0707144
July 7, 2014
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.
Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Dr. Bob Shackleford,
RCC President, gave the invocation and everyone recited the pledge of allegiance.
County Manager Richard Wells introduced and welcomed Linda Brown, new President of the
Asheboro -Randolph Chamber of Commerce.
Recognition of Retirees
Karen Allen, who retired on June 30`h with nearly 38 years of service to Randolph County
Public Health, was recognized by Public Health Assistant Health Director Susan Hayes, after
which, Chairman Holmes presented Ms. Allen with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Rick Davis, who retired on June 30`h with 25 years of service to Randolph County Emergency
Services, was recognized by Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis, after which,
Chairman Holmes presented Mr. Davis with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Cheryl Ivey, who will retire on July 31" with 25 years of service to Randolph County
Administration and the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, was recognized by County
Manager Richard Wells, after which, Chairman Holmes presented Ms. Ivey with an engraved
clock on behalf of the Board.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment.
County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure.
Alan Ferguson, 4794 Troy Smith Road, Liberty, spoke about the Chatham -Randolph Mega
site, saying he did not represent either of the owners. He added that he had no financial stake in
the project and that neither of the owners is a member or contributor to the Northeast Randolph
Property Owners organization, who are opposing the Greensboro -Liberty Mega site. Mr.
Ferguson quoted points Mark Sutter's essay in the June 27, 2014 edition of the Triad Business
Journal. Mr. Ferguson said that Mr. Sutter pointed out that while the site is technically not in the
Triad, "it would be foolish for this region not to embrace it," and for the following reasons:
• It is a stone's throw from Asheboro.
• It is closer to the Piedmont Triad International Airport than to RDU.
• If a large manufacturing facility is secured, "there will be plenty of growth to go around."
"Executives will buy houses in ....Asheboro..."
• The site is entirely owned by two local businessmen.
• The 1800 -acre site was just certified as a "megasite" by the State of North Carolina. The
theory there is that it could be made ready to build a manufacturing plant within 12
months of its selection by a manufacturer.
P
• The site is ready. "The simple fact is that the Chatham site is ready, and it could be many
months at least until another site can make the same claim."
• "The site has an advantage over other would-be megasites in that a sufficient amount of
land is in the hands of just two owners, both willing sellers. No need to deal with dozens
of owners."
• "If all this weren't enough, the site has been named by Southern Business & Development
as the No. 1 location in the state to host an auto assembly plant."
• It is in the center of the state, which could make it more politically palatable when state
support is requested for the inevitable "big incentive package."
Mr. Ferguson said he agreed with Mr. Sutter and encouraged Commissioners and others to
throw their support behind a project that seems to have all the attributes for a successful megasite
project.
Jon Nance, 3483 New Hope Church Rd, Asheboro, criticized the decision of the increased
tax rate that was approved in the 2014-15 budget, saying that the citizens of this nation and
county are already plagued with enough taxes. He said it is not surprising there is a subsequent
problem with overbearing government largess.
Mr. Nance stated the underlying grievance he has with the recent tax hike is in regard to the
regional landfill. He stated that when the County was trying to sell the idea of a landfill as a
good idea it was proposed as a revenue making plan and taxes would not need to be increased.
He said, "You pass the landfill, despite public opposition. Then you turn around and raise taxes
anyway. It reminds me of taxation without representation." He felt he couldn't blame it all on
the Commissioners. "It is up to the people to restrain their government. We need more people to
stand up, at all levels, to government overreach." Mr. Nance pleaded that "all stand up and be
heard." He said, "We have the First Amendment to protect speech, because the last thing
tyranny can take from you is your voice. Those who wish to reap the benefits of freedom,
independence and liberty must bear the labor to sustain it."
Lynn Lancaster, Asheboro, stated that he wished to speak about the Randolph County
Healthcare at MERCE agenda item. He said that in December 2011, the MERCE clinic
requested funds from the Commissioners and the Asheboro City council in order to avoid closing
its doors. Admitting to incompetent leadership and oversight, poor fiscal discipline, alleged
embezzlement of the payroll taxes, lack of quality control throughout the organization, MERCE
leadership pleaded for a second chance. Mr. Lancaster said that the clinic was incorporated in
1992 as a free clinic and was described as a family practice and dental clinic that needs enough
paying customers in order to offset those that cannot pay. He reminded the Board that that their
vote was 4 to 1 in favor of offering MERCE the $215,000 line of credit in 2011. He expressed
that from 2008-2010 MERCE took in a total of $6.72 million, paying their top five employees
$1.72 million. He said that when the leadership pled their case they made a firm commitment
that they felt like it could be turned around, that they had a consultant hired by Randolph
Hospital, and they pledged their buildings as collateral for their loan. Mr. Lancaster said that a
month ago, during the budget process, MERCE pleaded their case again for the forgiveness of
the $215,000, saying they are covering their operating costs. He stated that he had managed
multi-million dollar health care facilities for a quarter century and that he knows a loser when he
sees one and that this is a loser. He said that any decision the Commissioners make to go forward
with forgiving the debt will not be based on sound business practice, but a political decision.
Approval of Consent Agenda
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent
Agenda, as follows:
• approve Board of Commissioners regular meeting minutes of 6/2/14; special budget
session minutes of 5/27/14, 6/5/14, 6/9/14 & 6/16/14;
• unseal closed session minutes of 3/11/13 I, 4/8/131, 6/3/1311, 7/8/13 II, 7/8/13 III, 10/7/13
I, 12/2/13, 1/6/14, 213114111, 3/10/14 III, 4/7/14 I;
• appoint Dr. Brad Rice to Board of Health;
• appoint Anna Cathell to Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
for 1 -year initial term;
• approve Budget Amendment #1 for Emergency Services for $6,970 Homeland Security
Grant, as follows:
• dissolve Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board (Program was abolished with the
Justice Re -investment Act of 2011 and replaced with TECS [Treatment for Effective
Community Supervision] Program).
Changes to New Business Agenda
Chairman Holmes announced that Item D. Human Resources Matters would be considered
first on the New Business Agenda.
Annroval of 2013-14 Randolph Countv Classification Plan and Request for Changes to
Employee Policies and Procedures Manual
Stacy Griffin, Human Resources Director, requested approval of the 2014-2015 Randolph
County Classification Plan to be effective July 1, 2014. She stated that pay ranges have not been
changed since the new Classification plan was adopted in February 2012. The proposed plan
includes the following title additions/changes:
• Animal Shelter Attendant — Grade 6
• Assistant Veterans Services Officer — Grade 10
• Addition of Wellness Coordinator — Grade 16
• Addition of Grant Administrator/Public Information Coordinator— Grade 21
• Addition of 911 Assistant Communications Supervisor— Grade 16
• Addition of Lead Animal Control Officer — Grade 14
• Addition of Town Library Consultant — Grade 12
• Removal of Librarian I — Grade 12
Ms. Griffin then presented the proposed changes to Article III: The Pay Plan of the Randolph
County Employee Policies and Procedures Manual, stating that the County's current pay plan
does not allow for two key business provisions typically found in pay plans:
• Additional Responsibilities Pay
• A provision for counter offering/negotiations on the back end of employment
Ms. Griffin stated that "Additional Responsibilities Pay" occurs when an increase, either of
temporary or permanent nature, is given to an employee for taking on additional responsibilities
that are large enough in scope to warrant a pay increase, but not large enough to warrant an
entire new position classification and/or position title change. She said that currently, the only
option for department heads when assigning additional duties to an employee's role is to ask for
an entire new position title if one does not exist or try to "fit" someone into an existing
classification that does not really work for that person/position. Allowing for "Additional
Responsibilities Pay" prevents unnecessary expansion of our classification plan and gives
departments heads the ability to shift/add responsibilities as business needs warrant. The new
policy would cap the additional responsibilities pay at 10%, because any more than that would
definitely warrant a new position to be created. Ms. Griffin stated that the policy also addresses
a temporary additional responsibility due to an employee having to fill duties of another
employee on leave and would be limited to four months.
Secondly, Ms. Griffin said that the County's 2013 conservative cost of turnover was
$1,267,065, which breaks down to a per employee cost of $11,415. She said there have been
occasions when she felt that a skilled employee could have been kept if the capability to
negotiate salary had been an option. Ms. Griffin said that having this provision would allow the
County the ability to counter offer when an employee has an offer in hand. She said that she
could think of at least three or four occasions when increasing a salary by $2-3,000 may have
saved the County spending the average of $11,415 to recruit and train a new employee.
Ms. Griffin asked that the Board approve the proposed changes to Article III and the 2014-
2015 Classification Plan, to be effective as of July 1, 2014.
Commissioner Frye discussed his concern that the requested changes to the pay plan may
allow a negotiated amount or the additional pay to escalate problems or show favoritism. Ms.
Griffin replied that any changes or negotiations a department head wished to offer would have to
be approved by her and the County Manager.
Commissioners Frye and Lanier were also concerned it would affect the current and future
budgets. Ms. Griffin said that these increases would only be considered if the department can
manage the request within their current budget, utilizing lapsed salary or some other continuing
funding source. She said that such a change may even leave the department's budget with an
excess (monies left from an unfilled position) if responsibilities were adjusted to one or more
existing employees and those compensated for the additional duties assigned.
Ms. Griffin addressed the "Additional Responsibilities Pay" a little further saying that it could
be a temporary short-term project or reassignment of significant duties, usually due to another
employee being on extended leave. Because temporary "Additional Responsibilities Pay" cannot
be for a period of less than four months, the intent is not to cover the absences of other
employees on FMLA leave, as that is a leave requirement all departments must manage.
"Additional Responsibilities Pay" increases may range from 1-10%. Anything higher than that is
significant enough to warrant a position classification change. She said that Human Resources
researched this and found that it is very common in the private and government sector to have
the ability to do that without creating a whole new job title and job description.
Commissioner Frye asked had if counter offering/negotiations had been tried before. Ms.
Griffin responded that the County does not have the authority in its pay plan the way it is written
currently, to do this. Commissioner Frye asked if it would become a permanent change in their
pay without a change in their position and responsibilities. Ms. Griffin replied that it would. She
said the option would be to pay what is sometime a substantial amount to train a new person
instead of spending a smaller amount to keep an employee with the institutional knowledge. She
said that a department head may decide not to counter offer, but this is a provisional way to keep
critical star employees. Again, Ms. Griffin expressed that this tool would not increase payroll, as
it would have to be absorbed within the department's current budget.
Commissioner Kemp spoke in favor of the request, saying that it gives the department heads
flexibility to control their departments.
Commissioner Lanier had concerns about the temporary piece of the additional
responsibilities pay and how other employees would feel in the department and Ms. Griffin said
that if that is the only issue the Board has, then that part could be removed.
Commissioner Kemp made a motion, which was seconded by Holmes, to adopt the FY 2014-
15' Classification and Pay Plan and approve the changes to the Employee Policies and
Procedures Manual effective July 1, 2014, as requested. On a vote of 2-3, with Frye, Lanier, and
Haywood opposing, the motion failed.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the FY
2014-15 Classification and Pay Plan with a July 1, 2014 effective date, as requested, and to
postpone the consideration of changes to the Employee Policies and Procedures Manual.
Adoption of Proclamation Designating Randolph County as a Purple Heart County
Rev. Alvin Conner, Chaplain, NC Military Order of the Purple Heart, gave a brief history of
the Purple Heart and said the organization is trying to educate people and make them aware of
what the Purple Heart is. He said they have had 86 counties that have been designated as a
Purple Heart County and hoped to have all 100 by the end of August.
Rev. Conner also shared details of what the NC Military Order of the Purple Heart is and does.
He said that his Chapter was the one who awarded two of Randolph County's Deputies that were
injured in the line of duty with the First Responder Award. It is given to law enforcement, fire
fighters and EMT/Paramedics that are injured or killed in the line of duty.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a
Proclamation designating Randolph County as a Purple Heart County, as follows:
Proclamation
Declaring Randolph County as a Purple Heart County
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest decoration in present use and was initially
created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was the first American service award or decoration made
available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to any member of the United States
Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, chartered by an Act of
Congress, is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat wounded veteran members
and their families, to promote patriotism, to support legislative initiatives, and most importantly,
to make sure we never forget; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County citizens have been engaged in every war against a declared
enemy fought by the United States, including the war for our nation's independence; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County recognizes the commitment and increasing sacrifices
required of military families; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County pledges its ongoing commitment to and support for the men
and women who so honorably serve our nation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners that
Randolph County is hereby designated as a
Purple Heart County in the State of North Carolina
Action on Loan Repayment for Randolph Family Healthcare at MERCE
Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, said that in December of 2011, the
Board of County Commissioners authorized a line of credit up to $215,000 made available to
Randolph Family Health Care at MERCE. The advance provided cash flow and allowed the
organization time to stabilize its financial operations. He stated that the line of credit expires
August 31, 2014 and that during the recent budget meetings, Randolph Family Health Care at
MERCE requested forgiveness of this debt, but no action was taken by the Board of
Commissioners. Mr. Massie stated that this item is now being presented for further discussion
and action on the request. He said the Commissioners have options if they are not going to
consider MERCE's request to forgive the loan. He said they could extend the due date or offer a
payment schedule or waive a part of the loan.
Commissioner Frye said he feels it would set a bad precedence if the Board forgave any loan,
since others currently owe the County money issued as a loan and it would not be good business
practice.
Commissioner Haywood said it has to be remembered that the money being loaned doesn't
come from the Commissioners or a pot of gold sitting somewhere; it comes from the taxpayers of
Randolph County.
Regarding the $215,000 line of credit to Randolph Family Health Care at MERCE that will
expire in August, on motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to offer
the following arrangement to require repayment, and hereby authorize the necessary documents
to be drafted and executed: The entire balance will be converted to an interest free promissory
note, with monthly payment of $2,986.11, beginning September 15, 2015. Final payment will be
due August 15, 2021, at which time any and all remaining amounts will be due and payable. And
approval of this arrangement is contingent upon acceptance by MERCE Clinic's Board of
Directors.
Approval of Annual Settlement Report
Debra Hill, Tax Assessor/Collector, presented the collection settlement reports (real and
personal property, motor vehicles, and ambulance) for FY 2013-2014, as required by G.S. 105-
373, and mentioned the following highlights:
• The 2013-2014 overall collection percentage for all tax districts was 99.23% for real
estate, business and individual personal property. The collection percentage for the
County was 99.18%.
• 2013-2014 delinquent tax is $669,311.03. Total delinquent taxes for all years are
$1,531,459.00. These amounts include bankruptcy $280,638.18 and Property Tax
Commission appeals that have not been finally adjudicated: $51,557.45.
• The Registered Motor Vehicle collection percentage was 91.33%. This percentage is for
the taxes collected in house before "Tag and Tax Together."
• The average statewide tax collection percentage from the Local Government Commission
for annual taxes is 97.34%
• The amount of discount given for early payment was $1,118,914.00. This represents
64.45% of annual taxes paid during the discount period.
• Minimal Tax Report. The total amount released for $3.50 or less original principal
amount tax bill was $11,897.00.
• Total number of enforced collection legal actions between 6/18/13 and 6/30/14 was
11,259. (Bank attachments 2,695; Rent attachments 26; Wage garnishments 8538.)
On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to accept the following
collection settlement reports for FY 2013-2014, as follows:
Annual Settlement Report For Year Ending June 30, 2014
Report For All Districts
Real, Individual, Business and Public Utilities
All Districts
Beginning Balance Current $85,760,636.00
Public Utilities $2,161,364.00
Supplemental & Discoveries $177,397.00
Less Adjustments & Releases $1,293,540.00
Net Levy $86,805,857.00
Collections Current
$86,159,095.00
Collections Delinquent
$510,183.00
Total Collections
$86,669,278.00
Total Ending Receivables $1,531,459.00
Reeistered Motor Vehicle
Billing for 2013 $5,142,332.00
Additions $10,338.00
Less Adjustments & Releases $106,524.00
Net Levy $5,046,146.00
Collections Current
$4,608,610.00
Collections Delinquent
$1,050,662.00
Total Collections
$5,659,272.00
Total Ending Receivables $1,453,078.00
99.23% Collection Rate
91.33% Collection Rate
Releases for Real, Individual, Business, Public Utilities & Reeistered Motor Vehicles
Discount Releases $1,118,914.00
Less Than $3.50 Min. Bill $11,897.00
Releases & adjustments Current $269,253.00
Releases & adjustments Prior $52,041.00
Other Fees Collected
Current Year Fee Collection
Prior Year Fee Collection
RMV Current Fee Collection
RMV Prior Fee Collection
REAL ESTATE
$409,121.00
$96,850.00
$153,941.00
$255,104.00
2013 - 2014 Fiscal Year
Delinquent List
INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL PROPERTY
BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY
$518,669.08
$99,179.85
$51,462.10
TOTAL $669,311.03
A complete list of minimal taxes when the "total original principal amount is $3.50 or less" is
available for inspection. The total amount as of July 1, 2014, is $11,897.00.
Reappointment of Assessor/Collector, Oath of Office. and Charge to Tax Collector
On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board unanimously voted to reappoint Debra
Hill to a 4 -year term as Tax Assessor/Collector. Chairman Holmes administered the oath of
office to Ms. Hill and then read the charge to collect taxes to Ms. Hill, as follows:
Debra P. Hill is hereby authorized, empowered and commanded to collect the taxes set
forth in the tax records filed in the office of the County Assessor and in the tax records
delivered to her, in the amounts and from the taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such
taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the respective
taxpayers in the County of Randolph and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority
to direct, require, and enable her to levy on and sell any real and personal property of
such taxpayers, for and on account thereof, in accordance with law
Adoption of Resolution Approving New Slogan for Welcome Signs
Hal Johnson, Planning and Zoning Director, stated that in 1996, the Randolph County Board
of Commissioners approved the first "Welcome to Randolph County" sign project, a joint project
with the NCDOT, which was designed to provide signage that would lend a special identity and
character to each county as travelers passed through North Carolina. A short slogan associated
with the county was also permitted by the State. At that time, the N.C. Zoo was the best known
tourist destination in Randolph County. As a result, the slogan "Home of the North Carolina
Zoo" was recommended as the message to place on the welcome signs.
Mr. Johnson said that the Randolph County economy has changed substantially since 1996,
and partnerships with various attractions, lodging and dining properties, shopping venues,
festivals and events, and associations statewide have worked together to make Randolph County
a visitor destination. The Tourism Development Authority has recommended that the slogan
used on "Welcome to Randolph County" signs be changed to:
"Visit the Heart of North Carolina"
He said that this is a theme used both by the Randolph County Tourism Development
Authority (TDA) and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). It is
designed to highlight not only Randolph County's location in the center of the state, but also our
greatest asset which is the "heart" and character of our citizens.
Mr. Johnson added that the NCDOT has made improvements to the "Welcome To" sign
program and now will allow an extra panel to be displayed on the sign recognizing locations of
interest in the county. The TDA is recommending that an additional panel be added to the signs
that will reflect the following additional messages and locations:
1. I-73/74 at Randolph/Montgomery County line: Home of Seagrove, Pottery Capital of
the U.S.
2. Highway 705 (Pottery Highway) Randolph/Moore County line: Home of Seagrove,
Pottery Capital of the U.S.
3. I-73 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Petty Enterprises Historic Site
4. I-74 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Petty Enterprises Historic Site
5. I-85 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of Linbrook Heritage Estate
6. I-85 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Creekside Park & Greenway
7. Highway 421 at Randolph /Guilford line: Home of Liberty Antiques Festival
Highway 421 at Randolph/Chatham County line: Home of Liberty Antiques Festival
9. Highway 64 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
10. Highway 64 at Randolph/Chatham County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
11. Highway 49 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
He said that the size of the welcome signs that will be located on multi -lane highways will be
approximately 10-12 ft. wide and 4 ft. tall. A two-lane road sign (Hwy 705) would be 4-5 ft.
wide. A map that reflected the proposed location of each sign was presented. Because these
signs and slogans will help to promote all areas of Randolph County as a tourist destination, Mr.
Johnson said that the Tourism Development Authority had voted to provide funding for all
"Welcome To" signs.
Mr. Johnson said that a resolution is required by NCDOT for approval of the new slogans and
the "Welcome to Randolph County" sign project.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a
resolution approving the new slogan for welcome signs, as follows:
RESOLUTION APPROVING SLOGANS AND LOCATIONS FOR
"WELCOME TO RANDOLPH COUNTY" SIGNS
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners desires to partner with the
NCDOT in providing signage along major highways and interstates entering Randolph County
that would lend a special identity and character to Randolph County; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County's economy continues to evolve with travel and tourism
becoming a key sector of North Carolina's and Randolph County's economy; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority has unanimously
recommended that the slogan "Visit the Heart of North Carolina" be placed on all "Welcome to
Randolph County" signage; and in addition, the TDA has recommended that the following slogans
be placed on panels attached to "Welcome To" signs at the locations indicated as follows:
1. I-73/74 at Randolph/Montgomery County line: Home of Seagrove, Pottery Capital of the U.S.
2. Highway 705 (Pottery Highway) Randolph/Moore County line: Home of Seagrove, Pottery
Capital of the U.S.
3. I-73 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Petty Enterprises Historic Site
4. I-74 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Petty Enterprises Historic Site
5. I-85 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of Linbrook Heritage Estate
6. I-85 at Randolph/Guilford County line: Home of Creekside Park & Greenway
7. Highway 421 at Randolph /Guilford line: Home of Liberty Antiques Festival
8. Highway 421 at Randolph/Chatham County line: Home of Liberty Antiques Festival
9. Highway 64 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
10. Highway 64 at Randolph/Chatham County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
11. Highway 49 at Randolph/Davidson County line: Home of the North Carolina Zoo
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners,
that "Welcome to Randolph County" signs with the indicated slogans and locations be approved
for highway entryways into Randolph County.
Bid Award for Purchase of 2 Vehicles for Emergency Services
Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis stated that pursuant to informal purchasing
requirements set under North Carolina G.S. 149-131, Emergency Services staff has requested and
received quotes from three different automotive dealers to purchase two Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD
Emergency SUVs. The quotes include all required emergency equipment: sirens, emergency LED
lights, and associated switch boxes and strobe regulators.
The following dealers responded to our request for quotes:
VENDOR
UNIT COST
TOTAL BID
Vehicle
Year
7777777
Precision Rescue Vehicles
$36,826.00
$73,652
2014 & 2015
Hart's Emergency Vehicles Services
$38,459
$76,918
1 2014
Modern Chevrolet
$39,423.10
$78,846.20
1 2014
Mr. Davis said that the lowest responsive quote was provided by Precision Rescue Vehicles
of Fletcher, NC and requested the Board approve the purchase of the two (2) Chevrolet Tahoe
4" Emergency SUVs, including the required emergency equipment, from Precision Rescue
Vehicles in the amount of $73,652 ($36,826 per vehicle). One vehicle will be a 2014 model
already in stock and ready for delivery. The second vehicle will be a 2015 model and will be
delivered by October. Mr. Davis said funds were allocated in the department's FY2014-15
budget.
On motion of Lanier, seconded by Haywood, the Board unanimously approved the purchase
of two Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD SUV's with required emergency equipment from Precision Rescue
Vehicles in the amount of $73,652, as requested.
Bid Award for Construction of Uwharrie Ambulance Base
Public Works Director Paxton Arthurs said that on June 4th the Randolph County Purchasing
Officer issued a Request for Bids (#14-0603) for the construction of the Uwharrie Ambulance
Base. This project consists of a 2 -bedroom modular home which will serve as the living quarters
for paramedics, along with a detached, single bay garage to house an ambulance. The deadline
for receiving bids was June 25th at 11:00 a.m. Four bids were received for this project and are
presented below:
- A & M Construction Services, Inc. $265,718
- Chriscoe Aluminum Builders, Inc. $206,195
- Glenn King Construction $199,479
- Asheboro Construction, Inc. $197,623
Mr. Arthurs said that Asheboro Construction submitted the low bid for this project, and was
also the contractor who recently built the garage for the Randleman Ambulance Base, which
turned out well and was completed on schedule.
Mr. Arthurs recommended that the Board award a contract to Asheboro Construction, Inc. in
the amount of $197,623 for the construction of the Uwharrie Ambulance Base, and that the
County Manager be authorized to sign the contract.
On motion of Lanier, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to award a contract to
Asheboro Construction, Inc. in the amount of $197,623 for the construction of the Uwharrie
Ambulance Base and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract.
Election of Voting Delegate for NCACC Annual Conference
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Haywood , the Board voted unanimously to elect
Commissioner Frye as the voting delegate for the NCACC Conference in August.
Regional and Local Update
Vice Chair Frye stated that the N.C. Association of County Commissioners is in the best
shape it has ever been under the leadership of David Thompson, who is greatly respected by the
General Assembly, but that Mr. Thompson would be retiring soon.
Commissioner Haywood reminded everyone that the early voting run-off for the primary
election of County Commissioner is going on now and the final day to vote would be July 15. He
urged everyone to go vote.
Closed Session
At 7:41 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to go
into closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the
area, pursuant to (N. C. G.S.143-318.11(a)(4)J.
Regular Session Resumed
At 8:15 p.m., regular session resumed.
Economic Development Matters
Bonnie Renfro, EDC President, said that the EDC has been working for the last two months
with PetPro Resources, which is a start-up company. PetPro plans to purchase the former Lucks
/ Seagrove Foods facility for a new operation that would produce animal feed. The building has
not been used for a business in ten years. They have asked for assistance from the State of N.C.
with consideration of some funding under a Building Reuse Grant. This is to help with the costs
of installing solar panels on the roof of the facility to generate power that can be used in their
operation. Seagrove does not have natural gas. The use of fuel oil, that has been historically
used there, can contaminate the product. This is a heat driven process.
Ms. Renfro said the way that program works is that a State appointed board considers and
approves applications. They will fund Building Reuse Grants on a per -job basis and this
company has committed to 50 new jobs, 38 of those jobs within 18 months, which is the time-
frame that is required for the grant project. The company plans to purchase, renovate and equip
the facility.
Ms. Renfro said in order to meet the grant application deadline, she is requesting that the
Board adopt a resolution, which describes this project, authorizes Chairman Holmes to sign the
grant application, and to schedule a public hearing to formally consider the requested grant
match of 5% or $19,000 at the August 4th meeting.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution
in support of PetPro Resources' plan to purchase and renovate the former Luck's facility in
Seagrove and which authorizes the submission of an application for a Building Reuse Grant, and
which sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on August 4th, as follows:
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PETPRO RESOURCES PROJECT
WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to
undertake an economic development project by extending assistance to a company in order to
cause the company to locate or expand its operations within the county; and
WHEREAS, PetPro Resources has stated its commitment to invest $5,000,000 to purchase,
renovate and equip an existing, vacant facility in the Town of Seagrove in Randolph County and
to create 50 new jobs within five years; and
WHEREAS, in order to assist the company with the cost of installing a 500 kW roof -mounted
solar system at the facility to offset the cost of electricity in the absence of natural gas in the area,
the company has asked the County to seek and administer a Building Reuse Grant from the
Department of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, said Grant requires a 5% local match from the local government making
application; and
WHEREAS, the amount of the Grant that the company is eligible for is $380,000, requiring a
local match of $19,000; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for application for said Grant is July 9, 2014; and
WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local
economy, promote business in the County and City, and result in the rehabilitation and use of a
previously empty manufacturing facility as well as the creation of a number of jobs in the County
and City; and
WHEREAS, the County has in its General Fund available revenues sufficient to fund this
economic development project,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph
County, this 7`" day of July, 2014, as follows:
1. The County of Randolph indicates its interest in supporting this project and, in order to preserve
its ability to do so, authorizes the submission of the application for the $380,000 Building Reuse
Grant from the Department of Commerce to assist PetPro Resources with the cost of installing a
500 kW roof -mounted solar system at the former Lucks/Seagrove Foods facility in Seagrove, NC;
and
2. The County of Randolph sets a public hearing on the acceptance of said Grant and the provision
of the required local match for August 4, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
This the 7`" day of July, 2014.
Ms. Renfro presented a second request to set a public hearing for a company named Ambella
Home Collection. It is a Dallas, Texas based furniture company that is planning to purchase a
building that has been vacant for 20 months at 503 Aztec Drive in Archdale. She said this
company has also asked for consideration of a State Building Reuse Grant. Ms. Renfro said that
the City of Archdale met on July 2 and approved the application and match with the request that
the County consider 50% of the matching grant, which would be $2,905. The company would
create 12 new jobs and invest over $1,000,000, with the average wage of $41,897.
Ms. Renfro requested that the Board set a second public hearing for August 4`h for Ambella
Home Collection.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to also set a public
hearing for August 4`h at 6:30 pm to consider economic incentives for Ambella Home
Collections.
Adiournment
At 8:21 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to
adjourn.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Arnold Lanier
Stan Haywood Amanda Varner, Deputy Clerk to the Board