MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a work session on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 5:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room of the Watauga County Administration Building.
Plans for the use of Brookshire Road property were discussed with proposed sites for recreational fields, industrial/commercial, affordable housing, and a recreation center. By consensus, staff was directed to forward tentative recommendations to McGill and Associates to formalize different options for the property. McGill was to return the plans for review.
The work session was recessed at 5:45 P.M.
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building.
PRESENT: Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
David Blust, Commissioner
Keith Honeycutt, Commissioner
Winston Kinsey, Commissioner
Anthony diSanti, 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 6:02 P.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 March 2 & 3, 2006, special meeting minutes and March 6, 2006, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the March 2 & 3, 2006, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the March 6, 2006, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the March 6, 2006, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the March 21, 2006, agenda.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the March 21, 2006, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:06 P.M. to allow for comment prior to submitting an application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Scattered Site Housing and Rehabilitation/Replacement.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning Director, and Ms. Michelle Ball with High Country Council of Governments reviewed the application.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:09 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the application for submission for Community Development Block Grant Funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE TO GOVERN SUBDIVISIONS AND MULTI UNIT STRUCTURES, FOSCOE GRANDFATHER ZONING ORDINANCE, VALLE CRUCIS HISTORIC DISTRICT ORDINANCE, AND WATERSHED PROTECTION ZONING ORDINANCE
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:10 P.M. to allow for comment on proposed changes to the Ordinance to Govern Subdivisions and Multi Unit Structures, the Foscoe Grandfather Zoning Ordinance, the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance, and the Watershed Protection Ordinance.
Mr. Joe Furman reviewed the amendments which addressed one lot subdivisions, contract sales, access to cemeteries, conflict of interest, subpoenaing of witnesses, advertising for proposed zoning map amendments, planned consistency requirements and small scale rezoning. The proposed amendments were a result of changes to the NC General Statutes; except for the proposed access to cemeteries which was offered by recommendation of the Planning Board.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:14 P.M.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to approve the amendments to the Ordinance to Govern Subdivisions and Multi Unit Structures, the Foscoe Grandfather Zoning Ordinance, the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance, and the Watershed Protection Ordinance as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE REPORT
Ms. Ann Kiefert presented a report which detailed highlights for the previous years as well as plans for the future of the Children’s Playhouse.
The report was issued for information only and therefore no action was required.
APPALACHIAN SKATEPARK COUNCIL PROPOSAL
Mr. Buzz Berry, representing the Appalachian Skatepark Council, reviewed a proposal for establishment of a skate park on County owned land. The proposed site, basketball courts, was located adjacent to the recreation complex near the Parks and Recreation offices. Mr. Berry requested the County provide and approve the location for the park and provide financial support for the $79,949.50 Phase I construction to begin. Mr. Berry stated that the Appalachian Skatepark Council planned to raise the approximate $200,000 needed for Phase II and also requested a commitment for the adjacent grassed area for the planned concrete addition. Master Richard Miller, a youth skate boarder, shared his support for the park. Mr. Berry stated that the Boone Town Council had made an in-kind donation to resurface the basketball courts for the skate park.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the site for Phase I of the skateboard park as presented (the basketball courts adjacent to the Parks & Recreation offices) contingent upon approval from the Park and Recreation Trust Fund.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
By consensus, the Board requested a recommendation from the Watauga County Recreation Commission prior to action for Phase II; directed the County Attorney and Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, to obtain necessary approvals from the Park and Recreation Trust Fund; and stated that financing of the project was to be discussed during upcoming budget work sessions.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS REPORT ON THE NORTH FORK PRECINCT
Ms. Stella Anderson and Mr. Stacy C. Eggers, IV, Members of the Board of Elections, shared their views on the proposed closing of the North Fork precinct. Ms. Jane Ann Hodges, Director of the Board of Elections, reported that the North Fork precinct was to remain operational for the May and June primaries and the issue was to be revisited in July for preparation of the November election. Chairman Deal requested the Board of Elections to keep the Board informed if changes to precincts were planned to allow for public comment at a Board of Commissioners meeting.
Chairman Deal stated that the Board of Commissioners had no authority over Board of Elections decisions regarding precincts.
The report was issued for information only and therefore no action was required.
ARCHITECT SELECTION – COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT
Mr. Robert Marsh stated that the Sheriff’s Department was to be completely moved out of the old Law Enforcement Center by the end of March and demolition of that building was to take place soon thereafter to make way for a planned parking area. Mr. Marsh stated that General Statutes allowed a County to exempt itself from the qualification-based selection process when estimated professional fees were less than $30,000 or if there was an underlying reason to preclude the advertisement/RFP process. Mr. Marsh recommended the County enter into a contract with Mr. Bill Dixon as architect for the planned parking lot given the timetable for getting approval from the Town of Boone rezoning process.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to award a contract to Mr. Bill Dixon for architectural services for the Courthouse parking lot project and exempt Watauga County from the qualification-based selection process due to professional fees being estimated at less than $30,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REVENUE NEUTRAL TAX RATE REPORT
Mr. Kelvin Byrd presented and reviewed the revenue neutral tax rate report.
The report was issued for information only and therefore no action was required.
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Proposed Proclamation to Designate “Take Your Sons and Daughters To Work Week” in Watauga County – County Manager Nelson presented a proposed proclamation denoting the week of April 17-21 as “Take Your Sons and Daughters To Work Week” in Watauga County. The County Manager stated that the proclamation was requested by Mr. Robert Neill representing the Boone Sunrise Rotary Club.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to adopt the Proclamation to Designate “Take Your Sons and Daughters To Work Week” as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Soccer Association Request for Naming Rights – County Manager Nelson stated that during the Pre-Budget Annual Retreat the Soccer Association requested naming rights for the Soccer Association Complex which was to be constructed on County owned Brookshire Road property. Naming rights were requested for the complex, individual fields, bleachers, buildings, etc. The Soccer Association stated that fundraising abilities were greatly enhanced with naming rights.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to assign naming rights for the soccer complex on Brookshire Road to the Soccer Association with final approval to be subject to the Board of Commissioners.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Public Hearing Request for Recommended Fiscal Year 2007 Budget – County Manager Nelson requested a public hearing be scheduled to allow for citizen comment on the recommended Fiscal Year 2007 Budget.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to schedule a public hearing for the May 23, 2006, Board meeting at 6:00 P.M. on the recommended Fiscal Year 2007 budget.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Request to Schedule an Open House for the Administration Building – County Manager Nelson requested direction from the Board in scheduling an Open House to allow the public to tour the newly occupied Administration Building.
By consensus, the Board agreed to schedule an Open House for the Administration Building on Monday, April 10, 2006, at 12:00 noon.
E. Proposed Amendment to the Hannah Building Lease with the Hunger Coalition – County Manager Nelson stated that the original Hannah Building lease with the Hunger Coalition contained a clause allowing termination of the lease without cause by either party with a six month notice. The stipulation had proven difficult for the Hunger Coalition to sublease the remaining space to private non-profits who were hesitant to spend money on a move and renovations given the tenuous nature of the possibility of a six month notice to vacate. The County Manager presented a proposed lease amendment prepared by the County Attorney which was to delete the clause in question and add a section on assignment and subletting which required written consent from the Board of Commissioners for any sublets.
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to adopt the amendment to the Hannah Building lease with the Hunger Coalition as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the Blowing Rock Town Council had recommended that Keith Tester and Tommy Klutz, be appointed to three year terms on the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to appoint Keith Tester and Tommy Klutz to the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Commission for three year terms.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated that the Blowing Rock Town Council had recommended that Ron Mace be reappointed as an ETJ representative on the Blowing Rock Planning Board/Board of Adjustment for a three year term.
Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to appoint Ron Mace as an ETJ representative to the Blowing Rock Planning Board/Board of Adjustment for a three year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that the School Board had confirmed the joint meeting on April 4, 2006, at 4:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room to discuss the long range Capital Improvement Plan for the schools and requested to add a discussion of the current Watauga High School project to the agenda.
County Manager Nelson announced that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners had set its District Meetings to discuss legislative issues. The District Meeting for this region was scheduled from noon to 4:00 P.M. on April 11, 2006, at the Iredell County Agriculture Center in Statesville.
County Manager Nelson announced an invitation to a kick off for National Library Week which was scheduled for Monday, April 3, 2006, from 7:45 A.M. to 8:45 A.M.
County Manager Nelson announced an invitation to a Volunteer Recognition Breakfast hosted by the Project on Aging which was scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2006, from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following spoke during public comment: Jasmine Shoshanna, Mary Storlberg, Kenneth Lisk, Karen Carter, Cindy Isaacs, Robert Dotson, Brooke Johnson, Al Corum, Mary Cavanaugh, Jamey McGuinn, Davie McGuinn, Matt Cooper, and Beth Huntsinger
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:07 P.M., Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, 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
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:35 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BUDGET AMENDMENT
Commissioner Honeycutt, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to direct the $443,941 earmarked for voting equipment be re-designated for future information technology needs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 P.M.
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board