MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2011
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at 8:00 A.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
David Blust, Vice-Chairman
Tim Futrelle, Commissioner
Vince Gable, Commissioner
Stacy C. Eggers, IV, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
[Clerk’s Note: Commissioner Deal was absent due to a previous obligation.]
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 8:06 A.M.
Vice-Chairman Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Gable led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the October 7, 2011, special meeting and closed session minutes; October 13, 2011, special meeting minutes; and the October 18, 2011, regular and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the October 7, 2011, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the October 7, 2011, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the October 13, 2011, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the October 18, 2011, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the October 18, 2011, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the November 1, 2011, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add a request for placement of a wind turbine at the new high school and requests for release of funds for the New River Service Authority.
Vice-Chairman Blust requested to add a discussion on GIS mapping regarding fire ratings.
Chairman Miller requested to add Land Acquisition under closed session per, G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the November 1, 2011, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on a Proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Scattered Site Housing Program Budget Amendment
Chairman Miller declared the public hearing open at 8:10 A.M. to allow for comment on proposed budget amendments to the Community Development Scattered Site Housing Program (#09-C-2010).
Ms. Michelle Ball, Community Development Planner with the High Country Council of Governments, the agency administrating the County’s CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program, presented the proposed budget amendments as follows: Increase the relocation line item from $160,000 to $237,000 by decreasing the clearance line item by $9,000 and decreasing the rehabilitation line item by $68,000.
Ms. Ball stated that the budget revision was necessary due to the change in treatment of one of the participating homes. The original application stated that the County would assist 4 homeowners with this project by replacing two and rehabilitating two homes. The two scheduled replacement projects have been completed and one of the rehabilitation projects was within 30 days of completion. However, after being assessed by the contractors, a County building inspector, and a certified structural engineer, it was determined that the final home rehabilitation project was unfeasible through this program. The alternative was to demolish the home, clear the property and bring in a manufactured home. Ms. Ball reported that the homeowner had agreed to the home replacement, therefore changing the treatment of this property from “rehabilitation” to “clearance and relocation.”
There being no public comment, Commissioner Gable, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to declare the public hearing closed at 8:14 A.M.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Gable, moved to approve the budget amendments to the Community Development Block Grant Scattered Site Housing Program (#9-C-2010) as presented by Ms. Ball.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Proposed Resolution Requesting the Preservation of CDBG Funding for the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program
Ms. Ball presented a proposed resolution requesting that Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program funding for 2012 be restored to the established funding level since the Program became non-competitive in 2001. Annual contributions for the CDBG Program were proposed to be reduced from $12,800,000 to $8,000,000 which would equate to a $150,000 reduction in funding for Watauga County. Ms. Ball stated that Watauga County currently received $400,000 each grant cycle which only allowed for four homes to be assisted in the current program. Therefore the proposed reduction of $150,000 would severely limit the County’s ability to address the high demand for assistance with housing repairs for low and moderate income households.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adopt the resolution requesting that the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program funding be restored to previous levels as presented by Ms. Ball.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Proposed Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Mr. Craig Hughes, Transportation Planner with the High Country Council of Governments, presented an update on the Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) and requested approval of the socio-economic data used to determine deficiencies that may occur with the future transportation system in 2040. By identifying the deficiencies in the transportation system, recommendations for improvements would be developed. Mr. Hughes reviewed the maps detailing projected population and employment and the goals and objectives for the CTP.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the socio-economic data; goals and objectives; and the maps projecting population and employment as presented by Mr. Hughes.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Appalachian District Health Department Annual Report
Ms. Beth Lovette, Director of the Appalachian District Health Department, introduced herself as the new Director and presented the District’s Annual Report. Ms. Lovette shared information regarding several programs carried out by the Health District, which included Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga Counties.
Upon questions by the Board regarding the lengthy process for obtaining septic permits, Ms. Lovette stated that, although she was new to the District, she was aware of past problems with septic permitting and, therefore, has made that process a top priority by instating new policies including asking staff to make contact with applicants within two days of receiving their applications. Ms. Lovette encouraged Commissioners to relay citizen concerns to her so that she would be aware of issues. Ms. Lovette agreed to report back to the Board with more detailed information and statistics regarding their permitting process.
Ms. Lovette completed her report by highlighting the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program which encouraged the prevention of obesity through policy, systems, and environmental change across the District’s counties.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was taken.
Hunger and Health Coalition Paving Request
Ms. Compton Fortuna, Director of the Hunger and Health Coalition, requested assistance from the Board in repairing Health Center Drive which services the Hunger and Health Coalition, Caldwell Community College, and the non-profit agencies that sub-lease space from the Coalition in the Hannah Building. The estimate to repave the road was $17,335 (which included $2,860 for pothole repair); however, prior to repaving, an estimated $7,100 repair had to be made to the “wood yard” area.
Ms. Fortuna stated that she did not get support from AppalCART or Hospitality House for financial help with the repairs. The Community Care Clinic, a sub-lessor did not have funds available to assist either.
The County Manager stated that the Hunger and Health Coalition’s lease with the County for the Hannah building placed the responsibility for any maintenance of the facility with the Hunger and Health Coalition. The County did provide property and liability and flood insurance for the facility.
Ms. Fortuna stated that the Coalition paid the County only $1 per year in rent; however, they had made extensive repairs to the building and requested the assistance with road repairs in an attempt to keep services at their current level.
Commissioner Futrelle moved to approve allocating $2,860 from the County’s administrative contingency budget line for pothole repair at Health Center Drive.
With no second, the motion died.
The Board encouraged Ms. Fortuna to pursue financial support from the other agencies whose clients utilized the road for services.
Sheriff’s Office Matters
A. Update on Consolidated Dispatch
Sheriff Hagaman provided an update on the progress of centralized dispatch discussions. The Sheriff stated that he had hand-delivered a letter to the Town of Boone in hopes that the letter would spark discussions regarding the issue. The Sheriff stated that discussions had been informal to date as his Office was in the process of installing the Patriot System.
Vice-Chairman Blust surmised that upcoming municipal elections could be slowing discussions at this time as well.
The Sheriff stated that he would ask the Town to take a stand on the centralized dispatch issue.
Also, in light of the ongoing mental health service issues, Sheriff Hagaman requested to be involved in discussion with Daymark Recovery Services, the County’s new service provider regarding his Office’s role in after-hours hotline calls.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Manager to discuss the issue of after-hours hotline calls with Daymark Recovery Services.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Vehicle Bid Awards
The Sheriff stated that six vendors were solicited for bids for a pickup truck and SUV, however, only one vendor responded. Therefore, the Sheriff recommended the Board accept the bid from Carmax of Hickory for one 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramine pickup truck in the amount of $20,661.47 with approximately 69,000 miles and one Dodge Durango SLT SUV in the amount of $18,601.47 with approximately 55,000 miles. Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the purchase of these vehicles.
Commissioner Gable asked if seized vehicles could be used by the Sheriff’s Office.
After brief discussion, County Attorney Eggers stated that the option could be explored. He stated that in order for the Sheriff’s Office to utilize these vehicles, a plea or conviction would have to result in the forfeiture of the vehicle; however, it would ultimately be up to the District Attorney.
Commissioner Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to award the bid for the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramine pickup truck in the amount of $20,661.47 with approximately 69,000 miles and the Dodge Durango SLT SUV in the amount of $18,601.47 with approximately 55,000 miles to Carmax of Hickory as presented by the Sheriff.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Project on Aging Annual Report
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, submitted the annual comprehensive evaluation of the agency’s operations and policies as required by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Gable, moved to accept the Project on Aging Annual Report as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Update Regarding Proposed Acceptance of NC Rural Center Grant
Mr. Joe Furman, Economic Development Director, stated that the County’s requests for amendments to the Building Reuse and Restoration Program grant award presented at the October 18, 2011, Board meeting had been submitted to the NC Rural Center; however, a response had not yet been received.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was taken.
Finance Matters
A. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Program Budget Changes
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented a revised funding allocation for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Program Budget. The State reduced funding for the Program by $3,115 thus reducing the County’s local match by $935. Ms. Pierce stated that the JCPC Board recommended that the temporary shelter program with Barium Springs be reduced by $4,050 to offset the loss in funds.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Gable, moved to approve the JCPC funding allocation revision as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
B. Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$477,600 |
|
104199-469300 |
Loan to New River Service Authority |
$477,600 |
|
|
|
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|
The amendment recognized and appropriated the loan amount available to New River Service Authority based on the Deed of Trust and Promissory Note approved at the October 13, 2011, special meeting. |
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|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103991-399103 |
Fund Balance Register of Deeds |
|
$37,250 |
|
104180-469500 |
Contracted Services |
$37,250 |
|
|
|
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|
The amendment appropriated funds from the Register of Deeds Automation and Enhancement Fund for software changes which would allow for compliance with 2012 indexing standards as approved at the October 18, 2011, regular meeting. |
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Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
[Clerk’s Note: The budget amendments were presented at the meeting with the numbers inadvertently reversed. The corrections are indicated in the minutes above.]
Ms. Pierce announced that the County’s Audit would be presented at the next regular meeting. The State ran into problems with getting needed information to auditors and, therefore, the Local Government Commission extended the deadline for audit presentations to December 1, 2011. With the delay being due to the State, a new contract was not necessary.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Lease with Daymark Recovery Services
County Manager Geouque stated that, effective October 31, 2011, the New River Service Authority (NRSA) ceased providing mental health services. Smoky Mountain Center, the County’s Local Management Entity, had selected Daymark Recovery Services to replace New River as the mental health service provider. NRSA leased 13,775 square feet of space at the County’s Human Services Building. In an effort to reduce and minimize any disruption in services, Daymark planned to lease the space vacated by NRSA. Daymark indicated a willingness to pay fair market value for the space including all maintenance and utilities costs. According to the tax department, $10-12 per square foot was a reasonable amount for office space. However, due to the short transition period and Smoky Mountain Center not being able to provide startup costs, Daymark was currently unable to pay market value without impacting the level of mental health services.
The County Manager presented a proposed lease drafted by the County Attorney. After negotiations, Daymark agreed to lease the space at the rate of $5 per square foot ($68,875 per year) in monthly installments of $5,739.58. The current term was proposed to start November 1, 2011 and expire on June 30, 2012. Included in the lease under Section 10 was an additional fee in the amount of $67,718 per year, to be paid in monthly installments of $5,643, which was to cover utilities and janitorial services. The County Manager also requested that, in Section 10 of the proposed contract, the word “telephone” be deleted from the contract (via a mark-through and being initialed when the contract was signed) as the County had not supplied a phone system for New River. The County Manager stated that Mr. West with Daymark had confirmed his approval of this change.
Commissioner Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the contract as presented including the exclusion of the word “telephone” under Section 10.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
B. New River Service Authority Request for Release of Funds
County Manager Geouque stated that the New River Service Authority (NRSA) officially requested the release of an additional $212,366 from Watauga County to meet continued expenses. The County Manager stated that, if approved, the funds would be allocated from the Fund Balance and secured by the Future Advance Deed of Trust and Promissory note approved at the October 13, 2011, special meeting.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Chairman Miller, moved to authorize an additional loan to New River Service Authority in the amount of $212,366, with the funds to be allocated from the Fund Balance and the loan to be secured by the Future Advance Deed of Trust and Promissory Note, as approved at the October 13, 2011, special meeting; and contingent upon the other four counties of the NRSA contributing their pro-rata share.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
County Manager Geouque stated that New River Service Authority (NRSA) also requested the release of $14,004 as Watauga County’s pro-rata share for additional audit services. The County Manager stated that, if approved, a budget amendment would be forthcoming, in which the funds would be allocated from the Fund Balance and the Future Advance Deed of Trust and Promissory note approved at the October 13, 2011, special meeting.
Commissioner Gable, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to authorize $14,004 be loaned to the New River Service Authority for audit services, with the funds to be allocated from the Fund Balance and the loan to be secured by the Future Advance Deed of Trust and Promissory Note, as approved at the October 13, 2011, special meeting, and contingent upon the other four counties of the NRSA contributing their pro-rata share.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
C. Request for Wind Turbine to be Located on County Property at Watauga High School
County Manager Geouque stated that a request had been received to allow a wind turbine to be placed on County-owned property at the Watauga High School (WHS) as a part of the Wind for Schools Initiative sponsored by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab. Appalachian State University (ASU) was chosen to oversee the North Carolina projects including that at Watauga High School, which along with three other western NC schools, was chosen for the installations of wind turbines in 2011. The project calls for the installation of a small wind turbine at the school and support for teachers in implementing renewable energy curriculum into their science, math, and technology classes.
The County Manager stated that the Town of Boone had indicated to ASU that the wind turbine would not require a variance.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the request to allow Watauga High School to place the wind turbine at the new school as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
D. Discussion of December 2011 and January 2012 Meeting Schedules
County Manager Geouque stated that, historically, the Board canceled the second regular meeting in December due to the holiday schedule. The regular schedule consisted of the following meetings: December 6, 2011 @ 8:00 AM; December 20, 2011 @ 5:00 PM; January 3, 2012 @ 8:00 AM; and January 17, 2012 @ 5:00 PM. This year, however, the holiday schedule would have greater impact on the preparation of agenda packets for the first meeting in January. Therefore, staff recommended that the Board cancel the January 3, 2012, meeting in order to allow appropriate time for submittal of information for agenda requests and packet preparation.
Commissioner Gable, seconded by Chairman Miller, moved to cancel the January 3, 2012, regular Board meeting to allow sufficient time for submission of agenda requests and preparation due to the holiday schedule.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
E. Boards & Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that the terms of County Board of Adjustment members Bill Ragan, Baxter Palmer, and Lyle Schoenfeldt were set to expire in November 2011. NC General Statute 153A-345(a) required that, if a county had zoning in effect in less than the entire jurisdiction, a resident of each of the zoned areas shall be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Bill Ragan, a regular member, who lived in the Howard’s Creek Watershed, was willing to be reappointed. Baxter Palmer, an alternate member, who lived in Foscoe, was willing to be reappointed. Lyle Schoenfeldt, a regular member, was the Valle Crucis Historic District representative, but no longer resided in that area; therefore, he was not eligible for reappointment as the Historic District’s representative. The County Manager stated that appeals for interested parties willing to serve were mailed and published on the County’s website. Volunteer applications for Diana Mast White and Jason Connelly, residents of the Valle Crucis Historic District, were presented as each had expressed interest in serving.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Gable, moved to reappoint Bill Ragan as a regular member, representing the Howard’s Creek Watershed and Baxter Palmer as an alternate member, representing the Foscoe/Grandfather area; and appoint Diana Mast White as a regular member, representing the Valle Crucis Historic District.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the 56th Annual Farm-City Banquet was scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. at the Boone United Methodist Church. The theme for the banquet was “High Country Grown.” Chairman Miller appointed Commissioner Gable to read the County’s recently adopted Proclamation declaring Farm City Week at the Banquet.
County Manager Geouque announced that the Annual County Christmas Luncheon was scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2011, from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Dan’l Boone Inn.
G. Discussion of GIS as Related to Fire Districts
Commissioner Gable stated that the ISO set the rates for home-owners insurance based on the GIS mapping system. Currently, most of Watauga County was rated a 9 (within a five-mile radius of a fire station) or a 9E (within a six-mile radius of a fire station). A lower ISO rating would indicate a lower home-owners insurance rate. Commissioner Gable stated that the fire departments were trying to drop their ratings and shared that he believed that most departments could reach a rating of 8 or possibly even 7. Commissioner Gable stated that he believed that the GIS had everything needed to assist in reducing those rates.
Mr. Furman stated that the most current maps had been submitted, and re-submitted, to the State and requested to be informed if anything was missing that the State needed.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:58 A.M., Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Gable, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Commissioner Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:43 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Futrelle, Gable)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Deal)
Adjourn
Chairman Miller adjourned the meeting at 10:43 A.M.
Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board