Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Chairman Attachment: No

ITEM TITLE: OPENING

SUMMARY: Call to Order Opening Prayer Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Chairman Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING AGENDA

SUMMARY: Attached is the proposed Agenda for the December 7, 2020 Organizational Meeting of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners.

RECOMMEND: Review, Amend and Approve.

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ PA HL ___ PA HL ___ PA HL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING AGENDA

HYDE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 – 6:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER

OPENING

CONSIDERATION OF ORGANIZA TIONAL MEETING AGENDA

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES November 12, 2020 - Regular Meeting Minutes

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 1) Opening of Organizational Meeting – Earl Pugh, Jr., Chairman

2) Nomination and Election of Board Chairman

3) Chair Takes Over Organizational Meeting

4) Nomination and Election of Vice-Chairman

5) Appointment of County Attorney ● Franz Holscher, Attorney

6) Appointment of Board Clerk ● Lois Stotesberry, CMC, NCCCC

7) Appointment of Deputy Clerk ● Donnie Shumate

8) Appointment of Deputy Clerk ● Kris Cahoon Noble

9) Resolution Establishing Regular 2021 Meeting Dates

ADJOURN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Clerk to the Board Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

SUMMARY: Attached are the November 12, 2020 meeting minutes.

RECOMMEND: Review, Amend and Approve.

4 Following opening prayer by Commissioner Simmons and, Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Pugh called the 5 rescheduled November 2, 2020 (due to lack of a quorum) Regular Meeting of the Hyde County Board of 6 Commissioners to order at 6:00p.m., on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in the Hyde County Government Center 7 Multi-Use Room. Chairman Pugh thanked all veterans for their service.

8 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the November 12, 2020 Hyde County Board of Commissioners meeting and 9 Hyde Transit 5310 Grant Public Hearing were live streamed via the Hyde County Facebook page. Video is 10 available on Facebook and on the County’s YouTube channel for download to a personal device.

11 The following members were present on the mainland: Chairman Earl Pugh, Jr.; Vice-chairman Tom Pahl; 12 Commissioners Ben Simmons, Shannon Swindell and Goldie Topping; County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble; 13 Attorney Charles Edwards; Clerk to the Board Lois Stotesberry; IT Director Donnie Shumate. Water & Flood 14 Control Manager, Daniel Brinn, joined the meeting via zoom during presentation of matters requiring input.

15 Health Director Luana Gibbs and Transit Manager Beverly Paul attended via Zoom. 16 17 CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA: 18 Commissioner Simmons moved to approve the Thursday, November 12, 2020 Regular Meeting Agenda as 19 presented by the Clerk. Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: 20 Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 21 22 CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: 23 Commissioner Pahl moved to approve the September 8, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. 24 Commissioner Topping seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, 25 Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

26 Commissioner Swindell moved to approve the October 5, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. 27 Commissioner Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, 28 Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

29 PUBLIC HEARING: 30 Hyde Transit 5310 Grant 31 Commissioner Pahl moved to open public hearing on Hyde Transit 5310 Grant. Commissioner Simmons 32 seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and 33 Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

34 Hearing no public comment, Commissioner Simmons moved to close public hearing on Hyde Transit 5310 Grant. 35 Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, 36 Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 37 38 PRESENTATIONS: 39 Tax Report 40 IT Director Donnie Shumate presented the October 2020 TR-407 Daily Distribution Report. Mr. Shumate 41 reported 96% collection rate up from 93%. 42

Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 1 of 6 58 Commissioner Swindell moved to accept the October 2020 TR-407 Tax report as presented. Commissioner 59 Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell 60 and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 61 62 Tideland EMC/Hyde County Loans to Drainage Entities 63 Daniel Brinn, Water and Flood Control Manager, presented report on the infrastructure loan program provided by 64 Tideland EMC through Hyde County to local drainage districts and the benefits received. Mr. Brinn reported all 65 loans are in good standing. 66 67 PUBLIC COMMENT: 68 Tamara Hibbard, Swan Quarter Township, requested explanation of money spent by Hyde County to clean up a 69 sunken boat while Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department needs its bridge replaced. 70 71 Manager Noble responded that Hurricane Florence damaged the bridge to the Engelhard VFD. Hyde County, 72 including the Manager, Emergency Manager and the Water and Flood Control Manager assisted the EVFD with 73 an emergency repair and permitting for the new structure. Commissioner Earl Pugh also worked with the EVFD 74 to house their fire trucks in his covered farm shelters during that repair. Hyde County has continued to support 75 the EVFD with their planning to repair the old bridge with a new culvert/tide gate style bridge that will not only 76 provide a means across the canal but will also meet water and flood control objectives for the community. Hyde 77 County also assisted the EVFD with the FEMA Public Assistance process that produced $36,263.00. The EVFD 78 estimates the project to be approximately $125,803 and have done an outstanding job with the help of some of 79 their community members in raising pledges towards the project. Their total unmet need to complete the project 80 is approximately $25,000.

81 In regard to the derelict vessel being removed from Silver Lake Harbor, Manager Noble responded that 3 vessels 82 had been removed over the last 5 years through cost shares with property owners and the National Park Service. 83 The total spent by the county over that 5 year period was $2,000 and that expenditure had been a part of a much 84 larger project where the county had partnered with the Ocracoke Waterways Commission. The project involved 85 formation of the Ocracoke Waterways Commission and multiple pieces of legislation being passed to allow the 86 county to address derelict vessels in Silver Lake Harbor. 87 88 Hearing no further comment from the public, Chairman Pugh continued the meeting. 89 90 ITEMS OF CONSIDERATION: 91 Public Transportation Program Resolution FY2022 92 Commissioner Simmons moved to approve Public Transportation Program Resolution FY2022 pending no 93 comments are received in 24-hours per COVID rule. Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The motion 94 passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not 95 voting – None. 96 97 98 99 Appointments to Hyde Transit Board 100 Commissioner Pahl moved to fill James Topping’s seat on the Hyde Transit Board with Commissioner Goldie 101 Topping. Commissioner Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, 102 Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 103 104 Appointment of Acting Tax Assessor and Collector

Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 2 of 6 105 Kris Cahoon Noble, County Manager, requested appointment of Donnie Shumate as Acting Tax Assessor and 106 Collector to fill the vacant position of Linda Basnight who retired.

107 Commissioner Simmons moved to appoint Donnie Shumate Acting Tax Assessor and Collector. Commissioner 108 Topping seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell 109 and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 110 111 Appointment to Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board 112 Commissioner Tom Pahl made recommendations to fill two seats on the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board.

113 Commissioner Pahl moved to accept resignation of Nancy Leach; reappoint Byron Miller (expires 09-05-2023) 114 and appoint Lena Austin (expires 09-05-2023) to serve on the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board. Commissioner 115 Swindell seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell 116 and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 117 118 Appointment to Ocracoke Waterways Commission 119 Commissioner Pahl moved to accept resignation of Farris O’Neal, who is retiring, and appoint Teresa Ray to 120 complete his term (expires 07-10-2022); to reappoint Rudy Austin to serve another term (expires 07-10-2023) 121 and to appoint newly elected Commissioner Randal Mathews to replace him on the Ocracoke Waterways 122 Commission (expires 12-2024). Commissioner Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the 123 following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

124 Reappointment to Board of Health 125 Luana Gibbs, Health Director, reported at its October 6, 2020 meeting the Board of Health approved 126 recommendation to reappoint Doreen Holloway to serve a 3rd term (expires in 2023) on the Board of Health. 127 128 Commissioner Swindell moved to reappoint Doreen Holloway to serve a 3rd term on the Board of Health. 129 Commissioner Topping seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, 130 Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

131

132

133 Local Health Department Fee Schedule 134 Luana Gibbs, Health Director, reported the Board of Health met and approved a recommendation for Board of 135 Commissioners approval of the Local Fee Schedule. The National Fee Analyzer of 2020 was used as a reference 136 point for setting fees after research and analysis of cost of service provision. 137 138 Commissioner Simmons moved to approve the Hyde County Health Department Fee for Services Schedule 139 (effective 11-03-2020). Commissioner Topping seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: 140 Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 141 142 Water Asset and Assessment Grant 143 Clint Berry, Utilities Director, presented completion of GIS mapping of the entire Hyde County water system. 144 145 Manager Noble complimented Mr. Berry and the Utilities Department for its innovation and completion of the 146 GIS mapping project. 147 Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 3 of 6 148 DHHS/DSS Written Agreements-Amended MOU 149 Laurie Potter, DSS Director, reported Session Law 2017-41 requires all counties to enter into an annual 150 agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services for all social services programs excluding 151 medical assistance (Medicaid). SL2017-41 requires the agreement to contain certain performance requirements 152 and administrative responsibilities related to social services programs. This MOU is effective beginning 153 January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. 154 155 Commissioner Pahl moved to approve the DHHS/DSS Written Agreements-Amended MOU as presented. 156 Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, 157 Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 158 159 Response Letter to the LGC 160 Kris Cahoon Noble, County Manager, reported Hyde County received a letter from the Local Government 161 Commission (LGC) addressing concerns in regards to the Hyde County 2019 Audit. Ms. Noble prepared a 162 response letter addressing concerns and providing specific details on the county’s plan of action to mitigate those 163 concerns.

164  Hyde County’s 2019 audit was not submitted until August 2020 due to the severe impact of hurricanes over the 165 last several years. County staff is committed to and have been working diligently to become as resilient to 166 storms as possible. Internal continuity of operations may be fortified as well to maintain normal operations while 167 also responding and recovering from hurricanes. A Disaster Recovery Specialist will be hired to assist the 168 Finance Office during times of mass destruction due to hurricane events.

169

170  Hyde County has developed a corrective action plan to remedy the issuance of qualified opinions on its 171 Medical Assistance Program. DSS staff will be offered training that will lead to case worker certification. 172 Training opportunities offered by the state will be greatly appreciated.

173

174  Hyde County fund balance used during the 2019 fiscal year is expected to be received from federal and state 175 reimbursements and will be placed back in the general fund. The County did use over $700,000.00 of its fund 176 balance during the 2019 fiscal year. Over-expenditures were paid from the county’s healthy general fund to 177 respond to disasters and to serve its citizenry during times of unexpected financial need. Funds are replenished 178 through reimbursement as quickly and efficiently as possible. Manager Noble reported today Hyde County was 179 reimbursed more than $55,000.00 for Hurricane Matthew expenditures and had received over $500,000.00 for 180 Hurricane Dorian in the last week.

181

182  Hyde County has a healthy water and sewer fund balance to support its water system. Recent unexpected and 183 necessary repairs made will likely ensure the life of that particular leg of our infrastructure for the next twenty 184 plus years. Water rates were recently increased to cover costs of future emergent repairs.

185

186  Hyde County must rectify shortcomings. The first issue (staffing increase) has been addressed. The second 187 issue that affects bank reconciliations is the county’s outdated financial software system. Tax software has been 188 updated and finance software will be updated once the county has fully implemented the Farragut Tax Software. Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 4 of 6 189 With these necessary tools in place the county can not only ensure bank reconciliations but utilize these systems 190 to talk to each other creating more accuracy and providing more transparency to the taxpayers. These two 191 strategies will result in an improved internal control environment.

192

193 Manager Noble reported Hyde County is happy to discuss its shortcomings and will become more compliant to 194 meet and exceed all local government accounting practices. The county appreciates any feedback and advice 195 from the LGC moving forward.

197 Commissioner Pahl moved to approve and sign the response letter as presented. Commissioner Swindell 198 seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Topping and 199 Swindell. Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

200 Commissioner Topping declined signing the letter as she was not a Board member at the time of the audit. 201 202 CDBG CV RFP Responses 203 Kris Cahoon Noble, County Manager, reported Hyde County intends to submit a CDBG Corona Virus 204 application and she has issued an RFP for a contractor to prepare the application. 205 206 Commissioner Swindell moved to authorize Manager Noble to move forward. Ms. Noble, Grants Administrator 207 Stephanie Watson and Health Director Laurie Potter will evaluate the RFP’s and a development firm will be 208 hired to prepare the application. Commissioner Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the 209 following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping. Nays – None; Absent or not voting – 210 None.

211 Revised Tram Operations Agreement 212 Kris Cahoon Noble, County Manager, presented a revised Ocracoke Tram System Operations Agreement with 213 more specific language on page 2 in regard to the process of selling the damaged trams and other non-substantive 214 changes by NC DOT Public Transportation and the Hyde County Attorney.

215 Commissioner Pahl moved to approve the amended changes to the Ocracoke Tram System Operations 216 Agreement. Commissioner Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – 217 Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping. Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

218 NC Tourism Recovery Grant 219 Kris Cahoon Noble, County Manager, reported the Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority has been 220 awarded a grant in the amount of $10,750.00 for marketing efforts specifically designed to address and provide 221 relief from the Corona Virus. Helena Stevens will be the authorized representative on the grant. 222 223 Commissioner Pahl moved to authorize the County Manager to execute the NC Tourism Recovery Grant on 224 behalf of Ocracoke TDA and work with the Ocracoke TDA to carry out grant activities. Commissioner 225 Topping seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, 226 Swindell and Topping. Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None.

227 BUDGET REVISIONS 228 Sheriff’s Department 229  Miscellaneous Equipment …………………… $24,000.00 230 Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 5 of 6 231 Health Department 232  COVID Infection Support …………………... $42,084.00 233  COVID Detection ……………………………. $95,904.00 234  Immunizations ……………………………….. $ 3,238.88 235 236 Commissioner Simmons moved to approve the Sheriff’s Department and Health Department budget transfers as 237 presented. Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, 238 Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent or not voting – None. 239 240 MA NAGEMENT REPORTS: 241 The commissioners and county manager shared with the public their various activities and ideas for continuous 242 improvement of government services in Hyde County. 243 244 PUBLIC COMMENT: (none) 245 246 CLOSED SESSION: (none) 247 Commissioner Simmons moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Swindell seconded the motion. The 248 motion passed on the following vote: Ayes – Pugh, Pahl, Simmons, Swindell and Topping; Nays – None; Absent 249 or not voting – None.

251 The meeting adjourned at 8:40p.m. 252 253 Respectfully submitted: 254 255 Minutes approved on the 7th day of December, 2020. 256 257 Attest: 258 ______259 Lois Stotesberry, CMC, NCCCC Earl Pugh, Jr. 260 Clerk, Hyde County Board of Commissioners Chair, Hyde County Board of Commissioners 261 262 Attachments 263 264 Exhibit A: “Public Transportation Program Resolution FY2022”

Regular Meeting Minutes Hyde County Board of Commissioners November 12, 2020 - Page 6 of 6

Resolution No. 2020-12-07

RESOLUTION OF THE HYDE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISHING REGULAR MEETING DATES

WHEREAS, pursuant to NCGS 153A-40, the Hyde County Board of Commissioners have elected to adopt a meeting schedule by resolution so that its members and the public may know when Regular meetings of the Board are to be held;

WHEREAS, the Hyde County Board of Commissioners adopted Rules of Procedure on February 4, 2013, calling for Regular meetings on the first Monday of each month, or as otherwise provided;

WHEREAS, nothing in this Resolution shall preclude the Hyde County Board of Commissioners from holding Special or Emergency meetings as such may be allowed by law;

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners desires to begin all calendar year 2021 Regular Board Meetings at 6:00 p.m.; and,

WHEREAS, the Hyde County Board of Commissioners utilizes an electronic meeting system for the simultaneous audio and/or video conduct of Regular meetings on both the Mainland and Ocracoke, the sites of such electronic meetings being as follows unless an alternative location is posted on the door of the meeting site:

▪ “Government Center” means the Multi-Use Room in the Government Center, 30 Oyster Creek Road, Swan Quarter, NC.

▪ “Ocracoke” means the Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC.

▪ “Live Streamed” means via the Hyde County Public Information Facebook page and a phone dial in option to listen for anyone without reliable internet access. Video is available on the County’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel for download to a personal device.

▪ * means the meeting date is on Tuesday.

WHEREAS, the Hyde County Board of Commissioners, at its Organizational Meeting on December 7, 2020, unanimously moved to call for Regular meetings on the first Monday of each month, or as otherwise provided;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED t hat the Hyde County Board of Commissioners adopts the following schedule for regular Board meetings:

January 4, 2021 May 3, 2021 September 7, 2021* February 1, 2021 June 7, 2021 October 4, 2021 March 1, 2021 July 6, 2021* November 1, 2021 April 5, 2021 August 2, 2021 December 6, 2021

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is hereby directed to post a copy of this Resolution on the courthouse bulletin board and to publish a summary in the C oastland Times newspaper on or before December 30, 2020.

Duly adopted this the 7t h day of December, 2020.

______Chair, Hyde County Board of Commissioners SEAL

ATTEST:

______Clerk to the Board of Commissioners

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Chairman Attachment: No

ITEM TITLE: OPENING

SUMMARY: Call to Order

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Chairman Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA

SUMMARY: Attached is the proposed Agenda for the December 7, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners.

RECOMMEND: Review, Amend and Approve.

AGENDA

HYDE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING

DE CEMBER 7, 2020

CALL TO ORDER

CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES ( NONE)

PUBLIC HEARINGS (N ONE)

PRESENTATIONS 1) Tax Collections...………………………………………...... Donnie Shumate ● Report – [November 2020 and November 2019] ● Report - [Year to Date 2020 and Year to Date 2019]

EMPLOYEE/ VOLUNTEER/ FRIEND OF HYDE COUNTY …………………..... Manager Noble

PUBLIC COMMENTS

ITEMS OF CONSIDERATION 1. Emergency Services General Operational Guidelines Update David White 2. Sheriff’s Office Reorganization Sheriff Cahoon 3. Utilities Department Salary Study Clint Berry 4. Ocracoke EMS Lease (Teach’s Hole) Manager Noble 5. Ocracoke EMS Disaster Repair Bid Tabs (Back Road) Daniel Brinn 6. Ocracoke EMS Disaster Repair Project Budget Ordinance (Back Road) Manager Noble 7. Hurricane Matthew Stream Debris Contract Extension Daniel Brinn 8. Beaufort County Community College Lease Renewal Manager Noble 9. Beaufort Hyde Martin Regional Library Lease Renewal Manager Noble 10. CDBG Infrastructure Award of Legal Services Manager Noble 11. McClees Consulting, Inc Manager Noble 12. Broadband Expansion Plan Manager Noble

Page 1 of 2

BUDGET MATTERS MANAGEMENT REPORTS

PUBLIC COMMENTS

CLOSED SESSION ( in acc ordance with NC GS143A-318.11 (a) if required)

ADJOURN

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Department Reports

Informational Items 1) Promoting Rural Prosperity in America - White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs 2) Holiday and Payroll Calendar 3) Cooperative Extension Report 4) Soil and Water District Draft November Meeting Minutes 5) Public Notice - BOC Organizational Meeting

Page 2 of 2 Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Donnie Shumate Attachment: YES

ITEM TITLE: Tax Collection Reports

SUMMARY: The tax administrator will present the November 2020 collections report for approval. Additional reports are attached for comparison.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE

Report Parameters: Date Sent To Finance Begin: 11/1/2020

Date Sent To Finance End : 11/30/2020

Number of detailed years before grouping as prior: 1

*Note : Discounts are considered as release of levy and are not part of Total($) column.

Tax District Levy Type RMV vs Non-RMV Levy Less Penalities ($) Interest ($) Other ($) Total ($) Penalties ($)

2020 HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 1,102,765.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,102,765.07 HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 3,731.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,731.79 HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 1,429.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,429.10 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 18,885.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 18,885.33 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,668.75 8,668.75 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.67 1.67 ADJUSTMENT 1,126,811.29 0.00 0.00 8,670.42 1,135,481.71 PRIOR FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS A FEE Non-RMV 8,924.22 0.00 848.37 0.00 9,772.59 FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS B FEE Non-RMV 1,195.59 0.00 119.35 0.00 1,314.94

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS C FEE Non-RMV 123.92 0.00 12.70 0.00 136.62

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS E FEE Non-RMV 1,136.46 0.00 115.55 0.00 1,252.01

HYDE COUNTY Advertisement Fee Non-RMV 20.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00

HYDE COUNTY SOLID WASTE FEE Non-RMV 96.67 0.00 23.78 0.00 120.45

HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 28,974.80 0.00 9,922.32 0.00 38,897.12

HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 201.04 0.00 98.17 0.00 299.21

HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 348.60 0.00 33.60 0.00 382.20 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 126.79 0.00 14.47 0.00 141.26

NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.64 16.64

41,148.09 0.00 11,188.31 16.64 52,353.04

Total 1,167,959.38 0.00 11,188.31 8,687.06 1,187,834.75

PAGE 1 of Date run: 12/4/2020 10:44:52 AM TR-407 Daily Distribution Report NCPTS V4

Report Parameters: Date Sent To Finance Begin: 11/1/2019

Date Sent To Finance End : 11/30/2019

Number of detailed years before grouping as prior: 2

*Note : Discounts are considered as release of levy and are not part of Total($) column.

Tax District Levy Type RMV vs Non-RMV Levy Less Penalities ($) Interest ($) Other ($) Total ($) Penalties ($)

2020 NA ADVANCE Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 907.28 907.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 907.28 907.28 2019 HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 1,164,435.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,164,435.21 HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 3,920.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,920.85 HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 986.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 986.18 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 17,156.64 0.00 0.00 0.00 17,156.64 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,036.41 2,036.41 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.64 0.64 ADJUSTMENT 1,186,498.88 0.00 0.00 2,037.05 1,188,535.93

PRIOR

HYDE COUNTY Advertisement Fee Non-RMV 8.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.00

HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 10,032.98 0.00 3,606.47 0.00 13,639.45

HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 19.49 0.00 5.70 0.00 25.19

HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.11 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 140.54 0.00 18.20 0.00 158.74

10,201.01 0.00 3,630.48 0.00 13,831.49

Total 1,196,699.89 0.00 3,630.48 2,944.33 1,203,274.70

PAGE 1 of Date run: 12/4/2020 10:42:53 AM TR-407 Daily Distribution Report NCPTS V4

Report Parameters: Date Sent To Finance Begin: 1/1/2020

Date Sent To Finance End : 11/30/2020

Number of detailed years before grouping as prior: 1

*Note : Discounts are considered as release of levy and are not part of Total($) column.

Tax District Levy Type RMV vs Non-RMV Levy Less Penalities ($) Interest ($) Other ($) Total ($) Penalties ($)

2020 Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 2,514,567.74 0.00 47,731.44 0.00 2,562,299.18 HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 7,481.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,481.51 HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 2,288.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,288.98 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 32,874.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 32,874.03 NA ADVANCE Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1,645.44 -1,645.44 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 9,434.88 9,434.88 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.53 2.53 ADJUSTMENT 2,557,212.26 0.00 47,731.44 7,791.97 2,612,735.67 PRIOR

Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS A FEE Non-RMV 74,663.50 0.00 1,368.80 0.00 76,032.30

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS B FEE Non-RMV 26,390.62 0.00 450.42 0.00 26,841.04

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS C FEE Non-RMV 8,913.36 0.00 62.35 0.00 8,975.71

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS E FEE Non-RMV 8,853.65 0.00 124.58 0.00 8,978.23

HYDE COUNTY Advertisement Fee Non-RMV 233.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 233.00

HYDE COUNTY SOLID WASTE FEE Non-RMV 1,806.71 0.00 2,060.89 0.00 3,867.60

HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 2,205,914.81 0.00 81,239.26 0.00 2,287,154.07

HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 8,299.88 0.00 404.21 0.00 8,704.09

HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 13,187.75 0.00 345.65 0.00 13,533.40 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 22,903.75 0.00 557.83 0.00 23,461.58

NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,701.19 8,701.19

NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.80 11.80 ADJUSTMENT 2,371,167.03 0.00 86,613.99 8,712.99 2,466,494.01

Total 4,928,379.29 0.00 134,345.43 16,504.96 5,079,229.68

PAGE 1 of Date run: 12/4/2020 10:48:48 AM TR-407 Daily Distribution Report NCPTS V4

Report Parameters: Date Sent To Finance Begin: 1/1/2019

Date Sent To Finance End : 11/30/2019

Number of detailed years before grouping as prior: 2

*Note : Discounts are considered as release of levy and are not part of Total($) column.

Tax District Levy Type RMV vs Non-RMV Levy Less Penalities ($) Interest ($) Other ($) Total ($) Penalties ($)

2020 NA ADVANCE Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 907.28 907.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 907.28 907.28 2019 HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 2,336,338.78 0.00 2,055.04 0.00 2,338,393.82 HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 9,156.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 9,156.98 HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 4,582.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,582.13 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 32,749.83 0.00 0.00 0.00 32,749.83 NA ADVANCE Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 -4,951.71 -4,951.71 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,207.98 3,207.98 NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.23 1.23 ADJUSTMENT 2,382,827.72 0.00 2,055.04 -1,742.50 2,383,140.26

PRIOR

Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS A FEE Non-RMV 104,211.00 0.00 421.49 0.00 104,632.49

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS B FEE Non-RMV 26,347.02 0.00 79.45 0.00 26,426.47

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS C FEE Non-RMV 9,508.93 0.00 12.10 0.00 9,521.03

FAIRFIELD DRAIN DIST CLASS E FEE Non-RMV 11,103.38 0.00 24.30 0.00 11,127.68

HYDE COUNTY Advertisement Fee Non-RMV 208.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 208.50

HYDE COUNTY Attorney Fee Non-RMV 406.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 406.50

HYDE COUNTY SOLID WASTE FEE Non-RMV 600.00 0.00 674.23 0.00 1,274.23

HYDE COUNTY TAX Non-RMV 2,050,207.36 0.00 98,852.01 0.00 2,149,059.37

HYDE COUNTY WATERSHED FEE Non-RMV 7,873.86 0.00 376.11 0.00 8,249.97

HYDE COUNTY WEST QUARTER Non-RMV 16,314.39 0.00 356.57 0.00 16,670.96 FEE MOSQUITO TAX Non-RMV 10,627.56 0.00 789.32 0.00 11,416.88

NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,820.59 2,820.59

NA REFUND Both RMV and Non-RMV 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.18 7.18 ADJUSTMENT 2,237,408.50 0.00 101,585.58 2,827.77 2,341,821.85

Total 4,620,236.22 0.00 103,640.62 1,992.55 4,725,869.39

PAGE 1 of Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Citizens Attachment: No

ITEM TITLE: PUBLIC COMMENTS

SUMMARY: Citizens are afforded an opportunity at this time to comment on issues they feel may be of importance to the Commissioners and to their fellow citizens.

Comments should be kept to (3) minutes and directed to the entire Board, not just one individual Commissioner, staff member or to a member of the audience.

Time for one person cannot be used by another person.

Comments that reflect the need for additional assistance will be directed to the County Manager or referred to a future meeting agenda.

RECOMMEND: Receive comments.

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: David White, EMS Director Attachment: Yes - General Operational Guidelines Update

ITEM TITLE: General Operational Guidelines Update for EMS

SUMMARY: The attached General Operational Guidelines is an update addressing changes and improvements to service. The plan has not been updated in several years. This update addresses some key issues such as uniformity in appearance, driving and cell phone usage and title updates.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE GE NERAL OP ERATIONAL GU IDELINES

Hyde County Emergency Services

General Operational Guidelines

Revised: 8 / 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article 1. Professional Standards Section 1. Professional Appearance 1-1 Section 2. Uniforms 1-2 Section 3. Inclement Weather Clothing 1-3

Article 2. Professional Conduct Section 1. Standards of Conduct 2-1

Article 3. Command Structure Section 1. Command Structure 3-1

Article 4. Operations Section 1. General Operations 4-1 Section 2. Emergency Operations 4-3 Section 3. Scene Operations: 4-3 Section 4. Operations at Hospitals 4-5 Section 5. Mutual Aid Request: 4-6 Section 6. Non-Emergency Operations 4-6 Section 7. Vehicle Operations 4-7 Section 8. Daily Duties and Responsibilities 4-9 Section 9. Base Duties and Responsibilities 4-10 Section 10. Vehicle Duties and Responsibilities 4-10 Section 11. Natural and Unnatural Deaths 4-12 Section 12. Behavioral Emergencies 4-13 Section 13. Patients in Custody or in Prison Confinement 4-13 Section 14. Medical Control 4-13 Section 15. Veterans Administration Hospital transports 4-16 Section 16. Presence of Licensed Physician on the Scene 4-16 Section 17. Forcible Entry into a Dwelling 4-17 Section 18. Airport Operations 4-18

Article 5. Employment Section 1. General 5-1 Section 2. Probation 5-2 Section 3. Termination of Employment 5-2 Section 4. Part-time Employment 5-2 Section 5. Leave Policy 5-3 Section 6. Vacation Leave 5-4 Section 7. Time for Time 5-4 Section 8. Sick Leave 5-5 Section 9. On the Job Injury (Workers Comp) 5-6 Section 10. Substitute (Swap) Time 5-6

Section 11. Educational Leave 5-6 Section 12. Civil Leave 5-7 Section 13. Deployment Leave 5-7 Section 14. FMLA Leave 5-7 Section 15. Light Duty 5-7

Article 6. Safety Section 1. General Orders 6-1 Section 2. HCEMS Personnel Safety: 6-2 Section 3. Motor Vehicle Safety 6-3 Section 4. Patient/Passenger/Observer Safety 6-4

Article 7. Administration Section 1. Reporting Personal injury or Vehicle Accident 7-1 Section 2. Reporting Vehicle Accidents 7-1 Section 3. Incident Reports 7-2 Section 4. Complaints and Conflicts 7-3 Section 5. Injury / Death In The Line Of Duty 7-6 Section 6. Controlled Substances 7-7 Section 7. Controlled Substances Safe 7-10 Section 8. Completion of Patient Call Report 7-11 Section 9. Release of Confidential Patient Information 7-12 Section 10. Protected Health Information (PHI) 7-12 Section 11. Incident reports 7-12 Section 12. Tobacco Use policy 7-13 Section 13. Cellular Phone Use 7-14 Section 14. Late Call/Relief Policy 7-15 Section 15. Visitors, Students, and Observers 7-16 Section 16. Patient’s Refusing Service 7-17

Article 8. Training Section 1. Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance 8-1 Section 2. Continuing Education 8-1

Article 9. Logistics Section 1. Preventive Maintenance 9-1 Section 2. Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators: 9-1 Section 3. Stretchers 9-1

Appendixes Appendix A Uniforms A-1 Appendix B Controlled Substances B-1 Appendix C Weapons C-1 Appendix D Domestic Violence D-1 Appendix E Child Abuse E-1

Article 1. Professional Standards

Section 1. Professional Appearance

(a) It is the responsibility of all personnel to maintain a neat and professional appearance while on duty or while engaged in any function of Hyde County Emergency Services.

(b) It is the responsibility of all officers to ensure that those whom they supervise comply with departmental appearance standards and that corrective action is taken when necessary.

(c) The Emergency Services Administrative Staff or his designee shall have the authority to establish or change departmental appearance and uniform standards and policies.

(d) Hair length shall not extend below the top of the shirt collar and must not extend below the top of the ear and must not touch the eyebrows. Hair must not extend past the facial area when leaning forward. Hair must not be worn in extreme styles, unusual or bright colors or in contrast with natural color. Personnel hair must be kept up in a fashion as to allow conformity to hair regulations at all times while on duty.

(e) Personnel may not have facial stubble or beards. Employees are permitted to have neatly trimmed mustaches not to extend over the upper lip and / or neatly trimmed goatees. All employees with or without facial hair must be able to pass an N95 fit test.

(f) Sideburns shall not extend below the middle of the ear. They must be straight, even-width (not flared) and end in a clean-shaven horizontal line.

(g) Cosmetics must be conservative and in good taste. Cosmetics which may be worn are limited to mascara, liner, soft or muted eye shadows, foundations, and soft toned lipstick applied lightly.

(h) Cologne and perfumes will be kept to a minimum

(i) Visible body piercing other than earrings in the ear or a single stud type nose piercing is not permitted. No more than 4 Stud-style Earrings per ear will be permitted. No gauges, bars, hoops or dangling earrings are permitted. Any nose piercing should only be a single non-conspicuous stud type.

(j) Visible tattoos must be kept to a minimum and in a non-profane fashion. It is highly recommended that personnel considering new tattoos must located in areas that will be covered.

(k) Acceptable Jewelry consists of watches, bracelets, rings and chains. Fine metal chains are permitted and must be worn inside the shirt. Rings should be limited to one small band on each hand. Medical Alert bracelets and necklaces are permitted.

Section 2. Uniforms

(a) It is the responsibility of all officers to ensure that those whom they supervise comply with departmental uniform standards and that corrective action is taken when necessary.

(b) The administration shall be responsible for seeing that all county issued uniforms and equipment are returned immediately by any employee leaving the service. A final payroll check will not be rendered until this equipment has been turned in.

(c) The Emergency Services Administrative Staff or his designee shall have the authority to establish or change department uniform standards and policies.

(d) The Emergency Services Administrative Staff or his designee reserves the right to authorize changes to any uniform requirement found herein, as may be dictated by a given event or situation.

(e) EMS Personnel shall wear only approved HCEMS uniforms and maintain their uniform in such a manner as to present a neat and clean appearance.

(f) All department uniforms purchased through uniform allowance are the property of Hyde County Emergency Services.

(g) Personnel shall not wear or use any uniform clothing, or accessory except those approved by this policy.

(h) Uniforms shirts shall be clean, pressed and free of rips, tears, and holes and shall not be missing any required parts such as buttons, patches and accessories.

(i) Pockets shall not be stuffed with personal items. Combs, brushes, picks, cigarettes, and etc. shall not be protruding from pockets.

(j) Uniforms are to be worn only during on-duty working hours unless otherwise approved by the Administrative Staff or Administrative Staff. Employees will not wear uniforms for private purposes such as working around the house, outside employment, or other like activities. No part of the uniform is to be worn by itself; i.e., pants or shirt, etc.

(k) All personnel should maintain a clean uniform in their locker or vehicle in the event that their uniform becomes soiled or damaged.

(l) Department Logos are the only imprint or design that will be allowed on the T-shirt. Under no circumstances will employees be without a shirt entirely.

(m) Personnel shall possess their county ID, valid NC Driver’s license and current NC credential card at all times.

(n) Bandage shears, ink pens and penlight are optional equipment and shall be considered part of the regulation uniform for crewmembers.

Section 3. Inclement Weather Clothing:

(a) Personnel can wear additional personal clothing in the event of inclement weather such as freezing rain, snow, or other severe weather conditions. Personnel shall wear uniform pants, shirts with EMS logos. Clothing such as, insulated undergarments, turtlenecks, gloves and/or stocking caps (toboggans) are permitted as long as they are clean, contains no imprints or design, and not of extreme colors. A ll additional clothing is subject to approval.

A rticle 2. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Section 1. Standards of Conduct

(a) A courteous, professional appearance and attitude shall be maintained at all times.

(b) No employee shall be on duty, nor participate in any duty-related activity while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, or with an odor of alcoholic beverage on their breath. The consumption or possession of any alcoholic beverage on-duty or on county premises is cause for disciplinary action or dismissal.

(c) The use or possession of prescribed medications, or controlled substances not specifically prescribed for the individual shall be cause for disciplinary action or dismissal. This article applies whether the individual is on or off duty.

(d) EMS employees should avoid places where illegal drugs or controlled substances are consumed for recreational purposes.

(e) No use of tobacco products is permissible in the presence of a patient or patient’s family. (Review on Tobacco Use Policy)

(f) The possession of firearms on a transport ambulance is prohibited by NCOEMS 10A NCAC 13P .0216.

(g) The prompt and proper treatment of patients is our first consideration. It is generally accepted in the medical profession that medical professionals do not treat members of their own families in an acute situation. EMS employees should relinquish such treatment to other personnel when available.

(h) The solicitation for or the selling of any product or service while on duty, on county premises or electronic media is prohibited. This section shall not apply to charities which have prior county approval.

Hyde County Emergency Services General Operations Guidelines

Article 3. Command Structure

Section 1. Command Structure

(a) All administrative and operational questions that may arise are to be handled through the chain-of- command.

(b) Department officer’s rank and authority will be recognized at all times and not confined to their assigned shifts.

(i) Administrative Staff of EMS

(ii) Operations, Administrative Staff/Training, Chief of Training

(iii) General EMS Providers

General Operations Guidelines

Article 4. Operations

Section 1. General Operations

(a) HCEMS units will be operated primarily for the rendering of emergency and non-emergency medical care to patients of injury or illness, and provide patient transport with continuing medical care to hospitals. Special operations, stand-by and public relations event are also important functions of HCEMS

(a) The majority of operational, administrative, medical and training matters are to be handled through the department chain of command. It is important for information to progress from field providers through operation officers to administration, however issues of immediate importance, (e.g. issues of safety, protocols, compliance, ICS, etc.), may be addressed by any officer.

(b) Personnel assigned to the HCEMS units shall be responsible for the proper working condition of the vehicle and its equipment, for sufficient supplies to care for the sick and injured, for the cleanliness and sanitation of the equipment and supplies, and for reporting any deficiencies, shortages, or malfunctioning equipment.

(c) The attending provider is responsible for the treatment of the patient or patients while at the scene or in transit to a medical facility until/unless he or she is relieved by higher level provider.

(d) EMS Personnel shall cooperate with all public safety personnel, and be courteous and provide assistance when such assistance does not interfere with any medical emergency.

(e) Personnel shall ready the unit for response at the beginning of their shift and after every call. The supply and cleanliness of the EMS unit and all equipment should be checked and electronic daily checkoff submitted by 09:00 the first day on shift for each rotation. The equipment and the inside of the EMS unit will be cleaned in accordance with the Infectious Control Protocol, (See appendices)

(f) Personnel should check their county email and shall log into the EMS scheduler each shift. Personnel should check at the beginning of every shift for updates, notifications, changes in operations, and re-scheduling assignments.

(g) The Administrative Staff is responsible for all personnel base assignments.

(h) EMS units will remain in their assigned district at all times that they are not;

1) Responding to a call outside of the district

2) Transporting to a hospital outside the district

3) On standby in another district

4) Re-assigned on approval

(i) EMS personnel will wear protective gloves on all calls with no exceptions.

General Operations Guidelines

(j) Patients will not be transported to medical facilities, other than in facilities in the appropriate transportation protocol, without authorization.

(k) Neither equipment nor any shall be left with the patient unless patient care will be compromised.

(l) At all times each crew shall possess (2) portable radios, (1) pager, and monitor EMS Main dispatch. Only HCEMS issued portable radios shall be carried while on duty.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 2. Emergency Operations

(a) An emergency is defined as any situation requiring the response of the Hyde County Emergency Service to any unforeseen combination of events or circumstances which result in injury or illness requiring immediate emergency medical care of a person or persons.

(b) Crews will be notified on the primary radio by medic number and by pager through communications that they have been assigned an emergency assignment. Response (wheels rolling) on emergency/non- emergency calls will be initiated within 90 seconds after notification regardless of time of day.

(d) The attending provider will notify communications, handle radio traffic while en-route to the emergency scene, secure directions (GPS or map book) and assist driver in watching for approaching traffic.

(e) When a unit is dispatched to a call that is potentially located outside the county, a unit will respond without delay regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. Jurisdictional boundaries will be disregarded upon crew’s arrival on the scene. Response can be cancelled upon confirmation of location by DARE CENTRAL.

(f) If a unit returning from an out of county assignment drives upon an incident requiring emergency services, the crew will notify the appropriate communication center and perform an appropriate scene size-up. If it is determined that patients are in need of medical care, personnel will follow Hyde County protocols and will transport to the closest appropriate facility.

Section 3. Scene Operations:

(a) On multiple patient incidents, the senior provider will (triage officer) establish the number injured or sick and report to the Operations Sector chief. A triage to determine and correct life- threatening injuries or illnesses will be conducted. If, after triage, it is determined that additional assistance will be required, the EMS unit on the scene.

(b) When additional assistance arrives, the Triage Officer will assign and designate priority patients to assisting unit(s).

(c) Crews will not become separated or leave in vehicles to which they have not been assigned, unless instructed by an officer, or if patient care would be compromised as determined by the senior provider.

(d) Crews will precede with the stretcher, primary jump bag and other appropriate equipment to the patient, conduct an initial survey and attempt to correct, to the extent of his/her certification, any life threatening condition.

(e) The driver will assist with patient care to the level of their certification.

(f) The senior provider will not leave the patient to get equipment, unless conditions determine otherwise.

(g) Providers will avoid prolonged and detailed questioning of patients. Ask only for pertinent information

related to patient care.

(h) Quickly diagnose patient with life-threatening illness for EMS treatment and stabilization. Minimize scene time with a load and go approach.

(i) Minimize the time from EMS contact to definitive care

(j) Emergency operations with Fire/Rescue Departments and Law Enforcement Agencies:

1) On the scene of an emergency the appropriate agency having jurisdiction assumes incident command. The EMS personnel will assume roles of patient care, triage, treatment and transportation.

2) Fire/Rescue/LEO responds to EMS calls as first responders. Responses are based on advanced medical priority dispatch system protocols. The first responders are there to assist the patient until EMS arrives and to assist EMS to the extent EMS personnel permit.

(k) When responding with Fire/Rescue/LEO Departments on medical calls:

1) HCEMS personnel remain under operational control of the HCEMS chain of command.

2) HCEMS personnel shall assume final responsibility for patient care. (Ref:-N.C.G.S 130-233)

3) All patients shall receive appropriate examinations and treatment.

4) Fire/Rescue/LEO personnel should be requested to assist the HCEMS unit to a hospital when the attending provider anticipates the need for assistance.

5) When responding to an incident that requires LEO or fire for scene safety all EMS will respond routine traffic and will stage until instructed otherwise.

(l) Transportation of patients to medical facilities; 1) Non-emergency patients shall be transported to the closest appropriate facility.

2) All emergency cases shall be transported to the closest appropriate hospital, unless otherwise diverted by The System Medical Administrative Staff. Emergency transport to a hospital will not be warranted unless life- threatening conditions cannot be controlled by the attending provider.

3) Early notification should be made at the earliest possible opportunity to the receiving hospital on the frequency assigned by DARE CENTRAL or utilizing the appropriate 800mhz Viper frequency. Common communications is recommended to avoid confusion among the emergency room staff.

4) Competent patients /medical POA’s/ guardianship (appropriate documentation must be present) maintain the right to choose their medical disposition.

5) Individuals wishing to accompany a patient during transport may do so at the discretion of the HCEMS crew. If a patient or Individual is found to be in possession of a weapon, the applicable procedure found in Appendix C should be followed.

6) Patients will not be refused transportation to a hospital regardless of sickness or injury.

7) Once a patient is on board the transporting unit; that unit will not respond to another call.

Section 4. Operations at Hospitals:

(a) EMS staff will escort the patient to assigned treatment or triage area. An updated report of all pertinent information about the patient will be relayed to the nurse in charge of the patient and or the physician. EMS staff will be respectful and courteous to all hospital personnel. Remember that cooperation can promote a good working relationship. Any time EMS staff encounters a change in policy on the part of the hospital, personnel shall report the change(s) to the Administrative Staff, in writing if requested, to be forwarded through proper channels. (b) The PCR will be completed before clearing the hospital, if possible. PCR’s will not prohibit or delay any unit from handling calls. Crews will complete the PCR as soon as possible and save it to the server before t he end of their shift. Crews w ill not leave work with incomplete or open PCR’s on the computer without prior approval by the administrative staff. (c) Conflict Resolution:

1) Any conflict that arises between ED and EMS staff will be reported to the Administrative Staff immediately.

2) The Administrative Staff and the ED staff will discuss the issue(s) in a location or via phone away from staff, family and/or patients.

3) The ED staff and Administrative Staff will assure productive conversation and facilitate the meeting but should allow the personnel to discuss their issue and form a conflict resolution.

4) If the parties are not able to resolve their conflict, the Administrative Staff will formulate a plan to resolve the conflict.

5) If an agreeable resolution cannot be achieved, the EMS Administrative Staff will be contacted and upon their meeting with the ED staff the issue will be discussed and a plan of action will be determined.

6) Every conflict will be documented by staff and Administrative Staff and forward to Director for review. ED Administrative Staff and EMS will meet once a month to review these issues for corrective action planning.

7) EMS will escort the patient to assigned treatment area and report all pertinent information about the patient to physician or nurse in charge of the patient.

8) Personnel shall be respectful and courteous to all hospital personnel. Remember that cooperation can promote a good working relationship. If disagreements are encountered, report these to the Administrative Staff immediately and document the incident in writing.

9) Any time EMS personnel encounter a change in policy on the part of the hospital, personnel shall report the change(s) to the Administrative Staff, in writing if requested, to be forwarded through proper channels.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 5. Mutual Aid Request:

(a) EMS units may be dispatched to locations outside Hyde County depending on available resources determined by the on duty crew. Units will be assigned a mutual aid frequency by DARE CENTRAL to contact the requesting agency.

(b) Units will only transport to the closest appropriate facility in order to return the unit to active duty inside Hyde County.

(d) Personnel will function under Hyde County protocols at all times.

Section 6. Non-Emergency Operations

(a) A non-emergency situation shall be considered to be any that does not fall under the definition of an emergency.

(b) Crews will be notified by medic number and by pager through communications that they have been assigned a non-emergency assignment. Response to emergency / non-emergency calls will be initiated within 90 seconds after notification regardless of time of day.

(c) Non-emergency patients shall be transported to the closest appropriate facility. Patients will not be denied transportation to a hospital, regardless of illness or injury.

(d) Return trips after emergency department treatment will be subject to the physician certification of medical necessity and should be handled by a non-emergency HCEMS transport unit.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 7. Vehicle Operations

(a) The primary goals of vehicle operations for Hyde County employees are the fulfillment of our obligations as an emergency service provider, the safety and comfort of our customers and employees, proper equipment use, and timely delivery of services.

(b) New employees should attend and successfully complete an Emergency Vehicle Driver’s course within 6 months of hire date if possible.

(c) HCEMS employees are required to be familiar with federal, state and local traffic laws, and to abide by these laws as they pertain to emergency vehicle operations in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

(d) HCEMS employees must possess a valid driver’s license. Personnel must notify their Administrative Staff if their driver’s license becomes invalid or suspended in any way. Under no circumstances should an employee drive a Hyde County vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

(e) All HCEMS units shall come to a complete stop at all intersections where stop signs are displayed in the unit’s direction of travel or where a unit must proceed against a red or flashing traffic signal. When responding emergency traffic HCEMS units may then proceed against a red traffic signal only when it has been determined that traffic conditions will permit such action.

(f) When responding emergency traffic, HCEMS units shall use all warning lights, headlights, and sirens while in motion. When the unit arrives at the scene and must park in the roadway, red lights will remain in use. 4 way flashers are not to be used as emergency response warning lights but may be used as warning indicators while the unit is parked off the roadway.

(g) Speed limit laws regulating an ambulance in Hyde County are as follows:

(h) Emergency vehicles are subject to all posted traffic laws and regulations except when responding emergency traffic. Exceptions to laws and regulations are covered in the General statutes of North Carolina, section 20-145.

SECTION 20-145. The speed limitations as posted shall not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the directions of the police, in the chase or apprehension of violator of the law or of persons charged with or suspected of any such violation, nor the fire departments or fire patrol vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor to the public or private ambulances and rescue Emergency vehicles when traveling in emergencies. This exemption shall not; however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from consequence of reckless disregard of the safety of others.

(i) HCEMS units shall not pass stopped school buses loading or unloading students regardless of type of traffic or call. A school bus yielding the right of way to a HCEMS unit may be passed, so long as the “STOP” arm and red warning lights on the bus a re n ot ac tivated.

(j) HCEMS vehicle shall not pass another emergency vehicle that is running emergency traffic.

(k) Emergency traffic may be suspended during snow and ice conditions, or any such situation that presents extraordinary hazardous driving conditions. The operations Administrative Staff will make the decision to discontinue emergency traffic. The driver of any HCEMS vehicle, by notifying Dare Central

General Operations Guidelines

may elect to travel routine traffic due to weather conditions at any time. The safety of the crew, the public, and the vehicle are to be considered at all times.

(l) HCEMS employees and passengers are required to wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion unless patient care dictates otherwise.

(m) HCEMS vehicles are to be driven only by employees of Hyde County. This applies to every vehicle. Students are not employees of Hyde County. This rule does not apply to outside contractors hired to perform service work on the vehicle.

(n) In the event of natural or man-made disasters, the Administrative Staff may assign non-employees to drive transport units.

(o) No open food or drink containers shall be allowed in the patient compartment at any time per OHSA regulations

(p) Emergency vehicles shall not be left running at the hospital.

(q) The vehicle operator shall be in possession of the vehicle keys at all times when the vehicle is not assigned to a call.

(r) When the vehicle must be taken out of service for maintenance, all relevant keys including ignition keys will be given to personnel at the garage. Controlled narcotic drugs shall be removed if crew is switching into a spare unit. Any transport unit that may sit outside in cold temperatures at any location must have all drugs and fluids removed.

(s) One person will be allowed to ride in a unit at a time, unless, if in the employee’s best judgment, their presence creates an unsafe or disruptive environment. Adult passengers should be placed in the front passenger’s seat and seat belts will be utilized, unless they are needed in the patient care area to help calm a pediatric patient.

(t) Any person wishing to ride with a patient is not allowed to have a weapon on board the unit.

(u) The senior provider shall assist the driver in backing, by placing him/herself behind the rear of the unit, in direct view of the driver. When possible, the unit should be parked / positioned to reduce the need for backing.

(v) To increase visibility of the unit, all emergency lights will be utilized when backing into roadways.

(w) All HCEMS vehicles will be maintained through an organized pre-determined maintenance plan as an effort to prospectively limit vehicle failures and promote vehicle safety.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 8. Daily Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Personnel reporting for duty must arrive at the assigned base in full regulation uniform no later than 0800 for shift change report. PERSONNEL A RE N OT T O LEAVE THEIR ASSIGNED BASE UNTIL THEY ARE PROPERLY RELIEVED BY ON-COMING CREW OR GRANTED PERMISSION FROM THE ON DUTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.

(b) The crew being relieved from duty shall give a status report on all equipment, supplies, equipment left at hospitals, street closing and any events that will affect any standard operating procedure.

(c) During shift change, on-board controlled substances will be visually counted and verified by both off- going and oncoming provider.

(d) Control substance log sheets (cards) will be completed and signed by off-going and on-coming provider and drug keys transferred.

(e) Crews will transfer all portable radios, all pagers and chargers and document the quantity and status on the electronic daily truck checkoff.

(f) Shift reports, base inspections and unit check-off will commence at the beginning of the shift. The operations Administrative Staff will be notified of any problems or needs as soon as possible.

(g) EMS personnel will notify the on-duty Administrative Staff of riders/observers/students to be included on the daily roster. Demographic and emergency contact information should be forwarded to the Administrative Staff prior to the individual riding on the unit.

(h) EMS personnel may conduct daily radio checks as part of their daily unit check off. The test should be on the main EMS dispatch frequency.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 9. Base Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Base duties are the responsibility of all full and part-time personnel.

(b) Building clean-up will be completed daily.

1) Daily Base clean-up will consist of:

2) Empty all trash cans and butt-cans

3) Empty all linen barrels and replace biohazard bags

4) Wash, dry and put away all dishes and cups

5) Clean up bays.

6) Vacuum, sweep, or mop all floors

7) Clean and disinfect all bathrooms

8) Any other duties assigned by any EMS officers or senior personnel

1) All daily clean-up plus:

2) Empty and wash all trash cans

3) Clean windows

4) Move furniture, vacuum and dust

5) The refrigerator will be cleaned, and all food not labeled and dated will be discarded

6) All bays will be washed out

7) Any other duties assigned by any EMS officers or senior personnel

(d) Base inventory will be performed every month by the assigned duty crew at the Ocracoke EMS base and on the mainland by Administrative Staff.

Section 10. Vehicle Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Unit check off sheets will be completed on the first day of each shift.

General Operations Guidelines

(b) On the 1st day of each month, all expiration dates, on front line and spare units, will be recorded on the electronic check-off sheets and submitted to the on-duty Administrative Staff at the earliest opportunity.

(c) Crews will notify the on-duty Administrative Staff concerning maintenance needs, supplies, and missing equipment at the earliest opportunity.

(d) The outside of the unit shall be washed each shift and maintained throughout the shift, if the weather permits. If the outside temperature is below 40 degrees the crew is not required to wash the unit.

(e) The interior of the unit will be inspected for cleanliness and all contact areas will be disinfected according to infection control policy on a daily basis.

(f) On Wednesday, extensive unit cleaning shall be performed. The crew will be responsible for exterior cleaning, including all exterior compartments, and cleaning all exterior shelves and equipment located within those compartments on all front line and spare units. This includes compartment doors and door jams. Both the interior and exterior surfaces of all windows shall be cleaned. The crew will perform extensive interior unit cleaning, including removal of all equipment, cleaning and disinfecting shelves, compartments and equipment, cleaning and disinfecting all interior surfaces of the cab, patient’s compartment and stretcher of all front line and spare units.

(g) All crews stationed at a base with spare units should crank the spare unit daily and let run for 15-30 minutes to assure that batteries are fully charged.

(h) Crews will refuel the unit when the fuel falls below ¾ of tank.

(i) All oxygen tanks will be replaced at 750 psi. The empty tanks will be stored, secured and properly marked for replacement.

(j) EMS units shall be plugged into shoreline power whenever the unit is at the base.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 11. Natural and Unnatural Deaths

(a) If the provider evaluation of a patient reveals that death has been present for a length of time that does not warrant attempts for resuscitation, or in the presence of a valid DNR/MOST form, the provider may withhold resuscitative efforts.

(b) Natural deaths may be handled by the personal physician or designee consenting to certify death. The personal physician or designee may authorize release of the deceased to a funeral home or medical facility morgue. The designee shall be an on-call physician in the same practice, physician assistant or nurse-practitioner. Document authorizing person’s information in PCR narrative.

(c) The on-duty Administrative Staff will be notified of all deaths where the physician doubts or declines certifying death. The Administrative Staff or EMS crew will request ME through Dare Central for direction on the most appropriate destination for the deceased.

(d) Unnatural deaths are under the jurisdiction of the local medical examiner. The medical examiner shall be contacted to determine the disposition of the deceased.

(e) Personnel will be authorized to move or transport any natural or unnatural death cases after receiving instructions from the physician, their designee or the medical examiner responsible for certifying death.

(f) Personnel shall attempt to get pertinent information for PCR and DOA reports.

(g) With any DOA, personnel will protect the integrity of the scene and the patient.

(h) Under no circumstances should the name of the deceased be solicited or transmitted on any radio channel. This should be handled by telephone or in person.

(i) Personnel will make no statements to the news media concerning deaths or their possible causes. All media requests should be referred to EMS administration or law enforcement agency.

(j) Transportation will be handled by the contracted agency through the Office of Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Transport can also be handled by EMS with authorization of the on-duty Administrative Staff. The preferred funeral home will be contacted for transportation by EMS in cases where deaths are certified by personal physicians or designee.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 12. Behavioral Emergencies

(a) Patients being involuntarily committed to a medical facility for treatment must be accompanied by a law enforcement officer to release custody of the patient. A law enforcement officer is not required to accompany the voluntary commitment patient.

(b) If transporting a stable patient from a failed suicide attempt, and is not in custody of law enforcement, the patient may be transported to the closest most appropriate facility.

(c) If transporting a patient in custody of law enforcement, the patient will be transported to the appropriate facility for treatment with law enforcement on board.

Section 13. Patients in LEO Custody

(a) Any patient in custody is under the authority of a law enforcement agency. A law enforcement agent or duly sworn representative must accompany the patient at all times. Following in another vehicle is not sufficient.

(b) If a patient[s] condition warrants medical care, the senior provider shall inform the proper law enforcement officer of the appropriate treatment and transportation.

(c) If medical care or transport by EMS for the patient in custody is denied by authorized personnel, EMS personnel will advise the staff that they will assume full responsibility for the patient. EMS personnel are required to document the full event in the PCR including the names of the law enforcement officers, agency he/she represents and obtain their signature on the appropriate forms.

Section 14. Medical Control

(a) Medical direction for advance life support may be given by ED Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or a MICN. Personnel must personally speak to one of these individuals on either the radio

General Operations Guidelines

or telephone. It is not permissible, according to the Board of Medical Examiners, for orders to be relayed on the radio/telephone. You must speak to the physician, PA, NP, or MICN. There are no exceptions.

(b) No medical orders may be taken from a RN, under any circumstances.

(d) The patient is transported to the hospital issuing the orders.

(e) Personnel must establish and maintain radio or telephone communications with the hospital issuing the orders.

(f) When there is a physician licensed to practice medicine present at the scene of a medical or traumatic emergency, and that physician chooses to assume medical responsibility for the patient, personnel at the scene shall:

(g) Require and allow that physician to contact sponsor hospital and the physician who receives the call at the local hospital shall make the decision as to whether or not the physician on the scene is to be allowed to take charge of the patient and give orders.

(h) If the physician on the scene is allowed to take charge, permit that physician’s orders to take precedence over other procedures or protocol normally utilized within the Hyde County ALS Protocols.

(i) Follow the order of the physician within the limits of the personnel’s scope of practice.

(Review Section 17; Presence of a Licensed Physician)

General Operations Guidelines

Section 15. Veterans Administration Hospital transports

(a) All Request for transport to a Veterans Administration Hospital must be cleared in advance by the EMS Administrative staff. The receiving VA facility must agree in advance to the transfer before they will assume financial obligation.

(b) Request for transports from a residence to Veterans Administration Hospital is subject to approval of the VA. Contacting the VA should be done by phone and you will need the last name of the patient and the last 4 digits of their social security number. If the VA lets you know the patient is eligible to come to their facility, you can then give your patient report of complaint and vitals.

(c) VA will not accept patients that fall into a current destination plan category, such as: Trauma, STEMI, Stroke etc. and any issue related to pregnancy.

Section 16. Presence of Licensed Physician on the Scene

(a) When on the scene of an emergency or non-emergency, county personnel may occasionally be approached by a person claiming to be a physician, and may indicate a willingness to dictate a course of treatment. Ask this person for proof that he or (she) is a licensed Medical Doctor in North Carolina. Dentist, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, and Veterinarians are not considered appropriate medical personnel on the scene of an emergency. Ask if the physician is willing to assume all responsibility for the treatment of the patient. NOTE: Patient care will not be delayed while these decisions are made.

(b) When a physician accepts responsibility, contact a sponsor hospital physician by radio or phone. Have the on-scene physician identify himself to the sponsor hospital physician. Monitor their conversation by having the radio speaker on. Allow the physicians to determine the course of action. Any physician accepting on-scene responsibility will accompany the patient (s) in the back of the unit to the appropriate medical facility. Personnel may take direction from a physician on the scene only after it has been approved by a physician in the emergency department of the sponsor hospital. The following information of the accepting physician will be required in the PCR: i. Name ii. Address iii. Telephone # iv. Hospital affiliation or practice v. *May be gathered after the call has ended* vi. NOTE: Patient Care will not be delayed while these decisions are made.

(c) If the on scene physician declines responsibility for treatment of the patient, personnel will follow HCEMS protocols for treatment. Any on scene physician that makes contact with a patient and refuses to accept responsibility for that patient, needs to be appropriately documented in the PCR.

(d) When at doctor’s offices or medical facilities every attempt will be made to comply with PCP’s recommendations or directives within the scope of HCEMS protocols. Ultimately the patient’s healthcare condition is the responsibility of HCEMS personnel regarding treatment and transport.

General Operations Guidelines

Section 17. Forcible Entry into a Dwelling

(a) HCEMS personnel may take all reasonably necessary steps to enter a secured dwelling when there has been a call for emergency medical assistance at that dwelling and when there is clearly a need to gain immediate entry to save a life before law enforcement personnel arrive.

(b) The term “immediate” should be defined as any of the following:

1) A patient, who in the employee’s best judgment, appears to need immediate medical care or intervention in order to preserve safety, life and limb, or health status, can be seen through windows, doors, or other openings in the dwelling.

2) Any sounds or cries for help that would indicate the need for immediate assistance.

3) Any other situation that creates in the mind of an employee a reasonable belief that a patient is inside the building and requires immediate intervention to preserve safety, life, limb, or health status.

(c) Except as defined above, when HCEMS personnel respond to a call for medical assistance and arrive to find the dwelling locked and secured and no visible signs of occupancy, then HCEMS personnel should solicit assistance from law enforcement personnel and the Administrative Staff before any forcible entry is initiated.

General Operations Guidelines

When law enforcement arrives, a joint agency decision should be made as to the need for forcible entry or any follow-up action.

(d) If law enforcement is not on the scene and the need for entry has been determined, HCEMS personnel will make every effort to minimize the amount of damage. Before leaving the residence HCEMS personnel should attempt to make the property as secure as possible as allowed by patient care needs

(e) When the dwelling is secured and the occupant is unable to open the door, but is communicative, obtain the occupant’s permission prior to entry. If at all possible have the patient provide their consent to communications via telephone so that it is recorded.

(f) EMS should not force entry in a non-emergent situation prior to arrival of law enforcement. If law enforcement is on the scene they should be utilized to make entry and should be responsible for building security afterwards.

(g) A medical alarm will be considered a call for help from the residence. Before forcible entry is made into a residence to determine if a patient is inside, the following criteria should be met:

1) Request law enforcement as above

2) Contact the neighbors for information about the patient and the availability of a key.

3) Determine from the alarm service if a key holder is available.

4) If the residence is an apartment, public housing, or other managed housing, contact the management for a key.

5) Have communications contact local hospitals to ascertain if the patient is at their facility. When appropriate, other hospitals should be contacted.

(h) Alarms, which are “help needed” or other types of “occupant initiated” alarms, will be considered a cry for help and entry will be made without delaying for a key. Unless compelled by an immediate need as specified above, personnel will wait for a key if reasonable.

Section 18. Airport Operations

(a) This article covers operations involving aircraft flight events at the Hyde County Airport and the Ocracoke Airport. This article does not cover/concern events occurring in buildings on airport property or accidents/injuries or illness

General Operations Guidelines

that are not on the flight line. This plan only covers the EMS functions. Do not forget there will be a host of other responders on most incidents.

(b) EMS units will respond to preassigned staging point.

1) Hyde County Airport will be Airport Rd @ HWY 264

2) Ocracoke Airport will be at HWY 12 @ Beach Ramp 72

(c) All responding EMS units will report to the pre-designated staging area, await instructions, and confirmed incident location. No EMS units are to enter the taxiway or runway until the location has been confirmed, the scene is secured by fire/hazmat and the unit is authorized to advance by EMS field operations

(d) The first arriving Administrative Staff, or administrative personnel, should respond to the COMMAND POST, report to the Incident Commander and assume the duties of Medical Group Administrative Staff. The next arriving Administrative Staff, or administrative personnel, will be responsible for EMS field operations at the actual event site.

(e) All units will contact DARE CENTRAL on main frequency, acknowledge arrival at the airport, and notify Medical Group Administrative Staff of your arrival on EMS tactical (Medical Operations) frequency assigned by DARE CENTRAL

(f) If a staging officer has been appointed, crews will park per their directions.

(g) Fire department apparatus will respond to the event location for investigation and report back to the Incident Commander as to the situation found. Fire/Rescue personnel will remove victims to a safe location and establish a Casualty Collection Point (CCP). Only if the scene is safe are HCEMS personnel to work in, on or around the actual crash site.

(h) Upon direction of the Medical Group Administrative Staff, units will respond to the CCP and triage, treat, and transport patients per protocol.

(i) When exiting the airport property after loading patients, HCEMS units will exit property promptly to ease congestion of multi-agency response. In the event of multiple responses for a large number of victims all in-bound units will be directed into the scene by the treatment/transportation officer.

(j) In the event of medical flights, ill passengers or other incidents on the flight line, HCEMS units will follow DARE CENTRAL directions on how to approach the incident. N o unit will enter a taxiway or runway area without the permission of the IC. Permission should be obtained via DARE CENTRAL or inside the main terminal.

(k) All HCEMS Vehicles will operate all emergency lights while on any taxiway or runway area.

(l) If helicopter resources are requested by HCEMS to respond to the airport property, as part of a response to airport incident, then HCEMS MUST request all resources through Incident Command.

Article 5. Employment

Section 1. General (a) The employment of close relatives within the service of the county, within the same department or unit / section of a division, at the same time is to be avoided. This policy applies to promotions, demotions, transfers, reinstatements, and new appointments. (See Hyde County Resolution Chapter II) (b) Members of supervision and management shall not engage in a (intimate or amorous) relationship with an employee on their shift, or that is part time, or with whom they supervise, or may supervise, or have influence over such things as scheduling, discipline, promotions or other personnel considerations. (c) Outside employment and self-employment shall not conflict with an employee’s responsibility to Hyde County EMS nor render the employee fatigued prior to the start of their duty shift. (See Hyde County Personnel Policy). Full and Part time employees shall participate and keep up-to-date their CE for their NCOEMS credential level. This will be done through HCEMS online CE and periodic skills evaluation. All HCEMS system requirements as well as NCOEMS requirements shall be met in order to function within the HCEMS system. Failure to meet requirements shall result in disciplinary action.

Section 2. Probation (a) EMS employees hired to permanent positions shall serve a probationary period of not less than six (6) months and are responsible for all duties and regulations covered in this manual. (b) Employees serving a probationary period in a permanent position shall receive all benefits with the exceptions as documented in the County Personnel Resolution. (c) New employees will be required to successfully complete all departmental orientation programs. (d) During probation, employees may be disciplined or dismissed for violations of Hyde County Personnel Policy and/or Departmental policies or performance requirements.

Section 3. Termination of Employment (a) Equipment should be returned in the following manner before the last payroll check will be issued. Administration will provide a detailed list of returnable items. All equipment will be turned into the administration office. It is recommended that all equipment be brought and turned in on last day worked. All clothing should be hung on separate hangers. This includes: 1) Uniforms 2) Coats 3) Class-A Uniforms 4) Any and all other County issued clothing, equipment, ID’s or nametags

Section 4. Part-time Employment (a) Part-time employees are responsible for all duties and regulations covered in this manual (b) Part-time employees will be provided with workman’s compensation, liability, and malpractice insurance. (c) Part-time employee’s daily base assignments will be determined solely by the administrative staff. (d) Part-time employees will not be allowed to swap time with other part-time personnel. (e) Part-time personnel employees will not schedule time that conflicts in anyway with the schedules of the personnel’s primary employment. Part-time personnel are expected to be at their assigned base at the scheduled time. Exceptions to this are subject to the approval of the on-duty Administrative Staff and shall not be abused.

(f) Part-time must provide a minimum of 72 hour notice for cancellation of previously scheduled time. Do not schedule time if you can’t work. Abuse will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action. (g) Part-time personnel shall maintain v alid contact information with administration and in the scheduler.

Section 5. Leave Policy (a) The rules and policies contained in the Hyde County Personnel Policy may differ from the rules and policies in this document. This document provides additional definitions and policy clarification as it relates to the EMS department and EMS work requirements and due to the necessity to maintain 24hr operations, may be more stringent than in county policy and shall be followed. Once the schedule is posted, it is the Administrative Staff’ discretion whether a shift can be altered or personnel are reassigned. If a problem or conflict exists, the employee must contact the Operations Administrative Staff as soon as possible. Notifying DARE CENTRAL, other personnel, or leaving messages is not acceptable. Holidays that are recognized for pay by Hyde County are unavailable for vacation request. Personnel may use Swap time in lieu of vacation time for these days.

Section 6. Vacation Leave (a) Accumulation of vacation and sick time is accrued according to the length of service with the county. Vacation time may be accrued during the probationary period, but not taken. (Review the Hyde County Personnel Policy.) (b) Request for vacation leave must be submitted on the EMS Scheduler to the EMS Administrative Staff, no later than 14 days prior to the requested time off. Failure to submit the vacation leave request can result in denial of the leave request.

Section 7. Time for Time (Compensatory Time) (a) Time for Time (TFT) may be accrued by full time non-exempt personnel only. Time will accrue at 1.5 hours for each one (1) hour worked. (b) Acceptable duties performed for TFT compensation is any duty that may be authorized for TFT by administration which includes, but is not limited to, the following: PR events, committee meetings, mandatory meetings / trainings, special events, extra shifts on the EMS unit or authorized standbys. (c) TFT must be used within a reasonable time after accrual and will not meet or exceed 120 hours. If an employee reaches 120 hours of TFT, he / she will be notified to submit an RTO to take off using TFT. The hours should be reduced below 120 within 30 days. If the employee does not submit an RTO after being notified, administration will schedule the employee time off using TFT on the first date available in order to reduce their total TFT below 120 hours. (d) Calls or duties that carry over after the end of an assigned shift are not eligible for TFT. They must be put on the employee’s time sheet. (e) Employees must use all accrued TFT prior to terminating their employment with Hyde County. TFT cannot be used within the last 2 weeks of employment unless prior written approval is given by the Emergency Services Administrative Staff p rior to the beginning of the 2 week period.

Section 8. Sick Leave (a) Sick leave shall be granted to employees who are unable to work because of illness or injury of the employee or a member of his/her immediate family living in the employee's household or because of medical/dental appointments or other ongoing treatment. It is also the policy of the Department to take corrective action for unauthorized use and/or abuse of sick leave. (b) For purposes of this policy, immediate family is defined as: spouse, child, step-child, grandchild, parents, step-parents, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparents, great grandparents, brother, sister, step-siblings, brother-in-law, sister-in-law or legal guardian or other person who stands in the place of a parent. (c) Due to mandatory staffing requirements, supervision must be contacted a soon as possible, no later than 1 hour p rior to the beginning of the scheduled shift to request sick leave If the employee is unable to reach the Administrative Staff, he/she must contact the next ranking officer. Notifying DARE CENTRAL, other personnel or leaving a message is n ot ac ceptable. Emails or texting is not an acceptable method of sick notification. (d) If sick leave continues past the first day, the employee will notify his/her Administrative Staff or designee every day thereafter unless prior notification was given of the number of days to be off. When hospitalized or convalescence at home is required, the employee is responsible for notifying the Administrative Staff at the start and end of such period. (e) Employees using sick leave for three consecutive shifts will be required to submit Family Medical Leave (FMLA) documents which provide a statement, written and signed by a physician or his or her designee who has examined the employee or the member of the employee's immediate family. (f) Should the Administrative Staff or designee find it necessary to require the employee to provide the physician's verification for future illnesses, the request will be made in writing using a "Physician's Verification" notification with a copy to the employee's personnel file.

1) County Personnel Policy Article VI section 7 -Sick Leave - Physician's verification of sick leave: The Employee's Department Administrative Staff or County Manager may require a statement from the physician, or other acceptable proof, that the Employee was unable to report for work to the end that there will be no abuse of sick leave privileges.

2) When unauthorized use or abuse of sick leave is substantiated, the Administrative Staff or designee will affect corrective action, keeping in mind any extenuating or mitigating circumstances. The Administrative Staff or the Human Resources Administrative Staff or designee will explain the serious consequences of continued unauthorized use or abuse of sick leave. 3) If abuse is suspected, the Administrative Staff or designee will notify the employee of the abuse. Use of sick leave for excused or authorized reasons shall not be considered abuse.

Definitions: a. Unauthorized use of Sick Leave: i. Failure to notify Administrative Staff of medical absence ii. Failure to provide physician's verification when requested or required iii. Fraudulent physician verification b. Misuse of Sick Leave: i. Use of sick leave for that which it was not intended or provided.

c. Habitual use of sick leave/pattern abuse: i. Consistent periods of sick leave usage ii. Habitual usage before and/or after holidays iii. Habitual usage before and/or after weekends or regular days off iv. Habitual usage of sick leave on days in which days have been excluded when a maximum number of approved leave has occurred v. Habitual usage after pay days d. One specific day (repetitive) e. Absence following overtime f. Continued pattern of maintaining zero or near zero leave balances without documented medical reason(s) from a physician g. Excessive absenteeism: i. Use of more sick leave than granted / available ii. 3 or more unexcused absences in 6 months (Example of Unexcused Absences: Absent without calling in, unacceptable notification, absences without physician certification)

Section 9. On the Job Injury (Workers Comp) (a) An employee, who receives a work related injury while on duty or special assignment, must notify the Administrative Staff or the Administrative Staff immediately. The Employee will receive instructions for seeking medical care from supervision. The employee must complete the injury reporting packet within the specified time. (Review the Hyde County Personnel Policy.)

Section 10. Substitute (Swap) Time (a) Full-time employees may only swap time with other full-time employees who work the same schedule with prior approval from the operations Administrative Staff. (b) Personnel must submit all requests on the EMS Scheduler to the Administrative Staff with both parties consent. (c) Both employees request for swap must be submitted together for approval. (d) All substituted requests must be scheduled and worked within 30 days or less.

Section 11. Educational Leave (a) The EMS training division can authorize approval for educational opportunities in the field on Emergency Medical Services. Training should be related to the employee’s job duties or assignments. An employee must submit a reimbursement request for educational reimbursement a minimum of 14 days prior to the scheduled event. The training division can grant authorization for tuition, supplies, travel, lodging and other financial considerations. The employee is subject to scheduling restrictions

and is not automatically granted leave if they are approved for educational reimbursement. Final leave approval will be determined by the Administrative staff.

Section 12. Civil Leave (a) A County employee called for jury duty or as a court witness for the Federal or State government or a subdivision thereof, is entitled to a leave with pay for the period of absence required. He/she is entitled to regular compensation plus fees received for jury duty.

Section 13. Deployment Leave (a) Employees requesting leave for special operation deployments for organizations and teams such as Military, FEMA etc. must submit request 72 hours prior to events. This time is subject to approval by supervision / administration. In the event of emergency deployments authorized by the department head, no advanced notice is required. Military Leave is outlined in detail in the Hyde County Personnel Policy Article VI.

Section 14. FMLA Leave (a) Employees who have been employed for at least twelve (12) full months and for at least 1,250 hours during the year preceding the start of a family or medical leave are eligible for family and medical leave (Review Hyde County Policy Article VI)

Section 15. Light Duty (a) Employees who have been injured on duty or may be undergoing medical treatment that have a physician’s statement restricting the employee’s duties from their regular job, may be eligible for light duty. An employee must be approved by HR and the Emergency Services Administrative Staff as light duty eligible and there must be available duties that the employee can perform. Regardless of the light duty employee’s normal work schedule, all Emergency Services light duty will take place Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm at EMS Administration or a location(s) as determined by the Administrative Staff or designee.

Article 6. Safety

Section 1. General

(a) HCEMS personnel must be aware that there are many hazards encountered in Emergency Service operations. HCEMS personnel must be thoroughly familiar with potential hazards, be alert to those hazards, and take the proper action to prevent or minimize their effects.

(b) HCEMS personnel shall make very reasonable effort to adhere to all policies, rules, regulations, or Procedures intended to provide for safety of personnel, patients, or the public.

(d) Safe emergency driving is mandatory to prevent an accident (delaying the initial response and producing additional patients).

(e) On the scene of an assault in progress (shooting, stabbing, etc.), or with the assailant present, HCEMS shall not enter the scene until secured by law enforcement personnel and should withdraw to a safe location, if necessary, until advised by law enforcement that the scene is safe. Crews should utilize protective ballistics vests if available. Crews should consider not giving the exact location of staging over radio due to operational security. DARE CENTRAL should be notified via phone or secure communications.

(f) On the scene of a hazardous material incident, EMS personnel will not enter the designated hot zone and will withdraw to a safe location, if necessary. Victims should be removed by properly equipped Fire/Rescue personnel and decontaminated (DECON) before EMS contact is made.

(g) Survey all scenes for hazards and take necessary precautions (examples: downed power lines, fuel spills, traffic conditions, etc.). First arriving units are responsible for reporting known or, suspected hazards to DARE CENTRAL for replay to responding units.

(h) Do not park downhill or downwind from an unknown spilled liquid or chemical. Do not drive a vehicle over an unknown spilled liquid or chemical until certain that it is safe to do so.

(i) DARE CENTRAL will provide radio notification of all known hazards.

(j) On all extrications and all operations presenting hazards, HCEMS personnel shall make every reasonable effort to ensure the area safe and be aware of potential life or injury threats in hazardous or potentially hazardous environments or situations. Unless, the situation will not allow it, all specified procedures and precautions for the prevention of exposure to infectious disease will be followed. Personnel electing not to use proper precautions must document the reason(s) in an incident report.

Section 2. HCEMS Personnel Safety:

(a) When on duty, all standard PPE will be on board HCEMS units at all times.

(b) Safety-toed shoes, (rubber boots when needed), will be worn at all times as a part of the required uniform.

(c) Leather gloves (if available) will be worn on any operation requiring the use of tools or with the potential of causing hand injuries.

(d) DOT approved traffic vest should be worn when personnel are operating on any incident on traffic thoroughfares such as streets, roads and highways.

(e) Every reasonable effort will be made to use HazMat safety equipment and I.D. Manuals, as indicated, on any actual or potential HazMat incident. The vehicle operator will ensure that Hazmat Emergency Response Guidebooks, reports forms, and rehab forms are present each shift.

(f) Infection control supplies, equipment, procedures, and reporting will be used daily as indicated. (See Hyde County Emergency Services Infection Control Policy) The vehicle operator will ensure that reporting forms and assigned supplies are available each shifts. The attendant will verify that infection control supplies are available in the unit.

(g) Proper lifting techniques should be used at all times. When assistance is available, it should be used. When confronted with abnormally obese patients that cannot be safety lifted by two personnel, additional assistance should be requested. (2nd EMS Unit, Fire/Rescue Units)

(h) Jewelry that poses the hazard of being caught in machinery or equipment will not be worn.

Section 3. Motor Vehicle Safety

(a) Personnel will observe all traffic laws.

(b) Personnel will comply with driving regulations as outlined in Article II, Operations-Emergency.

(c) Vehicle operators must be aware of the size, weight, and overall clearance of EMS vehicles and handling characteristics, which are different from private automobiles and trucks (e.g. longer stopping distances) and crews should compensate for these differences.

(d) Vehicle operators must adjust the speed of the vehicle to compensate for road conditions, adverse weather conditions, and traffic conditions.

(e) The following defensive driving techniques shall be used at all times:

a) Expect the unexpected by other drivers.

b) Adjust to the driving of others.

c) Learn to anticipate a trap.

d) Think ahead and be prepared to handle a sudden emergency.

e) Request the right of way but be prepared to yield to prevent an accident.

f) Beware of parked vehicles.

g) Watch for pedestrians.

h) Use turn signals.

i) When stopped in traffic, maintain adequate space between vehicles, to the front, to initiate an emergency response.

j) The parking brake will be set at all times when the unit is parked.

(f) Vehicles shall be driven with a professional attitude in a safe and prudent manner:

a) Excessive speed is prohibited.

b) At no time shall vehicles be “hot-rodded” or abused.

c) “Pursuit” type driving is prohibited.

d) Gradual acceleration and deceleration shall be used to avoid abrupt stops or maneuvers, to provide a smoother, safer ride for patients and passengers, and to decrease wear and tear on equipment.

e) Allow adequate time and distance for emergency warning devices to be effective.

f) Adjust to the driving of others.

(g) Backing assistance should be requested from Fire/Rescue or Law Enforcement personnel when personnel are not available to assist the driver. Voice and visual contact should be maintained.

(h) Vehicle operators of HCEMS vehicles crewed by a single driver/provider shall take necessary precautions to prevent backing accidents.

(i) Seat belts and shoulder belts will be worn at all times by HCEMS personnel when a vehicle is in motion. (Exception: When patients care requires movement by the attending EMT in the patient compartment).

(j) Equipment in HCEMS vehicles should be secured with provided belts, straps, holders, latches, and cabinet doors to prevent injury or damage in the event of sudden stops or accidents.

(k) To prevent carbon monoxide build up, all doors in the patient compartment should remain closed while the vehicle is running. This will also aid in security of contents, and accident prevention anytime the work area is occupied.

Section 4. Patient/Passenger/Observer Safety

(a) All passengers and ambulatory patients in HCEMS vehicles shall be required to use seat belts.

(b) All non-ambulatory patients will be properly secured to stretchers (with shoulder, chest, waist, and knee straps), chair stretchers, KEDs, Pedi-boards, or backboards before lifted or moved.

(c) Children shall be transported on the stretcher using restraint belts or on the captain’s seat using an approved child restraint devices.

(d) Infants and children shall not be allowed to ride in the arms of an adult during transport unless required for their medical condition.

(e) Pediatric passengers accompanying adult patients should be limited to one (1) and are required to ride in the vehicle cab passenger’s seat, with seat belts in use. Unusual situations may allow additional passengers, seat belts shall be used and the on-duty Administrative Staff will be notified. All required restraint requirements must be satisfied.

(f) Parents of infants or children may ride in the patient compartment if it will assist with control or treatment of the patient. Seat belts shall be worn.

Article 7. Administration

Section 1. Reporting Personal injury or Vehicle Accident

(a) Personnel sustaining an on the job injury will report the incident to the on-duty Administrative Staff immediately. Personnel will be provided medical care at an appropriate medical facility, as determined by the operation Administrative Staff. Personnel may be relieved of duty for the remainder of the shift at the discretion of the on duty Administrative Staff.

(b) When work related injuries or exposure to disease occur, an incident report and workmen’s compensation forms must be submitted by the end of the shift in which the injury occurred if at all possible.

Section 2. Reporting Vehicle Accidents

(a) When a department vehicle is involved in an accident, the personnel should ascertain the number of patients, triage and treat all injuries, and notify DARE CENTRAL. If the unit is responding to a call, DARE CENTRAL will dispatch the next closest unit to the original call.

(b) The unit involved in the accident will not leave the scene unless authorized by law enforcement or the Administrative Staff.

(d) When damage renders unit not drivable:

1) Turn off ignition switch.

2) Turn off master switch.

3) Turn battery switch to off.

4) Remove fire extinguisher and place in possession of driver.

5) Driver shall stand by with fire extinguisher, in case of fire.

(e) Provider will not discuss details of accidents; i.e., who is at fault, cost of damage, etc., with anyone except the investigating officer or an EMS officer.

(f) Accident reports shall be filled out on all accidents, no matter how minor. Accident reports will be turned in to the Administrative Staff.

Section 3. Incident Reports

(a) Hyde County EMS recognizes that many unusual circumstances may arise during the discharge of duties. To ensure quality, rapid response, and safety the Operations Administrative Staff will investigate and report all findings to the EMS Operations Manager and the Administrative Staff.

(b) Personnel may be required to submit a written incident report to the operations Administrative Staff as part of an on-going investigation. The incident report should be legible, neat, and concise and only include details relevant to the events of the incident. Personal opinion, conjecture, and hearsay should be omitted. The completed investigation will be filed with EMS Administration. Example of events requiring incident reports:

1) Out-of-county delays

2) Initiation of EMS response greater than 90 seconds from dispatch

3) Unclear documentation

4) Omission of vital information related to care rendered

5) Equipment failure, breakage, loss or missing during checkoff

6) Damage to EMS property

7) Medical protocol deviation

8) General Operating Guideline deviation

9) Controlled Substance Policy deviation

10) Other unusual incidents

Section 4. Complaints and Conflicts

(a) The intent of this policy is to provide for the uniform and consistent handling of complaints received by HCEMS. It is our responsibility to provide follow-up and feedback to our customers, the general public or allied responders. Additionally, any concerns bought forth regarding conflict between allied agencies will be address through formal process, as outlined in this policy.

(b) Complaints should be documented in an incident report or complaint form addressed to the administrative staff. This is done to ensure a similar process can be followed in all contacts from outside of the Department of Emergency Services.

(c) Any person filing a reported complaint should complete an incident report or complaint form in an unbiased and professional manner. Convey to the complainant that the situation will be investigated and they should anticipate a call from the Administrative Staff in the near future. Absolutely no presumption of guilt or innocence should be conveyed.

(d) The form should be sent to the appropriate Administrative Staff for review and research. Specifically, if the complaint/conflict is call related, then a copy of the PCR should be pulled, copied, and attached to the complaint form by the Operations Administrative Staff. Every attempt should be made follow-up with the complainant within 72 hours. Once the file is complete, it should be forwarded to the EMS Administrative Staff.

(e) If a medical treatment concern is addressed, the EMS Training Officer should review the case and make a determination with involvement of the Administrative Staff. Contact with the Administrative Staff/Medical Director should be limited to the EMS Training Officer.

(f) Based on a review of the incident, a determination will be made regarding the validity of the complaint/conflict. If the complaint is deemed valid, further investigation and disciplinary action may ensue.

(g) Discussion related to the complaint will be reserved to the investigating officer, the complainant, any witnesses, and/or the EMS personnel involved. Involvement of additional supervision, administration, the medical Administrative Staff, or county officials will be determined by the scope and nature of the investigation.

(h) If during the course of the investigation, any investigator has suspicion of criminal activity, the investigation will cease and the EMS Administrative Staff will be notified. The Administrative Staff will contact the proper authority for the completion of the investigation.

(i) In cases of inter-agency conflict, unresolved by initial discussion, a meeting will be established with the departmental liaison at the earliest convenience of all parties involved. The meeting will be for the purpose of informing all parties of the perceived conflict, and to determine a plan for investigation and resolution. Once an investigation is complete, the original complainant will be contacted by phone, letter, or in person by the Administrative Staff. Notations of all contacts will be documented, and retained for a period not less than seven years.

Conflict / Complaint Resolution

Oral: Telephone: Type of Complaint / Conflict: Written: Date

Received: / /

Name of Complainant:

Organization:

Title:

Contact Numbers:

Date of Incident: / / Time of Incident:

Location of Incident:

Unit #/ Personnel Involved: Shift:

Description of Conflict /

Complaint (attach supplements if necessary):

Witnesses: Phone Number: (1) (2)

Phone Number:

Follow-up Requested: ( ) YES ( ) NO

Date: Complaint Received By: Date:

Date: Forwarded to:

Investigated By:

Attach:

Summary of events

Supporting Documents (911 Records, call reports, etc)

Witness statements

Personnel incident reports

Conclusions

Recommendations

Actions Taken

Administrative Staff:

Date:

Administrative Officer:

Date:

Section 5. INJURY/DEATH IN THE LINE OF DUTY

(a) In the event of a serious injury or death of on-duty personnel the following shall occur:

(b) The Administrative Staff shall be notified by the on duty crew members.

(d) The Administrative Staff will when possible respond to the hospital and check on the status of injured personnel.

(e) The Administrative Staff will respond to the personnel’s family to assist with notification and the needs of the injured/deceased family.

(f) All other administrative officers will be assigned duties as needed.

Section 6. Controlled Substances

(a) Controlled drugs are carried by HCEMS to improve patient care. Their use is authorized by standing orders approved by the HCEMS Medical Administrative Staff, or by an order from the hospital physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Each administration guideline is specifically referenced in the current ALS program protocols. These substances are carried in accordance with current State and Federal regulations. The current guidelines are detailed in the N.C. Controlled Substances Act and Guidelines.

(b) Each shift, or at any personnel change, the on-coming Provider will inspect, count quantity, and check expiration dates on all controlled substances prior to signing the drug card.

(c) Ambulances and Quick Response Vehicles: Each shift, or at any personnel change, the off-going Provider will witness the inspection of controlled substances and will sign off on the drug card next to the on-coming personnel’s signature.

(d) All controlled substances will be kept under double lock and key at all times and keys shall be in the possession of the Provider who has signed on for the medications. Exceptions are:

1) Shift change and personnel changes. Lock boxes are to be removed only for inspection by on-coming crewmembers and remain in the possession of crewmember until turnover is completed with the oncoming crew.

2) Administration of controlled substances. Controlled substances can be removed for administration of the medication. All controlled substances will be replaced immediately into wall cabinets and locked as soon as the controlled substances to be administered are removed.

3) Removal and replacement of expired controlled substances.

4) Inspection of the controlled substance for bi-annual audits and quality insurance inspection.

5) At the direction of the on-duty Administrative Staff or the narcotic control officer.

6) In the event of an unforeseen emergency which would prevent normal controlled substance handling procedures from occurring, an d with the permission of the Administrative Staff, a Provider may sign off on t he drug card and place the narcotics keys in the Base safe. See Appendix B.

(e) EMS personnel will report expired controlled substances to the on-duty Administrative Staff. Any expired drug will be removed from the lock box on the same day it has expired and will be turned over to the on-duty Administrative Staff. Expired controlled substances will be placed in the safe at the Administrative Staff’s office. Transfer of expired drugs and the replacement of the same will take place at the Administrative Staff’s office. Do not remove a controlled substance and place them with the paperwork.

(f) EMS Personnel will contact the on-duty Administrative Staff when the controlled substance inventory on the assigned truck falls below minimum requirements listed on the drug card. Replacement of controlled substances will be issued from the controlled substance safe by the on-duty Administrative Staff.

(g) The replacement of dispersed or expired controlled substances will be distributed only to the Provider who has signed for the controlled substances.

(h) EMS personnel will start a new drug card on the first day of each month. The drug card from the previous month should be forwarded to the Director.

(i) All documentation of a controlled substance will include the complete name or chemical name as well as the dosage strength that is listed on the packaging. Where indicated, documentation should include time.

a) Example: If the packaging lists Diazepam 10mg then Diazepam 10 mg MUST be listed on the drug usage card. If the packaging lists Valium 10 mg then the usage card MUST say Valium 10mg.

b) Example: If the Packaging reads Morphine Sulfate 10 mg, then Morphine Sulfate 10 mg. must be listed on the drug card and usage card. MSO4, M. S., Morphine 10 mg are not acceptable terms.

(j) A new line must be used for each and every transaction. No line will be missed or skipped.

(k) In the event of documentation errors on the usage form or inventory record, EMS personnel will place a single strike through the mistake, place his or her initials beside the mistake, and start a new line with the correct information.

(l) Correction fluid (e.g., Whiteout) is not permitted on any control substance record. Any controlled substance record found with correction fluid will be returned and a new card will be required.

(m) All disbursement of control substances will be documented on the Controlled Substance Usage Form. Documentation will include:

PATIENT’S INFORMATION

Medic unit number

Patient’s full name

MEDICATION

INFORMATION

Medication given (complete name and dosage)

Document all times and dosage given

Name printed and signature of the person administering medication

(n) EXPLANATION OF WASTE

Waste location and explanation (i.e., wasted in sink at OBX ED bed 2)

Amount wasted

Name and signature of senior provider

Name and signature of witness (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, Provider)

(o) CONTAMINATION AND BREAKAGE

Contamination of a controlled substance is defined as any controlled substance that is opened and unused or the package seal is broken.

Breakage of a controlled substance is defined as any controlled substance that is damaged or broken and is unable to be administered.

Contaminated or breakage of a controlled substances will be documented on the “Contaminated and Breakage Report Form”. Documentation will include:

Name of the controlled substance and strength

Description of contamination or breakage

Name and signature of the provider attending

Name and signature of any witnesses to the breakage and waste

Manner that controlled substance was disposed

(p) The Narcotic Control Officer (NCO) will complete a follow-up statement for reports of breakage and contamination to ensure proper documentation is completed.

(q) Current List of Hyde County Controlled Substance

i. Morphine Sulfate Schedule II

ii. Fentanyl Schedule II

iii. Ketamine Schedule III

iv. Midazolam Schedule IV

Section 8. Completion of Patient Call Report

(a) During employee orientation, HCEMS employee will receive proper training concerning the proper completion of the electronic Patient Call Report (PCR) and any additional forms used for medical documentation. Additional training and remediation will be available on an as needed basis.

(b) Crews should assure the computer is connected to the network and all PCR’s are saved to the server each shift. This is imperative for the administration to run daily reports to the state as well as for the hospital to receive a copy of the PCR. A PCR will be completed for each call or standby the EMS unit responds on.

(c) PCR’S not properly completed or requiring correction will be electronically returned to the EMS crew member for completion or correction.

(d) For completion of handwritten forms and signatures, use black ink only.

(e) All handwriting must be neat and legible. Any report that is not legible will be returned to personnel to be legibly completed.

(f) The PCR report will be completed before clearing the hospital, if possible. PCR reports will not prohibit or delay any unit from handling calls. PCR’s must be completed before the end of the shift. Personnel will not leave work with open or incomplete PCR’s in the computer unless authorized by the Administrative Staff.

(g) Use only the standard abbreviations; no other shorthand notations are acceptable.

(h) All times must be written in 24-hour military time format.

(i) All dates must be written in the month/day/year format. Example 03/01/2010.

(j) All references to a hospital will be addressed by an approved abbreviation or full name. The use of radio designations is not acceptable

(k) PERSONNEL MUST COMPLETE A PCR AND DOA FORM ON ALL DOA’s PRONOUNCED BY HCEMS. This is the responsibility of the senior provider.

(l) Many insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid require patient signature, for reimbursement. Therefore, HCEMS personnel must assure that a patient signature is obtained on all “billable” calls.

(m) Crews will document and obtain signatures from the receiving facility. Crews will type the name of the RN or Physician in the appropriate box.

(n) Crews will only document relevant information that pertains to patient care. Remember that a PCR is a medical and legal document. All interventions including who performed them and time performed along with all treatment and assessments provided will be documented as accurately as possible. Any personal opinions, sarcasm or non-pertinent information is not permitted.

(o) Failure to appropriately and accurately complete PCR’s and / or upload PCR’s prior to the end of shift i s not ac ceptable. In cases of computer or electronics failure, supervision should be notified immediately in order to facilitate repairs or a replacement computer.

Section 9. Release of Confidential Patient Information

(a) It is imperative that HCEMS maintain the confidentiality of patient information that we receive in the course of our work. HCEMS prohibits the release of any patient information to anyone outside the organization unless required for purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations. HCEMS employees are subject to the guidelines for maintaining the confidence of PHI as defined in the HCEMS HIPAA Manual/Compliance Policy.

Section 10. Protected Health Information (PHI) is comprised of:

a) Patient Care Report (PCR)

b) Photographs (Only HCEMS owned equipment may be utilized to photograph scenes or patients)

c) Monitor strips

d) Physician Certifications

e) Patient Refusal of Treatment forms

f) Other source data that is incorporated and/or attached to the

PCR Section 11. Incident reports

(a) Release of copies of Patient Care Reports (PCR’s) must be approved by the Hyde County Emergency Services Administrative Staff.

(b) Patient information may only be shared with persons who have a right to know. Persons with a right to know are defined as anyone who has been, is currently, or will be involved in this particular patient’s care, to include clerical or administrative persons directly involved with the patient’s records or billing. HCEMS personnel must use caution when discussing patients with co-workers, students, or other agencies (Rescue Squads, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement). Such discussions should be limited to what these individuals need to know and should NEVER BE MADE SUCH THAT THEY MAY BE OVERHEARD BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OR MEDIA.

(c) Personnel who receive requests for information about a patient from someone that they do not personally know to be involved with the patient’s care should refer the inquirer to the Hyde County Emergency Services Administrative Staff.

(d) HCEMS Operations Division personnel are not permitted to provide patient information to the Media. Administrative Staff may provide the media with other information such as number of patients involved, numbers of patients transported, and to which facility, etc. More detailed information should be provided to the media by Administration Division personnel or the appropriate PIO.

(e) Reporters and photographers should not be hampered from doing their job. If their presence is interfering with your ability to render patient care then ask them to move, leave the scene, or ask for LEO to intervene. This includes asking reporters and photographers to leave the scene if their presence is upsetting to the patient.

Section 12. Tobacco Use policy

(a) Use of any type of tobacco products in the presence of patients is strictly prohibited.

(b) Tobacco users are responsible for ensuring designated tobacco use areas are free of any tobacco by- products. Smoking by-products will be discarded in designated container only and will not be discarded in the yard, bay floors, or facility grounds.

(c) By-products of smokeless tobacco must be secured within containers with lids, and disposed of immediately in outside trash cans. Disposal is the responsibility of the employee.

(d) HCEMS Personnel will honor all County and Department rules governing tobacco-free facilities, private or public, while on-duty.

Section 13. Cellular Phone Use

(a) The use of cellular telephones and radios while operating HCEMS vehicles is a necessary part of providing emergency services. However, person’s driving emergency vehicles should limit their use of telephones and radios to a last resort and should always have the highest awareness of safety. Texting, internet use not related to official business while driving i s n ot p ermitted.

(b) Personnel are not permitted to use personal cellular phones while driving county vehicles.

(c) Personnel shall not make or receive personal calls while on scene, or while transporting patients. Personnel shall restrict audible custom ring tones and/or volume so as not to be disruptive, offensive, or heard by the public.

Section 14. Late Call/Relief Policy

(a) In cases where HCEMS personnel have made patient contact and are engaged in medical care, the changing of personnel will only be permitted on non-emergency hospital-to-hospital transfers. In all other incidents the changing of personnel must be completed either at the hospital prior to leaving or at the base prior to responding to the hospital.

(b) On-coming personnel may respond to the scene by POV or in a spare unit after receiving permission from the on-duty Administrative Staff. The on-coming crew can relieve the off-going crew prior to the medic unit departing the scene.

(d) Personnel shall not stop by a HCEMS facility to change personnel, nor shall they stop while en-route to a hospital facility to change personnel.

(e) At no time shall there be a delay in patient care or transportation.

Section 15. Visitors, Students, and Observers

(a) The Administrative Staff or their designee will host visitors at bases of operation. Politeness and monitoring of language will be expected of personnel when visitors are present. Personnel will not discuss details of calls or patient information with visitors.

(b) EMS Personnel will notify the on-duty Administrative Staff at the beginning of the shift of riders/observers/students to be included on the daily roster. Demographic and emergency contact information should be forwarded to the Administrative Staff prior to the individual riding on the unit.

a) Riders will be required to sign all necessary liability forms before riding

b) Riders/observers are not responsible for the treatment of patients

c) Patients have the right to object to rider/observers observing their treatment

d) Riders/observers will not interfere with the EMS personnel at any time

e) Only one (1) Rider/observer/student will be permitted on an EMS unit at a time

(d) Riders from Volunteer Rescue or Fire Departments must present a letter from his chief, Administrative Staff, or responsible Administrative Staff stating the riding experience is for training purposes, and that the rider is covered by that organizations insurance while at HCEMS and be approved by the EMS Operations Manager.

(e) The county will not be responsible for damaged clothing or lost articles. Uniforms and Safety-toed boots are suggested for safety and easy recognition on the scene. Riders should be prepared for a change in weather and the possibility of their clothing becoming torn or stained.

(f) The recognized riding time for riders or observers will be from 0800 to 0800 hours. Exceptions will be students or provider’s riding for certification requirements.

(g) Any Emergency Medical Services officer, preceptor, or senior provider has the authority to terminate any observer’s permission to ride at any time for any reason. The Administrative Staff will be notified immediately verbally and in writing of the incidents, concerns or conditions involving riders.

(h) All students must be approved by the training division. The operation officers are responsible for final approval of all scheduling request from the training division.

(i) No more than two persons riding in the front of any EMS vehicle. No person riding in an EMS vehicle shall sit upon any equipment or structure not designed for seating. All personnel on board the vehicle shall be secured properly in a seat-belted position.

Section 16. Patient’s Refusing Service

(a) Patients refusing treatment and/or transportation by HCEMS should receive an appropriate assessment by EMS personnel and should be educated about their condition so that they are making an informed decision.

(b) When a patient, who in the opinion of responding personnel is in need of medical care, refuses treatment and/or transportation to a healthcare facility, HCEMS personnel will make a reasonable effort to convince the patient to allow the unit to transport them to a hospital.

(c) If a patient repeatedly refuses transportation, under NC State Law, EMS personnel cannot forcibly restrain a patient and force transportation against his/her wishes, provided that the patient is competent to refuse care and transportation.

(d) A competent person would be one who is awake; alert; oriented to time, place, person and circumstance that are able to understand the implications of refusal of care.

(e) An accurate determination of the patient's condition should be attempted by HCEMS personnel and documented on the PCR. This should include:

i) Type of call

ii) Chief complaint

iii) Assessment of vital signs

(f) The opinion of HCEMS personnel that the patient appears to understand the nature of his/her injury/illness and the risks arising from refusal of care/transport

(g) Personnel should document on the PCR the above findings as well as whether the patient "Refused transport/care AMA (Against Medical Advice)”. This means that the HCEMS personnel have advised patient of his/her injuries/illness and the extent of these injuries or illness. This also means that HCEMS personnel have advised the patient that they feel it is in his/her best interest that they be transported to the hospital for further evaluation and care. Additionally, HCEMS personnel will advise the patient of the possible problems/complications that may develop as a result of the patient refusing care or transportation.

(h) All statements made by HCEMS personnel and the patient are pertinent and WILL be documented on the PCR to protect both the personnel and HCEMS.

(i) If possible, the name and signature of a witness, such as a family member, friend of the victim, or law enforcement officer, should also be obtained.

(j) Personnel will obtain a signature on the PCR, or MCI form if applicable, by the patient(s) refusing treatment and / or transport.

Article 8. Training

Section 1. Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance

(a) HCEMS recognizes the need for quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. The plan outlines responsibilities and corrective actions for personnel who monitor patient call reports.

(b) All personnel are required to assess and treat patients based on patients’ needs to the level of their EMS credential and per NCOEMS approved treatment protocols.

(c) All personnel must adhere to the General Operating Guidelines established by HCEMS. All personnel must also adhere to medical treatment protocols that are established and approved by the Medical Administrative Staff.

(d) Documentation in patient call reports must adhere to established standards. At a minimum, all billing information and personal patient information must be entered in the patient call report. The patient call report must include a complete narrative describing the patient’s chief complaint, complete assessment, treatment administered and response to treatment. Document all pertinent positives and negatives associated with patient contact.

(e) Patient Call Reports are evaluated based on protocol knowledge, skill proficiency, time management, field diagnosis skills and delivery of the appropriate treatment.

(f) At any time all full-time or part-time personnel are subject to additional training or evaluation as deemed necessary by the HCEMS Training Chief.

(g) Disciplinary action may occur if full-time or part-time personnel continue to disregard patient care protocols or training for purpose of quality improvement.

Section 2. Continuing Education

a) All NCOEMS credentialed HCEMS employees shall maintain and keep up to date with required CE hours and topics through the HCEMS CE program along with annual required training.

b) Participation in the online HCEMS CE program is required for HCEMS employees. This may be completed when on-duty. Topics are normally available for an entire month to allow sufficient time for completion.

c) HCEMS CE is delivered in a hybrid format. Topics and education is provided online along with periodic hands-on skills evaluations.

d) Occasional mandatory in classroom training may be held for equipment, protocol or procedure updates or specialized training.

e) HCEMS will maintain training records of in-house training that is provided and will re-credential HCEMS employees that meet the NCOEMS and HCEMS requirements for re-credentialing.

f) Personnel shall obtain the minimum number hours of CE per calendar year required by HCEMS and the Hyde County System Plan and should include any annual required topics.

g) Personnel that become delinquent in CE or fail to meet mandatory training requirements shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Article 9. Logistics

Section 1. Preventive Maintenance

(a) Hyde County Emergency Medical Services has developed a preventive maintenance policy to be utilized on specified medical devices to ensure each remains within its manufacturer’s suggested and recommended guidelines, as well as national standards for pre-hospital emergency care.

(b) Suction Equipment: P ersonnel on the first day of their shift will perform a daily check of both fixed and portable suction equipment. These checks include charging of batteries in the portable units, cleaning and replacement of water, testing of suction vacuum, and for proper equipment. The fixed suction units are serviced /repaired by maintenance personnel during routine service or preventative maintenance (PM) of the vehicle.

(i) Personnel on the first day of their shift will perform a daily check of all oxygen delivery systems, fixed and portable, and record same on their unit check sheets. If any problems are found they are reported to the Operations Administrative Staff. The fixed oxygen system in each unit is serviced or repaired by the maintenance shop.

(ii) Proper liter flow and seal test is done during the morning check off. An outside vender is under contract to Hyde County EMS to provide all oxygen and cylinders.

Section 2. Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators:

(i) The cardiac monitor/defibrillator used by Hyde County EMS is a combined unit. EMT-P personnel on the first day of their shift will perform a daily check for proper operation. The unit performs a self-test and batteries have a diagnostic feature for charge and recycle.

(ii) A defibrillation test is automatically performed daily. Problems/errors should be reported to the Operations Administrative Staff. If necessary, service technicians will be contacted for the required repairs.

Section 3. Stretchers:

(i) The stretchers used by Hyde County EMS are power stretchers. EMS personnel on the first day of their shift will perform a daily check for proper operation.

(ii) A performance check is conducted on the first day of the shift. Problems/errors should be reported to the Operations Administrative Staff. If necessary, Authorized service technicians will be contacted for the required repairs.

a) C lass C and D uniforms

(a) Class C uniform consists of:

(i) EMS uniform pants

(ii) Black T-shirt with HCEMS Logo

(iii) Black belt

(iv) Tactical, safety-toe boots

(v) Black socks (white, if not visible)

(vi) Black Ball caps with HCEMS logo (Dept. issued)

(b) Class D uniform will consist of:

(i) Clothing designated for special events

(ii) Polo style shirts with HCEMS Logo

(iii) EMS Uniform Pants, Khaki pants,

(iv) Black uniform shorts

(v) Tactical boots

(vi) Other Clothing or gear approved by Emergency Services Administrative Staff

(i) All crewmembers shall wear regulation black, safety- shoes with their regulation uniforms.

Controlled Substance Roles and Responsibilities

(a) Narcotic Control Officer (NCO)

(i) All DEA regulated controlled substances, (Schedules II, III, and IV), will be audited for proper documentation, storage requirements, and inspection for expiration dates.

(ii) The NCO will document any irregularities and issue corrective measures to ensure compliance with DEA and North Carolina Regulatory Commission.

(iii) The NCO will keep documentation of inspections, usage, waste, and expiration dates for inspection by the DEA and/or North Carolina Regulatory Commission.

(iv) The NCO will secure all expired Schedule II, III, and IV Drugs in a separate safe until The North Carolina Regulatory Commission can inspect and destroy all the expired medication.

(v) The NCO will maintain all records, documents, and forms in a secure file cabinet at the Administrative Staff office.

(vi) Ensures personnel are trained and knowledgeable in controlled drug procedures.

(vii) Reviews Contamination/Breakage Forms for accuracy, completeness and content

(viii) Reviews each CS Usage Form and corresponding PCR for appropriate documentation and disposal procedures

(ix) Reviews daily inventory records for shortages and discrepancies. Compares against record of administration for accuracy

(x) Maintains the following Controlled Substances records for a minimum of two (2) years:

1) Main Stock record

2) Ambulance Inventory record

3) Expired/Damaged Stock record

4) Form DEA-41 Record of Controlled Substances Destroyed

5) Usage and Contamination/Breakage form

(xi) Spot checks field personnel for knowledge of restricted drug usage procedures and problems encountered

(b) Emergency Service Administrative Staff

(i) Signs yearly departmental authorization in State and Federal license renewal forms

(ii) Responsible for proper utilization of controlled substances, maintenance of records, reporting of incidents, and ordering procedures

(iii) Maintains blank DEA form 222 (order forms) under double lock

(iv) Authorizes the purchase of Schedules II, III, IV controlled substances

(v) Ensures proper procedures are followed in daily inspections, and loss or breakage incidents

(vi) Arranges employee drug test for any personnel involved if indicated

(vii) Ensures law enforcement has been notified

(viii) Ensures DEA form 106 is completed

(ix) Ensures corrective action, which will prevent future incidents

(x) Forwards completed documentation to NCDC or DEA as appropriate

(xi) Maintains appropriate records to include completed DEA-222 forms

(i) Ensures assigned personnel are knowledgeable in procedures, documentation administration, storage, and waste of controlled substances

(d) Operations Administrative Staff

(i) Ensures assigned personnel are knowledgeable in controlled drug procedures

(ii) Conducts daily inventory of narcotics stock safe and documents on Main Stock Inventory Record Form

(iii) Ensures documentation of usage of controlled drugs on CS Usage form

(iv) Immediately reports loss, damage, or breakage with appropriate documentation and contact with chain of command

(v) Assists NCO with stocking and transfer for destruction of controlled drugs

(vi) Ensures daily forms are forwarded to NCO

(vii) Maintains strict possession and accountability for keys to EMS controlled substance safe

(viii) If loss, theft, or tampering is suspected:

1) contacts the local Law Enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the incident occurred after consulting with management.

2) Notifies the EMS Operations Manager and EMS Administrative Staff

3) Notifies the NCO

4) Ensures written incident report is complete

5) Completes and returns DEA form 106 to EMS Administrative Staff

(e) Provider

(i) Performs on the first day of the shift an inspection of controlled drugs on assigned unit, (with on-coming and off-going provider), and each signs card for transfer of quantities present. QR provider follows on-coming and off-going process outlined in Article 7, Section 6. All provider ensure controlled substances are maintained under double lock or on their person once the need for administration of CS has been determined

(ii) Ensures usage is documented appropriately on PCRs, Controlled Substance Usage/Contamination or Breakage forms, and the daily inventory record form. This includes:

1) Proper count

2) Expiration dates

3) Damaged vials or carpujects, to include detached seals and/or caps ● These are deemed to be contaminated and will require completion of the CS Contamination/Breakage report and Administrative Staff notification ● These must be returned to the Administrative Staff for replacement and documentation on the Expired Stock record; DO NOT dispose of the medication ● Refer to (vi) below

(iii) Ensures continuous possession of keys and security for unit narcotic boxes, or secures keys in the base safe as outlined in Appendix B, Section (f).

(iv) Ensures unused controlled drugs utilized for patient care are disposed of in the presence of a physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant, or another provider, and obtains signature for same

(v) Ensures all controlled drugs are replaced from the base stock by the Operations Administrative Staff, as needed to maintain minimum quantities required for patient care

(vi) Reports loss, breakage, or evidence of tampering with controlled drugs

1) Ensures proper security without damaging potential evidence (if applicable)

2) Contacts Operations Administrative Staff immediately

3) Completes written incident report to include witness statements and signatures of witnesses

(f) Emergency Storage of Controlled Substances

● Off-Going Provider Call Administrative staff to make them aware of the emergency need. Place keys in safe, close door and turn knob to lock

● On-Coming Provider Remove keys from safe, close door and turn knob to lock Verify all controlled substances are present and sign for CS on drug card. Notify Administrative Staff IMMEDIATELY if any discrepancy is found.

Weapons Policy

Purpose: To be in compliant with 10A NCAC 13P .0216

10A NCAC 13P .0216 WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES FORBIDDEN (a) Weapons, whether lethal or non-lethal, and explosives shall not be worn or carried aboard an ambulance or EMS non-transporting vehicle within the State of North Carolina when the vehicle is operating in any patient treatment or transport capacity or is available for such function. (b) Conducted electrical weapons and chemical irritants such as mace, pepper (oleoresin capsicum) spray, and tear gas shall be considered weapons for the purpose of this Rule. (c) This Rule shall apply whether or not such weapons and explosives are concealed or visible. (d) If any weapon is found to be in the possession of a patient or person accompanying the patient during transportation, the weapon shall be safely secured in accordance with the weapons policy as set forth in Rule .0201(a)(13)(I) of this Section. (e) Weapons authorized for use by EMS personnel attached to a law enforcement tactical team in accordance with the weapons policy as set forth in Rule .0201(a)(13)(I) of this Section may be secured in a locked, dedicated compartment or gun safe mounted within the ambulance or non-transporting vehicle for use when dispatched in support of the law enforcement tactical team, but are not to be worn or carried open or concealed by any EMS personnel in the performance of normal EMS duties under any circumstances. (f) This Rule shall not apply to duly appointed law enforcement officers. (g) Safety flares are authorized for use on an ambulance with the following restrictions: (1) these devices are not stored inside the patient compartment of the ambulance; and (2) these devices shall be packaged and stored so as to prevent accidental discharge or ignition.

Procedure: 1. EMS personnel and First Responders are prohibited from bringing weapons onboard NCOEMS certified ambulances or NCOEMS certified non-transport vehicles.

2. When EMS personnel encounter an individual (person wishing to accompany patient) who is carrying a weapon and the individual has the capacity and is cooperative with EMS personnel, the individual should be informed that he/she cannot be in possession of the weapon while in the ambulance, per 10A NCAC 13P .0216. Based on the situation, the following options are open to the individual and EMS personnel for the disposition of the weapon. a. The individual can relinquish the weapon to a responsible and cooperative adult with capacity currently on scene, prior to the individual boarding the ambulance. b. The individual can relinquish the weapon to law enforcement until the patient is done being treated by EMS personnel within the ambulance. c. The individual can relinquish the weapon to EMS personnel to be secured in a locked cabinet until arrival at the hospital. Once at the hospital, EMS personnel will turn over the weapon to hospital security personnel. d. The individual can choose not to accompany the patient during transport within the ambulance.

3. When EMS personnel encounter an patient who is carrying a weapon and the patient has the capacity and is cooperative with EMS personnel, the patient should be informed that he/she cannot be in possession of the weapon while in the ambulance, per 10A NCAC 13P .0216. Based on the situation, the following options are open to the patient and EMS personnel for the disposition of the weapon. a. The patient can relinquish the weapon to a responsible and cooperative adult, with capacity,

currently on scene with the patient, not onboard the ambulance.

b. The patient can relinquish the weapon to law enforcement until he/she is done being treated by EMS personnel within the ambulance. c. The patient can relinquish the weapon to EMS personnel to be secured in a locked cabinet until arrival at the hospital. Once at the hospital, EMS personnel will turn over the weapon to hospital security personnel. d. The patient can choose not to receive care or transport within the ambulance.

4. If a weapon is found on a patient who does not have the capacity, but is cooperative, EMS personnel should consider the following options for disposition of the weapon. a. The patient can relinquish the weapon to law enforcement until he/she is done being treated by EMS personnel within the ambulance. b. The patient can relinquish the weapon to EMS personnel to be secured in a locked cabinet until arrival at the hospital. Once at the hospital, EMS personnel will turn over the weapon to hospital security personnel.

5. If a weapon is found on a patient or individual that is not cooperative with EMS personnel, the crew should retreat from the situation and request the assistance of law enforcement.

6. Individuals possessing a weapon, wishing to accompany a patient during transport, shall relinquish the weapon as outlined in #2 of this policy or be denied permission to board the ambulance.

Documentation The EMS personnel shall document within the narrative any weapon that was removed from a patient during the course of the patient encounter and the disposition of that weapon at the conclusion of the encounter.

Safe W eapon H andling If the EMS personnel need to handle a weapon to secure it in the lock box, all precautions should be taken to leave the weapon in the safest mode in which it can be handled. For firearms and airguns, this involves leaving it in the holster with any trigger guard in place. For chemical irritants and conducted electrical weapons, this includes leaving trigger guards in place. Steps to safe firearm handling 1. Keep the firearm in its holster 2. If not in a holster, only handle the firearm by grasping the grip and keeping your finger outside of the trigger guard 3. Never point the firearm in the direction of a person 4. Place the firearm in the cabinet barrel first

Explosives At no time will explosive be allowed within an NCOEMS certified EMS System vehicle. If explosives are found in any area other than an authorized work environment (ex. Construction site), law enforcement should be notified and the EMS personnel should consider retreating to a safe location. Road flares are not considered explosives in 10A NCAC 13P .0216, and maybe carried on ambulances as long as they follow the restrictions in 10A NCAC 13P .0216.

Appendix D

Domestic Violence (Partners and/or Elder and/or Disabled Abuse) Recognition and Reporting

Policy:

Domestic violence is physical, sexual, or psychological abuse and/or intimidation, which attempts to control another person in a current or former family, dating, or household relationship. The recognition, appropriate reporting, and referral of abuse is a critical step to improving patient safety, providing quality health care, and preventing further abuse.

Elder or disabled abuse is the physical and/or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a senior or disabled citizen by another person. Abuse may be at the hand of a caregiver, spouse, neighbor, or adult child of the patient. The recognition of abuse and the proper reporting is a critical step to improve the health and wellbeing of senior or disabled citizens.

Purpose:

Assessment of an abuse case is based upon the following principles: 1. Protect t he patient from harm, as well as protecting the EMS team from harm and liability. 2. Suspect t hat the patient may be a victim of abuse, especially if the injury/illness is not consistent with the reported history. 3. Respect t he privacy of the patient and family. 4. Collect as much information and evidence as possible and preserve physical evidence.

Procedure:

*Immediately r eport a ny s uspicious f indings o f a buse o r n eglect t o t he r eceiving h ospital.

1. Assess the/all patient(s) for any psychological characteristics of abuse, including excessive passivity, compliant or fearful behavior, excessive aggression, violent tendencies, excessive crying, behavioral disorders, substance abuse, medical non-compliance, or repeated EMS requests. This is typically best done in private with the patient.

2. Assess the patient for any physical signs of abuse, especially any injuries that are inconsistent with the reported mechanism of injury. Defensive injuries (e.g. to forearms), and injuries during pregnancy are also suggestive of abuse. Injuries in different stages of healing may indicate repeated episodes of violence.

3. Assess all patients for signs and symptoms of neglect, including inappropriate level of clothing for weather, inadequate hygiene, absence of attentive caregiver(s), or physical signs of malnutrition.

4. For suspected elder or disabled abuse or neglect, contact Hyde County Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services at 252 926- 4476. After office hours, the adult social services worker on call can be contacted by the 911 communications center 252 473-3444.

5. For suspected domestic violence, EMS personnel should attempt in private to provide the patient with the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 for sexual assault, or for other domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE.

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Appendix E

Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting

Policy:

Child abuse is the physical and mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, and/or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare. The recognition of abuse and the proper reporting is a critical step to improving the safety of children and preventing child abuse.

Purpose:

Assessment of a child abuse case is based upon the following principles: 1. Protect t he life of the child from harm, as well as that of the EMS team from liability. 2. Suspect t hat the child may be a victim of abuse, especially if the injury/illness is not consistent with the reported history. 3. Respect t he privacy of the child and family. 4. Collect as much evidence as possible, especially information.

Procedure:

1. With all children, assess for and document psychological characteristics of abuse, including excessive passivity, compliant or fearful behavior, excessive aggression, violent tendencies, excessive crying, fussy behavior, hyperactivity, or other behavioral disorders

2. With all children, assess for and document physical signs of abuse, including and especially any injuries that are inconsistent with the reported mechanism of injury.

3. With all children, assess for and document signs and symptoms of neglect, including inappropriate level of clothing for weather, inadequate hygiene, absence of attentive caregiver(s), or physical signs of malnutrition.

4. Immediately report any suspicious findings to both the receiving hospital (if transported) and to the Department of Social Services social worker on call by contacting the 911 center. While law enforcement may also be notified, North Carolina law requires the EMS provider to report the suspicion of abuse to DSS. EMS should not accuse or challenge the suspected abuser. This is a legal requirement to report, not an accusation. In the event of a child fatality, law enforcement must also be notified.

* To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Hyde County Child Protective Services Intake phone number at 252 926-4476. After hours and on weekends, if this number is not staffed, contact the 911 communications center 252 473-3444 and have them contact the on-call social worker for Child Protective Services, who will then return your phone call and receive your report.*

E-1 | P a ge

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Clint Berry Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: Utilities Department Salary Study

SUMMARY: Presentation on the findings of an internal salary study.

RECOMMEND: APPROVE

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING MIN HRLY RATE $7.25 $8.55 MIN ANNUAL RATE $15,080.00 $17,791 16,450 Grade 51 from 2014 Plan # GRADES 40 16,944 3% Increase #STEPS/GRADE FLEXIBLE HOURS/YR 2,080 MONTHS/YR 12 % BETWEEN GRADES 0.0430 4.30% WITH 3.0% INCREASE

GRADE HIRING RATE MINIMUM MIDPOINT MAXIMUM Range GRADE Year Month HR Year Month HR Year Month HR Year Month HR Spread 51 16,944 1,412 8.15 17,791 1,483 8.55 21,604 1,800 10.39 26,263 2,189 12.63 47.6% 51 52 17,673 1,473 8.50 18,556 1,546 8.92 22,533 1,878 10.83 27,392 2,283 13.17 47.6% 52 53 18,433 1,536 8.86 19,354 1,613 9.30 23,502 1,958 11.30 28,570 2,381 13.74 47.6% 53 54 19,225 1,602 9.24 20,187 1,473 9.71 24,514 2,043 11.79 29,800 2,483 14.33 47.6% 54 55 20,052 1,671 9.64 21,054 1,755 10.12 25,566 2,131 12.29 31,080 2,590 14.94 47.6% 55 56 20,914 1,743 10.05 21,959 1,830 10.56 26,665 2,222 12.82 32,415 2,701 15.58 47.6% 56 57 21,812 1,818 10.49 22,903 1,909 11.01 27,811 2,318 13.37 33,809 2,817 16.25 47.6% 57 58 22,750 1,896 10.94 23,888 1,991 11.48 29,007 2,417 13.95 35,263 2,939 16.95 47.6% 58 59 23,729 1,977 11.41 24,915 2,076 11.98 30,254 2,521 14.55 36,779 3,065 17.68 47.6% 59 60 24,749 2,062 11.90 25,986 2,166 12.49 31,555 2,630 15.17 38,361 3,197 18.44 47.6% 60 61 25,812 2,151 12.41 27,103 2,259 13.03 32,911 2,743 15.82 40,009 3,334 19.23 47.6% 61 62 26,923 2,244 12.94 28,269 2,356 13.59 34,327 2,861 16.50 41,731 3,478 20.06 47.6% 62 63 28,081 2,340 13.50 29,485 2,457 14.18 35,803 2,984 17.21 43,525 3,627 20.93 47.6% 63 64 29,288 2,441 14.08 30,754 2,563 14.79 37,344 3,112 17.95 45,398 3,783 21.83 47.6% 64 65 30,548 2,546 14.69 32,076 2,673 15.42 38,950 3,246 18.73 47,350 3,946 22.76 47.6% 65 66 31,861 2,655 15.32 33,454 2,788 16.08 40,624 3,385 19.53 49,385 4,115 23.74 47.6% 66 67 33,232 2,769 15.98 34,893 2,908 16.78 42,370 3,531 20.37 51,508 4,292 24.76 47.6% 67 68 34,661 2,888 16.66 36,394 3,033 17.50 44,193 3,683 21.25 53,725 4,477 25.83 47.6% 68 69 36,152 3,013 17.38 37,959 3,163 18.25 46,094 3,841 22.16 56,035 4,670 26.94 47.6% 69 70 37,707 3,142 18.13 39,592 3,299 19.03 48,077 4,006 23.11 58,446 4,870 28.10 47.6% 70 71 39,327 3,277 18.91 41,295 3,441 19.85 50,144 4,179 24.11 60,959 5,080 29.31 47.6% 71 72 41,020 3,418 19.72 43,071 3,589 20.71 52,301 4,358 25.14 63,580 5,298 30.57 47.6% 72 73 42,783 3,565 20.57 44,923 3,744 21.60 54,549 4,546 26.23 66,314 5,526 31.88 47.6% 73 74 44,623 3,719 21.45 46,855 3,905 22.53 56,896 4,741 27.35 69,167 5,764 33.25 47.6% 74 75 46,543 3,879 22.38 48,869 4,072 23.49 59,342 4,945 28.53 72,140 6,012 34.68 47.6% 75 76 48,544 4,045 23.34 50,971 4,248 24.51 61,895 5,158 29.76 75,243 6,270 36.17 47.6% 76 77 50,632 4,219 24.34 53,163 4,430 25.56 64,556 5,380 31.04 78,479 6,540 37.73 47.6% 77 78 52,809 4,401 25.39 55,449 4,621 26.66 67,332 5,611 32.37 81,853 6,821 39.35 47.6% 78 79 55,080 4,590 26.48 57,833 4,819 27.80 70,227 5,852 33.76 85,373 7,114 41.04 47.6% 79 80 57,447 4,787 27.62 60,319 5,027 29.00 73,246 6,104 35.21 89,043 7,420 42.81 47.6% 80 81 59,917 4,993 28.81 62,913 5,243 30.25 76,395 6,366 36.73 92,871 7,739 44.65 47.6% 81 82 62,494 5,208 30.04 65,618 5,468 31.55 79,680 6,640 38.31 96,865 8,072 46.57 47.6% 82 83 65,180 5,432 31.34 68,440 5,703 32.90 83,107 6,926 39.96 101,030 8,419 48.57 47.6% 83 84 67,984 5,665 32.68 71,382 5,948 34.32 86,679 7,223 41.67 105,373 8,781 50.66 47.6% 84 85 70,906 5,909 34.09 74,452 6,204 35.79 90,407 7,534 43.47 109,905 9,159 52.84 47.6% 85 86 73,955 6,163 35.56 77,653 6,471 37.33 94,294 7,858 45.33 114,630 9,552 55.11 47.6% 86 87 77,136 6,428 37.08 80,992 6,749 38.94 98,348 8,196 47.28 119,559 9,963 57.48 47.6% 87 88 80,453 6,704 38.68 84,475 7,040 40.61 102,578 8,548 49.32 124,702 10,392 59.95 47.6% 88 Certifications/Requirements Job Title Water Production Water Treatment Distribution Distribution Sewer Assistant Manager Operator Manager Technician Manager Manager

C-Well Required Required 3 % increase Required B-Well Required 4 % increase 4 % increase Required A-Well 5 % increase 5 % increase 5 % increase 5 % increase C-Distribution 3 % increase Required Required Required B-Distribution 4 % increase Required 4 % increase Required A-Distribution 5 % increase 5 % increase 5 % increase Cross Connection Required 5 % increase 5 % increase Cross Connection ORC 5 % increase Grade 1 Wastewater Required 2 % increase Required Grade 2 Wastewater 4 % increase 4 % increase Grade 3 Wastewater Grade 4 Wastewater Physical/Chemical Required 2 % increase 2 % increase Srayfield Irragation 3 % increase 3 % increase Required Subsurface Irragation 3 % increase Back up ORC NPDES Permit 5 % increase 5 % increase Back up ORC Waste water 5 % increase Water Meter Technician Public Pesticide 2 % increase 2 % increase 2 % increase 2 % increase 2 % increase 2 % increase Certifications/Requirements Job Title Water Production Water Treatment Distribution Distribution Sewer Assistant Manager Operator Manager Technician Manager Manager

C-Well Required Required $900) Required B-Well Required $1,200) $1,200) Required A-Well $1,500) $1,500) $1,500) $1,500) C-Distribution $900) Required Required Required B-Distribution $1,200) Required $1,200) Required A-Distribution $1,500) $1,500) $1,500) Cross Connection Required $1,500) $1,500) Cross Connection ORC Required $1,500) Grade 1 Wastewater Required $600) Required Grade 2 Wastewater $1,200) $1,200) Grade 3 Wastewater Grade 4 Wastewater Physical/Chemical Required $600) $600) Srayfield Irragation $900) $900) Required Back up ORC NPDES Permit $1,500) $1,500) Back up ORC Waste water $1,500) Water Meter Technician Public Pesticide $1,000) $1,000) $1,000) $1,000) $1,000) $1,000) Salary Study

Salary Based 1st DAY OF Years of Service 2020-21 Pay 2020-2021 Actual on Yrs. And Dept Last First Classification Title WORK (January 2021) Grade Budgeted Certifications

Utilities Berry Clinton Utilities Director 4/5/1993 28 78 $73,244.54 $80,092.73

Billing & Collection Utilities Smith Vanessa Manager 6/18/2020 1 67 $42,891.25 $42,891.25

Utilities Gibbs Jessi Billing & Collection Tech. 8/10/2018 3 62 $28,269.00 $29,615.20

Utilities Berry Baron Water Production Manger 3/15/1999 26 70 $55,166.80 $59,832.13

Utilities Ireland Roberson J. Water Plant Operator 4/7/2014 7 63 $29,483.75 $32,761.00

Utilities Clayton Ricky Water Plant Operator 6/12/2001 20 63 $31,547.98 $38,377.00

Utilities Sadler Larry Water Plant Operator 7/6/2010 11 63 $30,369.32 $35,533.00

Utilities Swindell David Water Plant Operator 9/17/2013 8 63 $32,197.11 $35,929.00

Utilities Sadler Gage Distribution Tech. 9/1/2016 5 61 $31,582.99 $31,582.99

Utilities Cahoon Walt Water Plant Operator 4/1/2019 2 63 $28,081.00 $30,421.00

Utilities Nails Dustin Water Plant Operator 8/25/2020 1 63 $28,081.00 $28,549.00 Assistant Water Dept. Utilities Spencer William Manager 8/1/1999 22 69 $50,620.39 $55,714.73

Utilities O'Neal Pierre Distribution Tech. 10/17/2005 16 69 $41,783.59 $47,599.53

Utilities Gibbs Andra Distribution Tech. 7/14/1997 24 61 $32,910.18 $37,427.80

Utilities Sadler Joseph Sewer Operator/Mgr 8/1/1996 25 64 $39,068.28 $47,257.33 TOTAL: $575,297.18 $633,583.69 $58,286.51 Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Attached Lease

ITEM TITLE: Ocracoke EMS Station Lease

SUMMARY: The building being occupied by Ocracoke EMS located at 935 Irvin Garrish Hwy has been sold to a new owner. The attached lease will continue the lease agreement under the same terms with Fesham Properties, LLC of Ocracoke.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE LE ASE

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7th, 2020 Presenter: Daniel Brinn Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: 270 Back Road (Old Ocracoke EMS Station) Flood Repair/Renovation Contract Award.

SUMMARY: The Old Ocracoke EMS Station was flooded During Hurricane Dorian. The lease included the provision that the County of Hyde was/is responsible for repairs to the building as well as maintaining insurance on the property. Hyde County advertised the bid twice, the most recent closing on November 5 th, 2021. A total of 4 bids were received. The lowest responsible and responsive bid was from the ROSWELL GROUP in the amount of $140,813.75

RECOMMEND: AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY MANAGER AND COUNTY ATTORNEY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE ROSWELL GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,813.75 TO DO THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS.

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING Bid Tabulation RFP issued September 12th, 2020 270 Back Rd. Ocracoke Closed November 5th, 2020 Old EMS Station

Firm Bid Amount Price Sheet Proposers Certification Non Collusion AffidavitCertification - Department and Suspension E-Verify References

Corporate Vision INC $127,650.00 Did not include cost breakdown yes yes yes yes yes Roswell Group $140,813.75 yes yes yes yes yes yes Paul Woolard Homes $155,625.00 Did not include cost breakdown yes yes yes yes yes Danco Builders $390,930.16 yes yes yes yes yes yes Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Project Budget Ordinance

ITEM TITLE: Project Budget Ordinance Disaster Recovery Repair - EMS Back Road

SUMMARY: Hyde County was under a lease for property located on Back Road and utilized as an EMS Station at the time of Hurricane Dorian. The lease required Hyde County to maintain insurance and made Hyde County responsible for any repairs to the property. The property was flooded and received substantial damage. Insurance proceeds will be based on eligible expenses under an approved construction contract. Bids have been received with a low bid of $140,813.75. Hyde County does have an insurance deductible of $50,000 which is an approved FEMA Public Assistance expenditure. The remaining funds will be negotiated through insurance. The attached Project Budget Ordinance reflects these revenues and expenditures for the repair of the structure.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING Hyde County Disaster Recovery Repair Ocracoke EMS Station (Back Road) Project Budget Ordinance December 7, 2020

Be it ordained by the Hyde County Board of Commissioners; the following Project Budget Ordinance is hereby adopted:

Section 1: This project is being carried out by the County of Hyde utilizing insurance proceeds and FEMA Public Assistance Funding.

Section 2: Hyde County staff are hereby directed to proceed with the project within the rules and regulations of the North Carolina General Statutes and the budget contained herein.

Section 3: The following revenues and resources are anticipated to be available to complete the program activities: Revenues: Insurance $104,895.00 FEMA $ 50,000.00 Total: $154,895.00

Section 4: The following amounts are appropriated for the project activities:

Expenditures: Construction $140,814.00 Contingency $ 14,081.00 Total $154,895.00

Section 5: The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to provide the accounting required by federal and state regulations.

Section 6: Funds may be advanced from the General Funds for the purpose of making payments as due. Adopted this 7t h day of December 2020. ______Earl Pugh, Jr., Chairman Hyde County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: ______Lois Stotesberry, Clerk to the Board

______Disaster Recovery Repair Ocracoke EMS Station (Back Road) Project Budget Ordinance December 7, 2020

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7th, 2020 Presenter: Daniel Brinn Attachment: Yes

ITEM TITLE: Hurricane Matthew Stream Debris Contract Extension

SUMMARY: Hurricane Matthew Stream Debris Removal Contract 17-175-4015 was slated to expire December 31s t 2020. The attached extension #05-2021 would extend the Grant/Contract until December 31s t, 2021

RECOMMEND: APPROVE TO EXTEND THE GRANT (AMENDMENT 05-2021)

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Steven W. Troxler, Commissioner

CONTRACT AMENDMENT "CHECK OFF LIST" for Grantee

This form must be returned with your completed contract amendment package.

INSTRUCTIONS: Check the YES boxes in the left column for the document titles that are being returned with the two signed, dated and witnessed (for government entities) or notarized (for non-government entities) copies of the contract amendment with signatures in blue ink. Be sure to include all the other documents specified in your contract amendment package. If NO has been checked off for you, that document is not required for this grant program or project.

GRANTEE ORGANIZATION NAME: Hyde Soil & Water Conservation

PROJECT TITLE/NAME: Stream Debris Removal Project

CONTRACT #: 17-175-4015 AMENDMENT #: 05-2021

DEPARTMENT USE - GRANTS & CONTRACTS Check one Box DOCUMENTS USE - DOCUMENT TITLE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS ALL SIGNATURES MUST BE IN BLUE INK ATTACHED Yes No Contract Amendment “Check Off List” for Grantee Yes No Yes No Yes No Contract Amendment Cover Yes No Yes No Yes No Attachment A – Signature Card Yes No Yes No

NCDA&CS – Check Off List – Amendment Rev 07/14;8/16;1/17;10/17

Departmental Use Only

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CENTER: __2975-4786______ACCOUNT: __536502______COUNTY OF WAKE AMOUNT: _$107,764.00

CENTER: __2975-4786-2017______ACCOUNT: __536502______AMOUNT: _$1,042,512.00

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Stream Debris Removal Program

Amendment Number: 05-2021 Contract Number: 17-175-4015

This document amends the Contract bearing the effective date of January 1, 2017, between the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, hereinafter referred to as the "Agency" and the Hyde Soil & Water Conservation, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee."

The Grantee’s tax ID number is 56-6000308. The Grantee’s DUNS number is 831714048.

As provided for under the terms of the original Contract, the Agency and the Grantee agree to amend the Contract provisions as outlined below.

1. Section II. Effective Period: The termination date of December 31, 2020 is changed to December 31, 2021.

Signature Warranty:

The undersigned represent and warrant that they are authorized to bind their principals to the terms of this Amendment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee and the Agency execute this Amendment in two (2) originals, one (1) of which is retained by the Grantee and one (1) which is retained by the Agency.

Hyde Soil & Water Conservation

Signature of Authorized Representative Date

Printed Name Title

Witness:

NCDA&CS – Contract Cover - Amendment – 07/14; 4/17 Page 1 of 2

Signature Date

Printed Name Title

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Signature of Authorized Representative Date N. David Smith, Chief Deputy Commissioner Printed Name of Authorized Representative

NCDA&CS – Contract Cover - Amendment – 07/14; 4/17 Page 2 of 2

Attachment

Signature Card

CONTRACT & FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

INSTRUCTIONS: Please read and fill in the required information to the right of each field where applicable. Signatures must match the Contract signatures. In the event the affixed signature(s) are no longer valid, a revised form must be submitted prior to processing any contractual documents or submitting “Request for Payments” or any other financial documents. If more than two people will sign for the organization, this form may be duplicated. SECTION I. Date: Legal Applicant Organization/Agency Name: Federal Tax Identification Number: SECTION II. Certification: By affixing my signature below, I certify that person(s) identified are designated having legal authorization to sign on behalf of the organization named in Section I., above, for purposes of executing contractual documents and preparing, approving and executing all financial documents; including “Requests for Payments.” I understand the legal implications of any and all misrepresentation, which include but are not limited to defrauding the State of North Carolina, and certify that the person signing below has full authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of the named organization.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ONLY (Must match Contract signature) Board Chair, Executive Director, etc. Financial Representative, Treasurer, etc. Print Name & Title: Print Name & Title:

Signature: Signature:

GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES (Must match Contract signature) Authorized Governmental Official Chief Fiscal Officer Print Name & Title: Print Name & Title:

Signature: Signature:

NCDA&CS - Signature Card – NGO & Governmental Page 1 of 1 Rev 7/14; 1/17;11/17 Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Lease

ITEM TITLE: Beaufort County Community College Lease Renewal

SUMMARY: Beaufort County Community College currently leases space at the Hyde Davis Business Center in Engelhard. This lease extends that agreement for one year.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE LE ASE

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Lease

ITEM TITLE: Beaufort Hyde Martin Library Lease Renewal

SUMMARY: Beaufort Hyde Martin Library currently leases space at the Hyde Davis Business Center in Engelhard. This lease extends that agreement for one year.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE LE ASE

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes -

ITEM TITLE: CDBG - Infrastructure Legal Services Procurement

SUMMARY: Hyde County accepted proposals for legal services for the CDBG Infrastructure project. Two firms submitted proposals, the Law Office of Misa B. Raynor, PA and Bratcher Adams Folk, PLLC. The Manager recommends working with the Raynor Firm. The Raynor Firm has a solid track record with Hyde County, is within a closer geographic area and is price competitive.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVE THE RA YNOR FI RM T O PROVIDE L EGAL SE RVICES FOR CDBG I

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Contract

ITEM TITLE: McClees Consulting Contract

SUMMARY: This is a contract extension for McClees Consulting firm that provides lobbying services to Hyde County. One notable change is the inclusion of Jones Street Consulting, LLC which will be assisting the McCleeses in their service to Hyde County. McClees Consulting firm has been integral in helping Hyde County advocate for NC Ferry Service funding for regular ferry service, passenger ferry funding and leads the resistance against ferry tolls. They have been and continue to be integral in derelict vessel legislation, septic and soils, wildlife and commercial fishing issues. One half of their contract fee is reimbursed by Ocracoke Occupancy Tax.

RECOMMEND: AP PROVED CO NTRACT

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF PAMLICO CONTRACT AND AGREEMENT FOR SER VICES BY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

THIS CONTRACT AND AGREEMENT for services by an independent contractor (herein referred to as the "Contract") is made and entered into this 1st day of January 2021, by and between HYDE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

(herein "Client"); McCLEES CONSULTING, INC. (herein "McClees") and JONES

STREET CONSULTING, LLC (herein Jones Street) and collectively herein

"Consultant."

BACKGROUND

Client is a duly organized county of the State of North Carolina, and having as its principal address: 30 Oyster Creek Road, PO Box 188, Swan Quarter, North

Carolina 27885.

McClees is a corporation, incorporated and operating under the laws of North

Carolina, and having as its principal address: 45 White Farm Road, PO Box 430,

Oriental, North Carolina 28571.

Jones Street is a limited liability company, organized and operating under the laws of North Carolina, and having as its principal address: 150 Fayetteville

Street-Suite 1130, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.

The Client needs the expertise and services of Consultant to lobby on behalf of Client regarding issues including, but not be limited to, transportation issues, hurricane relief, education issues, mariculture issues, tax issues, and other issues directed by the County Manager. Consultant has experience in lobbying, is familiar with the goals of Client, and has skills, knowledge, abilities, and expertise to benefit

Client.

The parties desire to enter into this lobbying agreement.

THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the agreements, stipulations, and covenants herein contained, or for other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Consultation and Lobbying.

(a) Client engages Consultant to render lobbying services on transportation issues, hurricane relief, educational matters, mariculture issues, tax issues, and such other economic development and lobbying issues as may be directed by Client; and,

(b) Consultant agrees to provide consulting and lobbying services upon the terms and conditions of this Contract.

(c ) Jones Street shall work on and report directly to the Hyde County

Manager on all state and local issues for which Client has requested consulting and lobbying services.

(d) McClees shall work on and report directly to the Hyde County

Manager on any federal issues for which Client has requested consulting and lobbying services.

(e ) Parties anticipate Jones Street will not participate in federal lobbying unless the parties expressly agree.

(e ) Consultant is being retained because of the personal skills, expertise, and experience of Jackson Stancil with the help of Joseph D. McClees.

All services under this Contract shall be performed personally by Jackson Stancil with help on federal issues provided by Joseph D. McClees as requested by Client.

2. T erm. The term of this Contract shall begin on the first day of January

2021 and shall continue through the thirty-first day of December 2021.

3. Consulting Fees.

(a) The fee to be paid to Consultant is the annual sum of Twenty Five

Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for the year 2021, payable with a payment of Fifteen

Thousand Dollars on or before the tenth day of January 2021; Five Thousand

Dollars on or before the tenth day of February 2021; and a final payment of Five

Thousand Dollars on or before the tenth day of March 2021.

(b) All monies due under this Contract shall be paid in full on or before the 31s t day of December 2021.

(c) Consultant shall receive no reimbursement for costs or expenses incurred within the State of North Carolina; PROVIDED, HOWEVER Client shall pay for lobbyists and principal registration fees to be paid to the NC Lobbying

Compliance Division. These annual fees currently totaling Seven Hundred Fifty-Six

Dollars ($756.00) are payable at the time of the lobbying registrations and any event on or before the tenth day of January 2021 for the year 2021. Consultant shall prepare all necessary lobbying registration and expense documentation during the year, and the Chairman of the County Commissioners shall execute the said documentation on behalf of the Client.

(d) In the event Client requests federal lobbying work to be performed by Consultant McClees in Washington, DC, Client agrees to reimburse Consultant

McClees for all reasonable expenses incurred, including transportation, mileage, taxis, lodging, and meals during such federal lobbying activities. Consultant

McClees shall submit timely invoices with receipts regarding such out of state expenditures.

4. Independent Contractor . The parties agree the relationship of

McClees and Jones Street with Client is that of independent contractors. Except as provided herein, neither party shall exercise any control over the other's activities

and operations. Neither Client nor Consultant is liable or responsible for the acts, omissions, or defaults of the other in any manner. Jackson Stancil and Joseph D.

McClees shall not be considered, under the provisions of this Contract or otherwise, to be employees of Client for any purpose whatsoever.

5. Applicable Law . The laws of North Carolina shall govern this Contract.

6. Entire Agreement; Amendment . This Contract supersedes all prior understandings and agreements and informal working arrangements between the parties, written and oral. This Contract may not be amended orally, but only by a writing duly executed by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Contract the day and year first written above.

COUNTY OF HYDE, NORTH CAROLINA By______(SEAL) Earl Pugh, Jr., Chairman Hyde County Commission

McCLEES CONSUL TING, INC. By ______Joseph D. McClees, President

Attest: ______S. Henri McClees, Secretary

(CORPORATE SEAL)

JONES STREET CONSUL TING, LLC. By ______5

Jackson Stancil, Managing Member

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HYDE

I, _____ , a Notary Public in and for the said County and State, do hereby certify that EARL PUGH, JR ., Chairman of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners, appeared before me as the duly authorized agent of Hyde County, NC on this date and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing Contract.

WITNESS my hand and notarial seal this the __ day of ______, 2021.

______, Notary Public

My commission expires: ______

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF PAMLICO

I, , a Notary Public in and for the said County and State, do hereby certify that JOSEPH D. McCLEES, President and S. HENRI MCCLEES, Secretary of McClees Consulting, Inc., respectively, each of whom is personally known to me, appeared before me this date and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing Contract.

WITNESS my hand and notarial seal this the __ day of ______, 2021.

______, Notary Public

My commission expires: ______

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ______6

I, , a Notary Public in and for the said County and State, do hereby certify that JACKSON STANCIL, Managing Member of Jones Street Consulting, LLC, who is personally known to me, appeared before me this date and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing Contract.

WITNESS my hand and notarial seal this the ____ day of ______, 2021.

______, Notary Public

My commission expires: ______

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Kris Cahoon Noble Attachment: Yes - Invoice and Presentation

ITEM TITLE: Broadband Expansion Plan

SUMMARY: In November, RiverStreet Networks presented to the Hyde BOC in regard to their work to expand internet connectivity across Hyde County. While we continue to work on the fixed wireless and TV white space pilot programs, the next step towards a truly connected Hyde is to complete a comprehensive engineering plan for broadband expansion across all of Hyde County. The benefits of having this plan are briefly outlined in the attached presentation.

The total cost for this project is $80,000 and this is an eligible expenditure under the North Carolina Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). Hyde County has received $396,000 in CRF funding that must be spent for eligible expenditures as outlined by the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office and as established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). All CARES Act funding must be expended by December 31, 2020.

Under NC General Statute 143-129(e)(6) Hyde County may contract with RiverStreet Networks as a sole source contract for professional service. The partnership with RiverStreet over the last 3 years and the pilot program has given RiverStreet the knowledge base needed to proceed and there is no other vendor that could supply this type of planning service with the technical knowledge of Hyde’s assets and geography and ability to complete the work.

RECOMMEND: 1. AP PROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $80,000 AS DETAILED IN ATTACHED INVOICE FOR A BROADBAND EXPANSION AND FIXED WIRELESS EXPANSION PLAN 2. AU THORIZE THE COUNTY MANAGER AND COUNTY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER I NTO A CONTRACT FOR THE AUTHORIZED AMOUNT

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING How A Broadband Expansion Plan Will Help The County Be How A Broadband Expansion Plan Will Help The County Be Proactive

1. Establishes a Goal and Vision For The County (Blueprint) 2. Identifies Problem Areas - Providers/Unserved Areas 3. Prepares County For Partnership And Economic Development 4. County Will Own A Complete Detailed Engineering Plan 5. Establishes Timeline, Maps and Estimated Cost 6. Most Importantly - Provides Shovel Ready Design For Grant/Loan Application Preparedness Where Could We Find Where Could We Find Funding

• FCC RDOF AUCTION ROUNDS I and II • NC BIO – NC GREAT GRANT PROGRAM • USDA RECONNECT PROGRAM • 100% GRANT • 50% GRANT / 50% LOAN • 100% LOAN • USDA COMMUNITY CONNECT PROGRAM • CAREs ACT FUNDING • FUTURE STIMULUS FUNDING • USDA BROADBAND LOANS • ARC – APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION • COUNTY BASED FUNDING Are We Guaranteed RiverStreet Networks Will Be A Are We Guaranteed A Win

1. We Are Not Guaranteed A Win, However… RiverStreet Networks Has A History Of Securing Funds

Without A Broadband Expansion Plan - Less Likely To Win Most Important Takeaway!

There are no guaranteed WINS, but with a Broadband Expansion Plan, the County has a plan and is prepared to be Proactive!

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Chair, Vice-Chair, Commissioners, Manager Attachment: No

ITEM TITLE: MANAGEMENT REPORTS

SUMMARY: This is a time for each Commissioner to give reports on their work representing the County.

Additionally, Commissioners may wish to bring up issues they wish to have followed up by the Board or by the County Manager.

The County Manager will give an oral update on various projects and other administrative matters.

RECOMMEND: Receive reports. Discussion and possible action as necessary.

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Citizens Attachment: No

ITEM TITLE: PUBLIC COMMENTS

SUMMARY: The public is invited to use this time to make comments to the County Commissioners on items discussed during this meeting and/or matters not discussed earlier in the meeting.

RECOMMEND: Receive comments.

Hyde County Board of Commissioners AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

Meeting Date: December 7, 2020 Presenter: Board of Commissioners

ITEM TITLE: CLOSED SESSION

SUMMARY: The County Manager may request entering Closed Session in accordance with NCGS143A-318.11 (a)

1) To prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law. 2) To prevent the premature disclosure of an honorary award. 3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney client privilege. 4) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses. 5) To establish or instruct the public body’s staff or agent in negotiating the price or terms of a contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase; or compensation and terms of an employment contract. 6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. 7) To plan, conduct, or hear reports concerning investigations of alleged criminal misconduct. 8) To formulate plans by a local board of education relating to emergency response to incidents of school violence. 9) To discuss and take action regarding plans to protect public safety.

RECOMMEND: E nter into Closed Session if required.

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH (EN TER) ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING

MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH (EX IT) ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING

ACTION TAKEN IN OPEN SESSION: ______

______

______MO TION MA DE BY : ___ PU GH MO TION SE CONDED BY : ___ PU GH VO TE: ___ PU GH (AC TION) ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ SI MMONS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ MA THEWS ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ SW INDELL ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING ___ TO PPING

Supplemental In formaon

PROMOTING RURAL

PROSPERITY IN AMERICA

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0

Provided by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

OVERVIEW

The Trump Administration is committed to revitalizing every county, city, and town in America. President Trump demonstrated his commitment to rural America at the beginning of the Administration by signing Executive Order 13575. The EO established the Rural Prosperity Task Force which identified over 100 recommendations spanning legislative, regulatory, and policy changes needed to help improve life in rural America. To date, the President and the Administration continue to deliver for rural America. • President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 creating over 8,000 opportunity zones – 40 percent rural – across the country; • President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill providing support, certainty, and stability to our Nation’s farmers; • President Trump signed an Executive Order on Improving Rural Health and Telehealth Access and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the Rural Action Plan – the first HHS-wide assessment of rural healthcare efforts in more than 18 years. Following the Executive Order, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the Rural Telehealth Initiative, a joint effort to increase telehealth access and broadband capacity. • Signed an Executive Order on Streamlining and Expediting Requests to Locate Broadband Facilities in Rural America to reduce barriers to capital investment, remove obstacles to broadband services, and more efficiently employ Government resources. • Devoted historic resources across agencies and programs, including transportation, infrastructure and broadband, to build capacity and drive rural prosperity throughout the country; • Repealed and replaced the burdensome Waters of the United States Rule with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule giving rural leaders, farmers, ranchers, and others the certainty they need to make decisions; • Overhauled the National Environmental Policy Act for the first time in over 40 years streamlining permitting decisions for infrastructure projects and cutting costs for public and private stakeholders; and • Signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act, which represents the single largest investment in America’s national parks and public lands in the history of the country.

In collaboration with State, local, and Tribal officials and other stakeholders, President Trump and the Administration will work to bring prosperity to America’s forgotten communities and ensure that no American is left behind!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S. Department of Agriculture ...... 4

U.S. Department of Commerce ...... 8

U.S. Department of Education ...... 12

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ...... 15

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ...... 17

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ...... 19

U.S. Department of the Interior ...... 21

U.S. Small Business Administration ...... 24

U.S. Department of Transportation ...... 26

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Sonny Perdue, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made major strides to bolster rural economic opportunities and improve quality of life for rural Americans. In 2017, President Trump issued an executive order establishing the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity “to ensure the informed exercise of regulatory authority that impacts agriculture and rural communities.” And later that year, the Task Force released a report identifying legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to promote agriculture, economic development, job growth, infrastructure improvements, technological innovation, and quality of life in rural America. By partnering with rural communities and stakeholders, modernizing infrastructure and innovating to address real-world challenges, USDA is infusing America’s rural towns and cities with the resources needed to build sustainable, prosperous futures.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, USDA has:

• Invested $721.3 million in grants and $385 million in loans to improve high-speed broadband access in rural America. • Invested $42.8 million in farmers and producers through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. • Invested $16.5 billion to build or improve electric infrastructure across rural America. • Awarded upwards of $300 million to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Communities including investing $114.3 million to increase access to distance learning and telemedicine in rural communities. • Invested nearly $5.5 billion in loan guarantees to make credit more affordable for rural businesses to build and expand operations. • Invested upwards of $225 million in CARES Act loan guarantees to support to help rural business recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. • Currently investing $100 million to build biofuels infrastructure and increase consumer access nationwide while improving the market for renewable fuels derived from U.S. farm products like corn and soybeans.

Top Rural Community Resources: USDA has a number of programs and resources to help rural leaders spur economic development, improve quality of life, and increase prosperity in their communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• The OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative is designed to increase private investment in rural business and rural economic development projects and to improve customer service within four flagship loan guarantee programs. More information here.

• The Broadband Resource Guide provides a toolkit outlining 27 USDA programs that support broadband deployment in rural communities. More information here. • The Small and Mid-Sized Farmer Resources Guide outlines valuable resources and program information about access to capital, land management and conservation practices, managing risk, and finding local markets for farmers. More information here. • The Rural Community Action Guide, developed in conjunction with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, provides topical insights on how rural leaders can and are addressing drug use and its consequences to build strong and health rural places. More information here. • USDA’s Rural Housing Resources Guide outlines a variety of resources and programs, including loans, loan guarantees, and grants, to support rural homeownership. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Below, find important information and resources:

normally receive at school over two school weeks. In total, more than 38 million meals were delivered. More information here. - Emergency Supplemental SNAP Benefits: In response to COVID-19, USDA has brought all SNAP households up to the maximum benefit level, totaling more than $2 billion per month. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits. USDA also rapidly expanded the online purchasing pilot to allow more SNAP recipients to shop for their groceries online and stay safe. More than 97 percent of all households receiving SNAP now have access to online purchasing across 46 States. - Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): USDA worked with states to provide benefits (similar to SNAP or “food stamps”) to children who normally receive free or reduced- price school meals through the Pandemic EBT or P-EBT program. P-EBT helps supplement family budgets by replacing the value of those lost school meals. SNAP and Child Nutrition agencies in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have collaborated to design, build, and administer P-EBT programs to distribute billions of dollars in food assistance to eligible children and their families.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Disaster and Emergency Assistance: USDA’s Disaster Resource Center offers information about specific disasters and emergencies, how to prepare, recover, and help build long-term resilience, as well as information about USDA assistance during disaster events. - Disaster Nutrition Benefits and Flexibilities: The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with state, local, and voluntary organizations to provide nutrition assistance to those most affected by a disaster or emergency. USDA Foods are currently stored in every state and U.S. territory and may be used by state agencies or local disaster relief organizations to provide food to shelters or people who are sheltering in place. More information here.

• Rural Development Programs (http://www.rd.usda.gov/) - Rural Electric Program: Providing reliable, affordable electricity is essential to sustaining the economic well-being and quality of life for all of the nation's rural residents. The Electric Program provides leadership and capital to maintain, expand, upgrade, and modernize America's vast rural electric infrastructure. More information here. - Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs: Through Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. More information here.

- Community Facilities Program: Essential community infrastructure is key in ensuring that rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas. Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. More information here. - Rural Broadband: Through the ReConnect Broadband Program, USDA is providing innovative funding for rural broadband that expands communities’ and providers’ eligibility for Federal funding, increases access to capital, and incentivizes public-private funding and partnerships. More information here. USDA is streamlining leasing and permitting to better facilitate broadband infrastructure upgrades and improvements. More information [Link]. Learn more about what the Forest Service is doing to deploy broadband in rural America [Link]. - Assistance for Tribal Nations: USDA offers specific rural development guidance and resources for American Indians and Alaska Natives. From electric and telecommunications loans to distance learning and telemedicine services, USDA is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life for tribes, tribal communities, and tribal members. More information here. - Shared Stewardship: USDA Forest Service is working with state and private partners to identify and prioritize the scope and scale of critical forest treatments that support communities and improve forest conditions. More information here. - Modernizing the USDA Forest Service: Implemented a blueprint to focus and modernize the Forest Service’s work by increasing the productivity of national forests and grasslands, increasing access, and expediting environmental reviews to support active management. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance through USDA’s Rural Information Center here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Wilbur Ross, the United States Department of Commerce (Commerce) has made major strides to create rural economic opportunities and improve quality of life for rural Americans. By partnering with rural communities and stakeholders, Commerce continues to stimulate economic development, job growth, infrastructure improvement, and technological innovation in rural communities.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, Commerce has:

• Facilitated 26 investment deals with an estimated value of more than $7.5 billion that are expected to support over 6,700 U.S. jobs in rural communities through SelectUSA. • Established the American Broadband Initiative to stimulate increased private investment in broadband infrastructure and services to fill broadband connectivity gaps in America. • Built out the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) coverage to include 50% of the rural population. Today, FirstNet covers approximately 25.6 million people in rural communities, well ahead of schedule for rural coverage, improving connectivity for rural first responders. • Invested over $2.7 billion Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants in 3,518 projects across all programs to help communities and regions build the capacity for economic development. This includes close to $1.4 billion in 2,773 projects to support planning, research, technical assistance, access to capital, or other activities that are essential for successful economic development and job creation in the future. • Allocated approximately $374 million to address fishery disasters.

Top Rural Community Resources: Commerce has a number of programs and resources to help rural leaders spur economic development, improve quality of life, and increase prosperity in their communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• EDA’s cooperative agreement with Rural Innovation Strategies Inc. (RISI) is an example of an award under its National Technical Assistance Program which provides support to communities who are promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in rural communities. More information can be found here. • EDA’s Build to Scale Regional Initiative endeavors to award 40% of its funding to and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship to rural communities. More information can be found here. • The International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Rural Team helps U.S. based rural companies bring their products to world markets by helping them discover new

international opportunities and connecting them with worldwide partners. More information can be found here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Below, find important information and resources:

• COVID-19 Support: The Trump Administration is marshaling the full resources of the Federal government to support State, local, and Tribal governments that respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Commerce is providing communities across the country with important information and resources. - Manufacturing Extension Partnership: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) – operating through the Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – has awarded a total of $50 million in emergency funding to support U.S. manufacturers in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding allows MEP Centers to offer services that help manufacturers increase production of products that support the response to the pandemic, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), and to reach new suppliers or markets, recover from workforce and supply chain interruptions, and achieve greater resilience. More information here. - Economic Adjustment Assistance: The CARES Act provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance is administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which provides a wide-range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the pandemic. To date, EDA has provided more than 800 grants under this program totaling more than $760 million. More information can be found here. - COVID-19 Data Hub: The Census Bureau has resources to help rural communities and state and local leaders make data driven decisions to respond to the pandemic or other disasters and to guide economic recovery. The Community Resilience Estimates can aid communities and public health officials in modeling impacts and developing plans to reduce a disaster’s potential effects. The COVID-19 Data Hub can help rural communities locate at- risk populations and businesses to focus COVID-19 response efforts and to allocate resources for recovery to areas with the greatest need. - Fisheries Assistance Funding (NOAA): On May 7, 2020, the Secretary of Commerce announced the allocation of $300 million in fisheries assistance funding provided by the CARES Act to States, Tribes, and territories with coastal and marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has approved state spend plans for Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, , Rhode Island, South

Carolina, Virginia, and individuals in those States are now able to begin the application process to receive those funds. More information here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - FirstNet: One of FirstNet’s priorities is expanding coverage for first responders in rural areas of the country. When tornadoes ripped through rural northeast Arkansas in March, FirstNet powered the response efforts. More information here. - Manufacturing Extension Partnership: Since 2017, MEP’s Manufacturing Disaster Assessment Program (MDAP) has awarded nearly $7.5 M to MEP National Network Centers in locations subject to a FEMA Disaster Declaration. The awards allow the MEP Centers to employ additional resources aimed at assessment of manufacturers’ situations, needs, and recovery in FEMA-designated disaster areas. More information here. - Disaster and Failure Studies Program: The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s NIST) Disaster and Failure Studies Program and its responsibility granted by the National Construction Safety Team Act put NIST at the forefront in developing approaches to protect the nation’s rural communities from natural hazards such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. More information on the Disaster and Failure Studies Program can be found here. - Economic Adjustment Assistance and Interagency Economic Recovery Support: Between FY18 and FY19, EDA received $1.2 billion in supplemental disaster appropriations ($600 million each year) from Congress to help regions recover from the economic harm and distress resulting from natural disasters in 2017-2019. With the support of these funds, American regions and communities hard-hit by major disasters, many of which are rural, are rebuilding stronger, more resilient economies. To date, EDA has provided 312 grants under this program totaling more than $854.6 million. More information can be found here.

• Rural Development Programs - Competitive Grant Programs: EDA supports rural communities through competitive grant programs as well as by supporting regional entities such as Economic Development Districts and Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs). These are critical partners in rural areas for promoting economic development and access to capital. In FY2019, EDA invested 61.4% of its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance funds, including RLFs, in rural areas which grantees expect will leverage over $2.7 billion in private investment. More information can be found here. - BroadbandUSA: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BroadbandUSA program promotes innovation and economic growth by supporting efforts to expand broadband access and meaningful use across America. BroadbandUSA serves State, local, and Tribal

governments, industry and non-profits that seek to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion. More information here and funding opportunities here. - Manufacturing Extension Partnership: MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers in all 50 States and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium- sized manufacturers. In FY19, the MEP National Network completed nearly 2,500 projects with over 1,600 manufacturers located in rural areas throughout the United States. Those companies reported new and retained sales of just over $3.3 billion, new investment in plant, equipment, advanced technologies and other business areas of over $1.2 billion, cost savings of nearly $323 million, and 25,000 saved and retained well-paying manufacturing jobs. More information here. - Rural Export Center: The International Trade Administration’s Rural Export Center provides in-depth, customized market research assistance to rural American exporters. This research is called RAISE – Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters. More information on the Rural Export Center can be found here. - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Investment in aquaculture research and development is supported by NOAA’s SBIR program which encourages small businesses to leverage federal funds to invest in innovative technologies and next-generation products and processes that may lead to commercialization. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance on the Department of Commerce’s website here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Betsy DeVos, the United States Department of Education (ED) has expanded educational opportunities for rural students and increased awareness and participation in the Department’s programs and initiatives among those serving rural students. Secretary DeVos included a number of rural priority areas in her Final Supplemental Priorities for Discretionary Grants and has enlarged the volume of programs that include rural priorities and set-asides.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, ED has:

• Invested more than $719 million in grants directly targeted to rural local educational agencies (LEAs). • Invested more than $100 million in innovative programs serving rural students. • Invested $20 million in rural education research centers and more than $50 million in research on rural issues through regional laboratories.

Top Rural Community Resources: ED has programs and resources to help rural leaders expand educational options and increase opportunities for rural students. These include, but are not limited to:

• The Rural Education Achievement Program provides rural districts with financial assistance for initiatives aimed at improving students’ achievement. More information here. • The Education Innovation and Research Program is designed to generate and validate solutions to persistent educational challenges and to support the expansion of effective solutions to serve substantially larger numbers of students. More information here. • The Rural Tech Project Challenge invites high schools and local educational agencies to propose technology education programs that use competency-based distance learning. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Important information and resources:

• COVID-19 Support: The Trump Administration is marshaling the full resources of the Federal government to support State, local, and Tribal governments’ response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. ED is providing state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEA), institutions of higher education and students with direct aid, resources and information, which can be found here.

- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF): On April 21, 2020, ED announced the HEER fund, which is providing approximately $14 billion in relief through grants to students and institutions of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions and others. More information here. - Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER): On April 23, 2020, ED announced more than $13.2 billion in emergency relief funds for SEAs and LEAs to support continued learning for K-12 students whose educations were disrupted by the coronavirus. More information here. - Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER): On April 14, 2020, ED announced nearly $3 billion for governors to ensure education continued for students of all ages impacted by the coronavirus national emergency. The GEER Fund is an extraordinarily flexible "emergency block grant" designed to enable governors to decide how best to meet the needs of students, schools (including charter schools and non-public schools), postsecondary institutions and other education-related organizations. More information here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Disaster and Emergency Assistance: ED’s Disaster Recovery Unit supports all school community stakeholders affected by federally declared natural disasters across the K-12 and higher education spectrum.

• Rural Education Programs - Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP): Specifically targeted to rural LEAs. REAP consists of two components – the Small Rural Schools Achievement program (SRSA) and the Rural, Low-Income Schools program (RLIS). These programs are intended to supplement title programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and provide formula funds to rural districts that may not have the capacity to effectively compete for competitive grants. More information here. - Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program: Designed to generate and validate solutions to persistent educational challenges and to support the expansion of effective solutions to serve substantially larger numbers of students. The EIR program contains a 25% set-aside for projects serving rural students. More information here. - Rural Tech Project: A challenge open to rural high schools and LEAs to advance rural technology education and prepare students for the careers of today and tomorrow by proposing technology education programs that use competency- based distance learning. More information here. - Rural Research Centers: The Institute of Education Sciences in 2019 awarded two, 5-year, $10 million grants to rural research centers. The awards went to the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) at Harvard

University and the National Center for Rural School Mental Health (NCRSMH) at the University of Missouri. - Perkins Innovation and Modernization Program: Designed to identify, support, and rigorously evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies to improve and modernize career and technical education and align workforce skills with labor market needs. The program contains a 25% rural set-aside and three of the funded projects are serving rural communities. More information here. - Pathways to STEM Apprenticeship for High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant: A demonstration program to support State efforts to expand and improve the transition of high school CTE students to postsecondary education and employment through apprenticeships in STEM fields. Half of the awards went to projects serving rural students. More information here. - Assistance for Tribal Nations: ED’s Office of Indian Education (OIE) administers the Indian Education Program, which establishes policies and provides financial and technical assistance for supporting LEAs, Indian tribes and organizations, post-secondary institutions and other entities in meeting the special educational and cultural related academic needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance through ED’s Rural Education Resource Center here.

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Andrew Wheeler, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made major strides to create rural economic opportunities and improve quality of life for rural Americans through MOAs with our federal partners, supporting Executive Orders, and providing billions in grants and loans. For instance, EPA signed a MOA with USDA on February 20, 2020 that will help rural water systems face the challenges of aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, limited management capacity and declining rate bases. Through this MOA, EPA and USDA will conduct joint activities to help rural water systems continue to provide access to safe drinking water and protect their water resources.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, EPA has:

• Facilitated more than $40 billion in water infrastructure, protecting public health and the environment. • Provided $6.8 billion in capitalization grants to the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF). In total over the same time, the SRFs have provided $28 billion to support more than 7,100 high priority projects. In 2019, approximately over $1.4 billion in CWSRF went to projects serving populations less than 10,000. • Awarded over $256 million across 511 projects to promote restoration and redevelopment of contaminated sites through the Brownfields Program, of which over $195 million has gone to communities with less than 100,000 residents.

Top Rural Community Resources:

• The Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Communities resource guide provides rural communities and small towns with resources to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. More information here. • The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a Federal-State partnership that provides communities low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. More information here. • The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program is a Federal-State partnership to help ensure safe drinking water. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Please find more information about the above programs and more below:

• COVID-19 Support: The Trump Administration is marshaling the full resources of the Federal government to support State, local, and Tribal governments’ response to and

recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA is providing communities across the country with important information and resources, which can be found here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance: EPA responds to oil spills, chemical, biological, radiological releases, and large-scale national emergencies. EPA also provides additional response assistance when state and local first responder capabilities have been exhausted or when additional support is requested. More information here.

• Rural Development Programs - EPA Regulation Changes to Promote Rural Prosperity: EPA continuously demonstrates progress in implementing President Trump’s executive orders on regulatory reform. Significant actions include repeal of the Waters of the United States and replacement with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. More information on EPA’s deregulatory actions here. - Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Communities: Smart growth strategies can help rural communities achieve their goals for growth and development while maintaining their distinctive rural character. Programs include the Local Foods Local Places program and the Recreation Economies for Rural Communities. More information here. - Funding Sources for Small and Rural Wastewater Systems: More than 97 percent of 153,000 public drinking water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people and 78 percent of the 15,000 wastewater treatment plants treat less than one million gallons per day. These small systems are often in rural settings and face unique challenges in providing affordable drinking water and wastewater services that meet federal and state regulations as well as ensuring that operations are sustainable in the future. More information here. - Brownfields Program: The program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. More information here. - Assistance for Tribal Nations: More information about the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act can be found here.

Find additional resources and guidance through EPA’s website here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Alex Azar, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has strengthened programs to better serve the millions of Americans who live in rural communities across the United States. A total of 94 new rural-focused projects have been launched over the past three years. And through the Rural Action Plan, HHS is taking a comprehensive approach at addressing the key challenges facing rural communities related to issues such as emerging health disparities, chronic disease burden, high rates of maternal mortality and limited access to mental health services.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, HHS has:

• Allocated over $4 billion in CARES Act funding to rural facilities and safety net hospitals. • Invested more than $157 million in 47 States for the Rural Communities Opioid Response program. • Provided more than $8 million in grant funding for the Telehealth Network Grant Program to provide emergency care consults via telehealth to rural providers. • Invested $5 million in FY 2020 to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas. • Reformed Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policy, including the wage index, to level the playing field between rural and urban providers.

Top Rural Community Resources: HHS has many resources and programs that are available to strengthen our rural hospital and health care concerns. These include, but are not limited to:

• Through the Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to address disparities by providing a way for rural communities to transform their health care delivery systems by leveraging innovative financial arrangements as well as operational and regulatory flexibilities. More information here. • The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program provides funding to multi-sector consortia in rural areas to enhance their ability to implement and sustain prevention, treatment, and recovery services. More information here. • The Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) program – managed through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – provides eligible hospitals with 49 or fewer beds with funding for operational improvements, including hardware, software and training. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Important information and resources:

• COVID-19 Support: The HHS Rural Task Force has played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensuring that HHS accounted for the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

Among other actions, the Task Force worked with the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act to develop a targeted allocation to rural providers of more than $10 billion to support rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers and tribal providers. - Provider Relief Fund: Through CARES Act authorizations, HHS has disbursed more than $100 billion in relief funding to providers. - Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP): During the COVID-19 pandemic, HRSA has invested $165 million in over 1,700 rural hospitals to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19. - Rural Tribal COVID-19 Response Program: HRSA has awarded over $16 million to 57 Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and other health services providers to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19 in rural tribal communities.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Hospital Preparedness Program: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response’s (ASPR) Hospital Preparedness Program is the only federally funded Cooperative Agreement program established to strengthen in nation’s healthcare preparedness. Annual funding under this program goes out to 62 awardees-50 state health departments, 8 territorial and freely associated States, and the health departments in 4 metropolitan jurisdictions. More information here.

• Rural Health/Development Programs - Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Programs: Provide initial funding to get programs started that are then sustainable beyond Federal funding. - Small Rural Hospital Transition (SRHT) Project: Assists small rural hospitals and their communities in successfully navigating the changing health care environment. - Vulnerable Rural Hospital Assistance Program (VRHAP): Works with hospitals and their communities to understand community health needs and resources.

Find additional resources and guidance through HRSA’s Rural Community Programs landing page here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Ben Carson, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made major strides to create rural economic opportunities to improve quality of life for rural Americans. Secretary Ben Carson, serves as chair of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, overseeing America’s Opportunity Zones – 40% of which are in rural areas. An opportunity zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, HUD has:

• Provided approximately $6.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding in support of rural investments in community, housing, and responding to homelessness; and approximately $2.4 billion under the CARES Act, including emergency rental assistance. • Supported homeownership for over 840,000 borrowers through low down payment, FHA financing, insuring nearly $159 billion in mortgages in rural, non-urban areas. • Provided rental housing assistance for 322 properties in rural areas with over 10,000 assisted units for very low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and disabled. • Assisted over 31,000 elderly Americans in rural areas through the HECM program, which provided nearly $9 billion to elderly borrowers • Provided an estimated $3.2 billion to over 600 Native American tribes to address housing and community needs; and an additional $300 million under the CARES Act.

Top Rural Community Resources: HUD has a number of programs and resources available to help rural leaders build safe, affordable housing and maintain their communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• The Rural Gateway is an information clearinghouse providing technical assistance, training workshops, and peer learning and resource sharing to support rural housing and economic development. More information here. • Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, States award grants to smaller units of local government that develop and preserve decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create and retain jobs. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Below, find important information and resources:

• COVID-19 Support: The Trump Administration is marshaling the full resources of the Federal government to support State, local, and Tribal governments response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. HUD is providing communities across the country with important information and resources, which can be found here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Disaster and Emergency Assistance: For most disasters, HUD’s assistance primarily comes in the forms of mortgage assistance and regulatory flexibilities to support impacted communities and individuals. In the event of large-scale disasters, Congress has appropriated funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program to further aid significant unmet needs for long-term recovery. More information here.

• Rural Development Programs - Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program: Through funding of national organizations with expertise in rural housing and community development, the Rural Capacity Building Program enhances the capacity and ability of local governments, Indian tribes, housing development organizations, rural Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and rural Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas. More information here. - Assistance for Tribal Nations: HUD's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) administers housing and community development programs that benefit American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal members, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American organizations. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance through HUD’s Rural Gateway here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) manages nearly one fifth of the surface acreage in the United States, much of which encompasses rural areas and tribal lands. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary David Bernhardt, DOI is making major strides to support priorities in rural American by facilitating economic development in Indian country, expanding access to recreational activities on DOI managed lands, promoting infrastructure development, and addressing invasive species that threaten economic or infrastructure development in rural communities.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, DOI has:

• Disbursed more than $2 billion in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding to over 1,900 local governments around the country. • Granted more than $592 million for outdoor recreational and conservation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to all 50 States, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. • Invested $481 million to protect the foundation of rural economies by fighting invasive species that damage the water and energy infrastructure, exacerbate wildland fire risks, degrade recreational opportunities, and diminish agricultural prosperity. • Expanded public access to hunting and fishing on 3.7 million acres on DOI managed lands nationwide. • Increased 0il production from DOI managed leases by over 1 billion barrels for the first time in history.

Top Rural Community Resources: DOI offers various resources and programs designed to support and strengthen rural communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• The Rural Fire Readiness program to enhance wildland firefighting capabilities in rural areas. More information here. • Through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program the Administration provides Federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to the existence of nontaxable Federal lands within their boundaries. More information here. • Through the Rural Water Supply Program, the Bureau of Reclamation is working with rural communities in Reclamation States on a cost-shared basis to assess their potable water supply needs and to identify options to address those needs. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities and tribal nations face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Below, find important information and resources:

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Natural And Cultural Resources (NCR) Recovery Support Function (RSF): The NCR RSF mission is to integrate Federal assets and capabilities to help Local, State, Tribal, Territorial, and Insular Area governments address long-term environmental and cultural resource recovery needs after large-scale and catastrophic incidents. More information here. - Tribal Assistance Coordination Group: The Tribal Assistance Coordination Group or TAC-G is a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group that assists Federally Recognized Tribes during emergencies and disasters, as well as providing information and technical assistance, for tribal emergency management programs. The TAC-G consists of partners from all levels of government (Tribal, Federal, State, county, local, etc.) as well as non-profit aid organizations and the private sector. More information here. - The National Fire Plan-Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance: This program assists rural communities at risk from catastrophic wildland fires. More information here. And the Rural Fire Readiness program enhances wildland firefighting capabilities in rural areas. More information here.

• Rural Development Programs - Energy and Minerals Management: The Bureau of Land Management supports an all-of-the-above energy approach, which includes oil and gas, coal, strategic minerals, and renewable energy resources such as wind, geothermal and solar— all of which may be developed on public lands and subject to free markets. This approach strengthens American energy security, supports job creation, and strengthens America’s energy infrastructure. More information here. - Land and Water Conservation Fund: The Land and Water Conservation Fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters. More information here. - Historic Preservation Grants: The Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, acts as the catalyst for America’s efforts to preserve its past for future generations by awarding more than $400 million to State and local governments, Native American Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, for preservation projects in all 50 States and the U.S. Territories. More information here. - Rural Broadband: DOI is streamlining leasing and permitting to better facilitate broadband infrastructure upgrades and improvements consistent with Executive Order 13821. More information here. Learn more about what DOI agencies are doing to deploy broadband in rural America: Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service.

• Tribal Development Programs - The Office of Trust Services (OTS): OTS carries out Indian Affairs trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and individuals and oversees all headquarter activities associated with management and protection of trust and restricted lands, natural resources, and real estate services. Below are some of the programs and services offered by the Office of Trust Services. More information here. ▪ Division of Natural Resources Programs here. ▪ Division of Economic Development Programs here. ▪ Workforce Planning and Development Office/Pathways Internship Program here. ▪ Integrated Resource Management Planning resources here.

- Bureau of Indian Education (BIE): BIE’s mission is to provide quality education opportunities from early childhood through life in accordance with a tribe’s needs for cultural and economic well-being, in keeping with the wide diversity of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as distinct cultural and governmental entities. Below are some of the programs and services offered by the BIE. More information here. ▪ Tribal Education Department Grant Program here. ▪ Indian School Equalization Program here. ▪ Tribally Controlled Schools Program here. ▪ Johnson-O’Malley Programs here. ▪ Supplemental Title Programs here. ▪ Academic Achievement Programs here. ▪ Family and Child Education (FACE) Program here.

- Office of Indian Services: supports families and makes communities safer for American Indian and Alaska Native people by promoting safe and quality living environments, strong communities, and individual rights, while enhancing protection of the lives, prosperity, and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Below are some of the programs and services offered by the Office of Indian Services. More information here. ▪ Child and Adult Protective Services here. ▪ Welfare Assistance here. ▪ Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS) Program here. ▪ Housing Improvement Program here.

Find additional resources and guidance through DOI’s website here.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Jovita Carranza, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), is increasing access to capital, improving opportunities for public and private investments in rural America, helping rural businesses export products around the world, and increasing the resiliency of rural communities through small business development. In April 2018, for example, the SBA and USDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve program effectiveness and increase access to capital through enhanced collaboration and coordination between the two agencies. The combined efforts aims to achieve the President’s vision of a rural America with world-class resources and the tools and support necessary to build robust and sustainable communities.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, SBA has: • Made $80 billion (20 percent) worth of CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program loans in rural communities across the country. • Made over 37,000 traditional SBA loans worth over $15.6 billion in rural communities. • Expanded 7 new women business centers that provide services in rural and underserved communities through the Office of Women Business Ownership. • Expanded 7 new Regional Innovative Clusters which focus on rural small business creation that bring much-needed education, training and expertise to support small business growth in rural locations across the country.

Rural Community Resources: SBA has a number of programs and resources to help rural leaders spur economic development, improve quality of life, and increase prosperity in their communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• SBA’s Small Business COVID-19 Resources outline funding and guidance support to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information here. • SBA’s Lender Match program is a free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved Community Development Financial Institutions and small lenders. More information here.

Program Specific Resources: Rural communities face many unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. Below, find important information and resources: • COVID-19 Support: The Trump Administration marshaled the full resources of the Federal government to support State, local, and Tribal governments’ response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. - Paycheck Protection Program: SBA approved $525 billion in lending through the Paycheck Protection Program, which provided capital for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. PPP loans can be fully forgiven if the funds are used for approved payroll and non-payroll costs. More information here. - Economic Injury Disaster Loan: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states,

Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Small businesses can view additional EIDL information here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - SBA Disaster Assistance: Through its Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA is responsible for providing affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters following a disaster. Current disaster declarations and preparedness resources can be found here.

• Rural Development/Small Business Programs - Lending Programs: Access to capital has historically been, and continues to be, one of the biggest challenges small businesses face. The SBA administers several programs geared toward providing capital to small businesses. More information here. - HUBZones: Located in historically underused business zones, small business owners can gain special access to federal contracts through SBA’s HUBZones program. A small business must meet certain conditions to qualify, including having at least 35 percent of the employees living in a HUBZone for a minimum of 180 days prior to applying. More information here. - Export Finance Programs: SBA international trade programs cover short or long- term costs necessary to sell goods or services abroad. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital to finance foreign sales or fixed assets, helping businesses better compete globally. More information here. - Local Business Assistance: SBA Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help small business start up and thrive at all stages of the business life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA cooperative agreements or grants. For information on SBA offices and resource partners in your area, visit here. - Tribal Support: SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs promotes and supports Native American entrepreneurs by engaging in numerous outreach activities including tribal consultations, development and distribution of promotional materials, attendance and participation in national economic development conferences. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance through SBA’s Resources for Rural Businesses here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Elaine Chao, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has made major strides to create rural economic opportunities and improve quality of life for rural Americans. By partnering with rural communities and stakeholders, modernizing transportation infrastructure and innovating to address real-world challenges, USDOT is infusing America’s rural towns and cities with the resources needed to build sustainable, prosperous futures.

Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, USDOT has: • Invested $5.2 billion in grants and $13 million in loans to almost 700 rural transportation projects across the nation. • Proposed a new rule to advance broadband technology in rural America with “dig once” policies that improve coordination in the use of highway rights-of-way to support the installation of broadband technologies. • Established a rural initiative to identify rural transportation and infrastructure priorities.

Top Rural Community Resources: USDOT has a number of programs and resources to help rural leaders enhance mobility, spur economic development, improve quality of life, and increase prosperity in their communities. These include, but are not limited to:

• The Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative addresses disparities in rural transportation infrastructure. More information here. • The Applicant Toolkit for Competitive Funding Programs supports potential applicants in identifying and navigating USDOT discretionary grant funding opportunities for rural transportation projects. More information here. • The Build America Bureau serves as the single point of contact and coordination for States, municipalities, and other project sponsors seeking federal transportation expertise. The Bureau’s financing products can reduce project costs, increase flexibility, and deliver transportation infrastructure faster. The Bureau has expanded its rural outreach and introduced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing rural transportation networks. More information here.

infrastructure support and relief for the American people. Response measures implemented by the Department to date have included stakeholder outreach and guidance, expanded federal assistance, and regulatory relief. More information here.

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Disaster and Emergency Assistance: Helping communities hurt by natural disasters and catastrophic events is a priority along with providing federal funding to repair damaged roads and bridges. DOT emergency relief programs help pay for unusually heavy expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions, even including COVID-19 in certain cases. More information here and here.

• Rural Development Programs - Rural Project Initiative: USDOT’s Rural Project Initiative makes federal dollars more accessible to rural communities by providing affordable rural loans to revitalize, repair, and rebuild rural America’s infrastructure. More information here. - Discretionary Grant Programs: USDOT’s competitive grant programs provide opportunities for rural project sponsors to access much needed federal transportation funds. More information here. - Assistance for Tribal Nations: Many of USDOT’s funding programs offer specific eligibilities for tribal nations, both American Indians and Alaska Natives. In addition, FHWA’s Tribal Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) builds the capability of tribal nations to manage their highway assets by providing training and technical assistance. By improving transportation networks and services, USDOT is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life for tribes, tribal communities, and tribal members. More information here.

Find additional resources and guidance through DOT’s Rural Transportation Resources page here.

HYDE COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION COMMISSIONER REPORT NOVEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER PROGRAMS

Venison Jerky Class – Dehydrating Meat, Nov 18 and 19: how to prepare venison for jerky/dehydrating meat (making marinade, knife skills for cutting, boiling for safety, operating dehydrator); classes will be in person, limited to 6 participants each, face coverings required) Mobile Food Pantries: Mailed recipe cards to mobile pantry sites. Scranton: 85 & Swan Quarter and Engelhard: 100 cards each, per month. Permanent Food Pantry Box: local church’s youth group built community food box; recently raised $500 to help keep it stocked; plan to place near social service’s office in Engelhard Video Production Workshop: Extension personnel participated in 3-day training to better understand video production techniques and equipment used; will be able to use information to improve material ECA Group Meetings: (Extension & Community Association) met Nov 6; demonstration of how vacuum sealers work and allowed participants to operate themselves Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC): The H.Y.D.E Kids program has started the backpack program with 13 youth enrolled. The first drop offs and pickups were a success. This month we are focusing on being thankful with various activities geared towards that.

4-H Club Update: Our 4-H Teen Council is the only club that has been meeting virtually so far due to the pandemic. Their first service project will be assisting with the Christmas Eve Box giveaway for local 4-H’ers and Hyde County Youth. We will also plan for them to write Christmas Cards to our local nursing homes and 4- H program sponsors and donors. Our other 4-H Clubs (ATV Safety, Reeling in Leaders (Fishing), Shooting Sports) will begin resuming meetings possibly in a hybrid fashion beginning in 2021. We will begin the process of training all adult volunteers with NC State policies and protocols put in place to ensure safety from Covid-19. Other Updates: Hyde County 4-H will be assisting with the Christmas in the Quarter parade again this year. We will have prepackaged reindeer food and a Santa’s mailbox for youth to drop off their Christmas List during the Christmas in the Quarter event. We are always looking for opportunities to engage our youth, so we are welcomed to any ideas and/or new volunteers! Thank you for your kindness and support of Hyde County 4-H! We look forward to continuing “To Make the Best Better” in Hyde County!

October 20th - Pesticide Class – Four Hyde and Tyrrell County farmers attended the class to receive pesticide credits required for re-certification. Problem Calls/Questions  Soybean quality  Nutrient deficiency in wheat Safety Video - I have been working on a video about Demock Mann’s (Hyde County farmer) grain bin accident and how the NC Agromedicine Institute helped him and his family. I hope to motivate farmers to work safer on the farm and to inform farmers, their workers, and first responders on the resources available to them through the NC Agromedicine Institute. The video should be released at the end of the month. Winter meeting planning has begun. I am working with other agents and NCSU Specialists to determine what 2021 winter meetings will look like. The 2021 Auxin Training and Blackland Cotton Meeting will be virtual. Other meetings are still in the planning process. I continue to keep farmers up to date through email and social media.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wild Game Harvest Preservation Class Series: intended in-person class for operating a meat grinder and making breakfast sausage with venison; working to create NC Hunters for the Hungry drop-off site Mobile Refrigerated Local Foods Trailer: Trailer & materials in hand, ready to begin building. Hyde County 4-H Photography Contest – December 1, 2020

Christmas in the Quarter – December 5, 2020

Hyde County Teen Council Meeting – December 2020

Hyde County 4-H Christmas Eve Box Giveaway – December 18-23, 2020

Winter Meetings – Agriculture 2021

Monday, November 30, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Hyde County Board of Commissioners in accordance with NCGS 153A-39, 153A-40 and 143-318.12 (b) (2) will hold an organizational meeting on Monday, December 7, 2020 beginning at 6:00pm in the Hyde County Government Center, Multi-Use Room.

The purpose of the meeting is election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman and establishment of the regular meeting schedule.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Monday, December 7, 2020 Hyde County Board of Commissioners Organizational and Regular meetings will be live streamed via the Hyde County Facebook page. Video will be available on Facebook and on the County’s YouTube channel for download to a personal device.

Lois Stotesberry, CMC, NCCCC Clerk to the Board of Commissioners

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