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240205 Regular Meeting February 5, 2024 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Randolph County Office Building, Meeting Room A, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco, and Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks. Bishop Michael Trogdon from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was live streamed on YouTube. 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. Jane Ledwell Gant, 2713 Ledwell Road, Asheboro, stated she wants to see the confederate monument moved from the Old Historical Courthouse lawn. She has asked the Board many times to act on this and she will continue to come before the Board until someone hears her. Larry Chilton, NC Hwy. 22 N, Ramseur, said he supports the updated Noise Ordinance, and he thanked the Board members that have listened to him and responded to his concerns. He is unclear of the time-frame restriction and the decimal level that is stated in the ordinance. The evening hours are still concerning in his neighborhood with the timeframe that is stated. Amanda Varner, 3741 Grantville Lane, Asheboro, thanked the Board for their attentiveness to the Noise Ordinance. She is concerned with Section 1.06 that refers to the time-frame restrictions and the decimal level restrictions that are stated in the Ordinance. She asked what the timeframe for the limitations on decimals levels would be for daytime and nighttime. Brad Thomas, 2800 Old Lexington Road, Asheboro, said he was with Pierced Ministries and is in support of the funding being presented to fund this ministry. He is a doctor who works with those in recovery using faith-based programs. He asked the Board to support the proposed funding for Pierced Ministries. Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Court, Randleman, said he would like to see the Confederate monument moved from the Old Historic Courthouse lawn. He stated for more than two years there have been several Randolph County citizens that have brough this item before the Board in support of relocating the monument. Chairman Frye stated that New Business Item K. Appoint Two Representatives to the Trillium Health Resources Regional Advisory Board would be moved after New Business Item C. Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) Annual Report. 02/05/24 Consent Agenda On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of January 2, 2024; Special Meetings of January 8, 2024 and January 22, 2024 and Closed Session of January 22, 2024;  approve Budget Amendment – TDA #2024-07 ($40,000): Tourism Development Authority Budget Amendment #2024-07 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $40,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Operating Cost $5,000 Marketing Cost $35,000  reappoint Donald Strider to the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water Authority;  appoint Scott Kidd to the Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board (PTRWDB);  approve Audit Contract for FY 23-24;  approve Library Trust Budget Amendment (15,000) as follow: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance – Library Trust Budget Amendment #58 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $15,000 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Library Support $15,000  ratify vote of Compensation for County Management;  approve the county’s Petition to Remain Substantially Equivalent, as Requested by the Office of State Human Resources  appoint Dennis Wicker and Reappoint W. Joe Allen, Kemp Davis, Thomas Lawrence, Mike Morgan, Roger Pritchard, and Linda York to the Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board;  approve Budget Amendment – TDA #2024-08 ($2,700) as follows: Tourism Development Authority Budget Amendment #2024-08 Revenues Increase Decrease 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Operating Cost $2,700 Tourism Related Projects $2,700 02/05/24  approve Budget Amendment for the Seagrove-Ulah Wastewater Capital Project Fund as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Grant Fund Budget Amendment #19 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Rural Water Infrastructure $3,000,000 Fund Contingency $3,000,000 Seagrove-Ulah WWTP Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #5 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $3,000,000 $3,000,000 Transfer from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease  approve Budget Amendment #6 – I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Project ($17,600) as follows: Randolph I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund Budget Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $17,600 Construction $17,600  approve the resolution for $2,500,000 State Water and Sewer Grant as follows: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING STATE WATER AND SEWER GRANT WHEREAS, Randolph County has received a state earmark for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funded from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund established in S.L. 2022-74 to assist eligible units of government with meeting their water/wastewater infrastructure needs, and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to Randolph County in the amount of $2,500,000 to perform work detailed in the submitted application, and WHEREAS, Randolph County intends to perform said project in accordance with the agreed scope of work, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RANDOLPH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: That Randolph County does hereby accept the American Rescue Plan Grant offer of $2,500,000. 02/05/24 That Randolph County does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any Conditions or Assurances contained in the Award Offer will be adhered to. That William Massie, Assistant County Manager/ Finance Officer, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with this project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required by the Division of Water Infrastructure. Consider Contributions to Local Agencies Senator Dave Craven stated with funding obtained in the State budget by our legislative delegation, the County was provided special funding for capital needs. As a result, the County can consider using General Fund resources for special appropriations to certain department programs and to community organizations that provide public services. These appropriations total $1,500,000 and support a variety of community programs. If the Board of County Commissioners wishes to offer these grants, we can begin the application and contract process. The following public service organizations that are eligible for funding include: Fire Departments $400,000 United Way of Randolph County 190,000 Farmer Civitan Club 20,000 Randolph Family Crisis Center 100,000 Our Daily Bread 25,000 Honoring Our Veterans 50,000 Hospice Randolph County 100,000 Uwharrie Youth Sportsman Assn 50,000 Grubb YMCA 150,000 Pierce Ministries (Trinity) 100,000 Raiders Youth Football 10,000 Guardian Ad Litem Randolph Volunteers 5,000 Asheboro Rotary Club 100,000 Randolph County Departments: Randolph County Sheriff's Office 110,000 Randolph County Animal Shelter 25,000 Adult Day Reporting Center 50,000 Randolph County Veteran Services 15,000 $1,500,000 Chairman Frye said this funding gives an opportunity for Randolph County to get back some of the taxes that have been paid to the state to benefit the needs in the county. On motion by Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to accept the allocations as presented in the amount of $1.4 million and the associated Budget Amendment as follows: 02/05/24 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance Budget Amendment #59 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $1,500,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $110,000 Animal Services $25,000 Veterans Services $15,000 Adult Day Reporting Center $50,000 Other Public Safety $400,000 Other Human Services $690,000 Other Cultural and Recreational $210,000 On motion by McDowell, seconded by Haywood, with Kidd recusing himself from voting, the Board voted 4-0 to accept the allocations as presented to the Family Crisis Center in the amount of $100,000. Randolph Community College (RCC) Strategic Planning Process Linda Brown, Strategic Planning and Development Officer of Randolph Community College (RCC) gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding RCC’s 2024 Strategic Planning. The county and region are changing; and Randolph Community College’s vision is to provide a new hub, Applied Industrial AI Center of North Carolina (AIAINC), for meeting the growing demands of the community, provide a new satellite center in Liberty, and system-wide upgrades, expansion, and renovations. Having an integrated strategic plan that aligns RCC’s priorities along with local jurisdictions and partners is the anchor in their pursuit of growth and long-term sustainability. Ms. Brown stated this is a transparent process and they will be engaging everyone. If anyone wishes to give input on their Strategic Planning process, they may do by attending public meetings, emailing the college, or submitting information via a form on their website. RCC will keep citizens informed by news releases to local and regional media, through their campus newsletter, on social media, and on the RCC website. Chairman Frye said he, Commissioner Haywood, and Commissioner Kidd attended the fire chief’s monthly meeting recently and the fire departments were pleased with the upgrades to the training center. Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) Annual Report Kenny Sherin, Cooperative Extension Director, stated in 2023, an audit and update were conducted for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) record-keeping. The process of 02/05/24 approving, recording, and tracking land parcels involves at least three county departments: the Randolph County N.C. Cooperative Extension Center, Planning Department, and Tax Department. One issue identified in the audit is the VAD status of sold or transferred parcels. Upon land transfer, parcels are assigned new Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs), and the VAD status does not automatically transfer to these new PIN numbers. While VAD status can be transferred with the property, the change in PIN numbers requires the landowner to be contacted for guidance on whether the transfer affects the parcel's eligibility according to the VAD ordinance. The three county departments have collaboratively developed a process to account for parcel transfers and update VAD status. In the 2023 report, Randolph County was reported to have over 26,240.41 acres in the VAD program. The audit and updated records revealed the following data: - Acreage in VAD: 18,220.92 - Acreage in Enhanced VAD: 1,310.02 - Total Acres: 19,530.94 - Total Parcels: 465 - Number of Acres added in 2023: 917.59 In previous years, sold or transferred parcels were not deducted from the total reported due to communication gaps between departments. Moving forward, yearly reports will be generated from the collaboratively maintained database by the Cooperative Extension, Planning, and Tax Departments. Other activities related to VAD in the current year include: - Purchase of new signs to replace old and faded signs on current properties - Presentations about entering the VAD at community meetings - Increased awareness of VAD participation spurred by the Growth Management Plan update Finally, the Voluntary Agriculture Board expresses gratitude to the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of the Farm, Food, and Family Education Center. A groundbreaking ceremony for this $35 Million project was held on November 13, 2023. The VAD board has advocated for this project for many years and appreciates the progress that has been made. Mr. Sherin thanked all of the VAD Board Members that have agreed to serve, as well as the Board for approving those appointments and reappointments; and he introduced those in attendance. Mr. Sherin reported that the Farm, Food, and Education Center (F3EC), was recently awarded $1 million from Golden Leaf funding. Trillium Health Resources Regional Advisory Board Appointments Vice-Chairman Allen stated the Board will need to appoint two representatives to the Trillium Health Resources Advisory Board. He introduced Anthony Ward of Trillium. Mr. Ward stated, to maintain local connections throughout the 46-county consolidated catchment area, Trillium Health Resources will have a Regional Advisory Board. The Regional Advisory Boards include 02/05/24 two members from each county, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, including one (1) County Commissioner or designee and one (1) appointed member, meeting the criteria in North Carolina General Statute 122C-118-1. On motion by McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Commissioner Allen and Ann Shaw to represent Randolph County on the local Regional Advisory Board for Trillium Health Resources. Liberty Strategic Planning Funding Request Scott Kidd, Liberty Town Manager, stated the Town of Liberty strives to provide a small-town feel in an area that, over the past two years, experienced—and will continue to experience—growth challenges due to local economic development. To ensure that it promotes physical and mental wellness and provides recreational opportunities to its existing and future residents, Liberty has secured grant funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 2020 as well as the State budget to enhance and expand amenities at Freedom Park. Inflation costs coupled with prolonged grant timelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic have tripled original project costs. With $500,000 of external funding secured for this project, the Town of Liberty is requesting $200,000 in Strategic Planning Funds which will be matched by NC Parks to complete the $900,000 project. If funded, the Town of Liberty will direct $200,000 in Strategic Planning Funds toward two amenities requested by surveyed community residents:  Amphitheater Shell: $100,000 required for installation of acoustical shell for outdoor amphitheater space to host musical events and film screenings.  Splash Pad and basketball court upfit: $100,000 to renovate basketball courts and construct a Splash Pad. With this project, the Town of Liberty aims to increase access to cultural and recreational opportunities for Liberty-area families with children. If funded, Liberty will monitor and report on the number of rentals of the Splash Pad and the number of families who report using the Splash Pad during general admission hours to ensure access to this amenity and to provide adequate hours of operation for continued use. Liberty will also monitor and report on the number of musical events and films screened at the amphitheater along with the number of residents who attend both types of events. This data will allow the Town to evaluate the accessibility of these amenities for the community and for continuous improvement. Funds received through Splash Pad rentals will contribute to the sustainability of this project through facility maintenance and event operational costs. The Town of Liberty’s Freedom Park Improvement Project goals align with Randolph County’s Strategic Plan goals of: 1. Improving access to health and wellness within Randolph County by reducing barriers. 2. Targeting and attracting visitors, encouraging them to spend more time and money in Randolph County. 3. Preserving and improving our county’s rich historical, artistic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources. 02/05/24 Mr. Kidd thanked the Board for appointing him to the Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board (PTRWDB) and he looks forward to serving on this board. Chairman Frye said that Leah Gearhart, Randolph County Strategic Program Coordinator assisted the Town of Liberty with this process. On motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Strategic Planning Funding request by the Town of Liberty for $200,000 for improvements to Freedom Park and the associated Budget Amendment as follows: 2023-2024 General Fund Budget Amendment #60 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $200,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Cultural and Recreational $200,000 Appropriations Engineering Contract for Liberty Water Meter Design William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated as the Town of Liberty, along with unincorporated areas within northeastern Randolph County receive unprecedented growth pressures, it is important to study all available infrastructure options to ensure quality services in the future. It is the desire of staff to enter an engineering contract with McGill Associates, P.A., to provide engineering services to investigate the potential of a new water meter in the northeastern part of Randolph County to extend water services to future developments north of the Town of Liberty and to potentially provide Liberty with an emergency backup water supply. The total cost of this task order is $20,000. State funding will be used for the project, but those funds are not yet available. Please establish a capital project and transfer monies from the Rural Water Contingency for the anticipated engineering costs. On motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) hire McGill Associates to provide an engineering study for a Liberty Area Water Meter in the amount of $20,000, 2) approve the Budget Amendment to the Rural Water Infrastructure Fund as follows, and 3) adopt the Liberty Water and Sewer Improvements Capital Project Ordinance as follows: Rural Water Infrastructure Fund Project Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease 02/05/24 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Liberty Water and Sewer $20,000 Improvements Capital Project $20,000 Contingency LIBERTY WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a project for the design and construction of water and sewer improvements to strengthen the Town of Liberty utility infrastructure. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the Rural Water Infrastructure Fund $ 20,000 $ 20,000 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services 20,000 $ 20,000 Section 4. The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Capital Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on February 5, 2024, and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Franklinville Infrastructure Maintenance Project William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated a large focus of the Randolph County Water & Sewer Master Plan was to seek project requests from Local Governments that would facilitate both industrial and residential growth. During solicitation, multiple maintenance projects were identified and prioritized based on factors including but not limited to, number of 02/05/24 residential dwellings benefitting, economic development benefit, and whether the project was in an economically distressed area. The Ogle’s Creek Pump Station and Force Main Replacement project ranked second on the list of proposed maintenance projects. In December 2023, Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, and William Johnson, Assistant County Manager, met with leaders from the town of Franklinville to confirm that this project was still a priority for the town and its ability to improve services to its citizens. It is the desire of staff for Randolph County to enter a contract with LKC Engineering, PLLC, to provide surveying, engineering design, certification, and NCDEQ compliance for the Franklinville Ogle’s Creek Pump Station and Force Main Replacement project. The total cost of intended ARPA funding will be used for the entire project. Please establish a capital project and transfer monies from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for the anticipated project Costs. On motion by Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) enter into a contract with LKC Engineering in the amount of $298,000 to provide engineering design and services for Ogle’s Creek Pump Station and Force Main replacement, 2) approve the Budget Amendment to the Coronavirus Recovery Fund as follows, and 3) adopt the Franklinville Water and Sewer Improvements Capital Project Ordinance in the amount of $2 million as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Franklinville Water and $2,000,000 Sewer Improvements Capital Project $2,000,000 Contingency FRANKLINVILLE WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a project for the design and construction of water and sewer improvements to strengthen the Town of Franklinville’s utility infrastructure. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000 02/05/24 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services $ 300,000 Construction 1,692,500 Contingency 7,500 $ 2,000,000 Section 4.The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5.The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Capital Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on February 5, 2024, and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Water and Sewer Improvements for Ramseur William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated a large focus of the Randolph County Water & Sewer Master Plan was to seek project requests from Local Governments that would facilitate both industrial and residential growth. During solicitation, multiple maintenance projects were identified and prioritized based on factors including but not limited to, number of residential dwellings benefitting, economic development benefit, and whether the project was in an economically distressed area. The Ramseur Main Pumpstation, Force Main, and Tube Pumpstation Replacement project ranked first on the list of proposed maintenance projects. In December 2023, Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, and William Johnson, Assistant County Manager, met with leaders from the town of Ramseur to confirm that this project was still a priority for the town and its ability to improve services to its citizens. It is the desire of staff for Randolph County to enter a contract with The Wooten Company, to provide design survey, and final design, services for the project. The total cost of the contract totals $259,400. Intended ARPA funding will be used for the entire project. Please establish a capital project and transfer monies from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for the anticipated project costs. On motion by Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the engineering contract in the amount of $259,400 with The Wooten Company, 2) approve the associated Budget Amendment to the Coronavirus Recovery Fund, and 3) adopt the Ramseur Water and Sewer Improvements Capital Project Ordinance as follows: 02/05/24 Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #21 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Ramseur Water and Sewer $1,500,000 Improvements Capital Project $1,500,000 Contingency RAMSEUR WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a project for the design and construction of water and sewer improvements to strengthen the Town of Ramseur utility infrastructure. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund $ 1,500,000 $ 1,500,000 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services $ 112,480 Construction 1,387,520 $ 1,500,000 Section 4.The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Capital Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on February 5, 2024, and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Updated Noise Ordinance 02/05/24 Tonya Caddle, Planning and Zoning Director presented an updated draft of the Randolph County Noise Ordinance and went over the updates with the Board. Chairman Frye said he has received phone calls questioning the hours stated in the ordinance. Ms. Caddle deferred to Ben Morgan, Randolph County Attorney, for his suggestions on this item. Mr. Morgan stated it will be challenging to create something while trying to anticipate any of the unintended consequences of the ordinance. He said it will be very challenging for the Sheriff’s Department to enforce this ordinance if caution is not taken in writing it. Commissioner Haywood said it was almost impossible to set hours within this ordinance. Mr. Morgan stated the staff needs direction from the Board on what should be included in the Noise Ordinance. The hours stated in the draft ordinance came from a previous ordinance. The Board decided to have Planning and Zoning staff look at the Noise Ordinance again and bring it back to the Board for review later. Technology Capital Replacement Funding RJ Williamson, IT Director, stated Randolph County Government has an immediate need for funding to address the replacement of the physical access control system (Door/Card access system), along with the core network switches that are connected to the data centers. The current access control system was installed in March of 2004. While it has served the County well, it has become outdated. Hardware parts and software support for this system are now non-existent. Currently, the County is experiencing problems with this system weekly, and it is becoming a security concern for the office buildings using this system. In April of 2022, the County elected to stop using the old access control/door system for any new construction or renovation project and selected a newer system that has excellent part availability and support. The new system was used for most of the Northgate complex, the Public Health Building, and the new Northwest Office building in Archdale. This new access control system needs to be installed in the remaining County buildings, with exception of the Detention Center. The Detention Center has its own self-contained access control system. The Randolph County Courthouse has the most frequent problems with the old door system and should be the first building for replacement. The remaining buildings should be scheduled for replacement following the Courthouse. Installation of this system will have very little to no impact on daily operations and can be conducted during business hours. The access control system replacements on the county buildings will be phased in over the next couple of years. Mr. Williamson anticipates a service life of twenty years for the new access control system. Mr. Williamson said there is also a capital funding need for the replacement of the County’s core network switches located in two County data centers. These are the most powerful and critical switches within the County network that connect to the servers and make applications and services available to County offices and the public. 02/05/24 The core switch at the Backup 911 data center was purchased in July of 2015. The core switch at the ESHQ data center was purchased in February of 2017. Typical life expectancy of the caliber of switches are currently used is 5-7 years. These switches are over that mark and are showing their age. All available ports on these switches have been used up as well. The failure of a core switch would cause an extended network outage that would impair the services that the County provides. Current switches need to be replaced with resilient switches having enough capacity for expected growth and the appropriate level of performance for a mission-critical piece of hardware. The service life of ten years for new core network switches is anticipated. Budgetary estimates are $400,000 for the access control system, and $250,000 for the core network switches in both County data centers. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Budget Amendment and Project Amendment associated with the 2024 Technology Work Plan as follows: 2024 General Fund Budget Amendment #61 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $650,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to the Technology Capital $650,000 Project Fund Technology Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #12 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from the General Fund $650,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease 2024 Work Plan $650,000 Public Safety Radio Paging Systems Donovan Davis, Chief, stated he is requesting that the Board authorize using $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace the Randolph County Public Safety Radio Paging System. The current Very High Frequency (VHF) radio paging system is aged and must be replaced. This critical system is used to alert fire, EMS, and rescue emergency responders to calls by transmitting audible tones and voice dispatch. In part, the funds will be used to retain and pay a consultant who will identify areas of poor coverage, assist with the overall design, assist with writing requests for proposals (RFP), assist 02/05/24 with equipment selection and procurement, and facilitate installation. Requests for qualifications have already been obtained and can now move this project forward. The Board will be asked to award the main paging system bid later in 2024. General funds were previously allocated to the EMS Department for this project; however, this project qualifies for ARPA under “Treasury Expenditure Category 3.4 Public Sector Capacity: Effective Service Delivery.” The ARPA committee has recommended this project for funding through ARPA. On motion by Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize $1 million of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace the public safety VHF paging system as allowed under ARPA Treasury Expenditure Category 3.4 Public Sector Capacity: Effective Service Delivery and associated Budget Amendment to the Coronavirus Recovery Fund as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #22 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Sector Capacity $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Contingency Sheriff’s Office Invictus Renovation Bid Results William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated during the December Board Meeting, the Board approved a Resolution in support of the Sheriff’s Office INVICTUS project to combat the growing problems of child exploitation and human trafficking. Since that time, Smith Sinnett Architecture has completed Bid Documents and a Request for Bids has been issued for this th project. On January 26, the following bids were received: - Garanco, Inc. $ 179,600 - Lomax Construction, Inc. $ 182,200 Since the original cost estimate from the Architect was $143,428, the County Engineer, Paxton Arthurs, reached out to Garanco, the low bidder, and asked for some potential cost savings that could be negotiated. A multi-year capital project fund has already been established to account for construction and renovation costs in the Northgate Commons facility, separate from the General Fund. In December, the Board approved special funding for renovation of the Invictus project. If the Board of County Commissioners wishes to accept the adjusted construction bid with Garanco for $169,000, additional funding will be necessary. 02/05/24 On motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to award the Bid for the Invictus project to Garanco in the amount of $169,000, approve the associated Budget Amendment to the Northgate Capital Project Fund as follows, and allow the County Manager to sign the contract: Northgate Capital Project Fund Project Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Income $25,572 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $25,572 Scope of Work for State Grants Will Massie, Interim County Manager/Finance Officer stated Randolph County will receive three State Capital and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) Directed Grants that were included in the 2023- 24 Biennium State Budget. Randolph County was allocated $2,450,000 for general capital needs, $400,000 for fire department radios, and $20,000 for the Run 5 Feed 5 program. The $2,450,000 could be added to the F3EC project if the Board wishes. There is specific reporting and compliance with these allocations. The state does not distribute grant funds until the scope of work documentation is submitted and approved. Once that is done, the State will prepare contracts for these grants. After the contracts are signed grant funds will be made available to the County. On motion by Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) accept these three SCIF grants, 2) authorize the Chairman to sign all grant documentation, and 3) approve the associated budget amendments to the General Fund and to the Agricultural Center Capital Project Fund as follows: General Fund Budget Amendment #62 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $420,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Public Safety Appropriations $400,000 Other Human Services Appropriations $20,000 Agricultural Center Capital Project Ordinance Project Amendment #11 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $2,450,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease 02/05/24 Contingency $2,450,000 Consider Proposed Budget Schedule Will Massie, Interim County Manager/Finance Officer, shared the proposed Budget Schedule for approval as follows: Randolph County, North Carolina Proposed 2024-2025 Budget Adoption Schedule Tuesday, May 28 Proposed Budget Presentations 6:00 - 6:40 p.m. Proposed County Budget 6:40 - 7:00 p.m. Asheboro City Schools 7:00 - 7:20 p.m. Randolph County Schools 7:20 - 7:40 p.m. Randolph Community College Monday, June 3 Regular June Commissioners Meeting 6:00 p.m. Mental Health - LME/MCO Thursday, June 6 County Department Presentations 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. All County Departments Monday, June 10 Public Input 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Community Agencies Requesting Financial Assistance 6:30 p.m. Fire Department Presentations 6:30 p.m. Public Hearings 1) Appropriation to Randolph Economic Dev. Corp. 2) Proposed County Budget Monday, June 17 Budget Adoption 6:00 p.m. Approve Close-out Budget Amendments for FY 2023-24 Capital Improvement Plan Review Capital Project Schedule for 2024-25 2024-25 Budget Adoption Adopt Fire Districts Property Tax Rates Adopt School Districts Property Tax Rates Adopt County Fee Schedules Discussion of Manager's Proposed 2024-25 Budget Adoption of Final County Budget and County Property Tax Rate 02/05/24 On motion by Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Proposed Budget Adoption Schedule as presented. County Manager’s Update Interim County Manager Will Massie reminded the Board of the joint meeting with Asheboro City Schools, Thursday, February 8, 2024. This meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in their Professional Development Center. Mr. Massie said he met with RCC after their presentation to the Board on January 22, 2024, to obtain a rough draft of the timing of all of their projects that were presented. This will help with the timing and cash-flow of these projects. Mr. Massie stated the Public Information Officer job vacancy has been posted to the public and hopefully it will be filled within the next few months. Mr. Massie shared that the City of Randleman approved a lease agreement with the state on the Viper Tower. The state would like this process to go through Randolph County. He said the final details are currently being worked out on this item. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Haywood reminded everyone of the last screening in Randolph County of the documentary titled “The Veterans Battlefield” which will be held on February 6, 2024, at the Archdale Public Library at 6:30 p.m. This documentary that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners produced aired in Asheboro on January 28, 2024, and Liberty on February 3, 2024. She thanked those who assisted with the documentary viewings in Randolph County including those who served on the panel, as well as each staff at each location it was shown. Chairman Frye said there will be a meeting of the Eastern Randolph County Water and Sewer District immediately following adjournment. Chairman Frye thanked the Board and staff for all of they have done to contribute to the operations of Randolph County Government. Adjournment At 7:40 pm on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell 02/05/24 ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Jenny Parks, Deputy Clerk to the Board 02/05/24