060799June 7, 1999
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 Frye, Kemp,
Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present. Invocation was given by Rev. John Butler, Wesley Chapel A.M.E.
Zion Church in Asheboro and Aging Planning Specialist with Piedmont Triad Council of Governments Area
Agency on Aging. Following invocation, everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Presentation of Retirement Plaque
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Frye presented a retirement plaque to Jason Thornburg, Maintenance
Department, for 211/2 years of service.
Additions to Agenda
Chairman Frye announced the addition of New Business Item K. Voting Delegate and Alternate for NACo
Annual Conference and Budget Amendment Item D. Mental Health.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, as
follows:
• Approve minutes of May 3 and May 10, 1999;
• Approve two sets of closed session minutes (J I and J 2) of May 3, 1999;
• Reappoint Rhonda Winters to the Nursing Home/Adult Care Home Committee (three-year term);
• Reappoint Phil Ridge to the County Planning Board (three-year term);
• Aging Services Planning Committee: appoint Rev. John Butler, Debbie Conley and Sandra Allen;
reappoint Pat Callicutt, Rosemary Fox, Janet Henley, Duffy Johnson, John McGlohon, Donna Moore,
Peggy Morrison, Lee Phoenix, Eloise Poe, Jack Pugh, Jr., Joy Ratliffe, Candie Rudzinski, Marion Smith,
Dr. Ann Suggs, Rev. Charles Tyson, Carolyn Vickrey, Janet Ward, and Frank Willis (one-year terms);
• Reappoint Dr. Ted Anderson, Pressley Barnette, Dr. Ann Suggs, and Leo Derrick, Jr. to the Mental Health
Board (four-year terms);
• Reappoint Robby Davis to the RCC Board of Trustees (four-year term);
• Reappoint Annie Shaw to the Jury Commission (two-year term);
• Appoint Ron Fay to fill unexpired term of Guy Troy on TDA (term expires 10199);
• Approve the following resolutions:
Whereas, the Department of Transportation has investigated 0.58 mile Sandy Ridge Drive in the SandyRidge 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 0.58 mile Sandy Ridge Drive in the
Sandy Ridge Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways ' Secondary Road system.
Whereas, the Department of Transportation has investigated 0.57 mile Wildwood Road and 0.28 mile Huckleberry Lane in the
Brookgreen 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 0.57 mile WildwoodRoad and 0.28
mile Huckleberry Lane in the Brookgreen Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways ' Secondary Road system.
Whereas, the Department of Transportation has investigated 0.36 mile Lamplight Drive in the Crossridge 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 0.36 mile Lamplight Drive in the
Crossridge Subdivision be added to the Division of Highways' Secondary Road system.
Aging Services - 1999-2000 Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Allocations
Candie Rudzinski, Aging Services Planning Coordinator, reported that the Aging Services Planning
Committee has approved a recommendation for the HCCBG allocations for FY 1999-2000, totaling $578,217.
The Aging Services budget should also include DSS match of $9,657.
On motion of Kemp , seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the HCCBG Funding Plan
as indicated on Form DOA -731 requesting a total of $578,217 and the DSS match totaling $9,65 7for FY
1999-2000 for Randolph County.
Acceptance of 1999-2000 EDTAP and Other Supplemental Funds
Ms. Rudzinski stated that during the next fiscal year the County may be allotted additional funds from
EDTAP (Elderly & Disabled Transportation Assistance Program), the NC General Assembly, and/or HCCBG.
Since the turn -around time for completing the necessary budgets and paperwork can be as little as 5-10
working days, she requested blanket approval for the Aging Services Planning Committee to allocate these
funds.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously agreed to accept EDTAP and other
supplemental funds for Aging Services, should they become available, and to allow the Aging Services
Planning Committee to decide how to allocate these funds.
Aging Services Planning Committee Bylaws Revisions
Ms. Rudzinski presented proposed revisions to the Aging Services Planning Committee Bylaws to add
one new non-voting agency (Randolph County Volunteer Center), change membership to 14 voting members,
and to clarify July as the month for electing officers.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the proposed revisions.
Contract for Plat Software System
Ann Shaw, Register of Deeds, reported bids received for a digital plat system for her office, as follows.
This module would allow the department to scan plats into the land records system, making them immediately
available for public retrieval. Plats would also be accessible to the Tax Department and other County offices
through the County network, eliminating paper copies currently transferred between departments.
Vendor
Software
Training & Travel
Annual Support
Total
IKON Office Solutions
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Landata Foresight
$18,490
Included
$2509
$20,999
SMI -Imaging
$18,195
$1990 (2 days)
$1950
$22,135
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously awarded the contract to Landata-
Foresight, the low bidder, for $20,999.
Policv Allowing Retiring Law Enforcement Officers to Purchase Their Service Side Arms
Major Allen McNeill explained that NCGS 20-187.2 allows the governing bodies of law enforcement
agencies to award a retiring law enforcement officer or his/her surviving spouse that officer's service weapon
and to set a cost for that weapon. He recommended the following policy for sworn officers who are retiring
(from the NC State Employees Retirement System under law enforcement retirement) or their surviving
spouses: 5-9 years of service --75% of purchase price of weapon; 10-14 years of service, 50% of purchase
price; 15-19 years of service --25% of purchase price; 20 years or more of service --$1.00. When officers have
worked for the Sheriff's Office at different times, their length of service would be determined by adding
together the years of service from each employment period.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved this policy as recommended
and made the effective date July], 1998.
Appointment of Alternate Member on the County Planning Board
No nominees were offered. This item will be placed on the July 12 agenda.
Voting Delegate and Alternate for NACo Annual Conference
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously appointed Harold Holmes as voting
delegate and Robert Mason as alternate voting delegate for the NACo Annual Conference.
Budget Amendment - Library
Frank Willis, County Manager, reported that the Public Library has received an e -rate refund of
$12,109.19 from Sprint and the State due to a discounted rate that was mandated by the federal government.
The library will also be receiving additional checks in FY 1999-00. They would like to use this money and next
year's money to purchase a van in the fall.
On motion ofMason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #44 to
the FY 1998-99 Annual Budget, as follows:
GENERAL FUND - #44'
Revenue
Increase
Miscellaneous
$12,110
Appropriation
Increase>
Public Library
$12,110
Budget Amendment - CBA
Mr. Willis stated that the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council had applied for $12,255 in
discretionary funding to operate a Junior Sheriff Academy program for 36 at -risk middle school -aged youth.
Randolph County Schools will be the lead agency for this program, and they will contract with the Sheriff's
Office to provide the service.
On motion ofHolmes, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment#45 to
the FY 1998-99 Annual Budget, as follows:
GENERAL FUND - #45'
Revenue
Increase
Restricted Intergovernmental
$12,255
Appropriation
Increase
Community Based Alternatives
$12,255
Governor's Crime Commission Grant for DRC
Pam Hill, Adult Day Reporting Center Director, stated that Randolph County has been awarded a
Governor's Crime Commission Grant of $100,000 over a two-year period (a total allotment of $75,000
requiring a local match of $25,000). These funds are to be used for inpatient residential treatment and
intensive/regular outpatient treatment services for substance abuse.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously agreed to accept the grant funds
and to allocate the required matching funds, as shown in the following budget amendment:
GENERAL FUND - #46'
Revenue
Increase
Fund Balance Appropriated
$12,500
Appropriation
Increase
Adult Day Reporting Center
$12,500
Acquisition of Property for County Schools
Wilson Alexander, Attorney, presented an offer by his client Watkins and Morris, LLC to sell to
Randolph County some property near Eastern Randolph High School. The offer consisted of two offers: (a)
59.4 acres adjoining Eastern Randolph High School for $300,000, which would be payable in 3 equal annual
payments of $100,000 with no interest on January 10, 2000, January 10, 2001 and January 10, 2002; or (b)
132.74 acres adjoining Eastern Randolph High School for $420,000, which would be payable in 3 equal annual
payments of $140,000 with no interest on January 10, 2000, January 10, 2001 and January 10, 2002.
The Board discussed this offer and agreed it was a generous offer but that it came at a time when the
County has no extra funds to purchase it. The Board took no action on this matter.
Budget Amendment - Mental Health
On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #47 to
the FY 1998-99 Annual Budget, which reflects an additional $465,861 received from the State for Mental
Health, as follows:
MENTAL HEALTH - #47
Revenue
Increase
State of NC Revenues
$465,861
Appropriation
Increase
Mental Health Expenditures
$465,861
Forestry Service Annual Report
Vic Owen, District Forester, reported that Randolph County has had a very busy year, with 2,276 acres
planted (an all-time high in the district), 51 tracts with logging activities checked for compliance with forest
practice guideline laws, and 81 forest management plans written. They have been involved with 67 fires since
January. He said there is a gypsy moth infestation in Rockingham County and that these moths will eventually
get to Randolph County.
Presentation of Proposed FY 1999-2000 Budget
Frank Willis, County Manager, presented his proposed FY 1999-2000 budget message. This budget
proposes a tax rate of 51.25¢, which is an increase of 4.75¢, and is based on a total valuation of
$5,740,000,000. Mr. Willis explained that 3¢ of the increase is for capital projects (County Schools, City
Schools, RCC Emergency Training Center, and the Courthouse). The other 1.750 is primarily for the Sheriff s
Department (pay plan adjustments, additional deputies and jailers, and funding of 2 positions previously 75%
covered by grant funds).
Sheriffs Budget
Sheriff Litchard Hurley explained his budget requests and stated that he continues to lose officers to other
agencies where they can make more money. He discussed the increase in the call volume his department
handles. Major Allen McNeill stated that Randolph County has the 7th highest population in North Carolina
for its unincorporated areas.
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 Director, presented the following requests:
1. Garland Ferguson, Staley, is requesting that 55.5 acres on Soapstone Mountain Road, Columbia Township,
Sandy Creek Watershed, be rezoned from RA to RE/CU to allow a 47 -lot subdivision for site -built homes only
with a minimum of 1,300 square feet. The Planning Board unanimously recommended denial.
Mr. Johnson stated that the Planning Board had concerns that the proposed development is too intense for the
character of the vicinity and that traffic from 47 lots onto Soapstone Mountain Road would be too much. He
reported that on June 4 he received from Mr. Ferguson a revised plat and Conditional Use request for 25 lots.
2. Michael Chaffin, Franklinville, is requesting that 5.18 acres at the end of Wedgewood Drive, Providence
Township, Polecat Creek Watershed, be rezoned from RR to RR/CU to allow the development of an 11 -lot
subdivision for site -built or modular homes or double -wide mobile homes with permanent foundations. The
Planning Board unanimously recommended denial.
Mr. Johnson explained that this request is for part of an old subdivision that existed prior to zoning and other
regulations. The Conditional Use is needed because the existing road is not up to state standards, the lots are
not the minimum size required by current zoning regulations, doublewides are being proposed, deed
restrictions for this subdivision have expired, and there is a new owner.
Alan Pugh, County Attorney, advised the Board of Commissioners that he had discussed this request with the
applicant's attorney, who could not be present tonight but who has stated that because this subdivision was
"grandfathered" in when zoning regulations were enacted, the applicant may not need a rezoning permit for this
development. There is also a possibility that the applicant will revise his request. Mr. Pugh recommended that
the Board hear public comments on this request tonight but that they not take any action until he has had time
to research the legal aspects of this issue.
3. Joe and Tambreia Wall, Sophia, are requesting that 1.41 acres on Hwy 311, New Market Township,
Randleman Lake Watershed, be rezoned from RR to Office and Institutional/Conditional Use to allow the
existing structure to be used for the administrative processing of clients. The Planning Board unanimously
recommended approval.
Citizen Comments - Request #1
Garland Ferguson, 5428 Whites Chapel Road, distributed a copy of restrictive covenants he had
prepared and asked that they be a part of his Conditional Use permit. He said he had listened to concerns of
those opposing this request at the Planning Board meeting and had tried to compromise by reducing the lots to
25. He said D.O.T. had informed him that Soapstone Mountain Road can bear up to 2000 cars per day.
Hoke Hahn, 5881 Whites Chapel Road, said that Soapstone Mountain Road has a yellow line the entire
length on one side or the other and has 14 signs indicating curves in the road. He said that the proposed
development property line is about 300 feet from an old Town of Liberty landfill and that area residents are
concerned about their water supply.
Ray Albright, Ramseur Town Commissioner, stated that he represented the mayor and the Ramseur
Board of Commissioners, who are all opposed to this request. They are concerned about Sandy Creek
Watershed.
Lynn Clay, 1959 Soapstone Mountain Road, opposed the request, stating that many of the existing
homes can't be seen from the road and the residents want to leave the natural beauty intact.
Alice Bolton, 1731 Land Estates Drive, stated that she wants to see at lest 5 -acre tracts in this
development. She presented a petition which she said contained 213 signatures of those opposing the
rezoning.
Leslie Thompson, 2050 Soapstone Mountain Road, quoted results from a `94 study that showed Sandy
Creek Reservoir support was threatened because of elevated nutrients in the water. She also said that water
testing done for the new school nearby showed high levels of many chemicals in the water. Some, but not all,
may come from farm operations. She said there are 67 chemicals recognized by the EPA as coming from
landfills, and this water testing showed 59 of those were present in the water. She stated that this old landfill
was used for 34 years, with no buffer around it. She also contented that blasting in the area may have fractured
the rock structure underground and made the contamination from the landfill worse. She urged the Board not
to allow any development in this area until it can be determined for sure what is coming from the landfill, which
she said would also affect people downstream since it is in the watershed.
Ted Fulk, 2151 Soapstone Mountain Road, said that he drives 25 miles to work so that he can live in this
rural setting and that the Board should do what they would want done if they lived there.
Em Vastagh, 1707 Land Estates Drive, expressed concern about more guns and crime with more people
moving in.
Citizen Comments - Request #2
Robin Williams, 4719 Silverwood lane, stated that when mobile homes go in, one can't expect the
surrounding site -built homes to maintain their value.
Sherry Hackett, 4785 Silverwood Lane, opposed placing mobile homes in this area.
Allen Bullard, New Salem Road, opposed Mr. Chaffin's being permitted to do what no one else in the
county can do and asked if one man's rights are more important than everyone else's. He said he is building a
new house on 27 acres across the road and opposes the mobile homes going in.
Kevin Fruchtnicht, 1744 Sylvan View, voiced concern about the mobile homes and about restrictions
running out.
David Snyder, 1677 Harvest View, said it is dangerous to develop this way.
Citizen Comments - Request #3
Dean Wall, 2073 Old Plank Road, Sophia, stated that he owns the house on the property, lives behind it,
and rents a house adjacent to it. This house is needed as office space for Carolina Care, a company that does
home visits to handicapped clients.
Chairman Frye closed the public hearing.
Board Action on Reauests
Commissioner Kemp made a motion to approve the request of Garland Ferguson. This motion died for
lack of a second.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 3 to I to deny the request of Garland Ferguson.
Commissioner Kemp opposed this motion. Commissioner Holmes abstained from voting because of the
relationship between his employer, Randolph Bank, and the applicant.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously voted to extend the public hearing on
the Michael Chaffin request until the July 12 meeting.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved the request of Joe and
Tambreia Wall.
Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Darrell L. Frye, Chairman
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Phil Kemp
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board