11-21-2022 Meeting Minutes BOC
November 21, 2022
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOVEMBER 21, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, 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, November 21, 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 Gentry led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Powell noted the need to remove item #3 from the agenda for the Vaya
Health Update and Dashboard Presentation noting the presenter was unable to attend the
meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to remove the item
from the agenda for the Vaya Health Update and Dashboard Presentation and to approve
the agenda as adjusted.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. John Seepe of 5011 Pocatella Avenue, North Port, FL thanked Commissioner
PJ Gentry for her sincere service as a leader in Person County. He said her exemplary
work, and her shining example would be missed.
Sheriff Dewey Jones of 120 Court Street, Roxboro thanked the County Manager
and HR Director for their efforts to find solutions related to the staffing needs in the
Detention Center. He updated the group that they were down 15 staff in the Detention
Center but are now down 9 staff.
Ms. Cynthia Lynch of 395 Union Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills stated
agreement with Mr. John Seepe’s comments and wanted to add her gratitude for
Commissioner Gentry’s willingness to ask questions.
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Ms. Anderson Clayton of 1416 Stone Drive, Roxboro advocated for the Board to
consider funding a Splash Pad as they discuss further potential uses for ARP funding.
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 November 7, 2022,
B. Budget Amendment #9,
C. Budget Amendment #10,
D. Resolution Appointing Review Officers,
E. ABC Board request action to approve its use of Person County’s Travel Policy,
and
F. Tax Adjustments for November 2022
a. Tax Releases
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
NEW BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2022:
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg introduced Alan Thompson, Managing Partner
with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., PA, who would present to the Board the
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Person County for Fiscal Year
ending June 30, 2022.
Mr. Thompson presented the Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year
ending June 30, 2022 through the following summary:
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Related to the changes in the audit process, Mr. Thompson and Ms. Wehrenberg
explained to the Board the Budget Violation Finding that no response was required for the
$15,949 which was a result of the first year of implementation of GASB87 noting in future
years, any leases entered into would be budgeted in the year of inception. However, a
response will be required for the $138,406 overspent in the Education function for fines
and forfeitures not being budgeted because of the implementation of GASB 84. Ms.
Wehrenberg confirmed the FY2023 budget would include a budgeted, estimated amount.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to accept the
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022, as
presented by the independent auditor.
“COUNTY FARM PARK” PROJECT: GRANT OPPORTUNITIES AND
INTRODUCTION OF PIEDMONT CONSERVATION COUNCIL, INC.:
John Hill, Director, Person County Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department
reminded the Board that in November 2020, the Board of Commissioners voted to
participate in the Interim Alternative Implementation Approach (IAIA), which requires an
annual financial commitment of $114,394 over a five-year period, totaling $571,970 in
funding for IAIA stormwater projects. The start date for qualified projects or investments
for the IAIA was July 1, 2021. The Board approved the “County Farm”, located between
the Flat River and Moore’s Mill Road, Timberlake, and the Rock Athletic Complex,
formerly known as the “Sportsplex”, as sites for moving forward with IAIA projects and
programs. Elements of these projects include: creation of a greenspace park; trails/paths
with water quality benefits, focusing on environmental education and experiential
recreation; stream and riparian buffer restoration/enhancement; pet waste education;
fertilizer education; and stormwater mitigation elements.
Mr. Hill introduced to the group Ms. Ginell Rogers, Executive Director with
Piedmont Conservation Council (PCC). Mr. Hill and Ms. Rogers stated as these projects
progress, the county would collaborate with PCC to identify, partner and plan conservation
efforts as well as prepare applications for upcoming grant opportunities. Recently, county
staff and PCC worked together to apply for a $100,000 grant for environmental
enhancement for the “County Farm Park” project. If awarded, Mr. Hill said the $100,000
along with the stormwater project funds might enable up to $400,000 to be utilized. In
addition, PCC will manage the upcoming 2023 grant cycle applications for the Land and
Water Trust Fund Grant (LWCF) and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant (PARTF).
The $100,000 Environmental Enhancement Grant and the county’s IAIA stormwater
project funds may be used as matching funds for the upcoming grant cycle for a potential
combined effort ranging up to $800,000 in grant opportunities.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to reaffirm the
partnership with PCC and support PCC’s submittal of 2023 grant cycle applications for the
Land and Water Trust Fund Grant (LWCF) and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant
(PARTF) on behalf of Person County in support of the County Farm Park project.
Commissioner Gentry recommended for consideration that the County Farm Park
be named the “Burton Tilley Park” to preserve the historical family legacies associated
with the land and the area.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell stated he looked forward to working with Commissioner Elect
Jason Thomas as well as Sheriff Elect Jason Wilborn, both present in the audience.
Chairman Powell reported Person County was recently highlighted by the Research
Triangle Region Partnership this last quarter. He said he attended his monthly JCPC
meeting, the Person Industries’ stew fundraiser where they raffled off Polywood donated
furniture. Chairman Powell also attended a Veterans’ Day recognition event
complimenting citizens honoring veterans by displaying a green light in their honor.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Katherine Cathey reported as Sheriff Jones addressed earlier that
the HR staff identified adjustments with lapse salaries (funds already budgeted but not
spent) to help resolve the staffing issues experienced in the Detention Center. She noted
the county-wide Pay and Classification Study would begin by having employee meetings
in November with the results in advance of the next fiscal year budget process.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims reported the Uptown Roxboro Group hosted a Food Truck
Rodeo on Sunday with a good attendance. He wished everyone a safe and happy
Thanksgiving holiday.
Commissioner Palmer reported on the recent fundraiser stew at Person Industries
and thanked county employees for their work.
Commissioner Gentry complimented and thanked the new County Manager
Katherine Cathey especially for her clarity of communications.
Commissioner Puryear congratulated Commissioner Elect Jason Thomas and
Sheriff Elect Jason Wilborn as well as thanked those that voted in him for another four-
term year as commissioner.
Chairman Powell called a brief recess in the meeting at 9:49am. The meeting was
reconvened at 9:56am.
POTENTIAL USES FOR ARP FUNDING:
County Manager Katherine Cathey recalled that Person County received
$7,670,470 in American Rescue Plan Act (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, $82,110 for installing wheelchair
and cargo lifts in the Kirby Cultural Arts Center, and $397,239 for the digital imaging of
records in the Register of Deeds Office, leaving a remaining uncommitted balance of
$4,441,121.
Ms. Cathey noted the Board, at its September 6, 2022 meeting received a
presentation on recommended ARP projects and directed staff to bring an updated project
list back for the Board’s consideration on October 3, 2022. On October 3, 2022, the Board
heard from the public and staff and decided to schedule a future work session for a more
in-depth discussion of potential uses for the county’s remaining ARP funding.
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Ms. Cathey said the chart below summarizes the funding requests submitted by
departments. Detailed explanations for each project are included in the attachments. Other
potential uses for the county’s ARP funds are provided after the chart.
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
Mobile Adoption Unit
Transportation for multiple animals and supplies to/from adoption events,
community events and veterinary appointments (spay/neuter).
Animal Services $190,000
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.
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$750,000
Accessible Playground
Installation of one universal/ADA playground at Huck Sansbury Park.
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$250,000
County Parks Transformation
Installation of universal/ADA playgrounds (2) and expansion of walking tracks to
include bike lanes (10).
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$600,000
County Parks Transformation
Pave gravel parking lots to ensure ADA accessibility.
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$1,000,000
County Parks Transformation
Branding and wayfinding signage
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$100,000
County Parks Transformation
Repair and replace fences.
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$500,000
County Parks Transformation
New picnic shelters (3)
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$80,000
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
Rail Corridor Acquisition and Greenway Planning
Acquisition of land currently owned by Norfolk Southern Railway 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. Lay the
groundwork for a potential greenway connecting Person County to established
greenway networks to the south.
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$ 1,097,870
Kirby Theater Accessibility Improvements
Installation of full‐service elevator ($350,000), accessible restrooms in the lobby
($200,000), and an additional doorway ($50,000). 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
$535,337
Kirby Transformation
Curtain replacements with fire‐proofing, new grande curtain motor, upgrade to
stage light system, streaming equipment, and scenic roller
Recreation, Arts
and Parks
$160,000
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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
$6,505,907
Energy Savings – Installation of new windows in the County Office Building
(COB) (built in 1964). The project cost is approximately $2 million. Outcomes
would include energy savings, improved building appearance, and improved
comfort for building occupants.
Economic Development – Economic Development is a top priority for the Board
of Commissioners. A certain amount of ARP funding, for example $2 million,
could be reserved for future economic development projects and/or incentives.
Facility Needs – The needs of Person County Schools are growing for new and
updated facilities in response to proposed new residential development and to
address deferred maintenance and safety and accessibility concerns. The county
has pending facility needs due to expiring leases for Person Industries and the
Human Services Complex as well as aging Emergency Services and Animal
Services facilities that were not built to accommodate current demands for
service.
Ms. Cathey stated the Board does not have a deadline for making funding decisions.
$4,441,121 in supplanted ARP funds will be available in the ARP Project Ordinance in the
General Fund for current or future projects, as approved by the Board. She recommended
that the Board discuss potential uses for ARP funding.
Chairman Powell stated all potential ARP projects have merit and value and it has
been a challenge for the Board to select a project to best benefit the county. Commissioner
Palmer added his preference to use the ARP for critical areas. Commissioner Gentry
challenged staff to get grants and use the ARP funds as the local match to leverage the
funds in a great degree.
A motion was made by Chairman Powell and carried 4-1 to set aside $2M in the
ARP Fund to be designated for use in the Economic Development Catalyst Fund for a
pending economic development project when appropriate. Commissioner Gentry cast the
lone dissenting vote.
It was the consensus of the Board to consider at a later time the remaining
undesignated ARP funds of $2.44M.
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 10:14am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman