February 14, 2024 Regular  The Martin County Board ofCommissioners met in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 7:00 p.m. in the Superior Courtroom at the Martin County Governmental Center/  Courthouse, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina.  ASSEMBLY  Present in the Courtroom: Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, Commissioner Joe. R. Ayers, Commissioner Ronnie Smith, and Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus, Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner, Clerk to the Board Julia Rease, Finance  Officer Cindy Ange, and SheriffTim Manning Others Present: Town of Bear Grass Mayor Charlotte Griffin Allegiance and Commissioner Gurganus provided the invocation. audience were respectful during public comments.  Chairman Bond Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice Chair Biggs led the Pledge of Chairman Bond Jr. extended a welcome to all in attendance. Chairman Bond Jr. asked that the  AGENDA APPROVAL  Chairman Bond Jr. asked that the following were added to the agenda:  Add the Bertie - Martin Regional Jail Board appointment for Mr. Clifton Thomas Moore Sr. to Pull the Tourism Development Interlocal Agreement from the agenda until the budget retreat. Remove the Emergency Management items from the agenda, as the Emergency Management Commissioner Gurganus asked why the Tourism Development Interlocal Agreement with the County was being pulled from the agenda. Chairman Bond Jr. responded that more information Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the Agenda as stated, with a Second by Ayes: Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, Commissioner Ronnie Smith,  the consent agenda Director could not attend.  was needed in regards to the matter.  Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried by raise of hands, (4-1).  Commissioner Joe R. Ayers Nays: Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus  PUBLICCOMMENTS  Chairman Bond Jr. asked that everyone was respectful in making his or her public comment.    AGENDA APPROVAL  Chairman Bond. Jr. asked that the following were added to the agenda:  Add the Bertie Martin Regional Jail Board appointment for Mr. Clifton Thomas Moore Pull the Tourism Development Interlocal Agreement from the agenda until the budget Remove the Emergency Management items from the agenda, as the Emergency Commissioner Gurganus asked why the Tourism Development Interlocal Agreement with the County was being pulled from the agenda. Chairman Bond Jr. responded that more information Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the Agenda, with a Second by Ayes: Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, Commissioner Ronnie Smith,  Sr.t to the consent agenda retreat.  Management Director could not attend.  was needed ini regards to the matter.  Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried by raise of hands, (4-1).  Commissioner Joe R. Ayers Nays: Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Chairman Bond Jr. asked that everyone was respectful in making his or her public comment. Chairman Bond. Jr. stated the public comment procedures were not going to be read aloud because everyone knew them, there would be no one calling names especially due to elections and the court system. Chairman Bond Jr. asked everyone to be respectful be respectful as there were people filming and it could run people away from the County that could provide services to the County. Ms. McDonald stated, "Since it is not on the agenda tonight, I will ask that a summary of the NACoLegislative Conference, that Biggs, Bond, and Smith attended, be! put on the March. Agenda. The summary should include, but not limited to sessions attended and all legislative meetings. Sharing the information learned, how it would benefit the citizens, the economy, taxes, and infrastructure needs to be made public for transparency. I would also propose that a written summary ofany future meetings and conferences that are attended by Commissioners and paid for with County dollars, be given to the Clerk ofthe Board, within 10 working days after returning for immediate publication on the ncgov website. Ifyou felt it was imperative for you to attend using County funds, then it's just as important to share with other Commissioners and the citizens. Sharing this information is vital for an open and transparent Board and rebuilding the trust oft the Martin County citizens. I also propose that the Commissioners expenditures be reported openly each month as part oft the agenda. A new County travel policy needs to be drafted and discussed inc open meetings. This policy would be for employees and Commissioners alike. Just because you are a Commissioner, it does not give you an open ended expense account. Public input oft this verbiage is vital. I also recommend that all future travel and hotel arrangements be made by the Clerk to ensure it's being handled in the most economic manner possible. Now, as a citizen, Ifind  Ms. Martha McDonald - 20770 US Highway 64. Jamesville    itvery disturbing that a City Commissioners wife can, on social media, bully and attack someone for voicing their concern in an open and public meeting forum, telling the citizen's they need to shut their month or they can be sued for slander or harassment and a restraining order issued to keep the citizens from entering a building where government activity is being conducted, is ludacris at best. If find this attach distressing and aj personal invasion of my first amendment right. Chairman Bond Jr. hit his gavel and informed Mrs. McDonald that the 3-minute time frame for the public comment had ended. Mrs. McDonald asked Deputy Drew Robinson to give Chairman  Bond Jr. a document.  Mr. Hubert Coltrain - 1031 Scenic Drive Williamston  Mr. Coltrain stated, "On October 14, 2020, then acting Martin County Manager David Bone, contacted Williamston Police Department and reported that there was suspicion of embezzlement by Martin County employees. An investigation was conducted and their findings were forwarded tot the District Attorney Seth Edwards. It is my understanding that the suspected crime involved improper use ofacredit card. That credit card accessed funds held by the Council on Aging, which isa501 (C)0)organization, created by the employees of Martin County Adult and Aging Services Department. It is my understanding that the funds held by this organization primarily came from the efforts ofvolunteers, such as those volunteers operating a business known as the Bargain Shop. Those funds were intended to be used for projects benefiting our County's senior citizens. Police reports lists that the suspected crime could be as much as $25,000.00. At the time of the investigation, and I'm going to leave you alone about Adult and Aging, was seized by the Martin County Sheriff'sl Department and is still being held as evidence. No more than 3 years have passed, I've found no evidence that any charges have been brought against the accused employee, nor has any effort been made to recover any or part of what might have been taken. One might suspect that ift the employee is innocent, they would be demanding that their name be cleared of any wrong doing. Also, one might expect, that if there is affect evidence of wrongdoing, our County government would be anxious to see the accused person brought to justice and their efforts are made to recover some or all of the money that those volunteers selflessly raise. Once again, I  believe the Martin County citizens deserve some answers. Thank you" Mrs. Princess Foster - 112 Henderson Street, Williamston  Mrs. Foster stated, "I come to you today to talk about a quorum. A quorum requirement between three County Commissioners can exuberate existing divisions between the Board and hinder effective government in several ways. Deadlock in decision-making. With only three Commissioners, a quorum, a divided Board, may struggle to reach conscientious or key issues. If Commissioners are entrenched in opposing viewpoints, decision-making can become deadlocked, leading to gridlock and the inability to address pressing matters facing the County. Polarization and Partisanship. A simple quorum may amplify political polarization and partisanship within the Board. Commissioners may prioritize party loyalty over the common good, leading in thei inability tocompromise: and collaborate. across party lines for thel benefit ofthe County. Lack of checks and balances. A quorum with three Commissioners may lack the necessary checks and balances to prevent unallowed decision making on abuses of power. Without adequate representation and oversight, individual Commissioners may will disappropriated influence; potentially leading to decisions that do not reflect the Boards interests oft the County or its residents. Limited diversity ofp perspectives. With a small quorum and experiences within the Board may be limited; this can    result a narrow range of viewpoints being represented in decision-making process, overlooking the needs and concerns of certain communities, or stakeholders within the community. Perpetuation of division. The ease of achieving a quorum with only three Commissioners may perpetuate divisions within the board by allowing minority actions to obstruct or delay proceedings rather than fostering collaboration and conscientious building, a small quorum requirement may Chairman Bond. Jr. hit the gavel and began to state that the three minute time period was complete when members from the audience argued that the time limit was not complete. Mrs. Foster continued to speak stating, "In conclusion, the qourum requirement between three County Commissioners will not be conducted to effective governments particular in the context where the board is divided. It can exuberate polarization, imped decision making, eliminate diversity or perpetuate the division within the board, ultimately, hindering the county's ability to address its challenges and serve the needs ofthe residents. Iwas told to sit back and hold my voice ofconcerns, but Iv will not be silenced in the troubles in our county that have been endured during your reign of trouble will end soon and first of all peoples they're looking for peace in our  reinforce.  community." CONSENT AGENDA  Commissioner Smith made a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda, with a Second by Vice  Chair Biggs. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0).  1. Minute. Approval October 5, 2023 Special 2. Financial Report- - January 2024  3. Tax Assessor- - Tax Refund Request - January 2024 -$109.39 4. Tax Assessor- - Tax ReliefOrders - January 2024 $21,154.44  Year Lname Levy 2023 LLC. 2023 Co. Inc. 2023 Moore  Fname Blackacre Dail Music  Reason  Value  Total $2,263,47 $18,334.11 0 $48,942  Imm. Irreg. Update value Appeal for Discovery value less than (105-316k) - Board Approved 2018-2023 Vac. Prop. - Shouldn't have SW1 Charge in VA  $532.58  Willie& Ida Compromise-Discovery Bill  $0.00 $1,467.92  2023 Moreno 2023 Smith  Jose Magdaleno  $0.00 $0.00  $195.00 $361.51  Sandra Faye Err. In List. Vehicle Registered    2023 LLC.  Storage Station  Imm. Irreg. FDR Change DF SW Fee Ct. Water Tower- No Dble. List - 1998 List DN Acct.  $2,760 $0.00 $4,750  $22.36 $195.00 $45.60 $21,154.44 $39.62 $39.60 $30.17 $109.39 21,263.47  Value Date Landfill fee 1421601  2023 Williamston Town of  2023 LLC.  Zaki Properties Richard D. Danny S. Jacob D.  TAX RELIEF ORDER - REAL AND PERSONAL RELEASES TOTAL:  2024 Cannon 2024 Alligood 2024 Schultz  Adjustment Refund - Appeal Adjustment Refund - Appeal Adjustment REFUND- Appeal  $44.02 $44.00 $60.34  TAX RELIEF ORDER - VTS REFUND REQUESTTOTAL  ALL TOTAL:  5. Tax Collector's Report-J January 2024  Monthly - Jan. 24 Yearly Jan 24 - Feb24 All Total  Cat. 20 Cat. 25 Cat. 30 Totals  14,154.11 1,534.30 0 15,688.41  91,506.01 32,177.19 0  123,683.20 139,371.61  6. Board Appointments/keappointments  Boards are scheduled for reappointments/appointments each month, unless there is an unexpected vacancy or no vacancies to fill. The Child Fatality Protection Team, Community Child Protection Team, and Council on Aging are scheduled for reappointments in February. The members of the Board of Equalization and Review (ENR) are reappointed/ appointed every year. The members are usually scheduled for reappointments/ appointments in April,  but were moved to give more time for oaths to be administered.  a. Board of Equalization and Review (ENR)  The Board of Equalization and Review (ENR) convencs oncc cvery ycar from April -May for hearings related to tax matter. The following were recommended to be reappointed or appointed  tot the Board ofl ENR.  Reappointment to terms to end on March 31,2025  Hugh Kennedy Donald White Anita Whitehurst    Appointment ofr new member terms to end on March 31, 2025  Timmie Modlin William Dwayne Baker  The Board Appointments listed above were Approved by the Board as a Consent Agenda  item.  b. Council on Aging Board:  The Council on Aging monitors and regulates the funding ofthe Council on Aging Senior Center Services. The following members have been rcappointed/appointed to the Council on Aging  Thurman Savage Verlon Godard  As ofFebruary 10, 2024, the final terms for current Board Members, Jerry McCray and Barney Conway will expire. The above recommended individuals were recommended to be appointed to replace those with expiring terms, their first terms will be effective February 10, 2024 and expire on February 10, 2027, and may be reappointed fora a second term that will expire February 10, 2030. The following members were recommended for reappointment for a full 3-year term  ending on February 10,2027. Becky Dymek Cynthia Peele  Mrs. Dymek's first full term ends on February 10, 2024 and ifi reappointed her second full term will end February 10, 2027.Mrs. Peele is completing the second term of previous board member, Betty Jones who resigned due to health reasons, which ends on February 10, 2024. Mrs. Peele may be reappointed for two full terms following the completion of the current partial term. If The Board Appointments listed above were Approved by the Board as a Consent Agenda  reappointed, Mrs. Peele's first full term would end on February 10, 2027.  item.  Community Child Protection Team  The Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) was established by law (General Statue 7B- 1406) in May of 199las a means for the state and local communities to form a partnership to strengthen child protection. The CCPT is an interdisciplinary group of community representatives who meet regularly to promote a community-wide approach to the problem of Community Child Protection Team reviews are designed to assist DSS and families in protecting children by identifying barriers in services and collaborating on strategies to remedy the situation. The purpose of these reviews is also to inform county commissioners about actions  child abuse and neglect.  needed to prevent child abuse, neglect or dependency.    The members of the Community Child Protection Team serve ongoing terms and the Board is consulted for changes in membership every year. A representative of the Board will make a presentation in the March 2023 Regular Board meeting. The following are members of the  Community Child Protection Team  Angela Ellis, Director of Social Services/Transit Nancy Conner, Director's Designee and Chair Quintina Little, Member of Director's Staff Drew Robinson, Martin County Sheriff's Department Seth Edward, District Attorney Juanita Brown, Board Member Gwendolyn Godard, GAL Representative for Martin County Vickey Manning, Designee ofMTW District Health Department Katie Cowan, MTW District Health Department  The above. Board memberswere listed in the Consent Agenda fori information purposes only. 7. Martin County Transit - Revised SSP Manual with Revised Title VI Policy (Approved North Carolina refers to the network of coordinated public transportation programs as the Community Transportation Program (CTP). These entities, including Martin County Transit, provide public transportation to the general public and to clients of human services agencies. To be eligible to receive Section 5311 funds, community transportation providers must fulfill several minimum CTP requirements, one being the annual adoption oft the revised SSP Manual available from the North Carolina Department of Transportation - Integrated Mobility Division. Martin County Transit ist required to keep such current policies in the SSP Manual Notebook in our MCT office. SSP stands for "System Safety Plan". The SSP is the definitive guide for Martin County A Section Sections List, Letters, Announcements, Memos, and Previous Signature Pages B  01/10/24) and Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy  Transit operational practices. The sections of our SSP Manual include:  Section Table ofContents (1) Emergency Action Plan (2) Fire Prevention Plan (3) Preventive Maintenance Plan (4) Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (5) Safety and Security Plan (6) Continuity ofOperations Plan (7) Driver and Employee Selection (8) Driver and Employee Training Orientation (10) Martin County Transit Operational Handbook  (9) Safety Data Acquisition & Analysis Plan Safety Awareness Program  A new Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy template was emailed to Martin County Transit in a November 15, 2023 email. Per the instructions of the NCDOT-IMD this template was completed by the Transit administration for consideration of adoption by the Board of Commissioners. The    Board of Commissioners was asked to adopt the proposed revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy SSP Manual Section Four. A signature sheet for the Board Chair and Clerk to the Board affirming the adoption of the proposed revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy SSP Manual  Section Four was included and the manual can be found in the Clerk's Office. The Board Approved this item as part of the Consent Agenda 8.Clerk Report is included in agenda packet. INTRODUCTION TO NEW EMPLOYEES  Tynaye Brown was introduced as a new Transit Driver in the Transit sector oft the Department of Social Services. Arnetta King was also introduced as ar new Transit Driver in the' Transit Sector of the Department of Social Services. Ms. King and Ms. Brown were reportedly both residents ofthe Tammy Padgette and Tiki Cherry were announced as new Income Maintenance Caseworkers in  Town ofWilliamston.  the Department of Social Services, but could not attend.  PRESENTATIONS-NONE OLD BUSINESS  CADA Board Appointment- - Commissioners Appointment  CADA is a private, non-profit organization, a Community Action Agency, whose mission is to assist low income citizens achieve self-sufficiency and al better quality oflife. Their purpose is to promote through regional cooperation, the industrial, agricultural, recreational, educational and general economic wellbeing and health and welfare ofthe citizens of Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Chairman Bond Jr. made comments regarding CADA. A Commissioner was not voted on take the  Northampton Counties.  Board appointment and there were no volunteers.  No action was taken. NEW BUSINESS  NC State Extension - Memorandum of Agreement Between Martin County and NC State North Carolina State Extension (NC State Extension) was established as a part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of North Carolina State University (NCSU) by federal and state legislation for the specific purpose of"extending" the educational services ofthe University to the people oft the state, on subjects related to agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community and rural development. The laws creating the Cooperative Extension service were specifically designed to assure that the findings ofresearch in  University and Addendum  these areas are communicated to the people of the State.    To assure that educational programs offered by Cooperative Extension meet the needs ofthe local clientele, it is important that both elected and appointed decision makers at each level of government understand their respective responsibilities and relationships in conducting and funding this work. To this end, al Memorandum of Agreement details the individual relationships and mutually agreed upon responsibilities ofNCSU and each county and or tribal community that signs this Memorandum of Agreement. The Martin County Board ofCommissioners approved of the Memorandum of Agreement with NC State Extension in the past. An addendum of the agreement has been prepared with a summary of changes outlying the changes made in the Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of the Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement Between Martin County and NC State, with A Second by Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Smith expressed gratitude towards the Cooperative Extension, NC State, and NC. A&T State Universities for their partnerships, resources, and services provided. NC Cooperative Extension Director asked ifthere were any questions about NC A&T State University, this agreement only applied to the NC State University staff. NC Cooperative Extension Director stated that NC A&T State University had a memorandum of agreement each time the hired someone. Fifty percent (50%) ofthe salary reportedly came from Martin County. Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of the Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement Between Martin County and NC State, with A Second by Commissioner  agreement for Board review and approval.  Gurganus.  Gurganus. Motion was Carried unanimously, by raise of hands (5-0). 2023 Portable Radio PSAP Grant Application and Agreement  Martin County 911 Communications Director. Jason Steward reported that in August ofl last year, a grant opportunity was discovered through the North Carolina 911 Board. This grant opportunity was for portable radios for the 911 Center (PSAP). Communications. Director Steward informed the Board oft the submittal of the grant application. As of last month, Communications Director Steward was notified that the grant was awarded in the amount of $24,992.67. The grant would provide portable hand held radios for each Telecommunicator int the event that there is ai failure in the console radios. A layer ofredundancy was added to the phone systems at the Communications Centeri recently and the portable radios were reported toj provide a layer ofredundancy tot the radio system. The opportunity was a 100% grant, meaning the County was not required to provide funding to match the grant or a financial contribution. The grant application and agreement was Motion by Commissioner Gurganus to Approve of the PSAP Portable Radio Grant and Agreement, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried Unanimously by  included in the agenda packet.  raise of hands (5-0).    Emergency Operations Plan Development Contract Pulled from agenda during agenda approval  Asset Inventory Assessment (AIA) Grant Resolution Accepting Award  Martin County was been approved For American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the State fiscal Recover) Fund for $400,000 for an Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA)study. Projects funded from the tale Fiscal Recovery Funds established in S.L. 2021- 180/S. L. 2022-74 must meet An ofler-and-acceptance document extending ARP funding for $400,000.00 was sent to the County Manager's Office. Thisoffer was made by the Division ofWater Infrastructure (DWI)and is subject to the assurançes and conditions set forth in the enclosed otter-and-acceptance document. Funds will not be disbursed unless this offer is accepted. A resolution accepting the funding was provided. The original resolution in the agenda packet was reported to have a typo in the amount of funding to be received from the State to the County and a revised resolution was  applicable federal law and guidance for the ARP funds.  placed to the place settings ofe each Commissioner before the meeting.  RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF RECIPIENT  WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funded from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund was established in S.L. 2021-180 to assist eligible units of government with meeting their WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding in the amount of$ 40,000.00 to perform an Asset Inventory WHEREAS, the Martin County Board of Commissioners intends to perform said project in  water/wastewater infrastructure needs, and  and Assessment study detailed in the submitted application, and  accordance with the agreed scope ofwork,  NOW,7 THEREFORE,  BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD  OF  COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE MARTIN COUNTY:  That Martin County BoardorCommisioners does hereby accept the American Rescue Plan (ARP) That thel Martin County Board ofCommissioners does hereby give assurance to thel North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any Conditions or Assurances contained in the That Dempsey Bond Jr., Chairman, Martin County Board of Commissioners, and successors SO titled, isl hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or the project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required  offer of $400,000.00  Award Offer will be adhered to.  by the Division of Water Infrastructure.    Adopted this the_ 14th day of February, 2024 at Williamston, North Carolina.  Dempsey Bond Jr. Martin County Board of Commissioners  Date  Motion by Commissioner Smith to Accept the American Rescue Plant Grant funding of $400,000.00 towards the Asset Inventory Assessment (AIA), with a Second by Commissioner Motion by Commissioner Gurganus to. Adopt the Resolution by Governing Body ofRecipient for the American Rescue Plan Grant Funding of $400,000.00, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried Unanimously by raise of hands (5-0) County Attorney/Interim County Manager Eisner asked the Board ifhe could switch the GREAT Grant and Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program agenda items due to the order oft the  Gurganus. Motion was Carried Unanimously by raise of hands (5-0).  grant timeline.  Growing with Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT)  Great Grant was The American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") provided funding to Martin County, which can be used to promote broadband services. Interim County Manager Eisner reported that a few years ago, a broadband company named CloudWyze initially won the GREAT Grant. In the ensuing years, CloudWyze: and the State were resolving some issues wherein the grant money was taken from CloudWyze. CloudWyze was reportedly working on other projects in Martin County through direct State funds, which did not have involve the Board of Commissioners and was not Roanoke Connect Holdings was reportedly a retail provider ofcommunications: services including the provision of broadband services to portions of Martin County. Roanoke Connect Holdings applied for a grant under the North Carolina Growing Rural Areas through Access through Technology Act ("GREAT Act") to provide broadband services to identified unserved areas of Martin County and was selected by the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office to receive State Fiscal Recovery Funds for thel Martin County project. To support the Martin County project, Martin County will contribute matching funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from its ARPA RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE CERTAIN COUNTY FUNDS FROM THE. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 TO PARTNER WITH ROANOKE CONNECT HOLDINGS TO FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE WHEREAS, broadband servicei is vital toi thej progress ofcommunities and economic development  or the GREAT Grant program at this time.  revenue replacement funds.  IN CERTAIN AREAS OF MARTIN COUNTY  ofMartin County; and,    WHEREAS, The American Rescue Plan ActçARPAprovided funding tol Martin County which WHEREAS, Roanoke Connect Holdings isa aretail prowderofcommunications servicesi including WHEREAS, Roanoke Connect Holdings has applied for a grant under the North Carolina Growing Rural Areas Through Access Through Technology Act ("GREAT Act") to provide broadband services to identified unserved areas ofMartin County; WHEREAS, Roanoke Connect Holdings has been selected by the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office to receive State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the Martin Countyp project; WHEREAS, to support thel Martin County project, Martin County will contribute matching funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from its ARPA revenue replacement funds. NOW THEREFORE the Martin County Board ofCommissioners hereby resolves as follows: That the GREAT grant application of having been successfully awarded to Roanoke Connect Holdings for thel Martin County project, Martin County shall contribute matching funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from its ARPA revenue replacement funds.  can be used to promote broadband services;  the provision ofbroadband services to portions of! Martin County;  and,  1.  Adopted this day of February 2024. Martin County Board of Commissioners Dempsey Bond, Jr., Chairman  ATTEST  Julia S. Rease Clerk to the Board  A contract Between the State Department of Information Technology, the County, and Roanoke Connect Holdings, L.L.C was provided in the agenda packets fora approval as well as thei resolution Commissioner Gurganus asked ifit was correct to undcrstand that CloudWyzc initially won thc GREAT Grant, were unable to fulfill their obligations, and litigation ensued, the County was getting behind int the project wherein it had tol be untangled by NCDIT representative Nate Denny, and the process has to: start over with Roanoke Connect. Commissioner Gurganus stated that ifthis was so, ayearofproductivity was lost. Commissioner Gurganus stated that this was not at the fault ofthe County, and asked ifthe approval oft the agenda item would start the process over. Interim County Manager Eisner agreed. Interim County Manager Eisner reported that his understanding from the State was that the broadband provider with the highest score would be an automatic pick to be awarded the GREAT Grant. CloudWyze was stated to be the Broadband  as stated above.    provider with the highest score. Ultimately, CloudWyze and the State had issues that they had to resolve, which opened the door for an opportunity with other providers. Martin County was Chairman Bond Jr. asked if there were any matching monies needed to receive the grant. It was reported that a letter of interest was sent from the County about 2 years ago stating that $500,000.00 was committed to this grant. Therefore, the same amount of funding would be committed to the grant. Interim County Manager Eisner informed the Board that the $500,000.00 Motion by Commissioner Smith to Approve the Resolution to Provide Certain County Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Partner with Roanoke Connect Holdings to Fund the Construction of Broadband Infrastructure in Certain Areas of Martin County, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of Interim County Manager Eisner stated that there was also a free party contract between Martin County, North Carolina Department ofInformation Technology (NCDIT), and Roanoke Connect Motion by Commissioner Smith to Approve of the contract between Martin County, North Carolina Department tofInformation Technology (NCDIT), and Roanoke Connect Holdings, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of  reportedly one ofthe many Counties that were in this situation.  would come from the County American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.  hands (5-0)  Holdings.  hands (5-0)  Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program  The North Carolina Department ofInformation Technology ("NCDIT") is seeking to collaborate with North Carolina counties to fund awards for last-mile broadband projects ("Project" or "Projects") under the Completing Access to Broadband Program ("CAB program"). The purpose ofthis document is to describe the process for this collaboration and to gather information from each county ("the County"): regarding its financial commitment to the Project or Projects. The CAB program is a competitive bidding program that provides an opportunity for individual North Carolina county governments to collaborate with NCDIT to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved areas ofeach county. The program is codified in N.C.G.S. $ 143B-1373.1, established by S.L.2021-180, and amended by S.L. 2022-6,S.L. 2022-74, and 2023- 134. Counties that participate in the CAB program must provide matching funds for the Projccts using ARPA funds or non-restricted general funds as their source ofn matching funds as outlined in Ins summary, the County will be responsible for the following steps as part of the CAB program:  the CAB legislation.  Identifying an "up to" amount in the CAB Commitment Form Coordinating with NCDIT1 to review the Scope of Work  Selecting Evaluation Team members  Coordinating with NCDIT: mapping staff on prioritization ofa areas and indicating approval of  final areas    Participating in review ofr responses (only members oft the Evaluation Team). Upon issuance of an award by NCDIT, transferring matching funds to NCDIT.  As part of the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, the County would need to contribute in matching funds to the NC. Department of Information Technology for the issuance ofa Scope of Work or Scopes of Work soliciting eligible broadband providers to build broadband Interim County Manager Eisner stated in the process ofa achieving Broadband for Martin County, the GREAT Grant came first and the CAB Grant program was the "last mile grant" that would finish any broadband projects not completed by the GREAT Grant. The CAB Grant program that required ARP funding, wherein the County was asked to commit to an "up to" amount of ARP funding to match the CAB grant. The commitment amount was needed before moving forward. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he reached out to Dr. Reddick in Halifax County that was a sponsor and conducted a lot of good work with broadband. Commissioner Gurganus stated that Dr. Reddick expressed a need for the County to at least make a commitment of funding. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he also spoke with Nate Denny with NCDIT and Mr. Denny agreed that the money needed to be committed. Commissioner Gurganus stated that the commitment only stated that the County was willing to pay up to a certain amount and did not mean that the County had to spend the entire amount. The GREAT Grant would cover some households, the ARDOLF Grant (Charter, Spectrum, and Mediacom) would cover some more households, but there would be pockets ofareas uncovered by broadband services. Commissioner Gurganus informed the public that the Board did not decide where broadband would be installed, but the State and Federal levels of government did. To some degree, the Board would reportedly have input with the CAB Grant program. Another program, BEAD, was reportedly a new and possible opportunity to provide broadband to the rest of the County. The rules for the BEAD program were not complete as ofy yet. Commissioner Gurganus explained that the submittal ofthe financial commitment would put Martin County in a pool of others that were interested in the program, NCDIT would send a team to Martin County to help the Board understand the maps and areas that had been untouched by Broadband services, NCDIT would put together a proposal to send out, then they would meet back with the County with Bids. Commissioner Gurganus stated that the broadband project thus far was an estimated $4 million and the County's portion was 10%, which was why $400,000.00 was suggested as a commitment. Commisioner@urganus stated that ift the $ 4million project completed services throughout the County, the County would have only Commissioner Smith reported on Broadband an ARP Funds. At the National Association of Counties (NACO) Conference that recently past, Commissioner Smith stated that it was discussed that each of the broadband programsopporuntes had a hard deadline. Commissioner Smith reported that there were issues on a national level. It was stated that the County had issues with CloudWyze, but other counties were having a hard time with their Broadband providers meeting deadlines due to logistics, needed parts, and more. As a Country, it was reported that all 3,069 counties came together to put together a policy to send to the legislatures that the broadband providers were having issues meeting deadlines. Commissioner Smith stated that it was also  infrastructure within the geographic boundaries ofthe County.  spent ARP grant funding instead oft tax dollars.  discussed that ifpolicies were not changed    Commissioner Gurganus stated to Commissioner Smith's point, the faster the County submitted Motion was made by Commissioner Gurganus to commit $400,000 to the CAB program and that a letter is sent to NCDIT, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried  the commitment form, the faster the services could be implemented.  Unanimously by raise ofl hands (5-0).  Martin County and Travel and' Tourism Interlocal Agreement Pulled from the agenda during agenda approval. Martin County Budget Schedule 2024  Interim County Manager Eisner reported that the County had a Budget Retreat in the past. A proposed budget schedule was created and included initial workshops for department heads that would staff with the County Manager's Office and Finance. The proposed schedule is as follows:  Stafing 's with County Manager 's Office and Finance - No Board Meeting  March 5-1 Department Head meetings March 6-1 Department Head meetings March 13- Department Head meetings  March 14. - Department Head meetings none scheduled for this day at this time.  Presentations to the Board  March 20 - Department presentations to the Board March 21 - Agency presentations to the Board  April - TBD - Joint meeting with the Board of Education April or Early May Budget  workshop June 12-Adopt budget  Interim County Manager Eisner reported that March 20-21, 2024 would be dates that presentations Commissioner Gurganus asked that the meetings involving the Board were at a good time for the Commissioners that had to work during the day. Interim County Manager Eisner agreed. Chairman Bond Jr. asked Interim County Manager Eisner to clarify the schedule and Interim Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of the budget schedule with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0).  could be made to the Board from department heads and outer agencies.  County Manager Eisner reiterated the dates.    Martin County Board Procedures Review and Update  Interim County Manager Eisner reported that the Board adopted Board procedures in May 2011 with three amendments since then. The most recent amendments to the Board Procedures were reportedly due to COVID 19. A redlined draft ofthe Board Procedures was included in the agenda Interim County Manager stated that the main changes in the procedures were in regards to Section 5-P Public Address to the Board, clarifying the difference between an "Appointment Before the Board "and "Public Comments". Interim County Manager Eisner added that the redlined draft Board procedures was more streamlined and the Board procedures were adopted from another Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Adopt the proposed Board Procedures, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. The Motion was Carried by raise of! hands (5-0).  packet for review.  County that did not have a lot ofclarity.  Budget Amendments Budget Amendment #36  The Martin County ABC Board awarded $4,500 in fiscal year 2022-2023 to the Sheriffs Office for thel DARE program. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)isa an education program that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior. Students who enter the program sign a pledge not to use drugs or join gangs and are instructed by a Martin County deputy using an interactive in-school curriculum which lasts 12 weeks. The Sheriffs office did not expend all the funds in fiscal year 2022-2023 sO the funds flowed to fund balance. This budget amendment re-appropriates the unspent funds of $4,100 to the Sheriffs office to spend on BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending. June 30, Section 1.7 To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  the DARE program.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-36  2024.  Increase $4,100  Decrease  Public Safety Sheriff  This will result in an increase of $4,100 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Restricted intergovermmental $4,100 Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  Section 2. Copies ofthis budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing    Motion by Commissioner Gurganus and seconded by Commissioner Biggs to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 14th day of February 2024. Motion was Carried  unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Budget Amendment #37  The NC Judicial Branch is transitioning Martin County to ECourts on February 5, 2024. ECourts isa package of new software applications and technology improvements that will transition our court system from paper to digital. Currently there are four NC counties using this system, and This transition will affect the Sheriff's office and the computers used by each officer. From February 5 forward all tickets will be digital. Currently all deputies do not have the technology to allow them to do digital tickets. Therefore, each officer without this technology will have to call another officer toi issue the ticket. Some oft the laptop computers currently used by deputies are 14 years old, will not support an upgrade to Windows 11, and are at end ofl life. The Sheriff's office is currently working to sell cars with an estimated total sale price of $50,000 to $60,000. The County budgeted $20,000 in the sale of assets revenue line. The difference in the proceeds from the sale and the budgeted amount could be used to pay: for these upgrades, but the Sheriffneeds to proceed to have the upgrades done in a timely manner. Therefore, the sale of the assets will be  Martin County is one of 12 counties transitioning in February.  used to replenish fund balance.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-37  BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, Section 1.To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  2024.  Increase $40,740  Decrease  Public Safety Sheriff  This will: result in an increase of$40,740 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Restricted Intergovernmental  $40,740  Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Gurganus to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 14th day of February 2024. Motion was Carried  Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  unanimously by raise of hands (5-0).    Budget Amendment #38  Martin County was awarded a 2021 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Award. There has been a funding award modification, which increases this grant by 11,400.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-38  BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, Section 1. To amend the SSH CDBG fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  2024.  Increase $11,400  Decrease  2021 ESFRLP Grant Rehabilitation  This will result in an increase of$ $11,400 in the expenditures of the SSH CDBG Fund. To provide an increase ini the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Restricted Intergovernmental $11,400 Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  Section 2. Copies oft this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Gurganus to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 14th day of February 2024. Motion was Carried In the current year budget, the office supply line oft the Register ofI Deeds office was inadvertently removed from the budget. Last yeart the budget for office supplies was $2,400. Staffi is requesting  unanimously (5-0). Budget Amendment #39  the $2,400 be added to the Register of Deeds budget.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENI-SY  BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, Section 1.7 To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  2024.  Increase Decrease $2,400  General Government Register ofDeeds  This will result in an increase of $2,400 in the expenditures oft the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Fund Balance  $2,400  Section 2. Copiesofthis budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing  Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.    Motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Gurganus budgetordinance amendment this 14th day of February 2024 to adopt the above. Motion was Carried  unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Budget Amendment #40  Several departments had employees retire this year who are eligible for retiree insurance that was not budgeted in the original budget. Also Medicare supplement rates increased in January from  the prior year above what was budgeted.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-40  BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending. June 30, Section 1.To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows.  2024.  Increase Decrease $240 $11,264 $38 $1,580 $609 $611 $246 $1944  General Government County Managers Office Finance Elections Public Safety ShenfrCommunications Environmental Protection Landfill Human Services DSS VA Adult and Aging  This will result in an increase of $26,733 in the expenditures oft the General Fund. To provide an increase ini the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed.  Fund Balance  $26,733  Section 2. Copies ofthis budget amendment shall bei furnished toi the Clerk to the Governing Board Motion by Commissioner Biggs to adopt budget ordinance amendment and seconded by Commissioner Smith this 14th day of February 2024. Motion was Carried CLOSED SESSION(S) 1. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11. (a)(3) Attorney/Client Privilege and  and to the Finance Officer for their direction.  2.N.C.G.S. $143-318.11(a)(6) Personnel    At: 7:54p p.m. Commissioner Biggs made the Motion tol Enter Closed Session(s) 1.N.C.G.S. $143- 811QAtomey-Cliem Privilege and 2. N.C.G.S. $143-318.11(a)(6) Personnel, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands (5-0). At: 8:30 p.m. Commissioner Gurganus made the Motion to Enter Closed Session(s) 1.N.C.G.S. 838IOAtmoCint Privilege and 2. N.C.G.S. 9143-318.11(a)6) Personnel, with a Second by Commissioner Biggs. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands (5-0).  OPEN SESSION Tax Appeal Legal Counsel  Interim County Manager Eisner stated that there was an appeal before the Tax Commission that was scheduled tot take place in) March. The appeal was ini regards to a County employee whom was the executor of an estate. In this matter, the Tax Assessor's Office deemed the Present Use Value (PUV)application for the estate to be a late filed application. The Board reportedly upheld the' Tax Assessor's decision that thel PUV application was late. The County employee appealed the decision to be reviewed by the Tax Commission for a series ofevents that continued until December 2023. Interim County Manager Eisner recommended that the Board seek counsel since he was serving ina a dual capacity and was considered the manager/supervisor for the County employee that the matter involved. Interim County recommended Mr. David Mills and reported on Mr. Mills experience as legal counsel. IfMr. Mills was hired as limited legal counsel, the cost would be Commissioner Gurganus made the Motion to hire David Mills as suggested by Interim County Manager Eisner, with a Second by Commissioner Ayers. Motion was Carried  $250.00/hour.  unanimously by raise ofh hands (5-0). Interim County Manager Monthly Statement  Next, Interim County Manager Eisner asked for approval of his monthly statement.. The total compensation for the month ofJanuary 2024 totaled to $5,120.50 with mileage reimbursement of $627.76, for ai total of$ $5,756.26. The statement was reportedly audited by the Finance Office and Human Resources. Interim County Manager Eisner asked if there were any questions and or Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of Interim County Manager Eisner's monthly statement for January 2024, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. Motion  comments and there were none.  was Carried unanimously by raise ofl hands (5-0).  BOARD REPORTS  Commissioner Gurganus discussed his first experience in attending a Legislative Breakfast that occurred in Martin County and was hosted by Economic Development Council. Commissioner Gurganus stated that there was representation from the Federal and State Legislatures. It was reported that the needs of Martin County were discussed such as Martin General Hospital, Economic Development, and Education. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he gave an update on Martin General Hospital and at the end of his dissertation; he informed the group that an update    would be given by Ascendient Health Consultant Dawn Carter. Commissioner Gurganus reported that NC Representative Shelly Willingham and Town of Bear Grass Mayor Charlotte Griffin attended and provided great information. The event was reportedly very informative, supportive, and that it was good tol know that the legislatures were aware and ready to provide assistance. Commissioner Ayers stated that there were many trash containers that were torn apart and unusable. Commissioner Ayers reported that the trash company was at least 30 days behind on requests in putting trashcans out. Commissioner Ayers stated that he had a business owner to contact him for assistance in getting a new trashcan since the business owner waited 3 weeks for a new can and had not received it. Commissioner Ayers stated that the business owner had a trashcan that was torn apart by the arm from the trash service truck. It was stated that this was expected sometimes. The business owner reportedly had to put his damaged trashcan in his personal truck and take it to the trash service office to get a replacement. Commissioner Ayers stated that this was not acceptable and reiterated that the company was 30 days behind. Commissioner Ayers suggested a call through County Manager's Office would help. Commissioner Ayers reported that it was a travesty of terrible service that the County was receiving from the company. Commissioner Ayers stated that people had to wait for a month to get their trash replaced after the company's truck damaged it. It was requested that these issues Commissioner Gurganus stated that the manager oft the trash company seemed to be a fine fellow and was trying to fix things. To Commissioner Ayers point, Commissioner Gurganus gave an example ofissues with trash services. Commissioner Gurganus stated that there was an elder man in his driveway waiting for him to get home sO he could assist the 86 year old with his trash bin. Thet trash bin was reportedly missing wheels, had holes, and didi not have al lid. Thee elder reportedly dragged his trash bin to the road every day and had just left the' Town of Williamston in search for a new one to no success. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he gave the elder one of his trash bins and took the damaged can from the elder. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he made three trips to the company site and sis not have success in trading out the damaged trash bin for anew one. Commissioner Gurganus stated that this happened about a year ago, but it was becoming a  were addressed as well as the company not answering the phone.  problem to get a new trash bin.  There were no further comments, questions, and or reports from the Board.  Adjournment:  At: 8:40p.m., Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Adjourn the meeting, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofl hands  32. Bond Jr, Chairman a Boaxc Julia S. Rease Clerk to the Board  Martin County Board ofCommissioners  FE  Fpdis