240304 Regular Meeting
March 4, 2024
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in Meeting
Room A, 725 McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman David Allen,
Commissioner Kenny Kidd, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Commissioner
Maxton McDowell was absent. Also present were Interim County Manager/Finance Officer Will
Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to
the Board Dana Crisco. 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.
District Attorney Andrew Gregson commended Law Enforcement for having no murders
during 2023. Special emphasis was on Project Safe Neighborhoods which is coordinated by
Rodney Trogdon.
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.
Chris Andreoli, 5626 Dashwood Dr., Pleasant Garden, spoke of mobile homes in the County.
He said that there were more mobile homes in Randolph County than other counties. The
manufactured housing creates a higher tax burden to citizens with stick-built homes. He said the
majority of citizens do not want mobile and manufactured homes.
Mary Alice Asbury, 260 Red Cedar Ct., Randleman, is an employee of Toyota Battery
Manufacturing. She had a difficult time finding a home. Guilford County is offering incentives
to contractors to build houses. Many mobile homes are being sold at $200,000 as affordable
housing.
Rhonda Carreras, 5823 Big Oak Way, Randleman, wants to address loopholes in Planning
and Zoning. The department is “chasing” projects and may need to be divided into two
departments. She called twice and was told that there is a loophole regarding manufactured homes.
She thinks more regulation should occur in the Ordinance.
Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Ct., Randleman, asked why the Confederate Monument does
not bother some people. Listen to the requests of the community and move it.
Tonya Hayes, 5978 Fred Lineberry Rd., Randleman, sharing a plea to consider the Growth
Plan for the Northeast. How do we want it to grow? What do we want it to look like?
Tim Saunders, 1402 E. Allred St., Asheboro, reminded the Board of his time speaking at
Public Comment Period. He still believes the Confederate Memorial should be taken down.
Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Tr., Ramseur, read a verse from Proverbs. He thanked the
Board for voting to keep the Confederate Memorial where it is.
3/4/24
Clyde Foust, 3749 Midway Acres Rd., Asheboro, stated that Asheboro High School hosted a
Black History forum with members of the community that participated in the Civil Rights
Movement. The students were able to ask questions about the movement. It was incredible, he
said. He continues to advocate for the statue to be removed from the front of the Historic
Courthouse.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda, as presented, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2024,
Closed Session Minutes of February 5, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes of
February 8, 2024;
approve Library Budget Amendment for Mobile Library Gift ($2,000), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #63
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $2,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Library Support $2,000
approve Budget Amendment - Animal Services ($10,731), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #64
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $10,731
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Animal Services $10,731
approve Budget Amendment - Animal Services ($19,630), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #65
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $19,630
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Animal Services $19,630
approve Budget Amendment - Social Services ($37,208), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #66
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $37,208
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $37,208
3/4/24
reappoint Tina Billings to the Randolph County Adult Home Community Advisory
Committee;
reappoint Thomas Rush to the City of Asheboro Planning Board;
approve Grant for 911 Radios ($74,978), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #67
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $74,978
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Emergency Services $74,978
approve Project Amendment #6 for Northwest Human Services Building
($48,554), as follows:
Northwest Randolph Human Services Building
Project Amendment #6
Revenues Increase Decrease
Investment Earnings $13,732
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $59,300
Property Acquisition $45,568
approve Budget Amendment - Agricultural Center Capital Project ($25,000), as
follows:
Agricultural Center Capital Project
Amendment #12
Revenues Increase Decrease
Investment Earnings $25,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $25,000
reappoint Joy Sparks to the Archdale Planning Board.
Ramseur Water and Sewer
John Grey, The Wooten Company, presented the Town of Ramseur’s request. Mayor Spivey
was unable to attend. Mr. Grey said the Town of Ramseur is at a critical time of growth. They
will be supplying Wolfspeed around .600MGD of water. With this comes changes that are needed
to allowing the mixing of Ramseur’s water with the City of Asheboro and Siler City’s water.
Ramseur currently disinfects the water with gas chlorine. To supply Wolfspeed, a switch to
chloramines is necessary. Ramseur received a grant from the state to switch from gas chlorine to
liquid bleach. They still need funding for ammonia feed/storage. This is estimated at approximately
$1 million. Not only does this allow Ramseur to grow and sell the .600 MGD of water to
Wolfspeed, but it is also a superior disinfection method compared to current processes.
3/4/24
Ramseur is also requesting funding for installation of a new sludge removal system. The current
system is not operational and cannot be repaired. To remove sludge, Ramseur hires a company to
pump out the sludge every three to four months. Once water usage increases to 1.19MGD, the
amount of sludge produced will increase as well. The estimated cost for a new sludge removal
system would be approximately $1 million.
These projects were not brought to the attention of the County in the initial funding requests
because the Wolfspeed Project had not been announced. However, the Town did include funding
for these items in a request to State Legislators submitted in fall of 2023.
Chairman Frye asked if the grant was for the chloramines and how much is the grant. Mr. Grey
said it is for the distribution system. The amount is approximately $7 million.
Chairman Frye stated that the water needs to be comingled for the whole water/sewer line to
function correctly for the design.
Vice-Chairman Allen questioned the proposed budget for both the Sludge Removal System and
the Ammonia Feed System. They were identical. Mr. Grey said they were close in cost due to the
volatility in the market.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked if sludge was usually a problem for a water system like this. Mr.
Grey stated that because this is a surface water treatment plant, solids like leaves get into the entry
to the system and are then filtered out.
Vice-Chairman Allen inquired if there was a process that could reduce the amount of sludge.
Mr. Grey confirmed that this wasn’t an unusual amount of sludge. He also stated that the water
quality continues to improve.
Chairman Frye questioned if the $1 million Ramseur was asking the County for was to
subsidize the $7 million grant. Mr. Grey responded that it was. The entire project will cost
approximately $9 million.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked if there were other grants available. Mr. Grey stated there were,
but they are very competitive.
Commissioner Kidd asked if the request to the legislature was still in consideration. Mr. Grey
said there were no awards directly to Ramseur.
Chairman Frye commented that the Board needs to understand more specific information that
affects the whole Eastern Randolph County Water District. Mr. Grey agreed and stated that the
needs of Ramseur must be addressed now for the whole system to work by the end of 2025.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked to table this item until the April meeting.
3/4/24
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to table the Ramseur water and
sewer requests until April to have more specific information available.
Randolph Community College (RCC) Land Purchase
Dr. Shah, President of RCC, stated the RCC Board of Trustees respectfully request funds to be
used to acquire a 21.95-acre tract of land in Randolph County at 5269 NC Highway 49 North,
Liberty, North Carolina 27298 (PIN 8725963334, Deed Book 2820, Page No. 1017) in the amount
of $1,498,000.
This property will be used for the development of a higher education facility to enhance the
educational opportunities for students and residents in this area of Randolph County. This
acquisition is in direct response to the needs of the County and the future needs of the College.
The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of this property during a Special Public Board
Meeting on February 2, 2024.
Chairman Frye asked Interim County Manager Will Massie to give a history of the background
of Article 46 taxes. Mr. Massie said projects such as the Cosmetology Center, the Continuing
Education Center, and the Allied Health Center were completed using the Article 46 tax levy.
Public Hearing
Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone who wished to speak
had done so.
Carl Hicks, 744 Ivy Creek Dr., Randleman, is a graduate of RCC and hopes the students will
have even more opportunities than he did.
Shirley Pabst, 234 S. Cook St., Liberty, agreed that RCC needed a Liberty campus.
Liberty Mayor Philmore York, 239 S. Fayetteville St., Liberty, spoke in favor of the request
of RCC. It has been needed for a while.
Billy Hardin, 5010 Woody Mill Rd., Julian, said RCC has a history in Liberty but does not
have permanent space.
Dr. Andrew Sykes, member of the RCC Board of Trustees, PO Box 875, Liberty, was highly
in favor of the request.
Steven Maness, 4550 Woodfern Rd., Seagrove, worked in RCC’s Advanced Manufacturing
Department in the past. He spoke in favor of the request.
Vice-Chairman Allen commented that it seems like Liberty has a “ghost presence” in Randolph
County and tends to get left out because of geography. He can get to Greensboro more quickly
than Asheboro. The location of the proposed Center is very accessible.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the land purchase for
RCC, as presented, and the associated Budget Amendment, as follows:
3/4/24
RCC Capital Project Ordinance
Project Amendment #16
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfers from the General Fund $4,413,474
Interest earnings $560,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Liberty Training Center $1,498,000
Contingency $3,475,474
Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team Annual Report
Public Health Director Tara Aker stated, in accordance with N.C.G.S. 7B-1406, the following
is the annual report of the Child Fatality Prevention Team to the County Commissioners of
recommendations for systems improvements that may prevent child fatalities in Randolph County.
Child Fatality Prevention Team Activities:
Child deaths from calendar year 2022 were reviewed by the Child Fatality Prevention
Team (CFPT). The CFPT met in person five times during the calendar year 2023.
During calendar year 2023, the CFPT reviewed two additional Randolph County
child deaths that occurred in 2021; the reports for these additional deaths were
originally sent to other counties. The CFPT reviewed these deaths in the 1st
quarter of 2023. Both deaths have been included with the causes of death and
death numbers for the 2023 annual report.
There were 23 child deaths reviewed from the previous year (2022) and 2 child
deaths reviewed from 2021.
Causes of death were:
Accidents Includes 1 death from 2021 5
Birth Defects 4
Illnesses Includes 1 death from 2021 8
Perinatal Condition 4
Other 4
Suicide 0
Homicide 0
SIDS 0
Total 25
The purpose of the Child Fatality Prevention Team is to review the deaths of all
Randolph County children from birth up to 17 years of age. The review is to determine
if system problems exist that contributed in any way to the delay of or lack of services
that might have prevented the death. If gaps exist, the team works to improve/add
services that will prevent problems for families in the future.
3/4/24
The team made the following recommendations:
No gaps were identified.
In November 2023, the team requested and received education from representatives of
Young Life of Randolph County, Dr. Kathleen Riley, and Heather Voncannon. This
community resource is a teen mentorship program that focuses on parenting education
for teens, providing community resources, safe sleep education, basic CPR classes and
more.
The Child Fatality Team Coordinator also requested a Safe Sleep Educational kit which
includes: a retractable tabletop display of important safe sleep messaging in both
English and Spanish, Pack ‘n play/doll display from Cribs for Kids and 30 board books
emphasizing safe sleep. The kit is anticipated to arrive in 2024. The Safe Sleep
Educational kit will be used to train staff, community partners and CFPT members
about creating a safe sleep environment for infants up to 12 months of age, with the
goal of reducing the risk of death due to an unsafe sleep environment and/or sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS). The CFPT will continue to seek and obtain education
regarding SIDS and Safe Sleep for children in 2024 since this continues to be an
ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.
The team will continue to address any unsafe sleep conditions by making Pack ‘n Play
portable cribs available along with safe sleep education through the Books for Babies
Program in partnership with the Randolph Partnership for Children and Randolph
Health.
Commissioner Haywood asked about fentanyl in homes with children. She said children need
just a very small amount of the drug to cause death. Ms. Aker stated that nothing specific had
been documented for fentanyl deaths in children but that is not to say that it wasn’t a factor.
Social Services Director Tracie Murphy, said in accordance with NCGS 143-576.1(a) (2), the
following is the annual report of the Community Child Protection Team to the County
Commissioners of recommendations for system improvements in Randolph County. She turned
the presentation over to Janetta Butler, Assistant Social Services Director Child Protective
Services.
Community Child Protection Team Activities:
The Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) met in person monthly during this year
(January 1, 2023– December 31, 2023). Eleven current cases of children under the
protection of Social Services were reviewed.
Areas of concern were:
Adult Mental Health Issues 1
Sex Abuse 2
Injurious Environment 6
Physical Abuse/Injury 2
Improper Supervision 2
3/4/24
Improper Care 2
Dependency 1
Improper Medical/Remedial Care 2
Total 18
The purpose of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) is to identify systemic
deficiencies in child welfare services or resources. Once identified, teams develop
strategies to address the gaps in the child welfare system within the County.
The following gaps and recommendations were identified:
Child deaths related to co-sleeping: CCPT had a training on safe sleep during a monthly
meeting presented by Randolph Public Health.
Increase public awareness about conditions that have an impact on child protection
within the community: CCPT recommended continuous community education with
law enforcement, school system, daycare centers, all medical professions, mental
health facilities and churches.
Action steps taken by DSS:
DSS held its second annual Safe Sleep training for all Child Protective Services (CPS)
employees regarding the dangers of co-sleeping and processes to ensure that current
guidelines of the dangers of co-sleeping is disseminated to parents.
DSS was able to take part in the Asheboro Police Department’s and RCSO In-Service
Training educating staff on making CPS reports, new policies, and procedures to
increase awareness and open communication between DSS and community partners.
DSS continues to use 911 communications scheduling calendar. DSS keeps 911
communications aware of our afterhours CPS Supervisor with their contact information
so that someone is always readily available to them. DSS also completed training with
911 communications educating them on making reports, new policies, and procedures
to continue open and clear communication between DSS and 911 communications.
DSS met with the Charter Schools, Randolph County and Asheboro City Schools
nurses and social workers keeping them abreast of all new policies and procedures.
DSS met with Randolph County Partnership for Children educating them on how to
make reports, policies, procedures, and indicators of abuse and neglect to increase
awareness and partner with our childcare providers that reach our 0-5 youth.
DSS completed a presentation with Latinx, a new community partner in Asheboro. The
presentation provided information on how to make CPS reports, CPS policies, and
procedures.
3/4/24
DSS held a training at Lydia’s Place educating their staff on DSS’ new policies and
procedures and steps on making CPS reports.
DSS met with Randolph Health’s nursing staff to educate and update them on new DSS
policies and procedures to continue community engagement and education.
Each community partner was given informational handouts and flyers on how to report
abuse, neglect, and dependency.
Were there any intensive death reviews during this reporting period?
The State Division of Social Services conducted one Intensive Fatality Review during
this reporting period.
Chairman Frye questioned if the statistics included adoptive homes. Ms. Butler said yes,
but the case is sent to another County for review.
Commissioner Kidd asked for an explanation of Intensive Review. Ms. Butler stated that
there is a list of criteria that makes an occurrence intensive; co-sleeping and substance abuse
are two examples.
Golden Leaf Grant for the Farm, Food, and Family Education Center (F3EC)
Kenny Sherin, Cooperative Extension Director, spoke of the meetings with Golden Leaf about
a year ago. Each year, Golden LEAF provides competitive grant opportunities in three categories
to designated Prosperity Zones. The FY 23-24 Community Based Grants Initiative (CBGI)
targeted the Piedmont Triad Prosperity Zone for grant applications in Workforce Preparedness,
Job Creation, and Agriculture. County Manager endorsement was necessary for submissions to be
considered for funding.
Mr. Sherin and Ms. Leia Stiegmann, Strategic Program Coordinator, put together a proposal
for the Food, Farm, and Family Education Center. The request was for $1.5 million for
construction costs. It received Manager endorsement. Golden LEAF informed the County that
funded construction projects were not eligible for the Grant. The Cooperative Extension team then
developed an equipment budget to support farmer training.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-0 to accept the Golden Leaf
Grant in the amount of $1 million, designate William Massie as the Authorized Representative for
the documentation, and approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows:
Agricultural Center Capital Project
Amendment #13
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $1,000,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Equipment $800,000
Construction $200,000
3/4/24
Sheriff’s Office INVICTUS Renovation Project
Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, said at the February Meeting, the Board awarded the construction
contract to Garanco, Inc. to renovate the space at Northgate for the INVICTUS Lab. This contract
contained an allowance for the mechanical system since the final design was not complete when the
project was bid. Since that time, he met the Mechanical Engineer at the site and learned that the cooling
needs for the lab are considerably more than originally estimated. This room will have multiple high-
powered computers along with an internal rack for switches and storage equipment that put off a
considerable amount of heat. This heat load requires an additional cooling unit for the room. The cost
for this updated design is $38,000, which is $26,000 more than the original allowance of $12,000.
Chairman Frye asked if there were members from surrounding counties participating. Sheriff
Seabolt said yes. They will work with them in the INVICTUS investigations.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the change order to
the Sheriff’s Office INVICTUS Renovation Project, authorize the County Manager to sign the
amendment, and approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows:
Northgate Capital Project Fund
Amendment #10
Revenues Increase Decrease
Investment Income $26,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $26,000
VIPER Tower
Will Massie, Interim County Manager/Finance Officer, said in September 2022, the Board
approved the construction of an additional emergency communication tower for the center part of
the county. At that time, it was to be fully funded with ARPA Revenue Loss monies.
Recently, it became clear that the project could fall within the Public Sector Capacity category
of restricted ARPA funding. Accordingly, we would like to use a combination of this restricted
funding and previously approved resources to fund the project.
Please authorize the Viper Tower project to be partially funded as an ARPA project and approve
the following budget amendment presented.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the use of ARPA
funds for the VIPER Tower in the amount of $1 million and the associated Budget Amendment, as
follows:
Coronavirus Recovery Fund
Amendment #23
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Sector Capacity $1,000,000
Contingency $1,000,000
3/4/24
County Manager’s Update
Mr, Massie will be attending a Finance Officer’s Conference Wednesday, Thursday, and
th
Friday, March 6-8, 2024. He reminded the Board of the March 13 retreat. He also mentioned a
joint meeting with the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan District Board that evening. The consensus of
the Board was to go ahead and have that meeting.
Commissioner Updates
Chairman Frye commented on a Piedmont Triad Regional Council report for the year ending
June 30, 2023.
th
Commissioner Haywood stated Grays Chapel Elementary School is celebrating their 100
anniversary soon. There will be a celebration and tickets on sale for a meal.
Adjournment
At 7:52 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Hayworth, the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
________________________________ _________________________________
Kenny Kidd Hope Haywood
________________________________
Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
3/4/24