BOC Minutes April 6 2015
April 6, 2015
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 6, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Kyle W. Puryear Heidi York, County Manager
David Newell, Sr. C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
B. Ray Jeffers Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Jimmy B. Clayton
Tracey L. Kendrick
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Commissioners’ meeting room
in the Person County Office Building.
Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order and asked for a moment of silence in
memory of former commissioner, Edwin Knott as well as former county employee, Brenda
Bowes. The invocation was by Commissioner Kendrick and Vice Chairman Newell led
the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Clayton requested an item be added to the agenda for a discussion
of health insurance benefits led by Chris Pierce of Pierce Group Benefits.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to add an item to
the agenda for discussion of health insurance benefits by Pierce Group Benefits and to
approve the agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION TO REPEAL PERSON COUNTY’S
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for consideration to repeal Person County’s Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance.
Planning Director, Mike Ciriello stated that on March 2, 2015, the Person County
Commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the Person County Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance. The Person County Attorney had determined
that the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities is a free-standing ordinance and does not
require action by the Planning Board; however a public hearing was required by the Board
of Commissioners.
Mr. Ciriello noted that any tower constructed is subject to local planning authority,
building code requirements, and State statutes regarding tower construction. Mr. Ciriello
stated that the Board’s action to repeal the Person County Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Ordinance required the Planning Department to develop a new approval process
for tower projects. Mr. Ciriello presented the following options for consideration:
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Expand Districts Allowing “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)”
Mr. Cirello stated “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)” are not
allowed in Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business
District (B-2). Mr. Ciriello requested Board consideration to add to the Table of Permitted
Uses, to allow “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)” in Neighborhood
Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business District (B-2).
PERMITTING PROCESS OPTION #1: Special Use Permit (Do nothing)
Mr. Ciriello noted a Special Use Permit requires a public hearing by the Planning
Board to which the Planning Board makes a recommendation during the public hearing
held by the Board of Commissioners. The project application may be approved with
conditions, approved as presented, or denied. The process takes 60 to 90 days.
The existing Table of Dimensional Requirements would have no limits on the
height of television and radio masts, aerials and towers. Setbacks would be no more than
40’ but no less than 8’ from property lines. This process takes 7 – 10 working days for
plans to be reviewed and a zoning permit to be issued.
Mr. Ciriello stated the Board may consider adding height limits and setbacks for
radio, telephone and TV transmission towers.
PERMITTING PROCESS OPTION #2: Use-by-Right (Administrative Permit)
Use-by-Right allows a zoning permit to be issued administratively. If an
application is complete, this process takes no more than 48 hours. No public hearing is
required.
Mr. Ciriello stated the Board may consider adding height limits and setbacks for
radio, telephone and TV transmission towers.
PERMITTING PROCESS OPTION #3: Combination of Option 1 and 2
Mr. Ciriello recommended the third option to consider “Radio, Telephone and TV
Transmitting Tower(s)” a Use-by-Right in one or more zoning district but, require a Special
Use Permit in other districts. This would require changing the Table of Permitted Uses,
for example, to allow as a Use-by-Right “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting
Tower(s)” in the General Industrial (GI), but require a Special Use or Conditional Use
Permit in Residential (R) and Rural Conservation (RC) zoning districts.
Mr. Ciriello requested, if the Board prefers Option #3, to consider adding height
limits and setbacks for radio, telephone and TV transmission towers to Section 75. Mr.
Ciriello stated there was no current requirement or need to have height restrictions unless
a tower exceeded 2000 ft. which would trigger FCC regulations for flight path restrictions.
Mr. Ciriello recommended the setbacks for radio, telephone and TV transmission towers
should be the same distance as the height of the tower to offer protection to adjacent
property owners.
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County Manager, Heidi York asked Mr. Ciriello for proposed language for Section
75 related to the height and setback requirements. Mr. Ciriello yielded for direction from
the Board of Commissioners noting he would refer to the language in the current ordinance,
i.e. setback would have to be equal to the height of the tower unless engineering certified
for a fall zone less than the height. Mr. Ciriello stated setback requirements may be
different dependent upon the type of tower. Mr. Ciriello stated he did not think Person
County needed height limitations for towers noting the unlikely event that Person County
would have application for towers over 2,000 ft. Commissioner Jeffers stated interest in
the approved height of the Long’s Store Road and Wagstaff Road towers.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Board repealing the Person County’s Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Ordinance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for consideration to repeal Person County’s Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Ordinance.
CONSIDERATION TO REPEAL PERSON COUNTY’S WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick to repeal Person County’s
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance and to add to the Table of Permitted
Uses, to allow “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)” in Neighborhood
Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business District (B-2), and approve
Permitting Process Option #3 as presented to consider “Radio, Telephone and TV
Transmitting Tower(s)” a Use-by-Right in one or more zoning districts but, require a
Special Use Permit in the other districts. This would require changing the Table of
Permitted Uses, for example, to allow as a Use-by-Right “Radio, Telephone and TV
Transmitting Tower(s)” in the General Industrial (GI), but require a Special Use or
Conditional Use Permit in Residential (R) and Rural Conservation (RC) zoning districts.
When asked for unintended consequences, Mr. Ciriello stated the lack of guidance
in the language defining the standards as well as a tower in a residential use to have impact
on property values. Mr. Ciriello suggested consideration for GI, Business 1 and Business
2 where allowed as a use by right, to allow as a use by right unless adjacent to an existing
residential property to which a Special Use Permit is required.
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An amended motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to
repeal Person County’s Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance and to add the
language and instructions to staff as indicated to effectuate the repeal as follows: to add to
the Table of Permitted Uses, to allow “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)”
in Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business District (B-
2), and approve Permitting Process to consider “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting
Tower(s)” a Use-by-Right in one or more zoning districts but, require a Special Use Permit
in the other districts. This would require changing the Table of Permitted Uses to allow as
a Use-by-Right “Radio, Telephone and TV Transmitting Tower(s)” in the General
Industrial (GI), Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business
District (B-2) zoning districts, but require a Special Use or Conditional Use Permit in
Residential (R) and Rural Conservation (RC) and in the case(s) in General Industrial (GI),
Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1) and Highway Commercial Business District (B-2)
when adjacent to an existing residential use. Setbacks are required to be the same as the
height of the structure unless the fall-zone for the structure is certified to be less than the
height.
Ms. York offered to bring back to the Board the recommended language in the
amended ordinance at the Boards’ next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PERSON COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for the Person County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
Will Brooks, Project Consultant for Kerr-Tar Council of Government provided an
overview of the Person County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update for
2015. Mr. Brooks noted the change to a multi-jurisdictional plan combined with the City
of Roxboro and was deemed appropriate by the NC State Emergency Management. Mr.
Brooks stated local hazard mitigation planning is a requirement under the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 for Federal and State declared natural disaster recovery assistance
for grant eligibility and supporting mitigation programs. The plan update addresses both
the County and City of Roxboro’s assessment of disaster mitigation practices; thus,
satisfying all required FEMA planning elements as a multi-jurisdictional plan. Mr. Brooks
stated the last plan update was prepared in 2009 for the County and in 2010 for the City of
Roxboro.
Mr. Brooks stated the five-year Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update
was submitted to NC Emergency Management in December 2014, following a joint
Planning Board meeting, and was approved in February 2015. Mr. Brooks noted that
preliminary approval has been received from FEMA in March 2015 with final approval
pending local adoption which required a public hearing. Mr. Brooks stated the City Council
would be considering the same plan update at their meeting on April 14, 2015.
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Mr. Brooks stated the plan process allowed for an evaluation of the previous update
for effectiveness and allowed for needed changes. Mr. Brooks outlined the main four
community goals in the plan update as follows:
Goal #1 Protect the public health, safety and welfare by increasing public
awareness of hazards and by encouraging collective and individual
responsibility for mitigating hazard risks.
Goal #2 Improve technical capability to respond to hazards and to improve
the effectiveness of hazard mitigation actions.
Goal #3 Enhance existing or create new policies and ordinances that will
help reduce the damaging effects of natural hazards.
Goal #4 Protect the most vulnerable populations, buildings, and critical
facilities through the implementation of cost-effective and
technically feasible mitigation actions.
Mr. Brooks stated new mitigation actions included in the plan update are:
• Both the County and City Planning Departments will periodically make various
hazard education items available through various media outlets-websites,
newspaper, and radio.
• Enforce Stormwater Ordinance for new and redevelopment on residential and
commercial properties.
• Ensure adequate evacuation warning in case of major hazard event.
• Maintain/Improve shelter capacities with alternate power/heat sources.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Mr. Brooks to address the funding sources noting the
plan update stated that the City and County will rely heavily on local funding sources to
fulfill most of the Plan obligations; however, both will also seek funds from interested State
and Federal agencies for both pre-and post-disaster activities. Mr. Brooks stated the
support from the NC State Emergency Management for Person County and the City of
Roxboro to jointly participate in the Hazard Mitigation Plan noting the unlikely event that
there will be a state or national disaster to affect one entity and not the other.
Mr. Brooks requested the Board to approve a Resolution of Adoption of a five-year
update to the Person County – City of Roxboro Hazard Mitigation Plan.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Person County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the Person County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION FOR THE
PERSON COUNTY – CITY OF ROXBORO HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN:
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 4-1 to approve the
Resolution of Adoption for the Person County – City of Roxboro Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Commissioner Kendrick cast the lone dissenting vote.
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A copy of the Person County – City of Roxboro Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted
in 2015 is hereby incorporated into the minutes by reference and will be on file in the
Office of the Clerk to the Board.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Wayne Wrenn of 2375 Poindexter Road, Hurdle Mills, and President of the
Fire Chief’s Association thanked the Board of Commissioners and County Staff on behalf
of the Fire Chief’s Association for responding to their concerns to place the county
appropriation funding amount in each of the volunteer fire and rescue contracts and for
proposing a Capital Reserve Program to address their capital needs. Mr. Wrenn also
thanked Commissioner Jeffers for his attendance to their meetings and his advocacy to the
volunteer fire departments and rescue.
Ms. Betty Blalock of 144 Tirzah Ridge, Rougemont gave the Board and the County
Manager a handout depicting her personal experience noting impacts from the landfill, a
photo of a graveyard near the landfill and a report of options on waste management urging
the Board to do nothing.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of March 16, 2015,
B. Proclamation for the Week of the Young Child, and
C. Budget Amendment #14
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
SECOND READING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE AUTOMOBILE
GRAVEYARD AND JUNKYARD ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to revive
consideration for the Second Reading for an Amendment to the Automobile Graveyard and
Junkyard Ordinance.
Planning Director, Michael Ciriello recalled at the Board of Commissioners’ March
2, 2015 meeting, amendments were presented for consideration to the Automobile
Graveyard and Junkyard Ordinance to which staff was asked to clarify and change the time
limit on the second notice to 30 days as well as review the definition of junk. By action of
the Board on March 2, 2015, the item was tabled thereby necessitating a motion to revive
consideration.
Mr. Ciriello summarized the key points of the proposed amendment to the
Automobile Graveyard and Junkyard Ordinance as follows:
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• Adds definition of “Establishment” to mean “commercial” operations
• Adds clarification about the applicability of the ordinance to residential properties
• Does not apply to residential properties that are not visible from adjacent residential
or public uses (schools, playgrounds) on adjacent properties or from public roads
or to farms as defined by State statute and construction sites with currently active
permits;
• Enforcement process managed by the Planning Department
• Specific abatement process would apply to “chronic offenders”; costs would be
applied to property tax bill
• Appeals heard by Board of County Commissioners
• 2nd notice allows for 30 days to remedy violation
Chairman Puryear stated the proposed amendments expand the ordinance for
enforcement purposes noting the appeal process is with the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Kendrick stated his opposition to the ordinance and regulating what
residents may or may not do on their own property.
Commissioner Jeffers stated three of the five exceptions listed in the ordinance area
as follows:
A. Ordinance shall not apply to residential properties that are not visible from
residential or public uses (schools, playgrounds) on adjacent properties or from
public roads.
B. Ordinance shall not apply to service stations or repair shops unless said service
station or repair shop has on or inoperable motor vehicles which are not being
restored to operation.
C. This ordinance shall not apply to bona fide farm properties as defined by NCGS
§153A-340.
Mr. Ciriello stated the objective was to protect property values and that any
violations not visible are not subject to enforcement. Mr. Ciriello confirmed that
compliance would only be reviewed when a complaint is received.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 4-1 to approve the
amendments to the Automobile Graveyard and Junkyard Ordinance. Commissioner
Kendrick cast the lone dissenting vote.
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REVIEW OF THE SENIOR CENTER SITE OPTIONS:
Heidi York, County Manager reminded the Board at its March 16, 2015 meeting
Brockwell Associates presented four options for the Board’s consideration for the
construction of a senior center. These options included:
Option 1: Hotel Lot new construction of 12,000 sq. ft. on existing vacant hotel lot
$2.35M
Option 1a: Hotel Lot new construction of 12,000 sq. ft. designed to mimic old hotel
$2.35M
Option 2: Renovate Existing Senior Building (2 Story, 12,000 sq. ft.)
$2.52M
Option 3: New Construction on Existing Senior Lot (2 Story, 12,000 sq. ft.)
$2.61M
Option 4: New Construction of an Addition plus Renovation of 6,000 sq. ft. of
existing: $2.27M for 12,000 sq. ft.
$2.51M for 14,000 sq. ft.
$3.11M for 18,000 sq. ft.
Commissioners Clayton and Jeffers asked the Board to look at the option of
acquiring property to connect and tie in the parcels that the City of Roxboro plans to convey
to the County for the senior center project. Commissioners Clayton and Jeffers asked Mr.
Brent Davis of Brockwell Associates about the possibility of the Oakley property near the
site of the former senior center to be used as part of the construction process. Mr. Davis
stated he had only seen the building from outside noting it has approximately 7,800 sq. ft.
in space; the Oakley property abuts the Rock City Gun Shop building. Mr. Davis stated
there is currently basement access on the Oakley property into the gun shop building. Ms.
York told the Board that a Closed Session would be appropriate if the Board would like to
further discuss acquisition of property, including the property’s tax and appraised values.
Commissioner Kendrick stated his support to move forward with the previously
presented Option 4 noting Option 4 was probably the best overall option with the most
potential. Chairman Puryear stated his first priority was to create a suitable space for the
seniors and he agreed with Commissioner Kendrick favoring Option 4 with 12,000 sq. ft.
Commissioner Jeffers requested Board consideration to check on the possibility of
obtaining the Oakley building prior to the Board’s April 20, 2015 meeting and delay a
decision on the senior center construction option until the Board’s next meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 3-2 to delay review of
the Senior Center site options to the Board’s April 20, 2015 meeting with direction to staff
to review the Oakley property for suitable use as well as to obtain a purchase price.
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NEW BUSINESS:
REGION K COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CORPORATION’S REQUEST FOR
CONTINUED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE SENIOR CENTER
RENT:
County Manager, Heidi York said the Region K Community Assistance
Corporation (the non-profit arm of the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Government) has
requested continued assistance from the County towards the Senior Center rent at The
Perfect Venue for the new rental lease period of April 1, 2015 – March 31, 2017. Ms. York
stated Person County Government has contributed $600 per month towards the monthly
rent of $1700 during the past year noting the City of Roxboro also contributed $600 per
month and the Region K Community Assistance Corporation contributing $500 per month
through the lease period that ended in March 2015.
The renewal lease, according to Maynell Harper, Aging Services Interim Director
is a period of 24-months for the same monthly rental fee of $1,700 and included a 30-day
walk-away notice should a new senior center location be ready prior to the end of March
2017.
Ms. York stated this same request was also presented to the City and they agreed
to fund rental assistance through the end of June with intentions of discussing the funding
during their budget deliberations for FY16.
Ms. York reminded the Board that the County also provides an annual appropriation
of $100,000 towards operating expenses for the Senior Center.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 3-2 to approve the
request from the Region K Community Assistance Corporation for Person County to
continue financial assistance toward the Senior Center monthly rent in the amount of $600
from April 1, 2015-March 31, 2017. Chairman Puryear and Commissioners Clayton and
Jeffers voted in support of the motion. Vice Chairman Newell and Commissioner Kendrick
opposed the motion.
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CONSIDERATION TO ABOLISH THE SPECIAL BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
AND REVIEW FOR 2015 AND FORWARD:
Chairman Puryear and Russell Jones, Tax Administrator stated the Person County
Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing a special Board of
Equalization and Review on January 7, 2013, and amended the resolution on January 22,
2013 (adding 3 alternate members). Both resolutions were passed by a unanimous vote
and members were appointed for 4-year terms. Mr. Jones said that Person County joined
the majority of counties when this special board was created (62 counties out of 100 are
currently utilizing a special Board of Equalization and Review).
Mr. Jones noted that after the creation of the special Board of Equalization and
Review, the Person County Tax Office and the North Carolina Department of Revenue
held a training session for all members. The meeting was held on April 11, 2013 and was
recorded by Person County Information Technology. The training is available on-line at
http://www.personcounty.net for review.
The newly created Board of Equalization and Review began meeting on April 22,
2013 with 100% attendance. This board had 23 meetings in 2013, amounting to over 80
hours in meeting time alone, and heard over 500 appeals. Their final meeting for 2013 was
completed on July 18, 2013.
Mr. Jones stated the appeals for 2014 were much less, with only 26 appeals. This
was to be expected, since most appeals occur during a revaluation year. Mr. Jones
summarized that approximately 50 appeals advanced past the local board of equalization
and review to the state level for appeal noting 2 have yet to be heard and all other appeals
with the exception of 1 were supported by the same vote as the special Board of
Equalization and Review of Person County. Vice Chairman Newell stated his experience
had been if relief was not gained from the local equalization and review board that citizens
could not justify the expense to appeal to the state level.
North Carolina General Statute 105-322(a) allows for the creation of a special
Board of Equalization and Review if a resolution is adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners on or before the first Monday in March. While there is a specific deadline
for establishing the special Board of Equalization and Review, there is no deadline for
abolishing the special board; this can be done at any time, with the adoption of a new
resolution. Mr. Jones stated the only way the current board members could be terminated
at this time would be to abolish the board with a new resolution.
Mr. Jones presented reasons to consider abolishing this special Board of
Equalization and Review:
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1. Fewer Appeals. There could be fewer appeals since this is non-revaluation year.
2. Consistency. There could be more consistency since there will not be alternate members
involved (same 5 commissioners will hear all appeals).
3. Savings. Since the special Board of Equalization and Review members were reimbursed
either $50 or $150 per meeting, this expense can be eliminated from the tax office budget.
The member reimbursement for 2013 was $12,800 and for 2014 was $1,150.
Mr. Jones informed the Board that if a Resolution to Abolish the Special Board of
Equalization and Review is adopted, the following points should be addressed:
a. First meeting date. This meeting must be advertised at least 10 days prior to the first
meeting date, according to NCGS 105-322(f). If determined tonight, the opening meeting
must be no earlier than April 20th and must be no later than May 4th. At best, there is only
a 14 day window remaining to have the opening meeting for the Board of Equalization and
Review.
b. Date to adjourn for accepting new appeals. The Board must set a date to adjourn for
accepting new appeals. It is recommended that the appeal window be open for 2 weeks in
a non-revaluation year, and the Board must be in session in order to adjourn for the
acceptance of new appeals. This will need to be a set time and date and must also be
advertised. It would be acceptable to hear appeals at that time also.
c. Hearing Dates. After adjourning for the acceptance of new appeals, the Board may need
to set up times for all timely filed appeals to be heard. The adjournment under item b is
only for the filing of the appeals. Appeals that were timely filed can be heard at a later
date, but should be finished by July 1st in a non-revaluation year.
e. Scheduling. The Board will need to determine the time allotment for each taxpayer for
scheduling purposes. The special Board of Equalization and Review allowed 15 minutes
per taxpayer, with 5 additional minutes if the taxpayer appealed additional parcels. This is
not a requirement, but this is much more taxpayer friendly than having all appeals
scheduled at the same time and having taxpayers waiting for hours. The tax office will
notify the taxpayers of their designated time and accept 7 copies of all evidence from the
taxpayer, along with their appeal form, and have these available for the meeting.
f. Location. The Board will need to determine where the meetings will be held. Before
the special Board of Equalization and Review was established, the meetings were held in
the Commissioner's Board Room, the meetings were streamed live, and also posted to the
county website. If held at this location, taxpayers that appeal without an appointment may
have to be rescheduled, since the tax office records will be located at a different location.
An alternate location would be the tax office conference room, which was utilized by the
special Board of Equalization and Review for 2013 and 2014.
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Chairman Puryear advocated to adopt a Resolution to Abolish the Special Board of
Equalization and Review as he feels the process is an elected duty. Vice Chairman Newell
agreed with Chairman Puryear that the process should revert back to the Board of
Commissioners.
Commissioner Jeffers stated that with the exception of the one alternate member,
Faye Boyd, all members were either current or former commissioners and he was not aware
if the members were willing to continue to serve or had notice that the special Board of
Equalization and Review was proposed to be abolished.
Mr. Jones stated as a Board of Equalization and Review, each member takes an
oath much like the oath for a commissioner that also disallows political obligations nor
could personal friendships influence decisions.
Commissioner Kendrick asked if the Board of Commissioners could attend and/or
comment along with the Board of Equalization and Review so not to disband the current
members. Mr. Jones stated the Board of Equalization and Review meets in open session
and hears evidence from the tax payer and/or their attorney as well as the County Tax
Office. The board will then deliberate and make a decision in open session. Mr. Jones
stated a commissioner attending a Board of Equalization and Review meeting will be doing
so as a citizen without decision making capability or a time to comment. Mr. Jones clarified
the Board’s resolution in 2013 had criteria to be eligible for appointment which was a)
property ownership and b) be in good standing with their property taxes.
Mr. Jones outlined the three options for Board consideration:
1) To leave the special Board of Equalization and Review as in,
2) To abolish the special Board of Equalization and Review and revert back to the
Board of Commissioners to serve in this capacity, or
3) Wait to make a change in 2017 when the Board members’ term have expired.
Commissioner Kendrick stated the outcome of the 2014 appeals as described by
Mr. Jones reflected the special Board of Equalization and Review members’ knowledge of
the process. Mr. Jones added the current members of the Board of Equalization and Review
are very dedicated, attended the meetings, prepared for the meetings noting alternates were
only used at 8 of 23 meetings in a member’s absence.
Commissioner Jeffers noted his opposition to abolish the current members from the
special Board of Equalization and Review.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and failed 2-3 to abolish the special
Board of Equalization and Review and revert the responsibilities of the Board of
Equalization and Review back to the Board of Commissioners. Vice Chairman Newell
and Chairman Puryear voted in support of the motion. Commissioners Kendrick, Clayton
and Jeffers voted in opposition to the motion.
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RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FY 2016-2020:
Heidi York, County Manager presented the Recommended Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) for FY 2016-2020 noting the CIP is a planning tool for implementing large,
capital projects. The CIP includes projects costing $50,000 or greater from county
departments, Piedmont Community College and Person County Schools.
Ms. York stated the CIP paves the way for the Recommended Budget as it will provide
an estimate of funding needed for capital projects and projects impacts on operating costs as
well. These capital projects span the next five fiscal years with the upcoming fiscal year
(FY16) being the only year funded.
Ms. York gave the Board copies of a presentation highlighting the recommended
capital project for each FY16, FY17, and FY18. Ms. York stated the CIP is scheduled
to be adopted at the Board’s meeting on April 20, 2015.
Commissioners Jeffers noted the new voting equipment (FY16 appropriation of
$247,400) is an unfunded mandate from the state.
The Recommended CIP as delivered to the Board follows:
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PIERCE GROUP BENEFITS:
Mr. Chris Pierce of Pierce Group Benefits introduced Mr. Glenn Pierce and Ms.
Donna Dixon, Director of Group Benefits. Mr. Pierce asked the Board to consider
authorizing the County Manager to sign an agent of record with Pierce Group Benefits to
allow them the opportunity to prepare a strategy plan for county employee’s benefits using
their buying power for substantial savings for better rates and programs to change
employee health behaviors. Mr. Pierce and Ms. Dixon told the Board their Group could
save Person County $50,000 immediately with potential for more savings for employee
health benefits. Mr. Pierce noted Pierce Benefits Group has worked with Person County
Schools the last eight years and with the City of Roxboro the last three years.
Mr. Pierce confirmed the immediate $50,000 savings would be in the form of a
decrease of agent commission. Person County’s current broker’s commission is currently
presented at $81,000.
Mr. Pierce noted that Alamance County signed on with Pierce Benefits Group this
date which resulted in a 40% reduction in costs for their vision benefits plan.
Mr. Pierce and Ms. Dixon gave the Board the following presentation:
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Puryear reported the following:
• Person County Partnership for Children will hold a Child Abuse Prevention
awareness event to plant a pinwheel on April 10, 2015 at 10:00 am at Union Bank,
• He participated in recent ribbon cuttings at the Roxboro Country Club and at Palace
Pointe, and
• He would like to meet with Commissioner Jeffers regarding the Strategic Plan
update committee member list.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported the following:
• Some of the past Strategic Plan members have been contacted and she has some
informal quotes for a consultant if the Board is interested, and
• The Airport Commission will be meeting on April 9, 2015 at 10:00 am at the
Airport.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Jeffers reported on the following:
• 4-H Advisory Council meeting noting upcoming 4-H events to support; donate
at Tractor Supply, Livestock Auction, Golf Tournament, and
• the volunteer fire departments and rescue discussed the term of the contract and
are fine with keeping as a two-year contract as long as the funding amount is
included.
Commissioner Clayton reported the General Assembly is currently considering
legislation that may impact the reorganization of sales tax and economic development
incentives. Commissioner Jeffers added that changes may be forthcoming with the
Medicaid Swap.
Commissioner Kendrick had no report.
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Vice Chairman Newell commented he would like to have a firm rate from Pierce
Group Benefits for a price comparison. Mr. Pierce of Pierce Group Benefits stated a letter
for an agent of record would need to be authorized in order to review claim data and go out
to the market for competitive bids. Mr. Pierce requested the Board to allow them to have
30 days to submit a proposal.
It was the consensus of the Board to allow Person County’s current broker, Mr.
Phillip Allen to address the Board. Mr. Allen stated that Vice Chairman Newell had
requested to negotiate the agent commission as well as Commissioner Clayton had
requested plan benefit changes to which he was in the process of revising his proposal for
the County and he asked the Board to allow him the opportunity to complete his proposal
and to deliver to staff in the next few days.
Chairman Puryear asked the Board if the desire was to place employee benefits on
the Board’s April 20, 2015 agenda. Staff members noted in the essence of time, a decision
was needed prior to April 20, 2015. Chairman Puryear stated the Board took unanimous
action at the last meeting to remain with the current broker and Coventry. It was the
consensus of the Board to allow Mr. Allen to complete his revised proposal for Person
County.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 9:11 pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Kyle W. Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman