Loading...
100200October 2, 2000 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. Invocation was given by Chaplain Lt. Colonel Bob Shackleford, Wing Chaplain of the 145th Airlift Wing, N.C. National Guard. Following invocation, the Randolph County Honor Guard posted the colors and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Special Award of Republic of Korea War Service Medal to James E. Allred and Boyd Allred Retired Army Colonel Guy Troy of Liberty explained that two heroes of Randolph County were being honored today for their service in Korea fifty years ago. He gave an overview of the Korean War and a summary of the Allred brothers' experiences. Boyd Allred of Asheboro and his brother, James Edgar, of Julian served in the Army and both were taken prisoner shortly after arriving in Korea. At the end ofthe war, the Korean government issued the Republic of Korea War Service Medal to all United Nations troops who had served there. At that time, the U.S. government prohibited American military people from wearing medals issued by foreign governments. In 1998, the Korean government reissued this medal, and in 1999, the U.S. Department of Defense approved the acceptance and wearing of this medal. Retired four-star Army General Sam Walker of Fayetteville, a combat veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, awarded the medals to the Allreds, who are believed to be the first in North Carolina to receive them. Colonel Troy then recognized the Allred brothers' service and sacrifice while being held as prisoners of war and presented them with the Prisoner of War Medal. Other Korean War veterans present in the audience and recognized by Colonel Troy were James Eugene Allred, Worth Brady, and Daniel Coltrane of Randolph County and Richard Newell of Greensboro. William Long, Vietnam War veteran, spoke to praise Randolph County's Veterans Service Officer, Terry VanVliet. Additions to Consent Agenda Chairman Kemp announced the addition of F. Adopt Proclamation for "Make A Difference" Day and G. Adopt Resolution in Support of Naming New Post Office for Asheboro Mayor Joe Trogdon. Approval of Consent Agenda On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, as follows: approve minutes of September 5, 2000 meeting; reappoint Hal Johnson, Reid Kearns, and Brian Moffitt to the Tourism Development Authority (3 year terms); reappoint Frank Willis, Jane Leonard, and Alice Dawson to the Randolph County Public Facilities Corporation (1 -year terms),- approve erms),approve the following resolution.- WHEREAS, esolution.WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated a .06 mile portion of SR 1886 (Rega/wood Court) from SR 1887 to dead end in Randolph County for purposes of abandonment; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that subject road should be abandoned from the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that a .06 mile portion of SR 1886 (Rega/wood Court) from SR 1887 to dead end in Randolph County be abandoned from the Division of Highways' Secondary Road System. appoint to the various Firemen's Relief Fund Boards of Trustees: Coleridge - Amos Needham, JC. Loftin, Jr.; East Side - Jimmy Pell, Donald Clapp; Farmer - Roger King, Gene Crawford; Franklinville - James Parrish, Keith Bowers; Guil-Rand - Edward Blair, Ronald Helms; Level Cross - John Hussey, Kenneth Adams; Northeast Randolph - Larry Williams, William Flowe, Jr.; Seagrove- Darrell Voncannon, Jack McKenzie; Sophia - Donald Allred, Edwin Beeson; Southwest - Troy Powell, Wiley Hurley; Staley - Randy Davis, Terry Williams; Tabernacle - Darrell Owenby, Jesse Wilson; Tiger Country - Wade Craven, Tony Lowe; Ulah - Henry Wilson, Ted Scott; Westside - Brian Hedgepeth, Mark Jordan. adopt the following proclamation: WHEREAS, serious social problems concern our nation and threaten its future; and WHEREAS, connecting with others and working together through volunteer service can bridge the differences that separate people and help solve serious social problems; and WHEREAS, we, the American people, have a tradition of philanthropy and volunteerism; and WHEREAS, millions of self-sacrificing individuals touched and enhanced the lives of millions on the ninth annual day of doing good by giving where there was a need, rebuilding what had been torn down, teaching where there was a desire to learn and inspiring those who had lost hope; and WHEREAS, USA WEEKEND magazine and its affiliate newspapers and The Points of Light Foundation and its affiliate volunteer centers have joined to promote an annual national day of doing good that celebrates and strengthens the spirit of volunteer service; and WHEREAS, volunteer service is an investment in the future we must all share; NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim October 28, 2000 as Make A Difference Day in Randolph County and urge our fellow citizens to observe this day by connecting with friends, fellow employees and relatives and with religious, school and civic groups to engage in projects benefiting their community. adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor William J. (Joe) Trogdon has faithfully served the citizens of Asheboro, North Carolina since 1964 as a member of the Planning Board, City council and as Mayor since 1983; and WHEREAS, Mayor Trogdon was a very instrumental part of the efforts that resulted in the decision by the United States Postal Service to construct a new facility in Asheboro; and WHEREAS, Mayor Trogdon on a daily basis takes it upon himself to assure the citizens of Asheboro are provided with quality services from their government; and WHEREAS, under his leadership, the City of Asheboro has progressed and grown to become one of the premier communities in North Carolina and a highly desirable place to live and do business; and WHEREAS, the efforts of Mayor Trogdon have complemented and enhanced the appearance and image of the City of Asheboro and Randolph County; and WHEREAS, these efforts and actions set a proper example of community pride for both youth and adults alike; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners do hereby formally request that legislation be passed that will officially dedicate and name the new Asheboro, North Carolina Post Office in honor of Mayor William J. (Joe) Trogdon. Approval of Scope of Work on Old Courthouse; Budget Amendment Bill Moser, architect with Moser Mayer Phoenix Associates, reported that his firm had been requested to evaluate the stabilization of the Historic Courthouse. With the help of J.H. Allen, the general contractor for the new courthouse construction project, they determined that the building is structurally sound, but the roof is in very poor condition and needs replacing. The building needs new gutters, cornices and the outside needs painting. There will also be some minor structural work required as well as some window and masonry work. Scaffolding will be required for some of the work. The total estimate for this work as a change order to J.H. Allen's contract is $752,841. The County has budgeted only $300,000 for stabilization work; therefore, an additional $452,841 would be needed. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the recommended scope of workpresented by Mr. Moser and approved Budget Amendment #11 to the 2000-2001 Annual Budget and Budget Amendment #4 to the Courthouse Project Capital Project Ordinance, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #11 Revenue Increase Fund Balance Appropriated $452,841 Appropriation Increase Public Buildings - Maintenance $452,841 COURTHOUSE PROJECT CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE - #4 Revenue Increase Contribution from General Fund $452,841 Appropriation Increase Project Construction & Renovation Professional Fees $417,191 $35,650 Approval to Purchase Two Ambulances Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, asked approval to purchase two new ambulances instead of the two ambulance remounts that were approved in this year's budget. Wheeled Coach is the vendor that was awarded the state ambulance contract this year. This vendor is the supplier of all our units currently in service. The purchase of two new units will allow us to recover from not being able to remount but one unit last budget year, although two were budgeted. The industry trend is moving away from remounting of ambulance boxes; therefore, there are fewer vendors to choose for this service. They are in high demand and cannot provide fast service due to the workload. Our one remount last year took seven months to complete. Mr. Allen said that state law allows us to purchase from a state contract vendor even though we were not a party to the original state contract. The County advertised in The Courier -Tribune Randolph County's intent to purchase these ambulances, and we received no responses to the advertisement. No additional funds will be needed since the funds for one remount were carried forward to this budget year. On motion of Mason, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously waived the formal bid requirements and approved the purchase of two new ambulances from Wheeled Coach of North Carolina (State Ambulance Purchase Contract dated April 20, 2000) at a price of $70,042 each. Approval to Purchase Election Ballots Susana Vang, Purchasing Technician, asked that the Elections Office be allowed to purchase General Election ballots for the upcoming elections. The N.C. State Board of Elections has contracted with Fayetteville Printing & Office Supply Company to supply election ballots. This vendor will print the ballots per the State specifications. No other vendor contacted could meet these special requirements. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the purchase of 80, 000 General Election ballots from Fayetteville Printing & Office Supply Company, Inc. for a total estimated cost of $15,180. Approval of Resolution for Donation of Surplus Items to RCC for Emergency Training Center Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, stated that RCC has requested one of our old ambulances that has been taken off-line and four old portable radios no longer in service to use at their new training facility. The County may, under GS 160A-274, transfer this property to RCC without any monetary consideration. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the following resolution: WHEREAS, Randolph County has in its possession a 1993 Ambulance (THIN IFDKF37MIPNB36809) and four portable radios (Serial # 7335216645, 229438337, 411AHQ0508, 411AHQ0509); and WHEREAS, Randolph County has received a request from Randolph Community College to have this equipment donated to the College; and WHEREAS, Counties are authorized by GS 160A-247 to transfer property to other governmental units; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL VED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that the ambulance and radios be declared surplus and be donated to Randolph Community College. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Jane H. Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, is authorized to handle the transfer of this equipment to the College. Approval of Resolution Establishing Heritage Committee Hal Johnson, Planning Director, reminded the Board that at their August 7, 2000 meeting, they received a report and recommendations from the Randolph County Heritage Task Force. The Board agreed to further consider the following recommendations: 1. establish a standing Heritage Committee to facilitate implementation of the Heritage Task Force report presented August 7, 2000. (Task Force members could serve on the Committee.) 2. establish a committee to develop an economically feasible countywide recreation plan that could be used to protect and promote heritage sites that provide leisure activities for visitors and county residents. (Committee could designate a subcommittee.) 3. explore the establishment of a countywide historic preservation commission. (Committee could designate a subcommittee.) Mary Joan Pugh, Task Force member, presented a proposed resolution establishing the Heritage Committee. The Board agreed that a County Commissioner should also serve on the Heritage Committee and by consensus appointed Commissioner Davis to serve. Hal Johnson pointed out that the Board of Realtors have recommended Vickie Lorimer and Debbie Craven to serve as their representatives on the Committee. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the membership of the Heritage Committee as revised and approved the following resolution: WHEREAS, Randolph County is rich in a variety of natural heritage and heritage tourism resources, and WHEREAS, communities are finding that natural heritage asset management can enhance the quality of life for their residents and sustain a strong local economy; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners appointed the Randolph County Heritage Task Force to review the natural heritage and heritage tourism inventories and to recommend actions to the Board to protect and enhance these resources, and WHEREAS, the Heritage Task Force has recommended to the Board of Commissioners the establishment of a Heritage Committee to facilitate implementation of the report recommendations,- NOW, ecommendations,NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RANDOLPH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.- That OMMISSIONERS.That the Heritage Task Force is hereby established as the Randolph County Heritage Committee with those citizens having been appointed to the Heritage Task Force serving as members of the Committee. That the Heritage Committee form subcommittees as required to perform the Committee's responsibilities, which include the following.- A. ollowing.A. Develop protection plans for the natural heritage and heritage tourism sites and disseminate protection information to landowners,- B. andowners,B. Explore the feasibility of a countywide recreational plan that will protect and promote heritage sites that provide leisure activities for county residents and visitors; C. Explore the feasibility of establishment of a countywide historic preservation commission. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED.- That ESOLVED.That the role of this Committee will be advisory and shall not conflict with the authority designated to other County agencies or boards by statute or ordinance. The Randolph County Planning Department shall provide general coordination support to the Heritage Committee. Reauest to Hire Emnlovee Above Standard Job Rate at the Dav Reporting Center Pam Hill, Day Reporting Center Director, told the Board that she would like to hire a Juvenile Day Reporting Center employee above standard job rate, which requires approval from the County Commissioners. The applicant, Dr. Frank Hibbs, has extensive experience in working with youth in a correctional setting, served 20 years in the military, and holds a doctorate degree in education/administration. Sherry Allred, Juvenile Court Counselor, informed the Board that she and her colleagues see the Juvenile Day Reporting Center as a valuable resource, especially since it will keep suspended youth off the streets during the day. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Frank Hibbs at grade 66, step 9. Request for Allocation of New Position for Soil & Water Conservation District Department Barton Roberson, Soil & Water Department Head, explained that an allocated position of Soil & Water Engineer (grade 78) is now vacant. The department would like to reclassify that position to a Soil & Water Technician III (grade 64) and add another position of Soil & Water Technician II (grade 62). We receive a 50% reimbursement from the State for the engineer position and would get the same reimbursement for the Technician III, but none for the Technician II. Because of the lapsed salary from the vacant engineer position, adding the new position would not cost the County anything for the remainder of this year. Beginning next year, it would cost $1,425 more in salary and benefits to hire two technicians instead of an engineer and result in the loss of reimbursement revenue of approximately $13,775. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the allocation of a Soil & Water Technician II to the Soil & Water Conservation District Department. Approval of Soil & Water Conservation Operational Agreement Frank Willis, County Manager, stated that prior to 1990, the Soil & Water Conservation District was a separate agency rather than a County department. Since that time Barton Roberson, a federal Soil & Water employee, has served as the department head, but there has been no formal written agreement between the County and the Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors for the day-to-day operations of this department. Mr. Willis presented an operational agreement specifically delineating everyone's roles and responsibilities and noted that it needs Commissioner approval before it can be implemented.. On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the operational agreement as proposed. Request for Allocation of IV -D Child Support Enforcement Deputy Major Allen McNeill requested that the Sheriff's Office be allocated an additional IV -D Child Support Enforcement deputy. The department has had one IV -D officer since 1995; however, the workload has increased until one officer alone cannot keep up with it. Other deputies must assist, which takes them from their duties. The State pays 66% of the salaries and fringes for these positions, plus 32¢ for each mile the officers drive. For the remaining 9 months of this budget year, the County's cost would be $9,945 for salary and fringes; the Sheriff's Office would supply a car and all equipment for the deputy. On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously allocated a deputy sheriff position, grade 163, to the Sheriff's Office, effective October 1, 2000, and approved Budget Amendment #12 to the FY 20000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #12 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $19,305 Fund Balance Appropriated 9,945 Appropriation Increase Sheriff & Jail $29,250 Request for Allocation of Child Welfare Positions in Social Services Martha Sheriff, Social Services Director, reported that the County is eligible for additional state funding for new Child Welfare staff to meet staffing standards and to address the increase in the child welfare workload. The General Assembly recognized these needs and appropriated $7 million for child welfare positions as a part of the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Block Grant. Based on our current caseload size and staff size, we need three child protective service workers, one protective service intake worker, one foster care worker, and two on-call workers. On motion of Mason, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the allocation of six Social Worker III positions, grade 69, and one Social Worker H position, grade 67, effective November 1, 2000, and approved Budget Amendment #13 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #13 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $177,495 Appropriation Increase Social Services $177,495 Resolution Supporting Community College and University Bonds On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the following resolution: WHEREAS, higher education has historically played a tremendous role in building the State of North Carolina into the thriving economic, cultural, and social leader that it is today; and WHEREAS, North Carolina's community colleges and universities allow citizens of this State to learn the skills necessary to compete in today's and tomorrow's competitive economy; and WHEREAS, in the next decade, our community colleges expect more than 57, 000 new students to enroll, and our universities' enrollment will grow by more than 48, 000 students; and WHEREAS, our higher education campuses must upgrade and construct academic, residential and administrative facilities, including critical laboratory and classroom space, to accommodate the growing numbers of students; and WHEREAS, the $3.1 billion bond package approved by the General Assembly will assist our community college and universities in meeting their significant facility needs; and WHEREAS, the bonds are subject to voter approval on the November 2000 ballot and deserve rightful consideration by the citizens of this state; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners strongly supports the higher education bond proposal because it will enable our systems of higher education to better educate tomorrow's students and maintain North Carolina'splace as the national leader in higher education learning and training. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners pledges to educate and inform citizens of our State about the importance of the bonds improving our community colleges and universities, and pledges to encourage voters to approve the bonds this November. Budget Amendments - Library Richard Wells, Library Director, informed the Board that the library has received another e -rate refund of $5,233 from Information Technology Services, due to a discount mandated by the federal government for schools and public libraries. The library has also been awarded a $7,535 grant from the State Library as part of the Library Services and Technology Act. The grant will be used to survey Randolph County's Hispanic community to determine those library users' needs and expectations of the library. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendments #14 and #15 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #14 Revenue Increase Miscellaneous $5,233 Appropriation Increase Public Library $5,233 GENERAL FUND - #15 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $7,535 Appropriation Increase Public Library $7,535 Budget Amendment - Day Reporting Center Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, announced that Randolph County will receive discretionary grant funding for $25,000 from the Division of Community Corrections, Criminal Justice Partnership Program. The grant is for the purchase of a 15 -passenger van. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #16 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #16 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $25,000 Appropriation Increase Day Reporting Center $25,000 Budget Amendment - Public Health On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment #17 to the FY 2000-2001 Annual Budget to reflect the receipt of $10, 000 in state funding to work toward benchmarks of certification as a Healthy Carolinians Task Force, as follows: GENERAL FUND - #17 Revenue Increase Restricted Intergovernmental $10,000 Appropriation Increase Public Health $10,000 Closed Session - Economic Development On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted at 6:08 p. m. to go into closed session to discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industry in the area served by the Board, pursuant to NAGS 143-318.11(a)(4). The Board returned to regular session at 6:45 p.m. Rezoning Public Hearing At 6:45 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests. Hal Johnson, Planning & Zoning Director, presented the following requests, and Chairman Kemp opened the public hearing for comments on each request and closed it before taking action on each request: 1. KEN MCDOWELL, Asheboro, is requesting that 69.81 acres located off Hwy 42 South, Grant Township, be rezoned from RA to RE/CU. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow a 29 -lot expansion to Hayfield Acres Subdivision for site -built homes only. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved with the following conditions: * Deed restrictions should be the same as those currently existing in Hayfield Acres; * Development should be redesigned to require access from Hwy 42 (instead of Linnie Court); and * No new road connection should be allowed on Linnie Court. Ken McDowell, 1926 Old Humble Mill Road, Asheboro, said he had done everything he had been asked to do. He clarified that the two lots on Hwy 42 will access to the new road. On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved this request, with the conditions recommended by the Planning Board. 2. K & L ENTERPRISES, Ramseur, is requesting that 36.2 acres on Old Humble Mill Road, Grant Township, be rezoned from First Environmental (E-1) to RE/CU. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow the development of a 7 -lot residential subdivision for site -built homes and conventional modular homes only. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved with the following condition: * Developer work with the Planning Staff to establish the appropriate buffer along Old Humble Mill Road, with the buffer design continuing to protect the intent of the E-1 Zoning District. Ken McDowell, 1926 Old Humble Mill Road, said a soil scientist had determined perk sites and that their location allows only the 7 lots with the configuration shown on his site plan. He said a buffer would be left along the road, and the restrictions will be like those for Hayfield Acres except that crane -set modular houses will be allowed. The road will be built to D.O.T. standards. Dr. David Jones, NC Zoological Park Director, said he is not against this application per se, just the precedent of laying aside the E-1 Zoning designation. He said the NC Zoo is unique internationally and that we need to pay attention to the density and the rural nature of the area and be very careful about setting precedents. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved this request, with the condition of a 25 -foot buffer and other Planning Board recommendations. 3. PIEDMONT TRIAD REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY, Greensboro, is requesting that .59 acre (out of 4.97 acres) located on U.S. Hwy 311, New Market Township, be rezoned from R.A. to R.A./CU. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow a 185' water tank to be constructed. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Frank Kime, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority, spoke in support of the request. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved this request. 4. THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC., High Point, is requesting that 48.77 acres located on Prospect Street, Trinity Township, be rezoned from RA to HI/CU. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow a bus assembly plant. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. A natural buffer is recommended to protect the subdivision behind this tract of land. Joe Humble, engineer for Thomas Built Buses, stated that everything has been worked out for this site if it is approved. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved this request. 5. DWIGHT MEREDITH, Trinity, is requesting that 17.25 acres located on Old Mountain Road, Tabernacle Township, be rezoned from R.A. to RR/CU. The proposed Conditional Use Permit would specifically allow a 14 -lot residential subdivision for site -built homes, modular homes, or Class A double -wide mobile homes. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. On motion of Frye, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved this request. 6. DEAN WALL, Sophia, is requesting that .65 acre located at 5862 U.S. Hwy 311, New Market Township, be rezoned from RR to Office & Institutional/Conditional Use. The proposed Conditional Use would specifically allow the operation for an office and sales of a lumberyard. The Planning Board recommended unanimously that this request be approved. Dean Wall, 22073 Old Plank Road, Sophia, said this site will house his office, which he now has in his home. On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved this request. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Phil Kemp, Chairman J. Harold Holmes Robert O. Mason Darrell L. Frye Robert B. Davis Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board