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09-02-2025 Meeting Minutes BOC September 2, 2025 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 2, 2025 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager Jason Thomas Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board Sherry Wilborn-ABSENT T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Attorney Antoinetta Royster-ABSENT Donald Long The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in Regular session on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Person County Office Building Auditorium located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC. Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum was present. Vice-Chairman Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Long led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Puryear recognized the absence of two commissioners. He stated that Commissioner Royster notified the Board that she would not be present at this particular meeting. He stated that due to a family emergency Commissioner Wilborn would not be in attendance. He expressed thanks to the EMS Department for their quick and safe response for that particular emergency. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-0 to approve the agenda. PROCLAMATION HONORING JEAN NEWELL Chairman Puryear read and presented a Proclamation Honoring Jean Newell on the occasion of her 100th birthday. A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-0 approving a Proclamation Honoring Jean Newell. Mrs. Newell addressed the Board and thanked them for the recognition and stated that she is honored, humbled and grateful to be here this evening to receive this recognition. September 2, 2025 2 September 2, 2025 3 RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF RETIRED DEPUTY SHERIFF MAJOR CHERYL HUGHES Chairman Puryear read and presented a Resolution of Appreciation for Retired Deputy Sheriff Major Cheryl Hughes, recognizing her thirty-two years of service to Person County. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to approve a Resolution of Appreciation for Retired Deputy Sheriff Major Cheryl Hughes. September 2, 2025 4 September 2, 2025 5 PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER AS LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH Person County Library Director Von Yeager read a Proclamation Designating September as Library Card Sign-Up Month. Chairman Puryear presented the Proclamation to Yeager. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 approving a Proclamation Designating September as Library Card Sign-Up Month. September 2, 2025 6 September 2, 2025 7 Chairman Puryear recognized that in the audience this evening is Leadership Person County led by the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce and asked Chamber Director Dana Blackwell if she wanted to speak on behalf of the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce. Blackwell stated that this year the Chamber started back Leadership Person County, where citizens could sign up and go around and learn more about Person County, whether it be, county government, city government, public safety, education, or industry. She stated that the class is for twelve weeks, and the class is set up to take field trips, instead of sitting in a classroom listening to someone talk. She expressed appreciation and thanks to the County for allowing the class to come this evening. She stated that the class has visited several County Departments, such as, Animal Services, and the new Person Industries/Recycling Center, which will be having a ribbon-cutting on Friday morning. She thanked the Cooperative Extension Department for providing dinner for the class and to EMS for cooking it. She stated that if anyone is interested in the class and wants more information, to please contact her at the Chamber. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING: SUP-02-25 A SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, CHRIS HODGIN, TO DEVELOP A 2-SPACE RV PARK ON 11.02-ACRES, LOCATED AT 1676 ZION LEVEL CHURCH RD, TAX MAP A14 47 A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to open the duly advertised quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. Clerk to the Board, Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony to the following individuals who offered testimony during the quasi-judicial hearing: Margaret Hauth and Kent Dickinson. Chris Hodgin, the applicant and property owner, was administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony, as he may be called upon to answer questions from the Board. September 2, 2025 8 Interim Planning Director Margaret Hauth shared the following presentation for SUP-02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. Ms. Hauth presented Exhibit A: Aerial Photo September 2, 2025 9 Ms. Hauth presented Exhibit B: Future Land Use Map Ms. Hauth presented Exhibit C: Zoning Map showing that the property is in a Residential Zoning District; therefore, requiring a Special Use Permit Application. September 2, 2025 10 Ms. Hauth presented Exhibit D: Site Plan which is required of Special Use Permit Applications. September 2, 2025 11 There were no questions from the Board for Ms. Hauth. September 2, 2025 12 The following individual appeared before the Board to speak in favor of during the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. Kent Dickinson of 59 Audobon Drive, Semora testified that he is a neighbor of Chris Hodgin and that they have spoken and that Mr. Hodgin agreed to sign an agreement limiting the number of camper/RV locations to two. Mr. Dickinson proceeded to read the Memorandum of Agreement dated and signed by Christopher Hodgin on August 28, 2025. There were no questions from the Board for Mr. Dickinson. September 2, 2025 13 September 2, 2025 14 There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of during the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to close the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SUP-02-25 A SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER, CHRIS HODGIN, TO DEVELOP A 2-SPACE RV PARK ON 11.02-ACRES, LOCATED AT 1676 ZION LEVEL CHURCH RD, TAX MAP A14 47 A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to approve SUP- 02-25 – A Special Use Permit request by the applicant and property owner, Chris Hodgin, to develop a 2-space RV park, with the noted condition that the park is limited to two spaces on 11.02 acres, located at 1676 Zion Level Church Rd, Tax Map A14 47. PUBLIC HEARING: PETITION TA-06-25- A TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST TO RENAME THE RURAL CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND UPDATE ALL REFERENCES IN THE DOCUMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for TA-06-25 – A Text Amendment request to rename the Rural Conservation zoning district to Rural Development district and update all references in the document. Interim Planning Director Margaret Hauth stated that the Planning Board initiated this text amendment for the name change and voted unanimously to change the name from Rural Conservation to Rural District, as they did not like the name Rural Development, as it is misleading. She stated that this proposed text amendment is to change the name only and update all references in the ordinance. She stated that no other changes would be made. There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of TA- 06-25 – A Text Amendment request to rename the Rural Conservation zoning district to Rural Development district and update all references in the document. September 2, 2025 15 The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of TA- 06-25 – A Text Amendment request to rename the Rural Conservation zoning district to Rural Development district and update all references in the document. Claudia Berryhill of 279 Knolls of Hyco, Roxboro thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. She stated that she is confused as to what the purpose is with the proposed text amendment. She stated that she understood it to be going from Rural Conservation, which she thought was to preserve and protect the rural character of the land, and for it to be proposed to change to Rural Development, which she thought meant to develop and bring non-agricultural businesses, and houses, etc. She asked what is the interpretation of areas of non-agricultural development as it was stated in the Agenda Abstract that the purpose of the Rural Conservation District is to provide for only limited land use controls in areas with limited non-agricultural development. She stated, what about the natural forest throughout the county and the natural open areas. She stated that crop and pasture land and replanted forestry areas qualify as agricultural areas. She stated that on the other hand, maybe we are trying to say that we are trying to develop our ruralness or continue to develop our rural character. She stated that she is asking the Board to consider the 2021 Joint Comprehensive City/County Land Use Plan. She stated that Guiding Principle One states to celebrate our rural character and lifestyle, and that we value the agricultural heritage and abundant natural resources that lie in the heart of the economic and cultural foundations of our community. She stated that Person County and the City of Roxboro have valued their agricultural roots for many years. She stated that this Guiding Principle recognizes the importance of maintaining Person County’s rural character and lifestyle well into the future. She stated that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. She asked the Board to leave it as Rural Conservation or go with the Planning Board’s recommendation of Rural District. Nancy McCormick of 40 Water Front Lane, Timberlake stated that just like Ms. Berryhill, she was confused about changing it to Rural Development. She stated that she was asked to present a statement based on discussions that she has had with concerned citizens and the agricultural community concerning the changing of the zoning name from Rural Conservation to Rural Development. She stated that the people that she has had communication with would prefer Rural Conservation to remain. She asked what is in a name? She stated a name can evoke powerful perceptions and shape expectations. She stated for zoning, the name refers to the purpose and regulations associated with a specific area. She stated that while the names are meant to be technical and objective, they still create perceptions based on their regulations and the community’s vision for that area. September 2, 2025 16 McCormick reiterated what Berryhill had said in reference to the Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan. She stated that changing Rural Conservation to Rural Development, is a misconception, and asked is development equivalent to conservation. She stated no, they are distinct. She stated that the community has spoken and desires to maintain rural character and identity of our county, and urges the Board to keep the name as Rural Conservation in keeping with the community vision. Karolyn Mangeot of 112 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that if the name changes to Rural Development, it sends a message to everyone in the community that you are more interested in developing this land for the potential to bring in business and industry rather than conserving it as the beautiful county that we have. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to close the public hearing for TA-06-2025 – A Text Amendment request to rename the Rural Conservation zoning district to Rural Development district and update all references in the document. CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-06-25- A TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST TO RENAME THE RURAL CONSERVATION ZONING DISTRICT TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND UPDATE ALL REFERENCES IN THE DOCUMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-0 to leave the zoning district as Rural Conservation and not change it to Rural Development. INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Julie Nye of 407 River Trace Drive, Rougemont stated that she has been a resident of Person County since 2004. She stated that she resides one mile from the Moriah Energy Center, and that has sensitized her to all future developments that are happening in Person County. She read an open letter addressed to the Commissioners and Microsoft from residents and the Sierra Club that posed a lot of questions about the proposed Microsoft facility and construction plans. She provided a copy of the letter for each commissioner. Linda Dickerson of 292 Cardens Cove Road, Timberlake thanked the Board for allowing her to speak. She stated that she lives by the proposed Rail Trail and asked if Person County has approved this. She stated that she has not been notified about anything and wants to know what is going to happen to her property. She stated that there are so many things that the public would like to know about this. September 2, 2025 17 Chris Harris of 268 Cardens Cove Road, Timberlake stated that his land is adjacent to the trail with the rail line easement. He stated that he came home one day to find a surveyor in his driveway. He stated that he would like to be kept informed of what is going on with the Rail Trail. He stated that he had safety concerns. Ronald Oakley of 330 Cardens Cove Road, Timberlake stated that he has safety concerns related to the Rail Trail. He stated that he lives by the proposed trail. He stated that he would like to kept informed on the status of the trail. Jimmie Whitfield of 699 Charlie Reade Road, Timberlake stated that he agrees with what Claudia Berryhill stated earlier, if it is not broke, do not fix it. He stated he is referring to solar farms and the ordinance. He stated that he is in favor leaving things as they are. Karolyn Mangeot of 112 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont stated that she wanted to address the Moriah Energy Center (MEC). She stated that one giant tank for the storage of hazardous material is now nearing completion. She stated that soon residents will get to watch PEMC build a three-mile-long high-tower transmission line over fifty-five more acres of rural conservation woods and farmland, ending in a transmission station on Helena Moriah Road. She asked that the Board contact Enbridge to ask them where they are going to get the sixteen million gallons of water to test each of their MEC LNG tanks before they can be used. She stated that Dominion repeatedly assured residents that they would be getting the water from Roxboro City Lake, and that they would not be drilling at MEC for this purpose, as this would most certainly damage the aquifer for all that depend on well water. She stated that Enbridge is not responding to residents on this issue. She stated that therefore, the residents must rely on the Commissioners to make sure that Enbridge is getting the water from Roxboro, and to find out how it will be transported to the MEC site. She stated that it is estimated that it would require 2,000-3,000 tanker truck loads, and would need a pipeline to be constructed. She asked the Board to please care enough about the residents in the southern part of the county to ask Enbridge about the source and transportation of these sixteen million gallons of water. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. August 18, 2025 Minutes B. Human Services Advisory Committee Bylaws September 2, 2025 18 NEW BUSINESS: CBGI PROJECT SUBMITTALS County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the item up for discussion is to identify projects to recommend to Golden LEAF for their current funding process. She stated that this is called the Community-Based Grants Initiative (CBGI) process. She stated that the timeline for considering these proposals began back in June when the Board authorized the County to proceed with encouraging applications from organizations throughout the community for this grant funding. She stated that applications were due July 21 to staff. She stated that staff received three grant proposals and that they are detailed in the agenda packet. She stated that those worksheets were provided to Golden LEAF and she and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch met with Golden LEAF staff to get their feedback. She stated that there were subsequent follow-up conversations with each of the projects, and they were able to gather additional information in addition to their original submittal. She stated that the Economic Development Commission (EDC) met on August 26 and provided feedback on the submitted projects. She stated that the next step in the process would be to submit a list of endorsed projects to Golden LEAF by noon on September 8. She stated that this list will establish the County’s recommendation to Golden Leaf for projects that they would consider funding through this initiative. She stated that the County can recommend a maximum of four projects at a total request for funding of $2M. She stated that the most Golden LEAF will award in any county, is three projects for a total of $1.5M. She stated that Golden LEAF might fund one project for $1.5M, or they might fund one project for $500K, or they might fund two projects for $500K, or they may not fund any projects in Person County. She stated that Golden LEAF would open up an application for the projects to complete and have further discussion with each project, and ultimately, the Golden LEAF Board will make funding decisions in February 2026. She provided a brief overview of the three projects that have been considered. The first project is from Piedmont Community College and would be to relocate and expand their trade programs (HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) to the new South Campus. She stated that this would enhance accessibility of these programs and increase training capacity while providing hands-on and work-based learning opportunities to address regional workforce needs. She stated the second project is from Person Family Medical Center and would be to meet the increasing demand for medical, dental, and behavioral health services and would involve adding exam rooms and provider offices at their current location and integrating dental services from a mobile trailer into the new facility for better coordination, as well as upgrading their IT infrastructure. Cathey stated that the third project was completed by County staff for the proposed new aviation terminal at Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County, which would serve many different purposes to boost the local economy, enhance the services that are provided at the airport, and support increased traffic and other investments in and around the airport. She stated that Piedmont Community College requested just over $1M to complete their project, and Person Family Medical Center also requested $1M. She stated that the big focus of Golden LEAF is the creation of new jobs as well as being able to support and meet existing demands within the current workforce. She stated that the EDC recommended Piedmont Community College at $1.5M and Person Family Medical Center at $500K. Garrison Bowes Perkins, Grant Manager/Project Coordinator with Person Family Medical Center, stated that their medical center is in dire need of these funds to expand services and asked the Board to consider looking into this and that Person Family Medical Center would do due diligence on their end. Vice-Chairman Thomas and Commissioner Long both agreed with the projects that the EDC is recommending, Piedmont Community College and Person Family Medical Center. Chairman Puryear passed the gavel to Thomas as he engaged in discussion. He stated that it would entertain recommending both projects at $1M each. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to recommend both projects, Piedmont Community College and Person Family Medical Center, to Golden LEAF in the amount of $1M each. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear stated that there will be a Patriots Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday at the Veterans Park honoring Emergency Services. He stated that Commissioner Royster would be a speaker at the event. He stated that he will be presenting at the Fall Civics Academy Class this Thursday. MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that there will be a ribbon-cutting at the Person County Recycling Center at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. She stated that Planning and Zoning will be having two Open House Drop-In Sessions related to proposed Text Amendments to the Planning Ordinance. She stated that the sessions are this week, one on Wednesday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at the Planning Department, and the other one Friday morning from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Library. September 2, 2025 19 September 2, 2025 20 COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chairman Thomas expressed thanks to 911, EMS, and First Responders for their quick action and response in assisting a close friend this morning who had a massive heart attack. He stated that their aide assisted the spouse in performing CPR, thus saving the victim’s life. He stated that we take for granted how lucky we are to have such skilled professionals at this level. Commissioner Long echoed Thomas and expressed thanks to Emergency Services and reiterated that sometimes the individuals in this profession are taken for granted, and they put their life on the line every day, just like law enforcement and firefighters. He asked everyone to keep the Wilborn family in their prayers. He asked Cathey to follow-up with Enbridge on how they will get water to the MEC site and to follow-up on the Rail Trail Project. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman