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120709December 7, 2009 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC. Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Kim Newsom, County Personnel Director, gave the invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment. No one spoke. Addition to Consent Agenda Chairman Holmes announced that Item IV. R. Appoint Tourism Development Authority Liaison (currently Phil Kemp) had been added to the reorganization of the Board. Reorganization of the Board On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following appointments: Chairman of the Board, Harold Holmes; Vice Chairman of the Board, Darrell Frye; County Attorney, Darren Allen; Associate County Attorney, Aimee Scotton; Clerk to the Board, Cheryl Ivey; Deputy Clerk to the Board, Amanda Varner; Representative to the Board of Health, Stan Haywood; Representative to the Social Services Board, Arnold Lanier; Representative to the Consolidated Mental Health Board, Darrell Frye; Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Phil Kemp; Representative to the High Point Transportation Advisory Board, Darrell Frye; Alternate Representative to the High Point Transportation Advisory Board, Stan Haywood; PTCOG Delegate, Darrell Frye; Piedmont Triad Partnership, Phil Kemp; Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, Darrell Frye; Regional Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee, Stan Haywood; Tourism Development Authority Liaison, Phil Kemp and NCA CC Legislative Liaison, Harold Holmes. Approval of Consent Agenda On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows: • approve minutes of regular meeting of November 2, 2009; • approve Proclamation honoring Acme McCrary Corporation (100 -Year Anniversary), as follows: WHEREAS, through great vision, courage and planning, combined with pride, sense of family, and dedication to product quality, Acme McCrary Corporation was founded by D. B. McCrary and T. H Redding in 1909; and WHEREAS, Acme McCrary is currently celebrating a rare 100 years of operation; and WHEREAS, Acme McCrary's success is largely credited to its allegiance to its employees through the years by means of sound wages, progressive benefits, state-of-the-art facilities, company -sponsored recreational opportunities and its founding philosophy of "more and better stockings made by good citizens in a good community"; and WHEREAS, Acme McCrary remains a vital part of Randolph County as a major employer, whose footprint has stood the test of time; and WHEREAS, the Company's civic -mindedness, through leadership's support over the last century for such organizations as Randolph Hospital, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Randolph Public Library, local and state government, education, United Way, and Relay for Life, is also reflected by its employees' community involvement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners honors and congratulates Acme McCrary Corporation on this great milestone of its 100 -Year Anniversary. BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that we hereby acknowledge our appreciation for all that Acme - McCrary has meant to our community, both corporate and civic, for the last 100 years. • approve Budget Amendment #14 for Health Department (HINT Grant), as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund—Amendment #14 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 301,601 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $ 301,601 • approve Budget Amendment #1 S for Health Department (Flu Mist Grant), as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE Genual Fund Amendment #IS Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 71 317 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $ 71,317 • approve Budget Amendment #16 for Health Department (Animal Control Pedigree Grant), as follows: 009-20.10 BUDGET ORDINANCE Genual Fund—Amendment #16 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $ 657 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $ 657 • approve Budget Amendment #17 for Ash Rand Rescue Grant, as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund Amendment #17 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 25,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $ 25,000 • reappoint Darrell Lewis to the Asheboro Planning Board; • reappoint Tom Kemp and D.E. Bullard to the Randolph County Fire Commission; • reappoint Joanne Peterson to Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee; • approve surety bonds for elected and appointed officials: Finance Officer Will Massie ($500,000); Deputy Finance Officer Jane Leonard ($500,000); Tax Collector Debra Hill ($300, 000); Deputy Tax Collectors: Sallie Cheek ($200, 000), Revonda Cox ($200, 000); Deputy Finance Officers for Jail Commissary: Brent McNeill ($10, 000), Judy Brown ($50, 000), JoAnn Sapp ($10, 000); • approve Budget Amendment #18 for JCPC (New Program DASH), as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund—Amendment #18 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 7,258 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Appropriations Human Services $ 7,258 • approve Budget Amendment #19 for Sheriff's Dept. (JAG Grant), as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund Amendment #19 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 16,769 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $ 16,769 • approve Budget Amendment #20 for Sheriff's Dept. (JAG Grant), as follows: 2009-2010 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $ 68,999 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $ 68,999 Recognition of Acme -McCrary Corporation's 100 -Year Anniversary Commissioner Kemp recognized Bill Redding and Larry Small from Acme -McCrary Corporation and read aloud a proclamation (approved previously in Consent Agenda). Announcement of Special Commendation to Detective Sgt. Donna Mason Col. Fred Rutledge, Chief Deputy, recognized Det. Sgt. Donna Mason, who recently received a special commendation by the U.S. Department of Justice for her part in the investigation that led to the arrests early this year of nine suspects in a two -state burglary ring. Col. Rutledge said this is the first recognition of a local officer by a federal agency that he can remember and quite possibly may be the first ever. Announcement of Cooperative Extension Award Recipients Chairman Holmes announced that Barb Dunn Swanson, Cooperative Extension 4H Agent, won the North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes 4-H Extension agents with 15 or more years of experiences and significant accomplishments in the 4-H profession. Barb was recognized for her leadership as it relates to the Randolph County 4-H program and her involvement in community activities and organizations. Chairman Holmes also recognized Carolyn Langley, County Cooperative Extension Director, who coordinates the North Carolina 4-H International Exchange program. This program was recognized as a one of six outstanding programs in the United States. The award reflects a commitment to excellence, meeting placement goals, and meeting all standards for the CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) certification. Presentation of County Employee Service Awards Chairman Holmes and Vice Chairman Frye, assisted by Kim Newsom and Sara Baker of the County Personnel office, presented County employee service award certificates and a piece of pottery to the following honorees: 15 Years of Service: J. Harold Holmes, Administration; Paxton G. Arthurs, Building Inspections; Kevin B. Loggains, Emergency Services; Kirk W. Becker, Health (Not Present); Karen B. Rich, Health; Cathy W. Wall, Health; Phyllis C. Bostick, Information Technology; Mae C. Auman, Library; Jonathan M. Farlow, Library; Richard S. Stockner, Sheriff, Wanda S. Parrish, Social Services; Barbara H. Andrew, Tax; Eric T. Cranford, Tax. 20 Years of Service: Cheryl A. Ivey, Administration; Timothy D. Jordan, Emergency Services; L. Rick Davis, Emergency Services; Arey R. Myers, Health; Carolyn J. Maness, Social Services; Joy M. Ratliffe, Social Services; Joyce H. Oliver, Tax; G. Kent Strickland, Tax. 25 Years of Service: Deborah L. Hines, Emergency Services; Cynthia C. Grantham, Health; Diane R. Mitchem, Information Technology; Charles T. Hasty, Sheriff, Lisa B. Royal, Social Services; Paula F. Unrue, Tax. 30 Years of Service: Sara C. Baker, Administration; John T. Hancock, Building Inspections; Marsha F. Haithcock, Library; Ava J. Hooker, Tax. Approval of County Participation in Wastewater Treatment Engineering Study Randy McNeill, Engineer with David -Martin -Powell & Associates, Inc., speaking on behalf of the Cities of Archdale and Trinity, asked the Board to share in the cost of a feasibility study for a multi -governmental wastewater treatment plant that would serve both cities as well as adjacent areas in Randolph County (Uwharrie-Caraway Sewer Service Area). He said that the cost of the study is $75,000, with Archdale and Trinity having already agreed to contribute $25,000 each. He asked that Randolph County contribute the same amount. Mr. McNeill said that the study will take a year to complete. On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve an allocation of $25, 000 from the Economic Development Reserve Fund for the County's share of funding for a wastewater treatment engineering study for the Uwharrie-Caraway Sewer Service Area. Approval of Economic Development Incentive Request for Trinity Furniture, Public Hearing and Budget Amendment Harry Lane, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Existing Industries Coordinator, on behalf of Trinity Furniture, requested financial support for an expansion project for Trinity Furniture, which is located in the City of Trinity at 6089 Kennedy Rd. He said that Trinity Furniture is a homegrown contract furniture company that started 25 years ago with a $1,000 investment and has grown to a $13 million dollar business. It provides case goods and upholstered products to government buildings, military bases, universities and medical offices. The company is experiencing unparalleled growth opportunities and needs to expand. Faced with a failing septic system, the company isn't able to add one job or construct additional manufacturing space at its current location. The company is asking for financial assistance to extend public sewer, allowing them to provide additional jobs, as well as, construct additional manufacturing space. Mr. Lane said that the EDC is asking the City of Trinity to apply for three infrastructure grants and act as administrator. The grants are the Community Development Grant, Industrial Development Fund, and the Rural Center Grant. Grant applicants must provide a local match. The EDC is also asking that the City approve $25,000 and that Randolph County provide a $25,000 match for a total of $50,000. Trinity Furniture has agreed to create 10 new jobs over the next two years, as required by the three grants. Each infrastructure grant has a specified amount of money per job created for a combined total of $320,000. Mr. Lane acknowledged that Trinity Furniture has agreed to spend $310,000 of its own funds on this project and also plans to retain 81 jobs, a key objective in this economic recession. The total cost of the project is $680,000 to install a pump station at Trinity Furniture and install 10,000 lineal feet of forced main to the Wheatmore High School Pump Station. The proposed funding follows: City of Trinity $ 25,000 Randolph County $ 25,000 (paid to the City of Trinity as grant applicant) Trinity Furniture $310,000 CDBG $120,000 ($12,000 per job) IDF $100,000 ($10,000 per job) Rural Center Grant $100,000 ($10,000 per job) TOTAL $680,000 Mr. Lane said that the City of Trinity has approved an incentive of $25,000 and is now asking that the Randolph County Commissioners approve $25,000 to match the City of Trinity, paid to the City of Trinity as the grant applicant. If approved, the match will complete the funding needed for the cost of the project and allow the grant applicant to move forward with the full application for the three grants. At 5:02 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened the duly advertised public hearing. George Logerella, owner of Trinity Furniture, thanked the Board for consideration of this request and said that his company had already created eleven new jobs. Randy McNeill spoke in support of this request. Hearing no further comments, the hearing was closed at 5:06 p.m. On motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to approve a $25, 000 economic incentive grant for Trinity Furniture, paid to the City of Trinity, as requested, and to approve budget amendment #21, as follows: Transfer from Economic Development Reserve $ 25,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Economic & Physical Development $ 25,000 Decrease Approval of Economic Development Incentive Request for Stickley Furniture, Public Hearing and Budget Amendment Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation President, reminded the Commissioners that in June 2009, the Board had approved a performance-based incentive grant in the amount of $5,625 to be used for infrastructure gas extension for Stickley Furniture Company in Archdale and the expansion of a second manufacturing facility (located at 701 Eden Terrace) for a recently acquired line, Nichols & Stone. Some new equipment and 20 new jobs were to be added. However, Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) has recently informed Stickley that PNG will not charge for the new line as previously stated, thereby making void the economic incentive grant approved in June. Now, Stickley is requesting that the incentive grant be reallocated for another project expense, specifically, a permanent renovation of the facility for climate control. Ms. Renfro stated that the request is for $11,250 to reimburse the company for the cost to make permanent improvements to the facility at 701 Eden Terrace by installing climate control systems. The City of Archdale would pay 50% of the grant and Randolph County 50% at $5,625 each. At 5:12 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened the public hearing and, hearing no comments, closed it. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve an economic incentive grant of $5,625 to Stickley Fine Upholstery, to assist the company in making permanent improvement to its industrial building located at 701 Eden Terrace, Archdale, NC, as requested, and to approve budget amendment # 22, as follows: 2009-2©10 BUDGET ORDINANCE General Fund—Amendment #2 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Economic Development Reserve $ 5,625 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Economic & Physical Development $ 5,625 Action to Waive Recovery Zone Bonds Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation President, stated that no projects for the Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds or the Recovery Zone Facility Bonds have been identified. She said that the deadline for notice of intent to issue the bonds is December 15, 2009. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to waive its total allocation for Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, and authorized Will Massie to execute the Notice of Intent to Issue Recovery Zone Bonds. Approval of Transfer of County Property to Town of Ramseur Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton stated that the Town of Ramseur is in the planning stages of an effort to turn the old rail bed along Deep River into a rail -trail. The Town has been awarded a planning mini -grant from the NC Clean Water Trust Fund, which will allow the Town to begin mapping the route, to do some basic landscape design, and to begin the discussion process with property owners for easement and/or property acquisitions. The grant award is in the amount of $35,000 with the Town committed to an additional $8,000 match. Randolph County owns a landlocked parcel (PIN #8702424825) transected by the rail bed. The parcel also contains a portion of the sewer outfall, which, if converted to trail, could open looped access via Watkins Street from the trail to sidewalk on Highway 64. The parcel has a listed tax value of $2300. The Town of Ramseur has requested that the County deed this parcel to the Town. The Town feels that this will show the County's support for the project, and the value of the property donation will be eligible to satisfy a portion of the grant match requirements, thereby reducing the cash outlay required from the Town. North Carolina General Statute 160A-274 allows any governmental unit to convey any interest it owns in real or personal property to another governmental until at its discretion, with or without consideration. The only requirement is that action under this section be taken by the governing body of the governmental unit. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the deed transfer of County property to the Town of Ramseur, as requested, and authorized Chairman Holmes to sign the deed. Hwy 64 Water Line Update and Approval of Hwy 64 Water Line Capital Project Ordinance County Manager Richard Wells stated that on Thursday, November 18, 2009, the Public Works Department received notice that the UST Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had approved $392,116 in funds for the Highway 64 Waterline Project. This amount is based on the funding for a 6 -inch water main from the City of Asheboro to the Blue Mist Restaurant area. However, the overall project is for a 12 -inch line in order to accommodate actual connections to all 22 houses that need a new water source. In October 2009, the Board granted tentative approval to award a contract to Triangle Grading for the construction of the water line pending notification of the DENR funding. Now that the State funding is secure, Mr. Wells asked the Board to "officially" award the contract to Triangle Grading for water line construction to commence as soon as possible. Mr. Wells also asked the Board to approve the proposed capital project ordinance. He stated that the project is defined as a 12 -inch water line from the City of Asheboro water system at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Salisbury Street to the Blue Mist Restaurant area. The project will immediately serve 22 homes with tainted groundwater wells. The Public Works Department anticipates this project taking approximately 10 months to complete. Following final completion, the water main will be turned over to the City of Asheboro for all required maintenance and the City will reimburse the County the cost of the line, including any amount in excess of grant funding. The Public Works Department requested the Board of Commissioners adopt the ordinance for submission to the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center and authorize Chairman Holmes to sign the attached "Commitment of other Funds Form" and the attached letter to the Rural Center detailing our project. Also, the Public Works Department requested that the Board of Commissioners authorize the County Manager to sign the necessary documents as this project goes forward to completion. On motion of Lanier, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to 1) officially award the Hwy 64 Water Line construction contract to Triangle Grading, 2) to authorize the Chairman to sign the Commitment of Other Funds Form and attached letter to the Rural Center detailing the project, (3 to authorize the County Manager to sign the necessary documents as this project goes forward to completion and 4) to approve the US Hwy 64 Capital Project Ordinance, as follows: U.S. Highway 64 Project NCRC Contract 2009-070-40101-112 CRISIS - US Hwy 64 Water Main Extension - Elimination of Contaminated Water Supply Wells Randolph County, North Carolina BE IT ORDAINED, by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, that pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following grant ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1: The project authorized is the FY 07/08 Clean Water Partners Supplemental Project (2009- 070-40101-112) described in the work statement contained in the grant agreement between this unit and the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. This project is more familiarly known as the "CRISIS - US Hwy 64 Water Main Extension - Elimination of Contaminated Water Supply Wells". Section 2: The officers of this unit area hereby directed to proceed with the grant project within the terms of the grant documents, the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Inc., and the budget contained herein. Section 3: The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project. Project Revenues: North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. $500,000. Trust Fund $392,116. Randolph County $107,884. Total Project Revenues $1,000,000. Section 4: The following amounts are appropriated for the project: Construction/Contingencies $825,500. Engineering/Design $97,000. Construction Management/Inspection $58,500. Surveying $4,000. Grant Administration $15,000. Total Project Cost $1,000,000. Section 5: The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Grant Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to provide the accounting to the grantor agency required by the grant agreement(s) and state regulations. Section 6: Requests for funds should be made to the grantor agency in an orderly and timely manner. All other funds must be expended before requesting funds from the grantor agency. Section 7: The Finance Officer is directed to report quarterly on the financial status of each project element in Section 4 and on the total grant revenues received or claimed. Section 8: The Finance Officer is directed to include a detailed analysis of past and future costs and revenues on this grant project in every budget submission made to this Board. Section 9: Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be made available to the Finance Officer for direction in carrying out this project. Action on NC Child Support Enforcement Amu Transfer to County County Manager Richard Wells said that the NC General Assembly directed, through its 2009 Appropriations Act (I Senate Bill 202, Section 10.46A), that effective July 1, 2010, each Child Support Enforcement (CSE) office currently being administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, will be administered by county government. Counties are required to submit their plans for operation by January 1, 2010. He said that numerous meetings have taken place to determine the best manner in which to effect the transfer of CSE to County responsibility, beginning July 1, 2010. Counties have three choices in absorbing CSE: contract through a private vendor, operate a regional program with other counties, or operate the program as a county department. Mr. Wells recommended that the Randolph County CSE transition as a stand-alone County department. He said that this as the most efficient manner to absorb CSE as it will allow the local office to continue their good track record while costing the taxpayers of the county less than other options. The local office is competent and well-managed. The draft budget projected for 2009-10 shows estimated total expenditures of $863,763. Revenues include a 66% reimbursement from federal CSE grants and other fee revenues totaling $570,763; hence, the County's estimated cost is $293,000. He said it is not clear yet if the State will allow the computer equipment and all office furniture and equipment to remain or if they will remove it; this would obviously affect the county's costs, as well. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 4-1, with Lanier opposing, to approve the transfer of the NC Child Support Enforcement Agency to the County, effective July 1, 2010, as requested. Action to Conduct a 1/4 -Cent Sales Tax Referendum Dr. Robert Shackleford, RCC President, stated that due the economic downturn and increased unemployment, RCC has had record enrollment. Community colleges have been challenged to help pull their area economies out of the recession by retraining the workforce for the new jobs of the future. Specifically, Dr. Shackleford said, RCC needs to get renovations completed on the Klaussner building that was purchased two years ago to house the college's industrial engineering program. Renovation of this building will also "free up" much needed space in other buildings for other purposes, including the Early College High School. Dr. Shackleford asked the Board to consider another 1/4 -cent sales tax referendum, with the revenue, should the referendum pass, to fund the renovation of the Klaussner building at RCC. The estimated cost of renovation is $6.4 million. Dr. Shackleford said that this new revenue stream would free up money in the County budget that is currently allocated to the college. He told the Board that he has the full support of his board, the RCC Board of Trustees, in this endeavor. The Board discussed the request, including possible dates for a referendum and a sunset to the tax. Dr. Diane Frost, Asheboro City Schools Superintendent, spoke in support of Dr. Shackleford's request, but asked the Commissioners to remember that the county has critical needs in other areas of education, too. Specifically, she reminded the Board to consider the Old Balfour School and Asheboro High School projects. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Board of Elections to conduct an advisory referendum on March 2, 2010, on establishing a 114centsales tax in Randolph County. Adjournment At 6:35 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting adjourned. J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye Phil Kemp Stan Haywood Arnold Lanier Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board