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010416January 4, 2016 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 Frye, Haywood, Kemp, Lanier and Allen were present. Dr. Bob Shackleford, RCC President, gave the invocation and everyone recited the pledge of allegiance. Special Recognition The reigning Miss Randolph County Kelsey Wright and Miss Randolph County's Outstanding Teen Cassidy Stoltenberg introduced themselves and each spoke about their platforms. Each stated how proud and excited they were to be representing Randolph County at the upcoming Miss NC Scholarship Pageant in June. Retirement Recognition MiMi Cooper retired on December 31, 2015, with 37 years of service to the Public Health Department. Ms. Cooper was recognized by Hal Johnson, County Manager. Chairman Frye presented Ms. Cooper with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Chairman Frye also presented her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Public Comment Period No one spoke during the public comment period. Changes to Consent Agenda Chairman Frye announced that Item C. Approve Budget Amendment for Public Health Grant from Women's and Children's Health Branch had been removed from the agenda and Item N. Approve Budget Amendment for Revision to 2016 ROAP Funding had been added. Consent Agenda On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended, and as follows: • approve minutes of the 1217115 regular meeting; • unseal closed session minutes of 213114 II and 3110114 I; • approve Proclamation in Recognition of Radon Action Month, as follows: WHEREAS, radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that threatens the health of our citizens; and WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon causes more than 20, 000 deaths each year, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States and the number one cause among non- smokers; and WHEREAS, a national health advisory was issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2005 because breathing indoor radon over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk; and WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one in 15 homes across the country has an elevated radon level; and WHEREAS, in North Carolina, based on data collected by the Radiation Protection Section in the Division of Health Service Regulation, radon is present at elevated levels in about seven percent of homes; and WHEREAS, indoor elevated levels of radon are a preventable and correctable problem; and WHEREAS, testing for radon is simple and inexpensive, ranging from $6 to $30 for do -it yourself tests with costs of repairs by a professional to reduce the radon level ranging from $1,500 to approximately $2,500; and WHEREAS, the State's Radon Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are encouraging Americans to test their homes for radon, mitigate elevated levels of radon, and build new homes with radon -resistant materials and features. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim January 2016 as "RADON ACTION MONTH" in Randolph County, North Carolina and urge our citizens and interested groups to promote awareness of the hazards of radon exposure, encourage citizens to test and mitigate their homes for radon levels and visit www. ncradon. ori for additional radon information. • appoint Peggy Hinshaw as ETJ member of the Randleman Planning and Zoning Board to fulfill the unexpired term of Ted Hollingsworth; • approve Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for County Sheriff's Office; • appoint Erin Stewart (representing the Volunteer Center), Jean Vollrath (replacing Jean Harris/Public Library Representative) Tyler Keziah (replaces Liz Richard/represents Mental Health) to the Aging Services Planning Committee; • reappoint Chris Collins to the Archdale Planning/Board ofAdjustment; • reappoint Randy Tedder to the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District; • change name of Child Support Enforcement to Child Support Services; • appoint Tina Williams to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee; • reappoint Keith Davis to the Randolph County EMS Peer Review Committee; • reappoint Randy Kirkman to the Liberty Planning and Zoning Board; • approve Budget Amendment #20 for revision to 2016 ROAP funding, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 4,555 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services Appropriations $ 4,555 Chante to New Business Agenda Chairman Frye announced that Item K had been amended to add Personnel Matters [NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6)J to the Closed Session. Presentation of Annual Audit Report Eddie Burke, Engagement Partner with Cherry Bekaert, presented and reviewed the County's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for year ending June 30, 2015. He stated there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses found and said the firm gave the County an unmodified, "clean" opinion, which is the highest level of findings, and commended the County's Finance Office staff for their work and assistance. Public Hearing & Approval of Building Reuse Grant Match- ACE/Avant Kevin P. Franklin, EDC Existing Business and Industry Coordinator, stated that Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co., Inc. 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 main building at the Poole Road property has been vacant since its purchase in January of 2015; prior to the Ace/Avant purchase, it was used once a month for a livestock sale. The building is essentially a shell which will need to be upfitted 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. Mr. Franklin estimated renovations would begin in January 2016. Mr. Franklin said that 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. Since 1990, the company has constructed more than 270 million square feet of industrial floors and tilt -up wall panels. The company currently has 235 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 the 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. 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 approve a resolution authorizing the County of Randolph to apply for an economic development grant in the amount of $220,000 on behalf of Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co., Inc., including a commitment to provide the required 5% local government match in the amount of $11,000. At 6:39 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the public hearing. Beverly Nelson, Archdale -Trinity Chamber President, spoke in favor of the Ace/Avant expansion. She said this company has been a member of the Chamber for over ten years and has been active and involved. She said Michael Somero, Vice President at Ace/Avant, has served on the Board for the Archdale/Trinity Chamber and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. She said the company supports many local organizations as well as the NC Zoo, has a great reputation in the business community, and is a stable company that operates with integrity offering diverse products and services. Ms. Fowler urged the Commissioners to go forward with this grant to benefit Ace/Avant. Michael Somero, Vice President at Ace/Avant, spoke in favor of the economic development grant and thanked the Commissioners for their consideration. Chairman Frye asked if construction business was improving. Mr. Somero commented that it was and because of that revival, there will probably be more than the 22 jobs initially estimated. He also mentioned the variety of items produced by Ace/Avant that make them so diversified in the marketplace. Hearing no additional comments, the public hearing was closed. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing the County to apply for an economic development grant on behalf of Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co., including a commitment to provide the required 5% local government match in the amount of $11, 000 for the building reuse grant, as follows: RESOL UTION A UTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO APPLYFOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT ON BEHALF OF ACE/AVANT CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 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, Randolph County is a local government located in one of the state's 85 rural counties and is eligible to apply for a Building Reuse Grant on behalf of a private company that commits to job creation and the reuse of a vacant building; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has considered whether to apply for an economic development Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Development Division for an economic development project that will offset the cost of renovating the vacant building owned by Ace/Avant, located at 5320 Poole Road in the Archdale community, in which to relocate a portion of the business operation, including the maintenance department; and WHEREAS the project will create 22 new jobs within 18 months at wages that average $31,705 with health care benefits and will generate new investment of $735,000 in real property within 18 months in addition to the $811,755 investment in the purchase of the property for a total investment of $1,546,755; and WHEREAS, Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co. is requesting a grant of $220,000 from the NC Department of Commerce Rural Development Division on behalf of the job creation commitment; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public hearing to consider whether to participate in this project; and WHEREAS, the grant requires that the local government applicant commit to a match equal to S% of the grant request ($11,000) and to administer the grant upon award; and WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local economy, promote business in the County, and result in the creation of a significant number of jobs in the County; and WHEREAS, the County has in its General Fund available revenues sufficient to fund this economic development project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the submission of an application for a Building Reuse Grant from the NC Department of Commerce on behalf of Ace/Avant Concrete Construction Co., and authorizes the County Manager to sign said application and any other documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project. Approval of Plans for RCC Photographic Technolo2y Department Renovations Dr. Robert Shackleford, RCC President, presented the RCC Board of Trustee's request for the Photographic Technology Department renovations. He explained that the photography program at RCC is recognized by most journals as one of the top three photography programs in the country. Students come from all over the country to attend RCC for this curriculum and the College would need to provide them with the latest technology in order to stay one of the highest rated photography programs in the country. The existing area was constructed decades ago, but to continue being a world class program, he stressed the importance of not only updating the curriculum with state-of-the-art equipment, but also the facility and the way it is laid out and used for the program to support multimedia. He said a visioning meeting was held in August with bid winner Smith Sinnett Architecture and RCC staff and faculty to define the overall vision for the photography space, as well as plans for a visible entrance and a gallery to display the student's work. Dr. Shackleford said there is not currently an entrance from the exterior of the building. The department is accessed only after passing through many hallways. He explained the changes and gave a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the floor plan and architectural design of the exterior and interior renovations. Staff has already been working on updating restroom facilities to meet codes, HVAC upgrades, upgrading lighting, an asbestos survey, and the advanced planning for the renovations that remain; all at a cost of around $96,000. He stated that $489,000 of the undesignated capital that RCC had already received from the County will be used for this project in addition to the $1,810,000 that is being requested from the RCC Capital Project Fund. At the end of his presentation, Dr. Shackleford recognized members of the Board of Trustees that were present to show their support of the request. Commissioner Lanier asked what the time frame for completion might be. Dr. Shackleford stated that with some of the preparatory work underway currently, the project should be completed within a year and possibly as soon as the fall. Commissioner Allen inquired about the number of students in this program. Dr. Shackleford replied that approximately 60 students per semester are enrolled in this curriculum. Commissioner Haywood asked if the $1.8 million quote was generated by Smith Sinnett and Dr. Shackleford confirmed. Commissioner Haywood said that he has confidence in the expertise of Smith Sinnett. Commissioner Frye asked Mr. Massie about the balance in the Article 46 sales tax fund. Mr. Massie stated that there is enough accumulated sales tax currently in the Capital Project Fund to cover this project and the other project already in process. Dr. Shackleford commented that of the $3,000,000 currently available, some of that was being used for the renovation of the building to be used for the Cosmetology program and the $1,810,000 would be for the photography department renovations. Commissioner Kemp asked how to access the current photography classrooms. Dr. Shackleford explained that the Photographic Technology curriculum classrooms are located at the back of the Education building, which is in the first building past the Health and Science building on Industrial Avenue coming from Fayetteville Street. It is an unclear entrance to those not familiar with the building. Tommy Pugh, a Randolph County citizen, stood and asked to speak. Chairman Frye granted his request. Mr. Pugh said he was in support of the photography program but said he felt that $96,000 is too much money for bathrooms. Dr. Shackleford clarified that the figure included multiple bathrooms, new heating and air, and a new break room for instructors. Much of what had to be done in order to satisfy state building codes. Commissioner Allen said he did not believe that a large entrance and gallery were necessary. He thought that equipment should be the priority. Dr. Shackleford said that the equipment comes from state funds. He mentioned that the new entrance would give visibility to the program as well as more practical access to parking and the building. Commissioner Kemp stated that he felt the gallery would be an important venue for students to show their work. Dr. Shackleford commented that the RCC staff has been doing most of the renovations to their buildings. He said with their skill and expertise, costs have been much lower than if the project had been put out for bid. Dr. Shackleford said the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees is requesting that Randolph County authorize the use of funds available from the Article 46 sales tax to renovate the Photographic Technology Department. By approving the request to use these funds for this project, RCC can obtain state approval and move the project forward. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve RCC Capital Project Budget Amendment #4 for Photographic Technology Department Renovations, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance Randolph Community College Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #4 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from General Fund $1,810,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $1,308,000 Professional Fees $222,000 Site Development $80,000 Equipment $200,000 Rezoning Public Hearing & Action At 7:14 p.m., the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests. Jay Dale, Planning Director, presented the following request and Chairman Frye opened the public hearing for comments and hearing none closed the hearing. WILLIAM SMITH, Liberty, North Carolina, is requesting that 1.80 acres (out of 13.18 acres) located at 3347 Old 421 Road, Liberty Township, be rezoned from HC -CD to LI -CD. Tax ID# 8735359444. Primary Growth Area. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would specifically allow light manufacturing in an existing 2560 sq. ft. building with a proposed 896 sq. ft. addition. The Planning Board reviewed this request at public meeting on December 8, 2015, and unanimously recommended that this request be approved. The Planning Board found the following standards and policies within the 2009 Growth Management Plan that support determination of consistency with the adopted plan with this recommendation: Policv 3.1. Industrial development should be on land that is physically suitable and has unique locational advantages for industry. Advanced planning for the identification of such land should be encouraged. Policv 3.5 New industrial development should be encouraged to locate in existing and planned industrial parks. No one spoke. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of William Smith, as determined consistent with the standards and policies contained within the Growth Management Plan outlined in the recommendations provided by the County Planning Board. Approval of Expenditure of Law Enforcement Restricted Funds -ERT Rifles and Gvm Equipment Jane Leonard, Sheriffs Office Business Manager, stated that Sheriff Maynard Reid would like to spend $66,068 in law enforcement restricted funds that come from drug seizures. The funds will be used to purchase Emergency Response Team (ERT) rifles and fitness equipment. She said the current ERT rifles are a combination of six rifles on loan from a federal program, six old submachine guns they own, and the remainder are a mix of weapons that were confiscated and released by the courts for the Department's use. She proposed purchasing twenty .223 caliber precision rifles with sights, suppressors and lights from four separate vendors for a total cost of $41,710. Ms. Leonard said they would like to purchase fitness equipment to set up a professional gym for the law enforcement officers and other Sheriffs Office staff This purchase will be prorated between law enforcement restricted funds (65%) and local funds (35%). This will allow their civilian staff to also use the fitness equipment. Quotes were received as follows: Vendor Met edficati6ns Quote Carolina Fitness Equipment Yes $30,635.00 All Fitness Solutions, Inc Yes $33,946.81 Rock Solid Fitness No $25,916.70 She stated that Rock Solid Fitness did not meet the specifications on four pieces of equipment. Therefore, Carolina Fitness Equipment is the lowest responsive bidder for a total of $30,635. Other items necessary to set up the gym include flooring and a few miscellaneous items for a total of $6,838. The total cost of all of the fitness equipment is $37,473. She proposed using law enforcement restricted funds of $24,358 for this purchase and an available $13,115 from their budget for the local portion. Commissioner Frye questioned where the fitness equipment would be housed. Ms. Leonard said that it would be in the large building currently used to store other large equipment. It is a secure building only available to Sheriffs Department staff He also asked about the cost breakdown of the weapons being requested. Ms. Leonard stated that each fully equipped rifle was approximately $2000. She indicated that instead of the current mismatch of rifles being used, it was important that all weapons were the same. Mr. Massie reminded everyone that these funds come out of restricted funds and could not be used for items in the budget but only to enhance the department with training or equipment. Ms. Leonard said that the Law Enforcement Restricted Fund balance was $220,000 as of June 30, 2015. Commissioner Lanier asked if any additional funds had been received since then. She replied that approximately $100,000 had been received and when other outstanding funds arrive, the restricted fund balance could be approximately $1,000,000. When asked by Commissioner Frye for the breakdown of each weapon cost, Ms. Leonard listed the itemized costs as follows: Rifle- $1000, Sights -$400, Suppressors -$595, and Slings, mounts, and lights -remainder. On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the use of $66,068 in Law Enforcement Restricted Funds to purchase twenty .223 rifles at the cost of $41, 710 from four vendors; to use $24,358 towards the purchase of fitness equipment; to award the bid to purchase fitness equipment at the cost of $30,635 to Carolina Fitness Equipment; and to approve associated Budget Amendment #21, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #21 Revenues Increase Decrease Fund Balance Appropriated $66,068 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $66,068 Adoption of Resolutions ConcerninLy Establishment of Fire Service Districts for Level Cross, Northeast and Staley; and Capping Property Tax Rate Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, reminded the Board that the majority of the fire protection tax districts in Randolph County are rural fire protection districts, with the exception of Climax, Guil-Rand and Randleman -Sophia. She said in order for ease of administration and continuity across the County, the Board of County Commissioners had indicated a desire to create county service districts to supplant those rural fire protection districts. A county service district for fire protection is created under North Carolina General Statutes 153A-302 and 153A-309.2. Commissioner Frye wanted to get clarification on the process. He asked if the departments had to request this. Ms. Scotton said that no request was necessary. Because three districts had already been classified as county service districts, this change to the others would just make administration easier. This designation would also allow for changes to be made within districts with less encumbrance. This request would only overlay the current area for these three cases with no tax change at this time. Since all fire departments would be switched to county service districts at some point, Commissioner Frye asked if all of the remaining departments should be processed together. Ms. Scotton suggested that it would be easier to handle them in small groups because of the necessity for legal ads and public hearings. Ms. Scotton explained to begin the process for Level Cross, Northeast and Staley, the Board must consider the following process for each proposed district: a) the resident or seasonal population and population density of the proposed district; b) the appraised value of property subject to taxation in the proposed district; c) the present tax rates of the County and any cities or special districts in which the district or any portion thereof is located; d) the ability of the proposed district to sustain the additional taxes necessary to provide the services planned for the district; and e) any other matters that the Commissioners believe to have a bearing on whether or not the district should be established. Fire Marshal Erik Beard had provided a fact sheet in the agenda packet for each district containing the items that are required to be considered. A resolution would need to be adopted for each respective district if the following apply: a) there is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the district; b) it is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; c) it is economically feasible to provide the proposed services in the district without unreasonable or burdensome tax levies; and d) there is a demonstrable demand for the proposed services by persons residing in the district. The resolutions make certain the findings call for the creation of a report that must be made available for public inspection and would set public hearings on the creation of the respective districts for the suggested 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016. The resolutions also state that the tax levied in the proposed district for fire protection may not be in excess of a rate of fifteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) of property subject to taxation. Ms. Scotton said if the Board passes the resolutions and sets the public hearing, staff will compile the report and publish notice of the public hearing in accordance with state law for each proposed district. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution Capping Level Cross Fire Service District's Property Tax Rate atfifteen cents on each one hundred dollars of property subject to taxation, direct the Associate County Attorney to prepare the required report referenced in the resolution, and to set a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016, as follows: RESOLUTION CAPPING PROPOSED LEVEL CROSS FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE DISTRICT TAX RATE AT FIFTEEN CENTS WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 allows a County to establish a county service district for fire protection services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners create a county service district for fire protection for the Level Cross Protection District; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the population of the proposed district, the appraised value of property in the proposed district, the present tax rates in effect in the proposed district, the ability of the proposed district to sustain the taxing of the proposed district, and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. There is a demonstrable need for providing fare protection services in the proposed Level Cross service district; and 2. It is impossible or impracticable to provide fare protection services on a countywide basis; and 3. It is economically feasible to provide fare protection services in the proposed Level Cross service district without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 4. There is a demonstrable demand for fare protection services in the proposed Level Cross service district. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board intends to pursue the creation of a county service district for fire protection that mirrors the existing Level Cross Protection District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the proposed district, a statement that the proposed district meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the proposed district; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that, after the public hearing referenced above, if the proposed Level Cross county service district for fire protection is created, property taxes for fire protection within said district may not be levied in excess of a rate of fifteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) of property subject to taxation. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution Capping Northeast Fire Service District's Property Tax Rate at fifteen cents on each one hundred dollars of property subject to taxation, direct the Associate County Attorney to prepare the required report referenced in the resolution, and to set a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016, as follows: RESOL UTION CAPPING PROPOSED NORTHEAST FIRE PROTECTION SER VICE DISTRICT TAX RATE AT FIFTEEN CENTS WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 allows a County to establish a county service district for fire protection services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners create a county service district for fire protection for the Northeast Protection District; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the population of the proposed district, the appraised value of property in the proposed district, the present tax rates in effect in the proposed district, the ability of the proposed district to sustain the taxing of the proposed district, and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. There is a demonstrable need for providing fare protection services in the proposed Northeast service district; and 2. It is impossible or impracticable to provide fare protection services on a countywide basis; and 3. It is economically feasible to provide fare protection services in the proposed Northeast service district without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 4. There is a demonstrable demand for fare protection services in the proposed Northeast service district. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board intends to pursue the creation of a county service district for fare protection that mirrors the existing Northeast Protection District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the proposed district, a statement that the proposed district meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the proposed district; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that, after the public hearing referenced above, if the proposed Northeast county service district for fire protection is created, property taxes for fire protection within said district may not be levied in excess of a rate of fifteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) of property subject to taxation. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution Capping Staley Fire Service District's Property Tax Rate at fifteen cents on each one hundred dollars of property subject to taxation, direct the Associate County Attorney to prepare the required report referenced in the resolution, and to set a public hearing on the matter for 6: 30 p.m. on March 7, 2016, as follows: RESOL UTION CAPPING PROPOSED STALEY FIRE PROTECTION SER VICE DISTRICT TAX RATE AT FIFTEEN CENTS WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 allows a County to establish a county service district for fire protection services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners create a county service district for fire protection for the Staley Protection District; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the population of the proposed district, the appraised value of property in the proposed district, the present tax rates in effect in the proposed district, the ability of the proposed district to sustain the taxing of the proposed district, and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. There is a demonstrable need for providing fare protection services in the proposed Staley service district; and 2. It is impossible or impracticable to provide fare protection services on a countywide basis; and 3. It is economically feasible to provide fare protection services in the proposed Staley service district without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 4. There is a demonstrable demand for fare protection services in the proposed Staley service district. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board intends to pursue the creation of a county service district for fare protection that mirrors the existing Staley Protection District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 2016; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the proposed district, a statement that the proposed district meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the proposed district; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that, after the public hearing referenced above, if the proposed Staley county service district for fire protection is created, property taxes for fire protection within said district may not be levied in excess of a rate of fifteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) of property subject to taxation. Approval of Budget Amendment Allocation to Sandhills Center Finance Officer Will Massie stated that in 1995, the former Black and Veatch office building on Walker Avenue was purchased to house various mental health programs. Since then, Randolph County has received $101,400 lease income which was used to fund the debt service on the building. Now that the debt has been retired, the facility will be provided to Sandhills Center for $1 a year, in accordance with the lease agreement. Mr. Massie said the continued use of this facility by Sandhill's will be a non-cash, in-kind donation, so the County will be able to reduce its annual cash appropriation accordingly. For the remainder of this fiscal year, the reduction will be $50,700. For fiscal year 2016-17, the new annual appropriation to Sandhills Center will be $742,600 instead of $844,000. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #22 for the Sandhills Center allocation, as follows: 2015-2016 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #22 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $50,700 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Service Appropriations $50,700 Special Meeting/Public Hearing - Megasite Properties Rezoning On motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to set a special meeting for the rezoning public hearing regarding the Megasite properties for Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse. Hal Johnson, County Manager, stated that the Planning Board will meet on January 26, 2016, to consider the application for rezoning the Megasite properties. Strategic Planning Update Mr. Johnson said that the next Strategic Planning Meeting was scheduled for January 14, 2016, at 6 p.m. at RCC. Regional Update Chairman Frye stated that there were no regional updates. Closed Session At 7:47 p.m., on motion of Kemp, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to go into closed session to establish or instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property, pursuant to [N.C.G.S.143- 318.11(a)(5)J and to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee, pursuant to [NCGS 143-318.1 ](a)(6)J. Regular Meeting Resumed (Reconvened) At 8:44 p.m., the Board returned to regular session. No action was taken. Adjournment At 8:44 p.m., on motion of Kemp, seconded by Allen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. Darrell L. Frye, Chairman Arnold Lanier David Allen Phil Kemp Stan Haywood Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board