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240401 Regular Meeting April 1, 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. Special Recognitions Chairman Frye read the Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation and stated it would be added to the consent agenda for approval. Tracie Murphy, Department of Social Services Director, introduced Andy Gregson with the DA’s Office, Sheriff Greg Seabolt, and Desiree’ Lambert with Emmy’s House Children’s Advocacy Center. All of them spoke on child abuse prevention. In closing, Ms. Murphy stated there will be a Child Abuse Prevention Walk on April 26, 2024. Commissioner Haywood stated that several of the organizations on the Consent Agenda, particularly the Nursing and Adult Care Home Advisory Committees are functioning with volunteers, and they are in need of more. 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. Rhonda Carreras, 5823 Big Oak Way, Randleman, stated she is concerned about the number of manufactured homes being built in the county. She feels there should be more investigations completed as to whether or not the manufactured homes are being built by landowners who will be living in these homes or by agents who are placing these homes for people to rent. Tonya Hayes, 5978 Fred Lineberry Road, Randleman, stated she is concerned about the number of manufactured homes being built in Randolph County, especially in the northeast part of the county. She feels the Commissioners should put more thought into where they are being placed as well as how many should be allowed. Clyde Foust, 3746 Midway Acres Road, Asheboro, thanked law enforcement and all of those working on child abuse prevention. He stated he would like to see the Confederate Monument moved from the Old Historic Courthouse lawn. Consent Agenda 04/01/24 On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent agenda, as presented, as follows:  CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, in fiscal year ending June 2023, 1,310 reports were made to Randolph County DSS child protective services; and WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Randolph County; and WHEREAS, child abuse can have long‐term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community‐ and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and continue to promote the social and emotional well of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim April 2024 as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Randolph County and urges all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2024;  reappoint Ellen Greer, Stephen Grove, Tami Hinshaw, and Sue Spencer to the Randolph County Public Library Board of Trustees;  approve Budget Amendment – Public Health ($50,000) as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund Budget Amendment #68 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $50,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $50,000 04/01/24  approve Project Amendment – ARPA Funds – 911 Building Renovations ($43,218) as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Grant Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #24 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Sector Capacity $43,218 $43,218 Contingency  reappoint Christine Caviness to the Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and Christine Caviness and Lou Cox to the Randolph County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee;  approve Project Amendment – Public Health Renovations ($25,000) as follows: Health Facility Renovation Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional services $15,000 Miscellaneous $10,000 Construction $25,000  approve the Revised HCCGB Funding for FY 23-24 and the Associated Budget Amendment ($239,260) as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance Budget Amendment #69 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $239,260 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services Appropriations $239,260  approve Reclassification for Debt Set-off Coordinator Position. Ramseur Water and Sewer Funding John Grey, with the Wooten Company, gave a brief report on Ramseur’s request for additional water and sewer funding. He stated Ramseur will need to add a sludge removal system to their current plant. Will Massie, Interim County Manager/Finance Officer, said a multi-year capital project fund has already been established to account for Ramseur Water and Sewer Improvements, separate from the General Fund. If the Board wishes to approve the sludge removal and ammonia feed system projects for $2,162,500, the County can finance them using the state water and sewer directed grant. 04/01/24 Vice-Chairman Allen said the Board recently had a meeting with the Town of Ramseur and the Board needs to continue to work with them, developing Memorandums of Understanding, and developing local agreements. He stated it was very important the Ramseur Board understands their cooperation and their help is needed in accomplishing these projects. He said these funds that will be used are one-time funds. He does not want people to think the commissioners have unlimited resources. Chairman Frye explained the process and plan of water being run to Wolfspeed in Chatham County through the Town of Ramseur from the City of Asheboro. He also said cooperation is needed in this process. Communication on the status of these projects is very important in keeping the commissioners informed. Commissioner Kidd stated he was concerned with the request being made. He feels those making the request are not interested in the whole project and in moving forward. Communication will be key for this to be successful. Commissioner Haywood said she sees this as a good opportunity to address water issues in the eastern part of the county. On motion by Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-1, with Kidd voting no, to 1) approve both water quality projects as presented by the Town of Ramseur, financed with the state W&S grant, 2) approve the proposed engineering contract with Wooten for $268,300 and authorize the Interim County Manager to sign the contract, and 3) approve the associated Project Amendment as follows: Ramseur Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund Budget Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $2,162,500 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $268,300 Construction $1,722,000 Contingency $172,200 Soil and Water Position Request Craig Frazier, Chairman of the Randolph County Soil and Water District Board, stated the Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to hire an Education Coordinator. The salary for this position would be partially funded by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Job duties of this position include providing training for new soil and water environmental educators, facilitating workshops, coordinating state-level education contests, assisting in planning 04/01/24 education sessions at statewide meetings, developing curriculum focused on conservation practices used in agriculture, and assisting the current environmental educator with offering school and community outreach programs in Randolph County. Bryan Evans, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, said the Association promotes volunteer conservation on working lands and educating people is key. The Association is looking for ways to expand environmental education and this is one of those ways this can be done. Chairman Frye asked if the $25,000 from the Association would be renewable each year. Mr. Frazier said it would be. On motion by McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the requested new position, Soil and Water Environmental Education Coordinator, 2) add the position to Grade 115 of the County’s Classification Plan effective April 1. 2024, 3) accept the $25,000 funding per year from the NC Association of Soil and Water Districts for the position to perform regional assignments, and 4) change the existing classification title of Soil and Water Environmental Education and Office Support Coordinator, which is also at Grade 115, to Environmental Education and Office Administrator, in order to better distinguish between these two unique job titles. RCC Construction and Renovation of Buildings Dr. Shah Ardalan, Randolph Community College (RCC) President, introduced RCC Board Members who were in attendance. He gave a PowerPoint presentation that shared Randolph Community College’s requests for funds for the following projects at the College: 1. Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC) Improvements a. Purchase and install of Burning building structure - $612,000. b. Purchase and install Tactical (Clean) building structure - $434,000. c. Repairs and Renovations to existing buildings and grounds (roof repairs, painting, flooring, lighting, parking lot repairs/repaving, clear new area, and pave new rescue parking lot) - $675,000. TOTAL - $1,721,000 2. Applied Industrial Artificial Intelligence Center of North Carolina (AI2C) a. Renovation of existing Building 13 to create the Applied Industrial Artificial Intelligence Center of North Carolina. This building will include space for our Building Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, and Agri-business Programs - $5,895,000. TOTAL - $5,895,000 3. Campus Repairs and Renovations a. Repairs and Renovations to existing buildings (roof repairs, boiler replacements, HVAC repairs, and parking lot repairs/repaving) - $901,000. TOTAL - $901,000 04/01/24 Dr. Shah said these projects were all part of the previous special presentation to the Commissioners, and RCC is now ready to begin these projects and respectfully request the funding be approved. Commissioner Haywood said renovating the vacant building on their Asheboro Campus was very resourceful. She also stated she was glad to see the training center be renovated/upgraded to better train and prepare first responders for their jobs. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the projects for RCC, as presented, 2) utilize the Article 46 sales tax in FY 2024-25 to finance the projects, and 3) approve the associated Project Amendment as follows: RCC Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #17 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfers from the General Fund $5,041,526 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Svcs Training Center $1,721,000 Artificial Intelligence Center $5,895,000 Campus Renovations $901,000 $3,475,474 Contingency Randolph County Schools “Phase I of the Growth Plan for the Randolph County School System” Dr. Stephen Gainey, Randolph County Schools Superintendent, stated the Randolph County Schools Growth Plan was developed due to the anticipated increase in student enrollment in their school system as a result of the economic growth to be experienced by our county during the next few years. More specifically, this document outlines the plan for the Randolph County School System to address facility needs and student assignment needs in relation to their current school facilities. Dr. Gainey stated that based on the current data, Randolph County is projected to grow by 100,000 people during the next five years. This population growth will impact the school system in terms of growth in our number of students. As a result, the school system must respond to this growth in two phases: Phase 1: The school system will address facility and student assignment needs in relation to current school facilities. Phase 2: The school system will make plans for future school sites and the construction of additional schools as needed based on the projected growth in student population. At this time, the components of Phase 1 will be the focus of the school system’s leadership. These components are as follows: 1) A new Liberty Elementary School will be built in the eastern part of the school system. 04/01/24 2) A new Randleman High School will be built in Randleman. 3) Eastern Randolph High School, Southwestern Randolph High School, and Trinity High School will be renovated. 4) Braxton Craven School will be demolished. However, the school system will retain the land from that school site for use in the future as needed. Likewise, as schools a are replaced in the future, such as Liberty Elementary School and Randleman High School, the school system will demolish those buildings and retain those tracts of land for future use or sell the land if not needed for future school facilities. 5) The school system will engage with a consulting group to assess the current attendance zones and identify needed adjustments to attendance zones per school. Also, with this group’s help, the school system will assess the current student assignment processes and identify needed changes. This work will occur during the time period of Spring 2024-Winter 2025. 6) The school systems will create a Student Assignment/Growth Management Department to implement/manage the student assignment process, work with county leaders/municipality leaders to monitor growth with regard to future housing developments throughout the county and handle the acquisition of land for new school sites. 7) The leadership of the school system will bring recommendations to the Board of Education for changes to the attendance zones per school. Recommendations for changes to the student assignment process will be made to the Board of Education as well. 8) The upcoming years will be a very exciting, yet challenging, time due to the projected growth to be experienced by our county as a result of the economic development on the horizon. Thus, it is critical for our school system to start this journey as soon as possible. The work with Phase 1 of this plan will help with the identification of components for Phase 2 with regard to our school system’s future facility needs. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if Liberty Elementary would be demolished or would some of the buildings remain if they were in good condition. Dr. Gainey said they would demolish those buildings and retain those tracts of land for future use or sell the land if not needed for future school facilities. On motion by Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to 1) endorse the concept of the Randolph County Board of Education Phase 1 Growth Plan, 2) authorize the County staff to evaluate the possible funding options, and 3) approve the Board of Education’s request to search for land for the Liberty Elementary School and Randleman High School projects. Historic Landmark Designations for D. Charles H. Phillips House Mac Whatley, Chairman of the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission (HLPC), stated on behalf of the HLPC, he presented the following site to be considered for Local Historic Landmark designation: Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, ca. 1850-ca. 1890 1482 Fuller Mill Road Thomasville, N.C. 27360 04/01/24 The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission conducted a Public Hearing on February 28, 2024, and unanimously passed a resolution recommending landmark designation of the house and its parcel. The final authority for Local Historic Landmark Designation rests with the elected officials of the local government within whose planning jurisdiction the landmark is located. The designation consideration requires a legislative hearing that will include a public hearing, which will be held tonight. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone who wished to speak had done so. Mr. Whatley said the America 250 NC Celebration will begin on April 12, 2025, with a focus th on 2026. North Carolina will remember the 250 anniversary of the Revolution with activities across a multi-year celebration, that will continue through 2044 to reflect North Carolina’s Revolutionary history. There will be funding available to the county to assist with this celebration and more information will be shared with the Board once it becomes available. On motion by Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0, to adopt the Ordinance Designating the Exterior of the Dr. Charles Phillips House as a Local Historic Landmark as follows: Ordinance Designating the Exterior of the DR. CHARLES H. PHILLIPS HOUSE, ca. 1850-ca. 1890, as Local Historic Landmarks in Randolph County, North Carolina WHEREAS, Chapter 160D, Article 9, Part 4 of the North Carolina General Statues provides for the designation of local historic landmarks; and WHEREAS, on June 2, 2008, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance which established the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission to perform those duties of designating and regulating historic local landmarks pursuant to the North Carolina General Statutes; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has taken into consideration all information contained in the Historic Landmark Designation Application for the Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, ca. 1850- ca.1890, as submitted by the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office, has been given the opportunity to review the Local Landmark designation report which contains the historical information necessary for the Randolph County Board of Commissioners to determine special historical significance and integrity; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission and the Randolph County Board of Commissioners conducted the require public hearings, and published legal notices; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission has adopted a unanimous resolution requesting the County of Randolph to designate the exterior of the Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, ca. 1850- ca.1890, and its parcel, as a local historic landmark; and WHEREAS the Randolph County Board of Commissioners finds that the Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, ca. 1850-ca. 1890 and its parcel, meets the following specific 04/01/24 criteria outlined in the Ordinance establishing the Commission: (1) Its important architecture as an exemplification of an architectural type or style distinguished by innovation, rarity, uniqueness, or overall quality of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship; (2) Its identification with persons who significantly contributed to the architectural, cultural, economic, historical, social or other aspect of the development of Randolph County; (4) Its distinctive theme, representing an architectural, cultural, economic, historic or other theme expressed through a distinctive area; and WHEREAS, the property is more specifically described as follows: The Dr. Charles H. Phillips House is located on a 21.7 acre parcel at 1482 Fuller Mill Road, Thomasville, NC 27360, PIN 6793792220, Tabernacle Township, Randolph County, N.C. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, North Carolina, that: 1. The property known as the exterior of the Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, ca. 1850- ca.1890, and parcel, located at 1482 Fuller Mill Road, Thomasville, NC 27360, within the planning jurisdiction of the County of Randolph, North Carolina, is hereby designated as a Local Historic Landmark pursuant to Chapter 160D, Article 9, Part 4, of the North Carolina General Statutes; 2. That the exterior of the Dr. Charles Phillips House may be materially altered, restored, remodeled, or demolished only following issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission; 3. That nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any architectural feature in or on said property that does not involve a change of design, material or outer appearance thereof, after obtaining the necessary permits and official approval for said stated repair. Nothing herein shall prevent the construction, alteration, restoration, demolition, or removal of such features when a building inspector or similar authorized official certifies to the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission that such action is required for the public safety because of an unsafe condition. Furthermore, nothing shall be construed to prevent the property owner from making any use of this property not prohibited by other statutes, ordinances or regulations; 4. That a suitable sign may be posted indicating the designation as a Local Historic Landmark and containing appropriate information; 5. That Amy and Frederick Wang, owners of the Dr. Charles H. Phillips House, hereby accept notice as required by the applicable law of this action, and that copies of this Ordinance be filed and indexed in the office of the Randolph County Register of Deeds, the Randolph County Tax Department, and the Randolph County Planning and Inspections Departments as required by applicable law. Legislative Updates to the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance Tonya Caddle, Planning and Zoning Director stated on March 5, 2024, the Randolph County Planning Board conducted legislative hearings on the provided text amendment changes to the Unified Development Ordinance. She gave a summary of the proposed language changes. The Planning Board received the proposed changes at their regularly scheduled February meeting on February 6, 2024, as discussion and for consideration. The item was voted unanimously by the Board at their March 5th meeting to recommend approval to the Randolph County Board of 04/01/24 Commissioners. The duly published and notified public hearing for the request is being heard tonight by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners with the Planning Board’s recommendation. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone who wished to speak had done so. Rhonda Carreras, 5823 Big Oak Way, Randleman, stated she was concerned with the number of manufactured homes being put in Randolph County and where they are placed. She wanted to know how Planning and Zoning would know if these homes would be leased or not, or when/if the property becomes personal property, which would depend on what type of foundation the homes would be allowed to be placed on. On motion by Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to adopt the Ordinance Amending the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance. Consider Updated Fee for Municipal Fire Inspections Erik Beard, Fire Marshal, stated since 2015, the Randolph County Fire Marshal’s Office has provided fire inspection services for the Towns of Franklinville, Ramseur, and Staley. In 2016, their office began providing these services for the Town of Seagrove as well. The amount to charge for these services was determined considering the number of occupancies requiring inspections and the approximate cost of each inspection. At that time, the approximate cost of providing these services was determined to be $75.00 per occupancy. Due to the continued increasing costs associated with providing these services, Mr. Beard requested an increase of $15.00 per occupancy to bring the total to $90.00. He presented a st breakdown of the current occupancy count of each municipality as of March 1, 2024, along with the proposed cost of providing these services as follows: Municipal Occupancies as of 3/1/2024 Town of Franklinville – 38 Occupancies Town of Ramseur – 158 Occupancies Town of Staley – 23 Occupancies Town of Seagrove – 83 Occupancies Proposed Cost per Municipality Town of Franklinville - $3,420.00 Town of Ramseur - $14,220.00 Town of Staley - $2,070.00 Town of Seagrove - $7,470.00 On motion by Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0, to approve the updated fee for Municipal Fire Inspections. 04/01/24 County Manager’s Update Mr. Massie said there have been a few meetings between this Board and municipal boards recently. Meetings with the other municipal boards will be scheduled over the next several months. Commissioner Updates None at this time. At 8:16 pm, on motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0, to go into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) and NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the area served by these bodies including possible Economic Development incentive offerings and to establish or instruct the public body’s staff concerning the position to the taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the price or other material terms of a contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease. At 9:11 pm, on motion by Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0, to reconvene the regular meeting. Adjournment At 9:12 pm on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Jenny Parks, Deputy Clerk to the Board 04/01/24