240506 Regular Meeting
May 6, 2024
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 Interim
County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson,
County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks Clerk to the Board
Dana Crisco. Chaplain Bill Hatfield from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the
invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on
Facebook and YouTube.
Special Recognitions
Loretta Atkins retired with 25 years of service with Social Services. Ms. Atkins was recognized
by Social Services Director Tracie Murphy, after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an
engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Raymond Jester retired with 16 years of service with Public Buildings. Mr. Jester was
recognized by Public Buildings Director Robert Cross, after which, Chairman Frye presented him
with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Elizabeth Mitchell, United Way CEO, recognized the following for receipt of the Governor’s
Volunteer Service Awards: Peggy Kilburn, Heart of Christmas Dinner; Grace Given, homeless
outreach; Debbie Draughn, Randolph Health; Eddie Burks, Salvation Army and Kiwanis Club of
Asheboro; Jimmy McNeill, Our Daily Bread Kitchen; and Tom Richardson, Communities in
Schools.
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.
Vera Andrews, Staley, spoke in opposition of the statue. She wants to have it moved from the
front of the Historic Courthouse. She hopes for racial justice and justice for all.
William Dula, 1320 Randolph-Tabernacle Rd., Asheboro, stated that he and his family always
stand with the people of Israel and of Jewish faith.
Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Ct., Randleman, said he is against the statue being in front of
the Courthouse. He asked why people cannot walk in each other’s shoes.
Michele Thompson, 5954 Fred East Lane, Pleasant Garden, lives in a rural subdivision. Her
landscaping has been destroyed by animals that roam freely throughout the neighborhood. One of
the neighbors has chickens and roosters that create a lot of noise and odor. Their subdivision
covenant states that these types of animals are not allowed yet animal control and the Sheriff’s
office do nothing about it.
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Lora Hyman, 5953 Fred East Lane, Pleasant Garden, is also concerned about the roosters.
There is no HOA but only a restricted covenant for the subdivision. Her research has only led her
to find that enforcement creates a circle with Animal Control and the Sheriff’s Office. She asked
the Board to clarify the rules for sound levels as well as acceptable animals within a subdivision.
Consent Agenda
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2024, Special
Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2024 and March 25, 2024, and Closed Session Minutes of
April 1, 2024;
adopt Resolution Designating the Week of May 13, 2024 as "National Police Week"
in Randolph County, as follows:
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE WEEK
OF MAY 12 - MAY 18, 2024, AS “NATIONAL POLICE WEEK''
IN RANDOLPH COUNTY
Whereas, in 1962, John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed the Joint Resolution entitled
Joint Resolution to authorize the President to proclaim May 15 of each year as Peace
Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year during which such May 15
occurs as Police Week'' (36 U.S.C. 136); and
Whereas, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC,
dedicated on October 15, 1991, is the national monument to honor law enforcement
officers who have died in the line of duty; and
Whereas, Federal, State, local, and tribal police officers, sheriffs, and other law
enforcement officers across the United States serve with valor, dignity and integrity;
and
Whereas, law enforcement officers are charged with pursuing justice for all
individuals and performing their duties with fidelity to the constitutional and civil
rights of the individuals that the law enforcement officers serve; and
Whereas, the resolve of law enforcement officers in the service of their
communities is unyielding, despite inherent dangers in the performance of their duties;
and
Whereas, the vigilance, compassion, and decency of law enforcement officers are
the best defense of society against individuals who seek to do harm; and
Whereas, Peace Officers Memorial Day 2024 honors the 137 law enforcement
officers killed in the line of duty during 2023; three of those were in North Carolina;
and
Whereas, during the first four months of 2024, 55 law enforcement officers across
the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice; five of those was in North Carolina.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners:
(1) designates the week of May 12 through May 18, 2024, as “National Police
Week'' in Randolph County;
(2) expresses strong support for law enforcement officers across the United
States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities;
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(3) recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the
equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and
safety while the law enforcement officers are protecting the public;
(4) recognizes the members of the law enforcement community for their selfless
acts of bravery;
(5) acknowledges that police officers and other law enforcement officers who
have made the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered and honored;
(6) expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who
has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty; and
(7) encourages the people of Randolph County to observe National Police Week
with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the
vital role of law enforcement officers in building safer and more secure
communities across the United States.
approve Applications for NC Education Lottery Capital Grants;
2023-24 Debt Service for Teachey School Expansion (2013B LOBS) $300,000
2023-24 Debt Service for Providence Grove High School (2013B LOBS) $1,000,000
approve Project Amendment - Asheboro High School #17 ($135,553), as follows:
Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance
Amendment# 17
Revenues Increase Decrease
Investment Earnings $90,860
Sales Tax Reimbursement $44,673
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Professional Fees $14,337
Furniture and Equipment $103,995
Miscellaneous $1,800
Modular Classrooms $258,493
Construction $31,502
reappoint Warren Dixon and Chip Womick to Historic Landmark Preservation
Commission;
adopt Resolution to Widen Hwy 22 Between Mack Lineberry Rd. and Randolph Church
Rd., as follows:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR WIDENING NC 22 FROM MACK
LINEBERRY RD (SR 2138) TO RANDOLPH CHURCH RD (SR 2443)
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has identified the need for pavement
widening on NC 22 from Mack Lineberry Rd (SR 2138) to Randolph Church Rd (SR
2443) in Randolph County; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation seeks a resolution of support for the
project from the Randolph County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has considered the
above-described request and is in support of the pavement widening on NC 22 from
Mack Lineberry Rd (SR 2138) to Randolph Church Rd (SR 2443); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners that it expresses its support of the above-described project
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recommended by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and request the
project proceed as scheduled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
approve Community Navigators/Library Homeless Management Information System
(HMIS) Participation Agreement;
reappoint Jasper Cooke to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;
approve Budget Amendment - Merit Pay ($229,886), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #70
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Administration $3,970 $51,965
Information Technology 2,778
Tax 8,304
Register of Deeds 21,697
Public Buildings 1,964
Sheriff 25,354
Emergency Services 24,430
Building Inspections 72,071
Planning and Zoning 5,243
Public Health 23,784
Social Services 32,186
Child Support Services 512
Public Library 7,593
Contingency 177,921
approve Reclassification of Income Maintenance Caseworker II to Income Maintenance
Supervisor II;
appoint Bonnie Renfro to Fill the Remaining Term of Mimi Cooper on the Randolph
County Board of Social Services;
approve Purchase of Core Network Switches for IT ($241,219.47);
approve Budget Amendment - Timber Receipts ($12,841), as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #71
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $12,841
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Education $12,841
Zeb Holden Sworn In
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Zeb Holden
to serve at the pleasure of the Board as County Manager effective May 16, 2024 and to approve
an employment contract setting forth the terms and conditions of his appointment.
Chairman Frye announced that new County Manager Zeb Holden was appointed and would
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be sworn in with his first day being May 16. Also in attendance to honor Mr. Holden were four
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previous managers; Harold Holmes, Bob Crumley, Richard Wells, and Hal Johnson. Mr. Holden
was sworn in with his wife, Stacy, holding the Bible.
Asheboro City Schools Capital Request
Dr. Woody said that Asheboro City Schools (ACS) was honored to be selected by State
Superintendent Catherine Truitt and the NC Department of Public Instruction as a recipient of the
Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant in the amount of $29,728,490. The commitment
of the Board of Commissioners to provide the 15% match required for this grant will allow ACS
to renovate South Asheboro Middle School. Asheboro City Schools is grateful for the Board’s
continued support of maintaining school facilities.
Priorities for renovation needs at South Asheboro Middle School include ADA accessibility,
cafeteria seating capacity, enhanced security features at school entrances, as well as updates to
aging HVAC, electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Additional areas to be addressed include
enhanced Career & Technical Education learning spaces, and updated flooring, paint, windows,
and restrooms.
A design build team made up of Bobbitt Construction and Brady Services has been chosen to
assist with this project. Preliminary design and budget work were completed for the grant
application. An initial total budget of $36,824,695 has been estimated to address renovation needs.
The local match for $29,728,490 in grant funding would be $5,246,205. Additional costs not
supported by the grant would include the rental of mobile classroom space at an estimated cost of
$1,000,000 as well as $850,000 for updated furniture and technology needs.
Asheboro City Schools is seeking the approval of the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners for the Form of Agreement and the Project Budget for the South Asheboro Middle
School Renovation Project.
Kevin Lynn with Bobbitt and Brady came forward and spoke about the proposed pricing and
the added contingency to help in case of pricing increases during the project. Chairman Frye stated
that a county to the north of us was not prepared for that possibility and were forced to deal with
a 35% increase. Vice Chairman Allen commented that the Board was very familiar with that
scenario in dealing with other capital projects.
Commissioner Kidd thanked Dr. Woody and his staff for the effort taken in preparing the grant
to enable them to bring it to the County. To start a project out with a head start of almost $30
million is incredible for Asheboro City Schools and the County.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to a) approve the Form of
Agreement to accept the Needs Based Grant and b) adopt the Asheboro City School Facilities
Capital Project Ordinance, as follows:
RANDOLPH COUNTY
CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE
Asheboro City Schools Facilities
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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. In order to provide adequate facility space for students, the
construction and renovation of schools by the Asheboro City Board of Education
is hereby authorized as a capital project with revenues and expenditures to be
projected for the duration of the project.
Section 2. The officers of Randolph County and the officers of the Asheboro City
Board of Education are hereby authorized to proceed with the capital project in
accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the
contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners and the
Asheboro City Board of Education.
Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the
capital project:
Professional Fees $ 2,820,795
Furniture and Equipment 850,000
Modular Classroom Lease 1,000,000
Construction 32,153,900
TOTAL: $ 36,824,695
Section 4. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this
capital project:
Needs Based State Grant $ 29,728,490
Debt Proceeds 7,096,205
TOTAL: $ 36,824,695
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.
Section 6. Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of
making payments as due. Reimbursement should be made in an orderly and
timely manner. Any advances between fiscal years must be approved by the
Board of Commissioners.
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 May 6th, 2024 and shall
continue in effect until the project is completed.
Waiver of American Healthcare Debt Service
Tim Ford, Randolph Health CEO, reported that the hospital had honored the covenant with
Randolph County for the Rural Health Care Stabilization Program which provided American
Healthcare, LLC a $12 million loan to keep the hospital from closing. Other staff members spoke
on the upgraded equipment that had been purchased to improve care for the patients at the hospital.
Chairman Frye stated that his problem was not with the local people. It was with the ownership.
He questioned why $11 million had been taken from Randolph Health and used for a hospital in
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St. Louis. Mr. Ford responded that Mr. Sarian was an entrepreneur. He did reassure the
Commissioners that the money had been returned.
Vice-Chairman Allen did not feel that the spirit of the covenant was being met as he explained
that he and Chairman Frye were not asked to vote on anything meaningful. They had never seen
an annual audit or had any knowledge if the hospital was profitable. Both commissioners were
also not happy that there had not been a board meeting in 2024 to date.
Commissioner Kidd stated that what his colleagues on the Board had said about the hospital
meetings did not match what Mr. Ford was representing.
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On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to table this item until the June 3
Commissioners Meeting.
Healthy Communities Strategic Planning Funding
Mary Joan Pugh, Healthy Communities President, stated that the organization needed $5,000
to upgrade their website. Commissioner Hope Haywood thought that was a bargain considering
all that it offered to the community.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the application of
Healthy Communities for $5,000 in Strategic Planning Funds and the associated Budget
Amendment, as follows:
2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #72
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $5,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Other Human Services Appropriations $5,000
Consulting Services for Water and Sewer Infrastructure
Assistant County Manager William Johnson stated as Randolph County continues to provide
critical leadership in required water and sewer infrastructure, it is important to plan for future capital
needs. It is the desire of staff to work with Raftelis, a local government and utility management
consulting company, to develop a long-term Financial Model for County owned assets, to generate
rate structure ensuring adequate revenues, and to assist in developing contracts/interlocal
agreements with other water and sewer stakeholders. The cost of these consulting services is not to
exceed $67,500. If approved, Rural Water Infrastructure Funds will be utilized.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the engagement letter
with Raftelis and authorize Will Massie, Interim County Manager, to sign it.
County Manager’s Update
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Will Massie, Interim County Manager/Finance Officer, reminded the Board of the May 20
Zoning appeal at 6:00 pm. He also stated there was no business for the Eastern Randolph Water
and Sewer District.
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Commissioner’s Updates
The Commissioners had no updates.
Adjournment
At 8:01 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
________________________________ _________________________________
Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell
________________________________ _________________________________
Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
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