MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, June 6, 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 5:32 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 Castle opened with a prayer and Commissioner Eggers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the May 16, 2023, regular and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the May 16, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the May 16, 2023, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the June 6, 2023, agenda.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the May 16, 2023, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The following spoke during public comment:
Ms. Linda Byrd advocated for an increase to the proposed Board of Elections budget.
Ms. Suzanne Livesay and Mr. Todd Wright both advocated for an increase to the proposed funding allocation for Appalachian Theatre to be used as a subsidy for those utilizing the theater.
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE
A public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comments on proposed changes to the sign ordinance. Mr. Jason Walker, Planning and Inspections Director, presented the changes and stated that most were for clarification purposes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to open the public hearing at 5:48 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Mr. Rusty Henson shared concerns his Church has with the sign ordinance. Chairman Turnbow stated that staff would speak with Mr. Henson regarding his concerns.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to close the public hearing at 5:56 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adopt the Sign Ordinance as presented by Mr. Walker.
VOTE: Aye-3(Turnbow, Wallin, Russell)
Nay-2(Castle, Eggers)
Discussion was held in regards to Mr. Henson’s issues, ending with Chairman Turnbow stating that the Board of Commissioners could not resolve the issue and referring Mr. Henson to the Planning Board now that the new Ordinance was adopted and in effect.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION – INTERSTATE DESIGNATION
Mr. Loren Hill, NC Carolina Core/Piedmont Triad Partnership, presented a proposed resolution in support of a future Interstate Highway for U.S. 421 from Boone to I-40 in Winston-Salem. Mr. Hill stated that discussions had begun last year with Wilkes, Yadkin, and Forsyth counties in regards to the proposed interstate. In March of 2023, the idea of extending the proposed interstate to Boone from Wilkesboro was formulated. Mr. Hill stated that Forsyth, Yadkin, Wilkes, and Ashe counties had all passed resolutions in support of the segment from Winston-Salem to Wilkesboro (as did the High Country COG). Mr. Joe Furman, Director of Economic Development with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, was also supportive of the project. If the Board adopted the resolution of support, it would be presented to the NC Delegation.
Commissioner Russell shared concerns of occasional heavy fog and how that would affect travel on an interstate. Mr. Hill stated that he would share those concerns. Mr. Hill also stated that the current road would be upgraded where necessary with new roads in some places including a bypass around Wilkesboro. The Department of Transportation (DOT) would determine where the interstate would end. County Manager Geouque stated that it could be an opportunity to go into Tennessee.
Commissioner Turnbow read the resolution.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adopt the resolution and direct staff to prepare a letter to send to the appropriate authorities.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Eggers shared concerns to the amount of traffic an interstate would bring to the area and stated that he didn’t see a benefit. Commissioner Castle stated people were not having problems getting to the County and he did not want to become and interstate town.
After discussion the following vote was taken:
VOTE: Aye-2(Wallin, Russell)
Nay-3(Turnbow, Castle, Eggers)
NEW RIVER CONSERVANCY PROJECT UPDATES
Ms. Katie Krogmeier, Restoration Director for the New River Conservancy, gave an update on the Hardin Creek Restoration and Boone Creek Temple Restoration Projects. Ms. Krogmeier also requested the County be the sponsor for a NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) Grant application in the amount of $200,000 that would be due on June 30, 2023.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the request for the County to sponsor the DWR Grant.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BLUE RIDGE WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE (BRWIA) ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Liz Whiteman, Executive Director BRWIA, presented the annual report of the twenty-year-old non-profit organization. Ms. Whiteman highlighted the following programs: High Country Food Hub, King Street Farmers’ Market, Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market, Double Up Food Bucks, Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliances for Farmer Training, and Local Food as Medicine. Ms. Whiteman stated that their goals were to increase consumer demand for local food, ensure equitable access to high quality local food, and provide producers support as needed. $859,800 in total sales were generated in 2022 at the Food Hub with 558 new customers and 73% repeat customers. The farmers’ markets have 59 local vendors and approximately 200 customers per week on average. Ms. Whiteman thanked the Board for continued support over the years. The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
BID AWARD REQUEST FOR QUEEN/WATER STREET PARKING DECK
Mr. Bill Dixon, Appalachian Architecture, presented bids received for the County’s new parking deck. The County received the following bids:
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|
Rock Excavation (Cu Yard) |
Unsuitable Soil Excavation (Cu Yard) |
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|
Contractor |
Base Bid |
Add/Alternate Thin-set Brick |
Total Cost |
Trenches |
Bulk/JH |
Bulk/Tractor |
Gen. Earth (Machine) |
Trench (Hand) |
Backfill (Machine) |
Backfill (Hand) |
|
GCI |
$5,300,242 |
$323,042 |
$5,623,284 |
$270 |
$210 |
$500 |
$15 |
$20 |
$15 |
$20 |
|
Hickory |
$4,860,000 |
$370,000 |
$5,230,000 |
$350 |
$290 |
$575 |
$20 |
$30 |
$20 |
$20 |
|
VPC |
$4,564,657 |
$427,545 |
$4,992,202 |
$351 |
$273 |
$650 |
$20 |
$26 |
$20 |
$20 |
Mr. Dixon stated that VPC was the lowest responsive bidder in the total amount of $4,992,202. The base bid was $4,564,657 and Alternate 1 - thin set brick was $427,545. Mr. Dixon and staff recommended the acceptance of Alternate 1 as it would require less time to install, less impact from weather delays, and the overall integrity from water penetration. The cost to demo the retaining wall and construction of the sidewalk along Queen Street was $67,940 of which, a request would be submitted to the Town of Boone to cover the expense.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to award the bid to VPC in the amount of $4,992,202, including the base bid and Alternate 1, and to direct the County Attorney to draft and approve a contract with VPC for construction of the parking deck.
Prior to the vote, Mr. Eggers stated that he felt funds could be used wiser for educational purposes. Chairman Turnbow stated that the parking deck would be used for jury parking. Commissioner Russell stated that the County had a Capital Plan which included future renovations to schools. Commissioner Castle asked if the plan was to generate revenue on Appalachian Stated University game days and if the deck would be open to the public after 5:00 P.M. Mr. Geouque stated that the plan was to move staff parking, at no cost to staff, to the parking deck to free up closer spaces to the County complex.
After discussion, the following vote was taken:
VOTE: Aye-3(Turnbow, Wallin, Russell)
Nay-2(Castle, Eggers)
Mr. Dixon stated that a payout of $108,000 would be requested soon to VPC which would allow Tindal Corporation to begin drawings over the next several months and requested a 365-day exemption period to get the drawings back to Appalachian Architecture before the time begins. Mr. Dixon stated that he expected the project to be fully permitted by the end of July and he was working with the County Manager and County Attorney on easements.
PROPOSED APPALCART CONTRACTS FOR FY 2024
Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, presented the contracts for transportation services for the Project on Aging (POA) and Social Services Departments for FY 2024. The proposed rate for POA, Department of Social Services, and other County functions was $2.85 per direct mile, up from $2.28 for FY 2023. The proposed rate for POA meal delivery was $2.00 per direct mile, which was an increase from $1.45 for FY 2023.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the AppalCART contracts as presented by Mr. Hughes.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PROPOSED PROCLAMATION FOR ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY
Ms. Betsy Richards, Ms. Stevie Welborn, and Ms. Angie Boitnotte presented a proclamation declaring June 15, 2023, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in North Carolina. Ms. Boitnotte stated that elder abuse prevention and awareness was recognized each year from Mother’s Day until Father’s Day with June 15th designated as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” Ms. Richards stated that this gives a time for our community to recognize the responsibility of protecting our elders. Ms. Welborn read the proposed proclamation.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF PROJECTED FY 2024 HOME & COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT (H&CCBG) FUNDS
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, presented the projected allocation of $313,778 in Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds for FY 2024. The required local match was $34,865 and was present in the Project on Aging's FY 2024 requested budget. The funds would be allocated as follows:
HCCBG Service HCCBG Allocation Match
In-Home Aide Level I $87,089 $9,677
In-Home Aide Level II $74,670 $8,297
Congregate Meals $40,000 $4,444
Home Delivered Meals $106,019 $11,780
Transportation $6,000 $667
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to accept the projected allocations for FY 2024 Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL (JCPC) FY 2024 CERTIFICATION, MEMBERSHIP, AND COUNTY PLAN
Ms. Samantha Jones, Finance Director, presented the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Certification and County Plan, as well as the membership roster for FY 2024.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the Certification, County Plan, and membership roster as presented by Ms. Jones.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REQUESTED FY 2022-2023 MOBILE RADIO AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE APPROVAL
On behalf of Major Kelly Redmon, County Manager Geouque requested approval of the purchase of eight (8) dual band car radios in the amount of $37,360 for FY 2022-2023 from Two Way Radio of Carolina, Inc.
In addition, approval was requested for the purchase of eight (8) vehicle upfits in the amount of $46,988.24 from Dana Safety Supply on the NC Sheriff's Contract. Adequate funds were available in the FY 2022-2023 budget to cover the requested expenses.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to accept the bids from Two Way Radio of Carolina, Inc., in the amount of $37,360, and Dana Safety Supply in the amount of $46,988.24.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE
County Manager Geouque presented the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Ordinance for adoption and reviewed the following changes as recommended by the Board and County Manager:
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Budget Change Summary |
|||
|
General Fund |
|
||
|
Revenues |
Expenditures |
|
|
|
|
$9,565.00 - |
Clerical correction in building expenses formula in budget detail |
|
|
$826,902.64 |
|
Clerical correction to Public Assistance Fund Transfers from General Fund |
|
|
|
$826,902.64 - |
Clerical correction to General Fund Transfer to Public Assistant Fund |
|
|
$5,517,050.00 |
|
109800-498021 – Correction to detail only, correction does not affect budget totals |
|
|
|
$5,517,050.00 - |
109800-498021 – Correction to detail only, correction does not affect budget totals |
|
|
|
$11,208.00 - |
Clerical correction in Payee Fund |
|
|
-$45,648.00 |
|
Clerical correction to Fund Balance amount needed to cover expenses |
|
|
Net Change in overall budget |
|||
The County Manager stated that the Board could approve the proposed budget ordinance as presented, request changes, or schedule an additional work session. North Carolina General Statutes requires the budget be adopted by June 30th.
County Manager Geouque answered a question from Commissioner Russell by stating that $10,000 was provided in FY 2022 for Appalachian Theatre along with an additional $15,000 allocation from American Recovery Plan (ARP) funds to be used for their subsidy. The one-time ARP allocation was contingent on the Town of Boone funding $25,000 as well. $10,000 was included in the proposed FY 2024 budget. Vice-Chairman Wallin stated that the Theater also received another $25,000 in match from a private citizen. Vice-Chairman Wallin also stated that the groups who utilized the subsidy needed to make adequate plans to not have need of the funds but, if they could not, they may come individually to request funding from the Board of Commissioners whether than requesting the subsidy through Appalachian Theatre.
Commissioner Eggers stated that he liked the budget and was pro education and the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was good. Commissioner Eggers stated that he was not in favor of some items, including the Sanitation budget and the lack of Sheriff’s Office overtime pay.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the budget ordinance as presented by the County Manager.
Discussion was held prior to the vote, including the following:
Commissioner Russell stated that no budget was perfect and he wished there were more funds available, but, he felt funds were allocated the best they could be among the interest and needs and, it was a fair allocation of resources.
Commissioner Castle stated that he ran for office in support of schools, the expansion of medical services as well as the support of law enforcement and first responders. He was happy for the COLA but, felt that some areas fell short including hazardous standoff pay for the Sheriff’s Office. He also stated that he was disappointed in the Landfill situation. He was in support of working with the Children’s Council and preventing drug addiction. Commissioner Castle made an appeal to increase funding for these issues as well as education. He also stated that he felt the funding currently allocated for the new parking deck would go a long way toward improving our schools. Commissioner Castle stated that he did not support the budget as presented.
Commissioner Eggers stated that he agreed with Commissioner Castle and was also concerned about Board of Elections needs for additional staffing in regards to voter ID.
Vice-Chairman Wallin stated that he was disappointed in budget items as well. He had hoped for more funding for affordable housing or for WAMY Community Action to be used for housing needs. Vice-Chairman Wallin stated that he believed there had been opportunities for Commissioners to express concerns with the budget. He stated that funding was put aside for school projects. He was also concerned about the Board of Elections budget; however, he stated that the County Manager had assured the Board that there were contingency funds available, if needed. Trash disposal would be open on Thursdays in addition to Saturdays as a trial and even though the brush exemption was not included this year, he hoped it would be next year. He stated that the Board of Education was getting funding to be used for Teachers earning their State Board Certification. He also wished more could be done for the Sheriff’s Office but did support the budget as presented.
Chairman Turnbow stated that there were many problems with the budget as presented and was not happy with school funding, the Sheriff’s Office funding, Transfer Station funding, and would like the Transfer Station opened Monday through Friday but have a tipping fee, not including 2,000 pounds of free dumping. Chairman Turnbow stated that he was not in favor of the budget as presented and would like to hold an emergency meeting to further discuss the proposed budget.
After discussion, the following vote was taken:
VOTE: Aye-2(Wallin, Russell)
Nay-3(Turnbow, Castle, Eggers)
[Clerk’s Note: As the Budget Ordinance was not adopted, special meetings were scheduled under Announcements for further review and consideration.]
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Proposed Amendment to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex License Agreement
County Manager Geouque presented an update to the License Agreement between the County, Appalachian Soccer Group, LLC, Appalachian State University, and the High-Country Soccer Association, Inc. The updated agreement was a continuation of the License Agreement that was previously approved with slight changes regarding fees and the sale of beverages to be non-alcoholic. The County Attorney had reviewed the changes.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the License Agreement as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Reappointment of the Tax Assessor
County Manager Geouque stated that Tax Administrator, Larry Warren’s term was set to expire at the end of June 2023. The County Manager stated that the Board had the option of appointing Mr. Warren to a term of either two or four years. The County Manager recommended Mr. Warren be reappointed to a four-year term.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint Mr. Larry Warren as Tax Administrator for a four-year term ending June 30, 2027.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. July Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that historically, only one meeting was held in July due to all the work done on the budget as well as the July 4th holiday. Also, historically, at the beginning of a new fiscal year there is limited business for the Board’s consideration. The Manager recommended cancelling the first meeting in July and holding the second meeting as currently scheduled for the third Tuesday on July 18, 2023.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to cancel the first regular meeting in July with the second regular meeting to be held as scheduled on July 18, 2023.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board
The Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board had recommended the reappointment of Mr. Andrew Ellis, Ms. Jennifer Miller, and Ms. Kristy Hackler. These were first readings.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Andrew Ellis, Ms. Jennifer Miller, and Ms. Kristy Hackler to the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque stated that there were no announcements; however, the Board needed to schedule the Budget Work Session and special meeting mentioned earlier in the meeting in regards to the proposed Budget Ordinance.
Chairman Turnbow stated that he wanted to re-discuss the following items at the Budget Work Session: the recycle centers, overtime pay for the Sheriff’s Office, school funding, the Board of Elections, and the Children’s Council. Chairman Turnbow and Commissioner Russell discussed the Children’s Council until Commissioner Eggers requested dates for the meetings be scheduled with continued discussion to be held at the Work Session.
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to schedule the Budget Work Session on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, beginning at 5:30 P.M. and the special meeting for the purpose of considering the adoption of the Budget Ordinance on Thursday, June 22, 2023, beginning at 5:30 P.M. with both meetings to be held in the Commissioners Board Room.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: The next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.]
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:59 P.M., Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Economic Development, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(4), Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i), and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6)
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:29 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board