031097March 10, 1997
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.
Ben Chavis, Youth Pastor at Asheboro Church of God and Randolph County Assessor/Tax Collector.
Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. Attorney Ed Gavin sat in for County Attorney Alan Pugh.
Addition to Agenda
Chairman Kemp announced the addition of Budget Amendment #27 - Ramseur CDBG
Project.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the consent
agenda, as follows:
• approve minutes of February 3;
• approve and unseal closed session minutes of February 3;
• reappoint J. R. Ewings to the Archdale Planning Board;
• reappoint W. Jack Smith to the Liberty Planning & Zoning Board;
• reappoint Sam Jones and Tim Benbow to the Franklinville Planning Board;
• approve resolutions (ATTACHED) adding Forest Lane and Greenview Drive Extension to the
State Secondary Road System.
Presentation of Retirement Plaque to Billy Chilton
Chairman Kemp presented a retirement plaque to Billy Chilton, County Assessor/Tax Collector,
for 18 years of service.
Settlement Report
Billy Chilton, retiring County Assessor/Tax Collector, presented his tax settlement report for the
period July 1, 1996 through February 28, 1997 (the date of Mr. Chilton's retirement).
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the settlement report.
Aging Services Matters for FY 1996-97
Candie Rudzinski, Randolph County Senior Adults Association Director and County Aging
Coordinator, advised the Board that they are no longer required to appoint a lead agency for Aging
Services on an annual basis. The lead agency will serve in that capacity until the County
Commissioners decide to make a change. She reminded the Board that they have charged the Aging
Services Planning Committee with lead responsibility for the planning and coordination ofthe County
funding plan for Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCGB) funds. She recommended that
the Board take the following actions in order to remain in compliance with the requirements for
receipt of HCCBG funds:
1. Designate the Randolph County Senior Adults Association, Inc. as lead agency for the planning
and coordination of HCCBG funds.
2. Agree to accept EDTAP and MTAP funds should they become available and allow the Aging
Services Planning Committee to make recommendations as to the allocation of these funds.
3. Agree to accept supplemental funds for Aging Services should they become available and allow
the Aging Services Planning Committee to make recommendations as to the allocation of these
funds.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the three
recommendations listed above.
Amendments to County Classification Plan
Hal Scott, Jr., Personnel Director, discussed amending the County's classification plan because of
changes in certain job descriptions.
1. Purchasing responsibilities have been reassigned under the Finance Department. New purchasing
policies and procedures have been established that no longer require a purchasing agent to
administer. The level required to support the program is now at a technician level. Two classes
are recommended to accommodate the logical career growth anticipated for the position. It is
recommended that the classification plan be amended as follows:
• delete Purchasing Agent position (grade 67);
• add Purchasing Technician I (grade 65) and Purchasing Technician II (grade 67).
2. The telecommunications program was expanded in 1992 by absorbing Asheboro Police, Asheboro
Fire, and the Sheriffs Department into the telecommunications center. Since that date, major
enhancements have been added to the telecommunications system that include Enhanced
911 (Spillman), computer-aided dispatch, and the GIS network (Spillman LIFE System). All ofthese
enhancements require personnel to obtain additional and ongoing training that affects the job's
qualifications. On the basis of the additional responsibilities and training requirements, it is
recommended that telecommunications positions be reclassified upward by 5%.
No additional funding is required in the current fiscal year to implement the proposed changes
because the purchasing position is a downgrade and the telecommunications upgrades can be funded
through lapsed salaries. It is estimated that the cost to implement the telecommunications upgrade for
fiscal year 97/98 is $20,612.
On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously amended the classification plan as
recommended.
Resolution Concerning Mai or League Baseball
Commissioner Frye stated that the Piedmont Triad Partnership has looked at pursuing a major
league baseball franchise in the Piedmont Triad area as an economic issue. He said 3100 new jobs
would be created the first year and the total economic impact on the region would be $140 million.
He introduced Mike Solomon, Executive Director, North Carolina Baseball, Inc., who made a report
to the Board on the proposed creation of a North Carolina Triad Metropolitan Baseball Park District
by the North Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Solomon stated that the recommended language of
legislation creating the District will require a voter referendum on any public funding for a stadium.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board approved a resolution (ATTACHED) endorsing
the creation of the District and urging the General Assembly to support such legislation, giving the
people of the Triad the right to vote on the proposal to help build a major league stadium to bring
Major League Baseball to this area.
Courthouse Complex Renovations/Additions Process & Time Table
Glenn Ware, architect with Grier -Fripp Architects, made a presentation outlining the sequence of
steps related to the planning, design and construction of a new Courthouse and the renovations ofthe
existing buildings on the present Courthouse site. The first step in this five-year process is the
selection of an architect. Mr. Ware also discussed the creation of a planning committee that would be
made up of representatives from agencies housed in or utilizing the Courthouse complex.
Resolution Concerning Surplus Property Auction Sale
Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, presented a list of personal property which is no longer
needed or usable by County departments. She requested permission to sell these items at public
auction.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board approved a resolution (ATTACHED)
declaring these items surplus, authorizing their sale at public auction on April 19, 1997, and
authorizing Ms. Leonard to dispose of any additional personal property valued at less than $500 by
adding it to this surplus property auction.
Budget Amendment - Klaussner CDBG Proiect
Ms. Leonard reminded the Board that November 4,1996, they voted to support plans for providing
water and sewer to a new manufacturing plant Klaussner Furniture Industries plans to build on
Business 220 south of Asheboro. The Board made a commitment of $353,500, contingent upon the
City of Asheboro's obtaining a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the State and
the City of Asheboro's contribution of $353,500. The State recently approved this grant, and the
County now needs to transfer its share of funds for this project to the City of Asheboro.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #24 to
the FY 1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
REVENUE
INCREASE
DECREASE
Fund Balance Appropriated
$353,500
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Contribution -City of Asheboro-KFI CDBG
$353,500
Budget Amendment - Ramseur CDBG Proiect
Ms. Leonard reminded the Board that September 3, 1996, they voted to advance up to $250,000
to the Town of Ramseur to be used as local match for a Community Development Block Grant to run
water and sewer lines to a new plant, Crawford Knitting. The advance would be repaid from
revenues from the sale of water and sewer service to the new plant. The State recently approved this
grant, and Ramseur is ready to begin construction.
On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #27 to the
FY 1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
REVENUE
INCREASE
DECREASE
Fund Balance Appropriated
$250,000
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Advance -Town of Ramseur-CDBG
$250,000
$250,000
Budget Amendment - Mental Health & County School Facilities Capital Project Ordinance
Bob Scherer, Randolph County Schools, reported that since the last amendment to this ordinance,
the following events have occurred which require another amendment:
• According to the trust agreement, sales taxes reimbursed to the County paid from COPS funds
must be deposited back into the project fund and be used for approved projects.
• Adjustments are necessary to the individual school projects to account for over -/under -estimated
amounts.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #2 to the
1995 Mental Health & County School Facilities Capital Project Ordinance, as follows:
REVENUES
INCREASE
DECREASE
Proceeds From Sales Tax Reimbursement
$149,864
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Coleridge Elementary School
$250,000
Tabernacle Elementary School
$400,000
Level Cross Elementary School
$175,000
School Bus Maintenance Garage
$1,225
Trinity High School
$2,222
Eastern Randolph High School
$54,695
Miscellaneous School Projects
$1,033,006
Budget Amendment - Library
Richard Wells, Library Director, told the Board that the Library computerization project is
progressing ahead of schedule and that project funds allocated for fiscal year 97-98 will be needed
this year instead.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #23 to the
1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
REVENUES
INCREASE
DECREASE
Fund Balance Appropriated
$19,907
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Public Library
$19,907
Budget Amendment - Health
Frank Willis, County Manager, advised the Board that the County has received $17,622 in
continuation funding for the Rural OB Incentive Care Program and an additional $6,073 for the Food
& Lodging Inspection Program.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #22 to the
1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
REVENUES
INCREASE'
DECREASE
Restricted Intergovernmental
$23,695
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Public Health
$23,695
Request for Additional Positions for Public Safety Systems
Annette Lineberry, Computer Services Director, explained that since the County implemented its
public safety system (LIFE) in 1993, it has become a countywide system, serving 27 public safety
agencies (911, Sheriff, Jail, EMS, rescue squads, city police and fire departments, and volunteer fire
departments) made up of 300+ individual users. We have continued to add features to this system
such as video imaging, live scan fingerprinting, and geographic crime analysis. In an effort to retain
current standards and continue to utilize new technology, it is necessary to have adequate personnel
to manage, train, and customize the existing system. Ms. Lineberry stated that no personnel have
been added to manage the LIFE System since its beginning. Tom Wassack, the programmer/analyst
in Computer Services who was assigned to this project, cannot handle it alone, and he is not available
to work on any other projects. Ms. Lineberry requested three new positions to work with the LIFE
System, as follows:
1. Create a new programmer position (grade 70) to work in Computer Services to assist the 300+
users (handle questions, train users, manage day-to-day operations). This individual would report
directly to Tom Wassack in Computer Services.
2. Create a computer specialist position (grade 67) to work with Computer Services at the jail to
manage video imaging, live scan fingerprinting, commissary, jail booking, arrests, criminal history,
and billing of housing reimbursement costs for federal and/or state inmates. This individual would
report to Captain Bill Brady, but would be trained and directed by Tom Wassack in Computer
Services. Applicants will be interviewed jointly by the Sheriff s Office and Computer Services to
determine technical skills and abilities.
3. Create a computer specialist position (grade 67) to work with Computer Services at the Sheriff's
Office to manage records in stolen property, warrants, civil processes, investigative follow-ups, video
imaging, equipment maintenance, personnel management, fleet management, document imaging, and
geographic crime analysis. This individual would report directly to Major Allen McNeill, but would
be trained and directed by Tom Wassack in Computer Services. Applicants will be interviewed jointly
by the Sheriff's Office and Computer Services.
Funding for these positions for the remainder of this fiscal year ($21,051) is available in the Sheriff&
Jail budget. A budget amendment will be required if these positions are approved so that $7,637 can
be transferred to Computer Services for their new position. The estimated cost for next year's budget
for all three positions would be $90,123.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Amendment #26 to the
1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Sheriff& Jail
$3,265
$3,265
$7,637
Computer Services
$7,637
DECREASE
Request to Upgrade Soil & Water Technician Position to Engineer
Craig Frazier, Soil & Water Conservation District Board member, stated that Randolph County
receives state technical assistance funding to assist the Soil & Water District in fulfilling state -
mandated and local water quality objectives. A major portion of this funding goes to design and
construct waste management systems for livestock operations to comply with state regulations. Local
assistance in administering this program is provided by the Randolph County Soil & Water
Technician, whose position is jointly funded (50/50) by Randolph County and the State. Many ofthe
plans and systems designed require engineering expertise and, ultimately, an Engineer's Seal of
Approval. Because of limited funding, the most cost-effective way of providing engineering services
is to upgrade the current Soil & Water Technician II position to a Soil & Water Engineer. The State
has given verbal commitment to fund their share of this upgrade. The County's cost to fund this
upgrade for the remainder of this fiscal year would be $3,265.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted to do the following:
abolish the position of Soil & Water Technician II; amend the County Classification Plan to include
Soil & Water Engineer at grade 78; approve special entry range for the position at grade 78, step 2 to
grade 78, step 5; and approve Amendment #25 to the 1996-97 Annual Budget Ordinance, as follows:
GENERAL FUND
REVENUES
INCREASE
DECREASE
Restricted Intergovernmental
Fund Balance Appropriated
$3,265
$3,265
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
DECREASE
Soil & Water Conservation District 1$6,530
Engineering Contract for Transfer Station
David Townsend, Public Works Director, informed the Board that he had requested proposals
from five consulting firms for engineering services on the transfer station the County plans to
construct. Four firms submitted proposals, which the Public Works staff evaluated based on seven
criteria (similar experience, knowledge of solid waste, utility experience, local knowledge, estimated
fee, ability to meet schedule, references). The firm which ranked first was Hobbs, Upchurch, and
Associates, whose not -to -exceed fees totaled $36,450. Their proposal is based on an estimated
number of hours to perform the work.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously awarded a not -to -exceed contract
to Hobbs, Upchurch, and Associates for engineering services to design, permit, and construct the
transfer station in the amount of $36,450.
Rezoning Public Hearing
At 6:30 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning
requests. Hal Johnson, Zoning Administrator, presented the following requests:
1. Thomas Britt, Asheboro, is requesting an amendment to his conditional use permit issued for his
2.57 -acre tract on Hwy 64 East, Franklinville Township. The specific request is to allow Mr. Britt to
construct a 60' x 150' building to be used for storage, an office, and auction sales instead of the
original request of a 40' x 60' building to be used for an auto racing shop. The Planning Board
unanimously recommended approval.
2. Mark Langley, Liberty, is requesting that 13 acres (out of 50.8 acres) on Ramseur -Julian Road,
Columbia Township, be rezoned from RA to RR to develop a 12 -lot subdivision that would allow
manufactured housing on masonry foundations, modular homes, or site -built homes. The Planning
Board unanimously recommended approval.
3. Ethel Brown, Trinity, is requesting that 3.3 acres (out of 4 acres) on Hopewell Church Road,
Trinity Township, be rezoned from RA to HC for commercial purposes. The Planning Board
unanimously recommended approval.
4. Randolph Molding Properties, Asheboro, is requesting that 6.6 acres off Bus. Hwy 220 South on
NC Hwy 134, Cedar Grove Township, be rezoned from HC to LI for industrial development. The
Planning Board unanimously recommended approval.
Citizen Comments - Request #1
Thomas Britt, 997 Iron Mountain Road, Asheboro, said there will be no outside speakers installed
at the auction house.
Citizen Comments - Request #2
Mark Langley, P.O. Box 808, Liberty, said roads in the proposed development will be built and
paved to state standards and that restrictive covenants will be filed as deed restrictions. Property
owners will be able to bring action legal action against violators.
Citizen Comments - Request #3
Ethel Brown, 5289 Hopewell Church Road, Trinity, stated that neighbors to not object to her
putting a furniture business on this site and that there are other businesses in the area already.
Citizen Comments - Request #4
Gordon Wade, Randolph Molding, said the company will build an attractive brick and metal
facility that will be 20,000 - 25,000 square feet for manufacturing, housing, and offices. There will be
no outside noise. Mr. Wade requested a conditional use for a buffer, which he said will be planted by
a professional.
Janet and Allen Callicutt, neighbors, opposed this request, stating that they don't want a
manufacturing plant in this rural setting. They also expressed concern about additional traffic and
noise. They presented a petition of 71 signatures opposing this request.
Cathryn Clark, 395 Nassau Trail, opposed this request because of traffic.
Phillip Tysinger, Nassau Trail, opposed this request because of traffic and sewage concerns.
Jim Blott, Bertie Place, said this industry would set a precedence for others in the future.
Ken Clark, 490 Nassau Trail, President of Pinewood Homeowners Association, said their concern
is what will happen in the future.
Chairman Kemp closed the public hearing.
Board Action on Requests
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the request of
Thomas Britt.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the request of Mark
Langley.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the request of Ethel
Brown.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 3-2 to approve the request of Randolph
Molding Properties, including Mr. Wade's request for a Conditional Use for a buffer. Commissioners
Davis and Kemp voted to deny this request.
Criminal Justice Partnership Program Grant Application for FY 1997-98 Funds
Tim Poole, Chairman of the Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Committee, explained the
Criminal Justice Partnership Program Grant Randolph County receives to operate our Day Reporting
Center and requested approval for their application for FY 1997-98 funds. Kathy Nance, Caseworker
at the Day Reporting Center, gave an overview of the program carried on during the past year.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the Criminal Justice
Partnership Program grant application for FY 1997-98 funds.
Request from Randolph County Honor Guard Regarding County Patches
James Allred, President of the Randolph County Honor Guard, explained that the Honor Guard is
made up of veterans from all branches of service and that it provides military honors for deceased
veterans. They also march in parades, provide educational programs to school children, do programs
for veterans in nursing homes, etc. Mr. Allred said that the Honor Guard, through donations, has
purchased uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. They would like to add an identifying patch to the
uniforms, and they like the Randolph County Seal design. They would add the words "Honor Guard"
to the patch. Mr. Allred requested permission to use the County's design and asked that the County
donate funds to purchase 100 patches. He said he had received two quotes on the patches, and the
lowest quote was for $282. He stated that he discussed this request with the County Manager and
that Mr. Willis said he has sufficient funds in the Administration Department's budget to cover the
cost of the patches.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the Honor Guard's use
of the Randolph County Seal design and approved a donation of $282 to the Honor Guard for the
purchase of these patches.
Fire Department Audits
Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, advised the Board that he had researched the issue of
requesting that volunteer fire departments in Randolph County have an independent annual audit
performed by a certified public accountant. About half of these fire departments are already having
audits done. Mr. Allen said he also learned from talking with officials in other counties and at the
Institute of Government that some counties currently have fire department audits submitted on an
annual basis and some do not. The benefits of an independent audit are that it provides for a public
accounting of funds; it protects officials of the fire department; it assists departments in establishing
good internal accounting procedures; it allows citizens to better understand how tax funds are
disbursed; and it ensures that there is not an overly -abundant fund balance. Reasons not to request an
independent audit include: cost for individual departments; fire departments are independent
contractors, and the County does not require audits from other independent contractors. Mr. Allen
asked that the Board decide whether to request an audit so that departments without audits can take
that into consideration when they prepare their 1997-98 budgets. He recommended that if the Board
votes to request the audits, they amend the contracts with the various fire departments by adding
condition #5, with the following language:
"5. The County requests that the Fire Department have an annual independent audit
performed by a certified public accountant. A copy of this audit report should be
submitted to the County Finance Office within six months after the close of the
fiscal year being audited."
Mr. Allen pointed out that the Board can only request an audit and cannot require it. North Carolina
General Statute 159-40, which authorizes a city or county to require an audit when appropriating
$1000 or more, exempts certain programs, including volunteer fire departments. He added that it is
his belief that because of the amount of public funds involved, the increased demand from citizens for
accountability for the use of public funds, and the support the fire departments have received in the
past from the Commissioners, the fire departments should understand and comply with the
Commissioners' decision, should they vote to request the audits.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted to request audits from the
volunteer fire departments and to amend the wording of the contracts (that the County has with the
fire departments to provide fire protection within fire service districts) as recommended by Mr. Allen
and detailed above.
Approval of Audit Contract for FY Ending 6-30-97
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously awarded a contract to Strand,
Skees, Jones and Company, for a fee of not -to -exceed $27,000, to conduct the annual financial and
compliance audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997.
Closed Session - Acquisition of Real Property
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board voted unanimously at 8:25 p.m. to go into
closed session to discuss the acquisition of real property, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5). The
Board returned to regular session at 8:35 p.m.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted to accept the offer ofRex
Hurley to sell his 1.8 -acre lot adjacent to the McDowell Center to the County for $8,000.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Phil Kemp, Chairman
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Darrell L. Frye
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board