BOC Minutes April 21 2014
April 21, 2014
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 21, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jimmy B. Clayton Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
B. Ray Jeffers Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Frances P. Blalock
David Newell, Sr.
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 9:00 am in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium.
Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order, led invocation and asked Vice
Chairman Jeffers to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
RECOGNITION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT DAY:
Chairman Clayton welcomed the Person High School students enrolled in civics
and economics participating in Local Government Day to observe the Board of County
Commissioners in session. Chairman Clayton, Vice Chairman Jeffers and
Commissioners Puryear, Newell and Blalock proceeded to introduce themselves. County
Attorney, Ron Aycock, County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda
Reaves, Sheriff Dewey Jones, Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate, General Services
Director, Ray Foushee, Safety Director, Rebecca Morrow, Person Area Transportation
System Manager, Kathy Adcock and John Hill, Director of Arts, Parks and Recreation
also introduced themselves.
PERSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT QUARTERLY SAFETY AWARD:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the group that the Person County Safety
Committee implemented a safety recognition program whereby each quarter, a county
department will be awarded a Certificate of Safety and Health Achievement for
exemplifying dedication to the health and safety of employees at the work site. The
recipient of the award is selected by the Person County Safety Committee, whose
recommendations are based on established criteria such as attendance at county wide
safety trainings, reporting hazards and accidents in a timely manner and investigation and
following up with each accident. The selection committee also looks at how well the
department performs on facility inspections, emergency procedures testing and other
safety acts.
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Ms. York recognized the Person Area Transportation System (PATS), on behalf
of the Person County Safety Committee, as the next quarterly county department safety
award winner for the quarter ending March 2014.
Ms. York highlighted that PATS was established in 1999 and exists to serve all
county residents. It currently maintains a fleet of 15 vehicles and logs around 44,000
trips each year. This includes contracts with Person Industries and Person County
Department of Social Services for the provision of transportation services to their clients.
PATS average 200-240 stops per day throughout the entire service.
Ms. York stated PATS were chosen by the committee for their outstanding safety
practices. This department is dedicated to safety and work hard to provide the programs
that they currently have in place. Their goal is to provide a safe and comfortable ride
each time a passenger boards their vehicle. Drivers must be trained and perform
inspections to help ensure that their vehicles are safe, understand how to safely operate
their vehicle in a variety of condition, safe loading and unloading passengers day to day
and in emergency situations. The programs they have in place provide the staff the
knowledge and confidence that they need to get the job done safely. The staff attends
county wide safety training, new employee and monthly trainings. PATS has an annual
evaluation by the North Carolina Department of Transportation which consist of the
System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).
For earning the safety award, PATS will receive a certificate of achievement and
have their name inscribed on the Person County Government Quarterly Safety
Department Plaque that is located in the hallway just outside of the Commissioners’
Meeting Room. An article will be in the county newsletter and submitted to the
newspaper to highlight the efforts of the county department to provide outstanding
contributions to safety with an emphasis on providing their employees a safe and healthy
work environment. PATS have joined four other departments that, according to the
words of the plaque, are recognized for “exemplary work and dedication to Person
County Government, providing outstanding contributions to safety with an emphasis on
providing their employees a safe and healthy work environment”. In attendance
receiving the award were PATS staff members Kathy Adcock and Rhonda Long.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Don Narensky of 1 Summer Place Farm Road, Timberlake referred to a
recent article in the Courier-Times related to the Duke Power coal ash spill and 2,500
tons of coal ash from the spill being accepted at the Upper Piedmont’s landfill in Person
County. Mr. Narensky urged the Board to use its authority to block this action noting his
desire that Duke Energy isolate the toxins from the environment by storing in the
concrete tanks. Mr. Narensky further noted this action can set a hazardous precedent.
Ms. Betty Blalock of 144 Tirzah Ridge, Rougemont addressed the Board related
to Upper Piedmont landfill accepting the coal ash which contains arsenic and other toxins
that are harmful to the wells to which these toxins come in contact. Ms. Blalock stated
Duke Energy would not close one or both power plants due to the County not accepting
their waste. Ms. Blalock told the Board of the case of Ms. Flora Peed finding her well
contaminated having to dig a new well on two separate occasions noting the expense of
such due to arsenic. Ms. Blalock stated she would report back to the Board on diseases
and the death rates in Person County.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of March 24, 2014
B. Tax Adjustments for March 2014
a. March 2014 tax releases
b. March 2014 NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
PUBLIC SAFETY/BROADBAND SECOND OPINION AND FEASIBILITY
STUDY UPDATE:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate reminded the Board at their April 7, 2014
meeting discussed the option to obtain a second opinion for the costs of the public
safety/broadband feasibility study and the need to present options for constructing four
towers over four years and over two years. Ms. Tate presented to the Board a quote that
was received from Mission Critical Partners, Inc. (MCP) to provide a second opinion at a
cost of $37,000.
Ms. Tate noted the previous consultant provide a quote to update the feasibility
study to show two additional timelines for constructing the towers (4 towers over four
years and 2 towers over two years) for $7,500.
Ms. Tate stated public safety staff and she accompanied state highway patrol staff
on a tour of all four proposed tower sites noting the highway patrol staff working with the
VIPER system are very interested in partnering with the county at the Woodland site
however they could not commit until the state’s funding was secured which could take up
to one year.
Chairman Clayton commented to the group as he was the one that requested a
second opinion that $37,000 was unreasonable and not economically feasible.
Commissioner Puryear advocated for the project to proceed without any further
delay and questioned if the update to the feasibility was necessary for staff to proceed.
County Manager, Heidi York noted county staffs are not equipped with the knowledge
and resources to proceed without the consultant’s guide related to the timelines for
planning, environmental studies, construction order, technology and would not want to
take on the liability for such.
Ms. Tate indicated the update to the feasibility study may be provided as soon as
the Board’s second meeting in May.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to approve
updating the feasibility study to show the additional two timelines for constructing the
towers at a cost of up to $7,500.
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PERSON COUNTY YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL FOLLOW-UP:
Vice Chairman Jeffers presented the following criterion for the Person County
Youth Advisory Council for input from Board members, school staff, students and
citizens. Vice Chairman Jeffers stated his hopes to have the Youth Council in place for
the next school year and credited Catawba County for sharing their developed Youth
Council criterion.
Purpose: The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to provide teens in the
community an opportunity to be active citizens. Through experiences and education,
youth will be empowered in the community. The Youth Council will expose teens to
county government, allow teens an opportunity to discuss issues, and interact with county
commissioners.
Membership: Members must be residents of Person County and rising 9th -12th
graders. Candidates must complete the application process. Rising 9th-11th graders will
serve a two-year term, 12 graders will serve a 1 year term. The initial board will consist
of twelve youth. The Youth Advisory Council will be comprised of four youth from the
following high schools: Person High School, and Roxboro Community School
representing each grade. There will be four additional council members serving as at-
large members to allow representation from Home Schooled students or students
attending alternate institutions of learning.
Two Adult Advisors will be selected through a competitive application process from the
community and must be residents of Person County and an approved background check.
County Staff will be welcomed without an application process.
Election of Officers: Officers will be elected using a written ballot. A quorum must be
present at the meeting (half of the current membership plus one) for an election to be
valid. Candidates may give a speech of three minutes or less on the day of the elections.
The following offices will be filled:
• President - The President will preside over general meetings and confer with the
Adult Advisors about the agenda prior to meetings. The President will oversee
committees and notify members about meetings and events.
• Vice President- the Vice President will preside over meetings in absence of the
President and assist the President in overseeing committees.
• Secretary- The Secretary will keep attendance and take minutes during meetings.
• Historian - The Historian will take photographs of members at events and share with
Advisor. The Historian will help compile a visual newsletter for county
commissioners.
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Committees: The following committees will be established:
• Recruitment and Application Committee - Responsible for seeking new members for
the Youth Advisory Council and reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and
making recommendations to the Council and Board of Commissioners for
appointments.
• Education Committee- Responsible for planning educational opportunities for the
Youth Advisory Council.
• Communication Committee – Responsible for ensuring adequately positive publicity
of the Person County Youth Advisory Council.
The Youth Advisory Council members will:
• Serve as ad hoc members to county boards/councils as determined by the
Commissioners
• Attend at least two Commissioner meetings a year (verified by advisor)
• Attend scheduled Youth Council meetings. Members must attend 75% of regular
meetings. Any member who does not attend the required number of meetings in a
year will be removed from the Council.
• Identify and discuss issues facing youth in the county.
• Create strategies that address these youth issues.
• Educate young people in the community about their role as citizens.
Code of Ethics: No inappropriate behavior will be allowed at any Youth Council
meeting or function. Council members should strive to become model students and role
models for others at all times.
Procedures: The Youth Council will use Parliamentary Procedure and follow Robert's
Rule of Order.
Meetings: The Youth Council shall hold regularly scheduled meetings that are
publicly announced in advance and subject to the general statutes governing public
meetings and public records.
The Youth Council criterion was received favorably by the Board with input to
proceed, adjust as needed and to seek recommendations from faculty.
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NEW BUSINESS:
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE:
County Planner, Paula Murphy provided an overview of the process for updating
and transitioning the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to a Multi-jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan (HMP), which would include the City of Roxboro. The Federal and State
governments passed legislation requiring cities and counties to develop, adopt and
implement an HMP in order to be eligible for post-disaster public assistance funds
following a future disaster. Ms. Murphy stated FEMA’s monthly status report shows the
expiration date as March 30, 2015 to complete the update.
Ms. Murphy noted the detailed plan addresses a variety of potential natural and
non-natural hazards that could affect some or all of the county’s residents. Communities
with a FEMA-approved HMP may also apply for pre-disaster mitigation funding for
projects to mitigate risk to both public and private property, such as home elevations and
local flood control measures. Ultimately these projects will reduce vulnerability and
enable communities to recover more quickly from disasters.
Ms. Murphy said the County’s current Hazard Mitigation Plan will be reviewed
for any changes, i.e. facilities that may be at-risk, shelter points, access for daycare and
elderly citizens. Ms. Murphy stated no Board action was needed at this time.
Vice Chairman Jeffers referred to the recent Ice Storm in March asking about the
capability of EMS and the Sheriff’s Office staffs assisting in transportation for critical
needed DSS staff for shelters and programs. County Manager, Heidi York stated the first
priority is for public safety staff to respond to emergencies noting if there was capability
to assist with transportation, then arrangements may be made. Ms. York noted EMS has
one current non-emergency vehicle. Ms. York stated DSS has requested a four-wheel
drive vehicle in their upcoming budget to which she plans to recommend that could assist
with DSS staff members’ transportation, if appropriate.
April 21, 2014
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Commissioner Blalock requested the Board take a brief recess. Chairman Clayton
announced a brief recess at 9:56 am.
Chairman Clayton reconvened the meeting at 10:00 am.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE REMEDIATION OF WATER
CONTAMINATION RELATED TO COAL COMBUSTION WASTE AND
REMOVAL OF COAL COMBUSTION WASTE:
Chairman Clayton stated the Resolution supporting the Remediation of Water
Contamination related to Coal Combustion Waste and removal of Coal Combustion
Waste will be before the Kerr Tar Council of Government (COG) Board of Directors for
consideration for adoption at their April 24, 2014 meeting. County Manager, Heidi York
added the resolution was provided by the Dan River Association to the COG and that
COG staff had passed the resolution to the member governments for each governing body
to consider adopting. Ms. York noted that Commissioner Blalock provided input and
added the last whereas statement in the resolution before the Board of Commissioners.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to table action on the
Resolution supporting the Remediation of Water Contamination related to Coal
Combustion Waste and removal of Coal Combustion Waste until after the joint session
meeting with the City of Roxboro scheduled for May 8, 2014 to allow the information
session to be held related to the Dan River spill.
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell, and carried 5-0 to authorize the
County Manager and the County Attorney to review the permitted dumping to make sure
it is actually permitted to go in the landfill and to verify the steps of the process and to
stop the process, if necessary.
April 21, 2014
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ADOPTION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2015-
2019:
County Manager, Heidi York and Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg requested
adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2015-2019. Ms. York
highlighted the revisions to the Recommended five-year CIP that was presented to the
Person County Board of Commissioners on April 7, 2014 as follows:
1) The removal of the Public Safety and Broadband Communication Towers Project
at this time. The intention is to fund the environmental assessment for one tower
site in FY14-15 from the General Fund. The amount of the environmental
assessment will not meet the $50,000 project threshold for inclusion in the CIP.
Once the feasibility study has been revised with an amended schedule to spread
out the project over multiple years, new estimates will be added for future years to
complete the construction of the towers. This change reflects a decrease of $2.5M
in FY14-15 and $2.5M in FY15-16 along with a contingency of $125,000 for
each year.
2) Adjusted the third year of the Telephone System replace costs from $51,000 to
$57,000 in FY16-17 to reflect most recent price quotes.
3) Changed the timing of the Kirby Replacement Seating from FY18 to FY17.
Ms. York stated the adoption of CIP will allocate funding for the projects in
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 only as well as set the priorities of the projects for the coming
fiscal years.
Vice Chairman Jeffers requested a debt proceeds report. Ms. Wehrenberg stated
the debt report would be included in the finalized CIP report noting some debt will come
off the books in FY15 with over $2M to come off in FY16.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to adopt the
Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2015-2019 and allocate funding for the
projects in Fiscal Year 2014-2015 as presented.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Clayton commented he would have a state environmental committee
meeting to report on in May. Chairman Clayton thanked the students in attendance for
being so attentive to the meeting. Chairman Clayton asked if any students in the
audience had any questions, two young ladies came forward to ask questions related to
the availability of the proposed Youth Council applications and the selection process.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated the Youth Council applications will be available through the
school’s office and selection will be through the input and recommendation of teachers
and school staff.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York announced the joint session scheduled on May 8,
2014 for the Board of Commissioners and Roxboro City Council to be held in the County
Auditorium at 6:00 pm. Ms. York stated related to the informational session on the Dan
River Spill, the following individuals/groups have been informed/invited to participate:
o Tanya Evans, Duke Energy,
o Senator Woodard offered to bring a speaker from DENR,
o Dan River Association Executive Director, and
o Blue Ridge Environmental group invited by Commissioner Blalock
Ms. York asked if the Board would like for her to invite Representative Winkie
Wilkins and for input related to the proposal of limiting each speaker to ten minutes with
time for questions.
Commissioner Puryear stated he was not in support of having special interest
group to address both governing bodies. Commissioner Blalock stated the speaker, Lou
Zeller, from the Blue Ridge Environmental group is a scientific presentation of the report
previously shared with the Board. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
invite Representative Wilkins and to hear from all participants with the ten-minute time
limit.
Commissioner Puryear noted the main purpose of the joint session meeting with
Roxboro City Council is to discuss a Senior Center partnership.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioners Newell and Puryear had no reports.
Commissioner Blalock thanked the students for their participation and noted she
would see them on Thursday, April 24, 2014 in their classrooms.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated he recently met with the Congressional delegation
for NC counties to discuss issues such as keeping municipal bonds exempt,
reauthorization of transportation authority Bill 21, advocating for payment in lieu of taxes
(PILT) for those 41 counties that use this federal program, Immigration Reform impacts
and NC DOT infrastructure needs.
Chairman Clayton recessed the meeting to the Board of Commissioners’ meeting
room 215 at 10:27 am.
Chairman Clayton reconvened the meeting in the Board’s usual meeting room at
10:36 am.
CLOSED SESSIONS
Closed Session #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to consider the acquisition or lease
of real property at 10:36 am with the following individuals permitted to attend: County
Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ron
Aycock, Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate and John Hill, Arts, Parks & Recreation
Director.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to return to pen
session at 11:10 am.
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Closed Session #2
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to enter into
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 11:11 am with the following individuals permitted to
attend: County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, and County
Attorney, Ron Aycock.
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell, and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:19 am.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 11:19 am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman