MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 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 5:31 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 May 7, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the May 7, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the May 7, 2024, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the May 21, 2024, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add the following:
· A request for a support letter under Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
· A change order request under Maintenance Matters
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the May 21, 2024, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Emily Sheffield, a nurse with Watauga County Schools advocated for a nurse to be located in each school within the County and for funding for those positions.
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE FY 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET
Chairman Turnbow stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on the Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
At the recent Budget Work Sessions, the Board indicated the desire to add $130,000 to the School Board’s budget request for employee supplements. In addition, $25,000 was included for National Teacher Board certifications. $50,000 was reallocated from the Children’s Council to a line item for future childcare needs. During Fiscal Year 2024-2025 the Board would review and determine the best use of the $50,000 to meet childcare needs.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to open the public hearing at 5:45 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The following shared comments regarding the proposed budget:
Joe Furman, representing the Early Childhood Education & Development Fund
Monica Caruso, representing Watauga County Library
Marrena Greer, representing Southern Appalachian Historical Society
Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County Schools Superintendent
Jeanie Futrelle, representing OASIS
Shelly Klutz, representing nurses of Watauga County Schools
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to close the public hearing at 6:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Each Commissioner thanked those who shared comments and expressed the desire to be fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of all. Chairman Turnbow clarified that all budget discussions were done in open meetings where public attendance was welcome.
PROPOSED PARKING DECK CHANGE ORDER #2
Mr. Bill Dixon, Appalachian Architecture, P.A., presented proposed Change Order #2 for the parking deck project. The total amount of the change order was $116,628.04 including two credits. Adequate funds were available in the project budget to cover the expense.
Change Order # 2 breaks down as follows:
$15,565.86 Dept. Of Insurance review comments includes:
Increase overflow scupper size on upper-level deck,
Increase size of fire protection water line from 4" to 6" (Note: Hydraulic calculations from the water line on Water Street indicate a 4" water line will be satisfactory. The $3,824.00 may be credited back-depending upon DOI acceptance of the hydraulic calculations)
Additional emergency lighting, directional and emergency exit signage Addition of Knox Box for Fire Department access into sprinkler room Addition of 8 fire extinguishers & lockable cabinets
$ 13,938.00 Remediation of poor foundation soils per ECS site testing recommendations
$ 16,666.88 Installation of conduit and boxes for security cameras per drawings provided by County
$ 18,420.00 Installation of brick pavers in Queen Street sidewall< as required for zoning approval from the Town of Boone
$ 27,000.00 [CREDIT] Deletion of stucco in false window openings
$ 27,604.60 Galvanized support angles for pilasters-
$ 7,636.00 Addition of two small retaining walls to resolve site grading issues around SE corner of the upper deck around power pole & telephone equipment serving the adjacent attorney's offices and installation of rip-rap rock to prevent soil erosion behind adjacent attorney's offices
$ 31,280.00 Installation of two coats masonry parging to create smooth surface on the below grade brick walls for installation of continuous foundation water proofing to maintain the foundation waterproofing warranty
$14,467.00 [CREDIT] For labor cost to NOT install the galvanized steel lintels under the pilasters along the perimeter of the deck as they are self-supporting per Tindall Corporation's recommendation
$12,636.20 Installation of floor drains in the two stairs to allow cleaning per County Facility Maintenance Director's request
5,704.00 Installation of concrete aprons and curbs at upper level deck entry exit at alley
$ 2,748.00 Cost of 3rd party testing of emergency services radio coverage as required by DOI and TOB Fire Department
$ 2,360.00 Additional site work at Queen St. & Water St. intersection to prevent erosion. Includes cost to raise segmented block retaining wall (2' x 6') and installation of filter fabric and large river rock to prevent mulch run-off
$ 116,628.04 TOTAL
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve Change Order # 2 for the parking deck project, in the amount of $116,628.04, as presented by Mr. Dixon.
VOTE: Aye-3(Turnbow, Wallin, Russell)
Nay-2(Castle, Eggers)
MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY UPDATE AND REQUEST TO APPLY FOR WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway, shared how the Greenway ranked high among citizen support through the Parks and Recreation recent surveys used to compile their Master Plan.
Ms. Patoprsty requested authorization to apply for a North Carolina Division of Water Resources Development Grant (WRDG) in the amount of $200,000. The grant would be used for construction of the Angler Park which was a part of the Middle Fork Greenway project. No County funds were requested.
Ms. Patoprsty also presented the following documents as required for the grant application:
· State Grant Certification - no overdue taxes
· The Official Resolution
· No Conflict of Interest Form
· DEQ Approved Agency Conflict of Interest Policy (Attachment D)
· Memorandum to Commissioners
Chairman Turnbow read the resolution.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to authorize the grant application in the amount of $200,000 for the North Carolina Division of Water Resources Development Grant and to execute the documents as presented by Ms. Patoprsty.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PROPOSED PROCLAMATION FOR ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, and Ms. Christie Markham, Social Worker III, presented a proclamation proclaiming June 15, 2024, 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. Markham read the proposed proclamation.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MAINTENANCE MATTERS
A. Bid Award Request for Sheriff’s Office Interior Painting
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented the following bids received for the Sheriff’s Office interior painting project:
Bidder Contact Amount
Custom Coatings, Inc. Joe Brindle $28,250
Hickory, NC
Doomy Painting Bill Doomy $43,759
Winston Salem, NC
Houck Contracting Chad Houck $36,100
Hickory, NC
Southend Painting Todd Cahill $9,629
Charlotte, NC
Mr. Marsh stated that Southend Painting had mistakenly submitted an incorrect amount which wasn’t discovered until Maintenance called to confirm the bid amount. Mr. Cahill apologized and verbally resubmitted a new bid of $19,629; unfortunately, the revised pricing was after the public bid opening and therefore not valid.
Mr. Marsh requested approval of the Custom Coatings, Inc. bid, in the amount of $28,250. Custom Coatings was currently working for the County repainting and installing wallpaper at the Human Services Center. Funds were budgeted for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to cover the expense.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to accept the bid in the amount of $28,250 from Custom Coatings, Inc. for interior painting at the Sheriff’s Office.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Bid Award Request for Sheriff’s Office Floor Covering Replacement
Mr. Robert Marsh presented the following bids received for floor covering replacement at the Sheriff’s Office:
Bidder Contact Amount
Bonitz Hope Vanhoy $47,805
Winston Salem, NC
Rodney Gibson Flooring Rodney Gibson $41,568
Climax, NC
PBI No Response
Asheville, NC
H&A Carpet No response
Hickory, NC
Mr. Marsh requested approval of the bid from Rodney Gibson Flooring, in the amount of $41,568, for new floor coverings at the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Tower.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to accept the bid in the amount of $41,568 from Rodney Gibson Flooring for new floor coverings at the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Tower.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Change Order for Human Services Renovation Project
Mr. Robert Marsh presented a Change Order for the current Human Services Center renovation project which included the following:
1. Delete carpet and install LVL in Mental Health lab and break rooms; delete carpet and add LVL in POA work room. The amount for these two changes was $7,479. These changes were requested by County staff and, if approved, the work would be performed by Bonitz Flooring.
2. Floor repairs beyond project scope. The amount for this change was $2,250. This change was requested by Bonitz Flooring.
3. Install wallpaper in the hallway adjacent to the multi-purpose room on the Second Floor of the Human Services Center. The amount for this change was $1,700. This changed was requested by County staff and , if approved, the work would be performed by Custom Coatings, Inc.
Mr. Marsh recommended all three items be approved in the following amounts: $9,729 for items 1 and 2 with the work to be performed by Bonitz and $1,700 for item 3 with the work to be performed by Custom Coatings.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the change order request in the total amount of $11,429 as presented and recommended by Mr. Marsh.
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 April 2024. 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 April 2024 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for April 2024 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Changes to the License Plate Agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Mr. Larry Warren presented amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual for the License Plate Agency operated by the County. The amendment to the SOP was due to the revisions made by the NCDMV regarding closure for holidays and vacation and bank deposit bags. The changes would become effective July 1, 2024.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the amendments to the License Plate Agency Standard Operating Procedures as presented by Mr. Warren.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REQUEST TO PURCHASE ONE NEW AND ONE USED ROAD TRACTOR
Mr. Phillip Harrison, Operations Services Manager, requested authorization for the purchase of one new 2025 Road Tractor and one used Tandem-Axle Day Cab (TADC) Truck, in Level 1 condition. Mr. Harrison stated that staff recommended the purchase of a 2025 Peterbilt 579 Road Tractor, from Martins Peterbilt of Pikeville, located in London, KY, in the amount of $152,655.00 and one used 2018 TADC Tractor, from Penske Used Truck, in the amount of $62,750.00. The trucks would be utilized in the transportation of scrap metal, used automobile tires, baled recycling, electronic waste, and solid waste from the County’s Transfer Station and recycling facilities.
The vehicles were required to maintain the replacement schedule of the current fleet of three, which was down by one due to the recent accident of the 2010 truck (newest in the fleet with 390,669 miles) leaving the two oldest 2009 (106,224 miles) and 1997 (700,446 miles) to service the facilities.
County Manager Geouque stated that insurance proceeds, in the amount of $77,839.49, from the wrecked vehicle would be utilized to offset the purchases. Adequate funds were available in the retained earnings of the department to cover the remainder of the expenses.
Mr. Harrison stated that Martins Peterbilt had indicated that they could deliver the vehicle from KY which would be ideal as the Department was currently short-staffed. County Manager Geouque agreed and added that, if there were issues on the way with the new truck, liability would be on the dealership if they were delivering it.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to authorize the purchase of a 2025 Peterbilt 579 Road Tractor, from Martins Peterbilt of Pikeville, in London, KY in the amount of $152,655.00 and one used 2018 TADC Tractor, from Penske Used Truck, in the amount of $62,750.00.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
After discussion, Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve an amount up to $2,500 to cover the fee to have the truck delivered from Kentucky.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Proposed Letter of Support for A Forest Legacy Program Grant Application Submitted by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed letter of support for a Forest Legacy Program Grant application where, if funding was received, the NCWRC would implement the Buffalo Creek Forest Legacy Project and purchase and conserve 1,218 acres in Watauga Country from Mr. Jeffrey Fisher.
After brief discussion, Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the letter of support.
Further discussion was held and County Manager Geouque stated that the Board may wish to consult with the County Attorney prior to taking action.
Chairman Turnbow tabled further discussion to allow the Board to seek legal advice during closed session under Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
Commissioner Castle and Vice-Chairman Wallin withdrew the motion and second to allow for further discussion.
[Clerk’s Note: This item was revisited when the Board resumed the open meeting after closed session.]
B. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque presented renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation. The rate for property and liability was $358,375, which was a $40,354 increase, and the rate for workers compensation was $218,385, which was a $6,361 increase over last year. Based on prior years’ claims experience, staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000. The County Manager stated that the recommended budget included adequate funds to cover the proposed insurance premiums.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to accept the renewals for property and liability insurance and workers compensation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), in the amounts of $358,375 and $218,385 respectively.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The Watauga County TDA Board recommended reappointment of Brad Moretz to a new three (3) year term. Mr. Moretz, was both Owner and Operator of Appalachian Ski Mountain and currently occupies a seat on the Board for “a business that collects the occupancy tax.” This was a first reading and therefore, no action was required.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Brad Moretz to a three-year term on the Tourism Development Authority representing “a business that collects the occupancy tax.”
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners will hold the 2024 County Advocacy Days in Raleigh on June 11 & 12. Steering Committee Meetings and a dinner will be on the 11th with the Legislative Program presented on the 12th.
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:37 P.M., Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman 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
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
POSSIBLE ACTION AFTER CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Turnbow opened the floor for discussion regarding the proposed letter of support for a Forest Legacy Program grant application submitted by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
General consensus was that there was not enough information for the Board to sign a support letter on County letterhead. County Attorney Capua stated the support letter wasn’t necessary for eligibility for the grant and by signing it would, in no way, obligate the County.
County Manager Geouque stated that he would inform Mr. Fisher that the Board didn’t have enough information to sign the letter of support and if he wished to pursue it further he would be welcome to attend an upcoming meeting with more information to share.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board