MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2005
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, February 7, 2005, at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
David Blust, Commissioner
Keith Honeycutt, Commissioner
Winston Kinsey, Commissioner
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Deron Geouque, Assistant County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Deal called the meeting to order at 9:03 A.M. welcoming those in attendance.
Vice-Chairman Winkler opened the meeting with a prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions or corrections to the January 3, 2005 regular and closed session minutes and the January 18, 2005, regular and closed session minutes.
A time correction was made to the January 3, 2005, closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the January 3, 2005, closed session minutes as amended and the January 3, 2005, regular meeting minutes, January 18, 2005, regular meeting minutes, and January 18, 2005, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the February 7, 2005, agenda.
County Manager Nelson requested to add the following two items to the agenda after item number ten: a Board of Elections Technology Grant Request to be presented by Ms. Jane Ann Hodges and Discussion of the EWP Permitting Process to be presented by Assistant County Manager Geouque.
County Manager Nelson requested to delete item 13(d) Law Enforcement Center Cable Contract Amendment Request from the agenda until a future meeting as additional modifications were possibly needed.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the February 7, 2005, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS
Chairman Deal declared a public hearing open at 9:06 A.M. to allow comment on the submission of an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, reviewed the application in which up to $600,000.00 was to be requested to be used to address damages to housing caused by rain from Tropical Storm Frances and Hurricane Ivan. Assistance was to be provided to low to moderate income persons. The public was encouraged to comment and/or provide information identifying unmet housing needs resulting from the storms.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 9:09 A.M.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the submission of the application for CDBG funds as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
HOSPITALITY HOUSE FACILITY REQUEST
Mr. John Cooper, Hospitality House Board Member, requested that the County allow time for the Hospitality House to determine if the Hannah building, which had been surplused by the County, was appropriate for use for their services to the homeless.
By consensus, the Board agreed to place this request on the Commissioners’ Annual Pre-Budget Retreat agenda for further discussion.
BOONE CREEK COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR LETTER OF SUPPORT
Mr. Jeffrey Scott, Executive Director of Boone Creek Committee, discussed plans to submit a grant application to the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF). The grant will be to develop an overall plan for restoration of Boone Creek (Kraut Creek).
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to send a letter supporting the Boone Creek Committee’s grant application to the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
GOVERNOR’S CRIME COMMISSION GRANT (METHAMPHETAMINE TASK FORCE) REQUEST
Lieutenant Jamey Fletcher with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department reviewed a grant request for second year funding from the Governor’s Crime Commission for the Northwest Methamphetamine Task Force. The proposed budget was $99,060 with the requested local match from Watauga County in the amount of $8,255. The local match was to be designated and allocated during the Fiscal Year 2006 budget process.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the submission of the grant application as presented by Lieutenant Fletcher.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PARKS AND RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE REVISION REQUEST
Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the fees that were charged for various activities provided by his department and recommended increases to the fees as listed below:
Sponsorships Fee
Youth Baseball – Major League $275
Youth Baseball – Jinior/Senior League $375
Youth Baseball – T-Ball/Coach Pitch $225
Youth Softball $225
Youth Soccer $225
Youth Basketball (per league) $800
Youth Football (per league) $600
Youth Athletic Programs
Major 2/Junior/Senior Baseball League $42
Major 1 Baseball $47
Coach Pitch/T-Ball $27
Softball (6-8) $27
Fast Pitch Softball (9-16) $32
Football (Mite & Midget) $55
Basketball $40
Junior Tennis $70
Soccer U-6 & U-8 $27
Soccer U-10, U-12 & U-15 $30
Adult Athletic Programs
Spring/Summer Softball $415/480
Fall Softball $325
Co-Ed Softball $325
Baseball $400
Soccer $350
Basketball $375/430
Volleyball $225
Special Programs Fee
Summer Adventure Day Camp $70/week
Summer Fun in the Sun Day Camp $60/week
Workshops $4-10 each
Friday Night Live $2
Pumpkin House $1
Ballet (youth) $75
Ballet/Tap (adult) $50
FACILITIES
Cove Creek Gym Rental $20/hr.
$50/half day
$70/all day
Open Gym $1
Optimist Clubhouse $20/hr.
$50/half day
$70/all day
Shelters $7.50/hr.
AQUATICS
Daily Fees
Adult Lap $3.50
Senior Adult Lap $3.00
Public Swim
Youth $3.00
Adult $3.50
Senior $3.00
Family Swim $14.00
Swim Passes 1 Year 6 months 3 months 1 month
Family $225 $150 $115 $50
Adult (16 yrs +) $165 $115 $90 $40
Youth (2-15 yrs) $110 $90 $70 $35
Sr. Citizens (60 +) $110 $90 $70 $35
Activities
Swim Lessons $40
Aquacise $3.50
Senior Exercise $3.00
Community Swim $25/30
Shower $2.50
Swim Team $2,000
Conference Room $5/2 hrs.
Scuba $30
Lifeguard Training $30
ADMINISTRATIVE
Monetary Refund Processing Fee $25
Late Registration Fee (youth sports) $20
Adult League Late Registration Fee $50
Returned Check Charge $5
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the new fee schedule as presented by Mr. Poulos.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
TAX MATTERS
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Collections Director Merle Adams presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of January 2005.
B. Releases and Refunds – Ms. Adams presented the following Refunds and Releases for January 2005 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for January 2005 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Tax Lien Report – Ms. Adams requested approval of the Tax Lien Report which allowed the Tax Administrator to advertise the report of taxes that were liens on real estate in the County after March 1, 2005. Ms. Adams stated the total outstanding tax bills as of January 31, 2004, was $1,078,373.61.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the Tax Lien Report authorizing advertisement as presented by Ms. Adams.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Finance Director Doris Isaacs presented the following budget amendment for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
103839-343100 Donations-Chesska Drug Dog $1,330
104310-429001 Chesska Expenses $1,330
The amendment recognized donation from the Law Enforcement Officers Auxiliary Fund to fund expenses for the drug dog.
Account # Description Debit Credit
183492-336000 NC Rural Econ. Dev.-CDBG $50,000
184920-469500 Contracted Services-ARDI $50,000
The amendment recognized award of a Community Development Block Grant for NC Rural Development. The County contracted with Appalachian Regional Development Institute to administer this grant.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-343306 FEMA-Hurricane Ivan $32,431
104330-449999 FEMA-Hurrican Expenses $1,181
104330-449995 FEMA-Category G-PW556 $31,250
The amendment recognized the receipt of the first installment of expected FEMA assistance associated with Hurricane Ivan.
Account # Description Debit Credit
263991-399101 Fund Balance Approp.-New $104,267
269800-498010 Transfer to General Fund $104,267
103980-398126 Transfer from E-911 Fund $104,267
104277-458000 New Law Enforce.Ctr.-Bldg. Const. $104,267
The amendment transferred funds from E-911 to cover the dry sprinkler system and E-911 call-center construction expenses in the new facility per attached information. Use of these funds from E-911 will free up funds within the general contract to cover the communications tower discussed at the January 3rd Board meeting.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-343309 State Homeland Security – 04/05 $91,928
104330-449914 Blowing Rock PD-SHS $4,700
104370-449904 Watauga Rescue-SHS $10,000
104370-449903 Blowing Rock Rescue-SHS $6,000
104330-449907 Town of Boone-SHS $22,314
104330-449906 County Fire Depts.-SHS $25,000
104330-449916 Blowing Rock Hosp.-SHS $1,800
104330-449901 Misc.-Emer. Mgt-SHS $2,914
104310-449902 Misc.-Sheriff-SHS $19,200
The amendment recognized award of 2004 State Homeland Security funds. The WMD/Homeland Security Committee recommended funding amounts for the grant application at the May 18, 2004, Board meeting.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BOARD OF ELECTIONS TECHNOLOGY GRANT
Ms. Jane Ann Hodges, Board of Elections Director, requested approval of a technology grant application to the Stated Board of Elections in the amount of $27,444. The grant did not require a local match. If awarded, the following items were to be purchased:
|
Item
|
Cost
|
Qty
|
Total Cost
|
|
Metal Printer Stand
|
$ 271.20
|
4
|
$ 1,084.80
|
|
Dell Projector 4100 mp and screen
|
Projector $ 1,899.00
Screen $ 299.00
|
1
|
$ 2,198.00
|
|
Emerson 27” TV/DVD/VCR Combination
|
$ 337.00
|
1
|
$ 337.00
|
|
Dell 624 Axim x 30
|
$ 499.99
|
3
|
$ 1,499.97
|
|
Kensington Portable Docking Station for
Laptop Computers
|
$ 166.59
|
3
|
$ 499.77
|
|
Kensignton Notebook Computer Case
|
$ 99.40
|
4
|
$ 397.60
|
|
Dell Laptop Computer Per State Quote
|
$ 1,334.00
|
1
|
$ 1,334.00
|
|
HP DVD Writer/Drive External 16x DVD Writing, 8.5GB/Disc
|
$ 233.32
|
2
|
$ 466.64
|
|
CISCO Aironet 1231 802.11g access point
|
$ 579.95
Shipping $ 20.00
|
2
|
$ 1,219.99
|
|
Velobind System #3 Pro
|
$ 2,949.00
Supplies $ 290.00
|
1
|
$ 3,239.00
|
|
MBM #260 Paper Folder
|
$ 2,169.00
|
1
|
$ 2,169.00
|
|
Telephone System
|
$12,029.00
|
1
|
$12,029.00
|
|
Rubbermaid Utility Cart
|
$ 188.42
|
1
|
$ 188.42
|
|
Platform Truck
|
$ 283.90
|
1
|
$ 283.90
|
|
AV Cart with locking cabinet
|
$ 316.97
|
1
|
$ 316.97
|
|
8-Port 10/100m switch
|
$ 29.99
|
6
|
$ 179.94
|
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the submission of the technology grant application to the State Board of Elections as presented by Ms. Hodges.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
EWP PERMITTING PROCESS
Assistant County Manager Geouque presented a draft letter to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) which requested that State permits and fees be waived since the cost for the permits are allowable reimbursable expenses that were to be paid by funds from the State’s 25% match.
Chairman Deal requested to add more specifics to the letter.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to send the letter to NCDENR as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REPORT ON THE 2005-2006 NCACC LEGISLATIVE GOALS CONFERENCE
Commissioner Kinsey gave a report on the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 NCACC Legislative Goals Conference that he recently attended.
This item was presented for information only and therefore no action was required.
REPORT ON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION CONFERENCE
Commissioner Kinsey reported on the Soil and Water Conservation Conference that he recently attended.
This item was presented for information only and therefore no action was required.
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Surplus Property Sale Request – County Manager Nelson stated that the County was in the process of selling fifteen lots that were obtained through tax foreclosure by the upset bid process. Parcel # 1888-16-1007-000 had passed a ten day upset bid period and was available for sale to the highest bidder. The County Manager stated that the Board may reject any and all offers at any time during the process, and stated that a bidder that had not submitted a bid on time was still interested in making a higher bid on the property.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to reject the current bid in the amount of $700 for parcel # 1888-16-1007-000 and to continue the upset bid process by re-advertising the property in the next upset bid advertisement.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Town of Boone Joint Retreat Discussion – County Manager Nelson reported the Town of Boone had submitted the date of March 23, 2005, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. for the planned joint retreat between the Town of Boone, ASU, and Watauga County with a location to be determined at a later date.
The Board agreed, by consensus, to approve the date and time as presented.
C. Medicaid Relief Legislation Discussion – County Manager Nelson presented information from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners regarding a proposed Bill to be introduced in the NC Legislature in support of Medicaid relief for counties. The County Manager also reviewed a draft resolution in support of Medicaid relief.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to adopt the Resolution Supporting State Assumption of County Share of Medicaid and to forward a copy to the Legislators, Governor, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Annual Pre-Budget Retreat Draft Agenda – County Manager Nelson reviewed the draft agenda of the Pre-Budget Retreat that was scheduled for Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12, 2005, at the Human Services Center Conference Room.
This item was presented for information only and therefore no action was required.
F. Stewart Simmons VFD Request for Support of Lease Purchase Agreement – County Manager Nelson stated that the Stewart Simmons Volunteer Fire Department was entering into a lease purchase agreement to finance an upgrade in equipment to meet their needs. The County Manager presented a draft letter of support which was requested of the County by Stewart Simmons VFD and stated that the County had no objection to the transaction.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the letter of support as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat was scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2005, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. and Saturday, March 12, 2005, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon at the conference room in the Human Services Building.
County Manager Nelson announced that the ASU Office of Cultural Affairs had invited the Board to a morning concert and luncheon on March 17, 2005, with a formal invitation with location and times to be forthcoming.
County Manager Nelson announced that the School Board requested a Commissioner to travel to Reynolds High School with them on either February 25th or 28th to visit the facility which has been renovated and built on to.
FIRE BOARD APPOINTMENT
Commissioner Kinsey appointed Mr. Lee Stroupe to the Boone Rural Fire District
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve Lee Stroupe as Commissioner Kinsey’s appointment to the Boone Rural Fire District.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:37 A.M., Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i), and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11 (a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to resume the open meeting at 11:45 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Chairman Deal adjourned the meeting, by consensus, at 11:47 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
______________________________
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board