01-04-2021 Meeting Minutes BOC
January 4, 2021
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JANUARY 4, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
C. Derrick Sims C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Patricia Gentry
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order. Commissioner Palmer offered an
invocation and Commissioner Sims led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
County Attorney, Ron Aycock participated in the meeting remotely. Vice
Chairman Puryear attended the meeting via telephone conference call.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-06-20 - A REQUEST BY JENNIFER JACK WITH FLEX DEPLOYS
TO MODIFY THE REQUIRED MINIMUM WIDTH OF INGRESS AND EGRESS
IN THE PERSON COUNTY PLANNING ORDINANCE ARTICLE VIII SECTION
81 TO ALLOW REDUCED WIDTH FOR ACCESS TO NON-RESIDENTIAL
STRUCTURES WITHOUT PERMANENT ON-SITE EMPLOYEES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition TA-06-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex
Deploys to modify the required minimum width of ingress and egress in the Person County
Planning Ordinance Article VIII Section 81 to allow reduced width for access to non-
residential structures without permanent on-site employees.
Planning Director, Lori Oakley told the group that all state statutes and planning
ordinance requirements have been met for this public hearing. She also requested her Staff
Report be entered into the record.
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Ms. Oakley shared the following presentation for TA-06-20:
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Ms. Oakley stated the applicant was proposing to add text allowing non-residential
structures without permanent on-site employees to have a 12 foot wide paved or gravel
vehicular travel lane or driveway instead of the required 20 feet width that is required now.
This is the minimum width required to ensure emergency vehicles have access to the site.
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Ms. Oakley said staff proposed changing the requirement of one-way traffic to be
a minimum of 12 feet since this is the minimum width requirement to ensure emergency
vehicles have sufficient access to the site.
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Speaking in favor of the Petition TA-06-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex
Deploys to modify the required minimum width of ingress and egress in the Person County
Planning Ordinance Article VIII Section 81 to allow reduced width for access to non-
residential structures without permanent on-site employees was the following:
Ms. Chris Phillips of 11124 Kingston Pike, Suite 119-234, Knoxville, Tennessee,
addressed the Board via a Zoom virtual connection. Ms. Phillips was representing the
applicant, Flex Deploys, and stated she was available for any questions. There were no
questions from the Board.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition to the
Petition TA-06-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys to modify the required
minimum width of ingress and egress in the Person County Planning Ordinance Article
VIII Section 81 to allow reduced width for access to non-residential structures without
permanent on-site employees.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition TA-06-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys to modify the
required minimum width of ingress and egress in the Person County Planning Ordinance
Article VIII Section 81 to allow reduced width for access to non-residential structures
without permanent on-site employees.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-06-20, A REQUEST BY
JENNIFER JACK WITH FLEX DEPLOYS TO MODIFY THE REQUIRED
MINIMUM WIDTH OF INGRESS AND EGRESS IN THE PERSON COUNTY
PLANNING ORDINANCE ARTICLE VIII SECTION 81 TO ALLOW REDUCED
WIDTH FOR ACCESS TO NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES WITHOUT
PERMANENT ON-SITE EMPLOYEES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to approve Petition
TA-06-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys to modify the required minimum
width of ingress and egress in the Person County Planning Ordinance Article VIII Section
81 to allow reduced width for access to non-residential structures without permanent on-
site employees, as presented with staff recommendations, noting the text amendment
request was consistent with the Person County Land Use Plan and future-planning goals of
the county, is reasonable, and in the public interest as it meets several objectives listed in
the Person County Land Use Plan. Specifically, Goal 2.0 to provide a strong local planning
environment that supports and enhances the economic growth potential of Person County
citizens.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION SUP-03-20 - A REQUEST BY JENNIFER JACK WITH FLEX
DEPLOYS ON BEHALF OF JOEY AND CHRISTY WHITT TO CONSTRUCT A
NEW 199’ TALL SELF-SUPPORTING COMMUNICATIONS TOWER ON 21
ACRES LOCATED AT 1550 JULIAN OAKLEY ROAD (TAX MAP AND PARCEL
A103-128) IN THE RC (RURAL CONSERVATION) ZONING DISTRICT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition SUP-03-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex
Deploys on behalf of Joey and Christy Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-supporting
communications tower on 21 acres located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax Map and
Parcel A103-128) in the RC (Rural Conservation) Zoning District.
The public hearing set to hear a Special Use Permit request by Jennifer Jack with
Flex Deploys on behalf of Joey and Christy Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-
supporting communications tower on 21 acres located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax
Map and Parcel A103-128) in the RC (Rural Conservation) Zoning District required a
quasi-judicial zoning decision whereby witnesses are to be sworn in and subject to cross
examination, no ex parte communication and requires findings of fact. Chairman Powell
administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following individuals who would offer
testimony during the public hearing:
Ms. Lori Oakley and Ms. Chris Phillips
Planning Director, Lori Oakley stated all state statutes and planning ordinance
requirements have been met for this public hearing. She requested her Staff Report be
entered into record.
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Ms. Oakley shared the following presentation for SUP-03-20:
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Ms. Oakley stated the subject property is currently wooded and vacant and zoned
Rural Conservation (RC). Condition and land use of the surrounding properties are:
To the North – A single family dwelling and vacant wooded land zoned RC.
To the East – Julian Oakley Road and several single-family dwellings zoned RC.
To the South – A single-family dwelling zoned RC.
To the West – Vacant wooded land under a conservation easement zoned RC.
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Ms. Oakley pointed out on the site plan, the tower in the middle, with the access
road and two parking spaces along with a turnaround area with barbed wire fence
surrounding the site. A copy of the site plan was available to each commissioner.
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Ms. Oakley stated Appendix O of the Land Use Plan lists the goals and objectives
for the County, two of which this project would meet. These are 1) promoting an orderly
and efficient land use development pattern, which allows for a variety of land uses and 2)
provide for a strong local planning environment that enhance the economic growth
potential of Person County.
Ms. Oakley stated that Planning staff recommended that if the Board approves the
request, the following conditions be placed on the Special Use Permit:
1. Approval is contingent upon approval of TA-06-20 (Ms. Oakley noted this
approval was completed on the previous agenda item), and
2. The applicant is to obtain all permits necessary from the Person County
Departments of Environmental Health, Planning and Zoning, and Building
Inspections, and any applicable state permits.
Ms. Oakley said at the December 10, 2020 Planning Board meeting, the Planning
Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend approval of SUP-03-20 with staff’s
recommended conditions.
Ms. Oakley noted the Board of Commissioners would need to address the Findings
of Fact in Section 74-3 of the Person County Planning Ordinance and whether this proposal
is in keeping with the Person County Land Use Plan. The Findings of Fact in Section 74-3
are as follows:
1. That the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located where
proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved.
2. That the use meets all required conditions and specifications.
3. That the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property, or
that the use is a public necessity, and
4. That the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as
submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located
and in general conformity with the comprehensive plan.
Speaking in favor of the Petition SUP-03-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex
Deploys on behalf of Joey and Christy Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-supporting
communications tower on 21 acres located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax Map and
Parcel A103-128) in the RC (Rural Conservation) Zoning District was the following:
Ms. Chris Phillips of 11124 Kingston Pike, Suite 119-234, Knoxville, Tennessee,
addressed the Board via a Zoom virtual connection. Ms. Phillips was representing the
applicant, Flex Deploys, and stated she was available for any questions.
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Commissioner Gentry asked what was the timeline to complete the project. Ms.
Phillips stated once they receive zoning approval, they would pursue the application for
the building permit with construction to begin as soon as possible. Ms. Phillips said
construction generally takes a month or maybe a little longer with the significant access
road.
Commissioner Gentry asked how much would be on the towers, as far as
communications to which Ms. Phillips said this tower is planned for rural broadband
deployment utilized for high-speed wireless internet access. Ms. Phillips said it would be
made available to other carriers that would need to utilize the structure but this point, it is
only being utilized by RiverStreet Networks for their broadband deployment.
Commissioner Gentry asked Ms. Phillips about the range to which she said it would
be up to two miles. Commissioner Gentry asked if the range could be improved down the
road to which Ms. Phillips said that would depend on how many subscribers they have and
the demand on the network.
Commissioner Gentry asked if there were federal or state regulations prohibiting
the range to reach to which Ms. Phillips stated no, that they operate on frequency, which is
regulated by the Federal government.
Chairman Powell asked if this tied in with the County’s current broadband efforts
to which County Manager, Heidi York said yes noting this is an area that strongly
underserved and needed an additional tower in order serve them. She added there has been
many complaints from residents in this area. Ms. York stated hope that RiverStreet now
has a solution to provide access to those residents.
Commissioner Gentry said the frequency is regulated by the FCC and questioned
how to improve the range from two miles to more like four or five miles. She noted this
may not be answered today but she would want to know in the future as it is really important
to this county especially in terms of growth and staying plugged in (got to have broadband
access). Ms. Phillips said it was difficult to service a large area with just one site as the
frequency signal diminishes beyond two miles.
Commissioner Gentry asked if technology on the horizon was going to get any
better where this improves to which Ms. Phillips said she did not know, as she was not
radio frequency engineer. Ms. Phillips stated right now this is what we have noting that
technology is always improving and innovating.
Commissioner Gentry asked if it would be operational in the next four to six months
to which Ms. Phillips replied affirmatively as they want to have it online this year by the
fall of 2021.
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There was no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition to
Petition SUP-03-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys on behalf of Joey and
Christy Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-supporting communications tower on 21
acres located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax Map and Parcel A103-128) in the RC (Rural
Conservation) Zoning District.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition SUP-03-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys on behalf of
Joey and Christy Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-supporting communications tower
on 21 acres located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax Map and Parcel A103-128) in the RC
(Rural Conservation) Zoning District.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION SUP-03-20, A REQUEST
BY JENNIFER JACK WITH FLEX DEPLOYS ON BEHALF OF JOEY AND
CHRISTY WHITT TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 199’ TALL SELF-SUPPORTING
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER ON 21 ACRES LOCATED AT 1550 JULIAN
OAKLEY ROAD (TAX MAP AND PARCEL A103-128) IN THE RC (RURAL
CONSERVATION) ZONING DISTRICT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve Petition
SUP-03-20, a request by Jennifer Jack with Flex Deploys on behalf of Joey and Christy
Whitt to construct a new 199’ tall self-supporting communications tower on 21 acres
located at 1550 Julian Oakley Road (Tax Map and Parcel A103-128) in the RC (Rural
Conservation) Zoning District as presented with staff recommendations and noting the
request met the followings Findings of Fact:
1. That the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located where
proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved;
2. That the use meets all of the required conditions and specifications;
3. That the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property,
or that the use is a public necessity;
4. That the location and character of the use, if developed according to the plan as
submitted and approved, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located
and in general conformity with the Comprehensive Plan.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Ln, Semora stated the Board appoints
qualified citizens to its boards and committees and asked if each of the Board’s 38 boards
and committees have mission statements and goals as well as short-term goals for its long-
term plans. He asked if staff were satisfied with the accomplishments of the boards and
committees.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of December 7, 2020,
B. Approval of Minutes of December 15, 2020, and
C. Budget Amendment #8
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NEW BUSINESS:
PERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS LONG RANGE PLAN 2020-21 DPI FACILITY
NEEDS SURVEY:
Dr. Rodney Peterson presented the Person County Schools Long Range Plan for
the 2020-21 DPI Facility Needs Survey to be submitted to the state. Dr. Peterson noted the
Capacity Summary and Plan were separated into a) 0 to 5 years, and b) 6 to 10 years. He
noted the Board of Education signed off of the plan at its December 2020 meeting.
County Manager, Heidi York stated the plan was submitted to the Board of
Commissioners to review prior to the submission to the State Board of Education. Ms.
York said by certifying receipt of the Facility Needs Survey and signature, it did not
constitute endorsement of or committed funding of the Facility Needs Survey. Ms. York
stated she would be meeting with Dr. Peterson in the near future to further discuss critical
facility needs for the upcoming budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to certify receipt of
the Facility Needs Survey for signature by the Board Chairman and the County Manager.
The 2021-21 DPI Facility Needs Survey as presented by Dr. Peterson follows:
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF GRAVES:
County Attorney, Ron Aycock stated the Board of Commissioners, per state law,
can authorize the removal and relocation of graves. State law in NC General Statute 65-
106 sets out the requirements for such relocation.
Mr. Aycock said that Carolina Sunrock has found an abandoned cemetery on land
it leases from Halls Agri-Business for its Quarry. Mr. Aycock stated Carolina Sunrock has
petitioned the County for permission to remove and relocate the graves onto land it owns
nearby.
Mr. Aycock noted that Carolina Sunrock authorized a study by an archeological
firm and that study indicated that it may be a cemetery that dates back to the early 1800’s
with evidence of both African American and European descendants buried in the cemetery.
Mr. Aycock said the study was required by state law for a field evaluation and background
research of the abandoned cemetery. State law requires the removing party to bear to all
expenses of the removal; those expenses include a publication in the newspaper of the
intent to remove.
Mr. Aycock said Carolina Sunrock has complied with state law and has prepared
all the necessary documents and was prepared to publish the required notice.
Mr. Aycock further noted state law requires the County Health Department to
generally supervise the relocation. Health Director, Janet Clayton has designated the
Environmental Health Director, Harold Kelly as the responsible health official for such
duty.
Mr. Aycock presented to the Board a Resolution Authorizing the Relocation of
Graves for consideration.
Carolina Sunrock representative, Ronnie Goswick attended the meeting remotely
and told the Board that Carolina Sunrock has identified a site close to Woodsdale Road
that would be easily accessible. Mr. Goswick said the identified site for the graves to be
relocated was owned by Carolina Sunrock and would be dedicated for a cemetery. Mr.
Aycock said Carolina Sunrock was complying with state statutes in that there are laws
regulating donated land; in this case, land donated and dedicated for the purpose of the use
of a cemetery and that would not change unless it procedurally came before the Board of
Commissioners. Mr. Aycock confirmed the land would remain under Carolina Sunrock’s
ownership with restrictions for this use.
Commissioner Sims asked if there was any chance of any living relatives that would
take issue with the relocation of graves to which Mr. Aycock stated that was the reason for
the public notice for any persons that are relatives or interested persons in the cemetery
graves. Mr. Aycock noted that Carolina Sunrock had tried, although unsuccessfully to find
any living relatives.
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Commissioner Palmer asked if the cemetery was family named and how many
graves were involved. Mr. Aycock responded that the archaeologist study noted that the
names were not listed; most markers were fieldstone. The cemetery, although not
definitively verified, did not appear to be a single-family cemetery. Mr. Goswick stated
there were 13 graves suspected at this time. Careful examination would be taken when the
top soil was removed in the case more graves are discovered. Mr. Goswick added they
were also working with Brooks & White Funeral Home who would be assisting in the
removal and relocation process.
Commissioner Gentry asked if there was a clear chain of property to which Mr.
Goswick stated the property came from the Woods family noting the name of Woodsdale
Road. He added the property then went to the current property owners, the Berryhills,
through their mother’s father. Mr. Aycock said the property has been in the Berryhill
family for a couple of generations. Commissioner Gentry confirmed with Mr. Aycock that
there was no chance of anyone coming forward to lay claim on the property.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution Authorizing the Relocation of Graves.
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SUBMISSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK
GRANT APPLICATION:
Shatarra Williams, Program Coordinator with the Community Services Block
Grant (CSBG) / Project IMPACT of Telamon Corporation requested Board approval to
submit Fiscal Year 2020/2021 CSBG application. Telamon Corporation is a designation
Community Action Agency for Caswell, Person and Rockingham counties. Ms. Williams
announced Telamon’s intent to apply noting the CSBG funding serves low-income
community members in Caswell, Person and Rockingham counties.
The funding allocation is projected to be similar to last year’s allocation as follows:
Caswell County - $45,889
Person County - $72,740
Rockingham County - $201,638
The three-county service area total is $320,267
State of North Carolina Administrative code requires that the CSBG application be
presented for review and comment to each county Board of Commissioners within 30 days
of submission. The Clerk to the Board distributed the grant application to the Board of
Commissioners via email on December 14, 2020, with a revised copy emailed on
December 15, 2020. The grant application is due to the Office of Economic Opportunity
by January 15, 2021.
The commissioners’ packet included proposed outcomes for service area counties.
Local funding will not be required to match the grant dollars allocated to these counties.
Ms. Williams stated the grant application is in the review process noting each county’s
Board of Commissioners completed submission documentation will be added to the final
proposal.
Ms. Williams further noted Fiscal Year 2020-2021 will be the fifth full year of
operation and she thanked the Board for its continued support. She requested the Board to
vote to approve submission of Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Community Services Block Grant
Application, as presented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to approve
submission of Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Community Services Block Grant Application, as
presented.
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CONTRACT AWARD FOR THE HANGAR CONSTRUCTION AT THE
RALEIGH REGIONAL AIRPORT AT PERSON COUNTY:
County Manager, Heidi York told the group that after a competitive Request for
Proposals process was undertaken for the construction of a new corporate hangar, site
work, and utility improvements, Southeastern Properties and Development Company was
selected for award of this contract. This company received the unanimous recommendation
of the Airport Commission Board (Henry Newell, Airport Commission Chairman, present
in the audience), the Airport Manager (Bill Tougas, present in the audience), and is
supported by Talbert & Bright (Stephen Bright and Steve Bright, both present remotely via
Zoom), the County’s Airport Consultants as the lowest responsible bidder in the amount
of $4,083,051 for the airport hangar construction project.
Ms. York stated with the scope of the project totaling over $4M, she wanted to
identify the funding sources for the project. She noted the County budgeted $3.6 million in
Capital Project funds. The County also has approximately $500,000 of federal Non-
Primary Entitlement (NPE) funds from the FAA, reserved for this project. In addition, the
County is projected to receive another $150,000 of NPE funds in September 2021. The
project will also require the commitment of future NPE funds (2022 and 2023) to secure
another $300,000 towards this project, for a total of $950,000 in federal NPE funding
combined with the $3.6 million in County Capital Project funds. Ms. York further noted
the project encountered a required sewer line upgrade resulting in additional expenses of
approximately $400,000 that were not budgeted. After some reductions in project scope,
there remains a deficit of $193,179. In order to execute the construction contract with
Southeastern Properties and Development Company and move the project forward, the
Board would need to appropriate $681,816 from the General Fund, Fund Balance because
the future NPE funds have not yet been obtained.
Ms. York confirmed for Commissioner Palmer this project included the airport
hangar including office space but was not the runway extension project.
Commissioner Sims asked Ms. York to confirm the request of appropriating
$681,816 from the County’s General Fund, Fund Balance in order to award and execute
the contract with Southeastern Properties and Development Company. Chairman Powell
added during the process, there was $400,000 of mandated sewer work that was not
budgeted. Ms. York said the NPE required a match and the requested funding would cover
the required match.
Chairman Powell stated from an economic impact perspective, this project could
provide tax revenues if a corporate jet were permanently housed in this hangar. For
example, a $50M jet would generate $360,000 in county property tax and $13,750 in fire
tax annually. A $40M jet would generate $288,000 in county property tax and $11,000 in
fire tax annually.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to appropriate
$681,816 from the County’s General Fund, Fund Balance and to award the contract by
authorizing the County Manager to execute a contract with Southeastern Properties and
Development Company for the Airport Hangar construction project.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 2021 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
Chairman Powell announced the 2021 Committee Assignments as follows:
Chairman Gordon Powell
Airport Commission
Board of Health
Cardinal Innovations Board of Directors
City/County Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee
Economic Development Commission
Research Triangle Regional Partnership
Vice Chairman Kyle Puryear
Board of Equalization and Review
Home & Community Care Block Grant Adv. Committee
Library Board
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Commissioner Derrick Sims
Animal Control Advisory Committee
COG Board
Fire Chief’s Association
Person Area Transportation System Board
Person County Partnership for Children
Person County Senior Center Advisory Council
Region K Workforce Development Board
Commissioner Charlie Palmer
Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council
Extension Advisory Committee
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioner PJ Gentry
Environmental Issues Advisory Committee
Kerr Tar RPO – TAC
Social Services Board
Upper Neuse River Basin Association
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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 with a
deadline to submit by December 1st. She said there were no contested positions. Ms.
Reaves outlined the following:
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment: 3 positions available
1) Charlene Wilkins requested reappointment
Airport Commission
3-Year Term: 1 citizen at-large position available
1) Dr. Anderson White requested reappointment
Animal Services Advisory Committee
Unspecified Term: 1 position for a veterinarian and 1 position for a citizen
1) Cathy Williams requested appointment as a citizen representative
Board of Adjustment
1 position to fill an unexpired term to 12/31/22
1) Cynthia Lynch is the current alternate on the Board of Adjustment (BOA);
Ms. Lynch requested to be moved from the alternate to fulfill the unexpired
term of PJ Gentry who resigned when she became an elected official. The
alternate seat will be advertised should be Board appoint Ms. Lynch as a voting
member of BOA.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for a citizen under the age of 18 serving on the State Youth Council,
1 position available for a substance abuse professional, and
1 position available for a Juvenile Defense Attorney
1) Martha Pickett requested reappointment as the substance abuse professional;
2) Katherine Cathey requested appointment to fulfill the unexpired term to
12/31/22 of Laura Jensen, who is no longer with Person County, as the county
manager’s designee.
Planning Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Tabitha George requested reappointment
2) Zakiya James requested appointment
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Region K Aging Advisory Council
3-Year Term: 6 positions available
1) Robert Allen requested reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to reappoint Charlene
Wilkins to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a 3-year term, to
reappoint Dr. Anderson White to the Airport Commission for a 3-year term, to appoint
Cathy Williams to the Animal Services Advisory Committee as a citizen representative for
an unspecified term, to move Cynthia Lynch from the alternate on the Board of Adjustment
to fulfill an unexpired term to 12/31/22 in a voting capacity, to reappoint Martha Pickett as
the substance abuse professional on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 2-year
term and to appoint Katherine Cathey as the County Manager’s designee fulfilling an
unexpired term to 12/31/22, to reappoint Tabitha George on the Planning Board for a 3-
year terms, to appoint Zakiya James to the Planning Board for a 3-year term, and to
reappoint Robert Allen to the Region K Aging Advisory Council for a 3-year term.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported the Cardinal Innovations staff would be filled soon and
would be housed at the Department of Social Services.
Chairman Powell asked the Board for input on the next steps to filling the County
Attorney position. County Manager, Heidi York stated the Board could advertise, if
desired or could interview selected individuals in Closed Session. Commissioner Gentry
stated she knew of a former elected official with municipal experience from Oxford that
may be interested. Commissioner Sims advocated to have local attorneys to have an
opportunity. Ms. York offered to craft a job description/qualifications to advertise locally
as well as on other postings.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported updates related to the COVID-19 vaccine
clinics noting the Health Department clinic scheduled for this week was already full and
another vaccine drive-thru clinic is scheduled for January 13-14, 2021 in the Palace Pointe
parking lot starting at 10am on a first come first serve basis. Ms. York asked the Health
Director to provide an update as well. Health Director, Janet Clayton noted the clinics Ms.
York spoke of were targeting individuals 75 years old and older as they are still in Phase I.
She said approximately 190 vaccine immunizations had been administered to health
professionals by the Health Department. Ms. Clayton further noted she expected a spike of
positive cases following the holidays as she reported 1,753 positive cases in Person County
with 21 deaths as of earlier this date. The next group to be vaccinated include police, fire
and teachers.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Puryear thanked the Board for accommodating him to attend the
meeting via telephone conference call and apologized for not being at the meeting in-
person.
Commissioner Palmer had no report.
Commissioner Sims commented that each commissioner could provide board and
committee reports going forward to provide more transparency.
Commissioner Gentry asked to have an item on the next Board’s agenda to discuss
restructuring the function of the Economic Development by establishing a Taskforce to
review options of other counties for a better, more stable structure for quicker and faster
results. Commissioner Gentry noted the shell building was a good start and the County has
invested too much money in the Mega Site to walk away.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 8:36pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman