MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina. The purpose of the meeting was to hold a public hearing to allow citizen comment on proposed changes to the High Impact Land Use (HILU) Ordinance.
Present: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Jimmy Hodges, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Joe Furman, Planning & Inspections Director
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
Public Hearing To Allow Citizen Comment On Proposed Amendments To The High Impact Land Use Ordinance
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to open the public hearing at 5:33 P.M.
VOTE: Aye - 5
Nay - 0
The following shared comments including support of the proposed amendments:
Ms. Renee Gamble
Ms. Christi Menefee
Ms. Susie Winters
Ms. Carol W. B. Conner
Mr. Bill Gulliver
Ms. Tena Gulliver
Ms. Annette Reeves
Mr. David Sengel
Ms. Shelly Parsons
Mr. Stan Chamberlain
Ms. Pam Williamson
Ms. Anne Ward
Mr. Lee Stroupe
Ms. Shivonne Quintero
As there were no further comments, Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to close the public hearing.
VOTE: Aye - 5
Nay - 0
County Manager Geouque stated that the March 7, 2017, regular meeting would be held prior to the expiration of the Development Moratorium on High Impact Land Uses on March 10, 2017.
Mr. Joe Furman addressed the following concerns raised during comments:
· The proposed amendments do not have a provision for the Board of Adjustment to revoke permits. Staff would have that authority.
· The amount of time for notice to be given would not change the fact that a hearing would have to be conducted as a quasi-judicial, evidentiary hearing which would only allow those who had “standing,” as defined in the North Carolina General Statutes, to speak at the hearing.
· Pre-existing, non-conforming land uses can continue to exist if they don’t cease to operate or exist for two years. County Attorney di Santi stated that he had suggested the “two-year” time table as it was defensible according to the General Statutes.
After discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to recommend the amendments be changed to require a sixty day notice for permits with the notice to mailed to affected (adjacent and nearby) property owners, run continuous on the County’s website, and published in the paper twice (60 days and two weeks prior)
VOTE: Aye - 5
Nay - 0
Discussion was held regarding the issue of motorsport activities and the County Attorney and staff were directed to address concerns in an updated draft for the March 7, 2017, Board meeting.
To address further concerns mentioned during public comment, Mr. Furman stated that the Citizens’ Plan for Watauga County was voluntary recommendations.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 P.M.
VOTE: Aye - 5
Nay - 0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board