BOC Minutes February 24 2014
February 24, 2014
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FEBRUARY 24, 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
recessed session on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8:00 am in the Commissioners’
meeting room in the Person County Office Building for the purpose of a joint session
meeting with the Economic Development Commission.
Chairman Clayton called the recessed meeting to order. Commissioner Newell
was absent.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 4-0 to immediately
relocate the joint session meeting to room 166 in the County Office Building.
Chairman Clayton reconvened the meeting at 8:04 am in room 166 and led
invocation.
In attendance at the joint session were the following:
Chairman Clayton, Vice Chairman Jeffers and Commissioners Puryear, and
Blalock, City of Roxboro’s Mayor, Merilyn Newell, County Manager, Heidi York, City
of Roxboro Manager, Steven Steese, Piedmont Community College (PCC) President, Dr.
Walter Bartlett, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Derek Sims, Roxboro Development
Group Chairman Will Carver, Director of PCC’s Small Business Center, Randy Reynolds
and citizen representative, Kenneth Perry. Others present were Economic Development
(ED) Director, Stuart Gilbert, ED Administrative Assistant, Sherry Wilborn and Clerk to
the Board of Commissioners, Brenda Reaves. Commissioner Newell arrived to the joint
meeting at 8:11 am.
UPDATE ON GIS AND BROADBAND PROJECTS:
Randy Reynolds, Economic Development Commission Chairman introduced the
representatives from the Timmons Group and ECC Technologies and asked them to
proceed with their presentations to the group.
Mr. Brian O’Kane and Mr. Mike Solomon of the Timmons Group gave the group
the following presentation:
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Mr. Kurt Frenzel and Mr. Joe Starks with ECC Technologies gave the group the
following presentation:
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The group received the information from the presentations and welcomed the
opportunity to market Person County to the world through technology aided databases
with mapped site specific data layers for Person County parcels including power, fiber,
water and sewer, etc. that prove to be a valuable resource for the state and potential
recruiting efforts for industry. Mr. Gilbert has the ability as the economic development
director to update the website through the technology company teams to provide fast
response to industry representatives looking at Person County as a potential site to locate
and/or expand business.
RECESS
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to recess the joint
session meeting at 9:07 am. The Board of Commissioners returned to their usual board
room and reconvened the regular meeting at 9:17 am.
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 add to the
agenda an item for an update and request for the Person County Senior Center by the
Kerr Tar Council of Government Executive Director, Diane Cox.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and failed 2-3 to add to the
agenda an item for discussion for a joint session meeting with the City of Roxboro.
Commissioners Puryear and Newell voted in favor of the motion. Chairman Clayton,
Vice Chairman Jeffers and Commissioner Blalock voted in opposition to the motion.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 4-1 to add to the
agenda a Closed Session for attorney consultation. Commissioner Puryear cast the lone
dissenting vote.
It was the consensus of the Board to approve the agenda as adjusted.
RECOGNITIONS:
Chairman Clayton read and presented a Resolution of Appreciation to each
Person County retiree, Blanche Clayton, Barbara Lynn Fuller, Linda Faye Gryder, and
Wanda Rogers.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Leigh Woodall of 200 Reade Drive, Roxboro advocated for two road projects
to the Board of Commissioners and to the NCDOT representatives in the audience for
consideration for funding. The first road request was for the paving of Frogboro Road
that serves Person and Caswell counties and in close proximity to Lake Roxboro. The
second road project related to the four-lane of 501 North to the Virginia line noting the
first phase is currently funded and in construction with phase two currently unfunded.
Former Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Winstead of 101 Sam’s Ham Road, Leasburg
requested assistance from the Board and the NCDOT representatives in the audience to
pave three-tenths of a mile of Frogsboro Road in Person County that runs into Caswell
County.
Mr. Phillip Wade of 338 Roxboro Lake Road, Leasburg and Mayor of Frogsboro
stated his hopes to get Frogsboro Road paved.
Representative Winkie Wilkins of 210 Fair Oaks Drive, Roxboro stated he had
heard the request from former commissioner, Sam Winstead and had gathered
information through discussion with NCDOT staff that estimated $275,000 costs to pave
and maintain the three-tenths of a mile of Frogsboro Road noting using the criteria
presently used by NCDOT, Frogsboro Road did not rate well.
Ms. Diane Fox of 1870 Edwin Robertson Road, Roxboro and Vice President of
the Person County Historical Society appeared before the Board to request help in finding
another location due to the Senior Center building no longer being able to be occupied.
Currently the Person County Historical Society office is located in the lower level of the
Senior Center and is not charged any rent.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Minutes of January 21, 2014,
B. Minutes of February 3, 2014,
C. Budget Amendment 11, and
D. ABC Board adoption of Person County Travel Policy effective 9/26/2011.
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CHANGES TO NCDOT SECONDARY ROADS PROGRAM:
Division Maintenance Engineer, Brandon Jones, on behalf of NCDOT Division
5/District 2 presented changes to the NCDOT’s Secondary Roads Program 2013-2014.
Division Engineer, Wally Bowman, P.E., Deputy Division Engineer, Joey
Hopkins, P.E., and Person County Maintenance Engineer, Anthony Talley was also
present.
Mr. Jones stated NCDOT has focused on providing more strategic transportation
investments and funding of the secondary road program has decreased dramatically.
House Bill 817 requires NCDOT to develop a statewide priority list for the
remaining state maintained unpaved secondary roads as well as provides a non-recurring
$15 million appropriation for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 shared statewide distributed by
county based on the traditional formula using county pro-rata share of secondary road
mileage.
House Bill 817 also provides an additional $12 million of recurring annual
appropriation which will be used to fund the paving of roads from a statewide paving
priority list that is yet to be established. County Commissioners will be notified should a
project be selected in Person County.
Mr. Jones presented this year’s program to reconcile past Highway Fund
allocations as a part of this fiscal year’s $15 million appropriation noting any active
projects from previous Fiscal Year’s funding will be continued.
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Mr. Jones addressed the request for paving Frogsboro Road noting that Frogsboro
Road is currently ranked at 1,729 on the priority list noting traffic count, businesses,
homes, churches, schools all factor into the ranking criteria. Mr. Jones confirmed the
Caswell County portion of Frogsboro Road is paved.
Commissioner Newell asked Mr. Jones if there were any implications for road
maintenance to be passed down to counties. Mr. Jones noted the state’s responsibility for
maintenance on state roads further noting counties could participate in funding road
maintenance if desired.
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERANS
AND FAMILIES:
Ms. Judy Pounds, Program Director with Volunteers of America Carolinas
Supportive Services for Veterans and Families stated the goal of the Volunteers of
America Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program is to promote
housing stability among very low-income Veteran families who reside in or are
transitioning to permanent housing by providing case management services and
temporary financial assistance (TFA) for Program participants.
Volunteers of America Supportive Services for Veterans and Families has a VA
grant of $360,000.00 to serve the veterans in Person County and 14 other counties in
Central North Carolina. The counties include Alamance, Caswell, Person, Chatham,
Durham, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Randolph,
Rockingham, and Wake.
Ms. Pounds introduced Ms. Orlando Dawson, Case Manager assigned to Person
County. Ms. Dawson will use office space provided by the Department of Social
Services through Ms. Melinda Hudson.
Ms. Pounds noted SSVF is targeting veterans who served in Operation Iraq
Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom as well as who has
served, including World War II, Korean, and Vietnam with an honorable or general
discharge with an income 50% below the median.
Board members encouraged Ms. Pounds and Ms. Dawson to market SSVF
through the county’s veteran coordinator, Richard Vining and through groups such as
Rotary, Kiwanis, Grange, Roxboro Jaycees and the Roxboro Elks.
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2013 STATE OF THE COUNTY HEALTH REPORT:
Leigh Ann Creson, Health Educator for the Person County Health Department
presented to the Board the 2013 State of the County Health Report. Ms. Creson stated
the report provides current mortality and morbidity data for the county. It also lists health
priorities identified through the 2011 Community Health Assessment process and reveals
progress made towards addressing those priorities in the past year. New and emerging
issues in public health are addressed as well as other changes in the county that have the
potential to impact the health of Personians.
Vice Chairman Jeffers asked Ms. Creson how many Personians have some form
of health insurance. Ms. Creson noted that data is included in the large report that is
located on the web site however she would email that information to him. Ms. Creson
stated the web site is health.personcounty.net under the health data/community resources
link.
Commissioner Blalock asked Ms. Creson if the Health Strategic Plan was
completed. Ms. Creson noted it is not yet completed with another meeting scheduled for
mid March.
A summary of the 2013 State of the County Health Report as presented to the
Board is below.
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PERSON AREA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM PLAN:
Kathy Adcock, Person Area Transportation System (PATS) Manager, requested
Board approval of the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP). Ms. Adcock noted the SSPP
is a required safety review done by NCDOT that consist of a six core element assessment
of PATS. The core elements included are 1) driver/employee, 2) driver training, 3) safety
analysis, 4) drug and alcohol, 5) vehicle maintenance and 6) security. Ms. Adcock stated
the assessment resulted in minor deficiencies to which PATS was given an allotted time
to respond and correct such deficiencies. Ms. Adcock stated Person County’s review has
been completed and meets NCDOT’s guidelines. Ms. Adcock requested Board approval
of the SSPP.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to approve the
System Safety Program Plan for the Person Area Transportation System.
PROPOSAL TO SCHEDULE PERSON COUNTY’S NEXT REVALUATION FOR
2021:
Tax Administrator, Russell Jones told the Board General Statute 105-286 requires
all counties in North Carolina conduct a revaluation of all real properties at least as often
as every eight years (octennial cycle). While this is the minimum requirement, Mr. Jones
noted many counties have, in the past, chosen to conduct revaluations more frequently, as
allowed by General Statute 105-286(a)(3).
Mr. Jones stated Person County conducted its first shorter revaluation for 1989.
After 1989, Person County continued to conduct four-year revaluations through 2005.
Mr. Jones explained the shorter cycle revaluations were necessary because of the
following:
• Rapid changes in the real estate market. Real estate values were
increasing at a rate of 3-4% each year. Since all properties change value
at different rates, revaluations are needed in a changing market to maintain
equity.
• To avoid equalization with Public Service Companies. Since Public
Service Companies are valued annually, counties are required to maintain
a sales ratio above 90% in order to fairly assess all properties equally.
With properties changing more that 3% each year, it was very easy to drop
below a 90% sales ratio if a shorter revaluation cycle was not followed.
Mr. Jones recalled Person County’s 2009 revaluation was delayed until 2013 due
to economic uncertainties in the real estate market. Mr. Jones noted the County’s next
revaluation is currently scheduled for 2017 further noting Person County is experiencing
very little change in value, and it appears that this will continue for many more months.
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Mr. Jones stated since real estate values are basically stagnant (neither rising or
declining), the County should consider conducting its next revaluation at eight years. By
scheduling the next revaluation for 2021, Person County will:
• Save the expenses of an extra revaluation cycle (approximate saving of
$300,000).
• Keep the current values until 2021. Unless the real estate market starts
changing, the current values will remain accurate.
Mr. Jones stated the tax office will continue to monitor the real estate market, and
will alert the Board if the real estate market changes enough to indicate that a sooner
revaluation is needed. If our sales ratio falls below 90% in either a 1st, 4th, or 7th year of
the revaluation cycle, equalization will be applied to lower the tax liability of all Public
Service Companies.
Mr. Jones requested the Board to adopt a Resolution Rescinding the Advancement
Date of a Reappraisal of Property in Person County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution Rescinding the Advancement Date of a Reappraisal of Property in Person
County which would set the next scheduled reappraisal of January 1, 2021.
Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Jones about the bidding process for revaluation.
Mr. Jones noted the revaluation process begins about two and one-half years before
costing approximately $300,000-$350,000. Mr. Jones explained he has historically
contracted with Pearson who has expertise in lake properties on a per day rate noting he
has had a better product doing the work in-house.
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate reminded the Board a feasibility study to
determine the total cost for the public safety and broadband project was funded in
January. Ms. Tate said that Technology Systems Solutions (TSS Partners) has
conducted the feasibility study and Mr. Frank Marum will present the final results of their
research as well as answer questions about the public safety communication system. The
Public Safety/Broad Feasibility Study for Person County follows:
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Mr. Marum gave the group the following presentation:
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Vice Chairman Jeffers requested more information for the costs to repair the
current equipment deficiencies. Tommy Cole, Communications Director stated the age
of the current towers with aging equipment coupled with the line of sight obstructions
due to the current tower heights are lower than needed. Mr. Marum noted the appropriate
tower height for a line of sight without obstruction should be 250-300 feet.
Commissioner Newell questioned the timing of the environmental study as
presented noting his desire to have the study completed prior to spending money. Mr.
Marum stated the timeline presented is according to industry standard. The timeline
indicated the public safety towers to be completed in 28 months and the broadband in 25
months.
BROADBAND PROJECT:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate told the group that LightLeap by NC
Wireless was the recommended vendor to provide broadband service to the unserved
areas of Person County. Ms. Tate noted LightLeap would install its equipment on the
towers that will be built as part of the public safety communication system. Ms. Tate
introduced Mr. Joshua Strickland and Mr. Bill Shillito with LightLeap to present
information about providing service to the unserved areas of Person County and answer
questions about the proposed broadband system.
Mr. Strickland gave the group the following presentation:
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Commissioner Puryear spoke of two currently unserved locations in Person
County that have advocated for broadband access: 1) Julian Oakley Road and 2) Mann
Oakley Road.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated support of receiving more options for the existing
locations that would be implemented in a quicker timeframe.
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate stated she would obtain costs from
LightLeap for placing equipment on existing water tanks, etc.
Ms. Tate had two follow-up items in regard to the public safety and broadband
projects:
1) FCC has requested expressions of interest to be filed from cities and counties
interested in providing service to unserved rural areas noting providers and
local government officials will submit a letter to the FCC; F CC will review
various solutions and potentially choosing some for funding via a grant
program. It was the consensus of the Board to grant approval for Ms. Tate to
submit an expression of interest together with Granville County, as presented.
2) Financing options for the public safety and broadband projects may be
available through the Piedmont Electric Membership Coop/USDA program
which provides 0% interest over ten years. Ms. Tate noted there is a cap for
funding at $2.36 million noting the public safety/broadband projects may be
applied for two separate years to encompass the full financing required for the
project. It was the consensus of the Board for the Finance Director to move
forward with the application process.
It was the consensus of the Board to defer two items to the next scheduled Board
meeting on March 17, 2014:
1. Review of Board appointed Boards and Commissions
2. Boards and Committees Appointments
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AN UPDATE AND REQUEST FOR THE PERSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
BY THE KERR TAR COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT:
Diane Cox, Director of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG)
stated she and other Senior Center staff have looked at many possible temporary
locations for the Person County Senior Center. Ms. Cox noted the best option identified
is a combination of two locations that are geographically close together (clients could
walk from one building to the other to participate in various programs). The two
temporary locations are:
1) The Perfect Venue located on Long Avenue and behind the County Office
Building has approximately 4,000 square feet---Site could accommodate a congregate
nutrition site, space to package home delivered meals, a small fitness center, activities for
small groups, reception area, office space that 2 people could share, some storage space
for essentials. The site would also accommodate some of the community groups that use
the Depot Street location.
2) Auditorium in the County Office Building could be used for exercise
classes, line dance classes and some of the activities for larger groups. Ms. Cox stated
the Senior Center staff would work closely with the County agencies in scheduling use of
the site. There is also one small office that could be used at the County Office Building.
Commissioners Puryear and Newell made contact with Amy Henderson, owner of
the Perfect Venue regarding use as a temporary space for the Senior Center as the center
prepared to move out of its city-owned Depot Street facility no later than March 21, 2014
due to recent structural analysis indicating problems with the building’s roof support
system that would be a safety concern. Ms. Cox noted Ms. Henderson has set the lease of
the building at $2,500/month, but is willing to rent at $1,700/month for a lease term of
12-months. As a non-profit corporation, Ms. Cox noted the COG would provide her with
documentation for a tax deductible donation of $800 a month to make up the difference.
Ms. Cox further noted that the Senior Center does not have a budget for payment of a
monthly rental fee. Ms. Cox stated the COG has found funds totaling $500 per month
that could be applied to the rent payments. Ms. Cox requested Board consideration to
assist in the remaining portion of the monthly rent payment of $1,200 to lease the Perfect
Venue noting she would be making the same request to the City of Roxboro.
Ms. Cox told the Board that the COG and Senior Center are very grateful for the
financial assistance provided by Person County noting those funds are allocated as the
required match funds for the federal and state grants received to provide many services to
the seniors in Person County. Ms. Cox reiterated that no services are intended to be cut
or interrupted to the County’s most venerable seniors however without financial
assistance from the county and city governments, some services may indeed be cut.
Chairman Clayton pointed out that the County currently appropriates $100,000 in
funding to Senior Center programming and the City of Roxboro historically provides the
facility for those services. Ms. Cox noted that The Perfect Venue will not accommodate
any additional storage for community organizations as done in the past at the Depot site.
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Ms. Cox noted storage will be allowed to continue at the Depot site, however no
occupancy until the needed structural repairs are completed.
Commissioner Blalock stated the Workforce Development Center may be utilized
in the future for possible exercise space.
County Manager, Heidi York noted The Perfect Venue does not have adequate
parking for all participants noting the County Office Building adjacent parking lots may
be strained at times.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, and carried 5-0 to allocate
$7,200 to the Person County Senior Center to be used to pay a portion of the rent ($600
per month for twelve months).
Chairman Clayton announced a brief break at 12:49 pm. The meeting was
reconvened at 12:54 pm.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Clayton noted the issue of environmental pollution related to the Dan
River fly ash spill. Chairman Clayton further noted the moratorium of the mining of
uranium in Virginia. Chairman Clayton stated had it been a uranium issue, water
supply/bottle water would have been seriously affected.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported the following:
• Airport Commission would be meeting on February 27, 2014 at 10:00 am at the
Airport.
• The Board has one regularly scheduled meeting on March 17, 2014 at 9:00 am in
the County Auditorium noting this date is designated for Local Government Day.
• The Helena Steering Committee will present its recommendations to the Board at
the Board’s next scheduled meeting on March 17, 2014.
• The Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education will meet jointly in the
County Auditorium at 6:00 pm on March 24, 2014.
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COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Newell questioned who is at risk for the money spent with the
architect for the proposed Recreational/Senior Center to be located at the Huck Sansbury
site and the possibility of the having that money paid back. Chairman Clayton stated the
Board would have to consult with the County Attorney. County Attorney, Ron Aycock
stated the Board should discuss in Closed Session due to any potential for a lawsuit.
Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Aycock if he had reviewed the contract to which Mr.
Aycock confirmed affirmatively.
Commissioner Newell stated the Leggett building is a well-constructed 30,000
square ft. facility and the projection according to an email he saw recently is $1million to
purchase and renovate for Senior Center uses. Commissioner Newell stated both the
Leggett building and the Workforce Development Center could both be evaluated for
Senior Center uses however the Leggett property could yield more for the investment at
the same time taking revenue off the tax books. Commissioner Newell questioned the
historical building code and how it would affect the current Depot Street site facility.
Commissioner Blalock made the group aware of House Bill 74 noting the Mining
and Energy Commission are in study mode and is rushing to approve the rules by
October 2014. This timeline includes 60-days of public comment and public hearings
with aggressive schedules posted. Commissioner Blalock stated waste management,
enforcement, penalty, bonding; permit denial and baseline water testing have not been
addressed. Commissioner Blalock noted that counties may be able to pass an ordinance
by unanimous vote to be grandfathered before the rules are finalized. The proposed
ordinance would outline no exploration nor production waste be allowed in Person
County noting all counties are vulnerable for fracking and waste disposal at this time.
Commissioner Blalock stated the possibility for such waste (drill cuttings, contaminated
with chemicals/radioactive) could be brought to Person County’s solid waste landfill.
The trend of the Mining and Energy Commission is to lessen mining regulations with
more restrictions on the counties to inhibit their efforts. Commissioner Blalock requested
Board action on the local level as well as at the state level by Chairman Clayton and Vice
Chairman Jeffers.
Commissioner Puryear noted he and Commissioner Newell toured the Leggett
building along with other officials from the City and School Board noting his
disappointment that the Board could not discuss a joint meeting with the City.
Commissioner Puryear noted every commissioner has added an agenda item and it has
been a courtesy to accept the addition of agenda items. Commissioner Puryear felt it to
be disrespectful for a member of the Board not to be able to add an item to the agenda.
Commissioner Puryear directed the Clerk to the Board to include on the next agenda an
item to discuss a joint session meeting with the City of Roxboro. Commissioner Puryear
added that his dialogue with the City of the Leggett ground level of the building to be
used for the Senior Center and the top level a possibility for Early College with lottery
funding used for the renovation noting the facility has endless possibilities for a win-win
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for the County, the City, as well as enhance the beauty of Uptown Roxboro and it is a
part of the Future’s project, and a convenient location with close proximity to drug stores.
Commissioner Puryear stated before any price is negotiated, the Board should meet with
the City and work in partnership.
Commissioner Puryear asked the County Manager about the Code Red test.
County Manager, Heidi York stated citizens are encouraged to sign up for emergency
notifications and the test went smoothly.
Commissioner Puryear asked Chairman Clayton if he and Vice Chairman Jeffers
had a meeting with Tommy Wagstaff and if it was county business, what was discussed.
Vice Chairman Jeffers reminded Commissioner Puryear that he told the County
Manager that she works for the entire Board noting he nor Commissioner Newell or the
County Manager were authorized to represent the County during their visit to the Ruffin
Woody building, further noting the full Board of Commissioners was not invited.
Commissioner Puryear stated he and Commissioner Newell are excluded on emails and
he did inform the newspaper and the County Manager send out an email about the tour.
Vice Chairman Jeffers noted when there is a quorum (three commissioners) there is a
public meeting which requires public notice/advertisement and that was not done for the
Leggett tour further noting there was no invitation email or a call to invite him to the tour.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated he did not have to explain to anyone when he meets with
someone on his private time and he was not representing the County when he met with
Tommy Wagstaff. Vice Chairman Jeffers asked Commissioner Puryear if he was
representing the County when he talked to Ruffin Woody, or his son-in-law involved
with the tour of the Leggett building related to a possible price. Commissioner Puryear
stated he was not authorized to represent the County but he felt the County needed a plan
noting there was no plan in place. Vice Chairman Jeffers stated there is a plan to have
the Senior Center at the Huck Sansbury site with the site plan ready.
CLOSED SESSION #1:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, 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 1:11 pm 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, General Services Director, Ray Foushee,
Person Industries Director, Wanda Rogers and Person Industries Assistant Director,
Becky Clayton.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 1:21 pm.
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Chairman Clayton stated the Board reviewed in Closed Session the acquisition of
property owned by Tommy Wagstaff currently used for the Person County Recycling
Center. Chairman Clayton called for a motion related to the Offer to Purchase and
Contract Agreement between Wagstaff Associates and Person County for 5.30 acres
located at 711 Leasburg Road, Roxboro, (Tax Record 27317) at the purchase price of
$850,000 ($20,000 due diligence fee at effective date with $830,000 due on settlement) to
be paid from the County Fund Balance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 3-2 to approve the
Offer to Purchase and Contract Agreement between Wagstaff Associates and Person
County for 5.30 acres located at 711 Leasburg Road, Roxboro, (Tax Record 27317) at the
purchase price of $850,000 ($20,000 due diligence fee at effective date with $830,000
due on settlement) to be paid from the County Fund Balance. Chairman Clayton, Vice
Chairman Jeffers and Commissioner Blalock voted in support of the motion.
Commissioners Puryear and Newell voted in opposition to the motion.
Commissioner Puryear voiced his opposition to the motion noting the County had
the opportunity to buy the same property at a much lower cost last fall when the Board
was focused on the Bromma property.
Vice Chairman Jeffers clarified the County was under a purchase agreement at the
same time the lower price was extended to the County. Commissioner Puryear added that
County was not bound to that contact and could negotiate other contract(s) as pointed out
by Mr. Wagstaff’s attorney. Chairman Clayton stated the County could not take
advantage of the lower price which had an expiration date during the same time the
County was in process with the Bromma contract.
Commissioner Newell noted the per capita income information for the last eight
to ten years that the Board received from the County Manager indicated the per capita
income is the same if not lower. Commissioner Newell stated the County averages
spending $600,000 annually on Person Industries and Recycling and the income is not
rising to justify the additional expenses.
Commissioner Newell proposed to close both Person Industries (PI) and the
Recycling Center noting the County is not required by law to have these services.
Commissioner Blalock countered with information related to services the County
provides that do not have revenues, i.e. Dept. of Social Services $72 million in 2010-
2011, Public Safety, Court System. Commissioner Blalock requested the budget include
revenues for each line beside expenditures for every department. Commissioner Blalock
stated the County provides services and jobs. Commissioner Newell asked Wanda
Rogers, Director of PI how people with disabilities are paid. Ms. Rogers stated some
people with disabilities receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are paid on the
job per a production contract. Commissioner Newell asked Ms. Rogers if those jobs did
not exist would the people with disabilities starve noting they will get some type of
income by the state. Ms. Rogers stated people with disabilities have a right to have
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meaningful work to which Commissioner Newell agreed. Ms. Rogers could not confirm
if the jobs did not exist that the people with disabilities would starve but confirmed that
some individuals live in substandard situations. Ms. Rogers recalled success stories for
people with disabilities to moving from destitute environments to group homes, etc.
Chairman Clayton, the commissioner representative on the Orange-Person-
Chatham (OPC) Board, stated Person County took on PI from OPC due to state mental
health reform. Chairman Clayton noted people with disabilities may draw a check
however if they do not have a job, a certain percentage of them will get into trouble
which will affect county services through jail or a mental facility.
Chairman Clayton allowed Ms. Rogers the opportunity to further comment. Ms.
Rogers stated when the County took on PI in 2006-2007, they held a great manufacturing
contract at the time and the County paid at $94,000 annually. Ms. Rogers noted PI’s goal
is and has been to be as self-sufficient as possible. Ms. Rogers further noted the great
manufacturing contract was lost to China and recycling was presented and needed in the
County so they took that step to service. Ms. Rogers said as the County contribution has
increased through the years however, equipment costs are being paid for and that will
bring down the County contribution. Ms. Rogers stated the consolidation of PI and
Recycling into one facility will increase efficiencies and lower costs.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated his support for the services to the citizens that pay
taxes noting he has not heard any complaints or concerns that PI and Recycling should
not be continued. Commissioner Newell guessed that 95% of the population does not
have any idea what the County spends on these services.
Chairman Clayton stated the intention is to finance the costs of purchase of the
project to replenish the County Fund Balance for the purchase amount. County Manager,
Heidi York noted a Reimbursement Resolution will be before the Board for approval
within 60 days.
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)(2) to consult with the County Attorney
to preserve attorney-client privilege at 1:37 pm with the following individuals permitted
to attend: County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County
Attorney, Ron Aycock, and Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 1:57 pm.
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A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 3-2 to instruct the
County Manager to advertise for a County Planning Director with duties to include
stormwater administration as well as for the County Manager to inform the City of
Roxboro of the Board’s action and to confirm the County will continue to provide office
space for current City paid Planning Director in Person County’s building and that the
current Planning Director will no longer have direct responsibilities for the County.
Chairman Clayton, Vice Chairman Jeffers and Commissioner Blalock voted in support of
the motion. Commissioners Puryear and Newell voted in opposition to the motion.
Commissioner Puryear stated this action is a setback for City-County relations
and noted his opposition to the motion.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated this opportunity to bring stormwater duties in-house
will give county citizens under the stormwater ordinance the ability to contact a county
staff at the same time maintaining the one-stop shop to provide office space for the City
Planning Director plus two jobs implemented with one employee versus having three
staff.
Commissioner Blalock noted the Board’s desire to bring stormwater duties in-
house for better control.
CLOSED SESSION #3:
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell, and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(2) to consult with the County Attorney
to preserve attorney-client privilege at 2:00 pm with the following individuals permitted
to attend: County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County
Attorney, Ron Aycock, and Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 2:10 pm.
Commissioner Blalock reminded the Board that text messages related to county
business are public record noting her opinion that texting during public meetings is a
disservice to the public.
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell, and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 2:12 pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman