12-07-2023 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOC
December 7, 2023, Closed Session #1 Page 1 of 2
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: December 7, 2023
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,
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch, and
Economic Development Commission Chairman Phillip Allen
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed Session
at 10:31 a.m. 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, Economic
Development Director Brandy Lynch, and Economic Development Commission
Chairman Phillip Allen..
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 10:32 a.m.
Economic Director Brandy Lynch, per the direction of the Board at the December
4, 2023 meeting, provided an update to the Board on the status of the Mega Park and the
Wagstaff family. She stated that she reached out to the Wagstaff family on December 5,
2023. She stated that she received a text from John Wagstaff, advising that he is not
interested in speaking to the County at this time. She stated that she spoke to Tommy
Wagstaff by phone call on December 6, 2023, and he indicated that he did not want to
discuss business until after the holidays and would look at options in 2024 and would not
discuss anything further.
Lynch advised that the three-year option and certifications would expire on
December 31, 2023. She stated that the County is in a difficult spot, as the Wagstaff family
is not cooperating. She stated that there are a few projects interested in the Mega Park site.
She advised that one of the projects is very interested in the site and indicated they have a
tight time line. She stated that with this very interested project, the County needs to keep
the option in place, and see if the Wagstaff will agree to $20K/acre for six months.
December 7, 2023, Closed Session #1 Page 2 of 2
Economic Development Commission Chairman Phillip Allen reminded the Board
that the contract and option both expire on December 31, 2023. He advised the importance
of renewing the option. He stated that the County needed to convince the Wagstaff family
that we need this for the future of Person County.
Lynch asked the Board to allow her another week to work this very interested
project and come back to the Board on December 21, 2023 for an update.
It was the consensus of the Board to allow Lynch to continue working on potential
projects and to report to the Board on December 21, 2023 with information obtained.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 4-0 to return to open
session at 11:19 a.m.
December 7, 2023, Closed Session #2 Page 1 of 2
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: December 7, 2023
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, and
Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed Session
#2 at 11:13 a.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, and
Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #2 to order at 11:14 a.m.
Chairman Powell advised that he has spoken to Dale Reynolds, owner of the
Carolina Pride Carwash Building, by telephone call on December 6, 2023. He stated that
Reynolds has advised the sale price of the building is $7M and is non-negotiable.
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that PCC received a $5M grant from the
state that can be used towards equipment and upfit.
Finance Director Amy Wehrenberg advised, if the County is actively pursuing
buying options, an appraisal needs to be done prior to going to the LGC for funding.
Chairman Powell agreed that an appraisal is needed before considering an option to buy.
It was the consensus of the Board to obtain an appraisal of the Carolina Pride
Carwash Building.
December 7, 2023, Closed Session #2 Page 2 of 2
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 4-0 to return to open
session at 11:19 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 11:19 a.m.