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Greg Edds, Chairman Aaron Church, County Manager
Jim Greene, Vice-Chairman Sarah Pack, Clerk to the Board
Daniel Lancaster John W. Dees, II, County Attorney
Judy Klusman
Craig Pierce
Rowan County Board of Commissioners
130 West Innes Street ∙ Salisbury, NC 28144
Telephone 704-216-8181 ∙ Fax 704-216-8195
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
ROWAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
August 4, 2025 – 3:00 PM
J.NEWTON COHEN, SR. ROOM
J.NEWTON COHEN, SR. ROWAN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
PRESENT:
Greg Edds, Chairman
Jim Greene, Vice-Chairman
Daniel Lancaster, Commissioner
ABSENT:
Judy Klusman, Commissioner
Craig Pierce, Commissioner
County Manager Aaron Church, Assistant County Attorney Eli Hardin, Clerk to the Board
Sarah Pack, and Finance Director Anna Bumgarner were also present. County Attorney Jay
Dees was absent.
Call to Order
Chairman Edds called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Chaplain Michael Taylor provided a
solemnizing prayer. Chairman Edds lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Edds recognized new Assistant County Attorney Eli Hardin.
Consider Additions to the Agenda
Chairman Edds noted that one item would be added to the Regular agenda: Schedule a Public
Hearing on August 18, 2025, for Project Granite (Consent Item N). Budget Amendment 02-55 is
being added to Consent Item B. He noted that the grant application and updated draft resolution
had been provided for Consent Item M.
Consider Deletions From the Agenda
There were no deletions from the agenda.
On motion of Greene, seconded by Lancaster, the Board voted 3-0 to add the aforementioned
items to the agenda.
Consider Approval of the Agenda
On motion of Lancaster, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 to approve the agenda as
amended.
Equal Opportunity Employer

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Consider Approval of the Consent Agenda
On motion of Greene, seconded by Lancaster, the Board voted 3-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda as amended, as follows:
A. Consider Approval of the Minutes - 07/21/2025 Regular Meeting
B. Budget Amendments, as follows:
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to roll over from FY25 for $1,998
P.O. 25000638 (DSS Vector)
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to cover Q4 FY25 ABC $5,000
Bottle Tax
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to cover increase in Forest $4,414
Services appropriation increase
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for the $80,096
Library
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for the Nature $2,721
Center
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for ACOLA $30,078
5100- Health Decrease WIC Grant Funding for $573
Department Breastfeeding for FY26
5100- Health Decrease REACH Grant funding and $46,937
Department reallocate funds from salary to other exp
accounts
5100- Health Decrease Grant funding for Teen Pregnancy $11,900
Department Prevention program
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for Animal $18,352
Services
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for Sheriff $272,371
Office
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to roll over PO 25000532 $4,964
from FY25
4125- Finance Adjust budget for Occupancy Tax due to trend $3,000,000
4125- Finance Reverse out Re-Entry Council Grant $15,000
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to tax assessors for 2027 $828,817
Reval -contract 25494
4125- Finance Recognize reserved funds FY25 for $55,613
Cooperative Extension
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to roll over PO 25000646 $11,006
for crossroads in risk fund
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to roll over contract 25382 $114,388
for Moseley Architects
4125- Finance Appropriate funds to cover carry over of HD $15,339,839
Project funds
C. Sole Source - Overdrive FY26-30
D. GRANTS: Approve ROCOC to submit grant application to First United Church of Christ
Foundation
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E. GRANTS: Approval requested to apply for FY26 Scrap Tire Disposal Grants
F. GRANTS: Approve funds awarded from the NC Scrap Tire Disposal Account
G. Sole-Source - Teleflex FY26 - 30
H. Additional Vehicle Purchase - Health Department
I. Sole-Source Magnet Forsensics FY26-30
J. Schedule Legislative Hearing for Z 11-24 for August 18th 2025
K. Local Re-entry Council funding
L. Schedule Pubic Hearing for Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (CPace)
M. GRANTS: Approval to apply for STBGP grant
N. Schedule a Public Hearing on August 18, 2025, for Project Granite (**Agenda
Addition**)
Public Comment Period
Chairman Edds opened the floor for Public Comment and closed it after everyone wishing to
speak had done so.
Bobby Kemp, 250 Chalk Maple Road, said he is concerned about veterans, elderly, disabled,
and youth residents in Rowan County. He shared statistics about poverty in the county. There
are people struggling to pay taxes. He discussed resources and programs available in the county
for impoverished residents. He advocated for making assistance requests of State
representatives.
Chairman Edds made a citizen-requested announcement that College Night Out will be held
at Bell Tower Green Park on August 28, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Legislative Hearing: Z 05-25 – Miller Family Farm/Patterson Farms AO Request
Ed Muire, Planning and Development Director, said representatives from the Miller Family
Farm located on Weaver Road and Patterson Farms, Inc. located on Caldwell Road, have
submitted petitions to have the Agricultural Overlay (AO) applied to portions of land used in
their farming operations. In 2023, ZTA 01-23 was adopted to resolve questions related to
whether certain agritourism activities were subject to local zoning rules. He listed the
requirements.
The Planning Board conducted a courtesy hearing for the Z 05-25 request and forwards a
favorable recommendation to the Commission, supported by the following Statement of
Reasonableness and Consistency: Z 05-25 is consistent with the West Area 1 and 2 Land Use
Plan and the Working Agricultural Lands Plan and reasonable and appropriate based on the
following:
• The request enhances the continued vitality of an active multi-generational farm.
• Enables Agri-Tourism and other limited commercial uses in a way that preserves the
bona fide farm and promotes rural character.
The Miller Family Farm is a third-generation farm that encompasses over six hundred (600)
acres of owned and rented land for row crops and vegetable production. Their farm grows
soybeans, wheat, corn, hay for their beef cattle and approximately forty (40) acres of vegetable
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crops to sell at their country store and local farmers markets. Vegetables include strawberries,
green beans, tomatoes, sweet corn and a variety other vegetables.
In addition to four (4) family members working full-time on the farm, operations also employ
four (4) H-2A employees and up to four (4) part-time employees to operate the seasonal country
store (mid-April thru September) located at the intersection of Miller and Weaver Rd. The
country store opened in 2010 and offers consumer sales of their farm products while in-season;
bagged wheat, deer corn, wheat straw and hay are available for year-round purchase.
The Miller Farm has been home to the Maze of Terror Halloween-themed trail and haunt for
the past twelve (12) years. It takes at least fifty (50) people to set-up for opening and can employ
up to eighty (80) part-time employees to operate during the September – October season. The
event has routinely sought and received a Permit to Exceed the amplified noise standards of the
County’s Noise Ordinance. Part of the rationale for seeking the Agriculture Overlay (AO) is to
preempt the biennial temporary use and noise permitting requirement as an agritourism activity
while also having other retail and recreation opportunities to diversify their farm economy. Mr.
Muire summarized the AO Boundary request for Miller Family Farms.
Patterson Farms Inc. was established in 1919 and can trace its roots back to the late 1800s in
this area of western Rowan County and now totals approximately thirteen hundred (1300) acres.
In total, their farm grows approximately five hundred fifty (550) acres of strawberries, tomatoes,
cucumbers, bell pepper, eggplant, pumpkins and other seasonal vegetables. Some cattle, goats,
llamas, donkeys, chickens, are raised for school group education and agritourism visitors to
experience.
Including Patterson family members, the farm employees twenty-five (25) full time
employees and three hundred (300) seasonal workers staggered from March until peak period in
July. Most seasonal workers are finished at the end of October. Rationale for requesting the AO
designation is to continue to expand the agritourism offerings currently existing at the Caldwell
Road site. Mr. Muire reviewed the AO Boundary request.
Mr. Muire explained the zoning analysis for the Miller and Patterson sites. He explained
how the request fits with the Western Area Land Use Plan. He described the purpose and intent
of an agricultural overlay, described the compatibility of uses, and touched on the conditions in
the vicinity of both properties.
At 3:22 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
Vice-Chairman Greene commented on the value of both family farms as community partners.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 that Z 05-25 is consistent with
the West Area 1 and 2 Land Use Plan and the Working Agricultural Lands Plan and
reasonable/appropriate based on the following:
• The request enhances the continued vitality of an active multi-generational farm.
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• Enables Agri-Tourism and other limited commercial use in a way that preserves the
bona fide farm and promotes rural character.
On motion of Greene, seconded by Lancaster, the Board voted 3-0 to approve Z 05-25.
PE 06-25: Jody Burleyson
Aaron Poplin, Planning Technician, said Jody Burleyson is requesting a permit to exceed for
a meet and greet/ concert, at the Shrine Club, 6480 Long Ferry Rd, on High Rock Lake. The
meet and greet/ concert is to introduce people to Jody Burleyson who is running for Sheriff. The
event is scheduled from 5 PM to 10 PM on August 16th 2025 and is expected to draw around
150 people.
At 3:26 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
On motion of Lancaster, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 to approve PE 06-25.
PE 07-25: Rod Weaver
Shane Stewart, Assistant Planning and Develoment Director, said Rod Weaver is requesting
a permit to exceed the amplified noise ordinance standards for a live music event on Saturday,
September 6, 2025, between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM on his property at 4860 Patterson Road,
China Grove (Parcel ID 223-003). According to information provided by Mr. Weaver, the event
will feature live music from “a few select artists” and food trucks with a goal “to support
numerous charities and give back to our community, including veterans.”
At 3:29 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
On motion of Greene, seconded by Lancaster, the Board voted 3-0 to approve PE 07-25.
FSW 02-25: Robert Oakley
Aaron Poplin, Planning Technician, said Robert Oakley is requesting a family subdivision
waiver to allow a family subdivision to be conveyed to a family member that does not meet the
definition of an immediate family member. The property for the proposed subdivision is located
off Burchette Dr. further referenced as tax parcel 381-034. Robert Oakley plans to receive the
new lot from his aunt Sandra Lambert. Parcel 381 034 does not have frontage on a state-
maintained road, making a minor subdivision not possible. The only remaining option to divide
the parcel is via family subdivision. A family subdivision will allow the creation of a new lot
using Burchette Dr. and Country Place Dr. which give access to Eller Rd. Mr. Poplin reviewed
the required criteria.
At 3:31 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
On motion of Lancaster, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 to approve FSW 02-25.
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Vaya Health Update
Zack Shepherd, Vaya Health Community Relations Regional Director, gave an update on
Vaya Health. Vaya Health is a public managed care organization (MCO) that prioritizes
wholeperson health. We manage Medicaid, federal, state, and local funding to connect the people
we serve to health care services and supports.
• Vaya Total Care: Manage mental health, substance use, I/DD, TBI, physical health, and
pharmacy services, as well as Long-term Services and Supports, for Medicaid
beneficiaries.
• Medicaid Direct: North Carolina’s health care program for Medicaid beneficiaries who
are not enrolled in managed care plans. Vaya is responsible for managing mental health,
substance use, I/DD, and TBI service.
• Tailored Plan: Manage mental health, substance use, I/DD, and TBI services for
individuals without insurance – or too little insurance – who are eligible for care funded
by the state of North Carolina or other public funds.
In Rowan County, Medicaid Direct serves 5,022 people while the Tailored Plan serves
4,353 for a total of 9,375 served. Mr. Shepherd said the NC General Assembly Budget is
still in progress. There are a few key areas of concern:
• No funding for Healthy Opportunities Pilot
• No new Innovations Waiver Slots
• No TBI Waiver slots for proposed expansion
• Proposed Single-Stream Funding reductions: House - $30 million, Senate - $15
million. If $30 million statewide, would mean Vaya Health would be reduced by
approximately $6 million.
Monitoring of the Federal Budget and Impact on Health, Behavioral Health and Social
Determinant of Health Programs will continue. The NCDHHS announced December 1st,
2025 as the “go-live” date for the state-wide BCBS Child and Family Specialty Plan Waiver.
There are a number of Healthy Opportunities Pilot Challenges:
• Current budget proposals from the House and Senate of the North Carolina
General Assembly do not include funding for Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP)
services after June 30, 2025.
• The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is
legally and financially obligated to provide advance notice to contracted health
plans and service providers if HOP funding will not be available.
• Effective July 1, NCDHHS is stopping 1) all new service authorizations and 2)
existing service delivery for all HOP services until further notice.
• Vaya will not accept new HOP enrollments or new HOP authorization requests
after 5 p.m. Friday, June 6.
• Existing authorized HOP services will not be delivered after July 1, possibly
sooner. Staff will be notified if the date changes.
• No other Medicaid benefits or services are affected by this change.
Mr. Shepherd noted the following regional and county projects and network development:
• Hope4NC Grant
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o Free and anonymous for all residents in affected communities
o Individual and group crisis recovery outreach
o Public education
o Community networking and support
o Assessment, referral, and resource connection
o Team Leaders, Crisis Counselors, and Community Liaison/Resource Linkage
staff in each region
o No health plan required for grant supports
• Hurricane Helene Impacted Counties in Western NC
o Vaya’s CCP is serving 22 of the 25 impacted counties in WNC. Alexander,
Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Clay, Graham, Haywood,
Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan,
Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. The Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians spans Jackson and Swain Counties.
Update/Report on High Rock Lake Dredging
Chairman Edds briefly explained the history of High Rock Lake and the importance of
completing dredging work.
Craig Powers, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services, introduced Brian Weyer
and Corry Platt from Geosyntec Consultants, who gave a presentation on the dredging at High
Rock Lake. Mr. Weyer explained the focused reaches of the project and pointed out areas of
historical sediment accumulation. There is sufficient water depth downstream of the study
reaches. He showed several maps of the feasibility study locations, the sediment sampling
locations, and the bathymetric survey footprint. Multiple elevations where considered, including
617 feet and 615 feet. Elevation 617 restores navigable water depth, whereas Elevation 615
restores the lake bottom closer to its original depth.
Hydraulic and mechanical dredging methodologies are both practical and applicable. He
explained how Geotubes, dewatering basins, GeoPools, and filter presses could be used.
Chairman Edds asked for an explanation of the soil survey findings and Mr. Weyer explained.
A number of sites around the lake were identified for upland material management. He
explained how the site (which must be at least six acres) was selected. There is an approximately
270 acre mud flat area with existing islands. He explained how in-water material relocation
would affect this area. Mr. Weyer explained a Practical Alternatives Matrix and described the
top three feasible scenarios. These included Scenario A – In-Water Material Relocation,
Scenario C – Geotubes, and Scenario D – GeoPools.
Vice-Chairman Greene asked if Scenario A would benefit the citizens the most and Mr.
Weyer said that is most likely.
He explained and compared the Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Costs. He said the Primary
Recommended Alternative is Scenario A, which ultilizes lake dead space and is the least costly
due to reduced upland site costs, but is potentially the most challenging permitting option. The
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Secondary Recommended Alternatives were Scenarios C and D, both of which utilize upland
DMMA, have different geotextile dewatering options that are flexible and scalable, and are
capable of handling large volumes of material.
He reviewed current recommendations and the next steps for the project. Scenario A is the
Preferred Alternative. There are permitting discussions to be had with multiple agencies.
Funding sources and timing must be determined. Full Removal or Phased Removal will depend
on funding availability. Phased Removal could move the project forward without requiring Full
Removal funding.
Chairman Edds asked about the partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and asked for
additional details about the project. Mr. Platt said the permitting would be a challenge. With the
amount of material, a dedicated discussion with associated agencies is warranted due to cost
differentials. He described ways to reduce cost in consideration of permitting challenges.
Chairman Edds questioned if any hydrology would be changed in the mud flat region and
Mr. Weyer said no. Chairman Edds asked about the anticipated rise and Mr. Weyer said it could
be up to 4 or 5 feet. Chairman Edds asked about preservation of the land and Mr. Weyer
explained the berm and surrounding geography and how they would be affected by major flows.
Chairman Edds asked about a timeline for the project and Mr. Weyer said it would likely
take multiple years with a year for the design phase and two years for construction. Chairman
Edds clarified the next steps to move the project forward.
Chairman Edds explained the importance of this project and said there are many issues that
need to be addressed. Mr. Weyer said issues stem from the fact that this lake is 100 years old.
There are sedimentation issues leading to water quality problems, unnavigable waterways, and
other large issues for Rowan and surrounding counties. Mr. Platt said there are potential
flooding risks and changes to the land as the lake changes over time.
Board Appointments
Chairman Edds explained that the At Large seat on the Rowan Rescue Squad had recently
been changed from a Commissioner seat.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 to appoint Meredith Smith to
an At Large seat on the Rowan County Rescue Squad.
On motion of Lancaster, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 3-0 to make the following
appointments to the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee:
• Heather Kincel – Rufty Holmes Senior Center – Lead Agency
• Micah Ennis – Rowan County DSS – Funded Provider
• Beth Huber – Trinity Living Center – Funded Provider
• Valerie Steele – Rowan Transit System – Funded Provider
• Alexandra Fisher – Meals on Wheels Rowan – Funded Provider
Adjournment
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At 4:19 p.m., on motion of Greene, seconded by Lancaster, the Board voted 3-0 to adjourn.
______________________________________
Sarah Pack, CMC, NCCCC
Clerk to the Board
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