MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 7, 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
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Commissioner Russell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the February 21, 2023, regular and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the February 21, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the February 21, 2023, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the March 7, 2023, agenda.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the March 7, 2023, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Mr. Dustin Burleson, Vaya Community Relations Regional Director, presented an update on Vaya Health matters. Mr. Burleson stated that Vaya was a local political subdivision of the State and a Local Management Entity/Manager Care Organization (LME/MCO) governed by N.C.G.S. 122C. Mr. Burleson reported that, in December 2022, the Tailored Care Management (TCM) was launched. TCM integrated care for the whole person including physical health, behavioral health, TBI, and pharmacy, as well as supported long-term care services and unmet health-related resource needs. Beginning in April 2023, Vaya will become a Prepaid Health Plan (PHP) and, as a Tailored Plan, Vaya will also serve other populations. Mr. Burleson also reviewed the current and future state of benefit plans as well as Vaya’s provider staffing stabilization plan and the NC Child and Family Improvement Initiative. The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Proposed Plan for Opioid Settlement Funding
Ms. Jennifer Greene, AppHealthCare Director, and Ms. Lindsey Sullivan with AppHealthCare, presented an update on the County’s plan to spend opioid settlement funds. The following priorities were selected through a Results-Based Accountability (RBA) exercise held in November 2022, which included county and municipality staff, non-profit and human services staff, law enforcement, Chamber of Commerce, and other representatives affected by the opioid crisis:
1. Prevent overdose deaths and other harms (harm reduction)
2. Connect people who need help to the help they need (connections to care)
3. Support people in treatment and recovery
4. Treat opioid use disorder
5. Address the needs of criminal justice involved persons
The next step was to send out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for organizations that could utilize opioid settlement funding to add in the crisis. Approximately $300,000 was available for award. After RFPs are received a Coordination Group will review the proposals and make award recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Ms. Greene requested the Group be comprised of the County Manager, County Attorney, two County Commissioners, the Health Director, another human services representative, and two individuals with lived experience with substance use.
Commissioner Russell stated that opioid addiction affected, not only the addict, but family members as well and asked how those “second-hand” issues would be addressed. Ms. Sullivan stated that a range of strategies built in with partners will help with that issue and Ms. Greene stated that those issues would be considered by the Group as well. Commissioners Eggers and Russell volunteered to serve as the Commissioner representatives on the Coordination Group.
The recommendations would be presented for consideration at the June 6, 2023, Board of Commissioners meeting which would allow AppHealthCare to begin the project timeline on July 1, 2023, and provide funding as directed by the County. Ms. Greene requested approval of the grant process and authorization for AppHealthCare to administer the opioid settlement funds.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the grant process and authorize AppHealthCare to administer the County’s opioid funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
High Country Restoration Coalition Presentation
Ms. Debbie Shetterly, High Country Habitat Restoration Coalition, presented a report on protecting the native habitat focusing on the removal of invasive plant species. Invasives cause many problems including fire and flood damage, less water for native species, habitat for animals, biological diversity, and scenic beauty. Native species are crowded out leaving fewer native seeds and caterpillars for the birds and animals. Invasives can cause damage to agricultural land, infrastructure, and forests. They also have the potential to reduce property values. The Mission of the High Country Habitat Restoration Coalition is “Remove and prevent further non-native invasive infestations.” The Coalition was established in 2019 and works toward native habitat restoration throughout the High Country. In 2022 volunteers worked at removing invasives at County parks and along the Greenway trail.
Ms. Shetterly stated that a funding quote was received from the American Conservation Experience in the total amount of $30,000 which would be used at Brookshire Park, Green Valley Park, and Valle Crucis Community Park. Ms. Shetterly stated that the Coalition planned to request funds through the County’s budget process as well as the Town of Boone and seek grants from the North Carolina Forest Service and the Travel/Tourism. This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Proposed First Responder Wellness Week 2023 Proclamation
Ms. Valerie Mailman, Mr. Tim Fox, and Ms. Lauren Wilson, founding Board Members with the Responder Wellness Coalition, presented a proposed proclamation proclaiming the week of April 24 through April 30, 2023, as First Responder Wellness Week 2023. The First Responder Coalition was a nonprofit organization in Watauga County with the mission “To eliminate the barriers for first responders of the High Country to access mental health care and wellness services.” The Coalition strives to create access, fund out-of-pocket expenses, and eliminate the stigma of mental health care, behavioral health care, and wellness services for first responders of the High Country.
Mr. Fox invited the Board to attend a screening of the documentary “PTSD 911” at the Appalachian Theatre on April 27, 2023. Other events were being planned for First Responder Wellness Week. Ms. Mailman stated that a respite support services firm plans to open a private practice in Watauga County. Commissioner Russell encouraged access to group services to hear the challenges of those affected secondhand as well.
Chairman Turnbow read the proclamation.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adopt the proclamation setting the week of April 24 through April 30, 2023, as First Responder Wellness Week.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Acceptance of the FY 2023 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested acceptance of a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant from the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in the amount of $2,976 with no local match required.
Ms. Boitnotte stated that the funds would be used to expand Low Income Subsidy (LIS) outreach and enrollment by conducting a minimum of four enrollment clinics, virtually or in person, in nontraditional locations such as dialysis centers, libraries, community drug stores, or senior housing complexes throughout the community. Remaining monies would be used for supplies for LIS outreach and education.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the MIPPA grant in the amount of $2,976 to expand low income subsidy outreach and education as well as to purchase supplies.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Fire Alarm System Bid Award
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented the following bids for a fire alarm panel for the Administration Building:
Bidder Bid
Creekside Electronics, Boone, NC $16,360
Saffer Security Systems, Boone, NC $24,240
Jared Munday Electric, Boone, NC No Bid
Mr. Marsh recommended awarding the bid to Creekside Electronics, which was the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $16,360. Adequate funds were in the FY 2022-2023 budget to cover the expenditure.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to award the bid to Creekside Electronics for a fire alarm panel, for the Administration Building, in the amount of $16,360.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Phase II Trailer Storage Area Improvements Bid Award Request
Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Services Director, presented the following bids for Phase II of the Trailer Storage Area Improvement Project:
Bidder Amount
PADCO Excavating, Inc $217,485.65
Carolina Grading and Utilities, Inc. $228,750.00
JW Hampton Company $307,526.00
Mr. Buck requested the bid be awarded to PADCO Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $217,485.65 for Phase II of the Trailer Storage Area Improvement project. PADCO Excavating, Inc. was the lowest responsive bidder.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Chairman Turnbow, moved to award the bid for Phase II of the Trailer Storage Area Improvement project to PADCO Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $217,485.65.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Amendment to Section XV of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance Regarding the Membership of the EMS Advisory Board
On behalf of Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, Chairman Turnbow presented an amendment to Section XV of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance. This amendment reflected updated agency names and membership terms for the EMS Advisory Board. The amendment was approved by the current EMS Advisory Board at its February 2023 meeting.
North Carolina General Statute 153A-46 requires a grant, renewal, extension, or amendment of any franchise to be passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners before it may be adopted. As this matter was tabled at the last meeting and if the Board wishes, the proposed amendment will need to be ratified as presented and will require a second ratification at the March 21, 2023, meeting.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to ratify the adoption of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance as amended and direct staff to place the proposed amendment on the March 21, 2023 agenda for consideration of a second ratification.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Soil and Water Conservation Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) Elk Creek Section 3 Project
Ms. Mikey Woodie, Soil and Water Conservation Technician, presented the following bids for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) Elk Creek Section 3 project:
Meets License &
Bidder Amount Insurance Requirements
Yadkin Valley Construction, Inc. $70,000 Yes
Hicks Construction Enterprises, Inc. $54,000 Yes
Coastal Carolina Industrial Recycling LLC $27,000 No
Ms. Woodie stated that the lowest bidder had informed her that they did not hold an NC Contractor’s License. Due to that, the Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District requested the bid be awarded to the next lowest bidder, Hicks Construction Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $54,000. Hicks Construction Enterprises, Inc., has verified that they have the required liability insurance, a NC General Contractor’s License, and experience in stream restoration work.
The project was part of the contract with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences for $159,750 under StRAP which was accepted in July 2022. The purpose of StRAP was to reduce flooding and restore streams across the state, primarily through the removal of vegetative stream debris. The total length of this stream debris removal project was 1,800 linear feet.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to award the bid for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) Elk Creek Section 3 project to Hicks Construction Enterprise Inc. in the amount of $54,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Amendments to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex (TMSC) License Agreement
County Manager Geouque presented an amendment to the license agreement between the County, Appalachian Soccer Group, LLC, Appalachian State University, and the High-Country Soccer Association, Inc. This is a continuation of the license agreement that was previously approved with slight increases of fees as follows:
• In addition to the fees due HCSA, $500.00 $750.00 per game shall be paid to ASU for use of the locker rooms, press box and scoreboard. This fee shall include the cost of post-game cleaning performed by ASUF staff/personnel.
• Watauga County shall be entitled to a fee of $400.00 $550.00 per game for the use of the Complex.
Chairman Turnbow stated that the proposed agreement had been reviewed by the County Attorney.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the amended Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex License Agreement as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Opioid Settlement
County Manager Geouque stated that as part of additional opioid settlement funds the County needed to approve a resolution authorizing the County Manager or County Attorney to execute all documents necessary to enter into opioid settlement agreements. In addition, the Board needed to adopt a Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds (SAAF) which would allow additional funds from further settlements of opioid litigation to the State of North Carolina and local governments to be directed in a manner consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of the North Carolina and local governments on proceeds relating to the settlement of opioid litigation.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the resolution as presented and approve the Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds (SAAF) as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque congratulated the Project on Aging and announced that after a recent SCOPE site visit, the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center was recertified as a “Center of Excellence!”
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:40 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, 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 Castle, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board