BOC Minutes September 8 2014
September 8, 2014
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEPTEMBER 8, 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, September 8, 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:
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to add to the
agenda a discussion related to the Yarboro case, a Planning and Zoning issue.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A FINANCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000
DISBURSED TO ROXBORO DEVELOPMENT GROUP OVER 3-YEARS FOR
AN ECONOMIC PROJECT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS BENEFITING
THE UPTOWN AREA AND HALL’S AGRIBUSINESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for a Financial Grant Incentive in the amount of $30,000
disbursed to Roxboro Development Group over 3-years for an economic project for
Public Improvements benefiting the Uptown area and Hall’s Agribusiness.
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert advised the Board that the project
for a Financial Grant Incentive in the amount of $30,000 disbursed to Roxboro
Development Group over 3-years for an economic project for Public Improvements
benefiting the Uptown area and Hall’s Agribusiness was not yet ready for public
comments and therefore requested the Board to continue the public hearing to the
Board’s meeting scheduled for October 6, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
September 8, 2014
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A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to recess the
public hearing for a Financial Grant Incentive in the amount of $30,000 disbursed to
Roxboro Development Group over 3-years for an economic project for Public
Improvements benefiting the Uptown area and Hall’s Agribusiness until October 6, 2014
at 7:00 pm.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Ms. Danna Coble of 1301 Cedar Grove Church Road, Roxboro made the Board
aware of the condition of the residence and property of David and Donna Yarboro of
1235 and 1219 Cedar Grove Church Road. Ms. Coble stated multiple letters have been
sent to the Yarboros from NC Dept. of Environment and National Resources (Air Quality
Control), Person County Planning and Zoning and Person County Environmental Health
regarding the following concerns:
• Placement of a single wide manufactured home for storage use on the
property,
• Use of property as a dump and storage site,
• Large stockpiles and method of storage of large quantities of trash, furniture
and discarded items on the property,
• Willful, unlawful burning of trash and furniture on the property, and
• Overgrowth of weeds, grass and apparent neglect and lack of maintenance of
the property.
Ms. Coble requested the Board’s assistance to have an ordinance that addresses
property owners to stop using their property as a dump site, to prohibit hauling trash,
furniture and discarded items onto their property, stop unlawful burning of trash,
furniture and other such items, and clean up and maintain the property.
Ms. Betty Blalock of 144 Tirzah Ridge, Rougemont made the Board aware of
dynamite blasting of rock at the Upper Piedmont Environmental landfill that she was told
was to be used as an alternative cover. Ms. Blalock described the blasting as very loud
that shook her house and noted her concerns of the health issues resulting from the
contaminated soil with lead, coal ash, pcps, and feces that is brought into the Person
County landfill used as alternative daily cover.
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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 August 18, 2014, and
B. Budget Amendment #3.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FY 2014-2015
REPRESENTATIVES:
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert stated at the August 18, 2014
Board of Commissioners’ meeting, the Board requested that staff provide information
regarding the Research Triangle Regional Partnership’s (RTRP) conflict of interest
policy. Mr. Gilbert presented the Board with the RTRP’s Code of Ethics noting a
conflict of interest occurs when an individual stands to benefit directly from a certain
decision. Individuals generally involved in economic development do not necessarily
have a conflict of interest. Mr. Gilbert stated any representatives on the RTRP’s Board
of Directors will be required to sign the Code of Ethics statement form.
Mr. Gilbert reminded the Board that the RTRP bylaws provide for the lead
funding agency of each county to nominate three candidates to represent Person County
on RTRP’s Board of Directors.
Person County’s representatives for 2013-2014 were Stuart Gilbert, Person
County Economic Development Director, Randy Reynolds, Chairman of the Person
County Economic Development Commission, and Abby Gentry, Uptown Development
Director.
Mr. Gilbert said that the Person County Board of Commissioners is the leading
funding agency for RTRP and as such may select any three candidates to represent the
County on the RTRP Board of Directors. The responsibility to vote is solely that of the
Person County Board of Commissioners.
Chairman Clayton recommended the Board to use the same representatives for the
current fiscal year; Stuart Gilbert, Person County Economic Development Director,
Randy Reynolds, Chairman of the Person County Economic Development Commission,
and the new Uptown Development Director, Lauren Wrenn.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to appoint Stuart
Gilbert, Person County Economic Development Director, Randy Reynolds, Chairman of
the Person County Economic Development Commission, and Lauren Wrenn, Uptown
Development Director to serve as Person County’s representatives on the RTRP Board of
Directors for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.
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NEW BUSINESS:
KIRBY REBIRTH: UPSTAIRS – NAMING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPOINTMENTS AND FEE SCHEDULE:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate stated the Board adopted the Person
County Naming Policy at its August 18, 2014 meeting and requested that staff and
Piedmont Community College present information regarding appointing members to the
Naming Advisory Committee and the fee schedule for the Kirby Rebirth project at the
next meeting.
Naming Advisory Committee appointments:
Ms. Tate stated that staff recommended that each Commissioner nominate and
appoint one person each to serve on the five-member Naming Advisory Committee
noting this committee is a temporary committee that will sunset when fundraising for the
Kirby Rebirth project is complete.
The following nominations were made:
Commissioner Newell nominated Merilyn Newell,
Commissioner Blalock nominated Claudia Berryhill,
Commissioner Puryear nominated Gay Poindexter,
Vice Chairman Jeffers nominated Curtis Bradsher, and
Chairman Clayton nominated Heidi York.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to accept all
nominations as presented and to appoint Merilyn Newell, Claudia Berryhill, Gay
Poindexter, Curtis Bradsher and Heidi York to the Kirby Rebirth Naming Advisory
Committee.
Fee Schedule
Beth Townsend of the Piedmont Community College (PCC) Foundation
presented the Board with a marketing brochure developed for the Kirby Rebirth Naming
Opportunities and Recognition effort that staff members will use to approach potential
donors. The marketing material lists but does not limit, naming opportunities as:
• Main Hall, Rehearsal Hall A & B, Terrace and Upper Gallery: $60,000 each
• Studios A, B, C and D: $50,000 each
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to adopt the fee
schedule for the Kirby Rebirth project naming opportunities as presented.
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PERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WATER SAMPLE FEE
SCHEDULE:
Health Director, Janet Clayton noted on August 13, 2014, the Person County
Health Department received notification from the North Carolina State Laboratory of
Public Health (NCSLPH) of an increase in fees for water samples processed by the
NCSLPH. In order to cover the expenses associated with the collection and analysis of
private well water testing, the Person County Board of Health approved the Person
County Health Department’s amended fee schedule on August 25, 2014. Ms. Clayton
stated the Board of Health requested the Board of Commissioners to approve the
amended water sample fee schedule effective September 9, 2014.
Ms. Clayton stated the NCSLPH increase caused the water samples processing
fees to be self-supporting versus allocating any federal funding. Ms. Clayton told the
Board should any water sampling be required due to medical issues, i.e., waterborne or
lead poisoning, a medical waiver can be requested.
A motion was made by Chairman Clayton and carried 5-0 to approve the Health
Department Water Sample Fee Schedule effective September 9, 2014 as presented.
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NCACC LEGISLATIVE GOAL PROPOSAL:
Library Director, Christy Bondy told the Board that since 2011, State Aid to
public libraries has been reduced by $3,568,972 (-23%). The state’s FY 2015 budget
reduced State Aid by $465,353 (-3.7%), but stipulated that most of the reduction be taken
from two counties (Wake and Mecklenburg).
Ms. Bondy stated the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association
(NCPLDA) met in August and requested county Boards’ of Commissioners across the
State to act in support of State Aid to public libraries. Ms. Bondy noted that in Fiscal
Year 2015, the Person County Library received $90,000 in State Aid. On behalf of the
NCPLDA, Ms. Bondy requested that the Board submit the following item as a legislative
goal for the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC):
Restore funding to State Aid to Public Libraries Fund to the pre-2011 level of
$15.7 million; and eliminate special provisions that distribute State Aid
outside of the equitable formula developed by the State Library Commission.
Ms. Bondy presented the Board with a draft letter to be signed by the Chairman in
order to submit such legislative goal to the NCACC.
Chairman Clayton noted the good track record the NCACC has working with
legislative goals. Vice Chairman suggested the process for the restored funding request
to be done incrementally over several years similar to the request for lottery funding to be
restored.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve
submission of a legislative goal to the NCACC for State Aid to Public Libraries Fund be
restored to the pre-2011 level of $15.7 million; and eliminate special provisions that
distribute State Aid outside of the equitable formula developed by the State Library
Commission.
September 8, 2014
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RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON WHETHER THE BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF PERSON, NC SHOULD
APPROVE A PROPOSED INSTALLMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT TO
FINANCE A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF VARIOUS PROJECTS AND
WHETHER SAID COUNTY SHOULD ACQUIRE CERTAIN SCHOOL
PROPERTY INCLUDED IN SUCH PROJECTS (CONSIDERATION OF
FINANCING OF PERSON COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER ACQUISITION
AND IMPROVEMENTS, AND EARL BRADSHER PRESCHOOL AND KIRBY
CIVIC AUDITORIUM RE-ROOFING CONSTRUCTION):
Chairman Clayton introduced a Resolution calling a public hearing on whether
the Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, NC should approve a proposed
installment financing agreement to finance a portion of the costs of various projects and
whether said County should acquire certain school property included in such projects
related to the financing of Person County’s Recycling Center acquisition and
improvements, and Earl Bradsher Preschool and Kirby Civic Auditorium Re-roofing
construction and called upon the Finance Director to further summarize.
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg requested the Board to approve a Resolution
calling a public hearing on whether the Board of Commissioners for the County of
Person, NC should approve a proposed installment financing agreement to finance a
portion of the costs of various projects and whether said County should acquire certain
school property included in such projects related to the financing of Person County’s
Recycling Center acquisition and improvements, and Earl Bradsher Preschool and Kirby
Civic Auditorium Re-roofing construction.
Ms. Wehrenberg stated the Resolution presented sets forth by sections in the
following:
Preamble
Called for a public hearing to be scheduled September 22, 2014 at 9:00 am
for consideration of approving an installment financing agreement related
to the acquisition and construction of improvements to the Person County
Recycling Center, Earl Bradsher Preschool, and Kirby Civic Auditorium,
with the conveyance of Earl Bradsher to the County as collateral,
1. The call for a public hearing to facilitate receiving public input on the
proposed financing as required by North Carolina General Statutes,
2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to publish the notice of the public hearing,
and
3. The resolution is effective upon its passage by the Board.
A motion was made by Chairman Clayton and carried 5-0 to approved a
Resolution calling a public hearing on whether the Board of Commissioners for the
County of Person, NC should approve a proposed installment financing agreement to
finance a portion of the costs of various projects and whether said County should acquire
certain school property included in such projects related to the financing of Person
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County’s Recycling Center acquisition and improvements, and Earl Bradsher Preschool
and Kirby Civic Auditorium Re-roofing construction as presented.
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AUDIT CONTRACT WITH WINSTON, WILLIAMS, CREECH AND EVANS
FOR STATE MANDATED PENSION TESTING:
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg requested Board action to approve an Audit
Contract engaging the County’s current financial auditor, Winston, Williams, Creech and
Evans, to perform pension testing as recently mandated by the Office of State Auditor.
Ms. Wehrenberg explained the auditors will be collecting census data for the State’s
purposes of calculating net pension liability (estimated total pension cost minus employer
contributions) as part of their efforts to comply with new accounting reporting
requirements established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board effective for
the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) ending June 30, 2014. Ms.
Wehrenberg noted that there are 1100 reporting governmental units in North Carolina and
Person County was 1 of 54 units that were randomly selected to participate in this
ongoing audit requirement. Ms. Wehrenberg further noted that Person County may or
may not be selected next year to be audited again; the State will select entities each year
to be audited to assure pension financials are materially correct.
Ms. Wehrenberg stated her opinion that because the local auditors, Winston,
Williams, Creech and Evans, are performing the employer financial statement audit, it
would be more efficient to have them perform this pension audit. Ms. Wehrenberg stated
the State Auditor requires that this contract be approved as a separate engagement from
the regular financial audit; therefore, she presented an audit contract for the Board’s
consideration to engage the current auditors to perform this required pension audit for a
cost of $5,500. Ms. Wehrenberg recommended that this expenditure be sourced from
undesignated contingency funds (leaving a remaining balance of $37,500 for future
unanticipated costs).
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve an
Audit Contract with Winston, Williams, Creech and Evans for state mandated pension
testing.
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YARBORO PLANNING AND ZONING CASE:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate stated that Commissioner Newell requested
staff to update the Board about the current Zoning Case against Mr. David Yarboro. Ms.
Tate noted the update will be given by the County’s Planning Director, Mike Ciriello and
will include the current status, a comparison of other cities/counties regulations regarding
abandoned structures, including the City of Roxboro and the enforcement options.
Mr. Ciriello told the Board a complaint was received in April 2014 that several
new accessory buildings had been located on the property located at 1234/5 Cedar Grove
Church Road without a permit. The complainant also mentioned that one of these
structures was a single-wide trailer.
Mr. Ciriello stated the property owners, Mr. and Mrs. David Yarboro, Sr., were
informed by mail on April 23, 2014 that they needed to secure zoning and building
inspections permits for the new structures and that until they did so; they were in
violation of Person County Ordinance:
Article VI Section 60-2
Notwithstanding nonconforming uses as herein defined, no
building, structure, or land shall hereafter be used or occupied,
and no building or structure or part thereof, shall hereafter be
erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally
altered except in conformity with all the regulations as specified
herein for the district in which it is located.
Article VI, Section 131-1
Unless otherwise stated in this ordinance, no building, and
structure (a sign is considered a structure) or any part thereof
designed or intended to be used for other than farm or
agricultural purposes, shall be erected or altered until Zoning
permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator or
authorized representative. (Amended 3/17/97)
Mr. Ciriello stated, in addition, the property owners were informed that under no
circumstances could a single-wide trailer be used for any other use aside from residential
as noted in Appendix C, Table of Permitted Uses as follows:
September 8, 2014
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Notes to the Table of Permitted Uses
Note 3 – Manufactured Homes, Class B and Class C
Class B and Class C manufactured homes may be used only for
residential purposes and may not be used for storage accessory
buildings, utility buildings nor shops.
Mr. Ciriello noted the property owners were given until May 16, 2014
to secure these permits and address with the County Planning and
Environmental Health Departments the issue of the single-wide trailer and its
use. Mr. and Mrs. Yarboro were reminded in the April 23, 2014 letter of the
potential consequences of a violation of the County’s adopted Ordinance:
Article XVIII, Section 180-1
Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision
of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor
and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars
($500). Each day a violation exists shall be a separate
violation hereunder.
Mr. Ciriello noted that on May 1, 2014, Mrs. Yarboro visited the
Planning Department in person and spoke to County Planner, Paula Murphy.
Mrs. Yarboro was informed of the County’s rules and regulations. She also
told the County Planner that the single-wide trailer was being used for storage.
Ms. Murphy explained to Mrs. Yarboro that the trailer could not be used for
storage. Mrs. Yarboro left our Department with the permit applications and
was granted an extension to the deadline for 30 days to complete the
applications. At the expiration of the deadline extension, on June 3, 2014, Mr.
Ciriello further noted the permits had not been issued and the trailer remained
on the lot. Mr. Ciriello stated another letter was sent to the property owners
giving them an additional two (2) weeks to obtain permits and remove or
break-down the trailer (rendering it unsuitable for storage) or, “the matter
would be turned over to the County Attorney.”
Mr. Ciriello stated that on Friday afternoon, June 13, 2014 Mrs.
Yarboro returned again to the County Planning Department. She was told
again about the process and given another set of permit applications. She said
she would be back on Monday, June 16, 2014 with the completed applications.
On June 16, 2014 Mrs. Yarboro returned with the building and zoning permit
applications.
Mr. Ciriello told the Board that on June 18, 2014, permits were issued
for the accessory structures on the property and the Yarboro’s informed that it
was waiting for them to pick-up once they had paid the fees for the permits.
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Mr. Ciriello stated that on June 25, 2014, after the permits had not been
picked up and a wind-shield inspection of the property revealed that the trailer
had not been removed, the following certified notice was sent to the property
owners:
CERTIFIED MAIL
June 25, 2014
Mr. David Yarboro
1234 Cedar Grove Church Rd
Roxboro, NC 27573
REF: Map A71 Parcel 99 - Permits and Single-Family Trailer
Dear Mr. Yarboro:
Attached to this letter is a copy of a letters sent to you on April 23, 2014 and
June 3, 2014 detailing your zoning violation(s). A site zoning permit was issued
on June 17, 2014 and a building permit was issued on June 18, 2014. These
permits are not valid until they are picked up and paid for. The zoning permit is
$50 and the building permit is $200. These are required for the accessory
buildings.
The County has also informed you in writing twice that the single-wide trailer
which was being used for storage was not allowed and needed to be removed. At
this time, no action has been taken on your part to remove the single-wide trailer.
The County has demonstrated a willingness to work with you to address these
issues.
If the trailer is not removed from your property by July 10, 2014, the County will
commence legal action. Furthermore, if the zoning and building permits are not
retrieved and paid for by July 10, 2014, you will be in violation of county
building and zoning codes.
Please feel free to call at 336-597-1750 should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Ciriello
Planning Director
On June 26, 2014, staff updated the neighbors of the status of the violations as
they had requested.
Mr. Ciriello stated that on July 7, 2014 Mrs. Yarboro picked-up and paid for the
permits; she was reminded that they had until July 10th to remove or break-down the
trailer and no extensions would be granted.
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Mr. Ciriello noted that on July 10, 2014, staff called the property owners and
reminded them that if the trailer was not removed or broken down by the end of the day,
we would proceed with legal action. On July 11, 2014, staff did another wind-shield
inspection of the property and confirmed that the trailer had not been removed or broken
down. On July 11, 2014, Planning staff contacted the Person County Magistrate’s Office
and filed a legal complaint against the property owners.
Mr. Ciriello told the Board that on August 29, 2014 Planning staff learned that the
Yarboro’s case had been assigned by the District Attorney. Staff spoke to the Assistant
District Attorney about the court case scheduled for the afternoon of September 9, 2014
noting the Planning Director would attend the hearing, which will help staff determine
the next enforcement steps. County Attorney, Ron Aycock stated the judge hearing the
case may suspend any such conviction based on the condition to clean-up and remove to
become compliant with the Planning Ordinance.
Enforcement of existing ordinance
Person County’s ordinance allows for fines (up to $500/day) and/or jail time, and
also allows for enforcement by an appropriate equitable remedy, which would require an
additional judicial hearing. Staff recommends pursuing the appropriate equitable remedy,
once a new abandoned properties, littering and/or public nuisance regulation has been
adopted.
Comparison with surrounding counties and the City of Roxboro:
Mr. Ciriello stated staff began conducting research on surrounding counties’
ordinances/policies regarding abandoned properties, littering and public nuisance, per the
Board’s instruction at the July 21, 2014 meeting to which a proposal will be presented at
the Board’s meeting in November. While the research is not complete, Mr. Ciriello stated
the initial observation is that most counties do not have regulations regarding abandoned
homes or mobile homes; Warren County is an exception, as it does have an ordinance
requiring the clean-up of abandoned structures. Other counties use their junk yard
ordinances to enforce the clean-up of properties, but not necessarily abandoned mobile
homes. In general, Mr. Ciriello stated that cities use minimum housing codes to require
the clean-up of abandoned or dilapidated homes.
Mr. Ciriello stated the City of Roxboro has a minimum housing code which
authorizes the city to condemn or demolish dwellings that are unfit for human habitation
and pose a danger to the health, safety and welfare of residents. In the event that a home
owner refuses to comply, the City may pay for the removal of the property and collects
the cost of removal via the property tax bill. Counties have the authority to have
minimum housing code regulations; however, staffing may be required to enforce such
ordinance should the Board be interested in pursuing to establish such housing codes.
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Mr. Ciriello added that some counties have a voluntary abandoned mobile home
removal program that is partially funded by the state. The state offers reimbursement to
cover some of the cost of removing abandoned manufactured homes. Mr. Ciriello
reiterated that additional staff may be needed to implement such a program. The grant would
not fully cover the cost of the program, but would provide the following amounts per
removal:
• Single wide = $1,500
• Double wide units = $2,500
• Triple wide units = $3,000
Mr. Ciriello presented the additional enforcement options and next steps:
• Continue to move forward with enforcement of the existing ordinance.
• The Junkyard ordinance could be used to enforce clean-up of the property;
however, the enforcement options are the same as the zoning ordinance.
• Staff recommends moving forward with the proposal regarding abandoned homes,
littering and public nuisance. Included in this proposal will be an evaluation of the
option to implement a minimum housing code ordinance, which would allow for
collection of removal costs via the property tax bill. Full implementation and
enforcement of a new ordinance could take a year, if not two, and may require
additional staffing.
Commissioner Blalock asked if the property owners had a permit or license to
operate a business at his residence. Mr. Ciriello stated they did not however they do have
a history of operating private business from their address.
Vice Chairman Jeffers asked staff why it took from four months to act on the
complaint. Mr. Ciriello recommended the Board to consider articulating tougher
consequences in the County ordinance in regard to enforcement when violations occur.
Mr. Aycock told the group the Board may consider strengthening its ordinance
and possibly incorporate minimum housing code requirements whereby the County
would have authority to clean up a property owners’ property and charge the owner by
placing a lien on the property noting the Board should know the process is lengthy.
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell and carried 5-0 to instruct staff to
bring to the Board a recommendation for revising the County’s Planning Ordinance.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated staff should amend text to delete the reference to the
County Fire Marshal.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Clayton reported the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
(COG) will hold its annual banquet on September 25, 2014 to which he will pass-on the
gavel to the new COG Chair. Chairman Clayton commented he deems the complaint
from Ms. Betty Blalock legitimate if the blasting is loud enough to shake her house.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York reported the following:
• September 19, 2014 is the deadline to submit legislative goals to the NC
Association of County Commissioners,
• Discussion with the managers across the state about a proposed legislative goals
related to economic development incentives,
• The Person County Farm Tour is scheduled for September 13 & 14, 2014 from
1:00 – 5:00 pm, and
• It was good to be back to work.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Newell has no report.
Vice Chairman Jeffers reported a community discussion on rural mental health
will take place on October 1, 2014 at 10:00 am at City Hall.
Commissioner Puryear congratulated the Ceffo Fire Department for its 25 years in
service. Commissioner Puryear thanked everyone that made Personality a great success.
Commissioner Blalock reported she had several complaints about blasting at the
landfill noting she thought Upper Piedmont was supposed to notify the public with a
newspaper ad when blasting occurs. County Manager, Heidi York stated she would
research if any type of notification is required when blasting takes place.
Commissioner Blalock reported the Person County Environmental Issues
Committee met last Thursday, September 4, 2014, and voted to begin a newspaper
column that will be used to help educate citizens on the pros and cons of various
environmental topics. The first article will give the mission statement of the committee
and will list contact information of the committee township representatives so citizens
will be able to get in touch with them. The column will be titled "Down to Earth".
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Commissioner Blalock addressed the Board about campaigning noting it has been
brought to her attention that a war is about to begin and some say they will do whatever it
takes to win in this election. Commissioner Blalock encouraged all candidates to show
maturity, and respect for the office by letting the public know the good things candidates
have done or hope to do and not get into dirty politics which would be degrading to the
office and very childish. Commissioner Blalock stated the need for honesty and integrity
from all commissioners and candidates. In defense of this Board, Commissioner Blalock
noted the best job that could be done with the information provided and if anyone thinks
this Board has failed in anyway, and then each member is a part of that failure as well as
the Board's successes. Commissioner Blalock further noted the Board has had many
difficult issues during her term on the Board, and if any candidate runs on its criticisms of
the present Board, they should lose the election. Commissioner Blalock urges all
candidates to stop living in the past and think about ways to make the future better.
Commissioner Blalock stated that by being on the Board is a privilege and a
responsibility that gives each member a chance to make a difference noting to make a
difference by attending the committee assignments and by doing adequate research on all
issues and by building coalitions on the Board.
Commissioner Blalock stated it does not bother her to leave the Board, but
leaving it in capable hands is of great concern to her and she only hopes that those elected
will care enough to do what is good for the future of Person County. Commissioner
Blalock stated she listened to NC Spin which highlighted that too many times elected
officials are more concerned about short term money than the long term consequences.
Commissioner Blalock stated she ran for the Board of Commissioners because there was
a lack of concern for protecting our environment and this will continue to be on her
personal radar and trusts it will be on everyone else’s as well.
Commissioner Blalock pointed out that 50% of the County’s budget goes to
public safety and Dept. of Social Services (DSS). For several years Commissioner
Blalock has been meeting every month with a group of concerned citizens whose goal is
to help find a pathway to independence for some of those who are dependent upon county
services. Commissioner Blalock stated everyone should be alarmed because both of
these departments are continuing to grow and it seems elected officials have turned a
blind eye to this problem, so she challenged the candidates to join this fight noting the
problem is greater than any other issue in Person County as the proof is in the budget.
Commissioner Blalock stated that there is a saying that the buck stops here; it
does stop with the Board of Commissioners unless citizens stand up and say "NO.”
Commissioner Blalock recalled in the past, a group of citizens stopped the Board with a
challenge, with that action costing citizens and the County in legal fees. If an issue means
enough to a group of citizens, it will happen again, so however this Board comes out on
November 4, 2014, the Board must make wise decisions putting citizen welfare first.
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In closing, Commissioner Blalock reminded the candidates to make this campaign
constructive, or someone will surely call you on it and that giving half information will
generate rebuttals.
Commissioner Blalock challenged everyone to come to the Re-Entry meeting on
September 9, 2014 at Ronnie Dunevant's office located at 1200 North Main Street at 6:30
pm.
Commissioner Puryear stated that Commissioner Blalock’s comments were the
most profound, true words noting he agreed wholeheartedly that campaigning can be a
nasty issue, but does not have to be.
CLOSED SESSION #1:
A motion was made by Chairman Clayton, and carried 5-0 to enter Closed
Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to consider the acquisition or lease of real
property at 8:07 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 and Recreation
Director, John Hill.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:44 pm.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 8:44 pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman