BK: CRPB-43 PG:736-747 04-11-2024 10:41:48AM BY:. JANAS SMITH  2024001948 MACON COUNTY, NC TODD RABY REGISTEROFI DEEDS  NCFEES0.00  MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  MARCH 12, 2024 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  Chairman Shields called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Board Members, County Manager Derek Roland, Deputy Clerk Tammy Keezer, Finance Director Lori Carpenter, and County Attorney Eric Ridenour were present, as were a  number of county employees, media, and citizens.  ANNOUNCEMENTS:  (A) Mr. Roland announced that there will be a Special Meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Board Room located at 5 West Main Street, Franklin NC. The purpose of this Special Meeting will be to approve a contract for pre- construction services for the Franklin High School Project as well as aPublic Hearing to consider entering into aj private sale agreement to sell county-owned property and provide an incentive grant to the purchaser. He provided a copy of the Notice of Special Meeting and Public Hearing that will be sent to The Franklin Press for publication  in the March 13, 2024 edition [Attachment 1).  MOMENT OF SILENCE: Chairman Shields requested all in attendance rise PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Antoine, the pledge to the  and a moment of silence was observed.  flag was recited.  PUBLIC HEARING(S): None  PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Gracie Parker representing "Why Us Kids" spoke about the need for counselors in all schools. She invited board members and the public to a public health rally on April 28, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Gazebo Square. Miss Parker also shared information abouta a book titled, "Shattered" which can be purchased on Amazon. She said the book is about lives impacted by substance abuse and includes her personal story. Miss Parker also announced that she had recently received the Youth Citizenship Award from the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Maryann Ingram spoke in support of a quarter-cent sales tax referendum. Betsie Baste spoke ins support of a quarter-cent sales tax referendum. Spoke in support of Franklin Garden Club and what they do for this community. Scott Baste spoke in support of a quarter-cent sales tax referendum. Jake Louden spoke ADDITIONS, ADJUSTMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE. AGENDA: Upon a motion by Commissioner Young, seconded by Commissioner Antoine the board voted unanimously to approve the agenda, as adjusted, as follows:  about road conditions on the Georgia Road.  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 1 of7    To remove Item 10E under Old Business, Construction Manager at Risk To add Item B1 under Old Business, Reconciliation of Change Orders for Macon Middle School Locker Room Project, per Mr. Roland To add a Closed Session after Item 10A under Old Business, per Mr. To modify Item 13A under Appointments from two to three appointments for the Economic Development Commission, per Mr. Roland  for Highlands School, per Mr. Roland  Roland  REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:  (A)FRANKLIN GARDEN CLUB: Rhonda Tallent, Liaison, and Paige Selking, President. Ms. Selking began by reminding board members that the Franklin Garden Club has been taking care of public spaces in Franklin since 1928. She shared information about the volunteer hours that were completed in 2023, some of which occurred by partnering with Men's Teen Challenge. Ms. Selking gave a summary of some of the improvements and maintenance that had been completed this year and highlighted goals for fiscal year 2024-25. Ms. Selking and Ms. Tallent shared photos via al PowerPoint presentation of areas and items for the requested improvements, a copy of which is in the office of the Clerk to the Board. Ms. Selking said Macon County provides $2,500 annually to the Franklin Garden Club to cover expenses and they are requesting to increase this to $5,000 beginning next fiscal year. She indicated that the Town of Franklin gives some funds to help with the two squares, the club has an annual plant sale, and they collect membership dues and donations. Ms. Selking said they do not get a lot of donations but raised about $2,600 from the plant sale last year. She said their current membership dues are $20 per year and they are looking at partial membership dues for seasonal members. Commissioner Higdon said the Courthouse Square and the Gazebo Square look bad and he would like to expand what the Franklin Garden Club does to expand to all four squares. Chairman Shields suggested this request be included in the budget process which is currently underway. Commissioner Shearl inquired as tol how the clock tower became an issue of the Franklin Garden Club. He suggested getting volunteers from local businesses, Franklin High School carpentry classes, etc. to assist with the repairs. Some additional discussion followed and the board thanked the presenters for coming and  sharing the information.  OLD BUSINESS:  (A) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT FOR MCGILL ASSOCIATES FOR THE PLANNING OF PHASE 1A OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL RECREATION MASTER PLAN- Parks and Recreation Director Seth Adams shared a summary of the area which includes the addition of pickleball courts, tennis courts, a connector bridge, etc. Ms. Carpenter shared that there is $200,000 already allocated in the budget for this part of the project sO a budget amendment is not needed. Mr. Adams requested ai motion to enter into a contract with McGill Associates in the amount of $163,700. Commissioner Young said this project falls in line with our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and is something that we need and have planned. Commissioner Shearl said he was excited and ready to vote. Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner, Antoine to enter into a contract with McGill Associates as requested. Vote was unanimous. CLOSED SESSION: At 6:53 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Shearl, seconded by Commissioner Young, the board voted unanimously to go into closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11a)3 to preserve the attorney-client privilege. At  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 2 of 7    7:17 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Higdon, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, the board voted unanimously to come out of closed session and return to (B)DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM AT MACON MIDDLE SCHOOL AND RECONCILIATION OF CHANGE ORDERS FOR MACON MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM PROJECT Mr. Roland explained that installation of the required low voltage wiring consumed the majority of the contingency funding due to an omission by the architect. He indicated that an agreement has been made with the architect and contractor including liquated damages and requested a motion for a budget amendment to move funds from the fund balance for the purchase of the bi-directional radio system in the Macon Middle School (MMS) main building as well as the locker room complex, consolidation of all change orders remaining at the locker room project and, resolution of the liquidated damages with the locker room project $69,786. Motion by Commissioner Young, seconded by Commissioner Shields to approve a budget amendment as requested in the amount of $69,786. Vote was unanimous. AJRATIFICATION OF REVISED 3-1 CAPITAL PROJECT FOR FIRE RESCUE TRAINING CENTER Southwestern Community College President Dr. Don Tomas thanked board members for the approval of the 3-1 Construction Projects and said the state had approved them at the system level as well. He indicated that the 3-1 amendments only allocated county funding with no change to state funding and he hopes to put the project out to bid soon. Mr. Roland said, as a matter of formality the board is approving the 3-1 amendments as the funds were appropriated at the February 13, 2024, regular meeting. After some discussion, Commissioner Shearl made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shields, to approve the amendments as requested. B)RATIFICATION OF 3-1 FOR GROVES CENTER EXPANSION Mr. Roland said, as a matter of formality the board is approving the 3-1 amendments as the funds were appropriated at the February 13, 2024, regular meeting. After some discussion, Commissioner Young made ai motion, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, to approve the amendments as requested. Vote was (C)APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER (CM) AT RISK CONTRACT FOR  open session.  Vote was unanimous.  unanimous.  HIGHLANDS SCHOOL RENOVATION/ADDITION - removed.  NEW BUSINESS:  (A)DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF 3-1 FOR INDOOR FIRING RANGE- Southwestern Community College President Dr. Don Tomas said they had received 10 million dollars in the last legislative session to create a regional training facility. He said that in addition to county and state agencies being able to use the facility at no charge, the facility can also be used by the Forest Service and the National Guard at a cost to those agencies. Dr. Tomas said the facility will be located beside the current Public Safety Training Center on Industrial Park Road. Southwestern Community College Dean of Public Safety Training Curtis Dowdle talked about the uses of the facility, curriculum planning, lead reduction to the ground, etc. Commissioner Shearl clarified that this facility could not be used by the public or for concealed carry classes and inquired about the technology that was going to be used. Mr. Dowdle spoke about the ventilation system, protective gear, soundproofing, etc. Ms. Carpenter highlighted that approval of this agreement requires the county to provide the ongoing operating costs projected at $54,715 per year beginning in  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 3 of7    2027. Commissioner Antoine made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the 3-1 as requested. Vote was unanimous. BDISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF MACON COUNTY CRAWFORD SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS - Senior Services Administrative Officer Jennifer Hollifield shared information about the 5,004 volunteer hours that have been provided during 2023 which is equal to about $150,000. She said volunteers spent time delivering meals, leading classes, and helping with open enrollment for SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program). She said that 445 individuals were counseled, 1,500 hours were spent conducting activities such as dance, Tai Chai, yoga, etc., and 2,700 hours were spent delivering 11,000 hot meals to 70 homebound individuals as well as over 200 individuals in the congregate meal program. Ms. Hollifield said volunteers were aged 24-92 with the majority in their 70's. She requested the board adopt a resolution recognizing Volunteer Week and invited board members to a recognition celebration on April 23, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Crawford Senior Center. Commissioner Antoine said he was pleased to see these folks recognized and did not realize the amount of hours they give. Commissioner Shearl said he had no clue what happens at the Senior Service Center, those seniors are dear to his heart, and he is grateful to the volunteers and the work they do. Commissioner Antoine made a motion, seconded by. Commissioner Shearl to approve the resolution as requested Attachment 4 2). (C)DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF PULSE (PANTHER UNIFIED LEARNING AND SKILLS EXCHANGE) Macon County Schools Career and' Technical Education (CTE) Director Colleen Strickland shared that the pathways that are being offered to students are being expanded to offer a public safety curriculum. She said this will allow students to participate ini internships, and job shadowing in public safety departments with this opportunity only available because of collaboration between Macon County and Macon County Schools. Ms. Strickland said that instructor Larry Pickens has gained additional certifications and given up his planning period to make this programming happen. Mr. Pickens said he wants to put students in the environment that they want to go to work in and shared that Sheriff Brent Holbrooks and Emergency Management Director Warren Cabe have been instrumental in making this happen. Mr. Pickens said they will know next week about student interest and enrollment and he hopes this will help with participation in the volunteer fire departments. Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shields to approve the Memorandum of D)NANTAHALA BROADBAND UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF CAB (COMPLETING ACCESS TO BROADBAND) PROGRAM AND LETTER OF COMMITMENT FOR MACON COUNTY Macon County Broadband Consultant Jeff Lee provided a PowerPoint presentation and shared updates about the Nantahala Project. He said BalsamWest is about 50 percent complete with a targeted completion to June 1, 2024. Mr. Lee indicated that BalsamWest will be installing some equipment at Nantahala School and has obtained an easement for that. He said a $50,000 grant from Southwest Commission for had been received to pay for the equipment and installation of public Wi-Fi with most of the installation complete. Mr. Lee gave an update on the Frontier GREAT Grant, BalsamWest GREAT Grant, and the Charter RDOF Subsidy. He talked about the new CAB (Continuing Access to Broadband) project that was kicked off by the state in January 2024. Mr. Lee indicated that this program is different as the county will be collaborating directly with NCDIT (North Carolina Department of Information Technology) to identify the project areas that the county wants to work on. He said this program requires a county match, and identification of priority areas (approximately 2600 locations that are eligible for this funding). Mr. Lee asked for a letter of commitment with a request of  Understanding as requested. Vote was unanimous.  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 4 of 7    approximately $1,067,000 (10 percent) which would allow for an 8 million dollar grant. Mr. Roland stated that the agenda packet included a grant project ordinance amendment in the amount of $396,425 in American Rescue Act Funding (ARPA) balance to be spent by December 31, 2024, which could go toward this $1,067,000 leaving a balance of $670,575 to be appropriated from the general fund. After some discussion, Commissioner Higdon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shearl to pursue the CAB grant with a letter of commitment committing the county to a $1,067,000 match, the ARPA ordinance amendment, and appropriating $670,575 from the general fund balance as part of grant match. After some discussion a 4-1 vote was taken with Commissioner Higdon, Commissioner Shearl, Antoine, and Commissioner Higdon voting in favor of the motion, and Commissioner Young opposed. E)RECOMMENDATION OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER (CM) AT RISK FOR FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT - Mr. Roland reviewed the process that had been followed to issue and receive responses to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Construction Manager (CM) at Risk. He reported that three firms responded and the Liaison Committee and School Board members participated as the selection committee. Mr. Roland stated that the selection committee chose Carroll Daniel Construction and they will begin contract negotiations and will bring forth a contract for pre-construction. services at the March 25, 2024 Special Meeting. Mr. Roland indicated that following approval of the pre-construction contract the CM at Risk will present ag guaranteed maximum price for the project. Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shields to approve the recommendation and to begin contract negotiations with Carroll Daniel Construction. Vote was (F)DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF OFFER TO PURCHASE COUNTY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 38 PEEKS CREEK ROAD (OLD PINE GROVE SCHOOL) IN FRANKLIN - Attorney Ridenour reviewed the history of the deed for the property, redefining property lines, previous offers, and the current offer of $102,910 which is the tax appraised value. He said if the board accepts this bid then the offer will be published in the newspaper for the upset bid process. Commissioner Young said he did not think this was an equitable investment for the county. He said the inside of the building is in good shape. Commissioner Higdon said we have talked about this for a while and made a motion to accept the offer in the amount of $102,910 followed by the upset bid process. Commissioner Shearl said we have not had any community input into releasing a public property that is also used as a voting precinct and thinks we need to have a public hearing. Motion dies for lack of a second. Commissioner Shearl made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Young, to have a public hearing on the Pine Grove School property before entering into a contract. Attorney Ridenour suggested scheduling the public hearing for the April 9, 2024, regular meeting. The vote was 4-1 with Commissioner Antoine, Commissioner Shearl, Commissioner Shields, and Commissioner Young voting in favor of the motion, and Commissioner Higdon opposed. G)DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING ONE- QUARTER CENT COUNTY SALES AND USE TAXI REFERENDUM - Attorney Ridenour explained the resolution calling for ai referendum at the November election. Commissioner Shearl said the people have the option. to approve or not. Commissioner Antoine said to leave it in the hands of the people as it doesn't make sense for people coming through here to not pay sales tax. Commissioner Higdon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shearl. Vote  unanimous.  was unanimous [Attachment 3).  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 5of 7    H)DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL TO EXEMPT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES BELOW $50,000.00 FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE HYDROGEOLOGIC DESIGN AND UPDATE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR THE FUTURE PHASE III, CELL II OF THE MACON COUNTY LANDFILL- Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl explained the process for selection of engineering services and the timeline for the process being a tight window. He said the only way for us to move forward in July 2024 is to have this exemption in place. Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shields to approve the resolution as requested [Attachment41. Vote was (I) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT MACON COUNTY LANDFILL, PHASE III, CELL II, AND CLOSURE OF MACON COUNTY LANDFILL PHASES I AND II - Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl said he was requesting approval to go through the RFQ process as described earlier by Mr. Roland to select an engineering consulting firm as described in the packet provided. After some discussion, Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, to solicit an RFQ as J)DISCUSSION REGARDING DRAFT REGISTRATION/PERMITTING OF HAULERS AND COLLECTORS IN MACON COUNTY Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl explained that the Macon County Solid Waste Ordinance indicates that the commissioners will approve and permit anyone that is going to be hauling trash for hire. He said because we had a franchise agreement that required subscription service with the franchisee and prohibited other haulers. Mr. Stahl said that during the last renewal of the franchise agreement, this restriction was removed which led to him reviewing the ordinance and revisiting the permitting of haulers. He shared a draft application and approval process that a company would need to go through to be registered. Mr. Stahl said he has not looked at any punitive aspects as he wanted feedback from the board. He says this process protects the citizens to ensure there is no illegal dumping, that the hauling company is licensed and insured, that equipment is inspected, etc. After some discussion, Attorney Ridenour requested time to look at the ordinance and the proposal presented and to come back with a CONSENT AGENDA: Upon a motion by Commissioner Young, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, the board voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda as presented which includes: (A) Minutes of the February 8, 2024, special meeting, February 13, 2024, regular meeting, and the February 27, 2024 special meeting, (B) Budget Amendments #161-165, (C) Capital Project Ordinance Highlands Middle School Renovation amendment, (D) Tax releases for the month of February 2024 in the amount of $270.84, (E) Monthly ad valorem tax  unanimous.  requested. Vote was unanimous.  recommendation.  collection report for which no action is necessary. (A)Economic Development Commission (3 seats)  APPOINTMENTS:  Commissioner Shearl made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Antoine to re-appointment of Brian Stiehler (Town of Highlands representative), and the appointment of Stacy Guffey (Town of Franklin representative) to replace Mike Lewis, and Kaye McHan (Town of Highlands representative). CLOSED SESSION: At 9:43 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Higdon, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, the board voted unanimously to go into closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11(a)5) to discuss the  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 6 of 7    acquisition of real property. At 10:04 p.m., upon a motion by Commissioner Shearl, seconded by Commissioner Antoine, the board voted unanimously to ADJOURN: With no other business, at 10:07 p.m., upon a motion from Commissioner Shearl, seconded by Commissioner Young, the board voted  come out of closed session and return to open session.  unanimously to adjourn.  E Ex Officio Clerk to the Board  Cmhld  Derek Roland  Gary Shields Board Chair  Minutes 3.12.24 Page 7of7    NOTICEOF SPECIAL MEETING ANDPUBLICHEARING  TOCONSIDER ENTERING INTO PRIVATE SALE AGREEMENTTOSELL COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY AND PROVIDE INCENTIVE GRANT. Please take notice that the Macon County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting and conduct a public hearing on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 5:30p.m. in the Commissioners Board Room located on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse, located at 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to consider a proposed sale of the Macon County Business Development property located at 185 Industrial Park Road, Franklin, Macon County, 28734 as an Economic Development endeavor in accordance with NCGS $158-7.1 and  further consider a business incentive grant.  Notice is given that:  1. NCGS $158-7.1(d) provides that a county may contract to sell real property by 2. The tract of real property that the County is considering to sale is that approximate 2.7 acre tract of real property bearing PIN 6574437543, and consisting of a portion of the property first acquired by the County by deed recorded in Book T10, Page 162 of the Macon County Registry. a. Fee simple conveyance of the above referenced tract ofreal property; b. A sale price of $797,000, which sum is equal to the County Tax Assessed value and greater than the $740,000 private appraised value of opinion dated 4. Thej proposed sale is expected to enable the purchasing business to create 95 new 5. The county is considering making an incentive grant equal to $100,000 to the Ac copy of the County Tax Card showing an assessed value of $797,000 and the Appraisal Report prepared by Batson Company dated June 15, 2023 with appraised value of $740,000 can be viewed on the County website, maconnc.org, under "Public Announcements." A hard copy of the same may be obtained in the lobby at the County A copy of the proposed real estate sales contract for consideration by the Board may be Approved for Public Hearing at the March 12, 2024 meeting of the Macon County Board  private sale that is suitable for industrial and commercial use.  3. The proposed terms oft the sale are:  June 15, 2023 prepared by Batson Company; jobs at an average annual salary of$82,144.00.  company in return for its job creation and capital investments.  Annex Building, 5 West Main Street, Franklin, North Carolina. obtained at the public hearing on March 25, 2024.  ofCounty Commissioners.  Attachment 1    Wlacon Counky  COUA  Resolution in Recognition of  Macon County Crawford Senior Center Volunteers  WHEREAS, Macon County is a community rich in volunteers that dedicate their valuable time and resources to the Dorothy R. and John L. Crawford Senior Center, WHEREAS, volunteers have donated 5,004 hours at the Crawford Senior Center WHEREAS, the spirit of volunteerism provides even more evidence that Macon WHEREAS, volunteering one's time has been a significant part of our County heritage; and it is critical that we continue such a tradition to preserve and improve WHEREAS, experience teaches us that government alone cannot meet all the needs WHEREAS, we continue to rely on the efforts of volunteers to enrich our community. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Macon County Board of Couny y Commissioners do, hèreby thank and honor the volunteers at the Crawford Senior Center by proclaiming April 21-27, 2024 as Macon County Volunteer Week. Adopted at the March 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Macon County Board of  making significant and positive outcomes, great and small; and  during calendar year 2023; and  County's greatest resource is its people; and  the quality of life for our citizens of our community; and  of our county; and  -  B  Commissioners:  Macon County Board of Commissioners    Attest:  Derek Roland, Macon Manager and Clerk to the Board  -  MACDN COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX PHONE 828-349-2000  5WESTI  FRANKLIN, NORTH CARDLINA: 28734 Attachment2  FAX: 828-349-2400    STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MACON  RESOLUTION CALLING A SPECIAL ADVISORY REFERENDUM FOR THE LEVY  OF A ONE-QUARTER CENT COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly has enacted the "One-Quarter Cent County Sales and Use Tax Act" Article 46 of Chapter 105 of the North Carolina General Statutes (Session Law 2007-323), which authorizes counties to levy a local sales and use tax; and  WHEREAS, in order to levy the local sales and use tax, Macon County must conducta special advisory referendum on the question of whether to levy a local sales and use tax and the election shall be held in accordance with the provisions ofl North Carolina General Statutes $163-  287; and  WHEREAS, the Macon County was recently awarded a $62 million dollar grant to construct a new Franklin High School and make improvements to the Highlands School; and WHEREAS, it is expected that the above capital improvements to Macon County WHEREAS, it is therefore the desire of the Board ofCommissioners ofN Macon County to offer the possibility of such additional sales tax to the voters of Macon County in an advisory  schools will cost in excess of $130 million.  referendum pursuant to North Carolina General Statute $ 105-537.  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Macon County Board of  Commissioners that:  1. The Macon County Board of Commissioners hereby state its intent to use the revenues from the Article 46 one-quarter cent County sales and use tax, ifapproved by the voters ofMacon County, for capital projects oft the Macon County School System. 2. Ar referendum is hereby called during the normal time the polls are open for the election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at which there shall be submitted to the  qualified voters of Macon County the question stated below.  Attachment 3    3. The form oft the question to appear on the ballot and in the instruction to voters for said  referendum shall be as follows:  [IFOR  [JAGAINST  Local sales and use tax at the rate ofone-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other 4. The referendum shall be held in accordance with the procedures of North Carolina General Statutes $ 163-287. The Macon County Board of Elections is hereby directed to conduct said referendum and to take all necessary steps to that end in accordance with the 5. The Board of Elections shall publish legal notice of the special advisory referendum in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes $ 163-287(b) no less than 45 days  State and local sales and use taxes.  Act.  prior to the election.  6. This Resolution will take effect immediately upon passage.  BEITI FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy ofthis Resolution shall be delivered by the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners to the Director of the Macon County  Board of] Elections.  ADOPTED at the March 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Macon County Board of  Commissioners.  EH Macon County Board  ofCounty Commissioners    ATTEST:  Derek Roland, Macon and Clerk to the Board (Official Seal)  E  County Manager  AK  -    RESOLUTION EXEMPTING GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MACON COUNTY SOLIDWASTE LANDFILL CELL DEVELOPMENT IN MACON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, FROM THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3D OF CHAPTER 143 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES  WHEREAS, Article 3DofChapter 143of the North Carolina General Statutes establishes  as general public policy regarding procurement of engineering services; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statutes Section 143-64.32 provides:  "Units of local government or the North Carolina Department of Transportation may in writing exempt particular projects from the provisions ofthis Article in the case of proposed projects where an estimated professional feei is in an amount less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)"; and attached proposals from Bunnell-Lammons Engineering in Macon County, North Carolina; and  WHEREAS, Macon County is now in need of geotechnical engineering services as detailed in the WHEREAS, the estimated professional engineering fees for the required scope of work related to development of future landfill capacity in Macon County, North Carolina is in an amount less than fifty NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF MACON that the proposed engineering services for the development of Phase III, Cell II, of the MSW Landfill in Macon County, North Carolina, is hereby exempted in writing from the provisions of Article 3D of Chapter 143 of North Carolina General Statutes  thousand ($50,000) dollars.  pursuant to the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. $143-64.32.  Adopted this 12th day of March 2024.  hiel sary  nan  CATShL  Macon County Board of Commissioners  ATIESD    Derek Roland, County Manager and Clerk to the Board (COUNTY SEAL)  2 CARU  Attachment4