MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 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
John Cooper, Commissioner
Tim Futrelle, Commissioner
Winston Kinsey, Commissioner
Ham Wilson, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Deron Geouque, Deputy 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 Kinsey opened the meeting with a prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the May 4, 2009, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the May 4, 2009, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the May 4, 2009, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the May 19, 2009, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the May 19, 2009, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING – RECOMMENDED FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:03 P.M. to allow for comment on the Manager’s recommended budget for FY 2010.
County Manager Nelson reviewed the following changes that have been made to the recommended budget since its presentation:
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Revenues
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Amount
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Planning Fees
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Building Permits
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$15,000
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Register of Deeds Fees
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Fees
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$20,000
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|
|
|
|
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Net Increase in Revenue:
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$35,000
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|
|
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|
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Expenditures
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|
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Humane Society
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Spay/Neuter Fund
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$10,000
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Beech Mtn. Parks & Recreation
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Recreation
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$5,000
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Contingency
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Decrease for Beech Mtn.
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$5,000
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Watauga 4 Youth Committee
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Grant Writing & Research
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$5,000
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Community Care Clinic
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Additional Funding
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$6,900
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Tax Budget
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Potential Savings
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$25,559
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Planning Salary Areas
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Additional Funding
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$15,000
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Register of Deeds Salary Areas
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Additional Funding
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$18,659
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Maintenance – Law Enforcement Center
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Additional Storage Area
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$10,000
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Emergency Management
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Code Red
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$15,000
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Contingency
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Increase for Code Red Negotiations
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$10,000
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Contingency
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Move Longevity to Contingency
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$0
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Net Change in Expenditure:
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$35,000
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|
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Net Recommended Change to Budget:
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$0
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The following individuals addressed the Board regarding the recommended budget:
Harris Prevost, Grandfather Mountain & Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Committee
Stella Anderson, Board of Elections
Robin Triplett, Children’s Council
Lynne Mason, Hospitality House
Kathy Copley, Humane Society
Each individual briefly discussed their concerns regarding the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2010.
There being no further public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:27 P.M.
Board action was not required and, therefore, none was taken.
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS IN THE SCATTERED SITE HOUSING CATEGORY
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:27 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, reviewed the grant process and stated that applications have been released for those wishing to apply for the program; the Selection Committee has met once so far; the High Country Council of Governments will be administering the grant; and an additional public hearing will be needed in the near future.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:29 P.M.
Board action was not required and, therefore, none was taken.
HEALTHCARE GRANT APPLICATION REQUEST
Mr. Michael Maybee, CEO of Watauga Opportunities, requested County assistance in applying for funds to renovate space in the sheltered workshop facility. The renovation was to allow for the construction of a “clean room” for the production of medical supplies. Mr. Maybee stated that the County needed to apply for the grant, in the amount of $107,000, on behalf of Watauga Opportunities and then loan the money to Watauga Opportunities as a deferred loan which would not be paid back if 10 full-time positions were established. Mr. Maybee also stated that there was a 3% local in-kind match required if the grant was awarded.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the grant application contingent upon the County Attorney developing an agreement which would hold the County harmless.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PROPOSED BUILDING USE POLICY FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Ms. Karee Mackey, Acting Director of the Cooperative Extension Service, reviewed proposed changes to the Agriculture Conference Center’s Use Policy. The primary change was to allow local farmers from Ashe and Watauga Counties to use the loading dock at the rear of the building after 4:00 P.M. for marketing and distribution efforts related to their local production. Ms. Mackey stated that the other proposed changes clarified current use requirements and added fees for cleanup if the Center was not left in good condition after use.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the building use policy for the Agriculture Conference Center as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
DISCUSSION OF REVAL SCHEDULE
Mr. Kelvin Byrd discussed the tax revaluation schedule and stated that a revaluation of property was currently scheduled for 2010. Mr. Byrd stated that values had not grown in the past four years at the same rate as the previous four-year period; home sales in the County were down approximately two-thirds from the same time period in 2007; and values were still over the 90% ratio prior to the schedule of values being determined. Due to these factors Mr. Byrd recommended stopping the process now before any additional expenses were incurred toward the preparation for the 2010 revaluation. Also, it was not cost effective to hold the revaluation, which was estimated to cost $108,000, due to little value change since the last revaluation.
By consensus, the Board agreed to defer the scheduled 2010 revaluation and directed staff to prepare and present a resolution at the June 1, 2009, Board meeting.
SURPLUS PROPERTY REQUEST
Ms. Isaacs presented a list of property and requested it be surplused and subsequently sold through GovDeals, recycled, or scrapped.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to surplus the property as presented and to authorize the property to be recycled, scrapped, or listed for sale on GovDeals.com as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS/EDC MATTERS
A. Discussion of Scheduling a Work Session or Joint Meeting with the Planning Board – Mr. Joe Furman stated that at the last Board meeting, discussion on scheduling a work session with the Planning Board regarding the Sign Ordinance, changes to the Subdivision Ordinance, and an Abandoned Mobile Home Removal Ordinance was tabled.
By consensus, the Board agreed to reschedule their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, to 5:00 P.M. with the first topic on the agenda to be a joint meeting with the Planning Board.
B. Appointment of Watauga Community Housing Trust Board Members – Mr. Furman stated that he, as Economic Development Director, and the County Attorney were in the process of establishing the Watauga Community Housing Trust (WCHT) for workforce or affordable housing purposes. At this time, a WCHT Board was necessary to be seated for proceeding with the incorporation process. Mr. Furman stated that for the purposes of getting started with the incorporation process, the initial Board could consist of only one or two members. A full Board could then be appointed at a later time.
County Attorney Wilson stated that representatives from the following groups, or their designees, were suggested as members for the permanent Board: County Commissioners, Boone Town Council, Northwest Regional Housing Authority, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, W.A.M.Y., Board of Education, Appalachian State University, Avery/Watauga Association of Realtors, the Bar Association, and the Home Builders Association. Mr. Wilson also stated that Mr. Scott Eggers was recommended to be appointed to the Board and could serve as a designee of one of the above if so desired.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to appoint Joe Furman, Chelsea Garrett, and Scott Eggers, to the initial Board with the final Board to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners from recommendations brought to them from the initial Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Hospitality House Commitment Agreement – Mr. Furman stated that the County was assisting the Hospitality House with obtaining and administering CDBG funds for construction of their new facility. As a part of the process, a “legally binding” agreement was required between the County and the Hospitality House in that the County was the recipient of the grant funds. Mr. Furman presented a proposed agreement drafted by the County Attorney.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the agreement as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Brookshire Soccer Fields Request – Mr. Furman requested authority to expend up to $30,000 for additional work at Brookshire Park. The work consisted of relocating the entrance driveway, including a drainage structure, to the grass field area at the northern end of the property pursuant to NCDOT driveway permit; re-grading and graveling that driveway; adding topsoil to the lower grass field and hydro-seeding; and adding gravel as needed to existing parking lots, particularly the large lot to the south of the fields and the smaller lot adjacent to the stadium field, and other existing parking areas as appropriate if funds are available. The recreational area required approximately 500 loads of top soil and hydro-seeding and the Sanitation Department was available to provide the labor. Any additional gravel remaining was to be used to “top dress” two of the three existing parking lots. Funds remained in the project budget to cover these expenses.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to authorize Mr. Furman to expend up to $30,000 for the requested work at the Brookshire Road Soccer Field.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Recommended Letter of Support for the Horn In The West – Mr. Furman stated that the Economic Development Commission had requested that the Board of Commissioners direct a letter to Representative Tarleton and Senator Goss to support the General Assembly issuing continuing funding for the Horn In The West outdoor drama. Mr. Furman stated that other outdoor dramas in the State routinely receive reoccurring funding.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to direct staff to prepare a letter to Representative Tarleton and Senator Goss to support the General Assembly issuing continuing funding for the Horn In The West outdoor drama as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: Vice-Chairman Winkler offered to assist in writing the letter as he has extensive knowledge of the Horn In The West.]
NEW HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONTINGENCY REQUEST # 38
The County Manager reviewed Construction Management Contingency Request # 38, in the amount of $15,098, for the new high school project. The purpose of the charge was to construct masonry walls around steel columns that were omitted in the original drawings and bid documents.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve Construction Management Contingency Request # 38, in the amount of $15,098, for the new high school project as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: Vice-Chairman Winkler had to leave the meeting at 7:25 P.M. due to a previous commitment.]
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Proposed Policy to Regulate the Selection and Location of Portraits, Pictures, or Memorabilia in the Watauga County Courthouse – County Manager Nelson stated that, at the last meeting, discussion was tabled regarding a policy to regulate the selection and location of portraits, pictures, or memorabilia in the Watauga County Courthouse.
By consensus, discussion was tabled to the June 1, 2009, Board meeting to allow Board members time to tour the proposed display areas in the Courthouse.
B. Blowing Rock VFD Request for Support of Lease Purchase Agreement – County Manager Nelson stated that the Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue Squad had requested a letter of support from the County to assist in obtaining financing to purchase equipment for their operation. The letter confirmed that they receive both County and fire tax funding. The letter of support did not obligate the County.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the letter of support as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
C. Request for Re-Submission of Domestic Violence Grant Application – County Manager Nelson stated that Captain Dee Dee Rominger, with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, requested approval to re-submit a grant to the Governor’s Crime Commission for an additional domestic service officer. Even though the grant was initially rejected, Watauga County was invited to re-submit. The County Manager stated that the grant was to pay for the additional officer; however, the grant also required the County continue to pay for the position after grant funds were expended.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to authorize the resubmission of the grant to the Governor’s Crime Commission for an additional domestic service officer.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
D. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the Library recommended appointment of Audrey Hartley to fill the vacated seat on both the County Library Board as well as the Appalachian Regional Library Board.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Audrey Hartley to fill an unexpired term on both the County Library Board as well as the Appalachian Regional Library Board.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
County Manager Nelson stated that the Economic Development Commission recommended that Paul Combs be appointed to fill one of the two seats expiring in June 2009.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Paul Combs to the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
County Manager Nelson stated that the Workforce Development Board requested that Chairman Deal appoint two private sector representatives to the High Country Workforce Development Board. An appointment to represent community-based organizations was potentially needed as well.
Chairman Deal reappointed Sandra Reece to the Workforce Development Board and requested that staff get clarification on the number of additional appointments that needed to be made from the Workforce Development Office.
County Manager Nelson stated that the Region D Development Corporation was a Certified Development Company that assisted the US Small Business Administration in delivering small business loans to the region. They also assisted in marketing and packaging loans for small businesses throughout the region. Per their bylaws, each county was required to appoint four persons to serve as members of the Development Corporation in May of each year. Representative categories were local government (1), private lending institution (1), and community organization or a business organization (2). The current members, Fowler Cooper, Brian Crutchfield, Jim Furman, and Brian Riggins were eligible for reappointment.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to reappoint Fowler Cooper, Brian Crutchfield, Jim Furman, and Brian Riggins as Watauga County’s representatives to the Region D Development Corporation.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
E. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that Community Pride Week was ongoing during the week of May 18 – 23, 2009, from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. daily with the semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Day ending the week on Saturday, May 23, from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon at the Watauga County Landfill.
County Manager Nelson requested the Board amend the agenda to allow for possible action after closed session.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to amend the agenda to allow for possible action after closed session.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:37 P.M., Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:01 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Cooper, Futrelle, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Winkler)
ACTION AFTER CLOSED SESSION
The Board discussed potential dates for an additional Board of Equalization and Review.
By consensus, the Board agreed to schedule a Board of Equalization and Review for Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. with a back-up date of Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 2:00 P.M.
ADJOURN
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:03 P.M.
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board