MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1998
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 1998 at 7:00 P.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 7:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
Upon Chairman Coffey’s request, Sheriff James C. "Red" Lyons gave an invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the October 5, 1998 regular and closed session minutes; there being none, they were approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the agenda for the October 20, 1998 regular meeting as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SCHOOL ITEMS
A. Copier Lease Authorization – School Superintendent Dr. Richard Jones addressed the Board regarding the School System’s copying needs. He stated the School System was entering into a copier lease, and requested the Board’s approval. Dr. Jones added this lease agreement was for the entire school system including the Central Office. He noted that this agreement would provide new equipment, thus better serving employees, and lower the School System’s total copier expenses.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve this request.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Public School Building Capital Fund Proposal – Dr. Jones presented revised proposals for the expenditure of this year’s Public School Building Capital Outlay Funds. The Board of Commissioners had approved these proposals at their August 3, 1998 regular meeting, however, because some portions of the request did not meet State guidelines, the School Board had to submit revised proposals. The first proposal in the amount of $44,296 was for renovations to Bethel Elementary School. The second proposal in the amount of $55,704 was for renovations to the Watauga High School Gym. These amounts were the same as originally submitted, and no additional local funds were requested.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve both revised Public School Building Capital Outlay Fund applications.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
AUDIO VISUAL ARRAIGNMENT SYSTEM BIDS
Sheriff James C. "Red" Lyons addressed the Board stating the Sheriff’s Department had received a grant from the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission for an audio visual arraignment system for the court system and detention center. The total cost of the system was $80,000; the grant award was $60,000 and required a local match of $20,000 (25%) of the project cost. This local match had been included in the current year’s budget. He added the project must be completed by June 30, 1999. The following bid was received:
Long Communications $89,900
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Sheriff Lyons noted negotiations were made, and Long Communications reduced their bid to $79,900. He recommended the Board approve the bid.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Long Communications bid of $79,900.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
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.
DATA PROCESSING FEE SCHEDULE
Data Processing Director Glenda Duncan presented a revised fee schedule for data processing reports and services provided to the public. Ms. Duncan stated it had been over two years since the current fee schedule had been modified and because there were many more sufficient ways to provide requested information, she requested approval of this revised fee schedule.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve the revised fee schedule as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ON FILE IN THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. DOT Driveway Construction Agreement – County Manager Ratchford stated the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had provided a construction agreement for Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s driveway project. This agreement between NCDOT and the County defined each parties’ responsibilities for the construction project.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the construction agreement.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. State Maintained Road Addition – County Manager Ratchford presented a request for the addition of Chestnut Knob Road and Crestmoor Drive – 0.7 mile from Whispering Pines Road (NCSR 1402) to cul-de-sacs to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. DOT for consideration.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
RESOLUTION BOOK #9, PAGE #42
C. Boards & Commissions – Chairman Coffey noted that Mr. John Rauls had moved out of the County and no longer served on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Region D Council of Governments requested that Ms. Judith Wesson be appointed to this Committee for a one-year term.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to appoint Ms. Judith Wesson to the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for a one-year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Budget Amendment – County Manager Ratchford presented the following budget amendment for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-345000 E & H Tran. Assist. 30,700
104500-469845 E & H-Trans.-AppalCart 7,000
104500-469846 E & H-Appal-A-Day 1,000
105210-469845 E & H-Tran.-NRMH 3,200
105550-431301 E & H-Tran.-POA 10,000
105890-469846 E & H-Wat. Opport. 9,500
143300-345000 E & H Tran.-Assist. 7,075
145310-469845 E & H Tran.-Med. 7,075
To recognize grant award for Elderly & Handicapped Transportation Assistance. Notice of award received 9/98, funds received 9/30/98.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve the budget amendment as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements - County Manager Ratchford reminded the Board that the Board of Education was having a dedication (reception and tour) at the High School’s new athletic facility on October 21, 1998 at 6:00 p.m.
In addition, the Annual Farm-City Banquet was scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. at Greenway Baptist Church’s Family Life Center.
ADJOURN
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
___________________________
James Coffey
Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board