County Capital Overview
Technical Review Committee and Oversight Committee
Evaluate
Recommend
Communicate
The Techncal Review Committee includes County, Alamance-Burlington School System, and Alamance Community College staff and is responsible to review, evaluate, and document the need for capital projects as well as make recommendations by ranking projects based on established criteria.
TRC Member Responsibilities
- Review all project requests for clarity, accuracy, and appropriate timing;
- Meet with project submitters to clarify requests and propose revisions, if needed;
- Rank requested projects based on established evaluation criteria;
- Review available revenues and debt service requirements for project requests based on approved County financial policies;
- Prioritize projects based on their ranking and available revenues;
- Forward the committee recommendations to the Oversight Committee for its review.
Oversight Committee Members
- County Commissioner Chair John Paisley
- County Commissioner Steve Carter
- Board of Education Chair Allison Gant
- Board of Education Patsy Simpson
- Board Trustee General Blake Williams
Technical Review Committee 2020-21 and 2019-20 Schedule and Minutes
- Technical Review Committee - Meetings held at 9:00AM the last Tuesday of each Month (via Zoom until further notice)
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, December 15, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, November 24, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, October 27, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, September 29, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, July 28, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, June 30, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- No December 2019 Meeting
- Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, August 27, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
Monthly Capital Finance Report
- Tuesday, February 23, 2021 - Report
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021 - Report
- Tuesday, December 15, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, November 24, 2020- Report
- Tuesday, October 27, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, September 29, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, July 28, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, June 29, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, April 28, 2020 -Report
- Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - Report
- Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - Report
Oversight Committee 2020-21 and 2019-20 Schedule and Minutes
- OSC Meeting Schedule 2020-21 Revised Dec 2020
- Thursday, December 17, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, November 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes
- Tuesday, October 6, 2020 - Meeting Canceled
- Tuesday, August 4, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Thursday, June 4, 2020 - Meeting Canceled
- Thursday, February 27, 2020 - Meeting Minutes
- Monday, December 9, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
- Thursday, September 26, 2019 - Meeting Minutes
Oversight Committee Meeting Presentations
- Thursday, December 17, 2020
- Tuesday, August 4, 2020
- Tuesday, February 27, 2020
- Monday, December 9, 2019
Board of Education and Board of Commissioners' Meeting
- Monday, January 11, 2021 - Joint Meeting of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and the Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education
- Monday, January 13, 2020
- Wednesday, September 4, 2019
- Wednesday, March 4, 2020
- Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Alamance County Capital Updates
At the Oct 7th Commissioners’ meeting, the Board received information pertaining to a possible Sales Tax referendum for either the March 2020 election primary or the November 2020 general election. The Article 46 Sales Tax option includes:
- ¼% sales tax option
- Revenue used for any public purpose
- Requires voter approval
- Ballot language determined by state law
- Must wait one year between attempts on County-wide ballot
- BOC may designate use of Article 46 funds, but not specify on ballot
- Estimates for Ala Co Article 46 revenue were $4.8 million annually
Possible uses of the a new Article 46 Sales Tax were discussed and included:
- Help defray operating costs of new education buildings
- Increase capital funding to a targeted percentage of replacement value
- Pay for identified capital projects that are currently not funded
- Consider increased school security measures – SROs, locking systems, AV monitoring systems
- Reduce property tax rate
Joint Board Meeting:
On Sep. 4th at 10:00AM, a joint meeting is scheduled with the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and the Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education in the County Annex meeting room.
Kennon Briggs, an education consultant, will give a presentation about construction method options and share suggestions on how agencies can best ensure cost-effective and timely construction projects resulting in a high quality building.
TRC Meeting Summary:
Monthly TRC meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month. The most recent TRC meeting was July 30th and minutes are posted on the capital project website: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/capital-review-committee/.
Alamance County Capital Project Update:
Information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/. Preliminary info on the Rudd Street Human Services Building may be viewed at:
https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/rudd-street/ .
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
Approval will be requested from the Board of Commissioners on August 19, 2019:
- To advertise an RFP for a 4-year installment loan(s) of up to $1,544,218 for vehicles and equipment including a CCOM radio transmitter & equipment.
• To adopt a Reimbursement Resolution for this amount to facilitate purchasing.
• To set a public hearing for Monday Sep. 16th regarding the loan.
On Sep 16th, after a public hearing for the proposed $1,544,218 vehicle and equipment loan, approval will be requested for a financing agreement. The staff recommendation will be based on rankings of the RFP responses.
Alamance County CIP:
Approval will be requested from the Board of Commissioners on Sep. 3, 2019:
- To adopt a Reimbursement Resolution in advance of requesting approval for a $5 Million loan. This will facilitate the purchasing process to get projects started.
- Some of the capital projects to be funded by the $5 Million loan exceed $50,000. Board approval will be requested on Sep 3rd for those contracts.
Note that Board approval and LGC approval for the $5M loan is not being requested yet because more time is needed to obtain pricing quotes for all the projects. LGC approval for a $5 Million Loan will be requested in early 2020.
ABSS Capital Projects - One correction to Design Fees below.
ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
ABSS Reimbursement Resolution: No update this week.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
The Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School. An RFP for CMAR services was issued by ABSS on July 25th and responses are due back by noon August 12th. No decisions have been made regarding construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
June 18, 2019: Contracts for architect firms received final BOE approval. At the Aug. 13th Work Session, Dr. Thorpe reported that the fees for Western HS and Eastern HS had been reversed. The following is a complete fee list:
Project | Recommended Firm | Design Services |
New High School | Moseley Architects, Raleigh NC | 3,100,631 |
Southern HS | Pinnacle Architects, Matthew NC | 1,440,000 |
Eastern HS | Pinnacle Architects, Matthew NC | 760,000 |
Williams HS | Sud Associates, P.A Durham NC | 365,900 |
Cummings HS | Morris-Berg Architects, Charlotte NC | 765,000 |
Western HS | Pinnacle Architects, Matthew NC | 840,000 |
Pleasant Grove Elem | Sud Associates, P.A Durham NC | 480,700 |
South Mebane Elem | Morris-Berg Architects, Charlotte NC | 585,000 |
Graham HS | Morris-Berg Architects, Charlotte NC | 555,750 |
8,892,981 | ||
Corrected as reported to ABSS Board of Education on 8-13-19 |
ABSS Project Manager: Jimmy Russell will serve as ABSS Project Manager. No bond funds will be used for this position.
ABSS CIP: No update this week.
ABSS Performance Contract Project: No update this week.
ACC Capital Projects
ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
On August 5th, the Board of Commissioners approved Reimbursement Resolutions for the remaining six (6) ACC bond projects.
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their Aug. 12th meeting, the Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation of the Building & Grounds Committee to select a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firm for their Center of Excellence and Parking Deck projects. The top three candidates were ranked and all three are submitted to the NC School Construction Office, which will negotiate their contract with ACC. The three construction firms, ranked in preferential order, are:
- The Christman Company
- Vannoy Construction
- Rodgers Builders,
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
June 10, 2019: Clark Nexsen was approved for design services for the Center of Excellence and the parking deck projects.
ACC Project Manager Selection:
April 8, 2019: RFP for project manager (be it an individual or firm) approved for County bond projects to be funded through county bond proceeds. No project manager has been hired yet.
ACC CIP: No update this week.
ACC Performance Contract Project:
ACC continues to meet the timeline for this project as communicated to the Board of Commissioners in July 2018. ACC monitors the interaction of these energy upgrades with other building improvement projects to prevent duplication of effort or extra cost.
Legislative Update
SB681 failed in a vote August 13, 2019 meaning that existing statutes regarding Article 46 sales tax remain unchanged.
Joint Board Meeting:
On Sep. 4th, a joint meeting will be scheduled with the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and the Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education.
Kennon Briggs, an education consultant, will give a presentation about construction method options and share suggestions on how agencies can best ensure cost-effective and timely construction projects resulting in a high quality building.
TRC Meeting Summary:
Monthly TRC meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month. The most recent TRC meeting was July 30th and minutes are posted on the capital project website: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/capital-review-committee/.
Alamance County Capital Project Update:
Information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/.
Preliminary renderings developed by Gordon Peterson Architects for the Rudd Street Human Services Building may be viewed at:
https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/rudd-street/ .
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
Approval will be requested from the Board of Commissioners on August 19, 2019:
- To advertise an RFP for a 4-year installment loan(s) of up to $1,544,218 for vehicles and equipment including a CCOM radio transmitter &
- To adopt a Reimbursement Resolution for this amount to facilitate
- To set a public hearing for Monday Sep. 16th regarding the
On Sep 16th, after a public hearing for the proposed $1,544,218 vehicle and equipment loan, approval will be requested for a financing agreement. The staff recommendation will be based rankings of the RFP responses.
Alamance County Reimbursement Resolution:
Approval of a reimbursement resolution will be requested of the County Board of Commissioners in September for a portion of the $5 million project list. Approval will also be requested for the individual project contracts. This will allow County capital projects with firm quotes to be started while waiting for loan approval.
Alamance County CIP:
LGC approval for a $5 Million Loan will be requested in early 2020.
ABSS Capital Projects - No updates this week
ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
No updates have been made to the website this week
ABSS Reimbursement Resolution: No further resolutions are needed until land options are considered by ABSS.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
The Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School. An RFP for CMAR services was issued by ABSS on July 25th and responses are due back by noon August 12th. No decisions have been made regarding construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
June 18, 2019: Contracts for architect firms received final Board of Education approval and were finalized last week.
ABSS Project Manager: Jimmy Russell will serve as ABSS Project Manager. No bond funds will be used for this position.
ABSS CIP:
Summer projects are in progress. A report on current CIP is being prepared.
ABSS Performance Contract Project:
Dr. Todd Thorpe reported that all lighting, water conversion measures and chillers are installed. Final inspections and some punch list items are expected to be completed by August 26th.
ACC Capital Projects
ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
On August 5th, the Board of Commissioners approved Reimbursement Resolutions for the remaining six (6) ACC bond projects.
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
The Building and Grounds Committee reviewed and ranked the top three Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firms for their Center of Excellence and Parking Deck projects. Recommendations will be made to the Board of Trustees at the next meeting scheduled for August 12th.
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
June 10, 2019: Clark Nexsen approved for design services for the Center of Excellence and the parking deck projects.
ACC Project Manager Selection:
April 8, 2019: RFP for project manager (be it an individual or firm) approved for County bond projects to be funded through county bond proceeds.
No project manager has been hired yet.
ACC CIP:
Building and Grounds Committee submits a report on all projects to the Board of Trustees at every meeting. When completed, a FY18-19 report will be reviewed at TRC meeting.
ACC Performance Contract Project:
ACC continues to meet the timeline for this project as communicated to the Board of Commissioners in July 2018. ACC monitors the interaction of these energy upgrades with other building improvement projects to prevent duplication of effort or extra cost.
Legislative Update - Excerpt from NCACC Legislative Brief
Sales Tax Flexibility Legislation Approved in the House, Heads to the Senate
This week, the House approved Senate Bill 681, Rural Health Care, Local Sales Tax Flexibility, Utility Accounts. The legislation includes a provision on one of NCACC’s primary goals—greater sales tax flexibility. The Senate could approve the legislation next week, and we urge you to contact your senators to express support for this important goal. The bill has language almost identical to House Bill 667 Local Option Sales Tax Flexibility, which passed the House earlier this session. That bill has not seen action in the Senate.
The provisions in both H667 and now S681 would modify the existing Article 46 local sales tax option, allowing it to be levied, by voter referendum, at either ¼ cent or ½ cent in quarter-cent increments and up to current caps. Under these provisions, counties would also be allowed to specify the use of the tax on the ballot— either public education or general purpose. Counties that already have a 2.25% local sales tax rate would have to wait until October 1, 2020 to levy the additional quarter-cent. S681 includes an important provision for counties considering the quarter-cent referendum; the provision, which is already law as included in Session Law 2019-169, prohibits a county from holding more than one referendum within one year.
See more details about other portions of the bill in last week’s brief. Because the House made changes to the Senate bill, the bill must now return to the Senate for concurrence with those changes. If the Senate does not concur with the bill, both chambers will appoint conferees to negotiate a final bill, which could include removing the sales tax flexibility language. NCACC expects the bill to be up for a concurrence vote in the Senate next week. Please contact your Senate member(s) to share your support for the NCACC’s priority goal on sales tax flexibility and ask them to concur with S681.
For more information on sales tax flexibility, please contact NCACC Associate General Counsel Paige Worsham.
August 2, 2019 - Alamance County Capital Weekly Report
TRC Meeting Summary:
At the TRC meeting on July 30th, staff coordinated information and shared updates about all capital projects, and payment logistics (under approved reimbursement resolutions) for the first two bond projects for ABSS and for ACC. The attached meeting minutes will be posted on the capital project website.
Alamance County Capital Projects
Ala Co capital project information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/.
No updates have been made to the website this week.
Alamance County Reimbursement Resolution:
Approval of a reimbursement resolution will be requested of the County Board of Commissioners on August 19, 2019 to allow County capital projects to move forward while waiting for loan approval.
Alamance County CIP:
Because significant work is involved in obtaining quotes for the HVAC project at HSC, staff will need more time to gather all the documentation that the LGC will require to approve a $5 million loan. LGC approval will not be requested in 2019.
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
Approval to advertise an RFP & award a bid for a 4-year installment loan(s) of up to $1,544,218 will be requested from the Board of Commissioners on August 19, 2019 for vehicles and equipment including the CCOM radio transmitter and 911 center back up equipment.
Alamance County Capital Project Update:
Preliminary renderings and construction plans developed by Gordon Peterson Architects continue to be reviewed by stakeholders: Open Door Clinic, DSS Services, and the Friendship Adult Daycare.
ABSS Capital Projects
Updated ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
No updates have been made to the website this week
ABSS Reimbursement Resolution: No further resolutions are needed until land options are considered by ABSS.
Compared to the estimated fees reported in the Capital Plan adopted in June, the actual negotiated fees are less than originally anticipated. See attached report.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their May 14, 2019 meeting, the Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School which was affirmed by a resolution adopted at their June 18, 2019 meeting. There was no vote regarding
construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
An RFP for CMAR services was issued by ABSS on July 25th and responses are due back by noon August 12th.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
Contracts for architect firms received final Board of Education approval at their June 18th meeting contingent on attorney review. Contracts were finalized this week.
ABSS Project Manager: A project manager has been hired and no bond funds will be used for this position.
ABSS CIP:
Finance staff will complete year end reconciliations of costs and a FY18-19 report will be prepared for TRC review. Summer projects are in progress.
ABSS Performance Contract Project:
Dr. Todd Thorpe reported that all lighting, water conversion measures and chillers are installed. Final inspections and some punch list items are expected to be completed by August 26th.
ACC Capital Projects
ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
In order to keep within the established timeline, Reimbursement Resolutions for the remaining ACC bond projects will be presented to the Board of Commissioners on August 5, 2019 for approval.
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
The Building and Grounds Committee reviewed and ranked the top three Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firms for their Center of Excellence and Parking Deck projects. Recommendations will be made to the Board of Trustees at the next meeting scheduled for August 12th.
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
Clark Nexsen was approved by the Board of Trustees at their June 10, 2019 meeting for design services for the Center of Excellence and the parking deck projects.
ACC Project Manager Selection:
At their April 8, 2019 meeting, the ACC Board of Trustees granted approval to advertise an RFP for project manager (be it an individual or firm) for County bond projects to be funded through county bond proceeds.
No project manager has been hired yet. ACC will need to use bond funds to pay for this position.
ACC CIP:
Building and Grounds Committee submits a report on all projects to the Board of Trustees at every meeting. When completed, a FY18-19 report will be reviewed at TRC meeting.
ACC Performance Contract Project:
Per minutes of the ACC Board of Trustees, ACC continues to meet the timeline for this project as communicated to the Board of Commissioners in July 2018.
Legislative Update
No report.
July 29, 2019 - Alamance County Capital Weekly Report
Alamance County Capital Projects
Updated Ala Co capital project information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/.
Per the approved Capital Plan, Alamance County intends to borrow up to $5,000,000 for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) building improvement projects as well as borrow $1,544,218 for vehicles and equipment including the CCOM radio transmitter and 911 center back up equipment.
Preliminary construction plans have been developed by Gordon Peterson Architects for the new Human Services Building to house the Open Door Clinic, DSS Services, and the Friendship Adult Daycare. The building will be constructed on Rudd Street behind the Human Services Center.
Alamance County Reimbursement Resolution:
A reimbursement resolution will be presented for approval to the County Board of Commissioners in August 2019. Similar to the bond process, reimbursement resolutions may be helpful with installment financing for County capital projects. A reimbursement resolution would allow County capital projects to move forward while waiting for the loans to be approved by the LGC and made available by the banking process. With a reimbursement resolution, equipment could be ordered under currently quoted process and the needed engineering reports could be obtained for our capital projects. This is helpful for projects such as HVAC in order for parts to be ordered and installed on a planned timeline.
Alamance County CIP:
- Alamance County Building and Grounds Committee had an organizational meeting on July 18th to review the planned projects for FY19-20 and start logistical planning for the first phase of the Facility Plan.
- Staff refined the list of projects to be financed up to $5,000,000 as well as identified the projects to be paid using the $250,000 available in the FY19-20 adopted budget. Only “capitalizable” projects may be financed and the estimated project costs must be
- LGC approval may be requested either before Nov 1st (supported by our currently filed audit report) or approval could be requested in January 2020 (supported by or FY18-19 audit report). The timing of the request for borrowing depends on what level of documentation will be required by the
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
Approval will be requested from the Board of Commissioners in August 2019 to advertise an RFP & award a bid for a 4-year installment loan of up to $1,544,218.
(Note that LGC approval is not required for this loan because (1) vehicle loans are exempt from LGC approval, and (2) equipment loans structured to be paid in less than 5 years are also exempt.)
ABSS Capital Projects
Updated ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
ABSS Reimbursement Resolution: No further resolutions are needed until land options are considered by ABSS.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their May 14, 2019 meeting, the Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School which was affirmed by a resolution adopted at their June 18, 2019 meeting. There was no vote regarding construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
An RFP for CMAR services will be developed and issued by ABSS in August 2019.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
- Contracts for architect firms will be brought back to the Board of Education for final
- The next Board of Education Work Session is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on 8/13/2019 and the meeting calendar for the new school year is available on the ABSS website at: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/Page/16538
ABSS Project Manager Selection:
The TRC Committee will review the job duties of ABSS Project Manager as well as determine when and at what level will project updates and formal progress reports be made available. The TRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th.
ABSS CIP:
The 7 Year plan was incorporated into the FY19-20 Alamance County Capital Plan which is available at: https://www.alamance-nc.com/countymanager/wp- content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/Alamance-County-FY19-20-Capital-Plan-Adopted-6-17-2019.pdf.
No progress updates were reported this week. TRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th.
ABSS Performance Contract Project: No progress updates have been requested lately.
ACC Capital Projects
Updated ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
In order to keep within the established timeline, Reimbursement Resolutions for the remaining ACC bond projects will be presented to the Board of Commissioners in August 2019 for approval.
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their April 8, 2019 meeting, the ACC Board of Trustees approved the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) construction deliver model for the Parking deck and Center of Excellence County bond projects.
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
Selection of Clark Nexsen was approved by the Board of Trustees at their June 10, 2019 meeting for design services for the Center of Excellence and the parking deck projects
ACC Project Manager Selection:
At their April 8, 2019 meeting, the ACC Board of Trustees granted approval to advertise an RFP for project manager (be it an individual or firm) for County bond projects to be funded through county bond proceeds. No further updates available yet.
ACC CIP:
The Building and Grounds Committee met on July 23, 2019 to interview respondents to an RFP for Construction Manager at Risk for the first two bond projects:
- Multi-Deck Student/Visitor Center and Public Safety Substation
- Natural & life Sciences/Biotechnology Center of Excellence
The top three Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firms were ranked by the Building and Grounds Committee and recommendations will be made to the Board of Trustees.
ACC Performance Contract Project:
A performance energy contract “Energy Services Agreement (ESA) was approved by the LGC on 4-2-2019 anticipating a construction period of one year and financing period of 15 years through Sterling National Bank at a fixed interest rate of 3.95 percent. Based on an investment grade energy audit, the performance contracting anticipates allowing ACC to realize $2.5 million in energy and maintenance savings that will be used to fund the HVAC improvements. Per minutes of the ACC Board of Trustees, ACC continues to meet the timeline for this project as communicated to the Board of Commissioners in July 2018.
Legislative Update
Voting Equipment:
The deadline for purchase of new voting equipment is 12-31-19 unless the General Assembly votes to extend the deadline to 12-31-2021 (HB19 was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations). At this time, the State Board of Elections has not yet certified new election equipment. In FY19-20, about $70,000 is needed for battery replacement and mother-board updates for existing equipment.
Excerpts from: NCACC Legislative Brief 7-26-19
Sales Tax Flexibility: A proposed committee substitute to Senate Bill 681, Rural Health Care, Local Sales Tax Flexibility, Utility Accounts, passed the House Finance committee on Wednesday. The legislation includes a provision on one of NCACC’s primary goals— greater sales tax flexibility.
The PCS has language identical to House Bill 667 Local Option Sales Tax Flexibility, which passed the House earlier this session. The provisions in both H667 and now S681 would modify the existing Article 46 local sales tax option, allowing it to be levied, by voter referendum, at either ¼ cent or ½ cent in quarter-cent increments and up to current
caps. Under these provisions, counties would also be allowed to specify the use of the tax on the ballot— either public education or general purpose. NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard spoke to the committee in favor of this sales tax flexibility, noting it is a longstanding Association goal.
The primary focus of the bill is establishing the Rural Health Stabilization program—a loan program aimed at assisting distressed rural hospitals. Please contact your House members to share your support for the NCACC’s priority goal on sales tax flexibility.
July 12, 2019 - Alamance County Capital Weekly Report
Alamance County Capital Projects
Updated Ala Co capital project information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/.
Per the approved Capital Plan, Alamance County intends to borrow up to $5,000,000 for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) building improvement projects as well as borrow $1,544,218 for vehicles and equipment including the CCOM radio transmitter and 911 center back up equipment.
Preliminary construction plans have been developed by Gordon Peterson Architects for the new Human Services Building to house the Open Door Clinic, DSS Services, and the Friendship Adult Daycare. The building will be constructed on Rudd Street behind the Human Services Center.
Alamance County Reimbursement Resolution:
A reimbursement resolution will be presented for approval to the County Board of Commissioners in August 2019. Similar to the bond process, reimbursement resolutions may be helpful with installment financing for County capital projects. A reimbursement resolution would allow County capital projects to move forward while waiting for the loans to be approved by the LGC and made available by the banking process. With a reimbursement resolution, equipment could be ordered under currently quoted process and the needed engineering reports could be obtained for our capital projects. This is helpful for projects such as HVAC in order for parts to be ordered and installed on a planned timeline.
Alamance County CIP:
- Alamance County Building and Grounds Committee had an organizational meeting on July 18th to review the planned projects for FY19-20 and start logistical planning for the first phase of the Facility Plan.
- Staff refined the list of projects to be financed up to $5,000,000 as well as identified the projects to be paid using the $250,000 available in the FY19-20 adopted budget. Only “capitalizable” projects may be financed and the estimated project costs must be
- LGC approval may be requested either before Nov 1st (supported by our currently filed audit report) or approval could be requested in January 2020 (supported by or FY18-19 audit report). The timing of the request for borrowing depends on what level of documentation will be required by the
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
Approval will be requested from the Board of Commissioners in August 2019 to advertise an RFP & award a bid for a 4-year installment loan of up to $1,544,218.
(Note that LGC approval is not required for this loan because (1) vehicle loans are exempt from LGC approval, and (2) equipment loans structured to be paid in less than 5 years are also exempt.)
ABSS Capital Projects
Updated ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
ABSS Reimbursement Resolution: No further resolutions are needed until land options are considered by ABSS.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their May 14, 2019 meeting, the Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School which was affirmed by a resolution adopted at their June 18, 2019 meeting. There was no vote regarding construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
An RFP for CMAR services will be developed and issued by ABSS in August 2019.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
- Contracts for architect firms will be brought back to the Board of Education for final
- The next Board of Education Work Session is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on 8/13/2019 and the meeting calendar for the new school year is available on the ABSS website at: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/Page/16538
ABSS Project Manager Selection:
The TRC Committee will review the job duties of ABSS Project Manager as well as determine when and at what level will project updates and formal progress reports be made available. The TRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th.
ABSS CIP:
The 7 Year plan was incorporated into the FY19-20 Alamance County Capital Plan which is available at: https://www.alamance-nc.com/countymanager/wp- content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/Alamance-County-FY19-20-Capital-Plan-Adopted-6-17-2019.pdf.
No progress updates were reported this week. TRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th.
ABSS Performance Contract Project: No progress updates have been requested lately.
ACC Capital Projects
Updated ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
In order to keep within the established timeline, Reimbursement Resolutions for the remaining ACC bond projects will be presented to the Board of Commissioners in August 2019 for approval.
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
At their April 8, 2019 meeting, the ACC Board of Trustees approved the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) construction deliver model for the Parking deck and Center of Excellence County bond projects.
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
Selection of Clark Nexsen was approved by the Board of Trustees at their June 10, 2019 meeting for design services for the Center of Excellence and the parking deck projects
ACC Project Manager Selection:
At their April 8, 2019 meeting, the ACC Board of Trustees granted approval to advertise an RFP for project manager (be it an individual or firm) for County bond projects to be funded through county bond proceeds. No further updates available yet.
ACC CIP:
The Building and Grounds Committee met on July 23, 2019 to interview respondents to an RFP for Construction Manager at Risk for the first two bond projects:
- Multi-Deck Student/Visitor Center and Public Safety Substation
- Natural & life Sciences/Biotechnology Center of Excellence
The top three Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firms were ranked by the Building and Grounds Committee and recommendations will be made to the Board of Trustees.
ACC Performance Contract Project:
A performance energy contract “Energy Services Agreement (ESA) was approved by the LGC on 4-2-2019 anticipating a construction period of one year and financing period of 15 years through Sterling National Bank at a fixed interest rate of 3.95 percent. Based on an investment grade energy audit, the performance contracting anticipates allowing ACC to realize $2.5 million in energy and maintenance savings that will be used to fund the HVAC improvements. Per minutes of the ACC Board of Trustees, ACC continues to meet the timeline for this project as communicated to the Board of Commissioners in July 2018.
Legislative Update
Voting Equipment:
The deadline for purchase of new voting equipment is 12-31-19 unless the General Assembly votes to extend the deadline to 12-31-2021 (HB19 was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations). At this time, the State Board of Elections has not yet certified new election equipment. In FY19-20, about $70,000 is needed for battery replacement and mother-board updates for existing equipment.
Excerpts from: NCACC Legislative Brief 7-26-19
Sales Tax Flexibility: A proposed committee substitute to Senate Bill 681, Rural Health Care, Local Sales Tax Flexibility, Utility Accounts, passed the House Finance committee on Wednesday. The legislation includes a provision on one of NCACC’s primary goals— greater sales tax flexibility.
The PCS has language identical to House Bill 667 Local Option Sales Tax Flexibility, which passed the House earlier this session. The provisions in both H667 and now S681 would modify the existing Article 46 local sales tax option, allowing it to be levied, by voter referendum, at either ¼ cent or ½ cent in quarter-cent increments and up to current
caps. Under these provisions, counties would also be allowed to specify the use of the tax on the ballot— either public education or general purpose. NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard spoke to the committee in favor of this sales tax flexibility, noting it is a longstanding Association goal.
The primary focus of the bill is establishing the Rural Health Stabilization program—a loan program aimed at assisting distressed rural hospitals. Please contact your House members to share your support for the NCACC’s priority goal on sales tax flexibility.
July 5, 2019 - Alamance County Capital Weekly Report
Alamance County Capital Projects
Updated Ala Co capital project information is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/.
Per the approved Capital Plan, Alamance County intends to borrow up to $5,000,000 for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) building improvement projects as well as borrow $1,544,218 for vehicles and equipment including the CCOM radio transmitter and 911 center back up equipment.
In addition to debt-funded County projects, $930,963 was approved in the FY19-20 Adopted Budget for purchase of vehicles and equipment that would not require bank financing.
These purchases and debt financing will be conducted over the following timeline, require multiple steps, approvals, and documentation. Approval of the documentation may be requested of the Board of Commissioners and/or the LGC, as required per general statute requirements.
Ala County Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Process:
$1,544,218 Four (4) Year Bank Loan - likely secured by the purchased assets
$ 930,963 Capital Outlay purchases per FY19-20 Adopted Budget
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$2,475,181 Vehicle and Equipment Purchases in Fall 2019
Timeline:
- JUN 2019: Departments informed of purchase process
- JUL 2019: Departments verify purchase price & state contract rates & submit docs to Finance
- AUG 2019: Resolutions authorizing RFP for bank loans submitted to Board for approval
- SEP 2019: Finance department conducts RFP process; Public Hearing held if required
- OCT 2019: Loan documents finalized; vehicles and equipment purchased
Note that LGC approval is not required for this loan because (1) vehicle loans are exempt from LGC approval, and (2) equipment loans structured to be paid in less than 5 years are also exempt.
Alamance County CIP:
- $5 Million loan is anticipated for various capital improvement projects (per FY19-20 CIP in the Capital Plan). In addition to the steps listed above, this loan will also require LGC approval using a standardized application process. Timeline is anticipated to be: SEP 2019 – MAR 2020. The adopted budget included $250,000 for urgent projects that might occur before the $5 million loan is available.
- $3 Million loan has been planned to purchase voting equipment per legislative mandate. While the Capital Plan had anticipated this loan in FY19-20, Alamance County will need final instructions from the State and may not need to purchase the equipment this fiscal year.
- JUL 2019: Urgent Jail Chiller Projects- Due to recent service calls, one of the jail chillers to be replaced on the FY19-20 CIP List now needs immediate attention. In order to meet this need, a budget amendment will be presented for Board approval in July to move budgeted funds from other completed capital projects.
ABSS Capital Projects
Updated ABSS info at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/alamance-burlington-school-system/
ABSS Lottery Fund Resolution: At their June 18, 2019 meeting, the Board of Education approved a resolution documenting an agreement with Alamance County to allow the use NC lottery funds for debt service within the Capital Plan. The Board of Commissioners approved the agreement on June 17, 2019.
ABSS Bond Project Construction Methods:
At the Board of Education meeting on May 14, 2019, Dr. Todd Thorpe gave a presentation regarding bond project construction manager options for the Board of Education to consider. That presentation can be viewed at https://abss.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=CT1wecDsedCqj6z3uPRtlXfJBhsJkHGrgMCnhjMlylQ%253d (fast forward to 41:30 minutes into the meeting). The presentation on the different construction manager options took about 30 minutes. The options discussed included:
- Design-Bid-Build (or Single Prime)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Design-Build
- Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)
The presentation may be downloaded from the ABSS website from their agenda at: https://assistive.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=10&MID=5378.
Dr. Thorpe recommended “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) for ABSS’ largest two bond projects including the New High School and the Southern High School projects. He also recommended “Design-Bid-Build” for ABSS’ other bond projects. During the presentation, the Board of Education asked questions of Dr. Benson and his staff to explain how the advantages and considerations of each method impacted the staff recommendation. Dr. Thorpe also explained that the New High School, Southern HS and South Mebane projects will all kick-off at nearly the same time. Other projects would commence within a year.
After the presentation, the Board of Education voted to choose “Construction Manager at Risk” (CMAR) as the construction method for the New High School and Southern High School. There was no vote regarding construction manager options for ABSS’ other bond projects.
As a follow up to the BOE vote to select the CMAR option on May 14th, the Board of Education voted on June 18, 2019 to approve a resolution documenting their construction manager option decision for the New High School and Southern High School projects. This resolution may be downloaded from the ABSS website from their agenda at: https://assistive.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=10&AID=180902&MID=5494.
ABSS Architect Firm Selection:
At the Board of Education meeting on June 18, 2019, Dr. Todd Thorpe gave a presentation regarding the selection process to hire architects to design the various bond projects. He also shared a sample contract for Design Consultant Services. The presentation and the sample contract may be downloaded from the ABSS meeting agenda website at: https://assistive.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=10&MID=5494
- The presentation and discussion may be viewed using this link to the video of the June 18th BOE meeting: https://abss.eduvision.tv/. Click on the link to the left to go to the “2018-19 June Board Meeting - Evening Meeting”. Fast forward to 2:59:38 for Dr. Thorpe’s presentation.
- The Board of Education voted to accept the presentation and select firms as recommended by the presentation, with the understanding that the contracts would be brought back to the Board of Education for final approval.
ABSS CIP:
At their April 20, 2019 meeting, the Board of Education approved the Seven (7) Year Pay Go Plan as presented by Dr. Todd Thorpe. This 7 Year plan was incorporated into the FY19-20 Alamance County Capital Plan which is available at: https://www.alamance-nc.com/countymanager/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/Alamance-County-FY19-20-Capital-Plan-Adopted-6-17-2019.pdf.
In the FY19-20 Alamance County Adopted Budget, $3.3 Million will be payable over 12 monthly installments per usual process. Funds will be recorded by ABSS as Local Appropriations (sales tax proceeds) unless the County gives other notification. Each month, Alamance County will provide a funding report showing revenues and expenditures for Capital Projects, Capital Reserves and Debt Service. ABSS will provide a monthly progress report on capital project completion for the established list of projects.
ABSS Project Manager Selection:
Approval was given at the June 18th Board of Education meeting to hire a Project Manager, a new position funded within the ABSS operating budget.
A Project Manager job description was reviewed by the TRC Committee in early 2019 before ABSS posted the position. A final job description will be reviewed by the TRC Committee to ensure the Project Manager’s reports and work output are clearly understood and transparent.
Using their normal hiring process, ABSS selected a candidate from a pool of internal and non-employee applicants for a full time Project Manager position reporting to Dr. Todd Thorpe, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. The selected candidate was Mr. Jimmy Russell, who is currently employed in ABSS Student Services. General information has been shared that Mr. Russell has a general contractor’s license and has had oversight responsibility for recent new ABSS construction projects.
ACC Capital Projects
Updated ACC capital project info is available at: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/about/
ACC Bond Project Construction Methods:
At the Board of Trustees meeting on January 15, 2019, staff and consultants gave a presentation regarding bond project construction manager options. The presentation on the different construction manager options was made available to the TRC Committee. The options discussed included:
- Design-Bid-Build (or Single Prime)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Design-Build
- Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)
No action was taken by the Board of Trustees regarding construction methods at that meeting. The project approval process with the Office of State Construction office will include a review of construction methods as well as architect selection.
ACC Architect Firm Selection:
The ACC Building and Grounds Committee made recommendations for the selection of Clark Nexsen, an architect firm, for their first two bond projects - the Center of Excellence and the Parking Deck. Selection of Clark Nexsen was approved by the Board of Trustees at their June 10, 2019 meeting. When selected, recommended firms are reported on the capital project website: https://www.alamancecapitalprojects.com/center-of-excellence/
ACC Reimbursement Resolutions:
Reimbursement Resolutions for six ACC projects will be presented to the Board of Commissioners in August for approval. Separate resolutions for each project are required per the approval process of the Office of State Construction.
ACC Project Manager Selection:
ACC staff have indicated that project management services may be available to community colleges through the State Construction office. Once ACC chooses to use these services, the TRC Committee will ensure that scope of work and reports from this service are clearly understood and transparent.
ACC CIP:
In the FY19-20 Alamance County Adopted Budget, $870,000 will be payable to ACC over 12 monthly installments per usual process. Each month, Alamance County will provide a funding report showing revenues and expenditures for Capital Projects, Capital Reserves and Debt Service. ACC will provide a monthly progress report on capital project completion for the established list of projects.
Legislative Update
Although the proposed 2019-21 NC State Budget was vetoed, it included reference to the following capital funding for ABSS and ACC:
$18,428,823: Alamance-Burlington School System
$7,938,704: Alamance Community College
ABSS staff reviewed the original budget proposal and indicated the following pertained to the new funds for education capital:
The proposal indicated that the funds are only for new construction or rehabilitation/repair/renovation of existing facilities. The new funds were not to be used to retire existing debt.
The proposal from the State also indicated that the funds will be appropriated by the end of the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Disbursement of the proposed funds would require a joint plan for expenditure between the School System and County Commissioners. DPI would be responsible for prioritizing the requests as the cash flows into the K-12 Building Fund and disbursing funds accordingly.