090208September 2, 2008
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 4:00 p.m. in the
Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Rev. John Auler of Spoons
Chapel Christian Church, Asheboro, gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Special Recognition
Chairman Holmes recognized George Kivett, who is retiring with 25 years of service with Randolph
County Emergency Services.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment. No one
spoke, and Chairman Holmes closed the floor for public comment.
Approval of Consent Agenda
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent
Agenda, as follows:
• approve minutes of regular meeting of August 4, 2008, two special meetings on August 12, 2008
and unseal closed session minutes of 515108, 612108, 619108, 6116108, and 717108 I & II;
• adopt 2008 Proclamation designating "Family Day A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children" on
Monday, September 22, 2008;
• reappoint Will Massie, Cheryl Ivey and Jane Leonard to the Randolph County Public Facilities
Corporation;
• reappoint Mary Joan Pugh and David Caughron to the Tourism Development Authority;
• reappoint Carolyn Harris to the Randolph County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee;
• reappoint Gloria Terry to the Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee;
• appoint Blakely Bell to the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;
• approve Budget Amendment # 4 for Health Department, as follows:
2008-2009 BUDGET ORDINANCE'
GENERAL FUAD-Amendment # 4''
Revenues
Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$48,500
Permits & Fees
$ 700
Appropriations
Increase Decrease
Public Health
$ 49,200
Changes to Agenda
Chairman Holmes announced that Item J. Discussion of NC Pottery Center would be added to the
agenda.
Action on Resolution of Sunnort of Establishment of a Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Asheboro
George Gussler, President, Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, asked the Board to approve a
resolution requesting that NCDOT allow full movement use (left turns allowed) driveway connections on
US Hwy 64 (East Dixie Drive). He said that Cracker Barrel Restaurant wishes to locate a new facility at
1304 US Hwy 64, just east of the Walmart shopping center, but will do so only if left turns are allowed at
the proposed location, but NCDOT will not approve the request for safety reasons.
Reuben Blakley, NCDOT Division 8 District 1 Engineer, spoke, saying that NCDOT's decision to
deny the request for full movement use is based solely on safety issues and cited statistics about the high
number of traffic accidents and heavy traffic volume on Dixie Drive.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to deny the resolution of support
of establishment of a Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Asheboro for safety reasons.
Adoption of Proclamation Honoring Randolph County Post 45 American Legion Baseball Team as
State Champions and Special Presentation
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a proclamation
honoring Randolph County Post 45 American Legion Baseball Team as State champions, which follows
below.
Chairman Holmes read the following proclamation and then presented the framed proclamation to Head
Coach Ronnie Pugh:
WHEREAS, the Randolph County American Legion Post 45 Baseball Team, on Saturday, August 9, 2008,
earned the title ofAmerican Legion North Carolina State Champions with a 7-4 victory over Cherryville Post 100;
and
WHEREAS, Post 45's players and coaches, led by Head Coach Ronnie Pugh, have demonstrated the
teamwork and dedication necessary to produce a successful and winning season with an impressive record of 43-14
this year; and
WHEREAS, Post 45's players and coaches have created a positive image for their peers and the citizens of
Randolph County and surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, Post 45 was led by Ethan Marsh, who was named Most Valuable Player in the American
Legion North Carolina State Tournament; and
WHEREAS, Post 45 has exhibited athletic ability and great sportsmanship, both on and off the field,
thereby bringing pride and recognition not only to the team itself, but also to Randolph County and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners
officially acknowledges the talents, skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and successes of the 2008 American Legion Post
45 Baseball Team, the 2008 American Legion North Carolina State Champions, and, on behalf of our citizens, does
hereby extend this expression of our pride in this prestigious milestone.
This 2"d day of September, 2008.
Update on Hwy. 64 Water Line Proiect
David Townsend, III, Public Works Director, and Bill Lester, Consulting Engineer with Hobbs
Upchurch and Associates, gave an update on the Hwy. 64 water line project. Cost estimate for running a
12 -inch line from the Asheboro city limits to Loflin Pond Rd. is $2,150,000. Running the line to the same
location from Ramseur would cost $3,575,000. Mr. Townsend said that once the Board decides on the
route, the County will begin negotiating with the municipality involved and an interlocal agreement will be
drafted and signed. No decision was made at this meeting.
Tourism Development Authority Annual Report
Tammy O'Kelley, Director of Tourism --Tourism Development Authority (TDA), said that 2007
marked Randolph County TDA's 10 -year anniversary and reported that visitor spending increased 4.1%,
with $102.7 million being spent in Randolph County. Ms. O'Kelley also reported on accomplishments and
highlights from 2007, saying that the TDA began its first industry accreditation process. Key goals include
the development of a five-year strategic plan that identifies and outlines specific strategies in growing,
promoting, and protecting Randolph County's tourism industry. Specifically, the plan will study the impact
of the new visitor centers being built in the Seagrove area, the newly passed alcohol referendum in
Asheboro, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, and the current divided marketing and festival groups
in Seagrove (pottery).
Annual Report of the Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team (CFPT/COPT)
MiMi Cooper, Public Health Director, gave an annual report of the combined Child Fatality Prevention
Team and Community Child Protection Team in accordance with NCGS 143-576.1(a)(2). The
CFPT/CCPT met every month during the past year (July 07 -June 08) and reviewed 20 child deaths. The
purpose of the Child Fatality Prevention Team is to review the deaths of all children to determine if system
problems exist that contribute to the delay of or lack of services that might have prevented this death. In
this way, services can be improved/added that will prevent problems for families in the future. There were
no system problems identified during this reporting period. The purpose of the Community Child
Protection Team is to review current cases selected by the DSS staff that are particularly complex or that
the case worker would like a review of the services provided. The CCPT reviewed 10 cases concerning
children during the past year (July 07 -June 08). The CCPT also reviews any deaths to children who were
in the custody of DSS at the time of death or those who had contact with the agency in the 12 months
previous to the child's death. There were no deaths of children in the custody of DSS during this period
and no intensive reviews.
Technology Work Plan Progress Report
Annette Crotts, Computer Services Director, gave a quarterly update on the County's Technology Work
Plan Progress. She said that plans currently underway include:
1. Tax Billing & Collections Conversion (awarded in June, 2008 for $539,529) — currently working
with vendor, IIS from Durham, NC to convert County data into their format and familiarizing staff
with the software using a test machine and another county's data. Plans are to bill on the new
software in July 2009.
2. Central Permitting ($200,000 allocated in 2007) — the RFP is currently being reviewed by the
Purchasing Agent and Staff Attorney. Once this is complete, bids will go out for replacing PICK
software that handles the Central Permitting application with bids being reviewed by 1st quarter of
2009.
3. DSS Automation (approved in January, 2008 using remaining funds from 2006 allocation, current
balance is $70,380) - still automating Social Services' units using document imaging and on -forms
software. Also currently working on Services unit data and hope to complete the final DSS unit by
July 1, 2009.
Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, Suzanne Tate, Public Library Director, and Darlene Hill, Health
Department Accounting Specialist, gave testimonials on improved efficiency in their departments since
new Financial, Payroll and Personnel software was implemented during 2006.
Approval of Standard Status for 2009-2011 Work First Biennial County Planning Process
Beth Duncan, DSS Director, said that the current biennial Work First Block Grant planning cycle began
with the receipt of a June 19, 2008 letter outlining the local planning requirements. In accordance with the
letter, all county Departments of Social Services must submit a Standard or Electing County designation
form to the Division of Social Services prior to September 26, 2008. The decision must have the support
of three-fifths of the county commissioners. The DSS Work First staff updated the Work First Plan and
presented a draft to the County Planning Committee on August 22, 2008 for discussion and review. The
Committee recommends that Randolph County DSS continue operating under a Standard Plan. The public
comment period will be advertised for September 7-20, 2008 with the final plan due to NC Division of
Social Services prior to October 31, 2008.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to remain a Standard county for
the Work First Program for FY 2009-2011.
Recess
At 5:55 p.m., the Board took a short recess.
Update of Old Courthouse Renovations and Approval of Budget Amendment
Richard Wells, County Manager, reported that cleanup and renovations are underway at the old
Courthouse. Due to the current slow economy, construction has slowed in the County. Rather than laying
off our highly skilled and trained inspectors, the work at the Courthouse will be done by our inspectors
during their "slow" times. Mr. Wells proposed that the first floor be used as office space and the courtroom
on the second floor be renovated for a public meeting room.
Mr. Wells asked that revenue from the timber sales at the landfill property last year be used for initial
funding for the Courthouse renovations and asked the Board to approve a budget amendment to earmark
$110,000 for this purpose. (The remaining $3,000 from the timber sale will be used for replanting at the
landfill.)
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget
Amendment # 5, as follows:
2008-2009 BUDGET
ORDINANCE''
GENERAL FUND
Amendment # 5
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance
$110,000
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Public Buildings
$110,000
Fall Planning Retreat Date Set
On motion of Lanier, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to set the fall planning retreat
for October 27, 2008, 4: 00 p.m., in the Health Department conference room.
Action to Discontinue Funding Support for the NC Pottery Center (NCP0
Commissioner Kemp reminded the other Board members that the County approved $25,000 in the FY
08-09 Maintenance Budget for County Maintenance staff to provide grounds upkeep at the NC Pottery
Center. This was done with the understanding that the NCPC planned to gift itself to the state Dept. of
Cultural Resources (DCR) and for DCR to take over the Center. However, the State did not include
funding for the Pottery Center in its 08-09 budget. When the State's assistance fell through, the NCPC
Board voted to close the center and allow the buildings and property to be used by RCC as its southern
campus for a nominal lease amount. Then, however, some NCPC Board members decided to raise funds in
hopes to keep the Center open and voted recently to nullify its previous action to lease the property to
RCC, choosing rather to sell the property, should the Center have to close.
James Chriscoe, County Maintenance Director, reported that about $5,000 in equipment and materials
(plus another $5,000 in labor costs) was spent at the NCPC last budget year and about $1,000 (plus labor
costs) so far this year. He said that he had purchased some air conditioning parts (cost: $700) to repair a
unit at the NCPC but reported that these materials could be returned for a refund.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to discontinue the upkeep of
the NC Pottery Center buildings and grounds and return (for refund) the air conditioning parts purchased
by our Maintenance Department to make repairs at the Pottery Center.
The Board also directed County Attorney Darren Allen to determine if the Pottery Center could be sold
outright since the Center was built with primarily State funding.
Rezoning Pubic Hearing
At 6:30 p.m., the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests.
Hal Johnson presented the following requests, and Chairman Holmes opened the public hearing for
comments on each request and closed it before taking action on the requests.
1. JANET JOHNSON, Liberty, North Carolina, is requesting that 26.40 acres out of 155.00 acres located
on Shady Hollow Road, Liberty Township, be rezoned from RA to RLOE-CD. Tax ID# 8715536247.
Rural Growth Area. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically allow the development
of an 8 -lot subdivision for site -built or conventional modular homes with a minimum house size of 1,200
sq. ft. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on August 5, 2008, and recommended
unanimously that this request be approved.
The Planning Board found the following Policies within the Growth Management Plan that support
determination of consistency with the adopted plan with this recommendation are
Policy 6.5 The protection of viable rural neighborhoods should be encouraged by compatible residential
development to insure the continued existence as a major housing source and as a reflection of the long
term quality of life in Randolph County.
Policy 6.23 The County should encourage the use of rural lot subdivision designs where the size of lot
allows for open space and groundwater recharge areas preserved by careful siting of the principal and
accessory uses as noted through subdivision plat notations and related deed restrictions.
Tom Meacham, real estate agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the request, saying
that they had tried to stay within the parameters of the County's requests. There will be only site -built and
off -frame modular homes in the subdivision.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of
Janet Johnson, as determined consistent with policies contained within the adopted Growth Management
Plan and outlined in the Planning Board recommendation.
2. CHARLES APPLE, Asheboro, North Carolina, is requesting that 25.65 acres located on Brantley
Gordon Road (across from Valley Farm Road), Concord Township, be rezoned from RA to RLOE-CD.
Tax ID# 6688889130. Rural Growth Area. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically
allow the development of a 5 -lot subdivision for site -built homes with a minimum house size of 1,400 sq.
ft. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on August 5, 2008, and recommended
unanimously that this request be approved.
The Planning Board found the following Policies within the Growth Management Plan that support
determination of consistency with the adopted plan with this recommendation are:
Policy 6.5 The protection of viable rural neighborhoods should be encouraged by compatible residential
development to insure the continued existence as a major housing source and as a reflection of the long
term quality of life in Randolph County.
Policy 6.23 The County should encourage the use of rural lot subdivision designs where the size of lot
allows for open space and groundwater recharge areas preserved by careful siting of the principal and
accessory uses as noted through subdivision plat notations and related deed restrictions.
No one spoke.
On motion of Lanier, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of
Charles Apple, as determined consistent with policies contained within the adopted Growth Management
Plan and outlined in the Planning Board recommendation.
Adiournment
At 6:42 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman
Phil Kemp
Stan Haywood
Darrell L. Frye
Arnold Lanier
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board