MINUTES
 
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2003
 
            The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held, on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, a regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
 
                        PRESENT:       James Coffey, Chairman
                                                Jimmy Hodges, Vice-Chairman
                                                David Blust, Commissioner
                                                Keith Honeycutt, Commissioner
                                                Allen Trivette, Commissioner
                                                Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, County Attorney
                                    Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
                                    Deron Geouque, Assistant County Manager
                                               Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
 
            Chairman Coffey called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance. A moment of silence was observed.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
            Chairman Coffey called for additions and/or corrections to the May 5, 2003 regular meeting minutes, May 5, 2003 closed session minutes, and the May 8, 2003 special meeting minutes.
 
            Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the May 5, 2003 regular meeting minutes, May 5, 2003 closed session minutes, and the May 8, 2003 special meeting minutes as presented.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 


APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 
            Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the May 20, 2003 agenda.
 
            County Manager Nelson requested to amend the closed session to include Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
 
            Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the May 20, 2003 agenda as amended.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER FIRE DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGES
 
Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing open at 7:01 P.M. to allow for comment on the recommended fire district boundary changes.
 
            Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, stated that the proposed boundary adjustment between the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department fire tax district and the Boone Fire Department service district was needed due to the construction of the new Hwy 421. The only property owner involved was the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
 
            There being no public comment, Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing closed at 7:02 P.M.
 
            Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the boundary adjustment between the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department fire tax district and the Boone Fire Department service district as presented by Mr. Furman.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
PUBLIC HEARING – RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004
 
Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing open at 7:03 P.M. to allow for comment on the Manager’s recommended budget for FY 2004.
 
            The following individuals addressed the Board regarding the recommended budget:
 
Ms. Megan Johnson, Watauga County Library
Ms. Mary Sizemore, Watauga County Library
Mr. Rick Herrick, Valle Crucis Park
Mr. Richard Tidyman, School Teacher
Mr. Andy Reese, School Board
Ms. Cherry Johnson, Watauga County Arts Council
Ms. Debbie Wellborn, New River Senior Services
Ms. Tammy Taylor, New River Senior Services
Ms. Doris Cummings, New River Senior Services
Mr. Andrew Mason, Citizen
Ms. Pam Williamson, Citizen
Ms. Mildred Bennett, New River Senior Services
Mr. Jim Thompson, Hospitality House
Ms. Mary Margaret Cavanaugh, Citizen
Mr. Art Barber, Citizen
Ms. Susan Lawrence, Board of Education Offices
 
            Each individual briefly discussed their concerns regarding the Manager’s Recommended Budget for fiscal year 2004.
 
            There being no further public comment, Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing closed at 7:46 P.M.
 
            Board action was not required and none was taken.
 
STEWART SIMMONS COMMUNICATIONS TOWER REQUEST
 
            Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, gave a brief update on the Stewart Simmons communication tower request. Mr. Furman stated that the alternate property sought for the location of the tower was no longer available. The award of the bid to High Country Communications in the amount of $17,933.49, which was not the lowest bid, remained the recommendation. High Country Communications was recommended because of their inclusion in the bid of a battery powered backup system and a more substantial housing structure.
 
After discussion, Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to award the contract for the communications tower to High Country Communications as presented by Mr. Furman and to approve the lease for the tower site property as amended for 5 years with two 5 year options to renew both with both the contract and lease being contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
BRUSH GRINDING CONTRACT REQUEST
 
            Mr. JV Potter reviewed bids for brush grinding at the Watauga County Landfill. Four proposals were received. Mr. Potter recommended awarding the bid to Target Contracting in the amount of $11,018.75. Target Contracting was not the lowest bidder but was recommended due to prior unacceptable performance by the low bidder. County Manager Nelson stated that at execution, the actual payment/contract amount would be more due to the amount of brush and wood that was to be collected, in addition to the amount that was present when the bids were solicited. Additional tonnage was to be prorated at the contracted rate.
 
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to award the brush grinding contract to Target Contracting as presented by Mr. Potter, contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
 
Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
 
            Account #                    Description                                                           Debit             Credit
            143531-323000           Admn. Cost Reimbursement                              $5,100
            145350-440900           Sp. Adult Daycare                                                                   $5,100
 
            The amendment recognized a decrease in the state and federal funding authorization for State Adult Daycare.
 
 
            Account #                    Description                                                           Debit             Credit
            135912-459005           PSFF-Hardin Park Roof                                    $1,350
            133593-359005           Pub. School Fac. Fund-H. Park                                               $1,350
 
            The amendment recognized Public School Facilities funds to be expended for roof engineering expenses.
 
            Account #                    Description                                                           Debit             Credit
            145310-469845           E & D-DSS                                                                             $4,500
            143300-345000           E & D Transporation Assist.                              $4,500
            103300-345000           E & D Transporation Assist.                                                     $4,500
            105550-313001           E & D - POA                                                    $1,900
            104500-469845           E & D - Paratransit                                            $2,600
 
            The amendment transferred unneeded E & D funds from DSS to the Project on Aging and AppalCART E & D transportation programs.
 
            Account #                    Description                                                           Debit             Credit
            145890-469816           JCPC-Psych. Counseling                                                         $3,551
            145890-469817           Psych. Counseling-Co. Match                                                  $1,065
            145890-469811           JCPC-Juvenile Mediation                                  $1,000
            145890-469812           Juvenile Mediation-Co Match                               $300
            145890-469803           JCPC-Project Challenge                                    $1,051
            145890-469804           Project Challenge-Co. Match                               $315
            145890-469809           JCPC-WYN                                                     $1,500
            145890-469810           WYN-Co. Match                                                 $450
 
            The amendment recognized reallocation of JCPC and local matching funds.
 
            Account #                    Description                                                           Debit             Credit
            103300-343302           Emergency Mgt.-Supplemental                                                 $4,690
            104330-449911           Misc. Exp.-EOC Enhancement                          $4,690
 
            The amendment recognized the award of EOC Enhancement Grant.
 
            Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
 
            A. Discussion of Special Circumstance Tipping Fee Policy – County Manager Nelson presented a draft Policy for Special Circumstance Tipping Fee Wavier.
 
            After brief discussion, the Board agreed to table further discussion on the waiver policy until a time at which the Board was to schedule a work session to discuss the solid waste ordinance.
 
            B. Future Forward Economic Development Strategy Report – County Manager Nelson stated that the Future Forward Economic Development Strategy Report and Strategic Action Plan was the regional economic development program as established in the 10th and 11th Congressional District as an initiative of Congressman Ballenger.
 
            The County Manager stated that this was a draft report of the plans for comment by the members committee. Board members were asked to forward comments to the County Manager for submission. 
 
            No action was requested at this time.
 
            C. Watauga County Library Bylaws Amendment Request – County Manager Nelson stated that Ms. Shelby Lane, Chair of the Watauga County Library Board, had requested that the Watauga County Commissioners approve a change to the existing Library bylaws. The proposed change was approved by the Library Board at their May 1, 2003, meeting.
 
            Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the amendment to the Watauga County Library Bylaws as presented by the County Manager.
 
            “Regular meetings of the Watauga County Library Board shall be held at a time and place designated by the Chairperson. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, the Regional Director or by a majority of the members with 48 hours notice.”
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
            D. Discussion of Cable Franchise Tax – County Manager Nelson stated that the Board of Commissioners had, in a recent budget work session, considered raising the cable franchise tax from the current 3% to 5%. The County Manager stated that any change to the cable franchise agreement would require a public hearing and affirmative votes at two consecutive Board meetings. After approval of the Board, a 60 day notice had to be given to the cable franchise.
 
            After discussion, the Board agreed to leave the cable franchise tax at 3% and instructed the Manager to reduce the Manager’s contingency fund to keep the recommended budget balanced.
 
            E. Boards and CommissionsCounty Manager Nelson stated that Mr. Rick Herndon, Planning and Development Director at High Country Council of Governments, requested the annual appointments (4) to the Region D Development Corporation. 
 
            Commissioner Honeycutt nominated Mr. Carroll Garland, Mr. Bill Rucker, and Ms. Linda Craig. Commissioner Trivette nominated Mr. James Wilcox. 
 
            The Board unanimously approved Mr. Carroll Garland, Mr. Bill Rucker, Ms. Linda Craig, and Mr. James Wilcox to serve on the Region D Development Corporation.
 
            The County Manager stated that Ms. Shelby Lane, Chair of the Watauga County Library Board, requested that Ms. Dot Barker be appointed to a four-year term as a Regional Board Member of the Appalachian Regional Library System.
 
            Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to appoint Ms. Dot Barker as a Regional Board member of the Appalachian Regional Library System.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
            County Manger Nelson stated that the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC), the policy board of the High Country Rural Transportation Planning Organization, consisted of one elected county official from each of the seven counties, one elected municipal official from each of the seven counties, one elected official from the Town of Boone, one member of the High Country Council of Governments Executive Board, and one member of the NC Board of Transportation. James Coffey was the current Watauga County member and could be reappointed if he and the Board so desired.
 
            This was the first reading of the above request and therefore no action was required.
 
            F. AnnouncementsCounty Manager Nelson announced upcoming meetings and events.
 
PUBLIC COMMENT
 
            The following spoke during public comment:
 
            Mr. Jacob Miller
            Mr. Art Barber
            Ms. Pam Williamson
            Mr. John O’dowd
            Mr. Richard Tidyman
            Mr. Nathan Winkler
 
CLOSED SESSION
 
            At 8:57 P.M., Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to enter into Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
            Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:29 P.M.
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
BUDGET WORK SESSION
 
            The Board agreed to schedule a budget work session for Tuesday, May 27, 2003, from 4:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.
 
ADJOURN
 
            Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 P.M.
 
VOTE:    Aye-5
               Nay-0
 
 
 
                                                                                                James Coffey, Chairman
ATTEST:
 
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board