MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 5:33 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Welch and Commissioner Pertalion were not in attendance.
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the August 16, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the August 16, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the August 16, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Approval of Agenda
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the September 6, 2022, agenda.
An appointment to the Watauga County Public Library Advisory Board was requested to be added under Boards and Commissions.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the September 6, 2022, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Appointment of Finance Director
County Manager Geouque stated that, upon Ms. Misty Watson’s resignation, the County recently hired Ms. Samantha Jones as the new County Finance Director. Per the County’s Other Post-Employment Benefits Agreement and North Carolina General Statutes, Ms. Jones was required to be officially appointed as the County’s Finance Director which serves as the Trustee for the agreement. Vice-Chairman Kennedy welcomed Ms. Jones, who was in attendance, to the County.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to officially appoint Ms. Jones as Finance Director effective September 6, 2022.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Amendments to the Spacing Requirements for Category 1 And 2 High Impact Land Uses from the Regulations (Chapter 13 of the Planning & Development Ordinance)
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow public comment on proposed new spacing requirements for Category 1 and 2 High Impact Land Uses from the regulations (Chapter 13 of the Planning & Development Ordinance).
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
The following shared comments in support of the proposed amendment: Peyton Sturges, Susie Winters, Anne Ward, Barbara Krause, Chip Williams, and Andy Hill.
As there were no additional comments, Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 5:50 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
County Manager Geouque stated that upon completion of the public hearing the Board may adopt the changes as presented, table the decision for a future meeting, or schedule a work session to further discuss the recommended changes.
Commissioner Turnbow stated that the Watauga County Planning Board reviewed the proposal and voted to recommend the amendment to the Board of Commissioners; therefore, Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the Planning and Development Ordinance as amended.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Patrol Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Request
Captain Preston Russell, on behalf of Major Kelly Redmon, Watauga County Sheriffs' Office, requested approval for the purchase of eight (8) 2022 Dodge Durango Police SUVs, AWD at $39,175.00 each from Ilderton Dodge Inc. Ilderton Dodge was awarded the Sheriff’s Association’s vendor vehicle procurement contract.
Captain Russell stated that the original bid was cancelled from quotes received during the last fiscal year. The original budget was $33,863 per vehicle. However, as Dodge released the 2023 prices an unforeseen increase was revealed in August of this year by the manufacturer. The budget deficit is $ 5,312.00 per vehicle for a total of $42,496.
Captain Russell also requested approval to purchase the emergency equipment for the new patrol vehicles from Dana Safety Supply. Dana was awarded the Sheriff’s Association’s vendor procurement contract for safety equipment. Similar to the vehicles, price increases were experienced and the equipment per vehicle cost increased by $419.50 per unit. Total overage for the equipment was $3,356.
Funds for the vehicles and emergency equipment were included in the Sheriff's budget for FY 2022-2023 with the shortfall to also come from the Sheriff’s budget.
As a side note, Captain Russell stated that the Sheriff’s Office just received the vehicles ordered in 2020 in August of 2022 and the equipment installation had not yet occurred.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the purchases from Ilderton Dodge and Dana Safety Supply as detailed with all funds, including the overage, to come from the Sheriff’s FY 2022-2023 budget.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Project on Aging Matters
A. Proposed Allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested the acceptance of $146,001 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Certain amounts of the funds would need to be utilized to provide additional In-Home Aide services, Home Delivered meals, and Congregate meals. No match was required and funds were required to be expended by September 30, 2024. Ms. Boitnotte stated that she was working toward receiving State approval for use of a portion of the funds for capital projects such as kitchen equipment and new handicapped doors.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept the funds as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
B. Proposed Appropriation of State Funds for Senior Centers
Ms. Boitnotte requested the acceptance of Senior Center General Purpose funding in the amount of $14,577. Both Senior Centers were eligible; with $10,901 for the L. E. Harrill Center and $3,676 for the Western Watauga Community Center. The funds required a 25% match totaling $4,859 that was included in the agency’s current budget.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the Senior Center General Purpose funding in the amount of $14,577 and approve the required 25% match as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Updated NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/County Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Pursuant to G. S. 108A-74
Mr. Tom Hughes, DSS Director, presented an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health and Human Services for all social services programs. Mr. Hughes recommended approval of the MOU as presented. The State did not do the MOU during the pandemic. There were no sanctions associated with the proposed MOU. Mr. Hughes anticipated that the State may reinstate sanctions in the FY 2023-2024 MOU. Commissioner Turnbow stated that he expected improvements when sanctions were reinstated to allow for measured scopes for small counties. Commissioner Wallin stated that the Directors kept saying the MOU requirements wouldn’t work and the State needed to listen.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the MOU as presented by Mr. Hughes.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Request to Purchase Animal Care and Control Vehicle
On behalf of Mr. Rex Buck, Operation Services Manager, County Manager Geouque requested authorization for the purchase of one new 4x4 F150 Pickup Truck in the amount of $35,558.70 from Capital Ford, Inc. Funds in the current Animal Care and Control budget and administrative contingency were available to cover the expense. The total amount for the purchase was $36,631.46 which included the tax and tag from Capital Ford, Inc.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to authorize the purchase of one (1) new 4x4 F150 Pickup Truck in the amount of $36,631.46 including tax and tag from Capital Ford, Inc. as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Armory Planning Committee
County Manager Geouque stated that Commissioners Turnbow and Pertalion were appointed to the Armory Planning Committee. Three appointees are required. Commissioner Turnbow requested the appointment be tabled.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy tabled the item for a future meeting.
B. Resolution Authorizing the Approving of A Contract and A Deed of Trust and the Delivery Thereof and Providing for Certain Other Related Matters
County Manager Geouque stated that at the August 16, 2022, Board meeting, a public hearing was held to allow citizen input on the proposed financing of the new Valle Crucis School. In order for the project to continue forward, the County Manager presented a proposed resolution authorizing a contract, deed of trust, and the delivery thereof and providing for certain related matters.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the resolution as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
C. Proposed Emergency Medical Services Agreement with Avery County
County Manager Geouque stated that negotiations with Avery County were complete. Mr. Geouque presented a proposed agreement for the provision of Emergency Medical Services between Avery and Watauga County. This agreement would allow the ambulance unit paid for by the Town of Beech Mountain to serve the areas of the town located on the Avery County side. The agreement was required by state law for the Watauga unit to provide service on the Avery side. County Manager Geouque stated that he had heard from the Avery County Manager who stated that the agreement was adopted this same evening by the Avery County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the Emergency Medical Services Agreement with Avery County as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following proposed appointments:
Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission
The terms of Mr. Pat Brown and Mr. Scott Jensen expire this month. Both were appointed last September to fulfill unexpired terms and both are willing to be reappointed to full three-year terms. Mr. Brown fills one of the Historic District resident seats and Mr. Jensen fills one of the Valle Crucis Community Council member seats, assuming he is re-elected at the annual meeting of the Community Council on September 12. If the first reading of the appointments occurs at the September 6, 2022, Commissioners meeting, the second reading could occur September 20, after the Community Council meeting.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Pat Brown in one of the Historic District resident seats and Mr. Scott Jensen, contingent upon his reappointment to the Valle Crucis Community Council with both terms to be three-year terms.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Watauga County Public Library Advisory Board
Ms. Monica Caruso, Watauga County Librarian, requested Ms. Carol Deal be reappointed to the Watauga County Public Library Advisory Board for her first term after filling an unexpired term in 2020. This was a first reading.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Carol Deal to the Watauga County Public Library Advisory Board for her first full term, after having filled an unexpired term in 2020.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The NCACC’s Legislative Goals Conference was scheduled for 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. County Manager Geouque stated that Commissioner Wallin had been appointed as the Watauga County Delegate.
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:20 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 6:43 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-2(Welch, Pertalion)
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board