MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2006
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at 6:00 P.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 6:01 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
Commissioner Honeycutt opened the meeting with a prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions or corrections to the December 29, 2005, special meeting minutes, January 3, 2006, regular meeting minutes and closed session minutes, and the January 11, 2006, special meeting minutes.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the December 29, 2005, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the January 3, 2006, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the January 3, 2006, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the January 11, 2005, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the January 24, 2006, agenda.
County Manager Nelson requested the following:
· to add a request to adopt a budget and resolution under item # 8, the NC Division of Water Resources Grant Application Request – Brookshire Park Stream Bank Stabilization
· to delete item # 9 (a), the Planning and Inspections Grant Application Request
· to add under Miscellaneous Administrative Matters 1) Hurricane Katrina Grant Request and 2) a Proposed Proclamation Honoring the National Guard 1451st Transportation Company
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the January 24, 2006, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SCATTERED SITE HOUSING PROGRAM
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:07 P.M. to allow for comment on the County’s application to the Community Development Block Grant Scattered Site Housing Program.
Mr. Joe Furman reviewed the program and stated that as approved by the Board of Commissioners, High Country Council of Governments was to prepare the application and if awarded, administer the grant.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:10 P.M.
WIND GENERATED POWER PRESENTATION
Dr. Dennis Scanlin presented information regarding the potential of wind power in Watauga County and presented a draft ordinance for permitting small residential wind turbines. Mr. Kevin Donovan shared his support of the program and proposed ordinance as well.
By consensus, the Board agreed to forward the proposed ordinance to the Watauga County Planning Board for review and recommendation.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director stated that the Planning Board would also consider the application of the Ridge Law to the proposed ordinance.
WESTERN YOUTH NETWORK PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Mr. Ron Redmon, Vice-Chair, Board of Directors for the Western Youth Network (previously the Watauga Youth Network), presented a proposal for a public/private partnership to develop a youth center on the County owned Brookshire property. Mr. Redmon proposed that WYN was to conduct a capital campaign to fund the construction of a 22,000 square foot youth center should the County agree to a partnership in providing land for the proposed facility. Ms. Faye Cooper shared her support of the project as well.
By consensus the Board agreed to table action until further review at either the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat or a retreat for long term planning.
HEALTH RESOURCES SERVICE ADMINISTRATION GRANT APPLICATION REQUEST
Mr. Seth Norris, representing the Watauga County Emergency Management Office, reviewed a grant application to the Health Resources Service Administration which, if awarded, was to purchase equipment to assist fire fighter rehabilitation and decontamination, radios to be used by the Watauga County State Medical Assistance Team (Watauga County Emergency Management), and two laptop computers. The grant application total was $18,325 and required no local match.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the submission of the grant application to the Health Resources Service Administration as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
NC DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES GRANT APPLICATION REQUEST – BROOKSHIRE PARK STREAM BANK STABILIZATION
Mr. Derek Goddard, Soil and Water Conservation Technician, stated that he had explored grant opportunities that were to fund the stabilization of the New River bank in the Brookshire Road Park area. Mr. Goddard requested approval to submit a grant to the North Carolina Division of Water Resources in an amount of $166,500. The grant required no local match. Mr. Goddard presented a proposed budget and resolution to accompany the grant application.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the grant application and adopt the budget and resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEMS ADDITION REQUEST
Mr. Joe Furman stated that a secondary road petition had been received for White Dogwood Lane, .13 miles located in dogwood Peak subdivision at the end of NCSR 1389 (Dogwood Knoll).
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to adopt the resolution and approve forwarding it to the Department of Transportation for consideration of adding to the state maintained secondary roads system
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Finance Director Doris Isaacs presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
105550-469514 Contracted Services-Instructor $309
103991-399101 Fund Balance Approp.-New $309
The amendment appropriated unspent Senior Center Grant funds at 06/30/05.
Account # Description Debit Credit
143585-323000 Title XX & FSA Daycare $1,520
145850-440900 Subsidized Childcare $1,520
The amendment recognized state allocations for direct child care services to Hurricane Katrina evacuee families only.
Account # Description Debit Credit
145350-440900 Adult Daycare Purchases $5,221
143531-323000 Admn. Cost Reimb. Fed/State $5,221
The amendment recognized decrease (from budget estimate) in funding for adult daycare.
Account # Description Debit Credit
145850-438801 State-CIP $14,984
143531-323000 Admn. Cost Reimb. Fed/State $14,984
The amendment recognized state funds for Crisis Intervention-Energy Assistance Program.
Account # Description Debit Credit
104310-451000 Capital Outlay-Equip. $7,085
104310-412900 Dog Training Allowance $385
104310-429002 Other Supplies-Drug Dog $500
103300-389002 Controlled Substance Dist.-Fed $7,970
The amendment recognized receipt of funds from the Sheriff’s Federal Substance Abuse Tax Fund to the General Fund for the acquisition of an additional drug dog, cage, supplies and officer allowance. Approved at the January 3, 2006, Board of Commissioners meeting.
Account # Description Debit Credit
133593-359012 PSCBF-WHS Plan & Eng. $400,000
133980-398200 Transfer from Capital Reserve $136,000
135912-459012 WHS Planning, Eng., Etc. $536,000
219930-459121 Watauga Co. School Setaside $136,000
219800-498013 Transfer to School Capital Outlay $136,000
The amendment recognized funding from the Public School Capital Building Fund and the transfer of matching funds from the Capital Reserve setaside for schools to fund additional planning, engineering and related expenses for Watauga High School. Approved at the January 3, 2006, Board of Commissioners meeting.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Isaacs.
VOTE: Aye-4 (Deal, Winkler, Honeycutt, Kinsey)
Nay-1 (Blust)
NACO DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Assistant County Manager Geouque updated the Board on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Drug Discount Card program. Discussion of this program was tabled at a previous meeting. Mr. Geouque stated that the fees associated with use of the card were standard and that citizens would be given the choice of using the card or not when purchasing prescription drugs.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to execute the agreement for the NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Cable Legislation Discussion – County Manager Nelson reviewed proposed Federal and State Legislation affecting the cable industry and stated that the Board adopted a Resolution in Opposition to the Ensign/McCain Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act – Senate Bill 1504 at the September 19, 2005, Board meeting which was based on a recommendation of David H. Harris, Regional Cable Administrator of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments and as reviewed by the County’s Cable Officer, Jim Harmon. The County Manager stated that Mr. Lavoy Spooner, representing BellSouth, had requested time to speak at the February 6, 2006, meeting requesting the Board to rescind the previously enacted resolution. The County Manager stated that Charter Communications had requested that the Board take action by resolution to ensure that BellSouth and other phone companies were held to the same laws and standards that cable companies were in providing video services.
By consensus, the Board agreed to direct the County Manager to invite BellSouth and Charter representatives to be present at the February 6, 2006, meeting for discussion.
B. Job Link Appreciation Week Proclamation Requests – County Manager Nelson presented a proclamation designating the week of February 6 – 10, 2006, as Job Link Appreciation Week in Watauga County.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. NCACC Federal Issues Proposal Request – County Manager Nelson reviewed a bulletin from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners which requested the Board forward any federal issues of interest that were statewide in nature to the Association for inclusion in lobbying efforts that were to be undertaken at the Federal Legislative Conference that was to be held March 4 – 8, 2006, in Washington DC. The County Manager stated that the Association had listed the following federal issues for 2005:
- support the remote sales tax collection
- oppose federal cost shifting of Medicaid services and support the bipartisan commission to study the program
- increase funding for Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
- the inter-coastal waterway and ocean inlet maintenance dredging
After discussion and by consensus, the Board agreed to forward issues of concern to the County Manager and directed the County Manager to forward a letter to NCACC with additional concerns.
D. Landfill Monitoring Report – County Manager Nelson presented the executive summary of the recently completed landfill monitoring report. The County Manager stated that the most recent sampling report continued to show that both the size of the plume of the affected area as well as the concentrations of chemicals continued to diminish due to natural attenuation.
By consensus, the Board agreed to accept the report and to approve forwarding to DENR for review.
E. Proposed County Welcome Signs Honoring ASU as the Division I-AA Football Champions – County Manager Nelson reported on the proposed welcoming signs to be placed at the Watauga County line(s) honoring ASU as the Division I-AA Football Champions for 2005.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Manager to move forward with the project.
F. Katrina Funding – County Manager Nelson stated that Watauga County was designated by Governor Easley to receive $1,807 from the North Carolina Helping Neighbors Fund to assist in meeting current unmet needs of Hurricane Katrina refugees located in Watauga County. County Manger Nelson stated that no local match was required.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to direct the County Manager to submit the grant per grant requirements.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Proposed Proclamation Honoring the United States National Guard Based 1451st Transportation Company of Watauga County – Per Vice-Chairman Winkler’s request, County Manager Nelson presented a proposed proclamation Honoring the United States National Guard Based 1451st Transportation Company of Watauga County as they were to be deployed soon to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
H. Discussion/Scheduling of Annual Pre-Budget Retreat – County Manager Nelson reviewed recommended tentative retreat agenda topics and requested that the Board feel free to add and/or delete any topics.
After discussion and by consensus, the Board agreed to schedule the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat for Thursday, March 2, 2006 from 4:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. and Friday, March 3, 2006 from 8:00 A.M. till 6:00 P.M. with a break for lunch. The Board directed the Manager to schedule on the agenda a discussion of the future of the Brookshire Road property from 6:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. on Thursday and to schedule a one hour segment of time on Friday of the retreat to conduct a joint meeting with the Watauga County Board of Education with Dr. Ken Boham from Caldwell Community College also present.
I. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee had a vacancy. Dr. Fred Badders term expired on January 14, 2006, and was willing to be reappointed as recommended by the Regional Ombudsman, Alex Jernigan.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Dr. Fred Badders to Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated that three recommendations were forwarded for the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Commission: Parkway School District recommended Mr. Gene Swift, Green Valley School District recommended Mr. Denny Norris, and Valle Crucis School District recommended Mr. Steve Loflin.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Gene Swift, Mr. Denny Norris, and Mr. Steve Loflin to the Watauga County Recreation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated that there was a vacancy on the Economic Development Commission due to Phil Minor’s resignation. The Economic Development Commission recommended one of the following for appointment: Mr. Mark Harrill with Foscoe Realty and Echota; Ms. Linda Gilleland with Greystone Insurance Associates; Ms. Laurette Leagon with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce; and Ms. Lisa Martin with Mast General Store.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to appoint Mr. Mark Harrill to the Economic Development Commission to fill the un-expired term of Mr. Phil Minor.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated that the collection of occupancy tax in Watauga County required the establishment of a Watauga County District U Tourism Development Authority that was to consist of six members. One-third of the membership was to be individuals who were affiliated with the businesses that collected the tax in the district and at least one-half of the membership was to be individuals who were currently working in the promotion of travel and tourism in the district. The County Manager stated that three citizens had filled out applications volunteering to serve on this Board.
Board members presented the following names for consideration along with those who have completed the applications: Mr. Rob Holton, Mr. Doug Clawson, Mr. Dave Robertson, Ms. Missy Harrill, Ms. Lisa Martin, Mr. Gene Messenkopf, Mr. Wayne Underwood, Ms. Kim Rogers, Mr. Dan Meyer, Ms. Joesette Maxwell, and Mr. Tim Wilson.
The Board agreed by consensus to review recommendations for the TDA at their first meeting in February and to make the appointments at their seconded meeting in February.
J. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce was to host the Honorable Representative Virginia Foxx on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at 8:00 A.M. for breakfast and conversation at the Mountain House Restaurant.
County Manager Nelson announced that the Watauga County National Guard 1451st Transportation Company had been called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a going away ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2006, at 2:00 P.M. at Watauga High School.
County Manager Nelson announced that the new Administrative Building was complete and it was anticipated that the February 21, 2006, Board meeting would be held in the new Board room.
County Manager Nelson announced that the new Law Enforcement Center was near completion and an occupancy date in the second full week of March was anticipated.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Manager to schedule an open house for the new Law Enforcement Center on March 2, 2006, at 12:00 noon which would be prior to inmates occupation of the building.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:07 P.M., Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler moved to resume the open meeting at 9:10 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
EWP CHANGE ORDER REQUEST
Mr. Joe Furman presented a change order for the White Laurel Project of the Emergency Watershed Program to Barrier Geotechnical Contractors in the amount of $58,470 for removal and replacement of existing utilities and rock drilling, excavation, blasting, and/or removal.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the change order as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 P.M.
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board