Loading...
01-02-2024 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOC January 2, 2024, Closed Session #1 Page 1 of 2 Person County Board of Commissioners Minutes of a Closed Session DATE: January 2, 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, Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg, and County Attorney, Lydia Lavelle CLOSED SESSION #1 A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Session #1 at 8:57 p.m. per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney Lydia Lavelle, General Services Director Ray Foushee, and Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg. Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 9:03 p.m. County Manager Cathey provided an update on the potential purchase of the Carolina Pride Carwash Building for PCC to renovate and utilize as the Advanced Technology Center. She stated, following previous discussions with the Board, there were additional conversations with Dale Reynolds. She stated that Reynolds would be willing to sell the building and the adjacent parcel at the non-negotiable price of $7M. She stated that Reynolds obtained an appraisal for both the building and the adjacent lot. She stated that building appraised for $5M, and the adjacent lot appraised for $165K. She stated that the appraisal does note the floodplain on the adjacent lot, which limits potential development on that parcel of land. She stated that there is a gap between the appraised value and the asking price. She stated, this is similar situation that we are facing with Brixmor with the purchase of the Human Services Building. She advised that she is still negotiating with Brixmor. January 2, 2024, Closed Session #1 Page 2 of 2 Cathey advised that Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg reached out the County’s Financial Consultant, Doug Carter with DEC Associates, to see how this might be viewed by the LGC, given the difference between the $5M appraisal and the $7M asking price. She stated based on the feedback received, the LGC would likely approve financing up to the appraised value, and might approve financing above that, if the County can demonstrate that there is certain value associated with purchasing this particular building to us versus going out and building something new. She stated that if the LGC did not approve financing all the way up to the $7M purchase price, the County would be responsible for making up the difference from our current funds. She asked the desire of the Board on how to proceed and move forward. Chairman Powell stated that he has spoken with Reynolds briefly and he is willing to sell and provided an appraisal. He stated that the location is good, being in the southern part of the County. Vice Chairman Sims asked if there is any way for the County to counter-offer on the purchase price, as there is a huge difference in the appraisal and the purchase price. He stated hopefully there would be an increase in students and a valuable tool for the Mega Park. Commissioner Puryear asked clarification on the $5M grant that PCC received. He stated he would think it would be best to get the Tax Administrator’s input on the tax value and re-evaluation of the property. Cathey advised that PCC could use the $5M grant received from the State for up-fit and equipment cost. She stated that PCC is pursuing other grants that can be used to supplement the purchase and renovations. Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg stated that she is unsure what the LGC will decide. She stated that the County would need to show justification for why they paid more than the appraised value. She stated that the County would own the building, and PCC would occupy it. She stated that this would weaken the debt model a little bit. She stated that the debt model would support $10M without raising taxes. Based on the consensus of the Board, Cathey advised that she would work on a letter of intent to proceed, speak with Dr. Senegal and Dale Reynolds, and present to the Board on January 16. She provided an update to the Mega Park, and stated all parties signed to extend the option by 180 days. A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 9:23 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m.