Loading...
081522 Special Meeting - August 15, 2022 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special 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, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. The purpose of the meeting was to have a Public Hearing on the amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance, consider three new Code Enforcement positions for Building Inspections, consider the Budget Amendment for Encumbrance Carryovers, and consider purchasing property at 215 Balfour Dr., Archdale. The meeting was livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Unified Development Ordinance County Manager Hal Johnson gave background of Planning and Zoning. He said on June 14, 2022, the Randolph County Planning Board held a public hearing and had discussion regarding the Cluster Overlay Subdivision zoning district and ways to make the district better for developers and the County. After much discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners amend the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance as it pertains to the Cluster Overlay Subdivision regulations as shown in the attachment. Specifically, the Planning Board recommends: Cluster Overlay Subdivision to Conservation Subdivision Overlay; percent; from one hundred feet to ninety feet in this district; and district from 40,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sf. ft. and from 3.00 acres in Rural Growth Areas to 1.50 acres. The Planning Board was unable to arrive at a consensus on the exact amount of the required open space for the district and decided to let the Board of Commissioners set the amount between thirty and forty percent. Mr. Johnson recommended 30% open space to be in line with other counties. Public Hearing At 6:23 pm., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wanted to speak. Commissioner Haywood said she liked the idea of the open spaces for community gathering and smaller lots for more affordable housing. This idea will hopefully bring more housing to the county. Vice-Chairman Allen said he was more comfortable with 40% than 30% open space. Chairman Frye said the percentage between 30 and 40 is up to the Board. Commissioner McDowell mentioned that normally there is a reason or request that has occurred to warrant the need for a change. Chairman Frye asked if the Planning Board had leeway to decide on 30 or 40%. He said he may want to split the difference and choose 35%. Commissioner McDowell inquired why the 30% percentage if they feel it to be necessary. Mr. Johnson said 30% was chosen because that is a standard in other counties. The Planning Board could decide to rule for a higher amount. Commissioner Haywood stated that there would be inconsistency between cases if the percentages were different. Chairman Frye asked if the percentage is set at 40%, can that vary. Mr. Johnson said that would be the minimum. County Attorney Ben Morgan said he would recommend the lower percentage then developers could use a higher percentage if needed. Commissioner Haywood stated that the use of the land would be maximized at 30%. Mr. Reid Pell, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board as low as 30% open space. Commissioner Kidd stated if Randolph County is competing with other counties, he would like our ordinance to be less restrictive. Commissioner McDowell pointed out that going to 40% developers. On motion of McDowell and seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-1 with Allen opposing to approve 30% open space. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood the Board voted 5-0 pursuant to Article 400, Section 408 (C) of the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance, to approve the Ordinance to Amend the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance (following these minutes as Attachment A), Article 600, Section 614, to include the new zoning overlay district Conservation Subdivision Overlay District, that is included in the Board of Commissioners agenda, submitted during the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance amendment presentation, and based upon the Determination of Consistency and Findings of Reasonableness and Public Interest statement that is included in the Board of Commissioners agenda, submitted during the amendment presentation and as may be amended, incorporated into the motion, to be included in the minutes (following these minutes as Attachment B), and that the request is also consistent with the Randolph County Growth Management Plan. Code Enforcement Officers Building Inspections Director David Bryant said Randolph County has continued to show amazing growth over the past several years, especially in the Archdale / Trinity area of the county. The new housing alone in these areas has increased a great deal; especially the quantity of home- sites that are pending approval or have been approved for new housing. In addition, commercial and industrial development is already in progress in these areas. He stated that construction has commenced on the Megasite and things are moving along fast withToyota. Included with the construction of the Megasite is the infrastructure that comes with a project of this size. There have been numerous inquiries about the development of land for commercial, industrial, and housing uses in the Northeast portions of the county surrounding the Megasite. Also, there are numerous inquiries for potential development of commercial, industrial, and housing sites in the Eastern portion of the county for infrastructure supporting not only the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite but the Chatham County Megasite as well. The Inspections department is requesting three additional Code Enforcement Officer positions. These new officers will be primarily responsible for the building and electrical trades. It takes five years for these folks to be trained. These new positions are essential to maintain strict building schedules and provide timely service to the citizens of Randolph County. Mr. Bryant requested approval for three new Code Enforcement Officer positions and the associated budget amendment which includes personnel costs and funding for three additional Building Inspection department vehicles, cell phones, and laptops. Board approval will ensure continued top-level services are provided to the citizens of Randolph County. Chairman Frye asked how quickly could these positions get filled. Mr. Bryant said there was one person on his team that was leaving and going to work for Chatham County because of higher wages. Commissioner McDowell inquired if Chatham County offers a better salary than Randolph County. Mr. Bryant confirmed they did and added that Chatham County is recruiting all of the time. Commissioner McDowell asked if the Board would need to come back if these positions are not being filled. The Board was in agreement that it would be readdressed if that was the case. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve three additional Code Enforcement Officers for the Building Inspections department and the associated Budget Amendment in the amount of $350,000, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General FundBudget Amendment #12 Revenues Increase Decrease Permits and Fees $350,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Building Inspections $350,000 Budget Amendment-Additional Encumbrances Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie stated N. C. General Statute 159-26 requires a county with a population over 50,000 to maintain an accounting system that records and shows encumbrances. An encumbrance is created when a contract is entered into or a purchase order is issued. Once a contract is completed or a purchase order filled, the encumbrance is removed, replaced by an expenditure or liability. Encumbrances outstanding at June 30th are added to the current year's budget by amending the budget ordinance; balances are reported in the County's year-end financial statements as part of the restricted by state statute portion of fund balance. The Board previously approved encumbrance carryforwards at the August 1 meeting. However, those totals did not include all the outstanding purchase orders and outstanding contracts. On June 30, 2022, the additional encumbrances to be carried over to the 2022-2023 General Fund budget totaled $2,442,754. These encumbrances consist of funds committed for renovation/maintenance projects, service contracts, technology purchases and related contracts, grant program costs, and vehicle capital outlay. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Budget Amendment for Additional Encumbrances, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General FundBudget Amendment #13 Decrease Revenues Increase Appropriated Fund Balance $2,442,754 Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $147,167 Information Technology $83,599 Tax $25,859 Register of Deeds $39,551 Public Buildings $333,283 Sheriff $1,196,306 Animal Services $33,179 Emergency Services $522,518 Juvenile DRC $1,431 Soil and Water $8,245 Public Health $14,612 Social Services $34,505 Public Library $2,499 Purchase of 215 Balfour Dr., Archdale Chairman Frye said the County has the opportunity to purchase the vacant office building at has been offered for sale in a bidding process. The building has 17,235 square feet and is on over three acres. The County has offered $1,400,000 for the property, which has been accepted. The tax value was $1,816,740. It is proposed that the building be used for an Archdale-Trinity area human services branch, including Public Health and building which is also owned by the County. Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, stated if the Board wished to purchase this building, a capital project ordinance will need to be established to account for the purchase, re-design, and renovation of the facility. The initial transfer from the General Fund will cover the property purchase, any closing costs, and initial architectural design services. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to a) authorize the purchase of the 215 Balfour Drive property for $1,400,000, b) authorize the Chairman to sign the purchase documentation, c) authorize a request for qualifications for architectural services, and d) approve the Budget Amendment and Project Ordinance to establish the Northwest Randolph Human Services Center Capital Project Fund, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General FundBudget Amendment #14 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $1,500,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Northwest Center Project $1,500,000 NORTHWEST RANDOLPH HUMAN SERVICES CENTER CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a project for the purchase and renovation of the Balfour Drive building in Archdale. This facility is intended to be upgraded for Health and Social Services offices, in order to better serve the public in the northwest portion of the county. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the General Fund $ 1,500,000 Investment Earnings 100 $ 1,500,100 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services 50,100 Capital Outlay Purchase of Property 1,450,000 $ 1,500,100 Section 4. The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Capital Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on August 15, 2022 and shall be in effect until completion of the project. Adjournment At7:01 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen, Vice Chairman RANDOLPH COUNTY Kenny Kidd BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Maxton McDowell Hope Haywood Randolph County Office Building 725 McDowell Road Hal Johnson, County Manager Asheboro, North Carolina 27205 Telephone 336-318-6300 Ben Morgan, County Attorney Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board Ordinance Amending the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly and the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance allow for the amendments of zoning regulations as necessary to achieve the goals of adequate light and air; preventing the overcrowding of land, avoiding undue concentration of population; lessening congestion in the streets, securing safety from fire, panic, and dangers; facilitating the efficient and adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements; and to promote the health and well-being of the community; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Planning Board has held a public meeting on the proposed changes authorized by this Ordinance and recommends to the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that these amendments be adopted. BE IT ORDAINED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners concludes that the proposed amendments to the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance, as included in the agenda packet, are reasonable and in the public interest as shown on the Consistency Determination and Finding of Reasonableness and Public Interest, also included in the agenda packet. Additionally, the proposed amendments support the policies and goals in the Randolph County Growth Management Plan; and THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby adopt by this Ordinance the proposed amendments as recommended by the Randolph County Planning Board, as included in the agenda packet, and as may be amended, and shall take effect and have full power on August 15, 2022. Adopted this on the fifteenth day of August 2022. ____________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chair Randolph Board of County Commissioners ______________________________ Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board www.randolphcountync.gov COUNTY OF RANDOLPH CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION AND FINDING OF REASONABLENESS AND PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE MATTER OF THE AMENDMENTS TOTHE RANDOLPH COUNTY UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE NORTH CAROLINA RANDOLPH COUNTY BOARDOF COMMISSIONERS Accordingto North Carolina General Statutes § 160D and the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance, the Randolph County Board of Commissionersfinds that the proposed amendments tothe Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance as described in the materials submitted for the proposed amendments to add the CON – Conservation Subdivision Overlay Districtare consistent with theRandolph County Unified Development Ordinanceand the 2009 Randolph County Growth Management Planand are reasonable and in the public interest for the following reasons: 1.Determination of Consistency with the Growth Management Plan. A.Consistency with Growth Management PlanMap The Randolph County Growth Management Planseeks to address the issuesof loss of open space, loss of farming area and increased traffic congestion,the proposed amendmentswould provide the County and developers more options to (1)develop aproperty, (2) protect open space and farming areas, and (3) provide property owners the ability to “ensure the opportunities to achieve the highest and best uses of their landthat are consistent with Growth Management Policies to protect the economic viability of the County’s citizens and tax base.” B.Consistency with Growth Policies in the Growth Management Plan A Resolution Adopting the 2009 Randolph County Growth Management Plan, Item Number Three: “Ensure the opportunities to achieve the highest and best uses of their land that are consistent with Growth Management Policies in order to protect the economic viability of the County’s citizens and tax base.” Consistency Analysis: Allowing owners to achieve the highest and best uses of their land are consistent with the Growth Management Plan,and these amendments would alsoprovide for the retention of open space and farming areas. Policy 6.21:Openspace subdivision design should be encouraged to maintain the special features that contribute to the rural character, such as preservation of scenic views, woodlands,and farmland. Consistency Analysis:These proposed amendments desireto allow economicallyand environmentally friendly development to take place in the County while also preserving the rural character, scenic views, woodland,and farms that the current and new citizensof Randolph County want to protect for the coming generations. 2.Statement of Reasonableness and Public Interest Reasonableness and Public Interest Analysis: The policies listed above illustrate how this request is consistent with the Ordinance, the Plan,and applicable General Statutes.Theproposed amendments will limit the amount and type of development in the County whilereducing the impact on adjoining parcelsand existing open space and farmlands. The proposed amendmentscould also increase the tax base and increase economic activity within the County. Adopted on August 15, 2022. _____________________________________ Chair, Boardof Commissioners ATTEST _______________________________ Clerk to the Randolph County Boardof Commissioners