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050420May 4, 2020 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. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice -Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chairman Darrell Frye gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Required social distancing was maintained throughout the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Comment Period The public was not in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor's Executive Order 121. The meeting was instead livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, citizens were given an opportunity to submit Public Comments prior to the meeting. County Manager Hal Johnson summarized the comments presented by citizens via phone and email. All comments are attached as Attachment A following these minutes. Consent Agenda On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, as follows: • approve Board of Commissioners regular meeting minutes of 416120, special meeting minutes of 3/25/20, and closed session minutes of 3125120; • reappoint Martha Stunda, Sarah Shoffner, and Richard Wells to the Randolph County Public Library Board of Trustees; • approve Budget Amendment for Public Health-COVIDI9 ($117,585), as follows: 2019-2020 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #49 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $117,585 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $117,585 • adopt Resolution Designating the Week ofMayl 0-Mayl 6, 2020, as "National Police Week" in Randolph County; • approve Lottery Applications for Randolph County Schools at $1,300, 000 (Providence Grove HS 2013E LOBS) and Asheboro City Schools at $300, 000 (Teachey School 2013E LOBS); • approve Budget Amendment for Detention Center Project ($8,649,485), as follows: Randolph County Detention Center Capital Project Budget Amendment #7 Revenues Increase Decrease Proceeds. from Debt $8,800,000 5/4/20 Interest Income $20,000 Sales Tax Reimbursement $50,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $8,670,000 Debt Issuance Costs $200,000 • approve Budget Amendment -CARES Act ($86,676), as follows: 2019-2020 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #50 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $86,676 Appropriations F—EmergencyServices Increase Decrease Professional Services $86,676 reappoint Robyn Hankins, Hal Pugh, Don Simmons, Dan Warren, and L. McKay (Mac) Whatley Jr. to the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission; approve Budget Amendment for Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance 96 ($600,000), as follows: Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease Interest Income $300,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $166,000 Furniture and Equipment $250, 000 Construction $116,000 • approve Budget Amendment -2020 Merit Program, as follows: 2019-2020 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #51 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $2,109 $104,632 Information Technology $2,604 Tax $6,538 Register of Deeds $1,343 Public Buildings $3,057 Sheri $29,263 Emergency Services $14,111 Building Inspections $1,934 Adult Day Reporting $279 Juvenile Day Reporting $513 5/4/20 Planning & Zoning $1,406 Public Health $13,659 Social Services $21,128 Child Support Services $1,880 Public Library $4,808 A2in2 Services Bid Mark Hensley, Executive Director of the Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA), thanked the Commissioners for their leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He proceeded to explain that Duffy Johnson, Vice Chairman of the Aging Services Planning Committee, was present to be sure that there was transparency since RSAA was one of the recipients of the funding from the Home and Community Care Block Grant. He directed the Commissioners to the updated pricing sheet passed out prior to the meeting which showed decreased funding for FY 2020/2021 which had been announced the previous week. Mr. Hensley said because of the difference in funding to be received, the Aging Services Finance Subcommittee would meet later in May to approve the new funding amounts of $542,484 to RSAA and $287,465 to Regional Consolidated Services. It is the advice of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) that the Families First Act will cover the shortfall for RSAA. The updated worksheet for FY2020-2021 would be on the June Consent Agenda for approval. Commissioner Haywood asked about the Families First Act and whether or not the figures showed that funding. Mr. Hensley said the Families First Care Act is a federal program for food reimbursement and is not shown in the numbers presented. Chairman Frye inquired how the Families First money would be dispersed. Mr. Hensley replied that it would pass through PTRC directly to RSSA. Mr. Hensley gave some statistics about the feeding program. He said the volumes were already high before COVID-19. In March, 10,500 meals were distributed. Once COVID-19 started, even more meals were distributed. Instead of shelf stable meals that contain crackers and breakfast bars, ten frozen microwaveable meals per person were being delivered to provide two weeks' worth of meals to be heated. Chairman Frye asked about changing meal vendors. Mr. Hensley said they had contracted with Golden Corral in Lexington and the meal plan was working wonderfully. After COVID-19, the Golden Corral in Asheboro will take over catering of the meals. Mr. Hensley stated that Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System (RCATS) had continued transportation even after the stay-at-home orders. This gave citizens the ability to maintain consistency with their medical appointments. Social distancing and proper sanitation were maintained for all these trips. Mr. Hensley asked the Commissioners to approve the modified funding. Mr. Duffy Johnson thanked the County staff for their help with the request for proposal. 5/4/20 On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the modified funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant. Sale of Surplus Vehicle to Wake Forest Baptist Health Donovan Davis, Chief of Emergency Services (EMS), said EMS has a retired Sheriff's patrol vehicle that was transferred to EMS and used as a response vehicle by the medical director, Dr. Jason Stopyra, when he works in the county each week. The vehicle is a 2015 Dodge Charger. Wake Forest Baptist Health is in need of a vehicle for all of the medical directors to share as part of their EMS Director and Fellowship Programs. Chief Davis asked to sell the vehicle to Wake Forest Baptist Health (School of Medicine) for $1. They will house and maintain the vehicle. Dr. Stopyra, along with Dr. Bryan Beaver, Dr. Trip Winslow, Dr. Darrell Nelson, Dr. Nick Petit, Dr. Nick Ashburn and others, will still be able to use this vehicle when they work in Randolph County each week. They will use the vehicle to respond to medical emergencies in Randolph and the surrounding counties in which they serve as Medical Directors. He requested the Board consider selling this vehicle, VIN 92C3CDXKT8FH932599, to Wake Forest Baptist Health, as allowed under NC General Statue 160A-266 and to authorize the Purchasing Officer to sign and process the necessary documents for transfer. Chairman Frye commented that Randolph County was very fortunate to have Dr. Stopyra as the Medical Director. Chief Davis agreed and stated the other doctors come to Randolph County and teach In -Service training to the EMTs as well as offer their services for emergencies. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the sale of the 2015 Dodge Charger to Wake Forest Baptist Health School of Medicine for $1 and allow the Purchasing Director to complete the transfer paperwork. County Manager's Update County Manager Hal Johnson said that at the last meeting on April 6th, there were 33 cases of identified COVID-19. As of this meeting, the total was 251 cases with 4 deaths. Six employees had been identified as testing positive for COVID-19. With the controls put in place by the Crisis Management Team, the risks presented by the employees that tested positive were mitigated quickly with no community exposure. Twelve COVID-19 informational videos have been posted to the County's YouTube channel and have a combined total of over 18,000 views. In addition to Chairman Frye and Public Health Director Susan Hayes presenting during Tuesday's video, WIC Nurses will give program updates while Mark Hensley, Executive Director of the Randolph Senior Adults Association, will appear on Thursday's video to discuss how various agencies are taking care of the elderly population in the community. Commissioners Comments Chairman Frye stated the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) had met the previous week and introduced some cost-cutting measures for the upcoming year. The Association will reduce dues for next year and has discussed a possible dues rebate. All Executive Meetings will be by Zoom until further notice instead of having 5/4/20 meetings at one location requiring travel and hotel stays. Work will begin on the replacement facility for the Albert Coates building in Raleigh. This building is anticipated to generate revenue in the future. He spoke of the Federal stimulus money sent to the State for counties and cities due to COVID- 19. He explained that a base of $500,000 will go to each entity. In that funding was also money for hospitals. He said that any stimulus money for Randolph Health will go to the Bankruptcy Court for distribution with Cone Health benefitting the most from it. Discussion Re2ardin2 Reopening of Businesses, Restaurants, and Churches by the Governor Chairman Frye outlined the May 8th proposed Phase I reopening of the State by the Governor after the COVID-19 closure. This will continue the stay-at-home order but will allow for more reasons to leave home. Retail stores can reopen or remain open but with a limited capacity, enforced social distancing, and mandatory cleaning protocols in place. Parks can reopen. Bars and restaurants will continue take-out and delivery only. Personal care and indoor entertainment venues will remain closed. Gatherings will still be limited to ten people. Face masks are still encouraged if six foot spacing cannot be maintained. Long-term Care Facilities will remain closed to visitors. Unfortunately, healthcare workers have infected some facilities. Commissioner Haywood said healthcare workers go out on weekends and follow all the safety protocols but there are people in public that are without symptoms spreading the virus. Public Health has said that healthcare facilities are doing everything they are supposed to for the safety of the patients and the workers. Chairman Frye said that he and his wife had been driving in the county and noticed that social distancing was taking place at the churches they saw. However, Lowes Hardware and Wal-Mart had parking lots full of cars. The "mom and pop" shops cannot sustain the loss of revenue like the bigger retail stores. Phase II will reopen salons, barber shops, gyms, gatherings at houses of worship, and playgrounds as well as increase the number of people at gatherings. Discussion of this Board tonight will be on the opening of more than the Governor is permitting in Phase L This would be done above his authority. Commissioner McDowell asked if Phase 11 restricts gatherings to 50 people. Chairman Frye said he did not have specific numbers. Commissioner Allen stated that Phase I allowed ten people and Phase II allowed 50 people at gatherings. He said the State and Federal restrictions were similar but had a few differences. The length of time between phases is not addressed by the Federal government. Commissioner McDowell asked if Phase II opened restaurants. Chairman Frye said it did but with reduced capacity. Chairman Frye said Commissioner Kidd sent a Resolution to the Commissioners that was not part of the agenda packet. A special meeting could be called after the Governor's announcement to discuss if the Resolution would be justified. 5/4/20 Commissioner Haywood said that the Governor may announce plans for May 81h as early as May 5th such as what Phase I will allow and when it will be enacted. She said she did understand what it was like to be under the stay-at-home orders currently in place but wanting those restrictions to be eased. One of her son serves at -risk patients and another has a pregnant wife. She has parents in an assisted living facility. However, there is so much about this virus we do not know. We have more knowledge than we did but still don't know a lot. Commissioner Allen said the Governor had mentioned receiving a petition to have regional re - openings. When looking at being grouped with rural counties versus counties with membership in the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), Randolph County is closer aligned with larger PTRC counties. Chairman Frye stated that many of the cases are from specific sources. Commissioner Haywood said the facilities are doing their best to keep the virus out. Commissioner Allen stated that once infected persons were identified, most facilities had been able to control the exposure. Commissioner McDowell said that whatever the Board does, it needs to be flexible because of the changing nature of this virus. Commissioner Allen stated that citizens don't understand that the Governor's Orders must be followed by counties and any local Board doesn't have the authority to override what the Governor does. This Board can contest it but not override it. Local offices are created by the State. Chairman Frye said by statute, if the Board does something less restrictive than the Governor, then we are doing so without proper authority. Commissioner Kidd said most of the restrictions by the Governor are unconstitutional. These go against the North Carolina Constitution and the Federal Constitution. He feels bad for salon and barber employees because they have been closed for six weeks already and cannot make a living. He wants the Governor to allow the Randolph County Board of Commissioners to decide about re -opening based on qualifications specific to the county. Places of worship should not be closed. This is totally unconstitutional. He trusts the Board to make the right choice. He doesn't feel that the Governor should make a rule for everyone. It is unconstitutional to deny churches from having services. Randolph Senior Adults is functioning with all of the precautions necessary. Businesses and churches can do the same thing. Chairman Frye said this Resolution was not part of the packet so the public has not had a chance to look at it fully. This Board should schedule another meeting to take action on this. Commissioner Allen asked what the notice qualifications were for a Special Meeting. The response was 48 -hours' notice. 5/4/20 Ben Morgan, County Attorney, said not everyone has had a chance to read the Resolution being considered by the Board. Transparency needs to occur even if it is difficult. A called meeting would allow everyone a chance to look at the Resolution in a transparent manner. Commissioner Haywood said she thought the meeting would be set after the Governor's announcement. Mr. Morgan stated this was the first he's heard of a special meeting. It would be appropriate to address this issue at a called meeting and not wait another month. Commissioner Kidd thanked Mr. Morgan for his comments and agreed with the transparency issue. Commissioner Kidd said if a meeting was scheduled, it could be cancelled as well. Both Commissioners Haywood and McDowell asked if there would be a meeting or not. Chairman Frye asked if the Board would be making a motion to set a Special Meeting with the option of cancelling it. Commissioner Allen inquired who would make the decision to cancel it. Chairman Frye said he would consult with each Board member before doing so. Chairman Frye said an Ordinance passed in Gaston County was a political ploy. The Board later overthrew it. He had seen a resolution from Alamance County that was different from others he had seen. He talked with an Alamance County Commissioner said their Board would leave the order up to the State. Commissioner Allen said if there were 100 different rules, it would cause a lot of confusion as you travel from county to county. Commissioner Haywood stated that one thing had been left out of the conversation; the recommendation of Randolph County Public Health. The right to worship has not been limited. We may not be able to meet in the church building, but we do not know what religious persecution is. She asked Commissioner Kidd if he had not worshipped since the stay-at-home order had begun. Commissioner Kidd responded that he has worshipped but he's ready to worship in his pew at his church. The citizens need to make their choices not the government. Commissioner Haywood asked Commissioner Kidd if he did not trust the data from the experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Public Health departments. Commissioner Kidd replied that he did not totally trust the data. He agreed in the beginning of the pandemic because something needed to be done quickly. Now, six to eight weeks have passed and nothing has changed. The Governor is infringing upon our Constitutional rights. 5/4/20 Chairman Frye asked if the Board was calling a meeting for Monday the 11th at 6pm to discuss any possible changes the Board would like to request after the reopening by the Governor. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-1 with Haywood opposing to set a meeting for Monday, May 111h at 6:00 pm to discuss possible changes to the reopening policy presented by the State and consider the Resolution Calling for Governor Roy Cooper to Modify his Executive Orders to Allow Local Control of the COVID-19 Emergency and to Comply with the Federal and State Constitutions. Commissioner Haywood requested that the public see what the Commissioners have seen in regards to resolutions from other counties by including them in the new agenda packet. Commissioner Kidd said that was a good idea. Commissioner McDowell said people had gotten bits and pieces about what is going on and they wonder why Randolph County can't "do things like these other counties." Chairman Frye agreed and stated that people think if a County issues a Resolution, it changes everything. Commissioner Allen said people also believe that this Board can change the Governor's orders but it does not have the authority. Commissioner Haywood added that the Board needed to thank the Legislators for all the work they have done to benefit the citizens in our State and especially in Randolph County. Commissioner Allen added that the efforts for the COVID-19 relief package had been a bipartisan effort and he didn't want to damage what has already come together. Adjournment At 7:45, on motion ofAllen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen Kenny Kidd Hope Haywood Maxton McDowell Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 5/4/20 Attachment A PUBLIC COMMENT, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, MAY 4, 2020 I am Alan Ferguson, 4794 Troy Smith Road, Liberty. I am commenting tonight on two matters. I want to personally thank the Randolph County Public Health Department and the leadership of Randolph County for its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and then I am urging the County to stay the course. North Carolina has responded robustly to this threat and our response has paid the dividends of saving lives and suppressing the misery of this disease. North Carolina's rate of infection (currently 114/100,000 people) is the second lowest among the ten biggest states. The rates of our neighbors are as follows: Georgia, 299/100,000; Tennessee 150/100,000; Virginia 221/100,000; and South Carolina 130/100,000). These are the facts. I urge Randolph County Government to continue its efforts to assist our State in suppressing this disease. Most of us are suffering substantial financial damage from the isolation necessary to slow this disease. Our "Plan A" as a State has been to buy time, not only to save our medical establishment while anti-viral treatments are developed, but to allow us to adjust to a new reality. The numbers don't lie; this strategy seems to be working. There's been a lot of talk lately comparing we humans to a "herd." I'm not offended by that comparison, because we all know that the herd has to stick together to defeat the predators. That's what we need to do right now. We need to resist the impatience to return prematurely to "business as usual" and to substitute our studied reflection of fact with a strategy based upon the hope for a miracle as our "Plan A." Of particular note here is that Randolph is NOT suffering unfairly from State mandates, imposed under big -city rules designed for Greensboro or Charlotte. Here in Randolph, our rate of infection of 159/100,000 is nearly double Guilford's of 83/100,000, for example, and higher than Wake's also. 41% of our cases are among people ages 25 to 49. I know that you as Commissioners are familiar with these and other numbers, but so are many other Randolph County citizens who are paying attention during these trying days. None of us will be free to travel, to do business, or to think and gather freely so long as pestilence is raging among us. Support for our public health efforts is our quickest and surest path forward. Alan Ferguson THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! West Asheboro Church of God is super grateful for the drive in prayer which the county allowed at the Court House! We just wanted to express our thanks to our commissioners and other officials who helped this happen! Praying over the meeting this evening! Pastor Cooke Please dont open until the govenor and health officials say it is safe. Better to wait a little longer than to have an outbreak and have to start over. Thank you for all you do on our behalf. I appreciate you. Ann Bennett Gentlemen, I am respectfully requesting that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners base any decision they make with regard to local actions necessary due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on sound scientific and medical advice. The Commissioners must not be swayed by a vocal minority who downplay the seriousness of the current situation for self serving reasons. I am thanking you in advance for your consideration of this matter. Roger L. Greene I am requesting that the commissioners do not open the county too soon. I believe that because the virus can have a 21 -day incubation period, that opening the county to normal business activities at the present time is a bad decision. The county should follow the governor's guideline, as well as take into account the unique location of the county to make a unique decision. At the 'heart' of the state, and as the home of the Zoo, Asheboro is a hotspot that is seeing cases climbing more rapidly than in the smaller communities. As such, and to protect industries with large numbers of employees like Technimark, the furniture builders and multiple nursing homes, the commissioners should require it to be mandatory for people to wear masks in grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail locations. Commissioners should keep restaurants limited to carry out or drive through only, and because this virus may be affecting the community in waves of illness for up to two years (or longer if there is no vaccine available) the commissioners should also do everything they can to get enough test kits for the employers in the county to buy and use on employees. Only when the virus has run out of people out in public to infect will the county be 'safe' - and it will only take one person to start the cycle all over again, so this is a long term problem that must be addressed by all levels of North Carolina government. Health is more important than money. Thank you. Kim Fitzgibbons As someone over 65 & a diabetic I urge you to not open our county until our numbers show a 14 day decrease in order to not overwhelm our hospital & emergency services. Our lives are worth more than this. Denise Rinaldi Commissioners, Please be very careful about re -opening Randolph County to `life as unusual'. The current number of cases in this county alarms me. In spite of this, I see many people not using the social -distancing or masking guidelines. Please do not give the impression that we are no longer facing a health challenge and need to take all of the precautions possible. We are a county with a large percentage of people in the high risk category and we should be sensitive to that. Ruth Scanlan Please follow CDC/President/Governor guidelines. 5/4/20 Our numbers are not in line with opening strategies. Reynolds Neely Dear County Leaders, I am a resident of Asheboro along with my family and I am alarmed by the continued rise in COVIDI9 infections in our small community as compared to other counties of our population. An Asheboro zip code has been listed as a hotspot by local news at a rate even higher that hotspots in Greensboro, which are much more densely populated areas. Please extend business closures for at least a few more weeks until we have this terrible outbreak under control. I believe opening non-essential businesses too early will give our neighbors a false sense of security and will continue to spike cases and deaths needlessly. It also puts our workforce at risk. This is not simply a case of my body, my liberty. We are guardians over the health of one another as well. Let's live up to our motto of being the heart of North Carolina! I truly thank you for your leadership during this difficult time. Joame Langer RE: Re -opening for Covid 19 I urge the county commissioners to follow the guidance of the governor and the General Assembly and not attempt to re -open too quickly by not enforcing state guidelines. Many of us have seen the FaceBook page of at least one county commissioner who has dangerous views on re -opening. I hope that the other commissioners are wise enough to follow the guidance of the well equipped experts on the state level. I am a senior citizen with one underlying condition. I have a daughter with an underlying condition. I have a beloved 92 year old mother-in-law. Please do not put us in further danger. Rebekah Megerian, Ed. D. I would like to urge our county commissioners not to be hasty in reopening Randolph County. Information from the NC Department of Health states that both the 27203 and 27205 ZIP codes have increasing numbers of people infected with Covid-19 per capita. Other places where the numbers are increasing are very nearby us: Lexington, High Point, Greensboro. We do not live in a vacuum. If Randolph County residents are given a false sense of security by our commissioners, this virus will spread and the potential exists for more infection, ongoing health problems, and in some cases, death. The virus has already made an appearance at a long-term care facility in my hometown of Ramseur. The numbers for our ZIP code have increased over this past weekend. If we reopen non-essential businesses too soon, you can rest assured that infection rates will increase shortly thereafter. Please set a good example for Randolph County residents as well as for people in areas around us who might be watching and following our example. I urge the Randolph County Board of Commissioners to follow the guidelines put in place by the State of North Carolina. I ask commissioners not to bow to special interest groups who would endanger Randolph County residents for want of a dollar. I also urge commissioners to take this virus very seriously. Just because we haven't had a high death rate yet, doesn't mean it can't happen. I would rather we not take chances with the lives of my neighbors. Please refrain 5/4/20 from reopening non-essential businesses for the time being. Let the curve flatten so that everyone can be safe and we can get back to business as usual without requiring that folks endanger themselves any more than necessary. Thank you for your time. Diane Hubbard If you can document that we've met the requirement of diminishing cases for 2 weeks running, then, you can consider a gradual opening. At that point, masks should be required, in addition to social distancing. There's no harm in wearing a mask, but reckless disregard can have dire consequences. I went to Food Lion last week and was appalled that no employee was masked or gloved! At least the store had directional markers to help with customer spacing. Other stores in Asheboro are following the safety procedures, including the disinfection of carts. I'm in the "at risk" group, as is all the family I have here. I won't be going out amongst the general public until there's a working vaccine. Please be wise ". Cathy Snow I wish to express my opinion on the idea of easing lockdown restrictions in Randolph county during the COVID-19 pandemic. It turns out that Asheboro has become a bit of a hotspot for COVID-19 infections recently. We doubled infections in one week and now have more per -capita cases than Greensboro. This trend is not what you wish to see if you are considering easing restrictions and allowing people to go back into businesses in large numbers. If the rate continues along this exponential path, even WITHOUT lifting restrictions, we're facing the prospect of over -running our health care facilities in a matter of a few weeks. There is a disturbing and false idea being promoted by the lockdown protesters we've seen in the country, and that is the idea that "It's my body and my choice". This is absolutely not true. It is NOT your choice if someone goes back to "normal", becomes infected, does not KNOW that they're infected and spreads the virus to (on average, according to the CDC) 4 or 5 people. It is NOT command of one's own fate, but reckless endangerment to those around you, if the lockdown is lifted before we have adequate testing and see a DECLINE in the number of cases, not an exponential INCREASE, which is what we are seeing now. I respectfully ask the County Manager office to consider these facts before making a decision that could cause the unnecessary exposure and/or deaths of hundreds of Randolph County citizens. Mike Hardeman 5/4/20 I know you are being bombarded this afternoon with emails from a group to keep this county on lockdown. I believe it to be a reaction to the prayer meeting last night. Stand with the majority of us in this county who want to go back to church and work with common sense. Don't give audience to the minority, especially those from the Democratic party which is probably where this is coming from. Thank you. Todd Daniel I'm asking you to consider keeping the stay at home guidelines, per the CDC and federal government, in place. Before reopening, its necessary to make sure we have an extended period of no new cases to verify the stay at home order has worked to. To that end, we must have a comprehensive testing program in place so all in Randolph County can be tested for the active virus or to show antibodies are present. It is imperative to continue doing what is necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep all residents safe, especially the most vulnerable. Thank you, Cheryl Winslow As a citizen of a Randolph County who works in the healthcare field, I urge you to maintain a stay-at-home order for Randolph County. Additionally, anyone and everyone that must go out in public should be required to wear a mask AT ALL TIMES as this will drastically cut down on transmission rates. Asheboro is an ideal spot for COVID-19 to run rampant due to a lack of appropriate medical facilities (let's face it, Randolph Hospital is barely hanging on and is also incapable of caring for severely ill COVID-19 patients). This means that we would be outsourcing these critical patients to other counties, further spreading the disease all because we opened too early. I urge you to research the effects of viral load and how that plays into the higher -than -usual death rates because that's what we would be dealing with if Randolph County became inundated with COVID-19. Best, Laura Burns Stay at home and social distancing works. Please do not reopen non essential businesses. It is just not worth the risk to those poor employees and families that will HAVE TO RISK THEIR LIVES for someone to eat out or get their hair/nails done --NON ESSENTIAL If they do not go back to work and risk their loved ones lives then they lose the unemployment. It is not about individuals or rights or wants ... It IS about life & death ... No one can "take full responsibility" for not doing what it right --not unless they can bring back the dead. The science is not there, the tests are not there, the PPE is not there. You will also be risking more deaths in the medical field. They did not sign up to die. Please do not reopen. For me -I have COPD, for my husband, for my daughter and for her daughter --my 2 year old grandchild that have a whole life ahead of them. Thank you Dianne Cavoly Thanks for giving careful consideration to how to proceed in these uncertain times. Please keep safety uppermost in mind since without sufficient testing data, you are having to make choices without full information. Social distancing remains critical and masks are a simple way to protect each other. I would 5/4/20 much prefer to proceed with caution than to move too quickly and jeopardize what we have accomplished so far. Eve Keller County Commissioners, The wise adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pond of cure" is most appropriate as you discuss opening Randolph County during this pandemic. I encourage you to base your opinion on the CDC guidelines and health data here in Randolph. Talk to the citizens who have been diagnosed with the virus. And those family members who have lost a loved one. Wearing masks and social distancing for a few more weeks will be the "ounce of prevention " to keep us all safe. Lois Bohnsack. - Archdale I urge you to use good, sound, scientific judgement in determining when to reopen all businesses. With new cases continuing to rapidly rise, now is not the time to decrease restrictions. Randolph County needs to step up its response by requiring masks in public, as well as enforcing social distancing procedures. Our citizens need protection not only from COVID-19, but also from economic hardships that would be caused by ending the stay-at-home orders currently in place, which could in effect end qualification for unemployment and other benefits. Thank you for your help in keeping all of us in Randolph County safe. Best regards, Tammy Gordon I would like to ask our county commissioners to use caution and not reopen Randolph County too quickly. We have become a hotspot and cases are still increasing. If anything the board should implement stricter guidelines such as mandatory masks in public places and enforcement of social distancing. Too many people here are not taking this crisis seriously enough. If you fail to take bold action, or worse, bend to the will of special interests who would sacrifice people like my mother or my in laws for the sake of a few dollars, I will make certain that no one forgets your responsibility in the tragedies that will surely follow. T.J. Hubbard, III Please reconsider opening Randolph County too soon. Giving people a false sense of security because you are more interested in lining the pockets of special interest groups means you aren't representing the residents of this county. 5/4/20 Please consider what might happen to the county's health care facilities and workers if the numbers continue to increase. Sincerely, Megan Crotty Thank you for providing a venue for public comment during this crisis. I am concerned that Randolph County remains a hot spot in the state for transmission of COVID-19. I suspect that we have many more cases here that have not been tested. It is beyond belief that one of our county commissioners is supporting reopening prematurely when he represents the district with the most cases in the county. We need to support our essential workers and not expose them to even higher rates of infection. I have witnessed groups of a dozen or more people gathering in public parks against Governor Cooper's orders. Instead of opposing the measures the Governor is taking to protect North Carolinian's lives, maybe we should be enforcing his orders and encouraging our citizens to stay the course by staying home, wearing masks in public, and following social distancing guidelines so we can reopen safely without risking a second wave of infection. Once we lose a life, we cannot bring them back. Susan Scott We just received information last week that, per capita, municipalities in Randolph County have the highest infection rate in the state. It makes no sense to forgo the scientific information our Governor and even the President of the United States is using to request that we keep these restrictions in place. The country of Sweden has roughly the same population as NC. They have over 2700 deaths and we have less than 500. THE RESTRICTIONS ARE SAVING LIVES! Please don't do something foolish like removing the restrictions too soon and destroying all of the hard work we've done. Clyde Foust Jr. Dear Randolph County Manager and Commissioners; I am writing in advance of your meeting scheduled for today to discuss the reopening of businesses in Randolph County in light of the Covid-19 crisis. While I know there is great concern regarding the economic state of our community (my family is also affected), I also know that without a healthy society there can be no effective economy. As a retired RN who served Randolph County for over 30 years, I implore you all to consider the science and advice of epidemiology experts in your planning. It is clear that Randolph County has not met even the most minimal of prerequisites needed to take steps to allow more public contact. The daily rising numbers attest to that fact, especially when our area is showing a much higher per capita rate of infection than even large municipalities. Thank you for your consideration and thought on this most important matter. Debbie Pike 5/4/20 Dear County Commissioners, I am a Randolph County citizen residing in Asheboro. I oppose reopening the county while our numbers of people infected with this pandemic continue to climb. It puts the whole county at risk for more sickness death. It is a reckless move to even consider while our numbers continue to climb. It cause is to shut down all over again and put us back at square one. That anyone could put economics ahead of the health its citizens is a frightening thing. I know I am not the only one with such concerns. It's simply too soon. Sincerely, Vickie Wilson While RCC continues to fully serve our thousands of students through online instruction, we are not opening face-to-face classes at RCC until it is safe... PERIOD!! Dr. Robert S Shackleford Jr, President, Randolph Community College Please accept this public comment from a concerned citizen of Randolph County in response to Commissioner Kidd's absurd proposal to circumvent the Governor and "open" Randolph County. Talk about jumping the gun. Why not follow the guidance of an elected official that has fact based input from experts? Thank you, Josh Brown I live in Asheboro, NC but have been in NYC to care for my 81 year old sister. We are winning here because we have stayed home and maintained distance. Now I want to come home to support my own state in this fight. PLEASE do NOT sabotage our citizens by over riding Governor Cooper because a small percentage of us are feeling reckless and foolhearty. Be responsible for our lives, Linda Hartford Dear Randolph County Commissioners, Due to the continuing COVID-19 infections in Randolph County, I think it is too soon to reopen businesses until we have more testing in place. I also think it is important to follow the Governor's guidance rather than striking off independently without scientific guidance from experts. If we reopen too soon and have a resurgence of cases more lives will be lost unnecessarily and the economy will be further damaged by another closure, perhaps even longer in duration to try to bring the epidemic under control. I counsel patience. I know it's hard to wait but I think better results for the health of our citizens and the health or our economy will be forthcoming if we move forward thoughtfully and deliberately toward normalcy. Thank you, Nell Allen 5/4/20 Honorable Commissioners, As a tax payer and long time resident of Asheboro and Randolph County I am concerned about what is happening around us and our nation. I am now retired and now free to express my thoughts and feelings regarding that situation. I am college educated and read all news so I can understand divergent views. Randolph County has been identified as a HOT SPOT for the Covid-19 virus. Covid-19 is real, a danger to our population, and growing rapidly in our area. Because of this I think it is most cautious and reasonable that we follow the recommendations of our Governor, the CDC, and our President in considering re -opening the county and local economy. I think and believe re -opening too soon will have dire consequences in terms of the numbers who become sick or die, causing more heartbreak and worse consequences for our economy and health resources. It is too early to re -open. I believe in our constitution and in our making our own decisions. I also believe in the importance of the Governor and others in authority working to keep the residents of the state as safe as possible. Too many folks are wanting to defy the government because they want to or because they are supporting specific viewpoints. Please be voices of responsibility and reason in this trying time. Sincerely, W. Scott Hager Commissioners, Just wanted to say thank you for allowing the Courthouse to be used for prayer last evening. As you move into session tonight we pray for clarity and wisdom. Please remember your citizens that are struggling. Blessings Pastor Boyd Byerly Randolph County Board of Commissioners, I know the people of Randolph County are anxious to get things reopen in the county. Right now I think it would be a very bad mistake to do so. In the Ramseur area according the NCDHHS there are 29 plus cases of COVID-19. Just going to Walmart to purchase groceries, you see a lot of people not wearing a face mask or any type of face coverings. I find this disturbing. The people say they want things to open back up, but they don't want to follow suggestions to be able to so. I know it is hurting some businesses. But we have to keep in mind, a business can be replaced, but a life cannot be replaced. I urge you consider if you decide to open up some of businesses or whatever, at least require everyone to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing. God bless you and God bless Randolph County. Thanks, Elworth Cheek 5/4/20 Good afternoon, I am a 74 -year-old resident of Randolph County with a pulmonary condition. I have assiduously sheltered at home since March. The numbers of coronavirus cases are on the rise in our county, and there are three known deaths attributed to COVID-19. I have watched the numbers rise from three per day to 14. It is not time to open the county in defiance of state restrictions; we all know there are bound to be more cases than reported, given these changing numbers. There is a large housing development coming in about a mile from me in the stages of tree/stump removal. I saw a work crew of about a dozen men climb out of a truck and then crowd around the back to receive their work tools. If one man in that group were coronavirus positive, ten more will be positive soon. I believe that the County Commissioners are informed enough to take a longer view than these men. The county seat has rising cases. The county administrators will have death on their hands. They should think responsibly for all county residents, including the ones who are not equipped to think for themselves. Commissioners must serve wisely. thank you, Melinda Lamb It is time for Randolph County to stand up and lead on the coronavirus response. I hope you will encourage the commissioners to look closely at the executive orders issued by the Governor. Much of the statewide lockdown under Executive Order 121 was based on emergency authority designed to be used in rare, emergency circumstances when local governments have been impacted. Randolph County and it's leaders are more than capable of responding to this situation. A one -size -fits -all approach is inappropriate and Randolph County should do what it can to free us from the unnecessary edicts imposed on us by bureaucrats and politicians in Raleigh. I trust that you and your team will protect our liberties and our local economy with a uniquely Randolph County solution. I would remind you that Article I Sec. 13 of the NC Constitution says: Sec. 13. Religious liberty -All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience. And the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 5/4/20 Kind regards, Neal Robbins Re: Mr. Kidd's resolution about religious freedom. This smacks of the way that some seek to foist their 'freedom of religion' onto the public's right to health and safety, when there has been no prohibition of anyone practicing their religion. While the Constitution protects your right to practice your religion, it does not enshrine the method by which that is done. There is a movement across the country, in red states in particular, to use the red herring of religious freedom as a means of having what amounts to special privilege. This is just one more attempt, this time using a deadly pandemic as justification. I protest. Sandi Campbell Eastern Randolph County Mr. Johnson, We would like to say a big THANK YOU for allowing Christians in our county meet at the courthouse last night for Drive In Prayer. It is so uplifting to see support from you and the county commissioners as we pray for the Lord to heal our city, county, state and country! May the Lord continue to richly bless you. Tony & Julie Parks Thank you for allowing the prayer meeting at the courthouse last night. Please reopen the county as soon as possible. Thank you, Chris Dorsett Hi! My name is Celina Schrimsher. I am a Randolph County native, my husband & I are business owners, & we have 4 daughters. First of all, thank you so much for allowing us to pray at the courthouse last night. We are asking God to give you guidance during this time of hardship in our county & our nation. Secondly, I am asking for you to reopen our county. I never thought our liberties & freedom would be taken away in the USA like this. There are so many businesses they cannot survive and may possibly not come out of this if we wait much longer. We know we can work together as a county & community to get through this. We personally still HAVE NOT received our stimulus check from NC. I can't imagine how many other people that own a business are struggling, and still have not received their checks either. Please, I beg you, please RE -OPEN Randolph County. Sincerely, Celina Schrimsher 5/4/20 I just wanted to take my time to express my thanks for the County Commissioners allowing us as a people to have the Prayer Time at the Court House this past Sunday. I would also like to let you know how I feel about opening up Randolph County. I am deemed what you have called nonessential. I am a Nail Technician working for J. Brewer and Co., working for the past 11 years. I have received no unemployment as of this date. This is severely hurting my finances besides causing mental anguish and stress. I need to go back to work! Please consider opening up Randolph County. Thank you for your time. Elaine Foust Asheboro, NC Just a quick note of appreciation to our county commissioners for the hard work and leadership that you have exhibited through this COVID crisis. I also want to share my gratitude for allowing the church to lead our county in the prayer event last night. I feel strongly that Randolph County can be the example in our state, looking to the Lord for direction and help. Again thank you for your leadership in this most difficult time Jeff Joyce, Randolph Baptist Association Good Afternoon, I was in attendance yesterday afternoon at the Courthouse for Prayer. I Personally want to thank you for allowing us to hold the Prayer Meeting at the Courthouse as well as thank all the Officers that assisted in traffic control. There was a very large crowd and everyone stayed in their vehicles throughout the entire evening as Prayers that went up, They were Awesome and just as our Founding Fathers made "An Appeal To Heaven" we are once again making appeals. Andy Gregson prayed specifically for elected officials in all offices and was not only well received but everyone not only applauded him, we all agree that all officials are under tons of pressure. PLEASE I beg of you to uphold and stand on the Constitution and the Rights that s0000000 many have fought and died for. I ask that the state be opened, my daughter in law is a nail technician that went to school for a degree and she absolutely loves to do nails. She is pregnant and was putting money back for her. NOW the entire household falls on my son in law which has continued to work. PLEASE reopen so that the ones that need and want to go back to work CAN. Again Thank You for allowing us the use of the Courthouse Parking Lot. Stephen Kinney Thank you so much for your leadership that reaches even beyond Randolph County. By allowing prayer at the courthouse, you have proven that God is essential in the deliverance from COVID-19 and the health and recovery of living life as only Americans can. THANK YOU!! Larry May 5/4/20 Just a word of thanks for allowing us to gather together last night for prayer. George Trollinger I wanted to thank Randolph County for allowing us to have the Prayer event at the Court House last night. The faith community is a valuable partner in our community and we appreciate the acknowledgement of our right to peacefully assemble for such a purpose. During this time, we must remain cautious with the COVID-19 and take smart, common-sense measures to reignite our economy. I appreciate the work that Randolph County has done, and continues to do. At the same time, we must acknowledge and appreciate the rights that we have and the rights we desire to keep. I am hopeful that Randolph County will be as passionate about this as we are. It will soon be time for us to begin a staggered, and smart re -opening of businesses. People are hurting. Americans, and North Carolinian's, have given respect to COVID-19 (and the scientists and health care professionals, public health individuals, solid waste workers, and emergency management teams who are our front line workers). As you know, the current economic climate is not sustainable and people are hurting. I believe that a balance can be struck between the health and safety of citizens and the ability of citizens to survive and provide during these times. We must take a stand for our rights and for our families. Thank you, David Lambert Thank you for allowing the prayer event at the Courthouse last evening. Please help us get our freedom to worship back. Let's begin to reopen Randolph County. Gwen Dorsett Dear Commissioner's office, I just wanted to personally email you and thank you for allowing us to come together as a community to pray at the Randolph County Courthouse! We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. LeDonna Moore I would like to personally thank each of you for supporting prayer at the courthouse on Sunday nite ...I am very proud to say I grew up in asheboro... its a wonderful community of family and we are blessed with good leaders ...I would also like to make a PLEA on behalf of our businesses to REOPEN OUR CITY AND COUNTY... with all due respect Trena W Leonard I am not in support, and am appalled at Commissioner Kidd's proposal. I personally an mortified that we may begin opening up on May 8. I feel this will lead to deaths! I have witnessed a mother with a baby and 5/4/20 a preschooler who was walking barefoot, none with masks entering Walmart in recent weeks. I have noticed many more people going without masks than wearing them everywhere in Randolph county. I am beside myself with worry because my mother is in an assisted living facility in Asheboro. I have noticed that those in Guilford county seem to respect guidelines much more than in Randolph and Davidson. Perhaps their elected officials support those guidelines more because they care and guard the health of their community members than Randolph county politicians. Imagine if those who were supposed to care about the well being of those who elected them actually did rather than their own self righteous indignation, and retaining voters for their next election. Wow, what a world that would be! It might be a virus free world. Our leaders will have dead people on their hands, some will be their family and friends. Please do NOT support this uninformed, and reckless resolution. You are all we have! Thank you for your consideration, Debbie Kennedy We need to open back up for business .... we can't continue like this. Do something. please. Sincerely, Ramona B. Dula Mr. Jim Langer called and urged the Commissioners to "go extremely slowly upon opening." He said that testing need to be increased. Don't reopen too soon but instead continue curbside service and limiting numbers of individuals in buildings at one time to allow for adequate social distancing. Jim Langer 5/4/20 tXAOM rqt# l 9/a4,;to S UNSET AVENUE CHURCH OF GOD U,r Ph,¢ 9"N OA,, PrrP,W,rklp irk? )m DATE: April 25, 2020 TO: Randolph County Commissioners FOR: May 4, 2020 Public Comment Period Dear Commissioners, Due to the COVID -- 19 Crisis, I request that this letter be read at the Public Comment Period and entered into the record. First, I want tothank you for your service to our County. Randolph County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. In order to keep this way of life we need good Godly leaders to navigate the unique times in which we live. I understand that COV ID — 19 placed our County, State and Nation in a very difficult position. I can only imagine the struggles that those who are in leadership have had trying to deal with this crisis. I write to address two important issues. One is opening of our County and the other is addressing the indiscriminate choosing of winners and losers in this crisis. First, the effects of this pandemic on NC have not been as severer as in other parts of our nation and the ramifications of the Governor's actions have placed undue hardships on many of our hardworking people. Many of our businesses are placed in the difficult position of closing or asking for a handout from the government when just a few weeks ago they were thriving_ Hard working Randolph County citizens deemed "non-essential" now find themselves in the difficult position of determining what they must do without so they can provide for their families. These individuals have been punished while the "essentials" have thrived. Some making more than they ever have. It Is time to put an end to these unfair practices. It is time to open our State and County. The Citizens of Randolph County: 1. Have Rights: These have been trampled on, 2. Are Rational: In Randolph County, at the time of this (letter, 106 people have contracted COVID out of 143,667. That is a very low percentage (less than A of 1 %) and people have been out working, grocery shopping, otc. 3. Take Risk: It is what has made our county great place. People have risked their lives and livelihood to build this county. They understand the risk. and are not afraid to continue to take risk. 4. Are Responsible: This is America. Personal responsibility is built into the fabric of our society. For those who do not want to take the risk they have the right to stay home. 5/4/20 5. Will Peacefully Resist: Our Constitutional Rights have been infringed upon during this crisis. We would prefer not to resist but if these rights continue to be trampled upon then we have no other recourse, Second, it is also obvious that our Governor feels he has wide ranging authority in this crisis and has used those to infringe upon the rights of our citizens. I have been troubled at the silence of most of our County Leaders as the Governor has infringed upon our liberties. d Right to labor, The N.C, Constitution states it clearly in Article 1, Section 1: "The equality and rights of persons. We hold it to be self-evident that all persons are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor, and the pursuit of happiness." The enjoyment of the fruits of our citizen's labor was taken away when our Governor indiscriminately picked essential and non-essential workers. Many of our hardworking citizens were punished as he denied them the dignity of working and the ability to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Where is the outcry for our citizens that are being punished? s Right of Assembly and Petition. The N.C. Constitution states it clearly in Article 1, Section 12: "The people have a right to assemble together to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the General Assembly for redress of grievances; but secret political societies are dangerous to the liberties of a free people and shall not be tolerated." Citizens in our State have been arrested for peacefully protesting and some have been told in oar county that if we assemble, we will be arrested. Is this the position of our County Leaders? Will you take away this right also? Religious Liberty. The N.C. Constitution states it clearly in Article 1, Section 13: "All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience." Yet our Governor told some retail to stay open, have as many people in it as they wanted but told the Churches we were limited to 10. Where was the outcry of County Leaders? How is Lowes Hardware having hundreds in their stores daily right but Religious Institutions with a Constitutional Right restricted? The intent of this letter is to implore you for help based on the God given authority you have based on your elected position. Romans 13:3 is clear: "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." But that has not been the case in this crisis. It is not evil people that have been punished but rather those who do good. I ask that you strongly consider pushing back against our Governor's unfair orders and get Randolph County back to running again for the sake of its citizens. May thc infringement upon the rights of our citizens never happen again on ourwatch 1 Sincerely, Sunset Avenue Church of God Please Find signatures of Pastor & Elders attached __ _...-- BOK 438 Ashebarfl, NC 27204 -" 5/4/20