MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2005
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, October 3, 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
Tony di Santi, 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.
The meeting was opened with a prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions or corrections to the September 19, 2005, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Honeycutt requested to change the wording of the motion under the Anne-Marie Drive Area Park Lease Proposal as follows: “After discussion, Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the lease agreement contingent upon the County Attorney’s review and with item # 8 reworded to state that the County would not like to submit for grants for anything other than recreation purposes.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the September 19, 2005, regular meeting minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the September 19, 2005, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the October 3, 2005, agenda.
County Manager Nelson requested to add a discussion of the Anne-Marie Drive area park lease under Miscellaneous Administrative Matters.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the October 3, 2005, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE 2006 SCHEDULE OF VALUES/2006 USE VALUE SCHEDULES
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 9:08 A.M. to allow for comment on the 2006 Schedule of Values/2006 Use Value Schedules.
County Manager Nelson stated that the Schedules were available for public inspection at the Tax Office.
Chairman Deal stated that written comments regarding the Schedules were welcomed at the Tax and/or County Manager’s Office.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 9:10 A.M.
No action was required at this time.
PROJECT ON AGING ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Director of the Watauga County Project on Aging, presented the Agency’s Annual Report and proposed policy changes.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the Project on Aging’s Annual Report and policy changes as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Finance Director Doris Isaacs presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
105890-463130 B. R. Comm. Arts Ctr. Foundation $25,000
103980-398121 Transfer From Cap. Reserve $25,000
213991-399101 Fund Bal.-Approp.-New $25,000
219800-498010 Transfer to the General Fund $25,000
The amendment appropriated funds from the Economic Development Capital Reserve funds to pay the 1st of a 2 year commitment to assist the Blowing Rock Community Arts Center Foundation with their facility construction as recommended by the Economic Development Commission. Approved at the September 19th Board of Commissioners meeting.
Account # Description Debit Credit
663200-327501 Scrap Tire Grant $5,117
667420-469566 Cont. Services-Tire Removal $5,117
The amendment recognized the receipt of a Scrap Tire Grant to assist in the cost of disposing of tires.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-343101 COPS Program-DEC Grant $5,874
105550-449900 Other Supplies $5,874
The amendment recognized an extension for the expenditure of unspent COPS grant funds. These funds will be used to purchase digital cameras and camera equipment.
Account # Description Debit Credit
104261-469103 Prof. Services-Architect $83,307
105550-449900 Other Supplies $83,307
The amendment appropriated funds for additional architectural fees for Courthouse construction and renovation.
Account # Description Debit Credit
104199-469103 Prof. Services-Architect $28,000
103991-399101 Fund Balance Approp.-New $28,000
The amendment appropriated funds for additional architectural fees related to change orders for the new Law Enforcement Center. Approved at the August 22nd Board of Commissioners meeting.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103991-399101 Fund Balance Approp.-New $478,717
104277-458000 Capital Outlay-Bldg. Improvements $478,717
The amendment recognized the appropriation of fund balance to provide funding for change orders # 8, 9, and 10 for the new Law Enforcement Center.
Account # Description Debit Credit
213991-399101 Fund Balance Approp.-New $61,144
219800-498010 Transfer to the General Fund $61,144
103980-398121 Transfer from Capital Reserve $61,144
104277-458000 Capital Outlay-Bldg. Improvements $61,144
The amendment transferred funds from the Capital Reserve Fund to the General Fund for Change Order # 7 for the communications tower and installation for the new Law Enforcement Center.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Isaacs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PLANNING AND INSPECTION MATTERS
A. Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance Amendment Request – Mr. Brent Graybeal stated that the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Board had unanimously endorsed approval of an application to amend the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance regarding signage. After presenting the proposed text amendments, Mr. Graybeal requested a public hearing be scheduled as required prior to taking action on the amendments to the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to set a public hearing for the October 18, 2005, Board meeting at 6:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Foscoe/Grandfather Mountain Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment Request – Mr. Graybeal stated that the Planning Board and the Foscoe/Grandfather Community Council had endorsed a required zoning map classification change to property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Harmon. The requested reclassification was from “rural district” to “highway district”. Mr. Graybeal requested a public hearing be scheduled as required, prior to taking action on the amendments to the Foscoe/Grandfather Zoning Ordinance.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to set a public hearing for the October 18, 2005, Board meeting at 6:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Subdivision Performance Guarantee – Mr. Graybeal presented a subdivision performance guarantee for Echota on the Ridge (Phase I) which was an irrevocable letter of credit from BB&T Bank for road construction and pursuant to section 92 of the Subdivision Regulations.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the Subdivision Performance Guarantee as presented by Mr. Graybeal.
VOTE: Aye-4(Winkler, Blust, Honeycutt, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Abstain-1(Deal)
[Clerk’s Note: Chairman Deal abstained from voting due to business affiliations with Echota]
TAX MATTERS
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator Kelvin Byrd presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of September 2005.
B. Releases and Refunds – Mr. Byrd presented the following Refunds and Releases for September 2005 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2005 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Proposed Proclamation for “Red Ribbon Celebration 2005” – County Manager Nelson presented a draft proclamation for the week of October 23-28, 2005 to be Red Ribbon Celebration week. The purpose of the celebration was to promote awareness, education, and prevention activities relevant to addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse in Watauga County.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request for CountyParticipation for 2005-2006 Leave Bonus for Cooperative Extension Employees – County Manager Nelson stated that the State of North Carolina had awarded all state employees an additional bonus of 40 hours of annual leave during fiscal year 2006. Cooperative Extension employees were funded at approximately 55% by the State and approximately 45% by Watauga County based on a memorandum of understanding. Therefore, for the employees of the Cooperative Extension to receive the full 40 hour bonus, Watauga County needed to approve the bonus leave. If not, the Cooperative Extension employees would only be able to take the portion of the 40 hour bonus as funded by the State. The County Manager stated that even though Watauga County was not required by the memorandum of understanding to provide the County portion of the bonus, the request had been made and honored in the past.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the additional bonus of 40 hours of annual leave during fiscal year 2006 for Cooperative Extension Employees.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Purchase of Additional Brookshire Road Property – County Manager Nelson presented an executed agreement to purchase an additional approximate 2.0 acres adjacent to the Brookshire Road property. The purchase price was $45,000 and staff recommended that the purchase amount be taken from the general fund balance.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the execution of the purchase contingent upon the purchase of the other Brookshire property currently under contract, and the County Attorney completing a title search, obtaining title insurance, and executing the necessary documentation.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Honeycutt, Kinsey)
Nay-1(Blust)
D. November Meeting Dates Discussion – County Manager Nelson stated that the regularly scheduled Board meeting dates for November 2005 were Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 15th, however there had been preliminary discussion to reschedule the first meeting to Tuesday, November 1st.
By consensus, the Board agreed to hold the November Board meetings on the following dates: Tuesday, November 1, 2005, at 9:00 A.M. and Tuesday, November 15, 2005, at 6:00 P.M.
E. Request for Out of State Travel – County Manager Nelson stated that the Sheriff requested out of state travel for himself and five other officers to attend an awards ceremony in Hilton Head, SC, on Monday, October 31, 2005. The Northwestern NC Methamphetamine Task Force won an award from the International Narcotics Officers Association for work in Watauga County combating the methamphetamine problem. If approved, the funding for this travel and overnight stay was to be paid out of the Sheriff’s Department drug fund.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the out of state travel request as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Request for Use of Public School Building Capital Fund – County Manager Nelson stated that the School Board requested approval to use $100,000 from the North Carolina State Public School Building Capital Fund for additional planning, engineering, and related expenses for the Watauga County High School project. The Fund required $34,000 matching allocation which was to be from the set aside capital funds earmarked for the Watauga High School project.
After discussion, Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the application for funding as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Honeycutt, Kinsey)
Nay-1(Blust)
G. Employee Assistant Program Contract Renewal – County Manager Nelson presented a renewal for a contract with New River Behavioral Healthcare for employee assistance services for County employees. This was a continuation of a long standing contract and the renewal rates were the same as the existing contract.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the Employee Assistant Program Contract and requested that the contract be extended through December 2006.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
H. Anne-Marie Drive Area Park Lease Discussion – County Manager Nelson stated that he had spoken with the Boone Town Manager regarding Section # 8 of the Lease for the Anne-Marie Drive Area Park regarding the County’s ability to apply for grants without the Town’s permission.
After discussion, Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to request that # 8 of the Anne-Marie Drive Area Park Lease be amended to state that the County had the right to apply for Part F Grant funding for recreation purposes without the Town of Boone’s prior approval to expedite the process. The County would seek the Town’s prior approval for any other grants.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Blust, Honeycutt, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
[Clerk’s Note: Vice-Chairman Winkler momentarily stepped out of the meeting]
I. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the terms of Baxter Palmer and Lyle Schoenfeld were to expire in November on the Watauga County Board of Adjustments. Both were willing to serve if reappointed. Requirements to serve in these positions were that one must live in the Valle Crucis Historic District and one in the Foscoe/Grandfather community.
As this was a first reading, no Board action was required at this time.
County Manager Nelson stated that the Town Council recently approved a zoning text amendment to add an additional ETJ alternate to the Town of Boone Board of Adjustment.
The Board tabled making an appointment until a future Board meeting.
County Manager Nelson stated that Ms. Mary Mast had resigned from the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission and recommended Dr. Susan Mast be appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Brent Graybeal verified that Dr. Mast meets the requirements to serve on this Board
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, made a motion to appoint Dr. Susan Mast to the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
J. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that the Appalachian Regional Development Institute’s 6th Annual Future Forward Leadership Summit was scheduled from 8:00 A.M. till 3:30 P.M. at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on November 17, 2005.
County Manger Nelson announced that the MountainKeepers had announced a follow up to the recently conducted environmental summit to be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center on October 6, 2005.
County Manager Nelson announced that the kickoff breakfast for the Red Ribbon Celebration to prevent drug abuse was scheduled for October 13, 2005, from 8:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.
County Manager Nelson announced that Tuesday, October 25, 2005, from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. appeared to be the best date for the joint meeting with ASU, and the Town’s of Boone and Blowing Rock to discuss future water and sewer needs and solutions with an expert on the subject from the School of Government.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:29 A.M., Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to resume the open meeting at 11:12 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned by consensus at 11:12 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board