difference of Amended Changes over (under) Recommended 332,761 332,761 0.64
Total Capital Investment Fund Budget 7,869,223 7,869,223 0.00
Total Representative Payees Fund Budget 900,170 900,170 0.00
Total Person Industries and Material Recovery Facility Fund Budget 2,677,171 2,677,171 0.00
Total Sheriff's Execution Fund Budget 100,000 100,000 0.00
Total Fire District Tax Fund Budget 2,206,940 2,206,940 0.00
Emergency Telephone System - Special Revenue Fund
Total Emergency Telephone System Fund Budget 361,616 361,616 0.00
Revolving Loan - Special Revenue Fund
Total Revolving Loan Fund Budget 5,492 5,492 0.00
Economic Catalyst - Special Revenue Fund
Total Economic Catalyst Fund Budget 1,673,183 1,673,183 0.00
Water and Sewer - Special Revenue Fund
Total Water and Sewer Fund Budget 1,062,200 1,062,200 0.00
Stormwater - Enterprise Fund
Total Stormwater Fund Budget 389,394 389,394 0.00
Total Amended Budget FY 2022-23 88,188,833 88,188,833
Total Difference of Amended Changes over (under) Recommended 332,761 332,761
Capital Investment Fund - Special Revenue Fund
Representative Payees - Special Revenue Fund
Person Industries and Material Recovery Facility - Special Revenue Fund
Sheriff's Execution - Special Revenue Fund
Fire Tax District - Special Revenue Fund
June 20, 2022
10
In addition, Ms. Wehrenberg stated the Health Department fees below were
acknowledged after the Recommended Budget was presented, and have been incorporated
into the Approved Fees Schedule:
Immunizations
90671 Pneumococcal 15 $262
90677 Pneumococcal 20 $308
90697 Vaxelis $155
0094A Immunization administration of COVID19
vaccine-Moderna second booster
$70
Family Planning Methods
J7301 Skyla IUD $927
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt the Fiscal
Year 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance and Fee Schedule, as presented.
The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance and Fee Schedule, as adopted by the
Board follows:
June 20, 2022
11
June 20, 2022
12
June 20, 2022
13
June 20, 2022
14
June 20, 2022
15
June 20, 2022
16
June 20, 2022
17
June 20, 2022
18
June 20, 2022
19
June 20, 2022
20
June 20, 2022
21
June 20, 2022
22
June 20, 2022
23
June 20, 2022
24
June 20, 2022
25
June 20, 2022
26
June 20, 2022
27
June 20, 2022
28
June 20, 2022
29
June 20, 2022
30
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE &
RELATED POLICIES (A RESOLUTION OF THE PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS TO ADOPT A NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AND
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY):
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg submitted a Grant Project Ordinance for the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 that replaces the original ordinance approved
on June 7, 2021 as a result of new State requirements and further clarification on eligibility
criteria of ARPA expenditures. As recommended by the School of Government, the
County has elected to take the standard allowance, as authorized by 31 CFR Part 35.6(d)(1)
and expend all its ARP/CSLFRF funds for the provision of government services.
For ease in reporting, this Ordinance proposes to apply all of the project
expenditures ($7,670,470) to salary and benefits for the Sheriff’s Department, Emergency
Communications, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Parks and Recreation
Department. Ms. Wehrenberg stated that between the four departments, the entire ARPA
allotment for Person County would be expended by end of FY23. The pledged funds will
be transferred to the General Fund for the Board’s consideration as to how these supplanted
funds will be expended. To date, the Board has set aside $2.75M for potential grant
matches associated with Broadband infrastructure, leaving a remaining uncommitted
balance of $4,920,470. Ms. Wehrenberg anticipated that a committee would present other
funding recommendations to the Board in the coming months.
In addition to the Grant Project Ordinance, Ms. Wehrenberg noted there were two
related policies that the state requires Board approval. The first was a Resolution of the
Person County Board of Commissioners to adopt a Nondiscrimination Policy that reaffirms
that Person County will insure that no person shall be subject to discrimination under any
programs or activities administered by the County that are funded in whole or in part with
ARPA funds. Under this policy, the Assistant County Manager will review submitted
complaints, inform county leadership and report to the Treasury Department as required.
The second policy was a Conflict of Interest Policy that establishes the application of
Conflict of Interest standards when the County enters into a contract or makes a subaward
with vendors paid by the County using ARPA funds; for this policy Ms. Wehrenberg stated
she was listed as the point of contact and designated official to complete disclosure forms
and the compliance checklist when the value of a proposed contract or subaward exceeds
$250,000.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to adopt the Grant
Project Ordinance and related policies (A Resolution of the Person County Board of
Commissioners to Adopt a Nondiscrimination Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy), as
presented.
June 20, 2022
31
June 20, 2022
32
June 20, 2022
33
PERSON COUNTY STATE OF EMERGENCY AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT ORDINANCES REVISIONS:
Thom Schwalenberg, Director of Emergency Management Services shared the
following presentation for the recommended revisions for the Person County State of
Emergency Ordinance and the Emergency Management Ordinance:
June 20, 2022
34
June 20, 2022
35
June 20, 2022
36
June 20, 2022
37
June 20, 2022
38
June 20, 2022
39
June 20, 2022
40
Commissioner Puryear asked why was the language removed in the State of
Emergency Ordinance related to the absence or disability of the Chair, to which the County
Attorney, Ellis Hankins clarified that the Emergency Management Act gave the Chair a
range of discretion and with the Board interested in having a larger role, the language was
no longer needed.
Commissioner Puryear posed the question should the Chair be indisposed and
unable to call a state of emergency, would the Vice Chair take over; Mr. Hankins stated
the county would revert back to the general provisions of the county government chapter
of law, 153A, and should a disability be significant enough, the Vice Chair would become
the acting Chair and would have the same authority.
Commissioner Gentry asked Mr. Schwalenberg for an example of an administrative
warrant to which he used the example to enter a private property because of a
contamination; he said it was not a criminal warrant, but called an administrative warrant
that gives them permission to go onto the property to investigate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Person County State of Emergency Ordinance, as presented and revised this date.
June 20, 2022
41
June 20, 2022
42
June 20, 2022
43
June 20, 2022
44
June 20, 2022
45
June 20, 2022
46
June 20, 2022
47
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Emergency Management Ordinance, as presented and revised this date.
June 20, 2022
48
June 20, 2022
49
June 20, 2022
50
June 20, 2022
51
June 20, 2022
52
June 20, 2022
53
June 20, 2022
54
June 20, 2022
55
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF JULY AS PARK AND
RECREATION MONTH:
John Hill, Director of Person County Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department stated
the National Recreation and Park Association and the North Carolina Recreation and Park
Association recommend that local leaders of cities and county governments recognize the
benefit and value of their parks and recreation departments and the services, amenities, and
programs they provide to their citizens. It is important to recognize how parks and
recreation departments and their staff provide year-round services that have immense
positive benefits to their community through health and wellness, both cognitively and
physically, land and resource conservation/preservation, community resilience, economic
development, crime reduction, and critical programs that are important to adult and
childhood development.
By consensus of the Board, Chairman Powell read and presented to Mr. Hill a
Resolution Designating the Month of July as Park and Recreation Month in Person County.
June 20, 2022
56
Mr. Hill introduced his newly hired Assistant Director, Kristen Herndon noting she
was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year by the National Park & Recreation
Association.
June 20, 2022
57
REQUEST ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FROM GOLDEN LEAF SITE
PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR AND STAFF TO CARRY OUT
REQUIREMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT:
Economic Development Director, Sherry Wilborn stated the Board, at its March 7,
2022 meeting authorized application for funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation (GLF)
Site Program for clearing and grading approximately 25-acres of the county-owned North
Park site. Ms. Wilborn announced that at the June 2, 2022 meeting of the GLF Board of
Directors, Person County was awarded $973,750 to move forward with additional due
diligence of clearing and grading at the North Park site.
In order to receive funding and be authorized to move forward with the project,
Person County must execute a “Grantee Acknowledgement and Agreement” document for
GLF as well as take the necessary action to fulfill the terms of the agreement, such as carry
out a competitive bid process. Ms. Wilborn stated there was a 12-month deadline noting
extensions may be necessary.
Ms. Wilborn stated her plan was to bid out the clearing and grading and to also
include the timbering of the mature mixed hardwoods on the site. She estimated the value
of timbering at $40K to $45K.
Ms. Wilborn requested the Board to authorize the Chairman and Staff to execute
the “Grantee Acknowledgment and Agreement” and to perform the necessary tasks to
comply with the agreement and carry out the approved project parameters and to approve
the grant revenue and expenditure budget of $973,750.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize the
Chairman and Staff to execute the “Grantee Acknowledgment and Agreement” and to
perform the necessary tasks to comply with the agreement and carry out the approved
project parameters and to approve the grant revenue and expenditure budget of $973,750.
County Manager, Heidi York added the grant funding will be recognized in the
Economic Catalyst Fund.
June 20, 2022
58
June 20, 2022
59
June 20, 2022
60
June 20, 2022
61
June 20, 2022
62
June 20, 2022
63
June 20, 2022
64
June 20, 2022
65
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FOR A CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP:
Chairman Powell presented to the Board a Resolution Amending the Economic
Development for a Change in Membership to implement staggered terms among its
Members-at-Large.
Commissioner Gentry questioned the 5-year terms as compared to other boards and
committees’ terms noting the Board of Commissioners’ term was 4-years; Chairman
Powell stated the original thinking was for longevity.
Commissioner Gentry asked how to decide who will get which terms, i.e., 4-year
or 5-year terms to which Chairman Powell said it would be included in the motion.
Commissioner Gentry stated the applicant should know which term they are applying; Vice
Chairman Sims asked how were the positions advertised to which Clerk to the Board,
Brenda Reaves confirmed the positions were advertised for 5-year terms according to the
Resolution of record that outlines the terms. She added if the Board desired to stagger the
terms, as proposed, a new resolution would have to be adopted.
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins pointed out two corrections to the resolution before
the Board: 1) in the first Whereas, Chapter 58 should read Chapter 158, and 2) in 1-D,
Reappointments should read Future appointments.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt a Resolution
Amending the Economic Development Commission for a Change in Membership, as
presented including the two corrections by the County Attorney.
June 20, 2022
66
June 20, 2022
67
June 20, 2022
68
June 20, 2022
69
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves presented interested citizen applications for
current vacancies received in response to an ad published in the local newspaper and on
the county website mid-May with the advertised deadline to submit application by noon on
June 7, 2022. Ms. Reaves asked the Board to nominate and appoint as deemed appropriate.
ABC Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Michael “Mike” Laws requested reappointment
2) Robert Alan Satterfield requested appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint Mike
Laws to the ABC Board for a 3-year term.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment: 2 positions available – no applications
Agricultural Advisory Board for the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program
established by the Voluntary Agricultural District Board Ordinance
3-Year: 1 position for a citizen representative from the following townships:
Allensville,
Bushy Fork: Bruce Whitfield requested reappointment
Olive Hill
Roxboro
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to reappoint Bruce
Whitfield to the Agricultural Advisory Board for the Voluntary Farmland Preservation
Program established by the Voluntary Agricultural District Board Ordinance for a 3-year
term in the seat designated for the Bushy Fork Township representative.
Airport Commission
1 position for a citizen-at-large to fulfill an unexpired term to December 31, 2023
1) Robert (Bob) Wilkerson requested appointment
2) Norman (Skip) Carden III requested appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to appoint Bob
Wilkerson to the Airport Commission to fulfill an unexpired term to December 31, 2023.
June 20, 2022
70
Board of Health
1 position for an engineer for an unexpired term to June 30, 2023
1) Randy Eakes requested appointment
1 position for a dentist representative
1) Dr. Jeffrey Noblett requested reappointment
1 position for an optometrist representative
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to appoint Randy
Eakes to the Board of Health to fulfill an unexpired term to June 30, 2023 in the seat
designated as the engineer representative, and to reappoint Dr. Jeffrey Noblett as the dentist
representative on the Board of Health for a 3-year term.
Economic Development Commission
5-Year Term:
6 positions available for citizens-at-large and 1 position available for a citizen-at-large for
minority representation
1) Scott McKinney requested appointment
2) Doug Weaver Sr. requested appointment
3) Donald Long requested reappointment
4) Teresa W. Burch requested appointment
5) Jody Blackwell requested appointment
6) Sherry Clayton requested appointment
7) Kenneth Perry requested reappointment
8) Gordon Phillip Allen, Jr. requested reappointment
9) James “Jay” Poindexter, Jr. requested appointment
10) Thomas Bradsher requested appointment
A motion was made by Chairman Powell to appoint Jay Poindexter, Jody
Blackwell and Donald Long to the Economic Development Commission, each for a 4-year
term.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and failed 2-3 to appoint
Jay Poindexter, Thomas Bradsher and Doug Weaver to the Economic Development
Commission, each for a 4-year term. Commissioners Palmer and Gentry voted in favor of
the substitute motion; Chairman Powell, Vice Chairman Sims and Commissioner Puryear
cast the dissenting votes.
The original motion made by Chairman Powell carried 3-2 to appoint Jay
Poindexter, Jody Blackwell and Donald Long to the Economic Development Commission,
each for a 4-year term. Chairman Powell, Vice Chairman Sims and Commissioner Puryear
voted in favor of the original motion; Commissioners Palmer and Gentry cast the dissenting
votes.
June 20, 2022
71
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to appoint Phillip Allen,
Scott McKinney and Sherry Clayton to the Economic Development Commission, each for
a 5-year term.
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to appoint Kenneth Perry
to the Economic Development Commission as the minority representative for a 4-year
term.
One non-voting position for an agricultural/farm community representative
1) Dr. Claudia Berryhill requested reappointment
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to reappoint Dr. Claudia
Berryhill to the Economic Development Commission for a 5-year term in the non-voting
position for an agricultural/farm community representative.
Environmental Issues Advisory Committee
3-Year Term: 1 position for a citizen residing in each of the following townships:
Allensville: 1) Robert Brauer requested reappointment
Cunningham:
Holloway:
Mt. Tirzah:
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to reappoint Robert
Brauer to the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee for a 3-year term as the
Allensville Township representative.
Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
6-Year Term: 7 positions available – no applications
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
2 positions available for a citizen under the age of 21,
1 position available for a citizen representing the faith community,
1) Rev. Elizabeth P. McCoy requested reappointment
1 position available for a citizen representing a non-profit agency
1) Kelly Foti requested reappointment
2-Year Term:
1 position available for a Juvenile Defense Attorney, and
up to 5 citizens-at-large
1) Teresa W. Burch requested appointment
June 20, 2022
72
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint Rev.
Elizabeth P. McCoy as the citizen representing the faith community, reappoint Kelly Foti
as the non-profit agency representative and Teresa Burch, citizen-at-large to the Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council, each for a 2-year term.
Kerr Tar Regional Council of Government Board
1 citizen-at-large alternate position representing the private sector business – no
applications
Library Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Anne Gibson requested reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint Anne
Gibson to the Library Advisory Board for a 3-year term.
Nursing Home Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term: 3-Year Reappointment; 4 positions available – no applications
PATS Transportation Advisory Board
3-Year Term:
1 position available for an occupational affiliation representative of the following:
medical related service,
a citizen-at-large
Rural Planning Organization Director or designee:
1) Diane Cox requested reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to reappoint Diane
Cox to the PATS Transportation Advisory Board as the Rural Planning Organization
representative.
Person-Caswell Lake Authority
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Lindsay Wagstaff, III requested appointment
2) Anna Hester-Martin requested appointment
3) Randy King requested appointment
4) Frank Stoltmann requested appointment
June 20, 2022
73
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to appoint Randy King to the Person-
Caswell Lake Authority for a 3-year term.
A substitute motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 3-2 to appoint
Lindsay Wagstaff, III to the Person-Caswell Lake Authority for a 3-year term. Vice
Chairman Sims, Chairman Powell and Commissioner Puryear voted in favor of the
substitute motion; Commissioners Palmer and Gentry cast the dissenting votes.
Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees
4-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Tracy Harris requested appointment
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to appoint Tracy Harris
to the Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees for a 4-year term.
Planning Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) W. Barry Walker requested reappointment
2) Shelia McGhee requested reappointment
3) Joshua S. Clayton requested appointment
4) Gerald Jermaine Wallace requested appointment
5) Thomas Bradsher requested appointment
6) James “Jay” Poindexter requested appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry to reappoint Barry Walker and
appoint Thomas Bradsher to the Planning Board, each for a 3-year term.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to appoint Joshua
Clayton and Jay Poindexter to the Planning Board, each for a 3-year term. Commissioner
Puryear stated Mr. Poindexter would be ineligible to be appointed to the Planning Board
as he serves on the Board of Equalization and Review and was just appointed to the
Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Palmer amended his substitute
motion to appoint Joshua Clayton to the Planning Board and failed 1-4. Commissioner
Palmer cast the lone vote in favor of the substitute motion; Chairman Powell, Vice
Chairman Sims, and Commissioners Puryear and Gentry voted against the substitute
motion.
The original motion made by Commissioner Gentry carried 4-1 to reappoint Barry
Walker and appoint Thomas Bradsher to the Planning Board, each for a 3-year term.
Chairman Powell, Vice Chairman Sims, and Commissioners Puryear and Gentry voted in
favor of the original motion; Commissioner Palmer cast the lone dissenting vote.
June 20, 2022
74
Recreation Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Billy Carter requested appointment
2) Donald Long requested reappointment
3) Tabitha George requested reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to reappoint both
Donald Long and Tabitha George to the Recreation Advisory Board, each for a 3-year
term.
Region K Aging Advisory
3-Year Term: 5 positions available – no applications
Social Services Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available – no applications
Workforce Development Board
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for a member or an officer of organized labor, and
1 position available for a small business representative – no applications
UPDATE ON COUNTY’S ADVOCACY EFFORTS RELATED TO DUKE’S
CARBON PLAN:
On October 13, 2021, Governor Cooper signed into law House Bill 951, “Energy
Solutions for North Carolina” (S.L. 2021-165). House Bill 951 directs the North Carolina
Utilities Commission to take all reasonable steps to achieve a 70% reduction in the
emissions of carbon dioxide from Duke’s electric generating facilities in North Carolina
by 2030, and “net-zero” by 2050. The Utilities Commission was directed to develop a plan
by December 31, 2022, to achieve the carbon dioxide reduction goals.
On May 16, 2022, Duke Energy filed its proposed “Carbon Plan” with the Utilities
Commission. The Carbon Plan sets out various proposed portfolios that Duke believes will
achieve the carbon reduction goals of House Bill 951. All of the proposed portfolios call
for the closure of the Mayo plant in 2029. The closure of the Roxboro plant varies by
portfolio, with the closure date proposed for 2029, 2032, or 2034.
Recognizing the significance of the Mayo and Roxboro generating stations to the
Person County Community, the Board of Commissioners authorized the engagement of
outside legal counsel and consulting services to represent Person County at the North
Carolina Utilities Commission in the Carbon Plan proceeding.
June 20, 2022
75
Mr. Patrick Buffkin of the Buffkin Law Office of Raleigh, and a City of Raleigh
Councilman shared the following presentation to provide an update on the status of the
case and an overview of the County’s advocacy efforts:
June 20, 2022
76
June 20, 2022
77
June 20, 2022
78
June 20, 2022
79
Chairman Powell stated Duke Energy’s presence was an important part of the
community noting everyone’s concern about the possible closure of the power plants and
that is why the Board was looking for Mr. Buffkin’s expertise and leadership to advise the
County through the Utilities Commission process.
June 20, 2022
80
AUTHORIZE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY (AN OFFER TO
PURCHASE AND CONTRACT ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT):
The “County Farm”, located in the southeast region of Person County, covers 280
acres of planted timber and hardwoods along 1.5 miles of the Flat River. The county plans
to restore the farmland into a greenspace park to expand the county park system and satisfy
a portion of the county’s Interim Alternative Implementation Approach (IAIA) program
obligation to meet Stage 1 compliance with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association
(Falls Lake Watershed) stormwater regulations. The Approved FY2023-2027 Capital
Improvement Plan includes $114, 394 per year for the next five years to fund stormwater
projects. Currently, the County does not have access to the County Farm property from a
state-maintained road or private easement and must seek permission from surrounding
landowners to cross their property to reach it. The county-owned property is not accessible
to the public. The Offer to Purchase and Contract provides the terms and conditions for the
county’s purchase of an access and utility easement across a 33.23-acre tract owned by
Ronald Tilley adjacent to the County Farm. The easement will provide public access to the
future park property.
Commissioner Gentry said Person County would acquire an access and utility
easement 50 feet in width across the parcel owned by Ronald Tilley. The easement will
begin 2000-feet north of the intersection of state road 737 and state road 738 along the
existing farm road. Land contained within the easement will amount to 1.95 acres in size.
Commissioner Gentry stated the park will become a mountain bike and hiking park; She
noted the County will maintain a 100-foot riparian buffer along the riverbank. The new
park will be developed following a public input and design process with fencing around
the entire perimeter of the park.
The County’s vision for the park is to provide recreational and educational
amenities with low environmental and large tourism impact. The preliminary design
includes the preservation of 15-20 acres of the public land by restoring and enhancing a
riparian buffer and creating a green wildlife observation area. It includes a multi-purpose
trail system with natural and wildlife observation, mountain biking, hiking, and walking
components. Developing trails and greenspace areas will improve community health and
increase tourism by encouraging individuals and groups to exercise and lead a healthy
lifestyle. The community will also benefit from improved water quality, reduced erosion
runoff and sediment control, and improved wildlife and fish habitat.
County Manager, Heidi York stated the funding for the purchase price of $75,000
was available in the County’s Stormwater Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to approve the
purchase of an access and utility easement across a 33.23-acre tract, owned by Ronald W.
Tilley, in the Mt. Tirzah Township in the amount of $75,000 and authorize the chair to
fully execute the Offer to Purchase and Contract.
June 20, 2022
81
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported that Mr. Ralph Clark would be shadowing
her some this last week with Person County. She noted the County Manager job
description has been posted on the Executive Search Consultant’s website. Ms. York
thanked the group for her recognition at this, her final Board meeting with Person County.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims had no report.
Commissioner Palmer commented his support of the cost of living adjustment for
county employees and the great selections on boards and committees.
Commissioner Gentry commented on Senate Bill 372 relating to electrical building
code affecting electrical contracting licensing, waste waste treatment issues, building code
rules in local building inspection departments; one rule caps the total the number of hours
required to get an electrical contracting license, reducing the timeframe when a treated
waste water system has to file a performance bond with the Dept. of Environmental
Quality, lessening the requirements for the local Health Department to conduct to grouting
inspection for a private water well is the well contractor provides certification and the
grouting complies with state law. In addition, local government to designate an individual
to oversee the enforcement of planning and development inspections. Also local
governments are required to publish annual financial reports and how it uses fees accessed
from development and building maintenance permit fees. Commissioner Gentry stated this
bill passed the House and was going back to the Senate for concurrence.
Commissioner Puryear thanked Ms. York for her service and wished her the very
best.
June 20, 2022
82
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session#1 at 11:27am per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for the purpose to consult with
an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby
acknowledged; the following individuals are permitted to attend: County Manager, Heidi
York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ellis Hankins, Economic
Development Director, Sherry Wilborn, Retained Attorney, Patrick Buffkin, and Retained
Consultant, Kevin O’Donnell via telephone.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:16pm.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 12:17pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman