MINUTES  REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OFTHE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER: 5,2023. AT7:001 P.M. INTHEJONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA  1.  MEETINGCALLEDI TOORDER BY CHAIRMANI LEONARD WIGGINS AT7:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Leonard Wiggins, Chairman, Rev.] E. Wayne Hines, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Donald Boswell, Mr. George Thorne, Mrs. Viola Harris, Mrs. Evelyn Powell and Mr. Ralph OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Eric Evans, County Manager, Mrs. Natalie Bess, Deputy County Manager, Mr. Michael Peters, County Attorney, Mr. Michael Matthews, Assistant County Manager, Mrs. Linda Barfield, CFO and Ms. Frangie Mungo, Clerk to thel Board.  Webb.  MEMBERS ABSENT: None.  2.  SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Safety instructions provided by Mrs. Bess. Prayer provided by Rev. Hines.  3. PRAYER.  4. 5.  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL. Rev. Hines moved to approve the minutes of the August 1,2023 and August' 7,2 2023 meetings as presented. Mr. Webb seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. A. Bob Pike, President of Carolinas Gateway Partnership. introduction. Mr. Norris' Tolson introduced Mr. Pike, new. President of Carolinas Gateway  GITDAUIPATTONPNINIS:  Partnership.  Mr. Pike thanked thel Board for allowing him to serve the people of] Edgecombe County. B. Chayce) Bryant, Boys & Girls Club, reported on his experience at thel NCACC Mr. Bryant stated that his mother instilled in him to be accountable and responsible. He stated that overall, hel had a good experience at the conference. Topics discussed were thej principles ofl leadership and emotional intelligence. He stated that he was disappointed and humiliated that there were nol Edgecombe County Commissioners at the Saturday morning event. Out of 77 counties represented, no commissioner there to represent his County. Mr. Bryant stated that thel humiliating part was when other County Commissioners volunteered tos sit with him atl his table or chose not to. He was tempted to sit with thel Nash County delegate that traveled with him, but his table was fully represented. The disappointment came when) he felt this was thet time that] he truly wanted to be an advocate: for teenagers in his county and discuss those issues previously presented to the Board in thel hopes of finding ways to manage bullying, mental health and poverty, but unfortunately that did not take place. He asked the Commissioners to: all be truel leaders inl Edgecombe County andl be more accountable and responsible to the teenagers Mr. Easterling was joined by his colleague Mr. Nelson Freeman. Mr.Freeman stated that we still remain in a budget stalemate between the House and the Senate. Wer were in an accelerated path to work through a very large budget surplus this year. The State continues to maintain at track of putting in to strategic savings reserve: funds tos safeguard against future natural disasters. Eastern North Carolina continues tos suffer from prior natural disasters that have not yet been solved and thel legislature, in thei future, would like to be able to fund more of that more quickly if given that chance. Part of that means that there is less money to  Conference that he attended last month.  that livei in the County.  John] Easterling, KTS Strategies. to provide State lobbying update.  1    spend on other projects that legislators may bringf forward as they are contemplating both those levels of projects as well as continued tax reform and certain revenue generating activities. The discussion that was thought to conclude on July 1st continues now into September and could be done next week or on October 1st. Once a State budget is passed it does take 45 to 60 days for funds that havel been appropriated to be distributed. You can begin to encumber those activities once a budget is signed into law by the Governor. Mrs. Harris asked if there has been anything specific for Edgecombe County that they have walked both sides of thel hall for since the County engaged their company. Mr. Easterling stated that there are ar number ofi items that they have worked oni in coordination with the County's delegation, Senator Candi Smith and Representative Shelly Willingham. One was equipment and uplift of thel Edgecombe Works Innovation Camp campus at: a cost of $3 million; Kingsboro sewer extension phase II was put in; the. Animal Shelter, which) has been an area of discussion for ai new outfit of $2 to $51 million; and Sheriff's vehicles for $1 million. He stated that] Edgecombe County received some damages from the recent tornado and they havel had conversation with the Governor's Office about how can they get somei funding in the area of about $1 million for some of those damages. D. Courtney Richardson and Na'im Akbar, Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI). present to introduce and inform the Board of work] ROI is doing in the County. Ms.] Richardson provided information on the work they do in conjunction with Rural Opportunity Institute and Edgecombe County community. They work toi find innovative solutions to affect change in our communities in a number of ways through building resilience in our communities and building opportunities for Workforce Development and policy improvements. They work closely with the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office, as well as the' Tarboro Parks and Recreation. She stated that over the past year and: al half they spent timei in the community doing deep listening, understanding: more about what the community's needs are: and what the community would like tos seei int terms ofl how they support. They presented on: Aiming to disrupt Prison tol Pipeline system (Working with SROs). Workforce. Development (Internships with] high school students).  ROI's. Policy Program.  E. Brett Brenton, My Future NC, presented on statewide efforts and recommendation of  local goals.  Mr. Brenton presented on:  House Bill 664: To ensure that the State remains economically competitive, the State shall ensuret that by the year 2030; 2 million 25-44-year olds will have completedah high-quality  credential or postsecondary degree. Edgecombe County'sLEAKY Education PIPELINE Local Educational Attainment Collaboratives. An Opportunity for all. 2022 County Attainment Profiles. County Profile Snapshots. Next Steps. Accelerate. Action. unanimous vote.  After the presentation Mrs. Harris moved to approve Resolution to Support the myFutureNC. Attainment Goal. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by F.Mrs. Tarasal Lewis, Tax Administrator, presented the proposed Schedules, Standards Mrs. Lewis stated that the proposed Schedules, Standards and Rules to be used in the 20241 reappraisal ofr real property in Edgecombe County is being presented to the Board of Commissioners tonight. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105- 317(1); a copy of the schedules will bej placed in the Office of the County Manager and in the Office of the' Tax. Assessor where they will remain available for public inspection. A datei for thej public hearing on the proposed Schedules, Standards, and Rules needs tol be set. Mrs.] Lewis proposed that date be held by thel Board of Commissioners at the  and Rules to be used in the 2024 reappraisal of real property.  2    regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023: at' 7:00 p.m. in the. Jonathan Rev.) Hines moved to call for aj public hearing to bel held at the October 2, 2023 meeting. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Larry McNeil, 303 William' Walston Lane, Tarboro, stated that Mrs. McNeil got into thet transportation company to build a service and serve the community and she has done exceptionally well. Hes stated that they are not here for thel Board to change their mind about renewing their contract, but there are things that could havel been donel better when ito comes tot the drivers anu ie people of] Edgecombe County that they were serving. A three day notice tol let them know that their contract would nol longer be honored, he did not know where that came from. He stated that this did not hurt Fountain Transportation, but it did hurt the people of] Edgecombe County. He stated that hel has been in a couple of meetings with Mr. Evans regarding Get off thel List and with what was done and how it was done more people were added to the unemployment line, added morej people who cannot get to their appointments on time and missed appointments because they didi not have any way to get there. Mr. McNeil stated that he was very disappointed in Edgecombe County. Ifit was known that the contract was not going to be renewed they should have been told that it was their last month by giving a thirty-day notice. Mr. Evans provided context to the process stating that thes service that Mr. McNeil is referring to ist the non-emergency Medicaid eligible transportation coordinated through DSS. Our primary transportation provider is' Tar River' Transit. We found the need tol have a secondary company to filli in the gaps where' Tar River' Transit is not able to meet those needs adequately. Over the years, wel have had different companies to do that. Mr. Evans stated that a couple of months ago we went back out to solicit] proposals for this service as wes should do as part of our procurement process. Multiple proposals were received. Mrs. Battle, DSS Director, and her team members reviewed those] proposals and rated them based on a rating system that was included in thel RFP that was published. Based on their review of that criteria it was used to make the recommendation: for the company selected. That recommendation was brought to the Board and ity was a different company. Hes stated that they knew that we were going through this proposal process and they would not havel known whether they would have been selected or not until the process was complete. Citizens who rely on that service still can get that service. It] has tol be coordinated through DSS. Mr. Evans stated that we were doing our due diligence to go out and Mrs. Harris asked how long has Fountain Transportation been providing the Service.  Felton Commissioners Room.  6. PUBLICI PETITIONS.  solicit other proposals.  Mr. Evans stated about two years.  Mrs. Harris stated that she did not recalli it coming before the Board, but she remembers the new Mr. Evans stated that he would have to verify that. He stated that they have been aware that we Mr. Wiggins stated that what comes before thel Board is the recommendation of who will get the Ms.' Tamika Brown stated that she lives in Edgecombe County. She stated that the day those riders found out that they had to find their own way there, all of us do not havei it easy. Some of us had to come out of pocket. Some of us go to dialysis using this transportation. Where we could not find other people to come get us we: are missing dialysis treatments behind this. We definitely do not want to ride with Rocky Mount Transit, because if you have to get up at 3:00 in the morning to catch ride: and your appointment is not until 6 or 7:30 and you are on this van until then. They pick you up whenever they get ready. Ihavel been sitting out there getting off the machine at 2 o'clock and did not get home until 6 o'clock, sometimes 7 or 8o'clock. She stated that] Rocky Mount Transit are some of the rudest, disrespectful people shel has ever seen in her life. Ifyous are overweight they do not want toj put you on the ramp. Instead of them coming to your door they willl leavei is you are not out therei in five minutes and they are not coming back to  company. She asked ift thet three days' notice correct. were soliciting proposals and that process was going on. contract. Thel Board is not involvedi in the selection process.  3    gety you. Fountain opened up: al lot of doors. They were given time enough to bel home to eat breakfast in the morning and got us homei in time to get some of our kids off the bus. Ms. Brown stated that she learned that day that she did notl have a ride. There are people whol have not been able to come to dialysis because they do not have: a way to get there. The ones that are picking up now are using their personal cars thats smell like marijuana, sex and every other thing that you can imagine. A car that Social Services put themi in. She stated that missing dialysis is aj problem. Shes stated that iti not only took from her, it took out of drivers and family members mouths because it was decided to not renew a contract. She stated that this will not be the last time she Ms. Brenda Lyons stated thati if youl have to go to Greenville, they only have three days a week andi if you do not make that appointment with them those three days a week you do not get there. Shes stated that last Thursday her wheelchair needed repair and shel had medications she needed to pick up: and shel had a new doctor. She could not get to the doctor's office and when she called Social Services they told hers shel had to ride Tar River' Transit. Shes stated that they did her wrong. She: almost died on' Tarl River Transit van one day. The driver rani in front of cars and the rider beside tore the arm of her chair off. She stated that she called Mrs. McNeil because she was tired ofTar River Transit. Ms. Lyons stated that' Tar River Transit treated them) like dirt and did not fix her chair. She stated that they broke thel light on her chair. She stated that they are on the van all day long: and arel hungry and have to use the bathroom. They should not be treated like dogs. Shes stated that its should be no problem for them to ride Fountain Transportation. Fountain Transportation treats themi nice and are there when you call and say: you are ready. Ms. Regina Cantey, Tarboro, stated that Fountain Transportation did propose a contract for non- emergency medical driving. She stated that they submitted it. June 6th. They have been working with Edgecombe County for three years and four months. When it was aj problem with rates they always came together to negotiate a rate for Edgecombe County. She felt as if this issue is personal, because shel has hadi issues with Ms. Betty Battle, the Director, through email. A personal issue to attack. Fountain Transportation. She did not think it was they out bided them or their bid was lower. That is not the case. Ms. Cantey stated that they received an email on August 28th telling them that they no longer had thel bid and the reason why was because she kept emailing Ms. Betty Battle: and ce'd Mr. Evans. Shei never received a response from Ms. Betty Battle. Shel had one of! her personnel folks to email her an attachment from her. She never responded back. She asked Mr. Evans to please check his email from August 31s and September 1st and he will see so many emails from dialysis clinics and hospitals that willl let him) know that citizens have missed numerous appointments, because they have no transportation. She stated that shei is not for pity. They are here to serve. Edgecombe County and shei is unemployed because of the termination of thel business. She stated that shel has four kids and she need her job. She Dr. Tracy Phillips, 1109 US Highway 301, Whitakers, stated that at a recent] Board meeting, she stood before thel Board with deep concern, ignited by unsettling discoveries in the State Auditor's report. These revelations exposed as series of alarmingi issues: unapproved. Board Amendments, IRS payment delays, incomplete bank accounts purchasing policy violations, employee overpayments, and excessive insurance costs. In response to this severe mismanagement of our county's resources, shel boldly called for the County Manager's resignation. To her dismay, the Board Chair endorsed the County Manager's performance, pledging that Mr. Evans would remain in his role. While this endorsement may havel been wel-intentioned, iti inadvertently signals tolerance fori ineffective jobj performance. Thisi is al leadership concern that carries grave implications for County employees and Edgecombe County as a whole. It'sl like as slow-acting poison, gradually eroding our foundations. This leadership failure has condemned Edgecombe County to thel lowest statewide: rankings, marked by poor health statistics, persistent child poverty, underperforming: schools, housing crises, stagnant economic growth, and as shrinking population. Moreover, as startling 24% of our population is aged 65 or older, contributing to: a dwindling tax base.] Leadership must bear responsibility, and Mr. Wiggins, who has served as Chair for overa decade, must reflect onl his rolei in our County's current state. Dr. Phillips stated that her concern goes beyond acknowledging failure; it centers on embracing change. Failure, while not a death knell, can become onei ifv we stubbornly refuse to change. The evidence is clear: the current approach is not working. Adding to our challenges, this Board imposes the second-highest property tax rate statewide. But at this September meeting we aret tol hear plans of upcoming increases in assessments. The assessments should be frozen for 3 years. Rising property taxes  willl be seen. Until the contract is given back they willl be at every meeting.  stated that thej procedure was donei incorrectly.  4    disproportionately burden low-income households, increasing the risk of defaults and foreclosures. There is a way to alleviate this burden. Thel Board has the opportunity to use the $10 million surplus from] FY-22 and consistent surpluses from FY-20 to Fy-22 to reduce our property taxes from. .951 to. .67.This adjustment would align our tax rate with Nash County's, promote economic growth, and benefit our citizens and businesses. Shei implored thei new CFOI Mrs. Barfield to evaluate this proposal and confirm its benefits and feasibility. Iti is disheartening to witness the County Government's inexplicable expansion while our population dwindles. Edgecombe County has seen al 13%0 decline compared tol Nash County's1.4% increase since 2013. Yet, County Government is adding six new positions, including an additional tax collector, while the Board rewards itself with 10% salary hikes. In stark contrast, our protective services, including EMS and Sheriff/Detention services, the backbone of our community, receive a mere 5% increase. Hope dims further as our once-promising Kingsboro Industrial site, as symbol of economic promise, flickers with no workforce in site.' The County's persistent decline reflects failed leadership, exemplified by the recent "Get Off thel List" campaign. Remarkably, this was the first time in over two decades that the County Manager engaged with the community to address our abysmal statewide rankings in well-being, mortality, and overall quality ofl life. Regrettably, County commissioners were conspicuously absent from these community meetings. To make matters worse, the County Manager audaciously informed attendees that services could bei improved, despite commendable community efforts. Given this disheartening track record, the Board offers taxpayers zero return oni investment. Instead, its shifts the burden of mismanagement and poor decision-making onto our children and grandchildren. This feels like a slapi in the face to generations deeply invested in our community. Trapped in a mentality of chronic underperformance, a culture of blame, and providing band-aid solutions to deeply entrenched long-term problems, the citizens of Edgecombe County don't want to merely survive but tol live. And they deserve a future. Wee expect better. We deserve more.. Enough is enough. Mr. Abram Pretty, driver for Fountain Transportation, stated that Fountain Transportation isa good company to work for. He stated that they reassure people that they are going to take them to their appointments and' back home as quick as possible. The riders love them because they do not just drop them off at their driveway and leave them. They help the people and are polite to them. Curmilus Dancy, 1271 Midway Lane, Tarboro, P 01 Box 1391, Pinetops, stated that thel last timel he was here, he is always coming about the Sheriff's Office cars and other stuff. He stated that after hel left thel last timel he learned that the Sheriff's Office does not have thel Federal prisoners anymore. Hes stated that it broughti in al lot ofi income. He did not understand why that money could notl havel been used to get cars. Mr. Dancy stated that on last' Thursday morning hel left home to go to work andl his transmission went out. He stated that he would hate tos see, or need a Sheriff's Deputy to come to his house, in his neighborhood or anywhere in the County and their car put them down like his did. He stated that he is here again asking that we get some cars for Mrs. Harris stated that thel Board did not get a 10% increase. She stated that they livei in the County and pay the same tax rate. Mrs. Harris stated that shel lives in Tarboro so shej pays city tax and county tax. Shes stated shei is not throwing anything on anyone that she does not have to Mr. Wiggins stated that hel has heard sufficient information from some of the public in terms of the transportation. We need answers asi it relates to the transition company that just got the contract. We needi information on' Tar River' Transit in terms of the conduct. There were allegations made that and thel Board needs answers to those concerns. Mr. Wiggins stated that relative to other complaints, sometimes they do not have all of thei information when they come to complain to thel Board, as al Board they have a policy not to necessary exchange with the public in terms of giving answers! here, becausei it might take somei investigation from staff to respond to some of the concerns. Thel Board honors what staff recommends in terms of the process that they Mr. Thorne asked can we not have more than one provider that they choose reimbursement for. Mr. Evans stated that typically wel have just one in addition to' Tar River' Transit. There just has not shown enough need for multiple providers and ify you spread that to thinly, iti is difficult fora  Mr. Pretty stated that he would hate to see the company go.  our Sheriff's Office in the near future.  pay.  take to do contracts and) Mr. Evans will review that process.  5    company to ramp up, purchase vans, hires stafft to be able toj provide that service if they are not  surei if they are going to get an adequate volume of riders. Mr. Wiggins stated that these are backups to thei initial provider.  Mr. Evans stated that Tarl River Transit has al broader route: and because ofal broader route they are not able toj provide a timely service. Which is another reason forl having a second provider, whol has more flexibility. Thei initial approval has to go through our Department of Social Services to makes surei iti is Medicaid eligible andi iti is approved and then it is scheduled with the  provider.  Mr. Thorne asked whyi is' Tarl River' Transit always first.  Mr. Evans stated that' Tar River' Transit has an overall contract with Nash and Edgecombe County toj provide service. Not just Medicaid related transportation, but also thel Rural Transportation grant that we get through the North Carolina Department ofTransportation, they Mr. Boswell asked if the providers have ac code of ethics or operations or safety rules. Mr. Anthony Davis stated tol Mr. Evans that hel has contacted him on several occasions and was told that you would call me. Hel has been sittingl by thej phone waiting on him to call. He stated that the new company called him and said they were out in front of his house and he told them that they could not bei ini front of his house, because he was in front ofi it. Mr. Davis stated that the driver told him she was at an address in' Tarboro. He resides in Rocky Mount. The right address was given tot the driver. That was the same day he called Mr. Evans and was told that he was ins a meeting and would call as soon as he comes out of the meeting. Hes stated thats someone's back is getting scratched with this new company because they do not have the vehicles to accommodate  administer that for us as well.  two wheelchairs. 7. OTHER BUSINESS:  A. Approval of calling fora a public hearing for the Community Development Block Mr. Evans stated that at thel last meeting, we discussed NC Department of Commerce's Community Deyelopment-Block Grant- - Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program. Thej program provides funding for the renovation and replacement of substandard housing for low-moderate income families. Funds may be spent on rehabilitation (including scattered site housing), acquisition, clearance, relocation, substantial rehabilitation, replacement housing and emergency repairs. We planned to have the second required public hearing at this meeting, but the finalj program guidelines were only recently released, and the due date for applications isl November 15,2023. Therefore, we need additional time toj prepare the application before wej present it for public comment. Mr. Evans stated that under the CDBG- NR program, projects musti incorporate at] least one of the following livability principles as a Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location and energy-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities toi increase mobility and Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communities through strategies like transit-oriented, mixed-use development, and land recycling - to increase community revitalization and the efficiency of public works investments and Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities byi investing in healthy, safe, and walkable neighborhoods - rural, urban, Mr. Evans stated that we are currently drafting an application toj provide scattered-site housing rehabilitation. This type of assistance for existing housing stock continues tol be a great need herei in) Edgecombe County, and there are few other sources of funding to meet that need. Inl housing rehabilitation, we are typically able toj perform comprehensive repairs to address major structural, mechanical, and even accessibility needs for low-to-moderate income  Grant-Neighborhood Revitalization grant application.  focus:  lower the combined cost of housing and transportation.  safeguard rural landscapes. orsuburban.  residents.  6    Rev. Hines moved to call for the second public hearing tol bel held at the October 2, 2023 meeting. Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Webb moved to approve the budget amendments as presented. Mrs. Harris . Approval of Interconnection Agreements between Water and Sewer Districts. Mr. Webb moved to recess regular meeting of thel Board of Commissioners and convene Approval of Interconnection Agreement Resolution for Water and Sewer District 2. Mr. Matthews presented for approval a resolution authorizing the County Manager to execute an Interconnection Agreement between Edgecombe County Water & Sewer District No. 2 and Edgecombe County Water & Sewer District No. 6. The Interconnection Agreement will allow water and wastewater to travel between the two Mr. Thorne moved to approve the resolution as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the 3. Approval of Interconnection Agreement Resolution for Water and Sewer District 6. Mr. Matthews presented for approval a resolution authorizing the County Manager to execute an) Interconnection, Agreement between Edgecombe Water & Sewer District No. 6and Edgecombe County Water & Sewer District No. 2. The Interconnection Agreement will allow water and wastewater to travel between the two districts. Mr. Webb moved to approve the resolution as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the Mr. Webb moved to adjourn as Governing Body of Water and Sewer Districts 2: and 6 and reconvene the regular meeting. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous D. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Grant Project Ordinance for Water and Sewer Mr. Matthews presented forl Board consideration Amendment No. 2 to the Grant Project Ordinance for thel Edgecombe County Water & Sewer District 6 Water and Wastewater System Improvements project. The amendment offers additional subsequent grant funding in the amount of $2,327,000.00, bringing the total project Mrs. Powell moved to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Grant Project Ordinance as presented. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. E. Approval of contract with' T.A. Loving Company for Water and Sewer District 6. Mr. Matthews presented forl Board consideration the construction contract with' T.A.Loving Company in the amount of $5,918,826.25. Bids for thel Edgecombe County Water & Sewer District No. 61 Water and Wastewater System Improvements project were opened on March Mr. Boswell moved to approve the contract with' T.A.L Loving Company as presented. Rev. F.A Approval of Change Order No.1with T.A.Loving Company for Water and Sewer Mr. Matthews presented Change Order No.1 1 to thel District 6 Water and Wastewater Systems Improvements Contract with T.A.] Loving Company. Change Order. No. 1 will increase the current construction contract of $5,918,826.25 to $7,877,346.25. The additional $1,958,520.00 was made possible by additional USDA-RD grant funds. Mr. Boswell moved to approve Change Order No.1 1 as presented. Mr. Throne seconded the  B. Approval of budget amendments.  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. as Governing Body of Water and Sewer Districts 2 and 6.  districts.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  vote. District6.  budget to $9,401,000.00.  31, 2023a and' T.A.Loving Company was thel lowest responsible bidder. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  District6.  7    motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  G. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Water and Sewer Operations Ordinance. Mr. Matthews presented for Board consideration Amendment No. 2 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. Boswell moved to approve the amendment as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the Mr. Matthews stated that we received notice from the NC Department of Environmental Quality ofa grant award for the 20221 Eagles Road Water Linel Extension Project. The award, which are federal ARPA funds, totals $1,126,850. The project will extend an 8" water line along Eagles Road, which will provide potable water to approximately 20 residences. Mr. Matthews recommended that the Board approve the resolution, grant project ordinance and Mr. Webb moved to approve the resolution, grant project ordinance and budget amendment as presented. Mrs. Harris seconded the motion, which carried by Approval of] Resolution to Authorize Application for Infrastructure Funds. Mr. Matthews stated that the Board previously adopted a resolution to authorize the submission of an application for grant funding available through thel NCI Department of Environmental Quality. The 2023 General Water System Improvements application were not Mr. Boswell moved to approve thei resolution as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the Mr. Evans stated that on June 28, 2023 the Board approved the Phase 1A ofour new Compensation Plan. In that, we created new compensations structures for SherifIDetention, EMS, Healthcare and General County Offices. Based on the market study conducted by Mercer, increases were approved as follows:  Sewerl Incentive Rate Schedule: for FY-24. motion, which carried by unanimous vote. H. Approval of Eagles Road Water Line Extension Project.  budget amendment as presented.  unanimous vote.  awardedi in the first three rounds buti is eligible to resubmitted.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  J. Approval of] Phase 1B of Compensation Plani implementation.  SheriftDetention: 5% EMS: 5% Healthcare: 8% County Offices: 10%  Those increases were effective. July 21st for staff employed as of. June 20, 2023. Those increases werei in our most recent pay, and on behalf of our entire team, Mr. Evans thanked thel Board. He stated that was a tremendous step forward for usi in closing the gap with our surrounding labor market and willl be a tremendous helpi in slowing down turnover. Wel have not yet implemented the new pay scales, therefore new staff coming in are still being paid with our long-outdated pay scale. Mr. Evans recommended that the Board consider implementation of Phase 1B, to apply the new pay scales. Since sharing thel last proposed pay scales with the Board, wel have made some changes toi improve them. These changes not only made further improvements to relative position placement, gave clearer opportunities for career opportunities for career growth, and modernized some of our position titles, it: also minimized the financial impact of implementing thei new scales. Mr. Evans stated that the next step, Phasel II, willl build in a relevant years of service model. Wewill further study that plan to revisit it when wej present thel FY-25 budget in the Spring. Mr. Evans recommended that the Board approve the Compensation Plan Ordinance that will apply the new pay scales under our Mrs.. Johnna Sharp, Consultant, provided a refresher of the overall new structure and some of  overhauled compensation plan as presented. the changes and improvements that have been made.    Mr. Wiggins moved to approve the Compensation Plan Ordinance as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of5to2. Mr. Thorne and Mr. Boswell opposed. K. Approval of recommended safety improvements for the County Administration Mr. Evans stated thati in light of the unfortunate truth that wel live in a time where safety for employees inj public buildings is a growing concern, along with reoccurring incidents ours staff! have faced where they were concerned for their safety, wel have explored ways we can improve security in our buildings. Something that quickly came to our attention is that several of our offices are move vulnerable than others, which we need to addressi immediately. Whereas in most of our buildings, we now havea combination of doors, counters, and glass shields that form aj protective barrier for our staff. However, right herei in the Administration Building, wel have several offices wheret thati is not the case. A relatively easy and cost-effective way toi improve security in these offices is toi install entry locks with key fob access and doorbells. In two offices, windows also need tol bei installed in the main entry doors. The estimate for the cost of thej project is $60,000. Mr. Evans recommended that the Board take tow actions that would greatly helpi improve security in this building. First, to approve thel budget amendment to appropriave and additional $60,000 to Maintenance. Second, approve Mr. Boswell moved to approve the budget amendment as presented. Mr. Thorne Mr. Boswell moved to approve the quote and contract with Environ as presented. Mrs. Mr. Evans stated that] he received a request from) Mr.Joe Pitt requesting that Daniel Street Extension be namedi in honor ofl Mr. Clark. Jenkins. This request ultimately must be approved by thel NCTransportation Board, but they ask for support of thel local governing board. He stated that ift the Board would like tos support Mr. Pitt's request, he will work with them to submit the application that must be first reviewed by NCI DOT staff. Ifit meets their requirements, he will then present a resolution for thel Board to consider, which will Mr. Wiggins moved to support the request for the naming of] Daniel Street Extension in honor ofMr. Clark. Jenkins. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Evans presented for consideration the quote to upgrade the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, along with the annual maintenance agreement for the Utilities Department. The quotes and maintenance agreement are provided by SEI (Systems East INC.), whoi is our current SCADA system vendor. According to our Financial Policy, under "Competitivel Bidding" when goods or services are only available from a single source, those items can bej purchased or contracted through "Sole Sourcing" but must be approved by the  Building.  Environ as the soles source vendor for that service. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Harris seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. L. Approval of request for the naming of] Daniel Street Extension.  accompany his application before the' Transportation Board.  M. Approval of Sole Source purchase contracts.  governing body prior toj purchase award.  SCADA Upgrades with SEI (Systems East Inc.) Recycling Contract with Recycling and Disposal Solutions Key Fob System with Envirocon, Inc. Ammunition Purchase with Vista Outdoor/Keisler Police Supply Ambulance Purchase with Nottoway Rescue Squad, Inc.  Rev.1 Hines moved to approve the approve as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, Mr. Boswell moved to approve budget amendment 5B for SCADA System upgrade as presented. Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. N. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with NC Emergency Management for  which carried by unanimous vote.  Tornado] Recovery Funding.  9    Mr. Evans stated that thel NCI Department ofl Public Safety is appropriating $100,000 to Edgecombe County to assist with debris cleanup from the recent tornado. Though this isl likely not enough to cover the cost to remove all associated debris, we: are thankful for this, especially considering we did not] have enough homes substantially damaged to qualify for ac disaster declaration. Thet total estimated cost of removing the debris, including tipping fees is $367,375. Ifwe waive the tipping fees and absorb the cost of grinding the vegetative debris with our usual debris grinding, then the total estimated cost is $147,250. Mr. Evans stated that we will continue to work with the State tos secure additional funding for debris cleanup. However, toj proceed with removing the debris, he recommended that thel Board approve thel MOA with NCI Department of Public Safety, waive the tipping fees, and appropriate from fund balance an additional Mr. Boswell moved to excuse. Mrs. Powell from voting. Mr. Thorne seconded the Mrs. Harris moved to approve thel MOA as presented, waive the tipping fees and appropriate the $50,000. Mr. Webb seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 0. Approval of Edgecombe Community College Capital Improvement Project.  $50,000.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  vote.  Mr. Evans stated that Edgecombe Community College plans to expand its student lounge in the Barnes Building on the Rocky Mount Campus. This will accommodate a new grill area and catering kitchen for the Edge Academy. They will request funds from the State Construction Infrastructure! Fund to cover the construction costs. However, approvali is needed from thel Board of Commissioners since the expansion will result in additional utility costs. Oncet the expansion goes online, we can expect their funding request to the County to Mr. Boswell moved to approve the request and authorize the Manager to execute the documents. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. P. Approval of request to add Putters Lane to the State Road system.  include these additional costs, which are estimated to be $2,265.  Mr. Evans stated thats staff withl NCI DOTI have submitted aj petition to add Putters Lane near Pinetops to the Statel Maintenance System. They have verified that iti meets the standards set Mr. Boswell moved to approve the petition to add Putters Lane to the State Maintenance System. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Q. Approval oft the Annual Agreement with] North Carolina Forestry. Mr. Evans presented for Board consideration the agreement with the NC Forestry Service. This renews our annual cooperative relationship with thel Forestry Service toj provide forest protection, development, reforestation, management, and improvement. This agreement requires a 40% cost share, or $119,920 appropriation from the County, which isi included in Mr. Boswell moved to approve the agreement and authorize thel Manager to execute the same. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mrs.] Katina Braswell, Planning Director, presented the Planning Board report. 1. Rezoning request from Donna Matthews and Elizabeth Hill for property located at  forth by NCI DOT.  this year's budget.  PLANNINGBOARD REPORT: ***Received***  12615US. Alt. West, Rocky Mount from AR-301 tol B-2.  Mr. Thorne moved to called for and hold thej public hearing at the October 2, 2023 meeting.  Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 2. Rezoning request from C.B. Daughtridge for property located on Colonial Road,  Tarboro from AR-30 tol R-20.  10    Mr. Thorne moved to called for and hold the public hearing at the October 2, 2023 meeting.  Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  3. Minutes of the August 21, 2023 meeting.  9. AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 10. CONTRACTS FOR REVIEW AND/OR APPROVAL. motion, which carried by unanimous vote. A. Water and Sewer update. B.I Monthly Financial Summary.  Mrs. Harris moved to approve the afterlists and releases as presented. Mr. Powell Mr. Boswell moved to approve the contracts as presented. Mr. Wiggins seconded the  11. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIFW,-Reehed":  Mr. Thorne commended thel Department on the decrease of water loss. C.Overview: of County debt and interest rates provided by Mrs.) Linda Powell.  D. Solid Waste] Fee Schedule for public presentation. E. Update on the sale of decommissioned computers. F. November municipal election schedule. 12. MANAGERSREPORT.--Rereived"-: A. Major events and meetings. B. Workforce Development Indicators. C.TDA financial report. D. Consolidation of Eastpointe and Sandhills MCO's. E. Update on Countyline Merger. F. Update on Get Off the Lists initiative. H. Overview of] Fleet] Lease] Proposal.  G. County response to State Auditor's Report read by Mr. Evans.  Mr. Thorne moved to call for Special Meeting Work Session to discuss Fleet Management and Leasing Options for County Vehicles at a date to be determined. Mr. Wiggins seconded the Mr. Thorne stated that we need a call and email return expectation set from everyone. He Mr. Wiggins stated that we need to return calls but didi not agree with putting a time frame on  motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  13. COMMISSIONERS REPORT.  stated thatl hel has to return a call received by voicemail within 241 hours.  that. None.  14. ATTORNEY'S REPORT. 15. CLOSED SESSION.  Mr. Boswell moved to go into closed session to discuss: A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S.1 143-318.11 (a)(4)] B. Personnel. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3)] C.Attorney-Client Privilege. [N.C.G.S.: 143-318.11 (a)(3)] Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  Rev.] Hines moved to go out of closed session and resume the regular meeting. Mr. Boswell  seconded the motion. 16. OPEN SESSION:  A. Approval of amendment to thel Inducement Agreement with Corning. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  Rev. Hines moved to approve the Inducement Agreement as presented. Mrs. Powell 17. REV.HINES MOVED TO ADJOURNTHE MEETING UNTILOCTOBER: 2.2023AT 7:00) P.M. MRS.] POWELLSECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRRIED BY  11    UNANIMOUS VOTE. Approved October 2, 2023. Frangie Mungo, Ca  lup  12