MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2004
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
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
Deron Geouque, Assistant County Manager
Anita Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
A moment of silence was observed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Coffey called for additions and/or corrections to the December 8, 2003, regular meeting and closed session minutes and the January 5, 2004, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the December 8, 2003 regular meeting, December 8, 2003, closed session and January 5, 2004, regular meeting minutes as presented and the January 5, 2004 closed session minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Coffey called for additions and/or corrections to the January 20, 2004, agenda.
County Manager Nelson requested to add an agenda item to request an amendment to the E-911 console contract. (agenda item 9(a))
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the January 20, 2004, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SIGNS IN WATAUGACOUNTY
Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing open at 7:03 P.M. to allow for comment on the proposed amendments to An Ordinance To Regulate Signs In Watauga County.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, reviewed the proposed changes to the Ordinance.
There being no public comment, Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing closed at 7:18 P.M.
The Board directed Mr. Furman to add additional language to the ordinance stating that all political signs were to be removed one day after the election and to set the effective date of the amended ordinance to be January 2005.
The Board also directed Mr. Furman to contact the Board of Elections and request that they provide the new guidelines to candidates running for office and to request voluntary compliance following the guidelines before the effective date.
The Board also requested future discussion of enforcement issues, therefore action was tabled to a future meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE WATAUGA COUNTYORDINANCE TO GOVERN SUBDIVISIONS AND MULTI-UNIT STRUCTURES
Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing open at 7:18 P.M. to allow for comment on the proposed amendments to the Watauga County Ordinance To Govern Subdivisions and Multi-Unit Structures.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, presented the proposed changes to the Ordinance.
There being no public comment, Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing closed at 7:22 P.M.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to adopt the Watauga County Ordinance To Govern Subdivisions and Multi-Unit Structures as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PROPOSED RESOLUTION URGING STRONGER PENALTIES FOR OPERATORS OF METHAMPHETAMINE LABS
Ms. Mary South discussed the dangers associated with methamphetamine labs and read a proposed resolution requesting the North Carolina Legislature adopt legislation to enact stronger penalties for offenders who operate methamphetamine labs. The resolution also advocated continued funding from federal and state sources in combating this problem.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to adopt the Resolution Urging Stronger Penalties For Offenders Who Operate Methamphetamine Labs In North Carolina as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: As requested by the Board, the adopted resolution was forwarded to the regional legislative delegation.]
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT GRANT APPLICATION REQUESTS
Sheriff Shook requested approval to submit a grant application to the Governor’s Crime Commission for additional funds to combat the methamphetamine problem in the region. The grant, if awarded, would provide funds to Watauga, Wilkes, Forsyth, and Ashe Counties, to establish cooperative efforts in the region. A database to share information from past, present, and future investigations was to be created.
If awarded, the Watauga County Finance Department was to administer the funds as well as the required local matches, for disbursement as allowable expenses were incurred.
Watauga County’s local match was to be approximately $15,000. Sheriff Shook stated that he had identified $7,000 from his drug fund to partially fund the match requirement and requested that the balance be allocated in the FY ’05 budget that was to be adopted prior to July 1, 2004. Sheriff Shook stated that Watauga County was to provide office space for one person to manage the data associated with the project.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the submission of the grant and to approve the local match’s inclusion in the FY’ 05 budget.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
FINANCE DEPARTMENT MATTERS
A. Proposed Contract for Jail Census Reimbursement Audit – Ms. Doris Isaacs recommended that the County enter into a contract with Robert S. Segal, CPA PA to conduct an audit of the County’s jail population in reference to applying for reimbursements through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. Ms. Isaacs stated that the County had contracted with Mr. Segal in the past for several different audits on a fee basis that have been quite successful. Mr. Segal proposed to conduct the audit and to file the necessary reports for reimbursement for .17¢ on the dollar of all monies collected.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to accept the contract with Robert S. Segal, CPA PA to audit the jail census contingent upon the County Attorney’s approval.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Budget Amendments – Finance Director Doris Isaacs presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
133593-359005 PSFF-Hardin Park Roof $348,973
133593-359006 PSFF-Bethel School $1,350
135912-459005 Cap. Out.-PSFF-Hardin Park Roof $348,973
135912-459006 Cap. Out.-Bethel School $1,350
The amendment recognized the draw down and expenditure of Public School Facilities Funds.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-343101 COPS Program-DEC Grant $35,220
104313-412200 Salaries-Overtime $30,000
104313-431200 Travel & Training $1,200
104313-451000 Capital Outlay-Equip. $4,020
143300-343101 COPS Program-DEC Grant $35,220
143131-429000 Medical Evaluations-Meth Labs $15,000
144313-429001 Child Clothing-Meth Labs $15,000
144313-451000 Capital Outlay-Equip. $4,305
144313-431200 Travel and Training $1,100
103300-341600 COPS Program DEC Grant $5,753
104160-431200 Travel and Training $1,093
104160-451001 Capital Outlay-Meth Lab $4,660
The amendment recognized COPS Program DEC Grant funding for Watauga County. These funds will be shared between the Sheriff’s Department, Social Services and the District Attorney’s office.
Account # Description Debit Credit
143991-399101 Fund Balance-Approp. New $4,468
145890-469820 JCPC-Pr. Yr. Funds $4,468
The amendment re-appropriated unspent JCPC fund to be repaid to the state.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Isaacs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Refunding of School Bond – Ms. Isaacs stated that a refunding (refinancing) opportunity existed for Watauga County for the outstanding principle of the 1995 general obligation school bonds. Projected potential savings over the remaining maturity of the bonds was approximately $165,000. Ms. Isaacs requested approval from the Board to begin the process to work with the consultant previously used in refunding other bond issues, Ms. Allison Peeler, and the Local Government Commission. The refunding sale date of these bonds was projected to be April 2004. Ms. Isaacs stated that at any time the process could be stopped if the Board so desired.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the process of refunding the 1995 general obligation school bonds and working with Ms. Allison Peeler and the Local Government Commission during the process.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
FUTURE FORWARD FUNDING REQUEST – Mr. Joe Furman discussed a request from Future Forward Economic Development Alliance for a funding commitment beginning July 1, 2004, in the amount of $2,145 which equaled .05¢ per capita based on the most recent census figures. All participating counties were asked for a like amount based on their respective populations. Mr. Furman stated that the Alliance had also requested, as first announced at the last meeting, that a Commissioner serve on the Future Forward Economic Alliance Board. This appointment was requested to be made by January 31, 2004. An additional Board member was also requested to be appointed from the private sector of which the member was to be responsible for dues based upon the number employed at the members business.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to approve allocation of $2,145, out of the current Economic Development budget line, to the Future Forward Economic Development Alliance and to appoint Vice-Chairman Hodges to serve as a member of the Future Forward Economic Development Alliance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE E-911 CONSOLE CONTRACT
Mr. Furman stated that Wireless Communications had inadvertently ordered three consoles when the County originally contracted with them for two. The County needed the third console installed, at latest, in the Law Enforcement Center currently under construction and possibly before its completion. Mr. Furman stated that Wireless Communications had offered to sell the third console to the County at the reduced price of $4,638 (which also included a $5,000 credit). Mr. Furman stated that the console was to be purchased with E-911 funds and the purchase ensured compatibility with current consoles when installed.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to approve the amendment to the contract to include the purchase of the third E-911 console from Wireless Communications with E-911 funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BROOKSHIREROADPARK BID PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT REQUEST
Assistant County Manager Geouque introduced Mr. Jim Woodie with Municipal Engineering who reviewed the following bids that were received Tuesday, January 20, 2004, prior to the meeting:
|
Contractor
|
Base Bid Amt.
|
Contract Days
|
Alternate Bid Amt.
|
Contract Days
|
|
Chris Rider, Inc.
|
$476,000
|
150
|
$454,000
|
150
|
|
G & C Construction of Lenoir
|
NON-RESPONSIVE
|
|||
|
Greene Construction
|
$445,000
|
210
|
$417,600
|
210
|
|
James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co., Inc.
|
$449,000
|
126
|
$422,892
|
126
|
|
Wishon & Carter Builders
|
$459,954
|
183
|
$431,431
|
183
|
Mr. Woodie stated that the two low bids were from Greene Construction and James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co., Inc. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors was contacted and both were licensed to perform the Watauga County Park Project. Mr. Woodie stated “time was of the essence” in completing the project.
Assistant County Manager Geouque stated that to be in compliance with the PART F Grant the park needed to be completed by June 30, 2004.
After discussion, Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to grant the contract for the Watauga County Park Project to James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co., Inc. contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction was granted the contract for the Watauga County Park Project based on being most suitable to Watauga County’s needs for the project. Even though their bid was not the lowest bid, it contained 84 fewer contract days than that of the low bidder, Greene Construction. Awarded PART F grant funds required completion by June 30, 2004. ]
RESCUE SQUAD GRANT APPLICATION REQUEST
Assistant County Manager Geouque reviewed the opportunity for Watauga County to apply for $14,281 in grant funds from the North Carolina Hospital Bio-terrorism Preparedness Grant. The amount of $14,281 was available with no local match required. If received, the funds were to be used to purchase a repeater to improve communication capabilities for both the Watauga and Blowing Rock Rescue Squads.
Commissioner Trivette, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the grant application request for funds from the North Carolina Hospital Bio-terrorism Preparedness Grant with no local match required as present by Mr. Geouque.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Employee Assistance Program Contract Renewal Request – County Manager Nelson stated that the Employee Assistance Program with New River Behavioral Health Care was due for renewal effective January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004. This was a continuation of the current contract in place with the same terms.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the continuation of the Employee Assistance Program with New River Behavioral Health Care for the calendar year of 2004 as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Architect Selection for the Courthouse Expansion – County Manager Nelson stated that Watauga County had submitted advertisements for architectural services for interested firms in the Courthouse addition project. Maintenance Director, Mr. Robert Marsh, received six submittals and upon review recommended interviewing the two most suited to the County’s needs. After conducting the interviews, the selection committee consisting of Messrs Geouque, Nelson, and Marsh and Commissioner Hodges recommended that the County enter into contract negotiation for architectural services for the Courthouse addition with Mr. Jack Hemphill, AIA, of Hemphill Associates-Architects.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to direct the County Manager to enter into contract negotiations with Jack Hemphill, AIA, of Hemphill Associates-Architects for architectural services for the Courthouse addition project.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the Economic Development Commission Board recommended Mr. Fowler Cooper be appointed to fill a vacant un-expired term due to the untimely death of Ms. Sue Wilmoth.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to appoint Mr. Fowler Cooper to fill the un-expired term of Ms. Sue Wilmoth.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The County Manager gave a first reading of a recommendation for Ms. Glenda Hodges to be reappointed to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
No Board action was required at this time.
D. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced NACo's 2004 Legislative Conference scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 2, 2004, in Washington, D.C. Those wishing to attend, please contact Anita for assistance with reservations.
The County Manager reviewed the tentative FY ’05 budget schedule.
RECESS
Chairman Coffey called a brief recess prior to public comment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Deborah Greene spoke during public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:35 P.M., Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Economic Development Matters, per G. S. 143-318-11(a)(4).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
James Coffey, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board