September 24, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes


The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. in The Brumit Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Private Dining Room. John Parham, Chair, presided.

The following members of the Executive Committee were also present: Joe Brumit, Frances Ramsey, Matt Kern, and Roger Metcalf.

Others present for the meeting included: Dr. John Gossett, President; Mr. Kevin Kimrey, Director, Economic, and Workforce Development; Mr. Chris Campbell, College Attorney; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.

 

Buncombe County Solar Project

The Executive Committee discussed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Buncombe County regarding placing solar panels on eight College buildings in an effort to save money on the College’s annual electric bill. The sources of funding will be energy rebates from Duke Energy, which accrue to the College, as well as the electrical energy savings from the electricity that will be generated at these locations. The rebates from Duke Energy will result in a decrease in the College’s operating budget. The MOU is for 15 years, after which the College would own the solar panels.

Trustee Ramsey asked that Buncombe County put in writing that funds from the Article 46 sales tax money would not be used to pay for the solar panels.

Mr. Kern moved to present the MOU as a recommendation from the Executive Committee, to the full Board on October 5, 2020. Mr. Brumit seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous consent.

 

Comen Gym Floor Project

Dr. Wilmoth stated that the College is requesting to amend the Connect NC Bond Referendum project regarding the Comen building. In June, the Board approved a budget of $400,000 to replace the flooring in the Coman gym and renovate part of the Coman dining facilities to accommodate a larger kitchen. However, the Community College system office has advised us that the kitchen modifications cannot be undertaken with Connect NC funds, since the third-party operator would benefit from the improvements. Therefore, we have removed the kitchen renovation from the project, and the amended budget is decreased from $150,000 to $250,000.

Mr. Brumit moved to approve the reduction in fees needed to renovate parts of the Comen Building and to take the motion to the full Board for ratification on October 5. Mr. Kern seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous consent.

 

Project Ranger

Mr. Kevin Kimrey updated the Executive Committee on the status of “Project Ranger”, a Fortune 50 manufacturing company that plans to locate in Buncombe County. Project Ranger has requested a joint letter of assurance from Buncombe County, Biltmore Farms, and the College stating our commitment to the project. Dr. Gossett agreed to sign an assurance letter stating that A-B Tech will provide training in advanced manufacturing to Project Ranger employees.

Mr. Kimrey will give a presentation on Project Ranger to the full Board on October 5.

 

Adjourn

On a motion properly made the meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m. by unanimous consent.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary