November 28
November 28, 2011
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOVEMBER 28, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jimmy B. Clayton Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear
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 recessed session on
Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kirby Auditorium located at 215 N. Main Street, Roxboro,
NC. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board to hold an informal Community Conversations meeting
to receive feedback from the community.
Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order. Attendees were given the opportunity to sign up
with the Clerk to the Board to address the Board or the option to write down questions or comments to be
read aloud by the Board. Approximately 49 people were in attendance which included Board members,
county staff and citizens.
County Manager, Heidi York told the group the Community Conversations meetings were
developed to show more transparency in county government as well as give the public a chance to speak to
the commissioners about community priorities. Ms. York stated to the group that each speaker would have
3 minutes to address the Board. Ms. York and the Board introduced themselves to the audience.
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, called the names of those individuals who had signed up to
speak in the following order:
Ms. Gladys Lerchbacher of 426 Guess Road, Hurdle Mills, and Person County employee
addressed the Board on her concerns related to employee compensation.
Mr. Lewis Bordeau of 77 Rocky Way, Roxboro, advocated for a family recreation facility as
passed by referendum vote on the 2008 ballot, requested a status from the Board as well as presented a list
of interested residents to the Clerk to the Board. Board members noted no certain status due to economic
impacts while voicing support for possible partnerships for a recreation center.
Ms. Susan Naylor of 481 Valhalla Dr., Timberlake, spoke in support of the Senior Center and its
programs noting 45 participate in exercise program daily and 25-30 participate in the daily meals.
Ms. Margaret McMann of 303 Windsor Dr., Roxboro asked the Board about their plans for
economic development as well as the status of the petition recently delivered to the Board to stop use of the
gas chamber at the Animal Shelter. Board members noted support of economic development with desire to
have 5-0 votes on economic projects with a transition plan forthcoming in the next few weeks. County
Manager, Heidi York updated the group that since the petition was received, staff was obtaining statistics
related to use of the gas chamber and evaluating case by case of its use noting lethal injection was being
used as well.
Mr. George Naylor of 481 Valhalla Dr., Timberlake, voiced his concerns of the Board discussing
issues such as education and the Senior Center without taking action to follow through noting low interest
rates are available at this time.
Ms. Tonya Wilson of 462 Tom Webb Road, Roxboro and Person County employee, stated a
guideline is need at Social Services to assist citizens in the processes to access services. Board members
asked the County Manager or the Interim DSS Director to follow up with the request.
November 28, 2011
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Mr. and Mrs. Elton Yancey of 138 Ann Drive, Timberlake addressed the Board related to a
property tax assessment error (for tax years 2000 – 2010) which caused them to seek a reimbursement from
the county which was denied at the April appeal. Tax Administrator, Russell Jones noted state law did not
allow for the county to provide a reimbursement to the Yanceys for an appraiser error as would be possible
for a clerical error. Mr. Jones further noted the assessment was corrected as soon as the error was made
known. Chairman Clayton requested that the Tax Administrator and the County Attorney meet with Mr.
and Mrs. Yancey to further discuss options related to the appeal.
Ms. Faye Boyd of 69 E. Foxwood, Timberlake spoke to the Board about the expectations of the
proposed Economic Development Director to produce timely results and the Board’s compensation
philosophy given the economic times.
Mr. Avie Lester of 7455 Virgilina Road, Roxboro stated his concerns of Person County’s hiring
practices with lack of minorities represented. Mr. Lester stated the census 2010 reflected 27% population
as African American and the county offices did not reflect such. County Manager, Heidi York stated
county government does hire the most qualified and desires to have diversity reflective of the community
and requested a meeting with Mr. Lester to get his input on how to reach out to increase diversity.
Commissioner Kennington read aloud two questions from participants who did not wish to address
the Board as follows:
Mr. Charlie Palmer of 114 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro questioned a noise ordinance and its
enforcement. Chairman Clayton told the group there is a county ordinance in effect related to noise and
asked Sheriff Jones to address the question. Sheriff Jones stated the ordinance is enforced but often times
when a deputy arrives to a site of a noise complaint, it is not taking place and the person reporting is not
willing to witness therefore the deputy can not pursue. Sheriff Jones noted there is no regulatory law in
place for shooting of guns.
Mr. Aaron Long of 2073 McGhees Mill Rd, Roxboro inquired about a dumpster for each
community and an ordinance for houses falling down. Board members noted the costs associated with
personnel and equipment related to the community convenience sites further noting the Board has not been
supportive to allocate funds for this service nor to pass on the costs to the citizens. Board members stated
the county has not authority to condemn deteriorating houses at this time.
Board members thanked everyone for attending and participating.
RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Vice Chairman Puryear, and carried
5-0 to recess the meeting at 8:00 p.m. until December 5, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board meeting room.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman