Buncombe County Government, NC Board of Commissioners' Meetings, 21 May 2020

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From YouTube: Special Meeting(s) of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners' for May 21, 2020.

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There is no agenda associated with this meeting, but to see future Regular Meeting Agendas, please visit buncombecounty.org/commissioners.

A

Let's call this meeting. Thank you all for attending this budget meeting of the County Commission.

A

Get started Thank.

B

You, commissioner, so thank you for taking the time to just run through our second pass of our budget.

B

I'll go ahead and turn it over to our budget director Jennifer Barnett, as she would lead us through the PowerPoint that we sent to you yesterday to take a look at and walk through. A second pass.

C

Good afternoon, chairman and commissioners and I do believe that Lamar has stepped out to the copier to bring you back some copies just in case. Anybody wants some in front of.

D

C

So we are sharing with you today. A second pass budget second pass is a version that includes any adjustments, since our first pass and another step closer to our recommended budget.

C

Today we will cover a quick review of the remainder of the proposed budget calendar. We will review again the fiscal year 21 estimated revenue budget, as well as updated expenditure budgets, focusing on some items that were still under review or continue to be placeholders pending a final recommendation from the board. We would like to review the list of items where we've asked for Commissioner guidance and finalized recommendations for those items.

C

We heard from our education partners yesterday we will review proposed amounts in supportive education that are included in the second pass budget, along with the remainder of second passed budget. The remaining three dates are for your regular board meeting time that begins at five o'clock p.m.

C

June, 2nd is scheduled to be the county managers recommended fiscal year 21 budget. We will deliver and make available to the public the budget message and recommended budget no later than June. 1St June 16th is the scheduled public hearing on the recommended budget, and we are requesting a specially called meeting to be held on or before June 23rd for fiscal year 21 budget adoption, as there is new statutory guidance that the public comment period needs to be open for 24 hours beyond the public hearing date before action is taken.

C

Looking at through is that is that accurate.

E

One of the commission is not going to be present.

E

Yeah, if there's a virtual meeting, if if, if, for instance, Commissioner Whiteside just has a cold and can't come, that would be different, but if he's participating even if he has a cold or is healthy remotely, then there's a new set of rules that would apply and the virtual meeting of a public hearing would require in additional 24 hours after the public hearing was held for the public to send in written comment. So you'd have to come back and have a separate vote. It could be two days 25 hours or one week.

C

So that is something that we will want to consider as we establish the public hearing day and then the subsequent adoption date.

C

So, if no additional questions I would like to revisit establishing the adoption date with you at the end of this presentation,.

C

So we'll begin with reviewing revenues, a reminder that the fiscal year 20 amended budget is comprised of three hundred and twenty four point: five million in budgeted revenues with an appropriation of fourteen point, eight million of fund balance for a total revenue budget of three hundred and thirty nine point. Three million moving on to second pass.

C

Second, pass: budgeted revenues is proposed at 323, 324 point three million and an appropriated funds amount is not yet finalized, as we've not moved to a recommended or final budget.

C

For comparison to fiscal year, 20 amended, we are budgeting three hundred and fifty three thousand or 0.1% less than fiscal year, 20 amended budget and here's how all areas are budgeted lower than fiscal year, 20 amended, except for ad valorem and sales and services.

C

Between these two revenues, we estimate six point: three million of growth, which offsets are projected six point: six lower revenues for the other categories; five point: nine million more in ad valorem with the HCA and the natural growth for real and personal property sales and services had some areas of projected decline. However, overall it is slightly up based on anticipated revenue from Medicaid cost settlement for public health.

C

We are estimating that local option sales tax will be approximately 3.5 million below the fiscal year. 20 amended budget, however, essentially flat to our fiscal year, 20 projection your end, restricted intergovernmental is lower in comparison as the fiscal year. 20 budget includes nine hundred and twenty nine thousand of 1nc revenue that was paid back out to GE Aviation. That would not be in your fiscal year. Twenty one budget, Health and Human Services, is expecting a net reduction in DSS revenues, as it relates to lower expenditure.

C

Budget amounts that generate revenues, as well as lower estimates from state past $3 for direct assistance allocations and foster care board rate reimbursement due to lower numbers of children in foster care. Some other areas in restricted intergovernmental have projected increases.

C

Other taxes and licenses permits and fees are lower, based on projected trends grant funds in fiscal year. Twenty included one hundred and sixty one thousand from NC state opioid response through via to the sheriff detention for medication, assisted treatment and eighteen thousand from dogwood trust for Owen Park playground. These were one-time revenue or authorized for one year. Other grants continue to support medication, assisted treatment and are part of the multi-year grant funds.

C

Other revenue is nine hundred and fifty one thousand is nine hundred fifty one thousand lower than fiscal year twenty amended, and we will review the detail around that next. Any questions before I move to the detail.

C

Interfund transfer revenue grows as amendments are made throughout the fiscal year when there's interaction between other funds, Jennifer.

A

How do you have one question, these? The ad valorem taxes number at forecast, a three percent growth, but we're still assuming a lower collection rate. That's.

C

Correct really right so now we're assuming that.

A

Natural growth of the tax base will grow. It would, if we assume the same collection rate, it would be even more than this, but we backed that off a little bit that.

C

Is correct and I will review ad valorem again in just a minute, and we can certainly talk through that as well.

C

So for other revenue, so interfund transfer revenue as I had stated grows as amendments are made throughout the fiscal year fiscal year, 20 adopted budget started at 7.1 million in comparison, the fiscal year 20 amended budget includes a 1.3 million dollar transfer back to the general fund from the east asheville library project. I don't know if you remember that we brought before the board and had a discussion that we would debt-financed that project 1.3 million had previously been applied to it from the general fund.

C

We returned that money back to the general fund, so that would have grown in that interfund transfer a revenue budget.

C

Fiscal year 20 adopted did not or the adopted now the amended miscellaneous revenue in fiscal year. Twenty included 350,000 from economic development for the NCDOT inca Commerce Park Road project. That is not revenue. That's budgeted for fiscal year 21. So that would be the comparison for miscellaneous bond proceeds is the anticipated financing for fiscal year. 21 recommended fleet purchases.

C

We'll revisit Advil arm here, so just a reminder that ad valorem makes up sixty five point. Four percent of revenue for the general fund outlined on this slide are the property valuations by property type beginning with fiscal year. Nineteen and twenty budgeted and then the fiscal year. Twenty one estimates for each year, you can see the total valuation in the top table. The bottom table reflects the calculation that yields total revenue, total valuation growth from fiscal year twenty to fiscal year.

C

Twenty one is one point: four nine billion overall, which would include that HCA is a total of three point: eight percent total growth. We are still recommending that we budget at a ninety nine percent collection rate for fiscal year. Twenty one.

F

So let me ask you a question about the collection rate. I mean our collection rate has been fantastic for years.

F

Why do you see it being at ninety? Nine versus the ninety-nine point said you know seven, ninety-nine point eight I mean it's just been as long as I've been here. It's been high every year. Sure.

C

So I'm currently I think as of the end of business.

C

Yesterday, we were at ninety nine point, one six, one six, so the trend for the current year is such that we we just now have crossed over the 99 percent collection rate in conversation with the tax collector Jennifer Pike on the conversation has been, is that we reduced our abilities for force collections and that we have additionally heard from individuals who may have established payment plans that they are no longer able to continue with payment plans so based on the current year's trend and again a reminder about our statutory requirement that we cannot plan in the next budget year cycle for a collection rate greater than what we are experiencing in the current year.

C

F

C

That would be one.

C

Chairman Newman was there anything additional that you wanted to know around ad valorem.

A

Do you do you ballpark know what the amount is for the additional HC a real estate. That's coming on the tax rolls this year, so.

C

The net increase from 20s budget to 21s projected budget is approximately 2.3 million, additional as it relates to HCA business and real property.

E

Valuation and don't know how that would affect it. It shouldn't be too great of a change, but they have appealed the value.

C

So we've reviewed this information before but just wanted to touch on and again today, sales tax, we are still estimating a three point: five million dollar reduction to sales, tax revenue in comparison to the fiscal year; 20 budget and again this is flat to where we are projecting to end the current fiscal year.

G

Thanks for all of this, could could you just drill down a little bit on kind of how you're arriving at that projected reduction? Is that sort of based on what we've been seeing this quarter or kind of modelling for sure.

C

So as a reminder about, though, we have a significant lag in terms of our ability to know what those final numbers are, so our March numbers we won't know until June 1, so we experienced a 3 month lag. So we are well into our next fiscal year before we know April, May and June I'm. So, yes, we have projected just a small decline for the March number at about 4 percent and then for April May into June.

C

We have projected a 35 percent decline that you know has been based on some of the information and research that our team has done related to the current local reliance on tourism, the for the next fiscal year. We additionally worked to slowly increase the amount of sales, tax and I.

C

Don't did not have those slides in today, but we previously had those trended slides where we kind of gradually demonstrate an increase in that sales tax, leading up to the month of January, and so overall for the entire year we are estimating about a 10, a 10 percent reduction in comparison. Does that help.

A

10 percent in comparison to sort about normal year, precoded 19, environment, yes,.

C

C

So this concludes the information related to revenue. So before we move on to expenditures, are there any additional questions around revenues so.

C

When we started the budget planning cycle and receive requests from departments, we started having received all of those requests with an expenditure budget of 360 point nine million dollars. Obviously this was pre-pandemic, and this was our departments. You know really engaging around what kind of new opportunities or needs that they may have.

C

We fast forward to the current period with recognition that a tremendous amount of work, collaboration and input from departments, committees, leadership in the board have occurred and the second pass total expenditure amount is proposed at three hundred and thirty five point: seven million depicted here by function as this is the categories in which we adopt the general fund expenditure budget. The top three areas of spending are education at 27.3%, Human Services at twenty five point: nine percent and public safety. At twenty point, two percent of the total expenditure budget.

C

Comparing the budgets for fiscal year 2002 fiscal year, 21 second pass. The overall reduction in comparison is 1.1 percent, less for an overall 3.7 million net reduction in expenditures. The areas of cultural and recreation, economic and physical development, human services, debt and other financing sources and uses are decreased budgets from fiscal year. 2010 reductions are a result of refunding and fewer projects scheduled for debt issuance next year.

C

Economic development is based on scheduled economic incentive payments. If companies reach their targets, there are dollars that had to be carried forward about 1.4 million from the 19 budget to fiscal year. 20 budget, based on the timing of incentive payments that are not in the fiscal year, 21 amount. In comparison, there was another 1 million in expenditures in fiscal year. 2014 cacao spark access road again that wouldn't be in fiscal year 21. So that's the information on the variance there.

C

Other financing sources and uses includes interfund transfer expense, so funds that are paid from the general fund in support of programs that reside in a specialized fund net reductions in comparison are a result of a lower subsidy for a mountain mobility. Transportation, based on the new contract rate, in addition to some Kerr's funding that can be utilized for that program. We are not authorizing Pago capital projects at the current time and have fewer budgeted Greenway payments in comparison to fiscal year. 20.

C

We will review the detail on expenditure drivers for education as well as talk through increases for general government and public safety in the next slides.

C

Everybody good to move on.

C

Following the presentation on Tuesday from education systems, the total requested increase across all systems, and this is focusing on their Tier one, so their top their top priority amounts. Those increases translate to 2.8 percent over fiscal year 20 a BTech was a zero percent requested increase, Asheville City Schools requested is 7.8 percent over fiscal year. Twenty and Buncombe County Schools is a 2.2 percent growth request over fiscal year 20 the amount included in the second pass version of the budget is a BTech flat to their fiscal year.

C

20 amended amount, which totals 7 million 75 thousand six hundred dollars. Buncombe County Schools is in 50% of their requested increase. The amount is seven hundred and forty five thousand three hundred and thirty eight dollars a 1.1 percent growth for Asheville City Schools, the average daily membership, shared estimate of bunkum County's increase is one hundred and thirty six thousand and ninety three dollars also a 1.1 percent increase.

C

Total final allotments shift based on ADM, provided by the schools and from the Department of Public Instruction. So.

F

Just a question on the schools: do we well? We know specifically where that goes, or will they just basically take that money and allotted where they think they have the greatest need, I'm thinking, it's number two I would.

C

Say yes, this board really has not dug into and designated funding by function or purpose. Okay,.

H

A

Think I think technically we think technically we can't technically rect how they do it I mean, but obviously always.

B

Be a discussion.

A

B

Have the option to designate by function or.

A

B

We've been doing it in the past is given them a lump sum, but you would have to go in and give it in Pacific line items and functiona. You have that option in the statute.

C

F

Yeah well, I want to make sure I get this comment on the record. I just want to say and that I'm hoping they continue. The same thing I want to thank the the City Schools for their commitment to the teacher assistants and and their pay and and I hope they I'm sure. They'll continue doing that and I just wanted to say, based on on what they presented last time, I want to make sure that I didn't say it forward. I said it again, so.

C

Everybody else are you good.

C

To provide you with information, more information on public safety and general government, we would like to review expenditures by ledger account type. To reiterate the overall expenditure budget is 1.1 percent decrease, so 3.7 million less than the fiscal year 20 amended budget program, support, operating debt service and transfers are all lower in comparison program. Support and operating are lower, based as a result of departments working to identify reductions related to expected reduced revenues. This is largely driven by travel and training, reductions, debt and transfers.

C

We reviewed earlier capital outlay is the net increase for the purchase of recommended fleet. So earlier you may have seen that net increase in general government. While we are recommending fleet that are all public safety, our general services manages the fleet. Therefore, the budget is reflected in general services budget, which is general government function, so know that those are fleet that are public safety, but the budget resides with general services.

C

I'll go over a little more detail on the fleet when we revisit capital.

C

Salary and benefit increases, as well as contingency amount. I will also detail over the next few slides.

C

This is the detail for salary and benefits, salary and benefits. Make up forty four point: four percent of our total general fund expenditure budget, a two million dollar net increase for salary- is the net of including the April 1st 2020 cost-of-living, that becomes part of the fiscal year. 21 budget, reducing an estimate for fiscal year, 21 cost-of-living, accounting for personnel additions and adjustments will also go, will go a little further into some salary areas.

C

Momentarily health insurance reflects an increase of three hundred thousand dollars and accounts for adding new positions, as this is the employer contribution share of health insurance costs, and we also realized a net reduction to retiree obligation for health insurance. So we had some fall-off of health insurance who may have become eligible for Medicare and.

F

That's very good from where we were in a conversation we were having last year and.

C

So we we are definitely working in the health insurance fund to again try to make those efforts to realize cost savings as it relates and can come back to you with some more detail. Information at a later date into the fiscal year and retirement is the net increase to the state required employer contribution and is accounting for new personnel added similar to the school systems you heard from them that they received rate increases passed along from the state.

C

The rate went from eight point: nine five percent to ten point: one: nine percent for non law, employees and, from nine point, seven to ten point: nine percent for law enforcement employees.

C

So that is the significant driver for the state retirement net increase.

C

Payroll taxes in 401k are accounting for a net change associated with salary personnel, changes or additions. Our longevity obligation has decreased and the remaining category includes a net increase for our per FTE or a per position costs for items such as workmen's comp, unemployment and general liability premiums and claims estimates.

C

Any questions there.

A

What is the currently forecasted cost-of-living adjustment for the next year and I realize it's such a crazy economic environment is probably anybody's guess, but is there a placeholder number I'm.

C

Gonna I'm gonna look back to our economist, who is a budget analyst.

A

Thank you thanks.

C

Rusty all right.

C

I'm gonna give you some summary information here that.

C

Is correct so what we did for the estimate of removal was. We took the amount that was the fiscal year, 20 cost-of-living net increase, so six hundred and twenty five thousand. We made an assumption that if it were the same and we removed that from the salary budget for fiscal year, twenty one, since that's an amount we've been able to cover with with lapse salary. We then adjusted it down reduced it off the salary budget.

C

So want to review with you personnel adjustments that are included in the second pass budget. It includes a total of ten full-time and one part-time general fund positions, one grant fund position and five solid waste enterprise fund positions. So a total of seventeen across all funds, solid waste positions are planned with a July first, twenty twenty begin date. The time limited grant funded position would also begin July one, the one part-time EMS medical director would begin July one due to the nature of what's required and we'll talk through that.

C

In a minute, the ten full-time general fund positions are proposed to begin effective, January, 1st of 2021, so a six-month delay on the remainder of those positions. In addition to new personnel requests, there are 36 reclassification requests that have been reviewed and recommended by HR as additional work towards aligning work, duties and equitable classification and compensation.

C

We discussed previously around the use of temporary employees. We are recommending forty-three. Temporary employees to permanent positions.

C

Also included is sheriff and detention career ladder, implementation fund that would begin January, 2021.

C

The general fund net impact is 1.6 million of an increase for these salary or personnel related adjustments and will dive further into the details around each of these four new personnel. Any questions before I move on.

C

You heard from emergency services staff specifically around there. Emt requests a few sessions ago, included in the second pass, are six full-time positions with an effective date of January 1st 2021. The total cost for these six positions is 385 thousand five hundred and ninety six dollars.

C

Ems has an additional request to add three full-time telecommunicator positions for the 9-1-1 call center. You heard recently from Brooke Haslett around the work to identify the 9-1-1 call center, as consolidated under state guidelines to maintain eligibility for state 9-1-1 funding. The consolidation of county functions for the call center until moving the sheriff dispatch, an Emergency, Operations Center personnel under one organizational structure in fiscal year 2019 it remained that these personnel adhered to different work schedules, so twelve versus eight hour shifts by adding these positions.

C

It enables them to all work eight-hour shifts which is recommended as best practice.

C

The total fiscal year, twenty one cost of three new telecommunicator positions that would begin. January 2021 is one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars a part-time EMS medical director position for a total cost of ninety nine thousand. Six hundred and fourteen dollars is also requested.

C

Previously Mission Hospital subsidized this service by allowing personnel to provide the medical oversight. No formalized relationship exists for the medical oversight of Buncombe County EMS. This oversight is required by North Carolina Administrative Code. This individual will provide the medical oversight for both EMS and all Fire District ambulance services. So.

F

I got a question: that's the first time that that's been presented to us correct and do we have additional information showing I think you know when, when I read that it says part-time and then you see the word part-time, then you see 99004 part-time I. Think if we have, it would be good to show.

F

You know this position and across the state what this position pays and so that we would have a little bit more information, I. Think regarding that it could be, it could be added later or we could get some information now, depending on what y'all are prepared to do.

B

We can bring that comparison back to you by the next meeting. Okay, I do not believe we can put it off from not starting because we do have to have a medical debt. We are going to run an envelope.

E

B

But we can get you some details, so you can have a comparison in place.

F

I

B

2Nd recommended budget okay.

I

Now that position, that position is a position right. Okay,.

B

F

Other thing when we say total cost, that's.

C

Salary benefits and.

F

Benefits 30 percent or it's pretty high in it. It.

B

Is pretty high, it's closer to 49 yeah.

F

Okay, all right so that helps Thanks. Thank.

C

C

So, if no additional questions for EMS I'm gonna, move on to public health.

C

Public health is requesting, and at one additional nurse, as they have seen increased volume for immunization clinic visits and the wise woman program who provides cardiovascular screening prevention and intervention for women. This position is anticipated to lower wait times and improve client services.

C

A request for a grant-funded position was submitted through the budget process from justice resource support for grant coordination to assist in taking on the workload demand of the work of the safety and justice challenge and again this would be a time-limited and is fully funded by the grant. A.

C

Reminder that solid waste is a revenue generating fund separate from the general fund. Solid waste has requested five full-time positions primarily to meet the demands of increased volume and assists with growing materials management requirements.

C

You can see the comparison of July to April last fiscal year and the green columns compared to the fiscal year the current fiscal year in the green trend line that the overall monthly tonnage far exceeds the prior year tonnage. It is projected that revenues would be sufficient to cover the increased cost of these requested positions and the total fiscal year. 21 impact is four hundred and twelve thousand one hundred and seventeen dollars.

C

So before we move to capital, is there anything related to personnel that I can answer.

C

So just wanted to provide you with a reminder that ii passed budget maintains 26, total fleet replacement vehicles, its 24 sheriff so replacement vehicles and two ems, so one truck and one replacement ambulance the estimated cost for fleet in fiscal year. Twenty one is one hundred and fifty two thousand dollars and that's as we are estimating only one-half of an annual payment for the debt financing on those. The remainder would be debt payments for no more than a total of fifty nine months.

C

Additionally, included are the projects of courthouse and jail repairs and fleet services complex and leicester crossing build-out.

C

We heard from General Services on Tuesday of this week that they have work to obtain a design estimate for the fleet services complex and would like to bring this project forward on june, 2nd for consideration in advance of budget adoption due to the nature of the location and the size so they're at max capacity in this facility. We are requesting this to be considered earlier than fiscal year 21 budget.

C

There would be no additional impact for cost if you were to approve and establish the project earlier for the Leicester Crossing build out a plan for space needs and/or design. Once a plan for space Naser design has been established, we will bring back to you information on costs and request to repurpose debt savings from a prior issuance for this project.

C

The total new debt for these projects so for the general services projects, is 6.2 million the estimated fiscal year 21 impact the budget are the approximate debt issuance costs of $100,000.

C

Any questions there I.

I

Have a question: yes,.

C

I

The vehicles we financing them.

B

Boo, we will put an RFP out and be a bank placement. It was.

I

We thank you yes, sir, because I remember, when I came on board, we were doing some of them through bond issues. That's why.

B

If there's a larger bond issue that we are putting out at that time, it might be easier to do that and paid it off within fifty nine months less than five years. But as Jennifer just mentioned, our planning this budget year would be to just place about fifty nine months with the bank placement.

E

B

Do have a larger Bank bond going out, then it's easier to roll all than.

I

Yes, sir, okay, thanks remind.

J

Me what specifically the vehicles being replaced are.

C

I'm, looking at John John spinner, our analyst on it, my recollection is, is that all of those were patrol vehicles and.

C

Okay, did you hear that I did.

D

B

C

I'll try to reiterate that twenty.

J

One patrol two trucks for animal control and one school resource officer. Yes, car.

C

Great, thank you and.

K

For the emergency services, the two one is an ambulance and one you said as a truck. Yes,.

C

That is a replacement for.

I

L

So like when, when I got here, the previous directors vehicle was moved to the fire marshal's office say that we can retire our vehicle, so that vehicle then replaces the training officers vehicle because we've deployed it out to the street, and so that's that's what that vehicle does.

C

All right any further questions.

C

So these are our debt finance projects. What did you just review with you again? Any pay-as-you-go items that remain in a second pass of the budget currently in is that their one hundred and thirty four thousand dollar commitment to the Black Mountain Greenway, it's a final of three payments and a $200,000 $200,000 towards Inka Heritage Greenway construction, which contributes towards the county match to the TVA funding.

C

Josh O'conner is here today and will be prepared to provide you some additional information for the MPO and NCDOT at the end of our presentation.

C

The second pass budget does not include funding towards the woodland Greenway design for projects that were reviewed and recommended by our information technology. Governance team remain included to information technology tools that support additional cybersecurity. The GRC tool and the security rating tool totaling $34,500 remaining also is the on board replacement cameras on mountain mobility vehicles. A county match of sixteen thousand five hundred dollars is needed. Federal funding covers about a hundred and fifty thousand dollars of the remainder, and then just a praise.

C

Software remained in and we've determined it can be funded from the tax reappraisal fund.

K

So the you explain, the no con do t locally administered projects are suspended in that Inka thing in at a part of a do T and at EDA, and the county has to match it.

C

Is and what I definitely want to do is defer to Josh O'connor? He has about three slides at the end. If that's okay,.

K

C

Let him give some of that deeper explanation: okay,.

K

C

So those are a county general fund capital, but why don't you just bring back before you? The recommended solid waste capital projects? There are six projects, totaling, nine hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and again all of these purchases are anticipated to be able to be covered through revenues generated as a result of operations.

C

Any detail on those are you good?

C

We've covered those in detail before.

C

Earlier in the expenditure comparison for a budgetary contingency, there is one hundred thousand dollars in the fiscal year twenty budgets set aside as contingency for fiscal year, twenty one we have included in second pass. A total amount of 1 million in budgetary contingency potential uses are for contingency, are for any unanticipated pandemic, related expenditures, and it establishes available funding to be able to continue work towards addressing salary disparities, as HR continues to work through the pay and compensation plan.

C

Any use of contingency requires notification to the board.

C

So this brings us to one final review of items that we've previously requested guidance from you all on for prioritization and/or inclusion in the budget for the first item subsidized ad, a complementary, complementary paratransit, the RFP and selection of a contract provider for transportation services has concluded, and there is no recommended increase to the amount of the cost to city of Asheville for complementary paratransit. You heard from Matt Cable on Tuesday that we anticipate cost reductions to be able to be shared with the city.

C

The second pass budget includes $65,000 for elementary and intermediate playgrounds for solar. Our recommendation is that this item not be included in the fiscal year 21 budget and that, following the conclusion of consideration of responses to the solar RFP that be brought back as a separate item for review and consideration by the board likely in July.

C

So these are the three items the first one. Now we know, there's there's no, no new cost in fact savings there for the city. So the two that we would like to seek guidance from you on today are the elementary school playgrounds and then is there agreement to have the solar as a separate item following budget adoption.

A

My suggestion on the solar RFP, you know it's challenging to any budget, it's kind of a planning document right. We don't really know how things are going to happen until we get further out on this RFP. We don't know what the numbers will be, because we haven't gotten the RFP back yet on either the cost or the savings right.

A

We also don't know if there might be financing options that are presented so there's no capital investment required.

A

My suggestion would be I, believe I'd be fine, but not including a dollar amount in the budget, but I do think. This is an important initiative and the you know, people in the community do read our budget, the budget kind of talks about what are you hoping to get done this year? So perhaps there's another way to simply reference. The solar RFP in the budget, like perhaps in the managers statement about you, know, there's an RFP underway. We're expecting results on this timeframe.

A

Both the costs and savings on utilities will be analyzed by the Commission in a decision. One being I think it should be acknowledged in some way in the budget. I. Don't particularly have a strong view about where that is, but I think not referencing it at all in the budget would maybe not send the right message and one other thing is I do think. I do think it's important to note that there'll be savings.

A

You know on this slide here we say: there's a $50,000 a year in annual debt service, which might be true, but if there might be sixty thousand dollars in utility savings. So let's don't forget to acknowledge the financial benefits in the budget as well and.

C

So so what I'll say is that the recommended budget and brief which well it's the the intro part, is the county managers budget message there's narrative there, but then the following pieces of that are the executive summary and some of the technical language around the actual budget for the funds. There is a section that references the capital, so you know, if that's the board's desire that that's information that we you know include and provide narrative around. We could certainly include that in there, as it relates to capital I, just.

A

Yeah I mean for me it's just. If someone calls me and says you didn't even mention the solar in the budget I'd like people to say. Well, look: here's where it's talked about, but there's an RFP process. We have to see how that plays out so I. Just, however, we get to that is would be my request.

G

Like to add a or.

A

H

G

A question on the playgrounds project, which seems great on its on its face, um given that the recommended amount of funding for both school systems is below what they came forward on with in terms of request. But might we get some input from them on if an additional $65,000 is going into schools? Is this the project that they would elevate or given the circumstances we're all operating under? What would that be allocated in a different way? For me, at least, that would be sort of helpful information to inform the final stage of decision-making around this.

G

F

I can commissioner I could probably shed a little bit of light on on this. Ask I have personally spoken to every principal at these schools, and this is we also chairman, York you'll. Remember we brought it up in the school capital fund, but in school capitals, a hundred thousand- and you can't do that- and this if it ends up on a list, did you it ends up all the way down here on a priority list.

F

So it's one of those things you you never you never ever get to and the way they raised their money is through through the the PTO and in what an aspect of this is that these that are receiving this funding. They have raised over half or over. So this is basically a match. Is what we're doing I I strongly support it.

F

They I think in light of, in light in our in our intermediate, schools have been left out in the playground planning, and so it's one of those things they have to go to their PTO, to try to raise the money and given the give the financial condition of parents and now in what they could be soon I think it I think it's a very, very wise investment. Probably if you pick the phone up and you went to the top of the school system and ask them where does this rank?

F

You know what I've been told us number 27 and so in number 27 means you never get to number 27 so, but as far as the schools and the parents and the you know the principal's, they it's been a long and a labor of love for at least a you know to two or three years for a lot of these schools. So I wanted to come in on that and the other thing I want to come in on the Chairman I I agree with with the chairman on on on the solar.

F

My question is this: on the fifty thousand dollar debt issuance we're not going to have that because we don't have the RFP, so there's not going to be any any money. But this is an ongoing discussion. It'll be a discussion. You know next year and but it is, it is something that we have committed to us. You know I, think at some level and to let the public know that we have not backed away from a commitment to looking at you know, so we're on the buildings and the savings and balancing all that.

F

It's probably not a bad idea. Don't really know how you do it, but again it's not affecting any money in the budget, but you know we have certain. You have certain goals and we have certain things we want to try to achieve, and certainly you know maybe next year you know the technology's gonna be less and the savings gonna be more. We don't. We don't really know I'm hopeful that it'll be it'll, be both of those that's kind of my position on the prioritization, so I would love to see us do both of those. So.

J

Let me let me clarify if I hope, I'm understanding this correctly on the playgrounds. These are really pet projects that are being pushed by the principals, absolutely.

F

Not no I would I would not use those terms at all what these here's, what happens at the intermediate schools.

J

I understand how schools work, but it sounded like what you said was the principal's were the ones who were reaching out asking for the money. But yet maybe.

F

J

Wasn't on their top list, what.

F

I said was: is that I have contacted and spoke to the principals to see where this lands as far as their priority, and it is uh if you ever get one on my phone. They gonna talk to you. You know.

J

Me I'm married to one so I understand.

F

They're gonna talk to you a long time about why the the age group and the intermediate school as it's being moving from the elementary school.

F

What they told me was that so many children end on the basketball court sitting on their backpacks. Having discussions about you know how good or bad it is at home, and so by creating this this space for them it allows them to go out and get that energy out, and it's very important to them. And it's very important to me but and I've heard from people in the community and I mean it's an ongoing. It's an ongoing issue. It started at one school and actually the the call came from a which is really interesting.

F

The first call that I got on this came from a city. Council woman had called me, and there was a particular school that was concerned, and they were then it created this conversations that well we've left out the intermediate schools. You know we go to high school when we build the the fields and we invest. You know millions of dollars in turf and and and they felt very strongly about it and I'm I- think it's a great thing to do, and them I.

J

Don't not much at all I, don't disagree, Commissioner, Belcher um I, where I'm landing on this, though, is trying to wrap my head around it in some ways it feels like it's bypassed the budgeting process that goes through central office and in some ways it feels that if schools can get individual schools can get directly to us, then they can advocate for their individual needs. Yet again, bypassing the central office and school board, budgeting process and also the school improvement capital process. I mean I.

J

Think if every principal could call every one of us, they would want their tract read on there. You know, there's a myriad and laundry list of capital projects that I clearly need addressed in our schools and I.

J

Think we we need to look at how we move forward on addressing those without it, without the appearance of bypassing the processes that are in place, I'm again, I, don't doubt I know how hard in particular elementary school PTO s and Intermediate School PTO is work to fundraise, and it's it's unfortunate that our schools are not funded in the way that they should be so that the PTO s are not having to do that.

J

The optics of how this looks to me isn't sitting quite right. I think we could be opening Pandora's box of individual schools reaching out saying. Oh, you know, chairman Belcher I've really got this need this year. You know Commissioner Belcher, chairman you, man, I did I, don't know it's just feels like they're, not playing with well.

F

I'll tell you very clearly that the school system, the principal's the parents, students all that are involved in this- are playing by the rules as an elected official, I'm elected to be the years of the community and when the community contacts me or whether they contact chairman, Newman or whoever it might be here, and they express a need for their tax dollars. It is not a pet project from the principles. That's what you actually. Actually that's. Why that's worded differently and Commissioner I'm?

F

Just you know if you want to spend this, that way, that's fine, but if you want to vote against it just vote against it. But if you do not agree that this is a need within the community, then don't vote for it. I think.

J

It's not a need, I, think again, it doesn't feel like it fits within the proper budgeting process and in the grand scheme. Maybe somebody could say: well, it's only sixty five thousand dollars, but we're also not fully allocating the requests that came forward to us from both school systems on Tuesday because of the budget situation that we're currently in and this this is questionable to me. So I haven't made my mind up either way, I'm trying to understand the situation a bit better and also understanding how this could be addressed in a different.

H

J

And also understanding where it falls within Superintendent Baldwin's list of priorities well,.

F

I, don't the superintendent Baldwin also and.

F

F

Taxpayers sometimes are very clear what they would like to have their dollars invested in, and this came from them. That is my duty to respond to that. It's not going around anything I'm on the school capital fund. You know, Commission fire brought this up at the meeting that they had been left out of the building process of the intermediate schools can.

I

I ask a question: how many schools are we talking about.

F

Six total yeah, it's six six, it meets the needs, set six total schools, any.

I

F

I, don't are there any intermediate schools in the city, I.

B

F

Think there are.

C

I

The reason I asked the reason: I asked that the eight years I spent on the city school board and I don't think it changed. Playground equipment came from two sources: the PTO s and the school Foundation, and they would usually part them and do it. That's why this change well.

F

There's not a foundation, you know for this I wish it was here's the thing. We need to understand that there's one. This is a one-time cost, they have half the money and it is a match, and they it's a need that that I think should be met and I, don't think it's a unwise use of tax dollars at all. So.

B

There are two elementary schools as Pisgah and Johnson elementary yeah.

E

B

Then there's for intermediate schools, yeah.

F

B

Those that are six that will be here and.

F

And you don't even want to get me talking about Johnson elementary and their ability to their PTO to raise money. Johnson elementary is one. Is it one of the ports, if not the poorest, probably the school in the system? Yes, there are. There are no sidewalks leading to that school. My daughter was an assistant teacher there for ten years. I know that school I know these these principals.

F

This is not this is these are legitimate needs for these for these schools, if they I can't help it that they may not fall in the perfect mold of how the the school system works, but I don't think it's fair to these children. Are there these parents to not deal with this question? The fact is is that elementary schools are provided for in the capital budget.

F

High schools are provided at a at a greater level in in in and needful for sports and for activities and exterior activities, but the intermediate schools, those children are in the middle and they they they so their playground. Equipment is different than what you would see at an elementary school, and but if you look at the intermediate schools, you will see a ball field and you will see a basketball court in their design and if you go to six and seventh graders, you go to the sixth graders and you go to the intermediate school.

F

Then what you're going to see is that they use the basketball court for it to play. Foursquare is what they use it for. If you go to the intermediate schools, that's what you'll, see and you'll see them sitting on their coats in the corners, you'll and you'll, see some basketball, but you'll see them trying to make the most attempt that they can to be able to do this over anyhow.

A

Okay, I mean I, think the and I I mean the playgrounds. Are great at schools, be great to have other playgrounds throughout the county at different public facilities. Hi I am I, think the process. Questions are very fair, I mean there is there's a no and.

H

And the schools.

A

Have been very clear, they're gonna say: look if you're not gonna, fully fund our request. They're gonna tell us since because they've already said it is, we prefer for those dollars to be allocated towards the other identified priorities. So that is their position and they.

E

A

That position I think that was expressed at the last budget meeting ham.

A

If we were in a look, it's a hard budget year right so so I mean if we were, if we were funding their full requests and we said hey, you know, I know it's not in your budget that we'd like to allocate some additional funds for this. It probably it would. It would be an easier conversation to have. Then you know we're gonna make you make some cuts to things you've identified as priorities, but we want you to do this thing instead, so it's and.

J

I'm happy to have an offline conversation about.

A

J

Standing that process a little different I mean this, is you know, I'm still, learning I. Think you're, you don't learn a lot, but I mean I've said it once I'll say it again. You'll probably hear me say it again. At least three more times I mean these are gonna, be really challenging decisions to make and challenging time. So I think we have to look at all aspects and I appreciate the conversation and learning more and.

A

I think it's a fair, you know, I mean the only thing I would say to add. Is you know they're I, don't I think there are. This would be great thing to do it's, but it's not necessarily just a one-time thing. I mean this. Is this? You know in five years, from now ten years now next year, I mean I. Think it's a fair conversation is about to talk about. What is the process for funding them?

A

I agree with what Commissioner White's I said: there's the processes is kind of have it had to have been privately fundraise? Basically, in the past and I, don't know, I mean I. Think it's a fair question is that is that the should there should there be some more kind of clear public investment in this to supplement that over time, because it is a great value to have good playgrounds for kids, so I think, let's I think we've had a good discussion.

A

I think we'll probably have some more as we go through this to think this budget, and maybe maybe longer-term policies to around. How can we get something in something in from one of the different pots of funding to maybe help out with this over time, because I think a little bit goes along goes a long way, but any other comments on this point.

K

Yeah I'd like to ask about the 60. If we said earlier that we cannot advise where that money goes. If we were to vote for the 65,000 could could we tell the school that it has to go to that, even though, even though we would roll this up in there because here's here's, the thing is I want to make sure schools are more I'm concerned about our children. So I'm concerned the fact that they've missed the last nine weeks.

K

I, don't know what the Falls going to look like for it for those those students and I want to make sure that we try everything. We can to make sure that our students have the positive learning experience that I had growing up in a buckin County school, having a playground, letting kids out and and releasing some tension that helps, and if you don't think it helps, and you know it helps those teachers to be able to let those kids go out there and release some of that that tension.

K

But would this money be rolled up into that amount that we were talking about? Or would this be earmarked because, okay,.

A

B

We're asking two things: Wanda fee fund it separately, it would be separate, would not be rolled up okay. So if the conversation is not to fund schools, then that money could be rolled and then we wouldn't it would lose its identity and they would spend it on whatever need they have. So so there's two conversations: one leave it as is, and it'll be earmarked for these playgrounds for these specific schools. But if you don't fund this and you want to roll it up, then it becomes part of the allocation to the schools and.

A

So those in that case, you know it might be sort of the nature of look the board's allocated this additional funding. We think this is a great idea. It's kind of more of an ask, but it's it is. It is a in that scenario. It is ultimately the School Board's decision on how to allocate the funds, so it's sort of a request, but not a directive.

B

F

Week in your market for that, but it's okay. She.

L

Questioned she said.

F

That that we can do that, Mister.

K

My got one more thing about the the solar panel, so if I agree with putting something in the budget saying because that is one of our strategic goals, but the question the $50,000 for if it were to come about, that's just the issue dead, correct. That's that's not a debt payment, so we won't see a debt payment to fiscal.

C

Year, twenty to fifty.

K

Or twenty two and that debt payment could be whatever I know the plenary numbers we had it was. It was kind of hot I just want to make sure that.

A

Okay, so that's not the debt.

K

Service, okay, but but putting that thing in that explanation doesn't bind us to because if at our F P comes back I'm hoping I was that very favorable. Those preliminary numbers work. They were very scary, but but we know so I just want make sure we have a chance to look at those and we're not binding ourselves to say. Okay, we put that in there, so we got a budget for it. So I.

A

Think that's just acknowledging there's an RFP process underway that will be evaluated and a decision will be made.

A

That's right and again, my only other point was: let's don't forget to when it does come back out to look at the savings because, even though I think the costs are likely coming lower than the conservative estimates that were given to us, I think, even in that scenario the annual savings offset the annual debt payment. So even then it was it wasn't. You know it was kind of revenue neutral for the county. So um but ya know we're not committed we're. Just acknowledging a process is being carried out. Okay,.

K

M

Yes, we're the money. I just don't want us.

M

Forget they've already raised some 70, something thousand dollars happening, so if it goes somewhere else, I don't know how they can transfer that over into the school fund or whatever cuz I'm, not no expert on the school, but sometimes when money is given to the school it could go anywhere in the state I'm, not local here, but something let's just keep in mind about that, and you know one thing: I've had concerns about from the store on this Commissioner and community prior to is you know why do the commissioners, as elected officials, have the thought that you know here's my priority and you know I wish someone else, would speak more on the solar system than yourself brownie, because you're in that business, and we don't you- know I, just get it from the people outside.

M

Is you know, I wish that y'all would come up with some priorities and I said you know, my priority is taking care of the citizens of Buncombe. County is what it's not built in a ball field or a racetrack or anything like that. It is less than what the paper saying this ball field is what we heard: Commissioner Belcher and myself around, for a playground that they need it, and we talk about mental health, playgrounds mentally and physically. Any way you want look at. We had that argument about the srl officers.

M

We didn't want to use the money for SLR, but that was what the grant and he was for. Yes, we need the mental health in the schools, but $50,000 120 thousand something taxpayers I, believe that's uh almost half a pinata, each person, I, don't think nobody's gonna complain, but that's where I stand. We have got to take care of our kids and that's education mentally physically everything cuz. They are the future when we're not here.

A

It's not anyone commissioners priority in this county and this board has adopted. This is one of our strategic priorities and so I mean.

F

A

Nuts and we've got a strategic plan that says I mean it's them, but.

F

You've got one Commissioner referring to these as pet projects from a principal and my these just evolved as part of our discussion where we're relating information, you know to the county manager into the budget process and they end up on a slide, because we've.

F

You've heard about this, commissioner, you absolutely have heard about this at at least three meetings.

J

F

J

F

It is my job as elected official to take input from the community and bring it forward, and that's what is okay.

A

F

A

Okay, all right is there more presentation, Jennifer, the greenways or other items. Yes,.

C

C

So before we come to the conclusion where we are able to discuss the budget adoption date, I was able to receive some information. Well, we've been in the meeting today just around the prior collection rates, so the question was asked from Commissioner Belcher around pre recession or recession level, so dating back to fiscal year. Oh 8, the collection rate that was budgeted at that time was 99.1 zero.

C

If you fast forward the dates that we were able to quickly pull fiscal year 12 through fiscal year 15 that collection rate was ninety eight point, two five percent in the budget, so that gives you context in relationship to where we currently stand with a 99 percent collection rate.

C

Just one other piece of information just wanted to offer as clarification around the placeholder amounts for for the elementary and the intermediate schools. So it is for intermediate. Schools with proposed amounts at fifteen thousand each Inka Koontz Evelyn North Windy Ridge. It's two elementary schools with placeholder amounts of twenty five hundred per elementary, which was Pisgah and Johnston.

C

So just for context, that's the information for the $65,000.

B

Seems remind the Commissioner that is currently in the budget, so unless you want to remove it, you would need to decision on that, but it's currently funded in the budget.

B

C

Right so that brings us back to a discussion around the remainder of the budget calendar. So we have currently proposed that Tuesday June the 23rd at your regular board, meeting time of 5:00 p.m. that we would hear and request approval or here budget adoption from you want to seek information from you on whether or whether or not you that would work for you as a board or is there another date that we would need to look at.

C

A

Not advise going later.

B

That will be a regular 5 p.m. meeting. Would that be.

I

B

I

Out they have a cold.

A

C

So I'm going to turn the remainder, the slide presentation over to Josh O'connor, who can speak to a little more level of detail around green waste funding.

H

Thanks for having me here today and I just wanted to explain some changes in our operating context as it relates to our Greenway funding and grant funding of greenways late last week as a developing story that we've been watching for quite some time we find out through and CDO tea, that all of our locally administered projects, which are projects that are funded with the French Broad River metropolitan planning organizations federal highway administration allocations, are suspended due to NC o T V OTS on a cash balance situation.

H

So typically the way that that works is those projects are passed through funds through and C D ot that we are then reimbursed for, but because the lack of funding and NCDOT S cash balance issues, a lot of which relate to lower driving lower gas tax revenues at the moment, they're unable to reimburse us for those projects at this time, so they suspended those indefinitely. At this point, ongoing work may continue, but the mass of the vast majority of the MPO is locally administered. Projects will be impacted at the moment.

H

That's all of our projects and I'll go over that and a little bit more detail on the next slide, but all of our projects were kind of in between phases where we were waiting for approvals, I'm, an administrative, administrative, Lisu NCDOT, and we were unable to gain those before this happened. We don't have a timeline or a method of correction. That's been introduced.

H

There are many ways that that could happen, most of which are going to require action by the General Assembly and that the projects may have to be really prioritized as fundings released. So since we don't have an idea of how that fundings going to come back at this time or how big that bottleneck is going to be, we may have to reprioritize projects as to which projects are most urgent within the mpos allocations.

H

Our local impacts, the Inka Heritage Trail, is one of the projects where we have now delayed in the engineering and design phase. There was four point: eight million dollars of a total twelve million dollar budget for the Inka recreation destination. Four point: eight million dollars was our allocation to FHWA Surface Transportation block program, and we were using that to match tourism product development funds through the TDA. We have made the TDA aware of this. They understand that it's an ongoing situation we'll continue to update them, as we understand how these delays will play out.

H

Similarly, the Woodfin Greenway project has also been delayed in the engineering and design phase. This is a project that we've had before you quite a few times, we're still continuing to seek additional monies through the NPO toward that project, which we can have allocated at this time. We just don't have access to spend it. The total amount of project money delayed at this point is six point: five million dollars of a total fourteen million dollar budget for the the project all tolled, and then we have the reams, Creek, Greenway engineering and design delay.

H

That's a four hundred eighty thousand dollar project.

H

On our long term, funding impacts, FHWA is made tentative indication that they are not willing to extend projects. They are willing to look at it on a case-by-case basis, but we are under a timeline as soon as we start expending those funds we have ten years from the time we first expend funds under an NCDOT contract to get that project constructed. So this is something that we're trying to make FHWA FHWA aware of that we're seeing impacts because of the way that NCDOT is allocating those funds.

H

We have no indication whether NCDOT is going to get these fixed within months or, if it's going to be within the longer term, and what we anticipate is an infusion of stimulus funding or action by the General Assembly could allow the projects to move forward in a more short-term time frame, we're asking NCDOT to continue administrative approvals of our project. So what we're hoping is that once funding is reallocated and we can begin spending we'll have all those contract approvals done, we won't have any more delays than we need to.

H

So with that, I can entertain any questions and try to provide any more clarity.

A

H

A

The d-o-t funds, in this case those d-o-t funds, is NCDOT. Funds are really the federal highway administration funds, as federal funds brought down to do te correct, that's correct, so we have ten years to spin the funds. So you know I know these projects are complicated and take a long time they that does seem like a long time. So, even though there's this problem right now with dat cash flow because of a variety of reasons, how concerned? Are you about the potential inability to expend the funds for each of these projects in that time frame?

A

H

Now we're not concerned, but I would say that's something that we need to triage and reevaluate, particularly as as we depending on how long we see these allocation issues go on. It is a relatively long time frame in all these projects, we're in a comfortable spot within that time frame. It just really depends on how long the project or the delays continue.

A

And is there on the Inca and the woodland project in particular, there are, you know, there's a variety of different funding sources for those projects. Is there? Is there any potential to use some of the other funds to keep the design and engineering moving ahead and then potentially use the the d-o-t funds that are now on hold for construction? Is there any ability to look at those kind of options, or is it already kind of locked in to the use it would have to be spent on it's.

H

A federalized project, so it's never recommended that you do anything outside of that federalized funding stream and without an agreement in place because you do have to follow all of both FTA FHWA and NCA do tease guidelines, and a lot of that is the way that you track the project along its course I've not seen information. That NCDOT would allow us to do that and.

A

I'm not suggesting that we don't plan to adhere to federal. You know federal construction standards and basically assume that we're going to work under all this federal guidelines, but just like, for example, on the Woodfin project. Woodfin has a lot of money allocated for this right. I think there's some concern. I've heard from people in the community that the project is delayed too much that their bond money might also be. You know there might be risks around other funding, not being there indefinitely so like on that project.

A

Could you use could could we use Woodfin funding for the design and engineering build it up? Do it all the federal standards so that we're compliant with you know being able to use federal funds, but then, since those funds aren't available, now are things like that potential options not.

H

That we've seen yet we are asking that that be looked at. It's not that we couldn't follow. Federal guidelines is that expenditure of funds outside of a written agreement would not be reimbursable. Under what we've been.

A

Till you have agreement with the federal agencies and state to do something like that. Correct.

H

And that's what we've not been able to get to this point is that signed document that allows us to move forward, and so traditionally, any funds that are expended outside of the agreement have not been reimbursable.

A

On the on the woodland project, I, have you know, I'm, not real close to the details of this, but I've just I've heard concerns about delays on this project and potentially endangering the project. What are your, what are your thoughts on that at this time, most.

H

Of the bond expenditures are spent outside of our Greenway portion of the project. I know that that's something that the Woodfin Board of Aldermen is actually actively managing and communicating with their citizens about. They do have several components of that project out for bid in with in construction timelines. So from my conversations with the aldermen and Mayor bihaan, I, don't understand that that's a concern for the town yet, but they are aware of those concerns.

F

So I've just got a couple comments. First, I want to thank Josh, you and your team. You know for staying on this I know you guys means as much to to use the desk to us, and these projects mean a lot to these communities ongoing conversations as much as as recent.

F

As you know just a couple days ago, with with a group of people on on the zoom meaning about about you, know these these projects and so I think we we have to continue to be very positive in our activist advocacy and our relationships with the duty of the state and federal level, and do everything that we can.

F

You know, as in the MPO and there's elected officials, to keep these moving forward so, but I want to thank you all for what you're doing and keep your head up, and they still mean a lot to the to the community and we just need to work through these times. Thank you. Thank you.

A

All right, thank you. Thanks, Josh.

B

A

Want to take a five-minute break all right if there's no other budget questions right now, let's take a we're. Gonna, take a five-minute break and we'll reconvene I'm.

G

Sorry I had one more budget question, which is just maybe team standard. Can you kind of just talk us through at a high level? How you're envisioning ongoing budgeting for Cova 19 related needs that we would do it sort of on a as needed basis moving forward or that the cares funding will kind of help propel that or just wondered would like to hear your thinking on that.

B

Plan right now is to work on we're working on our plan. That is due to the state on June 1st and that's what we would use the Cure's money. First, you want to spend that we did already spend a 1st 5 under that account. He gave us and we actually spent a hundred thousand at the second 500, so we're about six hundred thousand spent. We are looking to spend our three million dollar workers fund in first before you will spend any County money, and that is the reason why it's a contingency.

B

If there's any need for county funds, we will come to you and ask you for pacific guidance and say I knew that okay.

G

As we move forward in our budget discussions, could we add perhaps a slide that just addresses that just so the public can kind of track along with with that process? Yes,.

B

We will do that as soon as we have our plan all put together. So.

G

Everyone else yes yeah whenever you all already, but thank you very much.

I

A

Right great, let's take a break.

B

Chairman when we come back, we're going to pivot to Fletch and mom and door they're here to talk a little bit about the governor's order in the local act. So as long as budget is wrapped up a little bit to the next topic,.

B

B

F

I

F

I

F

We got a red strip here, making some racket.

A

Alright great who's gonna to yourself.

B

So, commissioners, as you know, last night the governor gave the phase two, and today we just lasts all day long staff has been working through it. So I'm turn to Fletcher at the dope toe to start talking about what we would propose for a local order.

N

Good afternoon so I have to go ahead and have max kicked his slides on, for you guys, but put together some slides. What did was pulled out the salient points from the executive order number 141 to walk through what the big changes are from phase 1 to phase 2 I put a slide in with some points for further discussion where we have concerns and then the end, as you remember, going into phase 1 I had the columns that we can compare like side by side.

N

What looks different so we'll walk through those line by line again at the end, but just to go through the the salient differences as we going forward in the new order. High-Risk individuals are still encouraged to stay at home. This is the state order again just to be clear. This governor Cooper's order, the stay-at-home order is lifted. There is a safer at home recommendation, so it changes from a stay at home order to a recommendation to still stay home as much as possible: their exemptions for worship, religious services and First Amendment rights.

N

So none of the mass gathering, guidance or constraints apply to those services. There's new phrases you'll see throughout the document, a new clause which is course signage, screening and sanitation, and what that encompasses a couple things we've already been doing, but it says that you know businesses have to have a posted emergency maximum occupancy. They have to post signage for best practices for employees and staff as they walk in. They need to conduct daily symptoms of workers and isolate and remove sick workers.

N

So you see that you'll see that phrase throughout the order, often but its core signage screening and sanitation clause. Mass gathering guidance has changed. It's still ten people indoors, but now outdoors it's been expanded to twenty five and I. This is we get into some specifics just generally at this point, but restaurants are now open as a Friday for dining services at 50% capacity, and there are some other restrictions in the or, but that's the general idea is that restaurants can serve 50% or, with other capacity depend on square footage.

N

Personal care grooming in tattoo parlors to include you, know, beauty, salons, hair salons nail parlors can also operate at 50% capacity, with other restrictions in place. Indoor and outdoor pools can be open at 50% capacity with other restrictions, day camps and overnight. Camps are also allowed with restrictions, parks, trails and beaches are opened with regulations, public playgrounds remain closed and that's a different from what their governor originally proposed for Phase two, so that that's, he encouraged those to remain closed or ordered those to remain closed.

N

Driving events are not constrained by mass gathering guidance as long as participants remain in their vehicles, so that 25 groups does not apply as long as people remain in their vehicles.

M

That's good I hadn't seen that now any outside gathering would apply to that. I mean talking about like anything driving that they do not get out of their car. Correct.

N

So I know we've seen people want to do. I'm community driving theaters previously had been really focused on our religious services, but those are exempt from any of this now. But we look as we look at people trying to plan graduations or end of year ceremonies for schools and that kind of covers that they could drive in stay in their cars, and we've been working with schools to a lot in the new parking lot kind of services for graduation or one by one.

N

Students can go to some podium form, receive a diploma and have pictures taken. But it's fundamentally that families are staying in the cars. Okay.

N

Entertainment and fitness facilities are remaining closed and there's there's some specifications on that in the order. Okay,.

M

One more question that now that entertainment, so that doesn't go under the drive-in event, is that's two separate things correct, correct.

N

um So if there was some kind of entertainment venue like a movie theater, that was showing outdoor movies you could drive in, but this this clause, the entertainment venue here- is really talking specifically about like music venues like the orange peel. Yes,.

M

So should that not say indoor.

F

M

Entertainment and fitness indoor it.

F

Probably does in their guidance.

N

The section doesn't say indoor, but if it was outdoor it would have to be in vehicles. Is that yes,.

M

I mean driving like sandy mush she's having one this weekend, a drive-in.

N

M

Would that be considered an event.

N

Yes, entertainment, it would not it's not a facility, so it would apply to the vehicle clause. So that's fine as long as people stay in their vehicles, yeah yeah, if you, if you look at that clause and the order itself in Section eight, you know it's talking specifically about venues. You know like bowling alleys, music venues, amusement parks, dance halls, things like that facilities.

N

Entertainment and sporting events and large venues are allowed kind of what this is talking in general. If you have a venue that could has you know over 500 people, you can allow sporting events that happen to be televised or recorded, but they're still mass gathering guidance for spectators. So, potentially you could have you know a collegiate basketball game and have the staff and teams playing in a large venue, but spectators would still be limited to twenty five people, but that way they could broadcast the events.

N

Though those are the salient differences, these are some points of discussion or I'd like to kind of address. Some things we're looking at kind of do in reverse order here, so summer camps are allowed for day and overnight summer camps.

N

We are recommending aligning with the state on this, but it does give Public Health some serious concerns. We know. Even on a good year, we have severe problems, keeping norovirus out of day and overnight camps on a good year and that's the same fundamentals of hand, hand hygiene, we see so there's gonna, be extra complexity involved in extra strain on our communicable disease nurses, who have to respond to that who are now at full capacity just dealing with covin 19. So what we're asking for?

N

Is these camp administrators there's specific guidance for day and overnight camps from north client, Department of Health and Human Services? They need to take a really strong assessment of that and determine whether they can truly meet those requirements or not, and if they can't we're really asking them to make the judgment to not open if they can't meet those requirements, because the burden, the potential consequences for their children and the facilities along with the burden on public health, it can be quite severe, and this is just a.

N

It- gives there's a lot of concern from public health with the opening of day and overnight camps. But our recommendation is to align with the governor, but just really drive home, that they need to follow the guidance and make honest assessment. Self assessments.

N

Moving on to organized sports, we're recommending for phase two to put some restrictions, at least on County and city facilities, for organized youth and adult sports, particularly those close contact sports.

N

What you know or the organized sports like driven by Parks and Rec.

A

Is could you just say a little bit more about that, like what are the two to not not start them or start them in their special special policies, or just a little bit more about well.

N

uh Josh come up and speak to that.

H

So at this time, we'd recommend that at least four county facilities that we not return youth sports. There is a mixture of guidance out there that varies from sport to sport. There's nothing Universal that allows for protection of players, particularly when it comes to sports, where players have to get into each other's personal space, which is most youth, sports and adult sports.

H

And given that lack of guidance and basic protections that we as a county understand that there is liability protections in place by the governing bodies, because we've not seen information that the governing bodies have even cleared those sports to return to play and just the amount of varied recommendations in the field. At this time that we wait until there's more universal guidance. We have been working with the Sports Commission and a number of partners around the country to try to understand what those recommission recommendations would be.

H

But to give you an example, as of this morning, when we checked in to different youth baseball organizations, there was still a variety of guidance. So it makes it hard for us to say we're good with youth sports and we don't know what we should be communicating to our partners.

H

The second part of that is, we don't have the staff to maintain the facilities with restroom facilities with the type of sanitation requirements that we have in place now under phase 2 guidance we'd be trying to have restroom facilities, serviced at all of our parks, with a staff of less than six people to do that, all of whom are all tasks out to other duties.

H

So at this point our recommendation would be to step it back and wait until we received more clear guidance from the state in communicating with the National or the North Carolina Parks and Rec Association. This morning there was still not clear understanding of what the governor's guidance that was put out yesterday means as it applies to use sports so again, and so we have that clear guidance that we can universally communicate to all our partners, we'd like to hold at this point so that we can do so in an organized manner.

A

For the additional detail, and the specific recommendation, though, is that that would apply to Buncombe County programs and facilities, not necessarily a universal policy throughout the throughout the county itself, but just for the county government facilities. Is that correct, correct.

H

And I think the one matter of nuance tears. We do operate with a number of nonprofit partners that run programming at our facilities rather than us running it ourselves. So we would. We would say that this will apply to all county facilities, regardless of who's running the programming.

F

So when do you expect additional information from the state? I mean we've we've, you know the last time we had.

F

We we aligned ourselves, but we had a couple questions you know and to me this kind of feels the same way in aligning with the state but getting additional guidance on I think we had questions on weddings and outdoor weddings or something I came from one Elizabeth.

F

But you but you're saying that we don't have good clear information from the state as to what organized force is correct.

H

And we also don't have it from the governing bodies of those sports, so we have like Babe, Ruth baseball and North Carroll use North kind of Youth League Soccer, the adult soccer league, all of whom are at this point a little bit divergent. So with that kind of plethora of divergent guidance out there, it's really hard to communicate to all of our partners.

H

We're kind of watching that converge at this point, but I would say it would be at least a week before we would be able to to provide clear guidance that applied universally across sports at our facilities. So.

F

F

And we not, can we not do what we did before a line and then get that information as we move forward, because a lot of these are not even going to take place, I mean you know, Babe Ruth and some of those you know the I, don't know that they'll even make the decision to do it. So.

B

Commissioner, what we're asking is not, on this specific point not to align with the governor.

E

At this point,.

B

So our recommendation will be not to align on County facilities for organized sports, but we can come back and change that once we have guidance and once we have the staff Josh mentioned that he doesn't have the staff either to open the facilities at the level of cleaning that some people want to do as well, because staff is deployed and stretched. Then, at this point, so our ask is on County facilities and anyone using county facilities for organized sports so that we do not align. At this point.

H

N

All right, moving on to lodging earlier this week, I recommended that we remove our restriction on these or travel bookings going forward on the 22nd.

N

We would recommend, though, maintaining a 50% capacity for hotels, but breaking that out, specifically from the hotel industry to be and bees to homestays and having clear separate guidance for each of those in regards to capacity and room turnover as far as happening. You know, 24 hours between our room bookings so.

F

Let me go back to and I probably I probably was just not listening on on restaurants, so on restaurants,.

N

But we haven't, we haven't gone, the restaurant said: hey I'm,.

F

Doing it reverse order, I was listening. Great yeah.

F

Alright, okay, not now.

N

The speaker, restaurants, we've seen a document coming out from a combination of Department, Health and Human Services of the state in the North Carolina Restaurant Association, very clear guidance on how to operate. It's also kind of expounded upon in the order itself and the accompanying FAQ document. One point where we Public Health recommends being more strict.

N

Is that the guidance we've seen kind of allows for self-service buffets with certain practices put in place, we would like to just say for the vendor face to no self service, no buffets at restaurant, so aligned with the state for restaurant guidance, with the exception of self-service buffet options. So.

F

Let me give you a comment on that. I had I had heard you know in in another state close by that you know it depends on where you go. There's a there's, a lot of buffets, but they had, it was Tennessee they had their, they had their buffet open.

F

However, the customers were not, they were giving they were, they were plating, the food they were given the customers, the food, the the people that worked at the restaurant so and the input I got back was that it was you know, of course they have everything everything else within the restaurant, whatever the requirements are, you know, and the workers were were right.

D

So the food, so it would not contact you.

F

You'd, have you know Plexiglas, you know not allowing any contact with any of the food right.

N

And so that would be, that would be the the workers doing the service still so wouldn't be necessarily self-service, wouldn't.

F

The workers would be right, it's well, if you say no buffet, then you know places like Ryan's is done and unless you say that Buffy has allowed. If x1 Xia's is done right.

N

They would have to adapt to not allow for the self-service component of the buffet and I I. Think we've seen willingness to do that and a lot of forward-thinking from the restaurants that do have buffets I can't speak to Ryan's, but from the town halls we've had being willing to do that. Yeah.

N

We can make that distinction. Do we take the.

K

No buffet, then to say no self-serve, you have to say no self-service.

N

M

Be similar to jns cafeteria, it's like a buffet but you're, not serving yourself yeah.

F

M

It's basically.

I

N

Yeah, let's come up with a good language for that. Moving on section 1.1 of the order defines bars which I don't believe previously in the state had a clear definition. So I think this is a state attempting to define I just read it.

N

Real quick bars means establishments that are not eating establishments or restaurants, as the find in North Clara a general statute there that we have a permit to have a permit to sell alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption under North, Carolina, General statute, 18, B, 1001 and that are principally engaged in the business of selling alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption. So I know we've been getting questions and I. This may be a question for Michael FRU, but we get a lot of questions about the brewery.

N

Tap Room's fall in this definition as bars to what extent those breweries with outdoor venues fall under this order, and you know how they're different from a bar a nightclub and so still working through the definition, how that would apply specifically to Brewers and brewery Tap Room's.

K

Excuse me, sir: mmm if those brewery tap rooms provide meals, that's an eating establishment. Then, at that point,.

N

Correct so there are establishments in town that have a restaurant and brewery, so they would clearly be able to operate under the restaurant clause, but there are some who are primarily distribution sites, Brewin sites to have tap rooms. They have food on site such as food trucks, they have large outdoor spaces, I think from local attorneys and communications I've seen around the state, people are looking at the the final clause there and that are principally engaged in the business of selling alcoholic beverages. There's some debate on that I know.

N

There's pressure being put on the governor to clarify this definition, there's much letting you know that we're looking for some further guidance to see if the state does clarify that just trying to see where breweries in Tap Tap Room's fall in under this and finally moving on to face coverings in this governor's order from the state as we open up those close contact services such as beauty, parlors, barber shops, you know nail salons, they are mandated for the service providers and those close contact services for restaurants, the languages that they are strongly encouraged.

N

I think that's understanding that restaurants have a variety of roles from front of house to back of house and making accommodations for that and then in the state's order. It's just recommended for all public settings. So, but what we're recommending from public health is to make for businesses with public facing employees to make that use of masks mandatory as we see with close contact services and then again have a strong and strong encouragement for greater masks. Use in the community is our current recommendation.

F

So what would be the difference? Do you think, between the state? As far as the business is concerned,.

F

The additional requirement are you thinking, that's going to affect 30% of the businesses out. There I mean it's mandated for close-contact services, which are quite a bit of businesses. Mm-Hmm, it is I mean, and some chains are, you know were or local businesses are requiring it anyhow.

H

F

Know, I personally think that from the the business community with in Buncombe, County will do a very good job on you know on protecting their people and protecting their their patrons I.

N

Agree from the town halls we've had the communities, this specific close contact services have been very proactive and four-link, leaning and thinking through how they can first of all, require these resources and then implement them and change their mode of business. Yeah.

F

So I mean up so I like that particular language, I, think and and you've been on the Town Hall. So you have more a more of a feel for their commitment at this point in time, which I I think is very high from from from everyone.

N

So I think I think the difference. What we see here is that it's already mandated by the state for those close contact services previously we've seen grocery stores and other retail language from the state and ours as strongly recommended. So we're thinking about you know, including that to all retail all groceries. That's mandated if you're a public employer and those public facing employees need to wear a mask and then strongly encouraging it for the public. So.

F

When you say public facing you, talk about a checkout yeah.

N

This is an example of a checkout, or you know, people, staffing or dealing with inventory and let in like a boutique or something.

A

K

What's the the state order they use? The word strongly encourage for workers as well.

L

K

We're gonna, try it we're gonna say require okay I'm asking Kent. Can we can we say those words, I mean if if the state is saying, if the governor saying we strongly encourage workers at restaurants to wear face coverings, our difference is we're saying you have to what can we make that can we make? Can we say that is that legally for us to say that you have to put to have an employee? They have to put a face cover now. I think.

N

We can't we have the allowance to be more restrictive than the state we.

K

Have the allowance be more restrictive in these orders, but when we're talking about requiring someone to do something on them as an individual right, I.

N

Think I think about how you know. Restaurants, we ask people to wear hair nets to keep the hair out of food, or we ask assume that people wash their hands after they use the bathroom I. Think when I think about this I think about it's another public health measure to enforce general public health safety. So that's the point of view I think we're coming at it from public health. It's another step to protect general public health, I'm!

N

Never asking you know businesses to do just as if we have grass and force them to wash their hands after using the bathroom or we're a hairnet. If they're preparing our food.

K

I know which way we're coming at it, but I just want to make sure that somebody doesn't come up and say: hey you've. You know we I just wanna, make sure we.

N

Can um I'll get with Michael and whoa? That's that.

K

Cuz to me, I mean I mean the governor has his his orders hmm and and- and you can see some of the stories across the country where the governor's orders have been tested, yes and and to me and I know we have that we have the freedom to go more restrictive, but but do we step over the line by going more restrictive and risk these things coming back to the county that the governor is trying to fend off when he's saying strongly encouraged to wear, face coverings and we're saying required, please I, just and I know it's word semantics all that stuff.

L

K

I just want to make sure.

N

Whoa, look at that mostly break from here. I would say: I think this is a very good middle ground between balancing priorities of Public, Health and respecting people's rights as individuals.

N

That's why we can't tempered it from the angle of employees, we're not mandating it for the general public as much as public health would like to you, but we're just asking you know strong encouragement for the general public mandating for employers.

A

M

Think putting retail business and restaurants all together with me having a restaurant I think it ought to be totally separate, because what is not in that retail business restaurant? What are we not saying? You gotta, wear a mask you because that's hitting every business, every retail. So what that says is we're mandate meant for everyone anywhere. You go except your house or car correct.

N

M

No, what we're.

N

Only mandating it for employers, so if employees.

M

That's why I'm saying yeah.

N

In their place of business in.

M

Their place of business, everyone that does anything in angles: Walmart, restaurants, if.

N

They're public-facing, so if somebody was in the back of house doing, stock inventory or some other restaurant is washing dishes, yeah.

E

N

Wouldn't be mandated there, but if somebody's that Ingalls stocking shelves in the store or a checkout lane or at a restaurant, the servers or hostesses and hosts would would be required to wear one. So.

M

Every business in Buncombe County that works for them will wear a mask. According to this, that's.

N

The recommendation from public health yeah.

M

I think you've got separate restaurants from that I think I, just don't know how you can tell everyone they've got to understand the health on the restaurant end of it is you're messing with people's food hair nets, gloves off, but I think putting all three of them together. You are. We are opening a can of worms right here.

N

I would think from the town halls we've had several with the restaurant industry. We've been in constant commerce and conversations with the air group allowed them intent on duty enforcing this already themselves for their for their servers and for the hosts so and it's they've been asking us to go further than that and mandate. You know the public to have made it for public. There were face masks and we understand there there's this very complex issue.

N

If there's some big challenges there so we'll find this middle ground to mandate it for employers and then strong encouragement for the for the for the general public.

A

G

I'd actually like to dig into this and discuss what it would look like to require mass across the board as a way to more safely move into Phase two.

G

The primary reason I want to introduce. That is because I'm just really concerned about what the numbers are telling us in Buncombe County right now, as we've talked about so many times, the governor's office is making decisions on the basis of 100 counties. Some of those counties have a thousand cases. Some of them have one and part of our work is how do we really localize this process and I?

G

Don't know if it's possible to get up on the live screen or up on the screen sort of the live bunk data that was just updated a few minutes ago, if it's not I, can kind of just walk through the numbers because it just came up, but if it is possible max.

G

G

Just in brief and the numbers will come up in a second but as we think about the local trends, we're seeing a fairly steep rise in cases we're seeing just say some cases have more than doubled in the last week last Thursday morning they were 102 another 216 cases, so they more than doubled. Deaths were I, think for last Thursday, their house, seven, so they've increased seems for a 75% increase there.

G

The rate of positivity based on these numbers is up to 5.0, which is a significant increase from the three whatever it was at the States at seven point three I think so we're not at that which is really good news, and yesterday the the Citizen Times published information around missions, current caseload I think they have seven or eight patients. As of yesterday, who had tested positive compared to for the week prior, they have 56 patients with suspected covered 19 compared to 13 the week prior.

G

So more than quadrupling, if I'm doing math on the spot, which I can't necessarily be relied on so anyway, in short, we're seeing house Colon's case numbers deaths, positivity rate, all increase in the good news Department, the testing numbers are going ever increasing, which is really great but I. Just I have, like all of us. I've been wrestling with this and up late at night. Thinking about it and I the the big picture, good news and all this is our numbers are still a lot lower than so many other places, but they're increasing.

G

So we were in the number 10 slot in the most populous counties, we're now in the either 8 or 9 slot, depending on some of those updates, and it and and I also think we are yet to really understand whether going into phase 1 has impacted case count, because we don't yet have real-time data from that we will probably in a week I if, if I was making a decision, I would say: let's stay in phase 1 through Memorial Day till we have more data, see what that data tells us and then make a more informed decision.

G

I, don't think. There's necessarily the will to do that. So so I would like to explore if we are going to move into phase 2 doing so with a requirement that folks wear face masks when they are out in public to protect themselves to protect other people, we'd be following suit, with what Durham County has done. If we were to take that step, so I'll Paul, is there and and and kind of look forward to hearing other people's thoughts, I.

A

Think you Commissioner I'll chime in as well.

A

I've also been thinking about this question quite a bit and I think it's a it's a it's a it's a difficult decision from the standpoint of you know all of us. We all have different kind of views on public policy role of government things like that, the regardless of where you come down on those you know nobody wants to see the government issuing these kind of directives that are very personal right, how people attire themselves, but well, that's true and I certainly share that.

A

There's just there's just a really expansive amount of growing research showing that a community's.

A

Participation rate in wearing masks is one of the most powerful predictors in the spread of Kovan 19 right. This is a highly contagious, primarily airborne transmitted disease right so and- and you know and I think our understanding around this issue has changed a lot from where we were a couple of months ago to where we are today, because it's been getting attention. You know all around the country all around all around the world and but, as I've tried to sort of study it.

A

You know, what's the big takeaways to me or that you know, I, think kind of intuitively people might have started when this thing began. Like let's wear masks us, it protects. You I think what we've kind of realized more and more as it's been researched, is that it's not really a major protection for the person wearing it from like.

A

You know being transmitted the disease, but it is a very powerful have a powerful effect on reducing and suppressing the spread of kuben 19 from when you know we exhale, we all were breathing and we're breathing out, and so when people wear masks, it significantly reduces the amount of transmission for people who are positive. Many of whom don't know it. You know many people were positive, don't know it and when you're in an indoor environment, I think it's, you know much more important for an indoor environment than an outdoor environment.

A

You know the if a high percentage or universal you know, group of people are wearing masks compared to not the way that this virus will be transmitted through the air that we're all kind of breathing together right, so I am and I share. Commissioner Jasmine, Beach Ferrara's concerns about the the growth in numbers we've seen. We are still lower than most places across the state, but I just think.

A

It's really important that we do everything we can, that we don't want to be here in a month or two and look back and say: God can't you remember when we were, we were the lowest in the state and is there anything anything we could have done differently to have kept it that way and as I think about this, you know, as there are more sectors opening up under the state's directive, which I think we're gonna generally follow I mean there might be a few whether we do overnight camps.

A

A little differently is a fairly small decision and the totality of you know, restaurants, reopening things like that to me, I keep coming back to. This is probably one of the most effective tools that we have that we could use to suppress the transmission of this disease as more parts of the economy are opening up. If we, if we do do this, you know I would say I, certainly don't think that this is something that we should be doing on.

A

Any kind of you know long-term basis, I see this as kind of a tool that we might want to use during phase two. None of us have ever been through this before right. We had just kind of put the economy on ice, and now it's coming back online and- and we don't know how that's gonna look, but this is a tool that we know can make it safer.

A

We know that the the places in the world that had high real high participation rates in masks- many of them were mandated, have have gotten through this with a lot lower rates of illness than than others. The other reason that I have kind of come around to this idea is that you know Western North Carolina is a place that a lot of people travel to and through from around the country. You know if we were, we were, you know a rural County, and mostly just the people who were there are the people who were there.

A

You know I'd, probably think about it really differently. If it was just our resident population that we were thinking about, I have I think the people of Buncombe County have done a terrific job in terms of doing the right thing to stay. Safe, we've seen that over the last month and a half, but if restaurants are reopened, you know, there's gonna be a lot more people, as they have been for decades, and especially in the last few years are gonna, are gonna be coming to our community.

A

I saw a survey that someone put online and it was it was a young person and a college student together. They worked on this kind of survey, I'm going out and just kind of interviewing people on the streets like hey, where you from they kind of made notes of who's wearing masks who's. Not what were they here for and it was real friendly.

A

It was real low-key, but it definitely showed that there were a lot more people who were from here who were wearing masks than the people who were coming here from somewhere else, and so, as we see more of that, I think it's.

A

You know it's important to our economic to our economy going forward, but as these people are going in our businesses, then I want to make sure we're protecting the the people who work there, not just protecting them from the from the from the employees who work there, but I want to protect our workers from folks who mean no harm, but but many of whom will have this illness and and not know it. So those are a few my thoughts on it. Mr.

K

Chairman, yes,.

A

K

I may, if, if I go to a business and that business is saying, I have to have a shoes and a shirt on and they wear down, masks I can understand that I'll put a mask on. But what's that going to look like if you're saying we're gonna require everybody, everybody to have a mask that mean we're gonna, if you don't have a mask going get arrested, is I mean I'd like to know what that look like? We, we decided a restaurant. They didn't want to go against an order.

K

We cited a restaurant because those people have no money. So now I'm going to ask you, as a citizen of this county, if I leave my house to go on a walk somewhere and I, don't have a mask. Is a law enforcement officer going to arrest me or cite me what's that gonna look like because I have the freedom in this county in this country to make a decision? That's gonna that now now I understand.

K

Please, please I understand that I risk taking getting this thing from somebody else and taking it to someone I understand that. But the thing is, though, is some folks aren't gonna like what are you gonna do am I gonna be arrested, I'm asking you am, I'm gonna be arrested for wearing a mask for not wearing a mask yeah.

A

It's a great question, so, first of all, I would say- and again this is just you know. This is my thoughts on it. I'm not trying to speak for anyone else, but just based on kind of what I've tried to learn about about this I would say you know this is a policy that should be considered for indoor commercial facilities. If you're outdoors I mean everything about I.

A

Think what we've been learning about this is that if you're outdoors, the risk level is just a thousand times less right, so I don't think this is something that I mean if someone wants to wear a mask outside when they're doing something great, but it's not something that would be. You know, I, think. The question is whether, for commercial indoor environments, where people have to go work, the cost they do have to feed their family. It's not really a choice. Are we gonna protect those people from people who are coming in that store?

A

Who don't don't? No, nobody wants to do anything wrong, but a lot of people have this disease. Just don't know it and they're gonna be interacting there and if most of them are all of them have masks I think the data is pretty clear. The chance of that worker or a bunch of workers getting sick is much lower. So it's it's for indoor commercial environments, not what people do in their homes, not people people doing stuff outside. In terms of the question about enforcement, it's a really legitimate question, I!

A

Think from what I've researched, because a lot of different states around the country, whole states are doing. This Colorado has been doing it for a while New Mexico is doing a bunch of states are doing this statewide and then a bunch of cities and counties are doing it individually and I. Think the the general consensus is that no nobody's going to get arrested for not wearing a mask right.

A

The police, Asheville police department, Buncombe County, Sheriff's Department they've, got bigger challenges that they need to be focused on than whether somebody's not following the mask policy right. So I think we should acknowledge if we, if we do this, that it's not going to be for for individuals. This is not going to be a police, enforced policy, so I would say that's my answer.

K

Okay, then, so then I'll go back to my original thing, about businesses, putting the business being the one that puts the requirement well, I. Think when government puts requirement on the people, then we overstep we over I mean we do. What I'm saying is is if I will support businesses, making the decision and now that's where I want to go back to the legal aspect can force? Can we or can through public health can through this there's some law out there?

K

That says you have to have shoes and shirts, so under that same guidance or law, can that business put masks and then let it be that business owner that says hey my employees are going to wear it, and anyone coming in here is going to wear it and I can I can accept that, but I do know in Oklahoma City they put a mandatory mask thing on and then about two days later something came out and they took it back.

K

So we said, while there's people cities that have been doing this there's just as many cities that haven't done it and took it back. So that's that's. What we'll go back? Go back to that original, so.

F

And I go back to the state. You know the state mandated your requirements are not are not bad they're there, they're, safe, they're, probably not as safe for some people and they're, probably too strict. You know for others, and you know it's amazing to me how I mean I think for of ask I wear this when I go out and and I use it not for myself, but I use for others.

F

If I'm in a situation where you know I'm going to be in close contact with that person for a while, then I'm, gonna, I'm gonna, move that up I'm gonna make them more comfortable and that's, but that's that's. That tends to be the way I. Do that I!

F

Don't you know I'm a thought came to me is you know somebody gets in there and this is just what popped in my head. Somebody gets in there in there in there, in their truck from from Haywood County and they're, bringing their lawn mower over to get it fixed at the place that I taken. They they go in there and and then they can't go in the place and because they have to have a they have to have a mask.

F

Now, if that's required by that that owner still gonna be it's still gonna be very difficult, but I'm just not ready to tell you know the general public, that I mean I, just it just doesn't, and we need to do this fair. This is something that I mean we can kind of get in into it. On some things you know, and but this is this needs to be. This is very personal. Very respectful people have to make some of those decisions and I.

F

You know I'm not I'm, not a hundred percent sure how comfortable people are going to be going into somewhere, where I'm at I mean I got two four year old, grandkids and I. Think about them. You know, masks are very traumatic for particularly one of them. You know, masks or are very scary. You know- and now you know- and people are you know they get masked and they get. You know different designs on them and they're very I mean they're. They are they're, they're kind of traumatic for some kids I. Think.

N

That's a matter of messaging and that's what I see part of our role as Public Health and something I've taken as a personal crusade over the last couple weeks is to get rid of that stigma that fear of mass. That's not because you're afraid it's because you care about others. You realize that wearing a mask you're worried about somebody else's grandmother who maybe you never met and teaching children that mask is an assignment, fear or threats. It's a sign of protection Aaron. So those are my thoughts on masks. I.

N

Think um we've looked at this very hard for a month about Matt the mask question, the complexities and we've seen from the country and internationally and mandating it. There's extremely complex, I, so I think we're. We arrived at our recommendation where I thought was a middle ground where we can require through public health code. Basically, businesses was front forward facing public facing employees to wear and then have the public a strong recommendation for them to increase our numbers of compliance.

A

I

Coming from, let me sense this: the governor's telecast last night, five o'clock, I, talked to small business owners, call me at home, one around 7:30 and another one. Maybe around 8:30 I talked to three this morning, three of them in the downtown in the area and three and not mean to or not, hmm but the gist of the conversation was this.

I

They are saying that they are going to require their in to were restaurants, free or not they're going to require their employees to wear a mask, but they said they want to require the customers to to wear masks, but it would help if they had. They could say that in Buncombe County we're requiring mess. This was coming from then and sure I mean it might be mixed. Maybe I talked to just five people: it's 25, not five, but you know everything that I read and talking about the safety and nobody hates windlass more than that.

I

But what we look at for the safety of the people in Baucom care, I. Think to me: it's no-brainer, you know, I think that's what comes first, the safety of the people in the county and when I see we have seven deaths to me. I feel bad when I see one death, but if that goes up, I think is the elected officials? It's our job. To do all we can to help save the drives and to make sure that sure we operate as we can.

I

We got to think about the economy and all, but the bottom line is still the safety of the population and to make sure that we do that and I think that's one of we have that obligation and it's not always gonna be easy decisions, and we might not, you know, be liked by everybody for what we do, but my deal is: I want to be able to sleep at night with the decisions I make and feel comfortable that we're doing what's best for the two hundred and sixty thousand plus people in Buncombe, County I think this is what this is all about, and this is why they elected us.

I

We've got to make some decisions, some we don't like, but I think we got to think of what's important to the people who we represent right.

J

Sides you and I may have them talked to some of the same folks, I'm hearing some similar conversations um from business and restaurant owners as well and their employees want to go back to work. They need the money and what I'm hearing is, and yet they're scared to go back to work that they're more than willing to wear the face coverings, but the conversations I've had is: please protect my employees so that they will come back to work and that I'm not having to hire and train new people.

J

Please give the appearance that you care about the folks that are working in my business and that really gave me pause that I think this is the elephant in the room that we haven't said and I may be opening a hole, conversation that love it or hate it and we're not gonna debate that we're our economy is driven by tourism and we talk about opening our occupancy to 50 percent. We talk about doing that in order. I can't talk with this on at the same time, which is a real problem.

J

I'm sorry, we know that in order to move our economy forward, we have to do these things and we are going to rely on people from outside of Buncombe County in North Carolina to come visit Asheville. We have an opportunity, as Buncombe County leaders, to say we want not only the tourists who are coming to propel our economy forward to be safe, but we recognize how important these employees in the tourism driven economy are to Buncombe County, and we want to protect you. We talk over and over that the tourism industry pays low.

J

We can debate that we can talk about how those employees are treated in that industry. We have again the chance to be leaders, true leaders and say we care about you and we're going to make Buncombe County in Asheville a safe place for everyone who live here. The people who are coming to visit and I think down the road. We could look back on this and say: Asheville and Buncombe County were leaders in reopening the tourism economy in a really safe way that was safe for everyone.

J

So with all that said, of course, I think that lends itself to where I fall on the mask wearing I've been wearing my cute little chicken mask for weeks and months now, wherever I go, the one thing that I don't want to forget in the midst of all of this, as we are talking of how masks is, we do have communities right here in Buncombe County who fall victim to racial profiling and when you are required to wear a mask that makes that oftentimes that racial profiling, more common and I, want to acknowledge that I want to be aware of that, particularly for our men and women of color in Buncombe County, as we're asking them to do that.

J

We talked about fear of masks. The fear for those folks putting them on is a very real fear, and we can't ignore that as part of our conversation in dr. Malinda or in Fletch again, I cannot say it enough. Thank you for the work that you're doing you're approaching this from such a science and data-driven perspective, and that makes making decisions from where I sit so much easier. So I commend you for what you're providing us.

M

Finish upon that is I still want to say. The restaurant should be separate from that of anybody in the restaurant. That's working I think they should have a mask if that's it, but the people coming in should have. If they walk in and see they hang out masks. They can very willingly turn around and walk out of restaurants business off now. One thing I just want to bring up al and Amanda to require the people coming into a restaurant to eat with a mask Amanda.

M

You had trouble talking with the mask out and how are you gonna eat with it? Just.

N

To clarify commissioner yeah, what we're recommending is only for this staff required right.

M

I'm, just restaurant.

N

To determine whether or not customers coming in are required to wear one. Obviously you can't eat when you were a mask. You.

M

N

We've heard from.

A

The restaurant but I think that there's interest in going beyond that yeah going.

M

A

Think there's interest in making it a requirement for for people within the commercial facilities, not just the employees, because we need to protect the employee, yeah.

D

So that's what I want to bring us back to so we we talked about like equity, being very important in this community, but if you think about who are the employees right like, we need to protect the employees too, so I I get the whole like freedom, but I. Look at it as freedom from disease like the freedom of this community from kovat right that that's my public health frame, and so it comes kind of from a point of privilege to be able to not have to wear a mask when we're telling our essential workers.

D

Who often are you know, people of color or you know, come from a lower-income like you need to wear a mask, and then anybody walking in the store so I just I just want to say that I just got to get that off. My chest and I also just want us to recognize like it is really hard like I've been in this since January and I haven't had a lot of time to stop and like think my kids start in kindergarten, this fall I haven't had time to stop and really think what that's gonna.

D

Look like, but we have to stop and think what we knew in early January, that life we lived in 2019. That's not coming back right now like for a while.

D

So we are, this will be a new normal like this is real right like we have we can. We are not ready. We can't return to that and so like. This is a whole new world, and we have to understand that this is gonna. Take sacrifice right. This is gonna. We are gonna have to give up a little bit of what we once knew and it's I'm not happy about it. I mean I'm, we're going through the stages of grief right, but I. Think like we need like the this virus is our enemy.

D

We should not be each other's enemy.

D

This we have to pull together and we have to understand that to protect our community right, to keep that case, count from continuing to go up and up and up and to keep our fatality count from going up and up and up it's gonna require all of us to sacrifice something right for, for when we look at our when you look at our case count and you look at the racial breakdown it is, there is significant disproportionality there right because we are talking about individuals in our community that work, these essential jobs that are out taking care of people everyday, while other people get to stay at home right and they might live in large household because it can't afford to live and- and you know just with their their spouse or their children, and how they, and so like I, think we need to keep those people in mind like who it's it's.

D

It is about me it's about my sons, about my husband, but it's about all of us and who is the most vulnerable in our community and I. This is an opportunity, I think for our community to step up and like really do what's right and I, get it I. It's the same thing: I struggle against with immunizations right, mandating, immunizations and having people.

D

You know the whole freedom to do what I think is best for myself and my family, but again that has impact beyond just your family, and so I just had to get that out, because that's been weighing on my shoulders for quite a long time. So.

F

I, thank you for that and yeah. You know it's I can't imagine trying to talk through any of this and not and not be emotional. I mean I, get the same way too. You know with within my family and yeah, but we really appreciate the job that you're doing and no one needs to be.

F

It's like I said before I said we can. We can we can go at it on some other things you know, but on this one right here we just need to have a good discussion and what we have to do is to be able to bring to light the concerns that that we hear throughout the communities- and you know that we hear I, don't think requiring mass for for customers is, is very realistic. You know I, don't I, don't I. Just don't see that being very realistic, given.

F

As you see it, I think it'd be very very difficult least, and- and there is I mean most things- I come in I come in from a pop holes perspective and it's just the way. I am you know and I. You know, and, and you know we may say well to teach someone that a mask is okay, that's tough, sometimes, and so what happens? Is you just kind of keep them away from it until you might be able to to to get them to be more comfortable? Something like that.

F

K

Chairman service, the state order says children under 12 are exempt, so we are, we saying we're going to do that as well. Okay,.

D

K

We're going to do that and then and then, if I could make one more comment: dr. mollendorf, let's thank you so much for everything, you've done and and pledge. You gave a thing: I'm, probably the first second second day or so I met with you. You had gave a speech at the EOC and and I went to mr.

K

Pender and I said we got to make sure we take care of because it was, it was a burden and- and it is and I want to make sure that both y'all are taken care of and in any any way that we that we can help, because it has been you've been dealing with this way before and and but I want to make sure that we understand that Commissioner, it's not I, don't care about the employees, that's that's not it. It never has been and I don't know.

K

If that was directed and my fault, my thought is it's not about masks. It's not about masks. It's about government mandating mask and having a business owner saying that you're required to wear it as an employee and you're required to wear it. As my customer, that's a support wearing mask if I can get a haircut this in the next two or three days, I'll wear three masks.

K

The issue is: is government mandating citizens to do something, whereas the business owner could go ahead and say all my employees are gonna have to wear them, and anyone who comes in here will have to wear them. That is that that's my I guess my issue with the whole thing about the mask is whether it's government mandate or business saying that you're gonna have to do it. So my.

J

Comments were not specifically directed to any one up here, I'm speaking very generally,.

G

To first of all, thank you, dr. mellendorf, for sharing those perspectives and I. Think it's so important that every step of the way we are keeping front and center the experiences of those in our community who are most vulnerable for a wide range of factors, including race, including income, including age, including having pre-existing conditions.

G

You know, I Fletcher, you said the other night and I thought you said it as well as I'd heard anyone say it is. As we open our commune back up, we were going to see more cases and more deaths and that's what we have to sit with. That's just real and then the question becomes. What steps can we take to do everything in our power to reduce the number of cases and reduce the number of deaths?

G

I've heard a lot of conversation about people saying: well, it's not that bad really and there are examples of pieces they're a fairly mild. My best friend is an infectious disease doctor in North Carolina and is treating people with coca right now cover 19, and we were in touch this week and she said the thing that is most terrifying about this as a medical professional is that we cannot medically predict who is going to survive and who's going to die. It doesn't make sense.

G

She talked about treating a family where they were they're, seeing lots of family clusters, as you alluded to here, so they had siblings in their 30s admitted one was going home, the other died and they didn't know why. We have to understand the gravity of that and I'll be honest if we should all be wearing masks in here right now, I, don't know why we're not. This is probably the sixth hour we've spent together this week. I love all of you. I, truly love you, whatever you think about me, I love!

G

You I can't help it that don't know why we're not wearing masks ever chronic condition. I would rather not wear a mask. I've got to my family can't afford for me to get sick for every one of us. There's a story like that: it's really really deeply personal, we're all scared and there will be people for whom. If we do decide to move forward with requiring mass in our community, there will be people who are very upset about that and I get that anytime government a new step into personal freedom.

G

It's something we have to take very very seriously and having weighed it and argued in my own mind and talked to a lot of people in the last week, it's one I feel comfortable, supporting and one that I'll advocate for and where and wherever we land on.

G

This is what I'm going to keep talking about, because if we are determined to move into Phase, two and again, I really wish we'd pump the brakes on that Durham County is doing that they have the highest case accountant in the state, so they're in a different situation, but they are implementing a much more restrictive version of Phase two I wish. We would take the time to take a closer look on that because of what our dad is doing right now.

G

I, don't know if that's gonna happen, but if we're gonna move forward in the ways we're discussing, it feels not just like the most responsible thing, not just like the most compassionate and this everything, but it's the way to save lives. Moving forward, Commissioner Pentland, you raised a question about the legality of this I think it would be great to get a clear opinion on that. Just in a little bit of research, as commissioner manoomin alluded to, we do see other states doing this.

G

Durham County has had an order like this, in effect for several weeks, I believe I'm not aware of any legal challenges in Oklahoma, there's a city that rescinded theirs, but that was because people were threatening employees who were enforcing it. It wasn't a question of the legality of it. It was because community members were being asked to put masks on and were actually physically threatening people. So to me, what that speaks to is if our community gets on board.

G

With this embraces this, it becomes them the new normal that we're all wear masks instead of you're in an environment, and a lot of people aren't wearing masks in this room. So that's we're not modeling how to move through this in a healthy way, and it's a personal choice right now. It's one that perplexes me, but that's a different story, but you know I'm not aware of any legal guidance suggesting that that we wouldn't be able to do this, but I'd certainly you're right.

G

It would be irresponsible of us to move forward if we are to without looking at that, I.

E

Can offer a couple thoughts? The new executive order does retain elements of executive order, 138 regarding the autonomy of local governments, counties and cities, so counties and cities here are still allowed to make restrictions greater restrictions than the state order has in place, except for the only exception is retail occupancy.

E

There can't be greater restriction for retail occupancy locally. In turn, I've heard a number of mentions about what retail owners may do. Retail owners may require everyone who comes in to wear masks just like no shirts no service. If they don't do so, it would be a trespass, so they do have that power and the county has that power as well. The county can require that people going into businesses can also wear that that would be more restrictive than the state I think would also be allowed.

E

As to the other questions that we're talking about just as a reminder for everybody, any restrictions that are imposed must be founded in fact, and reasonably tailored to limit the threat presented and they were applied to municipalities in Buncombe County. Only if, if they consented to and asked for that, to be the case and I'd be happy to try to answer any other questions, you might have.

E

A

Me ask a question: are there any other I kind of feel like we should make? Are there any other things we need to give feedback on, I mean the mask issues, getting a lot of attention anything else. We want to what's custody, there's any less. We want to give guidance on and then let's come back to you and kind of try to bring that issue to closure. I only.

N

Had that one slide of points of concern, the rest of my presentation was walking through here.

N

We've addressed everything on here. This was just the slides walking us through again. What it looks. The difference will be between phase one and phase two.

N

You can see here the difference between enhanced mass mass gathering guidance, so we could go from 10 persons indoors and 25 people outside the local travel is now open with the rescinding of the stay at home order. We now have this safer at home recommendation.

N

Face coverings on here currently as written is strongly encouraged. We have not adapted that yet, with our you know, the discussions are that are ongoing.

N

Looking through particular sectors. Childcare is now fully open, similar to as wasn't phase one we added nightclub since they were specifically addressed in the governor's order was not previously in, but those remain closed.

N

Restaurants, you know, on dining, with restrictions, barbers and salons open with restrictions. Those entertainment venues remain closed, still long term care has strict restrictions on visitors, worship is now worship and religious ceremonies are now exempt from the order, but we still recommend the three W's.

N

Leisure tourism bookings will would be allowed. We've allowed them to make those bookings but recommendations allow them to proceed with those bookings again allowance for reservations with restrictions that we've discussed outdoor sporting events. You know we read that recommendation from Parks and Rec to delay county run, organized events and then, while the other stuff follows the new mass gathering, guidance or specifically outlined state protocols such as for day camps, overnight camps or new restaurants, and things like that. That was the entirety of my presentation.

A

Are there any other comments on items unrelated to the mask topic? Yeah.

K

On the county, runned events, so we should. We add that that includes those like the day.

N

The nonprofit yes County.

K

Park, because the way it may assess county runned events but and that the reason that is, we don't have the guide. It's in the fact that we don't have the staff tried to clean the bathrooms / the cleaning guidelines. Yes,.

N

Sir I'll reflect that in the language you know make that clear that it's, you know the facilities, whether or not this county organizations using those facilities and reflect that all right.

A

Or anything else on anything not a mask all right: okay, let's come back to the mask issue, so.

A

It's a hard it's a hard one. If someone had asked me where was where I was at on this even honestly week ago, I would I would have been in a different place that um we're all just living into this trying to learn as we go, some of the other decisions that have been made and there's some things that are in our control and then other things are just you know, courts make certain decisions on different issues. Things change some protections we had a week ago. We don't have anymore and they greatly concern me.

A

This is this is a tool. That's in the toolbox and I. Think that are we ever gonna get you know kind of universal wearing of masks in them or not. That's not. It's not gonna happen. There's some people who are never gonna, put on a mask and that's just a way the world works and but I do believe. If we adopt a policy that in commercial settings you know public facing commercial settings, we we have a policy that people people need to wear masks.

A

I do believe the rate of people wearing these will be higher than if we go and and I think that that will make a difference in how this plays out in our community. So for those reasons you know I'm supportive of it I'm hearing that there was a majority of the Commission that would like to like to give that direction in terms of what we wear we go on this next, so I guess my question may be to the county manager is: um do we need to vote on that? We could?

A

We could vote on that if we're gonna vote on that, we actually would need to talk about the process for doing that, because this is a work session, but but just I guess just that's one question is the staff feel like we have guidance or should we should? We just make sure this is really clear and and take.

E

This is a call for work session, so by policy and practice. The board doesn't typically vote during such work session. However, all board members are present. If the board wanted to vote on this, we're right smack dab in the middle of emergency. You could adjourn the special meeting, call an emergency meeting now and vote on it. Okay,.

A

So that's what we would need to do to stay within our policies in input that.

E

Would be the cleanest way, I believe I.

A

F

We should I think it's one specific item: that's locking us up and I think we should you know and I'm. You know I want to go to Commissioner pinions. You know comment that you know in in my particular case.

F

I think it should be left to the to the businesses to make that decision, because they know their team members and their employees and other customers best and I think they all be looking out for for their best interest in balancing their ability to to earn that income and see, if they're, going to be able to keep that business going and I think that they'll compassionately do that. I have a I, have a tremendous amount of confidence in the in the the community and those business owners and I.

F

Think it's been reflective in the town halls. How how I mean I'm just very, very proud of the the the people of Buncombe County and you know I, believe they'll I believe they'll. Do the right thing: I believe as we move into this, that they'll they'll be respectful and in protective and I. Think they'll do the right thing.

K

One of the things that I would like to make sure every how this goes is that we give guidance on the proper way of taking these masks off because I wearing the mask. Yes, but if something gets on the mask, can you reach up there and you grab it with your hands? Those are things that's going to have to be looked at to let the citizens know the proper way of taking these masks off is not just grabbing it with your hand and then not one in washing your hands.

K

There's a there is a proper procedure to take these things off.

M

Well great first I want to thank everyone for what they're doing and please don't mean I know we all get up here, sometimes and say things, but we never leave without telling each other be safe, have a good weekend as a family, so I don't want. Anyone think this is this. Is our opinions is what we're doing on issues but I I'm, okay, yep. If our county manager of us says we all need to wear masks here, I am for it.

M

I'm six foot, eight I've had emails, does Jasmine not like you or something because she's so far away from you. Well, that is being said. So I am county manager and every one I will wear a mask if it says if it makes everyone feel good, I mean I will be more I. Keep going back to this restaurant thing of being an owner. Our health department has the authority to say they tell us to wear nets. They tell us what our temperature of our food is. They tell us everything they should go ahead.

M

If this is seems, like the be the biggest issue here, that everyone that is employed in the restaurant should wear a mask, we have to wear gloves after wear a hat hire and that or something like that, so that one could be real, easy I still think the businesses should be able to say we recommend you wearing a mask or you have to wear a mask I, don't think we should go and tell that right there, just don't think that we should and that's where I'm at and I'm so glad that we're going into Phase two because I've had so many people say stuff to me of aligning with governor commissioner personally, if you don't go into Phase two, if y'all don't go, why don't you get your staff, you, commissioners, and stop your pay for ten weeks and fill our burden that we've got and that's what I'm passing out here?

M

We need to get this going and I'll be more than glad to stop my page today. If we're not going into Phase two to let these things start and I'll challenge everyone else, stop there pay I, don't think a lot of us can make it ten weeks like some of the other ones. Have so that's where I'm at and thank you and.

A

What I'm going to suggest is that we adjourn this meeting and then we're gonna adjourn an emergency meeting and we're gonna follow up on this question on the mass policy, and so we can actually vote on it. That sounds.

E

Right just have to call it and adjourn it. Yes, okay,.

A

So is there a motion to adjourn the work session.

I

A

In favor, please say: aye all right, I'd like to call all commissioners are present, I'd like to call a special meeting of the Buncombe County Commission on May 21st for 10:00 p.m. an emergency meeting. It's.

E

A special meeting to deal with an emergency, so it is an emergency meeting mode.

H

A

The topic is a discussion about the county's local policy, going forward related to Cobie 19 responds in Phase two, and we just we've just had a discussion about in a work session format. There was one item we felt like the Commission should vote on. So that's the purpose of the emergency meeting I'll make a I'll make a motion for consideration.

A

The motion would be to give direction that the county would support, having a policy that, in commercial public based in commercial facilities masks will be worn in Phase two of the co19 response in Buncombe County for four employees and customers who are in those public facing commercial facilities. There needs to be language in our directive that talks about that. This can be done where it's practical, when people are eating food they're gonna have to take a mask off, so this cannot be done.

A

You know every moment that you're in a facility, but we're practical, that's the policy that we would like to have in place. It's not going to be a permanent policy. We'd like for this, to go back to being a recommended policy at some time in the near future, either when phase 3 starts or at an earlier time, as recommended by staff.

A

This is not a permanent policy of the county, but it's something that we want to maximize participation in wearing masks and commercial facilities, as we are starting this new phase 2 process in Buncombe County and in the state of North Carolina. This applies only to indoor settings. No outdoor settings would be no requirement for wearing masks and any outdoor settings or people's personal residences. This isn't only applying to public facing commercial facilities where employees and customers are having that kind of interaction in a public commercial setting. That's the motion.

I

N

A

I just make a quick point.

N

You make the language can.

L

N

The language face covering yes.

A

A

Some input on the motion.

G

Itself, yes, I wondered if we could just say if we could include public facilities that may not be commercial in nature, for instance a public library or so, if so wordsmith it in such a way that it would encompass settings like that and also make sure that we're providing very clear guidance, I think to address- and this might be at the messaging level. But the concerns come share.

G

Other words raised around some of the specific concerns that folks of color might have around this and then finally, I think is important that we just are very clear about enforcement, and the way this seems to play out in other communities is that this provides a way for say someone working at a grocery store to say to a customer. You need to put a mask on.

G

You can't come in if you're, if you don't, but to be clear that people would not be arrested if they're not wearing a mask and to get clear on whether citations would be issued an instance in any instances related to this. My personal opinion would be that we should.

L

G

Not focus on and on the enforcement side of this, it should really be about just encouraging the behavior and creating a tool for staff in facilities to be able to encourage the use of masks and but that we should really shy away from anything that criminalizes behavior around this unless it crosses some other criminal line.

M

G

I'm, sorry, it would the intent of it is that it mandates it, but we don't criminalize someone not wearing them. So.

A

I'm an agreement with the content that was just here by commissioner jasmine beach for our I'd. Like that to be part of the motion, including the that in the counties policy, there will be language making it clear that individuals are not going to be prosecuted by law enforcement over this, but that we do feel strongly that businesses who take this order seriously and require everyone coming into their businesses, that we do strongly support them and we will support those businesses in their decision to to enforce this on their properties.

A

The one other comment or the one other detailed like to add, is that the governor's word is going into effect tomorrow. We do need I'm, sorry, Friday, Friday, 5:00, variety,.

H

A

We need we need. People have a little time to prepare for this. So I would like to ask for the staff to make a recommendation on exactly when this piece of our local order. We go into effect. I think we should give some additional time, so it doesn't go into effect immediately on five o'clock on Friday, so people just have a time to plan. Do some planning around this all right? That's the motion. Is there a second.

I

F

Chairman I respectfully request a roll call vote on on this. The other thing I would ask just for a point of discussion is so when we're so or are you requiring?

F

Are you acquiring churches to wear masks.

A

Facilities, commercial.

F

A

For commercial facilities so.

F

But but you you added libraries, what else are we going to? What else do you feel like is kind of along the same lines as a library.

G

Federal court ruling that came down last Saturday sort of made clear that that churches are exempt from any restrictions that question I put to staff using their public health lens would be to think about what are the non-commercial public spaces? People might be in under the new guidelines and the only example I can think of right. Now is a library, I'm sure, I'm sure there are others, but but the intent is just to keep people employees safe in those settings. So so.

A

So it's a good question and I think it's on these matters I think it's very important for us to be as clear as possible and it's it's it's hard to contemplate every situation in society in the economy. But at this point I believe the motion is for business. Commercial facilities of public facing libraries are specifically mentioned, but that's still that's the limit of it. If the staff come up with other ideas they want to talk about, then we could talk about that, but that's not included in the motion at this time.

K

Mr. Farr said about the legal aspect of it, but we also have to understand that a business owner can cite someone for trespassing if they don't come in wearing a mask, correct.

E

Her manager or anyone in charge of those premises they could make that a requirement. Yes,.

K

Sir okay, so they could still would get back to. They could still make this the requirement and and and okay.

A

M

I want this clear because it's affected me we're gonna, make every customer that comes into our business. Wear a mask.

A

M

Let's take into consideration here, but we're not gonna, take legal action against them right.

A

Law enforcement- that's we're expressing our intent, yeah I think we're just as elected officials sharing. That's our that's our view, so around the country, that's almost uniformly. What we see is that it's not a police enforcement strategy in any way, Polly.

M

I'm telling you what I want you to understand, Asheville, City and Buncombe County is different. It is I, am scared for my employees absolutely that this big burly guy comes in and says he is not gonna wear a mask in there and I won't service you're, putting my employees in danger and I'm a small and I'm talking about all these I mean I. Don't want a friendly amendment. Please make it mandatory for the businesses to have that because don't put my people in danger, please please don't.

M

Employees, not customers, please I, do not my daughter works there. Let me tell you.

A

M

Got I want y'all to think.

F

M

About this, and we can change something- let's see how this phase goes of, making the employees do it first, and then we can look at it in a week or two I tell you get out in Leicester, San Dimas out in these rural areas. At these feeding seeds, I'm telling you we're asking the dangers, not gonna, be arresting someone for not having it. It's gonna be for someone getting something out of their car or someone coming in and taking retaliation. I am asking, let's think about this.

A

M

260,000 people here and I explained to my wife all the time I'm not making their BAE happy. There is half that's growing up, be upset with me and there's gonna be half that praises me for standing up.

A

You're, describing is probably the strongest argument against it. I'll acknowledge it, but but what I also hear is that there are businesses who are very strongly intending to enforce this kind of policy and many.

H

Of them have them, do it many let.

A

Me finish: sorry, many of them have expressed to me that they believe they will be in a much better position to enforce this policy. If the position of Buncombe County supporting it and requiring it versus it's hey, my business has decided we don't like people like you. You know that's kind of how they feel like they have to express it right now, it's just each business having to make this difficult.

A

Look at the difficulty we're having here we're making every business go through that exact same process and and they feel like they will, they will be able to better protect their employees and their customers by having the county adopt this position, but I acknowledge it. Will it I acknowledge what you're saying I share the concern? I just I think the other side of it is mr.

K

Chairman, please can may I ask what is what is the difference with a business owner who who says that I will I will make my employees do it? I will make my customers do it, but it's better. If you make me do it, knowing knowing that we just said we wouldn't enforce it, but the business owner can enforce it. Do a trespass: I, don't understand the business owner aspect telling us we want you to make us do it when they already have. They already have.

A

I can tell people this is when people come in, they don't have mastic and say hey. You need to wear a mask. It's a county rule. They.

K

Can do that now.

A

K

Can do that through the shoes and shirt thing they can do that if they.

A

Do not say it's a county rule, it's not a county rule. We.

G

All say absolutely here: you can be sure president, it's a that part of. It is very very. Concerning mahir, you I hear you it's very concerning, and we have more than a month two months now of seeing what happens when people are not required to Merrimack mass but strongly encouraged, which is that very few people wear masks. I mean when you go out to Ingles when you go around town when you go around the county, you see very, very, very few masks and I.

L

G

I, where I'm going, I see very few mess, and I think if, if we're, if strongly encouraging, was working, then we'd see a significant number of people in our community wearing mass, and it's not. That tool is not working.

G

This is not a tool or decision to take lightly and at the same time, we know that when people don't wear mass, it significantly increases the risks to people on both sides of that interaction. It so that that risk is present and ubiquitous. There's also many scenarios of businesses that might not pass this policy on their own and the employees of those businesses that we have to think about.

G

So some businesses might be ready to opt in to this tomorrow, if when they, when they reopen, but there's many that would not and that creates there would be environments there where employees would be at a higher level of risk, because.

C

G

To me, that's one of the arguments for the universality of this and I've also wrestled with it. This is not something that I thought we would need to use, but to me right now, it feels like the right tool to put into the mix as we move into Phase two and.

M

I mean I: we've got a county employee that I went today that told me that she'd been shopping at Ingles and they was not enough. People wearing masks, so she is shopping at Trader Joe's now so you know see people's got an option. She come up with an option that she felt comfortable with some.

G

People have options, a lot of people, don't have options.

M

Yes, we do. Everyone has enough.

G

Flatly false many on our community of really limited options.

M

G

It / it's not an unrelated topic, but it's.

M

Not that I won't we're gonna vote and boy and.

F

M

Hope something happened, but we talk about deaths. We could have fatalities, guys of someone going believe everybody's already mentally drained right now, don't shake your head. I mean they are people ill right now, they're losing their life savings they're losing their cars, their kids are going hungry, I mean, let's, let's give them the choice. I, just you know, I, don't know if I'll stay open. If I have to do that, because I'm not putting my employees in danger.

F

Yeah and I want to respond. You know, I know, I, know Commissioner of Presley very well in his relationship with his family and and- and he is I believe he is very serious and in his statement and that he is, would be concerned for his implementing members. You know one or more of which you know his family and you know I think that we can move into.

F

You know the protection of these businesses without taking this big leap, I think we can I think we can do that. We can look at it. You know, and in in measure and.

F

In the places that I have been there is a lot of people are advanced there. Some places aren't where a mass, but it just it, and it depends on kind of you know, are you in close proximity to people and customers and and but I, don't know that I'm, just as.

A

A

The county adopts this policy. Each jurisdictions in the counties can have to decide if they want to do this. My expectation is that some of them won't made just be Asheville and become County. I, don't know we'll see. I believed Asheville will also will also be on the same page. It's the other jurisdictions decide not to do it. That is, each jurisdiction is going to have to make a decision on whether they want to opt into this or not and I respect where any of them come down on it.

A

So I just wanted to share that. You know this is not something that we're. We can't speak for everyone. We speak for certain parts of the community where we have sort of jurisdiction on this question, so um maybe that some others come down differently. Yes, all.

K

Right Massa question Fisher mr. fruit, the the shoes and shirt no service, ordinates rule. What does that come from? Can this be put into that same thing and it's the business owner I just think we're overstepping government government is overstepping here. If we, if we could say to the business owner that rule is in place under this ordinance, then we don't have to require anything. It could be up to the business owner.

E

That is an option. I would call it in common law. It's a control over the premises you owned or managed under lease or or just as a manager same thing if you've you've seen a kid's skateboard out in front of grocery stores before and the manager says, get off the property. So if they come back, it's a second-degree trespass. So the same thing would apply. Any business owner can set conditions, reasonable conditions for people to enter accepting medical or disability situations.

K

So so this could be put to the business owner and it's then we and we don't have to we don't have to mandate it. It's up there to be the business owner.

A

K

A

Don't agree that that's the most effective way to do it and for me there's just a difference. I mean I, see the scenario, but mr.

K

Chair believes I'd, say: let's, let's, let's, let's understand we're going to be doing the same thing if I put it into the, if I put it into Commissioner Presley's hands that says: hey I'm gonna we're require this and we put it into all the other business owners. If we're doing the same thing, they'd.

A

Only some businesses would do it, but.

K

If they have to do the shoes and shirts they have, they would have to do it if it's in that way,.

F

K

They not have to follow that that.

E

Commissioner I'm not aware of a requirement in most settings that you'd have to have shoes and search to go into any business. I think it probably is required of restaurants, / health codes, but not of other retail or other public places.

A

Okay, are there any any other comments on this? We've been at it for a while, and it's been a good discussion, not an easy one, but a robust one. If there are no other comments, then I'd like to ask all those in favor of the motion I asked.

F

A

Everyone everyone who's, the favorite, emotion, raise your hand and say aye aye.

A

Those opposed raise your hand, say yeah. No, all right, I think it's clear how we voted I just never done that before so well,.

F

Actually, if I, if I request that you should honor that okay.

A

I'll think about it. Some more.

A

F

Someone asks for a.

A

Roll call under our policies- that's something we do I've, never I've, never have it's in the rules. Early, never, never never.

F

Come you can call it, you can call for roll call whoa. What's.

A

E

Think that would be in the nature of a procedural motion. I think it could be requested I, don't think he would take precedence over the main motion and I think it would be up to the chair to moderate it all.

A

Right, thank you. I'll be happy to read over that stuff, some more two, more we'll look at it with future. That was the only item that we talked about going into the emergency session. For so is there a motion to adjourn the emergency session so.

I

A

B

So we would work on that language and get it back out to you tomorrow, we'll also reach out to all the different mints Bally's to see how be aligned and we'll have that ready for tomorrow. I believe her is that three o'clock 13:33 that's so tomorrow through o'clock, we'll have a media briefing so we'll have this ready and circulated to you all, okay, so that we can have that order signed tomorrow.

A

Okay, all in favor of the motion to adjourn, please say: aye aye, any opposed all right. We're adjourned.