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020518February 5, 2018 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; Clerk to the Board Amanda Varner; and Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Dr. Bob Shackleford gave the invocation and everyone recited the pledge of allegiance. Chairman Allen announced that Item K. Consider Budget Amendment Transfers to Capital Projects had been added to the agenda under New Business. Retirement Recognitions Jill Wood retired February 1, 2018, with 33 years of service to Randolph County with 31 years in the Planning Department. Ms. Wood was recognized by County Manager Hal Johnson, after which, Chairman Allen presented Ms. Wood with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Terry Van Vliet retired December 31, 2017, with 25 years of service to Randolph County with 11 years to the Veterans Service Office. Ms. Van Vliet was recognized by County Manager Hal Johnson, after which, Chairman Allen presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Betty Goins retired on January 1, 2018, with 21 years of service to the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Goins was recognized by Sheriff Robert Graves, after which, Chairman Allen presented Ms. Goins with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Martha "Denise" Chriscoe retired January 1, 2018, with 15 years of service to the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Chriscoe was recognized by Sheriff Robert Graves, after which, Chairman Allen presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Special Recognitions County Manager Hal Johnson introduced the new Veterans Services Director Chad Gurley. Prior to being employed by Randolph County, Mr. Gurley was an Accredited Veteran Service Officer with the North Carolina Division of Veteran Affairs (NCDAV) in Winston-Salem. He is a Licensed Veteran Service Officer and has advocated for NC veterans from all 100 counties before the Board of Veteran Appeals. He has extensive knowledge of VA laws and regulations and experience filing benefit claims, pension, burial applications, and education benefits. He is a veteran who served our country in the US Army Reserve from 09/30/2005-09/30/2013, and did two tours of duty; Operation Iraqi Freedom 2008-2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom 2009- 2010. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Allen opened the floor for public comment. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure. 2/5/2018 Board of Elections Chair Bill McAnaulty, 2995 Shaw St., Asheboro, spoke in support of relocating the Board of Elections to the Northgate complex. He said they do not currently have space to train poll workers, to store records and equipment, or to hold one-stop voting. He said there have also been comments about how unsafe the parking lot at the current location is for those campaigning and those there to vote. Mr. McAnaulty said he would be excited to have the extra space inside and out at Northgate. Alan Ferguson, 4794 Troy Smith Rd., Liberty, said everyone should have been impressed with the "deepness of the pool of cash available for projects" in Randolph County since the State was prepared to offer $1.6 billion dollars to the megasite project. He suggested Randolph County brand itself a "premium site, tap into some of that cash, and begin to offer something truly unique to the investing world" and then provided suggestions to explain: • Improve cellular service around the county and especially around the site. "Why not have five bars of service everywhere?" • Make Wi-Fi available in all Randolph County towns. "Having fast, cheap, universally available internet is essential if we are really serious about moving into a high - productivity, high value added working economy." • "What do you think the reaction would be if Randolph suddenly had the best paid public school teachers in North Carolina?" He said he understood the Commissioners had little to do with this. • He asked what the result might be if schools in Randolph County were able to beef up their early childhood education programs. • Encourage State Representatives to expand medical services for citizens. He said that Secretary of Commerce Sharon Decker once said, "If they are too sick to work, or if their family is too sick to be alone, then bringing in good jobs will do North Carolina little good." • Expand existing water and sewer into areas where growth is both desirable and likely. "Why are we waiting for Greensboro to come down and do this?" Mr. Ferguson said if Randolph County can "beef up its human infrastructure," it could create something unique. "If we could harness even a fraction of the effort that went into the recent drive to land a manufacturing plant, we might be able to accomplish more than we now imagine. Surely the average working people of this county are worth as much effort as we apply to some of the world's largest corporations." The Commissioners thanked Mr. Ferguson for his suggestions and continued input. Consent Agenda On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows: • approve Board of Commissioners minutes from regular meeting of 1/2/18, special meeting 1/8/18 and 1/16/18, and the 12/4/17 closed session; • unseal 6/5/17 closed session II, 10/2/17 closed session, 11/6/17 closed session I, 11/6/17 closed session II, and 12/4/17 closed session minutes; • reappoint David Henderson to the Asheboro Planning Board; 2/5/2018 • approve Budget Amendment 923 Public Health ($3, 000 Grant from Randolph Health Communitv Foundation). as follows: 2017-2018 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #23 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $ 3,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $ 3,000 Randolph County Economic Development Corporation Annual Report EDC President Walter Sprouse and VP Kevin Franklin presented the EDC's annual report. Long-time EDC President Bonnie Renfro retired and EDC staffers Lisa Bennett and Kevin Franklin stepped up and did an outstanding job during the transition in 2017. Jorgenson Consulting conducted a search over several months for a new President. Ultimately, long-time EDC President Walt Sprouse was selected and has returned to Randolph County. Mr. Sprouse and Mr. Franklin reviewed the new and expanding businesses from 2017. As a result of 34 projects, there were a total of 382 new jobs announced and Randolph County saw $167 million in new taxable capital investment. The EDC projects have generated $5,655,000 in economic development grants that have been secured for building renovations, water, and sewer. The projects impacted 668,075 square feet of real estate that was either constructed, acquired, or leased by industrial end users. Mr. Sprouse said that the Toyota/Mazda project didn't work out as hoped but the entire team remains extremely optimistic about the 1,450 acres (RC – 425, NCRR – 975, GRMSF – 50) which have highway and rail access and available robust utilities. He said they will continue to market the site to find an end user that will be the right fit. Megasite recruitment is a priority The EDC will be looking for increased activity from local manufacturers in 2018. Manufacturing will maintain a strong presence, with the megasite playing an obvious important role. Diversification of our economy remains a goal. There are plans to develop a new and innovative website which will also allow them to revamp the EDC's entire marketing strategy to emphasize electronic marketing. In 2018, the Randolph County EDC will focus on workforce, educational opportunities, transportation, and especially utilities' capacities. They will identify more industrial sites and all sites will be marketed to site selection consultants. Mr. Sprouse said they would continue to work with the Piedmont Triad Talent Alignment Strategy, aligning the needs of employers with existing educational and workforce initiatives. They plan to personally visit site selection consultants in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Northern Virginia, Greenville (SC) and New York City. He said representative with the State of NC will be traveling with them to New York. 2/5/2018 Commissioner Haywood referred to the comments Mr. Ferguson made during public comment and then stated how important it was to have all the "tools in the toolbox" when attracting a large manufacturer. Commissioner Haywood stated that healthcare is a large industry and since Randolph County is centrally located it would be a prime location for a behavioral and mental health center. He said it could save the County a lot of money by not having to transport clients out of the area for services. It would also benefit the County by bringing jobs and increasing the tax base. He stated that the Commissioners could consider offering land for construction of such a facility. Commissioner Frye said the State Legislature doesn't seem to think mental health is a big issue and it will take some convincing. Mr. Sprouse said that healthcare is a sector they are looking at as well as customer service related businesses and data centers. Chairman Allen complimented Mr. Franklin on his "last minute heroics" in finalizing a deal with Fibertex to locate in Randolph County. Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Advisory Board Annual Report Cooperative Extension Director Jonathan Black said that in 2017, the Voluntary Agricultural District Board admitted farms totaling 1,108.70 acres of land into the program. As a result, Randolph County now has over 19,423.78 acres of land enrolled in the program. Of this, 15 farms are enrolled in the Enhanced Voluntary Agriculture District with 1,300 acres and 127 farms with 18,123.76 acres enrolled in the Regular Voluntary Agriculture District. The Farm to Table program, created and piloted by Cooperative Extension in Randolph County Elementary schools to teach first graders where their food comes from, continues to be a great success. The program, which reached 64 first graders, consisted of six lessons and a field trip to A&T State University Research Farm. This program was a direct result of the agricultural forums. VAD Board Chair Kemp Davis thanked the Commissioners for supporting the agricultural community in all projects and for working toward development of an agricultural center. Commissioner Haywood said that Mr. Black told him prior to the meeting that agri-business revenues in Randolph County were $589 million. He said the Commissioners need to do what they can to equip Cooperative Extension with the ability to grow those revenues to a billion dollars in the next few years. Commissioner Frye added that he appreciated the advice of those from the agricultural community involved in the planning phase of the agricultural center project. Chairman Allen said he appreciated the VAD Board for getting the idea moving. Commissioner McDowell complemented the VAD Board for their hard work. He said citizens are always asking him when the ag center would be complete, so he was especially grateful for their expertise in the planning efforts. 2/5/2018 Road Naming Public Hearing Planning and Zoning Director Jay Dale presented the requests again for the existing portion of Zoo Parkway running south starting approximately 800 ft. south from the intersection of Zoo Parkway and Freedom State St. as it was tabled at the October meeting in order to allow citizens to propose a name other that the suggested Streamside Way. This request is due to road realignments made by NCDOT as a result of the US Hwy 64 construction project. Mr. Dale said Mr. Thomas, who spoke at the last public hearing, submitted the name Flag Springs Road and it was advertised in the public hearing notice. He said he understood that it has some historical reference as the road used to be known as Flag Spring Church Road many years ago. At 7:00 p.m., the Board entered into a duly advertised public hearing. Carol Hunter, 3222 NC Hwy 134, Asheboro, stated that she and several of the members of Flag Springs Church, but not the church itself, do not agree with naming the new cul-de-sac Flag Spring Road. "It doesn't make sense." The building named Flag Springs Church is two miles south of the zoo and feels it would be confusing for travelers to the zoo and those looking for the church. She recommended naming it something different. Al LaPrade, P.O. Box 2407, Asheboro, stated that the stretch being considered for renaming is home to an aging population that is not going to remember a new road name and it would be a public safety issue for those folks. He requested they leave it as Zoo Parkway. He also suggested that the County ask NCDOT to tie the road into the roundabout at the zoo entrance. He said the road connecting 64 into the zoo should have the one name - Zoo Connector instead of two as suggested. Mr. LaPrade also urged the Commissioners to consider future discussion of ways to encourage economic development along the new Hwy 64 corridor once completed to make up the tax base that the existing stretch of Business 64 will be losing. Ray Thomas, 4263 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, requested that the Commissioners leave the road name as Zoo Parkway instead of changing it. He said it was the consensus of the neighbors to name it Flag Springs Road if it had to be changed but if the Church members oppose then he requests that it remain as is. Linda Maturi, 3779 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, stated that the stretch of road under consideration has no direct access to Flag Springs Church. She was also concerned about the older residents that are her neighbors, one of which was 86 years old, who may not remember a new name. Jan Hancock, 5689 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, a resident of Zoo Parkway for 36 years, said she lives on the south end of Zoo Parkway and didn't understand how one road, known as SR159 to NCDOT, can have so many names. Bob Haas, 4073 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, requested that the Commissioners leave the road name as Zoo Parkway or name it Zoo Parkway Court. 2/5/2018 Emergency Services Director Donovan Davis said the recommendation of NCDOT and his department was to have one name for the 800,000 visitors to and from the zoo to travel on. The existing Zoo Parkway is being rerouted and this stretch of road being considered tonight will be a stand-alone street with a dead end. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Allen closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Commissioner Kidd said he thinks this arrangement of roads and the naming is more confusing than it should have been. Commissioner Frye agreed and said he thinks Zoo Connector should be the one name from the new Hwy 64 straight into the Zoo. Chairman Allen stated the Board could address the naming of the rest of the road into the zoo at a future meeting. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to leave the name of the existing portion of Zoo Parkway running south starting approximately 800 ft. south from the intersection of Zoo Parkway and Freedom State Street as Zoo Parkway. Annual Report of the Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team Public Health Director Susan Hayes and DSS Director Beth Duncan, in accordance with NCGS 143-576.1(a)(2), gave annual reports of the Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) that included recommendations for systems improvements that may prevent child fatalities in Randolph County. Child Fatality Prevention Team Ms. Hayes said the purpose of the Child Fatality Prevention Team is to review the deaths of all Randolph County children. The review is to determine if system problems exist that contributed in any way to the delay of or lack of services that might have prevented the death. If gaps exist, the team works to improve/add services that will prevent problems for families in the future. There were 17 child deaths reviewed. Most were from perinatal conditions, unsafe sleep environment for children age one month to one year, and other unspecified causes. There were three deaths from congenital -birth defects and two accidental deaths (asphyxiation, unspecified threat to breathing). Ms. Hayes said the team made the following recommendation: Address Safe Sleep — Unsafe sleep conditions continue to be an issue, contributing to four more deaths in 2016. The Child Fatality Prevention Team made recommendations to increase education throughout the county on safe sleep practices using American Academy of Pediatric guidelines. Health department staff, including health educators, clinic providers, Care Coordination for Children (CC4C) and Pregnancy Care Management (OBCM) staff, and the Department of Social Services (DSS) has increased safe sleep education at every opportunity. These opportunities include education offered at all community health education events; CC4C/OBCM care managers discuss safe sleep at every contact with pregnant women and parents; and DSS includes safe sleep education at each home visit assessment. Randolph County Health Department provided a book on safe sleep, "Sleep Baby Safe and Snug," that was distributed to new parents through Randolph Health and the 2/5/2018 Friends of the Library's Books for Babies Campaign. The Child Care Nurse Consultant from the Health Department was asked to attend the National Safe Sleep Conference in April, 2017. Since then, she has shared the knowledge gained at this conference with child care facilities, the Child Fatality Prevention Team, Health Department staff, the Randolph County Safe Kids Coalition, and the Randolph County Public Health Advisory Council. Community Child Protection Team Ms. Duncan stated that the purpose of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) is to identify systemic deficiencies in child welfare services or resources. Once identified, teams develop strategies to address the gaps in the child welfare system within the county. The CCPT reviewed eleven cases during the past year (January 2017 -December 2017). There were five substance abuse cases, four improper supervision cases, and three mental health issues. Ms. Duncan said the team identified the following gaps and recommendations based on those eleven: • Limited substance abuse treatment centers (CCPT recommended continued use of resources in neighboring counties). • Limited mental health services for low income families (recommended looking into more intensive in-home preservation). • Domestic Violence (recommended continued referrals to the Family Crisis Center's domestic violence program and support groups). • CCPT recommended clarification of emergency child abuse protocol. The CCPT has requested additional training from the North Carolina Community Child Protection Team Consultant. The team developed an informational flyer that clearly communicates to everyone how to report child abuse. These flyers are being distributed throughout the county. She said the intake staff members from the Emergency Medical Services and the Department of Social Services conducted reciprocal site visits and are developing a Memorandum of Understanding. Ms. Duncan said DSS is considering the CCPT's recommendation to host a child abuse prevention forum to increase public awareness of conditions that impact child protection. The State Division of Social Services did not conduct any Intensive Fatality Reviews. While there were child fatalities in Randolph County, none of the deaths met the state criteria for an Intensive Fatality Review - as there was no involvement by a department of social services with the child and family (within the twelve month period immediately preceding the death of the child). Approval to Purchase Disk Storage Equipment IT Director Michael Rowland stated that pursuant to G.S. 143-131 and the Purchasing Procedures of Randolph County, the Information Technology Department requested quotes for a storage area network (SAN) upgrade. The current storage equipment was purchased in 2013 and is scheduled to be replaced as part of the 2017-2018 technology replacement plan. 2/5/2018 The technology replacement plan consists of network, server, database software and telephone equipment upgrades. The plan allows for the maintenance of critical infrastructure equipment and software. The technology replacement plan costs are included in the annual IT budget. The equipment to be purchased is on NC State IT convenience contract 204J, so no other quotes are needed. He requested that the County Commissioners award this purchase of the storage equipment to Data Network Solutions for $166,284.32. Funds are currently available in the IT budget to cover the purchase. On motion ofFrye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to award the purchase of the storage equipment to Data Network Solutions for the $166,284.32. North2ate Damage Repair Update and Approval of Budget Amendment Finance Officer Will Massie informed the Board that during the recent freezing temperatures, one water line broke at Northgate Plaza and flooded what was the bank office area. Damages are currently being evaluated to decide what it will take to restore the facility. Based on the contractor's estimates, he and staff anticipate the following costs, which will be reimbursed through the County's insurance coverage: Before M After, LLC $31,000 Initial response for water extraction, mold prevention Drywall and carpet removal Repairs and flooring replacement $176,000 Mr. Massie said this total may be adjusted depending on the final insurance settlement. The County has a $10,000 deductible. Mr. Massie stated that some work had been completed and added that it would continue in order to have the facility ready to house one-stop voting during the primary in May. After the primary, additional construction repairs would continue. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #24. for Northgate water damage repairs, as, follows: 2017-2018 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #24 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $207,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Buildings $207,000 Approval of Budget Meeting Schedule for FY 2018-19 Proposed Budget Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie presented the FY 18-19 proposed budget meeting schedule. 2/5/2018 On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following budget meeting schedule for the FY 18-19 proposed budget deliberations: Tuesday, May 29 Proposed Budget Presentations 6:00 - 6: 40 p. m. Proposed County Budget 6:40 - 7: 00 p. m. Asheboro City Schools 7:00 - 7: 20 p.m. Randolph County Schools 7:20 - 7: 40 p.m. Randolph Community College 7:40 - 8: 00 p.m. Sandhills Mental Health Thursday, June 7 County Department Presentations 6:00 - 8: 00 p. m. All County Departments Monday, June 11 Public Input 6:00 6: 30 p. m. Community Agencies Requesting Financial Assistance 6: 30 p.m. Fire Department Presentations 6: 30 p.m. Public Hearing on the County Budget Monday, June 18 6:OOp.m. BudgetAdoption Approve Close-out Budget Amendments for FY 17-18 Capital Improvement Plan Review Capital Project Schedule for 2018-19 2018-19 Budget Adoption Adopt Fire District Property Tax Rates Adopt School District Property Tax Adopt County Fee Schedules Discussion of Manager's Proposed 2018-19 Budget Adoption of Final County Budget and County Property Tax Rate Approval of 2018 Audit Contract County Finance Officer Will Massie stated federal and state laws require a local government's annual audit to encompass testing of both financial statements and legal compliance, thus making it a specialized service. The County has historically maintained a lasting relationship with its independent audit firm, resulting in better service and a more efficient audit. Mr. Massie said Cherry Bekaert LLP, which has an office in Asheboro, has served as the County's independent auditors since 2005 and the County has been pleased with the level of service provided. In 2016, Cherry Bekaert agreed to a fixed contract fee for three fiscal years. The proposed audit fee for the 2018 fiscal year remains $59,000, which includes the audit of the Tourism Development 2/5/2018 Authority. Mr. Massie said he compared this fee with other counties our size and considers it reasonable. Mr. Massie said there are some significant changes in the Single Audit component of the audit, which are tests for compliance with federal and state grant requirements. In the past, the State Auditor's Office relied upon the testing conducted by local county auditors to form an opinion on the State's compliance. From now on, the State Auditor will request separate agreed upon procedures to test certain grant programs, on a sample basis. Some years we may be asked to contract for these services, which would be a separate contract. Another Single Audit change may result in more grant programs being audited each year. The 2018 audit contract includes provisions for testing four major programs; if more are needed, the County may be requested to do a contract amendment. Mr. Massie recommended the Board of Commissioners authorize the Chairman to sign the contract with Cherry Bekaert for the audit of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 2018 Audit Contract and fee of $59, 000 with Cherry Bekaert. Approval of Budget Amendment to Transfer Funds for Capital Projects Finance Officer Will Massie stated that last June, the Board adopted several Capital Project Ordinances, including one for the Detention Center and Asheboro City Schools. An initial funding transfer of $500,000 each was made in July for initial architectural design services and other costs. He said as construction of the projects begins, additional funds will be needed to complete the design and bidding phases and that these monies could be reimbursed later depending on how the County finances the projects. There are two transfers of $500,000 each. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment 925 to the General Fund and Budget Amendment 91 to the Detention Center Capital Fund and Budget Amendment #1 to the Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Fund, as, follows: 2017-2018 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #25 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $1,000,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Detention Center Capital Project $ 500,000 Transfer to Asheboro City Schools Capital Project $ 500,000 2017-2018 Budget Ordinance Randolph County Detention Center Capital Project Ordinance #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Trans er rom General Fund $500,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $ 500,000 2/5/2018 2017-2018 Budget Ordinance Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Trans er rom General Fund $500,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $ 500,000 County Manager Update County Manager Hal Johnson announced that the Randolph County Department of Public Health was recently notified that it had been recommended for full reaccreditation by the N.C. Accreditation Site Visit Team with full honors. He said this is a real accomplishment for the Health Department and an honor for Randolph County Government. The United Way has selected Randolph County again as the recipient of the Local Government Spirit Award for 2017 presented by the North Carolina United Way Association. The award will be presented February 21St in Pinehurst. Mr. Johnson announced that Randolph Community College (RCC) was recently notified that the curriculum "Health & Wellness Coach" had been approved for the Board Certified Coach Credential. The one-time funding was provided by the Commissioners through the Strategic Plan for the new curriculum. This is one of the first such programs in the North Carolina Community College System. He said this is a great example of the implementation of one of the community wellness goals in the Strategic Plan. All were reminded of the special meeting set for the Commissioners' planning retreat at 12:30 p.m. on February 22"d Oat the Randolph County Office Building. Regional Update Chairman Allen announced that Commissioner Haywood, County Manager Hal Johnson, and Public Health Director Susan Hayes were interviewed by WUNC Public Radio regarding the opioid epidemic for a story that has been aired. Commissioner McDowell recently attended the NCACC Tax and Finance Committee meeting and Commissioner Kidd attended the NCACC Public Education Committee meeting. He reminded everyone of the joint special meeting with Asheboro City Schools set for February 8th at 6:00 p.m. Adjournment At 7:56 p.m., on motion of McDowell, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. David Allen, Chairman Darrell Frye 2/5/2018 Stan Haywood Maxton McDowell Kenny Kidd Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board 2/5/2018