MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETINGS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003 &
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2003
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held special meetings on Friday, February 28, 2003 and Saturday, March 1, 2003 in order to conduct a retreat to review goals and objectives for the County. The meetings were held in the Human Services Conference Room, Boone, NC.
PRESENT: James Coffey, Chairman
Jimmy Hodges, Vice-Chairman
David Blust, Commissioner
Keith Honeycutt, Commissioner
Allen Trivette, Commissioner
Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Doris Isaacs, Finance Director
Deron Geouque, Assistant County Manager
Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order on Friday, February 28, 2003 at 6:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
County Manager Nelson reviewed last year's goals and objectives and reported on the progress of these goals and objectives to the Board. Manager Nelson stated the County made tremendous strides in improving the overall operations of the County. Ms. Doris Isaacs presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2004 budget schedule. The Board of Commissioners reviewed a tentative schedule for budget work sessions on May 8, 2003 (6-10 pm), May 14, 2003 (1- 5 pm) and May 22, 2003 (1-5). Ms. Isaacs reported on the current year budget and reviewed the Capital Reserve Summary.
The Board met with the School Board to discuss issues in the upcoming budget year. The following individuals were present from the Watauga County Board of Education: School Board Members Mr. Andy Reese, Mr. Lowell Younce, Mr. Steve Combs, Dr. Lee Warren, Dr. Dick Jones, Superintendent, and other School Board staff.
Mr. Craig Sullivan, Watauga Medics, discussed with the Board the new Office of Emergency Management Services rules of operations. Mr. Sullivan also informed the Board of changes that would need to be made to the ambulance ordinance.
County Manager Nelson and Finance Director Doris Isaacs updated the Board on the Capital Improvement Plan and spoke about space issues for the County.
A recess was declared at 10:00 P.M.
The meeting reconvened on Saturday, March 1, 2003 at 8:30 A.M.
Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, and Brian Crutchfield presented a power point presentation on the Water/Sewer Study Committee. It was the consensus of the Board to have a joint meeting with the Town Council of Boone to discuss the town’s additional capacity at their sewer plant.
Mr. Scott Eggers briefed the Board on the status of the Community-Based Housing Task Force. Mr. Eggers said that the committee was looking for direction from the Board on what the next step will be. The Board felt the first step would be to secure any additional capacity from the Town of Boone’s sewer plant which would be a requirement for affordable housing.
Mr. Mike Wagoner, Boone Chamber of Commerce Director, and other EDC members spoke to the Board about economic development issues. Mr. Wagoner told the Board that Grant Wainscott had resigned and Laurette Leagon was sharing duties until a new director is hired.
Mr. Kelvin Byrd, Tax Administrator, discussed with the Board the Schedule of Values and Revaluation Process. Mr. Byrd also told the Board they would need to schedule dates for the Board of Equalization and Review.
Dr. Marvin Hoffman and Dr. Dragan Stefanovic from Appalachian State University informed the Board on the results of the Customer Service Survey that was conducted. Dr. Marvin Hoffman and Dr. Dragan Stefanovic said County employees were to be commended on their customer service to the citizens of Watauga County.
Mr. Joe Furman and Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, reviewed with the Board the draft ordinances on junked vehicles and solid waste.
Commissioner Honeycutt seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:00 P .M.
VOTE: Aye-4
James Coffey
Chairman
ATTEST:
Deron Geouque
Assistant County Manager