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090622 September 6, 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 Maxton McDowell were present. Commissioner Hope Haywood 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 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 centenarian Oneta Ballentine who was born on August 20, 1921, and read some excerpts from past articles about Ms. Ballentine. th Judy Rowland retired on June 30 from Child Support Services with over 30 years of service. Ms. Rowland was recognized by Child Support Services Director Damon Brown, after which, Chairman Frye presented Ms. Rowland with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Chairman Frye recognized both Judy Rowland and Michael Rowland for their dedicated service to the County and presented each of them with The Order of the Longleaf Pine award. Janet King retired from Emergency Services with over 28 years of service. Ms. King was recognized by Emergency Services Chief Donovan Davis, after which, Chairman Frye presented Ms. King with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. 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. Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Trail, Ramseur, recounted a historical event in North Carolina during the Civil War. Judy Saunders, 1402 East Allred Street, Asheboro, said every effort is made to protect votes during elections. Mr. Morgan stopped Ms. Saunders from discussing content that does not align with Public Comment rules. Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Court, Randleman, said he has never questioned equal or equitable access to County services by any individual. He referenced previous Board discussion on monument removal. Relocation or removal of the monument will require a multifaceted approach. He asked the Board to consider the monument; it is too important an issue to ignore. 9/6/22 Faye Cox, 1211 Grantville Lane, Asheboro, said there is an issue with a developer near her home not adhering to property agreements. There is a different development being built near her house. Local water sources are lower than normal and she is concerned. She is concerned about the service level provided by East Side Fire Department. Tim Saunders, 1402 East Allred Street, Asheboro, said there is a lot of violence among young people in the community. Children likely have access to weapons via their parents. The parents should be held responsible. He is not here to offer solutions; the Board is responsible for a solution. Pastor James Pemberton, 2015 Holland Street, Asheboro, said we are all supposed to be brothers and sisters. The decision to leave the monument as is upset the status quo. People on both sides were upset. We should be able to come together and discuss the issue; the problem is not going to go away. Do we trust God enough to do things the right way? He asked the Board to consider how they see themselves and whether they consider the effect their decisions will have on the whole county. He said there needs to be discussion about removal of the monument. Jane Ledwell-Gant, 2713 Ledwell Road, Asheboro, said 90% of the county voted for the Board. She represents the ten percent that did not. She is not asking for the destruction of the monument; only that it is moved. She asked for a committee to be formed to look at removal options. Many other places have had monuments removed. This is no longer the Confederacy. It is time to be represented by future leaders who assure equality for everyone. She asked how the Board would explain the monument to their children and grandchildren. Consent Agenda On motion of Allen,seconded byMcDowell, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, as follows: approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes from August 1, 2022, Closed Session Minutes from August 1, 2022 (2 sets), and Special Meeting Minutes from August 15, 2022 approve Budget Amendment – HCCBG ($37,842) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #15 RevenuesIncreaseDecrease Restricted Intergovernmental$37,842 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services Appropriations $37,842 reappoint MiMi Cooper to the Randolph County Social Services Board reappoint Suzanne Dale to the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council approve Budget Amendment – Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness ($10,000) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #16 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$10,000 9/6/22 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $10,000 approve Budget Amendment – State Library Aid COVID Relief ($112,022) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #17 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$112,022 AppropriationsIncreaseDecrease Public Library $112,022 approve Budget Amendment – DHHS State Fiscal Recovery Fund ($238,802) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #18 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$238,802 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $238,802 approve Budget Amendment – Deep River State Trail ($200,000) Deep River Trail Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #3 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$200,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $200,000 approve Budget Amendment – LSTA Scholarship Grant 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #19 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$1,500 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $1,500 approve Budget Amendment – TDA Encumbrances Carryover ($4,745) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #20 Tourism Development Authority RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $4,745 Appropriations Increase Decrease Operating $4,745 approve Budget Amendment – TDA Pcard Encumbrance ($17,000) 9/6/22 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance GeneralFund Budget Amendment #21 Tourism Development Authority RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $17,000 AppropriationsIncreaseDecrease Operating$17,000 approve Budget Amendment – TDA Richard Petty Tribute Park Fund ($12,764) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance GeneralFund Budget Amendment #22 Tourism Development Authority RevenuesIncreaseDecrease Appropriated Fund Balance $12,764 Appropriations Increase Decrease Tourism Related $12,764 approve Budget Amendment – Sheriff ($107,875) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #23 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Miscellaneous $107,875 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $107,875 approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reimbursement ($61,160) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #24 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Miscellaneous $61,160 AppropriationsIncreaseDecrease Public Buildings$61,160 Farm, Food, and Family Education Center (F3EC) Kenny Sherin, Cooperative Extension Director, introduced Kristen Hess of HH Architecture to present an update on the F3EC including the completionof the Schematic Design Phase during the review period and prior to the Design Development phase. The site is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Ms. Hess showed a schematic of the site plan and described the layout, including details regarding each building. The Opinion of Probable Cost after the Schematic Design Phase is $29,323,508. The Design Development Phase is scheduled to start on September 12, 2022,and will last for 12 weeks. The secured funding for the project is $28.3 Million, which comes from the following sources: $18.4 Million Allocated funds from the NC State Budget Process $5 Million Randolph County CapitalReserve Fund Allocation 9/6/22 $900,000 N.C. Commerce Department Rural Transformation Grant $4 Million Randolph Electric/USDA 1% Interest Loan (10 Year Repayment) Vice Chairman Allen said there are cost saving measures being investigated. The potential makerspace has been removed from the plans for the time being. This space will be available for future development. There will be a greenhouse with demonstration gardens as well as other opportunities for expansion and future use. This space would also be appropriate for emergency space or staging areas due to the expansive parking. The funding is almost there. Thereis also a potential site for a county fair. Ms. Hess said this site is very customized to Randolph County. Cooperative Extension is surveying the public regarding needs for the site. Chairman Frye said this project has stayed on target since day one. He thanked everyone involved for their support. Vice Chairman Allen said the Voluntary Agriculture District Board has received feedback regarding needs for the site and he is appreciative of the input in order to get this project right. Mr. Sherin thanked the Board for their support. Workforce Initiative Grant Suzanne Rohrbaugh, Randolph County Community College (RCC) Vice President of Instructional Services, said that in 2018, Randolph County’s education and workforce entities were invited to participate in the Eastern Triad Workforce Initiative (ETWI) grant, a workforce initiative to grow and support apprenticeship opportunities in the region. ETWI is comprised of four counties: Guilford (lead), Alamance, Randolph, and Rockingham. This year, each county will directly receive the grant funds rather than funds being distributed through the lead county. This gives us the ability to reduce administrative costs and put more resources to support our county’s education and workforce needs. County partners in this initiative include Randolph Community College (RCC), Asheboro City Schools, Randolph County School System and Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board. A position is included in this proposal which supports all apprenticeship efforts, working in collaboration with all ETWI and industry partners. This is truly a collaborative effort. Ms. Rohrbaugh said in light of what we continue to learn about Toyota's needs, as well as understanding our current industry partners’ needs, we are proposing a budget that will serve them through our efforts. The plan includes the development of a short-term training option that will not only serve Toyota but also support existing industries. The budget has been developed collaboratively, among all partners. Allotted funds will also be used toward the startup of Career/Workforce Academies at the high schools, training RCC instructors, and purchasing equipment to be used on site in the high schools. The development and startup of training programs to support a production technician curriculum 9/6/22 will be an excellent use of the funds. It gives us the ability to move up our timeline and develop these opportunities now rather than later. Marketing and recruitment efforts are also included in the proposed budget to expose more high school students and community members to the educational programs and training opportunities available to them here in the county. There is alsoa line item for $10,000 to support a chamber event (under RCC). It is to support a joint event, hosted with Greensboro and Alamance Chambers, for business and industry partners to be held in March 2023. They have been good partners with us, and we want to support them as they prepare for growth in our area. The Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board will use their funds to support adult apprentices. This directly supports our business and industry partners in their efforts by offsetting some of their costs when working with our students. Chairman Frye asked if the Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board was also referred to as Regional Consolidated Services and Ms. Rorhbough confirmed. Chairman Frye asked about budgeting and Ms. Rorhbough explained how the Workforce Board can use funding. Chairman Frye said the $750,000 has been a consistent amount, but in the past Randolph County has not received the full amount because it has not come directly to the county. This year the money is going directly to counties. Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie said he recommendsthat these collections and their uses be accounted for through a special revenue fund, separate from the General Fund. Please a) accept the grant and authorize the Chairman to sign related documentation and b) approve the following resolution to establish the Workforce Initiative Fund. We do not know if this state funding will continue; if so, this will be an annually budgeted fund. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0to a) accept the $750,000 State grant and authorize the Chairman to sign related documentation and b) approve the resolution to establish the Workforce Initiative Fund, containing the proposed budget allocation by agency, as follows: Workforce Initiative Fund Ordinance RevenuesIncrease Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental$750,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Randolph Community College$289,371 Regional Partnership $214,040 Randolph County Schools $172,000 Asheboro City Schools $74,589 RESOLUTION TO COMMIT RESOURCES FOR THE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE FUND FOR THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH 9/6/22 WHEREAS, the challenges and opportunities of a global economy requires a qualified workforce to meet the employment needs of professions, businesses and manufacturers; and WHEREAS, there are programs which focus on developing the skills of the local workforce to succeed in our current and future economy; and WHEREAS, such development programs raise the standard of living for our citizens; and WHEREAS, such programs also increase the opportunities for our citizens to work locally; and WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has budgeted an allocation of workforce development funding that was passed on to 4 counties in the state; and WHEREAS, Randolph County has received an allocation of $750,000 from the State; and WHEREAS, this allocation must be spent on workforce development programs; and WHEREAS, Randolph County does not consider these revenues to be General Fund resources and desires to account for the current and future state allocations and the interest earnings thereon in the Workforce Initiative Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby commit both special revenues deposited into the Workforce Initiative Fund and interest earnings thereof for eligible workforce development costs. Veterans Services Matters Chad Gurley, Veterans Services Director, said “Operation Green Light” is an initiative to bring awareness of the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The new program was endorsed by NACo (National Association of Counties) at its meeting on July 23, 2022, in Adams County, Colorado. As of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61 percent of all veterans. Veterans make up roughly 11 percent of adults experiencing homelessness. Some 70 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance abuse and 50 percent live with mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the US Census Bureau (2021), Randolph Counties’ veteran population is estimated to number 8,567. Veterans Services’ records show an estimate of the population to be closer to 15,034. This accounts for the Guilford/Randolph, Chatham/Randolph, and Davidson/Randolph borders. Of the 15,034 veterans representing the county; 12 percent are either experiencing homelessness or severe poverty. Of the 1,804 (12 percent) of veterans experiencing homelessness, 50 percent live with substance used disorder and/or mental illness. Mr. Gurley said“counties will literally shine green lights from their county buildings from Nov. th 7-13 to send a clear message to inspire veterans to reach out to their county veteran service officers.” Mr. Gurley described some of the services available to veterans and their dependents who reside in Randolph County. 9/6/22 Mr. Gurley said the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Mr. Gurley gave some background information regarding the naming of the lawand his personalexperience being exposed to burn pits. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. The Act (1) expands and extends eligibility for Veterans Administration (VA) health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era, and (2) expands eligibility for benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances. The PACT Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic- exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era. The VA will improve the decision-making process for determining what medical conditions will be considered for presumptive status. Every enrolled Veteran will receive an initial toxic exposure screening and a follow-up screening every five years. Veterans who are not enrolled, but who are eligible to enroll, will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening. VA health care staff and claims processors will receive toxic exposure related education and training. The Act requires research studies on mortality of Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, Post-9/11 Veteran health trends, and Veteran cancer rates. The Act will help VA build a stronger, more skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for benefits and services. The Act authorizes 31 new medical facilities across the country, providing greater access to VA health care. Mr. Gurley reviewed some of the covered illnesses and ailments covered by the PACT Act. st Full implementation of the PACT is projected for October 1, 2026. In order to serve veterans and dependents who benefit from this bill, Randolph County Government would need to support the Veterans Services office with additional personnel. Personnel is the largest expense of the Veterans Services office. As it stands, the office is staffed with four individuals; Director, Lead, Assistant Veterans Service Officer (VSO), and Assistant VSO. In order to keep pace with the PACT Act, the office would need to be staffed with one of the following iterations; (A) two additional full time Assistant VSOs or (B) one full time VSO and a part time VSO. Additional personnel would be tasked with reviewing previously denied disability claims from the past two decades as well as new contentions. Chairman Frye if it will take until 2026 to hire staff or to fund the initiative. Mr. Gurley said both. There are billions of dollars involved in implementing this bill. Chairman Frye asked if funding will be available over the next four years and Mr. Gurley said that is unknown. Chairman Frye said it has been rewarding to witness the impact Mr. Gurley has had on the veterans of Randolph County. Mr. Gurley read the Resolution in Support of Operation Green Light. Vice Chairman Allen said Commissioner Haywood has been very active in supporting this initiative. Commissioner McDowell said citizensreally owe respect to these veterans. 9/6/22 On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-0 to adopt the Operation Greenlight Resolution, as follows: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION GREEN LIGHT WHEREAS, the residents of Randolph County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces and who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers to help former fellow service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year; and WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually and an estimated 20 percent increase will occur in the near future; and WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life and are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service. WHEREAS, Randolph County wishes to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service as well as those who are already Veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare the Countyas a Green Light for Veterans County from October 1st through Veterans Day, November 11, 2022 and asks citizens to display a green light at their homes and places of business. I-74 Industrial Center Economic Development Project Crystal Gettys, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Business Recruitment Director, said the I-74 Industrial Center is a 160-acre site to be developed into an industrial park. The property is located at the interchange of I-74 and Hwy. 311 in Sophia. The Randolph County EDC has been working with a private developer, Randolph County, City of Randleman, and the City of Asheboro on providing infrastructure to support the future industrial park. Water is close by and will be extended to the site by the City of Randleman, the City of Asheboro agrees to provide Randleman sewer capacity by extending their sewer line up Hwy. 311 from the City of Asheboro. Other infrastructure needs are to align Wall Brothers Road for improved truck traffic access. The Randolph County EDC is asking Randolph County to consider purchasing 30-acres of the proposed park at $35,000 per acre for a total of $1,050,000 to ensure eligibility for utility grants that will offset the infrastructure costs of the sewer extension. We request the county to authorize submission for grant application for up to $1 million from the North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC) Utility Grant Account and to enter into an agreement with North Carolina 9/6/22 Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in the amount of $50,000 to begin the engineer design services for the alignment of Wall BrothersRoad. Chairman Frye said this project has been evolving over the past three years. In order to receive grants for this project, the County has to have ownership of some of the property. At 7:38 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing. Lynn Small, 4807 Walker Mill Road, Sophia, said the Wall Industrial Site needs to pay fire and property taxes. This property has quite a bit of acreage that is not taxed. Corporations who aren’t willing to pay fire and property taxes aren’t needed in the county. Tractor trailers need to be banned from using Walker Mill Road off of Highway 311 to reach these parcels. This area is residential. Increasing citizens’ taxes while giving tax breaks to corporations is not the solution. Chairman Frye said fire taxes are not incentivized. Toyota pays these taxes for the Megasite. Chairman Frye said there may be incentives to bring a company in, but any company coming in would have to pay taxes. A portion of those taxes may be repaid in a rebate for a portion of time as an incentive to invite business. After hearing no more comments, Chairman Frye closed the Public Hearing at 7:44 p.m. Mr. Massie said if the Board of County Commissioners decidesto purchase acreage at the I-74 Industrial Center site, the acquisition can be financed from monies previously set aside in the Economic Development Reserve. The NCDOT preliminary road study necessary at the site could also be funded with these monies. This will total $1,100,000. Unrecorded interest income earned over the years is $386,000. Commissioner McDowell confirmed that there would be a cost for the NCDOT study. Chairman Frye said the $50,000 is for the study of the road. The cost for the roadwork is about $2.1 million. The county is reimbursed at a rate of $10,000 per job that goes into that industrial park. Mr. Massie explained the funding structure for the project. Commissioner Kidd said this is a marketable site that is ready to go. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-0 to a) adopt Resolution to authorize purchase and development of approximately thirty acres to establish the I-74 Industrial Center and b) adopt project amendments for Economic Development Reserve and Site Development Capital Project to move $1,100,000 for land purchase and cost of DOT study, as follows: Economic Development Reserve Ordinance Budget Amendment #6 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Investment Income$386,000 9/6/22 Appropriations Increase Decrease $714,000 Transfer to General Fund Transfer to Site Development Fund $1,100,000 Site Development Ordinance Budget Amendment #16 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Transfer from Economic Development $1,100,000 Reserve Appropriations Increase Decrease Land Purchase $1,050,000 Professional Services $50,000 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO PURCHASE AND DEVELOP PROPERTY AS PART OF A NEW INDUSTRIAL PARK WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to acquire and develop land for an industrial park and to extend or provide for or assist in the extension of water and sewer lines to industrial properties; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public hearing to consider whether to participate in an economic development project that will result in the County of Randolph (the “County”) purchasing approximately thirty (30) acres of property in a proposed industrial park, contracting with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) for preliminary engineering and permitting for the road improvements necessary for the development and marketing of said property, applying for a Utility Account Financing Grant (the “Grant”) from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Industrial Fund (“Commerce”) to offset the costs of extending sewer services to the property, and committing to securing and/or providing any additional funding necessary for the extension of sewer services to the property; and WHEREAS, upon the completion by the County of the proposed project, the County will have developed two industrial lots to be marketed to potential industries and businesses; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County believes that this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local economy, promote business in the County, and result in the creation of a significant number of jobs in the County; and 9/6/22 WHEREAS, the County has sufficient funds in its economic development reserve fund and in available funds awarded to the County under the American Rescue Plan Act to fund this economic development project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, this 6th day of September, 2022, as follows: Section 1. The County is authorized to expend up to one million fifty thousand dollars ($1,050,000.00) of County funds to purchase approximately thirty (30) unimproved acres of that 228.25 acre tract identified by parcel identification number 7745862260 located along U.S. Highway 311 and State Road 1941 (Wall Brothers Road), said thirty (30) acres more particularly identified as Lots 2 and 3 on the conceptual drawing set out in Attachment A hereto. Section 2. The County is authorized to contract with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the preliminary engineering and permitting for certain improvements to State Road 1941 (Wall Brothers Road), said improvements to include realignment to improve horizontal and vertical curvature and the paving of the road to an industrial standard, at a cost to the County for said engineering and permitting of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) which shall be reimbursed to the County when the improvements are programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and approved by the NCDOT Board of Transportation. Section 3. The County is authorized to submit a full application for a Utility Account Financing Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Industrial Development Fund for up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) in funding for the extension of sewer services to the property. The Grant requires a local match of twenty-five (25%) but the County’s expenditures in purchasing the property as set out in Section 1 above satisfies this requirement. Section 4. The County is authorized to pursue additional grants, as available, and to expend its American Rescue Plan Act funds to supplement the Grant and any other available grants in extending sewer services to the project up to the total estimated cost of six million eight hundred sixty-two thousand eight hundred dollars ($6,862,800). Section 5. The Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the County of Randolph all documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-0 to a) adopt Resolution to submit grant application for the NC Industrial Development Fund (IDF) and to administer the grant in accordance with rules and regulations and b) authorize the Chairman to sign IDF grant documentation, as follows: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, a grant from the Department of Commerce through the County of Randolph be made to assist the I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Line Project; and WHEREAS, Randolph County will administer this grant in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Commerce; and WHEREAS, the County will administer this grant through the County Finance Office; and 9/6/22 WHEREAS, the grant will be monitored quarterly to assure compliance with this proposal and the Department of Commerce regulations. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the amount of the grant application will be $1 million. Mr. Massie said Randolph County Economic Development is promoting an Industrial Site near Randleman, which consists of approximately 160 acres. The County has retained Wooten for engineering services to design a sewer extension to the site. Randleman will provide the water line. Randolph County applied for a grant from the North Carolina Industrial Development Fund, and have been awarded $1,000,000 for this project. Although we initially intended to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the entire project, we now recommend establishing a capital project and transferring monies from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for the remaining anticipated project costs. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell,the Board voted 4-0to a) approve project amendment in Coronavirus Recovery Fund to remove previous allocation for Engineering costs and authorize the transfer of $5,862,800 from restricted ARPA funds and b) adopt the Project Ordinance to establish the I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund, as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #7 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease $622,800 I-74 Sewer Line Transfer to I-74 Industrial Center Sewer $5,862,800 Capital Project $5,240,000 Contingency RANDOLPH COUNTY I-74 INDUSTRIAL CENTER SEWER 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 design and construction of a sewer line extension from Asheboro to Randleman, to the new I- 74 Industrial Center. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund $ 5,862,800 State Grant – Commerce IDF 1,000,000 $ 6,862,800 9/6/22 Section 3. The following amountsare appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services $ 622,800 Construction 6,240,000 $ 6,862,800 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 September 6, 2022 and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Commissioner Kidd thanked RCEDC for their work on this site; there are a lot of moving parts in this project. Public Hearings and Resolutions for Fire Tax Districts Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton said many of the County’s current fire protection tax districts have a fifteen-cent cap on the tax rate. At the July meeting, the Board officially considered moving forward to abolish the current capped county service districts for fire protection for the East Side, Level Cross, Randleman-Sophia, and Tabernacle Fire Tax districts and replacing them with districts that do not have that limitation on taxation. The proposed new service districts contain the same properties currently contained in the capped districts for those areas. For each district, the Board determined that the current cap on taxation has rendered or will soon render the district obsolete for providing the necessary protection to citizens in the area. The Board also considered the resident or seasonal population and population density of the proposed district, the appraised value of property subject to taxation in the proposed district, the present tax rates of the County and any cities or special districts in which the proposed district or any portion thereof is located, the ability of the proposed district to sustain the taxes necessary to provide the services planned for the district. After carefully considering these matters, the Board passed resolutions, respectively, declaring the intent to create the proposed districts and calling for a report to be prepared for each district in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. These resolutions also set public hearings on the creation of these districts for 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2022. Notice of those public hearings was mailed and published in accordance with statutory requirements. 9/6/22 At this meeting, four public hearings will be held. At the close of these hearings, if the Board findsthat the current district is insufficient to provide the required protection and that there is then a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the proposed districts, that it is impossible or impracticable to provide fire protection services on a countywide basis, that it is economically feasible to provide fire protection services in the proposed districts without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies and that there is a demonstrable demand for fire protection service in the proposed districts, then the Board may pass resolutions abolishing the current districts and creating the new uncapped districts. The changes, if made, will go into effect on July 1, 2023. At 7:57 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearings. East Side Fire Protection District Faye Cox, 1211 Grantville Lane, Asheboro, said she is representing several people in the community who are concerned about the length of the shifts that the firemen work. If they worked shorter shifts, they could go to a community gym. She asked if volunteer firefighters are paid. Chairman Frye said some are and some are not; volunteers are hard to find. She told an anecdote about her experience with East Side Fire Department. She does not want to pay additional fire taxes. She said new homes and vehicles in the area should contribute greater amounts to fire taxes. Chairman Frye explained the need to abolish the tax cap and reestablish a new district. Ms. Cox said a lot of citizens don’t know about this process. Chairman Frye said this process is set up in order to inform citizens and a letter was sent to residents in the district. Chief Eric Hoffman said they have a gym in the basement of the fire station paid for by a grant. There are 24-hour personnel because calls are running 24 hours a day. Shifts used to be 8 hours when volunteers were plentiful. Commissioner Kidd asked what the fire rating is and Chief Hoffman said 4. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped East Side Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED EAST SIDE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the East Side Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and 9/6/22 WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302, said report attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for September 6, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. 9/6/22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the East Side Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new East Side Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Level Cross Fire Protection District Martha Patterson, 6414 Georgia Drive, Randleman, has lived in Level Cross for 52 years. Level Cross has the best fire department anywhere, in her opinion. She said she doesn’t fully understand the process. Chairman Frye clarified that this is not a tax increase. Ms. Patterson encouraged the Board to remove the cap and said the department provides excellent service. Chairman Frye said taxes will remain the same unless approved by the Board of Commissioners. On motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Level CrossFire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED LEVEL CROSS FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Level CrossFire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and 9/6/22 for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302, said report attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for September6, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Level Cross Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and 9/6/22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Level Cross Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Randleman-Sophia Fire Protection District Lynn Small, 4807 Walker Mill Road, Sophia, said the department provides good service. He is concerned about the new industrial site and how the rating increase will be funded. Chairman Frye said the fire departments still run their own business. The County contracts with them for fire service but does not have jurisdiction over them. Mr. Small is concerned that taxpayers will be funding increases in service needs. Chairman Frye said the departments will still have to come before the Board to request tax rates. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Randleman-Sophia Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED RANDLEMAN-SOPHIA FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Randleman-Sophia Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and 9/6/22 WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302, said report attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for September 6, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Randleman-Sophia Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Randleman- SophiaFire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the 9/6/22 boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Tabernacle Fire Protection District There were no speakers from the Tabernacle District. Chairman Frye closed the public hearings at 8:14 p.m. On motion of McDowell,seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Tabernacle Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED TABERNACLE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Tabernacle Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet theneeds of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302, said report attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for September 6, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and 9/6/22 WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Tabernacle Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulanceservices with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Tabernacle Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Chairman Frye said some of the most important calls go out to first responders and the fire departments should be recognized for the services they provide. Consider Updated Fee Schedule Fire Marshal Erik Beard said since its inception in the early 1990’s, the Fire Marshal’s Office has provided permit, consultation, plan review, and specialty inspection services free of charge to contractors and the like. Randolph County is one of only a few counties in the State that does not charge for these services. With the ever-increasing demand for these services, Mr. Beard requested 9/6/22 that the Board adopt the attached Fire Inspections Fee Schedule, with the effective date of January 1, 2023. The fee schedule includes all mandatory required permits listed within the 2018 North Carolina Fire Code. Mr. Beard said his department has been working with Information Technology and Central Permitting to integrate these permits into the New World software currently utilized by Central Permitting. Fee collection will be conducted at Central Permitting. Mr. Beard referenced fee schedules for surrounding counties for comparison. He said the County Fire Inspectors spend many hours conducting specialized plan reviews and inspections, outside of the required annual facility inspections schedule of each business, church, and school. There will continue to be no charge for annual facility inspections. Chairman Frye asked how many inspections are performed annually. Mr. Beard said nearly 3,000. Mr. Beard explained types of inspections that can be performed. Vice Chairman Allen asked if there was an estimate of the revenue that would be generated by these fees. Mr. Beard said right now it is a trial and error process so there is not yet an estimate available. This is not so much a revenue generating process as it is one to simply recoup costs for these time-consuming inspections. Commissioner McDowell asked how the fees were set. Mr. Beard said research conducted on municipalities and surrounding counties allowed the fees to be set. This has been simplified to a “one-fee” approach with an all-inclusive fee rather than compounding fees for separate things. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell,the Board voted 4-0 to approve the updated Fire Inspection Fee Schedule as presented, following these minutes as Attachment A. Consider Seagrove-Ulah Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Capital Project Mr. Massie said the Commissioners have previously authorized the engineering work to design upgrades to the Seagrove-Ulah Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). Randolph County received a $2,500,000 state grant for water and sewer projects. This grant runs through the Dept of Environmental Quality and has strict requirements. Although we initially intended to use ARPA funding for the entire WWTP project, we now recommend establishing a capital project for this grant. At some point, we can transfer monies from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for any remaining anticipated project costs. Chairman Frye explained the process of accepting the grant funding. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0to a) accept the $2,500,000 state water and sewer grant, b) designate the grant for the Seagrove Ulah WWTP improvement project, and c) authorize the Assistant County Manager/FO as the authorized representative for the DEQ grant. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to a) approve project amendment for Coronavirus Recovery Fund to remove previous allocation for Engineering costs and b) adopt the Project Ordinance to establish the Seagrove Ulah WWTP Capital Project Fund, as follows: 9/6/22 Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #8 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease $343,500 Seagrove-Ulah WWTP Expansion Contingency $343,500 RANDOLPH COUNTY SEAGROVE-ULAH WWTP 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 repair, design, and construction of the Seagrove-Ulah Wastewater Treatment Plant. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: State Grant – DEQ 2,500,000 $ 2,500,000 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services $ 500,000 Construction 2,000,000 $ 2,500,000 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 September 6, 2022 and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. County Engineer Paxton Arthurs said in June, the Board awarded a Contract to LKC Engineering for the design, bidding, and construction administration for the Expansion to the Seagrove – Ulah WWTP. Since that time, there has been some discussion on steps that could be taken to address some sewer capacity issues to enable upcoming development projects to move 9/6/22 forward on schedule until the new WWTP is complete and operational. One proposal that has been made is to make upgrades to some offline equipment at the WWTP that could add additional capacity. Mr. Arthurs gave an overview of the Seagrove-Ulah WWTP site and discussed maintenance needs and the sewer capacity related to new and upcoming projects. Mr. Arthurs said Russell Underwood, Principle Engineer, gave a quote of $35,454 for site maintenance. The capacity expansion was increased from 10-15,000 gallons per day to 19-22,000 gallons per day. He described the impacts of the increased capacity. LKCEngineering has investigated the possibility of bringing some of the decommissioned Food Waste capacity back online. Russell Underwood, PE, gave a quote of $390,000 for new equipment and related work, and Bill Lester, PE, gave a quote of $34,400 for design and Department of Environmental Quality oversight and certification. The total costs for the temporary capacity upgrades equal $439,400. There is investigation into whether there are other options to invest in permanent infrastructure rather than spending funds on temporary measures. th Mr. Arthurs said LKC is meeting with developers on September 7 to discuss possible options. Chairman Frye clarified the cost to bring the decommissioned Food Waste capacity back online. All three of those projects would need to be completed while the new plant is constructed and fully operational. Consider Budget Amendment to Transfer ARPA Revenue Loss Allocation Mr. Massie said the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) established significant funding to respond to the negative economic effects of the pandemic. Part of this federal financial assistance was in the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Randolph County received $27,905,631. Use of these funds are subject to restrictive federal laws and guidelines. The US Treasury Final Rule permitted local governments to elect to claim up to $10 million as revenue loss, which can be used for any legally permitted governmental purpose. The County has already committed $500,000 of the Revenue Loss allocation for public safety merit pay and $600,000 for two additional ambulances. This leaves $8,900,000 remaining of the Revenue Loss election. The easiest reporting of these Revenue Loss funds is to claim general government salaries and fringe benefits. In effect, this frees up tax revenues for other transformative projects which will not have to follow the complex federal rules. If the Board chooses to report personnel costs, we can initially transfer the remaining funds to the General Fund. Then the Board can finance specific projects. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-0 to a) designate the Revenue Loss portion of ARPA Funds to be used for General Fund salaries and fringe benefits and b) approve the budget amendments for the General Fund and the Coronavirus Recovery Fund to transfer the remaining $8,900,000 to the General Fund, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #25 RevenuesIncrease Decrease 9/6/22 Transfer from Coronavirus Recovery $8,900,000 Fund Appropriated Fund Balance$8,900,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Coronavirus Recovery Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #9 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease $8,900,000 Contingency Transfer to General Fund $8,900,000 Consider Budget Amendment – 2022 Projects Mr. Massie said there is a need for an Emergency Services communication tower in the Providence Grove area. They would like to work with a consultant to move the project forward. At the spring retreat, we discussed funding this project. In addition, we are planning to renovate the Public Health clinic and office area. The Board retained Smith Sinnett to design the improvements. We recommend that we set aside another $2,000,000 for constructions costs and establish a capital project to account for it. The Commissioners can decide at some point on future projects. At the retreat, we proposed a transfer to the Rural Water Infrastructure Fund for future water line improvements in the County. Proposed Allocation: Emergency Services Tower $1,500,000 Public Health Facility Renovation $2,000,000 To be determined $5,400,000 On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to a) approve the General Fund budget amendment to add funding to Emergency Services, b) transfer funding to the Health Facility Renovation Capital Project and c) adopt the Health Facility Renovation Capital Project Ordinance, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #26 RevenuesIncrease Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $3,500,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $1,500,000 9/6/22 Transfer to Health Facility Renovation $2,000,000 Capital Project RANDOLPH COUNTY HEALTH FACILITY RENOVATION 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. The Board of Commissioners establish this capital project to account for resources and costs related to renovation of clinical and office space at the Randolph County Public Health building, in order to modernize the facility to better serve our citizens. Section 2. The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with the capital project in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Construction $ 2,000,000 TOTAL: $ 2,000,000 Section 4. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this capital project: Transfer from General Fund $ 2,000,000 TOTAL: $ 2,000,000 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. Section 6. Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Reimbursement should be made in an orderly and timely manner. Any advances between fiscal years must be approved by the Board of Commissioners. 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 September 6, 2022 and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. County Manager’s Update Mr. Johnson reminded the Board that there is a Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners th on September 12at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Update 9/6/22 There were no commissioner updates. Adjournment At8:52 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen _________________________________________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Sarah Pack, Deputy Clerk to the Board 9/6/22 Attachment A Gjsf!Jotqfdujpot!Gff!Tdifevmf! Dpotusvdujpo!Qfsnjut! Bvupnbujd!Tqsjolmfs!Tztufnt!!!!!!!vq!up!21-111!tr/!gu/!!%211/11 !21-112!.211-111!tr/gu/!!%311/11 ,211-112!tr/gu/!%411/11 Cbuufsz!Tztufnt!!!!!!!%211/11! Dpnqsfttfe!Hbt!Tztufnt!!%211/11! Dszphfojd!Gmvjet!Tztufnt!!%211/11!! Fnfshfodz!Sftqpoefs!Sbejp!Dpwfsbhf!Tztufn!!%211/11!! 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