March 7, 2016€¦ · March 7, 2016 Minutes March 7, 2016 The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County, North Carolina, met for a Special Called Meeting at 7:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s

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March 7, 2016 Minutes

March 7, 2016

The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County, North Carolina, met for a Special Called

Meeting at 7:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room located in the County

Administration Building with the following Commissioners present: Chairman Sidney E.

Dunston, Vice-Chairman Cedric K. Jones, Commissioners John M. May, Don Lancaster, Harry L.

Foy, Jr. Commissioners E. Shane Mitchell and David T. Bunn were absent.

Chairman Dunston called the meeting to order and asked the Board to consider approval of the consent agenda. The Board removed Items 1-G and 1-M from the consent agenda for further discussion.

Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to approve the remainder of the consent agenda,

seconded by Commissioner May. The motion duly carried with all present voting “AYE.”

The following items were approved.

1. CONSENT AGENDA A. January 19, 2016 Minutes

B. February 1, 2016 Minutes

C. Releases, Adjustments, Refunds, and Tax Collection Report

D. Girl Scout Week Proclamation

E. Princeton Manor Allocation Request

F. Hidden Lake Additional Allocation Request

G. Public Utilities Policy and Procedure Modification

H. Resolution Regarding Private Sale of Identified Personal Property

I. Budget Amendment #9 (Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-15, the

County Finance Officer is requesting a budget ordinance amendment in the amount

of $4,160 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 to amend the General Fund for

additional revenue and expenditures.)

J. February 15, 2015 Minutes

K. Surplus of 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, VIN #2FAFP71V18X134477

L. Resolution Approving Conveyance of Property (2008 Ford Crown Victoria, VIN

#2FAFP71V18X134477) to Pilot Fire Department

M. Resolution requesting the NC Department of Public Safety, Geodetic Survey County

Boundary Program Survey the Boundary Line between Franklin County and

Granville County

N. Consider TDA (Tourism Development Authority) request to fund a $10,000 grant for

a competitively selected consultant to work with Franklin County and the Division

of Historical Resources, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to

continue project mapping historical sites

O. Resolution accepting $1,879,380 in grant funding from the North Carolina

Department of Natural Resources for Franklinton Sewer Rehabilitation Work

P. Resolution accepting $577,600 in grant funding from the North Carolina Department

of Natural Resources for Franklinton Sewer Rehabilitation Work

Q. Budget Amendment #10 (Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-15, the

County Finance Officer is requesting a budget ordinance amendment in the amount

of $60,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 to amend the General Fund to

appropriate additional funds to repair/replace roof at Cooperative Extension.)

After a brief discussion, Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to approve Item 1-G (Public

Utilities Policy and Procedure Modification) and Item 1-M (Resolution requesting the NC

Department of Public Safety, Geodetic Survey County Boundary Program Survey the Boundary

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Line between Franklin County and Granville County). The motion was seconded by

Commissioner Foy and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

Item 1-D

Girl Scout Week Proclamation 2016 WHEREAS, March 12, marks the 104th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia; and, WHEREAS, throughout its distinguished history, Girl Scouting has inspired millions of girls and women with the highest ideals of courage, confidence, and character; and, WHEREAS, through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience girls gain knowledge and develop skills that will serve them a lifetime so that they may contribute to their communities; and, WHEREAS, Girl Scouting takes an active role in increasing girls’ awareness of the opportunities available to them today in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts as well as other fields that can expand their horizons; and, WHEREAS, Girl Scouts has shaped the lives of 53 percent of female senior executives and business owners, 60 percent of women in Congress, and virtually every female astronaut; WHEREAS, more than 2.7 million current Girl Scout members nationwide will be celebrating 104 years of this American tradition, with nearly 50 million women who are former Girl Scouts and living proof of the impact of this amazing Movement; WHEREAS, in partnership with over 9,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines serves nearly 26,000 girl members in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties, including 350 of adult and girl members in Franklin County. NOW, THEREFORE, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners does hereby applaud the commitment Girl Scouting has made to support the life and leadership development of girls and proudly proclaim the week of March 6-12, 2016, as Girl Scout Week.

Item 1-H

RESOLUTION

REGARDING PRIVATE SALE OF IDENTIFIED PERSONAL PROPERTY

Whereas, NCGS §160A-267 authorizes the Board of Commissioners by resolution or order to authorize an appropriate official to dispose of property by private sale at a negotiated price; and Whereas, NCGS §160A-267 requires the aforementioned resolution to be adopted at a regular meeting; and Whereas, NCGS §160A-267 states the resolution shall identify the property to be sold and may, but need not, specify a minimum price; Now, therefore, Be It Resolved that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the County Manager to dispose of the equipment detailed in the attached list utilizing the procedures as identified in NCGS §160A-267 Private Sale at a price no less than the fair market value as determined by the Franklin County Tax Administrator; and Be it Further Resolved that the Clerk to the Board shall publish notice summarizing the contents of this resolution; and Be it Further Resolved the sale shall not be consummated until 10 days after its publication.

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Item 1-L

Resolution Approving Conveyance of Property to

A Nonprofit Organization

Pursuant to G.S. 160A-279

WHEREAS, the County of Franklin owns a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria (VIN#2FAFP71V18X134477); and

WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute § 160A-279 authorizes a city or county to convey real or personal

property by private sale to a nonprofit corporation if the city or county is authorized by law to appropriate money

to the corporation; and

WHEREAS, Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead has asked to surplus this vehicle and convey it to Pilot Fire

Department.; and

THEREFORE, THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLVES THAT:

1. The board chairman of Franklin County is authorized to execute all documents necessary to convey the

vehicle:

2. The vehicle is to be used by Pilot Fire Department, a nonprofit organization, for public use:

Item 1-M

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Item 1-O

RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF APPLICANT WHEREAS, the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Act of 1987 has authorized the

making of loans and grants to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works, wastewater collection systems, and water supply systems, water conservation projects, and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has offered a State HUC

Grant in the amount of $1,879,380 for the construction of Phase II - Sewer Rehabilitation in the Town of Franklinton, and

WHEREAS, Franklin County intends to construct said project in accordance with the approved plans and

specifications, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

That Franklin County does hereby accept the State HUC Grant offer of $1,879,380.

That the County does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources that all items specified in the grant offer, Section II - Assurances will be adhered to.

That J. Bryce Mendenhall, Public Utilities Director, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or the project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application.

That County has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans pertaining thereto.

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Item 1-P

RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF APPLICANT

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Act of 1987 has authorized the

making of loans and grants to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works, wastewater collection systems, and water supply systems, water conservation projects, and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has offered a State HUC

Grant in the amount of $577,600 for the construction of Phase I - Sewer Rehabilitation in the Town of Franklinton, and

WHEREAS, Franklin County intends to construct said project in accordance with the approved plans and

specifications, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

That Franklin County does hereby accept the State HUC Grant offer of $577,600.

That the County does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources that all items specified in the grant offer, Section II - Assurances will be adhered to.

That J. Bryce Mendenhall, Public Utilities Director, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or the project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application.

That County has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans pertaining thereto.

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

This was the time set aside by the Board of Commissioners to allow individuals five minutes to address the Board on issues concerning the county. Roger Lytle, 571 Williams White Road, Zebulon, NC

Mr. Williams stated he is not in favor of the Connect NC Bond and encouraged the Board to vote against a resolution in favor of the bond intended to provide funding for projects to further Economic Development in North Carolina.

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Incentive Request – S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. The Economic Development Commission requested an incentive for S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., to be used to waive capacity fees in the amount of $72,000. The project is projected to be a $15 million development in Franklinton and will result in tax and water/sewer revenue. The project falls within the guidelines of the county’s incentive policy. Economic Development Director Ronnie Goswick offered the following presentation. He said the project would be an asset to the Town of Franklinton, increase the county’s tax base, and provide much needed housing for middle to low income citizens. He stated the tax base is approximately $6.5 million dollars. Nusbaum is seeking bonds for the project to be obtained through the Town of Franklinton.

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At approximately 7:29 P.M., Chairman Dunston opened public hearing. Roger Lytle, 571 Williams White Road, Zebulon, NC

Mr. Lytle asked the Board to consider if the county had water and sewer capabilities to accommodate the project. Mr. Goswick said the public utilities office is aware of the project and said no concerns had been expressed.

Chairman Dunston closed the public hearing with no further comments from the public. Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to approve the incentive as requested, seconded by Commissioner May. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

B. Rezoning Request – Harold H. Reddick, Jr. (16-REZ-01) The Board was asked to consider approval of a rezoning request by Harold H. Reddick, Jr. to rezone 185.85 acres at Sid Mitchell Road and Green Road in Youngsville Township from Residential-40 (R-40) and Light Industrial (LI) to Residential-1 (R-1). Following the public hearing, it was recommended the Board use the rezoning guide/checklist to assist in its decision. Planning and Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher offered the following presentation and stated the Planning Board, by unanimous vote, recommended approval of the rezoning request. He also stated the request would comply with the current Land Use Plan.

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At approximately 7:34 P.M., Chairman Dunston opened the public hearing. Steve Trubilla, 1707 Sid Mitchell Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Trubilla inquired about future development plans for the property and said his main concern was the impact of additional traffic. Mr. Hammerbacher stated the applicant’s stated intent was to market the property for residential purposes. Mr. Hammerbacher stated a traffic impact analysis would be required if a subdivision is planned for development.

Chairman Dunston closed the public hearing at 7:38 P.M. The Board was asked to review and adopt a Zoning Consistency Statement stating the request was consistent with the land use plan/policies. Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to adopt the rezoning guide/checklist, seconded by Commissioner Foy. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

Commissioner Foy then made a motion to approve the rezoning request as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jones and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.” C. Rezoning Request – Spaulding & Norris, PA (16-REZ-02)

The Board was asked to consider approval of a rezoning request by Spaulding & Norris, PA (Whispering Pines) to rezone 158.32 acres at Cedar Creek Road (State Road 1116) in Franklinton Township from Residential-1 (R-1) to Residential-8 (R-8). Following the public hearing, it was recommended the Board use the rezoning guide/checklist to assist in its decision.

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Planning and Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher offered the following presentation. The Planning Board, by unanimous vote, recommended approval of the request.

Chairman Dunston opened the public hearing at approximately 7:43 P.M. Tom Spaulding, 972 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC

Mr. Spaulding represents Spaulding & Norris, PA. He said the request came about because property owners have plans for a subdivision. He said the current approved lot layout has 70-foot fronts for lots. He said approval of the rezoning request would allow for 60-foot fronts. He stated there is adequate sewer infrastructure already in place to handle the development.

Mary Johnson, 278 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville, NC

Ms. Johnson inquired about the proximity of the development to her property. Mr. Hammerbacher said the development will surround Ms. Johnson’s property. She asked developers to consider a buffer between her property and the proposed development. Mr. Spaulding stated he would obtain Ms. Johnson’s contact information to discuss leaving an undisturbed area along the perimeter of her property. Further discussion will be held when the subdivision request is considered by the Planning Board.

Commissioner Foy made a motion to approve the rezoning request as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lancaster and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

D. Rezoning Request – Gatekeeper Storage & Rental, Inc. (16-REZ-03) The Board was asked to consider approval of a rezoning request by Gatekeeper Storage & Rental, Inc. to rezone 10.627 acres off of US 401 Highway in Harris Township from Mixed Use (MU) to Highway Business (HB). Following the public hearing, it was recommended the Board use the rezoning guide/checklist to assist in its decision. Planning and Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher noted staff concerns about rezoning the area as HB based on its inclusive list of an array of uses including sexual oriented businesses, bars, nightclubs, taverns, tractor/trailer repair, etc. He said staff

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was concerned HB could create incompatibilities with the nearby residential area. He said MU limits the footprint of development which is why the rezoning is requested. The Planning Board recommended denial of the request by a 4-5 vote. Mr. Hammerbacher said the major difference between the current zoning (MU) and staff’s recommendation to rezone the area as NB (Neighborhood Business) rather than HB is the floor area ratio limitation. He again stated staff’s recommendation to rezone the area to NB rather than HB at this time. Mr. Hammerbacher offered the following presentation.

Chairman Dunston opened the public hearing at 7:57 P.M. Michael Moss, 333 South White Street, Wake Forest, NC

Mr. Moss spoke on behalf of Gatekeeper Investment who wishes to develop the property. He said the basis for the request was to allow them to build on site a little more. The current zoning limits them to just under 12,000 square feet of building space. He said he is agreeable with altering the request in order to rezone the space to NB.

Morgan Pierce, 2912 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Pierce lives near the property and is concerned about the proximity of proposed storage units to a residential area. He said noise and light pollution would detract from the enjoyment of residential property and also expressed concerns with security of a facility that operates 24 hours per day. He said the proposed project is inconsistent with the current land use plan and feels there are ample storage units available in the county.

Tom Kuryla, 2908 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Kuryla asked the Board to consider denial of the rezoning request as either HB or NB. He said the area should maintain its MU zoning and expressed concerns about the safety of a storage facility located in close proximity to residences.

Sean Gill, 2901 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Gill stated his opposition to the rezoning request and fears approval would create a “slippery slope.” He said he would likely be in favor of a small storage unit but feels a large facility is planned.

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Steven Hayes, 28 Hayes Court, Franklinton, NC

Mr. Hayes is the owner of the property being examined for rezoning. He plans to develop Gatekeeper Self Storage on the site. He said the company has other facilities in the county that are well maintained and offer a large amount of tax base. He said the company has always worked in harmony with residential neighbors and feels the facility will add benefit to the county as well as to the area and the surrounding neighborhood. He noted landscaping will well buffer the facility and it will be well lit. He noted hours of operation are limited from 6am-10pm. He also commented on security measures used at the site to ensure safety.

Candice Pierce, 2912 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC

Mrs. Pierce stated there is another Gatekeeper Storage facility located approximately six miles away from the proposed location that is not yet fully developed. She asked why another facility is needed at this time. Mr. Hayes stated the development is based on the needs of the area and the continued growth of the housing market along the US 401 corridor. Mrs. Pierce asked the Board to deny the request and maintain the current MU zoning.

Gary Mason, 25 Lochs Lane, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Mason stated his family recently located to the area from Maryland due to the rural feel of Franklin. He is concerned about safety of the site and feels there are individuals who rent storage units to house illegal drugs.

Randy Bauer, 165 Muirefield Drive, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Bauer feels the rezoning could negatively alter property values and says it could be a deterrent for other builders. He asked the Board to deny the request.

Celene Lathan-Sym, 45 Guilford Lane, Youngsville, NC

Ms. Lathan-Sym said she relocated to the area from Maryland approximately one year ago to enjoy the rural nature of the area. She asked the Board to take into consideration many neighbors of the property have expressed their concerns. She feels a storage facility will not benefit the area.

Margie Mason, 25 Lochs Lane, Youngsville, NC

Mrs. Mason asked the Board to maintain the nostalgia that area residents have “bought into.” She asked the Board to consider its long term vision and encouraged the Board not to rezone the property.

Chairman Dunston closed the public hearing at 8:39 P.M. Mr. Hammerbacher reminded the Board to consider the rezoning guide/checklist prior to consideration of the rezoning request. Its findings are below.

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Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to adopt the zoning consistency statement (above), seconded by Commissioner Foy. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.” Commissioner Foy then made a motion to rezone the property as NB (Neighborhood Business). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lancaster and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

E. Special Use Permit Request – Carolina Solar Energy II LLC (16-SUP-01) The Board was asked to consider approval of a special use permit request by Carolina Solar Energy II LLC to construct a solar farm on 40 +/- acres of a 62-acre parcel located off Tides Lane located off NC 39 Highway in Louisburg Township in the R-30 Residential Zoning District. Following the public hearing, it was recommended the Board use the special use permit checklist to assist in its decision. Planning and Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher offered the following presentation and County Attorney Pete Tomlinson explained the quasi-judicial hearing process.

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Chairman Dunston opened the hearing at approximately 8:50 P.M. Each of the following individuals were sworn under oath prior to offering testimony. Beth Trahos, 434 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC

Ms. Trahos (Attorney, Smith Moore Leatherwood Attorneys at Law) spoke on behalf of Carolina Solar Energy II, LLC. She noted there would be three experts to speak about the solar farm and placed a document into evidence that included the special use permit application, the affidavit of George Retschle, the affidavit of Gerry Dudzik, the affidavit of Tom Hester and site plan. The document is entitled “Tides Lane 16-SUP-01.”

George Retschle, 221 Providence Road, Raleigh, NC

Mr. Retschle stated he is a civil engineer and president of Ballentine Associates, PA of Chapel Hill. He said the firm has been involved in the development of over 100 solar farms and is familiar with how solar farms work. He said the site is located off Tides Lane. The total size of the solar farm is approximately 40 acres

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that to be enclosed in a six-foot-high fence. He said there is additional acreage surrounding the 40 acres that is not developable and would not be impacted. Access to the site off Highway 39 would be permitted through the NCDOT. He said the construction of the solar farm would cause minimal impact and ground disturbance. He said the farm is built according to the approved design and would not have detrimental impacts on public health and safety. Mr. Retschle said the project meets all requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Tom Hester, 228 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC

Mr. Hester is a state certified general appraiser, licensed North Carolina broker, and holds the MAI professional designation from the Appraisal Institute. He stated he had been an appraiser in North Carolina for approximately 34 years. Mr. Hester was asked to determine if the solar farm would have an effect on the neighborhood or adjacent properties. Mr. Hester said he has visited at least 35 other existing solar farms and researched those and others he hasn’t personally visited using GIS, transactions of properties both before and after the farms were built and also in close proximity of the array of the solar farm to determine if the projects had an effect on nearby property values. He said the way such a project would have an effect would be traffic, noise, light, smoke or dust. The sola would not have any of those negative effect. He said the project is typical of other projects typically built in this part of the state. Mr. Hester prepared a property impact analysis that was made part of the record and concluded this project would not harm adjacent properties and that it would not disturb the neighborhood.

Gerry Dudzik

Mr. Dudzik is a partner and Chief Operating Officer of Carolina Solar Energy II, LLC and developer of the project. He’s served the solar industry for 12 years and been involved with the development of over 70 solar farms of similar size in North Carolina. He said the project includes a typical five megawatt ground mounted solar system that has an annual estimated energy output to serve 75 average North Carolina homes. He said energy will be sold to Duke Energy Progress under a renewable 15-year contract. He said there is a 30-year lease with the landowner upon which time the system will be decommissioned and the property will return to its original state as farmland. Based on his experience and his familiarity with the project, Mr. Dudzik stated it is his professional opinion the solar farm is located, designed and proposed to be operated to maintain and promote public health and safety and as such the farm will not endanger public health or safety if located according to the site plan. He said the project would be in harmony with the surrounding area.

Roger Lytle, 571 Williams White Road, Zebulon, NC

Mr. Lytle how the project benefits Franklin County relative to job creation and the project’s effect on the current tax rate.

With no further comments, Chairman Dunston closed the public hearing at 9:11 P.M. Ms. Trahos submitted that all required findings of fact were met and that the Board as a matter of law issue the special use permit and that the project would also be a benefit to the community. The Board used the Special Use Permit Checklist to assist in its decision and answered in the following manner.

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Commissioner Foy made a motion to approve the special use permit request, seconded by Commissioner May. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

F. Special Use Permit Request – Louisburg Solar LLC (16-SUP-03) The Board was asked to consider approval of a special use permit request by Louisburg Solar LLC to construct a solar farm on 35 +/- acres of a 138.11-acre parcel located at 151 Firetower Road (State Road 1002) in Cedar Rock Township in the Agricultural Residential (AR) Zoning District. Following the public hearing, it was recommended the Board use the special use permit checklist to assist in its decision. The following PowerPoint presentation was offered.

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Chairman Dunston opened the public hearing at 9:22 P.M. The following individual was sworn under oath prior to offering testimony. Chris Amsbary, 105 Richland Court, Carrboro, NC

Mr. Amsbary represents Community Energy, Incorporated, developer of the solar farm facility. He said the proposed solar farm, owned by Mark Dickens, would be approximately 35-40 acres. He noted a solar facility already exists on roughly 13-14 acres of the property. He commented that the tax revenue produced for the county by the solar farm would be approximately $25,000 in the first year, compared to its current rate of $500. Mr. Amsbary added Community Energy has developed 30 solar farms in its career, two of those are located in Franklin County.

Mr. Amsbary orally shared the following statements with the Board.

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The Board used the Special Use Permit Checklist to assist in its decision and answered in the following manner.

Commissioner Foy made a motion to approve the special use permit request, seconded by Commissioner May. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

4. NC CONNECT RESOLUTION The Board was asked to consider approval of a resolution supporting Connect NC Bond to provide funding for projects to further Economic Development in the State. Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Jones. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

RESOLUTION Supporting Connect NC Bond to Provide Funding for

Projects to Further Economic Development in the State

WHEREAS, the Connect NC bond was approved by the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Pat McCrory during the 2015 legislative session; and

WHEREAS, if approved by the voters of North Carolina in the primary election to be held on March 15, 2016, the

Act would generate $2 billion through the sale of bonds to support further economic development in the State; and

WHEREAS, the bond will fund $350 million in projects for the North Carolina Community College System; and

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WHEREAS, the Vance-Granville Community College contributes immensely to Franklin County as well as the surrounding region by producing a skilled workforce to attract new business and industry and provides citizens the opportunity to increase their earning potential and their quality of life through continuing education classes; and

WHEREAS, the bond will fund other projects for state parks and attractions, local parks, infrastructure, National

Guard, agriculture, and public safety; and WHEREAS, these infrastructure investments will improve education, quality of life and economic development

across the state.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners does hereby support the

Connect NC Bond Act of 2015 as well as education and advocacy efforts for the statewide voter referendum in March 2016.

5. APPOINTMENT

Research Triangle Regional Partnership

The Board was asked to appoint Fred Keller to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership for a term expected to begin April 1, 2016. Commissioner Lancaster made a motion to appoint Fred Keller to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. The motion was seconded by Commissioner May and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

6. OTHER BUSINESS With regard to recent changes in the formula for sales tax proceeds, Commissioner Foy said rural counties will realize a large amount of additional sales tax revenue. He said the Town of Louisburg plans to use its excess money to reduce property tax rates and said he would like to do the same for citizens of the county. Commissioner Foy said Franklin stands to get a few million dollars each year and feels using the excess to reduce property tax would relieve taxpayer burdens and attract more economic development by having a lower tax rate. Commissioner Foy made a motion to use the excessive sales tax received to lower Franklin County’s property taxes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lancaster. The motion failed with a 3-2 vote. The Board was then asked to confirm a date for a board retreat. The Board selected to hold the retreat on April 12, 2016. 7. BOARD, MANAGER, AND CLERK’S COMMENTS This was the time set aside for the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the Clerk to the Board to report on various activities. The Board may also discuss other items of interest. County Clerk Kristen G. King: No comments were offered. Commissioner Foy: No comments were offered.

Commissioner Bunn: Commissioner Bunn was absent.

Commissioner May: Commissioner May attended a recent candidate forum at Louisburg

College. He also participated in a recent meeting of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and

attended the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference held in Washington, DC.

Commissioner Jones: No comments were offered.

Commissioner Mitchell: Commissioner Mitchell was absent.

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Commissioner Dunston: No comments were offered.

Commissioner Lancaster: No comments were offered.

County Manager Angela L. Harris: Mrs. Harris commented on a previous discussion regarding

sales tax revenue. She stated those funds would be carefully considered as a part of the Board’s

upcoming budget process to include an examination of departmental needs and the county’s

general fund balance.

8. CLOSED SESSION

The Board was asked to enter into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(3) – Attorney-Client Privileged Communication. At approximately 9:48 P.M., Commissioner May made a motion to enter into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(3) – Attorney-Client Privileged Communication. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jones and was approved 4 to 1, with Commissioner Foy voting “NO.” Following closed session, Commissioner May made a motion to enter back into open session, seconded by Commissioner Lancaster. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.” No action was taken following closed session. Commissioner Jones made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner May. The motion

duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

Sidney E. Dunston, Chair Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board

Documents

March 7, 2016€¦ · March 7, 2016 Minutes March 7, 2016 The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County, North Carolina, met for a Special Called Meeting at 7:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s