010322January 3, 2022
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, and
Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Commissioner Maxton McDowell was absent. Also
present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will
Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Deputy Clerk to the Board Sarah Pack, and Clerk to the
Board Dana Crisco. Chaplain Bill Hatfield from the Randolph County Sheriff's Office gave the
invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on
Facebook and YouTube.
Special Recognitions
Chairman Frye recognized Ms. Isabelle Maroney as a Centenarian. Commissioner Haywood
said a few words about Ms. Maroney and her family.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and
closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud
the Public Comment Rules of Procedure.
Kevin Price, 1819 Old Cedar Falls Rd., Asheboro, spoke regarding the Confederate statue in
front of the Historic Courthouse. He had many relatives that served in the military. He has lived
in Randolph County most of his life. The statue does not represent the same thing to everyone.
He found it wrong that the pastors who presented a resolution during Public Comment and were
added to the agenda for the next month but citizens that want the statue removed have still not
gotten a chance to be on the agenda. He stated that the Board needs to treat everyone the same.
Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Trail, Asheboro, believes that the people taking down
Confederate Statues are committing evil. He mentioned that the Confederate States of America
were never dissolved.
Chairman Frye assures the public that their concerns were not falling on deaf ears. "We have
continued to consider issues related to the statue. So far, there has been no clear decision to solve
this matter."
Consent Agenda
On motion ofHaywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented, as follows:
• approve Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Minutes ofDecember 6, 2021 and
December 9, 2021;
• open Closed Session Minutes as per Attached List (Attachment A);
approve Budget Amendment LINKS Funding for DSS ($115, 000);
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #24
Revenues I Increase Decrease
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Restricted Intergovernmental $115,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $115,000
• approve Budget Amendment - Low -Income Household Water Assistance Program
($241,970);
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #25
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $241,970
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $241,970
• approve Budget Amendment Social Services Grant ($135,673);
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #26
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $135,673
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $135,673
• approve Budget Amendment COVID-19 Vaccination Program ($297,311);
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #27
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $297,311
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $297,311
• reappoint Randy Tedder to the Seagrove-UlahMetropolitan Water District Board;
• approve Budget Amendment Juvenile Detention ($100,000), as follows:
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #28
Revenues Increase Decrease
Sales Taxes $100,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Other Public Safety Appropriations $100, 000
Chairman Frye asked Social Services Director Tracie Murphy to explain why at least one of
the Budget Amendments in the Consent Agenda has a letter in the packet dating back to September.
Ms. Murphy said Social Services is receiving funds listed. She indicated that two of the three
programs have been very successful. The water assistance program has not had the same reception
as the other two. Social Services will need to do more research to find recipients for these funds.
Presentation of Annual Audit Report
April Adams, Partner at Cherry Bekaert LLC, presented and reviewed the County's Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report for year ending June 30, 2021. She reviewed the metrics used in
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performing the audit. She stated there were no adjustments to journal entries, no significant
deficiencies were identified, and said the firm gave the County an unmodified opinion on the
financial statements. There were no significant deficiencies in internal controls. There were two
issues, one with Social Services crosscutting and another with Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) funds.
Commissioner Allen commended Ms. Adams and Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer
Will Massie and their respective staff for all they do to ensure a thorough audit.
Commissioner Haywood complimented County departments and department heads for being
fiscally responsible. Chairman Frye agreed that department heads keep a check on their spending.
Mr. Massie spoke of the late submission of the audit to the Local Government Commission
(LGC). He said that being late is usually a negative sign but this delay was due to updated
Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements. Mr. Massie commended his
staff for the extra work that has been done to complete the audit. He stated that the Standard and
Poor's (S&P) credit rating for Randolph County has been AA- as long as he has been in finance
because the average wage in the county is below the state average. After speaking to
representatives from S&P on the recent announcement of Toyota's job creation for their proposed
battery manufacturing facility at the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite, S&P upgraded Randolph
County's rating to AA.
Chairman Frye noted that the letter to the LGC regarding the delayed audit results explained
the issues and noted that Randolph County had not requested an extension for many years.
Public Hearing to Close Brown's Meadow Road
Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney said that she had appeared before the Board in
December 2021 to request the closing of a portion of Browns Meadow Road. The portion
requested to be closed is the section from its intersection with the northeast side of U.S. Highway
421 and continuing in a northerly direction to its terminus at Old 421 Road.
The procedure for closing a public road or easement is governed by North Carolina General
Statute §153A-241. The first step requires that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution
declaring its intent to close the road and calling for a public hearing on the question. The Board
adopted this Resolution at the December 9, 2021 meeting. In accordance with the statute, notice
of the Public Hearing was published once a week for three successive weeks. The statute further
requires that a copy of the Resolution must be sent by Registered Certified mail to each owner of
property adjoining the road, as shown by the County tax records, who did not join in the request
to have the road closed. In this case, the properties adjoining the road are owned by the County
and the North Carolina Railroad, who joined in the request, so no mailing was necessary.
Furthermore, a notice of the closing and the Public Hearing was posted in at least two places along
the portion of the road requested to be closed as prescribed by the statute.
After all interested persons are allowed to voice their views at the Public Hearing and if the
Board of Commissioners is satisfied that closing this portion of the road will not be detrimental to
public interest and will not deprive any individual of access to his property, the Board may adopt
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an Order closing the road. A certified copy of this Order shall then be filed with the Register of
Deeds office.
At 6:44 p.m. Commissioner Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after hearing no
comments.
Commissioner Allen said some of his constituents were sad to see that portion of the road being
closed. He was also asked about fire protection. Commissioner Allen said he spoke with County
Fire Marshal Erik Beard about the issue and Mr. Beard said that it would not be a problem at this
point.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Order
Permanently Closing a Section ofBrowns Meadow Road, as follows:
ORDER PERMANENTLY CLOSING A SECTION OF
BROWNS MEADOW ROAD
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners received a request to
permanently close the following section ofBrowns Meadow Road:
From its intersection with the north/east side of U.S. Highway 421 and continuing in
a northerly direction to its terminus at Old 421 Road; and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2021, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners
adopted a resolution declaring its intent to close said street or easement and set a
public hearing on the issue for January 3, 2022, all in accordance with North Carolina
General Statute §153A-241; and
WHEREAS, notice of the proposed closing and hearing were prominently posted in
two places along the section ofsaid road proposed to be closed; and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing set by the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners for January 3, 2022 was published once a week for three successive
weeks before the hearing; and
WHEREAS, all property owners adjoining said section proposed to be closed had
joined in the request for closure; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has determined through
the public hearing that the closing of the aforementioned section ofBrowns Meadow
Road is not contrary to the public interest and that no individual owning property in
the vicinity of said road would be deprived of reasonable means of ingress and egress
to his or her property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners that the above -referenced section of Browns Meadow Road be
permanently closed and that all right, title, and interest in its respective rights-of-way
is vested in those persons owning lots or parcels adjacent to that section of the road or
easement.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that a certified copy of this Order shall be filed in the
Register ofDeeds Office.
Detention Center Construction
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John Witcher, Bordeaux Construction, introduced members of his team. He said on November
18, 2021, the Detention Center received the State Inspection for Phase 2 of the project. At that
time, the State Inspector raised concerns with the existing smoke control system. It was explained
that Phase 2 was intended to operate under the current smoke control system and that their concerns
would be addressed in Phase 4. This was rejected and the inspector is requiring that the upgrades
to the existing smoke control system are completed before Phase 2 will be approved. This change
will have an impact on the schedule and will require additional work and testing. Mr. Witcher
estimated that the additional time will cost up to $500,000 with any excess being returned to the
County.
Chairman Frye asked why this wasn't realized sooner. It was explained there were some
unforeseen issues. The State inspector that had originally worked with them on the project had
approved the plans. Unfortunately, he passed away and his replacement did not agree with the
same plan. The new plan will also require equipment changes.
Chairman Frye stated that the construction had been started in the previous Sheriff's
administration. Now it will be delayed until 2024.
Commissioner Allen stated that cost and the timeframe has been extended from the beginning
and questioned if it would be extended again. Mr. Witcher said he couldn't be certain because
there are things that are yet to be seen. Commissioner Allen reiterated the frustration of the Board
on the cost and the timeframe continuing to change.
Commissioner Kidd stated that the State seems to have changed their standards and the County
has no recourse.
Chairman Frye asked if there would be delays to receive other items. Mr. Witcher said the
items have been ordered and are on site now.
Commissioner Kidd wanted the citizens to know that the Board is not spending money
unnecessarily.
The Board was asked to approve a Change Order to add the necessary work, testing, and
schedule extension to the Bordeaux Construction Contract.
On motion ofAllen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-0 to 1) approve a Change Order
for the additional work, testing, and schedule extension, 2) approve the associated Budget
Amendment in the amount of $500, 000, and 3) authorize the County Manager to sign the Change
Order, as follows:
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
Detention Center Capital Project Amendment #10
Revenues Increase Decrease
None Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $500,000
Contingency $500,000
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Tire Tax Distributions Budget Amendment
County Manager Hal Johnson said that N.C. General Statute 130A-309.54 imposes a tax on
new tires to provide funds for the disposal of scrap tires. The State of North Carolina imposes a
sales tax on tires. Tire dealers collect this tax and send it to the State, who then distribute the funds
to counties.
Randolph County receives a portion of these funds; however, as part of the Landfill Agreement
and Franchise, the County requires Waste Management to manage the scrap tire program and pay
for disposal. A County may use proceeds of the tax distributed only for the disposal of scrap tires.
Mr. Johnson recommended that these funds, as reflected in the Budget Amendment, be passed
to Waste Management for operation of tire disposal services as required by the existing Franchise
and Landfill Agreement.
Mike McFeely, District Manager of the Great Oak Landfill, spoke of the scrap tire process.
Commercial tire dealers must fill out appropriate paperwork and have a certification to allow them
to dispose of the tires. Residents can dispose of five tires per day.
Chairman Frye asked if some tires were turned away. Mr. McFeely confirmed that they were.
Commissioner Allen asked about having additional space to drop off tires. Mr. McFeely
indicated that the funding would help.
Commissioner Kidd stated that the commercial dealers are abusing the disposal system. The
other issue is that the County was holding money that should've been sent to Waste Management
already.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-0 to pass the County's share of the
automobile tire tax to Waste Management for tire disposal services and approve the associated
Budget Amendment in the amount of $250, 000, as follows:
2021-2022 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #29
Revenues Increase Decrease
A ro riated Fund Balance $250,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Works $250,000
Abolition of Library Fees
Ross Holt, Public Library Director, said that libraries across North Carolina and nationwide are
moving to eliminate overdue fines. To date, approximately 25 North Carolina libraries have done
so, including Alamance County and the Cities of Greensboro and High Point. Recent research and
practice in the library profession has shown that overdue fines do not prompt return of library
material but are significant deterrents to library use and have an undue impact on those who can
least afford them.
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Libraries that eliminate fines see their visits and checkouts increase, combined with a dramatic
rise in the return of long overdue books and other items. But they do not see a significant rise in
the late return of material. (It's important to note that even though fines are not assessed, due dates
are still assigned and overdue notices are sent. Borrowers also are still held financially responsible
for lost material.)
The Randolph County Public Libraries Board of Trustees is charged by the County Library
Ordinance with setting fines and fees for the library system. At their October 2021 meeting, the
Trustees expressed an interest in considering a fine -free model. They meet again on January 13,
2022.
County Manager's Update
County Manager Hal Johnson reminded the Board of the January 101h meeting with the
Randolph County School Board. He also spoke of a letter being sent to landowners with wells
within 500 feet of the Megasite property. The State is requiring the County to offer free well
monitoring for all properties bordering the Megasite up to 500 feet from the boundary. The County
had already been checking wells up to 150 feet from the boundary. There are 111 properties that
qualify.
Commissioners Update
There were no updates from Commissioners.
Adjournment
At 7: 27 p.m. on motion ofAllen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn.
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
Kenny Kidd
Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
Hope Haywood
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Attachment A
January 3, 2022 Closed Session Minutes to be Opened
February 2, 2017 - Project Maiden
March 6, 2017 - Project Maiden
February 4, 2019 - Personnel Matter
April 16, 2019 - Joint Meeting with the City of Asheboro
July 8, 2019 - Randolph Health
July 8, 2019 - Petty's Garage
July 9, 2019 - Joint Session with the City of Asheboro
August 5, 2019 - Randolph Health
August 13, 2019 - Legal Counsel Interview
September 3, 2019 - Randolph Health
October 14, 2019 - Opioid Litigation
January 6, 2020 - Randolph Health
January 14, 2020 - Randolph Health
March 4, 2020 - Randolph Health
March 25, 2020 - Randolph Health
July 15, 2020 - Randolph Health
August 3, 2020 - Randolph Health
August 13, 2020 - Randolph Health
September 8, 2020 - Project Avocado
October 21, 2020 - Randolph Health
February 1, 2021 - Lancaster Customworks, Inc
February 1, 2021 - Megasite
February 1, 2021 - Randolph Health
February 12, 2021 - Randolph Health
February 23, 2021 - American Healthcare Systems/Randolph Health
March 1, 2021 - Randolph Health
March 1, 2021 - Wall Brothers
March 15, 2021 - Randolph Health
March 15, 2021 - Megasite Project
April 20, 2021 - Randolph Health
July 6, 2021 - Battery 1
July 6, 2021 - Battery 2
September 21, 2021 - Project Darwin
October 4, 2021 - Project Darwin