06-07-2021 Meeting Minutes BOC
June 7, 2021
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 7, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
C. Derrick Sims 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 7, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Person County Office Building
Auditorium.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order and requested a moment of silence for
the 6,000 young men that died 77 years ago, in 1944, in France, now referred to as D-Day.
Chairman Powell offered an invocation and Commissioner Sims led the group in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Powell requested a Closed Session #1 to be added to the agenda related
to economic development and for Item #3 for consideration to Grant or Deny a request to
appropriate an estimated $1,899,000.00 to assist Project Famous to locate in Person
County, NC, and to execute an economic development agreement at the appropriate time
to be moved on the agenda to follow the added Closed Session #1.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda
with the adjustments as requested by Chairman Powell.
PUBLIC HEARING:
FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 RECOMMENDED BUDGET:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing to hear public comments for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Recommended Budget.
Chairman Powell asked the Clerk to the Board to announce who had signed up and
to limit each individual to two minutes each.
The following individuals appeared before the Board not necessarily speaking in
favor or in opposition to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Recommended Budget:
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Mr. Joseph Woody Jacobs of 107 Old U.S. 501, Roxboro said technology was no
longer just one vehicle for success, it is the vehicle all possible success depends on and
businesses demand technology innovation in response to a radically changing world. Mr.
Jacobs stated broadening the horizon by investing in Advanced Technology makes the
boldest ambitions achievable and the new future is on the horizon here in Person County.
Mr. Jacobs asked the Board to build the future for Person County faster than the
competition.
Ms. Meredith Summey of 1512 Echo Road, Durham, and Human Resources
Director for Polywood representing 325 employees to date stated her excitement about the
possibility of an Advanced Technology Center noting how important it is to businesses to
have employees trained which saves time and money.
Mr. Charles Harvey of 426 Holly Springs Drive, Timberlake advocated for the
Advanced Technology Center (ATC) as an industrial revolution 5.0 demands advanced
technology and artificial intelligence for its workforce. Mr. Harvey asked the Board to
invest in the ATC with a shared commitment for Person County’s future.
Mr. John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Lane, Semora inquired why the ask for
an Advanced Technology Center was being considered along the 501 corridor and not
located on PCC’s campus. Mr. Seepe stated the Airport was operating in the red, costing
the county.
Ms. Cindy Lynch of 395 Union Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills asked the Board
to take a look Person Industries’ expenditures and why the Recycling Center was operating
at a loss of a half a million.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Recommended Budget.
June 7, 2021
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PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST TO APPROPRIATE ESTIMATED $1,899,000.00 TO ASSIST
PROJECT FAMOUS TO LOCATE IN PERSON COUNTY, NC, AND TO
EXECUTE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AT THE
APPROPRIATE TIME:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a request to appropriate an estimated $1,899,000.00 to assist
Project Famous to locate in Person County, NC, and to execute an Economic Development
Agreement at the appropriate time.
Economic Development Director, Sherry Wilborn stated this public hearing was
being held for consideration to appropriate an estimated $1,899,000 to assist Project
Famous to locate a manufacturing operation in Person County, NC. This competitive,
confidential project proposes to invest $61.6 million and to create 300 jobs over five (5)
years with an annual average wage at or above $47,120.
Ms. Wilborn said the Project, if implemented, has the potential to stimulate the
attraction of new, and the expansion of existing, businesses within the County, to stimulate
commercial activity, to generate additional tax revenue, and to enhance the tax base and
economic vitality of the County. The financial incentive would come in the form of an
annual cash grant over a ten (10) year period payable only after jobs and investment
benchmarks have been met.
Ms. Wilborn requested the Board to approve an appropriation of County General
Funds to assist Project Famous to locate or expand in Person County with a financial grant
incentive over a ten (10) year period at an estimated total cost of $1,899,000.00 and to
authorize the Board Chairman to execute a written agreement at the appropriate time that
complied with applicable legal requirements as advised by the County Attorney.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the request to appropriate an estimated $1,899,000.00 to assist Project
Famous to locate in Person County, NC, and to execute an Economic Development
Agreement at the appropriate time.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for a request to appropriate an estimated $1,899,000.00 to assist Project Famous to
locate in Person County, NC, and to execute an Economic Development Agreement at the
appropriate time.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION RZ-02-21 REQUEST BY GEORGE ANDERSON, ON BEHALF OF
PROPERTY OWNERS JEFFREY AND MARYBETH CECIL FOR A
REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT FROM RESIDENTIAL TO RURAL
CONSERVATION ON 4.5 ACRES (TAX MAP & PARCEL A4-15) LOCATED ON
KELLY BREWER ROAD:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition RZ-02021, a request by George Anderson, on behalf
of property owners Jeffrey and Marybeth Cecil for a rezoning/map amendment from
Residential to Rural Conservation on 4.5 acres (Tax Map & Parcel A4-15) located on Kelly
Brewer Road.
Lori Oakley, Planning Director stated after the public hearing was advertised and
letter mailed to the adjacent property owners, the applicant on May 28, 2021 requested to
withdraw the rezoning request, petition RZ-02-21. By withdrawal of the application, there
was no need to entertain public comments and no action was required upon closing the
public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition RZ-02021, a request by George Anderson, on behalf of property
owners Jeffrey and Marybeth Cecil for a rezoning/map amendment from Residential to
Rural Conservation on 4.5 acres (Tax Map & Parcel A4-15) located on Kelly Brewer Road.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Dr. Mike Lewis, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer with
Trillium Health Resources, a local management entity (LME) that manages Medicaid
mental health dollars for counties said Person County’s current LME, Cardinal Innovations
was going to merge with another LME from Asheville, NC. Dr. Lewis requested the Board
to give Trillium Health Resources an opportunity to serve as Person County’s LME with
its wide array of services; he said Trillium currently serves as the LME for 26 counties.
Mr. John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing Lane, Semora noted his experience as the
County’s GOP Vice President attending the recent NC Republican State Convention in
Greenville hearing from many GOP leaders. He requested the Board to work with each
other showing respect, integrity of the process and communicating with citizens.
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Mr. Avie Lester, Sr. of 7495 Virgilina Road, Roxboro, NC 27574 addressed the
Board, on behalf of Person County NAACP and concerned citizens seeking information
and a more definitive timeline with regards to plans to remove the confederate memorial
from its present location on the courthouse grounds. Although this matter has come before
this body previously and received positive support for removal, no action has occurred. Mr.
Lester requested a public response for a status update about the plans for the removal of
this Confederate memorial.
Ms. Cindy Lynch of 395 of Union Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills asked the
Board about an item on the agenda to establish term limits for the Animal Services
Advisory Committee. As written, Ms. Lynch said it appeared to be a three-year term limit
meaning to her how many times a citizen can serve is one 3-year term and was not sure
this was the intent.
Mr. Chance Sanford of 400 Clayton Road, Roxboro responded to Mr. Lester’s
comments noting the previous iteration of the Board of Commissioners voted to remove
the statute under NC General Statute as it caused a public safety hazard. Mr. Sanford noted
the County did not want to pay for the removal and relocation with county funds and it was
up to the public to raise those funds. Mr. Sanford stated to date over $5,000 has been raised
and he estimated $25K needed. Mr. Sanford invited anyone wishing to chip in to do so
noting that he did not agree that the public should have to raise the funds. Mr. Sanford said
before moving forward and progressing to the future, to fix some of the past transgressions.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of May 3, 2021,
B. Approval of Minutes of May 17, 2021,
C. Budget Amendment #18,
D. Budget Amendment #19,
E. American Rescue Plan Act Grant Project Ordinance Resolution, and
F. Joint Use Agreement Renewal: Person County Recreation, Arts, and Parks
Department and the Person County Board of Education
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NEW BUSINESS:
MORGAN STREET ROADWAY RECONFIGURATION:
John Sandor, PE, District Engineer with Division 5, District 2 Office for the North
Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stated by request of the City of Roxboro
he was there to gain the County’s support as Morgan Street was due to be resurfaced this
fall and it presented an opportunity to incorporate changes from the Semora Road
intersection to the Chub Lake intersection. Reports of speeding have long been received
by NCDOT along this section of road in town. The context of the road is a mix of
residential/school/park/offices. There are several driveways accessing the road as well as
several intersections with many local streets. In recent years, NCDOT constructed a mini-
roundabout in an effort to help slow speeds along this corridor as well as address a crash
problem at the intersection of Long Ave. There are also sidewalks on both sides of the
street as well as several mid-block crosswalks.
Mr. Sandor said there is currently over 30 feet of pavement and the road is striped
with three lanes. The proposal is to consider restriping this road during the resurfacing
project in the next 18 months to eliminate the center turn lane and introduce either on-street
parking or bike lanes to help reduce the “wide” feel of the road, which is known to cause
speeding. Below are two concepts that show the cross-section of the road which could be
applied here. The below cross-section that shows on-street parking in this application
could not include the bike lanes due to there not being enough pavement.
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Mr. Sandor said roadway reconfigurations similar to the above options have been
implemented across the country on like roads and have yielded great success with low cost.
Studies have shown improved safety as well as reduced speeds. Capacity would not be
changing with this recommendation, only the loss of the center turn lane. Where vehicles
currently have a lane to wait to make a left and not block traffic, will now block traffic.
Mr. Sandor added the current facility could accommodate a park option on one side with a
bike lane on the other side.
Commissioner Palmer, a resident on Morgan Street noted his frustrations and
concerns about the vehicle speeds increasing since the roundabout was installed to which
Mr. Sandor was sorry the roundabout had not affected to calm traffic as intended.
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Animal Services Director, Kelli Oakley, on behalf of the Animal Services Advisory
Committee requested that the Board of Commissioners establish terms for four citizen-at-
large positions, effective July 1, 2021. The advisory committee requested that citizen
positions 1. (Kay Farrell) and 2. (Cindy Martin) initially be a two-year term, and citizen
positions 3. (Heath Gill) and 4. (Cathy Williams) be a three-year term, beginning July 1,
2021. Thereafter, three-year terms would apply to all members appointed to citizen
positions. Upon approval by the Board, Ms. Oakley said the citizen term provisions would
be added to the Animal Services Advisory Committee Rules of Procedure.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to establish terms
for the four citizen-at-large positions on the Animal Services Advisory Committee, as
presented.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported his recent conversations with Representative
Yarborough, Representatives of Ted Budd’s Office, the Governor’s Office, and
Representative Thom Tillis regarding Person County receiving its share of federal funding
to be used primarily for economic development and broadband.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported the Board approved a Project Ordinance for
the American Rescue Funds in the Consent Agenda; she stated her plan once the budget
for the upcoming year has been adopted, will be brought before the Board to provide input
on how the expend those funds by the deadline of 2026.
Ms. York reminded the Board that their first budget work session was scheduled
for June 8, 2021 starting at 2:00pm in the Commissioners’ Boardroom; she asked if
commissioners had specific questions or would like departmental directors available to
answer questions, to please let her know.
Ms. York recognized the transition Person County will be facing with Cardinal
Innovations, the county’s current LME noting she will be keep the Board abreast as updates
are available.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Puryear thanked the Person County Veterans Council for a great
Memorial Day event to honor all fallen heroes noting it was a very sensitive day to the
County’s gold star families.
Commissioner Palmer thanked the Administrative staff for the hard work on getting
the budget ready for the Board’s review.
Commissioner Gentry concurred with Commissioner Palmer’s comments noting
the state mandates the county processes in the budget and other areas, i.e. the public hearing
for a confidential project.
Commissioner Sims thanked all individuals that made public comments; he thanked
staff for putting the budget together noting the budget work sessions will be a time to work
together toward an adopted budget.
Commissioner Sims requested Board consideration for the June 8, 2021 budget
work session to begin at 3:00pm to accommodate his personal appointment to ensure he
would arrive in time; the Board consented for the time change to be 3:00pm.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session at 7:59pm, per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of discussion of
matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area
served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development
incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations with the following
individuals permitted to attend: County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda
Reaves, Economic Development Director, Sherry Wilborn and County Attorney, Ellis
Hankins.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 8:05pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:16pm.
Chairman Powell called the open session back to order at 8:16pm
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST TO APPROPRIATE
ESTIMATED $1,899,000.00 TO ASSIST PROJECT FAMOUS TO LOCATE IN
PERSON COUNTY, NC, AND TO EXECUTE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve an
appropriation of County General Funds to assist Project Famous to locate or expand in
Person County with a financial grant incentive over a ten (10) year period at an estimated
total cost of $1,899,000.00 and to authorize the Board Chairman to execute a written
agreement at the appropriate time that complied with applicable legal requirements.
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves requested Board consideration to take formal
action to change the location of the Board of Commissioners’ regular scheduled meetings
and to notice and distribute such if the Board desired to move its meetings back to its
Boardroom 215.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to move the Board of
Commissioners’ regular scheduled meetings back to its Boardroom 215 effective
immediately and for the Clerk to the Board to post and distribute notice of such action.
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RECESS:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to recess the
meeting at 8:20pm until June 8, 2021 at 3:00pm for a budget work session.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman