October 1PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS October 1, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Johnny Myrl Lunsford, Chairman Steve Carpenter, County Manager
Jimmy B. Clayton, Vice-Chairman Ronald C. Aycock, County Attorney
Kyle W. Puryear Faye T. Fuller, Clerk to the Board
Larry H. Bowes Brenda Reaves, Deputy Clerk to the Board
Larry E. Yarborough, Jr.
************************************************************************
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room of
the Person County Office Building.
Chairman Lunsford called the meeting to order. Commissioner Clayton led in
prayer and Commissioner Bowes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton and carried to approve the agenda as presented.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
Chairman Lunsford stated that the Board would not hear any informal comments
related to the landfill due to the pending quasi-judicial public hearing to be held at a later
date.
Patrick Riley – Farmer sprayed sucker control product on 5 acres of tobacco
near his home. The product was a petroleum distillate. He contacted the NC Department
of Agriculture, Pesticide Division, but learned there was nothing they could do as the
product was applied according to label directions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Bowes and carried to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2007 meetings
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
The following Administrative Reports were accepted by motion of Commissioner
Clayton, second by Commissioner Yarborough and unanimous vote: Detention Center,
Public Library, Tax administration & Collection
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR EQUESTRIAN CENTER:
Mr. Jim Stovall – Chairman of Roxboro-Person County Development Committee,
Representative W. A. “Winkie” Wilkins and Glenn Petty appeared before the Board to
request a Resolution of Support for the Oakland Plantation Equestrian and community
October 1, 2007 1
Events Center. Mr. Petty gave a power point presentation of the proposed center on
property owned by Leigh Holeman Gunn and husband Tommy Gunn. Leigh Holeman
Gunn, being the last of the Holeman descendants, while neither she nor her husband has
any heirs, have established a non-profit to preserve the 330 historical acres and to
generate revenue and jobs to sustain the property after they are deceased. The property
has 2000 feet of river frontage.
Mr. Petty’s study was initiated to: 1)determine the market potential for
recommended usage, 2)evaluate potential rental rates, 3)estimate potential cost of
operation and revenue providing a potential list of promoters and users, and 4) acquire
recommendations on necessary alterations to existing facilities and new facilities that
would be required to accommodate these equine and community events.
Representative Wilkins stated that an application has been made to the Golden
LEAF Foundation for funding. He asked the Board to draft a Resolution of Support for
the project.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Puryear and carried to approve a Resolution of Support for the Oakland Plantation
Equestrian and Community Events Center.
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT
FOR OAKLAND PLANTATION EQUESTRIAN AND COMMUNITY EVENTS CENTER
WHEREAS, Oakland Plantation has been continuously owned by a member of the
Holeman Family since 1669 when 10,000 acres were granted to Richard Holeman by King
Charles. The last Holeman descendant, Leigh Holeman Gunn and husband Tommy Gunn wish to
preserve historical Oakland Plantation for future generations by establishing a non-profit to
preserve this historical acreage and to generate revenue and jobs to sustain the property after
they are deceased; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland Plantation Equestrian & Community Events Center would
attract equine and community events to the historical plantation and provide a much needed
multi-purpose facility; and
WHEREAS, the proposed business would be in harmony with the rural
landscape of the area; and
WHEREAS, Oakland Plantation Equine Events Center would become a desirable
equestrian venue for show promoters of local and regional events and provide a boost to the local
tourism economy and to local businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Person County Board of
Commissioners does hereby unanimously support the proposed Oakland Plantation Equestrian &
Community Events Center.
(signed)
Johnny Myrl Lunsford, Chairman
Person County Board of Commissioners
October 1, 2007 2
REPORT ON COURTHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT:
Bill McCaffrey – MHA Works – appeared before the Board to report on the
feasibility study of space needs in the courthouse. He said the study consisted of existing
conditions and a projection of space needs for the next ten years. He explained that every
department needs additional space. Mr. McCaffrey said the options for gaining added
space are to expand the courthouse, use unused space and move some departments
outside the courthouse. One option for unused space would be to renovate the old jail
area on the top floor. The would include incorporating an 80 square foot segment of the
adjoining roof, which would provide about 4,000 square feet of space. This renovated
area could accommodate offices for the district attorney and judges. He estimated cost of
such renovation to be $500,000.
The feasibility study included moving the probation office and tax office out of
the building. He also noted that a hearing room for the Clerk of Superior Court, a jury
room for Superior Court, and secure entrances to the courthouse, as well as, handicapped
accessibility are also needed.
He explained that renovations to the top floor would only address immediate
needs. He asked for guidance from the Board as to where they wanted to proceed from
this point.
Following a discussion which included other space needs that could be addressed
at the time of the renovations, it was the consensus of the Board to explore other uptown
buildings which have available space of possible lease. MHA Works will secure price
quotes, as well as, contact business owners in the uptown area.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING NCDOT TO INSTALL WELCOME SIGNS
COMMEMORATING PHS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM 2006 4-A STATE
CHAMPIONSHIP:
The following Resolution was approved by motion of Commissioner
Yarborough, second by Commissioner Puryear and unanimous vote.
Resolution Requesting NCDOT To Install Welcome To The City of Roxboro
Signs With Additional Signs Commemorating the Person High School Rockets
Varsity Volleyball Team 2006 4-A State Championship
Whereas, the Person High School Rockets Varsity Volleyball Team ended the season with an
impressive record of 28-1 season; and
Whereas, on October 31, 2006 the Person High School Rockets Varsity Volleyball Team won the
4-A East region title after defeating Wilmington Hoggard, and Chapel Hill to advance to the 4-A
State title finals in a re-match with Charlotte Providence.
Whereas, on November 4, 2006, the Person High School Rockets Varsity Volleyball Team
competed in the State Championship in Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh, North Carolina, finishing as
4-A State Champions; and
October 1, 2007 3
Whereas, the Person High Rockets a team of student athletes displaying spirit and unmatched
winning determination in their quest for the title will long set an outstanding example for the rising
youth of Roxboro and Person County.
Whereas, the City of Roxboro desires to install new Welcome to Roxboro signs including the
slogan “Progress is Our Business” with additional signs to be installed for a maximum of three (3)
years commemorating the Person High School 2006 State 4A Volleyball Championship on
NCDOT highways at the City limits.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the City of Roxboro and the Roxboro City Council desires to
install new welcome signs and to honor the Person High School Rockets Varsity Volleyball Team
for its outstanding accomplishments by installing new signs on NCDOT roads commemorating
this accomplishment at the following City limit locations:
● NC 501 North and South
● NC 158 East and West
● NC 49 North and South
● NC 57 East
● NC 157 North
Adopted on this 1st day of October, 2007.
(signed) Steven G. Joyner, Mayor, City of Roxboro
Johnny Myrl Lunsford, Chairman, Person County Board of Commissioners
DISCUSSION OF RUNNING DOGS FOR DEER HUNTING:
Chris Barwick, appeared before the Board to ask that the Board make it illegal to
run dogs for deer hunting in the more populated areas of the county such as Allensville,
Chub Lake and Timberlake. He said running dogs is a great hazard to the public right of
ways. He suggested that zoning might make it illegal to run dogs, releasing or retrieving
dogs on the right of way in certain parts of the county.
Commissioner Yarborough said Person County has no local law to protect the
rights of property owners. He said he would like to hear from law enforcement to
determine if there is a need for more regulations to assist them to control issues.
Commissioner Bowes said he would not support stopping running dogs for deer
hunting. Hunting areas are getting smaller as clubs lease land on which to hunt.
Landowners are leasing land for hunting. He said he was not aware of any public outcry
on the matter.
Chairman Lunsford agreed that he would like to hear from law enforcement to
determine if they have any problems with hunters. He told Mr. Barwick that the Board
would take the matter under advisement.
County Manager Carpenter reminded the Board that a new law would require a
special act of the Legislature. This would also require a public hearing; therefore the
public would be aware of any change in the law.
October 1, 2007 4
APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN PERSON COUNTY
AND ROXBORO FLORIST, INC.:
County Manager Carpenter informed the Board that no comments or inquires had
been made to his office relative to the proposed Lease Agreement with Roxboro Florist.
He recommended that approval of the lease agreement be delayed until all signatures
were acquired.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Lunsford told the Board that no Commissioner is under any obligation
to sign a Conflict of Interest statement as requested by PCPride or any group. He
reminded board members that when each one took their Oath of Office, it was a sworn
statement that would commit each one to the laws of the State of North Carolina.
County Attorney Aycock said in G.S. 153, Commissioners are required to recuse
themselves from voting on matters involving their own financial interest or official
conduct. That member must announce disclose the interest. He said there are some
legalist questions about the wording of the proposed Conflict of Interest Statement. He
said there were broad statements as to what the member would be certifying to if such a
statement was signed.
He told Board members they have no requirement to sign the Conflict of Interest
Statement.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
►Animal Control Advisory meeting held today – Animal Control Ordinance to
be rewritten and brought to board next meeting.
Shelter will be opening extended hours – 9:00 a.m.-12 noon on Saturdays, and
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays on a trial basis for six months beginning
begin November 1st .
Visioning and goals process – November 13 – discuss operation of Animal
Shelter – meet at 6:00 p.m. – discuss goals - Discussion from APS to have volunteers at
shelter on Saturdays
MOTION:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton to expand the membership of the Animal Control Advisory Committee and to
authorize the advertisement for four (4) additional positions. The applicants would be
interviewed if more than four applications are received. The motion carried
unanimously.
October 1, 2007 5
October 1, 2007 6
►Strategic Planning – October 25, 2007 - Auditorium
►October 3, 2007 - Progress Energy demonstration for public safety personnel
regarding live electric lines
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Yarborough questioned if a Commissioner comment period could
be added to the agenda directly after the Informal Comments.
Commissioner Puryear questioned if the Rules of Procedure could be changed at
any time during the year. He also addressed the need for a second to a motion for a
Board of only five members.
Commissioner Clayton congratulated Glen Newsome, EDC Director on his
designation as Economic Developer of the Year for Region K.
Commissioner Puryear said Mr. Sam Martin, a Deacon at Calvary Baptist
Church, had contacted him about an unpaved intersection near the church and the
problem they experience with dirt settling on church from traffic. He said he had
contacted NCDOT and Rep. W. A. Wilkins about paving a small portion, approximately
200 feet of the intersection to accommodate church.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton, seconded by Commissioner
Bowes and carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Faye T. Fuller, CMC Johnny Myrl Lunsford
Clerk to the Board Chairman