090391RANDOLPH COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
September 3, 1991 Minutes
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 2 p.m.
on September 3, 1991, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building,
707 McDowell Road, Asheboro. Commissioners Frye, Davidson, Langley, Petty and
Comer were present. Invocation was given by Rev. Ethel Simmonette, Dogwood
Acres Presbyterian Church, Asheboro.
Approval of Minutes
On motion of Petty, seconded by Langley, the minutes of the August 5 and
August 20 meetings were approved.
Bid Award — Street Signs
Patty Sykes, Purchasing Agent, reported bids received for street signs and
posts for the private road naming project. N.C. Department of Correction bid
$74,950 (based on a 42" street name blade); U.S. Sign Company, Inc. bid $68,920
(based on a 36" street name blade). A price comparison was prepared based on a
36" blade, which placed the Department of Correction bid at $67,670. Ms. Sykes
stated that Hal Johnson, Planning Director, has recommended that the contract be
awarded to U.S. Sign Company because of excessive delays the County experienced
with the Department of Correction with earlier orders. Since the street sign
project is a part of the 911 project, timely delivery is crucial.
On motion of Langley, seconded by Petty, the Board awarded the bid to U.S.
Sign Company.
Bid Award — Library Microfilm Equipment
Ms. Sykes reported informal quotes received for two microfiche
reader/printers and one microfilm reader/printer for the Library. This
equipment will be purchased with funds from an LSCA Outreach Enrichment Grant.
Southeastern Microfilm, Inc. bid $11,284; Document Technology, Inc. bid $12,520.
Ms. Sykes recommended Southeastern be awarded the bid.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board approved Budget
Amendment 115, which reflects $12,161 in Outreach Enrichment Grant funds for the
Library from the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. A copy is included by
reference.
On motion of Langley, seconded by Davidson, the Board awarded the bid to
Southeastern Microfilm.
Offer to Purchase County's Columbia Township Property
Ms. Sykes advised the Board that since receiving the initial offer of
$10,000 from the Riverside Gun Club to purchase County property they are
currently leasing, she has received several upset bids, all of which have been
duly advertised. The last bid received was $35,050 from Dallas Wolfe, Keith
Carmac and Wade Jones. The time for upset bids has elapsed with no new bids
being placed.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Petty, the Board adopted a resolution
authorizing the sale of this property to Dallas Wolfe, Keith Carmac and Wade
Jones for $35,050. A copy is included by reference.
September 3, 1991 Minutes
Page 2
Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program
Vicki Brower, Senior Adults Association, reported that Randolph County has
been allocated $27,650 for the Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance
Program, which is to provide additional trips for elderly and handicapped. The
Randolph County Senior Adults Association is currently offering this program
with last year's allocation of $23,848. The Randolph County Transportation
Steering Committee recommends that the Commissioners approve the application and
that available funds be awarded to the Senior Adults Association.
On motion. of Petty, seconded by Comer, the Board approved the filing of the
application for these funds.
Request for Part -Time Personnel Position
Hal Scott, Personnel Director, requested a part-time receptionist, to be
paid $5 per hour for a maximum of 25 hours per week, to be paid from the
Administration budget. He stated that this position is needed because of the
workload in Personnel and because of the heavy traffic coming into the
Administration wing of the building.
On motion of Langley, seconded by Petty, the Board approved this request.
Proclamation - 4H Week
On motion of Petty, seconded by Comer, the Board adopted a proclamation
declaring October 6-12 as 4H Week in Randolph County. A copy is included by
reference.
D.O.T. Additions
On motion of Petty, seconded by Langley, the Board adopted resolutions
adding Mountain Brook Road, Twin Creek Drive, and South Creek Court to the State
System of Roads. Copies are included by reference.
Public Hearing - Installment Purchase of Landfill Land
At 2:30 p.m. Chairman Frye opened a duly advertised public hearing
concerning installment -purchases for additional land at the landfill. No one
spoke. The public hearing was closed.
Executive Session - Installment -Purchase of Landfill Land
On motion of Petty, seconded by Langley, the Board voted at 2:31 to go into
executive session to consider installment -purchase of property at the landfill.
Resolution Authorizing Installment -Purchase of Landfill Land
At 2:45 p.m. the Board reconvened regular session. Chairman Frye stated
that Charles Small, whose property is listed as Option B in the resolution
prepared, no longer wishes to sell his property to the County. The Jane Moore
property, after survey, is 83.39 acres and the purchase price will be $125,085.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board adopted a resolution
authorizing the installment -purchase of 71.4 acres from Edna M. Laughlin at
$128,592, and 83.39 acres from Jane Marie Laughlin Moore at $125,085. A copy is
included by reference.
Landfill Planning Study
George McArthur, Public Works Director, presented a planning study
completed by Tribble & Richardson, Inc. on landfill alternatives. He
highlighted various options discussed in the study and stated that a decision
September 3, 1991 Minutes
Page 3
should be made within the next three months so that the state permit process can
begin.
Tire Disposal Fees
Mr. McArthur reported that the cost to dispose of scrap tires for the 91-92
fiscal year was $42,692 and that revenue for the same time period was $60,070.
He recommended returning to tire dealers a portion of the $17,378 excess, based
on the amount of scrap tire tax each dealer paid to the State. He specified
that dealer documentation on taxes paid must be presented to Public Works before
October 15, 1991.
On motion of Petty, seconded by Langley, the Board voted to refund the
surplus tire revenue to tire dealers.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Petty, the Board voted to operate for
another year under the same basis for calculating tire fees, which is to
calculate expenses and revenues and then to adjust fees to make up the shortage
or to refund the surplus to tire dealers based on their documentation on the
sale of new tires in Randolph County.
On motion of Langley, seconded by Petty, the Board voted to reduce tire
disposal fees to the following: 20C per passenger tire, 50C per truck tire, and
$5 per tractor tire.
Ambulance Fees
Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, stated that ambulance fees had not
been raised since 1987 and that tax dollars account for 68% of the department's
budget and user fees only 32%. He recommended the following fee changes: base
fee from $100 to $170; return trip from $25 to $100; out -of -county mileage (per
mile) from $1.50 to $3; drop the waiting time fee; and initiate an oxygen charge
of $15. Mr. Allen estimated that these changes would save about $263,000 of tax
dollars.
Chairman Frye asked Mr. Allen to provide additional details for the Board's
consideration before any decision is made.
Proposed Watershed Protection Regulations
This item was tabled since Hal Johnson could not be present to present it.
Cabarrus County Appeal to Property Tax Commission
Chairman Frye related that the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners has requested that all counties financially assist Cabarrus County
in their appeal of the Property Tax Commission's ruling that the contract
between Cabarrus County and Tax Management Associates was void as against public
policy. This ruling was based primarily on the contingent fee nature of the
contract for tax discoveries. The outcome of this appeal is very important
since 23 other counties have entered into similar contracts with a private
consultant.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board voted to pay their
pro -rated share for the Cabarrus County appeal and approved Budget Amendment #6,
which moves $2,664 from Contingency into the Legal Department, in order to fund
this request. A copy is included by reference.
September 3, 1991 Minutes
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Appointment - Board of Health
On motion of Langley, seconded by Petty, the Board appointed Karen Briles,
R.Ph., to fill the unexpired term of Sim Cole, term expiring 12/93.
Budget Amendment - CBA
On motion of Langley, seconded by Petty, the Board approved Budget
Amendment 117, which reflects an additional $142,566 in State funds and $1,210
from local contributions for the CBA program. A copy is included by reference.
Proclamation - Hunting and Fishing Day
On motion of Langley, seconded by Davidson, the Board adopted a
proclamation declaring September 28 as Hunting and Fishing Day. A copy is
included by reference.
Executive Session - Personnel
On motion of Petty, seconded by Comer, the Board voted to go into executive
session at 3:50 p.m. to discuss and interview a candidate for the Library
Director position.
At 4:50 p.m. the Board reconvened regular session.
The Board recessed until 7:00 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. the Board reconvened regular session to consider matters
relating to a Law Enforcement Facilities bond referendum.
Bond Order - Report from the Clerk
Alice Dawson, Clerk to the Board, reported that the bond order entitled
"BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,600,000 LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITIES
BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH," which had been introduced on August 20, 1991,
had been published in a qualified newspaper on August 21, 1991, with notice that
the Board would hold a public hearing thereon on September 3, 1991. She also
reported that the Finance Officer had filed in her office a statement of debt
complying with the provisions of The Local Government Bond Act and that such
statement showed the net indebtedness of the County to be 1.76% of the appraised
valuation of property in the County subject to taxation.
Public Hearing - Bond Order
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Petty, the Board voted at 7:06 p.m. to
proceed to hold a public hearing on the Law Enforcement Facilities Bond Order.
Chairman Frye announced that the Board would hear anyone who wished to be heard
on the questions of the validity of the Law Enforcement Facilities Bond Order
and the advisability of issuing the bonds.
Sheriff Litchard Hurley gave an overview of the current situation in the
existing jail, including overcrowding, physical environment and non-compliance
with State standards.
Garland Knott questioned why inmates spend so long in jail before their
cases are tried.
September 3, 1991 Minutes
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Alan Routh asked how a new jail would speed up trials.
Ed Sower said that, in his opinion, there is nothing wrong with inmates
sleeping on the floor.
Charlie Hawks, retired supervisor at the Asheboro Prison Unit, supported
the plans for a new jail and told the audience that the federal courts are the
ones who have issued the mandates and set standards for jails and prisons.
Roberta Hood asked how long the average stay is for inmates and how much
rehabilitation can take place during this time period. She said she felt that
if jailers ate meals in the new jail facility this would have an adverse effect
on the economy of Asheboro's restaurants. She asked about renovating the
existing jail.
Helen Neill asked if the only solution being offered is to move the jail.
Joe Trogdon, Mayor of Asheboro, stated that we must build a new jail
whether we like it or not and urged everyone to vote for the bonds as the
cheapest way to finance it.
Ellen Gregg, attorney, stated that she has experience defending North
Carolina counties in lawsuits brought by jail inmates. She said that, after
visiting the Randolph County jail, she feels the County has potential risk for
such lawsuits. She discussed civil rights litigation and the costly
implications of the federal court taking control of building a new jail.
Judge Bill Neely explained to the audience that the County Commissioners
have no control over the court system backlog and that they have initiated
electronic house arrest to help alleviate the overcrowded conditions at the
jail. He said he is very uncomfortable with some of the people he has let out
on bond but that there is not room in the jail to keep everyone who could pose a
threat to society.
Lyn Adams stated that the economy is too bad to take on a project of $10.6
million. He suggested building less now and adding on later. He also objected
to moving the jail from downtown, stating that this would adversely affect the
economy of downtown Asheboro and make it a ghost town. He asked the Board to
halt current plans and do further study on siting the jail downtown.
Chairman Frye stated that prisoners do not shop and that it was not the
County Commissioners who developed Randolph Mall and Dixie Drive. He said that
the courthouse should always be downtown.
Bill O'Brien, architect for this project, stated that his firm is also
designing the Bumcombe County jail, which is a high-rise facility. He addressed
the additional costs and problems encountered with a high-rise vs. a
single -level facility. He said the Bumcombe County jail will cost $65,000 per
bed, whereas Randolph County's will be $35,000 per bed.
Glen Keyes asked the Board to publish cost figures for a downtown jail vs.
the south of town site.
Bob Meinus agreed with the Board's decision on the jail site but thought it
would be a plush facility.
September 3, 1991 Minutes
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Charles Willard stated that Robeson County is building a 412 -bed jail for
$8 million. He said he thinks there is enough space downtown to build a jail,
even a single -level one.
Bob Bigler said the issue is not whether to build a jail but what to
include and what will it cost.
J. W. Smith stated that the real problem is the amount of crime.
Wade Powell voiced concerns about increases in taxes.
Delbert Ragsdale said something should be done to keep people from wanting
to go to jail.
Tom Ballentine stated that prisoners don't have rights.
Samuel McRae asked how much had been spent on the jail so far and what the
next step would be if the referendum fails.
Frank Willis said $287,000 has been spent so far. Chairman Frye said that
if the referendum fails the Board will have to decide whether to proceed with
alternative financing or wait to be sued.
Jim Smith, Asheboro Fire Chief, said that the blame belongs to the U.S.
Supreme Court and that politics should not back up forward thinking. He said
that articles on the jail issue discussing various options had been the papers
for years and that everyone had had opportunities to give input all along. He
also discussed fire hazards and evacuation problems with multi-level jails. He
urged the Board to continue with their jail plans.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board closed the public
hearing at 9:34 p.m.
Decision on Jail Design Plans
The Board discussed whether to continue with the current design plans or to
restudy the feasibility of building a new jail at the current jail location.
Bill O'Brien, architect, discussed problems in using any of the existing jail
and extra costs involved with placing a jail at the current site.
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board voted to proceed with
the current design plan.
Adoption of Bond Order
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Petty, the Board voted to adopt without
change and directed the Clerk to publish as prescribed by The Local Government
Bond Act the bond entitled, "BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,600,000
LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITIES BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH, introduced at the
meeting of the Board of Commissioners held on August 20, 1991.
Adoption of Resolution Calling for Special Election
On motion of Petty, seconded by Langley, the Board adopted a resolution,
which the Clerk read at length, calling for a special bond referendum November
5, 1991. A copy is included by reference.
Adjournment
On motion of Davidson, seconded by Langley, the Board adjourned.