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In-Review: Granville Co. Commissioners’ Annual Two-Day Retreat (Part Two)

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Board of Commissioners met in February for its annual retreat. Held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, the work session provided an opportunity for Commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan.

Economic Development

Since 2017, approximately 20 new businesses have opened in the county including RiceWrap Foods, according to Economic Development Director Harry Mills, who added that opportunities are also being created by expansions at Revlon, Shalag and Altec.

Mills noted that the county’s re-designation as a Tier II county would be a factor in future grant eligibility.  The N.C. Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties using factors of unemployment rate, household income, population growth and adjusted property tax base, assigning each county a tier designation. Granville County was ranked among Tier III counties last year which included Orange, Wake and Durham counties. During the grant application process, priority is often given to Tier I and Tier II counties, Mills reminded.

County Commissioners prepare to hear comments from community leaders at the Granville County Retreat, held Feb. 21 and 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)

Tourism

Granville County’s new tourism campaign was presented by Tourism Director Angela Allen and by Corey Hughes of the Hughes Marketing Group, who has been contracted to help develop a marketing plan. Using a survey of residents and visitors as a guide, it was determined that the area’s relaxed and hospitable lifestyle are an unexpected advantage, leading to a campaign centered around the area’s open spaces, welcoming people and close proximity to larger communities. With a tagline of “Uniquely Carolina,” the new campaign includes a promotion focused on gathering places and “hometown” living.

Human Resources

HR Directors Wendy Pennington and Justin Ayscue provided information pertaining to employee turnover in Granville County Government, which has seen a steady decline since FY 2014/2015. In the past few years, a 401K match has been implemented, as well as changes to employee benefits such as a 401K match, an enhanced wellness program and other upgrades. A recommendation was made to implement an employee longevity pay plan to help increase retention. It was also noted that an option to apply for employment online has dramatically increased the number of applications received for vacant positions.

Social Services

Social Services Director Lou Bechtel presented information on upcoming challenges, citing a need for an “on call” staff member for after-hours assistance and anticipated staff additions if Medicaid expansion is approved by the General Assembly. Staff members recently completed NC Fast training and will be “prepared to meet the challenge” of this new program, Bechtel said. Additional technology was requested to initiate the NC Fast mobile applications that will help serve residents with their immediate needs.

Comm. Edgar Smoak facilitates a public safety round table discussion with staff of Granville County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)

Senior Services

Granville County Senior Centers (3) have served almost 12,000 congregate meals from July 2018 to January 2019, Senior Services Director Kathy May reported, in addition to approximately 7,000 meals to homebound residents. Transportation, which includes a fixed bus route, medical transport, etc., are also provided and are funded through various grant sources, with total one-way trips numbering more than 16,000 last year.

Through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), 743 Medicare recipients were provided assistance over the past year. Those choosing the option to change their Medicare Part D plans during open enrollment had a total combined savings of $458,387.

The Creative Lifelong Learning program, offered through the Senior Center in Oxford, has “exceeded all expectations,” May said, with charter membership numbering 250+. More than two dozen classes have been scheduled during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Sheriff’s Office

A summary report for 2018, provided by Sheriff Brin Wilkins, showed a total of approximately 8,000 incidents and arrests through the Sheriff’s Office alone. Across the county, more than 54,000 emergency calls were dispatched last year from the Sheriff’s Office, the county’s five municipalities, Highway Patrol, local fire departments, Granville EMS, Animal Control and other agencies.

Trent Brummitt, Manager of the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, reported that from July 2018 to January 2019, more than 36,000 calls for service had been made. As the county’s population grows, calls to the 9-1-1 Center have seen a steady increase, Brummitt noted, with the highest number of calls received in 2016. This was the year that the Oxford Police Department consolidated its dispatch services with the county’s 9-1-1 Center. Now at its most optimum level, staffing for this department has numbered 18 employees since 2011.

A report from the Detention Center by Sgt. Edward Cash focused on mental health issues which impact Granville County inmates. Through a new telemedicine program, inmates can be evaluated on site and offered treatment and follow up, eliminating the need for transport to other facilities. Since September, the program’s professional psychiatrist has identified 25 inmates who were suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and other issues.

Administration

Finance Director Steve McNally provided a summarized review of the county’s financial status, noting that property taxes collected to date ($36.7 million) are at 89 percent of total budget and one percent higher than at this time last year. Property taxes make up 65 percent of the county’s general fund, McNally reported, adding that Granville County’s revenues and expenditures are “in line” with budget expectations as of Jan. 31, 2019.

The preliminary budget is to be submitted to Commissioners by May 6, according to County Manager Michael Felts, with the budget to be finalized in June. Felts also provided a progress report of projects underway and under review, which includes digital policy updates, a focus on strengthening partnerships, continued economic development, school renovations and financing, advancements in broadband and other priorities.

Granville County is now in the final year of the current five-year strategic plan and will be working with staff in October and November 2019 to develop a new five-year plan for the Board’s consideration during next year’s retreat.

Additional reports

The Board of Education and mayors of all five municipalities were on hand to provide respective reports. Elected officials Senator Mike Woodard, Rep. Larry Yarborough and Rep. Terry Garrison were also in attendance to address the 2019/2020 Legislative Goals as they impact Granville County. “What we should always keep in mind,” County Manager Felts concluded, “is where we are, where we are going and what we need to get there. It is important that we are all going in the same direction.”

(To view Granville County’s five-year strategic plan, visit www.granvillecounty.org)

Oxford’s Public Works Committee to Meet Tues., March 19

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Press Release, City of Oxford

The Public Works, Water, & Infrastructure Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.

The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss painting the new water tank and the resurfacing project.

All those interested are invited to attend.

Zoning Amendments Continue to Make Oxford Board of Commissioners’ Agenda

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Chris and Amanda Welsh from FLY HNZ, new management at the Oxford Henderson Airport – update on the plans for the airport.

Public Hearing to receive citizen input on amending the zoning ordinance to include the definition of a craft distillery and amending the table of permitted uses to allow a craft distillery in the B-1 zoning district.

Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a rezoning request from Eddie Caudle to rezone 8 acres of land from R–A to B–2.

Consider rewarding the 2019 Concessionaire Contract for Oxford Park Athletic Complex to Farmer John’s Ice Cream, Robert Glover.

Consider Accepting Certificate of Sufficiency for Petition of Voluntary, Contiguous, Annexation for 3 + acres of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive and consider adopting a resolution calling for an annexation public hearing to be held in conjunction with the April 9, Regular Session if the Board desires to move forward with annexation.

Consider appointing George Summers to the Planning Board.

Consider adopting a Resolution for 2017 Local Water Supply Plan.

Consider approving a Budget Amendment for WWTP Headworks Repairs.

Please click here for the full agenda for the City of Oxford Board of Commissioners’ March 12, 2019, meeting.

In-Review: Granville Co. Commissioners’ Annual Two-Day Retreat

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Board of Commissioners met for its annual retreat on Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, 2019. The session, which provided an opportunity for commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan, was held at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center in Oxford.

Public Health

Health Director Lisa Harrison of Granville-Vance Public Health kicked off the presentation schedule, providing an update on the condition of the building currently used by the local Health Department. Citing structural issues after 42 years of use, Harrison noted that the foundation is sinking in one corner of the facility, causing walls to crack and ceilings to be compromised. A request was made to consider a relocation from 101 Hunt Drive. Several sites are being evaluated and will be brought back to the Board for consideration.

Development Services Director Scott Phillips provides information about capital improvements at the annual County Commissioners’ Retreat. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Planning/Inspections and Transportation

Planning Director Barry Baker and Development Services Director Scott Phillips provided information relating to current and future planning activities. Baker noted in his presentation that total zoning permits had seen a steady increase since 2014, with most permits for single-family dwellings in 2018 being issued for the Brassfield Township. Almost 400 new lots – to be located in planned subdivisions in Butner and Creedmoor  – were approved in 2018 and more are expected to be approved in 2019, it was reported. As the East End Connector nears completion – which will connect I-40 to the Raleigh-Durham Airport – this growth is expected to continue.

Transportation Planner Justin Jorgensen reported that projects pertaining to the NC 56 and NC 50 Corridors are also planned in the summer of 2019 and in 2020, and that sidewalk and greenway projects are underway in all municipalities.

Commercial construction has also risen drastically since 2014, from more than $14 million in value in 2014 to an approximately $43 million value in 2018.

Capital Improvement Projects

Exterior painting of the Granville County Courthouse has been completed, with work on the windows, cornice, soffit, bell tower and foundation stucco coming in at less than projected cost. Duct cleaning and mold abatement were also completed for the HVAC system and equipment, Phillips reported.

Site work has begun for the new Law Enforcement Center and Animal Shelter, to be located at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. Stormwater infrastructure is now 60 percent complete, according to Phillips, with an estimated completion date of August 2019 for this phase of the project. Water and sewer taps have been completed and piping has been installed to the project site, with a plumbing and electrical rough-in scheduled for April. Grading continues for the new Animal Shelter. Due to weather and soil conditions, work had been temporarily delayed, but the project is still expected to be completed in April 2020. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 12, 2019, at 2 p.m.

Exterior renovation on the building located behind the Courthouse, 122 Williamsboro Street, was also discussed. In 2013, the county retained professional engineers to evaluate the roof and exterior wall system. Basic needs identified in this report included removal of the existing exterior coating – as well as the deteriorated mortar – and replacing existing window and door sealants before exterior paint could be applied. Repairs were also recommended for the exterior fire escape stairs. Funding for this restoration was projected to be around $375,000. With a plan to move the Planning/Inspections office to the current Sheriff’s Office after the new Law Enforcement Center is completed –  and to relocate Child Support Services –  other options will also be considered for this building.

Work at the scale house located at the Butner Convenience Site was also completed in 2018 as a new 560 square foot building was added. Building and site improvements were also recently completed on this site, Phillips noted. Work at the Granville County Landfill is also substantially complete, with a C&D closure certification being submitted to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality for review and acceptance.

Recreation

An update on the Phase III expansion of the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) and the grant funding tied to that project was discussed by Management Analyst Charla Duncan. Granville County had secured a National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for $250,000, which was added to the $500,000 sum already set aside towards this project. The expansion will encompass approximately 12 additional acres for planned use and for future expansion. Added to the park will be six tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, an additional picnic shelter and restrooms, a paved walking trail, an all-inclusive playground area, three horseshoes pits, nine additional disc golf targets, open green space and parking.

The design schematic has now been completed, Phillips added. Once the proposed site plan is approved, construction documents and permit applications are expected to be completed by May 2019 with construction anticipated to begin in August of this year.

A partnership with the Granville County United Way has resulted in the 2018 addition of outdoor classroom space, little free libraries, a sound garden, a butterfly garden and other amenities to the already existing acreage.

“Accessibility and safety are our goals for this project,” Duncan remarked.

The county has plans to pursue additional grant funding from the United States Tennis Association.

‘American Women in History’ to be Presented at South Branch Library

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The South Branch of the Granville County Library System, located in Creedmoor, will host the program “American Women in History” on Saturday, March 9, 2019. The 5 p.m. event entitled “We Can Do It” is scheduled through Brightstar Touring Theater in celebration of Women’s History Month.

The show features some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers such as Amelia Earhart, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony, Laura Ingalls Wilder and many others. Those attending this production will discover the groundbreaking efforts of women like these in shaping American history. A discussion with the actors of Brightstar Touring Theater will follow the program, which is free and open to the public.

Brightstar has been providing professional theater to young audiences for the past 16 seasons. With plays and programs that are curriculum-based, a variety of shows are offered, from historical productions to diverse, character-based plays. This year, more than 2,000 performances are scheduled from Washington state to Florida and all areas in between, as well as in Germany, Russia and other countries around the world.

The South Branch Library, located at 1550 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor, welcomes this touring group and invites all ages to attend. For more details, contact the library at 919-528-1752.

To learn more about programs and services provided by all four branches of the Granville County Library System in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

Granville Board of Education Approves Changes to Elementary Attendance Zones

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 4, 2019, the Granville County Board of Education approved changes to the attendance zones of the northern area elementary schools. The changes impact school assignments for students living in the Joe Toler Oak Hill, West Oxford, and Stovall Shaw Elementary School attendance zones. This action became necessary after the Board decided to close Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School (JTOH) at their January 2019 meeting.

The Board reviewed three different options that were drafted by staff. Ultimately, the Board chose the option that will potentially best minimize route times for students, and be most efficient for the bus fleet serving that area. These new boundaries will go into effect beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Dr. Stan Winborne, Executive Director of Operations, Human Resources, Communications and Safety, presented maps, charts and a hypothetical route analysis to Board Members in an effort to provide as much information as possible about ride times and pick-up and drop-off times for students. Also included was information pertaining to the number of buses needed and total miles covered, all of which can impact the efficiency of the transportation department, which in turn impacts the department’s budget.

“Ultimately, the Board chose the option which was best for students.  While we cannot completely forecast the exact times and bus routes for next year with the information we have currently, we can plan for new attendance boundaries which have the least likelihood for long routes for students early in the morning, and late in the evening”, explained Dr. Winborne.

The approved new boundaries assign the majority of students in the current JTOH attendance zone to Stovall Shaw Elementary School. The remaining current south-west portion of the JTOH attendance zone will now be assigned to West Oxford Elementary School, which is closer in proximity to that school. (see map below)

Superintendent McLean offered her perspective on the matter, stating, “We want the shortest bus rides possible for our young students. With a county as large geographically as Granville, this poses a challenge for our transportation department. I believe the option approved by our Board will work well given our resources. However, one thing that is important to remember for our families living in the current JOTH attendance zone is that for next school year, they really do have a choice to attend whichever elementary school best suits their child. Our choice programs allow for this, and we plan to provide bus shuttle services based on the enrollment needs in our schools.”

Under the Choice Program, families may choose to have their children attend any elementary school in the district. Currently, each elementary school has its own theme or academic focus which designates it as a “choice” school. Door to door bus transportation is only provided to families within the designated attendance zone, however, the district does offer a series of bus shuttle services to assist with transportation in different parts of the county for families taking advantage of the choice program.

Parents, guardians, family members and members of the community may review detailed maps, and lists of addresses in the new attendance zones on the district website under the Transportation Department page.  If you have questions about a specific address, you may contact your child’s school or contact the Transportation Department at (919) 693-6412 or contact Ms. Cindy Fain by email at fainc@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville Co. Board of Education Member Toney Smith Resigns

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 4, 2019.  After the conclusion of official business items on the agenda, Board Member Toney Smith announced his retirement effective immediately, stating,  “After careful consideration and much thought, I have decided to relinquish my position as Board of Education member effective immediately. The demands of my professional career simply prevent me from participating to the extent that is needed. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve the children of this district, and I appreciate all of the hard work of our talented educators. I wish everyone the very best.”

Granville County Board of Education member Toney Smith announced his resignation at the Board’s March 4 meeting. Smith has served the constituents of District 1 for 11 years as a member of the Board of Education, having been re-elected for the position in 2014. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Mr. Toney Smith has served the constituents of District 1 for 11 years as a member of the Board of Education, having been re-elected for the position in 2014.  Mr. Smith’s tenure as a Board Member can be characterized as student-focused, with an emphasis on the equitable distribution of resources throughout the district.

Fellow Board Members, Superintendent McLean, and Senior Staff all praised Mr. Smith for his service, citing his love and compassion for students and public education. Dr. McLean shared her thoughts, stating, “During my tenure as Superintendent, Mr. Smith has always demonstrated sincere concern about issues around equity and fairness for all (both with students and adults) in the district – and I, not only respected but genuinely appreciated that.  It has been a joy working with him.”

Fellow Board Members also expressed their gratitude. Mr. David Richardson, Vice Chairman, presided over the meeting in the absence of Chairman Tom Houlihan. Mr. Richardson offered these thoughts, “Granville County Public Schools’ students have benefited from Mr. Smith’s service. We as a board have also benefited from his candor and common-sense approach to making decisions on behalf of the district. We wish him well and hope he continues to stay involved on behalf of our community.”

The Board will continue with six members until a replacement for District 1 is appointed. The replacement will serve until the next scheduled election for his seat, which will begin serving for the term of 2020. The Board will begin discussing the appointment process at their next regular meeting on April 1, 2019.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools on the Move…Literally!

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

GCPS IS ON THE MOVE – LITERALLY!

You probably see our school buses just about every day at some point on our roads. Chances are, you’ve probably ridden a school bus at some point in your life. But I bet you didn’t know some statistics behind our transportation department, so check this out:

Granville County Public Schools transports an average of 3,662 students per day on 103 buses. Our drivers cover more than 7,600 miles and work more than 298 hours each day.  This works out to a grand total of more than 1,218,200 miles per school year!  YES, that is 1.2 million miles – just in our county!  And, it took more than 182,150 gallons of diesel fuel to do this!  That’s is enough fuel to fill TEN average-sized swimming pools!  Not to mention all of the other fluids, tires, wipers, lights and other stuff that need replacing – just imagine the maintenance required! Our 8 full-time mechanics do an amazing job!

From a safety standpoint, our fleet of buses is constantly being upgraded and modernized. We now have 14 buses equipped with Stop Arm Cameras, designed to catch drivers on video who pass stopped school buses (a big no-no!). Also, all of our buses are equipped with Global Positioning Systems (GPS). GPS systems allow us to monitor the locations of our buses at all times. We can tell the speed of a bus, when it applies the brakes, and even when it deploys a stop arm. It also allows us to monitor time and attendance of our drivers, which allows for a very accurate account of bus driver hours for payroll.

The GPS system also has a feature called “Comparative Analysis”. This allows us to monitor and maximize the efficiency of our routes as designed by our routing program and compare to what our buses are actually doing. It also lets us offer the “Here Comes the Bus,” a mobile app made available to our parents. Using this app, parents and students are able to view real-time location of their bus. It has meant fewer missed pick-ups, preventing children to not have to wait in the dark, freezing temperatures, or pouring rain. Parents also no longer need to call the school to check the status of the bus.

Finally, did we mention our recent state safety inspection?  We received the best score EVER and beat the regional average score and had NO buses with serious safety infractions.

All in all, we have a pretty amazing Transportation Department full of talented staff, led by Mr. Harry Wilkins. We hope the next time you see one of our buses on the road, you will have a newfound respect and appreciation for the job we do of carrying the most precious cargo on the road – OUR STUDENTS!

#GCPSONTHEMOVE

Reminder: Groundbreaking for Granville’s New Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Please SAVE THE DATE for Tuesday, March 12, 2019, for a “groundbreaking” ceremony for Granville County’s new Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter.

The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the construction site, 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. The public is invited to attend.

Creative Lifelong Learning Offers Humanitarian Opportunity, Informative Classes

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) classes and events continue to be provided through Granville County Senior Services as the next quarter approaches.

In observance of World Water Day (March 22), CLL is partnering with Wine to Water, a non-profit organization located in Boone, NC to help build awareness of the world’s water crisis while providing a fun, interactive filter build experience. This free event is open to the public and is scheduled for Friday, March 8 from 3 until 4 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford.

Facts about the water crisis will be provided during the hands-on experience as filters are assembled to provide clean water around the world. Each filter can provide ten people with clean water for more than ten years.

Although the event is free, there is an opportunity to contribute to the cost of building filters and the logistics of getting them to remote areas around the world.  You may make your tax-deductible donation at the event or visit the campaign site at: https://bit.ly/2SiWm8A.

The campaign will be open through the end of March. The Oxford Rotary Club has already made a large contribution to this campaign. Other civic and church organizations are also invited to contribute.

Other exciting and informative classes for March include the following:

  • Nutrition for Living II scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m.;
  • More Practical Wisdom: Is it possible to walk a spiritual path in today’s world? scheduled March 28 through April 18 (Thursdays) from 10 until 11:30 a.m.; and
  • The Trojan War: Myth & History scheduled March 13 through April 10 (Wednesdays) 2:30 until 3:30 p.m.

Classes are open to all interested adults.

Ideas for classes, events and other opportunities are welcome for the next curriculum year. Those interested in teaching classes may contact the Senior Center or apply through the Granville County Government website.

The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford is located at 107 Lanier Street. To learn more about the CLL program and scheduled classes, visit www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/center-lifelong-learning/ or contact Granville County Senior Services at 919-693-1930.