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11 November 4, 2024 Regular Meeting November 4, 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 County Manager Zeb Holden , Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Bishop Michael Trogdon from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube. Special Recognitions Mark Frick retired from the Tax Department with 31 years of service. Mr. Frick was recognized by Tax Assessor Debra Hill, after which, Chairman Frye presented him with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Commissioner Maxton McDowell was not going to be serving as a Commissioner any longer nd after December 2. A new Commissioner would be sworn in at that time. To show their gratitude for all he has done, the Board presented him with a framed, signed Proclamation. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Proclamation In Appreciation and Recognition of Maxton McDowell, as follows: WHEREAS, Maxton McDowell has made many important contributions to the citizens of North Carolina and, in particular, Randolph County, through his role as a community and county leader; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDowell served as a member of the Randolph County Planning Board from 1987 until 2005; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDowell was sworn in as Commissioner in December 2016 and has served as a member of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners for eight years, representing Randolph County in exemplary fashion; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDowell has been an advocate for the Department of Social Services and the numerous critical issues those employees must face daily; and WHEREAS, during his tenure, Mr. McDowell has demonstrated his dedication to providing a better quality of life for all citizens by devoting countless hours serving on various boards and committees and attending state, regional, and local meetings; and WHEREAS, Mr. McDowell's kindness, cheerfulness, and genuine concern for others makes him a friend to everyone. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that we, too, acknowledge the talents, knowledge, leadership, and dedication of Maxton McDowell and the altruistic manner in which he has devoted himself to the service of his fellow citizens. We take this opportunity to formally express our appreciation and give accolades to a man who is a true servant in every sense of the word. Sam Varner, Wellness Administrator, showed the Commissioners and audience a short film to highlight that Randolph County Government was a Healthiest Employer Winner in the US for the 11/4/24 th 5 year in a row. Randolph County came in at 17 and was the only employer in the Piedmont Triad to be chosen in the top 100. 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. Isaac Hoffman, 6482 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, spoke in regard to the TASC gun range near his home. He said loud gun fire can be heard at all hours of the day. He has never even been able to have a peaceful holiday. Ed Lietz, 6758 Blue Quartz Dr., Thomasville, came to speak about the TASC gun range. He believes it is a violation of the Noise Ordinance. In the future, it will be expensive to clean it up with the high levels of lead in the soil from the bullets. He saw more dirt being brought into the site. The lead will not go anywhere. Dwain Roberts, 156 E. Academy St., Asheboro, commented on the new elevator and how nice it looked at the Historic Courthouse. He thanked Commissioner McDowell for everything he has done and wished him well. Consent Agenda On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5 to 0 to approve the Consent agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2024;  adopt Adoption Awareness Proclamation 2024, as follows: WHEREAS, November is Nationally celebrated as ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH to express the right of every child to grow up in a permanent, secure, and loving family; and WHEREAS, caring adults can make all the difference in the lives of young people, sibling groups, children with special needs teenagers; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Department of Social Services serves nearly 145 children in substitute care who live apart from their birth families, and is the permanent plan for 69 of these children; and WHEREAS, Randolph County actively promotes the timely adoption of children and 72 adoptions have been finalized since June 2023, some of whom have special needs: and WHEREAS, children waiting for adoptive families and those families who have adopted these children require and deserve community support; and Adoption Month is an opportunity to celebrate foster and adoptive families and spread awareness on behalf of the hundreds of children in foster care in North Carolina who continue to wait for a loving and permanent family. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2024 as ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH in our county, and we urge our citizens to recognize and support this observance.  approve Firefighter's Relief Fund Appointees; 11/4/24  approve updated Randolph County EMS Peer Review Committee Bylaws and reappoint Dr. Robert Dough, Thomas Brown, Dana Crisco, Jared Byrd, Alan King, and Lynsay Saunders to the EMS Peer Review Committee;  reappoint William Foster to the Randolph County Tax Commission and the Board of Equalization and Review;  reappoint Michael McKenzie to the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;  appoint Annette Battle and reappoint John Grey to the Randolph County Board of Health;  appoint Darrell Frye as Voting Delegate and David Allen as Alternate for the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference;  approve Budget Amendment - Animal Services ($7,640), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #30 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales and Services $7,640 Appropriations Increase Decrease Animal Services $7,640  approve Budget Amendment - TDA 2025-03 ($12,000), as follows: Budget Amendment #31 TDA 2025-03 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $12,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Marketing $12,000  approve Budget Amendment - Library SFRF State Aid ($8,378), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #32 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $8,378 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $8,378  approve Project Amendment #13 - Technology Capital Project ($15,000), as follows: Technology Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $15,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease 2024 Work Plan $15,000 11/4/24  approve Budget Amendment - Public Health Flu Vaccine ($10,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #33 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $10,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $10,000  approve Project Amendment #29 - Coronavirus Recovery Fund ($19,080), as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #29 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $19,080 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Sector Capacity $19,080  approve Project Amendment #8 - Seagrove WWTP ($12,000), as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #30 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $12,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Seagrove-Ulah $12,000 WWTP Capital Project Seagrove-Ulah WWTP Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Coronavirus $12,000 Recovery Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $12,000  approve US DOE: Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG) Award and Associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #34 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $79,870 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Buildings $79,870 11/4/24  approve US DOJ: The Kevin Avonte Program Award and Associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #35 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $150,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $150,000 Waste Management Annual Report Bob Peeler, Waste Management Governmental Relations, introduced Mike McFeeley, Waste Management District Manager, and some members of his team in the audience. He stated to the Board the appreciation he has for the partnership between Waste Management (WM) and Randolph County. He gave highlights from the report. He also wanted to let the Board know that WM had made a donation of $250,000 to Samaritan’s Purse to aid in the cleanup and rehabilitation of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if any of the debris from western North Carolina will be brought to the landfill. Mr. McFeely responded that no one had approached them about it but the landfill can take the debris, if needed. Commissioner McDowell stated that he lives near the Farmer convenience site. He appreciates how it has been maintained recently. The containers fill up quickly but there is another empty one waiting to replace it. Mr. Peeler stated that Mr. McFeeley and his team work hard and it’s not easy. They do their best. He thanked Commissioner McDowell for the compliment. Commissioner McDowell asked them to list the locations of the convenience sites for those in the audience. Mr. McFeeley did so. Commissioner Haywood told the citizens that WM funds to the County have been used for strategic projects throughout the county. Mr. Peeler said he had seen some of the organizations that have been helped. Commissioner Kidd said he agreed with Commissioner Haywood. He also appreciated the responsiveness and professionalism of Waste Management staff whenever he has a question. Law Enforcement Agreement Between the Town of Ramseur and the Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton said that the Randolph County Sheriff's Office is requesting six positions to provide law enforcement services for the Town of Ramseur. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office has received this request from the Town of Ramseur to provide their general policing capabilities. These additional positions would be utilized to patrol the town, respond to calls, conduct crime prevention activities, assist with criminal investigations, and provide general public assistance at a Sheriff’s Office substation. 11/4/24 The total estimated cost for these six new positions in the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $333,970. An additional $54,048 is required for operational expenses. The Town of Ramseur also agrees to pay Randolph County a one-time program (start-up) investment fee in the amount of $89,616 for satellite office modifications, office equipment, and uniforms and equipment for the five new deputy positions to be hired within the 2024-2025 FY. This brings the total cost to $477,634. These expenses will be fully reimbursed by the Town of Ramseur. In addition, position costs are prorated for the remaining 8 months of FY 2024-2025. The estimated ongoing costs for FY 2025-2026 comes to $582,023 at this time. Deputy Sheriff Sergeant – Cost Breakdown Salary FICA Health Ins Retirement 401k Total $43,695 $3,343 $7,440 $6,598 $2,185 $63,261 Deputy Sheriff (4) positions – Cost Breakdown Salary FICA Health Ins Retirement 401k Total $156,179 $11,947 $29,760 $23,584 $7,811 $229,281 Law Enforcement Clerk IV— Cost Breakdown Salary FICA Health Ins Retirement 401K Total $27,568 $2,109 7,440 3,760 551 $41,428 Chairman Frye asked how the new positions would be funded and would there be a pay increase in the FY 2025-26. Chief Deputy Azelton stated that the Town of Ramseur would be paying for these positions. The contract states that these positions will be eligible for any increase that the County may give for FY 2025-26. Commissioner Allen questioned if this agreement had been approved by the Council in Ramseur. Chief Deputy Azelton responded that it had been approved on October 15, 2024. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the contract with the Town of Ramseur and authorize the County Manager to sign it, 2) approve the six positions to provide law enforcement services as presented, and 3) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #36 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales and Services $477,634 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff’s Office $477,634 Detective Position to Serve as an ATF Task Officer Sheriff Greg Seabolt said the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is requesting a Detective position to serve as an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Task Force Officer. 11/4/24 This additional position will collaborate with the Federal Project Safe Neighborhoods group to provide intelligence and focused deterrence for violent crimes, specifically targeting firearms- related offenses. The total estimated cost for the Detective position for the 2024-25 fiscal year is $59,524, with an additional $17,243 required for uniforms and equipment, bringing the overall total cost to $76,767. It’s important to note that ATF will reimburse up to $17,000 in overtime. Deputy Sheriff Detective– Cost Breakdown by Position Health Salary FICA Retirement 401K Uniform/Equipment Total Insurance $40,770 $3,119 $7,440 $6,156 $2,039 $17,243 $76,767 The annual cost for 2025-26 fiscal year will be $90,084. Sheriff Seabolt introduced Jason Walsh with the ATF Office. He explained a process which allows them to track “crime guns,” guns that are in the hands of criminals used in multiple crimes. With the addition of this deputy, the ATF hopes to better track and stop the criminals. District Attorney Andy Gregson helped explain the importance of this new ATF officer to his job. He also will be happy to come back later to present updates on Project Safe Neighborhoods. Asheboro Detective Robbie Brown gave statistics from the start of utilizing an ATF officer to present. It has definitely been a benefit and lead to more convictions. In 2023, Asheboro had no murders. He said he attributed this program as one of the factors. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve an additional Detective position to serve as an ATF Task Force Officer and 2) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #37 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $76,767 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff’s Office $76,767 Purchase of Law Enforcement Vehicles Major Steve Nunn said the Sheriff’s Office is requesting approval for the purchase of eight (8) 2025 Ford Police Interceptors. The intention is to acquire these vehicles through the North Carolina Statewide Vehicle Contract, which governs procurement for State agencies, community colleges, universities, and select local government entities, ensuring cost-effective and fair acquisition of goods and services. 11/4/24 Under the North Carolina Statewide Vehicle Contract, Performance Ford has been awarded the bid (STC 2510A) as the designated supplier. The total cost for the purchase of eight Ford Police Interceptors amounts to $352,600. This acquisition has been included in the Sheriff's Office budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The acquisition of these Ford Police Interceptors will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of our Sheriff's Office, particularly in terms of law enforcement tasks that require reliable and robust vehicles. The Ford models provide the necessary performance, agility, and durability to support law enforcement efforts effectively. Chairman Frye asked about the lead time. Major Nunn responded that it is usually 12 weeks plus or minus. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of eight (8) 2025 Ford Police Interceptors under the North Carolina State Vehicle Contract for a total of $352,600, as presented. Use of Law Enforcement Restricted Funds Major Steve Nunn stated that The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office wishes to utilize $238,520 in law enforcement restricted funds. These funds will be used to purchase three Livescan replacement machines, six LPR cameras, four pole cameras, a super-spectral imaging system, and three StarWitness field interviewers. These items are essential for our operations. Please note that the Forenscope super-spectral imaging system and the Livescan replacement machines are sole source items. Description: Costs: Livescan Replacement Machine (3) $74,700.00 LPR Cameras (6) $56,162.00 Pole Cameras (4) $42,196.00 Forenscope $48,850.00 StarWitness (3) $16,612.00 Total $238,520.00 Chairman Frye explained that Law Enforcement Restricted Funds were being used for this equipment. This was not taxpayer money. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the use of Law Enforcement Restricted Funds for the purchase of various items, as presented, for a total of $238,520 and 2) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 11/4/24 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #38 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance $238,520 Appropriated Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $238,520 Purchase of Two (2) Ambulances Chief Donovan Davis said pursuant to G.S. 143-129 (e)(3), which authorizes the County’s participation in a competitive group purchasing program, the Emergency Services Department would like to purchase two (2) 2024 Type I FORD F350 4x4 Crestline ambulances through the Savvik contract pricing via the competitive bidding program. Because the Department is still waiting on the delivery of six ambulances from 2022, 2023, and 2024, it has become critical to find at least two ambulances to add to our fleet now. The ambulances approved at the July meeting are now delayed until December 2025 because of the manufacturer. Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, out of Roebuck, SC, currently has two ambulances available for $663,432 ($331,716 each). In the purchasing contract, they will guarantee delivery by the end of 2024. Chief Davis explained that he had ambulances out of service at this time due to maintenance, overhaul, and pending insurance claims. He also listed all the ambulances that were on order and have not been delivered. Chairman Frye asked if there would be any requests for ambulances in the FY 25-26. Chief Davis replied that he would be asking for an additional two ambulances to keep a good rotation of reliable vehicles. Commissioner Haywood inquired about the difference in totals between the memo and the handout he had given them. Chief Davis stated that the quote came back lower than what is on the handout. The memo amount was correct. Vice-Chairman Allen questioned if the F350 models would be as durable the F450. Chief Davis said the County used the F350 models for years. With proper maintenance and care, they lasted about 300,000 miles. They also drove well in bad weather conditions. Commissioner Kidd asked what a “remount” was for an ambulance. Chief Davis stated that it was a new base with the interiors being reused from an older ambulance. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the purchase of two (2) 2024 Type I Ford F350 4x4 Crestline ambulances from Sparta Fire and Emergency Apparatus for $663,432 under Savvik contract pricing and 2) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 11/4/24 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #39 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $663,432 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $663,432 Ogle’s Creek Pump Station Chris Hildreth, Infrastructure Coordinator, said Franklinville’s Ogles Creek pump station and force main was identified as a critical need maintenance and repair project in the County’s Water and Sewer Master Plan. Engineering plans and specifications were developed, all necessary permits have been acquired and the project was bid on Tuesday, October 22, at 2:00 pm. Three bids were received ranging from $2,393,940 to the low bid amount of $1,859,600 from Baker Underground, Inc. from Kernersville, NC. The low bid was only 0.5% higher than the Engineer’s latest cost opinion. Baker Underground, Inc. and their bid have been vetted by LKC Engineering, public works staff, and purchasing staff. No inconsistencies were found in their bid and the company has demonstrated experience in successfully completing similar projects in the region. Chairman Frye stated that the bids were very different. Mr. Hildreth commented that they had spoken with representatives from Baker. They made a miscalculation but would be able to honor the bid amount. County Manager Zeb Holden stated that the force main was being moved to a higher location and being installed on a property that was bought by Franklinville. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) accept the low bid of $1,859,600 from Baker Underground, Inc., 2) authorize the County Manager to execute the construction contract, and 3) approve the associated Budget Amendment bringing the project total to $2,300,000, as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Project Amendment #31 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Franklinville W&S $157,944 Capital Project Transfer to PTRWA Connection $107,944 Capital Project Contingency $50,000 11/4/24 Franklinville W&S Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease State directed W&S grant $142,056 Transfer from Coronavirus $157,944 Recovery Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $2,000 Construction $167,444 Contingency $134,556 Ramseur Force Main and Tube Pump Station Chris Hildreth, Infrastructure Coordinator, said Ramseur’s main pump station force main and tube pump station replacement project was identified as a critical need maintenance and repair project in the County’s Water and Sewer Master Plan. Engineering plans and specifications were developed, all necessary permits have been acquired and the project was originally bid on Thursday, October 17th, at 3:00 pm. Only two bidders were in attendance and bids were not opened. A rebid was scheduled for Thursday, October 31st. Two bids were received and opened ranging from $1,690,550 to the low bid amount of $1,187,900 from Terry’s Plumbing & Utilities, Inc. from Asheboro, NC. The low bid was below the Engineer’s latest cost opinion. Terry’s Plumbing & Utilities, Inc. and their bid have been vetted by The Wooten Company, public works staff, and purchasing staff. No inconsistencies were found in their bid and the company has demonstrated experience in successfully completing projects of similar scope and size in the region. County Manager Zeb Holden thanked Mr. Hildreth for his hard work to get both this bid and the previous one finished to meet ARPA deadlines. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) accept the low bid of $1,187,900 from Terry’s Plumbing and Utilities, Inc., 2) authorize the County Manager to execute the construction contract, and 3) approve the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: Ramseur Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund Amendment #3 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $25,305 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $25,305 Randolph Community College (RCC) Emergency Training Center Structures Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, stated Randolph Community College requested assistance in bidding out some critical improvements to the Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC) and provided the specifications for new burn and tactical training 11/4/24 buildings. These structures are required to be permitted, but it has been determined that they can be purchased using the sole source exception under NC General Statute 143-129(e)6. RCC has accepted the bid by Forge Fire & Company, 3844 Pleasant Hill Road, Perrysville, OH 44864. Burn Training Structure $ 701,300 Tactical Training Structure 346,800 Total $1,048,100 This purchase is part of RCC’s ESTC improvement project funded by the Board of County Commissioners in April. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to accept the Forge Fire & Company bid of $1,048,100 for training structures for RCC’s Emergency Training Center. County Manager’s Update County Manager Zeb Holden thanked the staff, especially Paxton Arthurs and Robert Cross’ team, for all of the hard work to get the Historic Courthouse ready for this meeting. He also commended the Elections Department for their dedication and diligence during early voting. Commissioners Updates Chairman Frye mentioned that he and Vice-Chairman Allen would be attending the Legislative Goals Conference the following week. He also announced that Vice-Chairman Allen was a Co- Chair for the Legislative Goals Committee. Vice-Chairman Allen spoke regarding the Adoption Proclamation. His daughter was adopted 30 years ago so he is a huge advocate for adoption. Commissioner Haywood reminded everyone of Operation Green Light to honor Veterans through Veterans Day. Place a green light at your home or business to express your thanks to Veterans. Closed Session At 7:51 pm, on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to go into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. Regular Session Resumed At 8:14 pm, on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to end closed session and resume regular session. Adjournment At 8:15 pm, on motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. 11/4/24 ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ ________________________________ Kenny Kidd Hope Haywood ________________________________ Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 11/4/24