MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, August 16, 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 5:33 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 Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the August 2, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the August 2, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the August 2, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the August 16, 2022, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add the following three items:
· An Agreement for the Ted Mackorell Soccer Association
· A conservation easement for Middle Fork Greenway
· RFQ selection of an architect for the 911/Medic Base/Emergency Services Facility
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the August 16, 2022, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Financing for the New Valle Crucis School
Chairman Welch stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on the proposed financing of the new Valle Crucis Elementary School as required by the Local Government Commission.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:37 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The following shared comments in support of proposed financing of the new Valle Crucis Elementary School: Tuesdae Rice, Jenna Crawley, Kelli Mayhew, and Dr. Gary Childers.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to close the public hearing at 5:48 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Resolution Authorizing the Negotiation of an Installment Financing Contract and Providing for Certain Other Related Matters Thereto
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution authorizing the negotiation of an installment financing contract and providing for certain other related matters thereto. The resolution was required as part of the process for the approval of the financing of the Valle Crucis Elementary School.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Introduction of Appalachian Theatre Executive Director
Ms. Suzanne Livesay, Executive Director of the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, introduced herself and thanked the Board for support including the subsidy that was given this year from ARP funding. Ms. Livesay stated that, in the three weeks she has been at the Theatre, she has witnessed first hand times the subsidy funding has been beneficial to the community.
Ms. Livesay stated that she looked forward to coming back to the Board with a more extensive report near the end of the Fiscal Year.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy thanked Ms. Livesay and stated that the County has been a co-supporter of the Theatre since the beginning.
Commissioner Wallin stated that he was on the interview committee that hired Ms. Livesay and stated that she was very impressive and the committee was very happy to have hired her after a nationwide search.
Proposed End of Overdose Proclamation
Mr. Joey Matthews and Ms. Jeannie Berry presented a proposed proclamation declaring August 31, 2022, as “End Overdose in Watauga County Day” and encouraging all residents to consider being trained in the use of life-saving overdose reversal medication and having it available to use.
Chairman Welch read the proclamation.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Recovery Month 2022 Proclamation
Ms. Mary McKinney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Mr. Eric Ellis presented a proposed proclamation declaring the month of September 2022 as Recovery Month in Watauga County and call upon our community to observe this month with compelling programs and events that support this year’s observance, the 33rd Anniversary of Recovery Month.
Chairman Welch read the proclamation.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vaya Update
Mr. Dustin Burleson, Community Relations Regional Director, gave an update on Vaya Health matters. Mr. Burleson reported on the current challenges including increased demand for services and the limited resources. Vaya was working with providers to meet the challenges while trying to expand and develop new service opportunities across the region. Vaya has increased outpatient rates at the Crisis Walk-in Centers to stabilize physician and clinical staff with the retention of existing staff, recruit additional staff, improve access to same day care in rural communities, incentivize face to face service in rural communities, and expand access to substance use services. Mr. Burleson stated that Vaya’s strategies to address workforce challenges included increased rates across all of the service area to promote competitive recruitment and retention; targeted rate increases for direct support professionals for more competitive pay for key community-based behavioral health and intellectual/developmental services; targeted work and funding with providers to develop strategies for recruitment and retention; utilizing funding to allow providers to incentivize staffing in more rural counties; and focused work with the Vaya Provider Advisory Council to develop recruitment and retention strategies across service and disability.
Mr. Burleson stated that in April 2022 Vaya worked with Daymark Recovery to supply iPads to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office to use while in the community to have real time face to face assess in crisis situations. In August 2022, Vaya was working with the Town of Boone Police Department to supply them with iPads as well. The Hospitality House also planned to participate in this program. Vaya was also working to bring back the Watauga Behavioral Task Force.
Vaya was working on a statewide child and youth improvement initiative to establish a standardized seamless transition of care for children placed outside of the Vaya Health Plan region; implement a standardized pass-through authorization process for children entering residential treatment services to eliminate any barriers for children needing to quickly enter residential treatment; develop a standardized referral process for all residential providers; and expand a statewide open network to improve access to care for child services by reducing or eliminating the need for out-of-network agreements prior to entry to care.
Mr. Burleson stated that Vaya was partnering with our local governments, state and community partners to determine the best use of funds from the opioid settlement.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of July 2022. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of the Tax Administrator, presented the Refunds and Releases Report for July 2022 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for July 2022 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Annual Settlement of Tax Collector
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of the Tax Administrator, presented the following Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 2022 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 2022.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Oath to Collect Taxes
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of the Tax Administrator, presented a proposed order granting authorization to collect taxes for Fiscal Year 2023. Once approved, a sworn oath would be administered to Tax Administrator Warren.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to grant authorization for Tax Administrator Warren to collect taxes for Fiscal Year 2023.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Proposed Resolution Scheduling the Octennial Reappraisal
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented a resolution establishing the reappraisal schedule to be effective January 1, 2027.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the resolution establishing the reappraisal schedule to be effective January 1, 2027.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award for Trailer Storage Area Improvements
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Services Director, stated that the County recently accepted bids for Trailer Storage Area Improvements. The lowest responsive bidder exceeded the budgeted amount for the project. At this time, staff recommended rejecting the bids and developing a revised plan to separate the project into smaller multiple projects to bring the project within or closer to the budgeted amount.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to reject the bids for the Trailer Storage Area Improvements and direct staff to revise the project to be bid at a later date.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex License Agreement
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed license agreement between the County, Appalachian Soccer Group, LLC, Appalachian State University, and the High Country Soccer Association, Inc. Mr. Geouque stated that the County Attorney approved the agreement and it met concerns that had been previously discussed.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the license agreement as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Conservation Easement with Watauga County Pathways, Inc.
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed conservation easement with Watauga County Pathways, Inc. for the Middle Fork Greenway.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the easement as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. RFQ Architect Selection for 911/Watauga Medics/Emergency Services Facility Construction
County Manager Geouque stated that three proposals were received as a result of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services for the new 911/Watauga Medics/Emergency Services Facility. Mr. Geouque stated that Vice-Chairman Kennedy, Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, Mr. Robert Marsh, and himself reviewed the proposals and recommended the Board select Clark Nexsen.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to select Clark Nexsen for architectural services for the new 911/Watauga Medics/Emergency Services Facility as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Armory Planning Committee
County Manager Geouque stated that at the last Board meeting, Commissioners Turnbow and Pertalion were appointed to the Armory Planning Committee. The Committee will recommend uses for the Armory building as the Town and County have joint ownership. Three appointees were required from each entity. Upon Commissioner Turnbow’s request, Chairman Welch tabled the appointment for the third member.
E. Proposed Funding Agreement with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed contract with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for economic development services. Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections/Economic Development Director, would be retiring in December of 2022. The proposed contract which allowed for the Chamber to provide economic development services was a possible option for the Board to utilize upon Mr. Furman’s retirement. County Attorney Garrett had approved the contract.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the contract with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services for the County upon Mr. Furman’s retirement as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
Watauga County Public Library
The Watauga County Library Board had recommended Patty Swartzbaugh be appointed to the Appalachian Regional Library Board of Trustees to replace Ala Sue Moretz whose term has ended. The term would begin in September. This was a first reading.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Patty Swartzbaugh to the Appalachian Regional Library Board of Trustees as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Janet Specht has resigned from the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. This position requires Board approval to officially remove Ms. Specht from the Committee. A replacement has not been recommended at this time. This was a first reading.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and remove Janet Specht from the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The High Country Council of Governments’ 47th Annual Banquet is scheduled for Friday, September 9, 2022, in the Grandview Ballroom at The Northwest Endzone, Appalachian State University.
· The NCACC’s Legislative Goals Conference will be held over two days, November 16-17, 2022, in Wake County. Delegates will vote on the slate of goal proposals that have been thoroughly vetted with the final slate of proposals to be brought before the Association’s membership in November.
Commissioner Wallin stated that the Board had until September 12, 2022, to submit items for consideration at the NCACC’s Legislative Goals Conference.
Mr. David Jackson thanked the Board for approval of the economic development agreement and the subsidy given to Appalachian Theatre.
Ms. Jean Studeman shared comments in regards to Chairman Welch’s position on the Board of Commissioners.
Closed Session
At 6:39 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 Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6)
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board