BOC Minutes May 4 2015
May 4, 2015
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY 4, 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, May 4, 2015 at 7:00 pm 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 stated staff would like to add a Closed Session to the agenda
related to economic development.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST BY DOYLE WILSON FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A
CAMPER/RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CAMPGROUND ON A PORTION OF A
62 ACRE PARCEL ON MILL CREEK ROAD (TAX MAP A69 PARCEL 32)
HOLLOWAY TOWNSHIP OWNED BY NORMA WALKER:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a request by Doyle Wilson for a Special Use Permit for a
Camper/Recreational Vehicle Campground on a portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill Creek
Road (Tax Map A69 Parcel 32) Holloway Township owned by Norma Walker.
The public hearing set to hear a request by Doyle Wilson for a Special Use Permit
for a Camper/Recreational Vehicle Campground on a portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill
Creek Road (Tax Map A69 Parcel 32) Holloway Township owned by Norma Walker
required a quasi-judicial zoning decision whereby witnesses are to be sworn in and subject
to cross examination, no ex parte communication and requires findings of fact. Chairman
Puryear administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following individuals who would
offer testimony during the public hearing:
Mike Ciriello and Doyle Wilson
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Planning Director, Mike Ciriello stated a Special Use Permit application was
received for a 5.13 acre Camper / Recreational Vehicle Park. Mr. Ciriello said the property
in question is located on Mill Creek Road and is zoned Rural Conservation. There are
twelve camper sites proposed; each camper site will be 2,800 square feet in size, have a
10’ x 56’ gravel camper pad and a 20’ x 20’ parking area. Mr. Ciriello stated access to the
proposed Camper/Recreation Vehicle Campground is off of Mill Creek Road and serviced
by a 24’ foot wide drive with a fifty foot undisturbed buffer. Each campsite will have water
and sewer hookups. Mr. Ciriello stated there are two houses located on the property and if
the request is approved, 5.13 acres will be subdivided out to create the campsite area.
Mr. Ciriello stated the Planning Board, at its April 9, 2015 meeting, voted 7-0 to
recommend approval of the project.
Commissioner Clayton asked Mr. Ciriello if there was anyone at the Planning
Board meeting who objected to the project. Mr. Ciriello stated no. Commissioner Clayton
asked if the Planning Board held a public hearing to which Mr. Ciriello replied yes.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Mr. Ciriello in what vicinity would the campground
be located within the 62-acre parcel and if there were any adjacent property owners near
the proposed campground. Mr. Ciriello answered that the proposed campground would be
situated fairly in the middle of the property and he did not foresee any issues with adjacent
property owners in the future.
Vice Chairman Newell asked for a description of the location of the property in
question. Mr. Doyle Wilson told the group the site is approximately one-fourth mile on
Mill Creek Road, and in the general vicinity located between the BP store and the church.
Speaking in favor of the request by Doyle Wilson for a Special Use Permit for a
Camper/Recreational Vehicle Campground on a portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill Creek
Road (Tax Map A69 Parcel 32) Holloway Township owned by Norma Walker was Mr.
Doyle Wilson of 2025 Mill Creek Road, Roxboro, North Carolina. Mr. Wilson told the
Board he was available to answer any questions for the Board.
There was no one in attendance to speak in opposition to the request by Doyle
Wilson for a Special Use Permit for a Camper/Recreational Vehicle Campground on a
portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill Creek Road (Tax Map A69 Parcel 32) Holloway
Township owned by Norma Walker.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for a request by Doyle Wilson for a Special Use Permit for a Camper/Recreational
Vehicle Campground on a portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill Creek Road (Tax Map A69
Parcel 32) Holloway Township owned by Norma Walker.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST BY DOYLE WILSON FOR
A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A CAMPER/RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
CAMPGROUND ON A PORTION OF A 62 ACRE PARCEL ON MILL CREEK
ROAD (TAX MAP A69 PARCEL 32) HOLLOWAY TOWNSHIP OWNED BY
NORMA WALKER:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to approve the
request by Doyle Wilson for a Special Use Permit for a Camper/Recreational Vehicle
Campground on a portion of a 62 acre parcel on Mill Creek Road (Tax Map A69 Parcel
32) Holloway Township owned by Norma Walker.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST BY NANCY MAE JACKSON AIKEN TO REZONE TAX MAP 116
PARCEL 33 (ROXBORO TOWNSHIP) ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LEASBURG
ROAD (US 158W) FROM RESIDENTIAL (R) TO RURAL CONSERVATION
(RC):
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a request by Nancy Mae Jackson Aiken to rezone Tax Map
116 Parcel 33 (Roxboro Township) on the north side of the Leasburg Road (US 158W)
from Residential (R) to Rural Conservation (RC).
Planning Director, Mike Ciriello stated a rezoning request was received to rezone
a 105.6 acre parcel on US 158 W Leasburg Road from Residential to Rural Conservation.
Mr. Ciriello stated the property in question is wooded with a major stream located on
Leasburg Road close to the Roxboro City Limits and the surrounding properties are zoned
Residential. Mr. Ciriello noted the property is located mainly in the Roanoke Basin with
a portion within the Neuse River Basin which is regulated under the Falls Lake Rules. Mr.
Ciriello described the uses nearby as single family dwellings, a subdivision, large parcels
of land, a repair garage and Roxboro City Limits. Mr. Ciriello stated should the property
be rezoned to Rural Conservation, the property would be allowed to comply with the uses
allowed in the RC district which is less restrictive than the Residential Zone.
Mr. Ciriello stated the Planning Board, at its April 9, 2015 meeting, voted 6 to 1 to
deny the request.
Mr. Ciriello outlined the options available to the Board of Commissioners:
1) Approve the request,
2) Deny the request, or
3) Send back to the Planning Board as the applicant has requested consideration
to amend its application for the rezoning from Residential to Rural
Conservation with Special Use (RC SU) with specific restrictions to be re-
advertised for a new public hearing before the Planning Board.
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Speaking in favor of the request by Nancy Mae Jackson Aiken to rezone Tax Map
116 Parcel 33 (Roxboro Township) on the north side of the Leasburg Road (US 158W)
from Residential (R) to Rural Conservation (RC) were the following individuals:
Mr. David Neill of 424 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2800, Raleigh, North Carolina,
an attorney with Smith, Moore, Leatherwood spoke on behalf of the property owner and
Cypress Creek Renewables, the party contracted to purchase the property from Ms. Aiken.
Mr. Neill acknowledged the concern raised by neighbors related to the request to rezone
from R zoning district to RC zoning district noting the RC zoning district allows many
uses. As a solution, Mr. Neill proposed an amendment to the application to rezone from
R to RC SU to allow the property owner to impose conditions upon the rezoning that would
limit the property uses after rezoning to just residential uses plus a solar farm facility which
is what Cypress Creek Renewables is interested in locating on the site. Mr. Neill requested
the Board of Commissions to send the request back to the Planning Board, allow the
applicant to amend its application posing conditions upon the property for further
consideration.
Ms. Rose Mary Pries of 107 Brothers Drive, Roxboro, North Carolina, an adjacent
property owner, spoke of her support to rezone the parcel to RC only for the use of a solar
park permitted and noted her opposition to the rezone of the parcel to RC for any other uses
currently permitted in the RC district. Ms. Pries stated the RC zoning district has many
undesirable property uses when adjacent to residential uses.
Mr. Ciriello clarified that in the Table of Permitted Uses, the RC zoning district is
one of the most generous of the zoning districts with many uses incompatible with
residential uses. Mr. Ciriello explained the Special Use (SU) district can be attached to a
current zoning that provides for specific restrictions. Commissioner Jeffers asked Mr.
Ciriello to address the process for a Special Use for a solar farm in a RC district. Mr.
Ciriello stated an amended application from R to RC SU could be reintroduced and
advertised for the Planning Board’s consideration as a one-step process.
Mr. Ciriello explained the Planning Board, at its April 9, 2015 meeting, had two
applications before them for consideration during public hearings: 1) rezoning and if
approved, and 2) Special Use Permit (SUP). A SUP is required for an electrical generating
facility in any district allowed, which it is allowed in all the districts except for the R zoning
district. The Planning Board addressed the rezoning request and voted 6-1 that the request
was inappropriate to rezone to RC.
Commissioner Jeffers asked Mr. Ciriello if the Board of Commissioners could
consider the rezone request from R to RC SU or if the request had to go before the Planning
Board. Mr. Ciriello stated an amended application would need to go back before the
Planning Board per general statute.
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Mr. Ciriello stated should the request before the Board of Commissioners be
denied, an applicant cannot resubmit an application for the same rezoning request for one-
year. Mr. Ciriello noted the request to rezone from R to RC SU would be considered a
different classification to which conditions are applied.
Speaking in opposition to the request by Nancy Mae Jackson Aiken to rezone Tax
Map 116 Parcel 33 (Roxboro Township) on the north side of the Leasburg Road (US
158W) from Residential (R) to Rural Conservation (RC) were the following individuals:
Mr. Sam Wehrenberg of 6704 Pleasant Pines, Raleigh, North Carolina stated he
and his wife along with his brother, Mr. John Wehrenberg and his wife are partners/owners
of the Rock Garden Subdivision located on Semora Drive. Mr. Wehrenberg represented
15 other adjacent landowners in support of the subject parcel to remain in the R zoning
district. Mr. Wehrenberg stated he and the others do not want a 100-acre industrial facility
in the middle of 27 suburban residential properties. Mr. Wehrenberg told the Board that
the request to rezone is a major departure from the comprehensive plan. Mr. Wehrenberg
illustrated the current four solar farm locations on industrial property or in the RC zoning
districts using a Person County zoning map noting the Aiken 100-acre parcel is located in
suburban residential area. Mr. Wehrenberg stated he was in favor of solar farms in RC
districts but not so in residential districts. Mr. Wehrenberg noted it was stated in the
Planning Board meeting that the rezone would not de-value adjacent property so he called
all 16 realtors in the Roxboro phone book and asked the question, “Do you think that a
solar farm would make a residential property next to it, harder to sell?” Of the 16 calls,
Mr. Wehrenberg stated he received 13 responses as follows: 12 realtors stated it might
affect the resale or it would affect the resale, 3 realtors advised to sell his property and 1
realtor did not think that the solar farm would affect the resale. Mr. Wehrenberg stated he
then organized a petition to keep the parcel zoned R and not rezoned to RC which lists 15
signatures that represent 22 owners or 68% of the adjacent landowners. Mr. Wehrenberg
stated that he had not been able to contact 4 of the remaining 7 owners with 3 of the
remaining 7 owners were indifferent and did not mind having a solar farm adjacent to their
property. According to the County’s Land Use Plan, 85% of the real estate tax base is
single family homes (2000 data), with 6% of the revenue coming from industrial. Mr.
Wehrenberg said to approve the request is a vote of no support for 85% of the County’s
tax base with the wrong message to future homeowners and developers to invest in
residential property. Mr. Wehrenberg stated the Board’s duty to protect existing property,
review the benefits, determine if the property owners may be harmed by such action to
rezone, review the relationship of the proposed use with the adjacent property uses. Mr.
Wehrenberg stated the zoning application states a reference to special permits “The
Commissioners shall find, in order to approve, that the use will not substantially injure the
value of adjoining or abutting property, that the location and character of the use if
developed according to the plan is submitted and approved will be in harmony with the
area to which it is to be located in the general conformity with the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Wehrenberg requested the Board of Commissioners to deny the request to protect
adjacent landowners, the neighborhood and the integrity of the Comprehensive Plan.
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Mr. John Wehrenberg of 108 Gambit Court, Washington, North Carolina stated
both he and his brother grew up on Bethel Hill and visit Person County often as both reside
out of the county. Mr. Wehrenberg stated they have financial investments in Person
County. Mr. Wehrenberg asked questions for the applicant: “What happens to a solar farm
company if they go bankrupt?” “What happens to the panels?” “Who is responsible for
getting rid of them on the property?” Mr. Wehrenberg stated the portion of the parcel
adjacent to their property is woodland, cut over 30-40 years ago. “What is going to happen
to all the wooded material?” “Burn, pile it up, or haul it off?” Mr. Wehrenberg stated there
was a stream that goes into WSII water supply watershed for Roxboro. Mr. Wehrenberg
stated if 30 acres are cleared, there will be run-off to their property. Mr. Wehrenberg noted
Person County will earn the same amount of income from taxes from the solar farm
company in a RC district as in a residential district. Mr. Wehrenberg reminded the Board
the following statements from the County’s Comprehensive Plan:
• Maintain property value
• Formulate growth, patterns that consider long term implications of
development
• Encourage traditional single family neighborhoods
• Locate areas of future water and sewer growth
• Utilizing railroads and the 501 corridor for industrial growth
Mr. Wehrenberg stated the purpose of the Land Use Plan is to help leaders focus
on the future proposals that will have a tremendous impact on the overall livability of the
community. Mr. Wehrenberg advocated for the parcel in question to remain residential
and asked the Board to keep it in residential.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the request by Nancy Mae Jackson Aiken to rezone Tax Map 116 Parcel 33
(Roxboro Township) on the north side of the Leasburg Road (US 158W) from Residential
(R) to Rural Conservation (RC).
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST BY NANCY MAE
JACKSON AIKEN TO REZONE TAX MAP 116 PARCEL 33 (ROXBORO
TOWNSHIP) ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LEASBURG ROAD (US 158W) FROM
RESIDENTIAL (R) TO RURAL CONSERVATION (RC):
Commissioner Clayton asked the County Attorney if the request before the Board
to rezone would be considered spot zoning. County Attorney, Ron Aycock stated he would
need to research to answer Commissioner Clayton’s questions. Planning Director, Mike
Ciriello stated there are four factors in determining a reasonable basis for spot zoning. They
are as follows:
1. Size of tract. The general rule is the smaller the tract, the more likely the rezoning
will be held invalid.
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2. Compatibility with Plan. Need to see if the rezoning fits into a larger context
involving rational planning for the community.
3. Benefits and Detriments. Who benefits and who is harmed from the rezoning? Need
to look at the property owner and the neighbors.
4. Relationship of Uses. Need to look at the relationship between the proposed uses
and the current uses of adjacent properties.
Commissioner Jeffers stated opposition to the request to rezone a parcel with its
close proximity to the Roxboro City Limits.
Vice Chairman Newell asked Mr. Aycock if the Board was denying the applicant
due process by not sending back to the Planning Board. Mr. Aycock said the Board of
Commissioners has full discretion to take action as deemed appropriate.
Commissioner Kendrick stated his opposition to solar farms and corporate
subsidies with the government subsidizing but supported personal property rights and the
request to send back to the Planning Board for consideration for RC SU.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 4-1 to deny the request
by Nancy Mae Jackson Aiken to rezone Tax Map 116 Parcel 33 (Roxboro Township) on
the north side of the Leasburg Road (US 158W) from Residential (R) to Rural Conservation
(RC). Commissioner Kendrick cast the lone dissenting vote.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A FINANCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE APPROPRIATING $30,000 COUNTY
GENERAL FUNDS OVER A 3-YEAR PERIOD ($10,000 PER FISCAL YEAR) TO
THE CITY OF ROXBORO FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
AND HANDICAP PARKING AREAS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for consideration of a financial grant incentive appropriating
$30,000 County General Funds over a 3-year period ($10,000 per Fiscal Year) to the City
of Roxboro for the provision of public sidewalks and handicap parking areas.
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert presented to the Board the Public
Infrastructure and Economic Development Agreement by and between Roxboro
Development Group, Hall’s Agri-Business, LLC, Person County and the City of Roxboro.
Mr. Gilbert stated the City of Roxboro has already approved the agreement and the Board
of Commissioners is allowed by general statute to enter into the proposed agreement as
well as fund a financial grant incentive to the City of Roxboro. Mr. Gilbert explained the
County is proposing a financial grant incentive to the City of Roxboro for the provision of
public sidewalks that will benefit Hall’s Agribusiness’ new 13,000 sq. ft. facility to which
projects 55 new jobs would be created over the 3-year period.
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Mr. Gilbert stated the appropriation of $30,000 would be funded over three fiscal
years with the first payment of $10,000 would not be due to the City of Roxboro until the
sidewalks were complete.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor or in
opposition to the financial grant incentive appropriating $30,000 County General Funds
over a 3-year period ($10,000 per Fiscal Year) to the City of Roxboro for the provision of
public sidewalks and handicap parking areas.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the financial grant incentive appropriating $30,000 County General Funds over
a 3-year period ($10,000 per Fiscal Year) to the City of Roxboro for the provision of public
sidewalks and handicap parking areas.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY A FINANCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE
APPROPRIATING $30,000 COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS OVER A 3-YEAR
PERIOD ($10,000 PER FISCAL YEAR) TO THE CITY OF ROXBORO FOR THE
PROVISION OF PUBLIC SIDEWALKS AND HANDICAP PARKING AREAS:
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert stated the owners of Hall’s
Agribusiness are making a substantial investment in the Roxboro Uptown area for
additional 13,000 sq. ft. tenant space adjacent to Merritt Commons. Mr. Gilbert noted the
City of Roxboro has contributed to the project with the new City parking lot repavement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to approve a
financial grant incentive appropriating $30,000 County General Funds over a 3-year period
($10,000 per Fiscal Year) to the City of Roxboro for the provision of public sidewalks and
handicap parking areas as well as the Public Infrastructure and Economic Development
Agreement by and between Roxboro Development Group, Hall’s Agri-Business, LLC,
Person County and the City of Roxboro.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Ms. Susan Naylor and Mr. George Naylor of 481 Valhalla Drive, Timberlake
advocated for the Board to allow representatives from the Senior Center to have input in
the planning for the space needs related to the design of the new Person County Senior
Center.
Mr. Arnold McCoy of 430 Hazel Lawson Road referred to a petition he had
submitted to the Board that listed 40 signatures of homeowners in the Allensville
community in opposition to gun firing range located off Hazel Lawson Loop Road that is
under the Sernoma Hunting Club. Mr. McCoy requested Board action to eliminate the
firing range for families to have some peace noting people living in the area have endured
very loud gun shots, explosive sounds and constant shooting on a daily basis. Mr. McCoy
stated his efforts with the Sheriff have had no results. Chairman Puryear suggested Mr.
McCoy to contact the County Manager after the meeting.
Sheriff Dewey Jones briefed the Board on an event held on May 3, 2015 at the
Roxboro Motorsports Dragstrip and referred to as Apple Chill. Sheriff Jones stated
approximately 21,000 people were in attendance which overwhelmed off-duty public
safety personnel and caused extreme traffic congestion resulting in two minor wrecks and
5-6 individuals needing medical attention. Sheriff Jones stated his Office’s efforts to block
the event and suggested future consideration to enact an ordinance to prevent such events
from coming to Person County. Commissioner Clayton referred the Sheriff, County
Manager, County Attorney and the Planning Director to review a mass gathering state law
and general statutes that may address a permitting process from the Health Department for
a large crowd as described.
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 April 20, 2015,
B. Budget Amendment #16, and
C. Bullet Proof Vest Grant 2015-2017
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
UPDATE TO THE COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN FOR
FY15-16:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the Board the FY15-16 health benefits plan
was presented by Thompson-Allen and Scott Benefit Services, the County’s brokers, at its
March 16, 2015 Board meeting. Ms. York stated that since that time, the brokers have
revised the cost projections for a self-funded benefit plan and Mr. Phillip Allen of
Thompson-Allen will present the revision to the Board. Ms. York told the group that any
savings will not be included in the monthly premiums but realized at the end of the fiscal
year as a reserve for the County to sustain the self-funded benefits plan over time.
Mr. Allen gave the Board a revised spreadsheet and reported the self-funded
approach is still the most attractive option for Person County. Mr. Allen presented the self-
funded maximum costs at current enrollment are $2,915,018, a lower cost by $178,542
compared to the most competitive fully insured renewal at $3,093,560.
Mr. Allen stated the $2,915,018 revised maximum costs are $66,793 less than the
original number presented in March.
Mr. Allen said that Coventry is the right partner with the greatest discounts, lowest
rates in this area as well as complete data and contract. The four standard carriers in North
Carolina which are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry and United Healthcare. Both
United Healthcare and Cigna declined to quote.
Mr. Allen noted the loss ratio for period July 1, 2013 – July 1, 2014 was 88.87%.
For the most recent 12 months, Mr. Allen stated the trend has improved, the loss ratio is
76.12%. The County currently enrolls 412 subscribers to the health benefits plan.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 4-1 to approve the
Coventry Self-Funded with Current Plan Design as presented. Commissioner Clayton cast
the lone dissenting vote. Although the County Manager was not directed to do so this year,
Commissioner Clayton and Vice Chairman Newell stated their preference that in the future
at least three proposals from three different brokers should be sought.
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NEW BUSINESS:
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A CHANGE TO THE STATE’S
REQUIREMENTS FOR STORMWATER REGULATION:
Planning Director, Mike Ciriello noted at the April 20, 2015 Board of
Commissioners’ meeting, staff was asked to craft a resolution requesting a change to the
Falls Lake Stormwater Rules. A Resolution requesting a Change to the State’s
Requirements for Stormwater Regulation addressed to the State of North Carolina
Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Environmental Management Commission
(EMC) requests considersation changing the Rules to revise the standard that requires a
stormwater plan for residential properties that exceed ½ acre of land disturbance to be
increased to 1 acre.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution Requesting a Change to the State’s Requirements for Stormwater Regulation.
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NEXT STEPS FOR THE SENIOR CENTER PROJECT:
County Manager, Heidi York noted at the Board’s April 20, 2015 meeting,
Commissioners voted 4-1 to proceed with Option 4 for the construction and renovation of
a senior center as presented by Brockwell Associates. This option consists of a renovation
to 6,000 square feet of the former senior center building plus the new construction of an
additional 6,000 square feet on the adjoining open space lot at an estimated cost of $2.27M.
The Board has also approved this project for the FY15-16 Capital Improvement Plan with
the intent to finance this project. Ms. York outlined the process with the following next
steps.
Next steps: Proposed timeline
1. Issue a Request for Qualifications (as required by G.S. 143-64.31) 8 weeks
and select an architectural firm
2. Design team (architectural, engineering, county, senior center reps)
determines preliminary programming space requirements 2-4 weeks
3. Schematic design developed based on programming requirements
presented to Board for input approval 2-4 weeks
4. Design development based upon approved preliminary schematics 4-6 weeks
5. Construction documents &specifications for construction bid proposal 4-8 weeks
6. Award a General Contractor based on bid 4-6 weeks
7. Construction 6-8 months
Ms. York projected a conservative estimate of 17 months for completion of the
project. Ms. York confirmed the option approved by the Board was based on conservative,
projected costs and that the award firm and construction bid proposal may be different.
Commissioner Jeffers advocated for the name of the newly renovated/newly
constructed facility to be the Person County Life Center and asked at what point to offer a
formal motion to call it such to which Ms. York suggested during Step 2. Commissioner
Jeffers promoted joint use of the facility during non-peak time for seniors to maximize use
of the facility with recreational programming for all ages as well as potential eligibility for
grants.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize staff to
proceed with Step 1 as presented to issue a Request for Qualifications and select an
architectural firm.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Puryear reported the following:
o Board of Equalization and Review’s final meeting will be held on May 5,
2015 at 9:00 am,
o Chamber of Commerce Breakfast spotlighting Economic Development and
PCBIC on May 6, 2015 at 8:00 am,
o Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees Chair and Vice Chair
requested a meeting with himself and Vice Chairman Newell which will be
held on May 5, 2015 at 6:00 pm in the Person County Office Building,
o An invitation to attend Bailey Chapel’s Prayer Service for elected officials
on May 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm,
o Wal-Mart grand re-opening ribbon cutting will be held on May 8, 2015 at
10:00 am,
o Recommended Budget to be presented on May 18, 2015 at 9:00 am, and
asked the Board members to bring their calendars to scheduled budget work
sessions.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York updated the Board on the Request for Proposals
(RFP) process related to the Landfill study noting the State has agreed to conduct a cancer
study using a 1-2 miles radius around the landfill. They will look for brain and lung cancers
and any other cancers that the State deems appropriate. This study will take between one
and two months to complete. Ms. York asked the Board if the desire was to move forward
with the RFP simultaneously or to wait on the State’s study to be completed first. Ms.
York stated if the desire was to move forward with the RFP, her recommendation would
be to revise the RFP that removes the testing components. It was the consensus of the Board
to proceed with both the RFP and the State’s cancer study simultaneously.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Jeffers reported the Fire Chief’s meeting will be held on May 7,
2015 at 7:00 pm and he would inform the group that the County would pay for the audit
this year and advise future audits will be determined. County Manager, Heidi York noted
the RFP for audit services has been released.
Commissioner Clayton reported the following:
o County Assembly Day is May 6, 2015 in Raleigh with speakers
including the Governor of NC and the Speaker of the House,
o Special Olympics on May 6, 2015 at 9:00 am, and
o General Statute provision for mass gathering requiring a permit and a
$5,000 bond for the first 10,000 people plus more for additional people
has been emailed to the County Attorney.
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Commissioner Kendrick reported his attendance of a recent ribbon cutting for Safe
Harbor who is located on 4550 Oxford Highway and urged Board members to visit.
Vice Chairman Newell requested the County Manager and Human Resources to
bring back recommendations for wellness programs, find out what Scott Services can
provide on wellness for employees, and consider getting employees a membership at the
fitness club related to Board action to approve a self-funded insurance plan. Commissioner
Jeffers added employees have the capacity to join fitness clubs at a discount rate and
suggested the Board consider funding the Wellness Committee more substantially to offer
programming and pay for instructors. Ms. York stated the County has an active wellness
initiative confirming a county employee gym is offered through the Wellness Committee
in the downstairs area of the Huck Sansbury Gym.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to enter Closed
Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of discussion of matters
relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the county
(economic development) at 8:35 pm with the following individuals permitted to attend:
County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ron
Aycock, and Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendrick and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:47 pm.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Newell and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 8:47 pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Kyle W. Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman