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120715December 7, 2015 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. Chairman Frye gave the invocation and everyone recited the pledge of allegiance. County Employee Service Awards Presentation Chairman Darrell Frye and County Manager Hal Johnson, assisted by Human Resources Director Jill Williams, presented County employee service award certificates and a piece of pottery to the following honorees: 15 years of service: William L. Massie, Administration; Justine M. Buxton, Emergency Services; Jean M. Graham, Health (not present); Ava L. Harrington, Health; Rebecca S. Hinshaw, Health (not present); Carol A. Motta, Library; Deborah J. Thompson, Planning & Zoning (not present); Sandy M. Newlin, Register of Deeds; Glenn W. Goss, Sheriff; Julia T. Hooker, Sheriff (not present); Victor Welch, Sheriff; Tammy T. Allred, Social Services; Jennifer L. McCusker, Social Services (not present); Angela R. Polito, Social Services; Elaine G. Roberson, Social Services; Dorothea M. Vaughan, Social Services; Myra E. Auman, Tax; Annette M. Chriscoe, Tax; Jackie W. Chriscoe, Tax; Teresa S. Mitchem, Tax; Stephanie L. Thompson, Tax. 20 Years of Service: Danny C. York, Building Inspections; Donovan L. Davis, Emergency Services; Phyllis S. Hurley, Health; Cindy C. Trogdon, Health; Jeffrey C. Mullins, Information Technology; Linda G. Swaringen, Library; Gerald L. Dale, Jr., Planning & Zoning; Aundrea M. Azelton, Sheriff; Michael W. Craven, Sheriff; Jeffrey W. Goins, Sheriff; Barry L. Hazelton, Sheriff; Scottie L. Hicks, Sheriff; Sabrina L. Honeycutt, Sheriff; Maria E. Jones, Sheriff, Mary W. Davis, Social Services (not present); Cheryl F. Lackey, Social Services; Sallie W. Cheek, Tax (not present); Patty H. Willard, Tax. 25 Years of Service: Kathi Auman-Eining, Health (not present); Tonya L. Maness, Health; Felicia D. Butler, Sheriff, Maynard B. Reid, Jr., Sheriff, Toni A. Welch, Social Services; Charles W. Husband, Jr., Tax; Tammie M. Smith, Tax. 30 Years of Service: Dale T. Langley, Emergency Services; Sandra H. Smith, Emergency Services; Jill M. Wood, Planning & Zoning; Melissa Y. Austin, Tax. Recognition of Certification DSS Director Beth Duncan recognized DSS Staff Attorney Melissa Livesay for her Certification as a Child Welfare Law Specialist. Special Recognition Spencer Patton, of Boy Scout Troop 527, was recognized by County Manager Hal Johnson for the work he put in towards his Eagle Scout project, which involved some restoration of the historic landmark Marmaduke Robins Law Office located at 131 N. Main Street in Asheboro Spencer painted and replaced 72 broken glass window panes, replaced the missing pieces of the window frames, and repaired damaged window frame stiles. He also replaced a section of missing siding. He was able to contain and seal the lead paint on the building exterior by painting all exterior surfaces of the building with latex paint, which in turn makes the environment safer from the lead paint. Mr. Johnson stated that preserving this historical structure will allow current residents and future generations to visualize and experience a piece of history. 12/7/15 County Manager Johnson stated that Spencer had passed all of his Eagle Scout Boards and his project report had been forwarded to the Boy Scout Headquarters in Texas. His Eagle Scout Award ceremony has been set for March 5, 2016. Chairman Frye presented Mr. Patton with a Certificate of Recognition for his preservation efforts of the Randolph County historic landmark on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Frye 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 in regards to the agenda item for the request to begin the rezoning process for the megasite. He stated that he feels this "decision is premature" and gave the following reasons: • "This property does not have to be rezoned in order to be certified by the NC Department of Commerce as a megasite." "The Chatham - Siler City Advanced Manufacturing site was certified one year before it was rezoned." • There have been no private investors identified since the County purchased property ten months ago. • "The map proposed is not an accurate map. There are properties shown within those boundaries that are owned by people who have signed nothing and agreed to nothing." He stated that NC state law is clear as to what has to happen with primary and secondary growth corridors when you change those. NCGS 153A -342(b) states then when something is going to be rezoned to conditional use the Commissioners must "first address the conformance of the development and use of the site to an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan." Mr. Ferguson said there had been no discussion about changing this to a Primary Growth Corridor that would accommodate Heavy Industrial zoning. He stated he is on the Strategic Planning Task Force that is studying what could happen to growth in Randolph County in the next twenty years and no decisions have been made at this time. He stated that by state law the Board has to give its reasons for making changes in growth management and rezoning matters; and that Randolph County has put itself in a unique situation by buying a large parcel of property for an economic development project with its own money and then seeking to rezone its own property. Mr. Ferguson requested the Board wait until there is actually someone who wants to use the property "before the County undertakes what will certainly be surprising and substantial costs and fees going forward." Reorganization of the Board On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to elect Darrell Frye as Chairman. 12/7/15 On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to elect Phil Kemp as Vice Chair. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following appointments: Chairman, Darrell Frye; Vice Chairman, Phil Kemp; County Attorney, Ben Morgan; Associate County Attorney, Aimee Scotton; Clerk to the Board, Amanda Varner; Deputy Clerk to the Board, Dana Crisco; Representative to the Board of Health, Stan Haywood; Representative to the Social Services Board, Arnold Lanier; Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, David Allen; Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Representative to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization, Darrell Frye; Alternate Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Representative to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Stan Haywood; Piedmont Triad Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) Advisory Committee (TAC) Representative, Stan Haywood; Alternate Representative to the Piedmont Triad Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) Advisory Committee Representative, Arnold Lanier; Delegate to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Darrell Frye; Representative to the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, Darrell Frye; Tourism Development Authority Liaison, Phil Kemp; Representative to Sandhills County Commissioner Advisory Board, David Allen. Consent Agenda On motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows: • approve minutes of the 1112115 regular meeting; closed session meetings 1112115 I and 1112115 II,• • unseal closed session minutes 1112115 I; • approve Surety Bonds for Elected and Appointed Officials: Finance Officer Will Massie ($500, 000); Deputy Finance Officer Suzanne Dale ($500, 000); Tax Collector Debra Hill ($300,000); Deputy Tax Collectors: Sallie Cheek ($200,000), Revonda Cox ($200,000); Deputy Finance Officers for Jail Commissary: Phyllis Calloway ($10, 000), Judy Brown ($50, 000), JoAnn Sapp ($10, 000); Sheriff Maynard Reid ($25, 000), Register of Deeds Krista Lowe ($50, 000); • designate the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (Chief Elected Official) to the Regional Partnership Local Workforce Development Area Consortium Chief Elected Official Board. (Annually); • appoint Col. Ed Blair to replace Col. Fred Rutledge, Matt Talbott to replace J.R. Beard, and Skip Ritchie to replace Sherry Farster, and reappoint Evan Grady, Annette Jordan, and Brett Houser to the Randolph County Local Emergency Planning Committee; • reappoint Joanne Peterson to the Randolph County Nursing Home Advisory Committee; • adopt Resolution Adding Soapstone Drive to the State Roads System, as follows: WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Soapstone Drive in the Soapstone Estates Subdivision; and WHEREAS, the subject street has been found to meet minimum requirements for addition. 12/7/15 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that Soapstone Drive in the Soapstone Estates Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System. • approve Budget Amendment #15 for Emergency Services FM Global Fire Prevention Grant, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #15 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $3,400 Restricted Intergovernmental Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $3,400 • approve Budget Amendment # 16 for Public Library State Aid, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #16 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $14,793 Restricted Intergovernmental Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $14,793 approve Budget Amendment #17 for Public Health Received Additional Funding and Had Some Funding Reductions, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #17 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $14,000 $6,341 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $14,000 $6,341 • reappoint Leane Langston to the Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board. Chane to the New Business Agenda Chairman Frye announced that Item G: Request to Begin Rezoning Process for Megasite Properties would be presented first. Approval to Begin Rezoning Process for Me2asite Properties and Set Application Fee Hal Johnson, County Manager, began by stating that approximately 1400 acres of the megasite area is either owned or under contract by Randolph County or the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite 12/7/15 Foundation. He said one of the important steps in preparation of a large megasite property is to pursue site certification. Site certification provides the verification and documentation that is necessary for potential investors and future development of the property. Mr. Johnson said the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite Foundation is pursuing site certification as an important next step in preparation of the total site's development readiness. The Foundation has engaged the services of KPMG's Global Location and Expansion Services to provide site certification for the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite property. The Randolph County EDC is coordinating the site certification process on behalf of the Foundation and Randolph County. He stated that KPMG Global Location and Expansion Service has a proven site assessment and certification process for identifying and selecting large mega industrial site suitable for high - impact projects. Their process includes assessment of infrastructure, site features, and environmental factors, which will minimize risk and ensure expedited time to mega industrial recruitment markets. Mr. Johnson explained that one of the requirements for megasite certification is verification that the site is zoned or may be zoned for future industrial use. Both the Foundation and Randolph County have been advised to pursue the rezoning of the site as an important step in the final site certification process. The recommended rezoning classification for the 1400 acre site is Heavy Industrial (HI) — Conditional District. If the rezoning is approved, this Conditional District classification would provide development flexibility and will allow the Board of Commissioners to address concerns such as natural buffers or exclude land uses otherwise allowed in an HI District that the Board of Commissioners might determine would not be compatible with a mega industrial or other high impact economic development project. Mr. Johnson noted that legal counsel has recommended that the Board also consider amending the County Growth Management Plan's Growth Corridor designation in this area. The Growth Management Plan currently has this area of northeastern Randolph County designated as a Secondary Growth Corridor and that would need to be amended to reflect a Primary Growth Corridor which would be more supportive of the rezoning application. He stated that this change in the Growth Management Plan could take place at the same public meeting after a decision was made on the rezoning. Mr. Johnson said the County staff recognizes that this will be one of the most complex procedural rezoning requests ever undertaken by Randolph County. The County's Unified Development Ordinance requires the County to establish an application fee that is sufficient to recover all administrative costs associated with the application. Staff recommends that the County Commissioners set the application fee at $10,000. This fee would be payable by the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite Foundation and any amount not expended by the County as administrative costs during the rezoning process would be refunded to the Foundation. If approved tonight, Mr. Johnson said the rezoning process will begin with preparation of an application for a January 12, 2016, public hearing before the County Planning Board. The 12/7/15 Planning Board will make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners who will make the final decision on rezoning after a public hearing in February 2016. Mr. Johnson addressed the map included in the agenda packet that Mr. Ferguson spoke of during his public comments. He said the map gives a general area of where the megasite is located in relation to roadways, current zoning districts, growth management area descriptions, and the Town of Liberty. It does not reflect individual specific properties that will be included on the application for rezoning. He said a specific map would be developed as part of the application. Mr. Johnson spoke to matters regarding the Growth Management Plan that was adopted in 2002 and amended in 2009. The pink areas identified on the map as Primary Growth Areas were areas recognized in 2002 as areas expected, over a period of time, to experience more intensive land use plan changes. When looking at changing a zoning classification of approximately 1,400 acres of land from Residential/Agriculture with scattered businesses to Heavy Industrial (HI) — Conditional District it is necessary to convert it to a Primary Growth Area. Mr. Johnson said that the meaning of the growth plan and the zoning impact will be discussed during the public meeting process. Commissioner Allen asked about site certification in reference to Mr. Ferguson's comments during public comment period that to obtain site certification, rezoning is not required. Mr. Johnson explained that the Megasite Foundation is seeking KPMG's global location and expansion site certification, which is recognized internationally. Site certification by the state would come later. KMPG recommended a decision as to what the zoning would be, or should at least be underway if not yet completed, in order to market the property internationally. Commissioner Haywood, also referring to comments made by Mr. Ferguson, asked about the potential legal issues that could come from decisions the Board makes. Mr. Johnson replied that when an elected body decides to either approve or deny a rezoning request the board is required to justify their decision with a legal standard, also known as Determination of Consistency. That means whatever zoning or growth management decision is made has to be consistent with the rules that have been adopted by the governing board. Those rules were adopted in the County's 2009 Growth Management Plan. Chairman Frye stated the Board is just voting to start the process and to set an application fee. The ultimate responsibility of the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners is to determine if the request is or is not consistent with established growth policies. Attorney Ben Morgan stated that Mr. Ferguson pointed out what is unique about this application process. The NC General Statutes specifically allow a board to sit and hear cases in which they rezone property that they own and it is a normal occurrence. He said you normally see it for a school or something like an EMS facility, but what makes it unique is that this particular one is for an economic development item. In seeking outside council, he believes the Board is on good footing. He encouraged the Board, as in all zoning cases, to be careful and proceed cautiously. It would be inappropriate to speak to other individuals, outside parties, and among themselves about this zoning application prior to hearing the request coming before the Board during the official public hearing process. 12/7/15 Chairman Frye stated that the request is to start the process and set the fee. By starting the process he hoped questions raised by Mr. Ferguson and members of the Board could be answered. The investigation and application process has to begin in order to get those answers. Attorney Morgan explained the $10,000 application fee was set to cover administrative costs for copies, postage, signage, legal ads and other requirements. Any amount left over would be returned to the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite Foundation. Normal fee is $100 and the expenses with this application will exceed that amount. The County staff didn't feel that it was appropriate for the taxpayers to have to pay those expenses. Commissioner Allen asked if attorney fees were included in the amount and Mr. Morgan replied they were not. Commissioner Allen also asked who is requesting the rezoning, submitting the application and what properties were included. Mr. Johnson replied Randolph County and the Greensboro/Randolph Megasite Foundation are the applicants and in assembling the application property owned by or under contract to purchase would be identified again. Chairman Frye noted that the contracts and the purchase agreements for the megasite properties included releases to property for rezoning purposes. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted 4-1, with Allen opposing, to authorize the County Manager to begin the rezoning application process for the megasite properties and to set a $10, 000 application fee to recover administrative costs associated with the application. Award Bid for Construction of Emergency Services Headquarters Public Works Director Paxton Arthurs stated that on October 18, 2015, an Advertisement For Bids was published on the County website and in several North Carolina newspapers (Greensboro News and Record, Raleigh News and Observer, Charlotte Observer). The deadline for bids and bid opening for this project was November 19, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. Seven bid packages were received. Four of the bids contained all of the information requested and were considered responsive, as follows: - Bar Construction Company, Inc. $8,601,000 - Harrod & Assoc. Constructors, Inc. $8,395,400 - Miles -McClellan Construction Company, Inc. $7,988,453 - Racanelli Construction South, Inc. $8,094,000 The lowest responsive, responsible bidder was Miles -McClellan Construction Company, Inc. Mr. Arthurs said the firm has been in business for over 30 years and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Charlotte and Greensboro. In accordance with instructions, they provided satisfactory proof of their ability to receive Performance and Payment Bonds. Additionally, they identified Terry's Plumbing as their plumbing subcontractor, Triad Mechanical as their mechanical subcontractor, and R. D. Graham as their electrical subcontractor. Mr. Arthurs recommend that the Board award the construction of the Randolph County Emergency Services Headquarters building to Miles -McClellan Construction Company, Inc., in an amount not to 12/7/15 exceed $7,988,453 and requested the County Manager be authorized to sign the contract once it is finalized. Chairman Frye commented that this is all part of a process the Board has been working on to increase and improve emergency response times in the County. Commissioner Allen asked if there were any problems with the contractor in meeting the time frame the County is expecting and Mr. Arthurs replied the contracts do have time lines included. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to award the construction project for the Randolph County Emergency Services Headquarters Building to Miles -McClellan Construction Company, Inc., and to authorize the County Manager to sign a contract for said construction in an amount not to exceed $7, 988, 453. Mr. Arthurs stated that a session law passed this year requires a county to notify property owners and adjacent property owners prior to commencement of any construction projects by the county and to notify the owners in writing or in an open meeting of the county at least 15 days prior to commencement of construction. Mr. Arthurs asked that this be recorded in the minutes as the notice of construction being given in an open meeting of the County. Public Hearing for the Installment Financing of Emergency Services Headquarters Public Hearing Finance Officer Will Massie stated that Randolph County proposes to finance the construction costs of the Emergency Services Headquarters through an installment purchase agreement. This obligation is authorized under G.S. 160A-20. He had presented a revised resolution that allows a provision that in the event there is any excess of funds from this project that it could be used for another county facility, such as the animal shelter project. Mr. Massie explained that the 911 Board would be providing some funds for the project but was uncertain as to the amount so the project will be financed for the full $11 million cost. He solicited financing proposals for fifteen and twelve year maturities in order to give the County flexibility and to encourage participation by various financial institutions. Mr. Massie said when considering funding for the Emergency Services Modernization Plan he anticipated how the debt service levels would be affected by a fifteen year term. However, a twelve year payoff results in lower overall interest cost and was included as an option. Mr. Massie said two strategies were considered: finance the entire project with tax exempt funds, or split the financing having $10 million with a tax exempt interest rate and another $1 million with a short term taxable interest rate. The second method lowers the overall financing cost. The taxable portion would be paid off first and the tax exempt portion would follow. Option 1 - $11,000,000 tax exempt (15 years) Bank Rate Fees Total interest BB&T 3.06% $3,900 $2,597,600 12/7/15 Capital One 2.89% $ - $2,453,289 Sterling National Bank 2.7533% $15,000 $2,337,246 Option 2 - $10,000,000 tax exempt (15 years) plus $1,000,000 taxable (2 of those years) For a fifteen year term, BB&T had the best proposal, with total interest of $2,256,383. Bank Rate Fees Total interest BB&T 2.67% /1.64% $3,900 $2,256,383 Option 3 - $11,000,000 tax exempt (12 years) Bank Rate Fees Total interest BB&T 2.80% $3,900 $1,915,141 Capital One 2.77% $ - $1,894,622 PNC Bank 2.39% $7,500 $1,634,710 Option 4 - $10,000,000 tax exempt (12 years) plus $1,000,000 taxable (2 of those years). For a twelve year term, PNC Bank offered an option that would result in a total interest cost of $1,586,470. This is the most cost effective proposal, with interest savings of approximately $670,000 compared to the fifteen year proposal. However, it will require higher annual payments to be budgeted during the twelve year term, in order to pay the debt off sooner. Bank Rate Fees Total interest PNC Bank 2.32%/2.1% $12,000 $1,586,470 Mr. Massie said if the Board is willing to commit more resources toward debt service, he recommends Option 4- the PNC Bank proposal for a twelve year term. He reviewed what the projected debt would look like and stated that the County would still be well under limits set in the debt policy. The Emergency Services Modernization Plan anticipated this cost; therefore, current financial resources will cover the annual debt service and no further increase in property taxes is expected for this project. Chairman Frye said a public hearing on the financing is required, followed by adoption of a resolution by the Board establishing the need for the obligation and authorizing the Finance Officer to apply to the LGC for approval. He said the Board would also need to approve the budget amendment to establish the construction costs for the project. 12/7/15 At 7:19 p.m., the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider installment financing for construction of the Emergency Services Headquarters. Hearing no comments, Chairman Frye closed the public hearing On motion of Kemp, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the PNC Bank proposal option for $10, 000, 000 with tax exempt financing for twelve years plus $1, 000, 000 with a taxable interest rate for the first two years; adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of an Application for Approval of a Financing Agreement Authorized by North Carolina General Statute 160A-20; and approve Budget Amendment # 2 to establish the construction costs for the Emergency Services Headquarters project, as follows: RESOL UTIONA UTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OFA FINANCING A GREEMENT A UTHORIZED BYNOR TH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTE 160A-20 WHEREAS, the County of Randolph, North Carolina desires to construct an Emergency Services Headquarters, to serve as the primary emergency communications center, the emergency management operations center, fire marshals' offices, and the Asheboro ambulance base (the "Project') to better serve the citizens ofRandolph County both now and in the future; and WHEREAS, The County of Randolph desires to finance the Project by the use of an installment contract authorized under North Carolina General Statute 160A, Article 3, Section 20; and WHEREAS, The County ofRandolph may have other smaller facility projects that could be partially funded with residual funds, if any, from the primary project; and WHEREAS, findings of fact by this governing body must be presented to enable the North Carolina Local Government Commission to make its findings of fact set forth in North Carolina General Statute 159, Article 8, Section 151 prior to approval of the proposed contract; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, North Carolina, meeting in regular session on the 71h day of December 2015, make the following findings of fact: 1. The proposed contract is necessary or expedient because the Project represents critical response to the growing public safety needs of our County. The existing communications center facility, built in 1957, is at operating capacity, in worn condition, and has no room for expansion. The current Asheboro ambulance base, built in 1987, has insufficient space for vehicles and medical supplies. The existing 911 center will become the backup call center. 2. Randolph County currently owns three acres adjacent to other County facilities, located next to the interstate and other major roads. 3. The proposed contract is preferable to a bond issue for the same purpose because the County has no capacity to issue "213 bonds. " A general obligation referendum would cause an unavoidable delay in the Project. The Project is too large to fund through current appropriations or by appropriating fund balance. 4. The sums to fall due under the contract are adequate and not excessive for the proposed purpose because Randolph County has the funding for the proposed debt service obligations already available in the current budget. 5. Randolph County has debt management procedures and policies, which have been carried out in strict compliance with law. 12/7/15 6. The financing will not require an increase in property taxes necessary to meet the sums to fall due. 7. The County of Randolph is not in default in any of its debt service obligations. 8. The attorney for the County of Randolph has rendered an opinion that the proposed Projects are authorized by law and are a purpose for which public funds may be expended pursuant to the Constitution and laws of North Carolina. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the County ofRandolph in filing an application with the North Carolina Local Government Commission for approval of the Project and the proposed financing contract and other actions not inconsistent with this resolution. This resolution is effective upon its adoption this 71h day of December, 2015. 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance Emergency Services Headquarters Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment # 2 Revenues Increase Decrease Proceeds of Debt $11,000,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $9,170,316 Professional Services $323,570 Furniture & equipment $209,350 Contingency $1,296,764 Reauest to Set a Public Hearing for a Building Reuse Grant for ACE/Avant Bonnie Renfro, EDC President, said that Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co. is out of space at its current location at 109 Seminole Drive in Archdale and has purchased the property at 5320 Poole Road in Archdale in order to relocate a portion of the business operation, including the maintenance facility. The building, which is located outside of the city limits of Archdale, is essentially a shell which will need to be up fitted with concrete flooring, insulation, loading docks, new wiring/lighting, and a sprinkler system. The project cost of $1,546,755 includes the acquisition of the property for $811,755, renovation costs of $695,000, and equipment purchase of $40,000. Ace/Avant has been in business in Archdale since 1990 and is a well-respected company which offers concrete construction services as well as site grading and utility services. She said that since 1990, the company has constructed more than 270 million square feet of industrial floors and tilt - up wall panels. The company currently has 225 full time employees based in Archdale and is committed to creating 22 new full time jobs over an 18 -month period. The average salary of the new employees will be $31,705, and the company benefits package includes healthcare (50% of employee and family premiums are paid by Company plus the company reimburses 100% of deductible expense), paid holidays, 401K with 4% company match, life insurance, dental insurance, length of service bonus, and performance bonus. The salaried positions also receive 2 weeks paid vacation and disability insurance. 12/7/15 Ms. Renfro said if approved, the Building Reuse Grant will provide $220,000 in grant funds at $10,000 per job to help offset the cost of renovations. The company must match this amount dollar - for -dollar, and there is a required 5% local government match of $11,000. Since the project property is located outside of the corporate limits of Archdale, Randolph County would serve as the grant applicant and supply the full $11,000 local government match. The EDC requested that the Board of Commissioners authorize submission of the grant pre - application and schedule a public hearing to formally consider submission of the grant application and the required $11,000 grant match. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the submission of the building reuse grant pre -application for Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co. to the Department of Commerce and set a required public hearing for January 4, 2016, at 6:30 p. in., at the Historic Courthouse to consider the application and the required $11, 000 grant match. Approval of New Fire Inspector Position in Emergency Service Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis stated that the department had contracted with the Towns of Franklinville, Ramseur, and Staley during this year to conduct their fire safety inspections and investigations. They are currently negotiating with the Town of Seagrove and expect to contract with them in January. The new contracts have added approximately 255 inspections to our annual schedule of 1,426, bringing the total to 1,681. This increased workload does not include other responsibilities of plan review, sprinkler system review, issuing permits, or arson investigation. Due to the additional workload, Mr. Davis requested the Board to approve one new full-time Fire Safety Inspector position so that they may continue to provide on-time inspection services for businesses, churches and schools and to add it to the County's classification pay plan. In the Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) they currently have three inspectors and the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal is currently training one of the full-time Fire Safety Inspectors that was just hired this past summer. He is completing his state required on-the-job training. It will be at least twelve more months before he can conduct independent arson investigations. Mr. Davis said an associated budget amendment would need to be approved to fund this position for the remainder of the FY2015-16 budget, January 1, 2016, through June 30, 2016. On motion of Lanier, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the addition of a Fire Safety Inspector position to the County's Classification Pay Plan and approve associated Budget Amendment # 18, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #19 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales and Service $7,000 Appropriated Fund Balance $17,828 Appropriations Increase Decrease 12/7/15 Emergency Services $24,828 Approval of New Logistics Coordinator Position in Emergency Service Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis stated that twelve Paramedic positions had been added in the EMS area to cover the new Uwharrie and Erect ambulances. They have three 24- hour shift supervisors responsible for 18 employees per shift and all of the human relations components that are required. In addition to their responsibility of employee oversight and management, each shift supervisor has different required organizational tasks; one is responsible for uniforms and facilities; one is responsible for fleet management; and, one is responsible for medical supply and inventory control. He said these tasks alone are extremely time consuming and important. Most importantly they are also required to respond to emergency calls. Over the past 18 months they have had the opportunity to trial a new Logistics Coordinator position in the EMS area. During this trial period the EMS Shift Supervisors have not had to spend five to six hours driving around the each base location in the county to drop off medical and base supplies or pick up daily paperwork. Instead, more of their focus has been dedicated to their HR responsibilities and quality improvement activities. During this trial period they also focused on ensuring the spare ambulances were stocked and equipped so they can be put into immediate service should an in-service ambulance have mechanical issues or if call -volume exceeds the number of units in-service. Because the trial Logistic Coordinator position has been extremely successful Mr. Davis asked the Board to authorize the addition of one Logistics Coordinator position in the Emergency Services Department and to add it to the County's classification pay plan. The Human Resources Director has classified the position at Grade 12. The total cost needed for the remainder of the fiscal year will be $22,784 (January 1 – June 30, 2015). Total cost per year including benefits will be $45,567. He asked the Board to also authorize the associated budget amendment for $22,784. On motion of Lanier, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the addition of a Logistic Coordinator position to the County's Classification Pay Plan at grade 12 and approve associated Budget Amendment # 19, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 18 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $22,784 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $22,784 ADUroval of Reclassification and Pav Grade Chante in a Public Health Position Public Health Director MiMi Cooper stated that this position was originally classified as a Coordinator of Health Services and was moved to the working title of Assistant Local Health Director in 2005. This position is at grade 23 on the pay plan. She said Human Resources agreed that this classification should be changed to a title that is more reflective of the work performed. Therefore, she requested to add Assistant Local Health Director to the County's classification/pay 12/7/15 plan at a County grade of 25. This request required no additional funding and would be effective January 1, 2016. On motion ofAllen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the change in classification of Coordinator of Health Services to Assistant Local Health Director and move it to a grade 25 on the County's Classification Pay Plan. Tax Department Matters- Electronic Filing Debra Hill, Tax Administrator updated the Board in regards to the loss of means to file taxes and extensions electronically. She said that in an effort to provide current technology to all businesses, several years ago the Randolph County Tax Department contracted with Tax Management Associates, Inc. to use TAXscribe for online listing of business personal property. The software was developed to save time and money for individuals and accountants that would like to file electronically, as well as those corporations that are filing multi -jurisdictional listings. It also allowed businesses to file online requests for extensions. She said 250 accounts used TAXscribe to list online and 600 accounts requested extensions using TAXscribe during the 2015 listing period. Unfortunately, TAXscribe was not fully compatible with tax software across the State. Tax Management Associates, Inc. made the decision to no longer pursue a functional TAXscribe program. Ms. Hill said she anticipates the current tax software vendor to develop an online listing service in the near future but until then online listings will not be available. She said the department has taken steps to provide an in-house solution for extension requests. Ms. Hill said the Randolph County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution for electronic filing of personal property on December 2, 2013, because North Carolina General Statute 105-310.1 requires a resolution to be adopted by a county's board of commissioners to permit electronic listing of personal property. North Carolina General Statute 105-311(b) allows the affirmation to be signed using an electronic signature method, which was also included in the resolution. Ms. Hill requested that the resolution not be rescinded but remain in place for future use. Special Joint Meeting with the Asheboro City School Board of Education (Commissioner Lanier stepped out of the meeting.) On motion of Allen, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted 4-0 to set a joint public meeting with the Asheboro City School Board of Education for February 1, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center. (Commissioner Lanier returned to the meeting) Strategic Planning Update Hal Johnson, County Manager announced the next meeting of the Strategic Planning Task Forces would be held on December 14, 2016, at the RCC CEIC at 6 p.m. where the task forces would begin to refine the issues they have identified that are confronting the County and form some sub -committees for some further work. He said he was pleased with the number of citizens that have been involved. 12/7/15 Adjournment At 7:39 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. Darrell L. Frye, Chairman Phil Kemp Arnold Lanier David Allen Stan Haywood Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board 12/7/15