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01-21-2025 Closed Session #2, #3 Meeting Minutes BOC- Redacted January 21, 2025, Closed Session Page 1 of 5 Person County Board of Commissioners Minutes of a Closed Session DATE: January 21, 2025 MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Puryear Vice-Chairman Thomas Commissioner Wilborn Commissioner Royster OTHERS PRESENT: County Manager, Katherine Cathey Clerk to the Board, Michele Solomon County Attorney, T.C. Morphis, Jr. Economic Development Director, Brandy Lynch (Closed Session #2) A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed Sessions #2 and #3 at 10:34 a.m. Closed Session #2 per General Statute 143- 318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of discussion of matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the county (economic development) with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch , followed by Closed Session #3 per General Statute 143-318.11(3) for the purpose to consult with the county attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege in matters related to the lawsuits Person County v. Yarboro and Clayton v. Person County with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Manager Katherine Cathey, and Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon. Chairman Puryear called the Closed Sessions to order at 10:35 a.m. CLOSED SESSION #2 Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch provided an update on Project Rox. She provided background information on the 26-acre County-owned parcel of land located on North Park Drive for the newly-elected members of the Board. She stated that only 10 acres out of the 26 acres are usable. She stated that the County recently received the final payment on the Golden Leaf Grant, which was awarded for clearing and grading of the North Park site to enhance the marketability as a site-ready location. She stated that last fall the County received an offer of $500K for this property, which was approved by the previous Board. She stated that some problems arose during the due diligence period causing delays beyond the original closing timeline. County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that the Board approved the contract to sell property back on October 15, 2024. He stated that there were delays and that the County was not sure if the purchaser, Spuntech, was going to go through with the deal. January 21, 2025, Closed Session Page 2 of 5 Morphis stated that he received a call from Spuntech’s attorney last week, and they have decided to move forward and have signed the contract. He stated that the issue is that the due diligence period and closing were supposed to have been done by the end of December 2024. He asked the Board if they would like to proceed with the sale or amend the Contract. He stated that it is his recommendation that the Board proceed with the sale and extend the agreement by 30 days versus amending the contract. Commissioner Wilborn had some questions and concerns. She asked if the grant was for $1M, how did we end up with a property value of $500K. She also questioned the settlement amount and the bidding process for the clearing and grading contractor. Morphis advised her that work on the property for grading was in excess of $700K. Lynch advised that the grant amount was for $999K. Morphis explained the grading issues and lawsuit for the retainage that the grading company filed against the County, which has now been settled. Lynch stated that the tax value of the parcel now shows $540,767. Morphis stated that when Spuntech made the offer to purchase, they were fully aware of the grading issues. He stated that the settlement amount he believes was $50K. He advised that the bidding process is done by the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Lynch advised that the grading contractor was vetted by her, the county attorney, and the Geotech firm. It was the consensus of the Board to extend the Purchase Agreement by 30 days. January 21, 2025, Closed Session Page 3 of 5 January 21, 2025, Closed Session Page 4 of 5 CLOSED SESSION #3 January 21, 2025, Closed Session Page 5 of 5 A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to return to open session at 11:39 a.m.