04-01-2024 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOC
April 1, 2024, Closed Session Page 1 of 2
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: April 1, 2024
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Chairman Powell,
Vice Chairman Sims,
Commissioner Palmer,
Commissioner Puryear, and
Commissioner Thomas
OTHERS PRESENT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey,
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, and
County Attorney Nick Herman
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session #1 at 7:25 p.m. 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 with the
following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to
the Board Michele Solomon, and County Attorney Nick Herman.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Sessions to order at 7:26 p.m.
County Manager Katherine Cathey provided updates in relation to Project Log
and the work being done on Woodsdale Road. She stated that the County has received a
Public Records Request to release the conveyance agreement. She stated that the County
Attorney, T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised that the conveyance agreement may be released as it
would no longer frustrate the purpose. The project is already out there in the public
realm. She stated that the PCBIC Attorney stated not to release the conveyance
agreement as it would still frustrate the purpose. It was the consensus of the Board for the
conveyance agreement not to be released at this time.
Cathey stated that she has an appointment scheduled on April 3, 2024 with Liz
Bradsher. Commissioner Puryear stated that he is not a fan of the County Manager
meeting with Bradsher. He asked for clarification on the status of the site plan that was
submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department. Cathey advised that the fee has not
been paid. Commissioner Thomas stated that he agreed with Puryear and does not want
Cathey meeting with Bradsher. Vice Chairman Sims stated that he does not like the idea
of Cathey meeting with Bradsher, unless they agree to have no phones present or
recording devices. County Attorney Nick Herman stated that if two or more are present
for a meeting, that it can be recorded by one of the parties present. Sims stated that if
Cathey meets with Bradsher, she would be putting herself on the line and would need to
be prepared to justify her conversation and any answers to questions that were asked.
April 1, 2024, Closed Session Page 2 of 2
Cathey advised that she would not release the conveyance agreement to Bradsher
and would have another County employee, such as Economic Development Director
Brandy Lynch present for the meeting. Sims asked Herman if the Board is allowed to
instruct the County Manager not to see or talk to someone. Herman advised that the
Board may give Cathey their thoughts and direction and that she may use her discretion.
Puryear stated that he had questions about the authority of a County Manager. He
stated that Chairman Powell brought the PO of the Reaves property to his attention a
couple of days ago. He stated that he does not remember the Board voting for any type of
transfer of money. He asked the Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon if there was any
mention of this in past minutes of the Board giving authorization. Solomon indicated that
as far as the Board giving authorization, there was no indication in the minutes; however,
there are Closed Session minutes that mentioned the Reaves property and an amount, but
no documentation of a vote by the Board. Cathey stated that there is reference in the
minutes to the Board giving consent to sign a contract after it had been reviewed by the
County Attorney. She stated that she has reached out to former County Attorney Ellis
Hankins to see if he has any recollection of this from April 4, 2022. She stated that he is
looking back through his emails. She stated that the funds came out of the Economic
Catalyst Fund, as it was money given to PCBIC. She stated that there was a reference in
the Board’s minutes in March 2022 of purchasing the property for $200K. She stated that
there was reference in PCBIC minutes about negotiating the price. Puryear stated that he
did not recall voting on this. Sims stated that he recalls the property being in the middle
of the Mega Park and discussions were had at that time. Commissioner Palmer had
questions about PCBIC and the conveyance agreement. Cathey advised the conveyance
agreement for Project Log was extended to June 30, 2024.
Commissioner Thomas asked for an update on the Mega Park. Powell advised
that there has been no word on the site, it is under an NDA, and the option extension
would expire June 30, 2024.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:49 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 7:50 p.m.