05-20-2024 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOC-Redacted May 20, 2024, Closed Sessions Page 1 of 3
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: May 20, 2024
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Chairman Powell,
Vice Chairman Sims,
Commissioner Palmer, and
Commissioner Thomas
OTHERS PRESENT:
County Manager, Katherine Cathey,
Clerk to the Board, Michele Solomon,
County Attorney, Nicholas Herman,
Deputy Sheriff Charlie Oakley, and
Economic Development Director, Brandy Lynch
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to enter into the
following Closed Sessions. Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for
the purpose to discuss personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend:
County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County
Attorney Nicholas Herman, and Deputy Sheriff Charlie Oakley, followed by Closed
Session #2 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for the purpose to consult with the
county attorney in order to preserve the attorney client privilege, followed by Closed
Session #3 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) for the purpose to instruct the public
body’s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in
negotiating the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the
acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease with the following
individuals permitted to attend Closed Sessions #2 and #3: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney Nicholas Herman, and
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Sessions to order at 10:41 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
May 20, 2024, Closed Sessions Page 2 of 3
CLOSED SESSION #2
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch provided an update to the North
Park site and to the Main Stream lawsuit. She stated that the County had another Geotech
study completed and the compaction was a little better than before. She stated that
Thomas and Hutton is reviewing findings. She stated that Labella stated that it would be
expensive to bring in soil, and not all will compact. She stated that she can market the site
as is and would check into what can be placed on the property as it stands. She advised
the Board that the retainage is $76,989 that Main Stream is requesting to be paid. She
reminded the Board that the County did not pay anything for this project as this was
funding received through Golden Leaf Grant. She advised that the County has a good
relationship with Golden Leaf. Vice Chairman Sims asked how to prevent this from
happening in the future. County Attorney Herman advised strong recommendation of
more negotiating, and asked about mediation. County Manger Cathey stated of unsure of
mediation will refer back to County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
It was the consensus of the Board for Main Stream to finish the work, then the
retainage could be released, and to not accept the offer or counter-offer at this time.
May 20, 2024, Closed Sessions Page 3 of 3
CLOSED SESSION #3
Economic Director Brandy Lynch provided the Board with an update to the Mega
Park. She advised that the project she mentioned previously in December 2023, is very
interested in the sight. She stated that she and others are under a strict NDA, so there is
very little information that she can provide to the Board at this time. She stated in order to
work the project, she needs an extension on the option. She stated that the current option
would expire on 6/29/2024. She is requesting a third amendment to the option and
purchase agreement to extend through September 4, 2024, with an option price of
$1,863.00. She stated that the Wagstaff family has already signed the agreement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to extend the
option through September 4, 2024 for the Mega Park.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 12:09 p.m.