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120400December 4, 2000 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 Kemp, Frye, Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present. Invocation was given by Rev. Richard Wright, First Christian Church, Ramseur, after which everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Presentation of Retirement Plaque On behalf of the Board, Chairman Kemp presented an engraved clock to C. G. "Vince" Vincent, who is retiring with 14 years of service in the Sheriff's Office. Reorganization of the Board On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted to maintain the current organization of the Board, as follows: Chairman, Phil Kemp; Vice Chairman, Darrell Frye; County Attorney, Alan Pugh; Clerk to the Board, Alice Dawson; Deputy Clerk to the Board, Cheryl Ivey; Representative to the Board of Health, Robert Davis; Representative to the Mental Health Board, Harold Holmes; Representative to the Social Services Board, Robert Mason; Representative to the High Point Transportation Advisory Board, Darrell Frye; PTCOG Delegate, Darrell Frye; Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority, Darrell Frye; Piedmont Triad Partnership, Darrell Frye; Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, Darrell Frye. Consent Agenda On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, as follows: approve regular minutes and closed session minutes of November 6, 2000 meeting; reappoint Addie Luther and Nan Kemp to the Nursing Home/Adult Care Home Advisory Committee (3 - year terms); reappoint David Townsend to the Board of Health (3 year term); reappoint Margaret Hayes to the Seagrove-UlahMetropolitan Water District Board (3 year term); approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, Lead Regional Organizations have established productive voluntary working relationships with municipalities and counties across North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the 2000 General Assembly recognized this relationship through the appropriation of $990, 000 for each year of the biennium to help Lead Regional Organizations assist local governments with grant applications, economic development, community development, and to support local industrial development activities and other activities as deemed appropriate by local governments; and WHEREAS, these funds are not intended to be used for payment of member dues or assessments to a Lead Regional Organization or to supplant funds appropriated by the member governments; and WHEREAS, in the event that a request is not made by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners for release of these funds to the Lead Regional Organization, the available funds will revert to State's general fund; and WHEREAS, in Region G, funds in the amount of $55, 000 will be used to carry out the 2000-2001 Program of Work; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL VED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners requests the release of its share of these funds, $8,298. 76, to the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments at the earliest possible time in accordance with the provisions of law. Update on High Point Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan Hal Johnson, Planning Director, explained the transportation planning program and introduced Andy Grimski of the High Point Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mr. Grimski gave an update on the High Point Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. He said this revision is the first update of the Thoroughfare Plan since 1989. Each local government within the area encompassed by the Plan must approve the changes before it is submitted to the N.C. State Board of Transportation. He asked the Board to review the draft Plan that he will provide, and he will return, probably in March, for their approval. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Public Hearing; Approve Proposed Usage; Budget Amendment At 4:30 p.m. Chairman Kemp opened a duly advertised public hearing to receive public comments concerning the use of Local Law Enforcement Block Grant funds. This grant is for $32,003 and requires a ten percent local match. No one spoke; Chairman Kemp closed the public hearing. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted to use these funds for additional security at the Courthouse and approved Budget Amendment #20 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #20 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $28,803 Fund Balance Appropriated $3,200 Appropriation Increase Sheriff & Jail $32,003 Approval of Work First County Block Grant Plan Martha Sheriff, Social Services Director, stated that the Work First Planning Committee had completed the proposed Work First Plan for Randolph County for FY 2001-2003. No comments were received during the public comment period. Lisa Royal, Social Work Program Director, explained the 8 proposed changes to the Plan. ➢ Count SSI income in the budget unit for the Work First payment. Count the income of couples cohabitating the same way it is counted for married couples. ➢ Restrict applicants to 14 days to comply with substance abuse screening. ➢ Offer the Job Bonus only for jobs that are 30 or more hours/week, appear to be permanent employment or area "temp to permanent" with a temporary agency. The Job Bonus would be effective the first month the WFFA benefits would have been reduced or terminated. ➢ Offer "Under 200% of Poverty" services only to families referred by the DSS during a program development stage. ➢ Change the exemption for a child under 12 months to a child under 6 months; eliminate the exemption for a child under 12 months for recipients with 30+ months on their federal time clock. ➢ Place recipients back in protective payee status (due to failure to comply with substance abuse treatment) after a termination if they should reapply within 90 days of the termination. ➢ Expand Family Violence services: Contract with Family Crisis Center for a part-time counselor to provide education, domestic violence screenings, one-on-one counseling, marriage/relationship counseling and facilitating group sessions with participants. ➢ Contract with Randolph Sheltered Workshop to administer vocational evaluations and paid work experience. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the Plan as proposed by the Work First Planning Committee. Contract for Renovations to Recycling Building Will Massie, Deputy Finance Officer, explained that the current recycling building has no space for storage of recyclables after they are collected. Therefore, a 40' x 30' expansion is needed for a storage area. The Public Works Department contacted 4 vendors and received 3 quotes: Pritchard Construction, Inc., $25,300; MapCo, Inc., $25,785; Hilco Transport, Inc., $29,750; S.E. Trogdon and Son, No Bid. Public Works has sufficient funds in its budget to pay for these improvements. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously awarded a contract to Pritchard Construction, Inc. for $25,300 and authorized the County Manager to sign the contract. Contract for Fire Extinguisher Service Ron Williams, Safety and Training Officer, reported that the County has 248 fire extinguishers that are due for service now or in the near future. The Purchasing Office sent out a request for bids to three companies in Randolph County for a three-year service and maintenance contract. The bid from Caraway Fire Equipment was not considered because they failed to send in written documentation of proof of insurance as required by our written instructions. The two remaining bids received (for annual service/inspection, seals, pins, tags) were from Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service for $2.25 per unit and from D -Blaze, Inc. for $3.25 per unit. On motion ofMason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service, beginning January 1, 2001. Community Transportation Program (CTP) Grant Application Public Hearing; Resolution Approving Application At 5:00 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider a CTP grant application on behalf of the Randolph County Senior Adults Association (RCSAA). Ray Newton, Transportation Coordinator for RCSAA, advised the Board that the CTP application is divided into 3 parts. Part I, due to the NC Department of Transportation by January 16, 2001, includes the project description and services and administrative expenses ($156,959). Part II, due April 16, 2001, includes vehicle, facility and technology expenses ($100,301). The total grant request is $257,260. Part III, which includes certification, assurances, and a vehicle inventory report, will be due at a date to be announced later. Chairman Kemp asked for public comment; hearing none, he closed the public hearing. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution approving the application as presented, as follows: WHEREAS, Article 2B of Chapter 136 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the Governor ofNorth Carolina have designated the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as the agency responsible for administering federal and state public transportation funds; and WHEREAS, the NCDOT will apply for a grant from the US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and receives funds from the North Carolina General Assembly to provide assistance for rural public transportation projects; and WHEREAS, the purpose of these transportation funds is to provide grant monies to local agencies for the provision of rural public transportation services consistent with the policy requirements for planning, community and agency involvement, service design, service alternatives, training and conference participation, reporting and other requirements (drug and alcohol testingpolicy andprogram, disadvantaged business enterprise program, and fully allocated costs analysis); and WHEREAS, Randolph County hereby assures and certifies that it will comply with the federal and state statutes, regulations, executive orders, Section 5333 (b) Warranty, and all administrative requirements which relate to the applications made to and grants received from the Federal Transit Administration, as well as the provisions of Section 1001 of Title 18, U.S.C.; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Director of the Randolph County Senior Adults Association of the Randolph County Commissioners is hereby authorized to submit a grant application for federal and state funding, make the necessary assurances and certifications and be empowered to enter into an agreement with the NCDOT to provide rural public transportation services. Request for Capital Funding for Central Boys/Girls Club Addie Luther, Fundraising Chairman of the Eastside Improvement Association, stated that Eastside is attempting to raise $350,000 to renovate the gym in the old Central School for use as a Boys/Girls Club facility. The national organization has said that this club must operate as a chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater High Point. The High Point Director will hire and train the staff. The Central Club will be open to any child in Randolph County ages 6 - 18. Mrs. Luther requested that the County contribute $40,000 to this project. Jim Culberson spoke in support of this project and Mrs. Luther's request. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted to allocate $40, 000 to Eastside Improvement Association, Inc. Budget Amendment - Links Program (Social Services) Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that the Links Program is a DSS program which links foster children ages 13 to 21 with various services to help prepare them for future life outside the foster care system. A funding authorization of $14,800 has been received from the Division of Social Services for this program. On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment #21 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #21 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $14,800 Appropriation Increase Social Services $14,800 Budget Amendment - Smart Start Day Care (Social Services) Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that Smart Start Day Care is a DSS program which provides child care services to children of qualified families for support of employment, education/training, protective services, and special needs. A funding authorization of $200,000 has been received from the Division of Social Services for this program. On motion ofMason, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #22 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #22 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $200,000 Appropriation Increase Social Services $200,000 Budget Amendment - Crisis Intervention Prevention (Social Services) Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that Crisis Intervention Prevention is a DSS program for qualifying residents of Randolph County who are in life-threatening situations related to heating or cooling. A funding authorization of $81,463 has been received from the Division of Social Services for this program. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #23 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #23 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $81,463 Appropriation > Increase Social Services $81,463 Budget Amendment - Juvenile Justice Program Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has provided Randolph County with $13,554 in expansion funds. The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council recommends allocating $7,760 for Restitution/Teen Court, $2,921 for Youth and Family Counseling, and $2,873 for the Court Psychologist. On motion of Mason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #24 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #24 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $13,554 Appropriation Increase Juvenile Justice Program $13,554 Budget Amendment - Certificates of Participation (COPs) Excess Fund Balance Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, explained that the 1995 COPS excess fund balance needed in reserve for paying debt service has been determined for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000. According to a resolution adopted by the County Commissioners on August 4, 1997, the excess amount in reserve at year-end will be paid to the County Schools. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Budget amendment #25 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #25 Revenue Increase Miscellaneous $416,095 Appropriation Increase Special Appropriations - Co. Schools -Capital -Excess COPs Debt Service $416,095 Budget Amendment - Library Frank Willis, County Manager, reported that the Library has been awarded a grant from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which requires the Library to purchase computers with pre -selected hardware and software bundles from the specified vendor, Gateway Incorporated. Due to the stipulations of the grant, there is no way to obtain competition. G.S. 143-129(f) allows the County to waive the competitive bidding requirements on a sole -source basis. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously waived the competitive bidding requirements under the sole -source exception G. S. 143-129(f), approved the purchase of 10 computers and related equipment from Gateway Incorporated, and approved Budget amendment #26 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #26 Revenue Increase Miscellaneous $44,774 Appropriation Increase Public Library $44,774 Budget Amendment - Fund Balance (Eastside Improvement Association) On motion ofMason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment #27 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #27 Revenue Increase Fund Balance Appropriated $40,000 Appropriation Increase> Special Asspropriations - $40,000 Eastside Improvement Association Times Fiber Communications Economic Development Proiect Public Hearing; Approval of Contract At 5:30 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider whether the County should give a $50,000 economic incentive payment to Times Fiber. Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, stated that Times Fiber Communications, Inc. is planning to locate a manufacturing plant in the Liberty Business Park, located on Old Highway 421 near Liberty. This project will mean an investment of $11 million and the creation of 85 new jobs. Times Fiber needs rail access to facilitate its business. Construction of a rail spur to the property would be around $135,000. Richard Wells of Times Fiber said that his company makes co -axial cable and is the second largest supplier of cable in the world. They also manufacture connectors for phones, TVS, etc. They plan to build a second building of 18,000 square feet in the Liberty Business Park. Aimee Scotton, County Staff Attorney, recommended that the County enter into an Economic Incentives Agreement with Times Fiber in order to protect its investment. Under this agreement, the County's $50,000 payment would be contingent upon Times Fiber's achieving the following performance requirements: ➢ Times Fiber shall invest at least $6.4 million in capital equipment in Randolph County. In addition, $4.1 million shall be invested by The Compass Group. ($1.5 million is the current value of the shell building; the remaining $2.6 million is to improve the shell building for Times Fiber's occupation and to construct the second building.) Together, these amounts represent a total initial investment requirement of $10.5 million. With this $10.5 million investment, the County's $50,000 incentive payment would be paid back in tax revenues the first year that Times Fiber is in operation. ➢ Times Fiber shall create at least 60 new jobs in Randolph County. This number represents approximately 70% of the 85 total jobs that Times Fiber plans to create. Before receiving the County's incentive payment, Times Fiber must evidence completion ofthese performance requirements by submitting the following to the County: ➢ Certificate of Occupancy for the shell building; ➢ Written certification of Times Fiber's $6.4 million investment in capital equipment; ➢ Payroll records or Employment Security records evidencing the creation of 60 new jobs. Chairman Kemp invited public comment on this issue. Chad Howell, Liberty Town Manager, said he had worked with the Liberty Town Council on this project and they support it. He said it would be a boon to the community and town. The property was annexed into the city limits 6 months ago. No one else spoke and Chairman Kemp closed the public hearing. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously voted to enter into an economic incentive contract with Times Fiber Communications whereby Randolph County will make an economic incentive grant of $50, 000 to Times Fiber in accordance with the terms and conditions as presented by the Staff Attorney and authorized the Staff Attorney to draft the contract and the County Attorney to review the contract. When they are satisfied the contract meets the terms and conditions, the Chairman is authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the County. On motion ofDavis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment#28 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #28 Revenue Increase Fund Balance Appropriated $50,000 Appropriation Increase Special Appropriations - Times Fiber $50,000 Pawnbroker License Renewal Aimee Scotton, Staff Attorney, reported that Harry Frank Chamberlin had applied for a one-year renewal of his pawnbroker's license and that she had found his application to meet all County requirements. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved a one year pawnbroker license to Harry Frank Chamberlin, effective December 15, 2000 - December 15, 2001. Voting Delegate for NCACC Legislative Goals Conference On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously appointed Chairman Kemp to be their voting delegate at the upcoming North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Legislative Goals Conference. CDBG Grant Application Public Hearing At 6:00 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to discuss the possible submission of an application for a Community Development Block Grant for Economic Development administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. David Townsend, III, Public Works Director, stated that this public hearing is the first of two required before an application can be submitted. This first one does not require the disclosure of the company's name, the amount of money involved, or any other details. The maximum award for this type grant is $750,000, with a required 25% match from the applicant. Bramley Crisco, Existing Industry Coordinator for the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, reported that this grant is being considered for Confluence Holdings in Glenola. This company located in Randolph County in 1997 and has already expanded their facility from 100,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet and from 100 jobs to 280. They need to expand again, but they cannot expand their wastewater system on-site. They would need to hook up to the City of Archdale's system, but this project would cost approximately $800,000. Archdale will vote on December 12 whether to allow the company to hook up to their system. Chairman Kemp invited public comment on this issue; hearing none, he closed the public hearing. Rezoning Public Hearing At 6:30 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests. Hal Johnson, Planning & Zoning Director, presented the following requests, and Chairman Kemp opened the public hearing for comments on each request and closed it before taking action on each request: 1. EDWARD GEIGER, Hillsborough, is requesting that 41.60 acres (out of 42.30 acres) located on Racine Road, Providence Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Residential Exclusive/Conditional Use. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would specifically allow the development of a 36 -lot subdivision for site -built homes only with a minimum of 1,400 sq. ft. The Planning Board unanimously recommended that this request be approved. Jerry King, surveyor for the project, provided photos of the proposed road entrance showing sight distance both ways from that point. He provided statistics showing that lot sizes will be comparable to other subdivisions in the area. He said the pond on the property will be included in the deed to the 3 lots that encompass the pond, and the new owners will be responsible for it. David Tilson, 2209 Homestead Road, said he is assisting with this project. He said they have located an old cemetery on the property and that they will comply with all state laws regarding it. There will be setbacks for the pond and creek as well as deed restrictions concerning them. They plan to put split rail fencing along Racine Road and plant azaleas along it. Andrew Gregson, 4212 Beckerdite Road, Sophia, said he was speaking on behalf of his aunt, an adjoining property owner, and other relatives who have property nearby. They have concerns about what new development will bring to their area. They already have had problems with larceny, vandalism, and breaking and entering. They are also concerned about the water supply, garbage being dumped, and overcrowded schools. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved this request with the condition that the 2 lots bordering the proposed new road and Racine Road have driveways onto the new road, not onto Racine Road. 2. ROBERT STEPHENS, Asheboro, North Carolina, is requesting that 26 acres located on Mount Gilead Church Road, Tabernacle Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Residential Exclusive/Conditional Use. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would specifically allow the development of a 7 -lot subdivision for site -built homes and modular homes with a minimum roof pitch of 6/12 only. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Bob Luck, 2019 Southmont Drive, Asheboro, representing Mr. Stephens, said that the strange lines for the lots resulted from matching suitable soils for septic systems with the lots' boundaries. He said there is a mix of housing types along Mt. Gilead Church Road, and they decided to go with Residential Exclusive but lower the square footage requirement. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved this request. 3. HARRY GRIFFIN, Climax, is requesting that 110.77 acres (out of 234.25 acres) located on Wright Country Road, Columbia Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Residential Restricted/Conditional Use. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would specifically allow the development of a 35 -lot subdivision for site -built homes, modular homes and Class A double - wide mobile homes on permanent masonry foundations. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be denied, but the Board commented that the most appropriate classification would be Residential Exclusive/Conditional Use. Mr. Johnson noted that the Planning Board was concerned that the development would primarily be doublewides and that there are already other areas identified as more compatible with mobile homes. They indicated they may have favorably considered this request if it had been for site -built and modular only. Mr. Johnson stated that after the Planning Board meeting, the developer submitted a change to his request. He is now requesting Residential Exclusive and has submitted deed restrictions. Harry Griffin, Climax, said he changed his request after hearing some of the concerns. He said the deed restrictions would apply to the entire 240 acres, which will be done in 3 phases. Commissioner Davis expressed a concern about deed restriction #12, which says deed restrictions may be changed by Harry Griffin or his heirs. Mr. Griffin stated that he has no problem removing that language from the restrictions. The Board discussed this request and expressed concerns about the number of driveways entering the road. They were also concerned that the public hasn't had the opportunity to address the changed proposal. Lane Moore, 2265 Iron Mountain Road, Asheboro, said there has not been enough planning done on this request and that the request should not be approved before more planning has occurred. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted to postpone action on this request and to consider the Residential Exclusive request pending modification of the plat that was presented at this meeting. 4. LEWIS CHEEK, Asheboro, is requesting that 0.51 acre located at 2584 Walnut Ridge Road, Forest Park Subdivision, Lots 24-25, Randleman Township, be rezoned from Residential Restricted to Residential Mixed/Conditional Use. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would allow the placement of a single -wide mobile home. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Lewis Cheek, Asheboro, said this lot has had a mobile home on it for several years and that this is the only thing he wants to do with the property. He said he would fix up the mobile home before he lets anyone move into it. Pauline Flinchum, 517 Forest East Lane, Randleman, said Mr. Cheek's mobile home park near there has caused problems with garbage, shootings, and fights, and nothing ever gets cleaned up. She said she would like to see resident owners of property, not more renters. Beverly Walker, Boundary Drive, said she wants a better neighborhood and that the mobile home sitting on Mr. Cheek's lot now needs underpinning. Also, insulation is sticking out, and it is being held up by 2 x 4's on the back side. She said she has been broken into before by some of this renters. On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved this request. Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Phil Kemp, Chairman J. Harold Holmes Robert O. Mason Darrell L. Frye Robert B. Davis Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board