MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 1998 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
PRESENT: James Coffey, Chairman
Jack D. Lawrence, Sr., Vice-Chairman
Linda S. Craig, Commissioner
Jimmy Hodges, Commissioner
Jack Wellborn, Commissioner
Stacy C. Eggers, Jr., County Attorney
James S. Ratchford, County Manager
Libby Link, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance.
A moment of silence was observed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the August 18, 1998 regular and closed session minutes; there being none, they were approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the September 1, 1998 agenda.
County Manager Ratchford requested that Items 6 and 9 be deleted and stated he had an additional item to discuss regarding a JobReady Week Proclamation. It was agreed to add this item to the Agenda under Item 15 (Miscellaneous Administrative Matters).
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the agenda for the September 1, 1998 regular meeting with the amendments.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING – COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CONSTRUCTION FINANCING PROPOSALS
Chairman Coffey declared a public hearing open at 9:01 A.M. to discuss proposals received for financing the Health Department and East Courthouse annex construction costs and renovations.
Finance Director Doris Isaacs stated requests for proposals were sent to five financial institutions, and four responses were received:
Financial Institution Amount Rate Term Total Payback Fee Total Cost
Centura Bank $1,600,000 4.88 12 yrs. $2,123,412 $6300 $2,129,722
BB&T $1,600,000 4.58 12 yrs. $2,088,671 $6000 $2,094,671
Wachovia Bank $1,600,000 4.60 10 yrs. $2,090,977 $ 500 $2,091,477
12 yr. Amortization
Wachovia Bank $1,600,000 4.57 10 yrs. $2,002,317 $ 500 $2,002,817
First Union $1,600,000 4.56 12 yrs. $2,086,366 $4500 $2,090,866
The County would have some closing costs expenses associated with the financing – survey of properties, appraisals, title insurance, lifetime flood determination, environmental data (phase I) and attorney fees (preparing Deed of Trust and tax exempt financing opinion). Ms. Isaacs estimated these closing costs would be between $3,000-$4,000. Wachovia Bank’s proposal included the offer to provide an internal appraisal at no cost to the County and to reimburse up to $1600 of any closing costs incurred. The other proposals received indicated that all closing costs would be the responsibility of the County. Therefore, Ms. Isaacs recommended the Board approve the proposal submitted by Wachovia Bank for a ten-year term at 4.57%.
There being no public comment, Chairman Coffey declared the public hearing closed at 9:04 A.M.
Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to accept the ten- year proposal with Wachovia Bank at an interest rate of 4.57% with a total cost of $2,002,817.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
OLD COVE CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEASE
Mr. Jack Simpson, Representative for the Cove Creek Preservation and Development (CCP&D) addressed the Board regarding the old Cove Creek Elementary School lease. The current five-year lease would expire in four years, and the CCP&D was requesting the lease be extended to a 25-year lease. He stated that financing was unavailable from lending institutions or from grant sources with only four years left on the lease. However, a 25-year lease extension would enable the CCP&D to get financing for needed renovations. Mr. Simpson spoke of the CCP&D’s progress during the first year. In addition he noted that according to engineering reports, the building was structurally sound but stated repair of the heating and cooling system was essential to preserve the building. He added it was urgent to get heat in the building this winter to avoid further deterioration of the interior. County Attorney Eggers stated a public hearing was required if a lease was extended beyond ten years.
Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to schedule this public hearing for the September 15, 1998 regular meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PLANNING MATTERS
A. Growth Study Commission – Planning & Inspections Director Joe Furman stated that in addition to the names previously submitted, one more nomination had been received from the Todd community, Mr. Lyle Wilson. Chairman Coffey noted two additional names had been received prior to the meeting representing the Meat Camp community – Mr. Jerry Vaughn and Mr. Larry Carroll. A total of 47 nominations had been received representing the County’s 11 rural fire districts. Mr. Rick Mattar would represent the Planning Board, and the Board of Commissioners needed to appoint a Commissioner to serve on this commission. It was the consensus of the Board that Commissioner Hodges would serve. Mr. Furman stated a couple of officials with the Division of Community Assistance located in Asheville would serve as facilitators for the group. The following votes were made:
Chairman Coffey
Beaver Dam – Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Bill Rucker, Carol Pitts
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Cove Creek – Marion Simpson, Bob Ward
Todd – Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Jerry Vaughn, Larry Carroll
Deep Gap – Johnnie Hampton, Robert Henson
Shawneehaw – Cindy Stonesifer, Christy Cook
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
Vice-Chairman Lawrence
Beaver Dam - Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Carol Pitts, Bryan Toney
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Cove Creek – Leo Mast, Bob Ward
Todd – Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Jerry Vaughn, Larry Carroll
Deep Gap – Johnnie Hampton, Mary Stolberg
Shawneehaw – Cindy Stonesifer, Christy Cook
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
Commissioner Craig
Beaver Dam – Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Kenneth Wright, Carol Pitts
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Cove Creek – Marion Simpson, Bob Ward
Todd-Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Jennifer Mecho, Jerry Vaughn
Deep Gap – Johnnie Hampton, Robert Henson
Shawneehaw – Cindy Stonesifer, Christy Cook
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
Commissioner Hodges
Beaver Dam – Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Bill Rucker, Carol Pitts
Boone – Len Cone, Rachel Hartley
Cove Creek – Marion Simpson, Bob Ward
Todd – Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Jerry Vaughn, Larry Carroll
Deep Gap – Johnnie Hampton, Robert Henson
Shawneehaw – Christy Cook, John Vilas
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
Commissioner Wellborn
Beaver Dam – Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Bill Rucker, Carol Pitts
Boone – Len Cone, Tom Purpur
Cove Creek – Marion Simpson, Bob Ward
Todd – Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Larry Carroll, Jerry Vaughn
Deep Gap – Robert Henson, Don Butler
Shawneehaw – Christy Cook, John Vilas
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
It was noted that Bill Rucker had moved into the Blowing Rock Fire District, however, upon investigation, it was discovered that Mr. Rucker resided within the Boone Rural Fire District. Therefore, the following votes were made:
Chairman Coffey
Blowing Rock – Kenneth Wright, Carol Pitts
Boone – Len Cone, Bill Rucker
Vice-Chairman Lawrence
Blowing Rock – Carol Pitts, Bryan Toney
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Commissioner Craig
Blowing Rock – Kenneth Wright, Carol Pitts
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Commissioner Hodges
Blowing Rock – Kenneth Wright, Carol Pitts
Boone – Bill Rucker, Rachel Hartley
Commissioner Wellborn
Blowing Rock – Kenneth Wright, Carol Pitts
Boone – Bill Rucker, Dennis Grady
Due to the tie between Len Cone, Dennis Grady and Bill Rucker, the following votes were made:
Chairman Coffey
Boone – Len Cone, Bill Rucker
Vice-Chairman Lawrence
Boone – Dennis Grady, Len Cone
Commissioner Craig
Boone – Len Cone, Dennis Grady
Commissioner Hodges
Boone – Len Cone, Bill Rucker
Commissioner Wellborn
Boone – Bill Rucker, Dennis Grady
Due to the tie between Bill Rucker and Dennis Grady, the following votes were made:
Chairman Coffey – Bill Rucker
Vice-Chairman Lawrence – Dennis Grady
Commissioner Craig – Dennis Grady
Commissioner Hodges – Bill Rucker
Commissioner Wellborn – Bill Rucker
Based on the results of the votes, the following were appointed to the Watauga County Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues:
Beaver Dam – Dudley Norris, John Edmisten
Blowing Rock – Carol Pitts, Kenneth Wright
Boone – Bill Rucker, Len Cone
Cove Creek – Bob Ward, Marion Simpson
Todd – Nancy Ashline, Lyle Wilson
Foscoe – David Stern, Mary Burrous
Meat Camp – Larry Carroll, Jerry Vaughn
Deep Gap – Johnnie Hampton, Robert Henson
Shawneehaw – Cindy Stonesifer, Christy Cook
Stewart Simmons – James Cox, William Kaiser
Zionville – Baxter Norris, Sam Boone
Planning Board – Rick Mattar
Board of Commissioners – Jimmy Hodges
B. Rutherwood Community Council – Planning & Inspections Director Joe Furman stated some residents of the Rutherwood Community wished to establish a community council. He added that the required number of signatures were received (36 percent) and boundaries had been established. However, the boundaries included an area which was being taken into the Town of Boone’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Removing that property from the boundary would reduce the area to less than the three (3) square miles required as well as reduce the percentage of property owners petitioning for the council to less than the required thirty-three (33) percent. However, Mr. Furman stated the requirements had been met. The proposed seven members of the temporary Rutherwood Community Council were Cameron Akers, Tom Allen, Peggy Atzel, A. T. Barbee, Larry Brown, Victor Pipes and Mary Stolberg.
Mr. Cameron Akers and Ms. Mary Stolberg addressed the Board stating many residents in the community supported this proposed council. Also in view of the Town’s action regarding the ETJ, the boundaries were using the ETJ line as the western boundary; extending the southern boundary from U.S. Highway 421 to Bamboo and the Blue Ridge Parkway; and moving the eastern border from Pine Run Road to Old Highway 60. Ms. Stolberg stated interest in this council had been received from both large and small property owners. She added there was a lot of concern about the new Highway 421 and urged the Board to approve this community council.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Craig moved to establish the Rutherwood Community Council and appointed the initial members (seven) as proposed with the understanding that they would work expeditiously to expand the boundaries to prepare for the possible future expansion of the Boone ETJ into this area.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Craig stated that although the Towns’ residents and ASU officials were not appointed to this commission that they were invited to participate in the discussions.
FRONTIERVISION CABLE SERVICE UPDATE
Veterans Service Officer/Safety Director Jim Harmon addressed the Board regarding FrontierVision’s Cable service. Mr. Harmon stated he had the Proof of Performance report and new, experienced technicians had been brought to the area to work on the system. He added he had received approximately four to five complaints per month since June. The complaints concerned customer service issues. Mr. Harmon noted a $50 per day fine had been imposed retroactive from June 1, 1998 through July 31, 1998 and according to Mr. Don Geisler, F.V. Regional Government Relations Manager, payment was forthcoming. In accordance with the County’s Cable Television Ordinance, section 13(e), the $50 per day fine would continue (to be reviewed at the end of 90 days).
DSS REPORT
Social Services Director, Jim Atkinson, presented the standard monthly report for that Department. In addition, Mr. Atkinson updated the Board on the electronic benefits transfer program scheduled to begin September 3, 1998 for all food stamp recipients.
CCC&TI BASIC SKILLS CENTER ROOF
Maintenance Supervisor Robert Marsh addressed the Board regarding the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s (CCC&TI) Basic Skills Center roof (this building was the old Health Department building on the old main campus of the Community College). The building was currently used by CCC&TI, however, the property and building were owned by the County. The roofing membrane was installed in 1985 and upon inspection, revealed total deterioration of the sheathing under the roofing. Mr. Marsh stated a total roof replacement would be necessary, and the following bids were received:
Vance Roofing Company, Inc. $16,136
Brady Roofing Company, Inc. $17,825
County Manager Ratchford added that this project was not anticipated during budget preparation for this fiscal year, and a budget amendment was required to cover the expense.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103991-399101 New Fund Bal. Approp. 16,136
104271-435100 M&R-Bldg. 16,136
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the Vance Roofing Company, Inc. bid in the amount of $16,136 and to appropriate funds from the undesignated fund balance to cover the expense.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
TAX REPORT
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of August, 1998.
B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for August, 1998 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PAVING BIDS
Parks & Recreation Director Deb Wynne noted the following bids had been received for completion of the repaving project (sections one and two) for the Parks & Recreation’s Complex parking lot.
Moretz Paving, Inc. Section #1 $ 2,500
Section #2 $14,500
$17,000
Greer Paving Company Section #1 $ 2,536
Section #2 $20,184
$22,720
Ms. Wynne recommended the Board approve the low bidder, Moretz Paving, Inc.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the Moretz Paving, Inc. bid of $17,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
JAIL STUDY CONSULTANT
Assistant County Manager/OSD Bob Frye addressed the Board stating proposals had been received from two qualified firms for a feasibility study to operate the old Watauga Correctional Center as a jail facility and to look at the feasibility for re-use of the existing County jail. The following bids were received:
Brennan Associates, Inc. $29,000
Grier-Fripp Architects $11,360
Mr. Frye stated that after reviewing both proposals, he recommended the Board approve the Grier-Fripp Architects bid which best met the County’s needs. He added that Sheriff Lyons concurred.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence moved to approve the Grier-Fripp Architects bid of $11,360.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. New 421 Name- Chairman Coffey stated that in 1994 the Board requested that the Department of Transportation (DOT) name the new Highway 421 (from Deep Gap to Boone) the Daniel Boone Expressway. However, Mr. Coffey requested the Board reconsider naming the new Highway 421 in honor of Doc Watson, a lifelong resident of Watauga County. It was noted that there may be a conflict with a new policy from DOT in naming a highway, however, it was decided to notify DOT of this request.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to write a letter to DOT that Watauga County requested the new Highway 421 be named in honor of Doc Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Boards & Commissions – Chairman Coffey noted that George B. Miles had agreed to continue to serve on the Watauga County Library Board.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to reappoint George B. Miles to the Watauga County Library Board for a four year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Litter Sweep Proclamation – Chairman Coffey noted that Governor Hunt had proclaimed September 17-30, 1998 as Litter Sweep Week in North Carolina and requested counties consider similar actions.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to declare September 17-30, 1998 as Litter Sweep Week in Watauga County.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements – County Manager Ratchford reminded the Board of the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s meeting scheduled for September 17, 1998.
E. JobReady Week Proclamation – County Manager Ratchford stated a representative from the Board of Education would address the Board at the next regular meeting scheduled for September 15, 1998 to review the School System’s Job Ready Program. In addition, a request had been received to proclaim September 13-19, 1998 as JobReady Week in Watauga County.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to proclaim September 13-19, 1998 as JobReady Week in Watauga County.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
A recess was declared at 10:30 A.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to enter closed session at 10:46 A.M. to discuss: Attorney/Client Matters – G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Avery County Line Issue.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to resume the regular meeting at 11:35 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:36 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
___________________________
James Coffey
Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board