March 23
March 23, 2009
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COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 23, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Johnny Myrl Lunsford Heidi York, County Manager
Jimmy B. Clayton C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
Kyle W. Puryear Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
B. Ray Jeffers
Samuel R. Kennington
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the FEMA Shelter Room
located at the Human Services Building.
Chairman Lunsford called the meeting to order and asked Commissioner Clayton
to lead in prayer and Commissioner Kennington to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Lunsford welcomed the students and teachers in attendance
participating in Local Government Day.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
REQUEST BY CAROLINA SOLAR ENERGY, LLC, FOR A SPECIAL USE
PERMIT FOR A SOLAR ENERGY GENERATOR ON U.S. 501 SOUTH AND
CROWN CRAFT BOULEVARD IN THE PERSON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL
PARK
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton and carried to open the Public Hearing to hear the request by Carolina Solar
Energy, LLC, for a special use permit for a solar energy generator on U.S. 501 South and
Crown Craft Boulevard in the Person County Industrial Park.
Planning Director, Paula Murphy stated that Carolina Solar Energy, LLC, had
requested a Special Use Permit for Tax Map A63 Parcel 185 for a solar energy generator
on U.S. 501 and Crown Craft Boulevard in the Person County Industrial Park. Carolina
Solar Energy plans to lease four acres of the over fifty acre parcel. The site will contain
54 large panels (65’ x 15’) and each one consists of 72 individual panels. This site will
be unmanned and only visited periodically for routine maintenance and will not require a
well or septic system. 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.
There are no flood areas on the property. The Planning Director recommended to the
Board if approved the following conditions be included: 1) Applicant to obtain all
Federal, State and Local permits that are required, and 2) Applicant to obtain a driveway
permit from NCDOT as well as the drive to be 20 feet in width. The Planning Board held
a Public Hearing on February 26, 2009, and voted unanimously to recommend approval
of the special use permit request with conditions outlined. The Planning Director noted
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that it is in keeping with the Land Use Plan, Section 2.1 and Section 74.4 of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Economic Development Director, Glen Newsome spoke in support of this project
and stated this project is a “green” project requiring sunshine that will be converted to
energy. Mr. Newsome confirmed the 25 year lease of the land for this initial phase is at
no cost. Mr. Newsome noted the application for the driveway permit has been submitted
to DOT, with the drive way off Crown Boulevard. Mr. Newsome told the Board that this
project represents a 3.2 million dollar investment that will in turn bring $4,500 tax
revenue annually. In addition, $27,500 will be paid upfront by Carolina Solar Energy to
Person County.
Jerry Dudzik, partner of Carolina Solar Energy spoke in favor of this project and
stated they have secured a 20 year power purchase agreement with Progress Energy to
purchase the energy from this site. Carolina Solar Energy has secured their financial
package with BB&T. Mr. Dudzik described the fence that would surround the entire
perimeter made of galvanized mesh on the interior that would be transparent from the
highway and confirmed all maintenance would be performed by Carolina Solar Energy
for the life of the project.
No one spoke in opposition to this request.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton, and carried to close this public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton and carried to approve the Special Use Permit for Carolina Solar Energy, LLC
for a solar energy generator on the U.S. 501 South and Crown Craft Boulevard in the
Person County Industrial Park including the conditions as recommended by the Planning
Director.
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2010 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE NC DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear and carried to open the Public Hearing to hear the proposed Fiscal Year 2010
Community Transportation Program Application that must be submitted to the NC
Department of Transportation.
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Person Area Transportation Director, Gerald Lunsford presented the proposed
Fiscal Year 2010 Community Transportation Program Application that must be submitted
to the NC Department of Transportation no later than March 31, 2009. The Community
Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation
programs operating in Person County as well as provides transportation options and
services for the communities within this service area. These services are currently
provided using demand response, deviated routes and trip referral. Services are rendered
by utilizing vans, local taxi operators, volunteers, deviated route buses, and/or personal
automobiles. The total amount requested for the period July 1, 2009 through June 30,
2010 is outlined below:
Project Total Amount Local Share
Administrative $151,655.00 $22,748.25 (15%)
Capital (Vehicles & Other) $ 31,850.00 $ 3,185.00 (10%)
Operating (Small urban & regional systems) $ 0 $ 0 (50%)
$183,505.00 $25,933.25
Total Funding
Requests
Total Local
Share
No one spoke in favor nor in opposition of the Fiscal Year 2010 Community
Transportation Program Application.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Jeffers, and carried to close this public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton and carried to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Community
Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the NC Department of
Transportation as presented.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Jeffers and carried to approve the agenda as presented.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no comments from the public.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Jeffers, and carried to approve the minutes of March 2, 2009 and March 16, 2009.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear, and carried to approve the Administrative Reports for the Airport, Detention
Center, Emergency Medical Services, Inspections, Person Industries Annual Safety
Report, Person Industries FY 2008 Annual Report/Management Report, Public Library,
and Tax Administration & Collections.
PUBLIC HEALTH MONTH PROCLAMATION
Health Director, Janet Clayton on behalf of the Health Committee requested the
Board to declare the month of April, 2009 Public Health Month in Person County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear, and carried to adopt a Public Health Month Proclamation to proclaim the month
of April, 2009 Public Health Month in Person County.
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Public Health Month Proclamation
WHEAREAS, our nation spends more on health care than any other country, yet our health system is
failing and we are not as healthy as we should be; and
WHEREAS, American babies are three times more likely to die than those born in some developing
countries, and
WHEREAS, ethnic minority populations have nearly eight times the death rate for key health condition,
such as diabetes, than that of non-minority populations; and
WHEREAS, America has made the top 10 list of countries with the most people with HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, despite these challenges, public health professionals have contributed to dramatic progress
over the last century, adding fluoride to our drinking water, introducing seat belt laws and eliminating
polio, among other advances that improve our health; and
WHEREAS, there can be no successful health reform without the support of a strong public health
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, by supporting our nation’s public health system, we can build on the success of the past and
establish the solid foundation for a health nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Johnny Myrl Lunsford, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of
Person County, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2009 as Public Health Month in
Person County, and call upon the Personians to observe this month by helping our families, friends,
neighbors, co-workers and leaders better understand the importance of public health to a successful health
system in light of this year’s theme, “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 23rd day of March, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
(signed)
____________________________________
Johnny Myrl Lunsford, Chairman
Person County Board of Commissioners
(SEAL)
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REQUEST CHANGING FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
Fire Marshal, Johnny Gentry gave the Board options in regard to a request to
change fire protection district boundaries. Fire Marshal Gentry told the Board of a
petition previously presented to Board by Mr. John L. Blanks of 1525 Cavel-Chub Lake
Road for the area along Chub Lake road from 2900 block to Cavel-Chub Lake Road
turning onto Cavel-Chub Lake Road to the Kelly Carver Road, which also includes
Roxdale Place and Poplar Lane to be placed in the Person County FD #1, which is
covered by the City of Roxboro Fire & Rescue. Currently the property in this area is
served by the Ceffo Fire & Rescue Department, which is a 9s ISO classification. By
being moved to the FD#1 district, the homeowners would receive a reduction in
insurance rates of about 20% annually. The FD#1 district with fire hydrants is a 4 under
the ISO classification. To receive these rates, a home must be within 1000 feet of a fire
hydrant and be within the 5 mile response district of the City of Roxboro Fire & Rescue.
The Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office advised that the Board of
Commissioners could approve the map changes based on General Statute 153A-233 and
submit to the State Fire Marshal’s office who will in turn submit to the Insurance
Services Office. Fire Marshal Gentry requested the Board’s direction on how to proceed
on this request. Fire Marshal Gentry noted that if the request to change fire protection
district boundaries is approved by the Board, the maps would be redrawn and submitted
for Board approval as well as a letter of official approval by the City of Roxboro would
be obtained prior to submitting to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear, and carried with 4/1 vote to approve the changes as presented in the fire
protection district boundaries. Commissioner Kennington cast the dissenting vote.
MAYO PARK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & COMMUNITY CENTER
AND TWO RESTROOMS BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD
Recreation Director, Mitch Pergerson reported to the Board that ten construction
firms submitted bids for the project at Mayo Park to build the Mayo Park Environmental
Education & Community Center plus the two restrooms. Mr. Pergerson requested Board
approval for the contract to be award to the low bidder, Incline Construction, Inc. Mr.
Pergerson stated this project has been in the works for 20 years and the total contract
amount is $497,222.00 with funds budgeted in the current year budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton, and carried to award the construction contract for the Mayo Park
Environmental Education & Community Center plus two restrooms to the low bidder,
Incline Construction, Inc. in the amount of $497,222.00
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CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT FOR TAXIWAY LIGHTING REPAIR
Public Works Director, David Rogers requested Board approval to enter into a
contract for taxiway lighting repair at the Person County Airport. Mr. Rogers stated the
taxiway lighting is over 20 years old, and many of the lights are presently not working.
Mr. Rogers noted that Talbert and Bright reviewed the bids received for this project and
recommended contract award to the low bidder, Barnes & Powell. Mr. Rogers confirmed
the total project is $279,944 including all the administration and engineering fees.
Funding for this project will be through grants already in place with 90% federally and
state funded and 10% locally funded. Person County’s match to fund this project is
$27,994.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kennington, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear, and carried to approve awarding a contract for taxiway lighting repair at the
Person County Airport to Barnes & Powell in the amount of $279,944.
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BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves presented the Board with applications received
from Person County citizens for boards and committee vacancies as advertised in The
Courier Times on February 7, 2009. Mrs. Reaves stated the boards and committees
vacancies that do not have any applications for consideration will be re-advertised.
Animal Control Advisory Committee
Unspecified Term: 2 Citizen At Large Positions Available
1) Lawrence Michael Barnes
2) Cathy Williams
The Board voted unanimously to appoint Lawrence Michael Barnes to the Animal
Control Advisory Committee.
Cathy Williams was not appointed to the Animal Control Advisory Committee.
Commissioners Puryear and Kennington voted in favor of the appointment.
Commissioners Lunsford, Clayton and Jeffers voted no.
Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
1 position to fill an unexpired term 6/30/2013
1) Gerry O’Neil
The Board voted unanimously to appoint Gerry O’Neil to fill the unexpired term
to June 30, 2013 on the Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing
Authority.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
OPC Area Mental Health requested by application of Corlis Green re-designation
of the mental health representative on JCPC. Ms. Green is an OPC employee
designated as the Person County School Care Coordinator and would fill the slot
previously held by Todd Posey, who has left his employment through the OPC
Provider, Caring Family Network. The mental health slot current term expires
December 31, 2009.
The Board voted unanimously to appoint Corlis Green to serve as the OPC
Mental Health designee on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council fulfilling the
current term expiring December 31, 2009.
Roxboro/Person County Human Relations Commission
3-Year Term; 1 position available
1) Minister Steve Carver
The Board voted unanimously to appoint Minster Steve Carver to the
Roxboro/Person County Human Relations Commission for a 3 year term.
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BUDGET AMENDMENT:
Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg presented and explained the following
Budget Amendment.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Clayton, and a second by Commissioner Jeffers
and majority vote, the Board of Commissioners of Person County does hereby
amend the Budget of the General Fund(s) on this, the 23rd day of March 2009, as follows:
Dept./Acct No. Department Name Amount
Incr / (Decr)
EXPENDITURES General Fund
Debt Service 399,142
Culture and Recreation 5,850
Human Services 56,141
Transfers 319,142
REVENUES General Fund
Intergovernmental Revenues 381,133
Fund Balance Appropriation 80,000
Transfers 319,142
Appropriate: DSS program adjustments ($56,141); remaining funds from the Public School Capital Building
ADM Fund for the payment of school debt service ($319,142); ADM hold harmless funds from the reduction
of medicaid expenditures ($80,000); and computer grant funds received from the Gates Foundation and
administered by the Hyconeechee Regional Library for the Public Library ($5,850).
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Commissioner Lunsford had nothing to report.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
There was no report from the County Manager.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Kennington stated he would like to review the structure and
process of the County’s Board and Committees.
Commissioner Clayton spoke about the State proposed budget and the effect it has
on the Person County budget. Commissioner Clayton mentioned the department heads
from the State level that spoke to the National Association of Counties Conference in
Washington promoting ways to stimulate the economy. Commissioner Clayton
commented on the success of a drug card program Person County learned about through
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a National Association of Counties Conference in 2007. The drug card is for people that
don’t have insurance for prescription drugs. Person County savings realized in the past
two years, one month period is $80,575. These prescription cards are available at no cost
at the Health Department, Department of Social Services and local doctor’s offices.
Commissioner Clayton commended the Fire Marshal for his proactive effort for getting a
grant.
Commissioner Jeffers commended the Person County IT Department for relaying
information to the public.
Commissioner Lunsford explained to the students in the audience the structure of
county government, the roles and responsibilities of being a county commissioner.
The Board members, County Manager, County Attorney, Clerk to the Board,
Assistant County Manager and a few department heads introduced themselves and
welcomed the students and asked them to get involved with the community.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Kennington, and carried to go into closed session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4)
to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in
the county, as well as discuss a personnel issue per General Statue 143.318.11(a)(6) at
10:20 a.m. Closed session will be held in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room 215 at the
Person County Office Building at 10:45 a.m. The Board of Commissioners meeting will
recess until 10:45 a.m. to allow time to travel from the FEMA Shelter Room to the
County Office Building.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear, and carried to return to open session at 11:39 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 11:40 a.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Johnny Myrl Lunsford
Clerk to the Board Chairman
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