MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Kennedy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 3, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes as well as the May 12, 2022, and May 13, 2022, special meeting minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the May 3, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the May 3, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the May 12, 2022, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the May 13, 2022, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 24, 2022, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 24, 2022, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Naming Application Request in Memory of Lawrence “Lan” O’Loughlin
Mr. Eric O’Loughlin, presented a naming application requesting the Board name the swimming pool in the Community Recreation Center (CRC) after his father, Mr. Lawrence “Lan” O’Loughlin, who was the Watauga High School Men and Women’s head swim coach from 1979 to 2003. Mr. O’Loughlin shared his father’s biography and dedication to the community. Several members of the audience raised their hands when Mr. O’Loughlin asked if they supported the application. Mr. O’Loughlin gave several examples of times facilities were named in honor of someone.
Ms. Jean Hord Roberts spoke of Mr. Lan O’Loughlin’s achievements and his influence on students and the community. Ms. Hord Roberts mentioned a time when a former student of Mr. O’Loughlin’s had pledged $1,000,000 several years ago to name the, then proposed $6,000,000, recreation center after him. That did not come to fruition as a center was not built at the time.
Ms. Ashley Ginn stated that the measure of greatness was character which spoke of Mr. O’Loughlin. Ms. Ginn stated that the request was deeper than placing his name on the facility but was a way to show that the investment he made in his community still mattered.
Chairman Welch shared his thanks for the presentation and stated that no action would be taken at this meeting as a public hearing could be held at a future meeting. Mr. Welch also reminded those in attendance of the public comment period near the end of this meeting agenda during which time comments could be made on any topic.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the FY 2023 Proposed Budget
A public hearing was scheduled to allow public comment on the Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2023.
County Manager Geouque reviewed the changes made to the recommended budget after the Board’s budget work sessions were held. The County Manager also shared how the remaining ARP funds were recommended to be allocated to non-profits. These were one-time, non-reoccurring and would be disbursed in the current Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget and would have no impact on the 2022-2023 budget.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:51 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The following shared comments on the Manager’s FY 2023 Recommended Budget:
· Mr. Neil Hartley representing Hospitality House.
· Mayor Charlie Sellers representing the Town of Blowing Rock.
· Ms. Crystal Kelly representing the Children’s Council.
· Ms. Jamie Plude representing the Community Care Clinic
· Mr. Jerry Shore representing OASIS
· Mr. Marrena Greer representing the Horn In The West
As there were no additional comments, Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 6:11 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that the County had been working with The Town of Blowing Rock and was sorry the outcome was not what they wanted. Mr. Kennedy thanked the non-profits and stated that he wished more could be given.
Commissioner Turnbow stated that the non-profits stepped up after a lot of Government hold backs. Mr. Turnbow stated that the Board would continue to look at the budget and he appreciated all of the work being done.
Chairman Welch stated that the proposed budget included a property tax reduction, from 40.3¢ to 31.8¢ per $100 of valuation; the lowest rate in the state. Mr. Welch stated that the Board would continue to take comments on the proposed budget and the County Manager would present a budget for consideration at the June 7, 2022, regular Board meeting.
Proposed Proclamation for Resilient and Thriving Communities Week; June 6-12-2022
Ms. Robyn Seamon, on behalf of the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative (WCCI), presented a proposed proclamation declaring June 6-12, 2022, as the week of Resilient and Thriving Communities. The State of North Carolina has adopted a similar proclamation.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Apply for NC Sheriff’s Association Grant for Investigation Equipment to Aid in the Investigation of Internet Crimes Against Children
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Major Kelly Redmon with the Watauga County Sheriff' s Office, requested approval to apply for a grant from the North Carolina Sheriff's Association. The grant required no match. The grant would pay for equipment to assist in the investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children in North Carolina. The amount requested for equipment was $47,822.56.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to apply for the grant from the NC Sheriff's Association in the amount of $47,822.56.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Change Orders for Design Build Services
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, stated that on July 2021 a change order was requested with Muter Construction for additional Design-Build services on County facilities. The additional services were for new roofs and HVAC replacements at the Human Services Building and the Law Enforcement Center as well as the proposed construction of a storage building at the new Community Recreation Center (CRC). The storage building was removed as the County now plans to utilize space at the existing Armory facility when available. The Board approved the change order for designs on the roofs and HVAC replacements.
The current change order was for the actual construction of the roofs, HVAC unit replacements, and additional work required around the courthouse as noted in the July 2021 meeting. The cost of construction was $2,410,747.26. Adequate funds were available in the current FY 2021-2022 budget and CIP reserve to cover the requested change order.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the Change Order in the amount of $2,410,747.26 for the roof and HVAC replacements at the Law Enforcement and Human Services Center and the additional work at the Courthouse.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request
Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, request approval for Ms. Keron Poteat, Parks and Recreation Manager, to travel to Orlando, Florida, to serve as the Special Olympics tennis coach. All costs with the exception of Ms. Poteat’s time were covered.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to authorize Ms. Keron Poteat’s out-of-state travel as requested by Mr. Poulos.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of April 2022. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Warren stated that there were no refunds and presented the Releases Report for April 2022 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the Releases Report for April 2022 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Request to File Untimely Appeals
Mr. Warren requested the Board, serving in its capacity as the Board of Equalization and Review to allow for the consideration of hearing untimely appeals as presented.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved, in capacity as the Board of Equalization and Review, to allow for the hearing of the untimely appeals presented by Mr. Warren.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Budget Amendment
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented a revised Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) FY 2021-22 Funding Allocation Form. Crossnore School was not able to utilize funds totaling $6,962. The Council recommended the $6,962 be allocated to WYN Youth Resource Center, Mountain Alliance, and Juvenile Mediation in the amounts of $1,925, $3,638, and $1,399 respectively.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the reallocation of funds as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Watson stated that Western Youth Network was also awarded additional funds in the current fiscal year totaling $24,500 to purchase a van; no match was required from the County for these additional funds.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve $24,500 for WYN to purchase a new van as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) FY 2023 Certification, Membership, and County Plan
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Certification, County Plan, and the membership roster for FY 2023.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the Certification, County Plan, and membership roster as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque presented renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). The rate for property and liability was $237,921, which was a $32,329 increase, and the rate for workers compensation was $230,161 which was a $7,118 decrease. Based on prior years’ claims experience, staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000. The Manager’s recommended budget included adequate funds to cover the insurance premiums.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to accept the renewals for property and liability insurance, in the amount of $237,921, and workers compensation, in the amount of $230,161, from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Human Services Parking Lot Agreement with Appalachian State University
County Manager Geouque stated that the current lease with Appalachian State University (AppState) was scheduled to expire in August. AppState has requested the lease to be renewed. Once revised dates for utilization of the parking lot were received from AppState the lease will be brought back for approval.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the lease with Appalachian State University to utilize the Human Services Parking Lot for football game days and special events.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
Chairman Welch announced the following:
· The Town of Blowing Rock’s ribbon cutting for the History Walk will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, beginning at Laurel Lane.
· The Town of Blowing Rock’s Memorial Day Service will be held at the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park.
· The Town of Blowing Rock’s Fourth of July Parade will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 10:00 A.M.
Public Comment
The following spoke during public comment:
Mr. Hank Thompson, Mr. Paul Welsh, Mr. Ralph E. Lentz, II, Mr. Steve Breitenstein, Ms. Amy Atkins, and Mr. Jonathan Miller spoke in support of the Lawrence “Lan” O’Loughlin naming request.
Ms. Phyllis MacBryde, spoke in support of the Lawrence “Lan” O’Loughlin naming request and in support of the Horn In The West.
Mr. John Clark requested to be allowed to appeal his property valuation. By consensus, the Board agreed to have Mr. Thompson meet with Tax Assessor, Mr. Larry Warren, to be added to the appeals list.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that the Board was figuring out the best way to recognize Mr. O’Loughlin.
Closed Session
At 7:00 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3); and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board