[13:55] On here.
[13:56] Good evening. Actually, it's not afternoon anymore.
[13:59] Good evening. Um, it's my pleasure to, uh, welcome everyone
[14:03] to the regular meeting
[14:04] of the Forsythes County Board of Commissioners.
[14:06] Um, and it's on December the 18th, 2025, which happens
[14:10] to be our, I know you'll wanna stay till
[14:15] the very end because we're gonna have a discussion item
[14:18] to review what happened in 2025 in case you have forgotten
[14:22] anything that happened with us in 2025.
[14:26] Um, citizens who are interested in participating in the
[14:28] public session portion of the meeting, you may do so
[14:31] by calling 3 3 6 4 2 2 1200.
[14:35] You'll be placed on hold until the public session begins.
[14:39] And members of the audience
[14:40] who are interested in participating in the public session
[14:43] portion of the meeting, you just need
[14:45] to fill out a speaker card and return it to the clerk.
[14:48] You can do that actually right now.
[14:50] That does not apply to those that may be here
[14:53] for the public hearing.
[14:55] You'll have an opportunity when we get to the either pro
[14:57] and cons on the public hearing
[14:59] to come up without a speaker card.
[15:02] Um, we're gonna begin our meeting tonight, uh,
[15:04] with an invocation from Pastor Frank Robinson, um,
[15:07] from Messiah Community Christian Church,
[15:10] and it'll be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led
[15:13] by Commissioner Wilson.
[15:15] And I'd like to invite everyone who is able to stand.
[15:22] Good evening, let us pray.
[15:26] Gracious and sovereign, God, as we gather
[15:27] for this final meeting of the year,
[15:30] we also acknowledge your presence.
[15:32] And to thank you for your steady guidance
[15:34] and unfailing faithfulness, we recognize the weight
[15:37] of responsibilities carried by these public servants
[15:40] and the honor of serving the people of this community.
[15:45] As this year draws to a close, we give thanks
[15:47] for the progress achieved, the obstacles overcome,
[15:50] and the wisdom gains all along the way.
[15:53] We honor the dedication, sacrifice,
[15:55] and perseverance of those who have served with integrity,
[15:58] diligence, and commitment As we carry out the work
[16:01] before us today, grant wisdom in every decision,
[16:04] clarity in every conversation,
[16:07] and respect in every exchange.
[16:09] May conversation prevail.
[16:11] Fairness govern our actions
[16:12] and the wellbeing of our community remain
[16:14] our highest priority.
[16:16] As we look forward and toward a new year, we ask
[16:20] for a renewal and strength, restore weary minds,
[16:24] prepare capable hands,
[16:25] and inspire hope for the responsibilities
[16:28] and opportunities that lie ahead.
[16:30] We ask for peace within this room, unity among leaders
[16:33] and continued blessings upon this community with gratitude
[16:37] for the year behind us and confidence in the year before us.
[16:41] We offer you this prayer in Jesus name, amen.
[16:44] Amen. Amen. Allegiance to the fact
[16:49] of the United States of America
[16:52] and to the republic for which stands, one nation under God
[16:57] in the with liberty and justice role.
[17:07] First item on the agenda is a public hearing on the zoning
[17:12] petition of Keystone Group, Inc.
[17:14] From HBS to RM 18 s.
[17:17] It is zoning Docket F 1662
[17:21] and Kirk Erickson from Planning
[17:24] and Development Services Deputy Director is gonna give us an
[17:27] overview of the request.
[17:28] Alright, thank you Mr.
[17:30] Chairman and good evening commissioners.
[17:32] Uh, the petitioner is the Keystone Group,
[17:34] and the site is a 0.73 acre property located at the
[17:38] southeast intersection of Wallburg Landing Drive
[17:40] and Overline Drive at the Davidson County line.
[17:44] And it's a special use rezoning request from highway
[17:47] business special use to RM 18 multifamily special use.
[17:53] This is the forward 2045 growth management map showing, uh,
[17:57] the site, again, it's at the Davidson County Lawn just
[18:00] off Thomasville Road.
[18:04] This is a zoning map showing, uh, the site in yellow.
[18:08] Again, you can see the RM 18,
[18:10] which is multifamily at 18 units, uh, an acre,
[18:14] which is the existing Wallburg landing, uh,
[18:17] apartment development that's already out there.
[18:20] The highway business special use zoning is a gas station,
[18:24] some retail space, and a McDonald's.
[18:26] And then there's a food line shopping center on the Davidson
[18:30] County side of the property.
[18:34] Again, this is an aerial showing the subject property,
[18:37] uh, outlined in yellow.
[18:39] You can see there's already an existing parking lot out
[18:41] here, which was constructed when this was expected
[18:44] to be additional commercial space
[18:47] as the market has not been there for, uh,
[18:49] that type of development.
[18:50] This, uh, petitioner is hoping to repurpose this
[18:54] as an additional building in his existing
[18:56] multifamily development.
[19:00] And this is the adopted area plan,
[19:03] land use recommendation map.
[19:05] Uh, again, in recognition of existing zoning,
[19:08] the site is shown as red for commercial development
[19:11] and the, uh,
[19:13] existing apartment homes are shown in the dark brown
[19:15] for high density residential development.
[19:20] We'll just go through a few site pictures.
[19:22] This is looking east along Wallburg Landing Drive.
[19:25] Subject property is to the right
[19:27] and Thomasville Road is kind of off in the distance.
[19:32] This is look looking west along Wallburg Landing Drive.
[19:35] Subject property is to the left.
[19:39] This is looking north on Wallburg Landing Drive.
[19:42] Uh, you can see the McDonald's in the background.
[19:44] And the subject property is, uh,
[19:47] where we took the photograph from.
[19:51] And this is looking south along Overline Drive.
[19:54] The subject property is to the left
[19:56] and, uh, Davidson County is off, uh,
[19:59] in the distance beyond the trees.
[20:02] This is the site plan for the proposed development.
[20:07] Uh, you can see that most
[20:08] of this development has already been constructed.
[20:12] This one building right here is
[20:14] what the request is actually for this evening.
[20:16] And we've got another site plan
[20:18] that's gonna come up and zoom in on that.
[20:20] But I just wanted to let the, uh, commissioners see
[20:23] these green areas are the existing open space
[20:27] for the development that this property will be able
[20:29] to take advantage of, including a pool, a clubhouse, uh,
[20:33] pet parks, things of that nature.
[20:35] And this Blue Park is an additional open space
[20:38] that's being added to make sure
[20:40] that there is additional open space to serve.
[20:43] Kind of the, the ratio of this added 12 unit building.
[20:49] This is zooming in on the particular building.
[20:52] It's a three story, uh, apartment building
[20:54] with four units per floor.
[20:56] They're all two bedroom units,
[20:58] and again, the parking lot is already out there.
[21:03] These are building elevations showing brick construction.
[21:06] And, uh, the elevations will match the design
[21:09] of the buildings that are already, uh,
[21:11] existing in the Walburg Landing development.
[21:15] In summary, the proposal prioritizes density, a diversity
[21:19] of uses and connectivity in an area served
[21:22] by existing infrastructure.
[21:24] The project would redevelop
[21:25] and underutilized commercial property
[21:28] and reuse an existing parking lot,
[21:30] and the proposal would create additional housing
[21:32] in a growing area.
[21:36] This item was heard by the planning board at their
[21:38] November 13th, uh, public hearing.
[21:40] There were no speakers in opposition.
[21:42] And following the public hearing,
[21:44] the planning board voted unanimously to recommend approval.
[21:47] Mr. Scott Wallace, the petitioner is here if you have any
[21:50] questions and I'm also available.
[21:53] Any questions for Kurt? Alrighty,
[21:57] Thank you. Thank you.
[21:59] This is a public hearing
[22:01] and speakers will have up to 15 minutes total
[22:04] to speak in favor of this request
[22:06] and up to 15 minutes total to speak in opposition.
[22:10] Is there anyone wishing to speak in favor of the petition?
[22:16] Just let us know your name and address and we're good.
[22:21] Good evening. My name is Scott Wallace.
[22:23] I'm, uh, co-founder and president of Keystone Group.
[22:26] Uh, we do business as Keystone Homes,
[22:28] and we have our office address at 37 0 8 Alliance Drive in
[22:33] Greensboro, uh, 2 7 4 0 7.
[22:36] And I'm generally here just to, to answer any questions
[22:39] and that you may specifically have.
[22:42] Uh, we have, we did develop, uh,
[22:44] Wallburg landings some decade and a half ago,
[22:47] and it's been a really great project for us.
[22:49] And we also developed the retail there
[22:51] where McDonald's is in the other area.
[22:52] And we, we've been trying to sell this lot as a retail for,
[22:56] for a decade and a half, plus or minus,
[22:58] and it just, uh, wasn't, uh, wasn't in the cards.
[23:02] And, uh, it just kind of makes a lot of sense to, uh,
[23:05] to build additional housing homes for, for, uh, for the area
[23:10] and to be able to utilize the amenities
[23:12] that we already have in place.
[23:14] And, uh, we're just like to do another, uh, a small project
[23:17] to really long-term successful project.
[23:20] So I'm available to answer any questions.
[23:22] I love to answer any questions.
[23:24] Uh, and I, I know a little bit what happened in 25,
[23:27] but I probably won't be here at the end, so thank you.
[23:31] All right, thank you. Anyone else
[23:34] wishing to speak in favor.
[23:38] Is there anyone wishing
[23:39] to speak in opposition to the petition?
[23:45] I declare the public hearing closed
[23:47] and ask if there is a motion approval.
[23:53] I have a statement to read.
[23:55] Um, motion to approve zoning map amendment F 1662
[24:00] and statement of consistency with comprehensive plan.
[24:04] A move that the zoning map amendment F 1662,
[24:08] including site plan
[24:10] and special use district permit
[24:12] be approved on the basis of the following.
[24:15] The proposed special use zoning map amendment as petitioned
[24:19] by Keystone Group Incorporated to
[24:22] rezone a 0.72 acre piece
[24:25] of property from HHS Highway Business.
[24:28] Special use to RM 18 s residential multi-family
[24:33] 18 units per acre, special use residential building,
[24:37] multi-family residential building, town home
[24:41] and residential building.
[24:43] Duplex is consistent with the recommendations
[24:45] of the forward 20, uh, 45 comprehensive plan
[24:50] and is reasonable or in the public interest
[24:52] because number one, the subject property consisting
[24:56] of a cleared undeveloped lot
[24:58] and a parking lot is located at the southeast intersection
[25:02] of Wallburg Land Drive and Overline Drive,
[25:06] and is adjacent to property zoned RM 18
[25:09] SHBS and CS in Davidson County with adjacent
[25:14] and nearby uses
[25:16] of an apartment complex commercial businesses,
[25:19] a shopping center, and a drive-through restaurant number
[25:22] two, the proposed RM 18 is zoning is primarily intended
[25:27] to accommodate multi-family uses at a max at a maximum
[25:31] overall density of 18 units per acre in growth management
[25:35] area one and two,
[25:37] and may be suitable for growth management area three,
[25:41] where there is access to public water and sewer
[25:45] and access to a the, uh, thoroughfare.
[25:49] Three. The proposed site plan features a three story
[25:53] multifamily residential building
[25:56] with 12 apartments in a parking lot.
[25:58] Number four, the site is located in growth management area
[26:02] three and has access to public water and sewer
[26:05] and is in close proximity
[26:07] to Thomasville Road, a thoroughfare.
[26:09] And number five, the proposed use is consistent
[26:12] with the forward 2045 comprehensive plan,
[26:16] which recommends infield development in areas
[26:19] with public services
[26:20] and the south suburban area plan update,
[26:23] which encourages a variety of housing types
[26:26] and the redevelopment of underutilized commercial sites.
[26:30] And the proposed use is consistent
[26:32] with the adjacent apartment complex and other surrounding
[26:36] and nearby uses. This is a motion
[26:39] And I'm assuming that both, uh, commissioner Bessey
[26:42] and uh, commissioner Wilson will second that.
[26:44] Yes. Alright. Any, any discussion?
[26:48] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
[26:52] Motion carries unanimously. Next item.
[26:55] The agenda is approval of the minutes, um, for the meeting.
[26:59] Excuse me, I skipped one.
[27:01] Next item of the agenda is a resolution approving the 2026
[27:05] Commissioner's Committee appointment summary.
[27:09] Um, we looked at that Monday. Any, do we have a motion?
[27:13] Move to approve. Second.
[27:14] Motion to approve by Commissioner McDaniel.
[27:16] Second by Commissioner Bessie.
[27:18] Any discussion on, in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye.
[27:23] Now the next item, the agenda is approval of a minutes
[27:26] for the meeting of December the fourth,
[27:28] 2025 to have a motion.
[27:31] Motion. Third. Motion approve by Commissioner McDaniel.
[27:35] Second, second. Second
[27:36] by Commissioner Bessey and vice chair.
[27:39] Any discussion? All in favor, please say aye. Aye.
[27:43] Uh, motion carries unanimously.
[27:45] Uh, Madam Clerk, do we have any calls
[27:47] or cards for the public session?
[27:50] Mr. Chairman, we have four speaker cards
[27:52] and one caller. Where would you like to start?
[27:55] Um, why, why don't we do the one caller? Okay.
[27:57] It's been online for a while.
[28:08] You are now available. Thank you.
[28:15] Appointment summary.
[28:17] Uh, we looked at that Monday. Any grab a
[28:19] Motion? Hello, ma'am,
[28:20] do you mind turning the volume down
[28:24] on your TV or, yes.
[28:25] Thank you. Thank you for calling the Forsyth County Board
[28:28] of Commissioners Public Session Line.
[28:30] Please state your name and address for the record.
[28:35] Isha Harris. What's your address, ma'am?
[28:40] It's 10 21 Monmouth Loop,
[28:43] airing North Carolina 2 7 5 1 3.
[28:46] Thank you. You have three minutes to speak. You may begin.
[28:50] Thank you. Good evening, commissioners.
[28:53] My name is Danisha Harris.
[28:55] Like many of you, I wear many hats.
[28:58] I've worked in local government procurement
[29:00] and finance for almost 20 years.
[29:03] I also serve as the president
[29:04] of the North Carolina Coordinators Network,
[29:06] a statewide nonprofit that provides education
[29:09] and resources to support economic development in
[29:12] North Carolina, which is why I'm calling you today.
[29:16] Our mission is to promote prosperity for all
[29:18] through economic inclusion
[29:20] and competitive procurement strategies that lead
[29:23] to value added returns across sectors.
[29:26] We do this by providing data informed solutions
[29:29] that center intentional economic growth.
[29:33] And that is why I'm calling you tonight.
[29:35] Forsyth County is a thriving hub of commerce
[29:38] and community with its educational assets, strong legacy
[29:42] of industry and thriving center of entrepreneurship.
[29:46] ForSight is a great place to live, work, and play.
[29:50] Despite what some may believe,
[29:52] local government plays a key role in that growth
[29:55] by stewarding tax dollars that are used
[29:57] to provide necessary goods
[29:59] and services to the residents of the county.
[30:02] Every dollar put into the coffers of vendors
[30:05] who provide goods and services needed
[30:07] to operate the county leads to expansion, job creation,
[30:12] and additional economic activity,
[30:14] including tax revenue back to the government.
[30:17] Concurrently, ForSight must also take into consideration its
[30:22] method of procuring these services.
[30:25] Inclusive procurement practices are proven to lead
[30:28] to better prices, better value, and enhanced innovation.
[30:33] As you consider your procurement
[30:35] and economic development strategy, I offer the power
[30:38] of economic inclusion, including small, minority
[30:43] and women-owned firms in your procurement practices,
[30:46] not just in construction,
[30:47] but procurement across all categories.
[30:50] It does drive down prices, increase quality and innovation,
[30:54] and also allows more firms an opportunity
[30:57] to grow and to thrive.
[30:59] A recent economic impact study conducted by Dr.
[31:02] Fred McKinney concluded that diverse minority
[31:05] and women-owned firms add 2.6 billion with a b dollars
[31:10] of economic impact to the state of North Carolina.
[31:14] Last, last year, 54,000 jobs were created.
[31:17] Half of those jobs were with non-diverse firms.
[31:21] On the county level, every dollar
[31:23] that you invest in diverse firms generates $20
[31:27] and 97 cents and sales, $41
[31:30] and 84 cents an economic impact and also returns $3
[31:35] and 25 cents in tax revenue.
[31:38] In summary, economic inclusion doubles
[31:41] your return on investment.
[31:43] Every dollar you get $2 back.
[31:46] I hope that you consider this strategy
[31:47] for intentional prosperity for all. Thank you.
[31:52] Thank you.
[31:57] The next speaker is Donald Stewart. Please come forward.
[31:59] State your name and address for the record.
[32:08] Um, I'm Donald Stewart.
[32:10] I live at 1160 Rural Hall, Germans and Road.
[32:14] And I'm just here to say thank you, especially to Gloria.
[32:20] She's helped me through a 25 year journey, Dudley Watts,
[32:24] who helped push our water project over the top.
[32:28] And Kyle and Kirby, they helped us very much.
[32:34] Uh, it was a 25 year struggle, I think was one
[32:38] of the first projects that Gloria took on,
[32:41] but, uh, we finally got it over the top.
[32:45] I wanna thank Richard and Dan for coming out to our meeting.
[32:47] Uh, and like I say, it's been a, it's been a challenge,
[32:53] been a struggle, but we finally got there
[32:55] and I again, thank you.
[32:58] Um, not to be sounding negative
[33:00] and unappreciative, uh, there is a smaller project
[33:04] that could be extended and,
[33:06] and I wish it could have been part of this project,
[33:08] but I'm just thankful we got what we got.
[33:11] But Crestbrook Road there, there in as much need for, um,
[33:17] the county water as we were.
[33:18] Uh, they have some houses, four houses on a well.
[33:22] Um, we have two major landfills, uh,
[33:28] that were there for.
[33:30] They started in 81 of them, it was a six acre, um,
[33:35] uh, footprint.
[33:36] And then there's another 35 AC acres that kind
[33:39] of surrounds our area
[33:40] and being on, uh, well, water is not safe
[33:43] because these landfills are not live
[33:46] and, uh, they flow right into a creek.
[33:50] But, um, again, I'm very grateful for
[33:54] what you guys did five years ago
[33:56] when we started this project.
[33:58] And very thankful to you, Lord. Thank
[34:00] You.
[34:02] And, uh, I hope, uh, you know, if there's any funds that
[34:06] there's other parts of the county.
[34:08] Just because we're out in the county
[34:09] and we're rural, uh, doesn't mean we, we don't have needs.
[34:13] Uh, and I think a lot of times we kind
[34:18] of overlooked as far as when it comes to the same services
[34:22] that other people get in the county.
[34:24] Uh, I'd say this,
[34:26] this is our only service that we really get.
[34:28] I mean, uh, as, as the water and worked on it for 25 years.
[34:33] Glory. Thank you.
[34:42] Next speaker is Alan Daniel. Please come forward.
[34:45] State your name and address for the record.
[34:50] Good evening, all. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
[34:55] Regarding the Tanglewood Business Park,
[34:57] I've sent you all volumes
[34:58] of emails detailing the negative impacts of developing
[35:02] that property to our little corner of heaven.
[35:05] So I won't belabor those.
[35:06] I urge you with all my being to include
[35:10] that property into Tanglewood Park.
[35:13] With 500 units to be built across the road,
[35:18] our 700 units in our community, plus the thousands of people
[35:22] who visit Tanglewood Park every year,
[35:25] it would be a great asset.
[35:27] It's not often that doing nothing is the right thing to do,
[35:32] but this is one such opportunity.
[35:35] Anything else that you do will be detrimental
[35:38] to our little corner of heaven in terms of quality of life
[35:44] And the tax base negatively impacting the tax base
[35:47] of the entire county.
[35:49] Regarding the open gate scanners
[35:51] that I just learned today was on the agenda, I urge you not
[35:54] to pour more money into this project.
[35:57] At West Forsyth, there are 13 buildings each
[35:59] with two entrances.
[36:00] It currently requires over 90 staff members
[36:03] to man open gate scanners at three of those 26 entrances
[36:08] and takes close to an hour.
[36:10] To my knowledge, no weapons have ever been caught in
[36:13] any scanning system.
[36:15] The only ones that come close is a high school student
[36:18] ditched a weapon in a trash can
[36:20] outside the front of the building.
[36:22] When he realized scanners were being used,
[36:25] he was turned in by a student.
[36:28] Since scanner use began,
[36:30] we have had a gun go off in a cafeteria book bag.
[36:34] We've had students shot outside the campus
[36:39] at dismissal time.
[36:41] Two, at least two guns
[36:42] and multiple gun parts have been found on campus,
[36:46] and we have had at least two stabbings
[36:48] in response to questions.
[36:50] A district spokesperson said
[36:52] that it is not known whether the open gate system is
[36:54] currently calibrated,
[36:56] would've caught the knife used last Tuesday,
[36:58] had the system been used that day.
[37:01] What the district needs is not more
[37:03] machines or more programs.
[37:06] We need more accountability and we need more people.
[37:10] We need the county to take on the health piece,
[37:12] the mental health piece.
[37:14] It makes sense that mental health and support services are
[37:18] provided at the schools because that's
[37:20] where the students are.
[37:21] But just like SROs and nurses, PTs and OTs
[37:26] and social workers and psychologists should be part
[37:29] of county services provided at the schools
[37:33] and on the county's budget, not the education budget.
[37:37] A retired administrator
[37:38] with 40 years in the district has told me that 10 to 15%
[37:42] of the students in the district will not be successful
[37:45] in a traditional classroom.
[37:47] They need more support.
[37:49] That support should be provided by federal, state,
[37:52] and local government, not our teachers.
[37:56] I used to not say this in public, but it needs to be heard.
[38:00] There's nothing to keep a student from going
[38:03] through a scanner, going back out to their car or a bush
[38:07] and retrieving whatever they left and coming back on campus.
[38:11] Thank you.
[38:16] The next speaker is Mike Bari. Please come forward.
[38:19] State your name and address for the record.
[38:25] My name is Mike Barista.
[38:27] I am a candidate
[38:28] for the at lars position coming in next election cycle.
[38:33] Um, my address is 3 3 3 1 Healy Drive.
[38:38] It is, um, election season coming up.
[38:42] And, um, what you hear from all the candidates,
[38:46] they say you're doing a good job.
[38:49] They, you, you hear the candidates say to the board,
[38:52] you're doing a good job.
[38:55] Um, where were they when you was being intimidated?
[38:59] Did they have your backs when
[39:01] people were saying bad things about you?
[39:04] None of them said that.
[39:06] But now that it's election season, they're saying to you,
[39:09] you're doing a good job.
[39:11] They weren't there for you when the chips were down.
[39:15] The only person that was there for you was me.
[39:17] 'cause I was saying,
[39:19] I have your backs, each and every one of you.
[39:23] When I say you're doing a good job, you know, I mean it.
[39:27] When they say they're doing a good job,
[39:29] they're just looking for votes.
[39:32] So I don't want you to, um,
[39:37] believe what they say
[39:39] or the candidates that are gonna come up here
[39:41] and say, you're doing a good job.
[39:43] They're doing it for votes
[39:44] because they was not here
[39:46] by your side when you was being intimidated.
[39:50] When you was being called out,
[39:52] they didn't say nothing to you.
[39:55] I was the only one that said that.
[39:58] And that's all I have to say, sir.
[40:03] Made the better man win, uh, the election.
[40:08] Thank you.
[40:15] The next speaker is Valerie Benton Smith.
[40:17] Please come forward. State your
[40:19] name and address for the record.
[40:25] Valerie Benton Smith, 39 12 Glen Oak Drive, Winston-Salem.
[40:32] Good evening Chair Commissioners, distinct guest
[40:35] and family friends on behalf of my parents, Mr.
[40:39] And Mrs. Leroy Benton and Sine Benton, mom
[40:43] and dad, I extend our heartfelt gratitude
[40:45] to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
[40:48] for this meaningful recognition.
[40:50] Thank you for taking the time to see, honor
[40:52] and celebrate lives dedicated to service.
[40:56] A special thank you to Commissioner Tanya McDaniel
[41:00] for your acknowledgement, leadership
[41:01] and commitment to recognizing community legacy.
[41:05] Your support reflects
[41:06] what it truly means to serve the people.
[41:09] Special thanks to Commissioner Dan Bessy
[41:11] for your warm greetings to dur during the ribbon cutting
[41:15] ceremony on December 21st.
[41:17] Your presence adds significance
[41:20] and honor to this historic occasion.
[41:23] We also extend sincere appreciation
[41:25] to the city of Winston-Salem.
[41:27] Mayor Allen joins council member Barbara Haynes Burke
[41:31] and the dedicated city staff for the proclamation of Leroy
[41:35] and Foste Benson Day
[41:36] and the honorary Street naming ceremony.
[41:39] This is just not an honor for our family.
[41:42] It is a moment that belongs
[41:43] to the entire Monticello Park community.
[41:47] I am, I believe deeply in giving people their flowers. Now.
[41:51] My parents never served for recognition.
[41:54] Their actions were never about applause or praise.
[41:58] They lived with a sense of duty to the solution,
[42:02] to be solution oriented, responsible, loving, and pr
[42:06] and present for their neighbors.
[42:09] My parents are known not by titles,
[42:12] but by consistent action, generosity,
[42:15] and genuine care for others.
[42:17] For decades, their home has been a place of warmth,
[42:21] safety, and connection.
[42:23] A true neighborhood hub.
[42:25] They were recognized twice by the city of Winston Salem
[42:27] for beautification, known
[42:29] for their signature knockout pink roses
[42:31] and water fountain that brought beauty
[42:34] and pride to the street.
[42:36] Through their faith at Macedonia Worship Center,
[42:39] their service never stopped.
[42:41] My father, a retired RJ Reynolds employee
[42:44] and automotive professional was always
[42:47] offering a helping hand, whether living,
[42:49] whether fixing a car, repairing a home, or teaching life
[42:54] and automotive skills to young people.
[42:56] My mother also retired from RJ Reynolds
[42:59] and a caregiver by trade is remembered
[43:01] for her southern hospitality,
[43:03] her legendary sweet potato pies.
[43:05] And for checking on the sick
[43:07] and shut in making sure everyone felt seen, valued,
[43:11] heard, and cared for.
[43:13] This is simply how they lived.
[43:15] They were not only exceptional parents to me
[43:18] and my late brother, foster l Benton,
[43:20] but also enduring role models for an entire community.
[43:25] Their lives remind us that it is all
[43:27] of our social responsibility to look out for one another
[43:32] and to make a difference Right where we live today,
[43:35] we celebrate 66 years of marriage, 71 years together.
[43:40] And the distinction of being the oldest
[43:43] living couple on their street, a living testimony to love,
[43:48] commitment, and faith.
[43:49] Their legacy continues through their grandchildren,
[43:54] great-grandchildren, and our entire family.
[43:56] And with the loving support of my husband, Michael,
[43:59] who stands proudly with us today,
[44:02] you all are warmly invited to join us at the Ribbon cutting
[44:07] ceremony, proclamation,
[44:09] honorary street naming ceremony and dinner.
[44:12] Immediately following, we invite you to wear black
[44:16] with accents of red symbolizing love, legacy, and honor.
[44:20] Again, this is Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 PM Again,
[44:24] on behalf of my parents, Leroy and ine Benton, mom
[44:29] and dad, thank you.
[44:31] Congratulations. We salute you. We love you.
[44:37] Thank you. I think, uh,
[44:38] commissioner McDaniel has something to give you.
[44:44] Valerie, on behalf of the Forsyth County Commissioners,
[44:47] we present you today and your parents, Leroy
[44:51] and Faine Benton in recognition
[44:54] and celebration of their 66th anniversary,
[44:58] honoring community, legacy
[45:00] and impact on this 2025 presented
[45:04] by the Board of Commissioners. Thank you.
[45:07] Thank you.
[45:15] Pardon us for a minute. We're gonna get a photo.
[45:17] Just give us
[45:22] See you later.
[46:24] Thank you. All
[46:29] you can.
[46:37] Mr. Chairman, our last speaker is Marcy West.
[46:40] Please come forward. State
[46:41] your name and address for the record.
[46:47] Good Evening Commissioners.
[46:49] Marcy West, 3, 3, 1, Carolina Circle, Winston-Salem,
[46:52] candidate for County Commissioner and District B.
[46:55] I wanted to come and speak about the open Gates request
[46:58] that, um, that's come in.
[46:59] I, I was here when the initial presentation was made on the
[47:03] open gates, and I remember hearing
[47:05] that it took fewer people.
[47:06] I thought it sounded like a really good idea.
[47:09] I was glad to hear that you made that commitment to that.
[47:12] I was very, very disappointed to hear
[47:14] that those are not in use on a regular basis.
[47:18] Um, and so now that there is a new request that's coming in
[47:21] that's saying we need new open gates, um,
[47:25] with a $1.8 million price tag,
[47:27] that price tag is actually significantly below
[47:30] what the real price tag is for that particular thing.
[47:33] What we need to do is actually come up
[47:36] with an actual process
[47:37] and a procedure for how those open gates
[47:39] that are currently here are used.
[47:42] Um, who is manning those.
[47:44] How to make sure that guns and knives
[47:46] and things are, are actually found with that
[47:50] before we actually make any additional commitments in
[47:53] equipment or people.
[47:55] And so I, I urge you to make sure
[47:57] that you find out everything you need to know about this
[48:00] and, and there should be an absolute requirement
[48:02] that these systems are being used as opposed to
[48:06] just buying them and having them.
[48:07] That doesn't make anybody any safer.
[48:10] Um, the other thing I did wanna do is
[48:12] I did wanna thank the commissioners, the county manager,
[48:16] and the staff for the service
[48:18] that you have done over the course of the past year.
[48:21] I wanna wish you a very happy holiday season.
[48:24] Um, and I will see you next year. Thank you.
[48:30] Alrighty, Madam County manager, please continue
[48:33] with the remainder of the business items.
[48:36] Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good afternoon.
[48:38] Good evening, commissioner staff and guests.
[48:41] The agenda items before you have been briefed
[48:43] and hopefully questions answered.
[48:45] Agenda item number five is a resolution adopting an updated
[48:48] countywide procurement policy.
[48:50] Um, there were suggestions provided by Chair Martin, um,
[48:54] and as well as commissioner, um, Woodbury.
[48:57] Um, but the current, um, update is essentially what, um,
[49:01] staff had recommended
[49:04] or what's on the agenda is what staff had recommended.
[49:06] Yes. And I, I have, uh, thank you.
[49:08] I I I wanna make a short motion
[49:10] and perhaps, uh, um, um, commissioner, uh,
[49:13] uh, Woodbury like to too.
[49:14] But, um, I presented, basically I had a chance to talk to,
[49:18] uh, James Anderson.
[49:19] He was, uh, actually we exchanged three different emails,
[49:23] um, about, uh, particularly the, um, CM at risk, uh,
[49:28] uh, bidding process.
[49:30] And I'm certainly satisfied with that conversation.
[49:32] And also the, um, part of the notes from, um, our attorney,
[49:37] Gordon Watkins and taking that off my list.
[49:39] And I've had some other conversations about
[49:43] the three items that were left.
[49:45] Two of them are, in fact, I think our specs,
[49:48] current bidding specs address one of them
[49:51] and I'm certainly willing to withdraw it.
[49:53] And there's another one about, um, the $300,000 limit.
[49:58] And I think that one is, we've had, we've had
[50:01] that discussion and I think that I'm fine with that.
[50:03] However, there is one item
[50:06] that is on page nine, a paragraph.
[50:08] It's short. I'll read it.
[50:10] Um, that I would just, my motion is simply to remove
[50:14] that paragraph, particularly
[50:15] after the discussion we had on Monday about the current, uh,
[50:20] sta current staffing levels, um,
[50:22] at our city county purchasing department.
[50:25] And that paragraph that I would like
[50:26] to have stricken just simply says,
[50:29] for contracts under 50,000,
[50:31] the department can send out the work specifications
[50:33] to potential providers by email
[50:35] and request pricing for contracts over $50,000.
[50:39] The department should use purchasing to ensure
[50:42] that it's casting a broad net in order
[50:44] to receive the best pricing
[50:46] with help from purchasing the department should prepare a
[50:49] request for proposals, RFP,
[50:51] which is also sometimes called an invitation for bids.
[50:54] I'd just like to suggest that paragraph be removed in light
[50:57] of the discussion on Monday.
[50:59] Is there a second to that? Second?
[51:01] Um, second by commissioner, uh, vice chair Heim.
[51:04] Um, any discussion
[51:05] Mi mr. Chairman, if,
[51:06] if I make a, a quick comment on that, I'm,
[51:09] I'm okay with taking that out.
[51:11] Uh, if you do, I just notice
[51:13] that the prior paragraph talks about, um, bidding
[51:17] for services over $50,000.
[51:19] And so if, if that next paragraph is taken out,
[51:23] I would request that just the phrase over 50,000 be also
[51:27] taken out from the prior paragraph.
[51:28] From the previous paragraph. Thank you. I agree with that.
[51:31] Include that in my motion.
[51:32] I sure you'll second that discussion.
[51:35] Yeah. Um, I just had one question
[51:37] and that's for, um, uh, manager Robinson.
[51:41] Is there a reason that staff, uh,
[51:45] made a contrary recommendation, um, on this?
[51:48] Um, yes, but I would say, uh, I'm okay with,
[51:51] um, striking it.
[51:52] I mean, it's not gonna necessarily change
[51:54] the way in which we operate.
[51:55] We do, um, try to use, um, city county purchasing
[51:59] for informal bids whenever we can.
[52:01] We just don't wanna be locked in, um, uh,
[52:05] to using them if they don't have the capacity.
[52:07] We have to for formal bids anyway.
[52:09] So removing it doesn't really
[52:12] necessarily do any, um, harm.
[52:14] So I'm okay with it. Alright.
[52:15] So it doesn't complicate your processes.
[52:17] No, sir. But thank you for asking. And
[52:19] It's consistent with the statute Exactly.
[52:21] Cor Correct. It's also consistent with the statute,
[52:23] which is what I'm always most concerned about.
[52:26] So I'm okay with that.
[52:29] Um, any other discussion?
[52:31] Um, I would like to,
[52:33] and I guess this would be the best time for me to ask
[52:35] for some consideration around, um, some of the, um,
[52:40] MWB hub, um,
[52:44] for our procurement policy.
[52:45] And I, and I have spoken with Mr.
[52:47] Redfield today as it relates to, um, some of, um,
[52:52] what was recommended
[52:53] and he may want to, um,
[52:55] come up just in case anybody have any questions.
[52:57] But, um, I think that
[53:00] after speaking with him, if we would consider, um,
[53:04] in section two, the, um, a solicitation
[53:09] of at least two certified hub
[53:11] or MWBE firms when available, um, could,
[53:16] um, definitely I think benefit our procurement policy.
[53:21] And then, um, I spoke
[53:24] to him about the discretionary spending, which is, um,
[53:28] at our discretion as a county, it, you know, it it does not,
[53:33] you know, um, technically violate any of the state
[53:36] of federal since, um, it's under 30,000.
[53:40] And I think, um,
[53:41] after speaking with him, I would like to recommend
[53:44] that if there's going to be, um, at least three quotes, um,
[53:50] for, um, this type of discretionary spending that at least
[53:54] one quote, um,
[53:56] include from a small MWBE or hub firm.
[54:02] Are, are you making that as a substitute motion?
[54:05] Yes. Um, is there a second for the substitute motion?
[54:11] Well, I would like for, um, our county attorney
[54:16] to kinda weigh in on if you could please.
[54:19] 'cause I don't have any of this information. Well,
[54:21] Well, we, I think we, we should have a second
[54:22] before we have discussion.
[54:24] So are, are you seconding it to get that discussion? Well,
[54:26] I can't second something I don't understand.
[54:28] Yeah. I'm not clear on any of this
[54:30] because I don't have the information
[54:32] in front of me to make that
[54:33] Second then, then in that case,
[54:37] I will second her motion just so we can have the discussion.
[54:43] I I think we briefly discussed this on Monday.
[54:47] And, um, we,
[54:50] my preference personally would be if this is something the
[54:53] board wants to study, that we, we be allowed
[54:56] to study it as a staff.
[54:57] I will say there will be significant staff time
[55:01] that would have to be devoted to going out
[55:03] and getting these minority bids for every single services,
[55:08] uh, proposal under $30,000.
[55:10] It's not required by statute.
[55:13] Um, it, it is something we could probably do.
[55:16] I'm not really sure what we would do with that.
[55:18] I mean, it's, it's good.
[55:20] We, we try to make these opportunities open to everyone
[55:22] and certainly outreach is a good thing.
[55:25] We, we obviously couldn't, um, say you have
[55:28] to hire a minority or women business.
[55:30] And I know that's not what the motion says,
[55:32] but I, I believe this was something
[55:34] that would need some more study
[55:36] before we, you know, put it into our procurement policy.
[55:40] That's all I would like for Mr.
[55:43] Redfield maybe to come up to, um, provide some insight
[55:47] around what the city could do to support, um,
[55:53] um, the request
[55:54] to at have at least one MWB small firm be considered
[55:59] for the discretionary spending and,
[56:00] and how the city could support that with, um, its software
[56:05] or the resources that you all have.
[56:07] Sure. Uh, Darren Redfield,
[56:09] purchasing manager, good evening.
[56:10] Um, yes, I believe that we have, for services in particular,
[56:14] we have pretty extensive bid list from bidding services
[56:17] for the county and the city.
[56:18] So we already have vendor lists that include MWBEs.
[56:22] So we have those minorities there.
[56:24] Uh, second resource is the hub website,
[56:26] and we can do some quick tutorials
[56:28] and teach staff how to use that
[56:30] to quickly search under the
[56:31] commodities that we're looking for.
[56:33] This would be a work in progress as if we do a bid,
[56:36] then we'd be looking for the vendors
[56:38] there if we don't have any.
[56:39] And then the third resource is the county software,
[56:42] which is B two G.
[56:43] Now it's a national diversity software that we paid for,
[56:47] and the county could perhaps procure that on their own
[56:50] as a database to, to find vendors.
[56:53] I don't know if you can add on to ours, you probably have
[56:55] to get your own, but they'd have to be somebody that's,
[56:58] you know, over that, to find those vendors if you
[57:01] designate a staff person.
[57:02] But those are available where we can,
[57:05] I believe we can quickly get bid lists together.
[57:08] So when we do solicitation, if we're just required
[57:10] to reach out to one
[57:11] or two MWBEs, I believe we can do that as a work in progress
[57:15] as we go through the bids without slowing things down.
[57:20] Uh, discussion. Yeah, so the discussion, um,
[57:25] I don't think that most of us have clarity with exactly
[57:28] what, uh, is being proposed and the pros and cons from staff
[57:33] and legal perspective.
[57:34] Uh, which is why I suggested, uh, during the, um,
[57:38] the briefing on Monday that we ask for that just, you know,
[57:43] lay it out the, the points, the counterpoints, um,
[57:46] and consider, uh, these recommendations
[57:51] as a separate item.
[57:53] Uh, I'm concerned that, uh,
[58:00] we, we don't want to shortchange the, um,
[58:05] uh, important topic that is being, uh,
[58:10] uh, brought up through, uh, the substitute motion here,
[58:14] but I don't think that, uh, we're ready
[58:18] to make a truly informed choice on the details
[58:21] and that they will get shortchanged as a result.
[58:24] So I would prefer, again, to have this come back with a, a,
[58:29] a point by point review of the, the recommendations,
[58:34] uh, any concerns that staff or legal have about that,
[58:39] and the response to those concerns
[58:41] that we can make an informed, you know, thorough review
[58:45] and, uh, and decision on them.
[58:48] When you, when you talk about we and,
[58:50] and your discussion, are you talking about bids
[58:53] that City County purchasing is involved in being easy?
[58:57] Are you talking about all the bids that we, that deal with
[59:01] that do not come to you?
[59:02] We just got through, I mean, we have a whole lot
[59:04] of informal bidding
[59:05] and a lot of things that never come
[59:07] to City County purchasing, so I'm trying to get at
[59:10] who this is easy for, where it can easily be done.
[59:14] So we'd be using bid list for services over 30,000
[59:17] or purchases over 30,000,
[59:19] and using that same list of vendors, adding MWBEs to them
[59:23] by, with a little bit of research so that we can provide
[59:25] that back to county staff to do their own bids.
[59:29] So for the discretionary spend, I,
[59:31] I believe we already have a lot
[59:32] of these lists already have these vendors,
[59:34] so they'd have an email address
[59:36] that they could directly solicit, um, minorities and MWBEs.
[59:42] I would just, oh, go ahead. Thank you.
[59:45] I would just like to, um, say that, um, I know that,
[59:50] you know, just the, the, this process, I believe will,
[59:54] you know, continue to evolve
[59:57] and, um, I have all the faith that, you know, as a,
[1:00:02] as a board, we want to, um, enhance,
[1:00:07] um, procurement so that all of our citizens find a place
[1:00:10] to do business with us.
[1:00:12] So I, I, I don't question that
[1:00:14] and I do fully respect that
[1:00:17] as we are moving into something maybe different that we want
[1:00:20] to do it with all fidelity
[1:00:22] of getting the appropriate information.
[1:00:25] Um, before, um, the commissioners, I, um, um,
[1:00:30] did try my best to, with of course, uh,
[1:00:33] as everyone else in this country, the assistance with ai
[1:00:37] and of course, um, um, Ms. Miller who called in today
[1:00:41] to provide some insight from the MWB coordinators, um,
[1:00:45] organization to try to continue to empower this board
[1:00:49] around, um, what we are recommending as it relates
[1:00:54] to strengthening our capacity to, um, do business
[1:00:59] with MWBE and hub.
[1:01:02] Um, and so I could support
[1:01:07] the procurement policy today
[1:01:09] if there is a willingness from the commissioners to, um,
[1:01:14] work to get more information for, uh, more consideration.
[1:01:19] And obviously I think we are asking, um,
[1:01:23] our county attorney to provide more insight so that we can,
[1:01:27] you know, vote in a more informed way.
[1:01:30] I guess I would ask when could we get back to, um,
[1:01:34] this consideration?
[1:01:37] Would it take another two
[1:01:41] or three meetings, you know, by the end of January?
[1:01:45] I, I, I can't really say, I mean, this
[1:01:48] this's not really a,
[1:01:51] I only see sort of two recommendations.
[1:01:54] I've made one the solicitation of at least two certified hub
[1:01:58] or MWBE firms.
[1:02:00] I think that was for, um, under the section, um, section two
[1:02:05] with the procurement process.
[1:02:07] And then I think that, um, there was, um,
[1:02:12] consideration for the discretionary spending part, um,
[1:02:15] which we have full autonomy. Um,
[1:02:18] So, so it's, it's, it's not just a legal issue,
[1:02:21] it's also a staffing issue.
[1:02:23] It's a management issue.
[1:02:24] With all due respect to city county purchasing,
[1:02:27] they don't always have the availability that we would need.
[1:02:31] And so while they say they're willing to help us,
[1:02:34] I'm sure they are, and they've been a great help to us,
[1:02:37] but it may mean they need more staffing.
[1:02:39] I don't know. But that's something we'd have to look into.
[1:02:42] So I can't commit, there's not really a, I hear
[1:02:45] what you're saying, but there's not, what I've gotten
[1:02:47] so far is not really a focus proposal,
[1:02:49] but to the extent we want to make some kind of, um,
[1:02:54] uh, MWBE requirement for all contracts
[1:02:59] or all contract, I, I, anyhow, it, it would,
[1:03:02] it would take a little bit of time,
[1:03:03] but it's not just a legal issue,
[1:03:05] it's also a management issue.
[1:03:07] So I would think staff would need to get together some kind
[1:03:10] of committee to look into it.
[1:03:14] I don't, why don't we ask for a report back by date?
[1:03:16] Certain,
[1:03:20] Say that again? Report back by when?
[1:03:21] By date? Certain, oh, say the by
[1:03:24] A date. Certain,
[1:03:24] Yeah, a date certain.
[1:03:25] Um, uh, like the
[1:03:30] second meeting in February, that would be two months.
[1:03:39] Yeah. I mean, there's only one meeting in February,
[1:03:41] but I, I'm sorry, I think we could do it by March. Well,
[1:03:44] Let's, let's go back and have, we we're in the middle
[1:03:46] of a discussion of a substitute motion.
[1:03:48] Let's, let's get what the substitute motion.
[1:03:51] I, I, I'm hearing different things.
[1:03:53] So we either need to restate that
[1:03:55] or come up with another substitute motion.
[1:03:58] Mm-hmm. So we can get through this.
[1:04:03] So do you want me to try to restate the, um,
[1:04:05] substitute motion to consider adding
[1:04:10] also to the, um, procurement policy in section two?
[1:04:16] Um, that our procurement's greater than 10,000, regardless
[1:04:21] of category must include solicitation
[1:04:24] of at least two certified hub or MWBE firms.
[1:04:27] That is what I am proposing in that section.
[1:04:33] And then I don't know where the, um,
[1:04:36] I don't know if there's a discre discretionary spending part
[1:04:39] in, um, the policy that I could read.
[1:04:41] I'm asking, I guess there to be added, um, uh,
[1:04:45] part maybe in procurement where
[1:04:47] for all discretionary spending at least one quote be
[1:04:51] solicited from a, um, small MWBE hub firm.
[1:04:58] So you're asking for a study of those two things?
[1:05:01] No, not a study for it to be included into the, um,
[1:05:06] procurement policy by way of practice.
[1:05:11] So again, under section two,
[1:05:13] there's the procurement process.
[1:05:15] And so I'm asking that what be added to that as it relates
[1:05:19] to procurements that's greater than 10,000
[1:05:22] that a solicitation of at least two certified hub
[1:05:25] or MWBE firms added
[1:05:28] because it, it is not now currently in the policy.
[1:05:34] So does, so does everybody
[1:05:35] understand the substitute motion?
[1:05:38] Yes. Right. All in favor, please say aye.
[1:05:43] Aye. And all those opposed say aye. Aye. Aye.
[1:05:49] Motion fails.
[1:05:51] Mr. Chairman, I like to ask the question,
[1:05:53] it's the same one that I asked Thursday,
[1:05:57] and that is, I asked the attorney if we,
[1:06:02] the county is going by the state law
[1:06:07] and you said yes, the things
[1:06:11] that Miss Commissioner Wi Woodbury is talking about, is it
[1:06:16] beyond what is in the state law
[1:06:21] There, there's no requirement that we, um, have
[1:06:26] to reach out to MWE firms for all contracts.
[1:06:29] It's, it's really specifically tied more to construction.
[1:06:32] Um, and I, and I would point out that, um, the policy
[1:06:37] as it's written that you're considering generally
[1:06:40] requires three bids.
[1:06:42] Um, for, for most everything, um, over $5,000.
[1:06:46] Um, this proposal would mean that two
[1:06:50] of those bids would have to be MWBE. So
[1:06:53] I think it's one.
[1:06:56] Oh, okay. I may have misunderstood that,
[1:06:59] but, um, it is not required by law to answer your question.
[1:07:04] So that motion, so now we're back to the original motion,
[1:07:08] which was to actually go, is
[1:07:10] to remove one paragraph from page nine.
[1:07:14] Um, and we, we've had a second.
[1:07:16] Is there further discussion of that motion?
[1:07:19] I'd like to, um, don't really want to
[1:07:24] add this on to the current motion.
[1:07:25] I'd like to make it as a separate motion on the same
[1:07:27] topic if that's appropriate.
[1:07:29] Um, but after, after we deal with the main motion.
[1:07:33] Okay. We could do, we can do that.
[1:07:35] So with the removal of the one paragraph with the adjustment
[1:07:39] that, um, um,
[1:07:40] our county attorney suggested in the previous sentence
[1:07:43] of the last paragraph before that on page nine, um,
[1:07:47] all in favor please say aye.
[1:07:50] Aye. Those opposed?
[1:07:52] No. Motion carries six to one. Mr.
[1:07:56] Uh, commissioner Bessey? Yes. A second motion.
[1:07:58] Um, I would like to move
[1:08:00] that we request a report back from staff
[1:08:02] and legal, um, uh, taking, um, you know,
[1:08:07] commissioner Woodbury's recommendations, um, uh,
[1:08:11] looking at those, offering any objections
[1:08:15] that you may have in terms of staffing
[1:08:17] or, uh, legal authority, uh,
[1:08:20] give Commissioner Woodbury an opportunity to review the,
[1:08:24] the objections and respond
[1:08:27] and that we have that reported back to us.
[1:08:30] If we're not meeting twice in February, the,
[1:08:32] the first meeting in March
[1:08:35] Is there a second. And
[1:08:36] I would second that, um, with further discussion.
[1:08:39] Thank you Commissioner Bessey for sharing that.
[1:08:43] I need to be able to see this in the document.
[1:08:46] Commissioner Woodberry, I wanna support you.
[1:08:48] I understand where you're going with that,
[1:08:50] but it's just not crafted, um, appropriately for me
[1:08:54] to be able to do the research so that I'm assured
[1:08:58] that we're, again, following federal and state laws
[1:09:01] and, um, getting to the meat of what you are wanting
[1:09:06] to procure in terms of this policy, if that makes sense.
[1:09:09] Oh, it does. And I appreciate, um, those comments,
[1:09:12] commissioner McDaniel.
[1:09:14] And what I will say is that I think time kind of ran out on,
[1:09:18] um, trying to work with, um, Gordon today to try
[1:09:22] to put something inside of, of the, um,
[1:09:27] the current policy.
[1:09:29] And my hesitation right now of kind
[1:09:31] of why I didn't support the policy as is, is
[1:09:34] because, you know, I'm adamant that I think, um,
[1:09:39] the citizens of Forsyth County want to see, um,
[1:09:42] a procurement policy that explicitly, explicitly includes
[1:09:48] our small local MWB hub businesses.
[1:09:51] I think that that is, you know, a very fair
[1:09:54] and general statement.
[1:09:55] And until we move in that direction, I just think that this,
[1:10:00] the procurement policy is not fully representative
[1:10:03] of all citizens.
[1:10:04] So, you know, that's why I couldn't support it as is.
[1:10:08] And it I appreciate, um, two lastly, um,
[1:10:11] commissioner Bessie's, um, second, um, motion
[1:10:15] to try to get a report, um, back to us.
[1:10:19] And I don't, I wouldn't think we need to even vote on that.
[1:10:23] I think that's just common courtesy to help us
[1:10:26] to move forward with making the best decisions about
[1:10:30] what we need to do in this county.
[1:10:32] But we, we, we have a motion and a second. Second.
[1:10:34] Yeah. But we're still in discussion.
[1:10:36] So, um, I would have to, uh, lean towards, um,
[1:10:41] our county manager Chantelle, with regards to what
[1:10:46] that looks like in terms of staff
[1:10:48] and the budget, what that looks like
[1:10:50] to our budget if it expands,
[1:10:52] if we have it in our budget to do.
[1:10:55] Um, and then what would it look like with those,
[1:10:57] for those ongoing reports.
[1:11:00] Um, thank you Commissioner McDaniel.
[1:11:02] Uh, again, in absence of thoroughly reviewing it, I mean,
[1:11:06] what I do know is it's going to require more staff time
[1:11:08] and probably more staff, so we'll need
[1:11:10] to do an analysis of what that looks like.
[1:11:13] Like, um, the only other thing I will say is, you know,
[1:11:16] in the current policy we do talk about MWBE in compliance
[1:11:20] with the law, which is under construction.
[1:11:22] And we are currently exceeding that goal.
[1:11:24] And we also take very seriously, um, wanting to do business
[1:11:28] with, um, MWBEs.
[1:11:30] And we are, um,
[1:11:31] and we're, you know, there's always opportunities
[1:11:33] for improvement of course, across the board.
[1:11:35] Um, but we are, you know, um, we're doing that.
[1:11:38] Um, and we're, um, committed to continuing to do
[1:11:42] that in absence of what is black and white, what's in black
[1:11:44] and white is in accordance with the law
[1:11:46] as it relates to construction.
[1:11:48] But we certainly do businesses with MWBE,
[1:11:51] so I just don't want the publics to get the impression
[1:11:53] that we're not because we are.
[1:11:55] Um, but we, we certainly are happy to try to figure out, um,
[1:12:00] to answer Commissioner Woodberry's questions.
[1:12:03] Um, we will certainly work, we can work to do that if
[1:12:05] that is the will of the board. And
[1:12:07] You're, while you're there, can you remind me
[1:12:10] where our percentages lie, um, based upon
[1:12:14] where we are in the state?
[1:12:17] Um, so the report that we pulled
[1:12:19] for I think the last fiscal year, the state's goal, um,
[1:12:22] again for construction is 10%.
[1:12:24] We were at 15% and Mr.
[1:12:26] Redfield pulled for I think the last five years, um,
[1:12:30] in the hub data,
[1:12:32] and I think we were at 31%, if I'm not mistaken.
[1:12:38] And, and I'll just, so I'll
[1:12:39] Go ahead. I'm sorry. I'll,
[1:12:40] I'll just add that, we'll,
[1:12:42] we'll be in conversation with you, commissioner.
[1:12:44] I'm, I'm not quite sure what the request is.
[1:12:47] One, one part of the material says it requires two bids
[1:12:52] and another says one.
[1:12:53] So I'm, I'm, I don't quite understand it,
[1:12:55] but we can, we can iron that out
[1:12:57] I think, because I was, um, unclear about
[1:13:00] what the total number of bids that went out.
[1:13:03] And so we, we, we can, we can clear that up.
[1:13:05] I think that's just, you know, getting some clarification.
[1:13:09] But I do want to say, um, lastly that, um,
[1:13:13] I have tried to, um, get, um,
[1:13:17] the disaggregated data around the MWB.
[1:13:20] So what are the categories that make up the 30%?
[1:13:23] What are the categories that make up the 15%?
[1:13:26] Because again, what we know, um, across the state is that
[1:13:31] the MWB, um, um, percentages, um,
[1:13:37] generally reflecting a higher end with, um,
[1:13:41] just white females as a category versus, um,
[1:13:47] proportionately looking at, you know, minority groups
[1:13:50] as African American, Hispanic,
[1:13:52] and even some of our socioeconomic disadvantage by way
[1:13:57] of accessibility.
[1:13:59] So I think it would be, um, more authentic
[1:14:03] and transparent to make sure that we could see what the MWB
[1:14:08] categories are and how they're reflected.
[1:14:14] Um, I can't tell you that is construction only
[1:14:16] and it's subcontracting.
[1:14:18] So we would have to delve into the details
[1:14:19] to get you what's minority,
[1:14:21] what's woman owned business Uhhuh.
[1:14:22] But those, the 15%, the 31%,
[1:14:24] that's all construction subcontracting to MWBEs.
[1:14:28] Okay. We're required to port that to the states.
[1:14:30] That's why we have that.
[1:14:32] But you, you could share the, the categories
[1:14:36] with us if you pour the report. Okay.
[1:14:39] I answer county manager maybe to comment on
[1:14:42] the efforts we currently make to actually
[1:14:46] make either make break projects into smaller pieces,
[1:14:50] train folks, share, you know, uh, I mean we've had several
[1:14:54] and we had several community workshop issues maybe in
[1:14:57] partnership with, for site tech.
[1:14:59] I mean, it seems like we have had several, you know,
[1:15:02] outreach efforts to actually talk about, you know, the,
[1:15:06] how do you do business with the county? Am I correct?
[1:15:09] We, yeah, so we, we recently participated in, um,
[1:15:12] in partnership with the city and the MWBE mixer.
[1:15:15] We did that this year recently. We did it last year.
[1:15:19] Um, you know, I mean we're certainly, we utilize, um,
[1:15:23] the databases from the city when they're soliciting our bids
[1:15:27] because they do have a robust database.
[1:15:29] I mean, it's a city county purchasing department.
[1:15:32] Um, but they don't do every single one of our bids.
[1:15:36] They're not doing our $5,000 bids, our $10,000 bids.
[1:15:39] Um, they're not doing that. They also don't have
[1:15:41] the capacity to do that.
[1:15:43] Um, and so that's very kind of decentralized, um,
[1:15:45] within here, but you also have, you know, bids that goes out
[1:15:50] for organizations like, um, you know, Google and Microsoft.
[1:15:54] And so for me it's, it's the clarity piece around, um,
[1:15:58] sometimes there's not MWBEs that are available
[1:16:02] or in that space.
[1:16:03] And so I just have, for me, I have
[1:16:05] to have a better understanding of what that looks like.
[1:16:07] So health insurance providers is another example.
[1:16:10] Uh, we spend a lot of money on that in the county
[1:16:13] and I've had lots of these conversations
[1:16:15] with Commissioner Woodbury.
[1:16:16] And so, um,
[1:16:17] and we also currently within the county, um,
[1:16:21] don't have the ability to track, um, uh,
[1:16:26] MWBE businesses for services in that way.
[1:16:29] That doesn't mean that's something we couldn't look into
[1:16:31] or potentially start if that's the will of the board,
[1:16:34] but we just don't have that infrastructure in place today.
[1:16:37] Um, what we have been doing is formally tracking for, um,
[1:16:42] the construction projects
[1:16:43] that we are legally required to do.
[1:16:45] Um, so again, if the board wants to do something different,
[1:16:48] um, we can look into what that looks like, you know,
[1:16:50] PR present, the cost, the staffing, um, just all of that.
[1:16:56] I am comfortable with a study motion,
[1:16:59] but, uh, I'm confident now that the county attorney as well
[1:17:03] as the manager have indicated that it's multifactorial, um,
[1:17:07] that there is, uh, some question, uh,
[1:17:11] a complete question about the timetable, uh,
[1:17:14] and staffing that might be involved in.
[1:17:16] I would just want to observe
[1:17:18] that come March if there's still a problem in that regard,
[1:17:22] that uh, I would be sympathetic
[1:17:24] to entertaining whatever extensions necessary
[1:17:26] to get a comprehensive study.
[1:17:28] Mr. Chairman, I have one more
[1:17:30] thing that'll probably end up in the request.
[1:17:35] My experience working on machines that's complicated
[1:17:41] is to take the amount of time it does to fix it,
[1:17:45] and I do quite a bit of that on the farm.
[1:17:48] And when we're working on the most complicated machine on
[1:17:51] the farm, and that is a combine,
[1:17:53] the reason a combine is called a combine
[1:17:55] because it goes through, through three processes of
[1:17:59] what the invention was.
[1:18:01] It's reason it's a combine.
[1:18:03] Well, when we get on a bad situation,
[1:18:08] we have some conversation back and forth
[1:18:11] and I wait till we can get on the same page
[1:18:15] before I start
[1:18:18] and until we get on the same page,
[1:18:19] then we just keep sitting there trying to figure out
[1:18:23] what the fix is.
[1:18:24] Mm-hmm. And I like to know what the fix is going to be.
[1:18:29] So when Mr.
[1:18:31] Attorney, when you go through this process of the things
[1:18:36] that Commissioner Woodbury is interested in,
[1:18:40] when you get it all,
[1:18:43] I won't say done whatever you think is, may be, uh,
[1:18:48] the specific things, put those specific things on a piece
[1:18:52] of paper where we can, or at least me
[1:18:56] because I wanna fix the machine.
[1:18:57] This is a complicated machine county government
[1:19:00] because the reason it's so complicated,
[1:19:02] it's made up of people.
[1:19:06] And so that's it. Just get it on a piece of paper.
[1:19:10] If it takes more than one, it's uh, okay,
[1:19:12] we can borrow one from a tax office
[1:19:14] because she'd been saving paper.
[1:19:16] So that's it. Alright, thank y'all for your indulgence.
[1:19:21] Any further discussion on this motion to have basically
[1:19:24] by mar the first meeting in March, um, to have a a a a,
[1:19:29] at least a staff review of the, of the particular points
[1:19:34] of the number of MBW, uh, MBE, uh, m uh, contractors,
[1:19:38] in particularly for smaller bids and larger bids, et cetera.
[1:19:43] Mr. Chairman? Yes, I just would like
[1:19:45] to say I will vote in opposition to this.
[1:19:47] I feel very comfortable, uh,
[1:19:50] that we're following the state law.
[1:19:52] Uh, I feel comfortable that our attorney, uh, has gone
[1:19:57] through these procedures and so I will vote in opposition.
[1:20:02] So all that said, all those in favor, please say aye. A.
[1:20:06] Those po opposed? No. Aye. Motion carries. Five to two.
[1:20:12] All right. Okay, we are ready for next
[1:20:17] Agenda. Item number
[1:20:18] six is a resolution authorizing the acceptance
[1:20:20] of additional funding from the North Carolina Department
[1:20:22] of Transportation Division of Aviation
[1:20:25] to fund additional environmental services work required
[1:20:28] for Taxi Lane, Lima and RAMP at Smith Reynolds Airport.
[1:20:31] The additional funding is in the amount of $187,400
[1:20:35] and Part B is a resolution authorizing execution
[1:20:38] of a Fourth Amendment to the agreement with ACON Engineers
[1:20:41] and Planners, Inc.
[1:20:42] To provide environmental services required
[1:20:44] by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, division
[1:20:47] of Aviation, the North Carolina Department
[1:20:49] of Environmental Quality in the United States Army Corps
[1:20:51] of Engineers for Taxi Lane, Lima,
[1:20:53] and ramp at Smith Reynolds Airport in the amount not
[1:20:56] to exceed $179,625, contingent upon final approval
[1:21:01] by Department of Transportation, division of Aviation.
[1:21:05] Do we have a motion? Na approved motion to approve
[1:21:08] of vice chair W Second.
[1:21:09] Second. Second by Commissioner Wilson. Any discussion?
[1:21:13] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
[1:21:16] Motion carries unanimous.
[1:21:18] Agenda item number seven is a resolution authorizing
[1:21:20] submission of an application
[1:21:22] to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to apply for
[1:21:25] and accept if awarded 2027 Urgent Repair program funding.
[1:21:28] The request will be for an allocation of $165,000 to be used
[1:21:32] to make emergency repairs to at least 10 owner occupied low
[1:21:36] and very low income households.
[1:21:38] Do we have a motion approval?
[1:21:40] Motion to approve by Commissioner Bessey. Second.
[1:21:43] Second by Commissioner McDaniel. Any discussion?
[1:21:46] All in favor, please say aye. A. Aye. Any opposed?
[1:21:49] Motion carries. Unanimously.
[1:21:51] Agenda item number eight is a resolution authorizing
[1:21:54] execution of an agreement with Kelly Office Machines Inc.
[1:21:56] To and business. Ask Kelly Office Solutions for lease
[1:21:59] of copiers to Forsyth County for a five year period,
[1:22:02] providing unlimited color printing and licensing
[1:22:05] and support for the paper cut subscription platform in an
[1:22:08] amount not to exceed $191,391 93 cents per year.
[1:22:14] Do you have a motion? Have approval.
[1:22:16] Motion to approve Vice Chair Wnu. Second. Second by comm.
[1:22:19] Mr. Bessey, any discussion? All in favor, please say a aye.
[1:22:24] Any The opposed? Motion carries unanimously.
[1:22:27] Agenda item number nine is a resolution authorizing
[1:22:30] execution of an agreement with worldwide technology LLC
[1:22:33] for network switches and security licensing.
[1:22:35] This is the five year contract at a total cost not
[1:22:38] to exceed $1,899,999 and 95 cents
[1:22:44] There. Motion
[1:22:45] approval. Motion approve Vice Chair Wnu. Second.
[1:22:49] Second by Commissioner Wilson. Any discussion?
[1:22:52] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
[1:22:57] Okay. Agenda item number 10 is a resolution authorizing
[1:23:00] execution of a lease agreement between Forsyth County
[1:23:02] and the Q sh Unlimited corporation, doing business
[1:23:05] as Southern Harvest Hospitality Group to manage
[1:23:08] and operate the food and event space within Tanglewood Park
[1:23:11] Clubhouse located at 100 Clubhouse Circle.
[1:23:13] Um, we did make some modifications to the county's right
[1:23:16] to reserve space section, um, since Monday,
[1:23:18] which grants us more access when needed.
[1:23:21] And it's, and if it's available under the proposed lease
[1:23:24] for South County, we'll receive an annual base lease payment
[1:23:26] of 36,000 for year one, increasing
[1:23:29] by $2,400 each year thereafter for total base lease receipts
[1:23:33] of $204,000 over the five year term.
[1:23:36] In addition to the base lease, the county will receive 2%
[1:23:39] of total revenue as utility reimbursement, 20%
[1:23:42] of event space revenue, 3% of dining and catering revenue,
[1:23:46] and 40% of operating profit.
[1:23:48] The proposed lease term is five years, subject
[1:23:50] to termination for breach within seven days
[1:23:53] notice by either party.
[1:23:55] Do we have a motion? Move approval?
[1:23:56] Motion approved by Vice Chair. W Second.
[1:23:59] Second by Commissioner Linville. Any discussion?
[1:24:04] All in favor, please say aye. A Aye. Any opposed?
[1:24:07] Motion carries unanimously.
[1:24:08] Agenda item number 11 is a resolution, awarding
[1:24:11] and authorizing execution of a contract
[1:24:13] with Marsha McLennan, agency LLC
[1:24:15] for Comprehensive Benefits Consulting Services.
[1:24:17] This is a three year contract
[1:24:19] with two optional renewal years at a rate
[1:24:21] of $40,000 per year.
[1:24:24] Do we have a motion? Move to approve?
[1:24:26] Motion approve by Commissioner McDaniels. There a second.
[1:24:30] Second. Second by Commissioner Bessie. Any discussion?
[1:24:34] All in favor, please say aye. A Aye. Any opposed?
[1:24:37] Motion carries unanimously.
[1:24:39] Agenda item number 12 is a resolution accepting an offer
[1:24:42] to purchase county owned real property
[1:24:43] by negotiated offer advertisement and Upid Bids procedure.
[1:24:47] This resolution accepts the last
[1:24:48] and highest offer for the Haul of Justice property
[1:24:50] and authorizes the sale of the property
[1:24:52] to Med Solutions Compound Compounding Pharmacy, Inc.
[1:24:55] The purchase price is $2.65 million
[1:24:58] and the buyer has placed the required 5% deposit
[1:25:01] with the clerk to the board.
[1:25:03] Happy to make that motion.
[1:25:04] Is there a second, second, second by vice chair.
[1:25:06] Was there not any discussion? Yes. Oh yes. Go ahead. Uh,
[1:25:10] Um, uh, I think this is our best opportunity to, uh,
[1:25:15] get value outta the property, uh,
[1:25:17] and that we should take it.
[1:25:19] I also note that, um, uh, we will need to
[1:25:27] have a separate consideration of anything, uh,
[1:25:31] any use for the proceeds other than simply putting them in
[1:25:35] our, um, in our fund balance for the time being.
[1:25:38] Is that, is that correct?
[1:25:40] Correct. Um, correct. That is correct.
[1:25:42] I I'm still interested in reviewing our authority to, um,
[1:25:47] uh, take, uh, some of the revenue from this
[1:25:51] or other source, other local sources
[1:25:53] and use it to expand our, uh, home repair, uh,
[1:25:58] and first time lender programs.
[1:26:01] I think that's, uh, one of the, uh, quickest ways
[1:26:05] that we can, uh, you know, ratchet up, um, our, uh,
[1:26:09] our work towards, uh, providing more affordable housing
[1:26:13] or securing more affordable housing.
[1:26:15] Um, and we'll just recall that, um, um,
[1:26:21] that, uh, that I've asked our, our attorney to, um,
[1:26:24] provide the language for, uh, an authorizing, uh,
[1:26:29] referendum, uh, for possible discussion, uh,
[1:26:33] next year. Thank you.
[1:26:36] Any other discussion? Is that part of the motion?
[1:26:39] No, that was just discussion. No,
[1:26:40] just discussion. Any other discussion?
[1:26:43] Um, I, go ahead.
[1:26:46] That's not part of the motion? No. Okay.
[1:26:51] The manager was over there working like it.
[1:26:54] She's putting it in there. And that was,
[1:26:56] I'm not going there right now. The
[1:26:59] Motion is to accept the, the offer to purchase.
[1:27:02] Okay. The courthouse. And I'm just trying
[1:27:04] to get clarification around the, um, the comments
[1:27:09] that, um, commissioner Bessie, um, made with, in regards to
[1:27:14] what we do with the proceeds
[1:27:16] and the right that we have to
[1:27:20] utilize proceeds to support, um, affordable housing,
[1:27:25] which then would, you know, um, help me
[1:27:28] to have greater consideration to support it.
[1:27:32] So I I'm not sure if, um, Gordon wants to speak to, if,
[1:27:36] if we have the right to utilize the proceeds
[1:27:40] to support affordable housing.
[1:27:44] We, we really don't.
[1:27:45] And, and, and that's the, the crux of, um,
[1:27:48] what Commissioner Bessey was referring to.
[1:27:50] If, um, generally if we want to use county funds,
[1:27:54] not federal funds, but county funds for housing,
[1:27:58] affordable housing programs, we generally need to get
[1:28:01] that authority from the General Assembly.
[1:28:03] One of the ways they let us do that is
[1:28:05] by passing a referendum.
[1:28:07] So that is something the board could do
[1:28:09] if, if that's what you wish.
[1:28:11] And Commissioner Bessie is asking me to look into, um,
[1:28:14] what shape that would take
[1:28:18] I discussion? Yeah,
[1:28:19] just to, to, to clarify, um, uh,
[1:28:26] As we've already established, I was not asking
[1:28:28] to amend the motion simply, um, discussing in the context
[1:28:33] of the motion, um, uh,
[1:28:38] the separate possibility of moving forward with using some
[1:28:42] county funds, uh, for affordable housing purposes.
[1:28:46] And I gave an example
[1:28:48] that I thought was particularly appropriate.
[1:28:50] Uh, that's not part of this motion.
[1:28:52] Um, it was discussion
[1:28:55] because we had received, uh, community suggestions,
[1:29:00] uh, for alternative, uh, disposal of the, um,
[1:29:05] of the, of the property
[1:29:07] and, uh, suggestions for use
[1:29:12] of the proceeds from the property.
[1:29:14] Um, and, uh, we have been clearly advised
[1:29:19] by our council that we don't have the present authority
[1:29:22] to do that, but I wanted to ensure that people were aware,
[1:29:28] um, that, uh, there,
[1:29:33] there are potential ways to get the authority to do that.
[1:29:38] That will be looked into separately,
[1:29:42] not as a part of this motion.
[1:29:44] Sorry if, sorry, if I was less than
[1:29:48] stellarly clear on that,
[1:29:52] I will support this motion,
[1:29:54] but given my prior experience of over 45 years
[1:29:58] with this particular piece of property,
[1:30:00] I'll have a keen eye on the due diligence period.
[1:30:05] Yeah. Alright.
[1:30:07] If there's no further discussion,
[1:30:08] we can vote on accepting the offer
[1:30:11] to purchase the courthouse.
[1:30:13] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No.
[1:30:18] Motion carries. Uh, a six one, excuse me.
[1:30:22] Agenda item number 13 is a resolution authorizing
[1:30:25] publication of an offer
[1:30:26] to purchase county owned real property
[1:30:28] by negotiated offer advertisement
[1:30:30] and upset bids procedure at its June 19th, 2025 meeting,
[1:30:34] the board directed the county manager
[1:30:36] to solicit fair market value offers for the purchase
[1:30:39] of the Amos Cottage property located at
[1:30:41] 33 25 Silas Creek Parkway.
[1:30:43] No offers were received
[1:30:45] during the initial 90 day offer window.
[1:30:47] The property has been for sale since that time.
[1:30:49] One offer was received from Jim Cap development LLC in the
[1:30:54] amount of $2,025,000 on November 28th.
[1:30:57] This resolution would authorize advertisement of the offer
[1:31:01] for upset bids.
[1:31:03] Do we have a motion? I'll move approval.
[1:31:08] I do have a discussion. I,
[1:31:10] And I'll second. I have
[1:31:11] a motion by Commissioner Bessey, second
[1:31:13] by Commissioner McDaniel. Any discussion?
[1:31:15] Yeah, I just wanted to ask, um, this property isn't owned,
[1:31:20] registered historic places.
[1:31:22] Is it? Uh,
[1:31:28] Isn't it just only 50 years?
[1:31:30] 50 50 years old?
[1:31:34] It let curb be, fill the details.
[1:31:37] Uh, it was 1972 or 1975.
[1:31:39] I'd have to figure it out, but it would theoretically
[1:31:42] qualify, uh, for historic tax credits.
[1:31:44] Okay. But it doesn't have that, um, no sir. Designation now?
[1:31:49] No, sir. And basically that, that was what I, it's historic
[1:31:54] use has been referenced in discussion.
[1:31:57] Um, I didn't think that it was actually designated
[1:32:01] as historic property, but I wanted to double check on that.
[1:32:04] Right. Not contributing in a historical sense,
[1:32:06] but it it's old enough, certainly. Yes, sir.
[1:32:09] Thank you. Any further discussion?
[1:32:13] All in favor, please say aye. A Aye. Any opposed?
[1:32:17] Motion carries unanimously.
[1:32:18] Agenda item number 14 is a resolution authorizing the
[1:32:21] county manager to solicit fair market value offers
[1:32:24] to purchase county owned real property.
[1:32:26] This would authorize the county manager
[1:32:27] to solicit fair market value for the purchase
[1:32:30] of Tanglewood Business Park
[1:32:31] and to dissolve the restrictive covenants that were in place
[1:32:33] that were placed on the property in 2018.
[1:32:37] As I indicated, uh, Monday when we discussed this, um,
[1:32:41] I'd like to make a motion that we table this item
[1:32:44] until our next meeting on January 15th.
[1:32:49] Is there a second? Second, second
[1:32:50] by Vice Chair Wizen Hunt. Any discussion?
[1:32:53] Uh, just for the discussion, I'll go ahead
[1:32:55] and say pretty close to what I did last, uh, Monday.
[1:33:00] And when it, uh, comes again,
[1:33:03] I'll most likely say the same thing.
[1:33:05] So I'm, I'll be open to, um, seeing
[1:33:09] what the market says that's out there, but Mr.
[1:33:13] Attorney, whenever, uh, whether it's later on
[1:33:17] before we put the line out there
[1:33:20] and see what's out there, then once something comes in
[1:33:24] or something's come in, then that would be subject to the,
[1:33:28] uh, upset bid process.
[1:33:30] If we county decided
[1:33:32] to go forwards, that's the way it would work.
[1:33:36] Y you as a board would have choices of, of ways
[1:33:40] to sell the property, but generally that's
[1:33:42] what we've been doing because that's the easiest way
[1:33:45] to go out and, um, get an offer
[1:33:47] and whatever best offer you have, then you publish that
[1:33:51] and the upset bid process.
[1:33:53] But, um, it would just depend on what you ask, uh,
[1:33:57] Mr. Robinson to do if you want 'em to hold it open
[1:34:00] for 90 days, for example, or, or
[1:34:02] however long to, to see what offers are out there.
[1:34:04] And then the best offer you could do the upset bid process.
[1:34:08] Well, I'm, I'm open on this
[1:34:10] and if the, uh,
[1:34:15] the fish's not big enough when it comes in, then I'm going
[1:34:18] to be okay with the just sitting on a property
[1:34:22] and holding it because it's, it, it's a,
[1:34:26] I explained last week, I don't know whether I was, uh,
[1:34:31] as clear as Mr.
[1:34:32] Besty can be many times.
[1:34:34] So, um, it's not going to cost us any, uh,
[1:34:38] maintenance ru keep simply because it's Woodland.
[1:34:43] I'm learning Mr. Besty, but actually I haven't been
[1:34:48] Doing a good job on that tonight. I'm so sorry.
[1:34:50] Is this the first time that we've tried
[1:34:51] to sell this property?
[1:34:53] Ma'am? Is this the first time
[1:34:54] that the county has tried to sell this property?
[1:34:57] It's, it's been for sale for a bunch of years.
[1:35:00] Well, there's some been attempts to sell, uh, parts of it.
[1:35:04] I can't remember what all is exactly. Has a a
[1:35:09] I I'm having to, So, uh, we,
[1:35:11] We have, we actually did sell a piece
[1:35:12] of this at one point, end up buying it back.
[1:35:15] Uh, it has been marketed by, uh, greater Wind Sell Inc.
[1:35:19] Uh, for economic development projects.
[1:35:20] But I think this is looking at it a different light.
[1:35:25] Okay. Any further discussion?
[1:35:28] I I, I think the, um, the difference at this point is
[1:35:31] that, uh, the, it it, it seems
[1:35:36] that marketing this
[1:35:37] as a industrial park is a futile undertaking.
[1:35:41] Uh, and the question is, uh, what do we do?
[1:35:43] How do we handle it at this point?
[1:35:47] Um, if I'm missing any,
[1:35:49] any points under review, please correct me.
[1:35:53] That's correct. Further discussion items.
[1:35:58] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye.
[1:36:01] And the opposed Motion carries unanimously.
[1:36:03] We will review again in January 15th.
[1:36:06] Got it. Thank you, sir. Agenda item number 15 is a
[1:36:09] resolution authorizing execution of an amendment
[1:36:11] to the lease agreement between Forsyth County
[1:36:13] and the city of Winston-Salem
[1:36:14] for county owned real property,
[1:36:16] located at 6 51 Highland Avenue.
[1:36:18] This space is currently being utilized
[1:36:20] as an overflow shelter for unhoused individuals.
[1:36:23] This amendment allows use of the space in daytime hours
[1:36:26] during inclement weather events
[1:36:29] Of to approve. Is there a
[1:36:30] motion? Motion by, uh,
[1:36:31] uh, commissioner McDaniel?
[1:36:33] Second. Second by Commissioner Wilson. Any discussion?
[1:36:37] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
[1:36:41] Motion carries unanimously.
[1:36:43] Agenda item number 16 is a resolution approving all
[1:36:46] previous land purchased by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County
[1:36:48] Board of Education to be used
[1:36:50] for the future Ashley Elementary School site.
[1:36:53] The Board of Education is requesting
[1:36:54] that the board approve all purchases of land previously made
[1:36:57] for the future ELE Ashley Elementary site.
[1:37:00] It was previously made without Board
[1:37:02] of Commissioner approval as required
[1:37:04] by General statute one 15 C dash 4 26 F.
[1:37:08] Um, the board did Board
[1:37:10] of Education did formally approve this request
[1:37:13] at their Tuesday meeting.
[1:37:16] We have a motion Move to approve.
[1:37:18] Motion to approve by Commissioner McDaniel.
[1:37:20] Is there a second? Second.
[1:37:21] Second by Commissioner Bessie. Any discussion?
[1:37:23] Sure it is. Um,
[1:37:25] I want the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Board of Education
[1:37:29] to realize that this could have been an issue
[1:37:33] and not to ever do that again.
[1:37:36] Thank you.
[1:37:43] Purchases. That's right. Excellent point.
[1:37:47] Any further discussion or comments?
[1:37:49] All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
[1:37:53] Motion carries unanimously.
[1:37:54] Agenda item 17 through 29 are our appointments
[1:37:58] and I'm gonna turn them over to Commissioner Wilson.
[1:38:06] Uh, you should have with you a series of, um,
[1:38:09] appointments, uh, that can be handled by acclimation.
[1:38:13] If everyone has that list, uh, I'll read through it,
[1:38:17] um, rather quickly.
[1:38:19] And, uh, if appropriate,
[1:38:21] we could probably do a motion to approve all.
[1:38:23] Uh, we don't actually need a motion
[1:38:25] or a second, so I'll read that list.
[1:38:27] Um, adult Care Community Advisory Committee.
[1:38:30] Uh, Shannon Sheridan, uh,
[1:38:33] for South County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council,
[1:38:35] max Graham for Site Memorial Hospital Inc.
[1:38:38] Board of Trustees, Phyllis Cardwell.
[1:38:40] George Avery Hall, Michael Horn, industrial Facilities
[1:38:43] and Pollution Control Financing Authority.
[1:38:45] Alan Abrams, nursing Home Community Advisory
[1:38:47] Committee for South County.
[1:38:49] Amy Holmes. Smith Reynolds Airport Board
[1:38:52] Conrad Walsh for South Tech.
[1:38:54] Nicole Community College designee filling the unexpired term
[1:38:57] of Joshua Burham Tourism Development Authority.
[1:39:01] James Williams, hotel owner slash operator
[1:39:03] with more than 100 rooms.
[1:39:05] Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
[1:39:09] No, these already have, um, been confirmed.
[1:39:14] So with that list,
[1:39:16] are there any further questions before we vote?
[1:39:20] I'll second that motion. Yeah, no second is required.
[1:39:23] All in favor indicate by saying Aye. Aye. It passes.
[1:39:27] They're elected. Okay.
[1:39:34] Alright.
[1:39:40] Okay.
[1:39:43] Okay, we'll go. Um, first
[1:39:47] with the Adult Care Community Advisory,
[1:39:50] that's not correct? No.
[1:39:52] Just re Oh, okay.
[1:39:54] The following boards have remaining vacancies
[1:39:56] or did not receive applicants.
[1:39:57] Madam Clerk, please continue the appointments
[1:39:59] to a future meeting for Adult Care Community Advisory
[1:40:03] Committee, animal Services Advisory Board,
[1:40:05] community Appearance Commission.
[1:40:06] West Salem, Forsyth County Nursing Home Advisory Committee.
[1:40:09] Forsyth County.
[1:40:14] Do we, do we not have an Animal Control advisory
[1:40:16] committee appointment?
[1:40:18] Yes, but coming up separate. Separate, different group.
[1:40:20] Yeah, we're coming up with that. You got it. Alright.
[1:40:23] Um, next would be the Animal Services Advisory Board.
[1:40:29] And that's a vote for one.
[1:40:32] The two candidates are Destiny Shores and Natalie Kakina.
[1:40:42] Literally. Okay. Alright.
[1:40:47] Uh, this will be one appointment
[1:40:48] for a two year term expiring December, 2027.
[1:40:51] Capacity one owner of a Fertile hunting dog.
[1:40:54] Please vote for one, not dog for one of the candidates.
[1:41:00] You have your I did took it.
[1:41:06] I'll come back. Yeah, I've gotten that somewhere.
[1:41:15] Yeah. He, I can't find my, that
[1:41:27] control.
[1:41:42] I can't find it.
[1:41:49] What was their names again? Right here.
[1:41:53] Okay. He's on. Okay.
[1:41:58] Yeah. Okay.
[1:42:04] You're dealing.
[1:42:11] I don't wanna be the king.
[1:42:32] Mr. Chairman. Destiny Shores received majority vote.
[1:42:37] Uh, next will be, uh, experiment and self-reliance.
[1:42:41] Uh, one appointment three year term expiring June, 2028.
[1:42:46] Capacity one open vote for one
[1:42:48] of the following citizens wishing to serve Francis Alston.
[1:42:52] Brandy Bell, uh, Janna Bellamy, Sherry Billings.
[1:42:55] Ashley Burgess, Towanda Carpenter, Ashley
[1:42:58] Gorton, Gregory Harriston.
[1:43:00] Marsha Harris, Maurice Hill, Megan Hunt, Jeffrey Hostage.
[1:43:03] Tyler Moody, Shana Moore, Miriam Rivera, Dominique Roland.
[1:43:08] Destiny Shores. Nicholas Smith. John Stewart.
[1:43:12] Vote for one.
[1:43:58] Mr. Chairman, none
[1:44:00] of the applicants received majority vote.
[1:44:02] However, John Stewart has received three votes.
[1:44:06] Miriam Riviera has received one vote.
[1:44:10] Tawanda Carpenter has received one vote.
[1:44:12] Ashley Burgess has received one vote in Francis Austin
[1:44:16] has received one vote.
[1:44:19] So the board will need to vote again to get
[1:44:22] to a majority vote on one of the applicants. Alright,
[1:44:26] We have Call the names again, please.
[1:44:29] Sure.
[1:44:30] John Stewart Right there. Oh,
[1:44:34] Miriam
[1:44:35] Riviera, Tawanda Carpenter.
[1:44:41] Ashley Burgess or Francis Austin.
[1:44:46] Where were they? I'm sorry.
[1:44:55] John Stewart.
[1:45:48] Mr. Chairman John Stewart received majority vote.
[1:45:52] Okay. Um,
[1:45:53] for South County Historic Resources Commission one.
[1:45:55] Appointment four year term expiring June, 2029.
[1:45:59] Capacity one. Licensed architect. You may vote for one.
[1:46:02] The candidates are Ed Bolden
[1:46:06] and Jeremy Thorn.
[1:46:27] Are there two? Oh, I thought I already did that.
[1:46:32] I thought I turned that in already.
[1:46:35] Yeah, I filled it out though.
[1:46:43] Well, I I would, no, it's not here. I'll just put it.
[1:46:49] That's not yours. No it's not.
[1:46:53] Well that's, that's for me.
[1:46:55] I dunno who that it came before us.
[1:47:22] Yeah, I found it. It was upside down.
[1:48:59] What? That's your signature? Yeah. Okay.
[1:49:02] That's what I needed to know. Thank you.
[1:49:08] That was weird. She thought it was yours.
[1:49:12] She thought it was. Did I come before? Okay.
[1:49:16] What was that about? A forgery.
[1:49:21] I'm a forger.
[1:49:27] A forger.
[1:49:32] Mr. Chairman Jeremy Thorn received majority vote in the
[1:49:35] licensed architect position,
[1:49:38] Uh, for the, uh, for South County
[1:49:40] Store Resources Commission.
[1:49:42] Uh, continuing one appointment
[1:49:43] for your term expiring June, 2029.
[1:49:47] Capacity two at large.
[1:49:48] So you can vote for two of the following.
[1:49:50] Citizens wishing to serve Ryan Bullard.
[1:49:53] Uh, Sarah Cromwell, Megan Hunt, Brittany Hyder,
[1:49:56] Adam Landreth, Jeff Murphy, Noah Reynolds, Susan Rupp,
[1:49:59] Jason Theo, Heidi Tuft, Amanda Voth and
[1:50:03] or Mark Watkins
[1:50:25] Historic commission?
[1:50:32] I don't think I can give any more
[1:50:33] Mixed up.
[1:50:35] Okay. I just hold on.
[1:52:09] Mr. Chairman Noah Reynolds
[1:52:12] and Jason Theo receive majority votes.
[1:52:17] Uh, next for South County Juvenile Crime Prevention
[1:52:19] Council, one appointment two year term expiring June, 2027.
[1:52:23] Capacity one member of faith community vote for one
[1:52:26] of the following citizens wishing to serve Albert
[1:52:30] McInally or Max Graham.
[1:52:42] Yeah. Yeah, I think Max was already by
[1:52:44] Acclimation. He was
[1:52:45] in the under 21.
[1:52:47] It says the, I have a
[1:52:51] different, uh, sheet here.
[1:52:53] Two citizens wishing to serve of Albert McInally
[1:52:57] or Antoinette Joiner.
[1:53:00] You can use that for your vote.
[1:53:01] Okay.
[1:53:43] I told you there were, I told you there were
[1:53:45] Bugs in this thing.
[1:53:50] Mr. Chairman Antoinette Joyner received majority vote.
[1:53:55] Next is Novant Health, Inc.
[1:53:56] Board of Trustees one Appointment three year term
[1:53:58] expiring December, 2028.
[1:54:01] Capacity one County Commissioner appointee,
[1:54:04] you may vote for one.
[1:54:06] There's an incumbent wishing to serve Charles er citizen.
[1:54:09] Wishing to serve Marquee Barnett.
[1:55:29] Mr. Chairman Charles Huser received majority vote.
[1:55:32] Next is Smith Reynolds airport board two appointments
[1:55:35] three year terms expiring December, 2028.
[1:55:38] So capacity of two You may vote for two of the following.
[1:55:43] Wishing to serve, uh, incumbents.
[1:55:47] Wishing to serve Perry Hudspeth. Clarence Lamb.
[1:55:50] Citizens wishing to serve John Abrams. Matt K Clipper.
[1:55:54] Josh Ferer. C Roger Hill, Jeffrey Hodges.
[1:55:58] Richard Journeying. Joseph Mock or Josef Weaver?
[1:56:04] Vote for two.
[1:56:38] Okay.
[1:56:57] It should be you and me too sister.
[1:57:05] Mr. Chairman Perry Hudspeth
[1:57:07] and Clarence Lamb received majority vote
[1:57:11] And hopefully last zoning Board
[1:57:13] of adjustment for South County.
[1:57:14] Two appointments, three year terms expiring December, 2028
[1:57:18] capacity one regular and one alternate member.
[1:57:22] So the two top applicants receiving the most votes will fill
[1:57:25] the vacancies Vote for two of the following citizens wishing
[1:57:28] to serve Christopher Aye, IHE Ika,
[1:57:33] John Lawrence, Robert Peterson, Nicholas Smith,
[1:57:35] Philip Venable, or Rick Ick.
[1:59:14] Mr. Chairman Phillip Venable received six votes
[1:59:17] for the regular member position
[1:59:20] and Robert Peterson received three votes,
[1:59:23] which is not majority vote.
[1:59:28] So the Robert Peterson received three votes.
[1:59:32] Nicholas Smith received two votes
[1:59:35] and John Lawrence received two votes.
[1:59:43] Okay,
[1:59:48] that will require an additional vote then for one
[1:59:53] of those three candidates.
[1:59:55] John Lawrence, Robert Peterson or Nicholas Smith.
[1:59:59] Is that correct? Yes. Okay.
[2:00:23] He's got it. He's got it.
[2:02:01] Mr. Chairman Robert Peterson received two votes.
[2:02:04] Nicholas Smith received three votes
[2:02:06] and John Lawrence received two votes.
[2:02:10] We will need another vote to get a majority vote
[2:02:12] between the three, which is Robert Peterson,
[2:02:17] Nicholas Smith and John Lawrence.
[2:02:24] You vote for? I voted for Peter.
[2:02:30] So what's his name? Smith.
[2:02:35] So there'd be another additional vote.
[2:02:40] Not yet a tie breaker
[2:03:00] Other Than the fact We
[2:03:01] can't count.
[2:03:57] Mr. Chairman Nicholas Smith received majority vote
[2:04:00] for the alternate member position.
[2:04:03] Thank you. Yeah, I believe that, uh, concludes
[2:04:08] the voting for tonight
[2:04:11] and it's truly a testament to those who wish
[2:04:13] to provide public service selflessly to this county.
[2:04:16] But if there's no one else running
[2:04:17] for anything on planet Earth,
[2:04:19] we are concluded with that part.
[2:04:23] Thank you. Commissioner Wilson.
[2:04:24] Agenda items 30
[2:04:25] through 31 are resolutions approving refunds by the tax assessor.
[2:04:29] Collector 30 is in the amount of $11,752 and 64 cents,
[2:04:34] and 31 is in the amount of $413,987
[2:04:38] and 17 cents
[2:04:41] Approved by Commissioner L.
[2:04:43] Second by Commissioner Bessey. Any discussion?
[2:04:46] All in favor, please say aye. A Aye.
[2:04:49] Motion carries unanimously.
[2:04:50] Agenda items 32 through 34 are our reports.
[2:04:53] 32 is the October Human Resources report.
[2:04:56] 33 is the Act 33 is the October contribution based
[2:05:00] benefit cap report.
[2:05:01] And 34 is the November financial report.
[2:05:05] We approve. Motion to approve by Commissioner Linville.
[2:05:09] Second. Second by Commissioner Bessey
[2:05:12] and Vice Chair w Any discussion?
[2:05:14] All in favor, please say aye. Aye.
[2:05:16] Motion carries unanimously.
[2:05:18] Agenda item 35 is an added item
[2:05:20] that was properly briefed on Monday.
[2:05:23] It's a resolution authorizing a Second Amendment
[2:05:25] to a revenue agreement with Keef commissary network, LLC
[2:05:28] for onsite inmate commissary services
[2:05:31] for the Law Enforcement Detention Center.
[2:05:33] This would extend their agreement for one month
[2:05:36] through January 31st, 2026 to ensure a smooth transition
[2:05:40] with a new vendor who will start February 1st.
[2:05:43] Um, the new vendor's contract will be brought
[2:05:45] to you at the first January meeting.
[2:05:48] Do we have a motion? Move to Approve?
[2:05:50] Motion approved by Commissioner McDaniel. Second.
[2:05:53] Second by Commissioner Bessey. Any discussion?
[2:05:56] So I do have, um, just a couple of questions.
[2:05:59] Um, I can't recall if I left early
[2:06:02] or I think maybe I did before we got to, to this, I'm sorry.
[2:06:06] But, um, the,
[2:06:12] um, did we talk, did you talk about the rationale
[2:06:14] behind terminating this contract, um,
[2:06:18] at, in February?
[2:06:21] I guess it, a new one would start in February,
[2:06:23] but the this one would end in, um, January 31st, 2026.
[2:06:28] That is correct. Um, essentially what I said was
[2:06:30] that it's a sensitive matter
[2:06:32] and, um, we were going to go with our, um,
[2:06:35] the second ranked vendor.
[2:06:40] Um, so now my
[2:06:45] brain is clicking to maybe the rationale why.
[2:06:48] And so, um, I do absolutely, um,
[2:06:52] have the same concerns,
[2:06:53] but I do think that in order for me to, um,
[2:06:57] vote reasonably, I would, you know, like to get some input,
[2:07:03] um, from the sheriff's office regarding this contract.
[2:07:06] I, I've been working closely
[2:07:08] with the Sheriff's office, um, on this.
[2:07:11] Um, and his detention center staff, his business office,
[2:07:15] I've not spoken with the sheriff directly, um, on it.
[2:07:18] Again, it's a sensitive matter.
[2:07:20] Um, and so our recommendation is to go
[2:07:22] with a second ranked vendor.
[2:07:24] Is there any, so not
[2:07:29] to belabor this for sure,
[2:07:32] but I think that, um, based on the sensitivity quote unquote
[2:07:36] of the issue, um, determination of this contract, I think
[2:07:40] that, you know, I would hope that there is, um, some
[2:07:45] direct feedback from the sheriff's office.
[2:07:48] I think that, um, so we, we don't one ever have to go back
[2:07:53] and forth with something like this.
[2:07:55] I think that, um, without definitive,
[2:08:02] Um, resolve of, you know,
[2:08:06] whatever happened over, um, at the, with this contract,
[2:08:12] then generally our policy is whoever is the lowest bidder,
[2:08:16] this was the lowest bidder.
[2:08:17] And so now if there's something that is a concern,
[2:08:21] but the sheriff's office is not, um,
[2:08:25] either on record saying what the, you know, what
[2:08:28] what is their response with this concern are coming over
[2:08:31] to talk to us about their response to this concern.
[2:08:35] I think that for me, uh, there, there is a gap
[2:08:38] of why we're doing it other than there is a sensitive issue
[2:08:41] without any explanation from what's going on
[2:08:45] over at the Sheriff's office.
[2:08:49] But that's, that's my point.
[2:08:53] I do just wanna clarify, we're not terminating their
[2:08:56] contract, they're just not being selected as the new vendor.
[2:09:01] So I want to clarify why we're terminating the, um,
[2:09:07] terminating this contract.
[2:09:09] But you're saying that it's a sensitive issue,
[2:09:11] so I I mean I I get that maybe there is some, some parts
[2:09:16] of it that we can't discuss
[2:09:17] and so I won't go down that rabbit hole
[2:09:19] unless there's some direction from the county attorney.
[2:09:22] But I'm just saying that without,
[2:09:26] I have not heard the,
[2:09:28] any direct response from the Sheriff's office
[2:09:31] around the sensitivity of this issue
[2:09:33] and why we truly should be terminating
[2:09:36] it, is what I would say.
[2:09:39] Well, the Sheriff's office, um, they're the ones
[2:09:42] who drafted the sec, the,
[2:09:44] this agenda item.
[2:09:47] But again, I have not spoken with the sheriff directly, um,
[2:09:52] recently in regards to this particular agenda item,
[2:09:55] but it was worked on with sheriff's office staff.
[2:09:58] Oh, okay. So you're saying that this is something that is
[2:10:03] Well, to be clear, I mean my recommendation
[2:10:08] and I was clear with, um, sheriff's office staff
[2:10:10] that my recommendation was to go
[2:10:12] with the second ranked vendor and,
[2:10:15] and I would, I would not be recommending, um,
[2:10:19] continuing selecting the, this vendor.
[2:10:26] We, we could certainly ask our attorney
[2:10:28] what we can disclose in public or, or not. Yeah,
[2:10:31] I'll, I'll just say that, um, if, if,
[2:10:34] if it's the board's desire you, you could go to an,
[2:10:37] into a closed session to consult
[2:10:38] with an attorney about this matter.
[2:10:40] But, um, I, I agree with the manager
[2:10:42] that this would not be proper to discuss in open session.
[2:10:49] Alrighty, with any, any further discussion, all in favor,
[2:10:53] please say aye.
[2:10:55] Aye. Aye. Any opposed? No motion passes. Six to one.
[2:11:01] Um, I, I know the next item is the yearend review, but
[2:11:04] before we do that, I will, um, we do have another item
[2:11:07] that needs to be voted on to be added to the agenda.
[2:11:11] And it is in front of you on paper.
[2:11:14] It's a resolution authorizing the grant
[2:11:16] and execution of a waterline easement to the city
[2:11:19] of Winston-Salem across a portion
[2:11:21] of county owned real property located at 100 Horizons Lane
[2:11:24] in accordance with your rules of procedures.
[2:11:27] This would require the board, the majority of the board
[2:11:30] to third majority of the board to agree to add this
[2:11:34] as an agenda item.
[2:11:36] Um, and so I can certainly turn over to the chair who,
[2:11:39] if he would like to further explain. Yeah,
[2:11:41] I, I'd be happy to explain it.
[2:11:43] I actually received a call from, um, Richard Anderson,
[2:11:46] who actually is the, um, the director
[2:11:49] of the Horizons Residential Care Center.
[2:11:52] You all may know that they, in fact, one
[2:11:54] of our ARPA projects was actually to help construct a,
[2:11:58] a different style reo more residential living facility
[2:12:01] to not have a congregate living facility,
[2:12:03] but actually have more individual rooms.
[2:12:06] The facility was actually ribbon cutting
[2:12:08] was actually two months ago.
[2:12:10] Um, it is finished and it's by not going ahead
[2:12:14] and approve this came, literally came late from the
[2:12:17] city last week.
[2:12:19] And if we waited until Jan, January 15th,
[2:12:22] there's a whole nother month that goes by
[2:12:25] before the building even has a capability of being occupied.
[2:12:30] Our, our, our bylaws, I mean, are
[2:12:32] for operating the meetings.
[2:12:33] It does deal with their, we, we can add something
[2:12:36] that was not briefed in an emergency.
[2:12:38] This is not, not, it's not an emergency for us,
[2:12:40] but it's an emergency for someone who is on our land
[2:12:44] that we leased them for a dollar for 50 years
[2:12:48] or a hundred years and, and the damage done
[2:12:52] 'cause it talks about any suffered damage.
[2:12:53] It's gonna be the residents that cannot go ahead
[2:12:55] and move into the new facility.
[2:12:57] So it's another 30 day wait that we be unnecessary.
[2:13:01] We were able to get the,
[2:13:02] this is something we routinely approve
[2:13:04] and I think that would be, uh,
[2:13:06] it's just an easement from on our property for a,
[2:13:09] for the Horizons Residential Care Center. Uh,
[2:13:13] I have a question for Ms.
[2:13:14] Swain.
[2:13:27] I'm not going to assume anything
[2:13:28] but it, I I I would guess as far as water lines goes,
[2:13:33] they just need a certain, uh, narrow width
[2:13:37] of easement and, uh, can, whatever
[2:13:42] that easement in is will it be located in, in a place
[2:13:46] that won't interfere with anything else?
[2:13:48] Correct. Yes sir. Okay. Mm-hmm.
[2:13:51] There's, there's no interference.
[2:13:52] It's all within their lease boundaries,
[2:13:56] The question. Alright.
[2:13:57] I guess I'll ask another one then that you,
[2:14:00] you've answered 'em, you got Ms.
[2:14:02] Wayne, you always got the answers.
[2:14:04] Um, what,
[2:14:08] when these kind of things occur, how is it things get
[2:14:13] so far behind that something like the, I understand it
[2:14:17] and don't have a problem with it,
[2:14:18] but it, it's, it's just good
[2:14:22] to know about whatever it is all,
[2:14:24] and I just know what to do with water lines
[2:14:27] and, uh, well, the one's going to be in a way or something
[2:14:31] and she explained it and,
[2:14:32] but that's the reason for the questions.
[2:14:34] And if it's of any offense to anybody, then so be it.
[2:14:40] Chelsea, is this not just for a meter?
[2:14:42] I mean, I, I just, I I'm just remember
[2:14:44] what Richard said yesterday? It's just,
[2:14:47] It's for about 8,000 square feet of water line just
[2:14:50] to serve the new buildings there.
[2:14:52] There is some new construction there with it.
[2:14:54] Yeah. Which is, and the
[2:14:55] construction basically is finished.
[2:14:58] I mean, there's some other delays too.
[2:14:59] 'cause they also have to have it inspected by the, uh,
[2:15:02] North Carolina DHHS folks has also come out,
[2:15:06] but this is another 30 day period.
[2:15:08] I just waiting, so I, I I agree with, I agree
[2:15:13] with you. Uh, commissioner ni
[2:15:14] Well, Time delays.
[2:15:16] That's good. I'll move to, uh, approve for this.
[2:15:19] I've just wonder another day we'll go ahead
[2:15:21] and ask if there was a second then I'll tell you
[2:15:23] what I was thinking about the,
[2:15:24] Well, I'll, I'll second and I think we have
[2:15:26] to take action first to add it to the agenda.
[2:15:29] It requires five votes.
[2:15:30] All in favor of adding it to the agenda.
[2:15:32] Please say aye a aye. Any opposed?
[2:15:35] We're adding it to the agenda.
[2:15:37] I'll accept your motion to approve the, uh,
[2:15:40] the easement on the waterline.
[2:15:42] Is there a second? Second. Second from Vice Wizen hunt.
[2:15:46] Now further discussion. One
[2:15:47] Question. Um,
[2:15:48] uh, is there any, is, is this basically cleared land
[2:15:53] that the, um, uh, the easement would be running over?
[2:15:57] My understanding is yes. Okay.
[2:15:59] So there's, there's nothing sensitive in the
[2:16:02] proposed path of the water line.
[2:16:04] Okay, fine.
[2:16:07] Good. Over to discussion please.
[2:16:10] All in favor, please say aye. A aye. Any opposed?
[2:16:13] Motion carries unanimously.
[2:16:16] Now we'll actually vote on the resolution authorizing the
[2:16:19] grant and execution of a waterline easement to the city
[2:16:22] of Winston-Salem across a portion
[2:16:23] of county owned real property located at
[2:16:25] 100 Horizon Lake. We
[2:16:26] We did both. Did
[2:16:27] you do both? Yes, we did. We had two actions.
[2:16:30] Oh, I'm sorry. One was to add it to,
[2:16:32] to the a voting and then we did vote.
[2:16:34] Okay. Sorry, I missed that.
[2:16:35] Right. I'm not the only person that happens to
[2:16:37] It's late. I'm sorry.
[2:16:38] Okay. So we, we do have two more items.
[2:16:43] Um, if it's okay with you, Mr.
[2:16:44] Chair, I'll quickly talk about the funding
[2:16:46] for metal detectors before.
[2:16:47] Yes, please do. Before your year in review. Yes. Yes.
[2:16:49] Um, so, um, just a quick update for the board.
[2:16:52] Um, since Monday's meeting, I've had several conversations
[2:16:55] with Superintendent Phipps
[2:16:57] and, um, also met
[2:16:58] with him in person yesterday about this item.
[2:17:00] Um, what he has essentially stated as is that this, um,
[2:17:05] potential requests had not even been thoroughly reviewed,
[2:17:09] um, by him to the Board of Education.
[2:17:12] Um, and so they are not prepared to submit any type
[2:17:16] of requests to the Board of Commissioners.
[2:17:18] He wants to do a thorough, um, operational analysis
[2:17:21] and assessment, um,
[2:17:23] and expect to be able to, uh, provide more discussions
[2:17:26] and potential options, maybe a potential, um, request,
[2:17:30] um, sometime in January.
[2:17:31] But he's also looking through his various funding
[2:17:33] sources and, and all of that.
[2:17:35] So he wanted to make sure I conveyed that he did discuss
[2:17:38] that individually with board members
[2:17:39] and they were not prepared to, um,
[2:17:41] request anything at this time.
[2:17:45] Good. So we'll return at a later
[2:17:47] date when we hear from them.
[2:17:48] Thank you. Ready? Ready for the closing year in review.
[2:17:54] Can't wait at, at the last meeting of the year.
[2:17:57] We have traditionally reviewed the milestones
[2:17:59] of our work over the previous year
[2:18:01] and with the help of the county manager, um,
[2:18:04] I'm happy to do that now.
[2:18:05] So I think all of you would agree that, uh, 2025 was a i,
[2:18:09] on my little notes I put capital BUSY.
[2:18:12] This was a busy year.
[2:18:14] Um, and there are a presentation just to summarize
[2:18:17] and it is a lot of things, a lot of things to summarize is
[2:18:20] that basically it's in seven sections.
[2:18:23] First is in key personnel changes, so personnel changes.
[2:18:27] Just quick recap of key personnel changes in, uh,
[2:18:30] back in April we hired, uh, Jamie Burman
[2:18:33] as our animal shelter director.
[2:18:35] In May, we hired longtime tax assessor collector.
[2:18:38] John Burgess re retired
[2:18:40] and we thanked him for finishing the, the, uh,
[2:18:43] property reevaluation year.
[2:18:45] And in June we had a substantial restructuring
[2:18:48] of emergency services.
[2:18:49] You will recall that the vacant director's position
[2:18:52] of emergency services was eliminated
[2:18:55] and our three deputy chiefs were promoted to directors
[2:18:58] of their respective division.
[2:19:00] Each of those reporting to Kyle Haney,
[2:19:02] our deputy county manager, Andrew Davis,
[2:19:05] is our EMS director.
[2:19:07] Um, Brock, uh, Smith is our fire services director.
[2:19:10] Jamie four is the communications director
[2:19:13] that the 9 1 1 communications director.
[2:19:15] And I think all of you would agree that
[2:19:17] after this six months,
[2:19:18] this arrangement has worked out very well
[2:19:20] and actually has saved the Mon County money.
[2:19:24] Also in June, uh, Michael Duncan was hired
[2:19:26] to fill the long vacant behavioral SER health services
[2:19:30] director's position, and Leslie Rose in July was hired
[2:19:34] by North Carolina State
[2:19:36] as our new cooperative extension director.
[2:19:39] And we hired Amanda Markle, who's in the back of the room.
[2:19:41] Um, as our new tax assessor collector, key personnel,
[2:19:46] second board operations and public engagement.
[2:19:49] In March, the board began holding quarterly evening meetings
[2:19:52] to improve accessibility and public participation.
[2:19:55] In April, for the first time, the board
[2:19:58] of County Commissioners Budget workshop meetings were
[2:20:00] broadcast and available online,
[2:20:03] further enhancing transparency and public accountability.
[2:20:06] In August, board
[2:20:08] of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution
[2:20:11] urging regulators to deny permits
[2:20:13] for transcos pipeline expansion until
[2:20:17] a full environmental review confirmed safety.
[2:20:20] In December, the board of county commissioners
[2:20:22] approved holding monthly evening sessions beginning in
[2:20:25] January 3rd category public safety, health
[2:20:29] and emergency response.
[2:20:31] In the period between February
[2:20:32] and June, the county engaged the firm North Carolina Fire
[2:20:36] Chiefs Consulting to conduct a comprehensive assessment
[2:20:39] of emergency services operations.
[2:20:43] Many of their recommendations have already been implemented
[2:20:47] in the same timeframe.
[2:20:48] Our own local county fire study committee, um,
[2:20:52] finished a a a their work
[2:20:54] and recommended increasing the fire tax overlay funds
[2:20:58] to benefit all of our county fire departments
[2:21:01] and make it possible for every department to respond 24 7
[2:21:04] to fire calls, not just the larger fire departments.
[2:21:09] From July until now, um, we've had, again,
[2:21:13] the North Carolina Fire Chiefs Consulting firm
[2:21:16] conducting a fire study.
[2:21:18] Last one was emergency service,
[2:21:19] and now doing a fire study
[2:21:21] to evaluate long-term fire system needs
[2:21:24] and develop a strategic plan for continuous improvement.
[2:21:27] From July to September, an $18 million city
[2:21:31] and county funded radio system
[2:21:33] for all first responders was replaced in the months
[2:21:38] of October and November.
[2:21:39] Forsyth County as partners
[2:21:40] and residents navigated the challenges
[2:21:42] of the federal shutdown that occurred
[2:21:45] between October 1st and November 12th.
[2:21:47] During this period, the county convened weekly meetings
[2:21:50] with nutrition and food partners to coordinate messaging,
[2:21:53] share updates, and plan for potential SNAP
[2:21:57] and WIC disruptions.
[2:21:59] A public facing website was launched
[2:22:01] to provide accurate information
[2:22:03] and a multi-agency press conference was held on
[2:22:06] October 29th.
[2:22:07] Staff were kept informed throughout
[2:22:09] and while some employees were temporarily reassigned,
[2:22:13] no reductions in force occurred.
[2:22:16] Due to the strength of this collaboration,
[2:22:17] the partners agreed to continue meeting monthly only.
[2:22:21] Good thing I can think of from the shutdown In November, all
[2:22:25] of our libraries began distributing free Naloxone Narcan,
[2:22:29] um, to continue increasing availability
[2:22:32] and accessibility of this lifesaving medication.
[2:22:35] Narcan has already been available in the detention center,
[2:22:38] lobby County Pharmacy, public Health, crystal Towers,
[2:22:41] Healy Towers, sunrise Towers,
[2:22:43] addiction Recovery Care Association, arca Smokey Shades,
[2:22:47] Lewisville Family Counseling City with Dwellings,
[2:22:50] and soon to be available at Social Services.
[2:22:53] Also in November, members
[2:22:54] of the newly formed Fire County fire com fire
[2:22:57] for size County Fire Commission were selected
[2:23:00] and actually held their first meeting in December.
[2:23:03] Fourth bundle is economic development across four projects.
[2:23:07] The county supported approximately 54.6 million in capital
[2:23:12] investment that's projected to create 144 new jobs
[2:23:16] with average wages ranging between 47,000
[2:23:20] to almost 80,000.
[2:23:22] The Board of County commissioners approved up
[2:23:24] to 488,000 in performance based tax incentives
[2:23:28] and authorized building reuse grant applications totaling
[2:23:32] 750,000.
[2:23:34] Um, the, okay, excuse me.
[2:23:37] I'm gonna tell you the four projects.
[2:23:38] Uh, GMAX Industries,
[2:23:40] a textile manufacturer has making a
[2:23:42] $15 million capital in investment.
[2:23:44] Their average wage of 60 3008 10.
[2:23:47] For 42 jobs,
[2:23:49] we approved 143,000 $165 in performance
[2:23:53] based tax incentives.
[2:23:55] Um, poly lies a German textile manufacturer
[2:23:59] and, um, a $31 million capital investment average wage
[2:24:03] of 47,028 jobs.
[2:24:07] This is an expansion for Poly Lies,
[2:24:09] which opened their first operation in Forsyth County
[2:24:12] in 2014.
[2:24:13] In part due to incentives provided about by Versaci County
[2:24:17] and Winston-Salem,
[2:24:18] we approved performance based incentives up to 291,183.
[2:24:23] Third project was Reagent Chemical Services at
[2:24:26] United Kingdom Industrial Chemicals manufacturer
[2:24:29] 5.63 million capital investment, average wages
[2:24:32] of nearly 60,030 jobs.
[2:24:35] Board of County Commissioners approved performance,
[2:24:37] performance based incentives for up to 53,962.
[2:24:42] But we also improved applying
[2:24:44] for a 350,000 building dollar building use
[2:24:48] reuse grant from the State Rural Economic Development
[2:24:51] Division on behalf of Reagent.
[2:24:53] And then WH Farms, the fourth company
[2:24:55] of plant-based botanical products, manufacturer of wellness
[2:24:59] and cosmetic products.
[2:25:00] 2.96 capital investment, million capital investment
[2:25:04] between 41
[2:25:05] and 44 jobs average weighs right at seven, uh,
[2:25:08] 80,000 79, 8 34,
[2:25:10] and we approved applying
[2:25:12] for a 400,000 building reuse grant from the
[2:25:15] North Carolina Commerce Department.
[2:25:17] Fifth bundle groundbreaking ribbon cuttings
[2:25:20] and special events in March.
[2:25:22] Ribbon cuttings were held
[2:25:23] for the Dudley Watts Park at Be Blues Lake.
[2:25:27] Um, in um, June we had,
[2:25:29] we actually held the Highland Avenue Center, um, uh,
[2:25:32] celebration for the, the, um, auditorium,
[2:25:35] the Highland Avenue Park, um, actually in mid-June in July
[2:25:39] and open house was held at the Phoenix House
[2:25:41] for a six bed residential facility for youth in DSS custody,
[2:25:46] awaiting new placements.
[2:25:48] He has ribbon cutting for Tanglewood Clubhouse on
[2:25:51] October 27th in the budget arena bus busy
[2:25:55] year, um, in January.
[2:25:57] Tax reappraisal, um, was uh, marked by an extraordinary
[2:26:01] and historic 51% average increase in property values over
[2:26:05] the previous four years.
[2:26:07] In June, the county sold general obligation two thirds bonds
[2:26:10] that were rated AAA by Moody's and Standards and Poors and
[2:26:14] provided 35.4 million for capital needs.
[2:26:17] Those needs included 16 million
[2:26:19] of capital maintenance projects for the library,
[2:26:22] the Sheriff's Office, parks and Recreation,
[2:26:24] and the community college and schools.
[2:26:27] The remaining 19.4 million was set in reserved to be used
[2:26:31] for the new Ashley Elementary School.
[2:26:33] In June. We adopted a $591 million budget
[2:26:38] and just a few highlights included a property tax rate
[2:26:41] of 53 point 52 cents per a hundred dollars of value.
[2:26:45] 14.20 cents tax decrease following historic
[2:26:48] reappraisal increases.
[2:26:50] However, this rate is 4.48 cents
[2:26:54] above the revenue neutral rate of 49.04 cents.
[2:26:58] An increase was primarily needed
[2:27:00] to reduce the county's reliance on fund balance.
[2:27:03] The budget set the fire service district rates
[2:27:06] to revenue neutral levels, um, following reappraisal
[2:27:09] and includes a 1.40 cent tax increase
[2:27:12] to the countywide fire overlay tax, bringing it
[2:27:16] to 1.79 cents, which funded the recommendations
[2:27:20] of our fire study committee.
[2:27:22] Um, our new, um, um, funding formula
[2:27:25] for the schools produced $180 million
[2:27:27] for WINS sale for South County schools.
[2:27:29] We supported public safety at 107 million Health
[2:27:32] and Human Services at 97 million
[2:27:35] and we had $1.8 million for community grants.
[2:27:39] Last item was Winston State SISes County Schools challenges
[2:27:44] this year was marked by significant challenges,
[2:27:46] steming from the WINS state,
[2:27:48] forsights County schools' financial crisis.
[2:27:51] Um, commissioners work diligently to support, um,
[2:27:54] offer support while safeguarding the county's financial
[2:27:58] stability and protecting taxpayers.
[2:28:00] In response, the board approved allocating eight
[2:28:03] and a half million to assist with debt repayment
[2:28:05] and authorized a debt forgiveness plan, um, dollar
[2:28:09] for dollar matching if private funds were raised.
[2:28:12] And as of this week five point,
[2:28:14] the superintendent reported 5.68 million has been raised
[2:28:19] to retire debt, which results in the SAT
[2:28:23] results in $5 million.
[2:28:25] Debt to the county. Being satisfied, pretty busy year.
[2:28:30] It's been a real pleasure, uh, working with all of you.
[2:28:33] I think you're all probably tired listening to that.
[2:28:35] Um, but in any case, uh, we'll, we'll be ready to start.
[2:28:39] Bright eyed and bushy tailed on January.
[2:28:42] Uh, actually the Monday briefing on the 12th.
[2:28:46] I think there's no other business. We shall stand adjourn.
[2:28:49] Have a happy holidays.