Scotland County Board ofCommissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard] Laurinburg, NC  Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Tim Ivey, Bo Frizzell, Whit Gibson, Clarence McPhatter II, John Alford and Darwin Williams. Vice Chair Gibson arrived at 6:15 p.m. Staff in attendance: County Manager April Snead, County Attorney Ed Johnston, and Community Relations Specialist/Deputy Clerk to the Board Dorothy Tyson. Call to Order, Invocation, Special Recognition, and Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Ivey called the meeting to order and asked Commissioner John Alford to deliver the invocation. After the invocation, Chairman Ivey then led the pledge ofallegiance.  Approval of the Agenda  Chairman Ivey informed the Board that Seth Hatchell would not present as on the agenda. Motion was made by Commissioner Williams to approve the agenda as amended, and the motion was duly seconded _by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Vote to approve agenda:  Unanimous. Public Forum  Corey Monroe: Mr. Monroe of 515 Queensdale Street in Laurinburg presented to the Board on behalf of Future Scots United, youth football team. Mr. Monroe the proposal that was sent to each Commissioner requesting the usage of Presbyterian Park for the team to have practices and games. Copy of the proposal is attached. Questions from the Board regarding isurance, lining the fields, stands or bringing chairs, restrooms, as bathrooms are not working. Also asked if the County owns the land? Discussion ensued regarding the property being owned by Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, the County leasing it.and conversations would have to take place between the County and Laurinburg Presbyterian. Questioned if there was a option #2 and Mr. Monroe replied no. Discussion continued regarding the possible usage of I.E. Johnson, and Commissioner Williams stated that this location holds water. The Legion Park facility was also discussed, as it is already prepared for football, there are restaurants, parking and an overall good location. Again, this facility is owned by another entity, the County leases it and would have to talk with Post #50. Mr. Monroe stated this could be their option #2. Commissioners agreed that Robert Lee: Mr. Lee of Linden, NC and a carnival owner presented a proposal to the Board regarding the creation of a non-profit to get funds from the Golden Leaf Foundation and would like to establish an Agricultural Fair in Scotland County. He states that he has extensive business experience, friends in Scotland County and that the economic impact of an agriculture fair is outstanding. He must identify a location and he referenced the 177 Corridor and Highway 74 would be ideal. Questions by Commissioners: Much land is needed. 50 - 70 acres would be ideal. He has friends on the Golden Leaf Foundation and has served on another Foundation, he's hoping that this will help him get his foot in the door. When was the last time you were in Laurinburg with the carnival and why did you go to Laurel Hill? He answered about three years  they would offer their support, but they just have to figure it out.  1    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building ago and the owner of the Seafood Restaurant did not want them there, he felt that the carnival was taking something away from them. Chairman Ivey informed him that he would not find anyone with heartburn here. Questioned as to whether it would be an area for fairs, flea markets, etc? He responded that it would be familiar to the one in Robeson County and that there would be a building with a big metal house which may be turned over to the farming community. Mr.  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Lee was thanked by Chairman Ivey for coming and presenting to the Board.  Consent Agenda  The Consent Agenda was presented. Commissioner Frizzell asked about the Landfill Position Reclassification. County Manager Snead explained that the position was classed up based on additional training duties and now that the person who filled the previous position is not with the Motion was made by Commissioner Williams to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Frizzell. Vote to approve consent agenda:  Landfill, it will be reclassified down into al lower paid position.  Unanimous.  Department of Social Services Child Support Awareness Month  The Proclamation was read by Department of Social Services director Kim McRae and a copy is attached. The proclamation declares August 2024 in North Carolina as Child Support Awareness Month. Activities have been scheduled throughout the month. Kim Cheek is in charge and they were on WLNC Live On Main July 26th, 2024, everyone is asked to participate in Wear Green Day on August 7th, and on August 8th at 1:00 they will do a radio talk with WEWO radio. A snack drive for Project Inasmuch will be held this month and 31 days of child support facts will be featured on the DSS Facebook page. Motion was made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to approve the Proclamation and was_ duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. It was stated by Chairman Ivey that there was no need for a motion because this Proclamation is signed by the  Governor ofNorth Carolina. Public Hearing Special Use Permit  Mr. Jim McMillan presented a special use permit, as the Chair of the Zoning board. Dan and Elizabeth Cooley. Chairman Ivey asked if there was anyone present to present any evidence because they would have to be sworn in. Attorney Johnston asked if they were informed of the meeting, as this was an evidentiary hearing. Chairman Ivey stated that they will have to put  them on the schedule for next month for the Colley's attendance.  Rezoning request for NCOR.  Planning and Zoning Board Chair Jim McMillan presented. He stated that the properties to be rezoned are side by side on Airport Road. NC Organic Recycling (NCOR) would like tol bring the parcels into a single zone, not several packages. He also stated that the Planning and Zoning Board did take a vote to approve. This is the Old Woodard Plant and that they are adding on to the plant. They have received clearance from the state and they will be recycling old food stuff. The request is to rezone parcel from I-1 to I-2. This is all one parcel, but one piece oft the parcel  2    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building was zoned differently. Motion made by Commissioner Frizzell to rezone parcels 010250 and 01025 from I-1 to I-2 and was duly seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Vote to  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  approve: unanimous.  Rezoning Request for D. Marwitz  Planning and Zoning Board Chair McMillan spoke on the request from Deycenia Matwitz to rezone property located at 13021 Old Wire Road in Laurel Hill, NC: from C1 to RA in order to place a property there for her son, a home. The Planning and Zoning Board is onboard and voted unanimously to approve. The question was asked which side of the road is to store on. It was stated that it is on Old Wire Road in front of chicken houses. Chairman Ivey opened the floor for public comment for anyone to speak for or against. There being no one present, the public comment session was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to approve the request to rezone the property from C1 to RA. Motion was duly seconded by  Commissioner McPhatter. The vote to approve: unanimous.  Rezoning Request for N. Willis  Planning and Zoning Board Chair McMillan spoke on the request From Nikki Willis to rezone property located on Peele's Chapel Road in Laurel Hill, NC to allow a duplex. All requirements were met and the Board voted to approve. Chairman Ivey stated that before taking any action that the public comment period would be opened. He asked if there was anyone present for or against this request. Mr. J.D. Willis answered that he was present to answer any questions. The public comment period was closed. Motion was made to approve the request to rezone the property from RA to R1 by Commissioner Whit Gibson and dulys seconded by  Vice Chair D. Gibson. The vote to approve: unanimous.  Rezoning Request for D.Lee  Planning and Zoning Chair McMillan spoke on the request from David and Denise Lee to rezone property located at 34300 Aberdeen Road Wagram, NC from C1 to RA. The question was asked if this was approved for the military and previously changed. Mr McMillan answered no. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously voted to approve this rezoning request. Chairman Ivey opened the public comment period and asked if there were anyone here with comments for or against the rezoning. There being none, the comment period was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Frizzell to approve the request to rezone the property from C1 to RA. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. The vote to approve: Chairman Ivey stated that Mrs. McQueen is to redo the Cooley request and change it to a quasi hearing not a public hearing. Mr McMillan stated that hopefully at the October 7th meeting a presentation for the comprehensive land use plan will be presented. Pending approval ofthis plan this will be his last official act and he will be resigning at that meeting. Chairman Ivey askedi if  unanimous.  3    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building he had a replacement?. He stated all but two new members on the current board would qualify. He would like to get the two new board members to the School of Government for training. Hazel McPhatter, 4-H EFNEP Educator Extension Program Associate presented her report regarding Scotland County 4-H EFNEP Program. A copy of the report is attached. Mrs. McPhatter stated that she had been going to schools, churches, community centers, etc to talk about nutrition and fitness. Exercises such as Taboo, kickboxing, and dancing were presented. She also stated that boot camp has been in operation for about 20 years. The current boot camp has about 60 participants and they are meeting Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to. 2:00 p.m. They are provided breakfast and lunch. In her report she stressed the fact that volunteers are needed and valuable. The number of volunteers, the number of hours worked and the monetary savings to the County by their volunteerism, Success stories were shared. She stated that she has been working for North Carolina Cooperative Extension for over 22 years and including her part-time years, that would be 25 years old. She emphasized the importance of starting early with the youth regarding nutrition and health. Chairman Ivey asked Mr. Randy Wood, ED for Scotland County Extension to come forth. Mr. Wood bestowed numerous accolades upon Mrs. McPhatter. He thanked her for her diligence, her hard work and how the work she has done over the past 25 years have made the 4-H EFNEP Program the success that it is. She was presented the plaque recognizing her for 25 years of service with Scotland County/NC Cooperative Extension. Chairman Ivey read the plaque's inscription and offered his thanks and congratulations. The Board of Commissioners, Mr. Wood, County Manager Snead  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Report on 4-H EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Program  and Mrs. McPhatter posed for pictures.  FY247 Tax Settlement Report and Order to Collect  Mickey Butler, Tax Administrator presented the Fiscal Year 24 Tax Settlement Report and Order to Collect. She informed the Board that Scotland County's collection rate is at 96.5%. She asked for approval of the Tax Settlement and The Order to Collect. The motion was made by Chairman Ivey to approve the Fiscal Year 24 Tax Settlement and Order to Collect. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Frizzell. The Order to Collect will be signed by  Chairman Ivey.  Magistrate Office Renovations  Philip McRae, Scotland County Clerk of Court informed the Board that there is a law that the County is to provide adequate courthouse security. He is grateful for the appropriation of bailiffs, the improvements in the courtrooms and the DA offices. He stated that folks are not always happy and thanked them for all that they've done. He continued by saying magistrates are on duty 24 hours a day, they're isolated and possibly no one will be able to get to them quickly. The jail is over 100 ft away, but not always able to help the magistrates ift trouble arises. We, the magistrates, judges, the Sheriff and myself, want to improve the safety of the magistrates. We can use a camera to look at them and then buzz them in, but then they are face-to-face with people and sometimes these people are mad. There's always a lot of uproar around the Magistrate's Office. They are looking and trying to evaluate the best way to improve the  4    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building Magistrate Office. They have three proposals for improvement, the first one is to work with what they have and make it better, which would be the least expensive. Second, to move somewhere else and lastly, to move off the premises and build another building. The least expensive would be working with what we have, this would require the moving of wires, doors, walls. etc. Moving away off site would look wasteful if determined to not be needed after the building has been built. He continues to state that Commissioner Frizzell went around with him to visit the magistrates and they have decided that proposal number one would be good, and thet District Judge Futrell also likes proposal number one. Mike McGirt of County Buildings was very helpful, easy to work with and solicited bids from contractors that have been used by the County in the past. They were both shocked and thought the bid would be cheaper, but we are using bulletproof glass. Chairman Ivey stated that there's one way into the office and if it's closed off, how will the magistrate get out? The answer would be the intoxilyzer room because it provides an additional room and the magistrate is sitting on the other side of that room. Commissioner Williams questioned the amount of $35,800, just for a glassed in area. Clerk of Court Mr McRae said he was surprised by the cost also, but it is bullet proof glass. Chairman Ivey asked if this is budgeted. Finance Officer Hobbs stated that there's $25,000 budgeted for this project. Commissioner McPhatter asked why granite countertops. Mr McRrae said he was not sure. Mr. McGirt said it can be cheaper to buy granite versus Corian countertops. They sent the bids out, two declined and one had qualifying issues. Commissioner Williams asked are we renovating or making it safe? Mr. McGirt stated that we're securing the glass window, a bulletproof window, a new desk, new drawers, really we are demoing the current platform and maybe a lounge area. Commissioner McPhatter asked how other counties compared to our Magistrate Office? Mr. McGirt stated ours is worse than the others. Chairman Ivy asked where would you be located while these renovations are going on. Mr McRae replied in court room number 3. Motion made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to approve the Magistrate Office renovation and motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. The vote to approve was unanimous. Vice chair Gibson asked where will the $10,000 come from, the additional money which is needed. Chairman Ivey stated it will come from the fund balance. Commissioner Whit Gibson asked are facilities fees available for this renovation. The response was that we will have to dip into the fund balance unless fees come in an amount greater than the  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  balance.  EMS Building Proposal  Robert Sampson, Director of Emergency Services provided the Board with an update and asked for a vote as they move forward with RFQs. There were two requests for funding, these being the BRIC Grant but they did not meet all of the qualifications to receive it and the second is the State of NC funding. The State of NC is close to issuing the allocated funds of $6.5 million dollars. They are ready to move forth with RFQ and for an engineer to come out and do site work. The location is at the County Complex, due to quick response and easy access to any part ofthe county. He is asking for approval to move forth with this location and to request RFQs.  5    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building Questions from the Commissioners: What type of building? Where will you be located while the building is being built? What will you have to cut back since you did not receive the BRIC Answers from Mr. Sampson: A stand alone building. We will remain in the current building. Per Mrs. Snead, a resolution is not needed because the agreement has been signed with the State Motion made by Commissioner Williams to move forth with the location, the County Complex and to request RFQs and duly seconded by Vice Chair D. Gibson. Vote to County Manager Snead stated that the RFQs will be posted on the County's website. Commissioner Gibson asked that the livestreaming be checked, as it has frozen. There is still audio but the picture is frozen. Chairman Ivey stated that too much money has been spent on the system for it to have problems. County Manager Snead stated that it is not the video system, but the streaming and that she has been working on this for the past three days. Chairman Ivey stated that we may need to get whoever put in the system to come back and check it out.  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Grant? Atty. Johnston asked ifar resolution is needed? We don'tknow what we will have to cut back on.  ofNC, funding has been secured and funds may show up next week.  approve: unanimous.  FY25Strategic Plan for Scotland County  County Manager Sneed presented the Fiscal Year 25 Strategic Plan for Scotland County. This plan is for one year. She asked the Board to look at this plan, ask questions and ifyou would like as strategic plan for a longer period of time to let her know. The goals were developed by each department head, some of these goals are directly for the citizens. You will see this plan once a quarter. Commissioner McPhatter asked when was the last time we had a strategic plan. The response from the County Manager was that we've had a strategic plan for capital projects and equipment but she can't remember a strategic plan with any other goals for the county.  Commissioner McPhatter indicated this was a good job. Road Naming and Address Change Ordinance review  County Manager Snead presented Ordinance #20 for revision review. She stated that the committee has reviewed the ordinances, and the need to name roads is necessary for emergency responses. The committee has been meeting for three months and they have made revisions to ordinances. There will have to be a public hearing on this item. Commissioner Alford stated that in the past the planning and zoning board named all the roads and he believes that the Commissioners gave them that authority. It was asked why some of the information is redacted or removed. The County Manager stated that this is more procedural, for their information and  will bring this back to the Board on September 3rd.  6    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Board and Committee Appointments  Vice Chair Gibson informed the Board that there were two applicants for the Scotland Memorial Library Board, these being Ruth Miller and Sue Calegan. Vice Chair D. Gibson made the motion to approve the reappointment of Mrs. Miller, and the appointment of Ms. Calegan to the Library Board. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Alford. Vote to  approve: unanimous. County Manager's Report Laurinburg Maxton Airport  The appraisal and land acquisition notebooks were submitted to the Division of Aviation's (DOA) and Federal Aviation Administrator's (FAA)review. Confirmation has been received and the Federal Register notice process can begin, the process can last up to 30 days. When the  process is concluded, an official letter will be received.  North Turnpike Water Project  Deposits are still being accepted at the county office and monthly at Oak Hill Baptist Church. As of 8/1/2024, only 35 payments have been received. Of those, 26 are within the scope of work. Map presented indicating the location of the payments received. An after hours payment event is scheduled for 8/14/2024, letters have been sent to each property owner, and the engineers are moving with the plans. Chairman Ivey asked, are we going to do this line for 26 people? He also asked the deadline for the ARP money being spent? The money has to be obligated by December 2024 and spent by December 2026, per Finance Director Hobbs. She also stated that the money has been obligated. Chair Ivey stated that the folks need to let us know of their interest, and we will spend the money. Vice Chair Gibson stated that he had received a suggestion from a citizen, that being to put out a deadline for people to pay, maybe October 31st. Some people will still wait, but it would speed people up. The County Manager stated that she  will let the engineers keep working and will get the deadline information out.  East Laurinburg Properties  The County Manager informed the Board that the highest offer we received for the three East Laurinburg properties has been $65,000.00, and this amount was considered too low to accept. She stated that the realtor mentioned possibly auctioning off the properties at the true value. She isa asking the Board, what is their pleasure, whether to auction, hold the property, or put it up for sale. The auction company will decide the true value of the properties. Commissioner Frizzell stated that the Board could put up a "no sale price", but will still have to pay the auction company. Commissioner W. Gibson asked if the properties would be sold separately. Commissioner Frizzell stated that selling separately would generate more money. The County Manager stated that she would explore this option. Commissioner McPhatter asked the difference between a realtor and an auction company selling the properties. County Manager Snead explained the difference, and stated that there is not a right or wrong way, it depends on how quickly you want to sell your properties. Commissioner Frizzell asked how much would we pay if we auctioned and did not get a buyer. Manager Snead will work with the company to get this  information.  7    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Southeastern Community Action Partnership Request for Offices  SCAP has expressed an interest in using Scotland County Office Space and she has been speaking with the County's insurance company's attorney. The following will need to be considered: the liability involved, their insurance cost, keeping the insurance up to date and if any space exists. Other questions: Is there space and can we do this legally? The insurance company attorney gave comment and also referred her to another attorney through UNC School of Government, as this may not be legally allowable. County Manager Snead was concerned with using the Annex without a deed and the problem ofrenovations came up. She will continue  to reach out to the other attorney. RC2Implementation Grant  Scotland County is eligible to apply for RC 2 Implementation Grant. There are various feasibility projects the County can use the funding for. As County Manager, Irecommend the project for Scotland County Parks and Recreation, the application is due in September 2024, with the grant amount up to $70,000. During budget season there was talk about improving the Wagram Park and equipment at the Wagram Active Living Center. Mark Ward, Economic Development Director interjected that the amount is up to $45,000.00 not $70,000.00 and it can be used for both recreation and equipment. He stated that he will start the application next week. County Manager Snead reported a letter was received from the City of Laurinburg that there would be no financial support of the 911 Center. Chairman Ivey stated that this will be discussed  Consolidated 911 Center Funding Request  at another time. NEW BUSINESS Request to Waive Fee  Ac county citizen has requested to waive the meter fee for the county water connection. The meter has been installed on the citizen's property however, no documentation can be found for the payment. County Manager Sneed is requesting the waiving of the $1,400 fee as was done with a previous request. She asked if they wanted her to handle this and not bring it back to the board. Itwas recommended the County Manager handle this and to communicate the waiving oft the fee  with the City.  Report to the Community  County Manager Snead would like to do a report to the community during the month of August to highlight accomplishments throughout the county, and services provided will be presented to the community. This will be done within the next month regarding fiscal year 2024. It will  include departmental changes, improvements, services, awards received, etc.  8    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Sales Tax Resolution  The County is working to create a "one-pager" for common questions, myth busters and answers about the 1/4 cent sales tax option. This document will be presented to the Commissioners in Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, 1403 West September and prepared for release if approved. Chairman Ivey discussed the possibility oft the  Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  commissioners doing a video to endorse this.  New Agreement  The county is working to develop an agreement with the City of Laurinburg for the use of Hammond Park. This is just updating the agreement with the City as the County is updating the facilities. The agreement is beyond its expiration date and can be stopped at any time. Commissioner Frizzell asked how much is being spent and the cost? County Manager Snead states that the County is doing all upkeep of the park, removing the downed trees, and has the personnel hours cost. She also informed the Board that the county has a lot of property that we are leasing and doing the upkeep. She states that this may be something that we need to look She recognized Economic Director Mark Ward for the receipt of a $1.45 million dollar Golden  into.  Leaf Grant to Scotland County. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Williams no comments.  Commissioner Alford asked about the SCATS on Demand. County Manager Snead stated that itis up and running, citizens to call 910-277-2416. Due to the complex process involved in Commissioner W. Gibson expressed concern about the 25 or 26 people who signed up for the North Turnpike Project and stated that we need as many people as possible to sign up. He asked why is the number sO low, and is it due to the cost the homeowner will incur. Inform them that if we don't get a certain number of people to sign up then we won't do it. Chairman Ivey asked about the citizen that presented previously and spoke about a grant for Senior Citizens. He also said that former Commissioner B. Gholston has agreed to help out by calling people, since this was her project. Vice Chair Gibson stated that some people are satisfied with their current water  scheduling, citizens are advised to call2 days in advance.  source, there are others that want county water and the elderly are satisfied.  Commissioner Frizzell 1 no comments.  Vice Chair Gibson - NAACP Back to School, Stay In School event at Scotland High on Saturday, August 10th, all are invited. Also that there is a zoom call on tomorrow, 9. a.m. - 12:00  9    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, EOC Building p.m., regarding Tropical Storm Debby. He mentioned that he was at an event and people were asking questions about the one quarter cent sales tax and Mrs. Carol McCall explained in detail tot the citizens. He just wanted the Board to know that she would be a good resource.  1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC  Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting August 5, 2024, 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NCChairman Ivey - announced that the next Board meeting would be Tuesday, September 3, 2024 due to the Labor Day holiday. Also regarding the storm that he is Robert Sampson - The Governor has issued a State of Emergency and that we will move forward with a Declaration of Emergency. He was on a weather briefing call this weekend and found out that Scotland County is expected to get more water than wind. The storm is currently stalled over Georgia and South Carolina. Over the Thursday through Saturday timeframe, Scotland County is expected to receive 8 12 inches of rain. He will start meeting with NC Emergency Management tomorrow and will wait until more information is given tomorrow afternoon before Motion made by Commissioner W. Gibson to go into closed session and duly seconded by  leaning on Robert Sampson, Public Service Director for guidance.  he gets on the radio. Vice Chair D. Gibson  Deputy Clerk Tyson was not in closed session and those minutes and general account were taken  by County Attorney Ed Johnston.  plaHhgn  Dorothy B. Tyson Deputy to the Board  Tim] Chair E  (Seal)  CAR  10