2026-09-21 - Board of Commissioners

00:39Thanks for tuning in. If you're watching on

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00:56Alamance County is pleased to present the

01:06Going to call the meeting of the Alamance

01:11to order. And the invocation and

01:25Um, I'm doing a really cool study of Romans.

01:30Testament. And um, I was studying about depravity

01:37like our country, how we've got so many people at

01:43mad. Uh, we've got people losing their lives,

01:48that. And um I just really pray that we will get

01:54saving grace because we live in such an amazing

02:00for this country and I would hate to think that

02:05they matter everyone that's given their life for

02:10Lord for this evening and this meeting. I pray

02:15make the best decisions that your eyes would have

02:20thank you so much for the people here that came

02:25know that we totally hear it and we appreciate it.

02:34[clears throat] I pledge algiance to the flag of

02:41for which it stands. One nation under God,

02:53Okay. I need a motion for an approval of the

02:59I 5 Z. And before we get to the public comments, I

03:07is going to be on for the Burlington school,

03:12have to hold a public hearing um with, you

03:19um hit this bond that they're looking for, but

03:24we'll go to the public comments. We have

03:36I sent out an email if anybody needs a

03:42Sonia Blackwell. I'm from Snow Camp. As suicide

03:48domestic violence awareness month. We're

03:52resources, and education required to protect

03:58Mental health affects many individuals across our

04:03abuse and severe physical violence. Notably,

04:09strangulation is 750% more likely to become a

04:16intervention are vital to breaking this cycle. As

04:22I have seen the direct impact of these issues

04:28$75,000 grants, the result cancellation of the

04:35programs has severely affected local families.

04:40or volunteering is critical to maintaining safety

04:46support at Alamance requires urgent attention and

04:52deserves access to comprehensive 247 mental health

05:01are unable to deliver continuous coverage to

05:07including our veterans, I strongly urge the

05:14and federal funds to capable local nonprofit

05:21continuous care and the current framework is

05:27supporting these vital services in Alamance

05:35and efficient resource allocations. Please look

05:42I request an audit of our mental health facilities

05:47who is in charge without getting services and

05:53a complete overhaul. Alamance is not winning

06:00commissioners for three things. Investigate how

06:05health and community services, why they

06:10Determine whether residents are being charged

06:15replace funding for essential programs serving

06:21for restored funding and ensure that citizens

06:27appropriate support. When a person asks for help,

06:33another closed door. Thank you so much for your

06:44might not pronounced that right.

06:55Good evening. My name is Nicole and I am

07:00of domestic violence and strangulation. For me,

07:06This is my story and this is why I am here. I know

07:12own relationship to feel controlled and to have

07:17safety. I also know what it feels like to survive

07:22through. With October being domestic violence

07:26to one of the most dangerous forms of domestic

07:32are different. Choking is when something such as

07:37another person intentionally puts pressure on

07:42Strangulation can cause serious injuries or death

07:48Research has found that women who experienced

07:52about 750% higher odds of experiencing a completed

07:59experienced non-fatal strangulation. This is why

08:04about stronger protection for survivors and

08:10and explore a strangulation registry or other

08:15future victims. I know what it feels like to have

08:20again and I want to use it for the women, mothers,

08:25don't want to simply survive what happened to me.

08:30that can protect someone else. I survived. I found

08:35month, I am asking you to help me turn that voice

08:45Tim Herman

08:56[clears throat]

08:56say before I forget that those comments were much

09:02evening, chair and commissioners. I'm Tim Herman

09:07Disposal. Waypoint also represents Carolina

09:13franchise for residential garbage and recycling in

09:19bid out to bid this summer and seven companies

09:24bid in each of the three areas. Carolina Trash

09:30the countywide rate. Both are North Carolina

09:36incumbents Republic and GFL at higher prices

09:42reported. The recommendation will cost taxpayers

09:50million over the five-year term. Compared

09:56the rate is even higher at $248,000 per year.

10:03more than 10% below republic services price is the

10:11not the only one and the board has the authority

10:17it does taxpayers deserve to know why. staff's own

10:24franchise is quote a fair and competitive pricing

10:30this bid process produced two low biders and

10:37the point of a fair and competitive bid process

10:44the incumbents are telling Wall Street on their

10:50that truck and fuel costs are at an all-time high.

10:56same companies cut their rates by over $500,000

11:03have been overpaying for years. And the rates that

11:09higher than the lowest bid that you have. Notice,

11:15compete against GFL and GFL likewise bid their

11:22may hear that the incumbent's service justifies

11:29recommend in this particular contract liquidated

11:37Independence win this kind of business. Six

11:42hauler in Har County. Today, it does not hold a

11:48has replaced it countywide. In the Raleigh

11:53from Republic that in 2024, Republic sold its

12:00I simply request that you save the taxpayers the

12:19Hi, my name is Alex Babbot. I'm one of the

12:23is my sister. Uh she's also one of the owners of

12:28for the opportunity to bid on your uh trash and

12:33you know, we stand behind our service and

12:37we hold ourselves accountable and, you

12:41so we just wanted to come introduce ourselves

12:45ourselves or Anchor Disposals independent company

12:52Thank you. [clears throat] Ray Cob went

13:10[cough] [clears throat]

13:16Good evening, uh, commissioners. My name

13:20manager for Republic Services. I apologize

13:24um taking a cold. I disregard I mean I um disagree

13:31are thankful for having the recommendation of the

13:37with the county for over 22 years with waste and

13:43month in this county and we have less than I can

13:48this year alone. Um, the count the county will

13:54the last nine months from u me and my competitor

14:00county for years. They know your highways. They

14:06jobs and responsibilities personally. We have 18

14:12in this county. And we have continually invested

14:172 years. Our proposal rolls the trash rate back

14:26intentional by offering such a drastic roll back

14:32one of the greatest opportunities in preserving

14:38volume going into it. This can be achieved

14:44taking the recyclables out of the waist stream.

14:49and economically for the county. Our goal is

14:54the lower rate through an intentional effort to

15:00I'm not sure how Mr. Herman came up with it. They

15:06Anchor and we bid 3150 for the combined services

15:13the longstanding partnership with the county and

15:18evaluation team's recommendation on their um Thank

15:43Good evening, uh, commissioners. Um, I'm going

15:49news quite a bit lately. Um, remember

15:56Um anyway, uh hopefully um we're going to have the

16:04centers um properly. That was a good move. Um so

16:11one-year moratorum given all the negative press

16:17be more to come. For once, Alamance County seems

16:23surveillance and data collection engine humans

16:30personal information 24/7 and make it available to

16:37less freedom and higher profits. Just think about

16:44wander along the aisles with electronic shelf

16:49phone who's shopping, where they've been, what

16:55they pay more than someone else for the same item

17:02needs to pay. This is how AI needs to operate to

17:08construction to shareholders and the billionaire

17:15want to know what kind of negative life-changing

17:19door to by the by these the data centers. Um the

17:26the generator noise and pollution, the water

17:32Simple setbacks and other standard planning

17:38established for a working group to understand,

17:45to protect citizens? The county does not have

17:51incompatible land use next door, especially in the

17:58owners, not just the ones who profit? Thank

18:12Oops.

18:22All right. Good evening, commissioners, citizens.

18:28Waste. Um, and so I am the current district

18:34franchises. um for the municipal solid waste

18:41a little bit into this um I do appreciate

18:47uh solid waste program and the opportunity to bid

18:55uh offers rate reduction to the citizens

19:00well as new trucks and new containers for

19:07disappointed in the staff's recommendations

19:12um, I do believe that at least one of your areas

19:20uh, excuse me, Meridium Waste based on competitive

19:27you know, offered or bid upon. Um so with that

19:35service operational um transparency and uh

19:41your citizens here in this community as well as

19:48all the needs of those citizens here. Um as well

19:56know curbside appeal. it is more pleasing, you

20:02you know, making sure that all equipment is

20:09specifically areas one and two, it is 27 cents

20:16waste pickup. Um so my question to you all is at

20:23as new trucks, new equipment, a company with

20:29uh municipalities. At what point does

20:37um our bid was in comparison to our competitors?

20:43to thank you all again. And as you all know,

20:49lower rates do not guarantee the new equipment,

20:58We have Deanna Martin.

21:05[clears throat]

21:12Hey, I'm Deanna Martin. I'm also with Meridian

21:18elementsbased company and um, we have Tri Corners

21:27my parents owned Cobalt Sanrock and Sold Meridian

21:34Alamance County um Meridian. We have several

21:41also October 24th is our next one with the pumpkin

21:49GFL and Republic, um, we includes, like Reed

21:56um, new trucks, new garbage containers. Um,

22:04and a prettier Elements County. Um, I'm from

22:10Meridian's not only based North Carolina,

22:17I will personally make sure guarantee that we keep

22:25the promises that we made and when we first did

22:31and we've hit every milestone we said we would do

22:37wanted you to remember that when we go up for when

22:46Bonnie Whitaker

22:55[clears throat] have to put on my spectacles to

23:01I live in Graham. Uh, good evening commissioners

23:08currently a member of the Alamance County

23:12about the parental advisory sticker policy.

23:17identified by patrons may receive a parental

23:23about a book's content. The policy centers around

23:31explicit sexual content or references, substance

23:38or strong language. Yet this practical policy has

23:44what it actually is. The words book banning and

23:52These words create fear and division. A label

23:59censorship, especially when all books remain

24:04available for people to read. readers, parents,

24:10choices for themselves and their families. This

24:17consistency, and transparency. [snorts]

24:22her fellow commissioners for failing to adhere to

24:27committee selections and continues to make

24:32That seems strange since Commissioner Thompson

24:38against my appointment to the library committee

24:43unanimously selected by the city of Graham,

24:50because it's not only a double standard, it's

24:55going to criticize other public officials

25:01then you should apply that standard consistently,

25:07I want to thank the county commissioners

25:12your job is not easy. Thank you very

25:35Hey everyone, thanks for having me here

25:39North Carolina in the county limits and I have

25:4422 years and currently serve as the chair of the

25:48Committee. Thank you to Bonnie, my colleague,

25:52library discussion. Today, I'm here to speak to

25:58more specifically the issue of franchise

26:03on your agenda plans to discuss the exclusive

26:07been referenced by multiple vendors, the contract

26:12or whoever the other imaginary vendors that are

26:18this contract for I think 22 years I think he just

26:22the three zones. Two in the county, one in the

26:28should be considered for revision. It's possible

26:32zones and to be the sole provider in the county

26:38this might make sense for solid waste and sewage

26:43the county limits, we pay as individuals for our

26:48from using the sole franchise holder for

26:56It's also worth noting that these rules are really

27:01made exempt for mobile home parks, commercial

27:06meaning that the concern is not primarily about

27:11Private citizens who are displeased

27:14There's been a a citizen I've been talking with

27:19disabled and has had no response from Mr. Guston

27:24are available for residents who don't want

27:29provider and who cannot physically haul or

27:35are available for those citizens? By the

27:38has consistent one-star reviews online. With a

27:44Residents don't complain because why would a

27:48interest in a private contract? Most residents

27:52until my current provider started to tell

27:58we don't call because we don't know that's an

28:03Um, the ordinance also assumes it has the

28:06of residents and to enforce the commercial

28:12and civil fines of up to $1,000. I have yet to

28:17they derive this authority explained to me,

28:21a family's trash, that the policy would allow

28:25trash to the dump, but threaten to incarcerate

28:29the same garbage. As I said in my letter to the

28:35to, my concern is not limited to what constitutes

28:40freedom. I think we need to open this up to more

28:52Hi, my name's Emily Conway. I live here in

29:00Uh these three cities in Alamance pay for the

29:05system. The three city councils deserve to have

29:12and deserve to have committee members chosen

29:17The ordinance that established this representation

29:22followed until recent years. Um, attempts to

29:30being implemented have been voted down by this

29:36the ordinance correctly, put it on the agenda

29:41Um, also speaking of the stickers that are being

29:51discussion of the committee's feelings about what

30:00children in this library. It there on YouTube,

30:08the discussion looks like and where the biases

30:13find. It's not recorded on the county's website,

30:23as written is very dry. The discussions that

30:31thank you. Thank you. [snorts] Okay, that ends

30:42um their comments that they can make about the

30:51I thought Miss Simmons brought up a an important

30:58that we've had. uh you can't contract as

31:03away. That just doesn't make sense to me.

31:09having a a contract by the the county at the same

31:16I had conversations with the county manager

31:22Stevens in particular gave me some good

31:27both sides of this and particularly the

31:33consider more carefully our competitive model

31:39my assessment from those conversations. That's

31:52I was puzzling over this issue of u franchise

32:02had several calls concerning one of the

32:10uh some issues with pickup uh on schedule.

32:16a day or two uh late and u think we've we're

32:27try and mediate that or provide a solution to

32:35Um, I think it's something we might want to

32:45uh, [clears throat] regarding the the stickers on

32:53a sticker on a book is such an issue. Um, parents

32:59whether it's something they want their children to

33:04a movie for my wife and I to watch on at night

33:12we want to watch one. That's I tell you what,

33:20um, anyway, I don't know what the I don't

33:26taking books out of the library. We're not telling

33:32saying if your child brings this book to you to

33:41Commissioner Powell, [clears throat]

33:50uh domestic violence awareness month and mental

34:00centralized mental health um in the state and we

34:09board for three years. um that was Alamance

34:16system was changed and I'm not sure that we're

34:24need to be providing and when this when we get

34:34appropriate time I'd like to see us address uh

34:43serve the uh public. And I thought that the email

34:51had some great suggestions of going through and

34:59how many are not, and uh looking at that uh and

35:08uh but um I think it's something that we really

35:18um collection [snorts] system. I I I appreciate

35:31um efforts going on that could be really good and

35:42that. Um anyway, that's all I get. Commissioner

35:53just I know the courage it took to do that.

35:57month. We'll have a candle light visual and call

36:03all kind of horrible situations. Um, I met you

36:08and with Tony and Sonia and other people and um,

36:17ugly stuff in it and uh, it affects everybody in

36:22commission for five years in Raleigh. you see a

36:26many people that have died because of it and it

36:31for it and fighting for it to put a dent in it

36:36everybody know how to handle a call and everything

36:41that you know I was extremely disappointed that

36:46around since gosh the middle 2000s because I

36:52Jim Robinson and some other people. And it's

36:57violence with every aspect because um I always

37:03years old that wants to grow up and hurt his

37:08he may learn that. And there's not one little

37:13But if she's watched her mom do it, that's how

37:16is. Same thing with sexual assault. Not one woman

37:21a prostitute because they've been raped. most of

37:27um I just think we need to always remember that's

37:32care of our citizens because um not everybody

37:37everybody certainly goes home to a great home

37:41So I think it's very important and um I I'll save

37:48um I just hope we always as a county,

37:52I've got some comments for GFL, too, because I've

37:59we'll need to talk about that. Um, Manager York,

38:06lot of people do not realize that when we made

38:14the employees of the libraries, which are 64,

38:20uh benefits. And when you look at paying

38:28um you know the other that we offer, I think

38:36municipal contributions are and what the county's

38:44for your 2627 county budget? The

38:50$3.8 million to the operations of

38:57contribution for the facilities is

39:05And that was one of the agreements that for us

39:12to manager York and also that we pay salaries

39:20mentioned you know how nice the the properties

39:25they are I've been in all of them. They are

39:30the county has taken on and how much money they

39:37bring that out because it has not been brought up

39:44All right. So, next, um, if I might, I'd like

39:52I didn't fully check my notes here and I had

40:00were talking about the issue tonight and another

40:06county staff. And one of the issues that came up

40:13purportedly charged $400 for a visit that she was

40:20yet her Medicaid was build $400. So there's some

40:27to take a deep look into. All right. So just

40:37me. A different topic. Back to the the waste

40:42county staff. At at some point, will we get the

40:50we can talk about that when uh Mr. Gustin comes

40:56item is I need a motion to approve the consent

41:03I. 5. Now we have a public hearing. This is

41:14School. Jeffrey Polley. Thank you, commissioners.

41:23was here three years ago when they did their first

41:28Wisconsin. I'm here again for another [laughter]

41:39another set of bonds this time for an activity

41:45previous project and they want to go ahead and

41:50somewhat of a ministerial public hearing and then

41:56or the taxpayers of the county liable for any of

42:03can be addressed that for federal tax exemption

42:11bonds and the project in there. So I'm happy to

42:20uh we can open the floor for public comments um

42:27Motion to open the floor to public comments.

42:35have any questions for the Burlington school

42:44Is public money being used in any

42:51I would add my children went to Burlington

42:57fundraiser in the spring called Great Escapes. We

43:02"Why has I got pain shooting down my arm?" Because

43:07doing. But um it's a wonderful school. I met

43:12raise every dime oursel. And I know you still do.

43:17of people behind the scenes to do it. You got a

43:22And I can't say enough nice things about Burns,

43:25level and where you're going. Ronnie Wall does do

43:32to Ronnie, lived in the same neighborhood, but he

43:39Anyone else have any questions or comments? I'd

43:45in our private school system is is supporting

43:50we appreciate your efforts. Okay. Anyone else?

43:59the public hearing. I move second. All those in

44:06you. Um they're going to need a vote on the

44:11Motion to approve the rel resolution request. I

44:18I thought we weren't going to Sorry. [laughter]

44:27uh now we have uh other presentations and

44:35of Social Services. Good evening, commissioners,

44:43tonight to listen as I present about upcoming

44:49of additional positions for us to support the

44:54Um, I do want to share from the beginning

44:58fully supported by a combination of our

45:04some additional HR1 supplemental funding that

45:11health and human services. So, I'll briefly walk

45:16bit about those upcoming changes, and then share

45:21any additional county dollars. Um, thank you.

45:31and give a little bit of context to the size of

45:36currently serve 55,596 individuals um as of August

45:47considered to be part of the Medicaid expansion

45:52the majority of your HR1 changes directly impact

46:00we took a little over 8,800 applications into the

46:08active cases. So you have more recipients because

46:14receiving on one case. It could be a makeup of a

46:19out is that while these numbers don't um show the

46:26they don't fully reflect what a Medicaid workers

46:32sitting down to process an application or to

46:38They're also receiving reported changes such as

46:45changes to um their maybe they have an automatic

46:51home, county transfers. They're receiving many,

46:57that are dropping by the agency. They're reviewing

47:03and following up when there's additional

47:07calls have drastically increased just due to

47:13to recipients right now with the upcoming changes

47:20customer generated work, you also have numerous

47:26that require us to review individual cases and

47:33be changes that weren't reported to the agency.

47:39and so they have to follow up on those reports

47:44about 25 of those reports that are issued to

47:49in addition to their reertification or application

47:57by state processing time time frames. So, as you

48:03the Department of Health and Human Services that

48:08And if we don't, then we're looking at potential

48:13amount of work that's coming into the agency and

48:18have to consider when we're looking at these

48:23are expected to add additional verification

48:29um which means that cases are going to take

48:34expectation for timely processing remains from

48:40And as I mentioned, if the county does fail,

48:52Right. So, let's talk a little bit about what's

48:58changes that are listed here on the slide, but

49:03to be the new community engagement requirements or

49:09this impacts adults that are aged 19 to 64

49:14will have to meet a qualifying activity such

49:20attending school unless they meet some form of

49:26component for our staff where they have to review,

49:32have to determine whether an individual meets

49:38give you an example of an exemption, it could be a

49:43age of 14 in the household or maybe a caretaker

49:49um or some form of disability of an individual.

49:56um and complexity to the eligibility process.

50:02are going to have to at application determine

50:06requirements or community engagement requirements

50:11application. And for reertifications, they're

50:18additional um verifications that will be required.

50:27right now most of our Medicaid cases are reviewed

50:32every 6 months, which means those verifications

50:38those 11,000 individuals that are currently

50:43instead of us reviewing once a year, we will

50:49Um there's other changes that are coming as far

50:56Eligibility for some of our lawfully um present

51:02um that are mostly worked on a quarterly basis

51:07basis, which means additional support is necessary

51:13one isolated policy change. We're looking at

51:19that increase the frequency, the complexity,

51:24eligibility. And so in a nutshell, what this

51:32actions, more verification and followup, and more

51:39and requests for information that are likely

51:44coming into the agency. additional office visits

51:50than we've ever seen coming back into the agency

51:56our Medicaid staff are now having to learn a

52:03eligibility to incorporate these Medicaid

52:08Medicaid, it is forever changing. So, we get

52:13pretty regularly that require a stop. Let's

52:19it with our staff. So, ultimately, we're

52:25already significant workload, which is why we are

52:32And so the request to support is there are 11 um

52:41be time limited as that gives us an opportunity

52:46to look like. What are work requirements going to

52:52of this next year? Um and how those case loads

52:58time frames. The four income maintenance case

53:04support that helps with customer contacts that are

53:10documentation, um responding to any requests

53:16case management of of our cases. And this helps

53:23because if you can imagine working on a case

53:28for a customer to come in, you stop what you're

53:33come back to what you're doing, then you get

53:37navigate and how do we get it to where we can

53:42cases that are going to be necessary. And then

53:47those are responsible for that processing um the

53:54redeterminations. Oftent times what we see when

54:01of our programs, there's an immediate come back to

54:07of the Medicaid program, we often see an increase

54:12reapply for benefits because they're maybe unsure

54:18don't understand that they're not eligible.

54:24that's able to manage and provide supervision and

54:30that includes quality assurance, which is super

54:34no audit findings or paybacks for the county. Um,

54:41and helping to manage that workflow with the new

54:47provide the initial customer contact all the way

54:52supervision and quality assurance included. And

54:59fiscal year 28. So we have the opportunity to

55:04necessary to continue forward. So I mentioned

55:12want to talk a little bit about the breakdown of

55:17reimbursement, the county generally receives 75%

55:25Um for these positions, that 75% reimbursement

55:36That would be the county share. The allocation

55:45So there is enough within that supplemental

55:49for those positions. Um it is important

55:55have been issued to all 100 counties across the

56:01the community engagement and the funding can't be

56:07utilize this funding, the state will pull that

56:13is also not limited to just one fiscal year. Um

56:19indicates that it will continue annually. It's

56:25we saw. It will continue annually through state

56:33until that time where we will see an increase

56:40similar to that expansion dollars. And so

56:47authorize those timelmited Medicaid positions so

56:53those individuals trained as we get to the 1st of

57:02we're receiving through supplemental funds to help

57:10Commissioners have any comment or questions?

57:17that word earlier. Uh you're going to have a lot

57:22the new qualifications. Uh so do you have any

57:28about what the savings might be ultimately the the

57:35I I don't know as far as right off the top of my

57:40decrease is going to be in the case load size.

57:45and the non-citizen eligibility changes over the

57:52but as far as how many will fall off and how

57:59any inkling of the uh the work qualifications,

58:06of of those? Yeah, I think that we will probably

58:13come into play. Um, but I also know that oftent

58:20back to apply and so working through that process

58:26often where we get consistent applications from

58:32hoping um that maybe things have changed.

58:41not often you see what actually you consider to

58:49but a couple of comments. When you drive around

58:54to work or drive to school or go pick up groceries

58:59and you see new apartments, new condos, new homes

59:07uh as a reference when we came here back in

59:15County. Now there's 100 right at 185 to 187,000

59:2324 years almost 25 years. Um but the projections

59:36205. That's another 20,000 and the vacant homes

59:43whatnot. It's kind of looking like they think

59:52people. So my question is we were already having

1:00:04Do you have any idea where you're going to

1:00:08has actually rebounded very well. So we have had

1:00:14weeks. A lot of the feedback that we get is case

1:00:20think they're just going to be processing a case

1:00:26interrupts them and prevents them from doing that.

1:00:32we have hiring packets that are already in to give

1:00:38that the pool has rebounded and we're starting

1:00:43Good. Um, and being able to hire individuals

1:00:50say having additional staff and being able to

1:00:56staff because they are very overwhelmed with the

1:01:03not just from, you know, they all I can tell you

1:01:09cases as fast as they can and get benefits to the

1:01:14that come into play such as state reports and

1:01:20things that kind of dictate how your day goes and

1:01:28So, well, I hope you can find them, keep them.

1:01:37I don't see unless there's a big change in the

1:01:43in the process with the growth we have. I We're

1:01:48yeah, I don't see a big change happening. We feel

1:01:56a comment. Miss Google, I was when I read this uh

1:02:04one of the strongest examples of uh setup for AI

1:02:15and the information, you know, that comes in and

1:02:23come in and reduce the workload. Yeah. So, I hope

1:02:29perhaps from the state. Uh but uh what a wonderful

1:02:38um funds the supplemental funds that are going

1:02:46run out. So they are actually issued every year

1:02:56is bas for about 9 years. Yes. Um until unless

1:03:05that time frame but right now it is through 203536

1:03:11that we need to do. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah,

1:03:16many jobs being put on you and being interrupted

1:03:22and handle something else and come back to what

1:03:28job, too. So, I can understand you losing

1:03:34people there and enough in positions that most

1:03:39and they've got somebody helping them and they can

1:03:44stay. Yes. Now, this was going to be a big impact.

1:03:50budget next year, too. This looks like a possible

1:03:55thing to have happen. Yes. Just a question. With

1:04:01they're not cheap apartments. Lord, they're not

1:04:09hub? Is everybody want to come here because we

1:04:15you're talking about the different requirements

1:04:19is I mean, it's you just I mean, I look at gas

1:04:25It's like a roller coaster. But I'm just curious

1:04:30Yeah. And they're everywhere. And somebody that

1:04:36necessarily get that kind of money to afford that,

1:04:41seeing coming to schools and things like that, the

1:04:45curious if you're seeing that number itself is

1:04:52I don't think we're a hub. I will say that. But I

1:04:57struggle of an individual. Health insurance is not

1:05:05and finances and trying to figure out how you

1:05:10so it is um an entitlement program. So if you're

1:05:17benefit. we can't turn individuals away if they

1:05:24So, um I don't think we're the hub, but I do think

1:05:30insurance is very difficult to obtain in some

1:05:36so many millions of dollars of fraud of hospices.

1:05:42with that for so long and I'm thinking, who's the

1:05:46had oversight. And I just uh hope that our county

1:05:52all those apartments, too. You know, the Blueridge

1:05:59House. We lost about $600,000 in revenue this

1:06:09complexes getting to bypass or getting exempt

1:06:15that number go up next year. Could easily see

1:06:21historically had disappear if they don't get

1:06:27the next session. So, um, apartments are playing

1:06:35the next year's that budget. Okay. Anything else?

1:06:45vote. Do we need We need to vote on this. I think

1:06:50Yeah. I'll make a motion that we approve and

1:06:58commissioners, how do you feel? Are you going

1:07:05call for a vote. Okay. [laughter] We'll take

1:07:14We're good to go. All right. Bye. Thank you. Thank

1:07:32[cough] [clears throat]

1:07:32Good evening, commissioners. My name

1:07:36director for the county. Um, and it is my

1:07:42recommendation for the uh RFP which was out

1:07:51um uh for uh trash and recycle

1:08:00Did she take the clicker? It's right

1:08:08So, um you've heard uh a few different uh

1:08:16we're here tonight. I'm I'm here tonight just to

1:08:23reviewed um amongst the seven uh respondents that

1:08:31uh regarding why I even have a franchise. So,

1:08:35Um, having a franchise agreement uh for solid

1:08:42pricing structure through the bid process. Um,

1:08:48this summer receiving seven um and had uh several

1:08:59the franchise necessitates participation

1:09:05we have a recycling ordinance in the county and

1:09:11agreement necessitates that. Um, it guarantees

1:09:18not just the municipalities. Um, and you'll see

1:09:25service area. It's broken out by the three areas.

1:09:31southoutheastern part of the county. Um and there

1:09:39that are a fair distance from the landfill. Um

1:09:47dependable service. Um it there it provides a

1:09:55failures and it reduces illegal dumping which is a

1:10:02also here in Alamance County. So just some general

1:10:11we uh in the county have have 13,000 garbage

1:10:21you'll see on the area map that there's potential

1:10:29the county currently has a long-standing franchise

1:10:35two and GFL in area three. [snorts] Um, household

1:10:45by ordinance and recyclables are delivered to

1:10:53Um just on the on the chart here behind me, you

1:11:00the we've managed over 1,900 or 19,000 tons of

1:11:17So, a timeline for our RFP. Um we did release a

1:11:26garbage and recyclable collection. Um on August

1:11:35we provided clarification on over 100 um questions

1:11:45addendum two correcting information that we had

1:11:54August 31st um we had a formal bid opening here at

1:12:02opened seven proposals. They were publicly read

1:12:09at the bid opening. So, our proposed timeline

1:12:17consideration, September 21st tonight, obviously

1:12:25reading of the franchise agreement. Um October

1:12:33formal execution of the franchise agreement with

1:12:40going out to the successful respondents. Um I do

1:12:48of January is when the contract currently

1:12:55agreement would take effect uh on that day with

1:13:06So here's the service map that um I discussed uh

1:13:14this does cover the unincorporated areas of the

1:13:21numbers that I uh presented a moment ago versus

1:13:29there. Um [snorts] the respondents that we are

1:13:38increase um public education and in an effort

1:13:51So here's our overall price overview. You'll see

1:14:01the three service areas. Our recommendation

1:14:12um garbage and recycling. And our recommendation

1:14:24um for area one and two and area number

1:14:32um Meridian did uh provide references and

1:14:40that did not have a bearing on the overall review

1:14:50And with that, uh, the staff recommends that the

1:14:58agreement recommendation. Um, we recommend area

1:15:07per month curbside garbage rate and a $9.50% per

1:15:17earlier, this is a roll back of uh five and 39%

1:15:28month curbside trash and $9.50 per month curbside

1:15:39$20.95 per month curbside garbage and $1155

1:15:48I'm happy to take questions and answer them. um at

1:15:59county manager a little earlier, Chris, like some

1:16:07satisfaction in performance. Yes. Over a period

1:16:13for the calculation of who got the prize. So we

1:16:21um we had an overall objective to uh score and

1:16:29items price being um 20% of the overall value

1:16:38years of operation and history providing this like

1:16:48resources uh to include manpower, equipment

1:16:56overall and then credentials and financial

1:17:04financial statements, insurance coverage and

1:17:11reports from constituents from customers?

1:17:18uh as far as some of the complaints that have

1:17:26uh two complaints in the last nine months. Three

1:17:34recording this presentation and um all three

1:17:44complaint coming to my office. What what system do

1:17:51the uh respondents? What systems for complaints

1:17:57each one of the each one of the companies has a

1:18:04can call uh if they have a missed pickup or a

1:18:10Um if that process is not resolved through the

1:18:19the companies then the next step in in the process

1:18:26and which again that that has happened three

1:18:32where do the recyclable recyclables go when they

1:18:38So they're they're packaged up and and sent out

1:18:45Um I don't know specifically where they go. So

1:18:50being recycled, I guess, is what I'm getting

1:18:57the individual the opportunities to individual of

1:19:04This is a question that the the county uh

1:19:10uh you know if you wanted to weigh in on it. I

1:19:17if the service is somewhat egregious that there

1:19:24contract on their own. Uh the monopoly concept

1:19:31encourage uh better performance. I don't know

1:19:38comment is that at least at present, our solid

1:19:43could certainly amend the solid waste ordinance

1:19:48by the board to change the ordinance first. Uh,

1:19:54um, it could have some impact on the willingness

1:20:00honor their bid and stay a part of the process if

1:20:05that we bid out is an exclusive franchise for

1:20:11um changing the playing field and they may

1:20:16And then we'd have to do that effectively

1:20:21renegotiate the agreements um based on whatever

1:20:29Thank you. Yeah. Some of the respondents um

1:20:36new equipment quite substantial amount of new

1:20:42for some uh concern about meeting being able to

1:20:48uninterrupted exchange of service. Well, I I don't

1:20:52and and obviously we're up against the wall here,

1:20:58there being a provision that if there's some

1:21:04that those folks should be able to have a process

1:21:10would just offer that um you know, the cost of

1:21:16substantial, close to half a million dollars. So,

1:21:25have the ability to provide that service.

1:21:30I'm saying that you contract individually for

1:21:35the as long as they met the licensing agreements

1:21:40yes, there wouldn't be a problem. Thank you.

1:21:45make sure that the recycles are being recycled?

1:21:51I'd like to know if they're at least trying

1:21:55when I first came on the board, we sold them to

1:22:03stopped buying our recyclables. They did. Yes.

1:22:09them from us now. Or are we actually selling them?

1:22:14So the count the county is paying to dispose.

1:22:20we we make we make money on the landfill from

1:22:26that. I know. Um raising his hand there. I'm not

1:22:36the dude with the blue shirt that raised

1:22:41I Chris Wilson for public services. Um, yes, 100%

1:22:48are actually commodities are recycled. Um, we're

1:22:54I can assure you that when they go to I mean,

1:23:00we actually want to recycle them and we do in

1:23:07Um it varies based on whatever price we get from

1:23:13and there. Um and you're right, China sword

1:23:20away because there was a glut on all recycles,

1:23:25100% recycled. Thank you. I know we've had some

1:23:31you know, why not one franchise organization

1:23:41Um, that could be a possibility. Um, I've also

1:23:53let the market let the citizens choose where they

1:23:58You know, some people are finding that they

1:24:03but it's harder to do when there might only be one

1:24:12Well, I would think it's got to pay them to do

1:24:18something going on. But when you have a monopoly

1:24:22standard. A lot of charity, right? Um [laughter]

1:24:27picked pictures up in a couple of weeks and um

1:24:32GFL and it just kept getting over voicemail. So I

1:24:37of it and she got her trash and and that's going

1:24:42else having trouble with a shortage sometimes of

1:24:47And when you do it's like school buses you have

1:24:53all I've heard. Um, there are still people that

1:24:58back of a truck themselves. So, I think the the

1:25:09the competitive nature of of the business and and

1:25:18uh company is performing compared to the other.

1:25:23metrics. Right now, these these are some companies

1:25:29and uh could be replaced uh during a certain

1:25:37Uh the this contract is five years. Five years.

1:25:44Yeah. I I think uh Commissioner Carter the the

1:25:51in one basket is uh I would shy away from that.

1:25:58about that. So really good answer to why that

1:26:06to chime in and say not to advocate for a position

1:26:10events that would need to happen in order to make

1:26:16from a franchise model, which is kind of what I

1:26:21we would need to amend the solid waste and

1:26:26we can certainly I can start work on those

1:26:30least one reading. Um, if we get unanimous

1:26:35ordinance is effective that day. We get less than

1:26:40and then if we were to implement any sort of

1:26:45two readings. So, I just want us all to be aware

1:26:50four meetings in play depending on how we want

1:26:55topic as I was kind of responding to community

1:27:02play. Um, we got the franchise model we have now.

1:27:08but they make businesses adhere to certain pricing

1:27:15to be able to operate in their county. And and

1:27:21there's a lot of different possibilities.

1:27:26the board if we're not going to proceed along

1:27:31guidance as to which way we might want to go so

1:27:36I would add to that as well, Rick. Um, there

1:27:42well. There are counties surrounding Alamance

1:27:47however, those counties all have a large number of

1:27:54which provides for a convenient local option for

1:28:00Like the black dump, district dumpsters. Yes. Um,

1:28:08part of the county. How many would it take if

1:28:12it take in Alamance County? [clears throat] I

1:28:21right now our convenience centers only accept

1:28:27trash based model, I would definitely recommend

1:28:32have to have a a dumpster for recycling and a

1:28:40if you've seen around dumpsters before, but people

1:28:46dumpsters get full and people drop them everywhere

1:28:52and they don't put them in the dumpster because I

1:28:57And the Oh yeah. Yeah. I would. And then plus

1:29:03an odor also. Yeah. So, yes, I would like to make

1:29:12know you uh said you were calling the one of the

1:29:19Yes. So, um at Meridian, we do not have any call

1:29:26have um I will uh personally give my number to

1:29:33I will be overseeing all the waste collection here

1:29:40you all were were asking about where recyclables

1:29:49the waist streams, wood, metal, whatever it might

1:29:55So just heads up. Absolutely. Well, I I wasn't

1:30:04arer. I was looking for my personal opinion is

1:30:13know, we ought to have an individual right to

1:30:18what we paid for. And so that's the kind

1:30:24I didn't want to gum up the works that it

1:30:30but I think it's something that certainly should

1:30:35I think that's going to require a change to our

1:30:39allow for that. So, we would need to amend it to

1:30:44going to speak on behalf of the businesses

1:30:48be received. That'll be something we'll have to

1:30:54listen. Our solid waste ordinance has changed.

1:30:59franchise with the county, you're going to have

1:31:03might be. It may be a problem for some, may not

1:31:09Well, I agree on that, too, that you might have

1:31:13four on another street, and they're going to be

1:31:17houses they and making circles all over the county

1:31:24after. It's an argument for doing performing

1:31:30exceptions is what I'm suggesting. That's kind of

1:31:35if you look at the numbers, we don't have 100%

1:31:40the imagination. So, and that would [snorts] be

1:31:44to the they either taking it or they dispose of

1:31:50burn their trash and a lot of people do this that

1:31:56Carolina. [laughter] And and some people also

1:32:03which can be toxic. There's always Yeah.

1:32:11money and and when you do a good job, you have the

1:32:18people kind of got a short fuse nowadays when they

1:32:23um I don't want our trash trucks five going down

1:32:28place with one person on them. So I'm you know

1:32:33and so do the companies. One nice thing about this

1:32:40the next two years. Um and it prevents uh price

1:32:48index um and only if it's greater than 5%. So,

1:32:56water trash sewer index. I thought you said it was

1:33:01first two years are guaranteed pricing. Okay.

1:33:10that makes a difference, too. They're incurring

1:33:17much we're going to actually they're going to

1:33:23franchise is it does let us put that mechanism in

1:33:34I think Rick's looking for some guidance. Yeah. I

1:33:39can certainly consider the recommendation

1:33:45the direction you want to go, I've got a proposed

1:33:49be the first reading, then the second reading

1:33:54sound like that's the direction you're looking

1:33:58going to need to be some change to the solid waste

1:34:03unfortunately we've got a pretty hard deadline of

1:34:09a lot of people who who do depend on pickup and

1:34:15going to have beyond that point. But I I don't

1:34:20a vote. Uh but my feeling is that I would go

1:34:28some changes. I wouldn't wouldn't go with the

1:34:36not. We may come back and do this exactly what

1:34:43make a comment s I'm sorry. Okay. My name is

1:34:50I don't think anybody's mentioned the fact that

1:34:54of penalties in it uh for um valid uh misses that

1:35:02a whole street. There's hundreds and thousands

1:35:08um for the upcoming contract that wasn't on the

1:35:12care of a lot of the We we should take a closer

1:35:20I will say in the contracting process, and since

1:35:25our our process unless you ask questions about it,

1:35:30this time. We do have a penalty structure in place

1:35:36um and give us a little more of a mechanism

1:35:42for what that's worth, that was not in their

1:35:48be an improvement in your mind. I do think this

1:35:55That seems to answer the concern you have. That

1:36:02Right. That and I was told already that when we

1:36:08uh those issues were being addressed in the new

1:36:21with that being said, and with the

1:36:25for us changing our ordinance. That's just my

1:36:36Maybe at least look at it, look at some options.

1:36:42tonight, but I mean, we could move it till

1:36:49meeting on it and we could possibly use staff

1:36:59Are you clear on the options that you want

1:37:04ask for a contract out option where they

1:37:11satisfied. Are there any other options that

1:37:19We take a look at opening it up and not not doing

1:37:27about what that would look like for most places

1:37:33applause? Say seven. Seven. You did open it up.

1:37:40respondents. This time was seven. So, I mean, it

1:37:45you're going to see. Would you do something else?

1:37:50us do not have franchises. Would you ask them

1:37:55of trash dumped on the road. Yes. if they have a

1:38:01know, things that they shouldn't. Burning trash.

1:38:07too. Yes, we will get that. We won't try and cover

1:38:14had opportunity to speak. I just want to say one

1:38:19we're done. Just my opportunity to speak. In my

1:38:26like this servicing over two million customers in

1:38:32of model and every kind of scheme is out there

1:38:38for the attorneys, a lot of different models to

1:38:43whatever option you want. They'll participate.

1:38:49let the customer fire them if they don't provide

1:38:55Anchor is headquartered, over 15,000 individual

1:39:02no franchise contract, they have more subscribers

1:39:08all these areas combined. And every one of those

1:39:14want to. The model works very easily and anchor

1:39:21and price. Competition wins. Yeah. All right.

1:39:30is our next business meeting going to be available

1:39:35happen. So, I understand we're under the gun in

1:39:40ready for the next meeting. Okay. So, we can move

1:39:51Thank you. Thank you. So, the next item

1:39:58ma'am. I have a close session a motion

1:40:02pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143181

1:40:07to discuss matters relating to the location or

1:40:12the area served by the public body, including

1:40:16development incentives that may be offered by the

1:40:21after the close session. Motion to go into close

1:40:35Okay, so the council is back in session and no

1:40:44for you. Okay. County manager report. I do have

1:40:51uh with those. Um one is related to some

1:40:56Um we have spoken with Via and they have

1:41:03line that they would like us to um utilize

1:41:11um services with RHA. The um telephone line will

1:41:19um track statistical performance data. So we

1:41:26it available for um any users of RHA services.

1:41:34it with us so we can Would you like me to

1:41:42and that is a 247 crisis uh line, but

1:41:49complaints about services on that same line.

1:41:58and that's a number through VIA that [clears

1:42:01to get the word out because we've not had this

1:42:08let you know about a a new partnership. Um the

1:42:14of our health department and the uh cooperative

1:42:21for homeowners to learn how septic systems work

1:42:28to know about private wells and water quality.

1:42:33held on being held on Tuesday, October 6th from

1:42:41is also on our web page, but wanted to highlight

1:42:49Uh I don't think it's available online.

1:42:58and make it available online. Okay, I will pass

1:43:04know that our um strategic planning um opportunity

1:43:11they are releasing some surveys to continue to

1:43:17survey that's going to be circulated as well as

1:43:23for folks to continue to provide some input as we

1:43:29announcements from our parks department. Our parks

1:43:36fund grant for $500,000 towards the uh base one

1:43:43we have acquired last year. And two, they are

1:43:52Saturday, September 26. It's a 12-hour scavenger

1:43:59county. 12 hours. Yes. Not [clears throat] too

1:44:06through the 24th. 12 an hour each, right?

1:44:10but it does sound intriguing. So, I told our

1:44:20trail at Austin Porter. Yes. Can I get you to send

1:44:29that I have not been able to keep up with all

1:44:36uh grant includes a planning and a construction

1:44:44to include a mountain bike component. Yes. Uh,

1:44:51developments there has raised some new questions

1:44:55going to serve the community. So, we'll continue

1:45:02into dirt bikes. Oh. Oh, Lord. Well, that's

1:45:08a neighborhood, which is far more difficult to

1:45:12the concern and be continuing to explore those

1:45:19the announcements I had. Thank you very much.

1:45:26none on comments. Thank you. Commissioner, I've

1:45:33Pow. Nothing more. Commissioner Thompson. No.

1:45:41So move. Second. All those in favor? Probably make

1:45:55[music]

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