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060704June 7, 2004 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 Kemp, Frye, Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present. Rev. Leslie Winslow, retired Quaker minister, gave the invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Changes to the Agenda Chairman Holmes announced the following additions to and deletion from the agenda: Additions • I. Request for Resolution of Support for Installation of a Traffic Signal at Intersection of US 64 and SR 2469/2628 Harold Holmes • J. Award Bid for Digitizing Reel Film at the Register of Deeds Office Jane Leonard • K. Award Bid for Security Cameras at Jail Jane Leonard • L. Request to Remove Victory Junction Gang Camp from the Level Cross Fire District Aimee Scotton • M. Set Date for Special Joint Meeting/Public Hearing with City of Randleman Concerning an Economic Development Project. Tleletinn • Remove Sylvan Routh's name for reappointment from Item F. of Consent Agenda. (Mr. Routh has resigned.) Special Presentation Robert Ware, Asheboro Employment Security Commission (ESC) Office Manager, presented an ESC Employer Award to Randolph County for outstanding contributions to the economy of the State of North Carolina through support of the mission and programs of the Employment Security Commission. Consent Agenda On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended: • approve minutes of the May 3, 2004 Meeting; • reappoint Rev. Scott Wagoner to Social Services Board (3 yr. term); • reappoint George Gusler to Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board (3 yr. term); • appoint Emma Washington, Brett Eckerman and Reappoint Abbie Holder, Garlene Rich, , Sandra Allen, Charlie Casper, Allan Edwards, Janet Henley, Duffy Johnson, Phil Koonce, Betty Hunt, Addie Luther, John McGlohon, Joy Ratliffe, Candie Rudzinski, Dr. Ann Suggs, Rev. Everett Thomas, Carolyn Vickrey, Frank Willis, Laura King, Adrienne Calhoun to Aging Services Planning Committee (]-yr. terms); • reappoint Becky Fawcett to Consolidated Mental Health Bd. (4 -yr. term); • reappoint Carol Lowe and Ralph Hardison to Randolph County Public Library Bd. of Trustees (6 - yr. terms); • approve 2 D. O. T. resolutions authorizing Addition of Cox Lane and Second Park Avenue to State Roads System, as follows: WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Cox Lane in the Briarwood 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 Cox Lane in the Briarwood Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System. and WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Second Park Avenue in Section 7 of the Forest Park 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 Second Park Avenue in Section 7 of the Forest Park Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System. Aging Services - 2004-2005 Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Allocations Candie Rudzinski, Aging Services Planning Coordinator, reported that the Aging Services Planning Committee (ASPQ has approved a recommendation for the HCCBG allocations for FY 2004-2005, totaling $625,835. Due to the fact that the Randolph County Department of Social Services voluntarily released their HCCBG funds for next year, the ASPC budget no longer needs to include a match of $9,384 for DSS. On motion of Davis, seconded by Kemp, the Board unanimously approved Randolph County Senior Adults Association as lead agency, approved the HCCBG Funding Plan as indicated on Form DOA -731 requesting a total of $625,835, and agreed to accept supplemental funding should it become available and to allow the Aging Services Planning Committee to decide how to allocate these funds. Award Bid for Metal Ambulance Building at Archdale Ambulance Base Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, said that bids for a prefabricated metal building for the Archdale ambulance base were solicited and received pursuant to NCGS 143-131. The following is a tabulation of the bids received: Contractor Bid Asheboro Construction, Inc. $36,911 Chriscoe Aluminum Builders, Inc. $38,990 S. E. Trogdon & Sons, Inc. $46,317 Based on these bids, Asheboro Construction, Inc. is the apparent low bidder and Ms. Leonard recommended that the Board award the contract to Asheboro Construction, Inc. at a cost of $36,911. There are sufficient funds in the Emergency Services budget for this purchase. On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to award the contract for a metal building for the Archdale ambulance base to Asheboro Construction, Inc. at a cost of $36,911. Request from N.C. City and County Management Association (NCCCMA) for Financial Support for Continuation of their Civic Education Proiect Jane Leonard said that NCCCMA is once again seeking financial assistance from counties and municipalities to fund the statewide Civic Education Project. Since the project began fifteen years ago, the educational materials have urged teachers to make use of local government staff or elected officials as resource people in the classroom. They have received funding from 38 counties and 128 municipalities to allow their association to keep providing teachers with the resources and training to introduce their students to local government. Randolph County Commissioners have supported this effort in the past. The NCCCMA is requesting $1,250 for continuation of this project. There are sufficient funds in the Administration budget to cover another $1,250 appropriation. 2 On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to appropriate $1250 to NCCCMA for continuation of their Civic Education Project. Bid Award for 2 Police Dogs Jane Leonard said that the County received a Homeland Security Grant to provide the County with several capital items to enhance our security. One of the items granted was to purchase two trained "explosive sniffing" canines. One canine will be used by our Sheriff's Office and the other canine will be used by the Asheboro Police Department. The Sheriffs Office contacted three suppliers of trained canines. Only one supplier responded with a proposal. Beck's Canine Service has agreed to provide two trained German shepherds at a total cost of $23,000. This price includes the eight-week handler course, lodging accommodations for the handler and monthly in-service continuation training for the handler and his canine. Beck's also provides a 12 -month guarantee for the health and work of the canine. Currently, we have two German shepherd patrol canines that were purchased from Beck's. The Sheriff s Office has had great success with these canines and they highly recommend Beck's Canine Service as a first-rate supplier. On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to award the contract for 2 police dogs to Beck's Canine Service at a cost of $23, 000. Set July Meeting Date On motion of Davis, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to set the meeting date in July for July 12 due to the Independence Day holiday conflict. Budget Amendment—Sheriff Jane Leonard said that the Sheriffs Office contracted with Justice Solutions International (JSI) to review back billings to the State for prisoner housing fees and to work with our jail staff to teach them how to identify an eligible expense and how to keep the filings up-to-date. JSI reviewed our prison records and filed reports to the State. The County received $33,257 in fees that had previously been omitted in our invoices to the State. There was no up -front fee for these services; however, JSI charged 35% of any new funds received by the County as a result of its efforts. The fee owed to JSI is $11,460. On motion of Davis, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #55, as follows: ' Revenues Increase Sales and Service $11,460 Appropriations Increase Sheriff $11,460 Budget Amendment—Cooperative Extension Summer Program Jane Leonard told the Board that Cooperative Extension has received $2,000 from the Asheboro Housing Authority to provide a summer program day camp. This program will run from June 8, 2004 through August 6, 2004 and it will be held on the Housing Authority's property. Cooperative Extension will hire two part-time temporary employees to coordinate the program. 3 On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #56, as follows: GENERAL FUND -456 Appropriation Increase Revenues Increase Miscellaneous $2,000 Appropriation Increase Cooperative Extension $2, 000 Budget Amendment—Merit Program On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #57 to the FY 2003-04 Annual Budget to transfer merit money ($48,620) from Administration to the various departments using it, as follows: GENERAL FUND -457 Appropriation Increase Decrease Administration 3,352 Building Inspections 1,705 Computer Services 1,776 Cooperative Extension 874 Emergency Services 4,367 Library 2,754 Maintenance 717 Planning & Zoning 523 Public Health 6,209 Register of Deeds 1,004 Sheriff & Jail 10,511 Social Services 10,523 Tax 3,849 Public Works 456 Administration 48,620 Budget Amendment -2004A Refunding Certificates of Participation Will Massie, Deputy Finance Officer, said that in March the County finalized the sale of $24,950,000 in certificates of participation to refinance certain existing debt, which will save the County $1,008,089 in interest costs. This existing debt was a portion of installment purchase obligations issued in 2000 for school construction, a community college facility, and the new courthouse. Another portion of the original 2000 COPS was refunded last month; as a result of this latest refunding, only $9,745,000 of the original debt remains as an obligation of the County. The new debt proceeds will be invested in U.S. guaranteed securities and held by Wachovia Bank as trustee until June 1, 2009, when $22,645,000 in outstanding 2000 certificates will be retired. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #58, as follows: 4 GENERAL FUND -458 Revenues Increase Other Financing Sources Proceeds from 2004A COPS $26,259,791 Appropriations Increase Other Financing Uses Payment to Escrow Agent $25,835,219 Debt Service $ 424,572 Budget Amendment -2004A COPS Escrow Fund Restructuring Will Massie said that after completing the 2004A COPS refunding in March, we were informed that the opportunity existed to replace the securities in the escrow fund with new securities, which yielded a greater interest rate. Because the bond market expected interest rates to rise over the past two months, the difference in yields on the original escrow and the replacement securities was substantial. When we closed on May 3, the County had received an additional $756,432 beyond the previous refinancing savings. Issuance costs on this restructuring were $29,500, resulting in a net gain of $726,932. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #59, as follows: GENERAL FUND -459' Revenues Increase Decrease> Proceeds from Escrow Restructuring $756,432 Appropriated Fund Balance $726,932 Appropriations Increase Decrease> Debt Service $29,500 Budget Amendment—Emergency Services (Medicaid Settlement) Will Massie said that Randolph County has received a Medicaid settlement related to past ambulance charges. This settlement was facilitated by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. The revenue will offset certain additional departmental costs. Due to changes in assigned responsibilities, certain personnel costs will need to be moved from the Emergency Telephone System Fund to Emergency Services. The duties performed this year, related to the Homeland Security Grants, do not qualify as eligible expenditures for the restricted wireless funds. This adjustment will be another $39,043 added to the Emergency Services budget. Also, Emergency Services has incurred growing expenditures during the year due to some unforeseen events. Winter weather, rising gas prices, and a general increase in the demand for ambulance services will cause the department to exceed its budget before June, unless amended. An additional $39,000 is needed to cover these anticipated costs. On motion of Mason, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment # 60, as follows: 5 GENERAL FUND -460 Revenues '> Increase Decrease Sales and Services $78,043 $34,643 Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $78,043 Budget Amendment—Emergency Telephone System Fund Will Massie said that due to changes in assigned responsibilities, certain personnel costs will need to be moved from the Emergency Telephone System Fund to the Emergency Services department of the General Fund. The duties performed this year, related to the Homeland Security Grants, do not qualify as eligible expenditures for the restricted wireless funds. This adjustment will be a reduction of $36,884 in expenditures for the Emergency Telephone System Fund. However, the salaries originally budgeted in the Emergency Telephone System Fund were not updated for the approved 2003-04 pay plan adjustment. These adjustments are $ 1,322 for the Wireline services and $919 for Wireless services. (All revisions have been included together into the budget amendment below.) On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #61, as follows: GENERAL FUND -461 Revenues Increase Decrease, Appropriated Fund Balance $3,624 $34,643 Appropriations Increase Decrease» Wireline $1,322 Wireless $35,965 Budget Amendment—Carryover of Homeland Security Grant Will Massie said that Randolph County had received a 2002 Homeland Security Grant but did not request all the available funds. An additional $3,624 can be carried forward to the current year and utilized for additional training programs. On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board voted unanimously to approve Budget Amendment #62, as follows: GENERAL FUND -462 Revenues '> Increase Decrease> Restricted Intergovernmental $3,624 Appropriations Increase Decrease> Emergency Services $3,624 Resolution of Support for Installation of Traffic Signal at Parks Crossroads On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following resolution: Whereas, U.S. Highway 64 in Randolph County is a heavily trafficked highway; and Whereas, this highway includes busy intersections that can create congestion and dangerous traffic situations; and Whereas, the intersection of SR 246912628 and US. Highway 64 (crossroads leading to Parks Crossroad Church on one side and to Captain Tom's Restaurant on the opposite side) is one such dangerous intersection; and Whereas, there have already been a number of accidents with two separate fatalities and a number of injuries at this intersection; and Whereas, the community around this intersection is extremely concerned and upset about this dangerous intersection; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby urge the N. C. Department of Transportation to install a traffic signal at the intersection of SR 2469/2628 and US. Highway 64 in Randolph County. Award Bid to Digitize Reel Film at Register of Deeds Jane Leonard said that an informal bid process was conducted to have the reel film at the Register of Deeds office digitized, indexed by book and page, and images integrated with existing computerized index. This will create electronic images for documents that were filmed between 1986 and 1990, the year the Register of Deeds moved from microfilming to scanning as a method of preserving real estate records. The following bids were received: Vendor Total Bid AmCad $16,500.00 VIT $16,140.00 AIS $36,975.00 The bid from VIT appears to be the lowest bid; however, their bid does not include any integration into the current system. The bid submitted by AmCad met the specifications as required and included integration. Therefore, AmCad is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to award the contract to digitize reel film at the Register of Deeds office to AmCad at a cost of $16,500. Award Bid for Security Cameras at Jail Jane Leonard said that an informal bid process was conducted to install a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera system at the Randolph County Jail. Requests for proposals were sent to 4 vendors as well as being listed on the County website. However, only Asheboro Key and Lock responded; their bid was $43,612.65, including tax. Although the proposal for Asheboro Key and Lock exceeded our original budget, the Sheriff s Office has been able to identify funds within their budget to proceed with the project. Asheboro Key and Lock met our specifications as well as the requirements of being a responsive and responsible bidder. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to award the contract for security cameras at the jail to Asheboro Key and Lock at a cost of $43,612.65. Request to Remove Victory Junction Gang Camp from the Level Cross Fire District Aimee Scotton, County Attorney, told the Board that Brian Collier, CEO of the Victory Junction Gang Camp, has asked that the camp be removed from the Level Cross Fire District so that it can be placed in the Randleman Fire Response District, which provides 24 -hour -a -day call service. Randleman will be the primary responder with Level Cross providing backup service. On motion of Davis, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to remove the Victory Junction Gang Camp from the Level Cross Fire District. Set Special Called Meeting Date Frank Willis, County Manager, said that a joint meeting with the City of Randleman needed to be set in order to hold a public hearing on an economic development project. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to set 5: 00 p. m., June 28, 2004, for a special joint meeting and public hearing with the City of Randleman concerning an unnamed economic development project. Presentation of FY04-05 Personnel Proposal Kim Newsom, Personnel Director, told the Board that he had completed an analysis of Randolph County salaries and benefits utilizing other jurisdictions considered to be comparable and/or contiguous to our boundaries. The County's turnover rate for the past year increased slightly from 10.8% in 2002 to 11.2% in 2003. Based on the analysis, it appears that we are still 6.13% below the surveyed jurisdictions and Mr. Newsom recommended increasing our pay plan by 2.5%, which would cost $590,908. Mr. Newsom also analyzed the County's management staff salaries. He said that these salaries are now about 18% below on average and need attention. He recommended a management pay adjustment totaling $68,683. He also recommended increasing the compensation for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from $7200 to $8400 and the Commissioners from $4800 to $6000 for a total of $6,459. Finally, Mr. Newsom recommended a proposal to begin a 401k employer contribution for non -sworn employees in County government and the Sheriffs Office. He reminded the Board that the County currently provides a 5% contribution level to all sworn employees as required by state law. Mr. Newsom's proposal calls for an initial 2% contribution level for the first year and then to add 1% per year until the 5% level is reached. The cost for a 2% 401k contribution would be $340,000. Presentation of Proposed FY 2004-2005 Budget Frank Willis, County Manager, presented his proposed FY 2004-2005 budget message. This budget proposes a tax rate of 50¢ per $100 valuation, which is unchanged from last year. The proposed tax rate is based on a total valuation of $8,450,000,000, and the budget totals $88,981,737. Mr. Willis mentioned various capital needs including the construction of a new library in Seagrove, the purchase of additional water from the Randleman Lake; Randolph County, Asheboro City and RCC Schools capital projects; implementation of the Randolph County Master Recreation Plan and renovations to the old courthouse building. He also reminded the Board that the County had benefitted recently by refunding a large portion of outstanding debt, thus lowering our debt service payments. The County also benefitted from restructuring a portion of an escrow fund on the new debt, which netted a savings of just under $1,000,000. These funds have been included in the 2004-05 proposed budget as an addition to appropriated fund balance, with an equal amount added to the Contingency expenditures (with an undesignated purpose). The Board may use these savings as a resource to pay for priority needs that are identified during the June budget meetings. At 5:40 p.m. the Board recessed until the 6:30 p.m. rezoning public hearing. 8 Rezoning Public Hearing At 6:30 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests. Hal Johnson, Planning and Zoning Administrator, presented the following requests, and Chairman Holmes opened the public hearing for comments on each request and closed it before taking action on each request. 1. JOSEPH & SUSAN FREEMAN, Asheboro, North Carolina, is requesting that 1 acre (out of 2.20 acres) located at 2024 NC Hwy 49S (across from Walker Road), Cedar Grove Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial/Conditional Use. Tax ID# 7639893356. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would specially allow a lawn & garden center and landscaping business in a proposed 25'x 35' building. The Planning Board considered this request at a public meeting on May 4, 2004, and recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Neil and Susan Freeman, applicants residing at 2024 Hwy 49 S, Asheboro, spoke in support of their request. They said that they had operated a lawn care business for over 18 years and want to try the retail side of the lawn and garden business. Their proposed building will resemble an old general store and they want to sell bedding plants and pine straw, etc. On motion of Davis, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of Neil and Susan Freeman. 2. GARY MORRIS, Sophia, North Carolina, is requesting that the Conditional Use Permit issued on 1.02 acres located at 5491 US Hwy 2205, Richland Township, Light Industrial/Conditional Use Zoning District, be changed. Tax ID# 7657928701. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow an automotive body repair & towing operation. Property Owners - J.J. & Sons Pressure Washing. The Planning Board considered this request at a public meeting on May 4, 2004, and recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Gary Morris, applicant residing at 1755 Benton Rd., Sophia, spoke in support of his request. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of Gary Morris. 3. LEON MATTHEWS, Siler City, North Carolina, is requesting that 1 acre (out of 17.01 acres) located at 3418 Old Coleridge Road, Coleridge Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial/Conditional Use. Tax ID# 8629861896. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow an automotive repair and sale of used parts business from an existing 24'x 40' building. The Planning Board considered this request at public meeting on May 4, 2004, and recommended unanimously that this request be denied. Leon Matthews, applicant, said that he had been operating his garage business but did not realize he was violating any zoning codes. He distributed photos of his property to the Board. He said that the nature of his business requires him to bring in old vehicles that he strips for parts and hauls off to the crusher as soon as possible. He said that he averages about 25-30 junked cars on his property at a time. He said that the 8 -foot fence surrounding his business keeps the junked cars hidden from view from the road. He said that he plans to cut the timber off of the balance of his property (17 acres) in order to pasture it and raise cows. 9 In discussing Mr. Matthews' request and viewing the site plan, it was discovered that the property lines were not drawn correctly on the plan. Shyvonnia McDaniel, who was in attendance in support of Mr. Matthews' request, came forward and said that she is an employee in the Randolph County Tax Department. She said that the Tax Department has been working on resolving the incorrect property lines for several years. Since the incorrect property lines affect this zoning request, County Attorney Aimee Scotton recommended that the Board postpone their decision until the problem can be resolved. Commissioner Mason made a motion to postpone the decision. The motion died for lack of a second. On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board voted unanimously to deny the request of Leon Matthews due to improper form, as currently requested and presented. 4. CLIFF LOFLIN, Denton, North Carolina, is requesting that .69 acre (out of 7.41 acres) located at 7431 Gravel Hill Road, New Hope Township, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial/Conditional Use. Tax ID# 6686592538. The proposed Conditional Use Zoning District would specifically allow storage in an existing 70' x 105' accessory building for a bobcat business that is located on adjacent property. The Planning Board considered this request at public meeting on May 4, 2004, and recommended unanimously that this request be approved. No one spoke. On motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of Cliff Loftin subject to the existing building being brought into compliance with state building code. Adiournment At 7:30 p.m., the Board adjourned. J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye Phil Kemp Robert O. Mason Robert B. Davis Cheryl A. Ivey, Deputy Clerk to the Board 10