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March 21 and 28 March 21, 2011 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 21, 2011 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 Samuel R. Kennington Frances P. Blalock The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in regular session on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room in the Person County Office Building. Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order, led invocation and asked Commissioner Kennington to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda. PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST BY CAROLINA SOLAR ENERGY, LLC FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A SOLAR ENERGY GENERATOR ON US 501 IN THE PERSON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK: The public hearing set to hear a request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park 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: Ms. Paula Murphy Mr. Jim Stovall Mr. Gerry Dudzik A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Blalock and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park. March 21, 2011 2 Planning Director, Paula Murphy stated Person County received a Special Use Permit request from Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a solar energy generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park. Carolina Solar Energy, LLC will lease seven acres of a 50+ acre parcel. Ms. Murphy noted electrical generating facilities are allowed with a Special Use Permit in the Industrial District. Ms. Murphy noted a Special Use Permit was approved in March 2009 for the lease of four acres with 54 large panels 65’ x 15” on the same parcel but to the south. Ms. Murphy further noted this request will now expand the solar energy site to approximately eleven acres. Ms. Murphy referred to the site plan included in the Board packet which shows the proposed solar panels (102 arrays with 44 panels) noting access to the site by an existing gravel drive (shown 14 feet in width) off Crown Craft Blvd. The panel dimensions are 73’ x 12.5’ and due to the construction of the solar panels, water is able to flow through, therefore, the panels are not considered in impervious calculations for the site. Ms. Murphy described the property in question as 11 total acres to be leased with no one hundred flood areas and located in the Flat River Balance of Watershed, WSIII, within the Person County Industrial Park. The surrounding area consists of GKN, Vector Tobacco, Cambridge Hills Assisted Living Facility, single family residential uses and open space. Ms. Murphy stated the site will not require a well or septic system and will be unmanned and only visited periodically for routine maintenance. Ms. Murphy stated the Ordinance provisions: Article VII, Section 74; 74-1 Special Use Permits may be issued by the County Commissioners for the uses mentioned under the Special Uses as pertains to each district. A. An application for a Special Use Permit must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department at least four weeks prior to the regular scheduled Planning Board meeting at which it is to be reviewed. Twenty-four copies of the site plan, prepared by a North Carolina registered land surveyor, engineer or architect, shall accompany the application. The plan, drawn to scale, shall depict the following; 1) The boundary of the lot(s) to be developed labeled with bearings and distances, total gross land area, location of easements, utilities, adjacent road names and numbers; 2) Name of the project, property owner and applicant, vicinity map, north arrow, scale, date of plan preparation and subsequent revisions dates; 3) Topography of site, at contour interval no greater than ten feet, location of perennial and intermittent waters, 100 year flood plains; 4) Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures within the site and existing buildings and structures within five hundred feet adjacent thereto; March 21, 2011 3 5) Proposed points of ingress and egress together with the proposed pattern of internal circulation; 6) Existing and proposed parking spaces; 7) Proposed provisions for water supply and sewage disposal; 8) If the site is located in a designated drinking water supply watershed, the plan shall also: a. depict the location of existing and proposed impervious surfaces and respective totals in square fee. b. The total land area of the lot outside of the road right of way in square feet. 74-2 The Planning Board and County Commissioners shall each hold a public hearing at which all interested persons shall be permitted to testify. 74-3 The Planning Board shall forward its recommendation to the County Commissioners within sixty days after the meeting at which the application is heard. 74-4 On receiving the recommendation of the Planning Board’ the County Commissioners shall consider the application and said recommendation and may grant or deny the Special Use Permit requested. The Special Use Permit, if granted, shall include such approved plans as may be required. In granting the permit, the County Commissioners shall find: 1. that the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located where proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved. 2. that the use meets all required conditions and specifications. 3. that the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property, or that the use is a public necessity, andd 4. that the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the comprehensive plan. 74-5 In granting the permit, the Planning Board may recommend and the County Commissioners may designate such conditions, in addition and in connection therewith, as well, in its opinion, assure that the use in its proposed location be harmonious with the area in which it is proposed to be located and with the spirit of this ordinance. All such additional conditions shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting at which the permit is granted and also on the certificate of the Special Use Permit or on the plans submitted therewith. All specific conditions shall run with the land and shall be binding on the original applicants for the Special Use Permit, their heirs, successors and assigns. 74-6 If the Planning Board recommends the disapproval of the Special Use Permit, and the County Commissioners denies the permit, each body shall enter the reasons for its action in the minutes of the meeting at which the action is taken. 74-7 No appeal may be taken to the Board of Adjustment from the action of the County Commissioners in granting or denying a Special Use Permit. Any such action by March 21, 2011 4 the County Commissioners shall be considered as the equivalent of action on a proposed zoning amendment and shall be reviewed only in the same manner as action on a proposed amendment. 74-8 In addition to the specific conditions imposed by the regulations in this Article and whatever additional conditions the County Commissioners deem reasonable and appropriate, special uses shall comply with the height, yard, area and parking regulations for the use district in which they are permitted unless otherwise specified. Section 160-5(B) of the Zoning Ordinance states: “The Planning Board shall provide a written recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners that addresses that the proposed amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan, but a comment by the Planning Board that a proposed amendment is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan shall not preclude consideration or approval of the proposed amendment by the Board of County Commissioners. Prior to adopting or rejecting any zoning amendment, the Board of County Commissioners shall adopt a statement describing whether its action is consistent with an adopted comprehensive plan and why such action is reasonable and in the public interest. The Land Use Plan in Section 2.1 states “Promote continued economic investment through retention and expansion of existing industrial concerns and the recruitment of new industries and commercial businesses. Ms. Murphy recommended the following condition be included should the Board decide to grant approval of the Special Use Permit: 1. Applicant to obtain all Federal, State and Local permits that are required. Ms. Murphy requested the Board to address the findings of fact in Section 74-4 to determine if this request is in keeping with the comprehensive plan. Ms. Murphy stated the Planning Board reviewed this item in a Public Hearing on March 10, 2011 and voted unanimously to forward with a favorable recommendation and noted that it met the findings of fact in Section 74-4 and was in keeping with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Kennington asked if the Planning Board had discussed any type of screening or buffering. Ms. Murphy stated the Planning Board did discuss such screening but ultimately decided it was not necessary. Commissioner Kennington asked if the property owner of Cambridge Hills notified of the public hearing. Ms. Murphy confirmed the property owner of Cambridge Hills was notified of the public hearing and noted no one appeared or called to state opposition. March 21, 2011 5 Commissioner Kennington asked if the expansion would be adjacent to the cemetery located north of the property, and if the existing trees on the property would be taken down. Ms. Murphy responded to both questions affirmatively. Individuals speaking in favor of the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park were: Mr. Jim Stovall of 261 Wimbledon Drive, Roxboro and Economic Development Commission/Person County Business Industrial Center (PCBIC) Chairman recommended Board approval of the Special Use Permit for Carolina Solar Energy’s expansion noting the expansion would make the solar park one of the largest in North Carolina and timely with the country’s energy needs providing clean, renewable, silent, non polluting and agricultural adaptive energy requiring no additional county services. Mr. Stovall stated the expansion would have the same terms as the original solar park which is a 25-year lease payable to PCBIC as well as providing an additional tax base to the county of approximately $5 million. Mr. Stovall confirmed Carolina Solar would be paying an additional monthly maintenance fee, a $30,000 fee over 5 years or a one-time fee of $27,500 as well as just over $1,000 per year for the lease to PCBIC. Mr. Stovall thanked Carolina Solar and Progress Energy for making the project possible. Mr. Stovall told the Board trees would buffer the entire cemetery and noted 3 of the big oaks to be taken down are currently dead and need to be taken down. Mr. Gerry Dudzik of 400 W. Main Street, Durham, and Chief Operating Officer of Carolina Solar Energy explained the current solar park of approximately 5 acres (.5 megawatts) compares to the expansion of 7 acres (1 full megawatt) noting the panel technology has improved significantly in the last 3 years to achieve more output with less panels. Mr. Dudzik stated the expansion will be of the same design as present and will tie into the same utility as well as continuation of the current fencing. Mr. Dudzik confirmed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Progress Energy. Commissioner Blalock voiced support of a natural growth in front of the fencing due to negative complaints. There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in opposition of the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to close the public hearing for the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park. March 21, 2011 6 Commissioner Kennington stated support of screening in front of the fence with some type of evergreen shrubs growing to the height of the fence along the entire corridor of 501 to enhance the beauty. Commissioner Kennington reminded the Board of the Person Futures Project – Protect Our Land goal #1 is to maintain the aesthetic quality of the county with objective #5 to create a gateway committee which will examine the major entrances into Person County and create a plan to improve the aesthetic appeal and uniformity. Commissioner Kennington stated it is a minimal request to ask of the owner of panels as the county is leasing the land for only $1,000 per year. A motion was made by Commissioner Kennington, seconded by Commissioner Blalock to accept the Planning Board’s recommendation to approve the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park with the addition to require screening along the 501 corridor so that the fence line would be concealed. Chairman Clayton asked Mr. Dudzik if low-growing shrubs to the height of the fence on the 501 side would present any issues. Mr. Dudzik stated it would not create any type of technical problem however would he would need to be conscious of shading and may need to re-look and assess such with a solid barrier. Mr. Dudzik noted the requirement would be an additional cost factored into the financing of the project. Commissioner Blalock noted Wholesale Siding was required to plant trees to buffer their facility. Commissioner Jeffers and Vice Chairman Puryear respectively disagreed with Commissioners Blalock and Kennington and were not in favor of imposing any further requirements or burden to the owner. Chairman Clayton stated his opposition to require the screening, however, would be pleased if the owner saw fit to comply with the request. A substitute motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 3-2 to approve the Planning Board recommendation for the request by Carolina Solar Energy, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generator on US 501 in the Person County Industrial Park. Commissioners Kennington and Blalock cast the dissenting votes. Commissioner Kennington stated the request of the screening was not inappropriate so to aesthetically make the county’s entrance way into Person County more pleasing as well as compliment the expansion of the property across the street, not to mention for the county to be consistent as one company was required to buffer and Carolina Solar was not required. Commissioner Kennington noted his opposition to the substitute motion. March 21, 2011 7 INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Ms. Margaret McMann, Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Director of 315 N. Main Street, Roxboro told the Board of an opportunity to talk with Dana Simpson, Attorney for the NC Coalition, a group that oversees legislature action while she attended the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. Ms. McMann stated Mr. Simpson reminded her of the TDA’s membership of six members was based on the hotel/motel participation in this area noting one-third of the board must be represented by the hotel/motel. Ms. McMann further noted that Mr. Simpson did not foresee any type of tax increases would be viewed favorably. The legislative focus this year is centered around the school calendar which does not really affect Person County. Ms. McMann stated North Carolina is the 6th most visited state in the country. Ms. McMann requested an update to her request from January, 2010 about the possibility of TDA moving into the county owned space uptown formerly used as a florist so the TDA can budget for rent, etc for the upcoming budget year. Ms. McMann extended an invitation to the group to attend a new monthly program showcasing local artists at the Kirby on Sunday, March 27, 2011 featuring Ellen and Phil Baer and their new book, The Time of our Lives, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried 5-0 to approve the minutes of February 21, 2011. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried 5-0 to approve the Administrative Reports for the Detention Center, Inspection Department, Library and Tax Administration & Collections. Commissioner Kennington commented on the Inspection Department report highlighting building permits issued almost doubled this month from one year ago even as the unemployment rate increased. County Manager, Heidi York noted CertainTeed has contributed significantly to the fees collected. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION: Chairman Clayton read and presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Clementine Goodman. Ms. Goodman thanked the Board for honoring her years working with the citizens of Person County. March 21, 2011 8 March 21, 2011 9 NC MAIN STREET CENTER AWARD OF MERIT FOR BEST ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT: Commissioner Kennington stated on January 27, 2011, he, on behalf of the Board and Lacy Winstead accepted a 2010 Main Street Best Adaptive Reuse Project Award of Merit as presented by the NC Main Street Center, NC Department of Commerce and Office of Urban Development for the adaptation of the former Maxway Building for reuse for the Person County Tax Office/Register of Deeds. Commissioner Kennington noted Roxboro and Person County has been a part of the NC Main Street Program since 1995. Commissioner Kennington presented the award to Chairman Clayton. NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK PROCLAMATION: Health Director, Janet Clayton recognized and thanked the Public Health Month Coordinator, Lisa Thorpe, a health education intern from UNC-Greensboro. Ms. Clayton read the National Public Health Week Proclamation and requested the Board to declare the week of April 4-10, 2011 as National Public Health Week in Person County. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to adopt the National Public Health Week Proclamation as presented. Chairman Clayton thanked Ms. Thorpe, Ms. Clayton and the Health Department staff for their efforts. March 21, 2011 10 March 21, 2011 11 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CERTAINTEED GYPSUM NC, INC. TO LOCATE A MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN PERSON COUNTY: Assistant County Manager, Gene Hodges told the Board that CertainTeed Gypsum NC, Inc. has requested Person County provide a Resolution in Support of CertainTeed Gypsum NC, Inc. to Locate a Manufacturing Facility in Person County. Mr. Hodges stated CertainTeed Gypsum NC, Inc. is attempting to reactivate a Rail Industrial Access Grant made by the NC Department of Transportation noting CertainTeed was originally awarded the grant in 2004 and due to economic conditions delaying the development of the facility, requested an extension in November 2009. Mr. Hodges noted the grant application requires a resolution of support from the Board as the grant will help fund construction of railroad improvements at the facility. Mr. Hodges confirmed there is no commitment of county funds associated with this resolution or grant. Commissioner Kennington requested information related to the timeline for completion and operation of the plant. Mr. Hodges stated the natural gas line should be operable by October, 2011 with the majority of the equipment at the plant installed by the same time with full production of wallboard within one year with initial employment of 89 positions. Commissioner Jeffers asked if the $160 million investment would be in one year or staggered. Mr. Hodges stated the investment would be in place to start operations. Mr. Hodges confirmed the gypsum bi-product from the coal firing process from the Hyco plant only would be the source of the product being manufactured. Mr. Hodges noted CertainTeed is planning a hiring event to accept applications in either April or June with location and event to be advertised to the public. Commissioner Kennington asked if the Resolution was approved by the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Hodges stated the Resolution was sent to him to place before the Board for approval. Mr. Hodges stated the County Attorney has reviewed prior to the Board’s consideration. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Blalock, and carried 5-0 to adopt the Resolution in Support of CertainTeed Gypsum NC, Inc. to Locate a Manufacturing Facility in Person County. March 21, 2011 12 March 21, 2011 13 PROPOSED LANGUAGE TO THE COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY REGARDING THE EMPLOYEE LONGEVITY PAY PLAN: County Manager, Heidi York told the Board that Person County Personnel Policy provides a longevity pay plan that awards employees for continuous service. Ms. York stated the current policy does not allow the County Commissioners the flexibility to make changes to the longevity compensation program; the current wording may imply a contractual agreement. Ms. York noted there are certain circumstances in which the Board may want the ability to make changes to the longevity compensation program during financial and economic situations or at such time of another pay program, i.e. a merit pay system. Ms. York suggested the following language be included in the Personnel Policy should the Board desire to have the ability to make changes: The longevity pay benefit is a form of current compensation that may be changed or eliminated at any time at the sole discretion of the Board of County Commissioners. The funding is allocated as part of the annual budget adoption. Ms. York recommended the current policy be updated to better reflect market standards. Person County currently awards longevity before the five-year vestment period required with the North Carolina Retirement System. Ms. York recommended that the first service level at which an employee is awarded longevity pay be amended to five continuous years of service. Ms. York noted the proposed change is recommended to impact employees hired after July 1, 2011. The proposed change would eliminate the first two service tiers of the current policy for future employees after July 1, 2011. Human Resources Director, Angie Warren told the group that currently 91 people have 2 years or less service and 78 people fall within the 2-5 year range. Ms. York presented the Board with the current policy with the new proposed language in bold for the Board’s consideration: From the Person County Personnel Policy: Section 16. Longevity Pay Full and part-time permanent employees of the County are compensated for continuous years of service with the County by payment of a longevity supplement based on continuous years of service as of November 1st of each year. Continuous service is continuous employment including any approved leave or involuntary reduction in force. Longevity amounts shall be as follows: March 21, 2011 14 Years of Service Amount Less than 2 years $58* 2 years, but less than 5 years $100* 5 years, but less than 10 years 1% of annual salary 10 years, but less than 15 years 2% of annual salary 15 years, but less than 20 years 3.25% of annual salary 20 years, but less than 25 years 4.5% of annual salary 25 years or more 5.75% of annual salary Longevity pay will be issued on the first regular pay period closest to the Thanksgiving holiday or as designated by the County Manager. The longevity pay benefit is a form of current compensation that may be changed or eliminated at any time at the sole discretion of the Board of County Commissioners. The funding will be allocated on an annual basis during the budget adoption process. *Employees hired on or after July 1, 2011 will not be eligible for longevity pay until they have completed five years of continuous service. Those employees hired prior to July 1, 2011 shall be entitled to the longevity benefits in effect on January 1, 2011. Ms. York stated the annual cost for the current longevity pay plan was $250,000 in fiscal year 2010/2011 and decreased due to the early retirements in 2011/2012 to $235,722. A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried 5-0 to approve the changes to the Personnel Policy regarding the employee longevity pay plan as presented and recommended by the County Manager. RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) FOR FY2012-2016: Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg and County Manager, Heidi York presented the recommended 5-year CIP for Person County to the Board of Commissioners. Ms. Wehrenberg guided the Board through the pages of the recommended CIP. Ms. Wehrenberg and Ms. York asked the Board to receive the information and prepare for discussion and adoption at the Board’s meeting on April 18th as to whether these recommendations are representative of the Board’s priorities. The adoption of CIP will cover the needs and priorities for the 2012-2016 Plan as well as allocate funding for the projects in FY 2011-2012. March 21, 2011 15 March 21, 2011 16 March 21, 2011 17 March 21, 2011 18 March 21, 2011 19 March 21, 2011 20 March 21, 2011 21 March 21, 2011 22 March 21, 2011 23 March 21, 2011 24 March 21, 2011 25 March 21, 2011 26 March 21, 2011 27 March 21, 2011 28 March 21, 2011 29 March 21, 2011 30 March 21, 2011 31 March 21, 2011 32 March 21, 2011 33 March 21, 2011 34 Ms. York stated the recent Roofing Study provided expert analysis that changed the CIP document from last year. The group discussed the proposed Senior Center/Recreation Center and the need for the Board to discuss and make decisions related to the scope of the project, the timeline, specifics, etc. Ms. York confirmed funds set aside for a capital project would be included in the capital reserve fund but could be used for another capital purpose other than the intended purpose first outlined. Ms. Wehrenberg noted the latest date to secure bonds for the Senior Center/Recreation Center is November, 2015. Commissioner Kennington inquired about CIP discussions with Person County Schools and Piedmont Community College (PCC). Ms. York stated the primary discussions are occurring between the Person County General Services Director and his counterparts for each agency for technical needs. Ms. York confirmed she would have conversations with the President of PCC and the Superintendent of Schools to communicate Person County’s expectations once the Board has its CIP priorities in place. Commissioner Kennington voiced his opposition to adopt the CIP on April 18, 2011 and stated his preference to adopt as a total package with the budget. Ms. York suggested keeping the CIP and operating budget discussions separate noting the difficulty in proposing a budget without the amount of fund balance to be used for capital projects. Commissioner Kennington asked the Finance Director for the amount of debt Person County could encumber on an annual basis. Ms. Wehrenberg stated a debt service level as a percentage of expenditures is recommended at 10% or less, with Person County’s typically is at 6 to 7%. Ms. Wehrenberg will get the exact debt service level percentage and amount of expenditures for Person County information to the Board members. Ms. Wehrenberg stated Person County has the capacity to take on more debt due to revenue streams available to cover such debt. Ms. Wehrenberg stated if the Board funds projects in one year without going into debt, the budget is burdened in that one year. Debt service is an annual appropriated expenditure and spreads the costs thereby manages the capital. Ms. York asked the Board if a work session is warranted to discuss capital projects. Commissioner Jeffers noted he was in the process of rescheduling his meeting with YMCA representatives and would prefer the work session in April. March 21, 2011 35 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTMENTS: Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves presented to the Board for consideration of appointment the following citizen applications: - Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee 1-Year Initial Term; 3-Year Reappointment: 2 positions available 1) Judy Gentry requested appointment A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to appoint Judy Gentry to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for an initial 1-year term. - Juvenile Crime Prevention Council 1-Year Initial Term: 1 position available representing a member of the business community 1) Adrienne Duncan has requested appointment A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried 5-0 to appoint Adrienne Duncan to JCPC representing a member of the business community for an initial 1-year term. - Workforce Development Board Workforce Development Director, Vincent Gilreath, by letter, has requested Board consideration to appoint Person County resident, Eva McDougal, to fill a health care industry vacancy created by the death of a member from another regional county for an initial 1-year term. A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried 5-0 to appoint Eva McDougal to the Workforce Development Board for an initial 1-year term to fill a health care industry vacancy as requested by Mr. Gilreath. March 21, 2011 36 REQUEST TO SCHEDULE INFORMAL INTERVIEWS DATE AND TIME FOR THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves requested the Board to schedule the date and time for informal interviews for four applicants to be considered for one vacancy on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee so proper notice can be given to the applicants. Possible dates to consider the informal interview process: • March 28 in the Commissioner’s room, prior to the meeting with the NC Farm Bureau at their facility at 6:30 p.m. • April 4 – Board of E & R at 1:00 pm. Informal interviews could be scheduled before or after the Board of E & R or prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular meeting that evening. It was the consensus of the Board to schedule the informal interviews on April 4, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Reaves stated she would notify the applicants of the April 4, 2011 date and 6:00 p.m. time requesting their attendance. BUDGET AMENDMENT: Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg presented and explained the following Budget Amendment. Upon a motion by Commissioner Blalock, and a second by Commissioner Jeffers and majority vote (5-0), the Board of Commissioners of Person County does hereby amend the Budget of the General Fund(s) on this, the 21st day of March 2011, as follows: Dept./Acct No. Department Name Amount Incr / (Decr) EXPENDITURES General Fund Public Safety (5,000) Human Services 135,130 REVENUES General Fund Intergovernmental Revenues 130,130 Explanation: Adjustment received in grant from the State for the Very Important Parents (VIP) program by -$5,000; appropriation of State Aid funds for the Random Moment Time Study reimbursement in the Health Department for $18,755; and various program adjustments in DSS for $116,375. March 21, 2011 37 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Clayton noted work is still in process with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association related to the storm water rules policy to be in place by September, 2011. Chairman Clayton requested the April 11, 2011 Community Conversation meeting date to be changed due to a conflict with a standing committee. It was the consensus of the group to move the Community Conversation Meeting date to April 12, 2011. County Manager, Heidi York would confirm if Bethel Hill School could accommodate the date change. It was the consensus of the group to set a special meeting on April 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the Capital Improvement Plan projects. MANAGER’S REPORT: County Manager, Heidi York had no report. COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS: Commissioner Kennington commented on the following: • the successful Red Stocking Revue Show dedicated to the memory of Person County former employee, Doug Newell and former musician, Frances Wright. The show is sponsored by the Roxboro Woman’s Club who also support arts in Roxboro and Person County, • Roxboro Community School’s recent performance of Grease at the Kirby noting the tribute to the program Doug Newell had begun for arts in the schools, • thanked Paula Chandler for an excellent tour of Person County Schools and stated he was impressed with the staff and amount of technology, • attended the public hearing relating to the proposed Dan River reclassification noting Chairman Clayton’s comments in support of such representing Person County’s interest; Chairman Clayton added that the City of Roxboro and Yanceyville submitted written comments of support through their engineering firms. • attended Local Government Day with the Person High School Civics classes, and • noted his support to proceed with the required legislative action to request additional occupancy tax and further noted his willingness to withdraw the request to increase the TDA membership; Commissioner Kennington advocated for Chairman Clayton to meet with Mayor Sam Spencer and Representative Wilkins to promote at the very least the one bill moving forward for the increase in the occupancy tax. March 21, 2011 38 Commissioner Blalock commented on the following: • a day trip to Kannapolis on March 23, 2011, • Many Voices- One Goal March 24, 2011 event in Raleigh 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. about reducing the drop out rate, • Community in the Schools website cisnc.org for a non-profit volunteer organization making a difference in many NC counties (not in Person County), • Technology Showcase sponsored by Durham Public Schools this date from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the old Hillandale School area, currently a Staff Development Center, and • Noted recycling efforts in process with more information forthcoming. Commissioner Jeffers commented on the following: • he and Chairman Clayton attended and congratulated Louisiana-Pacific for achieving 1,000,000 safe work hours over a 3 year time frame, • participated in the recent Tour of Person County Schools and was impressed with the students and technology, • attended the NACo legislative conference and will forward to the Board the link for the sessions and information, • announced he is seeking first Vice President of NC Association of County Commissioners, and • stated he is still receiving complaints related to PATS rule changes and citizens not properly informed of such. Vice Chairman Puryear thanked the group for attending the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet and congratulated Thomas Oakley on receiving the prestigious civic Distinguished Service Award. Chairman Clayton followed up on the Dan River public hearing comments noting those comments opposing the reclassification were based on interbasin transfers noting that was not the intended purpose of the reclassification. March 21, 2011 39 County Attorney, Ron Aycock updated the Board on the taxpayer appeal (Patrick Riley) whereby the Board of County Commissioners supported the Tax Administrator’s decision to deem Mr. Riley disqualified and removed from the present use program. Mr. Riley has appealed to the NC Property Tax Commission and the hearing will take place on April 20, 2011. Mr. Aycock stated he and the Tax Administrator would attend the hearing on April 20, 2011. RECESS: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Kennington, and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting at 10:51 a.m. until March 28, 2011 to attend a meeting and dinner with the Officers and Board of Directors of the Person County Farm Bureau at the Person County Farm Bureau office located at 411 Winhaven Street, Roxboro at 6:30 p.m. _____________________________ ______________________________ Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton Clerk to the Board Chairman March 28, 2011 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 28, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT Jimmy B. Clayton Kyle W. Puryear B. Ray Jeffers Samuel R. Kennington Frances P. Blalock The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in recessed session on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for a meeting and dinner with the Officers and Board of Directors of the Person County Farm Bureau at the Person County Farm Bureau Office located at 411 Winhaven Street, Roxboro. Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order. Representing Person County Farm Bureau were Officers: Coleman Whitfield, President, John Foushee, Jr., Secretary, Jimmy Thomas, Vice President; and Directors: Maurice Hester, Alfred Gentry, James Weaver, Phillip Whitfield, Michael Clayton, Darryl Duncan, Brent Adcock, Edgar Davis, Don Howard, Ronald Foushee, Timmy Thomas, Atwill Day, Donnie Clayton, Earl Brooks, Anthony Bradsher, and Allan Newton. Honorary members are James Winslow, Sr., O. C. Martin, and A. J. Pleasant. The Officers and Board of Directors of the Person County Farm Bureau discussed with the Board of Commissioners about agricultural issues and requested the county to allow Farm Bureau to provide information and input on any agricultural issue as the Board is presented with such. Agricultural issues that Farm Bureau is interested include land use, farm taxes, and water quality. RECESS: A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Jeffers, and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting at 8:00 p.m. until March 29, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room at the Person County Office Building for the purpose of discussion related to the Recommended Capital Improvement Plan 2012- 2016. _____________________________ ______________________________ Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton Clerk to the Board Chairman