Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Ivey, Vice Chair Frizzell and Commissioners McPhatter, Williams, Edge and O'Neal. Absent: Commissioner Shelley. Staff in attendance: County Manager April Snead, County Attorney Ed Johnston and Clerk to the Board Dorothy B. Tyson. Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Ivey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and Commissioner Williams was asked to deliver the invocation. After the invocation, Chairman Ivey led the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval oft the Agenda Motion was made by Vice Chairman Frizzell to approve the agenda and the motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Public Forum No one was present for the Public Forum. Consent Agenda Approval Motion was made by Commissioner Williams to approve the Consent agenda and the motion was duly seconded by Vice Chair Frizzell. Vote to Approve: Unanimous. Chairman Ivey reminded the Commissioners that the Audit Response needs everyone's signature and asked that they not leave without signing it. Proclamations Stephanie Jacobs, Social Work Supervisor read the Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month and pesented the Commissioners with pins. She stated that there were 359 reports in Scotland County and 77 were substantiated, and emphasis was placed on the fact that everyone has a role to protect our children. Questions from Commissioners Comm. O'Neal: Oft the 77 substantiated cases, what were the two most common forms of abuse? SW Supv. Jacobs: The two were physical abuse and there was an increase in substance abuse. Also, the parents are not willing to seek treatment. Comm. O'Neal: What about anger management services? SW Supv. Jacobs: Some do connect for anger management services. Comm. Williams: Is there an uptick in fosters and removing kids from their homes? SW Supv. Jacobs: We are trying to keep kids in the home setting versus them being placed with strangers. Motion to approve the Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation by Comm. Williams and duly seconded by Comm. O'Neal. Vote to approve: Unanimous. 1 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Department of Social Services Director Kim McRae read the Reentry: Second Chance Month Proclamation. She informed the Board that NC has 23 Reentry Programs that serve justice involved individuals in 38 counties. She also emphasized that the approximately 95 percent of all people in prison will eventually complete their sentence, be released from incarceration and return to their communities. In 2024, Scotland County Reentry served 87 participants and 53 exited the Program successfully. She invited the Commissioners to attend the annual Second Chance Day event to be held on April 16, 2025, at 231 E. Cronly Street in Laurinburg from 9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m., and presented the flyer to be emailed to each Commissioner by the Clerk. Motion to approve the Reentry: Second Chance Month Proclamation was made by Commissioner D. Williams and duly seconded by Vice Chair Frizzell. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Public Hearing: Project Treatment Chairman Ivey opened the Public Hearing and invited those that wished to speak for or against Project Treatment to come forward. No one was present to speak for or against. Public Hearing closed. Discussion: Chairman Ivey presented the following regarding incentives for Project Treatment from the County: For four years: 75% incentive grant of what paid in ad valorem taxes Meet employment of35 full time jobs Reviewed annually to ensure meets incentive requirements Comm. O'Neal: Happy to see the jobs coming and the investment. This is good for other companies that will do the same or complement this company. Chairman Ivey: This is an expansion of a local facility. Vice Chair Frizzell asked if there is a chance that this business will expand? Comm. Williams asked if this industry would piggy back other industries to come? Chairman Ivey responded that one reason for coming to Scotland County is our location. He stated that hopefully more information can come out tomorrow. We can not name the industry until after the Governor makes the official announcement which will be tomorrow.. Comm. O'Neal mentioned that the industry's goal is to start manufacturing quickly. Chairman Ivey stated that they will be working on the floor and electrical. Snead County Manager Snead stated that they will start this summer. Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to approve the Project Treatment Incentives and motion was duly seconded by Comm. McPhatter. Vote to approve: Unanimous. 2 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC FY 26 Budget: Capital Requests County Manager Snead presented the Capital Request for the FY 26 Budget. She stated that she and Finance Director Hobbs want to know what direction you would like to go in? She, FD Hobbs and Public Buildings and Grounds Director sat down and made their recommendations. Others that are not on the Master Plan can be moved 1-2 years out. The Maintenance Shop and Recycling Center was estimated high, but will know more later on. The Landfill and Scalehouse at $100.000.00. Please give your guidance as the Scalehouse is in pretty bad shape. A quote from one contractor for gutting it and doing everything top to bottom for less than $100,000. Would we rather get quotes on bringing in another building? Vice Chair Frizzel stated that you could bring in a Scalehouse cheaply. Sheriff's Office Evidence Building Chairman Ivey asked if the roof was tin. Mr. McGirt replied yes, it is a tin roof. Comm. O'Neal asked how long will waterproofing extend the roof? Mr. McGirt answered that the waterproofing is for the walls not the roof. 911 Equipment County Manager Snead informed them that this equipment is required. County Manager Snead stated that Capital is an additional $3.3 million dollars. Will have to decide which to fund and which to put off for another year or 2. The consensus ofthe Board is to digest the information presented and to make suggestions for personnel and capital requests at the April 30, 2025 meeting. Chairman Ivey stated that in regard to Senator Britt and the State ofNC, the State is not in a position to help us with the courthouse as the money is going out to Western NC. Animal Control Data County Manager Snead presented the Animal Control Data for FY 25. SHe informed the Board that the calls are all of the calls received at the agency, and that all calls were not responded to because they may not be able to respond. Questions and Discussion: Comm. O'Neal asked the County Manager to explain the violations and asked what happens when you are cited? County Manager Snead replied that she is not sure and that there are no civil penalties. Comm. O'Neal asked if the citations had any teeth or bite, and or deterrence? County Manager Snead stated that she would get with Animal Control regarding repercussions for violations. Comm. O'Neal also stated that there was quite a difference between violations and animal impounded. County Manager Snead stated that she would consult with the County Attorney regarding an ordinance to cite and repercussions for such. 3 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Comm. O'Neal stated that we, the County, are investing a lot, staff, time etc., > and that people need to know that we are serious. This probably paramount to the County's trash problem, but it is animals. We need to have someone who knows to come forth Vice Chair Frizzell suggested that other counties and Humane Societies be looked at. Chairman Ivey agreed with the research being done and then possibly draft a policy. Vice Chair Frizzel asked what about the City and its animal control? Comm. Williams discussed the policy when he was Police Chief. Comm. O'Neal mentioned warnings, having an appropriate system and to send a message to violators. Chairman Ivey stated that our animal control is dogs and cats, not other animals. The Wildlife Dept. will be contacted for bobcats and other such animals. It was also stated that they should probably have Health Director Deaver at the policy committee meeting. Board Appointments Vice Chair Frizzell made the motion to appoint Joe Bowen and reappoint Natahsa Khachaturoy to the Equalization and Review Board, reappoint Comm. D. Williams to the Trilllium Regional AdvisoryBoard, appoint David Clark and Phyllis Lowery to the Wagram/Scotland County Zoning Board, reappoint Ida McGill to the Jury Commission and appoint Ava Bullock to the JCPC Board as a Youth Member. The motion was duly seconded by Comm. E. O'Neal. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Chairman Ivey asked why the Board was called the Wagram/Scotland County Zoning Board? Comm. O'Neal asked the purpose of the Jury Commission? County Attorney Johnston answered that the Jury Commission chooses the jury members to be empaneled. Comm. O'Neal stated that there is a potential Health Board member coming on. County Manager Report North Turnpike Water Line The fiber optic crews have installed a cluster of5 to 6 conduits very close to where we wanted to afterperform our bore and jack beneath Jane Shaw Road, we thought they were ours being installed. HDR is working with DOT on a solution. County Manager Snead reported that the John Blue House is still under renovation. Also that the 10 month contract for Randy Medlin ran out in January. He has run into some issues and he fixed the wiring, which could have caused some serious problems. Comm. O'Neal asked when is the estimated completion date? The County Manager stated that the date is May 2025. Vice Chair Frizzell asked about the land sell/land purchase for the recycling center. County Manager Snead responded that it is due to be completed this week. 4 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC New Business IT Assessment A followup assessment of Scotland County IT Network was conducted during the week of March 17, 2025 by the NC National Guard. The initial feedback received was positive and a final report will be provided within the next 30 days. One of the team members present was also on the team that visited prior to 2023, during the 2023 incident and now in 2025. He was able to see the before, during and later. Comm. O'Neal stated that IT has been outsourced for two years now and asked the County Manager if she was satisfied with the vendor? County Manager Snead responded that you are building a new network with a new vendor, and you had to get to know each other. The network has been built solidly for three months now and we have an onsite VC3 employee, she handles all tickets and works well. Comm. O'Neal stated that it is good to ask yourself if we are happy, does it work for us, etc.? County Manager Snead stated that is why she invited the National Guard, to see if we have done good with VC3 services. Grant Administrator The County Manager reported that the Grant Administrator position has been filled and will begin on May 1, 2025. The person hired is Joy Hine from DSS who is over Child Support, SCATS and other programs. She has a finance background and works with grants for SCATS. There are pluses in internal hiring, Mrs. Hine will be available to help the new hire and Director McRae as needed. County Improvements and Announcements Annual IT Training The annual IT Training will be provided to all employees during the months of April and May. This is self-lead IT training. Heart Safety Workplace EMS will begin to work with county departments and employees to provide hands only_CPR training. This will allow Scotland County to become a "Heart Safety" workplace as recognized by Duke University. The EMS Director wants to go above and beyond for training for all staff. Veterans Office The Veterans office has applied for a grant that can support salary, training and case management. County Manager Snead shared upcoming community activities that involve Scotland County Departments and staff. This list will be posted on the County's Facebook page. 5 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC County Commissioner News Comm. Williams asked if EMS was having a hard time finding people to work? He then responded that this is a statewide problem and that we will have to work creatively and think outside the box. Comm. O'Neal asked what is the next step to address vacant and abandoned buildings? County Manager Snead replied that the Tax Office is getting a good, comprehensive list of the properties and we are seeing an influx ofbuyers. One is knowing what you have out there and two, there is money to be made and taxes to be paid. She also stated that if it were not for revaluation, the time would be sooner, and again, the Tax Administrator is working on this. When we passed the new Solid Waste Ordinance, that started the process for abandoned/burnt properties. This should work with Solid Waste. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that that was: not what Comm. O'Neal was saying. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that there is an attorney firm selling property at the courthouse. He said there are concerns with properties. We are sending letters to all owners and the property. just sits there vacant. He said that the attorney firm says that it costs more to figure out who owns the property. This is unacceptable. We have abandoned churches, no one is paying taxes.Ift the current Attorney firm is not working, then we need to get another firm. County Manager Snead stated that the Tax Office is working on this as well. Chair Ivey and Vice Chair Frizzell agreed that we are losing money upfront, but gaining it on the tail end. Comm. Williams emphasized the need for public notices and/or liens on these properties. Chairman Ivey gave the example of the remains of the burnt store on Highway 401, and stated that you have to be careful because you don't know what you are getting into. Comm. O'Neal mentioned a subdivision ordinance change. Attorney Johnston mentioned the Zoning Board meeting on the third Wednesday of each month. Vice Chair Frizzell asked if this could be sent to the Zoning Board? Comm. O'Neal stated that the current Ordinance sets the division higher. He then asked why can't the subdivision be like the one that made Deercroft easier to build? County Manager Snead asked if he was talking about things that do not require a permit? Comm. O'Neal responded that you are pricing yourself out. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that the subdivision we have is modeled off a Charlotte plan, and we do not have the same things. We need to model ours after Deercroft or Scotch Meadows. Comm. O'Neal mentioned the consolidation of the Health Department and DSS and asked when is the hearing? County Manager Snead responded that the Public Hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2025. Also that the Public Hearing Notice will be published in the Legal Notices of the Laurinburg Exchange thirty days prior to the Hearing. Attorney Johnston stated that the Deercroft subdivision was built under a different set ofrules, and that these rules came from the LRCOG. 6 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting April 7, 2025 1403 West Boulevard Laurinburg, NC Comm. Edge: Nothing Comm. Williams: The Trillium Conference was a good one and that he saw providers from throughout the state of North Carolina. Vice Chair Frizzell: Nothing Chairman Ivey: reemphasized the Public Hearing regarding the consolidation ofthe Health Department and DSS will be held at the June 2, 2025 Regular Meeting. Chair Ivey recessed the meeting until Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Morgan Center Conference Room located at 517 Peden Street in Laurinburg, NC. B 1 w7 a Tim Ivey Dorothy B.fyson Chairman Clerk to the Board (Seal) a - H 7