110617November 6, 2017
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 Allen, Frye, Haywood, Kidd and McDowell were present. Also present were
County Manager Hal Johnson; Finance Officer Will Massie; County Attorney Ben Morgan;
Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board; and Dana Crisco, Deputy Clerk to the Board. Dr. Bob
Shackleford, RCC President, gave the invocation and everyone recited the pledge of allegiance.
Recognition of the Mayors Committee Awards for Employee and Employer of the Year
Rhonda Ratcliffe and Kathy Vuncannon, representatives of the Randolph County Mayors
Committee for Disabled Persons, were present. Ms. Vuncannon explained that one award is
for the Randolph County employer who is improving the lives of the differently abled persons
in the community and the other award is for an individual employee working within Randolph
County that is striving to embrace their own limitations and better function within the normal
structure of everyday life.
Ms. Vuncannon announced the Randolph County Mayors Committee for Disabled Persons
winners, as follows: Deep River Physical Therapy was recognized as the Employer of the Year
and Benji Flinchum as recipient of the Outstanding Employee Award. Chairman Allen presented
Certificates of Recognition to each for their accomplishments on behalf of the Board of
Commissioners.
County Employee Service Awards Presentation
Chairman Allen and County Manager Hal Johnson, assisted by Human Resources Director
Jill Williams, presented the County employee service award certificates and a piece of pottery to
the following honorees: 15 years of service: Brian K. Heilig, Building Inspections; Elaine
Horner, Child Support Enforcement (not present); Asbill L. Richardson, Emergency Services (not
present); Daniel G. Shue, Information Technology; Cynthia R. Heaton, Juvenile Day Reporting
Center, Amanda L. Ratliff, Library; Devin A. Alston, Sheriff (not present); Jonathan S. Chriscoe,
Sheriff (not present); Kellie Cook, Sheriff, Jenny F. Garner, Sheriff, Andrea W. Heath, Sheriff,
Michael W. Hogan, Sheriff, Jeremy S. Lanier, Sheriff, Michael E. Reynolds, Sheriff (not
present); Heather S. Tilley, Sheriff, Donald K. Walton, Sheriff, Robin B. Alford, Social Services;
Michelle F. Hinshaw, Social Services; Dana H. Nance, Social Services; Karen L. Young -Shaver,
Social Services; Janna R. Shofe, Social Services; Jennifer D. Heilig, Tax 20 years of service:
Aimee C. Scotton, Administration; Steven D. Staley, Emergency Services; Kimberly D.
Lemmons, Information Technology; Robert M. Macon, Public Buildings; Bradford R. Ellis,
Public Health; Avery B. Arrington, Sheriff (not present); Mickey W. Beal, Sheriff, Jeffrey W.
Cook, Sheriff (not present); Roger C. Hunt, Sheriff, David M. Joyce, Sheriff, Bernie E. Maness,
Jr., Sheriff, Thomas L. McIver, Sheriff, Bernadette Campbell, Social Services (not present); Lisa
Stern, Social Services; Kristy Thompson, Social Services; 25 years of service: Anna M. Brower,
Public Health; Gina C. Hussey, Public Health (not present); Harvey W. Jones, Jr., Public
Health; Timothy V. Mangum, Planning & Zoning; Michael D. Blackwell, Sheriff, Jerry D.
Brower, Sheriff (not present); Christopher E. Maness, Sheriff (not present); JoAnn D. Sapp,
Sheriff, Cynthia P. Cody, Social Services (not present); Ann H. Councilman, Social Services;
Betty D. Skipper, Social Services (not present); Debra T. Brady, Tax; Terry M. Van Vliet,
Veterans Services 30 years of service: Jennifer M. Garner, Building Inspections; Susan D.
Hayes, Public Health; Ross Holt, Library; Catha J. Wright, Sheriff.
EMS Competition Recognition
Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis said that each year the NC Office of Emergency
Medical Services holds regional and statewide Paramedic competitions, sponsored by the NC
College of Emergency Physicians and the NC Association of EMS Curriculum Educators.
The competition consists of teams of paramedics across the state who assess, treat and
stabilize victims of the scenario in 14 minutes while the judges and their peers observe. Teams
are judged on clinical skill, professionalism, communications, patient rapport, conduct, attitude,
appearance and attire. Teams are scored in three categories: a practical scenario, a short written
examination, and professionalism.
He announced that Paramedics Corey Lee and Todd Stewart represented Randolph County in
the Region 3 competition at Fayetteville Technical Community College and were declared the
2017 Region 3 Champions.
Although Rowan County EMS won the statewide championship, he said Emergency Services
is extremely proud of Paramedics Lee and Stewart, their representation of Randolph County, and
their regional championship.
Chairman Allen presented certificates of recognition to Mr. Lee and Mr. Stewart on behalf of
the Board.
Retirement Recognition
Robin Ward retired on August 1, 2017, with 20 years of service at the Jail. Ms. Ward was
recognized by Sheriff Graves and Major JoAnn Sapp. Chairman Allen presented Ms. Ward with
an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Allen opened the floor for public comment. No
one spoke.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
consent agenda, as follows:
• approve minutes of 10/2/17 regular meeting and 10/2/17 closed session meeting;
• reappoint Darrell Frye to a second three-year term on the Piedmont Triad Regional
Development Corporation;
• reappoint Marianne Evans, Marty Trotter, and Lyn Richardson to the Randolph County
Board of Health;
• reappoint Kim Smith Griffin to the Randolph County Tax Commission and Board of
Equalization and Review;
• reappoint Reid Pell, John Cable, and Kemp Davis to the Randolph County Planning and
Zoning Board and Board of Adjustment;
• reappoint Laura Cox to the Randolph County Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee;
• reappoint Cathy Hayes to the Randleman Planning and Zoning Board;
• approve Planning Board Stipend Increase ($100 per meeting plus mileage);
• approve Budget Amendment #14 for Public Health ($75, 592), as follows:
2017-2018 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #14
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$75,592
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Public Health
$75,592
• approve Budget Amendment #15 for JCPC Sponsoring County Grant ($138,200), as
follows:
2017-2018 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #I5
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$138,200
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Operating Expenditures
$138,200
• approve Budget Amendment 96 for Emergency Services Capital Project Ordinance
($13.000). as follows:
2017-2018 Budget Ordinance
Emergency Services Headquarters Capital Project Fund—Budget Amendment 46
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Professional Services
$13,000
Contingency
$13,000
NC Zoo Update
NC Zoo Director Pat Simmons presented an update on the Zoo. She said 2016 was the
second highest fiscal year in attendance at 870,882. They received their second $4.5 million
toward their $20 million costs of deferred maintenance to continue to do the much needed repair
and renovations. Other highlights given were: their new food provider SSA set a monthly food
sales record, their visitor review average is 4.7 stars out of five, gift shops revenues are up,
they've set a membership record and had a 68% membership renewal rate, added 160 more
corporate members, and received the largest planned gift for the year. The earned revenue is
consistently increasing while the state funding has stayed pretty steady.
She reminded the Board that the Zoo had been put on accreditation probation a couple years
ago and were warned to take care of the deferred maintenance items. She then announced that
the probation has been removed. They have improved aeration of the Cypress Swamp, improved
safety, cleared fence lines, installed a program that helps them keep up with deferred
maintenance, have regular drills, reorganized the staff throughout the park, and will be adding
Wi-Fi for guests.
She added that guests have been seeking more education and conservation programs at the
Zoo. The Zoo has provided bird encounters, had successful breedings, deployed experimental
Hellbender nest box to the NC Mountains so they can breed in quiet places, satellite tagged
vultures, released 400 plus Puerto Rican Crested tad poles raised at the zoo back into Puerto
Rico, been involved with projects in other countries, started and increased the the Zoofari rides,
added paddle boats, and added the air hike ropes course.
In 2018, they will be adding a bird show out among the guests in the park and a tree house
playground in the ropes course area for the younger children who could not do the air hike.
In conclusion, Ms. Simmons gave an update of the master plan. She said the NC Connect
bond provided funding for adding some new areas inside their current 500 acres of undeveloped
land to fill in some of the spaces where one is walking miles with no exhibits.
• A baboon holding area will replace the African pavilion
• Adding an Australian walk -about where guest would be able to walk among kangaroos
• Initial planning has begun for the continent of Asia to be added. She said tigers, red
pandas and flying foxes would be coming with the completion of Asia.
• Restaurant and plaza — Location to focus on keeping people there when they arrive and
another place for park events.
Deep River Trail Plan Update
Mary Joan Pugh, Tourism Development Authority (TDA) board member, stated that the TDA
established the Deep River Trail Task Force in June 2015_ They worked with the Piedmont
Triad Regional Council (PTRC) to complete a feasibility study and establish a plan.
Jesse Day, Piedmont Triad Regional Council, said the Deep River Trail Plan is proposed to
coordinate efforts for planning, designing, obtaining funding, constructing, and managing the
Deep River State Trail in Randolph County. This conceptual plan provides alignment
alternatives and stream crossing details for the proposed trail from Randleman to Ramseur. The
process has come a long way, with on the ground field work being conducted in January -April of
this year, consistent task force meetings, and the final completion of the trail plan draft.
Mr. Day said the Deep River Trail is important for the community because it can improve the
quality of life, expand recreation and economic opportunities, increase health and fitness, protect
the environment, and so much more. The main goal is to connect communities along the Deep
River. The trail will act as an anchor for recreation and tourism in Randolph County, as well as
connect people to nature and provide accessibility to the river, supporting key strategies of the
2016 Randolph County Strategic Plan. He said an engineer has been selected for the Sandy
Creek Bridge. Funding toward this project was provided as part of the implementation phase of
the County's Strategic Plan.
There are six different sections of the trail included in the plan that make up the entire Deep
River Trail. The first section is from Randleman to Worthville. It is 3 miles long (1.5 existing,
1.5 funded) and contains three stream crossings. The second section is from Worthville to
Central Falls. It is 3 miles long, and contains three stream crossings. The third section is 3 miles
from Central Falls to Cedar falls and contains a total of ten stream crossings. Section four ranges
from Cedar Falls to Franklinville. It is 2.75 miles and contains one stream crossing. The fifth
section ranges from Franklinville to Ramseur. It is 2 miles long (one of which is complete, one
funded) and contains one stream crossing. The final section ends in Ramseur. It is 1.25 miles
long (part complete) and contains one stream crossing.
He said some key improvements that will be initiated in the near future include working with
willing landowners to acquire trail easements, developing public swimming and boat access in
certain areas, improving trail routes, and designing and building new trail sections.
Mr. Day said the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority approved the conceptual
plan report at their board meeting on October 18, 2017. The approved motion also included a
recommendation that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners consider adopting a
resolution supporting the Deep River Trail and its plan document that assists the task force and
local municipalities in implementation steps. He said the Resolution may be used as leverage for
grants.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
Resolution of Support for Deep River Trail, as follows:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT
Deep River Trail
WHEREAS, Randolph County is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its
citizens and recognizes that supporting the Deep River Trail will help create a regional
network of trails, including greenways and blueways; and
WHEREAS, trails provide key amenities to neighborhoods and safe areas for our
citizens and children to travel, exercise, play and connect with nature and communities;
and
WHEREAS, trails have significant impact on the economic viability of the region
through increased tourism, enhanced property values, as well as the ability to attract and
retain businesses to the region due to improved quality of life; and
WHEREAS, committing to this Resolution of Support may help leverage funding from
federal, state, local and private sources for trails; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Randolph County Board of
Commissioners supports the development of the Deep River Trail in partnership with
neighboring communities to implement a system of regional trails that connects our
communities, people and regional points of interest for years to come.
Piedmont Le2acy Trails Update
Jesse Day, Piedmont Triad Regional Council, said the mission of the Piedmont Legacy Trails
initiative is to promote regional connections through technical assistance, education, and
resource supports for trail projects. Piedmont Legacy Trails will represent a regional trail
network for the Piedmont. There are countless benefits of having trails in a community, and this
would be a great way for Piedmont communities to have a stronger connection, and put their
name on the map.
The Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC)
along with representatives from surrounding counties have collaborated to establish Piedmont
Legacy Trails to help brand the Piedmont Triad as a trails destination and to connect trails across
the Piedmont. The Piedmont Trails Council will not build, but will support greenways, trails, and
blueways throughout 12 Piedmont Triad counties including Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell,
Yadkin, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davie, Davidson, Randolph, and Montgomery. Mr. Day
said this also helps with leveraging resources.
He said the trails provide key amenities to neighborhoods and safe areas for citizens and
children to travel, exercise and play. They can provide numerous types of benefits ranging from
health benefits, an increase in the quality of life, positive environmental and economic impacts,
and improved transportation. Trails in local communities can promote a more physical lifestyle,
leading to healthier and happier citizens. Regular physical activity can increase the quality and
longevity of life, and a connection to nature has been proven to promote a healthier mental state.
Trails protect important habitats, protect clean freshwater and provide safe corridors for people
and wildlife to use.
He added that the economic and tourism benefits of trails are endless. Trails can increase
nearby property values and promote local businesses. Trails can turn an area into a destination,
bringing in revenue to local shops and restaurants, as well as creating a need for new businesses
such as hotels/inns, coffee shops, restaurants, bike shops, and more.
He said the Piedmont Legacy Trails is an ideal opportunity to connect people through nature
and connect local communities. Branding the Piedmont as a trails destination cannot only boost
the economy but also boost the quality of life and well-being of those who call the area home.
Mr. Day requested approval for a resolution of support to help further this initiative. He said
Randolph County will be a key player in Piedmont Legacy Trails, as there is already so much
development occurring with trails in the area. Piedmont Legacy Trails will help to further this
progress and development in Randolph County and the surrounding communities.
Commissioner McDowell commented that there are some existing trails in Stanly County and
one connected to Montgomery County that are really bringing in visitors and giving residents a
place to go with families. He said he felt strongly that the Board should continue to support trail
development initiatives in Randolph County.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
Resolution of Support for Piedmont Legacy Trails, as follows:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT
Piedmont Legacy Trails
WHEREAS, Randolph County is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its
citizens and recognizes that supporting Piedmont Legacy Trails will help create a
regional network of trails, including greenways and blueways; and
WHEREAS, trails provide key amenities to neighborhoods and safe areas for our
citizens and children to travel, exercise, play and connect with nature and communities;
and
WHEREAS, trails have significant impact on the economic viability of the region
through increased tourism, enhanced property values, as well as the ability to attract and
retain businesses to the region due to improved quality of life; and
WHEREAS, committing to this Resolution of Support may help leverage funding from
federal, state, local and private sources for trails; and
WHEREAS, Piedmont Legacy Trails is coordinated by Piedmont Land Conservancy,
which is dedicated to preserving important natural areas, and the Piedmont Triad
Regional Council, which is a regional planning organization.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners supports the development of the Piedmont Legacy Trails in partnership
with neighboring communities to implement a system of regional trails that connects our
communities, people and regional points of interest for years to come.
Adoption of Resolution Declaring Intent to Close an Unnamed Road; Set Public Hearing
for Road Closing
Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton stated that Randolph County has received a request that
the County act to permanently close an unnamed road in the Asheboro Township beginning on the
north side of Giles Chapel Road and proceeding north and west out to Gold Hill Road. Attorney Bob
Hord requested on behalf of Margaret Millikan and Jerry Millikan (property owners) and Tanager
Holdings, LLC (the tenant of Margaret Millikan and the proposed user of the property). Ms. Scotton
presented a survey of the area depicting this unnamed road in the agenda packet. The road in question
has never been constructed.
Ms. Scotton said the procedure for closing a public road or easement is governed by North
Carolina General Statue § 153A-241. The first step requires that the Board of Commissioners adopt a
resolution declaring its intent to close the road and calling for a public hearing on the question. This
notice must be published once a week for three successive weeks before the hearing, and a copy of the
resolution must be sent by certified mail to each owner of property adjoining the road, as shown by the
county tax records, who did not join in the request to have the road closed. In this case, there are two,
one whose property fronts on Giles Chapel Road and adjoins the unnamed road on the west side and
one whose property fronts Giles Chapel Road and adjoins the unnamed road on the east side.
Furthermore, a notice of the closing and the public hearing must be posted in at least two places along
the road.
This is the first phase of this process. She asked the commissioners to approve a resolution
declaring the intent to affect this closure and set a public hearing on the matter at the December
4, 2017 meeting.
At the public hearing, interested persons are allowed to voice their views on whether the closing
will be detrimental to the public interest or their individual property rights. After the public hearing, if
the Board of Commissioners is satisfied that closing this road will not be detrimental to public interest
and will not deprive any individual of access to his property, the Board may adopt an order closing the
road. A certified copy of the order shall then be filed with the Register of Deeds office.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted unanimously to approve a
Resolution declaring intent to close an unnamed road in the Asheboro Township beginning on
the north side of Giles Chapel Road and proceeding north and west out to Gold Hill Road and
set a public hearing for the road closing for 6: 30 p.m. on December 4, as follows:
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT TO CLOSE
UNNAMED ROAD FROM GILES CHAPEL ROAD TO GOLD HILL ROAD
AND CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE QUESTION
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has received a
request from residents, owners and potential users of a land area off of Gold Hill
Road and Giles Chapel Road to permanently close the unnamed road, beginning
on the north side of Giles Chapel Road and proceeding north and west out to
Gold Hill Road, appearing on plat recorded in Plat Book I at Page 346 in the
Randolph County Public Registry and running between several lots shown on the
recorded plat of Garden Acres just referred to; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §153A-241 requires that the
Board of Commissioners hold a public hearing prior to the closing of any road to
consider effects of said closing on the public interests or on any individual
property rights; and
WHEREAS, a history of non-use of the road area in question is outlined on
Affidavit of Jerry R. Millikan dated July 20, 2017 which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners hereby declares its intent to permanently close the unnamed road
identified and outlined above.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners has set a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. on December 4, 2017 to
consider said closing and allow the public to be heard on this matter.
Special Joint Meeting with the Randolph County School Board of Education
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to set a joint public
meeting with the Randolph County School Board of Education for January 16th at 4:30 p.m. in
the Board of Education Meeting Room.
County Manager's Update
County Manager Hal Johnson stated that the Planning Board public hearing for rezoning the
final parcels at the megasite is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th. This is approximately
370 acres to be added to the approved 1,533 -acre site.
A special Megasite public information meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 5:00
— 8:00 pm, Providence Grove High School. There will not be any formal presentations, but map
stations will be set up showing the megasite project area, water and sewer lines, power lines, and
proposed interchange improvements. Staff will be available to answer questions, and citizens
may also submit written comments.
Regional Update
Chairman Allen reminded the audience that the municipal elections were being held
tomorrow, November 7t'.
Closed Session
At 7:27 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by McDowell the Board voted unanimously to go
into closed session to establish or to instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the
price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property, pursuant to NCGS
143-318.11(a)(5).
Regular Session Resumed
At 7:51 p.m., the Board returned to regular session.
Adiournment
At 7:52 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted unanimously to
adjourn.
David L. Allen, Chairman Darrell Frye
Stan Haywood
Maxton McDowell
Kenny Kidd
Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board