010702January 7, 2002
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting
Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC. Commissioners Kemp, Frye,
Holmes, Davis, and Mason were present. Rev. Tim Rogers, Victory Baptist Church, Seagrove, gave the
invocation, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
Chairman Kemp announced the deletion of appointment of Dr. Sam Christenberry to the Board of
Health. Dr. Christenberry has changed his mind about serving at this time.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, as
follows:
➢ Approve minutes from December 3, 2001 meeting;
➢ Approve the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Windjlower Lane and Pine Creek
Ridge in the Woodridge Creek Subdivision; and
WHEREAS, the subject streets have been found to meet minimum requirements for addition;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that
Windjlower Lane and Pine Creek Ridge in the Woodridge Creek Subdivision be added to the Division of
Highways' Secondary Road System.
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Eagle Landing Drive, Eagle Point
Drive and Eagle Nest Court in the Eagle Creek Subdivision; and
WHEREAS, the subject streets have been found to meet minimum requirements for addition;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that
Eagle Landing Drive, Eagle Point Drive and Eagle Nest Court in the Eagle Creek Subdivision be added to
the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System.
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated Rayle Farm Road and Rayle Farm
Court in Murphy Acres Subdivision; and
WHEREAS, the subject streets have been found to meet minimum requirements for addition;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that
Rayle Farm Road and Rayle Farm Court in Murphy Acres Subdivision be added to the Division of
Highways' Secondary Road System.
➢ Appoint Beth Anne Moran to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (]-year initial
term);
➢ Appoint Dr. Stephen Headlee (Optometrist) to the Board of Health (3 year term);
➢ Reappoint Tom White (Outside Member) to the Asheboro Planning Board (S year term);
➢ Reappoint Sonny Bullard and Tom Kemp to the Randolph County Fire Commission (2 year term);
➢ Reappoint Judy Pike to the Randolph County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (3 -
year term);
➢ Reappoint Larry Brown to the Randolph County Planning Board (3 year term).
Recognition of Randolph County Outstanding Volunteers for 2001
Ann Hoover, Chairman of the Randolph County Volunteer Advisory Board, recognized their
outstanding volunteers: Anne Potter, Harold Davis, Happy Heifer 4-H Dairy Club, Rosanne Delmastro,
Mildred Summerlin, Ash -Rand Rescue Squad & EMS, Inc., Larry Allgood, and George Bain. Chairman
Kemp presented certificates of appreciation to the volunteers on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
Randolph County Economic Development Corporation Annual Report
Bonnie Renfro, President of the EDC, reviewed 2001's economic picture for Randolph County.
She pointed out that the slowdown in the economy, both locally and nationally, resulted in a new high
unemployment rate of 5.2% and the consolidation and/or closing of some local business operations. On
the other hand, $40 million in new industrial investment and the creation of 500+ new jobs fueled the
local economy. The EDC constructed a second speculative industrial building in the Liberty Business
Park and purchased 47 acres in Randleman that will become the West Randleman Business Park. Ms.
Renfro said the EDC Board's goals for this year are in the areas of workforce development, industrial
product development, and creating a sustainable competitive edge.
Request for Resolution of Support Concerning Regional Land Use Transportation Planning
Hal Johnson, Planning Director, explained that P.A.R.T. (Piedmont Authority for Regional
Transportation) was formed in 1998 to improve transportation through promoting regional cooperation
and to provide a transportation planning process based on a selected land use scenario for the year 2025.
P.A.R.T. has been working on land use policies with the municipalities and counties in developing a
regional land use structure where a multi -modal system of transportation services can function.
Jim Yarbrough, Planning Consultant with P.A.R.T., provided transportation statistics and asked
for support of P.A.R.T.'s long-range land use planning policies.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (P.A.R.T.) has been organized to
promote regional cooperation in creating better transportation solutions for the region; and
WHEREAS, in order to create better regional transportation options, it is essential that supportive and
complementary land development patterns be established; and
WHEREAS, there has been conducted a regional study identifying the most effective ways that land
development and transportation can be coordinated; and
WHEREAS, P.A.R.T. has asked local planning boards and land use decision-making bodies in the
Piedmont Triad area to either adopt the recommended policies and actions from that study or to certify that the
adopted comprehensive plan is consistent with those policies; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County is a participating member government ofP.A.R.T and is committed to the
development of long-range transportation plans for Randolph County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RANDOLPH COUNTYBOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS THAT:
The Board of County Commissioners find that the 2025 Policies and Actions are appropriate for regional
land use and transportation planning in the Piedmont Triad and will work to coordinate the County comprehensive
plan with those policies and actions.
Randolph County Heritage Committee Recreation Master Plan
Mary Joan Pugh, Chairman of the Randolph County Heritage Committee, presented their
recommendation for a parks and recreation master plan for Randolph County. The cost would be
approximately $50,000, and the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority has pledged $10,000
for this project.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously voted to allocate up to $40, 000
over a two-year period for a parks and recreation master plan and approved the following budget
amendment:
GENERAL FUND - # 16
Revenue Increase
Fund Balance Appropriated $40,000
Appropriation Increase
Planning & Zoning $40,000
Annual Independent Audit Report
Will Massie, Deputy Finance Officer, presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for
year ended June 30, 2001. He stated that the County is in good financial shape and pointed out that actual
costs in all major categories of expenditures were under budget. He reported that Sharrard McGee & Co.,
the firm who conducted the County's independent audit, has closed its Asheboro office. Mr. Massie
recognized Steve Hackett, the individual who actually performed the County's audit, who was present to
answer any questions the Board might have about the audit. The Board and Manager thanked Mr.
Hackett for his good work.
Commissioner Mason left the meeting at this point and did not return.
Volunteer Agricultural Districts Ordinance
Hal Johnson, Planning and Zoning Director, stated that in August 2001, the County
Commissioners had received a petition from the Randolph Livestock and Poultry Improvement
Association requesting the adoption of an ordinance to establish voluntary agricultural districts. The
Association felt that such an ordinance could work with the proposed Growth Management Plan so that
growth and development in rural areas would be accompanied by added protection of farms from non-
farm development. Since that time the County Planning and Zoning Department, Cooperative Extension
and Soil & Water Conservation District have been working with the agricultural community to develop a
proposed Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance. This process included a special meeting with Dr.
Ted Feitshans, N.C. State University. Mr. Johnson noted that the Farmland Preservation Enabling Act of
1985, which authorizes counties to establish farmland preservation programs, includes voluntary
agricultural districts. The voluntary agricultural district is an added way to recognize the importance of
agriculture to the economic and cultural life of Randolph County. The proposed ordinance sets up an
Agricultural District Advisory Board from 6 areas of the county, who would determine if a farm meets the
criteria to be designated as a voluntary agricultural district.
Lynn Qualls, Cooperative Extension Director, reviewed the process used for getting the
community involved. She said all segments of the agricultural community and all agriculture -related
agencies had reviewed the draft ordinance being presented today.
County Attorney Alan Pugh questioned the legality of a County Commissioner serving on the
advisory board since appeals are made to the County Commissioners. Ms. Qualls said staff would work
on rewriting that section. Mr. Pugh also suggested that the Board consider making this ordinance a
section of the Unified Development Ordinance.
Chairman Kemp instructed that this item be placed on the February agenda. At that time, they will
vote on the ordinance and determine the makeup and start time for the advisory board.
Contract with Tax Reduction Specialists, Inc.
Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that the County has been approached by Tax
Reduction Specialists (a division of Utilities Reduction Specialists) about doing a sales tax reallocation
audit. The fee for this service would be 30% of any refunds the County receives from the Department of
Revenue.
Michael Blackburn of Tax Reduction Specialists explained that a sales tax reallocation is
identifying the actual county that received the county tax on the original sale of merchandise. Often the
non-profit agencies within a county do not property file their claims for refund with the state. Such an
audit would take 3-9 months to complete.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved a contract with Tax
Reduction Specialists and authorized the County Manager to execute the contract.
Rezoning Public Hearing
The Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to consider rezoning
requests. Hal Johnson, Planning Director, presented the following requests and Chairman Kemp opened
the public hearing for comments on each request and closed it before voting on each request.
1. YER XIONG, Asheboro, is requesting that 10.01 acres located at 5401 Millie Lane, Union Township,
be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Residential Restricted/Conditional Use to allow the division
of a 10.01 -acre tract (within an exempt subdivision) into 2 lots that would allow doublewide mobile
homes, modular or site -built homes. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be
approved.
No one spoke for or against this request.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved this request.
2. THOMAS CROSS, Franklinville, is requesting that 2.78 located on Whites Memorial Road, Belle
Cross Subdivision, Lot # 1, Franklinville Township, be rezoned from Residential Restricted to Residential
Agricultural/Conditional Use to allow the placement of a singlewide mobile home. The Planning Board
recommended unanimously that this request be approved with the condition that the property not be used
for rental purposes.
No one spoke for or against this request.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved this request.
3. DONALD LANIER, Asheboro, is requesting that 38.27 acres located on Soapstone Mountain Road,
Columbia Township, Sandy Creek Watershed, be rezoned from Residential Agricultural to Residential
Exclusive/Conditional Use (30.06 acres) and Residential Restricted/Conditional Use (8.21 acres). The
proposed Conditional Use Zoning would specifically allow a 23 -lot subdivision with 17 lots (totaling
30.06 acres) to be zoned Residential Exclusive/Conditional Use to allow site -built and conventional
modular (off -frame) homes only and 6 lots (totaling 8.21 acres) to be zoned Residential
Restricted/Conditional Use to allow site -built, modular or doublewide mobile homes on permanent
masonry foundations with a minimum of 1,400 sq. ft. The Planning Board recommended unanimously
that this request be approved.
Donald Lanier, 2615 Tot Hill Farm Road, Asheboro, said he had removed several old mobile
homes from the property and had been sensitive to the adjacent McMasters Cemetery. He said the middle
6.3 -acre lot is in the watershed and has a beaver pond on it but has room for a septic system. Houses on
the new road would all face that road He asked to address the opposition's concerns after they speak.
Hazel Kimrey, 6844 Sandy Creek Church Road, Staley, had concerns about lack of buffers and
play areas and proximity to the old Liberty dump. She said 7 houses in a 2 -mile radius are for sale, and
more houses are not needed in this area.
David Posey, 6367 Whites Chapel Road, said the proposed Growth Management Plan shows this
area as a rural conservation area. He said he would like to see a reduction of lots to 14 and fewer
doublewides.
Ted Fulk, 2151 Soapstone Mountain Road, said this road is like a community; it is not a
development. He appealed to the Board to turn down this request.
Em Vastagh, 1707 Landis Drive, said the proposed development has too many houses, and the
lots are too small.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously denied this request, noting that it
is not in keeping with what is already in the area.
Approval of ADM Application for Debt Service Payment
Frank Willis, County Manager, reported that the Randolph County Board of Education has
approved an application to draw down $1,867,260 from the State Public School Building Capital Fund to
pay a portion of the 1995 COP'S debt service in this current fiscal year.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the Board of
Education's application for State Public Building Capital Funds.
Approval of Resolution Designating Highway 705 as "Pottery Highway"
On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the following
resolution:
WHEREAS, the pottery industry is a unique form of art and business activity centered in a region of
Moore and Randolph Counties; and
WHEREAS, pottery from approximately 100 shops is sold annually to visitors from all over the world,
many of whom personally visit these shops; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Highway 705 traverses this area as the main highway for the pottery region;
and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Highway 705 starts at NC 211 and ends at Interstate 73/74; and
WHEREAS, it is requested that signs be placed at both ends of North Carolina Highway 705 and at
strategic points along the way denoting its designation as "Pottery Highway; "
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Boards of Commissioners in Moore and Randolph
Counties proudly support these "world-famous potteries" by requesting the North Carolina Department of
Transportation to formally designate North Carolina Highway 705 as the "Pottery Highway, " with appropriate
signage installed at both ends and strategic points along the way.
Set Date for a January Work Session on the Proposed Growth Management Plan
The Board set 6:00 p.m. on January 15 for a work session on the proposed Growth Management
Plan.
Mental Health Reform Training for County Officials
Chairman Kemp reminded the Board of a mental health -training seminar set for January 17. The
Clerk was instructed to register Commissioners Kemp and Holmes, County Manager Frank Willis, and
Mental Health Director Maize Fleetwood.
Determine Meeting Date for March
Because of a National Association of Counties conference the first week in March, the Board
decided to hold their regular March meeting on the 11th.
Budget Amendments - Juvenile Justice Programs, Library, Health Department
County Manager Frank Willis informed the Board that the Department of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention has notified the County that the budget approved by the NC General Assembly
reduced our anticipated funding by $5,000. The public library has received another e -rate refund from
Information Technology Services in the amount of $905.25. The Randolph Hospital Community Health
Foundation has awarded the Health Department a $2,000 grant to fund a day of education and training in
pregnancy prevention for at -risk sixth graders at Braxton Craven School.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the following budget
amendments:
GENERAL FUND - # 17
Revenue
Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$5,000
Appropriation
Decrease'
Juvenile Justice Programs
$5,000
GENERAL FUND - # 18
Revenue Increase '>
Miscellaneous $905
Appropriation Increase
Public Library $905
GENERAL FUND - # 19
Revenue Increase
Miscellaneous $2000
Appropriation Increase
Public Health $2000
Closed Session for Economic Development
On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted at 8:05 p.m. to go into
closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the area served by
the Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to N. C. G. S. 143-318.11(a) (4). They returned to regular
session at 8:35 p.m.
Request to Address the Board
Don Lanier, whose rezoning request had been denied earlier in the meeting, asked to address the
Board. Mr. Lanier stated that he had met with neighbors of the rezoning site prior to tonight's meeting
and that he had understood they had all agreed on a compromise. Then they came to the meeting tonight
and totally opposed his request. Mr. Lanier said the Board is getting incorrect information.
The Commissioners told Mr. Lanier that the number of lots and the density of the proposed
development weighed heavier in their decision to deny the request than did comments made by the
neighbors. They also pointed out that the compromise was that he would ask for 14 lots, all for
doublewide mobile homes, but that was not what he asked for.
Mr. Lanier said that once he found out what the neighbors were going to say in the public hearing,
he stayed with his original request.
Chairman Kemp told Mr. Lanier that a change to 14 lots would be a significant change in the
request. With such an amended application, he could reapply without waiting the usual period of one
year.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Phil Kemp, Chairman
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Darrell L. Frye
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board