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081423 Continuation of 80723 August 14, 2023 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, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chaplin Bill Hatfield of the Sheriff’s office gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Chairman Frye stated this meeting was a continuance of the August 7, 2023 that was recessed and rescheduled due to a power outage and severe thunderstorm. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment for the remaining participants from August 7, 2023. Franklin Suggs, Randleman, thanked the Board for allowing the Juneteenth Celebration to be held to memorialize 1,205 of the souls that were enslaved in Randolph County. He stated, for the past two years, several Randolph County citizens have brought forward reasons in support of relocating the Confederate Statue. He said instead of the fence that was erected around the Confederate Statue that cost $37,000, the statue could have been moved to a different location for less money. He wanted to know why it has not been moved. th Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Trail, Ramseur, congratulated Energizer for their 75 anniversary. He said he retired from Energizer after 42 years and they had always been good to their employees, Randolph County, and Asheboro. Mr. Roberts stated that on June 17, 2023, the service held by the Sons of Confederate Veterans was a memorial service and not a celebration as has been stated by others. Consent Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows: Chairman Frye said in the process of appointing someone to the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District, it was found that this board had an even number of members by State Statute. The County appoints three members and the Town of Seagrove appoints one. Chairman Frye recognized Abe Prandini, Plant II Manager, and Lydia Walton, Human Resources Director with Energizer, at this time and Chairman Frye read the Energizer Resolution aloud.  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2023, June 19, 2023, June 26, 2023, and July 17, 2023;  approve Budget Amendment – School Districts Tax Fund ($50,000) as follows: 8/14/23 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance School District Tax Fund—Budget Amendment #96 Decrease Revenues Increase Ad Valorem Property Taxes $50,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Tax Distributions $50,000  approve Budget Amendment – Fire Districts Tax Fund ($150,000), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance Fire District Tax Fund—Budget Amendment #97 Revenues Increase Decrease Ad Valorem Property Taxes $150,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Tax Distributions $150,000  approve Budget Amendment – I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund ($5,800), as follows: Randolph I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund Budget Amendment #4 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $5,800 Construction $5,800  approve Budget Amendment – Veterans Services ($3,720), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #5 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $3,720 Appropriations Increase Decrease Veteran Services $3,720  approve Budget Amendment – LSTA Grant Equal Access Tutoring ($28,380), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $28,380 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $28,380  reappoint Darrell Frye to the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority Board;  reappoint Melody Cummings and Drew Weiner to the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC);  appoint David Allen as Voting Delegate and Hope Haywood as Alternate for the NCACC Annual Conference; 8/14/23  approve Budget Amendment – LSTA Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ($86,839) as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #7 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $86,839 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $86,839  appoint Scott Cole to fill the vacancy of Donnie Lassiter on the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District;  approve Additional Public Health Fees;  reappoint Jason Balder, JR Beard, Cynthia Grantham, Jennifer Layton, and Lou Wilson to the Animal Services Advisory Board;  adopt Resolution Appointing Tonya Caddle as a Plat Review Officer for Randolph County as follows: RESOLUTION APPOINTING REVIEW OFFICER 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 of Deeds 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 of Deeds for recording; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, effective August 7, 2023, that Tonya Caddle, the Randolph County Planning and Zoning Director, be hereby appointed to perform all responsibilities as required for Review Officer under the appropriate North Carolina General Statutes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution designating this Review Officer be recorded in the Randolph County Register of Deeds Office and indexed in the name of the Review Officer.  approve Budget Amendment – Historic Courthouse Capital Project ($25,000), as follows: Historic Courthouse Capital Project Fund Budget Amendment #4 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $15,000 Furniture and equipment $10,000 Construction $25,000  approve Budget Amendment – Sumitomo ($66,750), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease 8/14/23 Appropriated Fund Balance $66,750 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Economic and Physical $66,750 Development  approve Encumbrance Carryover ($13,065,782), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $11,198,116 Restricted Intergovernmental $1,715,590 Transfer from Well Being Reserve $152,076 Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $332,491 Information Technology $642,626 Tax $538,784 Elections $97,989 Register of Deeds $56,034 Public Buildings $404,056 Sheriff $1,451,589 Animal Services $39,237 Emergency Services $3,517,087 Building Inspections $131,092 Adult DRC $28,504 Juvenile DRC $1,500 Planning and Zoning $103,757 Cooperative Extension $30,846 Soil and Water $65,726 Other Economic Development $1,090,883 Appropriations Public Health $3,493,904 Social Services $728,356 th  adopt Resolution Recognizing Energizer’s 75 Year in Asheboro, as follows: ENERGIZER RESOLUTION WHEREAS seventy-five years ago in 1948, the National Carbon Company opened a plant on Albemarle Road in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina to manufacture single type dry cell batteries under the EVEREADY brand; and WHEREAS within six months, the National Carbon plant was producing “D” batteries on a two-cooker level; running two shifts with more than 100 employees; and WHEREAS four years later, National Carbon Company invested in an adjacent building and “D” batteries went to three-cookers; and 8/14/23 WHEREAS in 1958 more expansion came as a connecting facility was built and “C” size batteries were added to production; and. WHEREAS in August 1959 the company underwent a name change when Union Carbide Consumer Products Company was formed out of the National Carbon Company; and WHEREAS Union Carbide expanded once again in 1967 with the construction of Plant 2 in Asheboro for the development of alkaline batteries; and WHEREAS in 1986 the Ralston Purina Company bought Union Carbide Corporation’s Battery Products Division and renamed the company EVEREADY Battery Company, Inc. making Energizer brand batteries; and WHEREAS in 1992 new Energizer brand battery product lines were introduced that included the e2 and the first “AA” lithium battery; and WHEREAS in 2000 EVEREADY spun off from Ralston Purina and becomes Energizer Holdings, Inc.; and WHEREAS innovation at Energizer continues with the introduction of the first “AA” battery made with 4% recycled batteries (Energizer EcoAdvanced); and th WHEREAS in 2023, the 75 year of its original investment in Asheboro, Energizer announced a $43 million capital expansion that will bring its number of full-time employees to 550 with an annual payroll of nearly $8 million; and WHEREAS the Asheboro and Randolph County community has benefited from the continued commitment of Energizer through their ongoing development of technologies, expansion of facilities and job opportunities, and their adaptability to changing markets and global economies. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Randolph County Commissioners recognizes and congratulates Energizer for their success, sustainability, and the contributions it has made to the community over the last 75 years.  adopt Resolution to Add .15 Miles of Farmwood Lane Extension to the State Road System, as follows: FARMWOOD LANE EXTENSTION RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Farmwood Lane Extension in the Farmwood Subdivision; and WHEREAS, the subject street has been found to meet minimum requirements for addition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that .15 miles of Farmwood Lane Extension in the Farmwood Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways’ Secondary Road System.  approve Budget Amendment – MAT Grant ($528,876), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #10 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $528,876 Appropriated Fund Balance $528,876 Appropriations Increase Decrease 8/14/23  approve Budget Amendment – Well-Being Reserve ($766,001), as follows: Health and Well-Being Reserve Ordinance Budget Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Landfill Host Fees $766,001 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $766,001  approve Budget Amendment – JDRC ($17,023), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #11 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $17,023 Appropriations Increase Decrease Juvenile Day Reporting Center $17,023  approve Budget Amendment – Cooperative Extension ($3,000), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #12 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $3,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Cooperative Extension $3,000 Recognition of Leia Gearhart – Strategic Program Coordinator Chairman Frye stated that Item A Recognition of Leia Gearhart – Strategic Program Coordinator will be moved to the September Meeting. Strategic Planning Funding Requests County Manager Hal Johnson reported the County completed its most recent Strategic Planning process in 2016. Major social, economic, and other forces are at work shaping what Randolph County and its communities will be like in the 21st century. Recognizing the need to plan for future challenges, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners asked that a countywide process be developed that would help identify and focus on long-term issues impacting the county’s health, safety, and well-being. The Board selected these three issues in their belief that the purpose of all decisions made by a Board of County Commissioners is to enable the protection of the public’s health, safety, and well-being. Although the goals and strategies embodied in the 2016 Randolph County Strategic Plan are not binding upon the County or its municipalities, the Board of County Commissioners approved a specific revenue source that could be used toward implementation of some of the strategic objectives. The revenue source is the yearly payment to Randolph County from Waste Management Inc. for the use of county lands to operate one of North Carolina’s most modern Regional Landfills, the Great Oak Landfill. 8/14/23 Since 2017, the Board of County Commissioners have used available funds to establish programs and proposals that helped support goals and strategies identified during the planning process. The Board expressed their intent that funding should be directed toward projects that impacted all areas of our Randolph County Community. County Manager Johnson said Leia Gearhart, Strategic Program Coordinator, has been working on a performance measurement process for the strategic funds allocated by the Board. The first goal is to provide these services to the community. The second goal is to make sure the funds allocated by the Board are being used to make those organization that have been awarded funding stronger. Leia Gearhart, Strategic Program Coordinator, shared a PowerPoint presentation of a general draft version of the Strategic Planning Funding Performance Measure Process that will be used in working with the organizations that are awarded funding in the coming year. She highlighted the goals and objectives, as well as provided examples. Ms. Gearhart stated that there will be Quarterly Performance Reports required and there will be a Post-Funding Impact Report to show the impact after one year. Vice-Chairman Allen stated this process comes from the Opioid Funding and gives the County a good indication of outcomes that cannot necessarily be seen. These funds come from Waste Management. Performance measures give the County an indication of the funds being spent correctly by the recipients making them more accountable. Chairman Frye stated the Waste Management contract calls for a payment of a minimum of $1 million per year for 20 years. This year these funds totaled a little over $1.7 million. He said these funds give the County an opportunity to benefit all of the Randolph County communities. On motion by Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for Lydia’s Place in the amount of $55,494, using Strategic Planning Funds. On motion by Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for Our Daily Bread in the amount of $25,000, using Strategic Planning Funds. Commissioner Haywood stated the Shelter of Hope is called a shelter, however, it falls under transitional housing since they do charge rent to the residence. The Shelter of Hope is in conversations with Ms. Gearhart and her about becoming more self-sustaining to open doors for more sources of funding. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for Shelter of Hope in the amount of $30,000, using Strategic Planning Funds. Commissioner Haywood said Rhinoleap was funded last year by the state. She stated they currently have programs in two high schools, with plans to add two additional schools soon. Rhinoleap holds performances at several different venues currently. They are in production of a documentary of Victory Junction and Richard Petty and have just finished a documentary detailing the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Randolph County. 8/14/23 Chairman Frye stated he has received several comments from citizens in support of the Rhinoleap Production program would like to see it continue. On motion by Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for Rhinoleap Productions in the amount of $20,000, using Strategic Planning Funds. Commissioner McDowell stated that the American Legion playoffs were held last week at McCrary Park. Although the project is ongoing, there were good crowds that attended these games including several groups from out of state. The facilities at McCrary Park will be first rate once the project is complete and he has heard many positive comments from the people in attendance. The local team Post 45 did not win the playoffs, but they represented well. Chairman Frye said these venues are bringing people in from out of the county and they are staying in hotels and frequenting restaurants while visiting Randolph County. He also stated that disk golf at Creek Side Parks in Archdale and trails throughout the county are also bringing in people from out of the county and state as well. On motion by McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for the City of Asheboro in the amount of $500,000, using Strategic Planning Funds. Vice-Chairman Allen said that the 100 Man Project has been in existence for several years. This project provides transportation for medical appointments to those that need it. The funds that have been requested will be used to purchase a handicap van for this purpose. On motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for the 100 Men Project in the amount of $54,842, using Strategic Planning Funds. Vice-Chairman Allen said over the past several years the Strategic Planning Funds have been used across the county. He encouraged any municipalities in the county that have not applied before to apply for these funds. Chairman Frye said that Strategic Planning Funds were used to build a special needs play area at Creek Side Park in Archdale. Consider Purchase of Sheriff’s Office Vehicles Sheriff Greg Seabolt stated the Sheriff’s Office wishes to purchase two 2023 Chevy PPV 4x4 Silverado’s through the NCSA Procurement Program. The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association’s Procurement Program helps to eliminate duplication of effort through the creation of one statewide bid that can be used by all 100 sheriff’s offices in North Carolina, as well as units of local governments and political subdivisions including, but not limited to, county, local county board of public instruction, municipalities and/or police agencies. Sheriff Seabolt stated Modern Chevrolet was awarded the bid for the 2023-2024 fiscal year – 22- 08-0913 SPEC #225. 8/14/23 Randolph County Purchasing Policy requires all purchases over $90,000 and above to be approved by the Board of Commissioners. The total purchase price for two Chevy Silverados comes to $93,498. Funding for these purchases were included in the Sheriff’s 2023-2024 budget. Vice-Chairman Allen stated the trend appears to be going towards the Silverado 4x4s. Sheriff Seabolt stated they are using some of these vehicles for canine vehicles and they can get Chevrolet vehicles faster than others. Sheriff Seabolt stated they are still waiting on four trucks and five Ford Interceptors that were approved in the 2022 Budget. On motion by Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to allow the Sheriff’s Office to purchase two Chevrolet Silverados in the amount of $93,498, which is included in the Sheriff’s Office budget. Chairman Frye stated that he attended the press conference that was held by the Sheriff’s Office regarding the nineteen sexual offenders in Randolph County and he hopes the citizens have read the news reports regarding this. Sheriff Seabolt stated he hopes that citizens eyes have been opened to the problem with offenders that we have. Sheriff Seabolt has been in contact with Lantern Rescue regarding the possibility of getting a Fusion Center here in Randolph County that would allow more work on catching these offenders. Chairman Frye thanked the Sheriff for his staff’s work on this. Commissioner McDowell asked with Randolph County being in the center of the state, does it make it easier for other areas to assist with these type of sting operations. Sheriff Seabolt said they had a lot of help from Gaston and Catawba Counties. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department would do the same for another county. Sheriff Seabolt said the planning for this sting operation began in January 2023 and many offenders responded to online chats. Randolph County was one of the first to head a sting such as this in the state of North Carolina. Consider Purchase of Equipment for the Special Emergency Response Team Sheriff Seabolt stated the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office wishes to utilize $348,775 in law enforcement restricted funds. These funds will be utilized to purchase “Special Emergency Response Team” equipment and Motorcycles/Equipment as follows: SERT Equipment Description: Costs: Night Vision $195,443 Ballistic Helmets $13,011 Simuntion Bolts $4,735 Weapon Lights $5,285 Suppressors $1,400 Total $219,874 Sheriff Seabolt said the Randoph County Sheriff’s Office was called to assist Davidson County with a situation where a person with mental illness was shooting at the team after dark. Without the SERT Equipment, the shooter could not be seen. A drone was flown to try and determine where this person was. This person was using a high-powered rifle and shot the window out of the Bearcat that was being used, luckily no one was hurt. Guilford County was called in and was able to end the situation, with the equipment that was needed and mentioned above, in a short amount of time. 8/14/23 Sheriff Seabolt said this equipment would protect their employees when they respond to calls such as this. Sheriff Seabolt stated they are also requesting four Harley Davidson Motorcycles, which will be purchased through the local dealer in Asheboro, to replace the ones they have currently, as follows: Motorcycles/Equipment Description: Costs: (4) 2023 Harley Davidson Stage 2 Electra Guide w/ Tour Pack $98,516 Light Package and Install $20,340 Setcom Motorcycle Cable Kit $1,400 Setcom Helmet Extension Cable $420 Shark EVO GT Helmet $2,600 Olympia Airglide 6 Jacket $2,000 Olympia Airglide 6 Pants $1,500 Bilt Pro Tourer WP Boots $500 Decals and Striping $1,625 Total $128,901 The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office currently has a balance of $426,799 in Law Enforcement Restricted Funds. On motion by Haywood, seconded by Kidd, with a vote of 5-0, the Board voted to allow the Sheriff’s Office to use Law Enforcement Restricted Funds to purchase motorcycles and equipment for the Special Emergency Response Team in the amount of $348,775, as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance Appropriated $348,775 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $348,775 Medicaid Expansion Tracie Murphy, Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), reported the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is moving forward with Medicaid expansion and has announced the anticipated start date of October 1, 2023. Final authority must be granted by the general assembly and the passage of a budget before it becomes official. Medicaid expansion in North Carolina will increase the eligible population to adults aged 19-64 who have incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For example, expansion gives health care coverage to single individuals making under about $20,000 a year and to a family of three earning under about $34,000 combined. In Randolph County, 12,000-14,000 citizens will be newly eligible. Twenty-two new positions in DSS are needed to support that additional workload at a total cost of $1,193,152. Most of those positions will be supported at 75% Federal reimbursement. The total County cost would be $219,928. 8/14/23 DSS has received an allocation for 2023-2024. This is support for Randolph County during the Continuous Coverage Unwinding (CCU) and in preparation for Medicaid Expansion. This funding from DHHS provides support for costs incurred such as hiring and training staff as well as technology infrastructure. Randolph County’s contribution to the Medicaid Expansion effort will be $219,928 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Chairman Frye asked about the timing of hiring and training 22 new employees by October 1, 2023. Ms. Murphy stated if the positions are approved today, ten employees could be hired in a short period of time, but they may not be trained to take applications by October 1, 2023. There are other duties that they could perform while they are being trained. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if these funds would cover 100% of staffing costs? Ms. Murphy said it will probably cover 75%. Chairman Frye asked how citizens will know if they are eligible for Medicaid Expansion. Ms. Murphy stated there are several methods being used to get the information out to citizens regarding Medicaid Expansion. State partners have begun putting out information, there have been news stories, Governor Cooper will be visiting several counties across North Carolina discussing Medicaid Expansion, mailings, and emails. On motion by Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Budget Amendment for Medicaid Expansion in the amount of $1,193,152, as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #14 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $973,224 Appropriated Fund Balance $219,928 Appropriations Increase Decrease Social Services $1,193,152 Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority Matters Greg Flory, Engineer for the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority (PTRWA), presented a PowerPoint presentation giving an update on the PTRWA. He talked about the emerging contaminates the Water Authority has been dealing with. He also mentioned that members will have the opportunity to buy additional allocations of water in the future. County Manager Johnson said Randolph County was the first county to look at the watershed around the lake in 1988 before it was acquired by the state. Commissioner McDowell was on the Planning Board and Chairman Frye was Chairman of the County Commissioners at that time. Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, said last year, the County hired The Wooten Company to evaluate water and sewer infrastructure potential and to develop a Master Plan. One project that was identified in this plan that would enable the County to sell some of its allocated water from the Randleman Lake was a water line from the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority (PTRWA) to the City of Asheboro. The Wooten Company was also selected as an on-call engineering firm for water and sewer projects so the County reached out to them and requested a proposal for the design, bidding, and construction administration of this project. Mr. Arthurs shared a map of the proposed water line route. 8/14/23 To proceed with this project, Mr. Arthurs requested the Board to award a contract to The Wooten Company for the design, bidding, and construction administration of a water line from PTRWA to Asheboro, at a cost of $776,200, establish the associated Capital Project fund, and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Commissioner McDowell asked what the timeframe on this project would be. Mr. Arthurs said there is not a specific schedule, but Asheboro will need to design the line soon. On motion by Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) award a contract to Wooten Company for the design, bidding, and construction administration of a water line from PTRWA to Asheboro at a cost of $776,200, 2) establish the PTRWA Water Connection Capital Project Ordinance as follows, and 3) to authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Please approve the following Coronavirus Recovery Fund budget amendment to establish the PTRWA Water Connection Capital Project Fund. Coronavirus Recovery Fund Budget Amendment #15 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to PTRWA Water Connection $7,583,100 Capital Project $7,583,100 Contingency RANDOLPH COUNTY PTRWA WATER CONNECTION CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a project for the design and construction of a water main connection from Asheboro to the Piedmont Triad Water Authority Water system, to allow the transmission of treated water to various parts of the County. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Transfer from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund $ 7,583,100 $ 7,583,100 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Professional services $ 1,136,000 Easements 200,000 Construction 6,247,100 8/14/23 $ 7,583,100 Section 4. The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Capital Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on August 7, 2023 and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Balfour Human Services Building Renovation Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, state during the Board’s June Board Meeting, approval was made on the Final Design for the Renovation of the referenced building and authorized the County to advertise this project for bidding. th On July 18, the Bid Opening for this project was held and bids from six contractors was received. Mr. Arthurs said the lowest bidder was Garanco with a total bid cost of $1,629,300. Garanco was the contractor for the first phase of Northgate and the JDRC renovation, and is currently the contractor for the Health Department renovation. The County has had good results working with Garanco on these projects. Mr. Arthurs stated the bid came in $900,000 below cost estimate and said this was the best bid opening Randolph County has ever had. Commissioner McDowell asked why the cost estimate was so low. Mr. Arthurs said the bids were all over the place while it was being designed. There was not really a cost per square foot that matched other projects. The architect took measures to reel the project back to keep the cost down. Mr. Arthurs shared an updated budget on the project which totaled $2,305,800. Chairman Frye asked about the timeline of this project. Mr. Arthurs said the contractor would have a one-year completion date in the contract and Garanco is ready to get the project started. Chairman Frye said there is $4 million in the state budget directed to Randolph County as soon as the state budget is signed for a project such as this. On motion by Frye, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0, to 1) award a contract to Garanco with a total cost of $1,629,300 for renovation of the Human Services building in Archdale, 2) to approve the Project Amendment, as follows, and 3) authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. 8/14/23 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #15 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $1,062,728 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Northwest Randolph Human $1,062.728 Services Capital Project Northwest Randolph Human Services Capital Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #3 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from General Fund $1,062,728 Appropriations Increase Decrease Furniture and equipment $260,000 Construction $752,728 Contingency $50,000 Community Based Golden Leaf Grants Initiatives Pre-Application Process William Johnson, Assistant County Manager, stated this year Golden LEAF invited the Piedmont Triad Prosperity Zone to participate in a competitive $11 million 2023 Community Based Grants Initiative. In this first application phase, County Managers can endorse four projects requesting up to $2 million with no one project exceeding $1.5 million. These projects are then eligible to be submitted in the next full application phase. Mr. Johnson said the last time that Golden LEAF came to the Piedmont Triad Prosperity Zone was in 2016. Randolph County endorsed project Pathways to Prosperity, a partnership between Randolph County Schools, Asheboro City Schools, and Randolph Community College, successfully receiving $1.2 million in Golden LEAF funding as well as a County match. Mr. Johnson stated this year Golden Leaf identified various strategic priorities for funding. These priorities included job creation and economic development, workforce preparedness, and increasing the value of North Carolina’s agricultural industry. Mr. Johnson introduced the Food, Farm, and Family Education Center Project, requesting $1.5 million, which touches all three of the required priorities with a high emphasis on the agricultural industry. Leia Gearhart, Strategic Program Coordinator, gave an overview of the project and stated the cap for the project is $1.5 million. She briefed the Board on the grant timeline with the application being awarded in February 2024 if approved by Golden Leaf. This project was submitted to Golden Leaf during their open review process for one-on-one guidance before the first submission deadline. The recommendations from this Golden Leaf review were implemented to maximize the project’s competitiveness. 8/14/23 Ms. Gearhart stated the $1.5 million would support overall construction costs for the Farm, Food, and Family Education Center. The Center will offer technical expertise, educational programs, and resources for farmers to encourage the adoption of sustainable and efficient practices and enhance the agricultural industry in Randolph County. If successful, the project would be required to report on desired Golden Leaf project outcomes like number of participants at agricultural trainings, new publications directed toward farmers, and monthly use of agricultural facilities that benefit farmers. Chairman Frye asked when the County would hear on the approval or denial. Ms. Gearhart stated in the next month or month and a half. Vice-Chairman Allen stated this money could be used to enhance what is already being done. Northeast Randolph County Growth Management Plan Draft Presentation Hal Johnson, County Manager, stated there will be a joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and the Randolph County Planning Board on August 31, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. This work session will be held at Northgate Commons. A draft document of the Northeast Randoph County Growth Management Plan will be presented during this time. There will be required public hearings at a later date. Commissioners Update Vice-Chairman Allen said the NCACC Annual Conference will be held next week in Raleigh. Vice-Chairman Allen stated there is a potential consolidation of the 11 counties that the Sandhills Center covers and 10 counties that Eastpoint covers as part of the County’s behavioral health services. These two entities will work together to continue serving those with mental health needs. Chairman Frye stated the vote on the mental health consolidation was not unanimous across the state and the realignment of mental health can be uncomfortable for counties involved. Vice-Chairman Allen said he believes the Board would be required to approve the consolidation and the Board would gain two seats instead of three on the mental health board. He stated the end date for the consolidation is December 31, 2023. Chairman Frye said the mental health consolidation would affect Randolph County DSS. Vice-Chairman Allen stated the Randolph County DSS clients will suffer from this consolidation. Vice-Chairman Allen said he has had several complaints from constituents regarding Old NC Hwy. 49 between Liberty and Asheboro. This road has ten narrow one-lane bridges, as well as several blind spots, and many of the bridges are very unsafe to travel on. On motion by Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0, to go into Closed Session 1) pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5) to establish or to instruct the public body’s staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in (i) the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease, 2) pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, 8/14/23 competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee, and 3) pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other business in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiation. Chairman Frye stated the Board does not expect to have any additional action after the conclusion of the closed session. The Board will come out of closed session to adjourn immediately following. Adjournment At 8:55 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 8/14/23