MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 5:44 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Billy Kennedy, Chairman
Larry Turnbow, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Ray Russell, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Chelsea Garrett, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the October 4, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the October 4, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the October 4, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the October 18, 2022, agenda.
Chairman Kennedy requested to add committee assignments to Boards and Commissions for Commissioner Russell.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the October 18, 2022, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parking Deck Update and Proposed Agreement with Appalachian Architecture, PA
Mr. Bill Dixon with Appalachian Architecture gave an update on the Water Street Parking Deck. The Town of Boone cooperated with the timeline. Mr. Dixon also presented a contract with Appalachian Architecture for the design, construction, administration, and permitting of the parking deck. The contract, in the amount of $366,080, which was 8% of the estimated project cost of $4,576,000. Funds were allocated in the FY 2022-23 budget.
The original project cost was $4,576,000 with an additional 10% professional fees. Additional costs of $385,000 were added to meet Historic Preservation Commission (COA) approval ($300,000 of which was for an all brick façade) and an additional $130,000 was added to meet building code. There was also an increase of 10% added due to construction industry cost increases. The revised total costs estimate for the new parking deck was $6,002,788.
[Clerk’s Note: Commissioner Pertalion stepped out of the meeting from 5:56 P.M. until 6:03 P.M.]
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the contract with Appalachian Architecture in the amount of $366,080 for the design, construction, administration, and permitting of the Water Street Parking Deck.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Russell, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Pertalion)
Opioid Grant Opportunity
Ms. Jennifer Greene, Director of AppHealthCare, requested authorization to apply for a grant to supplement the current opioid funding. In addition, Ms. Greene requested authorization for the County Manager to sign the letter of support for the grant.
Ms. Lindsey Sullivan, Director of Health Promotion at AppHealthCare, stated that the County was in the process of forming a committee/taskforce to develop a comprehensive plan on the expenditure of the opioid’s settlement funding. The goal of the group was to develop a long-term plan that would have the most impact on our community.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Turnbow, moved to authorize Ms. Greene to apply for the grant and the County Manager to sign the grant support letter.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Fair Housing Plan Update for Community Care Block Grant for COVID Recovery (CDBG-CV)
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, stated that an update was needed to the schedule of activities required by the Community Development Block Grant for COVID recovery (CDBG-CV). One of the activities was the Fair Housing Plan. In the 4th quarter, 2022 the activity to adopt fair housing resolution was scheduled for March. This activity now needs to occur in the 1st quarter, 2023, requiring the plan to be amended. The NC Department of Commerce, overseer of the grants, required that formal action be taken to correct this error. The remedy was to rearrange activities, moving one scheduled for 3rd quarter 2023 into the 4th quarter 2022 slot and shifting everything down.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Annual Report
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, gave the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report which included a comprehensive evaluation of the agency’s operations and policies as required by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to accept the Annual Report.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Maintenance Bid award
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, requested the award of bids for carpet replacement and painting of the County Administration Building due to damage sustained from a water leak.
PBI was recommended for carpet replacement in the amount of $45,073. FRC Painting was recommended for painting in the amount of $31,020. The base bid was the anticipated expense the insurance company would pay. Option 1 was the replacement of the carpet and painting of the remainder of the building due to the age of the existing carpet and matching of the new paint. Staff recommended the replacement of all of the carpet and painting due to the normal replacement schedule and that a majority of the building would be undergoing repair.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Turnbow, moved to accept the bids from PBI, in the amount of $45,073, and FRC Painting, in the amount of $31,020.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of September 2022. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2022 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2022 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Howard’s Knob Park Master Plan and Accessibility for Parks Grant Application Requests
Mr. Eric Smallwood, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that there have been no changes to the Howard’s Knob Master Plan nor the Howard’s Knob Park Accessibility for Parks grant application since presented at the October 4, 2022, meeting. The grant application was in the amount of $350,000 and required a 20% match which would be funded by the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Information detailing the TDA’s interaction with the public in regards to the park was provided to the Board along with emails supporting the Howard’s Knob conceptional plan.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Turnbow, moved to approve the Howard’s Knob Park Master Plan and authorized submission of the Accessibility for Parks grant application in the amount of $350,000 with the 20% local match to be paid by the Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Chairman Kennedy appointed Commissioner Russell to fill the vacant Commissioner representative seats on the following: Child Protection Team, Educational Planning Committee, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), and the Watauga County Recreation Commission. Chairman Kennedy would fill the vacant Commissioner representative seat on the Fire Commission.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Contract for Architectural Services for the new 911/Medic Base/EOC Facility
County Manager Geouque requested approval of a contract with Clark Nexsen to provide architectural services for the proposed 911/Medic Base/EOC Facility. The initial contract was for a flat fee of $25,000 for programming. Once the programming was complete and an estimated cost was determined, an 8.5% fee would be charged based on the estimated cost to construct for the remainder of the scope of work.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the contract with Clark Nexsen in the amount of $25,000 for programming of the new 911/Medic Base/EOC facility and then 8.5% for the remainder of the scope of work based on the estimated budget.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Recommended Contract Award for Employee Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
County Manager Geouque presented renewal rates as received for medical, dental, and life insurance benefits. The initial renewal rate received from CIGNA for medical insurance was a 19.75% increase. Further negotiations and analysis of additional claims reduced the increase to 4.96%. The initial renewal rate received from Ameritas for dental insurance was a 12.5% increase. After further negotiations the increase was reduced to 9.5% for dental insurance.
The renewal rate received from Symetra for life insurance reflected a $6,438.48 increase in annual premiums. After further negotiations and discussions, The Standard Insurance Company came back with a renewal of our current plan with a reduced increase of $3,627.60 in annual premiums. Benefits and premiums would remain unchanged with Community Eye Care for vision insurance.
The County Manager stated that staff recommended CIGNA’s level funding plan for the County’s medical insurance with a 4.96% increase and for the County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account. Staff further recommended Ameritas, with a 9.5% increase for dental insurance, The Standard for life insurance, with a $3,627.60 increase in annual premiums, and to continue with Community Eye Care as the carrier for vision insurance. Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the renewal rates.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the following:
· CIGNA’s level funding plan, with a 4.96% increase, for employee’s medical insurance
· The County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account
· Ameritas, with at 9.5% increase, for dental insurance
· The Standard, with a $3,627.60 increase in annual premiums, for life insurance
· Community Eye Care, with no changes, as the carrier for vision insurance
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Budget Amendment
County Manager Geouque presented a budget amendment to record the land donated by the Watauga County School Board for the Valle Crucis School and to move funds from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Valle Crucis School expenditures.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the budget amendment as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Extension to the Current Forest Service Lease
County Manager Geouque stated that the Forest Service requested an extension on their lease to use office space at the Cooperative Extension Building. The lease expired on September 30, 2022. The Forest Service requested to extend the lease through June 30, 2023. All terms and conditions would remain the same. A 10-day notice was given by resolution, as directed by the Board, and the lease was ready for adoption.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the lease and completion of PO-28 Lease Proposal Form after the adoption by the Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Proposed Amendments to Public Comment Rules
County Manager Geouque stated that the County’s current public comment rules were adopted prior to the Board holding a public comment period during each regular meeting. Mr. Geouque presented an updated policy to reflect the change that has been in place for several years.
The proposed amendments were as follows:
Watauga County Board of Commissioners
Public Comment Rules
At the April 16, 2002 Watauga County Board of Commissioners meeting the Board established the following policy for public comment before the Board.
· The Board does hereby establish a time period of up to sixty (60) minutes, for an open forum, at the end of its second each regular meeting in each month to hear citizen comments.
· Length of comment for each speaker may be limited to 2-5 minutes as decided per meeting.
· Comments are to be directed to the Board as a whole. The forum is intended to provide the Board of Commissioners an opportunity to hear citizens. It is not intended to subject the Board to answering impromptu questions. Citizens will be expected to be civil in their language and presentation and not to engage in slander or name-calling.
· During the 60 minute open forum, speakers should not discuss any of the following:
a. Matters which concern the candidacy of any person seeking public office, including of the person addressing the Board;
b. Matters in current or anticipated litigation.
Any citizen wishing to address the Board during the 60 minute open forum shall either call the Clerk to the Board any time prior to the regular scheduled meeting, or may sign a speaker’s list prior to the commencement of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to identify themselves and to specify the subject matter of comments to be made.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the updated public comment rules as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. November Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the Commissioners’ Board Room was to be used as a polling site for one-stop voting in October and November as well as on Election Day. Staff recommended cancelling the November 1, 2022, meeting. The second meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022. A special meeting could be called if necessary.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to cancel the November 1, 2022, meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Geouque stated that the first Board of Commissioners meeting in December needed to be moved to Monday, December 5, 2022, as Commissioner-Elects were required to be sworn-in on the first Monday of December following the election. The meeting would be recessed to allow for the swearing in ceremony of the Commissioners-Elect and then reconvene with the newly constituted Board seated.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to reschedule the Tuesday, December 6, 2022, Board meeting to Monday, December 5, 2022.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees has recommended Sam Adams and James Deal for reappointment and Jonathan Allen for appointment as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025. These were first readings.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Jonathan Allen and reappoint Sam Adams and Jim Deal to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees with terms effective from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
High Country Council of Governments’ Ombudsman, Ms. Stevie John, had requested Ms. Glenda Hodges be considered for reappointment to serve on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for an additional three-year term. Ms. Hodges was willing to continue to serve if so appointed. This was a first reading.
Vice-Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Glenda Hodges to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a three-year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
H. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· Attorney General Stein would be visiting with leaders in Watauga County on October 26, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Community Room at the Community Recreation Center to discuss the National Opioid Settlement funds. The meeting would also be open to the media so that these important messages could continue to be spread and allow as many people to get help as possible.
· The Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a Trunk or Treat event at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) on Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Contact Parks and Recreation to register your trunk for the event.
Mr. Cary Davenport shared concerns with the dimensions of the tennis courts at the Community Recreation Center.
Closed Session
At 6:44 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:42 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Billy Kennedy, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board