BOC Minutes June 15 2015
June 15, 2015
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 15, 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 15, 2015 at 9:00am in the Commissioners’ meeting room
in the Person County Office Building.
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 requested the Board move item #3 Annual Budget Ordinance
& Fee Schedule Adoption to the end of the agenda.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to move item #3
Annual Budget Ordinance & Fee Schedule Adoption to the end of the agenda and to
approve the agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST TO CANCEL PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION TO
APPROPRIATE COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS TO PERSON COUNTY BUSINESS
& INDUSTRIAL CENTER, INC. TO ASSIST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT G TO LOCATE TO PERSON COUNTY:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for consideration to appropriate County General Funds to Person
County Business & Industrial Center, Inc., to assist Economic Development Project G to
locate to Person County.
Chairman Puryear requested Board action to cancel the public hearing in its
entirety.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to cancel the
public hearing for consideration to appropriate County General Funds to Person County
Business & Industrial Center, Inc., to assist Economic Development Project G to locate to
Person County in its entirety.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Andy Withers of 42 Lakeview Estates Road, Semora advocated for the Board
to pursue local government efficiency experts to review Person County’s staffing and
structure. Mr. Withers supported Person County to reduce its staffing levels noting the
County, as the second highest employer in the county, should not employ more than a small
percentage of the County’s total workforce.
Ms. Christie Canter of 191 Jasper Clayton Road, Roxboro stated the importance of
technology in schools noting technology allows teachers to meet individual reading and
learning levels in one classroom through use of adaptive software programs. Ms. Canter
further noted students can take virtual fieldtrips all over the world. Ms. Canter asked the
Board to consider students’ technology needs as the budget was being finalized as well as
she wanted to thank the Board for past and continued support on behalf of the students,
educators, and parents.
Mr. Gordon Powell of 299 N. Ridge Circle, Roxboro and Chairman of the Board
of Education stated support of the Recommended Budget and he commended the Board
for placing education as a priority.
Mr. Jarrod Dennis of 427 Fletcher Ridge Road, Timberlake and Director of
Accountability and Technology for Person County Schools stated the importance of
appropriate technology as the schools move to blended learning models for its students.
Mr. Kenneth Rickman of 3936 Allensville Road, Roxboro asked Chairman Puryear
to resign from the Person County Commissioners. Mr. Rickman asked Vice Chairman
Newell and Commissioners Kendrick, Clayton and Jeffers to publicly issue a statement
that they do not tolerate drunk driving in Person County. Mr. Rickman called upon District
Attorney Wallace Bradsher to charge Chairman Puryear with careless and reckless driving.
Ms. Ollie Jeffers of 285 Dunnaway Road, Semora gave the Board a brief history of
how she became an advocate of victims of drunk drivers noting she takes her advocacy
seriously. Ms. Jeffers noted she has received many citizens’ calls related to recent events
to which there has not been an apology. Ms. Jeffers said it could not be business as usual.
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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 26, 2015,
B. Budget Amendment #19,
C. Memorandum of Agreement between Person County United Way and funded
partner agencies (Sheriff’s Department),
D. Person County Resolution to revise the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development
Consortium Agreement,
E. Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Consortium Agreement,
F. Letter of Support and Resolution to Maintain and Support the Reauthorization of
the Land Water Conservation Fund Equitable Treatment of the State Assistance
Program,
G. Tax Adjustments for the month of June 2015
a. Tax Releases, and
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
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NEW BUSINESS:
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND RESCUE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
PROGRAM AND ORDINANCE:
Heidi York, County Manager stated the Board has two components for
consideration to approve: 1) program requirements for Volunteer Fire Department (VFD)
and Rescue Capital Reserve Program, and 2) VFD and Rescue Capital Reserve Fund
Ordinance.
Amy Wehrenberg, Finance Director stated the Board, at its budget work session on
June 3, 2015 took action to appropriate one-half of the funds available in the Revolving
Fund Loan to the VFD and Rescue for capital support.
Ms. Wehrenberg presented to the Board the VFD and Rescue Capital Reserve
Program that outlines the mechanism for providing capital funds to local volunteer fire and
rescue agencies as well as the Capital Reserve Fund Ordinance that is statutorily required
when a capital fund is established.
Ms. Wehrenberg stated the program offers guidelines and summarizes the requests
and approval process required for the expenditures to be authorized and paid. The program
outlines the eligible and ineligible funding items.
Ms. Wehrenberg noted the Capital Reserve Fund Ordinance establishes the purpose
of the fund, the process for allowing the funds to roll from year to year, schedules the
effective date of the program to begin on July 1, 2015 and lists the source of funds in the
amount of $90,625 as well as lists the distribution of expenditures to each fire and rescue
agency.
Commissioner Jeffers asked staff for an update related to the fire services audits.
Ms. Wehrenberg stated the auditors are in contact with each VFD and Rescue requesting
documents to perform the audit by June 30, 2015.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Ms. Wehrenberg the process by which VFD and
Rescue can request items. Ms. Wehrenberg stated VFD and Rescue agencies will submit
a list of requested items and the County will requisition, order and pay for the items.
Ms. York stated she planned to have a point of contact for the VFD and Rescue by
the end of the day.
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PERSON COUNTY
VFD AND RESCUE
CAPITAL RESERVE PROGRAM
What is it and how does it work?
• Offers additional source of funding to VFD’s & Rescue Squad for
vehicle/equipment capital with no payback requirement; allocated on a pro-rata
basis
• Eligible for purchases/repairs of capital equipment that are non-recurring in nature;
does not cover recurring operating costs (i.e. overhead, office supplies, furniture).
[See next page for complete list of eligible and non-eligible items].
• Approved funding for first year
o One-half of the existing balance in the Revolving Loan Program Fund for
Small Business Loans ($90,625)
o Funding to be determined as available for all years thereafter or until
program is terminated
• Funds are appropriated similar to the operational funds (based on # of stations in
each fire district) and become part of the County’s adopted budget.
• Remaining funds from less than 100% requested expenditures will roll forward to
the following year, to be added to any Board approved funds.
Benefits and Advantages:
• Flexibility to plan ahead for larger capital needs, as well as address their most
critical needs per year
• Prevents a department from waiting 5+ years for capital support (old Capital
Rotation Program)
• Buying Power: County to make approved purchases from agency’s capital
appropriation, securing possible discounts from bulk ordering and netting out the
sales tax as county governments are authorized to do
• Equipment Compatibility: purchasing same brand and type of items that can be
used at an event by all responding agencies
• Provides agencies with control in their requests to prevent exceeding required
thresholds set by the State for grant opportunities
• Can contribute to lowering fire insurance rating, reducing the homeowner’s
insurance cost for residents in those districts
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Request & Approval Process:
• Fire and rescue agencies submit capital expenditure requests at specified times
during the fiscal year to Fire Inspector for amounts up to their approved capital
budget.
• Fire Inspector reviews and determines if capital expenditures are eligible costs;
completes necessary forms and submits to the Finance Office for payment.
• After equipment is delivered, County donates the equipment to the requesting
agency.
• Fire Inspector submits a summary of capital expenditures incurred by agency to the
Board of Commissioners on an annual basis for reporting purposes and evaluation
of the program.
Types of purchases eligible for capital funding:
• Emergency vehicles
• Emergency vehicle apparatus
• Emergency service equipment
• Emergency protective equipment
• Maintenance and repair costs for emergency vehicles/equipment
• Grant match for capital item
• One-time payment on new or existing loan for capital item
• Loan down-payment for capital expenditures (exception: not to be
associated with any loan program that may be established with the County)
Types of purchases ineligible for capital funding:
• Recurring operating costs (i.e. utilities, maintenance agreements, dues,
fundraising supplies, fuel, travel, office supplies, furniture, facility
maintenance)
• Vehicles or equipment used for general purposes or that may be considered
for personal use;
• Construction projects or facility improvements;
• Equipment related to facilities such as meeting halls, social rooms, etc.
• Projects in which any director, officer, general manager, or supervisory
employee of Person County, or close relative thereof, has a financial
interest; projects in which any subsidiary or affiliated organization of
Person County has a financial interest; or projects which, based on the
judgment of the Board, would create a conflict of interest, potential for
conflict of interest, or any appearance of a conflict of interest.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to adopt the VFD
& Rescue Capital Reserve Program and Ordinance that provides supplemental capital
funding to local volunteer fire and rescue agencies.
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FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT
FUNDING:
Maynell Harper, Interim Aging Services Director presented the Fiscal Year 2015-
2016 Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) for Older Adults County Funding
Plan in the amount of $323,421to the Board for approval. Ms. Harper stated the Person
County HCCBG Committee elected funding to the following agencies:
Region K Community Assistance Corp for the Person County
Senior Center with a total of $290,172 allocated between
Congregate and Home Delivered Nutrition, Transportation, In-
Home Aide, and Operations, and
Person County Department of Social Services with a total of
$33,249 allocated for In-Home Aide services.
Ms. Harper noted the state and federal funding is for mandated services for the most
vulnerable senior population. The local match required is funded through the Senior Center
allocation in the proposed budget. Ms. Harper stated both named agencies have waiting
lists for services.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve of Fiscal
Year 2015-2016 Home & Community Care Block Grant Funding as presented.
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RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PERSON COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF ROXBORO FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
County Manager, Heidi York stated the current agreement between the County and
the City of Roxboro for an economic development partnership began in 2012 for a period
of three years. The City and County Managers have proposed a renewal of this Agreement
for an additional three years. Ms. York noted the only update proposed was the inclusion
of the City’s contribution of $7,500 towards the administrative support position which was
added after the initial agreement had been approved. The revised agreement formalizes
that contribution. Ms. York said the Agreement was presented and approved by City
Council on June 9, 2015 without any adjustments.
Ms. York told the Board that the agreement can be modified at any time with written
consent of both parties. In the absence of any adjustments at the end of the three year
renewal, the Agreement will automatically renew for an additional three years.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to approve the
renewal Agreement between Person County and the City of Roxboro for Economic
Development.
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RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN PERSON COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF ROXBORO TO PROVIDE E-911 COMMUNICATIONS:
County Manager, Heidi York stated the current contract between the County and
the City of Roxboro to provide E-911 services went into effect on October 1, 1999 for a
period of (10) ten years, with a clause to automatically renew at the end of the agreement
for an additional (5) five year period in the absence of any duly adopted resolution and
notice. The City and County Managers have proposed a few minor updates to the
Agreement which included:
• language to reflect the reorganization of the 911 department to work under
Emergency Services Director;
• formalize the cost sharing of repairs to the building, owned by the City of
Roxboro;
• formalize the use of the Roxboro Police Department as a potential back-up
location; and
• language to create a partnership for use of the current 911 Tower on Hill
Street.
Ms. York noted City Council approved the renewal contract at its meeting on June
9, 2015 with an adjustment. Ms. York stated the City of Roxboro’s preference to negotiate
a separate agreement with Person County related to the sharing and use of the 911 Tower
on Hill Street should the City acquire the Piedmont Communications tower.
Ms. York said the proposed contract has an initial term of ten years with an
automatic renewal of an additional ten years. The agreement can be modified at any time
with written consent of both parties.
Commissioner Jeffers stated opposition to approving a contract subject to the terms
of a separate agreement between the parties when the terms are unknown at this time.
Commissioner Jeffers noted the Manager’s proposal read “…the City agrees to allow the
County to utilize the tower for public safety purposes at no additional cost to the County.
Both entities may enter a separate agreement for shared responsibilities of the tower in the
future.”
Commissioner Clayton requested for the County Attorney to advise the Board.
County Attorney, Ron Aycock stated there has been continued negotiations with the tower
company noting the City’s lease with the tower owner had expired and have they have
proceeded on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Aycock stated the current arrangement does
provide the County the ability to use that tower under the City’s lease without charge. Mr.
Aycock stated absent some language in the agreement that the tower use is authorized,
there is no legal compulsion for the City to allow the County to use that tower without
charge.
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Commissioner Clayton stated the County provides 911 services for Person County
and the City of Roxboro which creates mutual interests.
Ms. York offered to hold up the process to bring both agreements to the Board at
the same time should the acquisition of the tower take place soon.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 4-1 to approve the
renewal of Contract between Person County and the City of Roxboro to provide E-911
Communications. Commissioner Jeffers cast the lone dissenting vote.
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PROPOSED PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH RULE:
“RULES PROHIBITING THE USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, INCLUDING E-
CIGARETTES, IN COUNTY/MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND ON HEALTH
DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES GROUNDS”
Person County Health Director, Janet Clayton stated the Board of Health is charged
with protecting public health. Ms. Clayton noted lung cancer is the leading type of cancer
in Person County and the number of individuals with chronic lower respiratory diseases
have increased. The Health Department has received calls of concerns related to members
of the public and employees utilizing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes in
government buildings. Ms. Clayton noted the use of various tobacco products, including
e-cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery systems) non regulated aerosolized nicotine has
increased the last few years.
Due to health risks of tobacco use and exposure to e-cigarette aerosol, Ms. Clayton
stated the Person County Board Health wishes to minimize the harmful effects of tobacco
use among county and municipal employees and those individuals who enter government
facilities. Ms. Clayton told the Board that on May 18, 2015, the Person County Board of
Health, in consultation with Ron Aycock, County Attorney, developed a Rule which will
prohibit the use of tobacco products including e-cigarettes in all County and Municipal
buildings and within 35 linear feet of a building which houses the health department and
social services (similar to the 2008 Board of Health Rule adopted in 2008 to prohibit
smoking in those locations). Ms. Clayton defined smoking as a lighted product and e-
cigarettes are not lighted but contain a heating element that causes aerosolization of the
nicotine and other products.
Ms. Clayton informed the Board that the Board of Health desired the draft Rule be
presented to both governing bodies for Person County and the City of Roxboro prior to
adoption. Ms. Clayton stated the funds to cover the costs of signage and community
education are available in the Healthy Personians’ budget. Ms. Clayton, on behalf of the
Board of Health, requested the Board’s support of the proposed Board of Health Rule
which will prohibit the use of tobacco products including e-cigarettes in both County and
Municipal buildings and within 35 linear feet of a building which houses the health
department and social services.
Ms. Clayton clarified the proposed Board of Health Rule only covers the locations
as presented and the authority to limit use on the County grounds would be with the Board
of Commissioners. Ms. Clayton encouraged the Board to review Person County Non-
Smoking Ordinance banning smoking in county recreational facilities and grounds except
in designated areas.
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A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell to include e-cigarettes in the
original ordinance.
Commissioner Kendrick said the Board adopted a self-insured health insurance
plan that will be directly impacted by use of individuals smoking e-cigarettes and
smokeless tobacco and suggested working toward a healthier workforce.
County Attorney, Ron Aycock explained to the group that the Board of Health
Rule(s) are applicable county-wide and in the city as well. The proposed Rule is under the
general authority of the Health Department to regulate matters that threaten public health.
Mr. Aycock noted that any such county ordinance is valid only in the county unless
the city specifically authorizing such county ordinance to apply. Person County has
authorized a non-smoking ordinance under specific authority subject to statutory
limitations.
Mr. Aycock recommended the Board to 1) support the proposed Board of Health
Rule, and 2) consider review and possible amendment to the local county non-smoking
ordinance.
Vice Chairman Newell rescinded his motion on the floor.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Ms. Clayton if e-cigarettes were allowed on school
property. Ms. Clayton stated school property is considered tobacco free and e-cigarettes
should not be allowed. Commissioner Kendrick noted general statute dictates prohibition
for a lighted tobacco products and e-cigarettes are not a lighted product. Ms. Clayton added
that state law dictates authority over restaurants as well.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell to instruct the County Attorney to
bring back to the Board the proper language for consideration.
Mr. Aycock stated the request from the Board of Health before the Board is for
support or input to advise the Health Director and the Board of Health to proceed with
adopting the Rule. Mr. Aycock stated Board endorsement of the Rule would be the first
step and following such Rule implementation county-wide, the Board could review its
ordinance for amendment.
Vice Chairman Newell rescinded his motion on the floor.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to support the
proposed Person County Board of Health Rule which will prohibit the use of tobacco
products including e-cigarettes in both County and Municipal buildings and with 35 linear
feet of a building which houses the health department and social services as well as direct
the County Attorney to propose language to integrate such prohibitions into Person
County’s Non-Smoking Ordinance.
The proposed Board of Health Rule as presented:
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APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves stated the Person County Board of
Commissioners solicited volunteers to fill positions on the following boards, commissions,
authorities, and committees through advertisement in the Courier-Times edition dated May
13, 2015 with notice to submit applications by the deadline of June 2, 2015. The
highlighted boards denote a competitive board and are eligible for the informal interview
process should the Board desire this process to aid them in making appointments. Ms.
Reaves asked the Board to direct the Clerk to organize and inform the applicants of the
informal interview date as set by the Board should the Board be interested in holding the
informal interview process for some or all of the competitive boards. Should the Board
consider waiving the process, Ms. Reaves respectively requested that the Board nominate
and appoint as deemed appropriate. Ms. Reaves presented the interested citizen
applications for consideration for appointment.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint or reappoint
the individuals to the following boards, commissions, authorities and committees that had
no competing applications for the position:
- ABC Board
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) John R. Bradsher requested reappointment
- Animal Services Advisory Committee
Unspecified Term: 1 citizen-at-large position available
1) Kathryn A. Snider requested appointment
- Board of Adjustment
1 position to a 3-Year Term:
1) Lindsay T. Wagstaff, Jr. requested reappointment,
1 position to fill an unexpired term to 6/30/16 - no application received.
1 position for an unspecified term for an alternate - no application received.
- Board of Health
3-Year Term: 1 position each representing
a veterinarian: 1) Dr. Claudia Berryhill requested reappointment
a physician: 1) Dr. Kimberly Yarborough requested reappointment
a nurse: 1) Patsy Clayton requested appointment
2 public positions: 1) Jack Hester requested reappointment
2) Benjamin Tillett, Jr. requested reappointment
- Home and Community Care Block Grant Committee
Unspecified Term: Kelly Foti requested appointment in her capacity as the United
Way Executive Director replacing Jayne Bremer who is retiring.
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- Home Health and Hospice Advisory Committee
3-Year Term: 1 position for a physician
1) Dr. Taineisha Bolden requested reappointment
- Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
6-Year Term; 2 positions available – no application received.
- Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for a member of the business community - no application
received.
1 position available for a substance abuse professional - no application received.
1 position available for a representative of United Way.
1) Kelly Foti requested appointment
2-Year Term:
3 citizens-at-large positions;
1) Kay Farrell requested appointment
2) Shiron Terrell requested appointment
1 position for the Chief of Police or his designee - no application received.
1 position for the District Attorney or his designee - no application received.
1 position for a representative from the Department of Social Services - no
application received.
- Nursing Home Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment; 3 positions available- no applications
received.
- OPC Community Operations Center Advisory Board representing Person County
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Amanda T. Blanks requested reappointment
- Person Area Transportation System Board
3-Year Term; 3 positions available, seeking citizens that can represent or are
affiliated with:
the senior center: 1) Maynell J. Harper requested appointment
parks and recreation: 1) John Hill requested reappointment
the school system: 1) Treco Lea-Jeffers requested reappointment
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- Recreation Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Charles Reaves requested reappointment
2) Kirk Redman requested reappointment
- Region K Aging Advisory
1 position available for an unexpired term to 12/31/2016
1) Angela Jones requested reappointment
- Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP)
3 positions for FY 2015-2016 representatives
Stuart Gilbert, Person County Economic Development Director,
Randy Reynolds, Chairman of the Person County Economic Development
Commission, and
Lauren Wrenn, Uptown Development Director.
- Voluntary Agriculture District
3-Year Term; 1 position each representing
Cunningham Township: 1) Johnny R. Rogers requested reappointment
Holloway Township: 1) Cal Berryhill requested reappointment
Woodsdale Township: 1) Paul Bailey requested reappointment
- Workforce Development Board
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
2 positions available representing private industry;
1) Nikki Ward requested appointment
2) Philippe R. Forton requested appointment
1 position available for a member or an officer of organized labor; No application
During the application period, Kerr Tar Council of Government Workforce Development
Director Vincent Gilreath advised there were new composition requirements for the
Workforce Development Board effective July 1, 2015. For the new appointments, the
recommendation from Vincent Gilreath to the Board of Commissioners was for
consideration to appoint Nikki Ward (HR Manager for private industry) and to hold Mr.
Forton’s application for a future vacancy.
Application secured by Mr. Gilreath to fulfill new board composition requirements:
1) Ms. Debra B. Harlow requested appointment to represent Adult Education
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A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to hold the informal
interview process for the following boards, commissions, authorities, and committees on
August 3, 2015 at 6:00pm.
- Jury Commission
2-Year Term; 1 position available
1) Bayard R. Crumpton requested reappointment
2) Carmen Lou Giggey requested appointment
- Library Advisory Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Riley J. Oakley, Jr. requested appointment
2) Charles Harvey requested appointment
3) Margaret McMann requested reappointment
4) Robert A. Bridges requested appointment
- Person-Caswell Lake Authority
3-Year Term: 1 position available
1) Gil Stovall requested reappointment
2) Michael Boucher requested appointment
- Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees
4-Year Term; 1 position available
1) James J. Woody requested appointment
2) Merilyn P. Newell requested appointment
3) Charles Harvey requested appointment
4) Tommy Humphries requested appointment
5) Alan R. Whitlow requested appointment
- Planning Board
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
1) Sandra Majors requested reappointment
2) Michael Riley requested appointment
3) Michael Brandon requested reappointment
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FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 ANNUAL BUDGET ORDINANCE & FEE SCHEDULE:
Heidi York, County Manager and Amy Wehrenberg, Finance Director presented to
the Board the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Annual Budget Ordinance and Fee Schedule for
adoption. Ms. York stated the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund stands at $54,966,390
which represents $1,314,589 or a 2.45% increase over Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget.
Ms. York stated that General Statute 159-13(a) directs that the annual budget must
be adopted by July 1. The budget ordinance may be adopted at any regular or special
meeting at which a quorum is present, by a majority of those present and voting noting the
Board had fulfilled the legal requirement of conducting a public hearing.
Commissioner Clayton requested Board consideration to add two positons vital to
economic growth, the Environmental Health Specialist and an Inspector, back to Fiscal
Year 2015-2016 budget and asked the County Manager and the Finance Director to offset
the costs within the budget.
Ms. York stated $172,941 would be needed to reinstate the two noted positions
which included salary, vehicles, training and cell phone for a full year.
Commissioner Jeffers suggested the Board to use the Contingency Fund ($98,000
for driver education) and/or the funds allocated for the senior center construction (debt
service payment funds) to cover the costs associated with the two noted positions. Ms.
Wehrenberg told the Board $255,000 was allocated for a debt service payment in Fiscal
Year 2015-2016 and that given the timing of the construction process could be pushed to
Fiscal Year 2016-2017.
Commissioner Kendrick stated support to add the two positions back into the
budget for multiple years if consideration to remove the acquisition costs for the Rox
Sportsplex. Commissioner Kendrick stated opposition to growing government.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell to accept the Budget Ordinance as
presented. Commissioner Jeffers stated he could not support an increase of $1.3M over
the current year budget. Commissioner Clayton voiced opposition to the budget without
the two positions (Environmental Health Specialist and an Inspector). Commissioner
Jeffers added data was not available to support permanently cutting the two noted positions.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and failed 2-3 to direct
staff to prepare a Budget Ordinance reflecting reinstatement of the two positions
(Environmental Health Specialist and an Inspector) at $172,941 using funds from the debt
service allocated for the senior center construction and decrease the overall budget with the
remainder of the debt service funds ($82,059 allocated to Fund Balance).
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Ms. York stated staff planned one debt service payment in Fiscal Year 2015-2016
on the borrowing of the senior center construction at $255,000. Ms. York noted the first
debt service payment could be pushed to Fiscal Year 2016-2017.
Vice Chairman Newell voiced his support for the county to be run more efficient
suggesting that Inspections prioritize scheduling versus scheduling on a first come, first
serve basis.
Ms. York reminded the Board that at its last work session the Board directed staff
to bring back a contingency proposal for both positions in two months with data in terms
of the impacts seen with the two vacancies along with a plan to address the efficiency using
the current employees.
Chairman Puryear asked the County Manager what would be the costs based on
three-fourths of the year for the two positions discussed. Ms. York stated the approximate
costs are estimated at $129,705 for three-fourths of the year.
A substitute motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 3-2 to adopt the
Budget Ordinance with $129,000 allocated from the debt service funds in the event after a
90-day review of the data to reinstate the two positions back into the budget. Chairman
Puryear, Vice Chairman Newell and Commissioner Kendrick voted in support of the
substitute motion. Commissioners Clayton and Jeffers voted in opposition to the substitute
motion.
Ms. Wehrenberg advised the Board that the $129,000 as noted for the funding
required for three-fourths of the year was only an estimate and she wanted the Board to
know the amount could look different, i.e. $145,000 once staff analyzed the salaries along
with vehicle, training and cell phones. Ms. Wehrenberg suggested the Board, at any such
time, the positions are reinstated, the amount that it is determined to be is to be funded from
the debt service payment allocation. It was the consensus of the Board to accept Ms.
Wehrenberg’s suggestion.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Puryear reported two recent ribbon cuttings for Farm Credit and Studio
You.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported an Economic Development Commission
meeting scheduled for June 18, 2015 at 8:00am in the Tax Office Conference Room. Ms.
York stated she would follow up with each board member related to the continuation of
the hiring freeze.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Jeffers stated a complaint from an Uptown business owner regarding
vehicles parked adjacent to the Courthouse that are designated for customers.
Commissioner Clayton passed out a copy of the Person County Board of County
Commissioners Code of Ethics to each commissioner. Commissioner Clayton stated his
lack of comment on Chairman Puryear’s drawn out legal situation has led some to believe
that he supports Chairman Puryear’s actions. Commissioner Clayton said what he knew
about it was what he saw on TV, read in the newspaper, and heard at Board meetings. As
Chairman Puryear was not found guilty in a court of law, Commissioner Clayton said to
his knowledge, there is no action warranted by the Board of Commissioners and he told
Chairman Puryear that it was up to him to do the right thing. Just because Chairman
Puryear was declared not guilty does not always make it easy for him to do the right thing.
Commissioner Clayton stated people have asked him to make a statement and in his
opinion, it was a legal situation that Chairman Puryear had to work out on his own.
Commissioner Clayton noted the Board has a Code of Ethics and elected officials are held
to a higher standard.
Commissioner Kendrick commented that statements are sometimes misquoted or
left unsaid. Commissioner Kendrick noted he remains available to speak with individuals.
Commissioner Kendrick further noted the people in November understood Chairman
Puryear’s position and he was elected as the second highest number of votes in Person
County. Commissioner Kendrick said when a person goes into a court of law and is found
not guilty, the court of public opinion can continue, but the law has spoken. Commissioner
Kendrick stated he would not ask Chairman Puryear to step down noting his work on the
Board has not been hindered by his legal situation.
Vice Chairman Newell had no report.
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 10:38am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Kyle W. Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman