Laserfiche WebLink
003 <br />seeking to address in 2017 including the 2020 Land Use Plan, economic development, education, <br />and regional partnerships. This report also includes county statistics such as the population as of <br />2016 (59,660), the projected population for 2019 (62,623), current unemployment rate (5.9%), and <br />current public school enrollment (10,054). The report is available for public review at the Clerk to <br />the Board's Office located at 408 Summit Drive, Sanford, NC. <br />Voting Policy — The Board of Commissioners' voting policy following a public hearing is to <br />vote at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting following a public hearing for a proposed <br />project. The intended purpose of this policy is to allow time for public input and research. While this <br />policy will remain in effect, the Board of Commissioners discussed continuing efforts in making <br />certain accommodations in special circumstances for projects that require expedited decisions to <br />move forward. <br />Purchasing Policy — Finance Director Lisa Minter explained some differences between the <br />State's purchasing rules and the County's purchasing policy. Under State law, informal bidding is <br />required for purchase of apparatus supplies, materials and equipment between $30,000 and <br />$89,999.99 and for construction or repair contracts between $30,000 and $499,999.99. Under Lee <br />County's policy informal bidding is required beginning at $5,000 for both categories. The County <br />follows the State's rules for formal bidding. The County's policy also requires that three informal <br />bids must be received, or the purchase must be rebid. The Commissioners discussed applying the <br />County's policy to organizations that the County provides capital funding. <br />At this time, Commissioner Sloan moved to go into closed session pursuant to North <br />Carolina General Statute § 143-318.11(ax6) to discuss a personnel matter and § 143-11(a)(3) to <br />consult with the County Attorney regarding the Office of Administrative Hearings matter of Deborah <br />Hamilton vs. Lee County Department of Social Services. <br />Upon return from Closed Session, Commissioner Sloan stated the following: "The Lee <br />County Board of County Commissioners has approved a settlement of the Deborah Hamilton vs. <br />Lee County Department of Social Services case. The settlement terms will provide that Ms. <br />Hamilton will retire from DSS with the same health benefits provided to other retirees, there will be <br />no back pay paid to Ms. Hamilton, she shall sign a release of any and all claims that she may <br />have, and the County will pay $10,000.00 of her attorney's fees and costs." <br />Following the return from Closed session, Chair Dalrymple announced the Retreat will <br />recess until 9:00 a.m. the next day, Friday, January 27tH <br />The Retreat reconvened on Friday, January 27th at 9:00 a.m., and the following topics were <br />discussed: <br />Presentation from the Sanford Area Growth Alliance — Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO <br />Joy Thrash presented a history of the organization's mission and core functions, the development <br />and progress of its' program of work and how the organization has aligned resources to maximize <br />performance. Discussion was held regarding the County's Contract with SAGA along with SAGA's <br />budget. <br />Review of the County's Economic Strategic Plan — County Manager John Crumpton <br />presented a Strategic Action Plan for Lee County. This plan included goals and strategies centered <br />around six key drivers including leadership, the Lee County story, product development, economic <br />development, targeted growth and economic diversification, and continuous measurement. <br />Page 214 <br />