BOC Minutes August 19 2013
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUGUST 19, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jimmy B. Clayton Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear
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, August 19, 2013 at 9:00 am 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. Commissioner Puryear was absent
until 9:08 am.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Clayton requested an item be added to the agenda following the
approval of the agenda for Dr. Daly to introduce the new Superintendent of Person
County Schools.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 4-0 to approve the
agenda as adjusted with the request item for Dr. Daly to introduce the new
Superintendent of Person County.
DR. DALY TO INTRODUCE THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF PERSON
COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Interim Superintendent of Person County Schools introduced Mr. Danny
Holloman, Director of Human Resources and Operations as the new Superintendent of
Person County Schools. Mr. Holloman greeted the group.
PERSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT QUARTERLY SAFETY AWARD:
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the group that the Person County Safety
Committee implemented a safety recognition program whereby each quarter, a county
department will be awarded a Certificate of Safety and Health Achievement for
exemplifying dedication to the health and safety of employees at the work site. Ms. York
noted this is a competitive award based on established criteria including: attendance at
county trainings, reporting accidents in a timely manner, submitting accident
investigation forms, reporting hazards, performance on facility inspections, and
emergency procedures testing and other outstanding safety acts.
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Ms. York recognized the Recreation, Arts and Parks Department, the fourth
recipient and county department to earn the Person County Government Safety Award for
the quarter ending June 2013 for exemplary work and dedication to Person County
Government, providing outstanding contributions to safety with an emphasis on
providing their employees a safe work environment.
Ms. York highlighted that the Recreation, Arts and Parks Department not only
serves the well-being of public but places special emphasis on health and safety of its
employees. This department is a very expansive park system where safety, cleanliness,
and attractive programming choices for all citizens are stressed. Parks and Recreation has
the distinction of maintaining more areas and facilities, distance to travel between
facilities and the sheer number of employees and public customers served. The park
system includes approximately 191 county owned acres as well as land and facilities
jointly used by the Person County School System. Park facilities include ball fields,
walking tracks, playgrounds, picnic shelters, gyms, concession stands, tennis courts,
amphitheater, community center, etc.
Ms. York noted in 2012 alone, there were 11,290 program participants and 20,227
non program participants using rentals/facilities. According to the Mayo Park traffic
count, some 79,104 vehicles with an average of 3.5 people per vehicle entered the park
last year. This number appears to have a growing trend each year.
Ms. York presented the certificate and plaque with the Recreation, Arts and Parks
Department’s name listed to the employees of the Recreation, Arts and Parks Department
present at the meeting. The plaque hangs in the hallway outside the County Manager’s
Office and the Commissioners’ meeting room. A newsletter article will be in the county
newsletter and submitted to the local paper to highlight the outstanding measures of the
county department. In attendance receiving the award were Jeremy Royster, Randy
Long, William Leonard, Jennifer Teasley, Jennifer Dunkley, Kay Rudd, John Ellis and
John Hill.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Johnny Myrl Lunsford of 179 Carrington Lane, Roxboro commended the
Board of Commissioners for their site selection and plan to acquire property to
consolidate the Person Industries main facility and the Person County Recycling Center
into one facility. Mr. Lunsford stated the impact of services to the community is
recognized as a role model for other counties. Mr. Lunsford noted his plans to attend the
City Council’s meeting to convey his support of the project.
Mr. Lunsford, a member of the Recreation Advisory Board, offered
congratulations to the Recreation, Arts and Parks Department for receiving the safety
award.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
minutes of August 5, 2013.
NEW BUSINESS:
REQUEST FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY BRADSHER FOR PORTRAIT OF
JIM RAMSEY:
District Attorney (DA) Wallace Bradsher thanked the Board for their support and
commitment to renovate and improve security at the Courthouse.
In his capacity of Vice President of the District 9A Bar which represents both
Person and Caswell counties, DA Bradsher requested the Board of Commissioners’
consideration to commission a portrait by a local artist, George Buchanan of the late Mr.
Jim Ramsey to be hung in the County Courthouse and an appropriation of $2,000 to pay
for the portrait. DA Bradsher described the legacy of Jim Ramsey and stated the Bar
Association will hold a dedication ceremony to honor the memory of Jim Ramsey on
October 29, 2013 at 2:00 pm. DA Bradsher requested the Board of Commissioners to
also declare October 29, 2013 as Jim Ramsey Day in Person County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock to table the request from District
Attorney Bradsher until the Board’s next meeting scheduled for September 9, 2013 to
allow time for a memorial fund to be established for individuals or the Bar Association to
contribute to fulfill the appropriation. The motion died 1-4. Commissioner Blalock
voted in favor of the motion while all other members of the Board voted in opposition.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-1 to approve the
request from the District Attorney Bradsher to commission a portrait of the former
Speaker of the House, Jim Ramsey to be hung in the Courthouse and for October 29,
2013 to be declared Jim Ramsey Day in Person County and to approve $2,000
appropriation from the Contingency Fund. Commissioner Blalock cast the lone
dissenting vote.
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PRESENTATION ON BROADBAND PLANNING FOR PERSON COUNTY:
Economic Development Director, Stuart Gilbert noted that the Economic
Development Commission funded a study that is currently in process to identify the
unserved areas in Person County for broadband access as well as to identify the types of
broadband services which are important to the future of residents and businesses for
economic purposes.
Mr. Gilbert introduced Dr. Andrew Cohill, President and CEO of Design Nine,
Blacksburg, VA noting Dr. Cohill’s visit is a follow up to the Person County Economic
Development Day held earlier this year when Dr. Cohill shared that Person County’s
Broadband is a $6 billion dollar industry that should receive future planning from Person
County and the City of Roxboro. Mr. Gilbert told the Board that Dr. Cohill was the
Director of the world renown Blacksburg Electronic Village at Virginia Tech from 1993-
2002 and is currently a broadband architect with an extensive background in open access
network design and broadband planning and provides technology advice and services to
community business, and public clients.
Dr. Cohill presented the following report and long range planning ideas for
Person County:
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MCNC Fiber illustrated above running east to west across Person County.
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Commissioner Puryear inquired about the need to place fiber in an area where
broadband exists noting public entities cannot compete under state law. Mr. Cohill noted
his recommendation is not to compete but to possibly build a public/private partnership.
Mr. Cohill suggested competition to CenturyLink to create affordability options.
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BROADBAND UPDATE:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate reminded the Board the Request for
Proposals (RFP) to extend broadband coverage to the unserved areas of the County was
originally released last fall with two proposals received. At the Board’s direction the
RFP for broadband was reissued on May 30, 2013 with a response deadline of July 31st
with one new application received. Ms. Tate noted the three applications received were
from the following vendors: CenturyLink; North Carolina Rural Broadband; and NC
Wireless (Light Leap).
Ms. Tate noted the selection committee met on August 6th to review the
applications. The selection committee included Gary Latta (IT Director), Stuart Gilbert
(ED Director) and Sherry McCuller (Peregrine Consulting) and a representative from the
State, as a non-voting member. Ms. Tate stated the selection committee recommended
contracting with NC Wireless (Light Leap) to carry out the project, but only if it is
combined with improving public safety communication needs. The selection committee
felt that there were opportunities to link this project with public safety communication
needs that should be explored fully before moving forward. The selection committee also
recommended investigating linkages with economic development, electric cooperatives
and cell phone coverage. The representative from the State noted that Graham, Avery,
McDowell, and Buncombe counties have a combined public safety and broadband
service system that could serve as a model for Person County.
Ms. Tate told the group that based on the recommended vendor’s proposal, the
cost to Person County will be approximately $100,000 (total project costs are $200,000).
The RFP called for a 50/50 project costs. Ms. Tate noted the RFP cost does not include
the cost of installing towers in five locations in the county. The cost of installing a tower
varies based on the height and the amount/type of equipment on the tower.
Ms. Tate noted the Emergency Services staffs are currently working with a
consultant to develop a recommendation for improving the existing public safety
communication system. Emergency Management Director, Wes Lail told the group the
additional towers marry the two separate issues (broadband and public safety) by
enhancing the infrastructure for the services. Ms. Tate added the consultant will have a
complete report with recommendations this fall. Emergency Services plans to have public
safety focus groups review the options presented by the consultant and provide input on
the recommendations. Improving the public safety communication system is an urgent
need and a system upgrade is a planned request for the upcoming Capital Improvement
Plan (Fiscal Year 2015) as the cost for implementation of the broadband and public safety
projects will likely be greater than $50,000.
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Ms. Tate noted Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs) have had some issues
communicating recently, so improvements need to be made to the existing system. Vice
Chairman Jeffers stated the issues with the radio system for the VFDs is separate from
the broadband and public safety issues and noted his preference to fix the issues related to
the radios on the existing towers and not hold up that process while the public safety
study is completed. Mr. Lail added a radio study was completed in 2004 however the
recommendations were not implemented.
Ms. Tate stated if the Board of Commissioners would like staff to move forward
with the broadband project only, the next step is to price out the cost of installing the
towers or if the Board of Commissioners would like staff to move forward with a
combined broadband and public safety communication project, the next step would be to
host focus groups to discuss the findings from the public safety communication
consultant and conduct further research on linkages with other projects, such as economic
development.
Chairman Clayton inquired about the existing towers, including the cell phone
towers. Mr. Tommy Cole, Operations Director for 911 Communications noted the
current Person County Ordinance did not allow the option for public safety to lease space
on the cell towers. Currently public safety equipment is located on the Hill Street tower
and may be added to the VIPER tower upon completion.
Commissioner Puryear suggested and the Board agreed to move forward with all
options at this time and asked Ms. Tate of the proposed timeframe. Ms. Tate stated the
pricing for the costs of additional towers is in the process with engineers and once that
information is available, a report will be presented to the Board.
FORMER BROMMA BUILDING PURCHASE FOR PERSON INDUSTRIES AND
PERSON COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER CO-LOCATION:
County Manager, Heidi York described to the group the process by which the
Board decided to purchase the Bromma building. Ms. York noted the Board of County
Commissioners has been discussing options for relocating the Person County Recycling
Center and Person Industries since the fall of 2012. These discussions were held in closed
session under General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5). Closed sessions allowed for the
confidentiality of negotiations of price prior to making an offer to purchase property.
At the Board’s August 5, 2013 meeting, the Board voted to move forward with the
purchase of the former Bromma building located on Old Durham Road. The Bromma
building will serve as the new location for both Person Industries and the Person County
Recycling Center. The purchase price of the building is $1.52M. The current tax value is
$689,086. The appraised value was $1.1M ($925k for building and 5.59 acres; $25,000 per
additional acre for a total of 11.18 acres).
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Ms. York presented the following information as considerations by the Board in
making their decision to purchase this property:
· Feasibility Study was commissioned in the fall of 2012 to explore all options for co-
locating the Person County Recycling Center and Person Industries. MHA Works
presented a report shared with the Board in November of 2012 which outlined five
viable options including:
o purchasing the current Recycling Center site;
o purchasing the current Person Industries site and expanding that facility;
o building a stand-alone new facility on county-owned land at Critcher-
Wilkerson site (most expensive option);
o and review of purchasing two other warehouses on Old Durham Road.
· Deficiencies of the current Recycling Center leased building were also identified in the
Feasibility Study noting that an additional $375,000 would be required to bring that
building up to current building and fire safety codes.
· Roof replacement for the current Person Industries leased building was estimated at
$470,000.
· Certified MAI appraisals were sought for the former Bromma Building in April 2013,
the current Person Industries facility in January 2013, and for the current Recycling
Center facility in November 2012.
· Current Lease Agreements:
-Recycling Center site- rental rate is presently $107,000 plus all utilities. Since FY07,
the County has paid approximately $726,401 for rent, repairs, and renovations. In
March of 2010, the landowner presented an additional five year lease arrangement
with payments starting at $117,500 for the first three years and increasing to $129,500
for year’s nine and ten. If agreed to the County would have spent $1.34M in rent
alone.
-Person Industries site- rental rate is presently $6500 annually extending to 2025.
· After receiving the appraisals, staff was directed to negotiate with the Walker family,
owners of the current Person Industries site, on a purchase price. Agreement on price
was not reached.
· Staff was also directed to consider two additional warehouse sites off of 501. These
findings were presented to the Board in June 2013.
· Staff was directed in July 2013 to pursue negotiations on the Bromma site and a
purchase agreement was reached in August 2013. The agreement is contingent on a
clean environmental report as this property is a brownfields site as well as rezoning
from Highway Commercial to Light Industrial to operate the recycling facility and an
agreement for a long-term lease for right-of-way from the railroad.
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· The costs of remodeling the Bromma facility are estimated at $360,000.
· It is the Board’s intention to finance the purchase of the former Bromma site in the late
fall or early winter of 2013 (coupled with the Recreation/Senior Center financing).
Person Industries’ Director, Wanda Rogers stated Person Industries currently
employs 134 people: 85 with disabilities, 22 without disabilities and 27 staff. Ms. Rogers
noted the mission of Person Industries is to empower and assist people to meet vocational
goals in the community further noting people with disabilities that meet the minimum
qualifications are placed in the community in competitive employment. Those who cannot the
minimum qualifications for community employment are served at Person Industries.
Ms. Rogers noted efficiency, safety, long-term stability and cost were the driving
factors for this purchase.
Efficiency
Person Industries currently operates out of two locations - 601 North Madison
Blvd. (Person Industries) and 741 Martin Street (Person County Recycling Center).
Combining the two operations will decrease staff time spent driving between the
buildings and reduce fuel costs. Currently, 4-5 truckloads of recycling materials are
driven between the two buildings every day. Estimated operating savings for fuel and
staff time is $21,500 annually.
The utility cost for the existing buildings is estimated at $45,000 annually, while
the Bromma building utility cost is estimated at $30,000, a savings of $15,000 annually.
Merging the two facilities will make the recycling workflow more efficient
allowing us to separate more recyclables and increase revenues.
Currently, the county pays $115,498/yearly in rent for both facilities. Rent has
increased since the county began renting the PCRC building in FY07 and with staff
anticipating that it will continue to increase in the future. Using a ten year debt service
model with a rate of 2.49%, the average annual debt service for the new facility will be
approximately $216,979. In addition, PCRC will make a final equipment debt service
payment of ~$99,000/year in December 2013. Since FY07 when Person Industries joined
the county, the County has spent $726,000 on rent, insurance, utilities and repairs on the
existing PCRC building and without a tangible asset to show for this investment.
Ms. Rogers noted one of Person Industries’ main contractors, Eaton Corporation,
is located close to the Bromma building, which decreases staff travel time.
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Safety
Currently, the Person County Recycling Center building does not have a smoke
alarm system or sprinklers in place. The Bromma building has smoke alarms, sprinklers
and strobes. The new facility will allow individuals with the more severe disabilities to be
protected behind walls- they will be out of the way of equipment such as forklifts and
skid loaders. Employee and client safety is our highest priority.
Long-term stability
Person County’s current lease at the Person County Recycling Center ends April 30,
2014. The lease on the Person Industries land expires in 12 years, in 2025. The recycling
center opened in June 2009, and since then has gained in popularity. Person County
prefers to own a facility rather than continuing to lease. Ms. Rogers stated the Bromma
site would allow for growth and potential expansion up to 20 years. In addition, the
location is much more visible and includes a fenced area, multiple loading docks,
additional buildings, a large break room with better bathrooms.
Cost
The Board has considered a number of buildings in Person County, including the
current recycling facility location. The current PCRC location is large enough to house a
merged organization, but to purchase, repair the existing deficiencies, and renovate the
space according to a feasibility study would cost $2,200,000.
The current Person Industries’ building would cost an estimated $3,265,000 to
purchase and up-fit the facility to meet the needs of a recycling facility.
A new 50,000 sq. foot facility on Person County owned property was considered,
but the cost was $4,250,000.
The cost of purchasing and up-fitting the BROMMA building is estimated at
$1,870,000.
Owning versus leasing: Due to the retirement of the equipment financing and the current
lease obligation, Person Industries will require less support from the General Fund. Since
opening, the Person County Recycling Center has utilized the following allocation from
the General Fund:
PCRC
County
Appropriation
Actual
Spent
FY 2009 $0.00 $0.00
FY 2010 $193,752.00 $147,759.97
FY 2011 $310,993.00 $136,212.84
FY 2012 $208,928.00 $184,095.10
Totals $504,745.00
$468,067.91
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Note the allocation has gone toward $107,000 (lease) & the $99,000 (equipment
financing)
Ms. York added the loss of tax revenue for the City of Roxboro should the county
acquire the Bromma property would equal to $4,341 in real property and $1,158 in small
equipment for a total of $5,499 with the county losing about the same amount of tax
revenue.
Commissioner Blalock noted the current recycling facility is in the city with
potential loss of the tax revenue just the same should the County acquire that property.
Commissioner Blalock suggested for the Board of Commissioners and Roxboro City
Council partner in educating and encouraging the businesses and residents of Roxboro to
recycle and share in the increase of revenues achieved by the recycling center not to be
less than the taxes that would be lost on the facility. Commissioner Blalock stated
General Statute 130A.309.089(a) states units of local government shall make a good faith
effort to achieve the state’s 40% municipal solid waste goal. Commissioner Blalock
stated Person County and the City of Roxboro are only at a 5% waste reduction; a 40%
waste reduction could mean as much as $1.5M annually ensuring the County could
guarantee the City would not lose any more tax money on this venture.
Commissioner Blalock stated a possible site for the flea market is at the current
Person Industries’ location/Farmer’s Market site.
Chairman Clayton, the commissioner representative on the OPC Mental Health
Board, stated due to state reorganization of mental health, Person County provided
spaced for vocational services at the old Bushy Fork School to which was later relocated
to the current Person Industries’ location. Chairman Clayton stated his support to the
program through the County’s allocation of $591,689 as a supplement to the other
sources of revenue of $2,112,475 and the individuals being served at Person Industries
and the Recycling Center noting his desire to work out any concerns for the City of
Roxboro reiterating the current partnership with the City for economic development, fire
services, and 911 communications.
Commissioner Newell stated he did not object to Person Industries but to
subsidizing the operation of the programs. Commissioner Newell asked Ms. Rogers
about the deficit for the programs and production. Ms. Rogers noted production has paid
for itself with the programming/services reimbursement that is inadequate.
Commissioner Newell asked Ms. Rogers the balance of Person Industries’ fund balance.
Ms. Rogers responded over $600,000 (not including 2013). Commissioner Newell asked
Ms. Rogers about the staff/client ratio. Ms. Rogers explained people with severe
disabilities have Medicaid funding which allows 1:1 with others 1:4, and 1:10. Ms.
Rogers stated she had many program employees working machines, trucks, skid loaders,
etc. Commissioner Newell reiterated his objection relates to the limit for the county to
subsidize the programs. Ms. Rogers stated if the two facilities are combined into one site,
the ratio would be 1:10 noting currently the PI main facility is capped out not pulling
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down the full state allocation due to the ratios there; further noting the Recycling Center
does not have the issue with ratios. Ms. Rogers stated 10-13 more people with
disabilities can be hired if the two facilities are merged without hiring more staff which
will in turn raise the revenues.
Commissioner Puryear stated the Person Industries and the Recycling Center are
not making a profit and understood the county allocation goes toward providing a service
to the community. Vice Chairman Jeffers highlighted for the group other cases whereby
a profit was not made, i.e. the Force Protection incentives paid out before the industry
was proven which costs the county without any added jobs. Commissioner Blalock
added that the county subsidizes the Person Area Transportation System (PATS) and the
Parks and Recreation Department which are providing services to the citizens without a
profit being realized. Commissioner Blalock noted there is a potential for the Recycling
Center to make a profit if the citizens bring their recyclables.
Commissioner Newell illustrated for the citizens to know that the county pays a
deficit for the Recreation, Arts and Parks Department at $722,000 (even more with the
proposed Rec Center) and the programs of Person Industries and Recycling for 1-2 cents
on the tax rate which in his opinion equates to five cents on the dollar for the county to
pay. Commissioner Newell added what Ms. Rogers is proposing makes business sense to
consolidate the two sites; however he could not vote for it as he feels it is a losing
proposition that will get prohibitive to the taxpayers.
Vice Chairman Jeffers stated support of Person Industries and the many
programs serving citizens of the County. Vice Chairman Jeffers stated people with
disabilities pay taxes too and the services covered by the county are for all citizens, not
select groups.
Commissioner Puryear stated the Board’s job is to make smart, financial decisions
acknowledging county government does not make money and he does not favor for the
County to go into extra ventures when times are not good noting the unemployment rate
is close to 10% and taxpayers are paying higher revaluation taxes without the Board
implementing revenue neutral to help the taxpayers; and the County is finding ways to
spend the extra revenue.
REVISIONS TO THE PERSON COUNTY ADDRESSING ORDINANCE:
Assistant County Manager, Sybil Tate reminded the Board as part of the Fiscal
Year 2014 budget process, the Board of Commissioners approved a position within EMS
for supervisory duties which would include managing the county’s addressing services.
This new position allowed the county to bring addressing in-house and provide offsetting
revenues from the 911 Fund to support the new supervisor position. Prior to Fiscal Year
2014 addressing services were provided by a contractor. As a result of bringing these
services in-house, staff from EMS, Planning, GIS and Building Inspections reviewed
county ordinances that pertain to addressing. Ms. Tate stated staffs are recommending
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updating and combining the Road Naming Ordinance and the House, Building and
Mobile Home Numbers Ordinance into one ordinance – the Addressing and Road
Naming Ordinance. Unifying the ordinances into one ordinance clarifies the process for
naming and assigning numbers and is a more user-friendly document for both staff and
citizens. Ms. Tate noted Alamance County’s addressing ordinance served as a model for
the proposed ordinance before the Board. Ms. Tate stated updating the ordinance enables
the addressing system to work with the new in-house addressing position. Ms. Eithiel
Estes, present in the audience, introduced herself to the group as the new 911 Supervisor
who will be responsible for the addressing services.
Ms. Tate highlighted the proposed ordinance allows for the possibility of an
intergovernmental agreement, i.e., with the City of Roxboro and it grandfathers any
existing ordinances, only to affect any future addresses and numbering. Ms. Tate
clarified requests for changes for names and numbers may come from a citizen and for
just cause for public safety issues.
Ms. Tate clarified that the Person County Fee Schedule should be amended to
include a $125 fee for signs and sign posts.
Ms. Tate stated renaming of roads can take place at any time with the proposed
ordinance in comparison to the current ordinance on an annual basis in February.
Chairman Clayton warned that in the past there were many road name changes requests
which resulted in the current amended ordinance. Ms. Tate confirmed with the group that
there is a requirement for 75% of the residents living on such road to be in agreement for
eligibility for consideration by the Board for re-naming.
Ms. Tate acknowledged Tim Shortley from GIS as well as Wes Lail and Tommy
Cole from Emergency Services for their effort in the proposed ordinance.
Ms. Tate told the Board that the County Attorney wanted to remind the Board for
any changes to the county’s addressing ordinances, a public hearing would be required
with 10 days public notice.
It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a public hearing related to revising
the addressing and road naming ordinance for its next meeting scheduled for September
9, 2013 and directed staff to advertise for such.
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REVIEW OF SCHOOL RECYCLING GRANT:
Person Industries’ Assistant Director, Becky Clayton presented the School
Recycling Grant flier and a Request for Proposals for Board input related to funding for a
school recycling grant program adopted in the Fiscal Year 2013-14 budget in the amount
of $14,490.
Ms. Clayton stated the forms will be distributed in hard copies and via email to all
schools (traditional, private, charter, etc.) located within Person County as well as posted
on the Person County Recycling Center webpage. Ms. Clayton noted the deadline to
submit a proposal is 5:00 pm on September 23, 2013. Each proposal will be reviewed by
the selection committee during a blind review process in which all identifying
information will be removed from proposal applications. The selection committee
includes: Commissioner Blalock (commissioner representative), Kenneth Hill (Solid
Waste Advisory Committee representative) and Becky Clayton (Person County
Recycling Center representative). Ms. Clayton further noted funding will be announced
in October. Selected projects will be required to provide an annual report in May that
includes the amount of recyclables collected.
Vice Chairman Jeffers suggested for Ms. Clayton and staff to meet with each
school principal or lead teacher to roll out the program. Commissioner Blalock suggested
Jerry Ball, Person County Schools’ staff be also involved with the implementation of the
program. Ms. Clayton was agreeable to both suggestions.
DSS ATTORNEY CONTRACTS FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014:
Department of Social Services Interim Director, Carlton Paylor presented to the
Board contracts for legal services to be paid at an hourly rate to agency’s primary
attorney, Tom Fitzgerald, and secondary attorneys, Walter Cates, Julie Ramsey, and Joe
Weinberger noting there are separate contracts for Child Support services therefore two
contracts per attorney. Mr. Paylor stated this will be Tom Fitzgerald’s 31st year working
with the Department of Social Services in this capacity. Mr. Paylor outlined the areas
that require legal services: Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoptions, Adult
Protective Services including guardianship, Child Support Court, and fraud cases.
Mr. Paylor noted there are no changes in the fee structure which is $135.00 per
hour for the primary attorney and $75.00 per hour for secondary attorney services (same
as last fiscal year).
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
attorney contracts for the Department of Social Services for legal services with Tom
Fitzgerald, Walter Cates, Julie Ramsey and Joe Weinberger as presented.
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STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLD HELENA SCHOOL PROPERTY:
County Manager, Heidi York presented to the Board a steering committee to work
on the future use planning of the old Helena School site property. At present, the Board
has committed to a satellite Emergency Medical Services facility as well as a Sheriff’s
satellite office with an estimated cost to up-fit the facility for these purposes is $181,725
as approved in the Board’s Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. York noted
other tentative plans include satellite classrooms for Piedmont Community College as
well as a potential library location.
Ms. York stated the Steering Committee will be tasked with developing
recommendations for use of this facility including a projected timeframe with both short
and long range visioning and development of a budget for the Board’s consideration.
These recommendations will require community input into this important planning
process. Ms. York noted the list below reflects interested participants in this project who
have agreed to sit on the Steering Committee:
Dr. Walter Bartlett, PCC President
Mike Dossett, PCC
Jim Thomasson, citizen
Paul Hair, citizen
Commissioner Frances Blalock
Heidi York, County Manager
John Hill, Recreation, Arts, & Parks Director
Erin Ganey, Director of the Cultural Arts Program at the Kirby
Ray Foushee, General Services Director
Christy Bondy, Library Director
Chairman Clayton suggested adding Margaret Bradsher. Ms. Bradsher, present in
the audience, agreed to participate on the Steering Committee.
Commissioner Newell suggested someone from the Brooks family, in particular,
Roy Brooks, be contacted for interest in serving on the Steering Committee.
It was the consensus of the Board to approve the Steering Committee for the old
Helena School site property with potential to add more, interested participants, if
appropriate.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Clayton congratulated Vice Chairman Jeffers on his outstanding
achievement to be inducted as the Person County’s first representative on August 24,
2013 as President of the NC Association of County Commissioners.
August 19, 2013
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MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York stated she would be out of the office on Friday
attending the NC Association of County Commissioners’ conference.
Ms. York reported that Springsted Consulting has begun the process with county
employees to study the classification and compensation with a recommendation coming
to the Board this fall.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Blalock reported her attendance at a Kerr Tar sponsored seminar
on Water Quality to which she has shared information with the County Manager noting
there are 25 web links under kt.waterquality.com. Commissioner Blalock stated the
Library will display information on watersheds, water quality, etc. and suggested the
media cover this issue as well.
Vice Chairman Jeffers asked any Board members and staff in attendance at the
NC Association of County Commissioners’ swearing-in ceremony to join him on stage as
customary.
Commissioners Newell and Puryear had no report or comments.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session at 11:02 am per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the purpose to
discuss personnel with the County Manager and the Clerk to the Board permitted to
attend.
Chairman Clayton announced a brief break prior to the Closed Session. Closed
Session was called to order at11:08 am.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:32 am.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers and carried 3-2 to implement a
3% merit increase to the County Manager’s salary based on her annual performance
review. Chairman Clayton, Vice Chairman Jeffers and Commissioner Blalock supported
the motion. Commissioners Newell and Puryear voted in opposition to the motion.
August 19, 2013
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 11:33 am.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman