Loading...
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