040620April6 2020
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 Darrell Frye, Vice -Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner
Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County
Manager Hal Johnson, Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, and Clerk to
the Board Dana Crisco. Chaplain Dwight Ayers from the Randolph County Sheriff's Office gave
the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Required social distancing was
maintained throughout the meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Comment Period
The public was not in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor's Executive
Order 121. The meeting was instead livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Pursuant to
N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, citizens were given an opportunity to submit Public Comments prior to the
meeting; however, none were received.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners regular meeting minutes of 03/9/20, special meetings
minutes of2/27/20 and 3/4/20, and closed session minutes of3/4/201, 3/4/2011, and 3/9/20;
rates vote on Proclamation Recognizing a `Day of Prayer in Randolph County" on April
6, 2020, as follows:
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING A "DAY OF PRAYER IN RANDOLPH
COUNTY" ONAPRIL 6, 2020
WHEREAS, Randolph County is facing unprecedented health, social, and
economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, calling upon the Lord our God for divine assistance through the
power of prayer has long been one of the foundations of our Randolph County
community; and
WHEREAS, recognizing a "Day of Prayer in Randolph County" unites citizens of
all faiths and beliefs to join in prayer and come together spiritually; and
WHEREAS, a Randolph County Day of Prayer is an opportunity for our citizens
of all faiths to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God; and
WHEREAS, prayer allows us to give thanks for our blessings, to request healing
for the sick and strength for those caring for the sick, to bring comfort to those
isolated for health and safety, and to ask God to guide our leaders to bring wholeness
to the community in this time ofphysical separation.
4/6/20
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED on behalf of the Randolph County
Board of Commissioners, we do hereby recognize April 6, 2020, as a "Day of Prayer
in Randolph County" and encourages citizens to observe the day in ways appropriate
to its importance and significance.
• reappoint Kent Elliott to the Randolph County Board of Equalization and Review;
• approve purchase of CPR Compression Devices;
• reappoint Jan Hancock to the Randolph County Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee;
• approve Budget Amendment -2020 ROAP Funding Revision ($47, 798), as follows:
2019-2020 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #47
Revenues
Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$47,798
Appropriations
Increase Decrease
Other Human Services Appropriations
$47, 798
• approve Budget Amendment -Juvenile Day Reporting Center ($46,790), as follows:
2019-2020 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #48
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$46,790
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Juvenile Day Reporting Center
$46,790
COVID-19 Pandemic Video Updates
Hal Johnson, County Manager, said Randolph County had produced four videos that were
designed to provide citizens with up-to-date information on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic
and how Randolph County government is organizing and operating to ensure continuity of County
services during these challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic.
In previous videos, the Board of Commissioners Chairman, the Public Health Director, the
Sheriff, the Emergency Services Director, the Register of Deeds, the Animal Adoption
Coordinator, and the Risk Manager have updated citizens on the County government's efforts to
reduce potential contact with the virus for staff and the citizens served. Videos for the week of
April 6th will include updates on Tuesday from Tracie Murphy, Social Services Director, and on
Thursday from Chad Gurley, Veterans Services Officer. The first four videos received a combined
total of almost 10,000 views.
As of Monday, April 6, 2020, there have been 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Randolph
County. The County has only confirmed one death due to the virus, but there are two deaths that
are currently being investigated to determine cause of death, so it's possible that this number will
change.
4/6/20
County government impacts the lives of all its citizens. Each hour of each day, a County
employee is interacting with citizens to provide services that are mandated and required of County
government. The Coronavirus pandemic is a crisis that evolves every hour. Information and
events are updated each day as the County seeks to protect the safety of employees and citizens
served. In implementing these preventive measures, citizens and employees are protected from
the spread of the virus. Equally as important, County government is taking proactive measures
that will allow departments and agencies to continue to provide those services upon which the
citizens depend. The following are actions taken by Randolph County Government related to the
COVID-19 Pandemic:
1. Crisis Management Team meets each day at 8:30 am.
2. Mandatory reduction in numbers of employees reporting to work at their normal locations.
Teleworking policy — Essential/Non-essential employees
3. All employees working in County facilities are required to report for temperature screening
prior to work.
4. Board meetings and committee meetings have been postponed when possible. Most
County buildings are closed to the public and staff are meeting with citizens by
appointment only. Phone/computer communication is being emphasized.
5. All departments have been required to formally provide information on a daily basis to the
County Manager concerning possible COVID-19 incidents/exposure. The County
Manager will coordinate and provide the appropriate staff to assess the situation and, if an
exposure has occurred, make recommendations to mitigate the exposure.
6. New protocols are being put in place that will ensure departmental critical management
and personnel are rotated so as not to all be vulnerable to potential COVID-19 contact.
The Public Health Department, Human Resources, and Risk Management staff work with
departments as the situation allows. Although employees are protected by privacy laws, and these
laws have not changed as a result of the COVID-19 virus, every suspected case is treated as
positive. Anyone identified as having symptoms is sent home to self -quarantine and affected areas
are thoroughly cleaned.
Mr. Johnson updated the Commissioners on the closure of the Courthouse and what had
transpired to cause the closure by Judge Brad Long. There was an incident on April 2nd at the
Courthouse involving a Deputy assigned as a Bailiff. Mr. Johnson was informed by the Sheriff's
Office that this Bailiff had been screened, as is required of all County employees, prior to
beginning work and did not have a fever. However, the Bailiff was sent home just prior to lunch
because he showed symptoms of what could be COVID-19. Upon recommendation of the
Department of Public Health, nine other Deputies who had been in contact with the Deputy that
morning were sent home to self—monitor pending results of a COVID-19 test. The Bailiff in
question had not been in contact with the public that morning.
In consultation with Public Health, the Sheriff's Office, and County Legal staff, Judge Brad
Long issued an order to close the Courthouse to allow time to disinfect the building and to have
test results returned. As an extra precaution, Judge Long ordered that the County provide for a
deep cleaning of the Courthouse during its closure on April 3rd 61h and 7th. The deep cleaning
process was completed on Monday, April 6th. The Board of Commissioners would typically make
4/6/20
the decision on whether it was appropriate to close the Courthouse building because it is a County
facility. The Chief Judge normally decides on court related closures. In this instance, while the
Commissioners did not make the decision to close the Courthouse, the order to deep clean would
have naturally necessitated closure. In this fast evolving pandemic, decisions are required to be
made immediately to protect safety and lives.
On Sunday, April 5th, Public Health Director Susan Hayes notified Mr. Johnson that the NC
State Public Health Laboratory reported that both COVID-19 tests involving the Bailiff staff were
negative. All the Sheriff's Office staff that had been sent home to self -monitor were free to return
to work.
Mr. Johnson stated that as the County Manager, he was proud of the dedication and
professionalism employees and department leadership have displayed during these challenging
times presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Update on Detention Center Construction
Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, said that John Witcher with Bordeaux Construction was
present to give a proposal to lock in the GMP before the costs increase again. Mr. Witcher reported
that the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Phase 2-5 was $13,236,972 and the Owner Future Phase
Work Contingency was $4,587,487 making the remaining funds needed to complete Phase 2-5
$8,649,485. He noted that the GMP price included a 2% Construction Management Contingency
Allowance, a 2% Owner Contingency Allowance, and a Construction Management Fee of 5%.
Unused contingency, Construction Management Allowances, and Subcontractor Allowances will
be returned to the Owner at completion of the project. He mentioned that the current pandemic
could cause unforeseen delays.
Chairman Frye asked about the projected timeline. Mr. Witcher said the renovation phase
would not begin until the new construction was completed to allow inmates to be moved while
construction was going on in the current inmate pods. The renovation phase would take 18 months.
Commissioner Allen inquired about potential delays. Mr. Witcher replied that the construction
is thirteen days behind due to weather issues. The steel jail cells would be delayed because of a
shutdown at that manufacturer for COVID-19.
Commissioner Allen asked how an economic recession may affect the construction industry.
Mr. Witcher said that they were not sure at this time. The future is uncertain due to the pandemic.
Chairman Frye inquired if there will be any way to make up time. Mr. Witcher and the
subcontractors were investigating ways to speed up the process.
Commissioner Allen asked what else is critical besides the jail cells. Mr. Witcher said that
mechanical and electrical components are also critical.
Commissioner Allen inquired if the contingency for renovation is enough. Mr. Witcher said
they felt like it would be enough to cover contingencies.
4/6/20
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the change
order to add all of the renovation work into the scope of the contract for the Detention Center in
the amount of $8,649,485.
Revised Budget Schedule
Chairman Frye said that the current pandemic is affecting expenditures and revenue. In order
to have a clearer view of current expenses, it would be wise to move the Budget Meeting Schedule
back.
Commissioner Allen agreed and noted that anticipated sales tax revenue could be much lower
than projected.
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
revised Budget Meeting Schedule
as presented, as follows:
Monday, June 8
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 11
County Department Presentations
6:00 - 8: 00 p. m.
All County Departments
Monday, June 15
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 Hearings
1) Appropriation to Randolph Economic Development Corp.
2) Proposed County Budget
Thursday, June 25
BudgetAdoption
6: 00 p. m.
Approve Close-out Budget Amendments for FY 19-20
Capital Improvement Plan
Review Capital Project Schedule for 2020-21
2020-21 Budget Adoption
Adopt Fire District Property Tax Rates
Adopt School District Property Tax Rates
Adopt County Fee Schedules
Discussion of Manager's Proposed 2020-21 Budget
Adoption of Final County Budget and County Property Tax Rate
CCG Ranee and Training Complex, LLC. Update
Ben Morgan, County Attorney, said there was no scheduled court date for the CCG Range case
to be heard in Superior Court. He explained that the pandemic and temporary closure of the
Courthouse had pushed all cases back. The only cases heard recently were all critical or time
sensitive by statute.
County Manager's Update
4/6/20
Hal Johnson said he did not have any updates.
Commissioner Updates
None of the Commissioners had any updates.
Adjournment
At 6:54 p.m., on motion ofAllen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
Kenny Kidd
Hope Haywood
Maxton McDowell
Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
4/6/20