MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. in the Community Room located in the Watauga County Community Recreation Center, 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
Vice-Chairman 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 20, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the February 20, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the February 20, 2024, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the March 5, 2024, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add Personnel Matters, per G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6), to Closed Session. Vice-Chairman Wallin requested to add the appointment of members to the Watauga County Steering Committee for the America 250 NC.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the March 5, 2024, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Adjustment of the Fire Protection District for 1166 Old East Ridge Road from Stewart Simmons to Deep Gap
Chairman Turnbow stated that a public hearing was scheduled to seek citizen input on the adjustment of the fire protection district for 1166 Old East Ridge Road from Stewart Simmons to Deep Gap. The two departments agree on the change as it provides the best access and response for the citizens in this area.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to open the public hearing at 5:34 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
As there was no public comment, Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to close the public hearing at 5:35 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the adjustment to the fire protection districts as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed 2024-2034 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Chairman Turnbow stated that a public hearing was scheduled to seek citizen input on the new Parks and Recreation Ten-Year Master Plan. A Master Plan adds rating points for Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grants. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the plan could be adopted, additional information could be sought, or a work session could be scheduled to discuss the Plan further. Ms. Keron Poteat, Watauga County Parks and Recreation Director, presented the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for 2024-2034.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to open the public hearing at 5:37 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Mr. Jeff Stewart with the Deep Gap Ruritan Club stated that the Club had begun planning for a 50-100 acre community recreation area in the Deep Gap area of the County. Disc golf was being considered in the project which was in its infancy at this time. Mr. Stewart stated that he was working full-time on writing grants for the project. The Club wasn’t aware of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan when beginning their planning but would like for their project to be included in the Plan.
Mr. Jacob Soule, Parks and Recreation staff member, stated that he was speaking as a citizen to advocate for a disc golf course to be located in Watauga County. Mr. Soule stated that disc golf was the second item listed as a desired activity in the Master Plan and felt it would be an excellent addition to the County.
Discussion was held in regards to a disc golf course being located in the County. Mr. Stewart stated that they did not currently have land for a course but did have a great plan. Ms. Poteat confirmed that disc golf was included in the Master Plan. Mr. Denny Norris, Chairman of the Recreation Commission as well as a Director of Green Valley Community Park, stated that the Park had looked into placing a disc golf course on Park property but they could not get even a 9-hole course laid out on their 20 acres. Ms. Poteat stated that a course had been considered at the Community Recreation Center; however, Mr. Soule stated that it would be difficult being close to other facilities with discs flying around. Ms. Poteat suggested adding the Clubs project to the “Other Parks & Recreation Plans” section of the Master Plan.
As there were no further public comments, Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to close the public hearing at 5:44 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with the inclusion of the Deep Gap Ruritan Club’s disc golf project being added to the “Other Parks & Recreation Plans” section of the Master Plan.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parks and Recreation Matters
A. Proposed Watauga Swim Team Contract
Ms. Keron Poteat, Watauga County Parks and Recreation Director, presented a proposed contract with Watauga Swim Team which was a private swim team that pays $7,000 annually to use the County’s swimming pool and each of their members were required to be members of the Community Recreation Center which is the facility that houses the pool. Ms. Poteat also shared information that each Watauga Swim Team member was given during an orientation. Ms. Poteat shared that the contract was approved by the Recreation Commission. County Attorney Capua stated that she had suggestions for wording in the contract and wanted to make sure all waivers and liabilities were covered. Ms. Capua offered to work with Ms. Poteat to make the contract wording agreeable. Ms. Poteat stated that the Recreation Commission and Watauga Swim Team would need to also agree to any changes. Commission Eggers requested the contract not start until the County Attorney was satisfied with the wording.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adopt the contract contingent upon the County Attorney working with Ms. Poteat to include wording satisfactory to the County Attorney and the agreement not beginning until then.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Addition of Recreation Commission Member and Appointments
Mr. Denny Norris, Watauga Recreation Commission Director, requested approval of the following appointments to fill vacancies on the Recreation Commission: Elin Reuben, representing Mabel School; Chad Hicks, representing Cove Creek School; and Roachel Laney, as a Boone At-Large representative.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to waive the 1st reading and appoint Elin Reuben, as a representative of Mabel School; Chad Hicks, as a representative of Cove Creek School; and Roachel Laney, as a Boone At-Large representative; to three-year terms on the Recreation Commission as requested by Mr. Denny Norris.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Request for FY 2023-2024 Mobile Radio and Emergency Equipment Purchase
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Major Kelly Redmon, requested approval of the purchase of eight (8) dual band car radios in the amount of $37,360 from Two Way Radio of Carolina, Inc. In addition, approval was requested for the purchase of eight (8) vehicle upfits in the amount of $43,504.64 from Dana Safety Supply on the NC Sheriff's Contract. Adequate funds were available in the FY 2023-2024 budget to cover the requested expenses.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, 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 $43,504.64 as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Services Matters
A. Buckeye Knob Proposal
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, presented a contract with Engineered Tower Solutions (ETS), in the amount of $16,000, to conduct the required work to the tower at Buckeye Knob as part of the infrastructure improvement project. ETS is the state contracted tower company for the VIPER system and this is a State-owned tower. Adequate funds were budgeted in the current fiscal year to cover the expense.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved approve the contract with Engineered Tower Solutions (ETS) in the amount of $16,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Microwave Path Study Proposal
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, presented a contract with Motorola Solutions in the amount of $84,000 to confirm all microwave paths work for the proposed simulcast system. Adequate funds were budgeted in the current fiscal year to cover the expense.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the contract with Motorola Solutions in the amount of $84,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Public Hearing Request for Ordinance Update
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested a public hearing be scheduled to allow citizen comment on the consideration of changing the Watauga County Building Code Ordinance as highlighted below:
Section 1-2.1 Fire Code Adopted
On July 1, 1991, or other date established by the North Carolina Building Code Council, the Standard Fire Prevention Code – 1988 Edition and all appendices therein as adopted by the Building Code Council and as amended …
Commissioner Eggers stated that he would like to see a comparison of the appendices prior to taking any action. Mr. Holt stated that he would get the information to the Commissioners.
Chairman Turnbow tabled consideration of scheduling a public hearing to the next meeting to allow time for Board members to review the proposed changes.
Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA) Request to Appoint Members to the Watauga County Steering Committee for the America 250 NC
Vice-Chairman Wallin presented the following names for consideration of appointment to the recently formed Watauga County Steering Committee for the America 250 NC project:
Donna McNeil, Regent, Daniel Boone Chapter NSDAR
Marrena Greer, Executive Director, Southern Appalachian Historical Association
Candice Cook, Marketing Director, High Country Host
Natalie Jones, Account Executive, High Country Media
Kathleen Baker, PR Manager, Southern Appalachian Historical Association
Vice-Chairman Wallin and Commissioner Eggers have been working with this effort. Ms. Marrena Greer was present and stated that the establishment of and appointments to the Committee were needed as grant opportunity applications were due in May 2024.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to appoint Donna McNeil, Marrena Greer, Candice Cook, Natalie Jones, and Kathleen Baker to the Watauga County Steering Committee for the America 250 NC project.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Budget Amendments
County Manager Geouque, who also serves as Finance Director, presented the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
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|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$1,686,964 |
|
219800-498050 |
Transfer to VC School Fund |
$1,686,964 |
|
|
503980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$1,686,964 |
|
506120-458000 |
Capital Outlay |
$1,686,964 |
|
|
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The amendment recognized the transfer of remaining Valle Crucis School CIP funds to the Valle Crucis School Project Fund. |
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|
103300-334500 |
Public Safety OSBM Grant |
|
$10,650 |
|
104310-444000 |
Service and Maintenance Contracts |
$10,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized a grant received from OSBM for Law Enforcement. |
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|
|
|
|
|
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505839-384000 |
Donations |
|
$115,000 |
|
506120-458000 |
Capital Outlay Building |
$115,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized a grant for the Valle Crucis School. |
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|
|
|
|
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance |
|
$8,340,715 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$8,340,715 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$8,340,715 |
|
219930-449211 |
Future County Buildings |
$8,340,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized the transfer of funds to Capital Reserve from the unassigned fund balance from the FY 2022 Audit as approved at the February 20, 2024, Board meeting. |
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|
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|
104920-463000 |
General Appropriation |
$52,300 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$52,300 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$52,300 |
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$52,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the transfer of funds from Capital Reserve for the Economic Development Commission (EDC) for the UNC School of Government (SOG) Development Finance Initiative (DFI) Proposal for affordable/workforce housing. |
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|
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|
105911-471000 |
Lottery Funds |
|
$944,932 |
|
105911-470001 |
Carpet and Tile |
$45,000 |
|
|
105911-470005 |
Cafeteria Equipment |
$65,000 |
|
|
105911-470037 |
Gym Floors |
$45,000 |
|
|
105911-470019 |
Door/Window Replacements |
$20,000 |
|
|
105911-470043 |
Roof Renovations |
$100,000 |
|
|
105911-470041 |
Pavement Resurface |
$80,000 |
|
|
105911-470017 |
Electrical Upgrades |
$489,932 |
|
|
105911-470066 |
VOIP Installation |
$100,000 |
|
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The amendment recognized lotter funds requested and approved at the January 16, 2024, Board meeting. |
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|
105911- |
Central Food Storage Upgrade/Renovation |
$25,000 |
|
|
105911- |
Security Cameras |
$25,000 |
|
|
105911- |
Roof Replacements – GV, PK, HP |
$2,000,000 |
|
|
105911- |
HVAC/Sewer Pumps |
$25,000 |
|
|
105911- |
Playground Updates/Renovations |
$30,000 |
|
|
|
Weight Room Upgrades |
$95,000 |
|
|
105911- |
1:1 Devices |
$300,000 |
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$2,500,000 |
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$2,500,000 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$2,500,000 |
|
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|
|
|
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The amendment recognized the transfer of funds for capital needs from the Capital Reserve for the School System as approved at the January 16, 2024, Board meeting. |
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Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Mr. Geouque.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
Ms. Missy Harrill was appointed in July 2023 to fill an unexpired term on the TDA Board which expired at the end of February. The TDA has recommended appointing Ms. Harrill, who is willing to continue to serve, to a full three (3) year term. This was a first reading; however, the TDA Board requested the Board consider making the appointment.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Missy Harrill to a three (3) year term on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
There were no announcements.
Closed Session
At 6:35 P.M., Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, 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
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board