MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2000

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, March 6, 2000 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

Jack Lawrence, Sr., Commissioner

Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney

Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager

Libby Link, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance. Commissioner Kohles was out of town and unable to attend the meeting.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the February 22, 2000 regular and closed session meeting minutes.

 

No change was made to the February 22, 2000 closed session minutes, however, Vice-Chairman Sweeting suggested a change in the February 22, 2000 regular meeting minutes.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the February 22, 2000 closed session minutes as presented and the regular meeting minutes with the amendment as discussed by Vice-Chairman Sweeting.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

 

Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the February 29, 2000 special meeting minutes.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the February 29, 2000 special meeting minutes as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

County Manager Nelson requested an addition to the Agenda under Agenda Topic #12 (Miscellaneous Administrative Matters) to discuss the software that needed to be replaced in the County’s 911/Dispatching Center.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the March 6, 2000 regular meeting agenda with the amendment.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER PROPOSAL

 

Dr. Charles Duke, Dean of the Reich College of Education, Appalachian State University, presented a proposal to establish a Community Resource Center in the County. This center was to house the following: the Appalachian State University Comprehensive Clinic for Speech and Hearing, various non-profit agencies, the Job Link Center, the Employment Security Commission and Vocational Rehabilitation. Dr. Duke introduced Ms. Gillian Baker, Director of the Watauga Medical Center Healthy Carolinians Program, who was one of the Community Resource Center Task Force Participants. Ms. Baker voiced her support of this proposal which she felt considered long range plans for the community. She then turned the meeting over to Dr. Duke. Dr. Duke reiterated the desire for a "one-stop" facility to house these agencies stating he felt a resource center would benefit the entire community. In addition, Dr. Duke requested the County provide a 40,000 square foot facility for this purpose. Chairman Hodges thanked Dr. Duke for the thorough information that was provided for the Board’s review and noted that space issues was one of the topics that the Board would address at its retreat scheduled for March 17 and 18, 2000.

 

RECREATION FIELD PROPOSAL

 

Town Council member, Max Schrum, representing the Town of Boone, addressed the Board regarding a 9 acre tract of land (across from the Anne Marie/Elizabeth Drive area) that the Town had recently purchased for $80,000. The Town purchased this property with the intention of converting it to athletic fields including a lighted softball field. The Town would like to begin clearing and grading this tract of land during the upcoming construction season. As part of the landfill settlement consent order between the County and the Town, the Town was to pay the County $45,000 per year for a period of 10 years beginning August 1, 2000 solely for the development of a park in the Anne Marie Drive/Elizabeth Drive areas. On behalf of the Boone Town Council, Mr. Schrum requested the Board grant the Town permission to use the $45,000 payment for the Fiscal Year 2000/2001 to begin construction of these athletic fields. Upon completion, the Town would then either deed this property to the County or offer it to the County as a long-term lease for $1.00 per year.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve this request.

 

Prior to the vote, several Board members asked Mr. Schrum for clarification of how the $45,000 would be spent for the upcoming Fiscal Year (2000/2001). County Attorney Hedrick stated the request could be approved subject to finalizing the agreement that such payment does not interfere with the County’s obligation as to how to spend the remaining funds due to the County under the federal consent order.

 

The following vote was then made on Dr. Lawrence’s motion:

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

DOWNTOWN BOONE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION MATTERS

 

A. Annual Report – Ms. Len Cone with the Downtown Boone Development Association presented its annual report and briefly reviewed program highlights and a statistical summary.

 

B. Sales Tax Distribution Resolution – Ms. Cone presented a resolution that had been adopted on March 1, 2000 by the Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) supporting action for the continued use of the "per capita" method as the basis for sales tax distribution in Watauga County. She stated the DBDA encouraged the Board to use the resolution as a working tool during the Board’s upcoming budget process.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION

 

Mr. Bill Neal, Chief Probation and Parole Officer, N. C. Department of Correction Adult Probation and Parole, presented the Fiscal Year 2000/2001 Criminal Justice Partnership Program grant application. The application had been approved by the local CJPP Advisory Board on February 7, 2000. Mr. Neal stated the grant application required no County funds and requested the Board’s approval.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the Criminal Justice Partnership Program grant application as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

TAX REPORT

 

A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of February, 2000.

 

B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for February, 2000 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-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

C. Exempt Properties Discussion – Tax Administrator McLean informed the Board that he was in the process of reviewing exempt properties to verify if the properties qualified for exempt status. Mr. McLean stated this process was required by statute (G.S. 105-297 (1). He added the Tax Department would be sending out brochures to obtain additional information from property owners.

 

D. Board of Equalization & Review – Tax Administrator McLean stated that in the past, the Board of Commissioners had served as the County’s Board of Equalization and Review, however, a special Board could be appointed to serve. In addition, if the Board of Commissioners continued to serve on the Board of Equalization and Review, meeting dates, times and logistics needed to be established at the Board’s regular meeting scheduled for April 3, 2000. Mr. McLean reviewed the properties that were exempt: religious facilities (any property used by churches), Watauga Medical Center, as well as, charitable and educational facilities.

 

PARKS & RECREATION MATTERS

 

A. Summer Parks Proposal – Parks & Recreation Director, Deb Wynne, stated that the Parks & Recreation Department staff had worked directly with members of the Board of Education and requested the following changes to the Parks & Recreation Summer Parks Proposal:

 

For Summer School children only – change the weekly fee from $40/week to $30/week from July 11-28, 2000 since these children would only be able to attend camp for 5 hours/day due to their Summer School schedule.

 

Allow 7th and 8th graders who attend Summer School to attend camp only during the three-week Summer School session. Summer parks currently allows only rising 1st-6th graders to attend.

 

Ms. Wynne stated that the County’s Recreation Commission had approved these changes. She added that, if approved, these changes would allow more than 20-30 children to attend these programs.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the changes to the Summer Parks Proposal as requested.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

B. Participant Eligibility Policy Amendments – Parks & Recreation Director, Deb Wynne, presented changes to the Participant Eligibility Policy. The amendments allowed non-County residents to participate in the Adult Athletic Programs as well as Youth Athletics (only if this change would help to have enough participants on a team). Ms. Wynne stated Watauga County residents would always have a priority to register first. The County’s Recreation Commission had approved these amendments, and Ms. Wynne requested the Board’s approval.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Participant Eligibility Policy amendments as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

PLANNING MATTERS

 

A. Board of Adjustment Appointments – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, addressed the Board regarding appointments to the Watauga County Board of Adjustment. The following members’ terms had expired in November, 1999, however, the terms had been extended by the Board at its November 16, 1999 regular meeting until new appointments could be made: Bill Ragan (Howard’s Creek Watershed), Carolyn Aldridge (Foscoe/Grandfather) and Allen Dale Mast (Valle Crucis). Following the Board’s request, Mr. Furman had advertised for interested parties to apply. He noted four applications had been received: Messrs. Phillip Trew and Gary T. Wilson (Foscoe-Grandfather Community); Mr. Lyle Schoenfeldt (Valle Crucis Historic District); Mr. James H. Watts (Howard’s Creek Watershed).

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to appoint Mr. Phillip Trew, Mr. James H. Watts and Mr. Lyle Schoenfeldt to the Watauga County Board of Adjustment for three-year terms.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

B. Secondary Roads Addition – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, presented a request for the addition of Pine View Drive (.7 mile, located off NCSR 1320 – Howard’s Creek Church Road in Glenwood Springs subdivision) to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. DOT for consideration.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #19

 

C. Parking Management Contract – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, presented a proposed contract between the County and McLaurin Parking Company for management of the County’s parking lots. The current contract expired March 31, 2000, and the proposed 3-year contract would be effective April 1, 2000 through March 31, 2003. In addition, the proposed contract specified the same terms as the previous contract with the following exceptions:

 

Section 3. B. The Human Services Center parking lot was eliminated (parking would be managed on an as needed basis upon notification from the County. For these services, McLaurin would charge and receive $15.00 per trip, payable quarterly). In addition, the Vetro lot was eliminated since the County no longer leased this parking lot.

 

Section 3. E. Collection Letters: McLaurin would notify violators by mail that payment was due. For the services, McLaurin would charge and receive $6.00 per letter, payable quarterly to cover the cost of postage, paper supplies, and time involved processing payments.

 

Mr. Furman stated he had been pleased with the service provided by McLaurin Parking Company and requested the Board approve the renewal contract.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the contract with McLaurin Parking Company as requested.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

DISCUSSION OF BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION REPORT

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated the Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues had met for over a year to consider land use management and growth issues that affected all areas throughout the County. (Clerk’s note: The Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues Report had been presented at the Board’s February 29, 2000 special meeting). Vice-Chairman Sweeting noted the members of this Commission had worked hard, and she urged the Board of Commissioners to consider the recommendations found in this report without delay.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to adopt the Blue Ribbon Commission Report and the presentation remarks.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

 

A. Amendments to the Watauga County Ambulance Franchise Ordinance – A public hearing had been held at the Board’s February 22, 2000 regular meeting to consider changes to the Watauga County Ambulance Franchise Ordinance. Franchise ordinances and/or amendments to such needed to be passed at two successive Board meetings. Therefore, County Manager Nelson requested approval of the amendments to the Watauga County Ambulance Franchise Ordinance as discussed at the Board’s February 22, 2000 regular meeting.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the amendments to the Watauga County Ambulance Franchise Ordinance as requested.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

ORDINANCE BOOK #10, PAGE #31

 

B. Declaration of Surplus Property – County Manager Nelson stated that Sheriff Lyons had requested the following vehicles be declared as surplus property:

 

1981 Blazer VIN #118321

1991 Crown Victoria VIN #171647

1994 Crown Victoria VIN #159382

 

(Clerk’s note: This request was discussed at the Board’s February 22, 2000 regular meeting, however, Board action was tabled for clarification regarding the vehicles).

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to declare the vehicles as surplus property as requested.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

County Manager Nelson stated a request was received from the Department of Sanitation to declare the 950 Cat Loader as surplus and to approve the sale of same by sealed bid.

 

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

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

In addition, the County’s Board of Elections (BOE) had previously requested to surplus 22 PBC2 counters and attempt to sell them. Since the BOE had been unable to sell them, County Manager Nelson stated a request had been received from the BOE to dispose of the counters as scrap metal for whatever amount might be received.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve this request.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

C. Project on Aging Request for Additional HCCBG Funding – County Manager Nelson stated the County’s Project on Aging had received notification that additional funds were available ($2,529 in State funds and $281 in Federal funds). These additional funds required a local match of $285 which was present in Project on Aging’s existing budget.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the additional HCCBG funding and required budget amendment.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

D. Resolutions – County Manager Nelson presented two resolutions for Board approval. The first resolution supported naming the new section of U.S. Highway 421 in honor of Doc Watson. (Please note: Clerk to the Board, Libby Link, was notified by Sam Erby, Jr., Board of Transportation member, that a resolution was required for the N.C. Department of Transportation’s consideration of naming a highway in honor of an individual).

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to adopt the Resolution in Support of Naming the New Section of U.S. Highway 421 in Honor of Doc Watson.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #20

 

The second resolution was received from the Shawneehaw Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) requesting the Board’s approval for tax exempt financing of a new fire pumper truck. The amount of $156,884 was proposed to be borrowed and paid for by the revenues of the Shawneehaw Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Nelson stated the County had been informed that a public hearing was held by the SVFD on February 28, 2000, and no opposition was voiced at this duly advertised public hearing.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the Resolution Approving the Financing by Shawneehaw Volunteer Fire Department of up to $156,884 for the New Fire Pumper Project.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #21

 

Prior to discussion concerning Board & Commissions, County Manager Nelson stated that at the Board’s last regular meeting on February 22, 2000 the Board approved a request from the Sheriff’s Department regarding the 911/Dispatching Proposal for the County to "piggy-back" the bid proposed to the Lee County’s Sheriff’s Office by Southern Software. The total bid amount for this software was $102,015. In addition, pursuant to G.S. 143-129(g) a notice was advertised indicating that the County intended to waive the bid requirements and to accept a bid from Southern Software, Inc.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve a contract in the amount of $102,015 with Southern Software, Inc. for the purchase of public safety software contingent upon successful contract negotiation by County staff and County Attorney Hedrick.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

E. Boards & Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that Ms. Evelina Idol’s term expired in March, 2000 on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee, however, no recommendations had been received to date. Vice-Chairman Sweeting asked about the possibility of advertising future vacancies on Boards & Commissions as a public service announcement in the Watauga Democrat and Mountain Times. County Manager Nelson stated he would research this issue and report to the Board at a future meeting.

 

In addition, County Manager Nelson stated that future appointments would need to be considered for the Blowing Rock Rural Fire Protection District Commission (terms expired in April, 2000). No Board action was required at this time.

 

F. Announcements – County Manager Nelson informed the Board that there would be a breakfast hosted by the Watauga County Child Protection Team (CPT) and the Watauga Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) on Thursday, April 6, 2000 from 7:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. to be held in the conference room at the Cooperative Extension offices. The purpose of the breakfast was to honor CPT and CFRT members and to share the annual review with the Board.

 

In addition, since the Board was conducting a retreat on March 17, 2000 and March 18, 2000, County Manager Nelson asked if the Board would like to cancel its March 21, 2000 regular meeting.

 

Following brief discussion, Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to cancel the Board’s regular meeting scheduled for March 21, 2000.

 

VOTE: Aye-3

Nay-1 (Sweeting)

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

CLOSED SESSION

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to enter Closed Session at 10:00 A.M. to discuss: Personnel Matters, G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6).

 

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

Following a brief recess, the Board entered Closed Session at 10:08 A.M.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to resume the regular meeting at 10:18 A.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to re-classify the current Job Title/Grade for the Chief Animal Control Officer, Grade 63, to Chief Animal/Sanitation Control Officer, Grade 64, and to re-classify the current Job Title/Grade for the Animal Control Officer, Grade 61, to Animal/Sanitation Control Officer, Grade 62, retroactive to January 1, 2000.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

ADJOURN

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:19 A.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Absent-1 (Kohles)

 

 

 

______________________________

Jimmy Hodges

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

______________________________

Elizabeth H. Link

Clerk to the Board