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09-06-2022 Meeting Minutes BOC September 6, 2022 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Gordon Powell Ralph Clark, Interim 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 Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 7:00pm in the Person County Office Building Auditorium. Chairman Powell called the meeting to order. Vice Chairman Sims offered an invocation and Commissioner Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairman Powell stated a request to add a Closed Session #1 to the agenda for personnel. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to add a Closed Session #1 to the agenda and to approve the agenda as adjusted. RECOGNITION: RECOGNITION OF PERSON COUNTY BY THE FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION: Fire Marshal, Adam Morris along with Kenneth Torain, Fire Chief City of Roxboro Fire Department, Blake Whitt, Fire Chief Hurdle Mills Volunteer Fire Department, Roger Whitt, Fire Chief Moriah Volunteer Fire Department, Todd Lane, Deputy Fire Chief Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, Gary Deitz, Fire Chief Allensville Volunteer Fire Department, Landell Cunningham, Assistant Fire Chief Semora Volunteer Fire Department and Aron Lappin, Chief, Roxboro-Person County Rescue Squad presented a plaque of recognition on behalf of the Person County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Person County Fire Marshal’s Office to thank the Board of Commissioners and the Assistant County Manager, Katherine Cathey for their support and dedication given to the Fire Departments and Rescue Squad that serve Person County. September 6, 2022 2 PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST TO ADD HIDDEN CREEK LN, A PRIVATE ROADWAY, TO THE DATABASE OF ROADWAY NAMES USED FOR E-911 DISPATCHING: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for a request to add Hidden Creek Ln, a private roadway, to the database of roadway names used for E-911 dispatching. Sallie Vaughn, GIS Director requested Board consideration to approve Hidden Creek Ln, a private roadway to be added to the database of roadway names used for E-911 dispatching. Ms. Vaughn stated one existing residence and two proposed residences use the same driveway for access, which necessitates the naming of the driveway noting Tax Map and Parcel A98 183 and A98 211 were recently purchased and the owners are currently in the permitting process to construct new homes. These two parcels and A98 168 are accessed via shared private easement. In accordance with Article IV, Section 402 H of the “Ordinance Regulating Addresses and Road Naming in Person County,” any driveway serving three or more addressable structures must be named. North Carolina General Statute 153A-239.1(A) requires a public hearing be held on the matter and public notice be provided at least 10 days prior in the newspaper. The required public notice was published in the August 25, 2022 edition of the Roxboro Courier-Times. A sign advertising the public hearing was placed at the proposed roadway location on the same date. Ms. Vaughn said all seven adjacent property owners were contacted in person or via certified mail. Of those seven, only one resident will be affected with an address change. The required majority was reached and Hidden Creek Ln was provided as their road name of choice, which was compliant with all naming regulations in the Ordinance. Ms. Vaughn noted since this abstract was written, one residence has been sold and she has been unable to communicate with the new owner related to the proposed name of the roadway; because of this Ms. Vaughn recommended to the Board to consider continuation of this public hearing to the Board’s September 19, 2022 meeting to allow sufficient time to speak with the new property owner(s) for input on the proposed roadway name. Ms. Vaughn further noted she was also seeking confirmation if one of the owners were indeed following through to build or not; and if not, there would be no further need to proceed with the roadway naming. Chairman Powell asked the Board if there was consensus to continue the public hearing to its September 19, 2022 to which the Board unanimously affirmed. September 6, 2022 3 INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Mr. Jim Brooks of 601 Estate Road, Semora addressed the Board related to the Peninsula development at Hyco Lake sharing his concerns for 1) boating safety on the lake, and 2) the platform and gateway for a multi-community dock to be approved from the Lake Authority. Mr. Brooks stated this original project for 162 lots was approved by the Board of Commissioners noting the developer had requested approval of 32 additional interior lots without docks, which was heard and recommended for approval by the Planning Board. Mr. Brooks said the developer paused the project. He asked the Board of Commissioners to provide an update on the status of this project. Chairman Powell and Interim County Manager, Ralph Clark stated the Board of Commissioners did not have an update and that the new Planning Director, Chris Bowley, would be the one to provide an update, if one was available. Mr. John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Lane, Semora recalled the Board of Commissioners, at its August 15, 2022 meeting passed on Elizabeth Bradsher’ s qualified resume for appointment on the regional Region K Aging Advisory Committee by selecting two other applicants that were submitted after Ms. Bradsher’ s application. Following Mr. Seepe’s comments, Commissioner Gentry questioned the process of board appointments noting the Board has made appointments by use of public interviews to aid the Board in making an appointment as well as appointments without public interviews based on the application only. Commissioner Gentry advocated for consistency to be discussed at a future board meeting. September 6, 2022 4 DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. Approval of Minutes of August 15, 2022, B. Approval of Minutes of August 23, 2022, C. Budget Amendment #5, D. Audit Contract for Preparation of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal and State Awards, and E. Memorandum of Agreement for Courtroom Cabling for Remote Proceedings The item for a Request to Approve Contract for Bond Counsel Services was removed from the Consent Agenda by request of Commissioner Gentry to be presented immediately following the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. REQUEST TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES: Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg requested Board consideration to approve execution of the contract with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP that will authorize their firm to provide bond counsel services related to the anticipated limited obligation bonds (LOBs) issuance in early 2023. Ms. Wehrenberg stated Parker Poe would collaborate with the County’s financial advisory firm, DEC Associates, Inc. in connection with this transaction related to the $38M schools debt financing for deferred maintenance. As the County’s bond counsel, this firm will provide legal services associated with the bond issuance, as well as provide an opinion as to the validity of the bonds and the federal and state tax treatment of the interest on the bonds. Typically, Parker Poe’s fees associated with a LOBs financing is approximately $50,000 for the initial financing and $40,000 for subsequent financings. These fee estimates are in line with other bond counseling firms that responded to an invitation for proposal that was submitted in early August. After discussions with Parker Poe, it was determined that they would best meet the County’s needs for the services that will be required over the next 5 months. A fixed fee will be negotiated for the services they will provide once additional information is available regarding the nature of the bonds. County Attorney, Ellis Hankins added bond counseling was specialized law and there were only a handful of firms available in NC noting Parker Poe had a great reputation of obtaining the lowest interest rate. A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve a contract with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP for bond counsel services. September 6, 2022 5 September 6, 2022 6 September 6, 2022 7 September 6, 2022 8 NEW BUSINESS: REPUBLIC SERVICES UPDATE FOR THE UPPER PIEDMONT REGIONAL LANDFILL: Mr. Wade Bailey, General Manager, Southern Virginia Post Collections for Republic Services with oversight of five landfills updated the Board that he has made a business decision that will impact the hours of the Upper Piedmont Regional Landfill located in Person County. Mr. Bailey stated beginning on September 24, 2022, the Upper Piedmont Landfill located on Oxford Road will no longer be open on Saturdays. Mr. Bailey explained the reasoning behind the Saturday closures at the landfills was due to the loss of a major contract at the landfill as well as the loss of one-third of another contract on July 1st. Due to the losses of those noted contracts, Mr. Bailey said the Saturday loads and tonnage are down. Mr. Bailey said in the last amendment of the host agreement with Person County, residents get 2,000 tons of free disposal for household waste and as a concession to closing the landfill on Saturdays, he stated the landfill would extend its hours open by one hour on Monday through Friday. Instead of closing the landfill at 4:00pm during the week, Mr. Bailey said the landfill would remain open until 5:00pm. Vice Chairman Sims and Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Bailey to reconsider noting it was hard for residents that work during the week to get out to the landfill by 5:00pm. Commissioner Gentry asked for consideration for the landfill to be open until 6:00pm or 6:30pm one day during the week to accommodate those citizens. Commissioner Puryear said Republic is a good corporate partner with Person County and the Board wants to preserve that, but he felt closing on Saturday would have some negative impact to the people that rely on going to that landfill on Saturdays. Mr. Bailey said the Board’s feedback would be considered and offered up a possible option to have one Saturday per month open at the landfill. Commissioner Puryear noted one Saturday per month would be better than no Saturday. Chairman Powell stated appreciation of Mr. Bailey’s willingness to reconsider and stated hope for a positive response soon. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATION FROM THE ECONOMIC CATALYST FUND TO SUPPORT A PUBLIC WATERLINE EXTENSION IN THE COUNTY TO SUPPORT CURRENT AND FUTURE INDUSTRY EXPANSION ALONG THE JIM THORPE HIGHWAY: An interlocal agreement between the City of Roxboro and Person County requires that extension of the waterline to serve the new industrial building on Jim Thorpe Highway, which is the site of the new 500,000sf for the Polywood expansion, be done in the public right-of-way, for a distance of approximately 1,240’, rather than on the private property between the existing building and future expansion. The additional requirements related to the public versus private line will add ~$80,000 to the cost of the extension, which is the September 6, 2022 9 amount requested. By the extension of the public line, other properties south of the site will be in a better position to be served in the future, as well. Interim County Manager, Ralph Clark stated the Economic Development Commission took action at its August meeting to recommend support of this appropriation for this purpose, and for the funds to come from the Economic Catalyst Fund Industrial Recruitment budget. Upon approval, the Finance Director will amend the Economic Catalyst Fund as follows: If approved, Mr. Clark stated he would work with the County Attorney to draft an appropriate agreement for the expenditure to be used for the intended purpose, as the funds will be expended in the form of a reimbursement to the developer. A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to authorize an $80,000 appropriation from the Economic Catalyst Fund to support a Public Waterline Extension in the County to Support Current and Future Industry Expansion along the Jim Thorpe Highway. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS: Assistant County Manager, Katherine Cathey presented staff recommendations for funding American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) enabled projects. Person County received $7,670,470 in ARP funding. On June 20, 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved a Grant Project Ordinance applying all of the project expenditures to salary and benefits for the Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Communications, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Parks and Recreation Department. The supplanted funds (salary and benefits expenditures) will be available in the General Fund for allocation by the board. To date, the board has set aside $2.75 million in ARP funding for broadband infrastructure expansion and $82,110 for installing wheelchair lift and cargo elevator in the Kirby Cultural Arts Center, leaving a remaining uncommitted balance of $4,838,360. Ms. Cathey updated the Board that ZiTEL was awarded a state GREAT grant however, she was waiting to hear the details of the amended project and to enter into an agreement. Ms. Cathey noted the intent of the ARP funding was to bridge to the local economic recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency and a catalyst for transformational and equitable change. County department heads were asked to propose projects of $10,000 or more that demonstrate an investment in the county’s processes, equity, infrastructure, public health, and more to combat the pandemic and move Person County forward. Account Number Account Description $Revenues incr. (decr.) $Expenditures incr. (decr.) 2804920-429900 Industrial Recruitment - (80,000) 2804920-429935 Waterline Extension-Jim Thorpe Highway - 80,000 September 6, 2022 10 Ms. Cathey further noted seven departments submitted 15 project proposals. The proposals ranged in cost from $125,000 to $4.5 million and totaled $11,683,700. The ARP Committee, which included HR Director Sonya Carver, Assistant County Manager Katherine Cathey, Assistant Finance Director Tracy Clayton, General Services Director Ray Foushee, Lead for NC Fellow Keshav Javvadi, Tax Administrator Russell Jones, IT Director Chris Puryear and Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg, reviewed, scored, discussed, and followed-up on each of the project proposals. The proposals have been further refined as reflected in the summary included below. The ARP committee recommended that the Board make an initial allocation followed by another opportunity for department heads to submit new or revised proposals for consideration. The committee recommended funding the following projects due to the transformational aspects of each project and the positive impacts on equity and public health. If all of the recommended projects were funded, $858,251 in ARP funding would remain unallocated. She added the ARP committee had a scoring process however, the following recommended projects were not ranked in any particular order. Project Department Funding  Spay, Neuter & Microchip Program  Low‐cost spay, neuter and microchip program for county residents. Requested  funding supports the program for three years.   Animal Services $125,000  Rail Corridor Acquisition and Greenway Planning  Acquisition of land currently owned by Norfolk Southern Railway by a private  company along an unused rail line stretching 8.7 miles from southern Roxboro,  through Timberlake, to the Durham County line, roughly following the US‐501  corridor. The company would railroad flip the property back to the county; Rail  with Trails imitative to lay the groundwork for a potential greenway connecting  Person County to established greenway networks to the south.  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $ 1,097,870  County Parks Transformation   Installation of universal/ADA playgrounds (3) and expansion of walking tracks  to include bike lanes (10), roller skating, sake boarding.  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $850,000  Kirby Transformation  The Kirby Cultural Arts Complex is one of the most‐used facilities within Person  County. It provides citizens with access to arts and other programming and  spaces for private rentals. The facility’s usage, along with associated revenues  and economic impact, suffers due to a lack of ADA accessibility and safety and  liability risks created by old equipment and systems.   Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $760,000  Splash Pad   There are no public aquatic facilities in Person County. A splash pad/spray  ground has been included in the Person County Recreation Master Plan for 20  years. This facility will provide equitable water‐based recreation for our  community in a safe and structured environment. Additionally, a well‐designed  splash pad is accessible for all kinds of physical abilities and serves as a  multigenerational place of play. No location determined at this time.  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $750,000  1790 to 1994 Digital Imaging of Records  The public, attorneys, and banks would be able to easily access digital records,  excluding vitals, dating back to 1790. These records can only be accessed,  currently, by coming into the Register of Deeds office. This will preserve history  from faded‐away records.  Register of Deeds $397,239    $3,980,109  September 6, 2022 11 Ms. Cathey stated at this time, the committee does not recommend funding for the following proposals. The reason for not recommending each project is noted in the last column. All of these projects have value and of course may be considered for future funding. Project Department Funding Reason  Mobile Adoption Unit  Transportation for multiple animals  and supplies to/from adoption events,  community events and veterinary  appointments (spay/neuter).  Animal Services $190,000 This is a high‐cost capital item that will  require ongoing maintenance and may  only be used once or twice per month.   North Park Speculative  Manufacturing Building  The goal of the project is to bolster  recruitment efforts with new  manufacturing space, taking  advantage of heightened economic  development opportunities  considering North Carolina and the  Triangle Region for manufacturing  operations.  Economic  Development  (create an  incentive for  public/private  partnership)  $4,500,000 This project would potentially benefit the  community in a significant way but carries  a high amount of risk. This project would  require all but $330,000 of the county’s  remaining ARP funding, limiting the  number of transformational projects that  could be funded. Other funding sources,  such as the Economic Catalyst Fund should  be considered. A $1M grant has been since  received for clearing and grading of this  site.  A suggestion to earmark ARP funds  for continued efforts at this site.  New HVAC at Helena and  Olive Hill Gymnasiums   Make these facilities climate‐ controlled and usable year‐round.  There is a need for climate‐controlled  rental and program space within the  community.   Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $250,000 Although creating climate‐controlled  environments at these two locations  would benefit the community, the  committee recommends requesting the  HVAC units through the CIP process as is  typical for these types of projects.   Community Risk Reduction  Program  Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a  process in which the risks a  community faces are studied and then  a plan is put into place to address  those risks. Emergency Services and  the Office of the Fire Marshal are in a  unique position to help address these  risks to enhance lives, cut property  loss and reduce morbidity and  mortality.  Emergency  Services and Fire  Administration  $867,700 This project could have a significant  impact in the community. The Emergency  Services Department currently faces a  staffing shortage and does not have the  capacity to take on this project at this  time. Other funding sources, such as  Opioid Settlement funds and mental  health funding, should be considered in  the future.   County Parks  Transformation   Pave gravel parking lots to ensure  ADA accessibility   Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $1,000,000 Currently installing ADA‐accessible parking  pads. Paving can be done incrementally in  future years, spreading out future  maintenance and repair costs.   County Parks  Transformation   Branding and wayfinding signage  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $100,000 This is a worthwhile project but does not  have the direct and tangible impact that  other projects will have on the community.  County Parks  Transformation   Repair and replace fences  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $500,000 Routine maintenance can be budgeted  annually and a repair cycle established to  spread costs over multiple years.    County Parks  Transformation   New picnic shelters (3)  Recreation, Arts  and Parks  $80,000 Picnic shelters would be nice additions to  three parks, but the accessible  playgrounds add more to the  transformational aspect of the project.   September 6, 2022 12    $7,487,700   Ms. Cathey confirmed for the Board that there was no deadline for use of the ARP funds and if funds were not appropriated, the funds will remain in the General Fund. She said the Board has flexibility to use these funds noting the Board could fund the recommended projects, fund a portion of the recommended projects, or consider funding at a later date. Chairman Powell stated some information was not included with the recommended projects, i.e. specific location of the splash pad, more information on the railroad property acquisition noting Durham County has not approved this project. Ms. Cathey stated staff could do further research to bring back before the Board. She requested any questions, in particular, about the unfunded projects, be sent along to her. Commissioner Palmer asked about a conflict of interest related to the private owner that obtained railroad property that may or may not sale for this project noting if there was break in the continuous pathway, staff would suggest a proposal to physically acquire the property around that portion. Commissioner Palmer asked how much railroad property has been obtained already to which the GIS Director, Sallie Vaughn stated approximately 4.25 acres as well as some at the industrial park and couple sections in the area of the newly constructed insurance agency by Bruce Moore. Ms. Vaughn stated out of the entire 9-mile potential corridor, maybe one-half mile reclaimed ownership. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims to approve the 1790 to 1994 Digital Imaging of Records project for $397,239 and to review the other projects for funding at a later date. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to approve the 1790 to 1994 Digital Imaging of Records project for $397,239 and bring by the remaining projects with more information at the Board’s October 3, 2022 meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer to move forward with the Kirby Transformation project in the amount of $760,000. Commissioner Puryear agreed with the importance of the project however he had questions and desired to wait until October 3, 2022 Board meeting. Commissioner Palmer withdrew his motion. September 6, 2022 13 APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH, THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE UPPER NEUSE RIVER BASIN ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves presented interested citizen applications received for current vacancies. She asked the Board to nominate for appointment as deemed appropriate. Board of Health 3-Year Term 1 position for an optometrist representative 1) Dr. Steve Garrett requested appointment A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to appoint Dr. Steve Garrett, a local optometrist to the Board of Health for a 3-year term. Workforce Development Board 1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment 1 position for an adult education and literacy representative, 1) Dr. Barbara Buchanan requested appointment A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to appoint Dr. Barbara Buchanan to the Workforce Development Board for an initial one-year term. Upper Neuse River Basin Association Board of Directors Person County’s Alternate to Person County’s Director for an unspecified term 1) Chris Bowley requests appointment as Person County’s Alternate A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to appoint Chris Bowley, Person County Planning Director as an alternate on the Upper Neuse River Basin Association Board of Directors, for an unspecified term. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Powell extended an invitation from Bonnie Meeler, Regent, Thomas Person Chapter to a Bells Across America event that the Thomas Person Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting to commemorate the 235th anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution of Constitution Day held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 starting at 3:30 at Merritt Commons in Uptown Roxboro. Chairman Powell reported the Dan River Water Supply discussion has been revived by the Core of Engineering in Wilmington related to a long-term project for a water line to extend from the Dan River serving Yanceyville and Milton and into Person County. He noted the object was the precious commodity of water for future water supply. September 6, 2022 14 MANAGER’S REPORT: Interim County Manager, Ralph Clark updated the Board on the following: Old Helena School Property: Mr. Clark stated there are currently two requests for a reuse of the Old Helena School property and there could be more if it was advertised. He noted this property can be declared surplus and disposed of by accepting proposals rather than through auction or sealed bids. The proposals would be evaluated and the one that is in the best interest of Person County would be accepted noting it was not about the price but what was in the best interest of the County that determines who gets it. Mr. Clark further noted this building has been sitting for more than 20 years and it continues to deteriorate. Soon, it will become a maintenance nightmare. Mr. Clark encouraged the Board to consider declaring as surplus, or to tear down or to choose a particular use to benefit Person County. Commissioners Meeting Room Improvements: Mr. Clark stated Mr. Ray Foushee, General Services Director met with an architect last week to begin the process on making improvements to renovate the auditorium to become a boardroom while keeping part of the space multi-purpose use. Charters of Freedom Project: Mr. Clark said after receiving the picture of the displays superimposed at the preferred site, he relayed the Board comments to Dr. David Streater to construct the Constitution or the four-page display in the center of the sidewalk with the 2 other displays (Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence) would be on the outside of the sidewalk. Mr. Clark noted the two additional blocks that were pictured are for donor recognition and he told him that might be too many in the final design. Mr. Clark said the existing monument honoring a tennis player that is currently at the end of the existing circle could be included in the final design near the displays. Dr. Streater and his construction manager are scheduled to come view the site in the next week or so to proceed to final design and to determine the local cost. In addition, Dr. Streater will begin working on the agreement for Board consideration. DSS/Health Department Building Lease: Mr. Clark said he was continuing to work on the Human Services facility lease and hoped to have it completed and before the Board at the Board’s first meeting in November. He noted he had met with both the DSS and Health Department staff and needed a contact for the mental health agency to which Chairman Powell stated he would give that to him. September 6, 2022 15 COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS: Vice Chairman Sims inquired about the old Helena School status of the first request for reuse of the space. County Attorney, Ellis Hankins stated the Board has heard a presentation from Rev. Phillip Jackson on behalf of a nonprofit expressing the county to convey the property to the nonprofit for the purpose of some workforce development and re-training programs. Mr. Hankins stated the Board has the authority under state statute to convey property for such purpose. He noted he asked Rev. Jackson to provide a letter with more details about their plans, in particular about funding; he sent along the letter received however, it was not a particular detailed letter and he understood that more details, i.e. finances, would be desired before conveyance of property to the nonprofit. Vice Chairman Sims asked if the second request received was requesting conveyance of property to which Mr. Clark stated the second request was interested in paying for the property. Vice Chairman Sims stated his preference for the building to be refurbished and reused for some purpose. He added he and many other people use the track. Mr. Hankins stated at this time there was two paths for the Board: 1) if the preferred use is for workforce development by a nonprofit or 2) offer for sale to public for the best price with restrictive covenant of use. Commissioner Gentry requested a map of that entire area for consideration as a part of the park, future school growth, recreation and other services used in the area. Mr. Clark stated he would identify uses on a map for the Board. Commissioner Palmer noted appreciation of county employees present at the meeting and thanked all county employee for their service to the county. He also recognized the Sheriff’s Department on its SRT response assisting Caswell County recently. Commissioners Gentry and Puryear had no report. CLOSED SESSION #1 A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Session #1 at 8:26pm per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the purpose to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; with the following individuals permitted to attend: Interim County Manager, Ralph Clark, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, and County Attorney, Ellis Hankins. Chairman Powell said a few minutes would be needed to transition to the Closed Session #1. Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 8:30pm. September 6, 2022 16 A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 8:42pm ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:42pm. _____________________________ ______________________________ Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell Clerk to the Board Chairman