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250505 Regular Commissioners Meeting May 5, 2025 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 Kenny Kidd, Commissioner David Allen, Commissioner Hope Haywood, and Commissioner Lester Rivenbark 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 Samantha Baker, United Way Executive Director, presented Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards to Amy Rudisill, Jo Ann Miller, Brenda and Dwight (posthumously) Ayers, and Maxton McDowell. 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. Wallace Swaim, 2940 Sawyer Rd., Sophia, feels that the zoning rules are too strict. He tried to buy a property and get it zoned to residential but it won’t perk. He cannot build any structures on it. It is valued at $15,000/acre by the Tax Department. This is not fair. Amy Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd. N, Thomasville, spoke regarding the TASC Gun Range. Ms. Wang said the gun range is a non-profit and pay no taxes yet their tax return shows almost $200,000 in the bank. She mentioned speaking with a staff member at the North Carolina School of Government who told her that the Commissioners could overturn the previous zoning ruling. She spoke again of requested information from the Board that has not been sent. Isaac Hoffman, 6482 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, has asked for the legal reasons why the County will not change the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Mr. Hoffman read some statements from the Randolph County Board of Commissioners Code of Ethics. He believes that the Board is not being transparent about why they cannot change the TASC Gun Range zoning. Fritz Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd. N, Thomasville, there previously was a loophole in the UDO because gun ranges were not listed. The TASC Gun Range took advantage of the loophole before it was closed. Mr. Wang spoke of being kind and civil to neighbors. Mr. Wang and his neighbors are asking for the Commissioners to regulate the noise coming from the range. 5/5/25 Agenda Approval Chairman Frye said Item B in New Business: Consider Loan to the Town of Seagrove will be moved to the June agenda. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Agenda, as amended. Consent Agenda Chairman Frye read the Police Week Proclamation. Commissioner Allen stated that the Detention Center Project Ordinance was finally being closed out after almost ten years of construction and renovation expense. On motion of Allen, 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 7, 2025; Special Meeting Minutes of March 27, 2025, March 28, 2025, and April 14, 2025; and Closed Session Minutes of April 7, 2025;  adopt Police Week Proclamation, as follows: PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MAY 11 - MAY 17, 2025, 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'' (36U.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 2025 honors the 165 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2024; seven of those were in North Carolina; and 5/5/25 WHEREAS, during the first four months of 2025, 21 law enforcement officers across the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners: (1) designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, 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; (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 Budget Amendment - Emergency Telephone System Fund ($13,246), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #62 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $13,246 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Emergency Telephone $13,246 System Fund Emergency Telephone System Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from General Fund $13,246 Appropriations Increase Decrease E 911 System $13,246 5/5/25  approve Budget Amendment - TDA #2025-08 ($10,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #63 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $10,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Marketing Costs $10,000  approve Budget Amendment - TDA #2025-09 ($12,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #64 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $12,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Marketing $12,000  approve Project Amendment - Historic Courthouse ($64,850), as follows: Historic Courthouse Capital Project Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Income $29,400 Sales Tax Reimbursement $21,150 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $11,300 Transfer to Capital Reserve $64,850 Capital Reserve Fund Project Amendment #12 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Historic $64,850 Courthouse Project Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $64,850  approve Project Amendment - Detention Center ($1,848,070), as follows: Randolph County Detention Center Capital Project Fund Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $455,800 Reimbursement of Sales Tax $57,100 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $128,800 5/5/25 Professional Services $24,110 Furniture $35,900 Debt Issuance Costs $146,360 Transfer to Capital Reserve $1,848,070 Transfer to General Fund $1,000,000 Capital Reserve Fund Project Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Detention Center $1,848,070 Capital Project Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $1,848,070  approve Project Amendment - Northwest Randolph Human Services ($52,300), as follows: Northwest Randolph Human Services Center Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $11,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $7,800 Construction $500 Furniture and Equipment $33,000 Transfer to Capital Reserve $52,300 Capital Reserve Fund Project Amendment #14 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from NW Randolph $52,300 Human Services Center Project Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $52,300  approve Budget Amendment - Strategic Planning Grants ($743,580), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #65 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Well-Being $743,580 Reserve Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services $366,380 Appropriations 5/5/25 Other Cultural and Recreational $377,200 Appropriations  approve Budget Amendment - Merit Program ($156,928), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #66 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $5,850 $156,928 Information Technology 7,153 Tax 2,181 Register of Deeds 695 Public Buildings 5,045 Sheriff 48,523 Emergency Services 20,613 Building Inspections 4,618 Adult Day Reporting Center 1,207 Juvenile Day Reporting Center 491 Planning and Zoning 2,212 Soil & Water 1,640 Public Works 1,107 Public Health 25,191 Social Services 21,269 Child Support Services 2,493 Public Library 6,640  approve Budget Amendment - Randolph Senior Adults Association ($25,108), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #67 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $25,108 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services $25,108 Appropriations  approve Budget Amendment - Agricultural Center ($25,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #68 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $25,000 5/5/25 Appropriations Increase Decrease Agricultural Center $25,000  approve Budget Amendment - JCPC Discretionary Funds ($38,476), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #69 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $38,476 Appropriations Increase Decrease Juvenile Day Reporting Center $38,476  approve Budget Amendment - Trail Coordinator Position ($8,878), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #70 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales and Services $8,878 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Appropriations – C and R $8,878  approve Budget Amendment - Gillespie Precast ($350,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #71 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $350,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Economic and Physical $350,000 Development  approve Budget Amendment - Building Inspections ($67,000), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #72 Revenues Increase Decrease Permits and Fees $67,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Building Inspections $67,000  approve Budget Amendment - Register of Deeds ($120,358), as follows: 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #73 Revenues Increase Decrease 5/5/25 Appropriated Fund Balance – $120,358 Restricted Appropriations Increase Decrease Register of Deeds $120,358  approve Funding and Match for the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC);  approve Darrell Frye as Voting Delegate for the Annual NACo Conference in Philadelphia, PA;  approve Disposition of Retired Service Animal. Mediko, Inc. Contract for Inmate Services Chief Deputy Steven Nunn said the Randolph County Sheriff's Office has completed the review process of the current inmate medical provider, Mediko, Inc., and recommends renewing the contract with them for the upcoming budget year, 2025-2026. After careful evaluation and consideration, it has been determined that continuing the partnership with Mediko, Inc. for inmate medical services is in the best interest of the Sheriff’s Office and the well-being of the inmates. The quality of medical care provided by Mediko, Inc. has consistently met high standards, ensuring the health and safety of the inmate population. The proposed cost to renew the contract with Mediko, Inc. for the year totals $1,720,695.84, equivalent to $143,391.32 per month. Commissioner Haywood asked for clarification on health coverage of an inmate in the Detention Center. Detention Captain Velvet Davis said outside insurance does not cover inmates while in the Detention Center. Commissioner Rivenbark asked if Medicaid was taken in the Detention Center, would it make more work for the deputies. Captain Davis said it would not. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve renewing the Mediko, Inc. contract in the amount of $1,720,696 for the FY 25-26 and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated that the North Carolina General Assembly, through its legislative role, provides for counties and municipalities to adopt and enforce zoning regulations. Every year the General Assembly makes changes to general statutes including the statutes that impact zoning regulations and 2024 was no exception. A list of all the recommended changes to the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance is below. These changes will ensure that Randolph County’s UDO is compliant with changes made to the North Carolina General Statutes. In the packet is the 2024 North Carolina Legislation Related to Planning and Development Regulations published by the UNC School of Government which was used as a guide for the recommended changes. The Randolph County 5/5/25 Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended these changes at their April Meeting to the Board of Commissioners for approval.  Added advanced air mobility radar, battery-charged security fence, modified co-location, added model home, monetary compensation, on-premises advertising sign, permit applicant, permittee, and reconstruction to Section 102 (UDO Definitions).  Modified the definition of built-upon area in Section 103.  Amended public water and sewer to reflect public utilities so the Ordinance would be consistent.  Added Section 402, item D to include new rules related to the review of affixed seals of design.  Amended Section 403, item E to state that administrative staff cannot require unrestricted access to property as part of a condition of development approvals.  Added a footnote to item D to Section 408 to reflect HB161 that has been filed in the General Assembly to exempt Randolph County from this provision in the General Statutes.  Added Section 416 to specify the delivery of permits issued by County agencies.  Amended Section 607 to include that boarding horses on property counts as an agricultural use of property.  Amended Section 613 Tables 3 to 15 to reflect that the three-acre minimum lot size requirement in the Rural Growth Area is for major subdivisions.  Added item C to Section 635 to include new regulations on on-premises advertising signs.  Added Section 639 to add rules related to battery-charged security fences.  Added Section 640 to add rules related to drone traffic control.  Amended Section 704 to reflect changes made by the General Assembly on inspections, performance guarantees, and curb and gutter design standards.  Amended Section 719 to remove the requirements for line and curve chart data along with lot size and road frontage for each lot being exported to a CSV file.  Amended Section 724 to remove item B since the State rules have changed requiring the statement to be included on the deed for the property involving off-site septic systems.  Added Section 725 to add regulations for model homes within subdivision developments. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Ordinance Amending the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance. Juvenile Day Reporting Center (JDRC) Position Reclassifications Pam Resch, Juvenile Day Reporting Center Director, said the Juvenile Day Reporting Center (JDRC) is requesting to reclassify a full-time transportation position which was granted last budget season into three part-time roles to enhance transparency and efficiency. No additional funding is needed for this request. One of the part-time roles being recommended is for data entry and would require that the classification of Data Entry Clerk be added to the 2024-2025 Randolph County Classification Plan at Grade 106. It will also be necessary to reclassify one full-time Transportation Aide, Grade 101, 5/5/25 to a part-time Transportation Aide, Grade 101. The full-time Transportation Aide classification can be removed. Please authorize the JCPC to hire two part-time Transportation Aides and one part-time Data Entry Clerk. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) reclassify one full-time Transportation Aide position into three part-time positions, 2) remove the classification of full- time Transportation Aide, Grade 101, 3) add the classification of part-time Data Entry Clerk, Grade 106, 4) add the classification of part-time Transportation Aide, Grade 101 and 5) authorize JDRC to hire two part-time Transportation Aides and one part-time Data Entry Clerk. Planning and Zoning Peer Review William Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Operations, stated at the request of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners conducted a peer review of the Randolph County Planning and Zoning Department in 2024. The peer review team consisted of Planning and Development Directors from counties of similar demographic, economic, and growth trends. The team reviewed many areas including organizational structure, management practices, professional development, customer service, and technology. While there are areas where improvements could be made, the review team commended staff for the excellent work being produced and their team mentality. The review continued to state that staff were genuinely satisfied with their role in the Planning and Zoning Department and that they sincerely enjoy serving the public. Chairman Frye asked if Central Permitting was no longer centralized. Mr. Johnson stated that he and the staff would investigate improvements and updates to make a more functional model moving forward. Vice-Chairman Kidd stated it would be good to make it Central Permitting again. Mr. Johnson responded that the new vision will likely be different than what it had been. He will work on making an improved process. Commissioner Allen said the facility is needing to be changed. The current building is cumbersome. Costs for a building and the necessary technology will be expensive. It is something the Board will need to address. Mr. Holden thanked the Board for allowing the study to occur. Once a Planning Director is hired, current and future needs will be investigated. County Manager’s Update County Manager Zeb Holden thanked everyone who was involved in the annual Child Abuse Prevention Walk. It was a great success. Commissioners Update 5/5/25 Commissioner Allen said that there were several bills regarding zoning issues that may require another UDO change. Some of the changes are not favorable to local government. The NC Association for County Commissioners is monitoring the bills. Chairman Frye stated that board members have been discussing concerns directly with the legislators regarding the bills. He had also talked with them about the loss of funding from the State to many local governments. Lottery funding to the Counties has been frozen. Medicaid expansion money loss for Randolph County is equivalent to an additional $.02 on the tax rate. The budget may look different this year. There are serious efforts to focus on personnel retention. Adjournment At 7:03 p.m., on motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd ________________________________ _________________________________ David Allen Hope Haywood ________________________________ _________________________________ Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 5/5/25