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December 4, 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
gave the invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed
on Facebook and YouTube.
Special Recognitions
Linda Shirley retired on November 30, 2023, with 48 Years of Service with the Public Library
and 47 years with the County. Ms. Shirley was recognized by Ross Holt, Public Library Director,
after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Former
Library Director and Retired County Manager Richard Wells, retired Library Director Suzanne Tate,
and Ralph Hardison, Chair of the Randolph County Public Library Board of Trustees recognized her
with the Long Leaf Pine Award.
Reorganization of the Board
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to elect Darrell Frye as Chairman
of the Board of Commissioners.
On motion of Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to elect David Allen as Vice-
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Ben Morgan as the
County Attorney.
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Dana Crisco as Clerk
to the Board.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Jenny Parks as Deputy
Clerk to the Board.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve all Commissioner
appointments as follows:
Hope Haywood Representative to the Board of Health;
Maxton McDowell Representative to the Social Services Board;
Darrell Frye as Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the High Point
Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);
Maxton McDowell as Alternate Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the
High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);
Kenny Kidd as Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;
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Maxton McDowell as Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the Piedmont
Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO);
Hope Haywood as Alternate Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the
Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO);
Darrell Frye as Delegate to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council;
Darrell Frye as Representative to the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation;
Kenny Kidd as Tourism Development Authority Liaison;
David Allen as Representative to Sandhills County Commissioner Advisory Board;
Hope Haywood as Corporate-Municipalities Wellness Coalition and Healthy Communities
Liaison;
David Allen as Voluntary Agriculture District Liaison;
David Allen as Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation (PTRDC) Liaison.
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.
Ross Lackey, 625 Fork Creek Mill Road, Seagrove, stated he moved to Randolph County a little
over a year ago and opened a café in Seagrove. He is grateful for the support he has received from
the community. He thanked the Board for the time and attention put toward water and sewer funding
in Seagrove.
David Essick, 589 Colony Road, Asheboro, stated he is a licensed land surveyor and has a concern
with the Randolph County Register of Deeds office violating NC General Statute 47-30, which has
requirements for recording plats with the Register of Deeds office. He asked the Board to look into
his concerns with the Register of Deeds office as this has been an ongoing issue for him since 2018.
County Attorney, Ben Morgan, stated Mr. Essick has contacted him in the past regarding this issue
and Mr. Morgan will investigate this for him. Mr. Morgan said other counties are dealing with the
same issue as Mr. Essick.
David Fernandez, 136 W. Main Street, Seagrove, stated as Mayor of Seagrove he appreciates the
efforts of the Board that have been put towards the water and sewer issues in Seagrove. He brought
the Board up to date with several items Seagrove has been facing regarding water and sewer. He
stated even though funding is available to move forward with the projects he spoke of, there is not
enough capacity to carry out these projects. He encouraged the Board to continue their efforts in the
Seagrove/Ulah water district.
Karen Sands, 1828 Pine Grove Drive, Asheboro, stated she has lived in Randolph County for
almost 35 years and thanked the Board for their service to Randolph County. She is concerned with
advertisement signs being placed in the right of way of roads. She has reached out to several
departments regarding this issue with no success in guidance. Ms. Sands said she has picked up over
1,000 signs herself since July 2023 from the right of way on roads. Several signs have been posted
on utility poles as well. She asked the Board what she could do legally to prevent these signs from
being placed in the right of ways on roads.
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Consent Agenda
Commissioner Haywood stated Barry Bunting is no longer on the Planning Board due to moving
into the City limits of Asheboro. She thanked him for his service. She said Brandon Hedrick will be
moving into Mr. Bunting’s spot if approved tonight. She said they are looking at having two
alternates on that board moving forward.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of November 6, 2023,
Special Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2023, and October 26, 2023, and Closed
Session Minutes of October 16, 2023, October 24, 2023, October 31, 2023, and
November 9, 2023
approve Ambulance Franchise Renewals for PTAR and Ash-Rand;
approve State Aid Budget Amendment and Reclassification Requests as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #45
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Restricted Intergovernmental $48,589
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Library $48,589
appoint Branson O’Hara to fill the unexpired term of Patrick O’Hara on the
Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;
approve Surety Bonds for Elected and Appointed County Officials;
appoint Cody Rich as Deputy Finance Officer at the Detention Center;
approve Resolution Adopting Fire Inspection Schedule as follows:
RESOLUTION ADOPTING FIRE INSPECTION SCHEDULE
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable for the Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct
periodic inspections of public buildings for the purpose of identifying activities and
condition that pose dangers of fire, explosions, or related hazards; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 160D-1117 provides authority for
periodic inspections subject to the directions of the Board of County Commissioners.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners approves the following minimum inspection schedule to satisfy the
requirements of N.C.G.S 160D-1117 as set forth in N.C.G.S 160D-1102 for the
purpose of identifying activities and conditions in buildings, structures, and premises
that pose dangers of fire, explosion, or related hazards. The inspection schedule is
approved as follows:
Once Every Year: Hazardous, Institutional, High Rise, Industrial, Business,
Mercantile, Storage, Assembly, Residential with the
exception of one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and only
the interior common areas of dwellings and multi-family
occupancies, Educational with the exception of Public
Schools, Churches and Synagogues with an occupancy
load of 300 or greater, New and existing lodging
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establishments including hotels, motels and tourist homes
that provide accommodations for seven of more
continuous days (extended-stay establishments), bed and
breakfast inns and bed and breakfast homes as defined in
N.C.G.S 130A-247 for the installation and maintenance
of carbon monoxide alarms and detectors as defined in
N.C.G.S 143-138(b2)
Once Every Three Years: Churches and Synagogues with an occupancy load less
than 300, Miscellaneous Group U occupancies
approve Budget Amendment – Veteran Services ($200), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #46
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Miscellaneous $200
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Veterans Services $200
approve letter requesting NCACC Peer Review of Randolph County Planning and
Zoning Department;
approve the reappointment of Kim Griffin to the Tax Commission and Board of
Equalization and Reviews;
approve reclassification of the Animal Services Business Operations Manager;
approve Project Amendment #4 – Northwest Randolph Human Services Capital
Project as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
Northwest Randolph Human Services Capital Project—Budget Amendment #4
Revenues Increase Decrease
Investment earnings $25,000
Sales Tax Reimbursement $50,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Furniture and equipment $100,000
Contingency $25,000
approve Project Amendment #10 – F3EC ($136,000) as follows:
Agricultural Center Capital Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #10
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Investment earnings $136,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Professional Services $136,000
approve moving Brandon Hedrick to fill the seat of Barry Bunting as a Voting Member
of the Randolph County Planning Board;
approve the appointment of Ryan Beeson to the Historic Landmark Preservation
Commission.
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Bridge Renaming for W. David and Sarah Stedman
Donald Vaughan stated he has been working with the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) regarding a bridge naming opportunity for David and Sarah Stedman for
their contributions to the Randolph County community. Two bridges off Highway 73/74 that enter
what is now the primary entrance into the North Carolina Zoo are being requested to be renamed.
Tom Calloway, Mr. and Mrs. Stedman’s son-in-law, thanked the Board on behalf of himself and his
wife for considering this renaming.
NCDOT has requested this request come before the Board for discussion on this opportunity. Mr.
Vaughan shared several letters of support for this request, as well as the application.
On motion by McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to adopt the Resolution in
Support of Recognition of W. Daivd and Sarah Stedman as follows:
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RECOGNITION F W. DAVID AND SARAH S.
STEDMAN
WHEREAS, W. David and Sarah W. Stedman were outstanding citizens in Randolph
county; and
WHEREAS, the Stedmans made numerous contributions to the community, the State,
and the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Stedmans were instrumental in bringing the NC Zoological Park to
Asheboro; and
WHEREAS, their vision, leadership, and generous donations to the NC Zoological
Park have helped shape it into what it is today and for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, they have left a long-lasting legacy for over one million guests per year
to visit; and
WHEREAS, the admiration by so many cannot be adequately expressed; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable Don Vaughan and others would like to honor the
Stedmans by having two bridges on Interstate 73/74 at the exit to the NC Zoological
Park named for them.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners does hereby support the naming of these bridges in memory of W. David
and Sarah W. Stedman.
INVICTUS Project Consideration
Sheriff Greg Seabolt stated the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is requesting $505,430 to
initiate the “Invictus Project”. This project is a collaboration between the SBI, Homeland Security,
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Alamance County Sheriff’s
Office, and Lantern Rescue to effectively combat the growing numbers of child exploitation and
human trafficking cases. If provided, these funds will be utilized for 4 additional positions,
associated equipment, renovations, and lab licensing fees.
Sheriff Seabolt introduced several Sheriffs from collaborative counties and agencies that were
in attendance in support of this project. Several of them spoke in support of the Invictus Project;
along with District Attorney Andy Gregson who explained the need for a program of this type.
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The anticipated start date is January 1, 2024. The total cost needed for the first 6 months of the project
comes to $505,430.
Description (FY 23-24) – 6 months
Expenses:
Build and Design of Task Force Office Space (Existing North Gate Office Space) $260,488
Forensic Workstations $100,517
RCSO Staffing Startup Costs $156,298
RCSO Vehicle and Equipment $113,332
New Detectives Uniform and Equipment $ 15,732
Lab licensing Fee(s) at Startup $109,063
Grant Funding:
Lantern Rescue – Start Up Funding $250,000
Total: $505,430
Description (FY 24-25) – Recurring Costs
Expenses:
Annual lab licensing fees $196,725
Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Staffing $312,596
Grant Funding:
Lantern Rescue: Supplement Funding Up to $250,000 in Annual
lab licensing fees
Total: $312,596
Additional Information:
Lantern Rescue will provide $250,000 in start-up costs. Payment will be provided within 30
days of the official commencement of Invictus Project.
Lantern Rescue will also reimburse up to $250,000 in annual lab licensing fees for three years
(2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027).
Alamance County has committed to providing two full-time Detectives.
Davidson County has committed to providing one full-time Detective/Forensic Technician.
Forsyth County has committed to providing two full-time Detectives and an additional
Intelligence Analyst.
Lantern Rescue already provides one full-time Detective who is a reserve deputy.
Commissioner McDowell stated it was great to see counties work together to accomplish the same
goal when it comes to crimes such as these.
Vice-Chairman Allen challenged other entities to fund this project at the level that is being requested
by Randolph County.
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Vice-Chairman Allen asked if a portion of the funds would come from Strategic Planning. Will
Massie, Finance Director/Assistant County Manager, stated in the first year the funds will come from
Strategic Planning and the Board will need to decide where the funds come from after that.
Chairman Frye asked what the first-year total amount committed was. Mr. Massie said $755,430
was the first-year commitment amount.
Commissioner Kidd said he was proud of the work being done by the Sheriff’s Office on working
towards this project.
On motion by Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution Authorizing the
County of Randolph to Enter into an Agreement Combatting the Exploitation of Children and Human
Trafficking with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office; along with the Budget Amendment as follows:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO ENTER INTO
AN AGREEMENT COMBATING THE EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN AND
HUMAN TRAFFICKING WITH THE RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (hereinafter referred to as
“RCSO”) recognizes a trend of ever-increasing internet crimes against children tips
from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (hereinafter referred to as
“NCMEC”); and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (hereinafter referred
to as “SBI”) Computer Crimes Unit (hereinafter referred to as “CCU”) and the Internet
Crimes Against Children (hereinafter referred to as “ICAC”) Task Force continue to see
an increase in the number of CyberTips via NCMEC; and
WHEREAS, threats from those seeking to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors
can manifest themselves in a number of ways, including chat rooms, peer-to-peer trading
of child sexual abuse materials, various social media platforms, and through traveling
to meet minors for illicit sexual contact; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County currently has one hundred and nine (109) ICAC
CyberTips as of September 15, 2023, and during the fiscal year 22-23 the RCSO ICAC
conducted thirty- seven (37) investigations, made twenty-nine (29) arrests, reconciled
seventy-five (75) CyperTips, made four (4) investigative referrals to other agencies,
executed a combined one hundred sixty (160) search warrants for electronics and/or
residences, and examined over sixty-six (66) terabytes of data; and
WHEREAS, RCSO has recognized that through the strategic use of resources,
seeking out a collaborative response with our investigative partners, and employing a
proven concept of operations, we can take the fight to those who seek to harm children;
and
WHEREAS, Randolph County’s geographical location puts the County in a prime
position to assist agencies all over the state in training new ICAC detectives,
collaborating on operations in other jurisdictions, and providing technical assistance to
agencies who lack the necessary resources to investigate these cases; and
WHEREAS, historically, there are minimal funds available at the County level that
can be utilized to implement this initiative as well as minimal state funding for positions
tasked with the responsibility of investigating child exploitation; and
WHEREAS, Lantern Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, privately funded,
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that rescues exploited, persecuted, and displaced individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, Lantern Rescue has reached out to RCSO regarding partnering to form
a fusion center for the purpose of creating the Invictus Project, (hereinafter referred to
as “Project”) with the mission of proactively investigating child exploitation, solicitation
and trafficking; and Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, this Project has been modeled after the successful Intercept Project
which is operated out of a Homeland Security Investigations field office in Florida; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County owns property in the Northgate Commons, beside the
Criminal Investigations Division, where this fusion center could be located; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office that the Project be
operational on January 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the start-up costs for the Project total approximately seven hundred and
fiftyfive thousand four hundred and thirty dollars ($755,430); and
WHEREAS, Lantern Rescue has agreed to match the County up to two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for start-up costs for the Project; and
WHEREAS, RCSO is requesting that Randolph County provide the start-up costs
totaling seven hundred fifty-five thousand four hundred thirty dollars ($755,430) to fulfill
the Project requirements in advance of the reimbursement from Lantern Rescue; and
WHEREAS, RCSO is requesting that Randolph County provide the required annual
licensing fees for lab software totaling one hundred ninety-six thousand seven hundred
twenty-five dollars ($196,725), said amount to be reimbursed in full by Lantern Rescue
in the fiscal year 2024-2025; and
WHEREAS, RCSO is requesting four positions, two Deputy Sheriff Detectives, one
Civilian Digital Forensic Technician, and one Civilian Crime Analyst, at a total annual
cost of
three hundred twelve thousand five hundred ninety-six dollars ($312,596); and
WHEREAS, detectives assigned to this Project will have to be Task Force Officers
with Homeland Security Investigations Human Trafficking Division or with the State
Bureau of Investigation, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division; and
WHEREAS, surrounding Counties including Alamance, Davidson, and Forsyth have
committed to providing additional staff to supplement RCSO staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of
Randolph County, this 6th day of November 2023, as follows:
1. The Board of Commissioners supports the creation of the INVICTUS Project as
outlined above.
2. The Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby creates the four positions
detailed in Attachment A.
3. The Board of Commissioners authorizes the expenditure of seven hundred fifty-five
thousand four hundred thirty dollars ($755,430) of County funds for this Project,
said Page 3 of 5 amount consisting of the two hundred and sixty thousand four
hundred eighty-eight dollars ($260,488) in office space building and design costs,
one hundred thousand five hundred seventeen dollars ($100,517) for forensic work
stations, one hundred nine thousand sixty-three dollars ($109,063) in lab licensing
fees, and two hundred eighty-five thousand three hundred sixty-two dollars
($285,362) for six months of staffing costs. Lantern Rescue shall match up to two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) of this expenditure.
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4. County staff are authorized to proceed with the site work outlined in the
Agreement, and the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners as well as County
staff are authorized to sign any documents necessary to accomplish said Project.
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #47
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Sales and Services $250,000
Appropriated Fund Balance $260,488
Transfer From Health Wellbeing Reserve $244,942
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff’s Office $494,942
Transfer to Northgate Capital Project $260,488
Northgate Capital Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #8
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Transfer from General Fund $260,488
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $143,428
Noncapitalized Equipment $102,060
Professional Services $15,000
Victory Junction Application for Strategic Planning Funds
Leia Gearhart, Strategic Planning Coordinator, introduced Tonya Hayes, Leadership Giving
Director of Victory Junction. Ms. Hayes introduced Chad Coltrane, Victory Junction’s CEO, and
Tori Dirks, Victory Junction’s Program Manager, and thanked Ms. Gearhart and Michale McKenzie
for their assistance with their application process for Strategic Planning funds.
Mr. Coltrane stated Victory Junction’s mission is to enrich the lives of children with serious
illnesses by providing camp experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering in a safe and
medically sound environment at no cost to children or their families. For Summer Camp, campers
stay in comfortable air-conditioned cabins, eat at the Fuel Stop—which meets all dietary needs—
enjoy inclusive/adaptable program areas like ropes tower, zipline, theater, horseback riding, and mini-
golf, and have their medical needs addressed through planned disease-specific camp weeks
throughout the summer. Through Victory Junction summer camp programming, campers learn that
they are more than their diagnosis: they can be themselves.
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Victory Junction, going into its 20 Anniversary, prides itself on being one of the most accessible
camps in the country. When accessibility is compromised for a camper or a guest, not only can safety
be compromised, but also their ability to attend and fully participate in camp. In order to continue
providing this unique camp experience, Victory Junction’s Access-ability Improvement Project
requests $100,000 in Strategic Planning Funds for:
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Maintenance/Facilities: $34,800 for HVAC replacements for 4 cabins to ensure that children
with complex medical conditions can access climate-controlled accommodations.
Transportation: $20,000 for vehicle wrapping 4 vans to improve weatherization and
community outreach and $30,000 toward a North Carolina REACH vehicle replacement,
which allows Victory Junction to bring programming to hospital-bound children in pediatric
facilities.
Marketing: $15,200 toward custom multi-media recruitment strategy and venue marketing
plan, including the cost of advertising in print and on TV, to develop additional revenue
streams, recruit highly qualified medical staff and volunteers for camp, and fill the need for
an accessible event venue in the region
Victory Junction’s program goals align with Randolph County’s Strategic Planning goals of:
1. Improving access to health and wellness within Randolph County by reducing barriers.
2. Enhancing the economic well-being of our county’s residents and communities by actively
investing in a dynamic and diversified economy, including support of existing industries and
businesses.
3. Developing innovative, coordinated, consistently aligned communications and marketing
approaches outside of the county that promote our area and attract new people and businesses
by highlighting our county’s strengths, assets, and high quality of life.
4. Targeting and attracting visitors, encouraging them to spend more time and money in
Randolph County.
5. Preserving and improving our county’s rich historical, artistic, cultural, natural, and
recreational resources.
Tori Drake, Program Support Manager with Victory Junction, stated she was a former camper,
intern, counselor, volunteer, donor, and now a full-time staffer at the camp. She shared her stories as
a camper, as well as a counselor, at Victory Junction and stated they were all positive experiences for
her.
Vice-Chairman Allen commended Victory Junction for their thorough application and thanked
them.
On motion by Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve Strategic Planning
Funding for Victory Junction in the amount of $100,000 as outlined in their application; and
approve the Budget Amendment as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #48
Decrease
Revenues Increase
Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $100,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Other Human Services Appropriations $100,000
Updating the Noise Ordinance
Tonya Caddle, Planning and Zoning Director gave a presentation on the revisions to the Randolph
County Noise Ordinance.
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Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone who wished to speak had
done so.
Susan McDowell. 2513 N. Meadows Loop, Randleman, stated she lives in a gated community
with many different cultures. Even though they are in the city limits, there are neighbors behind her
property zoned by Randolph County. She has concerns with the property owners behind her property
playing loud music, having live bands, and the noise levels this creates on the weekends. She
provided the Board with information regarding concerns with noise disturbances in her neighborhood
on the weekends. She stated that 911 is called regularly by her neighbors due to the noise levels that
are above acceptable. Ms. McDowell is in support of the revised Noise Ordinance.
Commissioner Kidd asked if the properties in question were commercial operations. Ms.
McDowell said they were not; they were private homes.
Josie Reece, 2555 N. Meadows Loop, Randleman, said she is concerned about the noise in her
neighborhood. She read a letter from the North Meadows Mobile Home Community Management
and Staff expressing concerns about the noise from property owners in the county that are behind this
development. She stated not only is there loud music, there has also been late-night gun fire by semi-
automatic weapons.
Rebecca Hartsell, 2386 N. Meadows Loop, Randleman, stated she is concerned with the noise
levels in her neighborhood coming from the landowners in the County near her home. She said one
of her neighbors has built a shooting range on their property and someone was shot there recently by
accident. She said she would like to see shooting ranges only be allowed far out in the country and
not close to other residential homes.
Lori Shelton, 2578 N. Meadows Loop, Randleman, stated she was in support of the Noise
Ordinance. She has called city law enforcement regarding the loud noise from her neighbors. The
city officer verified the noise was coming from a property in the county and the Sheriff’s Department
would need to be contacted. She is concerned with the shooting of guns on these properties.
Larry Chilton, 509 NC Hwy. 22 N, Ramseur, said he was in support of the revised Noise
Ordinance. He suggested a decimal limit of noise during the daytime hours as well as the evening be
set. He is concerned with the noise that comes from one of his neighbors. He has called 911 several
times with complaints.
Commissioner Haywood stated these complaints are being received every weekend. They start at
2:00 p.m. and go through all hours of the night. There needs to be a decimal restriction put on the
noise level during the day. She stated restrictions should be put in place for people to be more
considerate of their neighbors.
Commissioner Kidd asked if the place Mr. Chilton was speaking of could be rented out for events.
Mr. Chilton said from his understanding it was a wedding venue, and because they have enough land
to qualify as a farm, they are using farm exemption status.
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Amanda Varner, 311 Grantville Lane, Asheboro, is in support of the Noise Ordinance but would
like to see it have restrictions for any time of the day. She has been dealing with noise issues with a
neighbor for over a year. This property owner built a building and had his parking lot paved, but this
property is either farm-exempt or equine-exempt, she wasn’t sure which.
Steven Maness, 4550 Woodfern Road, Seagrove, said he sponsors a free event for his community
every year and he asked what the Noise Ordinance would do to his event. He understands the need
for a Noise Ordinance, but he is concerned with placing noise restrictions on events held during the
day, like his.
Commissioner Kidd asked Mr. Maness how long he has been hosting his event and if there have
been any complaints. Mr. Maness said he has hosted his event for the past ten years and there have
never been complaints.
Commissioner Haywood stated there could be wording added to the ordinance that allows and
disallows certain events, how many times a year they are held.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked how loud vehicles would be enforced under the noise ordinance. Ms.
Caddle stated there was not anything in the ordinance about this item. She said she has seen
restrictions on loud vehicles, not including work or utility vehicles, in city ordinances, but not a lot
in county ordinances.
County Attorney Ben Morgan stated by trying to write a noise ordinance that will cover the entire
county, it will be difficult trying to apply such a broad ordinance to all of the areas and all of the
mentioned situations. He said that when you have repeated issues with noise, there is a solution
through the court system which can impose fines and order the activity to be ceased. People with
complaints can obtain an attorney and file nuisance actions with the courts; the courts can stop the
activity and charge higher fines for violations. Mr. Morgan said this ordinance requires careful
thought and consideration from all citizens in Randolph County.
On motion by Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to take into consideration what
has been said during this public hearing and allow the Planning and Zoning Director to continue to
work on the Noise Ordinance to address these concerns and bring the ordinance back to the Board
for consideration at the February 2024 meeting.
Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Office/Visitors Bureau to F3ED site relocation
request
Amber Scarlett, TDA Director, stated the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority
(TDA) would like the County Commissioners to consider the relocation of the TDA office from its
current rented space at 500 Albemarle Rd, Asheboro to the County's F3EC site. The TDA Board
believes this will greatly enhance its role in promoting its attractions as well as its ability to market
the new arena and event center. The TDA is currently under a ten-year lease with an annual renewal
at its current address.
Being fully staffed from pandemic reductions, the TDA is seeking a larger building to
accommodate their staff and storage needs. Their current location is challenging for visitors to find
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as it is not located in a main visitor corridor. The TDA would like the opportunity to occupy a
standalone building at the F3EC site. This would allow the TDA to utilize the knowledge of their
industry by assisting visitors and providing event planning/coordination in conjunction with the
departments that will be located at the F3EC site. Three-fold - space for employees/storage, visibility,
and hospitality arm for new event space, is being requested.
The Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors approved support of
the relocation request during their November 15, 2023, meeting. Realizing that the current
construction of the F3EC site does not include standalone space for the TDA, they are requesting
permission from the Board of County Commissioners to begin planning for this relocation. She
proposed that the TDA would fund the architectural design of the office, with the County financing
the construction.
Chairman Frye stated no extra space was created in the F3EC in the project currently. He said a
needs assessment should be done with TDA to see what their needs are.
Vice-Chairman Allen stated other departments have shown interest in relocating to this site as
well. An assessment of the needs of all departments possibly seeking new space on the F3EC site
should be done to determine needs. Animal Services has made it known in their Animal Services
Board that are interested in seeking space on this site as well.
Commissioner Kidd said the TDA is self-sustained, and they pay their rent. This would allow
them to become a tenant of Randolph County.
Commissioner Haywood stated this would be a good location for the TDA.
Veterans Services Update
Elizabeth Wood, Veterans Services Director, reported that Randolph County Veteran Services has
a lot of exciting news to share. She thanked her team for their hard work and dedication. She shared
with the Board that their newest employee, Rita Honeycutt, started in January 2023 as an Office
Assistant and recently was reclassified as a Veteran Service Officer. After training through Nationals
and the State Regional Office, Rita is officially accredited through the VA. With their influx of
veterans from the Pact Act and continued outreach, this has been a necessity to better serve our
veterans through the VA.
Ms. Wood stated Kenneth Harvel from their office has been working extensively since July by
traveling to Randolph Correctional Center and assisting veterans and their families to obtain benefits
that they may not have known about before.
The Veteran Services Office is working on hosting a Veterans Resource Day sometime next year.
This will offer a variety of free services for our veterans, such as a meal that day, haircuts, dental
cleanings, items donated before the event, and services to find employment, housing, transitional
support, the Mobile Vet Center, mental health support, and more.
Since March 3rd, the pantry and closet has helped veterans and their families in need on over 150
different occasions. This number continues to increase, and the amount of non-perishable food has
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diminished significantly. Ms. Wood encouraged those interested in assisting their office to help with
food drives to replenish the pantry.
Ms. Wood stated their application for The Wall That Heals to come to Asheboro has been
approved. She introduced Rita Honeycutt to speak about this item. Ms. Honeycutt said this wall
features a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that is in Washington, D.C., and
stands 7.5 high feet and 375 feet in length that also includes an educational mobile center. Their
office has been collaborating with other local veteran organizations to raise funds to cover the costs
of this experience. Bringing the Wall to Asheboro would allow our Vietnam veterans who would not
be able to make it to the memorial in D.C. a chance to see it. They are anticipating 5,000 – 10,000
visitors to the wall and it will require over 200 volunteers to maintain and oversee it. Randolph
Community College has agreed to be the physical host of the location. The dates will be released
next week as to when the Wall will be in Randolph County.
Ms. Honeycutt stated there will be a meeting on January 25, 2024, with the Triad Veteran Coalition
and invited the Board to attend. This will be the first time Randolph County has been asked to be a
host of this meeting.
Commissioner Haywood stated there are a lot of positive things happening in Randolph County
in serving our veterans. She wants to make sure everyone understands that the most important thing
Veterans Services does is connect veterans and their families to the services they need.
Ms. Honeycutt thanked Ms. Wood for her leadership. She said Ms. Wood has been encouraging,
supportive, accommodating and understanding of the veterans that work for her, and she appreciates
her.
Design Services for the Seagrove – Ulah Water District
Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, stated in June of 2022, the Board awarded a contract to LKC
Engineering to design an expansion of the Seagrove Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Later
that year, the scope of the project was changed to a Pump Station and Force Main that directed the
flow to the City of Asheboro. It was anticipated that by taking this flow off of the Seagrove system,
addressing some water infiltration issues, and performing some identified maintenance repairs, the
Seagrove Sewer System would be able to meet the ongoing needs of the area. Recently, despite
these changes, the WWTP has registered monthly flow averages in excess of their Permitted
Capacity. Although flows are expected to decrease once the Uwharrie Charter pump station is
complete, there are concerns that there will not be enough capacity to provide for multiple
upcoming projects. To address this need, he has asked LKC Engineering to provide a proposal to
design a new package plant to replace the existing system at the old Luck’s plant.
Mr. Arthurs stated he has received approval from the NC Department of Environmental Quality
for the Seagrove Uwharrie Pump Station Course Main and can now move forward with the process.
On motion by McDowell, seconded by Kidd, with a vote of 5-0, the Board voted to approve LKC
Engineering through a grant from NCDEQ to provide a proposal to design a new package plant
replacing the existing system at the Old Luck’s plant.
County Manager’s Update
County Manager Hal Johnson has nothing to report at this time.
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Commissioners Update
Chairman Frye said that County Manager Hal Johnson will be recognized on his retirement at the
January 2024 Board Meeting.
Chairman Frye wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
Closed Session
On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to go into Closed Session
pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance,
character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual
public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee.
Adjournment
At 10:30 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
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Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell
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Hope Haywood Jenny Parks, Deputy Clerk to the Board
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