MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 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 5:32 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 Eggers opened with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Wallin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the October 3, 2023, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 3, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 3, 2023, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the October 17, 2023, agenda.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 17, 2023, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
Mr. Edward Baton shared concerns regarding the re-establishment of a senior discount for his property taxes.
Chairman Turnbow directed the County Manager and Tax Director to meet with Mr. Baton.
WAMY’s Rental Repair Program Proposal
Ms. Brittany Luxton, Executive Director, and Ms. Allison Jennings, Director of Development, presented a proposed rental repair program. The program would be a pilot program and, if successful, would be considered for funding during the FY 2025 budget cycle. Total cost of the program would be $86,250 with $75,000 for repairs and $11,250 for WAMY administrative fees. Funds would come from the administrative contingency fund to cover the cost of the program.
After discussion, Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve funding in the total amount of $86,250 for WAMY’s pilot Rental Repair Program with funds to be allocated from the administrative contingency fund.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Turnbow directed the County Manager to place WAMY on the agenda for the second Board of Commissioners meeting in January 2024 for an update on the progress of the program.
Proposed Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds
Ms. Linsey Sullivan with AppHealthCare stated that per the opioid settlement agreement, a resolution was required to be adopted by the Board. Ms. Sullivan presented the proposed resolution and Chairman Turnbow read the resolution.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adopt the resolution to allow for the expenditures of opioid funds consistent with the MOU as presented by Ms. Sullivan.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Blue Ridge Conservancy Land Donation and Conservation Easement Request
Mr. Eric Hiegl with Blue Ridge Conservancy shared plans to place a new access to the Watauga River Paddle Trail in Valle Crucis that would create eight acres of publicly accessible land and provide access to the river. Mr. Hiegl requested this property be donated to the County and the Blue Ridge Conservancy then be given a conservation easement to the property. The land was originally acquired through funds from the TVA, TDA, and private donors. Mr. Hiegl shared photos of the river access and parking area which would be paved, with funding from the TDA, next year. As the County would be the land owners, if the donation was accepted, the paving project would require County approval. Commissioner Castle suggested a smaller strip be compact pressed for handicapped parking in the meantime keeping water runoff in mind. Mr. Hiegl stated that the parking area was tilted away from the river. Commissioner Turnbow encouraged the County Manager speak to the TDA about using permeable pavement when it is time to pave the parking area.
County Attorney Capua questioned having two separate documents as the easement could be conveyed in the Deed. Mr. Hiegl stated that two documents were preferred as the easement would show up in a document search more clearly. Ms. Capua said she was good with the two documents; however, the easement could not be done prior to the Deed being filed but they could be done on the same day.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Annual Report
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, submitted the Agency’s Fiscal Year 2023 annual comprehensive evaluation of the agency’s operations and policies as required by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the Project on Aging’s Annual Report as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
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 2023. 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 2023 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2023 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Recommended Contract Award for Employee Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
County Manager Geouque stated that renewal rates were received for medical and dental insurance benefits. The initial renewal rate received from CIGNA for medical insurance was a 19.76% increase. Further negotiations and analysis of additional claims reduced the increase to 5.04%.
The initial renewal rate received from Ameritas for dental insurance was a 12.5% increase, which was negotiated down to a 9.5% increase with a one (1) year rate lock. After further negotiations and discussions with other dental insurance carriers, Delta Dental came back with a renewal of our current plan with a 6.2% increase and a two (2) year rate lock.
The County Manager stated that benefits and premiums would remain unchanged with Community Eye Care for vision insurance and the Standard Insurance Company for life insurance.
Staff recommends CIGNA’s Level Funding plan for the County’s medical insurance with a 5.04% increase and for the County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account. Staff further recommends Delta Dental with a 6.2% increase and two (2) year rate lock for dental insurance. The Standard for life insurance benefits and Community Eye Care for vision insurance are proposed to continue as carriers with no change in plan benefits or premiums.
Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the renewal rates.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the following:
· CIGNA’s level funding plan, with a 5.04% increase, for employee’s medical insurance
· The County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account
· Delta Dental, with a 6.2% increase and a two (2) year rate lock, for dental insurance
· The Standard for life insurance with no changes
· Community Eye Care for vision insurance with no changes
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Request for Proposal (RFP) for the High Country Kill and Chill Slaughter Plant Management
County Manager Geouque stated that at the previous Board meeting, Dr. Jim Hamilton updated the Board on the progress of the Kill/Chill project and now requested authorization to release a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP would be for the management and operation of the facility. The County Manager stated that the Board may also wish to schedule a public hearing to seek public comment regarding the project; however, the date of the November meeting would need to be set as well.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to:
· Schedule the November meeting for Tuesday, November 21, 2023
· Schedule a public hearing to allow citizen comment on the Kill/Chill project
· Approve and authorize the advertisement of the Request for Proposals (RFP)
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Soccer Turf Bid Award Request
County Manager Geouque stated that the High Country Soccer Association recently solicited bids for the re-turfing of Field 2 at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex. The Complex was operated through a partnership with Appalachian State University, High Country Soccer Association, and Watauga County. Approximately four years ago the stadium field was re-turfed in which the partners split 1/3 of the cost of the replacement per the agreement.
Following are the bids received for Field 2:
|
Bidder |
AstroTurf Corporation |
Shaw Integrated & Turf Solutions, Inc. |
GeoSurfaces Southeast, Inc. |
|
Base Bid |
$510,853.00 |
$501,866.00 |
$559,549.00 |
|
Product |
Astro Turf Rhino SF 46oz 2” |
Momentum Pro 2.0 (45 oz) |
GeoGreens’ XPS 2” 45oz |
|
Alternate |
|
|
|
|
1. Blended Turf |
$528,081.11 |
$506,766.00 |
$554,064.00 |
|
2. Annual Service Contract (per visit) |
$3,300.00 |
$4,695.00 |
$3,900.00 |
|
Annual Service for 8 years |
$26,400.00 |
$37,560.00 |
$31,200.00 |
|
3. Performance Pad |
$140,075.00 |
$118,399.00 |
$138,078.00 |
|
3A. Pad Infill |
$2,588.00 |
$13,282.00 |
$0 |
|
Unit Price |
|
|
|
|
1. Treated Nailer Removal & Replacement (PLF) |
$8.00 |
$13.00 |
$7.00 |
|
2. Infiltration Test (Lump Sum) |
$1,600.00 |
$2,800.00 |
$1,550.00 |
|
3. Add Clean Stone/Grade (PCV) |
$80.52 |
$75.00 |
$125.00 |
|
5% Bid Bond |
|
|
|
|
Alternates Selected |
|
|
|
|
Total Bid (Base Bid + Alt #2 Infiltration Test) |
$538,853.00 |
$542,226.00 |
$592,299.00 |
|
1/3 Partners Share |
$179,617.67 |
$180,742.00 |
$197,433.00 |
|
Bid Rank |
1 |
2 |
3 |
The committee recommended awarding the contract to AstroTurf in the amount of $538,853 which included the base bid, alternate 2, and the infiltration test. The County’s share would be in the amount of $179,617.67.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to award the contract to AstroTurf Corporation (in the total amount of $538,853.00 including the base bid, alternate 2, and the infiltration test) and approve the allocation of the County’s share in the amount of $179,617.67 as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Lease Renewal for Probation and Parole
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed lease agreement from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety regarding the Probation and Parole space. DPS-Probation and Parole have occupied the space for several years with a $1 fee as per North Carolina General Statutes.
County Attorney Capua stated that she would like to see the terms defined. County Manager Geouque stated that the County did not have an option as the State dictated that the County had to provide the space for Probation and Parole. County Attorney Capua stated that the contract was good.
Due to wording in the proposed agreement, Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell recused Vice-Chairman Wallin and Commissioner Castle from this item.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the lease as presented and reviewed by the County Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-3(Turnbow, Russell, Eggers)
Nay-0
Recused-2(Wallin, Castle)
After action was taken, Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reinstate Vice-Chairman Wallin and Commissioner Castle.
VOTE: Aye-3(Turnbow, Russell, Eggers)
Nay-0
Recused-2(Wallin, Castle)
E. Budget Amendments
County Manager Geouque presented the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance |
|
$5,500,071 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$5,500,071 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$5,500,071 |
|
219930-442611 |
County Parking Deck |
$2,500,000 |
|
|
219930-461100 |
Emergency Communications |
$500,071 |
|
|
219930-449211 |
Future County Buildings |
$2,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment transferred funds to Capital Reserve from unassigned fund balance from the FY 2022 audit as approved at the December 20, 2022, Board meeting. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$6,763,998 |
|
219800-498050 |
Transfer to VC School Fund |
$6,763,998 |
|
|
503980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$6,763,998 |
|
506120-458000 |
Capital Outlay |
$6,763,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment transferred funds from CIP Valle Crucis School to the Valle Crucis School Fund for construction. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
284340-469907 |
Pay to Fire District – Cove Creek |
$5,000 |
|
|
283102-312107 |
Current Year Taxes – Cove Creek |
|
$5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized additional projected fire tax distribution above original budget. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. November Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that due to the Commissioners’ Board Room being used as a polling site for Election Day on November 7, 2023, the November 7, 2023, Board meeting was canceled. At the last meeting, the only meeting in November was rescheduled for the 14th. Due to a clerical error, the meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023, needed to be rescheduled due to the room being previously reserved for that date.
[Clerk’s Note: The Board meeting date needed to be chosen prior to scheduling a pubic hearing for an above matter; therefore, the meeting was scheduled in an above motion to be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The meeting will begin at 5:30 P.M.]
G. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Board of Adjustment
The terms of Alyson Browett (Valle Crucis Historic District) and Emily Bish (Alternate), would expire in November. Neither Ms. Browett nor Ms. Bish wished to be reappointed. A volunteer application was received from Mr. Shelton Wilder who expressed interest in serving on this Board. This is a second reading. Also, since the agenda packet was prepared, an additional volunteer application was received from Ms. Virginia “Ginny” Nilles.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to appoint Mr. Shelton Wilder to the Watauga County Board of Adjustment for a three-year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Virginia “Ginny” Nilles to the Watauga County Board of Adjustment for a three-year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
H. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a Trunk or Treat event at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Contact Parks and Recreation to register your trunk for the event.
Closed Session
At 7:24 P.M., Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board