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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2026 Meeting Minutes BOCSeptember 8, 2026 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 8, 2026 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager Sherry Wilborn Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board Jason Thomas Brady Herman, County Attorney Antoinetta Royster Donald Long The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC. Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum was present. Commissioner Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Long led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda with the addition of Item 8E-Veterans Services Concerns. BUSHY FORK GRANGE RECOGNITION Vice-Chair Wilborn introduced the item, highlighting her observations of Bushy Fork Grange’s community recognitions, to include Teacher of the Year and Farmer of the Year. She felt it demonstrated strong community engagement and hoped similar recognition could occur in all townships. She introduced Charles Howerton, board member of the Bushy Fork Grange who presented the following detailed, historical overview of the Grange, including: The Grange’s origin in 1867 post–Civil War to rebuild agricultural infrastructure Its role in collective buying power for farmers Significant national accomplishments (postal service expansion, rural electric service, rural broadband advocacy, creation of 4-H and FFA) Forward thinking inclusion of women in leadership roles from inception Local history: six Person County Granges founded in 1946, of which Bushy Fork remains active Bushy Fork’s prominence as one of the top 5 most active Granges in NC September 8, 2026 2  Overview of extensive community activities (school supply drives, game nights, outdoor movies, chili cookoff supporting Cancer Crusaders, hurricane relief efforts, youth recognition programs) Mr. Howerton highlighted Person County native Ashton Medlin, valedictorian and youth mental health advocate featured in a Pfizer/Rural Minds mental health outreach video filmed locally. He invited commissioners and the community to the Chili Cookoff on October 10, 2026, from 5–8 PM at Bushy Fork Grange Hall. The Board expressed appreciation to Howerton and to the Grange for all they have done and continue to do for the community. BUILDING BETTER FUTURES RESOLUTION Commissioner Royster read the Building Better Futures Spotlight Resolution, a national initiative led by NACo supporting youth development and upstream supports. Key Statistics Cited for Person County: • 29% of children under 18 living in poverty • Juvenile complaints increased from 66 (2022) to 190 (2025) • Teen pregnancy rate 20.3% (6% above state rate) • 70 school age children and 47 younger children experiencing homelessness Vice Chair Wilborn expressed concern regarding potential unfunded mandates or open-ended commitments. She reviewed a list of programs already supported by the County and questioned the implications for staffing or funding, and felt this needed to be discussed during budget time. Commissioner Royster clarified the resolution commits the county to partnership—not unfunded mandates. Chairman Puryear and Commissioner Long supported the resolution, noting “may include” gives flexibility. Puryear acknowledged that he sees merit in both sides. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-1 to approve the Building Better Futures Spotlight Resolution. Vice-Chair Wilborn voted in opposition. September 8, 2026 3 September 8, 2026 4 September 8, 2026 5 INFORMAL COMMENTS: There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak during informal comment period. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. August 17, 2026, Minutes B. Budget Amendment #5 NEW BUSINESS: AMERICA 250 UPDATE Public Information Officer Kim Strickland and Person County Museum of History Executive Director Carrie Currie presented the following updates on Person County’s year-long America 250 celebrations:  Large courthouse banner installation  July 4 children’s dance and parade activities  Major upcoming event: Early America Living History Fair  Dedication of a Liberty Tree at the museum  Opening of the new Personalizing the Past exhibit  Significant facility improvements at the museum  Person County became first county approved for a Revolutionary Route roadside marker  Upcoming weekend events will occur “rain or shine” September 8, 2026 6 September 8, 2026 7 September 8, 2026 8 September 8, 2026 9 Board members expressed thanks to the America 250 committee for their time and dedication. PUBLIC PROPERTY NAMING REQUEST-JOHN EGGLESTON GYM County Manager Katherine Cathey described the public property naming request submitted by Mr. Philip Allen seeking to rename the original Roxboro High School Gymnasium at the Huck Sansbury Complex in honor of Mr. John Eggleston, citing Eggleston’s decades of contributions to youth recreation. She noted the following: • The naming policy allows citizens to submit requests in writing • Staff researched historical naming records but could not locate the original vote assigning the “Huck Sansbury” name to specific facilities • Multiple naming options were available to the Board (direct intent to name, public hearing, community meeting, referral to Recreation Advisory Board) Commissioner Long advised that John Eggleston was his uncle and asked the County Attorney if that would be deemed a conflict of interest. County Attorney Brady Herman stated that there would be no action by Long needed this evening. September 8, 2026 10 Cathey introduced Phillip Allen. Mr. Allen opened by thanking the Board and staff. He clarified explicitly that: • The request is only to name or rename the gymnasium itself • The request “does not diminish” Huck Sansbury’s contributions • The entire complex (park, playground, fields, annex building, monuments, tennis/pickleball courts, picnic areas) would retain the Huck Sansbury name Mr. Allen delivered a detailed narrative about Mr. Eggleston’s legacy, including remarks such as: • “John Eggleston literally and figuratively opened the doors of recreation to the citizens of Person County.” • “Every young person deserves to have a John Eggleston in their life.” • “He recruited young people of all backgrounds and made everyone feel part of something bigger than themselves.” • “He found ways to get uniforms, gloves, shoes, balls to kids who could not afford them.” • “This gym came to life because of John.” He provided a chronological overview: • Eggleston began coaching midget football and basketball in the 1950s • Spent every Saturday at what was then the Roxboro High School Gym • Served as “referee, coach, scorekeeper, clock operator, custodian, janitor, snack bar operator — anything that needed doing” • Taught youth discipline, hard work, responsibility, teamwork, and “the difference between right and wrong” • Created a community-wide network of youth teams (Bethel Hill, Cavel, Longhurst, Bushy Fork, Helena, Olive Hill, Northside, Southside) • Established adult softball, basketball, volleyball leagues; traveling tennis teams; All Star basketball • Influenced children from the 1930s through the 1980s and beyond Mr. Allen then read dozens of testimonials, including statements such as: • “If Person County erected a Mount Rushmore of recreation icons, John would be on it.” • “John made growing up in Roxboro a much better place.” • “He gave me confidence when I had none.” • “He taught us about life and truly cared for us.” September 8, 2026 11 Mr. Allen publicly named all supporters, listing a long roster of community members by name and graduation year from the 1950s through 1990s. Commissioners discussed: • Maintaining Huck Sansbury’s legacy • Clarity of naming (gym vs. park vs. floor); recommended name John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park • Budget considerations for signage and gym floor changes; Vice-Chair Wilborn discussed Allen raising the money, determined that Allen would need to raise at least half; change contingent upon donation. • Precedent for future naming requests • Potential referral to Recreation Advisory Board Mr. Allen stated: • He had followed the naming policy as written • He was willing to raise at least half, possibly all, of the estimated $6,000 cost • He supported naming it: “John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park” • He emphasized his request was in “good spirit” and sought only proper recognition A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to direct staff to draft a resolution of intent to consider renaming and place it on the next agenda. The Board indicated that a public comment opportunity would occur at the next meeting before action is taken on this item. CASWELL/PERSON COUNTY BOUNDARY UPDATE GIS Director Sallie Vaughn reported that the boundary survey’s one-year review period expires September 12, 2026. She stated that updated maps and GIS systems aligning with the official survey are being implemented. She stated that NCGS will notify affected property owners and install boundary monuments. She stated that no Board action is required. September 8, 2026 12 ADVISORY BOARD POLICY County Manager Katherine Cathey presented a revised version of the Person County Advisory Board Policy, explaining changes made after receiving feedback on August 17, 2026. She reviewed updates including:  Addition of a definition for ex-officio  Clarification that ex-officio members may vote unless otherwise specified  Updated quorum language stating “a majority of currently appointed voting members”  Clarification that advisory board officers may be replaced at any time  Requirements to notify Clerk and Public Information Officer of meeting cancellations  Establishment of March 31 deadline for annual reports  Removal of overly prescriptive annual report formatting  Addition of a mandatory acknowledgment checkbox on volunteer application forms  Vice Chair Wilborn expressed strong concern that duties need clear language specifying that responsibilities belong to the board as a whole, not individual advisory board members acting independently. Chairman Puryear suggested returning the item to staff for revisions aligned with concerns that were mentioned. It was the consensus of the Board to table this item until September 21, 2026. VETERANS SERVICES CONCERNS Commissioner Long relayed concerns from veterans that:  The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is performing all VSO duties alone.  A previous Board agreed a part-time assistant would be added.  Veterans are volunteering substantial time to fill gaps. County Manager Katherine Cathey will investigate department needs and report back to the Board. September 8, 2026 13 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear announced the 9/11 ceremony will be held Friday at 6:00 p.m. at First Responder Park, located at Huck Sansbury. MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chair Wilborn provided an extensive report including:  Praising HR for new training opportunities  Commending staff for the hours of preparation behind each agenda item  Discussing her NCACC board meeting experience and the selection of Representative Jeffers for the “Friend of the Counties” Award, noting his chosen guest was former Commissioner Clayton  Mentioning her rotation off the NCACC board but newly appointed service on the Agriculture & Natural & Economic Resources Steering Committee  Announcing the October 29, 2026 Leadership Summit, aiming for similar late afternoon scheduling as prior year  Celebrating the groundbreaking for Mayo Laydown Yard  Emphasizing the economic importance of manufacturing and utilities, noting they represent one-third of all jobs and hundreds of millions in tax base  Reporting utility valuations increased by $131 million, resulting in $815,000 in new tax revenue  Reflecting on RCS’s 20-year anniversary celebration, praising Councilman Phillips for his historical recounting; noting that fellow Commissioners Long and Royster were involved with the school  Expressing gratitude to first responders ahead of the 9/11 anniversary Commissioner Thomas had no report. Commissioner Royster reported: • Attending the NCACC conference in Durham • Observing scholarship presentations September 8, 2026 14 • Being reappointed to the NCACC Health & Human Services Steering Committee • Receiving multiple NACo presidential appointments (Rural Action Caucus, Healthy Counties, Human Services, and Education Committees) • Sharing Building Better Futures updates with JCPC • Providing educational America 250 materials (children’s books explaining local government) to the America 250 Committee • Offering personal reflections on her service on the founding RCS Board and seeing the school’s progress from its earliest days in unfinished facilities Commissioner Long gave a detailed report including:  Extensive reflections on the founding of Roxboro Community School  Discussing early efforts alongside Lacy Winstead and others, including extensive volunteer labor  Emphasizing that RCS was created “not in competition” with Person County Schools but as an enhancement, noting conversations with former PCS Superintendent Ronnie Bugnar  Reporting attendance at multiple meetings: Board of Adjustment, Kerr-Tar Executive Board, EIAC, Mayo Transport ribbon cutting  Attending Eagle Scout project dedication by Andrew Long improving the First Responders Memorial landscaping  Attending the Longleaf Pine award presentation for Lacy Winstead  Noting the anniversary of the 2017 Duke Life Flight crash and highlighting the emotional toll of emergency response roles A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Session at 7:40 p.m. Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 7:42 p.m. CLOSED SESSION #1 A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the purpose to discuss personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney Brady Herman, and Human Resources Director Sonya Carver. September 8, 2026 15 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 8:32 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 4-0 to appoint Chairman Puryear as interim County Manager from the time of Cathey’s departure on September 21, 2026, to the time of Interim County Manager Ralph Clark’s arrival on October 1, 2026, with no compensation. Chairman Puryear abstained from voting. Chairman Puryear accepted the temporary assignment of interim County Manager on behalf of Person County. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman