FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the April 7, 2025, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, which was held at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Commissioner Glenn Adams gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The Board recognized participants of the Cumberland County Ignite Internship Program Spring Cohort, which launched on January 31, 2025. The program included undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates. A total of 44 applications were received, and 10 interns were selected for the 10-week Spring internship. The following interns were recognized for completing the program:
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Meghrik Ajazajian, Public Health
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Jashon Alford, Community Development
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Daiesha Bobbitt, Employee Wellness
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Meaghan Fournier, Human Resources
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Latasha Gaskins, ITS
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Sequoia Montague, Justice Services
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Hannah Mulbah, Solid Waste Management
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Pamela Ngadjeu, ITS
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Pierre Salomon, Human Resources
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Juan-Carlos Tosic, Human Resources
Learn more about the Ignite Internship Program here.
2. The Board unanimously approved the AGENDA, adding item 4B: Consideration of Register of Deeds Fee Increase.
3. The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items unless otherwise noted:
A. Approval of a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as County Government Month in Cumberland County
B. Approval of a proclamation recognizing Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Cumberland County: Commissioner Glenn Adams presented the proclamation. Director of Animal Services Elaine Smith, along with members of her Animal Services team, received the proclamation.
C. Approval of a proclamation recognizing National Alcohol Awareness Month in Cumberland County
D. Approval of formal bid award for Access Management and Camera Upgrade for Ann Street Landfill
E. Approval of the Department of Public Health’s delinquent accounts to be turned over for bad debt write off
F. Approval of Amended and Restated Water Services Agreement for Gray’s Creek Phase
4. The following ITEMS OF BUSINESS were discussed including:
A. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Cumberland County: Chairman Kirk deViere presented a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child Advocacy Center Executive Director John Webster and Prevention and Volunteer Coordinator Faith Boehmer accepted the proclamation. Learn more about the Child Advocacy Center here.
B. Consideration of Register of Deeds Fee Increase: This item was added to the agenda by unanimous vote. Register of Deeds Andra Brewington presented the request following a fee increase from the state. The Board unanimously approved the fee increase.
5. NOMINATIONS: Chairman Kirk deViere discussed updates to the nomination process following an April 2, 2025, meeting of the Boards and Commissions Committee. The following were nominated during the April 7, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting. Appointments will be made during the May 5, 2025, Board of Commissioners Meeting.
- ABC Board- 2 Vacancies: Terri Thomas, Alfred Foote, Jamail George, David Fouler (Nominated by Commissioner Tyson), Vivek Tandon (Nominated by Commissioner Patel)
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Cape Fear Valley Board of Trustees- 3 Vacancies: Registered Nurse Representative- Jermecka Hamilton, Shannon Matthews. General Public Representative- Dr. Sanjay Shah, Alexander Keith, Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Nominated by Commissioner Patel), Dr. Toni Stewart (Nominated by Commissioner Adams), Jimmy Keefe (Nominated by Commissioner Faircloth)
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Civic Center Commission- 4 Vacancies: Alexander Keith, Manish Mehta, Lee Spruill, Chole Thaler, Lynndora Thompson, Allen Rogers, Elizabeth Stiff (Nominated by Commissioner Adams)
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Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation- 2 Vacancies: Kristie Allen, Brain Krackover, Jonathan Profitt, Jonathan Charleston (Nominated by Commissioner Adams)
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Tourism Development Authority- 1 Vacancy: Manish Mehta, Michelle Williams (Nominated by Vice Chairwoman Jones)
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6. APPOINTMENTS: The following were nominated and appointed to the associated Boards and Commissions:
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Social Services Board: Tracey Pelt
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Cumberland County Child Protection and Fatality Prevention Board- At Large: Barbara Porter, Jennifer Osborn, John Miner
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Board of Equalization and Review: Appraiser- Frank Leader, Industrialist- William Holland, General Public- Rodney Sherrill, Tracey Henderson
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North Carolina Southeast Board of Directors: Dr. Mark Sorrells, President, Fayetteville Technical Community College
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Southeastern Economic Development Commission: Robet Van Geons, CEO, Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. The Board of Commissioners, in a unanimous vote, allowed an exception to policy to allow Mr. Van Geons to serve an additional term.
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Juvenile Crime Prevention Council: Substance Abuse Professional- Heather Brock, Member of the Faith Community-Tracey Pelt, Person Under 21- Xavier Jean, Non-Profit Representative- John Miner, At Large- Adam Phillips, Jennifer Osborn
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Alliance Health Board of Directors: Heather Skeens
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Jury Commission: Katherine Marable
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Board of Adjustment: Appointed as Full Member- Gary Silverman, Appointed as Alternate Member- Jacob Dluzak
7. The Board recessed the Board of Commissioners meeting and convened as the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District Governing Board.
The following ITEMS OF BUSINESS were discussed:
A. Approval of Amended and Restated Water Services Agreement for Gray’s Creek Phase 1: The Board unanimously approved the Amended and Restated Water Services Agreement for the Gray’s Creek Phase 1 project. This amendment corrected errors from the previous agreement approved on March 17, 2025.
The Board adjourned the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District Governing Board meeting and reconvened the Board of Commissioners meeting.
The Board went into CLOSED SESSION to discuss an Attorney Client Matter Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and Property Acquisition 143-318.11(a)(5).
After coming out of Closed Session, the Board voted unanimously to direct the County Attorney to notify contractors of the lifting of the suspension on the Crown Event Center project contract.
The Board recessed the meeting at 11:51 a.m. and will reconvene on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are live streamed on the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab.