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071095County Commissioners Meeting - July 10, 1995 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 4:00 p.m. on July 10, 1995 in the Commissioners Meeting Room, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC. Commissioners Kemp, Frye, Comer, Holmes, and Davis were present. Invocation was given by Rev. Chris Thore, Central United Methodist Church of Asheboro. Presentations Chairman Kemp presented a certificate of appreciation to Eddie Allen, for his 23 years of service as a County Commissioner appointee to the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees. Chairman Kemp presented a retirement plaque to Faye Carter, Health Department, for 331/2 years of employment. Chairman Kemp announced that a retirement plaque for Lottie Gooch, Tax Department (16 years), would be presented to her at a later date since she was not present. Additions to the Agenda Chairman Kemp announced new business items to be added to the agenda: U. Request from RCC for Land; V. Closed Session - Economic Development. Consent Agenda On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, as follows: ° approve minutes of June 5, 6, 12, 19, and 26 and closed session minutes of June 5; ° reappoint Annie Shaw to the Jury Commission for a 2 -year term; ° reappoint Susan Behr (3 years) and Cindy Hilliard (1 year) and appoint Tina Frazier (1 year) to the Nursing Home/Domiciliary Home Community Advisory Committee. Public Hearing - Reduction of 911 Surcharge At 4:15 p.m. Chairman Kemp announced a public hearing on reducing the 911 surcharge from $1.00 to $.65 per month. Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, briefly described the 911 system. He recommended that "An Ordinance For Randolph County With Respect to Imposing A Monthly 911 Charge," adopted February 4, 1991, be amended to read as follows: Effective November 15, 1995, there is imposed a monthly 911 service charge, in the amount of $.65 per month, upon each exchange access facility subscribed to by telephone subscribers whose exchange access lines are in the area served by the 911 service in Randolph County. Chairman Kemp asked for comments from the public and there were none. He closed the public hearing. On motion of Davis, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved amending the 911 ordinance as recommended above. Public Hearing - Installment Financing for School and Mental Health Facilities At 4:30 p.m. Chairman Kemp announced a public hearing on the proposed financing under an installment contract pursuant to Section 160A-20 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, as amended, in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000, plus interest, providing for the financing of (1) construction or renovation and equipping at Coleridge Elementary School, Tabernacle Elementary School and Level Cross Elementary School, (2) construction and equipping of a school bus garage, (3) construction or renovation and equipping of Trinity High School and Eastern Randolph High School, (4) other miscellaneous projects for school purposes, and (5) construction or renovation and equipping of a mental health facility. The County will enter into an installment financing contract obligating the County to make installment payments in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 plus interest thereon. The County will grant a deed of trust on a portion of the real property and improvements so financed. Chairman Kemp stated that publication of the notice of public hearing was advertised in a newspaper with a general circulation in the County as required by NCGS 160A -20(g) and he directed the Clerk to attach the affidavit to the extract of minutes sent to the Local Government Commission. He then asked for comments on the advisability of the proposed financing. Mazie Fleetwood, Mental Health Director, spoke in support of the proposed financing, stating that it will allow Mental Health to consolidate six services into one building and make them much more accessible. Dr. Ann Suggs, Mental Health Board Chairman, spoke in support of this method of financing. Worth Hatley, Randolph County Schools Superintendent, spoke in support of the proposed financing, stating that the proposed construction projects are desperately needed. Charles Edwards, speaking on behalf of several Coleridge area parents and teachers, spoke in support of the proposed financing. He said that the proposed projects are long overdue and are the best investment the County can make. Chairman Kemp closed the public hearing and read at length a resolution authorizing an application to the Local Government Commission on the proposed financing. On motion of Frye, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously adopted this resolution (ATTACHED). construction or acquisition of the ca the projects. projects and continues in effect for the length of On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously adopted the 1995 Mental Health and County School Facilities Capital Project Ordinance (ATTACHED). 1995 Mental Health and County School Facilities Capital Reserve Ordinance Mr. Willis explained that this ordinance is needed to put into place a mechanism for putting aside the money to help pay the debt services on the specified projects. On motion of Frye, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously adopted the 1995 Mental Health and County School Facilities Capital Reserve Ordinance (ATTACHED). Sexual Harassment Policy Hal Scott, Jr., Personnel Director, asked the Board to replace Article IX, Section 8. Harassment Policy of the Randolph County Personnel Ordinance with a new Sexual Harassment Policy. He explained that the proposed new policy, which has had legal review, further defines sexual harassment, includes an updated procedure for reporting such action, more clearly defines what an employee's rights and responsibilities are, and addresses the potential consequences for such behavior, including retaliatory actions. Mr. Scott added that he is now doing sexual harassment training for employees and that the policy will appear in employee handbooks, as before. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously approved amending the Personnel Ordinance by replacing Article IX, Section 8 with the proposed revision (ATTACHED). Updated Classification Plan Mr. Scott presented proposed amendments to the Randolph County Classifica- tion Plan, which includes state class updates, title changes, positions with 1, 2, and 3 - grade increases, new classes added, and available classes. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved these amendments to the Classification Plan (ATTACHED). Holiday Time Paid to Telecommunicators Mr. Scott reported that telecommunicators assigned to work during holidays currently are given compensatory time off, plus they receive payment for actual hours worked. He stated that this procedure is burdensome and difficult to administer fairly. He recommended that the County begin paying for holiday time rather than granting the time off. In order to implement this new procedure, it would be necessary to amend Article VI (LEAVES OF ABSENCE), Section 3. Holiday - When Work Required of the Randolph County Personnel Ordinance. This amended section would read: Employees required to perform work on regularly scheduled holidays may be granted compensatory time off, or may be compensated for such work in the form of Holiday Pay. Holiday Pay will be calculated at the regular hourly rate of pay times the traditional number of hours of work scheduled during the holiday period. In addition to Holiday Pay, the employee will receive pay for all hours worked during the holiday period. Compensatory time or Holiday Pay granted will not be payable upon termination. Unused Holiday Pay advanced to an employee will be owed to the County and deducted from the employee's final paycheck. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Frye, the Board unanimously approved amending the Personnel Ordinance by replacing Article VI, Section 3 with the proposed revision, as stated above. Collection Settlement Report Billy Chilton, Tax Collector, presented the 1994-95 summary settlement report for taxes and ambulance fees collected. Tax collection rate for the year was 97.19%. On motion of Frye, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously approved the settlement report. Charge to Collect Taxes On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously charged the Tax Collector to collect taxes for the 1995-96 year (ATTACHED). Reclassify County Manager's Travel Allotment to Salary County Manager Frank Willis requested that his travel allotment be converted to salary so that it would count as compensation for retirement purposes. This would require that the County pay $389.28 more into the retirement system per year, and Mr. Willis would pay $288.00. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved reclassifying the travel allotment to salary and stipulated that it would be at Mr. Willis's discretion as to whether to claim in-state mileage at the County - approved rate. Yadkin/Pee Dee Lakes Proiect Alex Cousins, Associate Director of the Yadkin/Pee Dee Lakes Project, requested a resolution of support for the Project's Scenic Byway application to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He said Randolph County's portion of the route will go by the NC Zoo, the pottery area, and Pisgah Covered Bridge. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved a resolution of support (ATTACHED). Rezoning Public Hearing At 4:00 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing to consider rezoning requests. Hal Johnson, Zoning Administrator, presented the following request: Tom Britt, Asheboro, is requesting that 2.57 acres at 4360 U.S. Hwy 64E, Franklinville Township, be rezoned from RA to HC/CU to construct a structure to build race car bodies and use the existing house for antique sales. The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval. Tom Britt stated that he understands the conditions. The public hearing was closed. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the request of Tom Britt. Citizen Concern (Riverside Gun Club) Scott Sheffield came before the Board to request their help with problems he said the neighborhood is having with the Riverside Gun Club. These problems include excessive noise from guns firing, often into the night and all day on weekends, stray bullets coming onto the property of area residents, trash on the road, excessive traffic, and potential danger of gunfire being directed into areas that do not have adequate banks for confining the bullets. Scotty Carper, resident for 43 years, stated that the noise is very bothersome and that he is concerned about the kind of person the club may attract and the potential dangers it poses. He said he would like to see some rules imposed on the club David Carper said he is afraid where he lives and that he doesn't let his children play outside. He said he can't do anything outside or have friends over because of the noise and that people coming to the club dump beer cans in his driveway. Seth Carper stated that has listened to the gunfire until 1:00 a.m. before and that the noise is so loud he can't hear someone else talking in his yard. Chairman Kemp instructed the County Attorney to see what options the County has and to determine if any County regulations or ordinances have been violated. Attorney Ed Gavin told the group that the County will see if it can help them and advised them that they may have to file a civil lawsuit. LIFE Contracts for Fire Departments and Ash -Rand Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, reported that the County has integrated all interested law enforcement agencies into the computerized data base system known as LIFE (Linked Information For Emergencies). We are now ready to add fire departments and Ash -Rand Rescue, Inc. LIFE allows emergency response agencies to access and share data captured by 911 for completion of reports and development of statistical data. Mr. Allen stated that the 1995-96 911 budget includes funds for purchasing a computer and printer for all of the fire departments and Ash -Rand. These agencies would contract to maintain this equipment and to replace it as needed. On motion of Holmes, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously approved the LIFE contracts for all fire departments and Ash -Rand Rescue, Inc. Budget Amendment - S.T.O.P. Grant (Sheriff) Major Allen McNeill announced that Randolph has been awarded a $100,000 state grant for the S.T.O.P. (Stop Trafficking of Opiates Program) project, which is to hire and equip 2 detectives and a secretary for the 1995-96 fiscal year. The grant requires a $25,000 local match, which will come from the portion of the fund balance that is restricted for law enforcement and was produced from the seizure and sale of assets used in the distribution of illegal substances. Major McNeill stated that these funds will be used to combat the increasing occurrence of opiate products such as heroin. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #1 (ATTACHED), which increases the Sheriff& Jail budget by $100,000 ($75,000 increase in restricted intergovernmental revenues and $25,000 fund balance appropriated), and allocated 3 more positions to the Sheriffs Department for the 1995-96 fiscal year. I-85/Northwest Randolph County Development Task Force Update Hal Johnson, Planning Director, gave a report on the formation and activities of this task force. The northwest corner of the county falls within the developmental influence of 5 jurisdictions --Randolph County, Davidson County, and the cities of Archdale, Thomasville, and High Point. The task force was established to develop a joint policy of intergovernmental cooperation for the future of this area, especially for economic and industrial growth. To date, the task force has studied the issues of transportation and road improvements, water and sewer, watershed and land use plans, and industrial sites. Two successful community meetings have been held, with helpful input from citizens. The planning boards of these 5 local governments will hold a joint public hearing on July 27, 1995 September Meeting Date On motion of Frye, seconded by Comer, the Board unanimously agreed to hold their regular September meeting on Tuesday, September 5. Voting Delegate for NCACC Annual Conference On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously appointed Phil Kemp as voting delegate and Darrell Frye as alternate voting delegate for the NCACC annual conference in Pinehurst in August. Contracts with Municipalities for Tax Collection Frank Willis, County Manager, stated that the contracts with the municipal- ities that we collect ad valorem taxes for are up for renewal. The County receives a fee of 1.25% of all taxes collected except from the towns of Seagrove and Staley, who pay a flat rate of $600 per year. Staley has requested we consider reducing their fee. An analysis of total collections showed that Staley is paying a rate of 6.27% and Seagrove, 1.36% Mr. Willis recommended that the County uniformly charge a 1.25% collection fee since start- up costs for collecting taxes no longer apply. On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved 5 -year renewal contracts for the City of Asheboro, City of Archdale, Town of Liberty, City of Randleman, Town of Seagrove, and Town of Staley; and changed the tax collection rate on Seagrove and Staley to 1.25%, effective July 1, 1995. Randolph Community College Request for Land Chairman Kemp advised that Dr. Larry Linker, RCC President, has requested a commitment from the Commissioners to provide adequate land at the County landfill site for the construction of an emergency services training center, contingent upon the completion of a feasibility study and collaboration between RCC's architect, Larry Austin, and the County Public Works Director, David Townsend. General discussion ensued on this topic. It was the consensus of the Board that they cannot commit to providing land until they know the results of the feasibility study and know specifically which acreage RCC is interested in. On motion of Frye, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted to support RCC's proposed feasibility study, in collaboration with RCC's architect and the County's Public Works Director, and to convey their interest in cooperating with RCC in the establishment of an emergency services training center, but to make no commitment of funds or land until they receive the results of RCC's feasibility study. Budget Amendment - Criminal Justice Partnership Grant On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #2 (ATTACHED), which reflects $220,509 in grant funds from the State for the Criminal Justice Partnership program ($131,509 implementation funding for operating the Day Reporting Center and $89,000 discretionary funding for renovating the building to house the Day Reporting Center). Budget Amendment - Public Health On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #3 (ATTACHED), which reflects an additional $1,107 from the State for the Child Fatality Prevention Team and $909 from the Kiwanis Club of Asheboro for the Immunization Program. Closed Session - Economic Development On motion of Frye, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously voted at 8:30 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4). At 8:45 p.m. the Board reconvened regular session. Adjournment Having no further business, the Board adjourned.