FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting held at 9 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2025, in Room 118 the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Commissioner Henry Tyson led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION
A. Fire Safe Cumberland County: Fire prevention
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2025, Fire Marshal Kevin Lowther presented an update on Cumberland County’s ongoing fire safety initiatives. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the growing risks associated with battery-related fires.
Over the past 18 months, the Fire Marshal’s Office has installed more than 2,000 smoke alarms and 122 carbon monoxide detectors in homes across the county. These efforts reflect Cumberland County’s continued commitment to fire prevention, education, and community engagement to enhance public safety.
RECOGNITIONS
A. Cumberland County 911 Re-Accreditation Fire Dispatch
The Board recognized the Cumberland County 911 Call Center for earning Fire Dispatch Re-Accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).
This designation as a Center of Excellence in Emergency Fire Dispatch is awarded to agencies demonstrating the highest level of compliance with IAED’s standards and protocols. Cumberland County’s 911 Division is among only 19 agencies nationwide to receive this accreditation.
Fire Commissioner Henry Tyson presented a plaque to members of the 911 team, commending their dedication to excellence, professionalism, and public safety.
1. AGENDA
The Board unanimously approved the agenda with the following changes:
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Removal of Item 4A, Consideration of Proactive, Inc., Contract, and addition of this item for discussion at the Oct. 9 Agenda Session.
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Addition of Consent Agenda 2H, a Proclamation recognizing Oct. 11, 2025 as Firefighter and EMS Memorial Day in Cumberland County.
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Addition of Consent Agenda 2I, a Proclamation recognizing Diwali in Cumberland County.
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Removal of Item 5K, Nominations to item 6K, Appointments.
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Approval of action on item 7, Nominations, for those appointments with no floor nominations and the number of nominations not exceeding vacancies.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
The Board unanimously approved the following consent items unless otherwise noted:
A. Approval of Minutes
B. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cumberland County
C. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Cumberland County
D. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Cumberland County
E. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Fire Prevention Week in Cumberland County
F. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Great ShakeOut Day in Cumberland County
G. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the Oct. 6, 2025 Board of Commissioners Agenda This item was moved to Items of Business 4B.
H. Approval of Proclamation recognizing Oct. 11, 2025 as Firefighter and EMS Memorial Day This item was added by unanimous vote.
I. Approval of Proclamation recognizing Diwali in Cumberland County This item was added by unanimous vote.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing on Economic Development Incentives for Project Superman
A public hearing was held regarding proposed economic development incentives for “Project Superman,” a U.S. based company considering expansion in Cumberland County.
Robert Van Geons, President and CEO of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC), outlined the project details:
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Estimated investment of $22 million in real and business equipment over the next five years.
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Creation of 42 full-time jobs in the county by 2029 with an average annual wage exceeding $66,700.
The County’s proposed incentive offer totals up to $363,500, paid over five years.
4. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
A. Consideration of Proactive, Inc., Contract This item was removed by unanimous vote and added to the Oct. 9 Agenda Session.
B. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the Oct. 6, 2025 Board of Commissioners Agenda
The Board approved several budget ordinance amendments recognizing grant awards and other reappropriations. The amendments also included a report on the use of contingency funds, which are required to be reported to the Board.
County Manager Clarence Grier approved the following contingency fund allocations totaling $94,001:
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$37,751 – Hotel expenses for unhoused residents of Cumberland County.
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$56,250 – Contracted personnel for the Superior Court system.
5. NOMINATIONS
The Board voted to nominate the following unless otherwise noted:
A. Board of Adjustment
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Donald Brooks (reappointment)
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Veronica Mitchell-Rozier (moved from Alternate to Regular Full-Time Member)
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Alternate Members: Joseph Stephens, Kristen Walkinshaw
B. Board of Health
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Dr. Nitin Desai (Physician)
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Dr. Joseph Ballard (Optometrist)
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General Public Representatives (2 Vacancies): Dr. Sam Fleishman, Jermecka Hamilton, Melissa Bostic, Cynthis Massie
C. Joint Planning Board
D. Farm Advisory Board
E. Local Emergency Planning Committee
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Lou Cherry – Cumberland County PIO, Broadcast/Media Representative (reappointment)
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George White – Womack Army Medical Center Representative (reappointment)
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Amy Matao – Local Environmental Representative (reappointment)
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Luis Ferman – Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Representative
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At-Large Representative (1 Vacancy): Brian Krakover, Deno Hondros, Teddy Warner
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Facilities Representatives (Out-of-County): Raymond Becht (Tanner Industries), Terry Chalk (Goodyear), Daniel Davis (Hexion), Mikki Jones (Cargill),
Carson Walker (South River EMC)
F. Library Board of Trustees
G. Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board
H. Mid-Carolina Aging Advisory Council
I. NC Southeast Board of Directors
J. Tourism Development Authority Commissioner Patel recused himself from voting.
The Board also approved a policy change allowing Commissioner Patel to serve a third term.
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Naynesh Mehta (Reappointment – Hotels Over 100 Rooms)
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Commissioner Pavan Patel, Ankit Trivdei (Reappointments – Hotels/Motels Under 100 Rooms)
K. Local Emergency Planning Committee – Chair and Vice Chair Commissioner Tyson recused himself from voting.
L. Joint Fayetteville-Cumberland County Human Relations Committee
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Rachel Andress
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Frederick Cutter
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Johnny Lanthorn
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Ryan Meadows
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Gina Zhang
6. APPOINTMENTS
The Board approved appointments for boards and committees where:
Appointments confirmed:
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Board of Adjustment: Donald Brooks, Veronica Mitchell-Rozier, Joseph Stephens, Kristen Walkinshaw
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Farm Advisory Board: David Gillis, Craig Tyson, Mark Williams
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Joint Planning Board: James Baker, Lyndell Ray Jenkins
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Library Board of Trustees: Gloria Nelson, Sabrina Steigelman, Brian Tyler
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Local Emergency Planning Committee – Chair and Vice Chair: Commissioner Henry Tyson, Chairperson, Daniel Davis, Vice Chair Commissioner Tyson recused himself from the vote.
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Mid-Carolina Aging Advisory Council: Autumn Oxendine, Willie McKoy, Sona Cooper, Charles McLaurin
Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board: Elisabeth Chivers
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NC Southeast Board of Directors: Mark Sorrells
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Tourism Development Authority: Naynesh Mehta, Commissioner Pavan Patel, Ankit Trivdei Commissioner Patel recused himself from the vote. Commissioners voted to allow a change to policy that would allow Commissioner Patel to serve a third term on this Board.
7. CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:
The meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.
The Board of Commissioners will meet again on Oct. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse for an Agenda Session Meeting, and Monday, Oct. 20, at 6:45 p.m. in room 118 for a Regular Meeting.
Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are livestreamed through 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. Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching CCNCGov.