BOC Minutes June 1 2015
June 1, 2015
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 1, 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, June 1, 2015 at 7:00pm in the Person County Office Building
Auditorium.
Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order. Commissioner Kendrick gave an
invocation and Vice Chairman Newell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Puryear stated a request was before the Board to add an item to the
agenda for action to Call for a Public Hearing for Economic Development Project G.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to add an item to
the agenda for action to Call for a Public Hearing for Economic Development Project G
and to approve the agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDERATION TO APPROPRIATE COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS TO
PERSON COUNTY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL CENTER, INC., TO ASSIST
PROJECT GMERCER TO LOCATE IN PERSON COUNTY:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to open the
duly advertised public hearing for consideration to appropriate County General Funds to
Person County Business and Industrial Center, Inc., to assist Project Gmercer to locate in
Person County.
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert stated the public hearing to
consider the appropriation of county general funds to be made available to Person County
Business and Industrial Center, Inc., in compliance with applicable law, to assist Project
Gmercer to locate a manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate headquarters in Person
County. Mr. Gilbert noted the project will include 260 new jobs with an annual average
wage of $40,000.00 and $57,800,000.00 capital investment in the first five years.
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Mr. Gilbert outlined the requested assistance as follows:
A financial grant incentive to be based on net new capital investments subject to
property taxes and will be provided over a ten year time period at an estimated total
cost of $1,229,040.40.
A financial match for a potential NC Department of Commerce Rural Division
Building Reuse Grant up to $500,000.00 requiring a match from Person County
estimated at a maximum of $25,000.00.
Mr. Gilbert recommended a “motion to approve the financial grant incentive to
allow the appropriation of county general funds to be made available to Person County
Business and Industrial Center, Inc. in compliance with applicable law to assist Project
Gmercer to locate a manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate headquarters in Person
County and that the net new capital investment is anticipated to be $57,800,000.00 and the
260 new jobs with an annual average wage of $40,000.00 over the five year period with a
minimum number of 90% of the new jobs to be created over the 5 years as follows:
Dec. 31, 2015- 75 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2016- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2017- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2018- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2019- 35 new jobs
Mr. Gilbert said the estimated financial cash grants would be provided over a 10
year time period at an estimated cost of $1,229,040.40 that would fluctuate based on actual
capital investment levels.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the appropriation of County General Funds to Person County Business and
Industrial Center, Inc., to assist Project Gmercer to locate in Person County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for consideration to appropriate County General Funds to Person County Business
and Industrial Center, Inc., to assist Project Gmercer to locate in Person County.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST TO APPROPRIATE
COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS TO PERSON COUNTY BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRIAL CENTER, INC., TO ASSIST PROJECT GMERCER TO LOCATE
IN PERSON COUNTY:
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to approve the
financial grant incentive to allow the appropriation of county general funds to be made
available to Person County Business and Industrial Center, Inc. in compliance with
applicable law to assist Project Gmercer to locate a manufacturing, warehousing, and
corporate headquarters in Person County and that the net new capital investment is
anticipated to be $57,800,000.00 and the 260 new jobs with an annual average wage of
$40,000.00 over the five year period with a minimum number of 90% of the new jobs to
be created over the 5 years as follows:
Dec. 31, 2015- 75 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2016- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2017- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2018- 50 new jobs
Dec. 31, 2019- 35 new jobs
PUBLIC HEARING:
FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Recommended Budget.
County Manager, Heidi York summarized the Fiscal Year 2015-2016
Recommended Budget with the following points:
General Fund = $54,965,286 (represents a 2.45% increase),
No Tax Increase (remains flat for 9th consecutive year),
1 cent on the tax rate =$422,065,
Reduced reliance on fund balance at $2.7M, a decrease of approximately $343,000,
$2.96M construction funds for a new Senior Center,
9.26% increase for Person County Schools which includes capital and current
expense (represents $11.4M appropriation),
Charter Schools do not receive the capital outlay portion but do receive current
expense as well as fines and forfeitures; appropriates $1.8M to Charter Schools, an
increase in $118,000 or a 6.94%,
No new positions, and
Eight positions are proposed for reduction for county government positions.
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Chairman Puryear announced a 2.5 minute time limit per speaker for the Fiscal
Year 2015-2016 Recommended Budget.
Speaking in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Recommended Budget were:
Dr. Walter Bartlett of 451 Wimbledon Drive, Roxboro, and President of Piedmont
Community College (PCC) thanked the Board for continued support and partnership noting
as there was no increase to PCC current expense, he appreciated the recommended budget
accommodated the salary increase. Dr. Bartlett stated PCC, an entity for investment, tried
to keep their budget request close to flat comparable to county departments noting he
appreciated the increase in capital outlay which will help to take care of things at the
college.
Mr. Gordon Powell of 299 N. Ridge Circle, Roxboro, and Chairman of the Board
of Education stated his support for the 2015-2016 budget as presented by the County
Manager Heidi York. Mr. Powell commended Ms. York and Superintendent Dan
Holloman for working together to develop a school’s budget based on district needs for
current expense and capital outlay. Mr. Powell stated the proposed budget included a
generous increase over last year’s allocation for technology, initiatives and other programs.
Mr. Powell thanked the Board for its continued support of Person County Schools.
Speaking in opposition to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Recommended Budget were:
Mr. Derrick Sims of 2409 Flat Woods Road, Timberlake and Chairman of the
Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce requested Board consideration to appropriate $3,000
in the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget to help fund the Personality Festival scheduled for
August 28-29, 2015 noting the profits made from the festival will help keep the doors open
at the Chamber. Mr. Sims stated the festival will bring 10,000-15,000 people into Uptown
Roxboro which will impact the economy and showcase the Roxboro Uptown area. Mr.
Sims thanked the Board for its continued support.
Lauren Wrenn of 390 Bethel Hill School Road, Roxboro, and Roxboro
Development Group Director addressed the Board on behalf of the Director’s Roundtable
to seek consideration to support funding in the upcoming budget for the Independence Day
fireworks display to be held on the evening of July 3, 2015. Ms. Wrenn informed the group
that the City of Roxboro has accepted the responsibility of ensuring the fireworks’ event
will continue by signing all necessary contracts. While local businesses have expressed an
interest in assisting with sponsorships, Ms. Wrenn stated there is a sizable amount
remaining to fulfill the $8,500 total costs of the event. The Directors Roundtable requested
the Board to consider support of the county-wide fireworks’ event.
Mr. Kenny Rickman of 3936 Allensville Road, Roxboro stated he no longer needed
to address the Board related to the Recommended Budget.
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Mr. Brad Cothran of 833 Younger Road, Roxboro and a local contractor spoke in
opposition to the proposed reduction of one position in the Inspections Department noting
business has picked up and the need for inspections in a timely matter.
Ms. Portia Lewis of 3068 Chub Lake Road, Roxboro addressed the Board on behalf
of her son, Retrac Lewis of Jimmy Lewis & Sons, a local grading and septic tank business
who advocated for the County to fill the vacant positon in the Environmental Health
Department that is proposed for reduction in the budget. Ms. Lewis read comments from
her son noting home owners and builders have received great service with timely responses
to questions and inspections. Ms. Lewis asked the Board should another inspector leave,
how long would it take to hire and train the position when the department is already down
one position.
Mr. Avie Lester of 7455 Virgilina Road, Roxboro addressed the Board on behalf
of the Person County Branch NAACP to express concerns about the current state of law
enforcement and community relations. Mr. Lester stated there are fundamental flaws in the
unbridled authorization of some police officers to use force against individuals who are not
involved in the commission of a violent felony and are not posing an immediate physical
threat to the officers or a third party. Mr. Lester stated additionally there is an absence of
an independent review mechanism which is deliberately designed to avoid effective
oversight of police misconduct allegations. Mr. Lester encouraged elected officials to
support the recommendations for local law enforcement departments for mandatory
training on bias and police use of force, the required use of police officer Body-Worn
Cameras to record every police-civilian encounter, the universal use of dash cameras in
police vehicles, community training to educate residents of their right when dealing with
law enforcement, greater and more effective community oversight over local law
enforcement and policing tactics and the establishment of a law enforcement commission
to review policing tactics that would include representatives from the most impacted
communities.
Ms. Natalie Brozy of 4009 Pixley Pritchard Road, Roxboro and Managing
Executive Director for Roxboro Community School (RCS) addressed the funding for
student laptops through the capital outlay fund in the recommended budget. Ms. Brozy
stated the capital outlay fund is typically reserved for building and construction projects
and as a public charter school, RCS provides the facilities for their students. Ms. Brozy
stated, in her opinion, the creators of the statutes of the capital outlay fund never intended
to use that fund to deny access for student use devices, i.e., computer, microscopes, etc.,
noting a computer is comparable to a textbook and pencil in that students use these tools
in their everyday school routine. Ms. Brozy asked if the funding plan was equitable to all
Person County students noting the charter school families do not feel it is equitable due to
charter school students are excluded from the technology funds as recommended. Ms.
Brozy noted budgetary restrictions prevent RCS from covering the funds by accessing
usage fees (not permitted to access fees unless the LEA in the same district accesses fees).
Ms. Brozy requested Board consideration to move all funding for student laptops back into
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the current expense fund so that every Person County student (1,025 students in public
charter schools) have support for their digital learning initiatives as well. Ms. Brozy, on
behalf of the RCS administration, Board of Directors and teachers, noted appreciation of
the Board’s support.
Mr. Joe Berryhill of 705 Berryhill Road, Roxboro and Chairman of Bethel Hill
Charter School commended the Board for funding technology but wanted to address how
technology is funded noting charter schools do not receive any capital funding. Mr.
Berryhill stated if technology is funded through capital, the two charter schools with 1,025
students will not receive any portion. Mr. Berryhill stated charter schools are tested and
held to the same standards as traditional schools and should be funded the same. Mr.
Berryhill requested the Board fund technology through its operating fund so all students
will share it equally.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Recommended Budget.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Ms. Margaret McMann of 303 Windsor Drive, Roxboro and Tourism Development
Authority (TDA) Director told the Board that she will present TDA’s annual report in
August but wanted to inform the group of the many happenings in Roxboro and Person
County. Ms. McMann thanked Vice Chairman Newell, Roxboro Community School,
Roxboro Police Department and other private citizens for assisting in securing location
shots for a film crew for a movie to be released later this year. Ms. McMann stated that
Sunset Ridge Buffalo Farm has become a major wedding destination site for Person County
and noted another unique attraction is Jiptopia Wake Park located in Semora that offers
lessons for wake boarding, water skiing, trails for horseback riding, sand volleyball and
music concerts. Ms. McMann stated Person County’s lakes are busy and a new disc golf
course (third course for Person County) at Hyco has been completed. Other Uptown events
include the cruise-ins, the Alive After 5’s and art exhibits at the Kirby Gallery.
Mr. Reggie Horton of 310 Broad Street, Roxboro, on behalf of the Veterans
Council, updated the Board on the Veteran’s Park that is located adjacent to the County
Office Building. Mr. Horton noted the flag poles are erected, the walkway is 95%
complete, the two walls at the front of the Park are currently in construction as well as the
donor recognition stones and the stones with engraving for each conflict are in progress
and should be ready in the near future. Mr. Horton publicly thanked Chief Torain and the
Roxboro Fire Department as well as Spencer Farrish for their volunteer work at the Park.
Mr. Horton told the Board that once a completion date/dedication date was set, the Board
will be informed. Mr. Horton encouraged anyone wishing to make a contribution or
remember a veteran there is still time to do so. Mr. Horton thanked the Board for its
continued support of the Veterans Park.
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Ms. Lawrie Ira of 123 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, and member of the Arts Council
acknowledged the Board’s support of the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex. Ms. Ira announced
that on June 15-16, 2015 there will be auditions for Shrek Jr noting this opportunity
provides children with a chance to express themselves, boost their self-esteem, teach public
speaking skills, and interact with community members in a way that has an impact on them
as adults.
Mr. Kenny Rickman of 3936 Allensville Road, Roxboro, with Ms. Ollie Jeffers
standing alongside, spoke on behalf of victims of drunk drivers. Mr. Rickman stated that
Chairman Puryear walked away from a DWI. Mr. Rickman stated his understanding that
there was a deal prior to the proceedings without no appeal to Superior Court. Mr. Rickman
read a comment from Commissioner Kendrick in the press “If someone goes to a Court of
law and is found innocent, we should not judge them in our own opinion, we should judge
them on what the Court says is right or wrong.” Mr. Rickman referred to Mike Nifong’s
case related to three young males that would be in prison for a rape that they did not
commit. Mr. Rickman stated courts are run by human beings, and they make mistakes.
Mr. Rickman stated Ms. Jeffers is a member of the MADD organization and gave the
following statistics: 82% of all people get caught drunk driving get caught again, and in
2012 twenty-eight people per minute got killed each day due to drunk drivers. Mr.
Rickman asked Chairman Puryear to step down from the Board of Commissioners.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of May 18, 2015,
B. Budget Amendment #18, and
C. Memorandum of Agreement between Person County United Way and funded
partner agencies
NEW BUSINESS:
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY PROCLAMATION:
Person County’s Senior Center Interim Aging Services Director, Maynell Harper
requested approval of a Proclamation designating June 2, 2015 as Person County Elder
Abuse Awareness Day explaining the day focuses local and regional attention on the
problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. It also seeks to understand
the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, and brings together
senior citizens, and their caregivers, local government, agencies, and the private sector to
exchange ideas about how best to reduce incidents of violence towards elders, increase
reporting of such abuse, and to develop elder friendly policies. Ms. Harper stated the Person
County Senior Center is hosting a Regional Event, “Elder Abuse Awareness Walk” on June
2, 2015. Seniors, family members, Agency personnel from Person, Granville, Vance,
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Warren and Franklin Counties have committed to attend this event with approximately 150
expected.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to approve an Elder
Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation.
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DESIGNATE NACO VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL
CONFERENCE:
Voting Credentials for the 2015 Annual Conference to be held July 10-13, 2015, in
Mecklenburg County, NC, must be submitted by June 19, 2015 in order for Person
County’s delegate to participate in the association’s annual election of officers and policy
adoption.
Chairman Puryear asked the Board’s desire to designate Commissioner Clayton or
Commissioner Jeffers as Person County’s delegate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to designate
Commissioner Clayton as Person County’s delegate for the 2015 NACo annual conference.
CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT G
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to call for a Public
Hearing for Economic Development Project G to be held on June 15, 2015 at 9:00am and
to cause action for the Clerk to advertise such.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Puryear reported that on June 3, 2015 at 8:00am the Chamber of
Commerce will be holding its Good Morning Coffee Hour at the Golden Corral and the
Board has a 9:00am budget work session on the same date.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York invited the Board to attended the County’s Safety
Committee luncheon on June 4, 2015 at 11:30am.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
There was no report or comments from Commissioner Jeffers, Commissioner
Kendrick or Vice Chairman Newell.
Commissioner Clayton reminded everyone in attendance of the Elder Abuse
Awareness Day event scheduled for June 2, 2015 at 9:30am at Huck Sansbury Park.
RECESS:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to recess the
meeting at 7:41pm until June 3, 2015 at 9:00am for the purpose of a budget work session.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Kyle W. Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman