BOC Minutes May 15 2017approve
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY 15, 2017
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Tracey L. Kendrick Heidi York, County Manager
Gordon Powell C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
Jimmy B. Clayton Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear
B. Ray Jeffers
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 9:00am in the Commissioners’ meeting room
in the Person County Office Building.
Chairman Kendrick called the meeting to order. Vice Chairman Powell gave an
invocation and Commissioner Puryear led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
RECOGNITION:
PERSON COUNTY EMS RECEIVES THE SILVER PLUS AWARD FROM
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION MISSION LIFELINE:
Director of Emergency Services, Douglas Young introduced to the Board Mr. John
Dugan, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Affiliation of the American Heart Association which
includes the state of North Carolina to recognize Person County EMS Division through its
EMS Compliance Officer, Glen LaBar and EMS Operations Director, Greg White.
Mr. Dugan presented the Mission Lifeline Award to Person County EMS, a
designation for EMS recognition that started in 2014 with systems of care, linking patient
care from EMS initial contact to hospitals. The program recognizes EMS teams across the
nation for their vital role in providing timely treatment for STEMI patients through Mission
Lifeline systems of care. STEMI, a common medical term for S-T Elevation Myocardial
Infraction, simply means that a patient is having an active heart attack that is recognized
by the Paramedics on an EKG. In most cases, one of the major arteries in the heart is either
partially or fully blocked and requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a
cardiac catheterization lab. The recognition focuses on two required metrics, 12-lead ECGs
on non-traumatic chest pain patients and first medical contact (FMC) to Balloon time less
than 90 minutes. The recognition requires a quality system of care with the referring PCI
center, which is coordinated with the Duke AMI Coordinator Candance Van Vleet. There
are three levels of awards, Bronze (1 quarter successful), Silver (1 year) and Gold (2 years).
Person County EMS has been awarded the Silver Plus award, which is the highest award
possible for first year applicants. This recognition truly shows the high level of care and
impact that the County’s paramedics are making on the citizens and visitors of Person
County. The Board commended the EMS staff for their dedication and efforts achieving
the elite standards.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST FROM WOODSDALE FARM, LLC FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT
FOR A SOLAR FARM, TAX MAP A58 PARCEL 12, WOODSDALE TOWNSHIP,
OWNED BY LINDSAY AND JOHN WAGSTAFF:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a Special Use
Permit for a Solar Farm, Tax Map A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned by Lindsay
and John Wagstaff.
The public hearing set to hear a request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a Special
Use Permit for a Solar Farm, Tax Map A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned by
Lindsay and John Wagstaff 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 Kendrick administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony
to the following individuals who would offer testimony during the public hearing:
Lori Oakley, Tom Terrell, Richard Kirkland and Jim Halley
Planning Director, Lori Oakley stated all zoning ordinance and state statutes have
been met for the requirement to hold the public hearing. She gave the Board the following
presentation:
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Ms. Oakley stated the proposed solar farm lot consists of 594 acres and the solar
company plans on leasing 15.75 acres out of it for the proposed solar farm. There is an
existing 30 acre solar farm on the property to the south of the proposed facility, which was
approved in 2013. The remainder of the acreage is used as woodlands and farmland with
farm buildings and a tenant house showed on the southern portion of the property.
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Ms. Oakley said the site was zoned RC which is Rural Conservation and the
proposed solar farm required the issuance of a Special Use Permit by the Board.
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The solar farm will contain rows of Photovoltaic (PV) cell panels mounted on posts
set in the ground individually. The plans depict approximately 24,348 solar panels located
on 1,036 racks and each panel has a 155 watt capacity.
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Ms. Oakley stated the property was not located within a FEMA Flood Hazard area.
It is located within the Roanoke Watershed Basin which currently has no regulations that
apply to Person County. The site will not require a well or septic system, and the use will
be unmanned and only visited periodically for routine maintenance. The slide below
depicts current solar farms in Person County at the Airport location and on US501N toward
Mayo Lake.
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Ms. Oakley asked the Board if there were any questions.
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Commissioner Jeffers asked who would buy the power from them, Duke or
Piedmont. Ms. Oakley stated her understanding was that it would be Duke as that might
be a question for the applicant. Commissioner Jeffers asked if that was something that was
approved before it comes to the Planning Board. Chairman Kendrick stated the Utilities
Commission sets up the guidelines on how much Duke Energy has to buy and from whom
noting it was already approved through the utility before it gets to this point, typically.
Chairman Kendrick stated there were three proponents signed up to offer testimony;
he asked them to state their name and address as they step up.
Speaking in favor (proponents) of the a request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a
Special Use Permit for a Solar Farm, Tax Map A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned
by Lindsay and John Wagstaff were the following individuals:
Mr. Tom Terrell of 300 N. Greene Street, Greensboro representing Strata Solar
stated the answer to Commissioner Jeffers question was that this had been approved by the
NC Utilities Commission and Duke Energy will purchase the power. Mr. Terrell shared
the following presentation with the Board:
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Mr. Terrell asked if there were any questions before proceeding to the next
standard.
Chairman Kendrick asked a question related to the decommissioning process;
would Strata or the landowner be responsible to decommission and remove. Mr. Terrell
stated that Strata would be responsible noting it was in the landlord’s lease as to the
circumstances under which the facility has to be removed, but certainly at the end of the
lease (always Strata’s responsibility).
Chairman Kendrick asked about the event in 25 or 30 years when Strata
decommissions, considering the possibility that Strata goes bankrupt and was no longer
viable, are the funds set aside for decommissions. Mr. Terrell stated that Strata does not
set aside funds for decommissioning; he added that Strata was one of the most well
capitalized of all solar facilities in the country; they are one of the fastest growing solar
facility, run extremely conservatively and not public but privately owned. Mr. Terrell
stated that if there were a circumstance where they went bankrupt, you can get almost as
much money from the recycling. Mr. Jim Halley said the salvage value was greater. Mr.
Terrell stated someone could step in and remove the materials, assume ownership and sale
which would exceed the costs. Chairman Kendrick stated he would contend that when he
was ten years old, he didn’t think that GM would take money from taxpayers either. Mr.
Terrell stated the best answer was that the ultimately fall back was that someone could take
over the asset that would be substantial and always these materials have had recyclable
value and that recyclable value would go up over time.
Mr. Terrell then introduced Mr. Rich Kirkland, an outstanding appraiser from
Raleigh noting he has studied numerous solar facilities and he will explain why solar farms
have not been shown to have any impact on the value of adjoining properties.
Mr. Richard Kirkland of 9408 Northfield Court, Raleigh, and a commercial
appraiser, who has been appraising the area for 20 years. Mr. Kirkland stated he received
his MAI from the Appraisal Institute and regularly appraised agricultural, residential land
and commercial properties. Mr. Kirkland said he also does impact study analysis which
was what he looked at for this case. Mr. Kirkland noted he has been looking at solar farms
and the impact on adjoining property values for about six years which included over 300
solar farm sites, mostly, and predominately in North Carolina, but also in Virginia, South
Carolina and a number of other states. Mr. Kirkland said he compiles data, looking at what
properties are around solar farms and the characteristics of solar farms to figure out if it is
a harmonious location and also matched pairs to see if there is any impact on property
values.
Mr. Kirkland said what he has found especially across North Carolina, solar farms
are predominately located in places where agricultural properties meet residential uses.
Mr. Kirkland noted you need a certain amount of open space to place the infrastructure and
people to use the power once it is put there. Mr. Kirkland noted the subject location was a
typical location to see solar farms with a mix of agricultural and residential uses.
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Mr. Kirkland noted when reviewed by acreage the most common use was
agricultural with the most common use by parcel being residential noting the property
already has a solar farm existing on the parent tract. Mr. Kirkland stated, in his professional
opinion, that the location was a harmonious location and typical for what he sees. Mr.
Kirkland referred the Board to the impact study included in the board packet noting the
closest adjoining home was over 500 feet away with the average distance over 3,000 feet
away. Mr. Kirkland stated the matched pairs he reviewed show homes as close as 150 feet
away with the average of about 280-300 feet. The distance to homes, in this case, was
significantly greater than what he tends to see across the state. Focusing back to matched
pairs looking at impact, Mr. Kirkland said he has looked at a number of site where there
have been sales after solar farms are there. A matched pair study looks at home sales that
have been next to a solar farm or land sales, noting he has looked at both, and compared to
similar or identical properties that are not adjoined to solar farms to measure for an impact.
Mr. Kirkland stated he had found over 12 different solar farms that found multiple matched
pairs that show there is no impact on property values, specifically, there is a site in
Goldsboro that he cites frequently because it is a really clean site, a textbook example of a
matched pair; there was a subdivision going in before the solar farm was announced so
there were home sales before the solar farm came in or before anyone knew about it; after
the solar farm was put in, homes continued to be sold. Mr. Kirkland stated that when
properties within that development were compared, before and after the solar farm, the
same size, same style home sells for the same price per square foot. After the solar farm
goes in, identical floor plans adjoining the solar farm compared to non-adjoining properties
to the solar farm, sold for the same price per square foot. Mr. Kirkland added that larger
homes were being built after the solar farm was put into place, so not hurting the trend for
that neighborhood. Mr. Kirkland said he talked with the builder/development team, homes
sold out as quickly as originally planned for this neighborhood and so it did not affect how
quickly the home sold either. Mr. Kirkland said there have been resales since the
subdivision was complete with property that backs up to the solar farm sold for the same
price as nearby homes with the same floorplan at two and one-half years later, sold with
depreciation typical for the neighborhood. Mr. Kirkland stated this one neighborhood
really shows a great example of no impact on property value.
Specific to this site, Mr. Kirkland pointed out he had a matched pair that he cites
off of Woodsdale Road for a sale of land right near the solar farm that happened and again,
sold for a price typical to nearby land sales. Even here in Roxboro looking at this specific
site, Mr. Kirkland found no impact from that solar farm. Mr. Kirkland stated that in his
professional opinion, the proposed solar farm will have no impact on adjoining property
values and harmonious to the area. Mr. Kirkland offered to answer questions or go into
greater detail.
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Mr. Jim Halley of 50101 Governors Drive, Suite 280, Chapel Hill finished the
presentation with the following slides:
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Mr. Halley said one of questions that came up at the Planning meeting was what
was in the panels and if it was toxic and a human health hazard. Mr. Halley stated the
panels have a very thin film of metal (cadmium) sandwiched between two pieces of glass.
The Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedures EPA test for materials, not just solar
panels, is used to crush the solar panel up, run acid through the solar panels and test the
liquid for any metal for detection limits. In the event that those get into the environment,
get broken and acid get put onto them, Mr. Halley was confident that the metal substance
was not going to leak out furthermore. Mr. Halley noted there is a recycling program for
the panels and with that program, an expectation when not used to generate power, they
are used at the recycling center to harvest the cadmium for reuse.
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Mr. Halley stated NC DOT permits, NC DEQ permits and the asphalt turnaround
for emergency vehicles will be designed and in place before the solar farm is built.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speaking in opposition to
the request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Farm, Tax
Map A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned by Lindsay and John Wagstaff.
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Chairman Kendrick asked Ms. Oakley moving forward, as seen with the cost of
associated with getting rid of CRT screens in Person at the MRF center, not applicable to
this project because it has gotten to this point, have Planning and Zoning look at not only
the removal after the facilities are done but the possibility of setting aside fees to assure
that the County taxpayers are not left holding the bill if for some reason the company that
installs and agree to take it out is not viable at the end the term of the contract.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for a request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar
Farm, Tax Map A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned by Lindsay and John
Wagstaff.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST FROM WOODSDALE
FARM, LLC FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A SOLAR FARM, TAX MAP
58 PARCEL 12, WOODSDALE TOWNSHIP, OWNED BY LINDSAY AND JOHN
WAGSTAFF:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
request from Woodsdale Farm, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Farm, Tax Map
A58 Parcel 12, Woodsdale Township owned by Lindsay and John Wagstaff as it met the
findings of facts and was in keeping with the Person County Comprehensive Plan with the
following conditions:
1. Applicant to obtain a driveway permit from NCDOT. A copy of the permit to be
given to Planning and Zoning prior to issuance of a zoning permit.
2. Applicant to obtain Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan. A copy of the
approved plan and approval letter to be given to Planning and Zoning prior to
issuance of Zoning Permit.
3. A final “as built” to be submitted to Planning and Zoning prior to issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy.
4. Access to the site to be minimum of 20 feet in width, parking to accommodate two
vehicles (each 9’ x 18”) and turnaround minimum of seventy feet (driving surface)
for emergency vehicles.
5. Applicant to obtain all Federal, State and Local permits that are required.
6. Applicant to meet all conditions of the Person County Zoning Ordinance.
7. Applicant will need to obtain a Zoning Permit and Building Permit from Person
County prior to any construction.
8. The applicant must adhere to all signage requirements listed in Note #16 on the site
plan, and
9. The applicant shall provide the Planning & Zoning Department with a
decommissioning plan in the event that the facility ceases to produce energy on a
continuous basis for twelve (12) months. The decommissioning plan will require
the solar company to return the site to its previous condition prior to the installation
of the solar farm.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Ms. Frances Blalock of 1504 Surl Mt. Tirzah Road, Timberlake commented on the
following: 1) public awareness of land application of bio solids from the City of Durham
to the fields on the old Allensville Road, 2) noted her opposition to House Bill 576, a bill
entitled, An act to require the Department of Environmental Quality to approve
aerosolization as an acceptable method for disposal of leachate and wastewater from a
landfill and provide that aerosolization of leachate or wastewater that results in
effluent-free production or a zero-liquid discharge does not constitute a discharge that
requires a permit, and 3) requested the Board to protect the citizens to close the landfill
with the solutions to build a transfer station to take the County’s solid waste to Granville
County with future plans to build its own facility.
Ms. Betty Blalock of 144 Tirzah Ridge, Rougemont commented on the City of
Roxboro’s concern related to paying more for transport of its waste to Granville County
and the carbon footprint noting her opinion that the carbon footprint would decrease with
transfer stations.
Ms. Tanya Evans of 84 Flat River Circle, Timberlake, and an employee of Duke
Energy, provided clarity of the decisions of Duke Energy to recommend the water filtration
systems over the municipal water solution for the residents that reside within the one-half
mile distance from the coal ash basins based on cost effectiveness and timeliness to meet
the timeline mandated by the state. Ms. Evans stated that based on the data presented by
the study performed by engineers, the municipal water lines would cost $131,000 per
household with a completion date of 2019; the ION filtration system was estimated to cost
between $10,000 to $15,000 per system with $1,000 to $3,000 annual maintenance costs.
The state mandated Duke Energy to provide water solution by October 2018 with a
recommended range of spending around $35,000 per houshold. Ms. Evans stated the public
municipal water lines were 10 miles from the site and would require constant flushing of
the system with monitoring testing which would impact the quality for 7-8 day old water.
Ms. Evans noted the study as performed by Duke University states the ash basins have not
impacted the wells.
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DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of April 17, 2017,
B. Approval of Minutes of May 1, 2017,
C. Resolution Appointment Review Officers,
D. Emergency Communications Network (Code Red) renewal Contract,
E. Budget Amendment #20, and
F. Tax Adjustments for May 2017
a. Tax Releases
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR A PERMANENT CLEAN WATER
SOLUTION:
Commissioner Jeffers presented a Resolution of Support for a permanent clean
water solution for the residents living near the coal ash basins that have been provided
bottled water. Commissioner Jeffers noted the Mayo location was one of the three
locations not recommended for permanent municipal water solution. Commissioner Jeffers
made the motion to approve a Resolution of Support for a Permanent Clean Water Solution,
and if approved, requested a copy be sent to the Governor, state representatives and the
City of Roxboro.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and failed 2-3 to adopt a Resolution
of Support for a Permanent Clean Water Solution. Commissioners Jeffers and Clayton
voted in support of the motion to adopt the resolution. Chairman Kendrick, Vice Chairman
Powell and Commissioner Puryear cast the dissenting votes.
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LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR REQUIRED LOCAL MATCHES AND OTHER
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR P4.0 NON-HIGHWAY DRAFT PROGRAMMED
PROJECTS:
General Services Director, Ray Foushee stated the Airport Commission, in
conjunction with consultant, Talbert & Bright of Wilmington, have been working with the
DOA and FAA related to an airport run-way extension. Mr. Foushee noted the new Master
Plan for the Person County Airport was close to approval which supported an additional
run-way length of 800 feet, bringing the total runway length to 6,805 feet. Mr. Foushee
further noted that the FAA supports the County’s need for additional run-way and would
be positive in terms of economic development and a boost for the cargo activity at the
airport as well as have a positive impact on fuel sales.
The Kerr-Tar Rural Planning Organization submitted this project into the NCDOT
Strategic Transportation Investments Program for $11,230,000; final approval is scheduled
by the Transportation Board around June 30, 2017. In order to be considered for this grant,
Person County must provide a letter of commitment for the 10% matching funds in the
amount of $1,123,000.
Mr. Foushee stated $800,000 in funding had been earmarked for a future hangar at
the airport however that funding has now been designated for this airport priority with the
remaining funding to come from the County’s Fund Balance as recommended by the
Manager.
Mr. Foushee asked the Board for consideration and, if supportive of this
grant/matching funds, authorize the County Manager to sign the letter.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to authorize the
County Manager to sign a letter of commitment for the required local match of $1,123,000.
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A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PERSON COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR A CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP:
Vice Chairman Powell presented a Resolution Amending the Person County
Economic Development Commission (EDC) for a Change in Membership for overall
structure and the makeup of the EDC/PCBIC to the Board for consideration. Vice
Chairman Powell stated he had been studying for the last several months and longer noting
the current board consisted of very good and respectful people however through his
research he felt a new focus and direction was needed in economic development in Person
County. He said a change in the EDC structure would provide effectiveness without layers
of government.
Vice Chairman Powell noted the following changes in the resolution as presented:
1) he deleted the chain of command structure proposed for the EDC Director to report
directly to the Board of Commissioners thereby keeping the same chain of command as
practiced currently where the EDC Director reports to the County Manager, and 2) the
effective date of the resolution on July 1, 2017.
Vice Chairman Powell stated the current EDC would thereby meet for its May and
June monthly meetings with the new structure beginning July 1, 2017.
Vice Chairman Powell noted his desire to continue to have the elected chair or
alternate of the Board of Commissioners to serve on the EDC along with seven (7)
members at-large, all appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Vice Chairman Powell his motive and questioned was
there not value having the community stakeholders, including the City of Roxboro involved
with the EDC as related to the services they provide, i.e., water and sewer that the County
cannot provide; he said this will cut their stake in economic development decisions. Vice
Chairman Powell pointed out that the City of Roxboro Manager would still serve in an ex-
officio capacity and that he desired improvement on the EDC.
Commissioner Puryear asked the County Manager if the City of Roxboro
contributes funding into the PCBIC fund to which County Manager, Heidi York replied
no. Commissioner Puryear said that the $700,000 plus claw-back funds from the Force
Protection initiative went into the PCBIC/EDC to which Ms. York confirmed.
Commissioner Puryear asked Ms. York if there was any other funding from the Board of
Commissioners or from the City of Roxboro to which Ms. York said no. Commissioner
Puryear noted the funding being used by PCBIC/EDC was in principle, county funds, and
by such, the Board of Commissioners should have the stake; he said if the City of Roxboro
wanted to fund PCBIC, then the Board could consider their stake.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Vice Chairman Powell, in his research, did he compare
Person County to neighboring counties. Vice Chairman Powell said he based his decision
off new business, industry and jobs data.
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Commissioner Clayton pointed out the existing EDC consists of representatives
from the Chamber of Commerce, Uptown Development, Piedmont Community College,
City Council (Mayor) with the City having one appointment (business rep) noting the
proposal on the table was to change from leadership positions to appointments based on
who you like. Commissioner Clayton stated that since the recession there was not a lot of
manufacturing type jobs, but computer/technology related jobs and he felt this action was
to take a step backwards.
Commissioner Puryear noted the transparency of Vice Chairman Powell to make
all the Board aware of his plans to present a resolution for restructure, unlike the process
spearheaded by Commissioner Clayton to add a resolution to the agenda to change the
structure without notice to the committee members.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear to adopt a Resolution Amending
the Person County Economic Development Commission for a Change in Membership with
the changes as presented by Vice Chairman Powell.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and failed 2-3 to defer
consideration to adopt a Resolution Amending the Person County Economic Development
Commission for a Change in Membership. Commissioners Clayton and Jeffers voted in
support of the substitute motion while Chairman Kendrick, Vice Chairman Powell and
Commissioner Puryear cast the dissenting votes.
Commissioner Jeffers added that when the EDC was last changed in its structure,
the committee had not met in over a year, with checks being written using county funds,
business still going on with the good ole boy network noting he supported the change to
have stakeholders within the community to be involved in economic decisions. He asked
who would the proposed seven (7) at-large members be, or what was the process to appoint,
i.e. advertise, interviews; he further noted the proposed five (5) year term was longer than
a commissioner term. Commissioner Jeffers said he would be voting against the proposed
resolution as he deemed it against the current projects and the work that has been done the
last five years and a vote against the current EDC Director.
The original motion carried 3-2. Chairman Kendrick, Vice Chairman Powell and
Commissioner Puryear voted in support of the original motion. Commissioners Clayton
and Jeffers cast the dissenting votes.
The adopted Resolution Amending the Person County Economic Development
Commission for a Change in Membership follows:
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SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL OPTIONS:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate presented the Solid Waste Disposal options
for Board consideration for partnering with Granville County. Ms. Tate noted the
following considerations:
Granville County staff has estimated a tipping fee of $36/ton (currently, the City of
Roxboro pays $40.62/ton at Upper Piedmont),
The round trip distance from Roxboro to the Granville County landfill is 56 miles
which doubles the distance to the current landfill,
Granville has expressed some preference for having a transfer station, instead of
convenience centers, and
At least one private hauler has expressed a preference for having a transfer station,
instead of convenience centers
OPTION #1: County-owned transfer station; located at the old landfill
Description: Residents, private haulers, and the City would take waste to a transfer station
and the county would be responsible for hauling it to Granville County.
Pros Cons
Most convenient for City and
private haulers,
Residents are accustomed to taking
waste to a single location in the
county,
Cheapest option for City ($71K
increase),
Cheapest option to private haulers,
Smallest cost increase to residents
with private collection services,
Tipping fee can be charged to
recover costs ($64/ton), and
Control most of waste
stream/opportunity to improve
recycling rate
Cost – most expensive
start-up costs estimated at $500K
(needs structural engineer
assessment),
capital estimated at $1.42M (over
30 years), and
operating estimated at
$1.38M/year
Special Use permit required (Planning
Board and Board of Commissioners ) and
state permits
Next steps: Begin negotiations with Granville County. Design waste stream process and
funding system with consultant. Release RFP for construction improvements. Determine
whether or not to contract out for operations and/or hauling.
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OPTION #2: Open four (4) convenience centers
Description: Residents would take trash to convenience centers and the county would be
responsible for hauling this waste to the Granville landfill. Private haulers and the City
would take waste directly to Granville’s landfill.
Pros Cons
Cost – least expensive,
start-up costs estimated at $900K,
capital estimated at $724K (over 30
years),
operating estimated at $465K/year,
Most convenient for residents,
Tipping fee can be charged to recover
costs ($66/ton), and
Control of some waste
stream/opportunity to improve
recycling rate
Special Use permit required (Planning
Board and Board of Commissioners),
Most expensive for the City (+93K),
Most expensive for private haulers,
Biggest cost increase to residents for
private collection, and
Can take significant amount of time to
determine site locations
Next steps: Begin negotiations with Granville County. Design waste stream process and
funding system with consultant. Release RFP for construction of convenience centers.
Determine whether or not to contract out for operations and/or hauling. PI has expressed
interest in operating the convenience center sites.
Ms. Tate stated for either option the first step would be to meet with the Granville
County Commissioners for an agreed upon option and staff recommended for the County
to hire a consultant.
Ms. Tate provided the following Summary of Options Evaluated:
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Commissioner Clayton requested a RFP (Request for Proposals) for private
operation of the transfer station at the old landfill (including or excluding capital cost to
up-fit the existing transfer station) and to haul to Granville County with an area to drop
recyclables. Commissioner Clayton suggested a meeting be set up for the Chairman and
Vice Chairman of both Person and Granville Counties to keep the process moving.
Chairman Kendrick noted his support only if the County does not have to fund the
operations and/or the capital up-fit costs.
County Manager, Heidi York stated the Granville County staff have requested to
meeting with Person County following the budget process, probably in late June or July.
It was the consensus of the Board to release a RFP for a private entity to quote
operational and up-fitting of the transfer station at the old landfill to bring back to the
Board.
PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 RECOMMENDED
BUDGET:
North Carolina General Statutes require that on or before June 1, the manager
present her recommended budget for the next fiscal year to the Board of Commissioners.
County Manager, Heidi York presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2017-2018
Recommended Budget along with copies of the budget document for Commissioners’
review.
Ms. York shared the following presentation illustrating her proposed spending plan
based upon the priorities and directions of a majority of commissioners with a commitment
to conservative spending and running an efficient government.
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Ms. York noted public safety as the Board’s highest priority, with an emphasis on
mandated services, those that are required by statute.
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Ms. York stated this recommended budget represents the 11th year of a consistent
tax rate.
Ms. York reported the Consumer Price Index for costs of goods and services are up
2.2% to 2.5% over last 12 months.
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The Manager cut $4.3M from budget requests; there were 17 FTEs requested. Ms.
York stated three of the County’s mandated services cannot keep pace with their
workloads- EMS, 911, DSS. In fact, both 911 & DSS are out of compliance with their
staffing levels according to the state. New positions recommended are: Sheriff, 911 (2),
EMS (4), DSS (2); vehicles - 8 recommended at a cost of $187K.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Kendrick reported he attended a ribbon cutting for Rehabilitated Support
Services located at 210 North Main Street, Roxboro.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported the Economic Development Commission
will be meeting on May 18, 2017 at 8:00am.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Powell reported his attendance to County Assembly Day in Raleigh
with good information for local county business; he acknowledged Commission Puryear’s
involvement with the Elks Lodge and its Americanism Essay Contest with over one-
hundred students from grades 6-8 participating. Vice Chairman Powell commended
Commissioner Puryear for being involved with a civic club involving the youth of the
county.
Commissioner Jeffers reported he took his dog for a career day presentation at
North End Elementary.
Commissioner Clayton reported his participation at County Assembly Day. In
addition he and Vice Chairman Powell along with staff met with the Commerce Director
Copeland who promoted Person County for its efforts. Commissioner Clayton commented
on the State of the Research Triangle Region being more competitive and global.
Commissioner Puryear had no report.
CLOSED SESSION #1
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A motion was made by Vice Chairman Powell and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1) for the purpose to prevent the disclosure of
information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the
United States, or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the
General Statutes at 11:04am and to include the following individuals to attend: County
Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ron Aycock
and Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate.
Chairman Kendrick called the Closed Session to order at 11:07am.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:18am.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Chairman Kendrick and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 11:18am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Tracey L. Kendrick
Clerk to the Board Chairman