MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1999

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 7, 1999 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.

 

PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, Chairman

Sue Sweeting, Vice-Chairman

James Coffey, Commissioner

Art Kohles, Commissioner

Jack Lawrence, Sr., Commissioner

Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney

Barry J. Reed, County Manager

Libby Link, Clerk to the Board

 

Prior to the meeting, Commissioner Kohles acknowledged his appreciation for the Board’s donation to Community Hospice of Texas in memory of his mother.

 

Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 9:01 A.M. welcoming those in attendance.

 

A moment of silence was observed.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the May 18, 1999 regular minutes and the May 24, 1999 special meeting minutes.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the May 18, 1999 regular minutes and the May 24, 1999 special meeting minutes as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the agenda for the June 7, 1999 regular meeting as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS OF THE LOCAL EMEGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Fire Marshal, Lisa Shoun, presented proposed revisions to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Bylaws. Ms. Shoun recommended that the Emergency Management Office’s secretary act as the LEPC secretary. In addition, the officers’ terms would expire after one year (currently officers held two year terms). Meetings had been held every other month, and Ms. Shoun proposed conducting meetings three times a year (the second Tuesday of April, August and December). The following names were submitted for the new LEPC members, and Ms. Shoun asked for the Board’s approval:

 

Media Scott Nicholson Mountain Times

Media Jim Sparks Winston-Salem Journal

Public Ned Taylor Geonetics

Facilities George Ashley IRC

Public Dr. Evan Rowe ASU Safety

Community Dr. Jeff Sutton Lyons Club

Agriculture Al Childers USDA

Law Paula Townsend Sheriff’s Department

Law Chief Bill Post Boone Police Department

Health John Alley Health Department

Hospital Pat Gray Blowing Rock Hospital

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve this request.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

TAX REPORT

 

A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of May, 1999.

 

B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for May, 1999 for Board approval:

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

In addition, Tax Administrator McLean requested approval of a late application for exempt status for a lot owned by the Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds. Mr. McLean stated that the Board had the authority to approve this application (per G.S. 105-282.1(5).

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the late application for exempt status filed by the Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

REQUEST FOR ADDITION OF A ROAD TO THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM

Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, presented a request for the addition of George Moretz Lane (off NCSR 1350 – Big Hill Road) to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. DOT for consideration.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

RESOLUTION BOOK #9, PAGE #62

BUDGET AMENDMENTS

 

Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

103991-399101 Fund Bal. Approp.-New 10,566

104120-418300 Admn.-Hosp. Ins. 635

104130-418300 Fin.-Hosp. Ins. 763

104140-418300 Tax-Hosp. Ins. 1,958

104210-418300 DP-Hosp. Ins. 258

104260-418300 Mtn.-Hosp. Ins. 1,134

104310-418300 Sheriff-Hosp. Ins. 2,655

104311-418300 Jail-Hosp. Ins. 558

104330-418300 EM-Hosp. Ins. 134

104380-418300 An. Cont.-Hosp. Ins. 491

104960-418300 Soil-Hosp. Ins. 273

105550-418300 POA-Hosp. Ins. 442

105820-418300 Vet.-Hosp. Ins. 333

106120-418300 Rec.-Hosp. Ins. 460

106121-418300 Pool-Hosp. Ins. 281

106126-418300 Sp. Pop.-Hosp. Ins. 191

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

143991-399101 Fund Bal.-Approp. New 3,408

145310-418300 Admn.-Hosp. Ins. 2,966

145370-418300 Prog. Integ.-Hosp. Ins. 442

263991-399101 Fund Bal.-Approp. New 116

264330-418300 E-911 Hosp. Ins. 116

663991-399101 Fund Bal.-Approp. New 908

667420-418300 Solidwaste –Hosp. Ins. 908

To appropriate funds to cover the increase in the cost of health insurance coverage. The cost increase was effective 1/1/99. The total needed through 6/30/99 was $14,998. This was about half of Ms. Isaacs’ original estimate made in December. Some departments delayed hiring new personnel and/or had significant turnover, etc. and needed no additional funding for hospital insurance expense for this year which decreased the additional funds needed.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

133593-359003 PSFF-Voc. Education 100,000

135912-459005 Cap. Outlay-BOE-Bethel 44,296

135912-459004 Cap. Outlay-BOE-Ath. Complex-

High School 55,704

 

To recognize funding approved from the Public School Facilities Fund for renovations and construction at Bethel Elementary and the Watauga High School Athletic Facility. Application to use these funds for these purposes was approved by the Board at the October 20, 1998 meeting.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

1999/2000 JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL FUNDING PLAN

 

County Manager Reed stated that each year the Board needed to approve the funding for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Funding Plan. He noted the committee had met to review the programs and the funding required, which included a local match of $31,812. Mr. Reed added the matching funds had been included in the next Fiscal Year’s budget.

 

Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s 1999-2000 Funding Plan as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

PLEDGE OF FUNDS TOWARD THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT BUILDING EXPANSION

 

County Manager Reed stated a request had been received from the Institute of Government (IOG), the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the North Carolina League of Municipalities concerning the shortfall of funds for the renovation of the IOG. Mr. Reed added that not enough funds were included in the State’s budget to cover the building costs for renovating the IOG. Therefore, they would like each county and city to contribute an amount equal to their current annual dues ($3,236 for Watauga County). The Board noted the good job done by the IOG as well as benefits received.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to contribute $3,236 to the Institute of Government’s building renovations.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS

 

Watauga County Animal Control Appeals Board – County Manager Reed noted the following members’ terms expired in June, 1999: Hubert Townsend (Sheriff’s Designee), John Alley (Health Director Designee), Lynn Northup (Humane Society) and John Matheson, Alternate. All had agreed to continue to serve.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to re-appoint Hubert Townsend, John Alley, Lynn Northup and John Matheson to the Watauga County Animal Control Appeals Board for one-year terms.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Boone Minimum Housing Appeals Board (ETJ Position) – County Manager Reed stated Roger Wright’s term expired June 30, 1999, and the Town of Boone recommended his re-appointment.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting nominated Karen Byerly, a resident in the new ETJ area.

 

Commissioner Coffey moved to re-appoint Roger Wright to the Boone Minimum Housing Appeals Board (ETJ Position). The following vote was made:

 

VOTE: Aye-2 (Coffey, Lawrence)

Nay-3 (Hodges, Kohles, Sweeting)

 

The following vote was made to appoint Karen Byerly to the Boone Minimum Housing Appeals Board (ETJ Position) for a 3-year term.

 

VOTE: Aye-3 (Hodges, Kohles, Sweeting)

Nay-2 (Coffey, Lawrence)

 

Watauga County Council on the Status of Women – County Manager Reed noted the following members’ terms expired in June, 1999: Sue Sweeting, Margaret Sigmon, Lousie Bell, Peggy Main and Jennifer Bent. Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated that Loraine Richardson did not want to continue to serve (term expired June, 2001). In addition, Vice-Chairman Sweeting noted that Jennifer Bent did not want to be re-appointed. Vice-Chairman Sweeting requested the following appointments: Sue Sweeting, Margaret Sigmon, Louise Bell, Peggy Main, Mary Dunlap and Lori Nicklin. It was agreed that Lori Nicklin would serve the unexpired term of Loraine Richardson whose term expired June, 2001. All other terms would expire June, 2002. Chairman Hodges asked for those in favor of these appointments.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Watauga County Economic Development Commission – County Manager Reed stated the following members’ terms expired in June, 1999: John Brubaker and Chris May. In addition, Brian Cruthfield’s and Thurman Johnson’s terms had expired in June, 1998, therefore, a total of four appointments needed to be made. Mr. Reed added that John Brubaker was the only one who could be re-appointed. The following individuals had agreed to serve:

 

Dan Godwin, Commercial Realtor, Weber, Hodges & Godwin

Jane Helm, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, A.S.U.

Rob Holton, Holton Mountain Rentals

J. B. Lawrence, Mayor of Blowing Rock, V.P. First Citizen’s Bank

Paul Miller, Attorney, Carroll Leathergoods, Counsel to Watauga Wood Products

John Rundell, President, Molecular Toxicology, Inc.

Don Watson, Attorney, Watson, diSanti & Capua

Chris Wilcox, President, Appalachian Evergreens

James Wilcox, President, Wilcox Freight, Inc.

Sue Wilmoth, V.P. for Transportation – BACC

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to re-appoint John Brubaker and to appoint Susan Winkler, J. B. Lawrence and Sue Wilmoth to the Watauga County Economic Development Commission.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Mr. Brubaker’s and Ms. Wilmoth’s terms would expire in June, 2002, and Ms. Winkler’s and Mr. Lawrence’s terms would expire in June, 2001.

 

Watauga County Jury Commission – County Manager Reed noted that Ted Hagaman’s term expired in June, 1999.

 

Chairman Hodges seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to re-appoint Ted Hagaman to the Watauga County Jury Commission for a 2-year term contingent on his ability to continue to serve.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Board of Trustees – County Manager Reed noted that Bill H. Miller’s term expired in June, 1999, and Mr. Miller had agreed to continue to serve for a 4-year term. The following votes were made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Bill Rucker

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Celia Roten

Commissioner Coffey – Bill H. Miller

Commissioner Kohles – Celia Roten

Commissioner Lawrence – Bill H. Miller

 

Based on the results of the first vote, the following second vote was made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Celia Roten

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Celia Roten

Commissioner Coffey – Bill H. Miller

Commissioner Kohles – Celia Roten

Commissioner Lawrence – Bill H. Miller

 

Based on results of the votes, Celia Roten was appointed to the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Board of Trustees for a 4-year term.

 

AMBULANCE FRANCHISE ORDINANCE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated she had written a letter to County Manager Reed (due to several complaints she had received from citizens in the County) to comply with the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance (AFO). Mr. Reed stated he had written a letter (dated May 21, 1999 and hand-delivered) to Watauga EMS Director, Tim Wilson, requesting the information referenced in the AFO (Section 11.1 (F). Mr. Reed briefly discussed the information he had requested which was to be provided on a monthly basis. However, as of this date, the information had not been provided. Several of the Commissioners voiced their concerns about Mr. Wilson’s apparent lack of cooperation. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to have Mr. Wilson address the Board at the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for June 22, 1999 to discuss these issues.

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

 

County Manager Reed had distributed several miscellaneous administrative items for the Board’s information (Corps of Engineers Public Notice, a letter from the N.C. Department of Transportation (N.C. DOT) concerning Landfill Road (noting N.C. DOT’s plans to make some improvements on the road to keep it in working order), Board/Committee Minutes, Avery/Watauga Boundary Dispute Information, Landex v. Board of Adjustment Update, as well as, Planning & Inspections’ and Register of Deeds’ Monthly Reports. None of these items required Board action. Vice-Chairman Sweeting made a request for the County Manager’s office to send a copy of the letter written to Sam Erby, Jr., Board of Transportation member for Division 11, regarding the condition and possible improvements to N.C. Highway 194 to the individuals who voiced their concerns at the Board’s May 3, 1999 public hearing on the secondary road improvements program for Fiscal Year 1999/2000.

 

CLOSED SESSION

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to enter closed session at 9:53 A.M. to discuss: Real Property Acquisition – G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

Following a brief recess, the Board entered closed session at 10:03 A.M.

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to resume the regular meeting at 10:15 A.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

A recess was declared at 10:16 A.M.

The meeting reconvened at 10:35 A.M. in the Administrative Conference Room to conduct a budget work session. Those present were Chairman Hodges, Vice-Chairman Sweeting, Commissioners Coffey, Kohles and Lawrence, Sr., County Manager Reed, Finance Director Isaacs, Assistant County Manager/OSD, Bob Frye, Clerk to the Board, Libby Link and Winston-Salem Journal reporter, Jim Sparks.

 

A recess was declared at 12:23 P.M.

 

The meeting resumed at 12:55 P.M.

 

 

ADJOURN

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:22 P.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

 

 

___________________________

Jimmy Hodges

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

______________________________

Elizabeth H. Link

Clerk to the Board