MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, September 17, 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 5:35 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 September 3, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the September 3, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the September 3, 2024, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the September 17, 2024, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to remove both the Vaya and NCDOJ presentations from the agenda and reschedule both to the October 1, 2024, meeting.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the September 17, 2024, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Proposed Letter of Support for AppHealthCare Grant Application
On behalf of Ms. Jennifer Greene, Ms. Kelly Walsh with AppHealthCare, presented a proposed letter of support for AppHealthCare in their application to Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) to expand primary care, substance use disorder treatment, and behavioral health care in Watauga County.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the letter of support as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Howard Knob Park Project
Mr. Wright Tilley, Executive Director of Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), and Mr. Case Neal, Destination by Design, presented an update on the Howard Knob Park project. Mr. Neal stated that plans included updating the entry signage and fencing, expanding the parking lot to add additional spaces, use native landscaping and natural boulder walls, enhancing the shelter, enclosing the portable restrooms, providing accessible parking, picnic, and sidewalk continuous, as well as the addition of an overlook, 80 feet in diameter, inspired by the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
The following bids were received:
|
Bidders Name (GC) |
MBI |
Bar Construction |
Greene Construction |
|
Base Bid |
$2,106,708.00 |
$2,724,000.00 |
$3,716,727.00 |
|
Rank |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Add Alternatives |
|
|
|
|
Standing Seam Corten Roof |
$26,435.00 |
$66,000.00 |
23,282.00$ |
|
Exposed Fastener Corten Roof |
$22,913.00 |
$57,000.00 |
$19,956.00 |
|
Additional Parking |
$11,586.00 |
$18,000.00 |
$17,400.00 |
|
Rock Removal |
$400.00 |
$450.00 |
$438.62 |
|
Soil Removal |
$40.00 |
$60.00 |
$54.83 |
|
Select Fill |
$40.00 |
$60.00 |
$54.83 |
|
Alternative Subtotal |
$60,934.00 |
$141,000.00 |
$60,638.00 |
|
Base Bid + Alternatives |
$2,167,642.00 |
$2,865,000.00 |
$3,777,365.00 |
Mr. Neal stated that, due to the unknown about of rock removal needed, the contingency amount for this project has been set at 20%. Mr. Neal requested approval of MBI Builders, LLC as the lowest responsive bidder for the Howard Knob Park project, including the alternates. The project required no County funding as it would be paid by the TDA and grant funding. Mr. Tilley stated that the park would be a premier anchor point of the Northern Peaks Trail.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to accept the bid from MBI Builders, LLC for the Howard Knob Park project as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Use Human Services Grassy Area Near King Street for Local Clothing Markets
Mr. Trevor Shue, owner of Lucky Dog Vintage Market, requested to utilize the grassy area at the Human Services Complex on Poplar Grove Connector to host a local clothing market. Mr. Shue recently held a successful market on September 7, 2024, and was hoping to hold additional markets on November 16, 2024, February 15, 2025, March 22, 2025, and May 10, 2025. Set up would be from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. with the market beginning at 11:00 A.M. and running until 6:00 P.M. (or as daylight allowed). An hour after the close of the market would be needed for breakdown and clean up, which would be no later than 7:00 P.M. The terms would be similar as before requiring a signed license agreement and a $200 fee each time. County Attorney Capua asked questions related to the finalizing of the agreement.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the use of the space as requested contingent upon an executed license agreement as prepared by the County Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Rural Operating Assistance (ROAP) Grant Application Request
Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, gave a brief status update beginning with the news that they were projecting the use of $494,000 from their fund balance to cover expenses in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Mr. Hughes stated that they were working to bring costs down. Mr. Hughes shared how AppalCART benefits those who ride as well as those who commute in local traffic. Ridership in FY 2024 was 1,516,410. Mr. Hughes stated that the double decker bus should arrive in January 2025.
Mr. Hughes presented the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for FY 2025. Watauga County was awarded $185,401 which did not require a local match. This was a small decrease from the past year. The decrease was due to changes in the census as the amounts were determined by population. The funding total would be split into three categories.
The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP) allocation, in the amount of $73,258, which was split among the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Project on Aging (POA), AppalCART, and Watauga Opportunities. The Employment (EMPL) allocation, in the amount of $14,667, to Watauga Opportunities to provide transportation for their clients to employment and job training. The Rural General Public (RGP) allocation, in the amount of $97,476, used primarily to provide rural trips in the mornings and afternoon to and from Boone.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for FY 2025 as presented by Mr. Hughes.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Arts Council
Ms. Amber Bateman, Watauga Arts Council Director, stated that three years ago a pathway to public arts in the community project began and the work continues with the Blue Ridge Conservancy on the Middle Fork Greenway. A mural was planned for the tunnel under Hwy 321 near Mystery Hill and an encroachment agreement was needed with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Ms. Bateman presented a proposed resolution stating that the County was in support of the project. If adopted, NCDOT would draft the encroachment agreement which would be between the Blue Ridge Conservancy, Watauga County Arts Council, and the NCDOT. Ms. Bateman shared that the mural would contain a QR code of which the video content would be controlled by the Arts Council.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the resolution as presented and authorize NCDOT to draft an encroachment agreement.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Valle Crucis Historical Preservation Committee Presentation
Mr. Walter Browning, Chairman of the Valle Crucis Historical Preservation Committee, introduced Ms. Julie Gates, with the Valle Crucis Community Council, and Mr. Gardner Hoover, with Valle Crucis Community Park, who discussed the status of the current Valle Crucis Elementary School including the County-owned Valle Landing property. Multiple letters were presented with some requesting to keep portions of the facility and others requesting the Board maximize the efforts for flood mitigation.
Ms. Gates stated that there was a total of 16 acres and the area was a tourist draw and hub and home to residents. It was on the historic registry and wanted it to stay what the community loves. Ms. Gates stated that the old school building needed engineer review to determine if it was reasonable for preservation, improvement, or repurpose. Ms. Gates stated that the review wouldn’t happen until the kids were out of the school and asked the County to give the Community Council time to review the structure and submit a plan prior to deciding on what to do with the property (including the structure). Ms. Gates asked for a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) showing good faith. Ms. Gates stated that the Council supports long-term flood mitigation as well as Andy Hill with Mountain True.
Mr. Hoover stated that the Valle Crucis Park had grown to its current 28 acres over the years and stated that by conveying the property to the Park, Dutch Creek flooding could be mitigated and would be available for Park and public use with the Valle Landing portion being returned to its state of nature.
Ms. Gates stated that there were two requests being made. The first was for the 16 acres, excluding the structure, be conveyed to Valle Crucis Park. The second was approve a MOU with the Community Council allowing time to properly evaluate the school building and have time to put together a plan prior to the County deciding on what to do with the structure.
After lengthy discussion, Chairman Turnbow asked for a committee to be formed including himself, Commissioner Eggers, the County Attorney, County Manager, and School Board representatives to have an in-depth discussion regarding the current (soon to be old) Valle Crucis School property and facility. Mr. Turnbow stated that he hoped the committee could report back to the Board by the October 15 meeting or in November.
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of August 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 August 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 August 2024 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
DSS MOU
Mr. Tom Hughes, Social Services Director, presented the State’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County pertaining to the Social Services Department. Mr. Hughes stated that he did not feel the State was upholding their end, in part, by not offering training. Mr. Hughes stated that his office would continue to do their jobs and stated that they did well on their audits. A big issue was that the MOU was written in a one-size-fits all manner and, unfortunately, it would result in Watauga County falling below 95% with just one error. County Attorney Capua stated that this MOU was binding and would be considered contractual. Mr. Hughes stated that one-third of the state had not signed it. Mr. Hughes stated that the sanctions were scary. If the County didn’t meet the State standards, the State would hold funding.
After lengthy discussion, no action was taken due to lack of a motion.
Emergency Services Matters
A. Request for CRS Recorder AIS Upgrade
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested approval for the expenditure of $24,980 for the upgrade of the AIS recording system with Carolina Recording Systems for recorders at the Primary and Back-up PSAPs. Adequate E-911 funds were available in FY 2024-2025 to cover the expense.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the Carolina Recording Systems AIS recording systems upgrade in the amount of $24,980.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request for Tower Shelters
Mr. Will Holt requested approval of the bid from VFP (state contract) in the amount of $995,640 for 4 tower shelters for the VIPER Simulcast Radio System project. Engineered Tower Solutions (ETS) would provide the civil construction on-site, which included the 3 “build on-site” shelters and the erection of those buildings. Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the expense.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to authorize the expenditure of $995,640 for 4 tower shelters from VFP.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Request to Surplus Fire Marshal Vehicle
Mr. Will Holt requested the 2018 Ford F-150 assigned to the Fire Marshal be declared surplus. The vehicle had reached the end of its service life due to a major, mechanical issues that was too costly to repair. A replacement vehicle has already been secured.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to surplus the 2018 Ford F-150 assigned to the Fire Marshal.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request
Ms. Keron Poteat, Parks and Recreation Director, requested approval to travel out-of-state to Hilton Head, South Carolina, for the 2024 Special Olympics North America Tennis & Pickleball Championships. No County funds would be spent with the exception of Ms. Poteat’s time.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the out-of-state travel.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Watauga County School Resource Officers
County Manager Geouque stated that the school system had reapplied for the grants to reduce the cost of providing School Resource Officers (SRO) in Watauga County. The current cost to the County, providing SRO’s in the school system, was $692,886.41 with grant funds offsetting the cost by $206,000.65. If awarded, the new application would provide an additional $102,502.68 in grant funding, lowering the County’s cost. The savings would allow the County to place an SRO in the Blowing Rock Elementary School and allow the Town of Blowing Rock to no longer fund the SRO position. The recent resignation of the Blowing Rock Elementary School’s SRO presented a good time to transition the position from the Town to the County.
The grant application was not guaranteed; however, the Town of Blowing Rock has agreed to fund a Sheriff’s Office SRO position until the end of FY 2024-2025. The County would provide the funding going forward. Should grant funds be awarded during the FY 2024-2025 time period, the County would reduce the Town of Blowing Rock’s portion by the grant allocation for that one position. At the end of FY 2024-2025 the full cost would be borne by the County. During the transition period of the County hiring an SRO, the Town of Blowing Rock, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, would continue to provide an officer at the school. Funds to cover the hiring of the Sherriff’s Office SRO would come from the grant and Town of Blowing Rock for the remainder of FY 2024-2025.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the Sheriff’s Office hiring an additional SRO position which would be for the Blowing Rock Elementary School with the agreed upon terms as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request for Declaration of Surplus and Sale – WCSO K-9
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Major Kelly Redmon, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, requested to have “Maverick” a K-9 police dog declared as surplus and to authorize to sell to its handler, Sergeant Aaron Watson. Major Redmon has indicated that due to Maverick’s health issues, the K-9 must be retired for use by the Sheriff’s Office. General Statutes allow for the dog to be sold for a negotiated price by order of the Board of Commissioners. For staff to carry out the order, the Board must adopt a resolution and advertise the sale for ten (10) days prior to the sale. Major Redmon requested the dog be declared surplus and sold for a fee of $1.00 to its handler. Since the K-9 has been trained for duty, it would be best for an experienced handler to have ownership. Upon completion of the ten-day notice, Maverick will be presented to Sergeant Watson who will bare all future expenses related to the medical, care, and housing of Maverick.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to declare the K-9 police dog, Maverick, surplus, adopt the resolution, and direct staff to advertise for ten (10) days prior to the sale.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Request to Schedule a Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Personnel Ordinance
County Manager Geouque presented proposed amendments to the Watauga County Personnel Ordinance and requested a public hearing be scheduled for the October 1, 2024, meeting to allow citizen comments on the amendments.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Watauga County Personnel Ordinance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Watauga County Library Board
The Watauga County Library Board has recommended the appointment of Ms. Cheryl Angel to replace Ms. Sandi Basil who resigned. Since Ms. Basil’s term expired in August 2024, if appointed, Ms. Angel would begin her first term when appointed and it would expire in 2027.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Cheryl Angel to the Watauga County Library Board with a term to expire in 2027.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Recreation Commission
Mr. Bob Pudney, Beech Mountain Town Manager, has recommended the appointment of Mr. Sean Royall as the Town’s representative on the Watauga County Recreation Commission. If appointed, Mr. Royall’s term would end in 2027.
Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Sean Royall as the Town of Beech Mountain’s representative on the Watauga County Recreation Commission with a term to expire in 2027.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The High Country Council of Governments’ 49th Annual Banquet is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Grandview Ballroom at The Northwest End Zone, Appalachian State University.
· The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) sent a reminder encouraging all Commissioners to Vote on NCACC Legislative Goals During Upcoming Steering Committee Meetings. Please see the information included in the packet. The email was also forwarded to the Board so you have access to all of the links.
Adjourn
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board