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050321May 3, 2021 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, Deputy Clerk to the Board Sarah Pack, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Reverend Troy Wilhelm gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Special Recognition Ms. Mary Katherine Risley was introduced by Chairman Darrell Frye. Rev. Troy Wilhelm presented comments about Ms. Risley's life. She was honored for being a Centenarian and given a certificate by the Board. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. Dr. Wesley Fennell, 741 E. Salisbury St., Asheboro, said the monument standing in front of the Historic Courthouse is propaganda to extremist beliefs. The United Daughters of the Confederacy are also involved in spreading propaganda regarding slavery. This propaganda campaign has been successful. Raven Sizemore, 4544 Branson Davis Rd., Sophia, is concerned about budget allocations to roads and fire departments. Her sister was killed in an automotive accident. Randolph County is top ten in the state for fatalities on rural roads. She asked the Board to repaint or repave roads or post more speed limit signs in the county. Her family has adopted a road and often finds liquor and beer bottles and cans. This road has many speeding drivers. She asked the Board to advocate for safer road conditions. Commissioner McDowell said that most of Ms. Sizemore's concerns involved the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) rather than the County. On May 1 lth there will be a meeting of District 8 in the NCDOT building in Asheboro. Citizens may attend this meeting and voice concerns. Consent Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, as follows: • approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes ofApril S, 2021, Special Meeting ofApril 20, 2021, and Closed Session ofApril 20, 2021; • reappoint Ken Auman and Denise Summerell to the Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee; 5/3/21 • adopt Resolution Designating the Week of May 9 -May 15, 2021, as "National Police Week" in Randolph County, as, follows: RESOLUTIONDESIGNA TING THE WEEK OF MAY 9 - MAY 15, 2021, AS "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" IN RANDOLPH COUNTY WHEREAS, in 1962, John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed the Joint Resolution entitled ,loint Resolution to authorize the President to proclaim May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week" (36 US.C. 136); and WHEREAS, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, dedicated on October 15, 1991, is the national monument to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty; and WHEREAS; Federal, State, local, and tribal police o.ficers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers across the United States serve with valor, dignity and integrity; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are charged with pursuing justice for all individuals and pei forming their duties with fidelity to the constitutional and civil rights of the individuals that the law enforcement officers serve; and WHEREAS; the resolve of law enforcement of in the service of their communities is unyielding, despite inherent dangers in the performance of their duties,- and uties;and WHEREAS, the vigilance, compassion, and decency of law enforcement officers are the best defense ofsociety against individuals who seek to do harm; and WHEREAS, Peace Officers Memorial Day 2021 honors the 359 law enforcement of killed in the line of duty during 2020 and ten of those were in North Carolina; and WHEREAS; during the first, four months of 2021, 101 law enforcefnent officers across the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners.- (1) ommissioners:(1) designates the week of May 9 through May 15, 2021, as "National Police Week" in Randolph County; and (2) expresses strong support for law enforcement of across the United States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities; and (3) recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while the law enforcement officers are protecting the public; and (4) recognizes the members of the law enforcement community. for their seHess acts of bravery; and (5) acknowledges that police of and other law enforcementofficers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered and honored; and (6) expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement of who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty; and (7) encourages the people ofRandolph County to observe National Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the 5/3/21 vital role of law enforcement of in building safer and more secure communities across the United States. • approve Budget Amendment -Public Buildings (Water Damage Insurance) ($10,943), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 52 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $10,943 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Buildings $10,943 • approve Budget Amendment -2021 Timber Receipts ($11,585), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 53 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $11,585 Appropriations Increase Decrease Education $11,585 • approve Budget Amendment -Emergency Management Performance Grant ($18,753), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 54 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $18,753 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $18,753 • approve BudzetAmendment-2021 Merit Prozram ($111,576), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 55 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $5,570 $111,576 Information Technology 4,134 Tax 6,658 Elections 398 Register o Deeds 1,777 Public Buildings 4,076 Sheriff 29,387 Emergency Services 11,433 Building Inspections 1,980 Adult Day Reporting Center 262 Juvenile Day Reporting Center 559 Planning & Zoning 1,986 5/3/21 Cooperative Extension 374 Soil & Water 686 Public Works 1,067 Public Health 11,609 Social Services 21,597 Veterans Services 1,765 Child Support Services 1,635 Public Library 4,623 • approve Budget Amendment -Public Health CARES Act ($1,150,642), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 56 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $1,150,642 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $1,150,642 • adopt Resolution Appointing Christopher Andrews, David J. Fencl, and Samuel G. Hinnant and Removing Lee Burnette and Mark Schroeder as Plat Review Officers, as follows: RESOL UTION APPOINTING AND REMOVING REVIEW OFFICERS (City of High Point) WHEREAS, the NCGS § 47-30.2 requires the Board of County Commissioners in each county, by resolution, to appoint persons to serve as Plat Review Officers to review each plat before it is presented to the Register ofDeeds for recording; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners to ensure an expeditious review of all maps and plats as required by NCGS § 47-30.2 before they are presented to the Register ofDeeds for recording; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, effective May 3, 2021, that Christopher Andrews, David J Fencl and Samuel G. Hinnant in the City of High Point are hereby appointed to perform all responsibilities as required for Review Officers under the appropriate North Carolina General Statutes and that Lee Burnette and Mark Schroeder have been replaced as designated Plat Review Officers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution designating these Review Officers be recorded in the Randolph County Register of Deeds Office and indexed in the names of the Review Officers. • approve Budget Amendment -Special Tax Appraisal ($37, 000), as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 57 Revenues Increase Decrease A ro riated Fund Balance $37,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Tax $37,000 5/3/21 approve Budget Amendment -Expenditure of Law Enforcement Restricted Funds ($29,046), as_ follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 58 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance Appropriated $29, 046 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $29,046 Update on Rural Health Stabilization Fund Status Chairman Frye said the Rural Health Stabilization Fund (RHSF) legislation was set up to provide a $20 million loan for qualifying struggling rural hospitals. He reviewed the history of Randolph Health's progress through the bankruptcy process. Several weeks ago, the request for $20 million was reduced to $12 million after prior issues with the application for the RHSF. There is a meeting of the Local Government Commission (LGC) on May 4 I where the outcome of the application will be determined. A burden will not be created on taxpayers in the County regardless of the outcome of the loan application. There are other potential options for keeping the hospital open beyond the RHSF loan. The hospital is very important to the community. Public Health COVID Update Public Health Director Susan Hayes said that in the last countywide report, the county has remained in an orange status on a scale that includes green, yellow, orange, and red, meaning the COVID-19 threat is still at a significant level. This is based on impacts in the community and the hospital. The percent positive rate is in a good range at less than five percent. The percent positive rate changes on a daily basis. There have been 225 new COVID-19 cases in county in the last fourteen days. There are outbreaks in four long term care facilities. One long term care facility is being monitored. About 23 percent of the county population has received one vaccine and roughly 20 percent has received both vaccines. About 50 percent of North Carolinians have received one vaccine. In Randolph County there are eighteen providers that are authorized to provide vaccines. This number includes the Public Health department, who has given over 13,000 first doses and over 12,000 second doses. Chairman Frye asked for clarification regarding the numbers of doses administered. Ms. Hayes clarified the number of citizens who have received first and second doses, respectively. Ms. Hayes gave demographical information related to the number of doses administered in the county by the Health Department. The cases in long term care facilities generally arise in staff rather than residents. Most residents have been vaccinated. Commissioner Haywood asked if the staff is affected in a long-term care facility outbreak, does the facility still have to close to visitors? Ms. Hayes said yes, but the guidelines have broadened. Randolph County Schools and Asheboro City Schools students aged sixteen or older will have vaccination opportunities in the coming weeks. The Health Department has been primarily administering the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for use in those aged sixteen years or older. 5/3/21 The Health Department has also partnered with StarMed to provide additional vaccination opportunities. Chairman Frye asked how student populations are reached. Ms. Hayes said because vaccine demand has declined, there is more staff available for outreach into the community. Public Health is working in the community and increasing marketing to encourage vaccinations. Ms. Hayes announced her retirement effective June 1, 2021. She has been in public health work for 34 years. She has enjoyed her work and loves Randolph County. The Public Health staff are an incredible group that she is very proud of. She thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Public Health Director and thanked them for their partnership to better the community. It's been an honor to serve Randolph County. Chairman Frye thanked Ms. Hayes for her service to the citizens in Randolph County. There haven't been many health directors in Randolph County which is a credit to how the County works together. Public Health Board Update Chairman Frye said that four members of the Public Health Board are appointed by the Commissioners. Commissioner Haywood is the Commissioner liaison to the Board. The Board is responsible for hiring a new Health Director for the County. Commissioner Haywood thanked Ms. Hayes for her steady leadership during a tumultuous time. She described the process for appointing a new Health Director. The makeup of the Public Health Board is determined by the State. The hiring process is governed by the State through the Public Health Board. All applications must be sent to the State for approval. The Commissioner liaison is apprised with keeping the Board of Commissioners informed. The recruitment process is under way; Commissioner Haywood described the recruitment and hiring process. She noted that she would continue to relay information to the Board of Commissioners regarding the search for a new Health Director. If a new director is not hired before the retirement of Ms. Hayes, an Interim Director may be appointed. Commissioner Haywood introduced Marry Trotter, the Chairman of the Board of Health. Mr. Trotter praised Ms. Hayes and said that a new candidate will be thoroughly vetted. Chairman Frye said that the stability of the Public Health department has been a blessing but it doesn't lend itself to giving experience regarding hiring a new director. Commissioner Haywood said that thus far in the recruitment process there have been six applicants. General Fund Budget Update Finance Officer Will Massie said the FYI 9-20 budget year was uncertain. There was potential to use the Fund Balance to complete the budget. The fiscal year ended up better than anticipated. 5/3/21 Mr. Massie described the updates and revisions to the FY20-21 budget. He showed the changes in the appropriated fund balance in this fiscal year. This budget amendment eliminates $6.5 million from the appropriated fund balance. He explained the changes introduced by the budget amendment. Commissioner Allen is impressed that the budget did better than expected during the pandemic. On motion ofAllen seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Budget Amendment for the Revised General Fund as follows: 2020-2021 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment # 59 Revenues Increase Decrease Property Tax $985.747 Sales Taxes $6.066,113 Other Taxes $120,000 Restricted Intergovernmental $475,000 Permits and Fees $145,00 Sales and Services $85,000 Appropriated Fund Balance $6,546,718 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Capital Reserve $1,330,142 Asheboro City Schools Capital Proiect Update Finance Officer Will Massie said the capital project financing schedule is aggressive. He gave an overview of current capital improvements. He showed the financing plan for the Asheboro City Schools projects. The monetary surplus in the first two phases is proposed to move to the third phase of the project. Commissioner Kidd clarified that this budget amendment moves savings from the first two phases to cover additional items in the third phase. Commissioner McDowell asked about the mobile units outside the school. Chairman Frye said those classrooms would be used during the construction in the school. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Budget Amendment for the Asheboro City Schools Capital Project as follows: Asheboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment # 10 Revenues Increase Decrease Interest Income $2,155 Sales Tax Refunds $69,666 Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $104,168 Construction $401,295 Furniture and E ui ment $27,186 5/3/21 Miscellaneous 1 $604,470 County Manager's Update The County Manager did not have any updates. Commissioners Updates Chairman Frye said that the Local Government Commission has approved some Local Obligation Bonds in the past for Randolph County. He read an excerpt from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Committee that vetted the application process stating that Randolph County has ability to repay the debt service on the application for the loan for the hospital. The process has not been about whether or not the County can repay the loan. This process is not over yet. Commissioner McDowell confirmed that the new request to the LGC is for $12 million. Chairman Frye said the application had been amended to request $12 million. Adjournment At 7:05 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 Sarah Pack, Deputy Clerk to the Board 5/3/21