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03-17-2025 Meeting Minutes BOC March 17, 2025 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 17, 2025 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager Jason Thomas Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board Sherry Wilborn Al Andrews, County Attorney Antoinetta Royster Tracy Ellixson-ABSENT The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in Regular session on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.in the Commissioners’ Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC. Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum was present. Vice-Chairman Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Royster led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve the agenda with the removal of Items B and E from the Consent Agenda and to place both items on the agenda after Item 8D. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR COUNTY RETIREE Chairman Puryear read and presented a Resolution of Appreciation for County Retiree Deputy Sheriff Charlie Oakley, recognizing his twenty-one years of service to Person County. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve a Resolution of Appreciation for County Retiree, Deputy Sheriff Charlie Oakley. March 17, 2025 2 March 17, 2025 3 INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Janna Kisner of 200 Semora Road, Roxboro stated that she is the Chair of the Person County Friends of the Park. She stated that she is here on behalf of Friends of the Park and on behalf of herself personally, to offer full public support of the Rail Trail Multimodal Feasibility Study. She stated that the Friends of the Park are grateful for the Commissioners’ support of the Roxboro Rotary Centennial Park and that they are working hard to have an opening soon. She stated that even through the winter, Friends of the Park and community volunteers continued to show up for volunteer workdays. She stated that this new park will be a huge step to filling the void of public hiking, biking and trail opportunities in our County. She stated that last year at the Personality Festival, the Friends of the Park heard widespread public interest, support, and enthusiasm for the opening of the new park, as well as for expansion of recreational opportunities. She stated that it was an honor to serve on the City Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee in collaboration with NC DOT and the County, at the well-attended public hearing held at the Kirby last spring. She stated that there was a lot of enthusiastic public support as the community viewed the maps for walking, running, and bicycling. She stated that the Rail Trail is a very much-needed investment for the health and well-being of our citizens as well as the economic development of Person County. She asked the Board to provide their full support. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. March 3, 2025 Minutes B. Budget Amendment #16 C. Budget Amendment #17 D. Person Area Transportation System (PATS) Title VI Program Plan E. Reimbursement Agreement for Expenses Related to the Closure of Country Club Road F. Chamber of Commerce Lease NEW BUSINESS: MULTIMODAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY Arts, Parks and Recreation Director John Hill introduced Matt Hayes, Vice- President and East Regional Director of Alta Planning and Design, who presented the following: March 17, 2025 4 March 17, 2025 5 March 17, 2025 6 March 17, 2025 7 March 17, 2025 8 March 17, 2025 9 March 17, 2025 10 March 17, 2025 11 March 17, 2025 12 March 17, 2025 13 March 17, 2025 14 March 17, 2025 15 March 17, 2025 16 March 17, 2025 17 March 17, 2025 18 March 17, 2025 19 March 17, 2025 20 March 17, 2025 21 March 17, 2025 22 March 17, 2025 23 Hill stated that in July 2022, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) was allocated $2M in one-time funding from the North Carolina General Assembly to establish a Paved Trails Feasibility Study Program. He stated that the Integrated Mobility Division was awarded $500K in State Planning and Research funds to support sidewalks and shared-use path feasibility studies. He stated that the purpose of this Paved Trails and Sidewalk Feasibility Studies Grant Program is to improve the pipeline of bicycle and pedestrian projects accessing state and federal funding, resulting in successful implementation of projects led by communities prioritizing multimodal infrastructure. He stated that this grant program was administered by the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) for the NCDOT on behalf of local governments, and a local match was not required. He stated that the study was completed by Alta Planning and Design. He stated that the study was completed last August and has been approved by the Person County Recreation Advisory Board. He stated that according to the study, 8.7 miles of the trail would be along the inactive Norfolk Southern rail corridor. He stated that closer to Roxboro there is still active rail, therefore the trail would take a different route, following other public right of ways. He stated that the project would be completed in two phases, the first starting at the Durham County line, and would be 10.6 miles. The second phase would start at the intersection of 501 and Patterson Drive, and head north for 6.1 miles into Uptown Roxboro. He stated that it would be his preference to start in the middle of the two phases, at the PCC CHATT Building, located on Crown Boulevard and go north to Patterson Drive. He stated that the proposed trail has been planned for over two decades, well before his time. Hayes stated that the trail is years away from being completed. He stated that there are a lot of steps that need to happen. He stated that hopefully phase one would happen within the next ten years, and securing funding would be key. He stated that having the study would allow the County to receive grant funds. Hill stated that The Conservation Fund is in negotiations with Norfolk Southern to purchase inactive rail sections and is expected to come to an agreement this fall. He stated that the County’s maintenance of the rail sections could be built into the department’s existing route and additional staff to maintain the trail may be requested in the future. Commissioner Wilborn stated that she read the study and it was amazing and very comprehensive. She stated that a private meeting was held in Timberlake where land and business owners expressed concerns. She stated that citizens of Durham County had recently vocally opposed the project. She stated that U.S. Flue Cured Tobacco representatives had concerns about the proximity of the trail to their facility. Hill stated that sections of the trail could be modified to meet business and landowner concerns, however, these negotiations would not happen until the County decides to move forward with building a section. Hayes stated that there would need to be conversations with the adjacent property owners, to discuss safety, liability, and personal concerns. He stated that when you have bicyclists, pedestrians, and families, these are not the people who litter and commit violent crimes. He stated that these people are really respectful of the landscape in general. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 3-1 to adopt the Multimodal Trail Feasibility Study. Commissioner Wilborn voted in opposition. March 17, 2025 24 REQUEST FOR FUND BALANCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE DETENTION CENTER Person County Chief Deputy Mark Massey presented the following: March 17, 2025 25 March 17, 2025 26 March 17, 2025 27 March 17, 2025 28 March 17, 2025 29 March 17, 2025 30 March 17, 2025 31 March 17, 2025 32 Massey stated that jails and prisons must provide adequate medical care to inmates. He stated that the Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Division of the NC Department of Justice requires inmates to receive adequate medical attention, including mental health, dental care, and emergency treatment. He stated that county detention centers are required to provide medical care to inmates, to include, routine medical services, access to emergency care and treatment for chronic conditions. He stated that the State of NC provides medical care to inmates who are held serving sentences, and the pre- trial detainees are the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. He stated that the jail is seeing an increasing number of inmates with mental health, drug dependency, and chronic conditions. He stated to address the rising medical costs; the Sheriff’s Office implemented a policy last August to enroll all incoming inmates in insurance through the Affordable Care Act. He stated that the Sheriff’s Office works with Health Plan Freedom to verify insurance eligibility and to enroll the inmates. He stated that approximately 98% of inmates qualify for insurance through the Affordable Care Act. He stated that eligible inmates receive insurance cards, which are stored on a shared drive and provided to medical providers when an inmate receives care. He stated that the impact of this change is yet to be seen, although the Sheriff’s Office is anticipating significant savings. Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn stated that over the next five years, the change could be a savings in excess of $1.5M. Commissioner Royster stated that this topic came up in her conversations with NC Legislative Representatives while she was in Washington, D.C., and that the Legislators are discussing expanding Medicaid for inmates. She stated that if an inmate receives Medicaid and is arrested, their benefits stop. Sheriff Wilborn stated that once they are released, they would need to re-enroll in Medicaid and many do not. He stated that he is hearing similar stories statewide from other sheriffs. He stated that there are concerns on how sheriff’s office facilities have turned into mental health institutions because of the shutdown of John Umstead and Dorothea Dix. He stated that these inmates are left in the sheriff’s custody, and they are a lot of them that they are housing that do not need to be in jail with their mental health issues. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to allocate $995,857.96 from fund balance to cover projected costs through June 30, 2025. March 17, 2025 33 STRATEGIC PLAN QUARTERLY REPORT AND FY26 UPDATE County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that on February 20, 2024, the Board of Commissioners adopted the FY25-27 Strategic Plan which includes vision and mission statements, organizational values and five strategic focus areas with associated goals and strategies. She stated that the goals provide a two- to four-year view of priorities, and the accompanying strategies describe specific tasks, outputs and/or outcomes intended to be accomplished over the next one to two fiscal years. She stated that the FY25 budget process incorporated the strategic plan. She stated that this plan will be a guiding document for county elected officials, staff, and volunteers. She stated that the quarterly report for the timeframe of July 1-December 31, 2024, included in the agenda packet, informs the board and the public on progress made towards achieving the goals of the strategic plan. She provided highlights of the objectives that have been completed in the second quarter, to include, the purchase of the Human Services Building and the CHATT Building for Piedmont Community College. She stated in addition, the Runway Strengthening Project at the airport is completed. She stated that the FY24 audit was submitted prior to the deadline, GIS worked with the City of Roxboro to complete a lead and copper survey, and that DSS hired two Staff Development Specialists and began internal training for Medicaid staff within the department. Commissioner Wilborn stated that she appreciated the detailed responses. She had questions related to the Western Sewer Project, the Opioid Settlement Fund, and the Volunteer Training. Cathey advised that related to the Volunteer Training, that it has not been completed, and that the County did do the liaison training. She stated that there is approximately $4M in the Opioid Settlement Fund. She advised related to the Sewer Project that she would get the numbers for the Board. Chairman Puryear had questions related to entering into an agreement with PCC for the CHATT Building. Cathey advised that was completed in January. Cathey asked if there was any feedback or suggestions to the vision and mission statements, organizational values and the five strategic focus areas and goals. Commissioner Royster stated that she would like to see the wording changed from “community- friendly” to “community-centered”. Cathey read the suggested re-wording. Royster stated after hearing it, she is fine with how it reads and stated that it did not need to be changed to “community-centered’. No action was taken by the Board on this matter. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented to the Board interested citizen applications for consideration for appointment to boards and committees and requested the Board to nominate for appointment as deemed appropriate. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to appoint David White to the Board of Adjustment for a 3-year term. March 17, 2025 34 A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to appoint Sammy Clayton to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as a local environmental group representative. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to appoint Brandi Neumann to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to appoint Charles Derrick Sims to the Work Force Development Board for a 2-year term as a business/industry representative. BUDGET AMENDMENT #16 Commissioner Wilborn had questions related to Budget Amendment #16 and asked Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton for more detail and clarification, specifically on Fund 10 and 41. Clayton stated that Fund 10 and 41 are the same thing, the zero just gets cut off. She stated that Fund 41 is the Capital Investment Fund, and where the County houses the money for the larger projects in the County. She stated that in years past, the County has adopted the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and opened and closed new and old projects at the same time. She stated that with the magnitude of the number of projects the County is doing right now, a budget amendment was passed in July 2024 to open all the new projects, which is approximately $6M, and this is closing the projects that have been completed as of June 30, 2024. She stated that the transfers are basically the County’s mechanism for funding the projects they had to open. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve Budget Amendment #16. REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CLOSURE OF COUNTRY CLUB ROAD Commissioner Wilborn had questions related to the Reimbursement Agreement for expenses related to the closure of Country Club Road and asked Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch for clarification on the terms and the remedy if it goes beyond a year and exceeds $200K. Lynch stated that the monthly cost is going to remain the same for the whole year. She stated that it is expected that Microsoft will have their final road closure plan within a year, and if they do not, then the County will have to go back and negotiate another agreement with them. She advised that the monthly charges are $18,623.16. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve the Reimbursement Agreement for the expenses related to the closure of Country Club Road. March 17, 2025 35 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear stated that he attended a Farm Bureau local board of directors meeting last week. He stated that they covered many topics in the County and that he appreciated the invite. MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey introduced interim Planning Director Margaret Hauth and stated that Hauth has been working with the County for about a month on a part-time basis. She stated that Hauth is a retired Planning Director with over thirty years of experience. She stated that the County is very happy to have her. She stated that the County is getting ready to open recruitment again for a full-time Planning Director. She stated that the library will be closed from March 21- March 28, 2025 to install an enclosure and relocate the NC Collection from the Community Room onto the floor of the library. She stated that during this time, the library would be offering curbside pickup to the public. She stated that members of the public are welcome to call the library directly to reserve materials or they could go online and reserve those through the Cardinal system. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chairman Thomas stated that he attended the Veterans meeting last Tuesday night. He stated that The Wall That Heals was one of the topics discussed. He stated that April 29, 2025, the day the Wall comes to Roxboro, 501 will be shut down starting at 1:00 p.m., from Northern High School in Durham to Morehead Street in Roxboro. He advised all to plan accordingly. He stated that he had the privilege to speak at the Civics Academy and it was a great turnout. Commissioner Wilborn stated that the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) had two steering committee meetings last week. She stated one was for General Government, and the highlight was about the regional planning, working together as a region for water, sewer, and land use planning. She stated the other was Tax and Finance. She stated that she & the County Manager met with the field representative for Senator Tillis last week. She stated that some items discussed were, continuing to support the federal programs that we need and benefit from in Person County. She asked for an update on the Planning Department, as she knows there was no Planning Board meeting in February and March. She asked what the turn-around time is from the time an application is submitted. County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that there are a few pending large projects and that staff, with the assistance of Hauth and Kerr-Tar COG, they are moving through applications in a more timely manner. Wilborn asked about the tax appeals process and the peer review. Cathey advised that they are working through the informal appeals process right now and that she has submitted a letter to the NCACC for the peer review. She stated that the next step would be to schedule a meeting to outline the steps. March 17, 2025 36 Wilborn congratulated Larry Cole, owner of the Furniture Mart, as he was named Main Street Champion at the NC Main Street Conference last week. Commissioner Royster stated that she attended the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce Meeting, and that there will be a ribbon cutting at Twine and Teak on March 20, 2025. She stated that she attended a Board of Health meeting and that Bonnie Holt had indicated that they have received an influx of calls pertaining to the tax reappraisal process as the property owner would need to provide proof that the property is not buildable. She stated that the Health Department is offering Express Clinic Services related to STD’s. She stated that she attended a JCPC meeting and she discussed the programs through Roots and Wings, to include the Teen Court Summit, which will occur the first weekend of April in Greensboro. She stated that the VAYA meeting was rescheduled for May. She stated that she was excited to attend the Civics Academy this past Thursday. She stated that the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC served 777 individuals in Timberlake this past Thursday morning. She stated that they will be holding another event on April 10, 2025. She stated that she represented Person County at the NACo conference, and while she was there, she met with legislatures and representatives from NC, to include Congressman Brad Knott, Senator Thom Tillis, and Senator Ted Budd. She stated that she shared the needs and goals of Person County. She stated that when she met with them, they had positive things to say about Person County. Commissioner Wilborn advised Chairman Puryear that she has a conflict with two of her commissioner-assigned boards, the Extension Advisory Committee and the UNRBA as they meet on the same day and overlap. She asked if any other Commissioner would like to trade. Commissioner Royster stated that she would be the commissioner representative for the Extension Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed Sessions at 11:03 a.m. CLOSED SESSION #1 A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 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 county (economic development) with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney Al Andrews, and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch. CLOSED SESSION #2 A motion to enter into Closed Session #2 per General Statute 143-318(a)(3) for the purpose to consult with the county attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, and County Attorney Al Andrews. March 17, 2025 37 Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 11:07 a.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to return to open session at 11:42 a.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 for Person County to relinquish its Right of First Offer for the property located at 211 Webb Street Roxboro, NC, and grant the County Manager the authority to discuss the matter with the County Attorney in negotiations with the opposing parties to present a document to execute the release that will be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 11:44 a.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman (Draft Board minutes are subject to Board approval).