MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Turnbow called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Larry Turnbow, Chairman
Charlie Wallin, Vice-Chairman
Todd Castle, Commissioner
Braxton Eggers, Commissioner
Ray Russell, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Castle led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the December 20, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the December 20, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the December 20, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the January 17, 2023, agenda.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the January 17, 2023, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment Regarding The Request to Name the Highway 321 Bridge Over Watauga River Near Watauga River Road in Memory of Sergeant Christopher David Ward
A public hearing was scheduled to allow public comment regarding the naming of the Highway 321 Watauga River Bridge in memory of Sergeant Christopher David Ward. The hearing met the public forum requirement by the NCDOT showing community support for the naming request. As part of the process, a proposed resolution was presented to be submitted along with background information on the nominee, a description of what was requested to be named, as well as public input and support to NCDOT staff. NCDOT staff would review the information to ensure the application meets policy and confirm that there was not any local opposition. After review the NCDOT staff would forward to the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee for action. The Board member representing the area where the requested bridge was located must endorse the request. If approved, the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee will forward a resolution for the Board of Transportation’s approval. The Board of Transportation will approve or deny the request.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:35 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
With support from several friends and family in the audience, the following citizens spoke in support of naming of the Highway 321 Watauga River Bridge in memory of Sergeant Christopher David Ward: Mr. David Ward and Ms. Candace Ward. No opposition was presented.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to close the public hearing at 5:37 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adopt the resolution as presented; to direct staff to complete all necessary paperwork and forward to NCDOT for consideration, and to approve the payment for the $2,000 sign fee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Kill/Chill Meat Slaughter Facility Update
Jim Hamilton, Cooperative Extension, presented the following update on the Kill/Chill project:
· $474,450 awarded from NC Ag Development Trust Fund in August, bringing total committed funds for the project to $2,370,000:
· Golden LEAF ($1,000,000)
· Tobacco Trust Fund ($220,000)
· ARC ($100,000)
· Ag Development Trust Fund ($474,000)
· ARP/Watauga County ($500,000)
· Opportunity Appalachia ($75,000)
· Soil testing at proposed site completed by Catawba Valley Engineering in early summer 2022 ($4,000). $13,407 spent to date on design/engineering out of $77,800 allocated.
· Received notification of no award from USDA MPPEP proposal Nov 1 (which would have covered 20% of all construction costs). Another round of this grant funding to be announced shortly.
· Consultant sent proposed facility plans & budget in Oct & Dec for an 8,000 sq. foot facility. We requested scaled down plan in the ~4,000 sq. foot range to reduce footprint and budget. Waiting on updated facility & infrastructure plans from consultant for water and sewer before final planning/cost estimates/bid process. Should have those this month.
· Presented project overview to Town of Boone Town Council in Sept. Relayed the funding challenges of the project. Water and sewer access will have to be provided by Town. Town in support of the project and alluded to some financial and/or other support related to sewer/water infrastructure. Indicated that they would like to see plans and cost estimates before committing. Ordinance would have to be modified/amended related to annexation.
· High Country Council of Governments working on an EDA proposal to partially fund water/sewer infrastructure. Will be applying for an ARC construction grant in March 2023 to seek additional funding due to projected construction cost increases for the project.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
New River Conservancy Presentation
Dr. Elizabeth Underwood, Executive Director of New River Conservancy, and Katie Krogmeier, New River Conservancy, presented an overview of the goals and objectives of the New River Conservancy and the restoration projects in Watauga County.
Dr. Underwood stated that the New River Conservancy began as a result of legislation signed by President Ford in 1976 designating the New River as a National Scenic River. The Conservancy performs restoration projects, river clean-ups, water quality monitoring and acquires land as well as provides land stewardship, public policy and works with higher education. The Conservancy holds the New River Symposium which is a multidisciplinary conference held biennially in the New River watershed. The Conservancy has utilized over 6,800 volunteers to retrieve over 13,000 tires and over 422,000 pounds of trash from the New River. The Conservancy has served as a river builder since 1998 with over 864,500 shrubs and trees planted and over 104 miles of stream planted. Dr. Underwood also shared information on the New River Trail.
Ms. Krogmeier presented information on their Boone Creek Temple Restoration project. Ms. Krogmeier stated that there was currently a failing culvert, lack of riparian buffer, and erosion and sedimentation issues as well as obstructions in the floodplain of Boone Creek which runs onto County property where the compound lot and the Agricultural Extension building is located. A restoration project for this creek would prevent property loss, due to erosion, prevent future repair costs such as to the sewage line or culvert, mitigate flooding pressures, and increase water quality. Proposed solutions would be to fix the culvert on the Temple of the High Country property and reroute the stream for daylighting on the County’s property, including building a bridge over the stream. Adding in-stream structures as well as removing the wall and other debris within the floodplain, repairing erosion on the downstream culvert and planting vegetation would also be included as part of the restoration project. Ms. Krogmeier stated that two grants were being sought which required the protection, via a Declaration of Covenant & Restrictions (DCR), of the restored area.
Ms. Krogmeier requested the County’s support of the project, including a letter of support and agreeance to the DCR. Support was also sought for the comprehensive New River Water Trail.
A proposed letter of support would be considered at a future meeting.
Acceptance of 2nd Round of FY 2023 Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Funds
On behalf of Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, County Manager Geouque stated that a second allocation of Rural Assistance Operating Program (ROAP) funding was available. The additional funding of $31,647 would increase the County’s total funding to $194,612. The revised funding amount was broken down into three categories, 1) $75,348 for Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program, 2) $16,414 for Employment, and 3) $102,850 for Rural General Public.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to accept the second allocation of ROAP funding in the amount of $31,647.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
On behalf of Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, County Manager Geouque presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of December 2022. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
On behalf of Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, County Manager Geouque presented the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2022 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2022 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed 2023 “Year of the Trail” Proclamation
Mr. Eric Smallwood, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a proposed proclamation for the Year of the Trail. The Proclamation was a statewide effort to raise awareness and an opportunity to showcase, promote, and celebrate our state’s extensive trail systems. Chairman Turnbow read the proclamation.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the Year of the Trail proclamation as presented by Mr. Smallwood.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Amendment to the Agenda
County Manager Geouque requested the Board amend the agenda to include personnel matters in the closed session.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to a discussion under personnel matters to the scheduled closed session portion of the meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Dates for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented the proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat of February 9 and 10 or February 16 and 17. The proposed times were from 12:00-7:00 P.M. for Thursday and 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. for Friday. Two days were required for the Retreat; however, the dates and times could be adjusted, if needed.
By consensus, the Board agreed to set schedule the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat on the dates of Thursday, February 9, from 12:00 to 7:00 P.M. and Friday, February 10, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
B. Proposed Dates for Budget Work Sessions
County Manager Geouque presented the proposed dates for two budget work sessions held annually. The work sessions were scheduled after the Manager’s proposed budget would be presented at the first meeting in May and prior to the public hearing to allow citizen comment on the proposed budget which was at the second meeting in May. The proposed dates for the budget work sessions were May 4 and 5 or May 11 and 12. The proposed times were from 12:00–8:00 P.M. for the first session and 9:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. for the second session. Times and dates could be adjusted, if needed.
By consensus, the Board agreed to set the schedule for budget work sessions with the first to be on Thursday, May 4, from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and the second on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission (EDC) Articles of Association were recently amended to reflect a reorganization of the membership. The EDC, when all appointments were made, would consist of eleven (11) members - eight (8) would be standing seats representing organizations, and three (3) would be at-large seats appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
The eight (8) standing seat representatives are listed below:
|
Watauga County Board of Commissioners |
Larry Turnbow |
Chairman |
|
Boone Town Council |
Tim Futrelle |
Mayor |
|
Blowing Rock Town Council |
Pete Gherini |
Council Member |
|
Beech Mountain Town Council |
Barry Kaufman |
Mayor |
|
Seven Devils Town Council |
Bob Bertini |
Citizen designated by Town Council |
|
Appalachian State University |
Matthew Dockham |
Director of External Affairs & Community Relations |
|
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce |
Charles Hardin |
President and CEO |
|
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce |
David Jackson |
President and CEO |
Three At-Large appointments were needed.
The County Manager stated that volunteer applications were received from the following expressing interest in serving on the EDC as an at-large appointee: Jane Lee Rankin, Kelly Coffey, Dan Meyer, Virginia Lee Wallace, Angela King, and Suzanne Livesay.
Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to appoint Jane Lee Rankin to serve as an At-Large member on the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to appoint Dan Meyer to serve as an At-Large member on the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Chairman Turnbow, moved to appoint Suzanne Livesay to serve as an At-Large member on the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Appointments to the Watauga County Planning Board and Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board
County Manager Geouque stated that each Commissioner nominates a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board and the Watauga County Planning Board whose terms were to run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Planning Board members must live within the appointing Commissioner’s District and action must be taken by the entire Board of Commissioners to make these appointments. Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board members must own property and reside within the Fire Service District.
Commissioner Russell tabled his appointment to the Planning Board to a future meeting.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to appoint Lee Stroupe to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board as representatives of District 2.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Appointments to Various Boards & Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that Commissioners were appointed to various Boards and Commissioners each year.
Chairman Turnbow presented the list of Boards & Commissions with proposed appointments. Some of the appointments were legal requirements that the Commissioners serve, and some were at the request of the agencies.
The majority of these appointments could be made by the Chairman of the Board, although several of them do require Board action. Therefore, it has been the practice for the Chairman to submit a list of appointments with Board action to approve the entire list. If there was more than one nomination for a particular appointment, the Board could vote on each nomination separately.
Chairman Turnbow presented the following for consideration:
|
Member |
|
|
Appalachian District Health Department |
Castle |
|
Appalachian Theatre Board of Trustees Ex-Officio Member |
Wallin |
|
AppalCART Authority |
Wallin |
|
Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development Area |
Turnbow |
|
Caldwell Comm. College &Technical Institute - Watauga Advisory Board |
Eggers |
|
Children’s Council |
Castle |
|
Child Protection Team |
Russell |
|
Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Board |
Castle |
|
Economic Development Commission (EDC) |
Turnbow |
|
Educational Planning Committee (2 appointees) |
Wallin & Russell |
|
EMS Advisory Committee |
Castle |
|
High Country Council of Governments Executive Board Rural Transportation Advisory Committee |
Turnbow |
|
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) |
Russell |
|
Humane Society |
Turnbow |
|
Library Board |
Eggers |
|
Motor Vehicle Valuation Review Committee |
BCC |
|
New River Service Authority Board |
Wallin |
|
Northwest Regional Housing Authority (five-year term expires Dec. 12, 2024) |
Pat Vines |
|
POA Advisory Committee (Home & Community Care Block Grant) |
Eggers |
|
Sheriff’s Office Liaison |
Turnbow |
|
Vaya Regional Board (Region 3) |
Russell & Wallin |
|
Social Services Advisory Board |
Wallin |
|
Watauga County Arts Council (added February 2020) |
Eggers |
|
Watauga County Fire Commission |
Turnbow |
|
Watauga County Personnel Advisory Committee |
Chair or Vice-Chair |
|
Watauga County Recreation Commission |
Russell |
|
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees |
Russell |
|
W.A.M.Y. Community Action |
Wallin |
|
Watauga Opportunities, Inc. |
Turnbow |
|
Workforce Development Board (WDB) |
Chairman |
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to appoint Commissioners to serve on the various Boards and Commissions as listed above:
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the Blowing Rock Chamber invited the Commissioners to attend a meet and greet reception for newly elected officials on January 17, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Unfortunately, the Chamber overlooked that the date was the same time as the ongoing County Commissioner’s Board meeting. The Chamber encouraged the Board to please come by if the ongoing meeting adjourned early.
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:53 P.M., Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, 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
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board