MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, November 19, 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
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Castle, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the October 15, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 15, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 15, 2024, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the October 15, 2024, agenda.
Chairman Turnbow stated that there were two requests for addition to the agenda. Emergency Services has a request to rent a generator while the current one is repaired and a proposed change order for the parking deck project has been requested. County Manager Geouque requested to add the generator request under Item 18 and the change order request under Item 23.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the October 15, 2024, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Recognition from Senator Ted Budd
Mr. Justin Somers, Senator Budd’s Office, read the following letter from the Senator, who lived in Watauga County while attending Appalachian State University, recognizing the 175th Anniversary of Watauga County.
Congratulations on the 175th Anniversary of Watauga County. Formed in 1849 from parts of Ashe, Caldwell, Wilkes, and Yancy Counties, Watauga was named for the river that runs through its steep and rugged Appalachian landscape.
Early inhabitants of the area included Cherokee Indians, Scotch-Irish, German, Dutch, Swedish, and French settlers. These early settlers were fiercely independent and self-sufficient, traits that remain with the people in the region today. The town of Boone, the county seat, was named for renowned American frontiersman, Daniel Boone, who camped and hunted in the area. In 1899, my alma mater, Appalachian State University, was established with a commitment to promote the culture of the region. The county's cooler temperatures and mountainous terrain make Watauga County a tourist destination in North Carolina. Tourism is the county's principal industry due to the natural surroundings and great attractions like Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, and Beech Mountain Ski Resort.
During the County's 175th year, Watauga and her sister communities in Appalachia experienced a disaster of historic proportions with Hurricane Helene. Watauga County and the surrounding Blue Ridge region showcased the best of the American spirit and their Appalachian ancestors when neighbors and faith-based organizations like their very own, Samaritans Purse, answered the call to help one another in a time of desperate need.
It is my privilege to represent Watauga County in the United States Senate. The road to recovery from Helene will be long but I am confident that the people of Watauga will persevere, much like their ancestors, to ensure that Western North Carolina will be a beacon of light for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Ted Budd
United States Senator
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Resolution in Support of Naming the Hwy 105 Bridge Over the Watauga River in Memory of K-9 Deputy Logan Shane Fox
Chairman Turnbow stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on naming the Highway 105 Watauga River Bridge in memory of K-9 Deputy Logan Shane Fox. The public hearing would meet the public forum requirement established by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Upon completion of the hearing, the Board would need to adopt the proposed resolution. Staff would then submit background information on the nominee, description of what was requested to be named, and public input and support to NCDOT staff. NCDOT staff would review the information to ensure the application met policy and confirm that there was not local opposition. After review, the NCDOT staff would forward the information to the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee for action. The Board member representing the area where the requested bridge was located must endorse the request. If approved, the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee would forward a resolution for the Board of Transportation’s approval. The Board of Transportation would approve or deny the request.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to open the public hearing at 5:37 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
There being no citizen comment, Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to close the public hearing at 5:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Deputy Fox’s father, Mr. Tim Fox, was present and shared his appreciation for naming the 105 bridge in his son’s honor.
County Manager Geouque reminded the Board of the $2,000 in fees for the signs and installation.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adopt the resolution as presented, approve the $2,000 fee for the signs and installation, and direct staff to submit the necessary information to NCDOT.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Valle Crucis School Furniture
Mr. Chad Roberson, Principal Architect/Clark Nexsen, presented bids for the furniture for the new Valle Crucis Elementary School. Four bids were received with two bids being disqualified during follow-up review. Mr. Roberson requested bid be awarded to Young Office, as the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $905,128.32. The bid was within the budgeted amount for the project.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to award the bid to Young Office in the amount of $905,128.32 for the furniture for the new Valle Crucis Elementary School.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for EMS Facility
Mr. Chad Roberson, Principal Architect/Clark Nexsen, requested the bid be awarded to Greene Construction in the amount of $11,550,194 for the construction of the new County Emergency Services building. The bid was within the budget established for the project.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to award the bid to Greene Construction, the lowest responsive bid, in the amount of $11,550,194 for construction of the new Emergency Services building.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Resolution of the Watauga County Board of Education Regarding an Amendment by the County of Watauga to the School District’s Budget from the County
Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County School Superintendent, presented a resolution adopted by the Board of Education and stated that during and after the COVID pandemic, the School system had to use non-recurring funds and, therefore, requested to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget appropriation from the County to the School systems for current expense in the amount of $1,800,000. The additional funding would be reallocated from existing funds in the school capital reserve account above and beyond those restricted by law for school capital and/or associated debt. The request was for the allocation of the $1,800,000 would be transferred in a lump sum by December 1, 2024. The school system would provide a monthly update on the utilization of those funds. Chairman Turnbow read the resolution.
After discussion, Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to support the School Board’s resolution and approve the reallocation of $1,800,000 from the School capital reserve account to current expenses in a lump sum by December 1, 2024.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
UNC Health Appalachian Request to Amend Bylaws
Ms. Deanna Mool, Chief Legal Officer for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Inc. (ARHS), requested approval of an amendment to Article II of their bylaws. The amendment would clarify the timing of the action of the ARHS nominating committee for at-large trustees. Currently, the bylaws indicate that the slate of candidates was presented by the nominating committee at their Annual Meeting, which is in January of each year and starts the new terms of Trustees as well. Therefore, the request is to have the bylaws coincide with the actual practice to present the Nominating Committee report earlier so that selected trustees can serve at the January meeting. The amendment would also change the date that triggers the application of term limits to trustees. Ms. Mool stated that, with the upcoming change in the Medical Center’s CEO, the change would allow for continuity on the Board of Trustees.
Commissioner Russell asked for clarification on how Board of Trustee members would be affected by the changes to the term limits. Ms. Mool stated that two members would continue to serve if approved by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Russell asked if any succession planning had been done to develop leadership within the Board of Trustees. Ms. Mool stated that the Board of Trustees had fifteen members with five possibly changing and the nominating committee would prepare the slate of new members needed. Commissioner Russell asked why the term limits were requested to be changed. Ms. Mool stated that, in this case, it would provide stability with the Medical Center’s resignation post COVID and Hurricane Helene.
Commissioner Eggers stated that he had looked for the complete set of Bylaws and couldn’t find them and stated that he had more questions than answers regarding the leadership role and succession plan. Ms. Mool stated that would take that information to the Board of Trustees and encouraged Commissioner Eggers to meet to discuss the Bylaws.
Commissioner Castle stated that while the leadership of the Medical Center had not changed, he did not see UNC Health’s involvement as a positive change. He would also like to see more than the redacted set of Bylaws and questioned how much influence UNC had within the Medical Center. Ms. Mool stated that the information could be provided. Ms. Mool stated that UNC had epic chart flows and technological advances that were helpful to the Medical Center. Ms. Mool also suggested meeting with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Commissioner Castle stated that he was not against Medical Center staff.
Commissioner Russell stated that the most important part of the UNC Appalachian and Cannon was that outstanding service was provided to the community with high professional quality care.
Consideration of the request died as there was no motion made.
Watauga Heritage Museum Report
Ms. Diane Deal presented an update on the Watauga County Heritage Museum project. The project began in September 2023 when Ms. Mary Moretz contacted Commissioner Eggers to discuss the project. At that time an Exploration Committee was formed and began meeting in December 2023. In March 2024, Vice-Chairman Wallin, Commissioner Eggers, Ms. Mary Moretz, and Ms. Deal signed incorporation paper for the State of North Carolina. In April 2024, the Charter Members of the Watauga County Heritage Museum, Inc. (WCHM) passed the Bylaws and elected a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee. Ms. Deal was elected as Chairman and Ms. Moretz was elected as Secretary. The application to become a 501c3 began in April as well. The Articles of Incorporation were granted by Elaine F. Marshall, NC Secretary of State in May 2024 and an Employer Identification Number was assigned. In June the 501c3 was granted with an effective date of exemption of May 17, 2024. The first Annual Membership Meeting of WCHM, Inc. held in September 2024.
The five-year vision includes continued fundraising in year two, approve architectural plans, appoint committees, and create a website. Plans are to break ground for the Museum in year three while continuing fundraising and the backing of local citizens. In year four an Executive Director would be hired and plans would begin for displays of artifacts, the educational programs for cabins, and cultural activities to be held in the amphitheater. Year five would bring the Grand opening of the Museum. Past and present dignitaries who helped establish the Museum would be invited to attend along with elected officials. The hope would be for this celebration to remain in local memory for decades to come.
Ms. Deal stated that many artifacts disappeared from the former heritage museum once housed at Appalachian State University and plans were to prevent that from ever happening again by creating a safe and secure place for them to be housed.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Middle Fork Greenway Matters
A. Division of Water Resources (DWR) Grant Acceptance Request for Angler Park
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty, Blue Ridge Conservancy, presented funding from the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for $200,000 in financial assistance for Angler Park on Middle Fork River Project. Ms. Patoprsty stated that the grant would provide financial assistance to stabilize approximately 800 linear feet of stream and construct 500 linear feet of greenway trail with a bridge to connect with two miles of existing Middle Fork Greenway trail.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the grant of $200,000 from the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant Acceptance Request for Angler Park
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty, Blue Ridge Conservancy, requested acceptance of award of a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant to construct Angler Park on the Middle Fork Greenway in the amount of $500,000. The grant would be administered by the High Country Council of Governments. The project was currently under final design, engineering, and permitting. The engineers were re-evaluating the plans after Hurricane Helene to ensure that designs can move forward as planned. The 50% match requirement would come from the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and private fundraising such as funds collected by the Round Up for the Greenway fundraiser.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to accept the $500,000 grant from the NCPARTF with the matching funds to come from the Watauga TDA and private donations.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant Acceptance Request for Kill/Chill Facility
Mr. Kelly Coffey, Senior Planner at High Country Council of Governments, requested approval of a grant administration contract with the High Country Council of Governments for administration of the Economic Development Administrator (EDA) grant associated with the Kill/Chill project. No County funds are required as funding was provided in the grant to cover the administration costs.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the contract for administration of the EDA grant with the High Country Council of Governments in the amount of $30,000 with funds to be provided through the EDA grant.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Cooperative Extension Report and Request for Acceptance of Tobacco Trust Fund Grant
Ms. Kendra Phipps, Cooperative Extension Agent, requested approval of a grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund in the amount of $67,379 for grounds enhancement to complement the Extension’s small greenhouse project. The funds would also provide for a part-time assistant to help with the greenhouse project. Ms. Phipps stated that the position would end when grant funding ended.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund in the amount of $67,379.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Phipps also updated the Board on Cooperative Extension’s Hurricane relief efforts. Ms. Phipps stated that the County was fortunate to have people who wanted to help and stated that the Brown family donated land for use to distribute supplies which came from many outside people and groups but was now more local. The main need now was for hay and fencing supplies. Approximately 1200 to 2000 round bales of hay would be needed over the winter. People willing to help with chainsaws and heavy equipment were also needed.
Project on Aging Matters
A. Annual Report
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, presented the Project on Aging’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report which consisted of a comprehensive evaluation of the agency’s operations and policies as required by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to accept the annual report for the Project on Aging as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. FY 2025 Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested acceptance of the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) grant which was from a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. The grant was in the amount of $4,878 and did not require any County match.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the grant from the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in the amount of $4,878 with no County match.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Sports Fields (Hurricane Helene Storm Damage)
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, requested the award of a bid to Mountain Fence and Deck in the amount of $49,309 to replace fencing at Complex 2, 3, and 4 fields due to Hurricane Helene damage.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to award the bid to Mountain Fence and Deck in the amount of $49,309.
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 October 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 October 2024 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 October 2024 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tower Site Shelter Radio Equipment Purchase Request
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested the award of a bid to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $8,491,954.00 for 6-site simulcast radio equipment packages for the new sites as part of the VIPER Simulcast Radio System project. Motorola Solutions, Inc. would provide the equipment to include provisioning, warranty, etc. The NCSHP VIPER team would install the equipment either directly or through their vendor. The equipment was from the State contract. Adequate funds were in the current budget along with the Capital Improvement Program.
After lengthy discussion regarding future plans and coverage areas, Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to award the contract to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $8,491,954.00 for 6-site simulcast radio equipment packages as presented by Mr. Holt.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Generator Repair Request
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested funding for up to $25,000 for the rental of a generator to service the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and Emergency Services 911 Center while the primary generator was down for maintenance. Mr. Holt stated that during Hurricane Helene the generator suffered a significant issue with the cooling system requiring emergency repairs to keep it online, however the fix was temporary and the generator was not currently rated for use of more than one hour at a time. The rebuilding of the generator’s radiator was needed which required up to several weeks of time in National Power’s shop.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve up to $25,000 in funding for the rental of a generator to service, if needed, for the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and Emergency Services 911 Center while the primary generator was down for maintenance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request
Mr. Keron Poteat, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that she recently traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Special Olympics USA Games due to being selected to serve as a technical director for the future Pickleball competition with all expenses paid, with the exception of her time. Due to the cancellation of the 1st meeting in November, Ms. Poteat was unable to secure permission from the Board prior to travel time and, therefore, staff granted the request due to there being no expenses from the County except her time.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to retroactively approve the out-of-state travel.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
StRAP 2022 Contract Amendment Request
Ms. Mikey Woodie, Soil and Water Conservation Technician, requested approval of an amendment to the 2022 Watauga StRAP contract, which would extend the expiration date to December 31, 2025.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the amendment to the 2022 Watauga StRAP contract extending the expiration date to December 31, 2025.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sanitation Matters
A. Equipment Purchase Request
Mr. Chris Marriott, Operations Services Director, request the award of a bid to Carlton Scale in the amount of $138,696 to replace the scale in the transfer station that has failed. The scale was a critical part of the transfer station operations as it provided the weight for trailers being loaded for transport. The scale ensures the trailers are not overloaded or underloaded. Adequate funds were available in the retain earnings fund.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to award the bid to Carlton Scale in the amount of $138,696 to replace the scale in the transfer station as presented by Mr. Marriott.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Transfer Station Repair Request
Mr. Chris Marriott, Operations Services Director, requested approval of the purchase and installation of ¾ inch steel plates for the transfer station floor. Mr. Marriott stated that a portion of the floor had already been covered with steel plates and this would complete the needed repairs. NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) recognized the crumbling concrete during a compliance inspection and required the floor to be repaired for the transfer station to remain operational. Adequate funds were available in the retain earnings. To keep continuity in the steel and workmanship of installation, Mr. Marriott requested the use of the same providers as the portion of flooring already repaired. This would require the purchase of 33 sheets of metal from Wilkes Metal in the amount of $97,647.34 and installation by Wilson Welding & Line Boring, LLC in the amount of $123,296.25.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to purchase the 33 sheets of metal from Wilkes Metal in the amount of $97,647.34 and the installation by Wilson Welding & Line Boring, LLC in the amount of $123,296.25.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Proposed Inmate Catastrophic Insurance Contract
Finance Director/County Manager Geouque presented a proposed contract renewal with Sirius America Insurance for catastrophic insurance for inmates housed in the County Jail. The insurance shields the County from large medical claims that occur while inmates are being housed in the Watauga County Jail.
The current contract would expire on December 1, 2024. The contract renewal with Sirius America Insurance for catastrophic insurance coverage was in the amount of $24,321 which was a 6% increase from the current year and would have a $5,000 deductible. Adequate funds were available to cover the contracted cost.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the contract renewal with Sirius America Insurance for catastrophic insurance coverage for $24,321, 6% increase, with a $5,000 deductible for inmates housed in the County Jail.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request to Surplus 2014 Trash Truck
Finance Director/County Manager Geouque stated that, previously, the Board had granted the Manager authority to sell surplus property under the $30,000 threshold. The County planned to surplus a 2014 Peterbilt trash truck which may exceed the $30,000 threshold. Therefore, the County Manager requested approval to surplus the vehicle and approve of its disposal via electronic sale on GovDeals.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve to surplus the vehicle and approve of its disposal via electronic sale on GovDeals.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Parking Deck Project Change Order
County Manager Geouque presented an additional unanticipated Change Order, in the amount of $4,813, for the Parking Deck project. The Change Order would allow for the installation of conduit, wiring and a monitoring device from the PIV (Pressure Indicating Valve) located in Water Street yard to the fire alarm system in the sprinkler room. This was a requirement of the Town Fire Department and was one of the last items required for the Town to issue the Certificate of Occupancy. The connection was not shown of the fire alarm plans, nor sprinkler drawings and was not noted as missing in the original plan review during permitting by DOI or the Town of Boone. Since it was a requirement for final occupancy approval, VPC was proceeding with scheduling the installation of the conduit. Approving the Change Order would allow for the project to be closed out.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the Change Order, in the amount of $4,813, as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. December Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the first Board of Commissioners meeting in December needed to be moved to Monday, December 2, 2024, as new Commissioners were required to be sworn-in on the first Monday of December following an election. The meeting would recess to allow for the swearing in ceremony of the Commissioners-Elect and then resume with the newly constituted Board taking seat.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to reschedule the 1st Board of Commissioners meeting in December to Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque stated that the Annual Employee Christmas Lunch was scheduled at Dan’l Boone Inn on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. with the first lunch group beginning at 11:30 A.M. and the second lunch group beginning at 1:00 P.M.
Closed Session
At 7:43 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 Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Possible Action After Closed Session
There was no action after closed session.
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board