MINUTES  REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OFTHEI BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY AUGUST 7,2023 AT7:00 P.M. INTHE. JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA  1.  MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIMANIEONARD WIGGINS AT7:001 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Leonard Wiggins, Chairman, Rev. E. Wayne Hines, Vice- Chairman, Mrs. Viola Harris, Mr. George Thorne, Mr. Ralph Webb and Mrs. Evelyn OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Eric Evans, County Manager, Mrs. Natalie Bess, Deputy County Manager, Mr. Michael Peters, County Attorney and Ms. Frangie Mungo, Clerk to  Powell.  MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Donald Boswell.  thel Board.  2. 3. 4. 5.  SAFFT/INSTRUCTIONS Safety instructions provided byl Mrs. Bess. Prayer provided by] Rev. Hines.  PRAYER.  MINUTES OF] PREVIOUS MEETINGS PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL. Rev. Hines moved to approve the minutes of the. June 28, 2023 and July 3, 2023 meetings as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  PUBLIC HEARING:  1.  Mr. Wiggins called a public hearing to order to receive citizens input relative toa possible application to thel NCI Department of Commerce for the CDBG-  Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Mr. Peters read thej public notice.  Mr. Evans stated that the Rurall Economic Development Division of thel NC Department of Commerce will announce the availability of Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) funds for activities within the County later this fall. Thej programi is centered around renovation and replacement of substandard housing for low-moderate income families, and most of thei funding must be used forl low-to-moderate income, owner-  occupied housing. Program funds can be used to:  Address housing and other public utility, street and drainage conditions within a neighborhood, on a scattered site basis, or for emergency housing Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities ins support of] housing, ori improvement, or removal of architectural barriers Senior and community/negaborhoodreereational center, parks and Shelter for persons having special needs such as shelters for the homeless, convalescent homes, hospitals, nursing homes, battered spouse shelters, half- way houses for runaway children, drug offenders or parolees, group homes for the mentally challenged/disabled, and temporary housing for persons;  repairs;  to promote energy efficiency; playgrounds;    Water/sewer connections for LMI persons tol lines not constructed with The maximum grant request is yet tol be determined. The program does not require al local match; however, some level ofl local funding may help the application score higher. We must conduct two public hearings prior to the submission of an application. Tonight's hearingi is the first, and thej purpose is to receive public comment about possible application activities. During the second, we will explain to thej public the contents ift thej proposed application after approval by thel Board of Mr. Wiggins called for public comments. There being none the public hearing was Rev. Hines moved to call for a second public hearing tol he held at the September 5, 2023 meeting. Mr. Webb seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. A. Tarasa Lewis, Tax Administrator, presented the 2022 Annual Settlement. Mrs. Harris moved to approve the resolution approving the Annual Tax Settlement as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Thorne moved to approve the resolution to recharge the' Tax Collector with collecting taxes for years 2013 through 2023. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which B. Introduction of] Payden Kiser, 4-H delegate to attend the North Carolina Association of Mrs.' Tanya Heath, Cooperative Extension Director, introduced Mr. Kiser. C.D David Webb, Regional Director fort the Office of Congressman Don Davis.provided: an  CDBG funds; and Emergency Housing Repairs  Commissioners. adjourned.  6.  SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS):  carried by unanimous vote.  County Commissioners Fall Conference.  update.  Presentation to be made upon the arrival of] Mr. Webb.  7. PUBLIC PETITIONS.  Mrs. Kathy Williams, 22081 Robin Drive,' Tarboro, stated that the County's new Vision Statement is "Edgecombe County is al historic place that values its citizens and natural resources and creates opportunities where people are proud to live, work and play for generations to come." Shes stated that she disagrees. Shel has livedi in Edgecombe County her entirel life and she has never considered leaving as much as shel has in the last few months ands shei is actively looking for housing outside of the County. Mrs. Williams stated that shei is tired of paying outrageous taxes and sees nothing fori it. The Sheriff's Office has tol beg for vehicles. Wel havel been begging for a shelter for years. Wel have duplicate facilities in' Tarboro and Rocky Mount. She stated that nobody understands thei numbers of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are dying. Animal euthanasia is killing and animal humanely, most commonly with injectable drugs. This year 330 dogs and cats havel been euthanized at the shelter, a 46% euthanasia rate. Wel had it down tol less than 20%. She stated that inl May the shelter closed for two weeks tol have the floors sealed and the walls painted, buti ity was not done correctly. Thes sealing has been torn up already and the paint is coming up all ready. Mrs. Williams stated that she iss severely disappointed and provided Dr. Tracy Phillips, 1109 US Highway 301, Whitakers, stated that the County Board's conduct has been nothing short ofa disappointment. With abdication, desertion and malfeasance leading to a dereliction of their duty as responsible stewards of our resources. This outrageous and unacceptable performance is now public knowledge apparent to all except those who turn al blind eye to the truth or recklessly ignore the consequences of their  pictures to thel Board.  2    actions. Such behavior cannot go unpunished. Those who acti in this manner must face the consequences. The State auditors' recent report revealed clear red flags about the Board and the County Manager's performance. Gross mismanagement and ai failure to lead by example have eroded the trust of those who rely on the County Manager's guidance. This hypocrisy undermines the very essence ofl leadership thats should be earned through accountability and transparency. There has been ai failure ini fiduciary duty toj provide adequate oversight and accountability of the County's resources. Repeated failure to reconcile bank accounts, late penalties and inaccurate payrolls have resulted in the wastage ofvaluable resources that should be utilized for thel betterment of the citizens in this County. Thel lack of due diligence from both the Board and the County Management is an embarrassment. Matters that are material to accountability have been overlooked anda lack if monitoring or reporting has led to a delegation of financial management responsibilities without any sense of responsibility. Most concerning of all is the overall failure to communicate effectively with the citizens of this County. Centrali information has not been shared transparently leading to a lack oft trust and high rates of staff turnover. Toxicl leadership, abuse of authority and a disregard for the community'svoices have created an atmosphere of mistrust and dissatisfaction. The consequences of this lack of accountability are evident. Our chief administrator seems disconnected from the realities atl hand. Displaying poor judgement andi ineffective oversight of labor and resources. We cannot afford tol have a leader incapable of meeting the challenges that lie ahead. She stated thati in) light of these alarming circumstances, she earnestly calls upon the Board to do thel honorable thing and demand thei immediate resignation oft the County Manager. Our County deserves better and we stand at aj pivotal crossroad. A moment that will determine thei future and fate ofl Edgecombe County. The choice is clear, we can either continue with thel leadership that has left us at thel bottomi in health, housing and education or we can embrace a new path of accountability, transparency and good governance. Something that propels our County forward. We demand the change. We deserve it and we: arel holding you) responsible for your neglectful actions and you) need to be held accountable. We deserve as a citizen of this County nothing less. Mr. Roger Savain 11091 USI Highway. 301, Whitakers, stated that in reviewing the budget we have a debts service for a $3 million principal and wel havel budgeted for thei interest on it, which seems to be 19 percent interest a year. Itiss such a highi interest rate on that particular amount of money. Itis either thel bankers are making really a good deal for somebody else. Is that a way we are: apportioning money at a different time: for other reasons. Mr. Savain stated that the principal on the school is $658,000 and the interest on thati is 11%. Hes stated that he attended the meeting of thei manager and he mentioned that fact that you were. hiring a new person tol be responsible for coordinating unemployment to employers in the County. The amount was like 1300 unemployed and there are: abut 1600 jobs. He stated that he researched and found out that we already have people doing that, an office dedicated to thati in this County that has four professionals ini it at thel Edgecombe County Community College. Mr. Savain stated that when he spoke tot thel head of the department he was flabbergasted. He did not understand why in the world did we need to hire somebody else to dol his job. He can adjust the focus to resolve some of the issues that the County was to address, but this is a matter of wasted money. He asked that they take Mr. John Walker, 13031 N.] Main Street, Tarboro, (Editor of My' Tarboro Today digital newspaper), raised the question about] leasing versus borrowing money on vehicles. Conversation came up prior to the budget. It came upl before the budget was voted on. We stilll have not gotten anything, but one of the explanations was that one company was talked to rather thanl Enterprise because Enterprise wanted the entire County's business and not just the Sheriff's Office. He asked what was wrong with that. He has sat in meetings before where wel have talked about trying to find mechanics to work on the vehicles, having trouble finding decent mechanics. We talked about al lot back over where we could build a shop. Why not go with the company that would take your vehicles and haves a management program: for all of the vehicles in the County. That takesi it offoft the department head and allows them to do the, job that they are supposed to do. Mr. Walker stated that Mrs. Harris  thati in consideration ànu make necessary adjustments.  3    asked that question before. She did not understand that we did not have a vehicle maintenance plan. Thati is prudent spending of taxpayer money. He stated that he does not know what thei interest ratei is at Southern Bank, buti if we can better deal with Enterprise andi if they want all of our vehicles and they want to do a vehicle maintenance plan and the Sheriff's Officel has a vehicle that has 150,000 miles, we: are going tol know that 50,000 miles ago they came and got that vehicle and they havel betters set of wheels. We have got to do al better job of spending our money. You all are on ai fixed income because Mr. Curmilus Dancy, 1271 Midway Lane, Tarboro, PO Box 1391, Pinetops, stated that he echoed what the Animal Control committee member, Kathy Williams, stated about animal control. He stated that being on that committee, and he did know where they are at now because they have not had a couple of meetings. Hes stated that he will be glad when the committee gets back oni it and move: forward so they can do something about a new animal shelter. Mr. Dancys stated thati iti is embarrassing to him tol look ati in the parking lot at an event he videoed and see this old] Explorer belonging to the Sheriff's Office. Hes stated that our County has these old vehicles, and we need some new vehicles and he hopes to see some new vehicles next year because the officers need tol be able to make it to a call and makei it Mr. Wiggins stated that wel have a seven-member board and it takes four members of the Board to approve of anything that comes out of the budget ands some of thej projects being talked about wel have been working on some length of time. Wel have ai fixedi income and it has tol be spread around and we make those decisions on where we: are going to spread it. Every department head request more money and wel have to make decisions onl how we: are going toi fund them. Mr. Wiggins stated that the one comment about thel Manager, oversight is his responsibility along with that of department heads. You cannot fix things that do not get to you. He stated that hel has been around Edgecombe government for 24 years and he certainly gives thel Manager full confidence in terms of his ability to dol his job. Mr. Wiggins stated that if hel has anything to do with it thel Manager will stay here as long as he stays here. He stated that we do value citizen comments and if we get them more often, whether they are against government or supportive. We do a lot of things that we like to hear that we do well. Sometimes thel Board is privileged to have an agenda package that will contain more: facts than you as citizens get and those are the things that we deal with. We are working on that shelter and feel close. We will continue to do things Mrs. Harris stated that she understands our citizens feelings and as County Commissioner she shares those feelings. During 2020 and 2021 we werei in aj pandemic and al lot of people were not working full-timei inside the building, which allowed al lot of things to not happen as they should havel happened. Our finance department has had to be completely revamped. We found out during that time that wel had people who were unexperienced, unablei to do the job at hand. We took precautions and 2021 is gone and now we have to start on where we: are now. That department does not look likei it used tol look. Wel have mades sure that wel hired people with experience. We have made sure that we put money in the budget sO we can get thel best, because we understand finances is at the top priority of any county. We have to make sure that everything that we are supposed to take care ofis taken care of. Mrs. Harris stated that County Commissioners pay taxes too, so of course we got upset when we saw the report. We: also had the opportunity to look in that report and see that the auditor did not haves some things quite right. You cannot believe everything that you) read. She stated that she worked in the newspaper business for 15 years. You have to remember who is doing the report. Youl have to remember before you take the blank out of my eye you need to takei it out of your own. This Board has come down and mades sure that there are processes inj place so that what has happened does not happen again. We are not thel kind to close our eyes to anything, even when it comes down to our Manager. Hei has been told. Hel has been shown, but remember he is a man, just like the rest of us. In2021 hel had his hands fullj just like everybody else. Right now, wel believe that we: arei in a good place. The gentleman mentioned about thej people at Edgecombe  we can only give you so much. We are already at. .95 cents.  back home.  according to the budget that wel have.  4    Community College, Dr. McLeod, whoi isl President of the College, is working with our Manager on that specific job toi include it with what hel has, because what he hasi is dealing with education and work. Wel have to rèmember that everybody is not going to Edgecombe Community College. Everybody is not going to college period. We are trying to get people to work who want to work with their hands, people that can work with their minds, there are jobs out there. Mrs. Harris stated that after 22 years of serving this County she was disappointed. and she was one of thei first ones tol let him know she was not satisfied. We are alll human. Mistakes have been made, but we have put things inj place to make sure that we: are at thel best that we can be for right now in 2023-2024 moving forward. Mr. David Webb, with the Office of Congressman Don Davis, presented on:  SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. Congressional Casework Constituent Outreach Commendations and Greetings Flagl Requests Federal Grant Assistance Constituent Representation in Congress Legislative Updates  Congressional Educational Opportunities for Youth  Appropriations and Community Project Funding Update  Congressman Don Davis highlights remarkable achievements on thel House. Floor  OTHER BUSINESS:  A. Approval to ratify previous Board action to accept additional grant funds for Water Mr. Evans stated that we received notice of additional grant funding available from USDA-Rural Development for our infrastructure project in Water/Sewer District 6in the amount of $2,327,000. Since USDA had to get those funds obligated before August 4th, thel Board called a special meeting for August 2nd, at 2:00 p.m. However, because of some unexpected and urgent family and health emergencies and obligations, only three members of thel Board were present at 2:00 p.m. for the special meeting. After consulting with USDA, it was clear that to avoid losing $2,327,000 of USDA grant funds, it was necessary for thel Board toi immediately consider the grant amendment without delay that would be caused by calling for al later special meeting. Therefore, thel Board called an emergency meeting for August 2nd at 4:00 p.m. to approve the grant amendment. The emergency meeting was held on' Tuesday, August 2nd at 4p.m., a quorum was present, and thel Board properly considered and approved the grant amendment in time tos secure the grant funding. Event though the meeting was properly called, and a quorum was present which unanimously approved the action, it isi important tol be transparent with our citizens. Therefore, to show clear support for the acceptance of those grant fundsi in a regularly scheduled meeting of thel Board, he recommended that thel Board convene as the Governing Board for Water and Sewer District, and then ratify thel Board's previous actin to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Letter of Conditions for the USDA-Rural Development Grant for Water and Sewer Mrs. Powell moved to recess the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners and convene: as Governing Body of Water and Sewer District 6. Rev. Hines seconded the Mrs. Harris moved to ratify the previous action by the Board to approve Amendment No.2 2 to thel Letter of Conditions for the USDA-Rural Development Grant for Water and Sewer District 6, increasing the grant by the amount of $2,327,000 as presented. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mrs. Powell moved to adjourn as Governing Body of Water and Sewer District 6 and  and Sewer District 61 Infrastructure project.  District 6, increasing the grant by the amount of $2,327,000.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  5    reconvene. regular meeting of thel Board of Commissioners. Rev. Hines seconded the Mrs. Harris moved to approve budget amendments 1-6b as] presented. Mrs. Powell C. Approval of Assistance Policy and rastremetDahunsees policy for the Urgent Mr. Evans stated that Edgecombe County has been awarded $76,000 by the North Carolina Housing Finance. Agency (NCHFA) under the 2023 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program (URP). The goal of thej projecti is to assist at] lease 5 very-low and low-income families with special needs in addressing housing conditions that pose imminent threats tot their) life and/or safety or toj provide accessibility modifications and other repairs necessary toj prevent displacement. NCHFA requires that we adopt an Assistance Policy and Procurement/Disbursement Policy before al Funding Agreement isi issued. Mrs. Powell moved to approve the policies as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the Mr. Evans stated that the FY-241 budget includes funding for the following new  motion, which carried by unanimous vote. B. Approval of budget amendments.  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  Repair Program.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  D. Approval of job descriptions for newly created positions.  positions.  Career Navigator (grade 22) Parks and Recreation Director (grade 23) Attorney-Social Services (grade 25) previously on our pay plan. That is added on grade 12.  Thel budget also includes adding back thel Delinquent' Tax Specialist position, which was Mrs.) Powell moved to approve thej job descriptions as presented, as well as the revised Pay Plan thati includes them at the grades stated. Mrs. Harris seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 51 for and 1 opposing. Mr. Thorne opposed. Mr. Evans presented for Board consideration a quote to upgrade the water meter reading system utilized by the Utilities Department, along with purchasing new water meters and associated appurtenances to replace water meters within several districts. Thel Edgecombe County Utilities Department utilizes Neptune Water Meters to monitor water usage throughout Districts 1-5. However, District 6 (Town of Princeville) utilizes al Badger Meter system that was inherited at the time Edgecombe County took over ownership of the' Town of] Princeville's Water & Sewer System, which currently leaves the Utility Department operating two separate: meter reading systems. Currently the Badger reading system and water meters arei in desperate need of replacement, therefore, itis much easier to convert the entirel Badger System to thel Neptune System. According to our Financial Policy, under "Competitive Bidding", when goods or services are only available from as single source, those items can be purchased through Sole Sourcing" but must be approved by the governing board prior toj purchase. Mr. Thorne moved to approve the quote as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the F. Approval of] Resolution to Appropriate Additional Opioid Settlement Funds. Mr. Evans stated that counties are receiving additional funds from a second opioid settlement with fivej pharmacies, referred to as thes second wave. The distribution process mirrors the original settlement agreement with counties. We have already received the first allocation of $64,714.67. Mr. Evans presented to thel Board for consideration a resolution to update our appropriation from both settlements. The  E. Approval of Sole Sourcing of Water Meters.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  6    total amount includes the first two allocations from the first settlement wave, the amount received from thes second wave, and the anticipated amount to be allocated later Mr. Webb moved to approve the resolution as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the G. Approval of amendments to correct and update ordinances for Solid Waste and Mr. Evans) presented for Board consideration Amendment No. 1 to the Solid Waste Ordinance, originally adopted June 28, 2023 as part of thel Budget. Adoption. The purpose of the Amendment is to make corrections and additions to the Solid Waste Fee Mr. Michael Matthews, Assistant County Manager, stated that one of the changes is Construction and Demolition, which was supposed to go from $50 per ton to $55. Yard Waste was at $44.50, which should be $46] per ton. He stated that the scrap tire disposal Mr. Powell moved to approve the amendment as presented. Mr. Harris seconded the Mr. Evans presented for Board consideration Amendment No. 1 to the Water and Sewer Operations Ordinance, originally adopted June 28, 2023 as part of the Budget Adoption. Thej purpose of this Amendment is to make corrections to the Water and Mr.] Matthews stated that the residential and commercial fees needs tol be corrected. The first 5,000 gallons is $7j per gallon, which is correct, but from there on it should Mr. Webb moved to approve the amendment as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the  this fiscal year.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  Water/Sewer.  Schedule for FY-24.  fee was left out at $90 per ton.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  Sewer Fee Schedule: for FY-24. have been $7.50 and $8.25  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  SUPPLEMENTAL, AGENDA: LOTHER: BUSINESS  A. Approval of Ambulance Franchise. Agreement for Coastal Medical' Transport, Inc. Mr. Evans stated that Coastal Medical Transport, Inc. has submitted a franchise agreement toj provide ambulance transportation in Edgecombe County. Edgecombe County citizens could benefit from having Coastal Medical' Transport, Inc. as anon- emergency ambulance transportation servicer tol help meet the high demand of transporting our bed confined patients toi in: and out of county doctor's appointment, local hospital discharges, and routine recurring care appointments such as dialysis. Currently, Edgecombe County EMS non-emergency division is maximizing all opportunities to transport patients. However, the demand is now beyond our capability  to manage considering:  Prioritization of911/emergency calls for service Prioritization of recurring dialysis non-emergency transports Inability tos staff non-emergency transport units due toj profession demand. Mr. Harris moved to approve the Ambulance Franchise Agreement for Coastal Medical Transport, Inc. as recommended. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by  unanimous vote. 9. APPOINTMENTS:  A. Edgecombe County ABC Board.  Mrs.] Powell moved to reappoint Mr. Calvin Wiggins as recommended. Rev. Hines  7    seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 10. AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 11. CONTRACTS FOR REVIEW AND/OR APPROVAL.  Mr. Thorne moved to approve the afterlists and releases as presented. Mrs. Powell  Mr. Webb moved to: approve the contracts as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion,  which carried by unanimous vote. A. Water and Sewer update. B. Monthly Financial Summary. C.Solid Waste reports.  12. DEPARTMENTAL: REPORTS FOR REVIEW.-"Recived-:  D. Emergency Management - Tornado damage overview and update.  Mr. Antwan Brown, Emergency Services Director, provided an update on the. July 19, Mrs. Harris moved to approve thel Resolution Requesting Funding to Address Unmet Needs After' Tornado Damage in Edgecombe County. Mrs. Powell seconded the  2023 tornado that touched downi in the County. motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 13. MANAGER'SI REPORI-"Resehd": A. Workforce Development Indicators. B. TDA financial report. C. Update on Countyline: Merger. D. Update on Broadband Project. E.Tailored) Plan Launch Delay. G.I Inspection: report for Volunteer Fire Departments. H. Update on Get Off thel Listi initiative. 14. COMMISSIONERS REPORT.  F.Grand Re-opening of the Rocky Mount Health Department office on August 14th.  Mrs. Harris shared information she received while attending the NACo Conference.  How counties are getting creative to meet] housing needs for thel homeless Edgecombe is not the only one who cannot find people to worki in DSS and the Crisis in America on civility- - how wet talk to one another, how we treat each other. That goes for citizens as well as elected officials tol be civil to one another. Mental Health Summit: Coming out of pandemic and al lot of our employees and family members have not addressed the mental drain that the pandemic had on all of us. We need to make sure that we: are keeping up with the mental health  Health Department. Itis all across the country.  or our employees and our families.  Mr.' Thorne, speaking to the citizen comment about thel leasing of the vehicles, stated that that meetingi is actually going tol happen on August 11th, but for reiteration, he asked the Board at thel May meeting tol have support tol have that by the budget. We still do not have itand this is thet fourth meeting in a row that hel has asked tol have information on leasing  ofv vehicles that was supposed tol be presented backi inl May.  15. ATTORNEY'S REPORT. 16. CLOSED SESSION.  None.  Rev.] Hines moved to goi into closed session to discuss: A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)] Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.    Rev. Hines moved to go out of closed session and resume the regular meeting. Mrs. Powell 17. REV.HINESI MOVED TO ADJOURNTHE MEETING. MRS. POWELL SECONDED  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. THEI MOTION, WHICH CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.  Approved September 5, 2023. oayn ul Frangie Munga, Clerk to thel Board  9