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241007 Regular Meeting October 7, 2024 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the Randolph County Office Building, 725 McDowell Rd. First Floor Meeting Room, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Zeb Holden, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks, 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 YouTube. Dessaree Walter retired August 29, 2024 from Emergency Services with 21 years of service. Ms. Walter was recognized by Major Alan King, after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. 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. Hayley White, 6167 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 has a house behind her house that is vacant and has created vermin in her yard. She has gone to County Attorney Ben Morgan and feels that he has not done enough to get this stopped. The address of the property in question is 3033 Rainbow Loop. Isaac Hoffman, 6482 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, has been trying since 2001 to have the TASC Gun Range stopped. There have been many steps taken by the neighbors and the gun range. Mr. Hoffman and his neighbors have been able to get their property values lowered by the Tax Department due to the proximity of the range to their homes. The gun range still operates. He asked the Commissioners for their help. Amy Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd., Thomasville, feels the gun range is illegal and the County should do something. It should be the Planning and Zoning Board’s responsibility to stop the gun range. The County is losing taxes because surrounding owners are having their property values lowered. This is due to an owner who doesn’t live near the range. The Commissioners need to instruct the Planning and Zoning board on what they should do to stop this gun range. Pam Thayer, 1570 Fuller Mill Rd., Thomasville, lives near the gun range and it sounds like a war zone. There are no time limits for shooting. She also has environmental concerns with the lead in the bullets. Ed Lietz, 6758 Blue Quartz Dr., Thomasville, enjoys the peace and quiet then the gun range noise starts. He cannot even go out on his porch on Easter Sunday without hearing high caliber 10/7/24 weapons being shot. He wants to know why this continues to be allowed. He wants the community and the gun range folks to meet and come up with some rules. Kevin Franklin, 176 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, President of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), is advocating for Industry Appreciation month. Randolph County continues to have a strong industrial background. These businesses create new jobs. They are the largest taxpayers and employers. They give back to communities. They not only do good business, but they also have people serve on boards. This Proclamation kicks off the month. The EDC will be celebrating Industry the whole month of October. John Motzinger, 6606 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, works third shift. He has trouble sleeping during the day while the gun range is being used. He tries not to bother others. He understands that they are exercising their gun rights. His neighbor complained about the gun range and had his mailbox knocked down. Commissioner Haywood asked how much the fee was for the gun range. The response was $125 per year for a family which also allows for 2 guests. Consent Agenda Chairman Frye read the Industry Appreciation Month Proclamation aloud. Commissioner Haywood asked everyone to light their home or business with a green light to honor Veterans and their families during the week of November 4-11. On motion of Haywood, 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 September 3, 2024 and Special Meeting Minutes of August 19, 2024 and August 27, 2024, and Closed Session Minutes of September 3, 2024;  adopt Proclamation for Industry Appreciation Month, as follows: Randolph County Economic Development Corporation Industry Appreciation Month October 2024 WHEREAS, the County of Randolph is pleased to have a thriving community of industries to support the local economy; and WHEREAS, these industrial companies provide essential employment opportunities for the citizens of the County of Randolph; and WHEREAS, these industrial companies provide local revenues from which the entire citizenry benefit; and WHEREAS, industrial businesses make considerable contributions to our families and communities, often improving the overall quality of life; and WHEREAS, we recognize and appreciate these industrial businesses. 10/7/24 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, do hereby recognize our existing industrial businesses and by virtue of this Proclamation give notice to our citizens that the month of October 2024 is Industry Appreciation Month in the County of Randolph.  adopt Resolution for Operation Green Light, as follows: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION GREEN LIGHT WHEREAS, the residents of Randolph County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces and who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers to help former fellow service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year; and WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually and an estimated 20 percent increase will occur in the near future; and WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life and are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and WHEREAS, Randolph County wishes to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service as well as those who are already Veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare the County as a Green Light for Veterans County thth from November 4 through November 11 and asks citizens to display a green light at their homes and places of business.  reappoint Ross Holt, Shawn Patel, and Rebecca Petty Moffitt to the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority;  reappoint Myra Gaddy to the Child Fatality Prevention Team;  appoint Justin Brubaker and reappoint Will Massie and Dana Crisco to the Randolph County Public Facilities Corporation;  approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($30,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #21 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $30,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $30,000 10/7/24  approve Budget Amendment - United Way Grant for C.A.R.E. ($5,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #22 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $5,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $5,000  approve Budget Amendment - Smart Start Program Reduction (-$4,515), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #23 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $4,515 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $4,515  approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($33,490), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #24 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance $33,490 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $33,490  approve Project Amendment #7 - Seagrove - Ulah Wastewater Improvement Capital Project ($300,000), as follows: Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #7 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Coronavirus $300,000 Recovery Fund NCDEQ State Directed Grant $300,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #25 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease 10/7/24 Transfer to Seagrove-Ulah Sewer $300,000 Project Contingency $300,000  approve Project Amendment #8 - I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Project ($60,382), as follows: Randolph I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Coronavirus $250,382 Recovery Fund Sales Tax Refund $140,000 W&S Program Income $50,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Fees $1,830 Land & Easements $1,029 Utility Construction $136,777 Contingency $73,536 Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #26 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer for I-74 Sewer Project $250,382 Contingency $250,382  approve Project Amendment #1 - PTRWA Water Connection Capital Project ($970,346), as follows: PTRWA Water Connection Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Coronavirus $770,346 Recovery Fund Sales Tax Refund $100,000 W&S Program Income $100,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $970,346 Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #27 10/7/24 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to PTRWA Water $770,346 Connection Project Contingency $770,346  approve Budget Amendment - TDA 2025-04 ($60,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #25 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $60,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Operating Costs $6,000 Marketing Costs $54,000  approve Budget Amendment - ASPCA - Subaru Grant ($6,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #26 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $6,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Animal Services $6,000  approve Budget Amendment - Public Health Duke Endowment Award ($125,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #27 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $125,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $125,000  approve Project Amendment #28 - Coronavirus Recovery Fund ($25,555), as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #28 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $25,555 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Sector Capacity $25,555  approve Budget Amendment - Social Services Grant ($25,208), as follows: 10/7/24 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #28 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $25,208 Appropriations Increase Decrease Social Services $25,208  approve letter of support for Deep River Trail Randleman Blueway/Paddleway grant application. Land Purchase for Liberty Elementary School Dr. Gainey, Randolph County Schools Superintendent, said the members of the Randolph County Board of Education and he request approval of the "PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT" for the recommended site of the new Liberty Elementary School. This document was included in the meeting packet for the Commissioners. He stated that he and the members of the Randolph County Board of Education feel this piece of property is the best site for the new Liberty Elementary School. If approved, the school system will move to the next stage of this project, design work and bidding work. Chairman Frye asked about the options. Dr. Gainey stated that they have 180 days to check out the site and can extend that by 90 days if needed. Chairman Frye inquired about the expected timeline. Dr. Gainey said he hoped to have the school ready for students for the 27-28 school year. Commissioner Haywood asked for clarification on the varying acreage noted. Dr. Gainey explained that 32-40 acres would be dependent on the environmental studies with the goal being 32 acres. Commissioner Haywood inquired if the land had been fully inspected. Dr. Gainey said that was what would be done in the next 180 days. Vice-Chairman Allen stated that road access may be a concern. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement as presented for the property at 4547 Starmount Rd., Liberty, for a new Liberty Elementary School. Capital Improvement Plan Items Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie stated in June, the County established the Randolph County Schools Facilities Capital Project Ordinance to account for school construction and other project costs. In order to finance the cost of land for Liberty Elementary School, a budget amendment is necessary. Funds can be temporarily advanced from the Capital Reserve Fund. 10/7/24 On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the Recommended Capital Project Amendments and 2) adopt the Resolution of the Board of Commissioners for the County of Randolph Declaring its Intention to Reimburse Said County from the Proceeds of One or More Tax-Exempt Financings for Certain Capital Expenditures, as follows: Randolph County School Facilities Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Capital Reserve $2,100,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Property Acquisition $2,100,000 Capital Reserve Ordinance Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $2,100,000 Transfer to Randolph County $2,100,000 School Facilities Capital Project RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH, NORTH CAROLINA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO REIMBURSE SAID COUNTY FROM THE PROCEEDS OF ONE OR MORE TAX-EXEMPT FINANCINGS FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES WHEREAS, the County of Randolph, North Carolina (the “County”), is a political subdivision organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the County has determined to pay the cost of (a) acquiring, constructing and equipping a new elementary school for Randolph County Schools (the “Liberty Elementary School Project”), (b) acquiring, constructing and equipping a new high school for Randolph County Schools (the “Randleman High School Project”) and (c) constructing, renovating, equipping and improving an existing middle school for Asheboro City Schools (the “South Asheboro Middle School Project”); and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners for the County (the “Board”) has determined that certain moneys advanced and to be advanced by the County to pay such expenditures (the “Expenditures”) are available only for a temporary period and it is and will be necessary to reimburse the County for the Expenditures from the proceeds of one or more tax-exempt financings of the County that are expected to be authorized by the Board (collectively, the “Tax-exempt Financings”). 10/7/24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board as follows: Section 1. The Board hereby declares the County’s intent to reimburse the County with the proceeds of the Tax-exempt Financings for the Expenditures. The County reasonably expects on the date hereof that it will reimburse the Expenditures with the proceeds of the Tax-exempt Financings. Section 2. Each Expenditure was or will be (a) of a type properly chargeable to a capital account under general federal income tax principles (determined in each case as of the date of the Expenditure), (b) a cost of issuance with respect to the Tax-exempt Financings, (c) a nonrecurring item that is not customarily payable from current revenues or (d) a grant to a party that is not related to or an agent of the County so long as such grant does not impose any obligation or condition (directly or indirectly) to repay any amount to or for the benefit of the County. Section 3. The maximum principal amount of the Tax-exempt Financings expected to be entered into (a) with respect to the Liberty Elementary School Project, is $50,000,000, (b) with respect to the Randleman High School Project, is $85,000,000, and (b) with respect to the South Asheboro Middle School Project, is $10,000,000, in each case plus such additional amounts, if any, as shall be determined to be reasonably necessary for the funding or payment of costs of entering into the Tax-exempt Financings. Section 4. The County will make a reimbursement allocation, which is a written allocation by the County that evidences the County’s use of proceeds of the Tax- exempt Financings to reimburse an Expenditure, no later than 18 months after the later of the date on which the Expenditure is paid or the Project is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the date on which the Expenditure is paid. The County recognizes that exceptions are available for certain preliminary expenditures, costs of issuance, certain de minimis amounts, expenditures by small issuers (based on the year of issuance and not the year of expenditure) and expenditures for construction projects of at least five years. Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage. Purchase of Body Cameras Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton said the Randolph County Sheriff's Office is seeking to utilize $2,533 in law enforcement restricted funds to purchase three body cameras. The use of body cameras has become an essential tool in modern law enforcement, providing accountability, transparency, and evidence collection. These cameras will help protect both our officers and the citizens they serve by documenting interactions and improving overall safety. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the use of restricted law enforcement funds to purchase three body cameras and 2) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #29 10/7/24 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance $2,533 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $2,533 Town of Liberty Animal Control Service County Manager Zeb Holden said that Animal Services Director Jonathon Moody was in Western North Carolina rescuing domestic animals from the devastation created by Hurricane Helene. Mr. Holden asked the Board to approve the contract for animal services for the Town of Liberty. He noted that there would be no additional staffing needed at this time. The contract would be from November 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. As the population of Liberty changes, the annual contract amount would be recalculated. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the contract with the Town of Liberty and Randolph County Animal Services, as presented. Animal Services Advisory Board Strategic Plan Leia Steigmann, Strategic Program Coordinator, presented for Animal Services Director Jonathon Moody. She said Randolph County Animal Services consistently seeks ways to forward its mission and improve the services it provides, safeguarding the public and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. Beginning in early 2024, Randolph County staff along with the Animal Services Advisory Board began to develop a strategic plan to enable staff to better identify priorities and make goal setting easier. The group looked at current strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities and selected priorities based on capacity, funding, and resources. Goals or “objectives” were then selected with timeframes for completion to measure progress towards the chosen priorities. This Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 was unanimously approved by the Animal Services Advisory Board at its July meeting and has the support of Randolph County Staff. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board 5-0 to approve the Randolph County Animal Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. Opioid Use Disorder Capacity Assessment Public Health Director Tara Aker and Human Services Planner/Evaluator Rebecca Carlson stated that Randolph County Public Health will contract with JG Research and Evaluation to conduct an opioid use disorder system of care assessment for Randolph County. The assessment is guided by four goals. 1. Identify current capacity of providers and pharmacies in the county that offer treatment for opioid/substance use disorder and the number of patients they can serve. 2. Identify and explore gaps in service delivery systems and suggest recommendations to improve them. 10/7/24 3. Examine existing opioid/substance use disorder services and identify any barriers that prevent people from getting care. 4. Create a map of the county’s opioid use disorder treatment system. JG Research and Evaluation will use county-level data as well as data from questionnaires and focus groups to conduct the assessment. Randolph County Public Health staff will prepare an inventory of existing services in the community for the assessment. Upon completion of the assessment, JG Research and Evaluation will complete a report. Information included in the report will demonstrate where we are locally regarding opioid use disorder treatment. Report contents may also be of benefit for future planning and decision-making purposes regarding the use of local opioid settlement funds for supporting evidence-based strategies outlined in the opioid settlement memorandum of agreement. The project cost will be $53,500 with an anticipated completion date of June 2025. Designated opioid settlement funds will be used to fund the project. Commissioner Kidd asked Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie if there were Opioid funds allocated for Public Health to use how they wished. Mr. Massie confirmed there were. 2025 Meeting Schedule On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution for the 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Board of Commissioners, as follows: Resolution Adopting 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A-40(a), the board of commissioners shall hold a regular meeting at least once a month; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A-40(a) the board of commissioners may, by resolution, fix the time and place of its regular meetings; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following meeting schedule for all its 2025 regular meetings: Monday, January 6 Monday, July 7 Monday, February 3 Monday, August 4 Monday, March 10 Monday, September 8 Monday, April 7 Monday, October 6 Monday, May 5 Monday, November 3 Monday, June 2 Monday, December 1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all regular meetings shall be held in the 1909 Historic Courthouse, 145-C Worth St., Asheboro, NC 27203 and shall begin at 6:00 p.m.; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Clerk shall cause a copy of this resolution to be posted and published pursuant to NCGS 153A-40. Randolph County Board of Education Meeting 10/7/24 On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to set the annual meeting with the Randolph County Board of Education for January 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Meeting Room. County Manager Update County Manager Zeb Holden mentioned that many of our first responders were helping with immediate needs in western North Carolina. Those counties will need assistance for many months to come in more ways than just clean-up. They will need help from planning and zoning, tax and other departments. “We are glad to be able to help,” he said. Mr. Holden stated that next month’s meeting would finally be back in the Historic Courthouse after many, many months. Commissioners’ Updates Chairman Frye spoke of the Eastern NC Home Consortium through the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) being approved. Burlington is the lead entity. Randolph County along with Alamance, Caswell, Rockingham, and Davidson together can agree to obtain federal grant funding for housing in the five-county area. Each county has two seats on the board. Adjournment At 7:04 p.m., 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 Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 10/7/24