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040323 April 3, 2023 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco, and Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks. Chaplain Michael Mabe 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 Lisa Walker retired March 15, 2023 from the Finance Office with 34 years of service. Ms. Walker was recognized by Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Kimberly Scruggs retired March 1, 2023, from the Department of Social Services with 31 years of service. Ms. Scruggs was recognized by Tracie Murphy, Social Services Director, after which, Chairman Frye presented an engraved clock to Ms. Scruggs on behalf of the Board. Ross Holt, Public Library Director, honored the memory of one of Randolph County’s great citizens, Colonel Guy Kent Troy. Colonel Troy passed away on March 17, 2023 at the age of one hundred years plus two days. After enlisting in the Army Air Corps for service in World War II he received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and graduated in 1946. He rose to the rank of colonel following his 30-year military career that saw him serve in Vietnam and Iran. Mr. Troy was a member and captain to the United States Modern Pentathlon Olympic Team. He remained active with the Olympics, serving as a judge for Modern Pentathlon events and serving on the sport’s governing body. In 1996 he carried the Olympic Torch for half-mile through Greensboro. A graduated from North Carolina A&T State University where he studied agriculture, he and his wife, with whom he would share his life until her passing, leaves behind three children, and four grandchildren. He was a member of the Randolph County Honor Guard, and at the age of ninety, he competed in the Randolph Community College Foundation’s Dancing with the Randolph County Stars. Colonel Troy’s great grandfather, John Balfour Troy and two others were tasked with purchasing a bell for the new Randolph County courthouse in 1838. They engaged a bellfounder name G.H. Holbrook in Medford, Massachusetts. Holbrook’s father was trained in the trade of bell making by Paul Revere. The bell is now a Randolph County Cultural Heritage Object. The bell was transferred to the belfry in the historic courthouse was built in 1909, where is hung until the new courthouse was built in 2002. In 2015, at Colonel Troy’s initiative, the bell was relocated to the downstairs of the Old Historic Courthouse where is resides today. 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. 4/3/23 Christine Huber, 5274 Lamina Lane, Liberty, NC, expressed concern of the contaminants that can be caused by the lithium ion batteries that will be developed at the new Toyota Plant and whether or not the Julian Fire Department was properly trained in how to deal with lithium ion batteries. She requested that prior to the plant becoming operational, Randolph County provide written notification to the “at risk” residents in this area that the County has the necessary equipment needed in handling lithium ion battery disasters/emergencies. She also requested that the County notify the residents surrounding this plant a written plan of evacuation and protection in case of a lithium ion battery emergency, as well as making sure the plant has been reviewed and approved for implementation by the proper federal/state authorities. She also requests that all of these things be accomplished without any additional costs to the citizens that the County has caused to be “at risk.” Chairman Frye stated that Toyota will have their own Fire Department on site. Jane Gant, 2713 Ledwell Road, Asheboro, NC, thanked the Commissioners for meeting with her a few weeks ago. She stated she was concerned with the spending of tax payers money. Almost $40,000, that was spent to place a fence around the Confederate statue. She has been told by many in the community that they do not want the statue to remain outside the courthouse. It is an embarrassment to this county and this city. She asked if the money spent was actually budgeted or was it discretionary spending. If it was budgeted, when was it budgeted? She stated that she has run for office in Randolph County before and she intends on running again. She will continue to fight to move the monument. Franklin Smith, 1922 Carl Allred Road, Franklinville, NC, expressed his concerns with the opioid crisis in Randolph County and how the Opioid Settlement Funds will be spent. He is a recovering addict and has complete compassion for those with opioid addiction, but feels that some of the ways that have been discussed in helping these people are doing nothing but enabling them. He has been involved in faith-based recovery for these people and would like to see the County seek to use the funds for programs such as this. Michael Simmons, 150 Fuller Mill Road, Trinity, NC, expressed concerned about the opioid crisis in Randolph County. He is in recovery from opioid abuse and has been clean for four years. He is concerned about how the Opioid Settlement Funds will be used. He understands that some of those funds will be used for the MAT Program through the Sheriff’s Office. However, he feels you cannot overcome evil with evil by providing certain drugs to addicts once they leave the Detention Center and that it would only be giving them a crutch. He said that he had to make the choice of getting clean himself, and the pain and struggle he endured during this process was the push he needed to get help and get clean. He believes in faith-based treatment for those with opioid disorder and would like to see Randolph County get a faith-based center. Chairman Frye asked him if he had gone to a facility to help him. Mr. Simmons stated he spent seven days in High Point Hospital detoxing and then he went to a faith-based in-patient treatment center where he spent six months. Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Trail, Ramseur, NC was concerned about the cost of the fence that was placed around the Confederate statue, which was over $37,000. He learned that the cleanup from the vandalism was a little over $800. He stated that the vandalism could be cleaned 44 times to reach the amount of $37,000, and he has a hard time believing the statue would be vandalized 44 more times over the rest of our lifetimes. He thanked the Commissioners for voting 5-0 to keep the 4/3/23 memorial statue in front of the courthouse. He concluded with the lyrics from, “I’m a Good Ole’ Rebel”. Consent Agenda On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2023 and Special Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2023 and February 23, 2023;  approve reclassification of Property Development Technician (Grade 114) to an Inspections Permitting Technician (Grade 114);  Budget Amendment – Building Inspections ($20,558) as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #73 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Planning & Zoning $20,558 Building Inspections $20,558  approve the reappointment of Larry Reid to the RCC Board of Trustees;  approve Project Amendment for Asheboro High School;  Budget Amendment – (Asheboro City Schools (AHS) Capital Project Ordinance) as follows: Asheboro City Schools (AHS) Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Modular Classroom Lease $52,698 Miscellaneous $52,698  Budget Amendment – Transfer to Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Projects as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #74 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales Taxes $127,300 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Rural Water Infrastructure $127,300 Fund 4/3/23 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #4 Revenues Increase Decrease Contributions from municipalities $54,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Engineering $54,000  approve Resolution supporting a Step Pay Plan and Compression Relief for Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Staff as follows: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STEP PAY PLAN AND COMPRESSION RELIEF FOR DIVISION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION STAFF WHEREAS, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provides community supervision, case management and direct supervision of both juveniles in confinement and in the community; and WHEREAS, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provides short term secure confinement in Juvenile Detention Centers and long-term commitment services in the State’s Youth Development Centers; and WHEREAS, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provides community supervision and case management services for youth in the community within the Court Services section; and WHEREAS, the overarching mission of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the local Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is to provide services and programming to ensure the protection of the community and rehabilitation of youth offenders; and WHEREAS, Randolph County youth are ordered to attend Youth Development Centers and Court Services in the city of Asheboro, staff of both the Youth Development Centers and District 19 Court Services section along with other staff in the State of North Carolina have been passed over for pay increases that would recognize and reward the experienced staff, and make compensation more competitive as well as ensure qualified staff recruitment and retention; and WHEREAS, more than half of Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention vacancies are facility positions and more than one-third of the vacancies are in juvenile court services; and WHEREAS, salaries for entry-level, direct care, frontline staff start at $35,400 which puts Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at a competitive disadvantage for recruitment and retention of staff among other state and local agencies and the private sector; and WHEREAS, compression salary increases for Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention facility staff were removed from the state’s budget prior to final approval; and 4/3/23 WHEREAS, similar salary adjustments or increases WERE approved for Department of Public Safety staff in adult facilities and adult probation; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Randolph County Commissioners support instituting salary compression relief and a step pay plan to address recruitment and retention within the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Randolph County and across the State of North Carolina to make positions competitive to assist in recruitment efforts and to ensure qualified staff are compensated adequately for years of experience for the purposes of retention.  adopt Proclamation for April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month as follows: PROCLAMATION FOR APRIL AS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH WHEREAS, in fiscal year ending June 2022, 1,370 reports were made to Randolph County DSS child protective services; and WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Randolph County; and WHEREAS, child abuse can have long‐term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community‐ and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and continue to promote the social and emotional well‐being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim April 2023 as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Randolph County and urges all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families. Exchange of Property between the Randolph County School Board and the City of Archdale Dr. Stephen Gainey, Randolph County Schools Superintendent, reported that during the March Randolph County School Board Meeting, they declared the property PIN#7718-44-7555 in Archdale, which is 1.197 acres, as surplus property. By General Statute 115C-518 and their Board policy 9400 (Sales, Disposal, and Lease of Board-Owned Real Property), the Randolph County School Board has declared this property surplus and would like to trade this piece of property with the City of Archdale. Before this can be done, Randolph County has to be given first right to this land before the transaction 4/3/23 can be made. The City of Archdale would use this land for a park project. The area that Randolph County Schools would be gaining will be .675 acres in the exchange, and is already in part of a Randolph County School’s fence. On motion by Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to decline the opportunity to purchase PIN#7718-44-7555 from the Randolph County Board of Education. Reclassification of Soil and Water Positions Carrie Slatosky, Randolph County Soil and Water Supervisor, reported that there have been several changes in the Soil and Water Office recently. The Soil and Water Board has come together and made some decisions on how to move forward with filling the two vacancies the office currently has. Ms. Slatosky introduced Kaitlyn Johnson, Soil and Water Department Head/Technician at this time. Ms. Johnson stated that Ms. Slatosky joined the Board in November 2022 and has been a great blessing to them. They are excited to have her and her interest in soil and water. The Soil and Water Office is requesting to reclassify two of their positions. One position being the Soil and Water Administrator position to a Soil and Water Environmental Education and Support Coordinator. This position would start identifying more educational opportunities in the county and work to provide new education programs for all ages. Ms. Johnson reported that they have used Capital Outlay funds to refurbish a used ambulance. This position would utilize the ambulance as well. This position would also provide administrative and budgetary support for the Soil and Water District Board. Ms. Johnson reported that the other position would be the current Soil and Water Environmental Specialist position that would move into a Soil and Water Director roll. This position would continue to provide technical assistance as well as oversight of the office that would provide supervisory functions that are needed to keep the office progressing. Ms. Johnson stated that there would be no increases in salary needed for these two positions. This request is just reclassifying them. Chairman Frye asked if the job descriptions were any different than the ones previously. Ms. Johnson stated not necessarily, the Soil and Water Office has recently had two resignations (Soil and Water Administrator and the Soil and Water Engineer). One of the job descriptions would be rewriting it completely and it would drop lower on the pay grade scale. The other position would be Ms. Johnson’s position as the Environmental Specialist but would be moving up to the Soil and Water Director roll. Commissioner Haywood asked what would become of the Soil and Water Engineer position. Ms. Johnson stated this position is currently being advertised and it would remain the same with no changes in job descriptions nor classification. Haywood stated that the Engineer position has been extremely valuable in making citizens aware of ways to preserve their land. She stated she has attended several meetings and information sessions and wanted to make sure there will still be an Engineer position on staff in the Soil and Water Office. Ms. Johnson stated that one of the goals would be to continue the farmland preservation outlook for the County once a new engineer is hired. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve 1) the addition of Environmental Education and Support Coordinator and Soil and Water Director, and 2) the 4/3/23 reclassification of Soil and Water Administrator to Environmental Education and Support Coordinator and Soil and Water Environmental Specialist to Soil and Water Director. Renovation Plan for the Northwest Human Services Center Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, reported that last August property was purchased by the County at 215 Balfour Drive in Archdale. This property included a 2-story office building that was originally built in 1991 to serve as the local office for Duke Energy. The County issued a Request for Qualifications. In October 2022, the Board hired Smith Sinnett Architecture to do a Feasibility Study and Conceptual Design of the building for a human services facility. Smith Sinnett has met with management and staff of Randolph County Public Health (RCPH) and Department of Social Services (DSS) to determine their needs and develop a preliminary floorplan to best use the space. Mr. Arthurs turned the presentation over to Robert Carmac, Principal Architect with Smith Sinnett and Leanne Byrd, Architect with Smith Sinnett, to present the preliminary design information. The 2-story building has had very minor renovations since it was completed in 1991. Mr. Carmac and Ms. Byrd shared renovation recommendations with the Board. The building does not have an elevator. Because the 2-story building is built the way it is, an elevator would not be required to be installed. There is ample parking and entry access on the bottom floor as well as the top floor of the building. In this proposed renovation, there are 35 additional private offices to be constructed (49 total), there will be an open office area for Public Health as well as a secured suite. The renovation will include a shared reception and waiting area, dedicated public restrooms, two break rooms (one on each level), two Social Services workrooms (one on each level), and two conference rooms (one on each level). Mr. Carmac stated they are looking at a two-month design window which would allow them to come back to the Board with bid information. Once the bid is accepted, they are looking at 8-12 months construction on the facility. He went over the estimated budget breakdown of the project. The total estimated construction cost is $2,533,580 with the total estimated project cost being $3,120,080. Vice Chairman Allen stated that he was surprised at the cost estimates for the renovations. He has spoken with DSS and RCPH and they could use just one floor at this time, which would cut the cost of renovations in half. Mr. Carmac said that it could be broken out in two different projects, with the exception of several lighting issues, infrastructure items, and HVAC issues that would need to be corrected on both floors. This building was set up for cubicles and they would be renovating it to actual offices. Due to inflation, the prices for renovating this building have increased. Commissioner Kidd asked how much the County paid for the building. Allen stated the County paid $1.5M. Chairman Frye asked if they could do each floor individually at this time. Mr. Carmac stated he would like the flexibility to be able to reach back out to RCPH and DSS to see which floor would be more feasible to renovate first. He stated that the request is to move forward with negotiating and design contract. It will be brought back to the Board in June or July. At this time, the alternate of renovating each floor at a time will be built into this design. 4/3/23 Commissioner McDowell stated that although the estimated costs presented were high, there are two departments that do need the space now. Mr. Carmac stated that when meeting with the two departments, they were open to sharing spaces within the building, which is how the recommendation was presented. Commissioner Kidd stated that in realizing this is a preliminary step, he was not comfortable voting on a project that cost way more than the initial purchase of the building. On motion by Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd voting no, to award a contract to Smith Sinnett Architecture for the Design, Bidding, and Construction Administration of this project and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Health Department Renovation Construction Award Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, reminded the Board they authorized the County and the County’s architectural firm, Smith Sinnett, to advertise the bidding of the Health Department Renovation Project. This project was being bid as a Base Bid with seven alternates. On March 6, 2023, a notice to bidders was advertised. On March 15, 2023, a pre-bid meeting was held at the Public Health building. The deadline for receiving bids was set for March 28, 2023. Mr. Arthurs gave a PowerPoint presentation that included the bid results for the Health Department renovations with an estimated budget of $2,895,500. On bid opening day, there were three contractors that submitted bids for this project, Garanco Construction, HM Kern, and Hamlett Associates. Garanco Construction came in as the lowest base bid at $1,975,200 with all of the alternates combined at $2,351,500. Randolph County has worked with Garanco Construction for phase one of the Northgate Project as well as the renovation for Juvenile Day Reporting Center with no issues. The Health Department Renovation updated project budget is $2,664,000. Commissioner Haywood asked for the amount of ARPA funds that the Health Department received and what were the specifics on what the money could be used for. Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, stated that currently there are enough funds to move forward with the project that has been presented to the Board. The Health Department has about $1,000,000 of ARPA funds that can be devoted to this project. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to award the construction contract to Garanco Construction for renovation of the Health Department at a cost of $2,351,500 and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Project Spring Economic Development Crystal Gettys, Economic Development Business Development Director, reported that Project Spring, a Texas based manufacturer who is experiencing expediential growth in the Southeast, is looking to expand their operations. Randolph County is one of the top two locations for this business to expand to serve their clients on the east coast. The final decision on the company’s location will be contingent upon formal approval of the incentives offered, a full review of those incentives by the company, and ability to secure an existing building. Based on the capital investment of $3.4 million in machinery and equipment, job creation 4/3/23 and average wages, Project Spring qualifies for a 50% cash grant over a five-year period in local incentives totaling $33,340. The company will create 106 jobs over five years with an annual average salary of $43,3531. Ms. Gettys reported that the State has provided a proposal to the company for a OneNC grant and a Building Reuse Grant should the company be able to secure local incentives. Both of the grants from the State will require the County being the applicant on behalf of the company. Ms. Gettys reported that the EDC is requesting that the County approve the resolution offering $33,340 in local incentives contingent upon the state incentive approvals to encourage Project Spring’s decision makers to locate in Randolph County. The EDC is also asking for approval to be the applicant, if required, for any state incentive grant programs contingent on the local incentives meeting any required match. Commissioner Allen asked if there was any liability to the County with the County being the applicant for the State grants. Ms. Gettys stated there would be benchmarks that must be met, but the EDC would have an individual agreement with the company for those. This agreement will be forwarded to Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, to look over once it has been prepared. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing for Project Spring, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the County of Randolph to Enter into an Economic Development Incentive Contract for Project Spring as follows: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO ENTER INTO AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES CONTRACT WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to undertake an economic development project by extending assistance to a company in order to cause the company to locate or expand its operations within the county; 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”) approving an economic development incentives package whereby the County would contribute up to thirty- three thousand three hundred and forty dollars ($33,340.00) on behalf of an unnamed corporation (the “Company”) to offset the costs of the Company’s locating its manufacturing facility in Randolph County; and WHEREAS, upon the completion by the Company of this project, the Company will have generated new value/investment in personal property and equipment associated with the project in an amount equal to or in excess of three million four hundred thousand dollars ($3,400,000.00) and created a minimum of one hundred and six (106) new full-time jobs in the County; and WHEREAS, 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 4/3/23 WHEREAS, the County has in its General Fund available revenues sufficient to fund this economic development project; and WHEREAS, this project is eligible for a ninety thousand dollar ($90,000.00) One NC Grant, whereby the County would apply for the Grant on behalf of the Company and the County incentives referenced herein would serve as the required local match for said Grant, if awarded; and WHEREAS, the project is also eligible for a two hundred thousand dollar ($200,000.00) Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, whereby the County would apply for the funds on behalf of the Company; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of rd Randolph County, this 3 day of April 2023, as follows: Section 1. The County is authorized to expend up to thirty-three thousand three hundred and forty dollars ($33,340.00) of County funds for the Company’s economic development project. Section 2. The appropriation outlined in Section 1 above will be paid to or on behalf of the Company pursuant to a performance-based incentive contract. In addition to the standard terms found in contracts that the County routinely executes in the ordinary course of business, the economic development incentives contract entered into by and between the County and the Company must contain the following essential terms and conditions: a. The total payment made to or on behalf of the “Company” under this contract shall not exceed thirty-three thousand three hundred and forty dollars ($33,340.00). b. The contract amount will be paid over a period of five (5) years to coincide with the Company’s satisfactory completion of certain performance requirements. The said performance requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: i. The Company must deliver to the County written certification that, the actual value of new investment by the Company in personal property and equipment in connection with this project equals or exceeds three million four hundred thousand dollars ($3,400,000.00); and ii. The Company must provide Employment Security Reports to the County evidencing the creation of one hundred and six (106) new full-time jobs. c. The contract must provide the County with a means of recouping a portion of the contract amount if the Company’s does not remain in full operation, maintaining the newly created jobs referenced above, for a period of five (5) years immediately following the date on which the final installment of the contract amount is paid to the Company. d. If the Company does not remain in full operation during this five (5) year period, a portion of the incentive money must be returned. The amount to be returned shall decrease on a pro-rated amount for each year of said period that the Company remains in full operation in the County. Section 3. The County is authorized to apply for and accept, on behalf of the Company, a One NC Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce in the amount of ninety thousand dollars ($90,000.00) with the incentives referenced in paragraph 2 serving as the required local match for said grant. 4/3/23 Section 4. The County is hereby authorized to apply for and accept, on behalf of the Company, a Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00). Section 5. The Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the County of Randolph a contract drafted in accordance with Section 2 of this resolution and any other documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project. Fire Protection County Service Districts Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton reminded the Board that during their regular meeting that was held in February, they voted to move forward with the abolishment of current capped Fire Tax Service Districts for fire protection and create new identical districts without the current fifteen cent cap. The Public Hearings have been set for tonight for Coleridge-Erect Fire District, Fairgrove Fire District, Julian Fire District, Northeast Fire District, and Staley Fire District. The Board will hold a Public Hearing for the Farmer Fire District will be held during the Board’s regular meeting in May. The proposed new service districts contain the exact same properties 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 their 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 April 3, 2023. Notice of those public hearings was mailed and published in accordance with statutory requirements. At the close of these hearings, if the Board finds that the current district is insufficient to provide the required protection and if the Board finds 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. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing for Coleridge-Erect Fire Protection County Service District, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Coleridge-Erect Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Fifteen-cent Cap, as follows: 4/3/23 RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED COLERIDGE- ERECT FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Coleridge-Erect 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 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; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for April 3, 2023 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 4/3/23 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 Coleridge-Erect 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 Coleridge-Erect 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 opened the Public Hearing for Fairgrove Fire Protection County Service District, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Fifteen Cent Capped Fairgrove Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED FAIR GROVE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Fair Grove 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 4/3/23 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; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for April 3, 2023 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 Fair Grove 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 Fair Grove Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and 4/3/23 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 opened the Public Hearing for the Julian Fire Protection County Service District, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Fifteen Cent Capped Julian Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED JULIAN FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Julian 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 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; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for April 3, 2023 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 4/3/23 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 Julian 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 Julian 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 opened the Public Hearing for the Northeast Fire Protection County Service District, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Allen, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 5-0, to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Fifteen Cent Capped Northeast Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED NORTHEAST FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Northeast Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, 4/3/23 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 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; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for April 3, 2023 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 4/3/23 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 Northeast 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 Northeast 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 opened the Public Hearing for the Staley Fire Protection County Service District, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Fifteen Cent Capped Staley Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED STALEY FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Staley 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 4/3/23 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; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for April 3, 2023 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 Staley 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 Staley 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. 4/3/23 Caraway Speedway Economic Development Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, said that the State of North Carolina, in expanding its Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan, created the Motorsports Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to enhance amenities and increase opportunities for events at motorsport venues in recognition of the impact those events have on local tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. Randolph County received a grant from this fund for the benefit of Caraway Speedway in the amount of $485,000. In order for these funds to be properly administered, it is necessary to hold a public hearing on the acceptance of this grant and the provision of these funds to or on behalf of Caraway. To ensure that the benefits envisioned by the Motorsports Relief Fund are realized, if this arrangement is approved, the County will enter into an economic development contract with Caraway Speedway. This agreement will govern the use of the funds and will ensure that Caraway continues to operate at a level that will increase tourism and travel benefits to our citizens. At the close of the public hearing, if the agreement is approved, the Board will need to adopt a resolution authorizing Randolph County to enter into an economic development incentive contract for Caraway Speedway. Ms. Scotton stated that if Randolph County decides to not use these funds, they will be sent back to the State. Ms. Scotton stated that Caraway would need to agree to hold at least twenty events per year for two years in order to continue to be eligible to receive these funds. Invoices would be submitted to the County and the County would in turn pay the contractors and vendors. Commissioner Haywood shared that she has been in touch with the owner of Caraway and he has been most complimentary of the County in assisting him with seeking these funds. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing for Caraway Speedway Economic Development, and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0, to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the County of Randolph to Enter into an Economic Development Incentives Contract for Caraway Speedway as follows: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO ENTER INTO AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES CONTRACT WHEREAS, section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to undertake an economic development project by extending assistance to a company in order to cause the Company to locate or expand its operations within the county; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly approved the Motorsports Relief Fund and Randolph County was awarded a Grant from said fund for the benefit of DAH Motorsports, LLC dba Caraway Speedway (“Speedway”) in the amount of four hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($485,000), hereinafter referred to as the “Grant;” 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 4/3/23 will result in the County of Randolph (the “County”), approving acceptance of the Grant whereby the County will administer Grant funds of up to four hundred eighty- five thousand dollars ($485,000.00) to or on behalf of the Speedway to renovate its current motorsports facilities in the County; and WHEREAS, said incentives shall be granted pursuant to an economic development incentives contract as provided in Section 2 of this resolution; and WHEREAS, upon the completion by the Speedway of the proposed project, the Speedway will have generated new value/investment in real property associated with the project in an amount equal to or in excess of four hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($485,000.00); and WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate the local economy and promote tourism in the County; and WHEREAS, the Grant to the County has provided sufficient revenue to fund this economic development project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of rd Randolph County, this 3 day of April 2023, as follows: Section 1. The County is authorized to expend up to four hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($485,000.00) of Grant funds for this economic development project. Section 2. The Speedway is authorized to use Grant funds for the purposes described in its Project Description and Plan (Attachment A to this Resolution). Grant funds authorized in Section 1 above will be paid on behalf of the Speedway over time, provided, however, that all funds must be incurred or obligated prior to December 31, 2024, and must be expended by December 31, 2026. In addition to the standard terms found in contracts that the County routinely executes in the ordinary course of business, the economic development incentives contract entered into by and between the County, and the Speedway must contain the following essential terms and conditions: e. The total payment made to or on behalf of the Speedway, under this contract shall not exceed four hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($485,000.00). f. Payments will be made to the Speedway’s vendors on a direct-pay basis. To justify payment, the Speedway will submit monthly invoices to be evaluated and paid. These invoices will be submitted on the final day of the month, and payment will be mailed within 15 days of receipt. g. To fully qualify for these payments the Speedway must complete certain performance requirements in a satisfactory manner. The said performance requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: i. The Speedway must certify that it holds a minimum of twenty (20) events per calendar year; and ii. The Speedway warrants that it will remain in full operation in Randolph County for a period of not less than two (2) years, said two-year period beginning on the date of the final payment from 4/3/23 the County on behalf of the Speedway. If the Speedway ceases or reduces operations in Randolph County prior to the termination of the two-year period, the Speedway shall pay liquidated damages to the County. These damages shall be equal to 100% of the incentive money paid to the Speedway under this Agreement, less sixty thousand six hundred twenty-five dollars ($60,625.00) for each quarter that the Speedway remains in full operation during said two-year period in Randolph County prior to ceasing or reducing operations. The Speedway shall not be considered to have reduced operations if it continues to hold the minimum number of events specified in Section 2(c)(i) above. Section 3. The Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the County of Randolph a contract drafted in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of this resolution and any other documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project as provided herein. Historic Courthouse Bids Update Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, gave an update on the Historic Courthouse Elevator Addition and Renovation Bidding. This item does not require any action at this time. During the Board’s December 2022 regular meeting, the final design for the Historic Courthouse Elevator Addition and Renovation was approved and authorized the County to begin the bidding process. A prequalification process was held and five general contractors were approved for bidding. The bid opening was held on March 15, 2023, but unfortunately the low bidder (Sanford Contractors) was considerably higher than the preliminary cost estimate that had been previously presented. The County’s architects provided a preliminary projected construction cost base bid that was $2,563,294. Sanford Contractors bid came in at $4,465,000, which was a base bid and did not include the alternates. Mr. Arthurs reported that he and Ross Holt, Public Library Director, are working with Sanford Contractors to attempt to scale back the project and negotiate a better price while looking at the priorities in the process. Those priorities are as follows: County’s Priorities (in descending order of importance): 1. Elevator addition and associated Site/HVAC/Electrical improvements Deleting existing elevator demo and new stair construction 2. Alt. M-1 - Attic HVAC (may conceive alternative method of access to reduce costs) Including balcony room extension 3. Alt. G2A – Exterior Improvements at Front Entry Stairs (resolving safety concerns) 4. Alt. G2B – Exterior Improvements at ADA Lift and Rear Exit Stairs (resolving safety concerns) Could be deleted if back exit and exterior stairway could be closed off 4/3/23 Items below this line are not critical and could be dropped from scope. st 5. Basement/1 Floor HVAC Improvements st 6. Basement/1 Floor Electrical Improvements (minus new lighting) Only extent needed to support new hvac 7. Below-grade foundation waterproofing 8. Stormwater Improvements/Roof Drain Tie-Ins on the West Side (East side must happen if elevator addition is built) 9. New Rear Exterior Doors (Two new doors, north side) st 10. New Ceilings/Lighting through the 1 Floor ‘Exhibit’ Rooms 11. New Rear Stair, including new corridor partitions to separate the stair st 12. Interior finish upgrades and repairs (new flooring, painting on 1 floor, new stair treads/risers, plaster repairs) Chairman Frye questioned if there was a capacity issue in the building if there was an event that was held. Mr. Arthurs stated that the building will still meet the code requirements for capacity. He also stated that there is a possibility of the bottom floor not being renovated at this time and it would be used as it is currently with no renovations. Chairman Frye asked how many dollars would be cut if the bottom floor was not renovated. Mr. Arthurs stated that it would hopefully bring the costs down considerably by only choosing the items that have to be done to meet the ADA compliant rule. A lot of the work on the bottom floor can be done later. The only item that would need to be completed on the first floor is the HVAC that needs to be updated. Mr. Arthurs said they would come back to the Board in May with an update on the costs of the renovation priorities as listed above. Commissioner Haywood asked if there were any grants available for historic landmark renovations. Mr. Arthurs said there may be some grants that are available for this project. Mr. Holt said that there are grants out there for programmatic items for museums, but it is difficult to find grants for capital items. He stated he will look and see if he can find any grants that might assist with this project. Chairman Frye stated that the County does have other feasible options to hold their Board Meetings, like the large room at the Board of Elections Office at Northgate. Mr. Arthurs stated the plan was to move the Commissioner Meeting to Northgate while the Old Historic Courthouse was being renovated. Vice-Chairman Allen said that he would hate to lose a historic structure. It should be utilized the best way is can be. Mr. Arthurs stated that regardless of the museum, the main issue is the elevator that needs to be updated for continued use of the building. Chairman Frye asked if there were any requirements on upkeep of the building since it is on the historic registry. Mr. Holt stated that being on the national registry is more of an honor, and it does not have any upkeep requirements. 4/3/23 USDA Debt Service for the Farm, Food, and Family Education Center (F3EC) Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, reminded the Board that the County has been working with Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) who was eligible for two $2 million loans for the Farm, Food and Family Education Center. Originally, it was assumed that there would be an annual debt service payment, but recently USDA required monthly repayments back to REMC. As a result, there is expected to be two debt service payments in the current fiscal year (May & June), totaling $66,667. This expenditure for principal payments needs to be added to the General Fund budget. The Board has planned to use capital reserve funds for this obligation. In addition, an additional $2,000 is needed for bond trustee fees. On motion by Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to approve the following Budget Amendment for Debt Service on the USDA Loan for the Farm, Food, and Family Education Center as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #75 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales Tax $2,000 Transfer from Capital Reserve $66,667 Appropriations Increase Decrease Debt Services $68,667 County Manager’s Update Hal Johnson, County Manager, reminded the Board of the Special Joint Meeting with the City of Asheboro on April 17, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. to consider an economic development matter. On the same day at 6:00 p.m. there will be a Zoning Appeal Public Hearing for a subdivision in Staley, NC. Mr. Johnson reminded the board that there will be a study update for the Northeast Randolph County Growth Management Plan Steering Committee Public Information session held on April 18, 2023, in the auditorium of Eastern Randolph High School from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for the public to come and speak with the consultants and County staff on this committee about their concerns or their issues for future growth in Northeast Randolph County. It will be a good opportunity for the public to provide input as they continue the process of updating the County’s Growth Management Plan in Northeast Randolph County. The public will be invited to this information session to provide input via social media, news outlets, and within the county. Commissioners Update Vice-Chairman Allen reported that on May 11, 2023 the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners District 9 and 11 Meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Legislators from these two districts will be present for dinner and discussions. Vice Chairman Allen commented on the lithium battery concerns that were discussed during Public Comment by Chris Huber. He lives in the same area as Ms. Huber. There is an emergency response concern for those citizens that live along the area of US Hwy. 421 that two interchanges and crossovers will limit access to their properties. He understands that this issue is being worked on, but wanted to make others aware. This issue will require some unique thinking. 4/3/23 Commissioner Kidd stated that he has sat through Fire Chief Meetings that were giving training on lithium battery fires, so this item is being addressed at the local fire departments. Adjournment At 8:03 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 4/3/23