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100112October 1, 2012 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Dr. Bob Shackleford, RCC President, gave the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Randolph County 4-H youth. The Randolph County 4-H youth also recited their pledge to the 4-H flag. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment. Gary Miran, 334 Greenvale Rd., Asheboro, distributed a brochure entitled, How Does Agenda 21 Affect You?, and one page of survey results pertaining to PART (Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation) ridership. He said the information he provided pertains to a program that we are caught up in called Agenda 21. He wants to understand why the County would support such a program. Regarding the PART survey, he said that 602 people were surveyed about PART services. Mr. Miran said that the County is funding a bus program that is nowhere near full. He doesn't mind, as a taxpayer, paying for something that's working, but if it's a losing project, there are plenty of other things that could be done with our money than to fund a program that is also being supported by Agenda 21. He said almost 80% of the people surveyed don't ride the buses; so why were they asked? Mr. Miran asked the Board to please be aware. He lost his job in April and has had only one interview since then. He said the County needs to take our money and invest it in Randolph County in order to promote jobs. Hearing no further comments, the public comment period was closed. Special Recognition Chairman Holmes recognized Diane Hicks for her 24 years of service to the Public Health Department, and Public Health Director MiMi Cooper paid tribute to Ms. Hicks by expounding on her public health service to the citizens of Randolph County. Chairman Holmes presented Ms. Hicks with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Approval of Consent Agenda On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented: • approve minutes of regular meeting of 914112; • appoint Rebecca Bell to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; • appoint Buddy Reddick to fill the unexpired term of Frank Fields, and Douglas Curtis to fill the unexpired term of Dalton Bowman on the Climax Fire Protection District Commission; • reappoint Myra Gaddy to the Randolph County Child Fatality Review/Community Child Protection Team; • Firemens' Relief Fund appointments: Coleridge --Benny Beck, C.E. Teague; Eastside --Jim Pell; David Creason; Farmer --Roger King, Steven Hughes; Franklinville--Kyle Dixon, Johnny Hicks; Guil Rand --Dustin Smith, Arch Hamilton; Level Cross --David Davis, Kenneth Adams; Northeast --Larry Williams, William Flowe, Jr.; Randleman --Melissa Blalock, Charles Byerly; Seagrove --Patty Gatlin, Bernard Needham; Sophia --Edwin W. Beeson, Chuck Powell; New Hope (Southwest) --Troy Powell, Wiley Hurley; Staley--Yancy King, Terry Williams; Tabernacle --Darrell Owenby, Joy Ann Sexton; Ulah--Norris Whatley, Ted Scott; Westside --Wesley Garner, James Lamonds • adopt Proclamation Designating 4H Week (October 7-13) in Randolph County, as follows: Proclamation Designating 4-H Week in Randolph County WHEREAS, 4-H youth across the nation are leading efforts to solve problems in their communities and make a difference for their futures; and WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in North Carolina and the largest in the nation with over six million participants; and WHEREAS, 4-H in North Carolina claims 218,669 youth members and 21,413 volunteers, while Randolph County's 4-H program reaches more than 4000 youth and more than 300 volunteers; and WHEREAS, 4-H, as part of the NC Cooperative Extension System ofNC State University and NCA&T State University, is a program where youth learn through opportunities that provide them hands-on experiences in 4 -H's mission mandates of science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship; and WHEREAS, 4-H has connected youth and their communities with the innovative research and resources from our nation's 106 land-grant universities and colleges for more than 101 years; NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim October 6-13, 2012, as National 4-H Week in Randolph County and urge the citizens of this county to take advantage of the opportunity to become more aware of this special program that enhances our young people's interests in their futures as part of Randolph County 4-H Youth Development and to join us in recognizing the unique partnership between our county and our state University System. This the I st day of October, 2012. • approve Budget Amendment # 7 for the Old Balfour School renovation and purchase of cardiac monitors, which will recognize the debt issuance and purchase of the monitors in the General Fund (School Project Ordinance was approved at September 2012 meeting), as follows: 2012-2413 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #7 Revenues Increase Decrease Proceeds of Debt $420,000 Appropriated Fund Balance $145,000 Increase Decrease Emergency Services $420,000 Debt Service $145,000 Presentation on Regional Sustainable Communities Proiect Dick Hails, PART Regional Planner, gave a PowerPoint presentation on a status report regarding a three-year regional project lead by the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council called, "Strengthening Our Communities." The project first looks at issues that tie us together as a region, including job losses, inter -commuting and promising trends. The report also reviewed results from civic forums that were held in every county in the region earlier this year where participants identified and prioritized the top regional strengths and challenges. Mr. Hails also highlighted some of the emerging goals, strategies and resources available to help our communities grow, reinvest and get stronger, with special attention to jobs, housing and transportation. He noted that nearly 350,000 new jobs will be added to the region by 2040. Mr. Hails announced a major regional event co-sponsored by PART: a Livability Summit, which is being held on October 25, at the Old Salem Visitor's Center in Winston-Salem. He said that speakers and panelists will be addressing ways to make our communities stronger and more livable. Annual Report of the Tourism Development Authority Tammy O'Kelley, Randolph County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) Director, provided the TDA's 2011 Annual Report. She reviewed the impact of tourism on Randolph County, saying that in 2011, Randolph County's travel and tourism industries once again experienced gains in lodging occupancy rates of nearly 11% over the prior year. There were nearly 900 jobs (not including the Seagrove potters) in Randolph County attributable to the travel and tourism industry in 2011. Ms. O'Kelley stated that one of the newest attractions, which opened in December 2011 in the northwest corner of the county, is Linbrook Heritage Estate. Part of the Estate is the Neal John Deere Tractor and Industrial Museum, which displays a large collection of rare tractors, a 1926 return tube boiler, and 1890s steam engine; and the Hoover House, a rare example of a Randolph County home dating from 1905 that has survived with its original furnishings intact. Ms. O'Kelley also provided a list of industry highlights in which the TDA participated in 2011, including tours, meetings, sports events, grand openings, sponsorships, television features, and web site/social networking initiatives. Ms. O'Kelley also gave an update on the new Visitors Centers, saying that at least 99% of feedback has been positive since the TDA took over staffing of the centers on July 1. She invited the Commissioners to a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Visitor Centers on October 24. Approval of Expenditure of Public Funds on EDC's W. Randleman Business Park & Budget Amendment Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County EDC President, said that in 2000, the Randolph County EDC purchased a tract of land in Randleman for development as an industrial park. The purchase was financed by a group of local banks at attractive terms and structured as a line of credit with interest paid annually. The Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted in February 2000 to support this project by assisting the EDC with the annual interest payment, as needed. The Board has voted annually to appropriate funds for that purpose following a public hearing. Over the last ten years, the EDC has purchased additional tracts and made various improvements to the site. A portion of the site was sold in 2004 for Rheem's new distribution center. The total remaining acreage is 36.66 acres. The property is marketed for sale and presents various options for additional development. The loan was renewed, effective September 1, 2010. Due to the changing lending climate, the loan was restructured under new terms and conditions. The current loan balance is $669,274, with a variable interest rate now at 4.25%, with accrued interest due annually on September 1. The banks require a 10% principal payment per annum at $74,364. Payments may be made by proceeds of land sales or from the EDC. The note is secured by a deed of trust and a pledged certificate of deposit. Last fall the EDC made a principal payment of $82,627.04 at the time of the loan renewal. The principal payment of $74,364.00 plus current interest of $28,996.42, totaling $103,357.42, became due on September 1, 2012. In January 2011, the Board of Commissioners agreed to consider assistance to the EDC with debt service for this purpose. At 6:58 p.m., the Chairman opened the duly advertised public hearing concerning EDC's request for assistance with the debt service payment for the W. Randleman Business Park loan. No one spoke, and the public hearing was closed. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the debt service payment in the amount of $103,358 on the EDC's loan on the W. Randleman Business Park, and approved Budget Amendment #8 to effect the fund transfer from the Economic Development Reserve fund, as follows: 2012-2013 Budget General Fund—Budget Ordinance Amendment #8 Revenues Inerease Decrease Transfer from Economic Development Reserve $103,358 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Economic Development Appropriations $103,358 Public Hearing on Proposed True -Value and Present -Use Schedules, Standards, and Rules for 2013 Revaluation At 7:00 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened a duly advertised public hearing for citizen comment on the proposed True -Value and Present -Use Schedules, Standards, and Rules for 2013 Revaluation, that were presented to the Board at their September meeting. A notice was published in the Courier Tribune, pursuant to NCGS 105-317, on September 13, stating that the documents were available for inspection and that a public hearing would be held on this date. No one spoke, and Chairman Holmes declared that the public hearing was closed. Approval to Add Position Title to County Classification Plan Stacy Griffin, Human Resources Director, said that in August, an Office Assistant IV (Grade 8) position was vacated in the Department of Social Services. DSS Director Beth Duncan has requested to reclassify the position to an Administrative Secretary II (Grade 10), but before that can happen, the Administrative Secretary II title needs to be added to the County's Classification plan. No additional funding is needed for this reclassification. On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to add the position title of Administrative Secretary II to the Randolph County Classification Plan, effective immediately. Rezoning Public Hearing At 7:05 p.m., the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider two rezoning requests. Hal Johnson, Planning Director, presented the following requests, and Chairman Holmes opened a public hearing for comments on each request and closed it before taking action. Darrell S. Nance, Denton, North Carolina, is requesting that 1 acre (out of 15.43 acres) located at 7009 Old NC Hwy 49, Concord Township, be rezoned from RA to RBO-CD. Tax ID# 7608387506. Rural Growth Area. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically allow the existing structure to be used as a barber shop. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on September 11, 2012, and unanimously recommended that this request be approved as consistent with the Growth Management Plan. The Planning Board found the following policies within the 2009 Growth Management Plan that support determination of consistency with the adopted plan with this recommendation: Policy 4.1 Provide for sites in Randolph County jurisdiction where rural commercial activity can locate; with the goal of increasing economic activity, job creation, and the provision of services to the rural community. Policy 4.3 Individual Rural Business or Highway Commercial rezoning decisions will depend upon the scale of the proposed development as it relates to the specific site and location weighed against the impacts to adjoining rural land uses. No one spoke during the public hearing. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of Darrell Nance, as determined consistent with the standards and policies contained within the Growth Management Plan outlined in the recommendations provided by the County Planning Board. Matthew Thomas Rector, Ramseur, North Carolina, is requesting that 2.23 acres located at 5052 Doc Hayworth Road, Coleridge Township, be rezoned from RA to RBO-CD. Tax ID# 8608847890. Rural Growth Area. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically allow the existing building with an addition of 40' x 60' to be used for a leather -working shop. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on September 11, 2012, and unanimously recommended that this request be approved as consistent with the Growth Management Plan. The Planning Board found the following policies within the 2009 Growth Management Plan that support determination of consistency with the adopted plan with this recommendation: Policy 4.1 Provide for sites in Randolph County jurisdiction where rural commercial activity can locate; with the goal of increasing economic activity, job creation, and the provision of services to the rural community. Policy 4.3 Individual Rural Business or Highway Commercial rezoning decisions will depend upon the scale of the proposed development as it relates to the specific site and location weighed against the impacts to adjoining rural land uses. No one spoke during the public hearing. On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of Matthew Thomas Rector, as determined consistent with the standards and policies contained within the Growth Management Plan outlined in the recommendations provided by the County Planning Board. Approval of Implementation Plan to Accept Credit/Debit Cards Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, said that citizens are used to the convenience of credit/debit cards for many retail transactions, and are increasingly expecting to do so at County locations for payments of taxes and service fees. Because of the complexity of card brand rules and the associated transaction costs involved, we have delayed implementation until now. Merchant card brands (e.g. VISA and MasterCard) require "Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards" in order to protect consumer information. There are options available that will allow us to use a vendor's certified card system. There will be required employee training that is critical to successful implementation. Every merchant that accepts a credit/debit card must pay fees to the processor and card brand, which will be an added cost. We don't know how much citizens will use cards, if permitted, but we can expect 20-25% of transactions. These fees will be 2-3% of the fees collected. In some cases, the card user can be assessed a convenience fee to cover these transaction costs. Card brand rules allow convenience fees for tax and utility payments. That is because these are major revenues and governments would be impacted from having to absorb the transaction fees. They also allow convenience fees for on-line payments, since the consumer does not have to drive to the county department to remit payment. But the rules do not allow convenience fees for payments in person for non -tax charges such as building permits or health department patient co -pays. The major card brands have different restrictions on whether a convenience fee can be assessed, whether in a face to face "swiped" transaction or "card not present" transactions, such as the internet. Some governments do not accept VISA cards due to the higher restrictions. This leads to confusion and inconsistent treatment between governments. We will have to implement different rules for different departments, and different rules for "face to face" versus internet payments. We also have different fees depending on whether it is a debit or credit card. By starting now, we can see what demand there will be and what costs the County will incur over the next several months. For future budgets, we will have to decide whether to absorb these transaction costs in existing department budgets, or raise our service fees to cover the cost. This will ultimately be a decision by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Massie said that he and the Director of Information Technology have been evaluating proposals from several companies, and are recommending Suntrust Merchant Services/Elavon as our vendor for "in person" transactions, due to their proposal. Visa debit card users will pay a flat $3.95 fee. The convenience fee for credit card transactions will be 3% of the total property tax transaction. We will accept VISA debit and credit, MasterCard credit, Discover credit, and American Express credit. We will continue to use the vendor, Official Payments, for online payments. In order to accept card transactions, Mr. Massie requested that the Commissioners approve the following implementation plan: In person Convenience fee charged separately Transaction costs paid by County and paid by taxpayer–Vendor: –Vendor: Suntrust Merchant Suntrust Merchant Services/Elavon Services/Elavon Online Convenience fee charged separately Convenience fee charged separately and paid by taxpayer—Vendor: and paid by taxpayer Oficial Payments On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to implement a plan for acceptance of credit/debit cards, as proposed above, with Suntrust Merchant Services/Elavon becoming our vendor for "in-person " transactions, and "Oficial Payments" continuing to service our online payments. Recess At 7:15 p.m., the Board took a brief recess. Meeting Resumed At 7:34 p.m., the Board returned to regular session. Public Information Session on Proposed Regional Landfill At 7:34 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened the floor for comment regarding the proposed regional landfill. County Manager Richard Wells said that last week, a neighborhood information meeting was held for property owners within 1000 feet of the proposed site. Notes from that meeting, which included citizens' concerns, along with citizen comment forms, were sent to each Commissioner. Mr. Wells reiterated that all Counties in North Carolina are responsible for their citizens' solid waste, whether they take care of it on their own property by burying it properly, or transporting it elsewhere. In 1997, we decided to close and cap our landfill due to the new stringent laws requiring lined landfills. Since then, we've been shipping our solid waste to, initially, a site near the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and more recently, to a facility in Troy, NC at $50/ton; and these costs continue to increase. About two years ago, we started looking at the possibility of building a regional landfill near the site where our closed one exists. This requires a great deal of study and testing and is regulated by the NC Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Wells mentioned some of the major concerns from the neighborhood information meeting that was held the prior week. The first concern was the increase in traffic on the existing roads from the 75-100 trucks. Mr. Wells said that there is a study being done right now by Golder and Associates and NCDOT about the truck routes and roads leading into the proposed site. This information will be released as soon as the study is complete. Another concern was environmental issues, specifically ground water issues. Still another concern was about the possible affect that a regional landfill might have on real estate values around the area. Mr. Wells introduced Rachel Kirkman, geologist with Golder and Associates, and Charlie Hines, engineer with Golder and Associates and Tom Terrell, legal counsel for the County concerning the proposed landfill. Rachel Kirkman, geologist with Golder Associates, provided technical information via a PowerPoint presentation about modern Subtitle D Landfills. She also introduced her associate, civil engineer Charlie Hiner. Ms. Kirkman reviewed the County's overall project objectives of building a regional landfill in the county: 1) to provide a short- and long-term source of revenue; and 2) to provide a long-term solution for solid waste disposal needs in the county. Currently, Randolph is shipping our solid waste out of county. Preliminary studies have indicated that the County could significantly reduce costs for residents' solid waste disposal, as well as, provide a long-term solution for disposal for 30+ years so that we are not at the mercy of another facility to take our waste. Ms. Kirkman also said that jobs are created during a landfill process, both during and after construction, and many times, local contractors are preferred. She said that the County intends to increase recycling rates by building a state-of-the-art solid waste facility with convenience areas that would promote recycling. The County is very committed to ensuring environmentally protected operations with monitoring to make sure that everything is done correctly. One possible asset of a regional landfill would be a gas to energy option, whereby gasses are captured after several years for an energy source. Other assets include public education outreach programs and other end uses after the landfill is closed, including recreational areas and walking trails. Ms. Kirkman said that there are many requirements during the permitting process before the landfill could even be built. There will be many opportunities for the public to comment. The State will conduct their review of technical documentation. She said that we are currently in the process of preliminary environmental impact studies, including but not limited to, wetlands, traffic, hydrogeology, archeological finds, plants, etc. Once the State gives preliminary approval, one of the next steps would be DENR's approval of the engineering design of the containment system, including the liner system and the systems of collection and disposal of liquid (called leachate), final closure cap system and environmental monitoring systems. Quality control testing during the construction process is also overseen by the State and sealed by a professional engineer. Finally, comes DENR's inspection and certification for the landfill use. Ms. Kirkman showed some photos of typical municipal solid waste landfills during the construction phase and photos of typical liner systems, double liner systems, and leachate storage/containment systems. One slide showed the welding of plastic liners, which are tested beforehand and in the field. Ms. Kirkman said that double liner systems are constructed of highly tested HDPE plastic. She also said that there is a detection zone, called a "witness zone" between the layers that adds an additional layer of ground water protection. The double liner system is DENR approved and is more protective than a typical subtitle D liner by about four orders of magnitude. Research from Geo Synthetics Institute and partially funded by the EPA, done as recently as 2011, shows that these liners last in excess of 400 years. Daily operations at the proposed landfill would accept only household waste and some approved industrial waste—no hazardous materials would be accepted. All loads of waste would be inspected. There would be lots of employee training including safety and certifications. DENR has input on detailed operations plans. The work area would be capped at the end of every day to help eliminate odors and animal issues. Environmental monitoring systems would be put in place. There is much records keeping required. The landfill operator would be required to respond quickly to reports of litter. Several staff would be hired to help oversee operations, as well. Vegetative buffers would be substantial. Dust is minimized by the spraying down of roads with water. Truck washers would be installed. Ground water monitoring wells would be installed around the facility. The State is heavily involved with the closure process. Covers would be synthetic and vegetative and regulated by DENR. Landfills can be closed in phases to help limit environmental impacts. During post closure, there would be a minimum of 30 years of monitoring of ground water and surface water, leachate and methane. Tom Terrell, Attorney with Smith Moore Leatherwood in Greensboro and consulting attorney to the County regarding the proposed regional landfill permitting process, said he was delighted to see some Sierra Club members present, which is wonderful affirmation of the environmental safety of modern day landfills. The Sierra Club had a prominent seat at the State's table when landfill rules were rewritten. Mr. Terrell read from a 2007 Sierra Club newsletter about SB 1492: "...the most important overhaul of the State's solid waste laws in two decades. S1492 reforms the solid waste landfill permitting process in a broad number of ways, including: ensures that new sanitary landfills will be environmentally sound; includes important new safeguards to protect drinking water supplies, wetlands, streams and sensitive public lands. We support this legislation." Mr. Terrell said that unfortunately, when people hear the word landfill, many people get an immediate negative connotation. This is because prior to the 1980s, cities and counties had literal "dumps," which were holes in ground with a mountain of garbage. But in the early 1970s, the Federal government changed that with its adopted Subtitle D regulations. North Carolina has established even more stringent rules since then. Mr. Terrell showed photos of places in North Carolina where a person can easily drive to where he or she can see firsthand the compatibility of a modern landfill with homes, schools and other economic entities. He also showed a photo of a landfill that was taken from his own home in Greensboro. He said that Jay Robinson High School in Cabarrus County was built in 2001. It was built next to the largest landfill in North Carolina and one of the largest in Southeast. He said that the Charlotte Motor Speedway landfill trucks use the same entrance as do race fans entering the racetrack. Mr. Terrell also showed photos of a subdivision near a landfill that was built after the landfill was in operation. He said that the Pitts School Rd. Elementary School was constructed after the nearby landfill was operational. He also showed photos of the Hanes Mill Rd. Landfill in Winston-Salem, saying that the Paul Fulton Family YMCA was constructed beside it. He said the landfill is very clean and is typical of any modern landfill. He also showed photos of the north Raleigh facility which is now closed. However, while it was operational, Business offices were constructed at the entrance of the landfill and there are nice subdivisions adjacent to it. He added that when landfills are closed, oftentimes, public amenities are built on the sites, such as greenways, picnic shelter, and playgrounds. Commissioner Haywood asked about liability issues regarding landfills. Tom Terrell said that a landfill owner should have bond posted and/or cash reserves to pay for post closure. The other possibility is tort liability. He added that he is not aware of any groundwater contamination or people who have suffered from air pollution from landfills. Commissioner Kemp said that the County intends to retain ownership of the regional landfill so that the County can always monitor it. Vance Arnold, Greensboro, and Chair of the Piedmont Plateau group of the Sierra Club, said that he has been the chair for only two years. He was active about 25 years ago when the Sierra Club opposed the Randleman Dam. But the Randleman Dam was built and seems to be doing fine at this point. He said that regarding the Randleman Dam, concerns were the proximity of the High Point city landfill to Deep River and the possibility of contamination from leachate. Also, there were concerns about the Seaboard chemical plant nearby. He said that he was not here to oppose the regional landfill project because he doesn't know enough about it at this point to have an opinion. He has toured the site and came tonight to listen and learn. He asked Mr. Terrell if he lives near the White Street landfill. Mr. Terrell said that he does live nearby the White Street facility. Mr. Arnold said that he will stay involved and represent the Sierra Club. Virginia York Halverson, 1908 Leonard York Rd.; Randleman, asked Mr. Terrell if he was a paid lobbyist. Tom Terrell replied that, technically, yes, he is a paid lobbyist for Archer Daniels Midland with respect to its grain facility in downtown Charlotte, but he does not lobby for anyone on any solid waste issue. Ms. Halverson presented a petition to the Commissioners, saying that the petition included 1,000 names of concerned citizens and registered voters who were against a regional landfill in Randolph County. Aside from noise, air and water pollution concerns, she has concerns for the safety of school children on buses because of hundreds of garbage trucks. She said that with a 1,500 -tons -per -day landfill, she has calculated the number of trucks at a 12-15 tons per truck average, to total between 100 and 208 trucks per day in two directions. She also said that NCDOT and County leadership should have the same safety concerns. She said she hopes that spending $1,200,000 for a study would not totally bias their vote to ask the Planning Board for a special use permit. She said that noise, traffic and pollution from a regional landfill were big - city problems that Randolph County residents don't want. She suggested using the same land for better uses, such as: a college, a graduate school, soccer fields, convention center or museums. She said that Randolph County citizens do not want a landfill. Please listen to voice of the people. She said that some people still suffer the ill effects of the old landfill and urged the Commissioners to abandon the proposal by resolution forever. Debra Cox, 1145 James Ray Dr., Randleman, said her major concerns were traffic and property tax values. She said that it wasn't fair to compare this project to the larger Charlotte landfill because the roads near that landfill, which is located beside the Charlotte Motor Speedway, are much better than the roads leading into the proposed landfill. She said that it will destroy the businesses on Dixie Drive, and that the Board should wait until the 64 bypass is complete before considering a regional landfill. She said the Cedar Falls area is busy and there are many accidents at the intersections. She urged the Board to look at the proposed route because it's not a good one. She estimated that 100 trucks in a 10 -hr. period works out to be a truck every 3 minutes. Seventy-five trucks equals one truck every four minutes. The roads are curvy and hilly; school buses and families travel these roads. She said that human perception will affect property values. She said that most of the people in the room will never realize the golf courses or recreation areas that had been discussed. We need to address other areas first. William Henley, 3213 Old Cedar Falls Rd., Asheboro, said that his land adjoins the current landfill, and for over 40 years, people around the landfill have dealt with the landfill and transfer station. He said they have been burdened with litter, noise, smell, and traffic for years and that their concerns have been trivialized for years. And, now, they are being asked to "take one for the team." He said that the consultants have underestimated the impact of a regional landfill. Mr. Henley said that other areas were considered for this regional landfill site, but where are they, and why do they not meet the criteria? He said that he doesn't think any other areas exist. But if they do, they should be reconsidered taking into consideration the least human impact. Henley Country and Old Cedar Falls Road are hilly and curvy. The safety of families would be put at risk, and this is not acceptable. Other areas should be reconsidered. Jon Nance, 3483 New Hope Church Rd., Asheboro, compared the issue to the alcohol referendum that was held in 2008 in Asheboro. He said the County should hold a referendum on the regional landfill to give everyone a chance to voice their opinions. Edith Briles, 1871 Old Mill Rd., Asheboro, accused the experts who had spoken earlier of painting an unrealistically positive picture of a regional landfill's impact. The many more trucks, odors, and highways will be unsafe. She feels for these people around the landfill and does not think we should have a garbage dump in our county, with garbage from all over the state and maybe out of state, as well. She has not heard of anyone who was in favor of a regional landfill. She knows we are in debt. But we (the citizens) are not responsible for that debt, and we don't want a landfill in our county. It will cost money for several years before we come out of the hole. Ms. Briles asked Mr. Holmes how everything is voted on. After all is done, what part do the Commissioners have in voting? Chairman Holmes said that this Board would ask the Planning Board for a special use permit. Then the Planning Board would hold a public hearing and make the determination of whether to grant the special use permit. Then the Commissioners will ultimately make the final decision. Libby Green, 1209 Henley Country Rd., Asheboro, reiterated what Mr. Henley said. She said that she has lived here since 1975. She has traffic concerns. She invited all the Commissioners to sit in her front yard and said that it wouldn't be long before they were shaking their heads in disgust. There were no 8 a.m.-5 p.m. hours of operation and no 35 mph speed limit. She said that she can't get to mailbox due to all the garbage trucks. Michael West, 1561 Henley Country Rd., Randleman, asked why $1.2 million had been spent on doing studies before giving residents a chance to express their opinions. Chairman Holmes said that that was just how the process works. The money came from the tipping fees from the old landfill. Bill Dula, 1320 Randolph Tabernacle Rd., Asheboro, said that the HDPE liner that is proposed to be used in order to protect groundwater from pollution is only slightly thicker than the plastic in a milk jug. He said that there were several locations considered for the landfill. The reason that the west Asheboro location wasn't selected is because of the bird population and the proximity to the airport. "But why build it next to the Deep River? Why ask for more trouble?" He also said that the insecticides that will be sprayed nightly to control insects and rodents will kill every insect in the area, including bees. He said it will devastate anyone who has a garden in the area. He also mentioned the negative effect of property values. He talked to DENR and they said they've never talked to anyone in Randolph County. He asked the County Manager who he talked to there. County Manager Richard Wells responded by saying that he had talked to the Secretary of NCDENR, Dee Freeman, in a meeting about two years ago. Larry Green, 1209 Henley Country Rd., Asheboro, asked if any of the residents of the landfills that were mentioned in the earlier presentation by Mr. Terrell had well water. Rachel Kirkman responded by saying that the residences around the Hanes Mills landfill in Winston-Salem do, and they have very safe water. Mr. Green said that if the residences around the proposed landfill had municipal water instead of well water, he wouldn't have a problem with it. John Woodell, 928 Rambling Rd., Randleman, said that he owns the apartments across the street from the training center/shooting range and close to the proposed landfill entrance. He asked what the County was going to do about the traffic on Cedar Falls Rd. and Henley Country Rd. Trucks will be making a left-hand turn within a few hundred feet of the apartments that house 14 families. He said that this will destroy him. He stressed that people would not want to live across the street from a regional landfill, and the residents of these apartments would never be able to get in or out of the parking lot due to all the traffic coming and going at the landfill. Chairman Holmes said that the DOT road plan is not complete. Commissioner Lanier said that the road will be widened, and the speed limit will be reduced. Bill McDaniel, 1940 Henley Country Rd., Randleman, said that his property adjoins the landfill and that he has lived here since 1962. He said, at first, the tipping fee was zero. Then, the County needed more money, so they started charging tipping fees. Then a few years later, there wasn't enough tonnage, so the County closed the landfill and moved the trash to Charlotte. "The recycling program that the County started was supposed to save the world. The County had three or four employees, conveyors, and compactors. But the recyclables sat out in the yard and the cans came apart, so the County had to haul it off, and that was the end of the recycling program." So now we're talking about recycling again, and he wants to know where the market is, but no one seems to know. Mr. McDaniel said that Mr. Wells said that it's costing us $50/ton and to him (Mr. McDaniel), that is a tax. He asked Mr. Terrell why the White Street Landfill in Greensboro was closed. Tom Terrell said that White Street became a political issue. Many people in the neighborhood, who moved there after the landfill was built, made it a political issue. There was an old chemical dump back to the early part of the century that caused some problems, as well. Bill McDaniel added that he and his neighbors have to spend 30 minutes before mowing their yards picking up trash from the sides of the road that has blown off of trucks. Every morning at 3:15 the first truck goes out and a second one goes out at 4:00. There is no control on it. Mr. Wells said that the contract with the operator of the landfill would take care of the times that the trucks would come in and out of the landfill. Mr. McDaniel said that he thought we were already in a contract with Hilco, but that didn't help. He doesn't think we need a regional landfill. We need to take care of our own trash. Perhaps Asheboro will start bringing their trash back to the County. Ruby Lemonds, 1412 Henley Country Rd., Randleman, said that she is 75 years old and lives in the vicinity of the landfill. She said it takes 10 minutes to cross the road to her mailbox. It's not safe. She asked whatever happened to county water. County Manager Richard Wells said that the County held a referendum on a proposed 1/4 - cent sales tax increase several years earlier that would have paid for countywide water; he said the tax was voted down two -to -one. Ms. Lemonds said that we needed to revote on it. She said that if this landfill passes, the County needs to provide and pay for county water. She said no one is in favor. Her property adjoins it, and she opposes it. The roads are unsafe now, and opening a bigger, regional landfill would just cause more problems, according to Ms. Lemonds. Valinda Norton, 1335 Arrowwood Rd.; Asheboro, said that she is running for County Commissioner in District 1. She asked, "Has anyone ever called the police concerning noise? Has anyone heard a trash dumpster at 3 a.m.? I have. Sometimes officials are not aware of these noises unless they hear from the public. I don't think we own a noise meter in the County. And who would monitor the meters if we did have one, and who would catch the perpetrators of the noise? Would the Commissioners do it? I doubt it." Ms. Norton asked, "Who would own the regional landfill? Vice Chair Frye said that the County would own it. Ms. Norton said that she had done a lot of research about landfills. She learned that many cities retain ownership of landfills and make money off of them. She thinks the landfill could be a good resource for the County if we do it in the right way. But she questioned whether bringing in trash from 100 miles out in all directions is the right way. We have to always be cautious when we take the advice of engineers, citing the Army Corps of Engineers' advice during Hurricane Katrina. The property values of the old landfill bother her. "I don't know that those people got paid justly. If we do open a regional landfill I hope we put money back for those people around it to match other people's property values in other parts of the county." With her inactive real estate broker's license, she has done some property comparisons, too. "What are we going to do with the old landfill? Will we clean it up? I think that will be a good gesture." She has heard that the by-product of the proposed landfill will go into the City's sewer. She hopes not. She recommends that everyone visit her Facebook page. She has found a city in Texas that does make $1.6 million off of their landfill. She hopes that the Commissioners will consider owning the landfill and making money off of it, like other cities have done. Harold Briles, Asheboro, said that if landfills are so safe, why aren't big cities building their own landfills? He said that he doesn't want the regional landfill and neither do the taxpayers. He doesn't understand the economics of bringing garbage in from elsewhere. Vice Chair Frye said that we are sending our solid waste to another county and spending a lot of money to do it. Commissioner Lanier said it costs taxpayers more money to open a landfill here without taking trash from outside the county. Vice Chair Frye said that we are going through the process, which includes gathering facts, doing the appropriate and necessary studies, and asking for public comment, before making any decision. Public Information Session on Proposed Regional Landfill Closed At 9:18 p.m., there being no further citizen comments, Chairman Holmes declared that the public comment session was closed. Contract Award for Annual Ground Water Monitoring at Closed Landfill Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Director, said that the routine annual water quality monitoring and reporting plan needs to be done at the closed landfill site. We have received a proposal for this in the amount of $53,000 from Golder and Associates. This contract covers the required annual test that has to be submitted to the State. On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to award a contract for annual ground water monitoring and reporting plan at the closed landfill to Golder and Associates in the amount of $53, 000. Approval of Resolution Regarding Financing for the Balfour Early Childhood Development Center Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton reminded the Board that at their meeting last month, they approved proceeding with financing the Balfour School project with PNC Bank and approved the submission of the application for approval to the Local Government Commission (LGC). In order to secure this financing as approved, Ms. Scotton presented a proposed resolution for the Board's consideration, which approves the financing and related documents and authorizes their execution. She also reiterated that the Balfour School property will serve as the security for this loan. The Asheboro City Board of Education will therefore deed the property to the County and then lease it back from the County in order to continue using it. The Administrative Agreement between the County and the Board of Education is necessary to grant the Board of Education the authority necessary for them to award the construction contracts. This resolution approves the acceptance of the Deed to the property, the Lease, and the Administrative Agreement with the Board of Education, and the Installment Financing Agreement and closing documents necessary to effectuate the loan. The LGC meets on October 2, and all approvals in this resolution are made contingent upon the approval of our application by the LGC. Assuming all necessary approvals are received, the closing will occur on October 9, 2012. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution concerning the Balfour Early Childhood Development Center financing as follows: RESOL UTIONA UTHORIZING THE EXECUTIONAND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITHANINSTALLMENT FINANCING AUTHORIZED BYSECTION 160A-20 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTESAND APPROVING THEACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FROM THE ASHEBORO CITYBOARD OF ED UCA TION. WHEREAS, financing pursuant to Section 160A-20 of the North Carolina General Statutes must be approved by the Local Government Commission ofNorth Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the County duly conducted a public hearing on September 4, 2012 regarding an installment financing agreement to finance the demolition of a portion of the old Balfour School and the new construction of a 14,880 square foot Balfour Early Childhood Development Center (the "Project'); and WHEREAS, there have been available at this meeting drafts of the forms of the following: (1) An Installment Financing Contract to be dated as of October 9, 2012 (the "Contract') between the County and PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC'); (2) A Deed of Trust to be dated as of October 9, 2012 (the "Deed of Trust'), from the County to a trustee for the benefit ofPNC; (3) A Lease to be dated as of October 9, 2012 (the "Lease') between the County and the Asheboro City Board of Education; (4) An Administrative Agreement to be dated as of October 9, 2012 (the `Administrative Agreement') between the County and the Asheboro City Board of Education; WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the County wants to approve the Contract and to authorize other actions in connection therewith; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the County as follows: 1. Each of the Contract, the Deed of Trust, the Lease, and the Administrative Agreement, in the form submitted to this meeting, is hereby approved, and the Chairman of the Board, the County Manager, the Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer and the Clerk to the Board are each hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver each of those documents, on behalf of the County, with such changes, insertions or omissions as each may approve, the execution thereof by any of them to constitute conclusive evidence of such approval. 2. The Chairman of the Board, the County Manager, the Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, the Clerk to the Board and the County Attorney are each hereby authorized to take any and all such further action and to execute and deliver such other documents as may be necessary or advisable to carry out the intent of this Resolution and to effect the installment financing pursuant to the Contract. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer is authorized to approve all details of the financing, including without limitation, the amount advanced under the Contract (which shall not exceed $2, 000, 000), the annual principal payments under the Contract, the term of the Contract, and the details related thereto. Execution of the Contract by the Chairman of the Board, the County Manager or the Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer shall conclusively evidence approval of all such details of the financing. 3. The Board hereby approves the acceptance of a Deed from the Asheboro City Board of Education conveying ownership of the real property constituting the Project to the County. 4. All actions of the County effectuating the proposed financing are hereby approved, ratified and authorized, contingent upon subsequent approval by the North Carolina Local Government Commission, pursuant to and in accordance with the transactions contemplated by the documents referred to above. 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. Approval of Resolution Adopting 2013 Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve a Resolution Adopting Board of Commissioners 2013 Regular Meeting Schedule, as follows: Resolution Adopting 2013 Meeting Schedule of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A -40(a), the board of commissioners shall hold a regular meeting at least once a month; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A -40(a) the board of commissioners may, by resolution, fix the time and place of its regular meetings; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following meeting schedule for all of its 2013 regular meetings: Monday, January 7; Monday, February 4; Monday, March 11; Monday, April 8; Monday, May 6; Monday, June 3; Monday, July 8; Monday, August 5; Tuesday, September 3; Monday, October 7; Monday, November 4; Monday, December 2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regular meetings shall begin at 6: 00 p. in., with the rezoning public hearing commencing at 7:00 p.m.; and FURTHER, that all regular meetings shall be held in the 1909 Historic Courthouse, 145-C Worth St., Asheboro, NC 27203; and BE IT FINALLYRESOLVED that the Clerk shall cause a copy of this resolution to be posted and published pursuant to NCGS 153A-40. Adopted this I stday of October, 2012. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Sale Of Four Non -Operational Ambulances By Private Negotiation Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis requested the Board adopt a resolution authorizing the sale of four non -operational ambulances to Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, Inc. by private negotiation, which is allowed by N.C.G.S. 160A-266 and 267. In turn, Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, Inc. has agreed by proposed contract to provide $20,000 worth of restoration work to the department's mobile rehab/command bus. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution, which follows this motion, authorizing the sale of four non -operational ambulances to Southern Specialty Vehicles, Inc. by private negotiation, who, in return, will provide $20, 000 worth of restorative work on Emergency Services Department's mobile rehab/command bus, and to authorize the County Manager to sign the contract for restorative work: RESOL UTIONA UTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF FO UR TYPE I NON -OPERATIONAL AMBULANCES BYPRIVATE NEGO TM TION AND SALE WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statue 160A-266 authorizes a county to dispose of personal property belonging to the county by private negotiation and sale when that property is valued at less than thirty thousand dollars ($30, 000.00) for any one item or group of similar items; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 160A-267 sets forth the procedure to be followed when the Board of Commissioners proposes to dispose of property by private sale, requiring the adoption of a resolution authorizing an appropriate county official to dispose of the property by private negotiation and sale and the subsequent publication of a notice summarizing the contents of said resolution; and WHEREAS, Randolph County owns four Type I ambulances, identified by vehicle identification numbers IFDWF36P66EC34908, IFDWF36F92ED04130, IFDWF36P87EA84463, and I FDWF36P67EA84462, that are non-operational and that together are worth less than thirty thousand dollars ($30, 000.00); and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Emergency Services Director seeks the authority to dispose of these ambulances by private negotiation and sale. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the County as follows: The Randolph County Emergency Services Director is hereby authorized to dispose of the four Type I ambulances identified by vehicle identification numbers IFDWF36P66EC34908, IFDWF36F92ED04130, IFDWF36P87EA84463, and (FDWF36P67EA84462 by private negotiation and sale after the publication of the contents of this Resolution and the subsequent ten day waiting period required by North Carolina General Statute 160A-267. This the I" day of October, 2012. Adjournment At 9:28 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting adjourned. J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye Phil Kemp Stan Haywood Arnold Lanier Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board