Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Tim Ivey, Vice Chair Bo Frizzell and Commissioners McPhatter, Williams, Edge, O'Neal and Shelley. Staff in attendance: County Manager April Snead, County Attorney Ed Johnston, and Clerk to the Board Dorothy Tyson. Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Ivey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m and asked Commissioner Shelley to deliver the invocation. After the invocation, Chairman Ivey then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Approvaloft the Agenda Motion was made by Vice Chair Frizzell to approve the agenda and the motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Edge. Vote to approve agenda: Unanimous. Public Forum William "Bill" Hawkins of 17761 Parsonage Avenue in Laurel Hill, NC addressed the BOCC. Mr. Hawkins is seeking direction regarding items appropriate for Laurel Hill Community Center. He previously spoke with the former P&R Director and was then told to wait for the new Director. The memorabilia items that he has are portions of the school floor, stones, and bricks, which are all from the former Laurel Hill School. He also mentioned that there is a time capsule buried on the property and would like the Board's approval for a small digging. He is also seeking approval to have the pieces of the gym floor displayed in the same manner as I Ellis Johnson. He also mentioned the eroding ballfields. He would also like to have a plaque or memorial to Laurel Hill native and professional baseball player William "Pudding Head' Jones and someone within the Phillies organization will help him to get the memorabilia. The local citizens had tried unsuccessfully to keep the old Laurel Hill SChool, but it was torn down and they kept as much memorabilia as possible. He would also like to have a memorial placed in front of the building, there will be a cost, but the County is not being asked to pay for anything. Since he is not retired, he has more time to work on this endeavor, but he wants direction from the Board. Discussion: Chairman Ivey: Stated that he feels that no one on the Board will oppose what he is asking and that the time capsule may be buried under the new building. Comm. Williams stated that it could have already been dug up. Chairman stated that Mr. Leon Butler has the center court from the basketball floor and again stated that no one here would oppose what he is trying to do. Mr. Hawkins asked again about the next step and would it be to gather more information and present it to Mr. Baker, Parks and Recreation Director? Comm. Williams asked about the bricks, as to whether they are the original ones from the building and the approximate size? Mr. Hawkins replied that they are the original ones from the building and the size 4x10. Chairman Ivey informed Mr. Hawkins that the Clerk would scan the information that he presented and will send copies to the Commissioners. Comm. O'Neal asked if Mike McGirt was present and the answer was no. It was mentioned that Mr. McGirt was responsible for having the showcase done for I. Ellis Johnson. 1 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Consent Agenda Approval Chairman Ivey asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was made by Vice Chair Bo Frizzell to approve the Consent Agenda, and the motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve Consent Agenda: Unanimous. Recognitions Chairman Ivey recognized Scotland Correctional Institute for their outstanding contribution, dedication and community partnership with the DSS Foster Care Program and the overwhelming abundance of Christmas gifts given. The certificate was read aloud by Chairman Ivey and Charlona Caple was present to receive the certificate for Scotland Correctional Institute. Pictures were taken ofthe Board ofCommissioners, County Manager Snead, and other Ms. Caple. Due to having to work late, Ms. Caple of Scotland Correctional Institute was not present to receive their certificate and recognition during the February BOCC meeting. Comprehensive Land Plan Criag Usher, Regional Planner for LRCOG addressed the Board, stating that he was here to get the Board's final approval of the Plan. Chairman Ivey asked if the identified errors were corrected and the listing of the Deercroft Community as a town had been corrected? Clerk Tyson responded that all corrections had been made by LRCOG as requested. Chairman Ivey asked if there were any questions? There being none, he called for a motion to accept the Plan and give final approval. Motion made by Commissioner Williams to give final approval of the Comprehensive Land Plan, and the motion was duly seconded by Vice Chairman Frizzell. Vote to Approve: Unanimous. Resolution to Establish the Special Board of] Equalization and Review County Manager Snead presented a Resolution to the Board to establish a Special Board of Equalization and Review. There is currently a Board of Equalization and Review, but the Resolutions passed previously are old and it is a good idea to update these. This Board will hear tax appeals from the citizens, and they will not have to come before this Board. Wei must have a Resolution establishing this Board. The structure, organization, or method of Board appointments will not change and there is Commissioner appointed to this Board also. Chairman Ivey stated that we are not establishing anything new, just formalizing again. Motion made by Vice Chair Frizzell to approve the Resolution to Establish the Special Board of Equalization and Review, and the motion was_ duly seconded by Commissioner O'Neal. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Personnel Policies County Manager Snead addressed the Board saying that it has been awhile since policies have been brought to them. Human Resources and Department Heads have been working on policies. The policies were then brought to the Policy Committee which included two commissioners. The Policy Committee met and recommended that these policies be brought to the entire Board for approval. 2 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Work Schedule Policy The Work Schedule Policy is entirely new and it exempts Public Safety staff as their schedule differs from 8-5. This Policy allows guidelines for Department Heads and helps to set up work schedules in a consistent manner which allows for flexibility and consistency across the County. Comm. Williams asked if this work schedule includes inclement weather? Mrs. Snead responded that the County Manager makes the schedule during inclement weather when there is aj need to alter office hours and this schedule applies to all employees except Public Safety staff. IT: Acceptable Use Policy Again, this is not a new policy. The changes in this policy were made due to new NC General Statutes regarding System and Network Activities. The employee will receive this policy, a signature will be required acknowledging that they have read this Policy. BereavementLeave This policy is not new, it will give more flexibility to the employee during the bereavement ofa family member. Holidays This policy is not new, the change is the "banked holidays". These banked holidays are for departments that may not follow the same holiday closure schedule as determined by the Board of Commissioners. The example given was the Landfill. This time must be used by the last pay cycle ofthat fiscal year and will not be allowed to transfer into the next fiscal year. Commissioner O'Neal informed the Board that he and Commissioner Williams were part oft the Policy Committee and was glad that we looked at practices of other counties and gathered information. He also mentioned the change in format of the policies to make them more readable. Motion made by Commissioner Shelley to approve the policies presented, Work Schedule, IT: Acceptable Use, Bereavement Leave and Holidays, motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Board and Committee Appointments Vice Chair Frizzell made the motion to appoint Commissioner Edge to the Board of Equalization and Review, James Smith reappointed to the Planning and Zoning, reappointments of Chamber Executive Director Chris English, EDC Director Mark Ward and Commissioner O'Neal to the Southeastern Economic Development Commission and Ruth Miller to the Board of Health as a Public Member. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Shelley. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Discussion: County Manager Snead stated that she will share with the Board a list of vacancies on Boards/Committees during each meeting, hoping to encourage citizens to apply via the website and ifthey have questions or concerns they can contact Mrs. Tyson (Clerk). 3 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Commissioner O'Neal informed the Board that the Health Board has changed the position of Optometrist to public member on the Board ofHealth, they will have another public member. Dr. Earl Bowling (Optometrist) has agreed to assist/consult as needed. Chairman Ivey asked why do we have a Laurinburg/Scotland County Zoning Board of Adjustment and a Zoning Board of Adjustment? Attorney Johnson answered that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has 5 seats and 2 alternates, and they hear appeals for the actions the Zoning Board did, variances, hardship requests, etc., rather than coming before this Board.Chairman Ivey asked if they can be combined since they don't meet that often?? County Manager Snead stated that she doesn't think there is anything that would preclude someone from serving on both. Attorney Johnston answered that you may possibly have to live in the ETJ Zone to be a member ofthe Laurinburg/Scotland County Zoning Board of Adjustment. Also that this Board/Committee does not meet on a regular basis, only when needed. Chairman Ivey responded that this will narrow it down more. Also that this Board/Committee does not meet on a regular basis, only when needed. County Manager Snead stated that we might have to go out and get members, because if anything came up they may not have enough members to meet. Attorney Johnston stated that he doesn't know why it may be showing that we don't have any members because there have been appointments, maybe it'sj just that their term has expired. Mr. Bennett is the Chair of this Board. Chairman Ivey replied that we need to find this out and Comm. Williams stated that we need to recruit, get on the radio. Comm. O'Neal asked if this list of Board/Committee vacancies can be presented at the next BOCC meeting, as this may clear it up.? County Manager Snead replied, yes. JCPC Board has an opening for two youth under the age of18, and it is hard to get this category ofmembers since they are always aging out. Comm. Williams stated that JCPC does have one member under 18 but they will be graduating and going to college and we will have to replace him, sO right now there is only one vacancy. Chairman Ivey stated that we will discuss this next month. Consolidation: NCGS 153A-76 and) NCGS 153A-77 Chairman Ivey turned this Agenda Item over to County Manager Snead. She informed the Board that over the past year the County has reviewed all departments for efficiency, whether we have the resources needed and how we are about doing our business. The last two departments that have not had much work done are the Health Department and the Department of Social Services because they have their own governing boards at this time and it is their job to do this as well. You can't look at these without knowing the General Statutes that govern each department and knowing what you have available to you to govern those departments. I am bringing this to you for informational purposes only, SO that you all would know what is out there concerning consolidation. Consolidation is the ideal of availability to combine various departments in one County under one umbrella. That doesn't always have to be Health Dept. and DSS, sometimes it could be Veterans or Dept. of Aging, it gives you the ability to do that ifyou like. She also stated that she would be remiss as we continue to look at efficiencies and to not bring this information to your attention. Discussion and Questions:. Chairman Ivey asked whether Comm. McPhatter has the information and the timelines which were given out at the Budget meeting? The County Manager replied yes. 4 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Chairman Ivey stated that the time line is that tonight's meeting would be an up or down vote to pursue consolidation of Health and Human Service agencies. Next, from April 5, 2025 - May 5, 2025, Notice will be placed in the newspaper for 30 days, and then May 5, 2025, at the regular meeting of the BOCC there will be a Public Hearing and the Board would then move forward based on the Public Hearing. Comm. O'Neal asked if the vote tonight is not to consolidate, but to examine structure, processes and have the public hearing and to take these together and potentially make a decision? Chairman Ivey responded that we are not doing anything tonight, that's for sure until we have had time to look at it and to not get emotional. Motion made by Vice Chair Frizzell to move forward to pursue consolidation of Health and Human Services agencies. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Shelley. Vote to approve: Unanimous. County Manager Report Updates North Turnpike Water Line HDR has requested approval ofa a Right of Way Encroachment Agreement, the information is included in your packet. The survey is close to being done. Stream Rehabilitation Assistance Program Nine projects throughout the county. have been completed with StRAP funds for a total $133,995 in federal funds. These projects moved debris and will increase water flow, especially during storm time. We will apply next year when the application process is opened. New Business Economic Development Corporation SCEDC will break ground on a third Incubator Building in late May or early April 2025. This is funded through a Golden Leaf Grant. The building will be located in front of the new 50,00 SF building. County Improvements and Announcements Deescalation Training The county provided deescalation training by a Senior Law Enforcement Risk Specialist to any interested county employee during the month of February. Four sessions were held with 115 employees attending. Skill Bridge Opportunity The Human Resources Director has applied on behalf of Scotland County for acceptance into the Department ofDefense Skillbridge Program. The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to work with Scotland County through internships for 180 days. If accepted, Scotland County will enter into a MOU for one year with the potential to be renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year. 5 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Veteran's Work Veteran's Stand Down was held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Clint V. Willis National Guard Armory, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ms. Jamie McGee, VSO hosted the event and the event provided resources, support, and services to local veterans in need. The County Manager will start bringing you information of upcoming events in Scotland County which affect our agencies and organizations. Commissioner Reports Commissioner O'Neal - Attending NACO was a great opportunity that is not available on the local level and the ability to meet with legislators. He discussed with EPA officials about the Waste Water Treatment facility and was told the EPA has a technical assistance program to help us with Hoke County. Also, he is on the Reentry Board and found out that there is no process for travel or attendance at a conference. He would like to go to the Reentry Conference. He thinks that there should be a travel policy for Commissioners. just like the one for employees to attend conferences.He also thinks that those that attend conferencesworkshops should come back and share information learned. Commissioner Shelley- nothing Commissioner McPhatter- nothing (He had left the meeting prior to discussion of Personnel Policies) Edge - nothing Commissioner Williams- He referenced the NACO Conference and stated that it was a good conference, a wide spectrum oftopics discussed and he mentioned education and medicaid. He also stated that he met some good people and they are echoing the same as what we are doing here. We as Commissioners did not shy away, this is ai tough job. Vice Chair Frizzell - nothing Chairman Ivey- He mentioned that Comm. O'Neal had spent a lot oftime with EPA and Veterans Services. He also stated that the State is looking at property tax relief for veterans and the elderly. There are concerns regarding "Revenue Replacement for the lost funds. He also spoke with Hoke County reps. regarding the water needs. Scotland County has lost two former County Commissioners in the last two weeks, a plant was sent for each service. Commissioner O'Neal asked ifthere were fiber cable in the Turnpike area? County Manager Snead mentioned that she was not sure. Comm. O'Neal stated that due to the expense oft the project, it would be nice to have highspeed internet. Vice Chair Frizzell mentioned that there are trucks and cables up there. Chairman Ivey stated that there is a map that shows this and can't imagine that it doesn't. Comm. O'Neal stated that if we don'th have it, we need to reach out for it and there is a NC rep. to contact. We need to have a definitive answer. County Manager Snead stated that we have applied for a grant for Broadband. The bid has been put out and we are waiting for confirmation of the area of most need. Comm. O'Neal states that it makes no sense to do all this one at a time. County Manager Snead stated that she will get him an answer. 6 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 10, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Chairman Ivey Chairman Ivey stated that the Board will go into Closed Session in Accordance with: NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions ofi initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. Motion made by Commissioner Williams to go into Closed Session for the aforementioned reason and duly seconded by Vice Chair Frizzell. Vote to approve: Unanimous Chairman Ivey informed those present that the meeting will not be adjourned, but recessed until the Budget Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Edwin Morgan Center Conference Room located at 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC. cdohe-len Tim Ivey Dorothy B./Tyson Chairman Clerk to the Board 7