BOC Minutes January 6 2014
January 6, 2014
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JANUARY 6, 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, January 6, 2014 at 7:00 pm in the Commissioners’ meeting
room in the Person County Office Building.
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:
Chairman Clayton announced Item #5 on the agenda may be moved to be heard to
another time on the agenda to accommodate the presenter, Ken Hill.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the modification as requested by Chairman Clayton.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST BY AMERICAN TOWER FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A 330
FT. CELL TOWER ON TAX MAP A23 PARCEL 182, OFF MCGHEES MILL
ROAD, CUNNINGHAM TOWNSHIP:
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a request by American Tower for a Special Use Permit for a
330 ft. Cell Tower on Tax Map A23, Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road, Cunningham
Township.
The public hearing set to hear a request by American Tower for a Special Use
Permit for a 330 ft. Cell Tower on Tax Map A23, Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road,
Cunningham Township 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 Clayton administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the
following individuals who would offer testimony during the public hearing:
Aaron Holland, John Mabe, Jackson Blackburn, Curtis Marske and Graham
Herring
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Aaron Holland, City/County Planning Director, stated a correction to the
advertised public hearing noting 330 ft. Cell Tower should read 300 ft. Cell Tower. Mr.
Holland stated the County has received a Special Use Permit request from American
Tower Corporation, Gwendolyn Claymore & Curtis Marske to construct a 300 ft. (which
includes a ten ft. lightning rod) wireless telecommunications facility within a 100x100
(10,000) square foot lease area on Tax Map A23 Parcel 182 off McGhees Mill Road on a
13.02 acre lot which contains a single family dwelling on wooded and open land. Mr.
Holland noted a guyed tower that will accommodate four carriers is proposed. Mr.
Holland further noted a telecommunication facility is allowed with a Special Use Permit
in a Residential Zoning District.
Mr. Holland stated that according to the plan, submitted by the applicant, the
tower will be enclosed by a seven ft. high chain link fence with three strands of barbed
wire. There is also a twelve ft. wide double swing gate. The fenced area will be 80 ft. x
80ft. The facility will contain an equipment pad and it will be unmanned but visited
periodically for routine maintenance. Mr. Holland referred to Sheet C2 that shows a 15 ft.
x 60ft. turnaround, two parking spaces and a 5 ft. x 10 ft. concrete pad for a proposed
generator.
Mr. Holland told the Board the Person County Land Use Plan’s “Future Land Use
Map” shows this area as Rural Residential/Agricultural. It is defined as low-density
residential (single site-built and manufactured homes); agriculture, forestry, churches;
very limited commercial, office, or public/institutional uses meeting locational criteria.
The Land Use Plan states the need to provide high technology fiber optics to attract
economic development.
Mr. Holland stated if a Special Use Permit is granted, staff recommends the
following considerations and conditions to be attached to the permit:
1) The Applicant shall provide a complete structural report, with calculations, to
be reviewed and verified prior to the issuance of the Building Permit.
2) The tower shall have a finished height of no more than the permitted height
above pre-construction grade.
3) The self-support tower shall be completely constructed and ready for use no
later than 24 months from the date of the Special Use Permit or the Permit shall
be deemed to have expired and of no use or effect.
4) The applicant is responsible to have an engineer certify that the tower meets the
requirements of the approved plans prior to the issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy.
5) American Tower Corporation shall not be permitted to actually provide service
commercially until the Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent is
issued or risk forfeiting its Permit.
6) The applicant will use the type of lighting that will prevent the ground scatter
effects of lighting. The choice of methodologies utilized is up to the Permittee
as long as it has the intended effect of preventing the ground scatter effects of
lighting.
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7) Prior to a zoning permit, documentation from FAA that lighting meets or
exceeds FAA standards and does not interfere with air navigation.
8) Prior to a building permit, signed drawings by a licensed engineer certifying
that it will meet local, state and federal building codes and structural standards
are required.
Mr. Holland stated the Planning Board held a Public Hearing on December 12,
2013 and voted 5 to 0 to recommend approval of the wireless telecommunication tower
with staff recommended conditions along with the addition of a ninth condition to read as
follows:
9) Prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, that if access is not around the fee title
north of the Wallace residence, it will pass to the south only within a 30 ft. wide
recorded easement or fee simple owned by Gwendolyn Claymore and Curtis
Marske.
Mr. Holland stated it was noted by the Planning Board that this request meets the
Findings of Fact in 74-4 and is in keeping with the comprehensive plan.
Vice Chairman Jeffers asked Mr. Holland to explain the ninth condition. Mr.
Holland stated the ninth condition provides that an easement is required to protect access
to the property in case the property is sold.
Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Holland what is the fall zone. Mr. Holland
stated the fall zone is 300 ft. (the height of the tower). Commissioner Puryear asked if
the tower is designed to collapse upon itself. Mr. Holland stated yes.
Commissioner Newell asked for confirmation that the tower is guyed wire as
opposed to free standing. Mr. Holland confirmed it is indeed a guyed wire.
Commissioner Newell asked if the tower is guyed wired for economic reasons. Mr. John
Mabe, present in audience, stated he would address in his comments. Chairman Clayton
asked Mr. Mabe to come forward to present his testimony.
The following individuals presented testimony or were available for questions
from the Board, in favor of the request by American Tower for a Special Use Permit for a
300 ft. Cell Tower on Tax Map A23, Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road, Cunningham
Township:
Mr. John Mabe of 4141 Parklake Avenue, Raleigh, attorney for American
Towers, responded to Commissioner Newell’s question noting the guyed wire is partly
economic, less massive to see noting the tower itself is narrower top to bottom than a free
standing tower. Mr. Mabe stated a free standing tower has virtues of its own: does not
have guyed wire, not as large footprint. Mr. Mabe noted either way, it would be a 300 ft.
structure. Commissioner Newell noted he did not oppose the height but noted his opinion
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to be more attractive as a free standing tower. Mr. Mabe stated from a distance, that is a
matter of some debate. Mr. Mabe noted one of the people present at the meeting could
give the Board a description of the lack of financial impact of a 500 ft. guyed tower in
Vance County. Mr. Mabe agreed that some people find the Christmas tree look of the
free standing tower more attractive; others will say at a distance the guyed tower less
massive and therefore less noticeable.
Mr. Mabe stated he had a presentation noting the Board, through the planning
department, was very aware of the need for infrastructure for wireless communication.
Mr. Mabe referred to his presentation stats being almost three years from 2011. Mr.
Mabe noted almost 30% of people, 2 ½ years ago were using smart phones.
Mr. Mabe’s presentation is below noting AT&T is the prime tenant for this tower
further noting AT&T first looks for where they need infrastructure and then directs their
engineering department to find opportunities to co-locate. Mr. Mabe stated once AT&T
exhaust all possibilities for co-location, they will identify zones they need a tower,
establish a search ring for their contractor, American Towers to engage with property
search people to find a site and owners of potential site to meet the criteria which will be
within a certain search zone and provide a certain height for the rad center which is where
the antennae is located. Mr. Mabe stated an item of great interest to the Planning Board
was the required height and in this instance, the coverage needed to get to, not necessarily
across the Virginia border to cover an anticipated growth in demand for service on Hyco
Lake which is why this location was chosen and the height is 300 ft. Mr. Mabe stated the
Planning Board seemed very comfortable at the end of the hearing that AT&T
engineering had done a thorough job examining the possibilities for co-location and
establishing the need for a 300 ft. elevation through a lot of calculations of anticipated
growth and population. Mr. Mabe commented shorter towers in a very populous area
however you cannot have shorter towers in a sparsely populated area that it economically
does not work. Mr. Mabe stated AT&T has done a lot of this around the state and there
are instances they have to make a go or no go based on the ability to put rad center in a
certain elevation. Mr. Mabe noted the tower is 290 ft. to the rad center with a 10 ft.
lightening rod at the top.
Mr. Mabe stated American Towers has a long-term lease with the property owner
with provisions for remediation and removal at the end of 20-year lease that would also
include options (not a single term lease). Mr. Mabe reiterated that AT&T is the prime
tenant with spaces for three other co-locations on the tower for other providers of cell
communication facilities. Commissioner Newell asked if the tower space would work for
broadband. Mr. Mabe replied affirmatively noting it would be LTE, 4G depending on
what kind of facility the provider puts in. Mr. Mabe noted the County’s ordinance allows
a tower with Special Use Permit for the height, with the only impact from a distance.
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Mr. Mabe outlined the distinct drive-way off McGhees Mill Road of the land
owner and residence of Mr. Marske and Ms. Claymore which is the access to the tower
site. Mr. Mabe highlighted the deeded access runs northside of the house. Mr. Mabe
noted the driveway being used is on the southside of the house and the land owner and
neighbor, Mr. Wallace have agreed to use the southside driveway however there is other
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land they are dealing with unrelated to the tower site. Mr. Mabe stated before a permit
can be obtained to construct a recorded easement or by deed is required. Mr. Mabe stated
American Towers has agreed to wait for Mr. Marske and Mr. Wallace to sort out their
business to record the title either by easement or fee simple. Mr. Mabe stated the
proposed site will have the same entrance off McGhees Mill Road.
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Mr. Mabe stated Mr. Graham Herring with Graham Herring Commercial Real
Estate prepared slides to superimpose a tower on a photograph from each view point to
give the Board an idea of what the tower will look like from a distance.
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Mr. Mabe stated the engineering department of AT&T prepared the networks
slides to illustrate signal strengths from strongest (red color) to weakest (purple).
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Mr. Mabe stated AT&T deemed the 195 ft. tower option as inadequate with the
300 ft. tower passing the AT&T 90% score.
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Mr. Robert Jackson Blackburn of 418 S. Woodland Road, Henderson, a real estate
licensed appraiser was asked by Mr. Mabe to provide a summary of his findings. Mr.
Blackburn stated he is a state certified residential appraiser for 35 years with an office in
Durham for 20 years and serving Person County for approximately 25 years. Mr.
Blackburn noted he has done sales, construction and development during the past 35
years. Mr. Blackburn stated he was asked by Nexsen Pruet for an impact study for a
proposed cell tower to be located at 8791 and 8793 Oak Point Drive, Semora to see if
there were any measurable negative or positive impacts on the surrounding properties.
Mr. Blackburn stated there was limited data available for comparison in Person County
noting there were only two sales and three listings in the Lake Hyco area in the past 12
months. Based on review of these two sales and three listings that were in close
proximity to the Wagstaff Road cell tower and 20 closed sales on Lake Hyco, Mr.
Blackburn stated there were no measurable negative or positive impact on property
values that were in close proximity to the cell tower on Wagstaff Road. There were no
similar subdivisions with a cell tower in or across the street from the cell tower in Person
County. Mr. Blackburn also reviewed properties and sales in both Granville County and
Vance County as they are both rural counties generally similar to Person County. Mr.
Blackburn noted there is a subdivision between Henderson and Oxford with a cell tower
approximately 500 ft. tall immediately across the street from the entrance to the
Huntstone Subdivision to which 42 sales over five years with 11 sales either facing or
backing to the cell tower and found no measurable negative impact for proximity to the
cell tower. Mr. Blackburn stated he spoke with eight realtors with properties on Lake
Hyco and all stated additional cell towers were needed and that there was no negotiation
for any of the properties as it related to the cell towers. Mr. Blackburn noted one realtor
spoke of a lost sale due to lack of cell phone coverage. Mr. Blackburn stated he spoke
with the Manager of Person County Emergency Services and he said there was
insufficient cell phone coverage in the subject area. Also with the emergence of tele-
medicine and security systems, residential use that work off of cell towers, Mr. Blackburn
noted the demand for cell tower coverage will continue to increase. With the lack of cell
phone coverage in an area while there was no measurable impact over positive effect, Mr.
Blackburn noted there significant pressure that adequate cell phone coverage be provided.
Mr. Blackburn stated the tele-medicine devices that can be put on people that are
operated with a cell phone, allowing an individual to stay at home on a continuous basis
and be monitored from hospitals and doctor’s offices is significant for rural areas.
Mr. Graham Herring of 8052 Greyoak Drive, Raleigh stated he was available for
questions.
Mr. Curtis Marske of 8793 McGhees Mill Road, Semora did not offer testimony.
Vice Chairman Jeffers asked about the possibility of tenants on the tower for
expansion of broadband in Person County. Mr. Mabe replied to say as far as he knows
the options would be available to the county for co-location opportunities on the tower
with American Towers eager to provide space for other providers. Mr. Mabe stated to
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the best of his knowledge, the tower is not already leased up. Mr. Mabe stated tower
databases are available to obtain specific information about who owns them, how tall
they are, and FCC registration information.
Commissioner Newell asked Mr. Mabe the elevation at the top of the tower. Mr.
Mabe and Mr. Herring confirmed the base of the tower is at 473 and 763 to the top of the
structure. Commissioner Newell asked Mr. Mabe from the radiating point what the
coverage surface is. Mr. Mabe referred to a previous slide in the presentation that
illustrated the mapping strengths based on topography (red illustrates the strongest signal
to yellow and the weakest signal as purple.)
Commissioner Blalock asked is this would remedy dead zones. Mr. Mabe replied
affirmatively in that area for the foreseeable future. Mr. Mabe noted other proposed cell
towers, i.e. in the southern part of the county off Hwy 57 that was scrubbed due to FAA
issues.
Commissioner Newell asked for the estimated costs of the tower. Mr. Mabe
stated he did not know but estimated at a quarter of a million dollars, not counting the
lease costs and ongoing costs with maintenance, energy and operations.
In closing, Mr. Mabe asked the Board of Commissioners to approve the
application for the Special Use Permit.
There was no one from the public appearing to speak in opposition to the request
by American Tower for a Special Use Permit for a 300 ft. Cell Tower on Tax Map A23,
Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road, Cunningham Township.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for a request by American Tower for a Special Use Permit for a 300 ft. Cell
Tower on Tax Map A23, Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road, Cunningham Township.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST BY AMERICAN TOWER
FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A 300 FT. CELL TOWER ON TAX MAP
A23 PARCEL 182, OFF MCGHEES MILL ROAD, CUNNINGHAM TOWNSHIP:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to grant a request
by American Tower for a Special Use Permit for a 300 ft. Cell Tower on Tax Map A23,
Parcel 182 off McGhees Mills Road, Cunningham Township with the Planning Board
recommended conditions that noted that this request meets the Findings of Fact in 74-4
and is in keeping with the comprehensive plan. The conditions recommended by the
Planning Board and approved by the Board of Commissioners are:
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1. The Applicant shall provide a complete structural report, with calculations, to be
reviewed and verified prior to the issuance of the Building Permit.
2. The tower shall have a finished height of no more than the permitted height above
pre-construction grade.
3. The self-support tower shall be completely constructed and ready for use no later
than 24 months from the date of the Special Use Permit or the Permit shall be
deemed to have expired and of no use or effect.
4. The Applicant is responsible to have an engineer certify that the tower meets the
requirements of the approved plans prior to the issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy.
5. American Tower Corporation shall not be permitted to actually provide service
commercially until the Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent is
issued or risk forfeiting its Permit.
6. The Applicant will use the type of lighting that will prevent the ground scatter
effects of lighting. The choice of methodologies utilized is up to the Permittee as
long as it has the intended effect of preventing the ground scatter effects of
lighting.
7. Prior to a zoning permit, documentation from FAA that lighting meets or exceeds
FAA standards and does not interfere with air navigation.
8. Prior to building permit, signed drawings by a licensed engineer certifying that it
will meet local, state and federal building codes and structural standards are
required.
9. Prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, that if access is not around the fee title
north of the Wallace residence, it will pass to the south only within a 30 ft. wide
recorded easement or fee simple owned by Gwendolyn Claymore and Curtis
Marske.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Sheriff Dewey Jones of 120 Court Street, Roxboro, informed the Board of a grant
opportunity from the Governor’s Highway Safety Grant. Sheriff Jones stated he would
not request any county match funds for the grant but would be using asset forfeiture
funds through drug seizures. Sheriff Jones noted the grant would be used for radar
equipment for patrol cars and in-car cameras. Sheriff Jones stated this was step one in
the many step process for approval of the grant noting he wanted to inform the Board that
he planned to submit the grant application by January 31, 2014. Sheriff Jones stated the
grant amount is unlimited and would be subject to the 50/50 matching funds by the
Sheriff’s Office.
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HOW CAN WE RECYCLE MORE; SUGGESTIONS FROM THE SOLID
WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Chairman, Ken Hill thanked Sybil
Tate, Assistant County Manager and the SWAC members for their time and ideas.
Mr. Hill stated some time ago, the SWAC was asked to study Person County’s
recycling and bring back to the Board recommendations on ways to increase recycling to
meet the state mandate. Mr. Hill noted over the course of time, the SWAC had several
meetings with Rob Taylor, Manager of Recycling Programs with NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) as a member of the local government
assistance team. Mr. Hill further noted that Mr. Taylor reported Person County was
ranked #93 out of 100 counties during fiscal year 2006-2007. Mr. Hill stated with the
addition of the Person County Recycle Center (PCRC) during fiscal year 2011-2012,
Person County moved up to rank #49 out of 100 counties with only minimal effort. Mr.
Hill stated the City of Roxboro is one of the ten largest municipalities in the state that
does not have a recycling program. Mr. Hill outlined Mr. Taylor’s suggestions related to
recycling efforts:
• A commitment to recycling by community leaders,
• Public policies that support recycling programs and encourage diversion,
• Public or private investment in recycling infrastructure,
• A combination of strong county and municipal recycling programs, and
• Programs that go beyond traditional recycling materials
Mr. Hill stated the county’s strategies should include a fit for the community, take
advantage of the assets in place, knowing the waste stream and include a variety of
approaches. Mr. Hill noted several approaches SWAC took into account were that funds
are scarce. One approach, Mr. Hill described was to increase education by printing flyers
with information of the waste carriers who pick up recycling in the county on one side
and on the other side list where the PCRC is located and the acceptable recycling
materials. The second approach SWAC suggested is to perform a waste audit of the city
offices first and then the city as a whole. Mr. Hill stated the only city department that
PCRC has worked with on developing a recycling program is the Roxboro Police
Department; however there may be other departments that recycle apart from working
with PCRC. The third approach is to offer grants to businesses to grow private recycling
infrastructure. When a grant is accepted, it would be necessary for those awarded to
report how the grant funds are used and how much waste is recycled.
Mr. Hill noted more aggressive ways to recycle were submitted, i.e., franchised
curbside, landfill bans, public/private partnerships, however without guidance from the
commissioner representative on SWAC, the committee was unable to act further. Mr.
Hill stated board leadership is essential on any of the county boards and committees to
give insight and keep the lines of communication open. Mr. Hill suggested reopening the
old landfill using the funds paid by Republic for recycling efforts to use as a transfer
station to assist the City of Roxboro to develop recycling programs.
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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. Approval of Minutes of November 18, 2013
B. Approval of Minutes of December 2, 2013
C. CDBG Monthly Reporting for the month of December 2013
D. Tax Adjustments for the month of December, 2013
E. Budget Amendment 9
NEW BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013:
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg introduced Mrs. Tara H. Roberson, CPA with
Winston, Williams, Creech, Evans & Company, LLP to present to the Board the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Person County for Fiscal Year
ending June 30, 2013.
Ms. Roberson passed out the full CAFR booklet for each board member to refer
to and for informational purposes. Related to the two findings founds during the audit
process for compliance, Ms. Roberson guided the Board to page 141. Ms. Roberson
stated the first finding was in relation to a restatement of last year’s financial statements
which deals with accounting standard changes and relates to the Eaton lease agreement
entered into in 2011. Ms. Robertson stated for full accrual accounting which effects the
government wide financial statements, the lease agreement should have been recorded as
a note receivable on the financial statement which has been corrected and has no effect
on the fund statement or budgeting. Ms. Roberson stated the second finding is related to
Social Services noting the Department of Health of Human Services has commissioned
and charged county auditors to be stricter with Medicaid eligibility auditing. Ms.
Roberson noted counties generally have not had findings in this area but state reports
shows errors rating from 10-20% from counties but auditors are not reporting thus the
reason that the state has asked auditors to be stricter on findings. Ms. Roberson stated a
finding starts as a deficiency which means the system did not detect, correct or prevent an
abnormal process. Ms. Roberson explained a material weakness is a higher level of a
finding which is a material noncompliance, larger risk and/or larger dollar amount. The
findings found for Person County were significant deficiencies and did not rise to the
level of a material weakness nor led to an applicant being ineligible. Ms. Roberson stated
the state would follow up with the county on such findings. Ms. Roberson’s audit
presentation follows.
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COUNTY WORKFORCE POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION STUDY CONDUCTED BY SPRINGSTED INCORPORATED:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the Board that the County entered into a
contract with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and Springsted
Incorporated of Richmond, Virginia on May 20, 2013 for the services of a position
classification, compensation and benefits study for Person County. The last salary study
for the County was done in July, 2006 with implementation in October, 2006. Prior to
this the last time a salary study was done for the county was approximately in 1997. Due
to the cost of the study in 2006, the Board of County Commissioners voted to implement
the findings for 1/3 of the workforce in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to keep Person County
salaries within market value and to remain competitive with our neighboring counties and
cities.
To be an employer of choice and remain competitive within the market Ms. York
stated a salary study should be conducted every five years. A study every five years also
helps manage the implementation costs. Ms. York noted approximately $80,000 was
included in the FY13-14 Budget to assist with some of the upcoming implementation
costs.
Ms. York introduced Mr. John Anzivino, Senior Vice President and Ms. Sheryl
Dallas, Vice President of Springsted Incorporated, Richmond Office to present to the
Board the results of the study and discuss some implementation options for the Board’s
consideration.
Mr. Anzivino and Ms. Dallas gave the Board the following presentation. Ms.
York stated the Board would receive a full report booklet at the end of the presentation
for review.
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REFORMING THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BECOME
PERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE:
Commissioner Blalock requested Board consideration to reform the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee (SWAC) to be Person County Environmental Issues Advisory
Committee noting when the SWAC was created it was to be an ad hoc committee with its
only goal solid waste. Commissioner Blalock stated the narrow scope of SWAC limits
its ability to meet the environmental needs of Person County.
Commissioner Blalock noted the consideration for the committee to be redesigned
covers the broader scope of the Protect our Land, Water and Air Goal of the Person
County Strategic Plan as an environmental committee.
Commissioner Blalock stated Granville County's Environmental Affairs
Committee is a model that uses this principle; this group meets every month and tackles
any issue regarding the environment. They have zone members allowing the whole
county a venue to bring concerns. Commissioner Blalock noted Granville County has
also been the recipient of graduate students’ water quality projects at no cost.
Commissioner Blalock suggested the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee
to include the following representation:
o County Government member
o City Government member
o Person Recycle Center educator
o All other members to be from the County’s nine townships. Only zone
members will vote allowing equal representation through the county:
Mt. Tirzah, Flat River, Bushy Fork, Woodsdale, Allensville,
Roxboro, Olive Hill, Holloway, Cunningham
Commissioner Blalock volunteered to serve as the commissioner representative
on the proposed Environmental Issues Advisory Committee.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock and carried 5-0 to replace the
Solid Waste Advisory Committee with an Environmental Issues Advisory Committee to
expand the scope to environmental issues for land, air and water to have representation
from the County and City governmental bodies along with a voting member from each of
the County’s nine townships.
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CREATION OF A PERSON COUNTY YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated he wanted to create a Person County Youth
Advisory Council for Person County’s youth to work with high school age students, work
with all schools in Person County including charter schools and Christian Academy.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated there has been interest in serving from School Board
members, 4-H advisor, teachers and community members.
Vice Chairman Jeffers requested Board consideration to approve the creation of
the Person County Youth Advisory Council at this meeting. Vice Chairman Jeffers stated
a list of members for appointment; students representing each of the County’s schools
along with bylaws would come back before the Board for approval at a future meeting.
Vice Chairman Jeffers noted this is a way to expand on the local government day
experience.
Both Vice Chairman Jeffers and Commissioner Puryear volunteered to serve as
commissioner representatives on the proposed Person County Youth Advisory Council.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to form a Person
County Youth Advisory Council.
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COMMISSIONER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
The Board of Commissioners, by consensus, approved the following 2014
Committee Assignments:
Chairman Jimmy B. Clayton
COG Board
Economic Development Board
Kerr Tar RPO - TAC
NCACC Board of Director
OPC Community Operations Board
Upper Neuse River Basin Association
Vice Chairman B. Ray Jeffers
Extension Advisory Committee
Fire Committee
Home Health & Hospice Advisory Committee
Home & Community Care Block Grant Adv. Committee
NCACC President /Board of Director
Person County Partnership for Children
Recreation Advisory Board
Social Services Board
Youth Council
Commissioner Kyle Puryear
Animal Control Advisory Committee
E-911 Committee
High Speed Internet Committee
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Youth Council
Commissioner David Newell
Airport Commission
Chamber of Commerce
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Region K Workforce Development Board
Commissioner Frances Blalock
Environmental Issues Advisory Committee
Health Board
Library Board
Person Area Transportation System Board
Person County Senior Center Advisory Council
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BOARDS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTMENTS:
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves presented citizen applications for
consideration for appointment in response to Person County’s ad soliciting volunteers
published in the Courier Times on November 16, 2013 with a deadline to submit
application by noon on December 10, 2013. Ms. Reaves noted the highlighted boards
denote a competitive board and are eligible for the informal interview process if the
Board so desires. Ms. Reaves noted the Tourism Development Authority, a competitive
board, was the only case that more applications were received than positions available
further noting if the Board desired to hold the informal interview process to direct the
Clerk to organize and inform the applicants of the informal interviews date as set by the
Board or to consider waiving the process. Ms. Reaves has the Board to nominate from
the applicants for appointment, if appropriate. Ms. Reaves stated those boards and
committees that received no applications of interest for appointment will be re-advertised.
- Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
1 unexpired term to 6/30/14 available
No applications received.
- Airport Commission
3-Year Term:
1 position available for a pilot and
1) Steven Watkins requested reappointment
2 positions for citizens-at-large with no applications received.
1) Jim Thomasson requested appointment (noted application received after
deadline)
2) No other applications received.
Ms. Reaves made the Board award that one of the citizen positions available
has been held by longtime member, Brantley Burnett.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint
Steven Watkins as the pilot representative and Brantley Burnett in one of the citizen
position as well as appoint Jim Thomasson in the second citizen position, each to serve a
3-year term on the Airport Commission.
- Board of Adjustment
3-Year Term: 1 position for an alternate
No applications received.
January 6, 2014
42
- Home Health and Hospice Advisory Committee
3-Year Term: 1 position each representing
the hospital,
a consumer and
1) Mitch Pergerson requested reappointment
the Dept. of Social Services (DSS)
1) Barbie Hepler requested reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint
Mitch Pergerson as the consumer representative and Barbie Hepler as the DSS
representative, each to serve a 3-year term on the Home Health and Hospice Advisory
Committee.
- Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
6-Year Term; 3 positions available
No applications received.
- Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
Positions available:
a substance abuse professional,
1) Russell Knop requested reappointment (out of county residency)
Parks & Recreation representative,
1) John Hill requested reappointment
a member of the faith community, and
1) Rev. Benjamin Sims requested appointment
a member of the business community with no applications received.
2-Year Term:
Positions available:
Sheriff Office designee,
1) Emily Tingen requested reappointment
Chief Court Counselor
1) David Carter requested reappointment (out of county residency)
No applications received for the following positions:
District Attorney or designee, 3 citizens-at- large positions, and a position for the
Chief of Police or designee
January 6, 2014
43
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint
Russell Knop with full voting rights as a non-resident to the designated position for a
substance abuse professional, John Hill as the Parks & Recreation representative, Emily
Tingen as the Sheriff’s designee, David Carter with full voting rights as a non-resident to
the designated position for the Chief Court Counselor, each for a 2-year term as well as to
appoint Rev. Benjamin Sims for an initial 1-year term to the Juvenile Crime Prevention
Council.
- Mayo Lake Advisory Committee
2-Year Term; 3 positions available
1) Charles Sever requested appointment
It was the consensus of the Board to not make an appointment at this time due to
their desire to reevaluate the purpose of the Mayo Lake Advisory Committee as this
committee has not met in some time.
- Nursing Home Advisory Committee
1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment; 2 positions available with no
applications received.
- OPC Community Operations Center Advisory Board representing Person County
Unspecified Term: 1 position available with no applications received.
- Person Area Transportation System Board
3-Year Term; 1 citizen-at- large position
1) Hermann Schmidt requested appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint
Hermann Schmidt to the citizen position for a 3-year term on the Person Area
Transportation System Board.
- Planning Board
1 position available for a 3-Year Term and 1 position with an unexpired term to
6/30/15 - No applications received.
- Region K Aging Advisory
3-Year Term: 4 positions available
1) Phyllis Sutton requested reappointment
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to reappoint
Phyllis Sutton to the Region K Aging Advisory for a 3-year term.
- Roxboro/Person County Human Relations Commission
3-Year Term; 4 positions available for county residents
1) Robert Bridges requested appointment
January 6, 2014
44
It was the consensus of the Board to not make an appointment at this time due to
their desire to reevaluate the purpose of the Roxboro/Person County Human Relations
Commission as this commission has not met in some time.
- Solid Waste Advisory Committee
3-Year Term; 3 positions for county residents
1) Kenneth Hill requested reappointment
2) Leigh Woodall called to express interest in reappointment
There were no appointments to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee due to the
Board’s action to replace the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) with an
Environmental Issues Advisory Committee. Ms. Reaves stated a letter would be prepared
for the Chairman advising all current members of the SWAC of the Board action taken
this date.
- Tourism Development Authority
3-Year Term:
1 position representing a Motel/Hotel/Bed & Breakfast
1) Tammy Woods, General Manager Hampton Inn requested reappointment
(out of county residency)
1 position from the general public available
1) Norwood Walker requested appointment
2) Bonnie Meeler requested reappointment
It was the consensus of the Board to nominate from the applicants for the general
public position in lieu of scheduling and holding the informal interview process.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to reappoint
Tammy Woods with full voting authority to represent in her capacity as General Manager
of the Hampton Inn as well as appoint Norword Walker in the general public position on
the Tourism Development Authority, each for a 3-year term.
- Work Force Development Board
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment: 1 position available representing
private industry and 1 position available representing organized labor. No
applications received.
Chairman Clayton encouraged individuals in the audience and citizens of the
county to participate in their local government by getting involved with boards and
committees.
January 6, 2014
45
PERSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE AIRPORT FENCE PROJECT:
General Services Director, Ray Foushee told the Board that due to the
interference of animals on the airport runway and the recommendations of FAA/USDA
Wildlife and NCDOT, the County plans to install a 10 ft. chain link fence around the
airport perimeter. Mr. Foushee noted that due to the expense, this project will be handled
in phases, with phase one being 4000 ft. of fencing replaced on the Northwest side of the
airport. Mr. Foushee stated the project has been approved for grant funding by NCDOT.
With the guidance of NCDOT and Talbert & Bright, phase 1 of the project has been bid
out. Fence Builders, Inc. of Winston Salem was the low bidder at $134,427.00. Mr.
Foushee requested the Board of Commissioners to award the project to the low bidder,
Fence Builders, Inc. of Winston Salem noting the County’s 10% match will be
approximately $13,443.
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to award the
Airport fence project to the low bidder, Fence Builders, Inc. of Winston-Salem as
presented and to appropriate the County’s 10% funding match of approximately $13,443
from the Airport Construction Fund.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM/BROADBAND FEASIBILITY
STUDY:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate requested Board consideration to fund a
feasibility study for the Public Safety Communication System/Broadband to include the
costs of third party verification. Ms. Tate stated in order to have the most accurate costs
for the Public Safety Communication System/Broadband project, staff needs to hire an
engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study noting the total cost of the feasibility study
is $11,000. Ms. Tate further noted the study results will be completed in time to include
the project costs in the Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Tate recommended appropriating
the requested funds from contingency.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve
funding a feasibility study from contingency for the Public Safety Communication
System/Broadband project as presented.
January 6, 2014
46
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Clayton reported he and John Hill, Director of Recreation, Arts and
Parks will be on the radio show on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2014 as a part of the
former Helena School School project speaking series.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the Board their next meeting will be the
scheduled Retreat at the Mayo Community Center on January 21, 2014 at 9:00 am. Ms.
York requested feedback on the proposed agenda.
Ms. York reported the Helena Steering Committee has scheduled a community
forum for January 25, 2014 at 11:00 am at the former Helena School site noting tours will
be available. More information about the community survey, a press release can be
found on the Person County web site.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Newell had no report.
Commissioner Blalock commented that the Re-Entry group is envisioning a
recycling co-op.
Commissioner Puryear reminded the Board of Commissioners that the County
Manager works for the full Board and requested the courtesy of the entire Board being
informed when one commissioner requests information from the County Manager.
Vice Chairman Jeffers reminded the citizens of Person County to be mindful of
the power usage and the extreme temperatures as recommended by Duke Energy to keep
necessary supplies on hand in case of power outages as well as to check on people and
pets.
January 6, 2014
47
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) at 9:30 pm to consider the
acquisition or lease of real property 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 General Services Director, Ray
Foushee.
A amended motion was made by Commissioner Blalock and carried 5-0 to enter
into Closed Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) at 9:30 pm to consider the
acquisition or lease of real property 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 Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 9:46 pm.
January 6, 2014
48
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 9:46 pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman