MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2004
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on Tuesday, August 17, 2004, in the Administrative Conference Room, Watauga County Courthouse. Those present were: Chairman Coffey, Vice-Chairman Hodges, Commissioner Blust, Commissioner Honeycutt, and Commissioner Trivette, County Manager Nelson, Assistant County Manager Geouque, County Attorney Eggers-Gryder and Clerk to the Board Fogle. Also in attendance were Mr. Richard Sparks, Mr. Will Grant, Mr. Maran Sigmon, and Dr. Dean representing Watauga Medical Center and Mr. Craig Sullivan representing Watauga Medics.
Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 5:45 P.M. and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to review the proposals received offering EMS services for Watauga County from 2005-2010.
County Manager Nelson briefly reviewed the current rates and the proposals received from Watauga Medical Center and Watauga Medics regarding EMS services for the County.
Mr. Richard Sparks, CEO Watauga Medical Center, reviewed their proposal submitted for EMS services for Watauga County.
Mr. Craig Sullivan, owner of Watauga Medics, reviewed his proposal as submitted to the Board.
Ms. Pat Gray, Administrator for Blowing Rock Hospital and member of the Watauga County EMS Advisory Committee, stated that both the Blowing Rock Hospital Board of Directors and the EMS Advisory Committee recommended Watauga Medics to continue to provide EMS services to Watauga County.
The meeting was recessed at 6:46 P.M. to the regular meeting in Courtroom # 1, located on the second floor of the Courthouse at 7:00 P.M.
James Coffey
Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle
Clerk to the Board
MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2004
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 17, 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 August 2, 2004, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to approve the August 2, 2004, regular meeting and closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Coffey called for additions and/or corrections to the August 17, 2004, agenda.
County Manager Nelson requested to add, under closed session, Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to approve the August 17, 2004, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
EMS SERVICE AWARD DISCUSSION
After discussion, Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to accept the proposal for EMS services from Watauga Medics, Inc., and directed the County Manager to have a contract prepared for execution at a future meeting.
VOTE: Aye-4(Coffey, Blust, Honeycutt, Trivette)
Nay-0
Abstain-1(Hodges)
TAX MATTERS
A. Annual Tax Collector’s Settlement – Tax Administrator Byrd presented the following Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 2003/2004 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Order of Collections Request – A sworn oath was administered to Tax Administrator Byrd in order to collect taxes for the new Fiscal Year 2004/2005. Mr. Byrd stated this Order would grant him the authorization to collect taxes and requested the Board’s approval.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to grant authorization to Tax Administrator Byrd to collect taxes for Fiscal Year 2004/2005.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
FINANCE MATTERS
A. Requested Resolution to Authorize the Upset Bid Process for Surplus Land Sale – County Manager Nelson stated that a bid had been received, from Tom and Mary Adams in the amount of $27,000 with the required 5% bid deposit, on the property declared as surplus that consisted of approximately 2 ½ acres above the new Health Department building. The County Manager presented a draft resolution authorizing the start of the upset bid process.
The County Manager stated that once the resolution was adopted, the property was to be advertised for upset for 10 days and if an upset bid was received the 10 day process was to begin again. At the point no upset bids were received, the high bid was to be brought back to the Board of Commissioners for consideration of sale. The County Manager stated that the Board had the right to reject any and all offers at any time during the process.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Upset Bid Process for the property presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Solidwaste Equipment Financing Request – Mr. David Cook, Assistant Finance Direction, discussed bids that were received for financing $375,210.46 in solidwaste department equipment. The equipment purchase was planned for the current year. Following are the bids that were received:
|
Financial Institution
|
Amount
|
Rate
|
Total Payback
|
Term
|
Other Expenses
|
|
Appalachian First
|
$415,000
|
4.50%
|
$455,793.60
|
4 years
|
None
|
|
Huntington Capital
|
$415,000
|
3.30%
|
$444,699.52
|
4 years
|
None
|
|
Ashford Capital
|
$415,000
|
3.279%
|
$444,506.72
|
4 years
|
$500
|
|
BB&T
|
$415,000
|
3.17%
|
$443,507.04
|
4 years
|
None
|
|
First Citizens
|
$415,000
|
3.07%
|
$442,590.88
|
4 years
|
$500
|
|
Wachovia
|
$415,000
|
2.975%
|
$441,576.80
|
4 years
|
$250
|
|
RBC Centura
|
$415,000
|
2.60%
|
$438,300.00
|
4 years
|
$350
|
Mr. Cook recommended accepting the proposal submitted by RBC Centura at the rate of 2.6% on $375,000 which was to generate a total payback over the life of the loan to approximately $396,055.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to accept the bid from RBC Centura as presented by Mr. Cook.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SANITATION MATTERS
A. Brush Grinding Contract Award Request – Mr. J. V. Potter stated that after bids had been solicited, a single bid for brush grinding at the landfill was received. As this was an informal bid process, three bids were not required. The bid received was from the Target Contracting, Inc., the company that had received the County’s contract for brush grinding the last several times. Mr. Potter stated that he was satisfied with previous work.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to accept the proposal from Target Contracting, Inc., for $11.85 per ton of brush contingent upon the County Attorney’s review of the contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Front Loading Trash Truck Bid Award Request – Mr. Potter received the following bids for a front loading trash truck. Mr. Potter recommended accepting the low bid in the amount of $152,284.46 from Cavalier Equipment for the front loading trash truck.
|
Bidder
|
Bid Amount
|
|
Cavalier Equipment
|
$152,284.46
|
|
Volvo- GMC
|
$152,284.46
|
|
Carolina Environmental Systems
|
$160,660.00
|
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to accept the bid from Cavalier Equipment in the amount of $152,284.46 for the front loading trash truck.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Roll-Off Truck Bid Award Request – Mr. Potter received bids for a roll-off truck. Mr. Potter recommended accepting the low bid in the amount of $107,226 from Cavalier Equipment for the roll-off trash truck which was the lowest bid meeting the requirements.
|
Bidder
|
Bid Amount
|
|
Volvo- GMC
|
$107,226.00
|
|
Carolina Environmental Systems
|
$115,994.00
|
|
Transource
|
$104,649.00
|
|
Cavalier Equipment
|
$107,226.00
|
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to accept the bid from Cavalier Equipment in the amount of $107,226 for the roll-off truck.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Front End Loader Bid Award Request – Mr. Potter received bids for a rubber tired front end loader. Mr. Potter recommended accepting the bid in the amount $115,700 from Mitchell Distributing, the low bidder for the rubber tired front end loader.
|
Bidder
|
Bid Amount
|
|
Mitchell Distributing
|
$115,700.00
|
|
James River
|
$121,930.00
|
|
Carolina Tractor
|
$127,420.46
|
|
Briggs Equipment
|
$131,490.00
|
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Trivette, moved to accept the bid from Mitchell Distributing in the amount of $115,700 for the rubber tired front end loader.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN DISCUSSION
Mr. Seth Norris discussed the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Watauga County that was required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The plan dealt with the effects of natural and man made hazard events that may pose threats to the lives or cause damages to property. The plan needed to be adopted by resolution by November. The first step in the process was this discussion to highlight the key points in the plan and answer any questions. The recommended second phase could consist of drop-in sessions for the public to review the document and ask questions and/or a public hearing prior to adoption. Mr. Norris stated that submittal was required by November 2, 2004.
Mr. Joe Furman stated that a drop-in session was to be scheduled to allow for public inspection, questions, and comments of the plan.
Mr. Seth Norris discussed the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Watauga County that was required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The plan dealt with the effects of natural and man made hazard events that may pose threats to the lives or cause damages to property. The plan needed to be adopted by resolution by November. The first step in the process was this discussion to highlight the key points in the plan and answer any questions. The recommended second phase could consist of drop-in sessions for the public to review the document and ask questions and/or a public hearing prior to adoption. Mr. Norris stated that submittal was required by November 2, 2004.
Mr. Joe Furman stated that a drop-in session was to be scheduled to allow for public inspection, questions, and comments of the plan.
As this was for information only, no action was required at this time.
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Employee Performance Award Discussion – County Manager Nelson stated that, per Commissioner request, time was been reserved to allow discussion regarding employee performance awards.
Commissioner Honeycutt stated that many Watauga County employees went above and beyond the call of duty and recommended a program be established to reward such employees for a job well done.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Manager and Assistant County Manager to develop an employee awards program to note specific achievement of employees that go above and beyond their job descriptions in the performance of their duties to bring before the Board at a future meeting.
B. Landfill Gas – County Manager Nelson reviewed a landfill gas development agreement between Watauga County and Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., for use of the methane gas that was to be collected after the installation of the system which should occur in Fall/Winter of 2004.
Vice-Chairman Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the landfill gas development agreement with Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of an appointment to the Watauga Farmland Preservation Advisory Board. Mr. Doug Clawson resigned from the position due to other obligations. The County Manager stated that the Watauga Farmland Preservation Advisory Board had recommended Mr. Jim Bryan to fill the vacancy.
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of an appointment to the Watauga County EMS Advisory Board. Mr. Bill Kaiser resigned from the position due to his retirement as Director of the Stewart Simmons First Responders. The County Manager stated that Mr. Kaiser and the EMS Advisory Committee had recommended Ms. Christine “Chris” Hawthorne to fill the vacancy.
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of appointments to the Board of the Watauga County Public Library. The County Manager stated that the Library Board had recommended the appointment of Ms. Jean Czermak to replace Ms. Ann Blackburn; Mr. Joseph Bathanti to replace Ms. Mae Councill; and the reappointment of Ms. Shelby Lane.
By consensus, the Board waived their local policy which required a second reading of nominations prior to taking action at Commissioner Honeycutt’s request due to the Library Board’s scheduled meeting prior to the next Board of Commissioners’ meeting.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to appoint Ms. Jean Czermak and Mr. Joseph Bathanti and to reappoint Ms. Shelby Lane to the Board of the Watauga County Public Library.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of appointments to the Appalachian Regional Library Board. The County Manager stated that the Library Board had recommended the appointment of Mr. George Holloway to replace Ms. Ann Blackburn; Ms. Patty Wheeler to replace Ms. Mae Councill; and the reappointment of Ms. Shelby Lane.
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of appointments to the Blowing Rock Rural Fire Protection District Commission. The County Manager stated that Dr. Lynn D. George was willing to continue to serve if so appointed and Mr. Dennis Ruppert and Mr. Clarence “Bub” Allison were not able to continue to serve. Recommendations for replacements were to be forthcoming.
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of appointments to the Cove Creek Fire Protection District Commission. The County Manager stated that Mr. Allen Shelton, Ms. Betty Henson, and Mr. Derek Wilson were all willing to continue to serve if so appointed.
County Manager Nelson gave a first reading of appointments to the Zionville Fire Protection District Commission. The County Manager stated that Mr. Lowell Younce was willing to continue to serve if so appointed. Communication had not yet been received from Mr. Lewis “Joe” Phillips and Ms. Keeta Norris as to if they were willing to continue to serve.
D. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that the High Country Council of Governments Annual Banquet was to be held on Friday, September 10, 2004, at Linville Ridge with the reception beginning at 6:00 P.M. and the Buffet Dinner/Meeting beginning at 7:00 P.M.
County Manager Nelson announced that recommendations for inclusion in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals for Fiscal Year 2005 were due September 15, 2004. The County Manager stated that if Board members had any items for consideration they should be forwarded to the County Manager for submittal to the NCACC.
County Manager Nelson announced that the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) planning meeting was to take place on Thursday, August 19th from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. at the Broyhill Conference Center, Trillium Ballroom. The County Manager stated that Commissioners were invited to attend.
BREAK
Chairman Coffey called for a short break prior to public comment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Wanda Harris, Ms. Karen Carter, and Ms. Deborah Greene spoke during public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:09 P.M., Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:05 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Commissioner Trivette, seconded by Vice-Chairman Hodges, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
James Coffey, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board