MINUTES  REGULAR SCHEDULED: MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY OCTOBER 2, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M. INTHEJONATHAN. FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE: BUILDING TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA  1.  MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN 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 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. Lindal Barfield, CFO and Ms. Frangie Mungo, Clerk to the. Board.  Powell and Mr. Ralph Webb. MEMBERS ABSENT: None.  2. 3. 4. 5.  SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Safety instructions provided by Mrs. Bess. Prayer provided by Rev. Hines.  PRAYER.  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL. Rev. Hines moved to approve the minutes of the September 5, 2023 as presented. Mrs. Harris seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  PUBLIC HEARINGS: County.  1.  Mr. Wiggins called aj public hearing to order relative to the proposed Schedules, Standards and Rules tol be used in the 20241 reappraisal of real property in] Edgecombe  Mr. Peters read thej public notice.  Mr. Evans stated that presented forl Board consideration and review at the last meeting the new Schedule of Values. We arei in the revaluation process SOI now we have to give the opportunity for our citizens to respond to those Schedule of Values at the public hearing tonight. He asked Mrs.' Tarasa Lewis, Tax Administrator, if  shei needed to: add: anything. Mrs.] Lewis did not. adjourned. R-20.  Mr. Wiggins called for public comments. Therel being none, thej public hearing was 2. Mr. Wiggins called a public hearing to order to receive citizen input regardinga rezoning request jur property located on Colonial Road, Tarboro from AR-30to  Mr. Peters read the public notice as published.  Mrs. Katina Braswell, Planning Director, stated that Mr. C. B. Daughtridge request to rezone property located at Colonial Road near US 258 South intersection from AR-301 Rural Residential tol R-301 Mixed Residential District. The purpose of the request is to allow for development of single-family dwellings. The principal use must meet zoning requirements in the R-20 zoning district per Unified Development  1    Ordinance Tabla 4.2.1 Principle Use' Table. Thel Planning Board voted unanimously toi forward the rezoning request to thel Board of Commissioners with ai favorable Mr. Wiggins called for public comments. Therel being none, the public hearing was Mr. Boswell moved to approve the rezoning request as presented. Mrs. Powell 3. Mr. Wiggins called aj public hearing to order to receive citizen input regardinga rezoning request for property located at 12615 US64 Alt. West, Rocky Mount from  recommendation. adjourned.  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  AR-30 tol B-2.  Mr. Peters read the public notice as published.  Mrs. Katina Braswell, Planning Director, stated that Ms. Donna Matthews and Ms. Elizabeth Hill request to rezone) property from AR-30 Rural Residential/R-30 Single-Family Residential tol B-2 General Business District. The purpose of the request is to allow for commercial use: at thej property. Applicants plan to sell property for establishment ofa commercial business. The principal use must meet zoning requirements in thel B-2 zoning district per Unified Development Ordinance Table 4.2.1 Principal Use Table. Thel Planning Board voted unanimously to forward the rezoning request to the Board of Commissioners with ai favorable Mr. Wiggins called forj public comments. Therel being none, thej public hearing was Mr. Webb moved to approve the rezoning request as presented. Rev. Hines  recommendation. adjourned.  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTIS): National competitions.  A. Tanya Heath, Cooperative Extension Director, recognized 4-H Youth for their participation in district and State competitions. She stated thats some will be going to Presentation participants: Abby Bradley, Thomas Bradley, Emma Britt, Savannah Dail, McCrae Kiser, Payden Kiser, Seth Peele, Jada Smith, Jolyna Sundbom. Logan B. Todd Gardner, Tar River Transit and Betty Battle, Edgecombe County Social Services Director, responded to concerns regarding non-emergency medical transportation. Mr. Evans stated that at thel last regular meeting wel had a number of citizens come with some concerns and complaints about our non-emergency medical transportation. He stated that concerns for them are certainly concerns for us soi follow-up will be provided tonight. Mr. Evans stated that Medicaid provides transportation for medical related needs andi is provided through outside contractors. Tar River Transit is the regional transportation provider for us and many other entities and the primary provider oft thats service for the County. He stated that wel have had a secondary contract tos supplement that service. Our procurement policy and procedures require that we go out to seek other proposals. This was done recently based on a rating system and we went with ar new contractor. That transition from one contractor to another inevitably can be: al littlel bumpi in the transition. Our goal has been for our staff to work Mrs.] Battle discussed the bid process. She stated that] RFP went out to the newspapers and was posted on the County'swebsite. They received RFPs fromi five providers and they were rewarded points for qualifications, experience, costs, and understanding and  Sundbom, Faith Womble and Levi Womble, and Jaileea Knight  with both' Tar River' Transit and our new secondary provider.  2    approach. Several providers lost points on the understanding and approach because they did not submit the requested documents. On August 28th letters were sent out to thel bidders notifying them that the contract was awarded to another provider. September 1ac contract was awarded to Flowl by and on September 12th] letters were sent out to all oft the ridersi informing them that the contract had switched from Fountain Transportation to] Flowvi. Mrs. Battle stated that this is the process they have Mrs. Harris stated that she talked withl Mrs.1 Battle and expressed her concerns that the residents were not told about the change until after the change had happened instead of alerting them that this was coming up. She also asked] Mrs. Battle several questions Mr. Gardner stated that he was present to address the concerns that were displayed by the citizens relative tot transportation by' Tar River' Transit and to correct any misconceptions about thes service they providei in Edgecombe County. Hej provideda background of what they do. He stated that every county has a Community Transportation provider designated and they are supported by thel NCDOT. He stated that part of his job as director is to apply for State and Federal funds on behalf of Edgecombe County fore expenses that are associated with providing transportation in the area. Mr. Gardner stated that he reviewed the video of thel last meeting and hel heard some disparaging comments about' Tar River Transit that he would like to address. He stated that hel heard of accusations of passengers being treated like trash, did not address thei issue ofa a damaged wheelchair, they do not allow passengers with weight issues to utilize wheelchair. ramps, they pick up passengers when they feel likei it and they ask] passengers tol be ready at 3 a.m. for a 6: a.m. appointment. He stated that any time Tar River Transit falls short thei issues arei immediately addressed. By large they provide safe and reliable transportation. Tol hear the remarks, he took them personally because that is not the type of organization that hei is the head of. The citizens have the right to their opinion and he respects their opinion, but he categorically denies that they treat passengers harshly or that they fall short of providings safe and reliable  always used for bid proposals.  regarding the bids.  Mrs. Battle answered questions from thel Board.  transportation.  Mr. Gardner answered questions from thel Board.  Mr. Thorne asked Mrs. Battlei ifs she received any of those same complaints. Mrs. Battle stated that they received complaints onl Flovi and they havei investigated them and the complaints are more: regarding the transition, which will eventually Mr.Jonah Williams, DSS. Adult Protective Services Supervisor, stated that hel has done several site visits tol Flovi and they have 71 to 8 vehicles consisting of vans, buses and cars. He checked the cars after the concerns were voiced and did not find anything. They were raising funds to add tee shirts to the company and decals to the cars. He stated that one ofl his transportation workers has been appointed to continue to do site visits. Mr. Evans stated that he thought things have progressed and improved a great deal. Angela Bryant, 717 West] End Street, Rocky Mount, stated that she was here to speak to the Board on thei issue of school demerger or merger. She stated that shei is one of the community leaders who has been working on the issue for thel last year and an urgent issue has come to their attention and wanted to make sure it comes to thel Board's attention. Thisi is a matter regardingi involving the redistricting of thel Edgecombe County School Board as a result of the school merger. Aj problem has arisen in that in the legislation that most recently set the date for the merger tol happen and other parameters, including the  smooth itself out.  7. PUBLIC: PETITIONS.  3    authority for the Edgecombe School Board to redistrict. There was an oversight in that they did not realize that thel Edgecombe County School Board election occurs inl March. The merger will occuri in. July. Thej people who are merged in. July cannot vote in an election inl March and they would have no way to participate in 2024 elections for representation. She stated that as second problem is that, even if we move the election to November and you still had the same set of districts that youl have now, the only districts up for election in 2024 arei inl East' Tarboro and Macclesfield. That would be Worsley, Privette and Ellis. The citizens in Rocky Mount would not be able to vote for any representation for thej people in Rocky Mount anyway. There are two oversights to this problem. AI legislative action is needed in order toj provide representation for the citizens of Edgecombe County that willl bei merged into thel Edgecombe County School district in 2024. Move the election first and foremost tol November atl least and require aj plan that would allow all the districts tol be elected in 2024. There are 10,000 residentsi in Rocky Mount that will merged into thel Edgecombe County Schools district and asked that thel Board take action for thist tol happen with the legislature and for the School Board tol have the authority Mr. Wiggins stated that there was a community meeting on Friday and our State Legislatures were there, Mr. Willingham and Senator Smith. Mr. Wiggins stated that he did request that they look ati it and possibly seek legislation that would take some corrective action, but not take the authority from the school board to draw their lines. He still wants Ms. Bryant stated that they need not only the: authority to redistrict, they need the authority to change the district] plan so that all the seats would be open. Mr. Wiggins asked the Board ift this was something that they could support and they were Curmilus Dancy, 1271 Midway Lane, Tarboro, P o Box 1391 Pinetops, asked thel Board to take whatever action they can toi influence the Edgecombe County Board ofl Education, because until the Rocky Mount residents can vote they have no representation on the Edgecombe Schooll Board that will decide their rights and their fate. The only representative they have elected that can help them are on the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners, thel Rocky Mount City Council, the Nash County School Board and their State legislators. He asked the Board toj please take action now to make sure they can vote fors school board representation in 2024 after they get annexed. Therel has to be legislative action in the next few weeks to move the election and require the school board to redistrict with thej plan that allows Rocky Mount to elect representation in 2024. He stated that the Board is one oft the only elected voices that these citizens in Rocky Mount have and we need the school board to demonstrate the same transparency and concern for thel Rocky Mount Edgecombe residents that have the right to vote for their new school board as they have shown for the assignment of students to the newly merged school facilities in the district. Natalyn Ohree, 17131 Beverly Road, Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County side of thel Nash County School system, stated that sincel Nash County has decided that they would no longer be embracing us and they are releasing us into your (the Board) loving care. She stated that they are relieving us of their responsibility for our children. Therefore, we are raising the alarm because we do not want this policy to come into effect without the votingt opportunity for the citizens in thel Edgecombe County area. Al lot has gone on and al lot of people have been asleep at the wheel and they are waking up after the fact. We do not want that tol happen and we appreciate the Board's attention and anything they can do to help in this process to make sure that those 10,0001 Edgecombe citizens, whol have a right to vote, are considered: in thei futurei in ai timely fashion so that they will not bel behind the Mr. Wiggins stated that the Board has shown their willingness to address that along with  to do what they need to do.  the school board tol have the authority to draw their lines.  ins support.  wheel.  the School Board.    Kelvin Barnhill, Owner and Operator of Flovi, Inc., stated that he wanted toi introduce himself: and the company and tol let thel Board know that they are here tol help, support and help serve thei individuals in Edgecombe and Nash County in transportation. They have been doing transportation for quite some time. Doing services with Mental Health Service called MTM: and they provide service for transportation for those individuals as well. They are grateful tol know that they are able to come here and support Edgecombe County doing their transportation along with DSS. Working together as a team is very important and supporting individuals that they are serving. There may be a few transitional issues, but granted those issues have been smoothed out and they are moving forward. He stated that they are here to support thei individuals everyday along with DSS in doing what they need Brenda Lyons, 201 ??, Pinetops, stated that "she" said that she did not get that complaint about transportation. Shes stated that she was the one who told them about, when she was riding' Transit, and the arm ofl her chair got damaged and ifk her arm had been therei it would have gotten hurt. She stated that she called in and told them what happened and what was told tol her that they don'thavei insurance to cover her chair and on the second time they messed up the cord and she calledi in for that and once again was told they did not havei insurance. Ms. Lyons stated that "she" said shes sent out notices and she did not get a letter stating that she could nol longer ride Fountain Transportation. When she called tos say she would like to ride Fountain Transportation she was told thati ifs she rides Fountain Transportation she will pay for it. Ms. Lyons stated that shei felt that she had the right and authority to ridet the van shel liked to ride. Why isi it aj problem if they want to ridel Fountain Transportation. When Fountain Transportation came in shes stopped riding Rocky Mount Transit ands starting riding Fountain Transportation and shel has been satisfied. She felt that asl long ass shei is was satisfied shes should havel been able tol keep riding with them. She stated that she was scared when riding (Tar River Transit) and that Mr. Todd Gardner, Tar River' Transit, stated that he did not want to speak again to refute Anthony Davis, 6251 East Holley Street, Rocky Mount, stated that he was here with a complaint about the new Transportation system. He stated that it sucks. He stated that he was supposed tol haves surgery last week, called in a week ahead of time and was told that someone would bet there. He stated that at 11:30 thej people at the hospital had canceled the surgery and rescheduled him, they say that they have ample transportation. He stated that the other day they sent out a van with al broken windshield, dirty, stinking, the front door would not open, the guy was stinking, and Jonah Williams said he inspected the vehicles. The driver said that he was just! hired that morning. Mr. Davis said that they they say they are providing adequate transportation. He did not agree. The first time he rode with this company the driver said they werei ini front of] his housei in' Tarboro, but hel lives in] Rocky Mount. This company has more than just some flaws they do not have the courtesy to call you until after your appointment is over. He stated that last week the van had ai flat tire. Whoi inspected their vehicles? He stated that they are unsafe and they don'ts strap: you in like they should. Mr. Davis stated to thel Board that this company needs tol bei investigated Tamekal Brown, 1029 Moore Street, stated that Mrs. Betty Battle does not know what shei is talking about. Shei is not tellingt thet truth. Shei is smart mouthed. She stated that her being from) New. Jersey shei is going to givei itl back to you) harder. Rocky Mount Transit does not need tol be working. They say they pick you up according to your appointment. The gentleman shel lives with gets up: at 3 a.m. for a 6:15 a.m. appointment every day and most of the time he does not know they are out there. They do not blow thel horn or call. The only time they calli is after they leave and tell you they are not coming back. The other transportation Flovi, her pick-up wasi in a woman's car with tinted windows, smelled like sex and weed. When they are outi in thei field he does not know what they are doing. She  to do.  should not be.  the citizen's claims all he wanted to do was explain their process.  more before someone: iss seriously hurt.  5    stated that Mrs. Battle mentioned a point system. Therei is no point system. Money talks. Shes sitsi inl her office] pushing papers and shei is not out here ands she does not care. Ms. Brown stated that the older people do not like riding with Rocky Mount Transit, but they ares scared tos speak up. She stated that no one wants to ride with Flow Ride because of the Stephanie Cherry,3769 US Highway 64, Mildred, NC, stated that shel has tol have transportation because of surgeries. When she called Social Services to set it up she asked ift they had anybody other than' Tar River' Transit because she did not likel having tol be ready two hours early, which is al bit much. She was told by the worker about Fountain Transportation. She stated that she likes Fountain's professionalism and they call to let her know that they are on their way. With not having Fountain now andi in her switching, shel hads some appointments Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Raleigh and she called Social Services to set it up the worker was professional at Social Services and shel knew that shes sent the information over to the new company. Ms. Cherry stated that when she did not hear from thems she thought that maybe they would do like Fountain and call her Monday morning and say that they are on their way to pick her up. She called them and was told that they did not get thei information and blamed it on the worker at Social Services, which was not true. She had to get somebody to drive her because the appointment could not be cancelled. She stated that shel had to get a ride on' Tuesday also and Social Services was again blamed. She stated that she has not had a good experience with them. She stated that Fountain' Transportation is very good with good customer Brenda Wiggins-Davis, caretaker and wife of man in the wheelchair, stated that every complaint and concern heard today is real. They did not know that Fountain Transportation was nol longer going toj pick them up. They got that message the morning they called to confirm that they would be on the way and they said they cannot come, they lost the contract. She stated that they called Social Services and was told they would send somebody out, but when they got there it was too late for him to go to the appointment. She felt that] DPSS should have given them noticel before September 1st. They did not get notice until September 12th. Shes stated thats she called all of the people on the letter and nobody ever seems tol be at their desk. Shel left messages with Mr. Williams, Ms. Stewart, Ms. Fox, Ms. Mayfield, Ms. Dupree and Ms. Mary Harper. Ms. Mary Harper has called her back and Mr. Williams has called her back. Mrs. Wiggins-Davis stated that these are seriousi issues that her husband has and these people. She stated that she heard someone say that they have 400 to 500j people a day that they have to: address. Thati is an overload. Why don'ty wel have two companies assisting DSS or change Flovi out until they can handle Mr. Evans stated that he thinks the 400 to 500 number was from Mr. Gardner of Tar River Transit and referring to their entire service area. Not just Edgecombe County and not just Medicaid transportation. They provide transportation for other things as well. Mrs. Harris asked] Mr. Gardneri if! he has only the one vehicle that comes tol Edgecombe Mr. Gardner stated that they have atl least 5 to 10 vehicles that serve. Edgecombe County. They have 32 vehicles within their fleet, with 29 being wheelchair equipped. Mrs. Harris stated but not] particularly all five do the Medicaid transportation. Mr. Gardner stated that all of the vehicles perform Medicaid transportation. Mr. Wiggins stated that it does appear that we dol haves some issues and they are change. They followed the process to get the bid and Flovii is our contractor based on the staff  nastiness and rudeness.  service. Shes stated that she would liket tol have them back.  thel load.  County for the Medicaid citizens.  investigations and whati is brought back to the Board.    8. OTHER BUSINESS:  A. Approval ofl budget amendments.  Mrs. Powell moved to approve thel budget amendments as presented. Mr. Boswell  seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. B. Approval of land transfer to thel Edgecombe County ABC Board.  Mr. Evans stated thati it was brought to thel Board's attention at the March meeting that thel Edgecombe County ABCI Board has requested land from the County for the purpose of constructing: a new warehouse. The ABC Board asks that the County donates part ofaj parcel the County owns at the corner of Anaconda and McNair Roads. Thel Board authorized him to proceed with determining the exact location and layout and bring back for consideration. Mr. Evans presented both an area map, as well as aj preliminary site layout map. Mr. Shelly Willingham, Chairman of the ABC Board was present to discuss thej proposed use of the facility and to answer questions. Mr.] Evans recommended that the Board approve the donation of the lot to not exceed 3 acres to thel Edgecombe County ABCI Board and to authorize the County Attorney to Mr. Willingham: stated that they are requesting this land to build a warehouse and what this will do for the. ABC system will allow them tol buy more products that they can sell at prices that they can get when thel liquor goes on sale. Every other month liquor goes on salei for ABCs systems. The distributors and distillers have discounts that they give soi ift they can purchase more: and haves somewhere toj put it they can sell it. Hes stated Mr. Boswell moved to excuse. Mrs. Powell from voting because she serves on the Edgecombe County ABC Board. Mr. Wiggins seconded the motion, which carried by Rev. Hines moved to approve the land transfer as presented. Mr. Webb seconded the Mr. Evans stated that as discussed at thel last meeting, we are considering options to meet thei fleet needs we have, especially for the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff. Atkinson has a relatively large percentage ofl high-mileage vehicles on the road. Based on the information he and his team provided, wei need to acquire atl least 20 new vehicles to get his fleet to a more: reliable state. One option that has been presented is tol lease those vehicles. At the special meeting on September 19th, thel Board received a presentation froml Mr. Benjamin Krautheimer with Enterprise Fleet Management. He shared the benefits of leasing vehicles and the potential costs. Thel Board asked that a more specific proposal be done tos see the actual costs for the specific vehicles we would lease ifwec choose to go that route. That update is provided in the agenda packet. Mr. Evans stated that! he alsoi included a copy of thej proposal presented to thel Board at the last meeting so they can refer to the details of thel lease program. There are benefits to leasing vehicles to meet our fleet needs including: assistance with finding vehicles to purchase; assistance with the management of the fleet; and morei frequent turnover of vehicles. However, the ongoing, annual cost ofl leasing, in this case $434,340 for 28 vehicles, inl light of the additional costs wej just incumbered with the implementation of our Compensation Plan, prompts him to recommend another approach. Mr. Evans stated that wej plan to soon sell our ownership interest in a building inl Rocky Mount that has been occupied by Eastpointe tol Nash County. The offer for our 45% sharei is $2 million. He recommended that we use $1 million oft that, plus the $125,000 we already havel budgeted for cars, toj purchase approximately 20 new vehicles for the Sheriff. We can also internally improve our tracking, maintenance and turnover of our fleet moving forward. He and staff certainly stand ready toi implement whichever  prepare and thel Manager to execute the necessary documents.  that right now they get a truckload every week.  unanimous vote.  motion, which carried by unanimous vote. . Approval of option to address fleet needs.  option thel Board chooses.  7    Mr. Thorne stated that being the most proponent for leasing vehicles on thel Board he is stilli in favor of leasing the vehicles. The system that we have now is not working. With thes sale oft this building wel have the ability to fund al lease program for 20 vehicles plus the other County vehicles that Enterprisei is requiring and seei ifit works. Mr. Thorne stated that wel have not] had that ability ini in thej past. Wei never had that ability with how wel budget for vehicles in the past, so why wouldn't we givei itat try and see how it works. Every other county, every other municipality around us is doingi it. There must bes some validity to thej program. The City of] Rocky Mount has taken their entire fleet toi it, so they obviously believe in this program. He stated that would be his recommendation to thel Board. Mr. Thorne stated that his other recommendation to the Board, if we want to go with thel lease program, since wel have the upfit cost to do the upfit, we should pay for the upfit noti in the lease. Wes should not finance the upfit in thel lease because then you are paying interest on the upfit. Wel have the cash toj pay the upfit and then finance the vehicles just like you would finance a normal vehicle. Ifyou look at the menu pricing, you see where they broke out what the actual car is versus Mr. Wiggins stated that he takes thej position of thel Manager's recommendation. While thel budget is the Boards, but the Board charge thel Manager with making sure that the budget is balanced. He stated that hei is supporting the Manager's position and the Mr. Webb asked Mr. Petersi in regards to the money that should be coming from) Nash Mr. Peters stated no. Wel hopei it willl bes soon, hopefully the next several months. We Mr. Webb stated that hei is on board with Mr. Thorne. Mr. Evans wants to get off the list and he does too. We havel been talking about the Sheriff's needs wel have been waiting ands seeing every sincel hel has been on the Board. Ifwe can go ahead and lease Rev. Hines stated that we cannot do anything until we get the money from] Nash Mr. Wiggins stated that thel Board will give thel Manager a sense of direction. Mr. Boswell stated that he spent a great deal oft time figuring back and forth on this, but] he supports thel leasing plan. Itis going to cost al little money, buti iti is al long-term gain overall and helpi improve our cashflow instead of taking $1 million dedicatingi it to cars. In an attempt to continuously have cars that are: atl least reasonably in good shape and for the Sheriff's Department and eight other departments. Mrs. Harris stated thats shel believes the Manager has taken alli into consideration before he madel his recommendation and that is what she would be voting on. Mrs. Powel! stated that shet too can go along with thel Mamagerircmmendatimn. Rev. Hines stated that he was supportive of getting the vehicles for the Sheriff and After further discussion Mr. Wiggins moved to authorize the Manager to proceed with the purchase of2 20 vehicles this budget year for the Sheriff Office. Mrs. Harris seconded the motion. Motion carried by a vote of41 for (Wiggins, Hines, Harris, Powell)  what thel lease is with the upfit.  Board needs to give the Manager direction.  County, ifhe could give the Board any timeline on that. arel having ongoing discussion with Nash County.  thenl let's doi it. County.  whatever the Manager is recommending.  and3 3: against (Webb, Thorne, Boswell). D. Approval of corrections to the Compensation Plan.  8    Mr. Evans stated that at the September meeting, thel Board approved the implementation of our new compensation plan. Since the new compensation plani is such an overhaul from our previous ones, we have continued to review it to seei if there are any errors toi fix or changes to make. Mr. Evans stated that after a review from Department Heads, wel have updates forl Board consideration to address those corrections and changes needed. He presented a summary of those changes, which Mr. Boswell moved to approve the updated Compensation Plan Ordinance as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Evans stated that Edgecombe County has been awarded $67,000 by the North Carolinal Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2023 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program (URP). The goal of thej project is to assist atl least 5 very-low and low-income families with special needs in addressing housing conditions that posei imminent threats tot their life and/or safety or toj provide accessibility modifications and other repairs Mrs. Harris moved to accept the award by approving the grant agreement and project ordinance as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous F. Approval of application from Tar River Transit for FY-24 Rural Operating Assistance Mr. Evans stated that Edgecombe is eligible to receive funds to assist residents with transportation through the Rural Operating Transportation Fund (ROAP). We partner with' Tarl River' Transit to apply for and administer these funds for us. Wewill have available at total of $166,284. This covers three categories of funding: Elderly & Disabled' Transportation Assistance, mpbymentframperaton Assistance, and Mrs.) Harris moved to approve the submission of this ROAP: application and authorize thel Manager to execute the forms as presented. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, Mr. Evans presented for Board approval to surplus a 20001 Ford E-350 XLT Super Duty, 12 passenger van, 104,277 miles vehicle and al list of computers and related Mr. Boswell moved to approve the surplus of the vehicle and list of computers and related equipment as presented. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by H. Approval of] Resolution to Accept the 2022 Water Asset Management Grant Award. Mr.] Evans stated that we received notice from thel NC Department of] Environmental Quality ofa grant award fort the 2022 Water. Asset Management Plan. The award, which are federal ARPA funds, totals $307,255. Thej project willl locate and survey locations of all water distribution assets not currently mapped, in-field inspections of hydrants, storage tanks, booster stations and chemical feed stations and createa Mr. Boswell moved to approve thei resolution and accompanying grant project ordinance as] presented. Mrs.) Powell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous I. Approval of Resolution to accept the 2022 VUR Sewer System Study Grant Award.  present no additional appropriation needed to the budget.  E. Approval of the URP23 Funding Agreement.  necessary toj prevent displacement.  vote. funds.  Rural General Public assistance. which carried by unanimous vote.  G. Approval of surplus vehicle and computer equipment. equipment that have now exceeded their useful) life.  unanimous vote.  hydraulic model of thes system.  vote.  9    Mr. Evans stated that we received: notice from thel NC Department of Environmental Quality ofag grant award for the 2022 VUR Sewer System Study. The award, which are federal ARPA funds, totals $561,000. Thej project willl locate and survey sanitary sewer, smoke testing of various sewer mains, CCTV inspections along with various inspections Mrs. Harris moved to approve the resolution and accompanying grant project ordinance as presented. Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous J. Approval of calling for a public hearing for a Special Use Permit request for property Mr. Evans stated that Barnhill Contracting Company has submitted an application for a Special Usel Permit to expand their permitted sand mind off Ellis Lane. A public Mr. Boswell moved to call for aj public hearing to bel held at the Board of Commissioners November 6, 2023. Mrs. Powell seconded the motion, which carried by K. Approval of Community Development Block Grant - Neighborhood Revitalization Application Housing Selection Committee Bylaws and Guidance. Mr. Evans stated that as staff continues to work with our consultant to prepare an application for thel NC Department of Commerce's Community Development Block Grant-1 Neighborhood. Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program, one critical action is needed from thel Board at this meeting. This] 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: are currently drafting an application toj provide scattered-site housing rehabilitation. This type of assistance for existing housing stock continues to be a great need herei in Edgecombe County, and there are few other sources of funding to meet that need. Mr. Evans stated thati in housing rehabilitation, we are typically able to perform comprehensive repairs to address major structural, mechanical, and even accessibility needs for low-to-moderate income residents. The application musti include potential recipients. To select those potential recipients, we must have a Housing Selection Committee with bylaws and guidance, which is included forl Board consideration. Mr. Evans recommended that the Board adopt the Housing Selection Committee Bylaws and Guidance and that thel Board call for a final public hearing to be Mr. Boswell moved to approve as presented and call for aj public hearing at the November 6, 2023 meeting relative to the Community Development Block Grant- - Neighborhood Revitalization application. Mr. Wiggins seconded the motion, which  and assessments.  vote.  located off] Ellis Lane. hearing is required. unanimous vote.  held at thel November meeting.  carried by unanimous vote.  9. PLANNING BOARD REPORT: ***Received*** Presented by Mrs. Katina Braswell, Planning Director.  1. Planning Board training session conducted by Chad Meadows, CodeWright Planners. Mrs. Powell moved to approve the afterlists and releases as presented. Mrs. Harris Mrs. Harris moved to approve the contracts as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the  2. September 18, 2023 draft minutes.  10. AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEWAND. APPROVAL. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. 11. CONTRACTS FORI REVIEW AND/OR APPROVAL. motion, which carried by unanimous vote.  10    12. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIFV-Reeived":  A. Water and Sewer update.  B. Monthly Financial Summary presented by Mrs. Barfield, CFO. C. Update on' Tornado Debris Cleanup and' Tipping Fee waiver.  Mrs. Harris moved to excuse Mrs. Powell from voting, being that she was a victim of the tornado. Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Boswell moved to extend the waiver of thei tipping fee toi include construction and demolition for those that were directly affected by thet tornado that are uninsured or underinsured. Rev. Hines seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. Mr.' Thorne stated that this month wel had a3 3% water loss. He stated that] he asked Mr. Matthews for context of what that looks like for as system of our size and was told that we should be targeting for 12 to 14%. Hes stated that the Water Department brought in  D. Edgecombe Soil: and Water Conservation District Newsletter.  $85,319.25 in additional revenue just by water loss  13. MANAGER'S REPORI-"Reehved": A. Major events and updates. B. Workforce Development Indicators. C.TDA: financial report. E. Update on Countyline Merger. F.E Budgetaryi impact of thel loss ofi federal inmates. G. Edgecombe Works! Promise Program.  D. Update on FY-22 State. Appropriation Grants provided by Mrs. Bess.  14. COMMISSIONERS REPORT.  Mr. Webb stated that lasti month we were sitting in the meeting about this same time. He stated thati iti is 10:10j p.m. and wel havet two female Commissioners and six other additional females. They do not need tol be getting on thel highway at 10:10 p.m. Hej proposed a new meeting time of 6:00 p.m. The agenda for each meeting continues to grow. Mr. Wiggins as for thoughts on the time fromi the Board and they agreed. Mr. Peters stated thati in) December the meetings schedule is set for the full year so that may Mr. Wiggins suggested that at the December meeting we: set it for next year's schedule. Mr. Webb stated thati in August wel had ai fire down his way (Macclesfield fire district) on a Friday evening and he received a call from a concerned citizen (South Edgecombe Fire District). The couple was boiling peanuts and an outside 201 Ib. cylinder was firing everything up. They had an underground 500-gallon tank thats sprang al leak. Fire was spring all over the year and getting ignited. He stated that hel brought this issue to Mr. Evans and they got aj response from) Mr. Brown. The issue that happened was thel home is in the South) Edgecombel Firel District and the South) Edgecombe Fire District firemen, three showed up on personal vehicles. After the fire was basically out South Edgecombe finally did send a tanker. Macclesfield responds to the fire. South Edgecombe does not and thej person isi in the South) Edgecombe District. The citizen wanted tol know why did Macclesfield come and not the South Edgecombe. The back-up was Bakertown Fire Department out of Wilson. He stated that Mr. Brown's response mentioned the fact that the volunteer firemen in all of our areas now is no longer what it use tol be years ago. You cannot find volunteer firemen now. Mr. Webb stated that if wei truly have an issue with After discussion Mr. Evans stated that ai follow-up to the issue will be done and brought  be an opportunity to do SO.  There were no objections from the Board.  volunteer firemen we need to very concerned in Edgecombe County.  back to thel Board.  11    Mr. Thorne stated thatl he would like to ask thel Manager to go ahead and appropriate the $1.125 million from thei fund balance and empower the Sheriff to go find the cars now and we willi figure out thel budget amendments to get itl backi into the fund balance once we have  the money from) Nash County.  Mr. Wiggins stated that was already in the motion.  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)] Mr. Boswell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. THEI MOTION, WHICH CARRIED BY UNANIMOUSVOTE  Mr. Boswell moved to go out of closed session and resume the regular meeting. Rev. Hines 17. REV.HINES MOVED' TO ADJOURN' THE] MEETING. MRS. HARRIS SECONDED  Approved November 6, 2023. Frangiel Mungo," Clerk to the F  Au  Board  12