MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at 8:30 A.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Nathan Miller, Chairman
David Blust, Vice-Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Commissioner
John Welch, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Stacy Eggers, IV, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 8:34 A.M.
Vice-Chairman Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the January 15, 2013, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the January 15, 2013, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the January 15, 2013, closed session meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the February 5, 2013, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to remove the library annual reports from this agenda as the original request was to present at the February 19, 2013.
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Lisa Doty would present the Project of the Year Award for Small Electricity Projects which was listed on the agenda under Miscellaneous Administrative Matters.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the February 5, 2013, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Bid Requests
County Manager Geouque stated that the Sheriff’s Office had received the following bids for four (4) new vehicles:
|
Vendor |
Vehicle Type |
State Contract Price (per vehicle) |
Local Price (per vehicle) |
|
Ross Chrysler |
Dodge Charger V8 rear wheel drive/police package |
$22,854.00 |
$23,900.00 |
|
Mack Brown |
Chevrolet Caprice V6 rear wheel drive/police package |
$26,246.00 |
$26,453.30 |
|
Boone Ford |
Police Interceptor V6 police package/all-wheel drive |
$26,005.00 |
$24,110.00 |
Boone Ford presented the lowest responsive bid for four all-wheel drive police interceptor sedans at a total of $96,440 plus $2,917.20 for taxes and tags for a total amount of $99,357.20. Adequate funds are budgeted to cover the purchase cost of the vehicles. The County Manager stated that Captain Redmon would bring another bid for equipment and installation at a future meeting.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to accept the low bid from Boone Ford in the amount of $96,440 plus $2,917.20 for taxes and tags for a total purchase amount of $99,357.20 for the four (4) Ford all-wheel drive police interceptor sedans.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Our Mother’s Garden Proposal
Ms. Susan Tumbleston with Appalachian State University’s The Active Choice requested permission to construct a garden on County-owned land located between the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center and the Appalachian District Health Department. “Our Mother’s Garden” would include a walking track, fence, flower beds, raised vegetable gardens, horseshoe pit, other outdoor recreational options, and a natural play area for children.
Funding for the project was proposed to be generated from community donations including a $500 donation from The Active Choice. Ms. Tumbleston requested the County protect the garden in all future changes to the property by including the garden in the design of any County infrastructure on that property. Additionally, if the County decided to sell the property, Ms. Tumbleston requested the County would provide notice as well as first refusal rights to purchase the property. Ms. Tumbleston suggested donations run through the Parks and Recreation budget.
Senior Center Director Tabitha Thomas stated that the Senior Center has already utilized the space by installing raised vegetable beds and a horseshoe pit. Ms. Thomas stated that the outdoor recreational space would be an asset to all seniors in the County.
County Manager Geouque stated that alternate locations were provided for the garden but the proposed site was preferred.
After lengthy discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to table consideration of the proposal to allow for Board members to view the proposed site.
Presentation of Smoky Mountain Center’s Annual Audited Financial Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Annual Audited Financial Statements as required by Statute and introduced Mr. Jason Ainsley, Smoky Mountain Center Assistant Finance Director, who gave a brief overview of the report.
Mr. Ainsley stated that Smoky Mountain Center had received a clean audit with no comments included in the Manager’s letter.
The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Commissioner Kennedy, the Board’s representative on the Smoky Mountain Center Board, stated that it was statutory for the County to provide mental health services which was done through Smoky Mountain Center which currently served as the Local Management Entity (LME) for fifteen (15) counties. The Smoky Mountain Center Board was currently comprised of thirty (30) members with a Board of Commissioners representative for each County under the LME.
Recent legislation proposed reducing LME’s Boards to twenty-one (21) members with ten (10) seats requiring very specific qualifications. That would leave only eleven (11) for Board of Commissioners representatives and three (3) of the State’s LME’s serve more than ten (10) Counties. Watauga County could potentially lose representation on the Smoky Mountain Center Board.
After discussion and by consensus, the Board directed the County Manager to prepare a resolution requesting each county have representation on their LME’s Board.
Commissioner Kennedy stated that he would forward a copy of a similar resolution by the Smoky Mountain Center Board to the County Manager.
High Country Community Health Report
Ms. Pam Rush, Nursing Supervisor with the Appalachian District Health Department, introduced Mr. Bryan Belcher and Ms. Alice Salthouse with High Country Community Health.
Ms. Salthouse and Mr. Belcher presented a brief history of the development of High Country Community Health (HCCH) which was a new federally funded Community Health Center for Watauga and Avery Counties. The Watauga branch was co-located within the Appalachian District Health Department’s Boone location. The HCCH would be providing primary medical and dental care regardless of ability to pay. It was not a free clinic but would have a sliding fee scale for the uninsured, while accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. The HCCH officially began seeing patients on Monday, January 21, 2013.
The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Request to Rename the Watauga County Library to the Evelyn Shook Johnson Memorial Library
Ms. Peggy Hartley proposed the Board rename the Watauga County Library to the Evelyn Shook Johnson Memorial Library in honor of the memory of Ms. Shook who was a librarian at the Watauga County Library for 36 years. Ms. Hartley shared that there has been a strong show of public support since the request had been placed on the agenda.
Ms. Audrey Hartley, Board member of both the Watauga County Library Board and the Appalachian Regional Library Board, stated that neither Board had met since the proposal had been made; however, she was personally supportive.
County Manager Geouque stated that historically, the County had not named facilities after individuals and thus did not have an official naming policy. The only County facility currently named after an individual was the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center. Ms. Harrill was the first Director of the Project on Aging and was killed in an automobile accident.
Chairman Miller tabled further discussion to allow the County Manager an opportunity to draft an official naming policy for County facilities prior to consideration of the proposal. Chairman Miller stated that, if renaming the facility was considered, he would like to hold a public hearing to allow for citizen comment prior to taking action as well.
Presentation of 2012 Regional Mitigation Plan
Mr. Steve Sudderth, Fire Marshal, will present the High Country Regional Mitigation Plan. FEMA requires the plan to be updated every five (5) years. In the past, the plan only covered Watauga County and its municipalities. However, a grant for a regional mitigation plan for Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes was received. The plan is required to be adopted in order for the County to receive reimbursements from FEMA in the event a disaster is declared in the County.
The plan has been adopted by all of the Watauga County municipalities, North Carolina Emergency Management, and FEMA.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to accept the 2012 Regional Mitigation Plan as presented.
After realizing not all Commissioners had an opportunity to review the over three-hundred page Plan, Commissioner Yates withdrew his motion of acceptance.
Chairman Miller tabled consideration of the Plan until the February 19, 2013, meeting.
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of January 2013. This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Warren presented the following Refunds and Releases for January 2013 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for January 2013, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-359110 |
National Timber Receipts |
|
$19 |
|
105911-469801 |
WC Schools National Timber Funds |
$19 |
|
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The amendment recognized additional National Timber Receipts received. The funds were passed through the County to the Watauga County School System as required by law. The original budget amount was $575. Since $593.72 was received, this budget amendment was required. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-343308 |
NC DOT Bike and Pedestrian Grant |
|
$600,000 |
|
104285-457003 |
Capital Outlay – Construction |
$600,000 |
|
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The amendment recognized a grant award accepted from the NC DOT for construction of a multi-use greenway underpass beneath Highway 421. There was no required County match. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-343305 |
NC DOT Bike and Pedestrian Grant |
|
$375,000 |
|
104285-457001 |
Capital Outlay – Construction |
$375,000 |
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The amendment recognized a grant award accepted from the NC DOT for construction of a greenway trail near Mystery Hill and beneath Highway 321. There was no required County match. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
143585-323000 |
Title XX Day Care |
|
$9,682 |
|
145850-440900 |
Title XX Day Care Direct Services |
$9,682 |
|
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143531-323000 |
Administrative Reimbursements |
|
$174,973 |
|
145410-440002 |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance |
$68,208 |
|
|
145480-438800 |
Crisis Intervention Payments |
$106,765 |
|
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The amendment recognized additional State and Federal allocations for direct services programs. These funds were passed through the County to citizens who qualified for assistance with day care costs and home heating costs. |
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Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Tentative Annual Retreat Agenda
County Manager Geouque reviewed the draft agenda for the Annual Retreat scheduled for February 22 and 23 and encouraged Board members to contact him with any changes, additions, or questions.
B. Project of the Year Award for Small Electricity Project
Ms. Lisa Doty, Recycling Coordinator, stated that each year, the US EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) recognized the Partners for excellence in innovation and creativity, success in promoting landfill gas (LFG) energy, and achieving both environmental and economic benefits. These award-winning LFG energy projects and companies contribute to job creation and provide energy savings and green power generation. Ms. Doty accepted the Project of the Year Award for Small Electricity Projects on January 30, 2013, for the Watauga County Landfill Gas to Energy Project at the EPA's 16th Annual LMOP Conference and Project Expo in Baltimore, Maryland.
C. Proposed Amendments to Appalachian Healthcare System, Inc., Bylaws
County Manager Geouque stated that the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) had formally requested proposed amendments to their Bylaws. The changes were made to assure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. ARHS wanted to more clearly define the definition of their Board’s “At-Large Trustee.” The new definition would require the “At-Large Trustee” to be a resident of the primary service area in counties of North Carolina other than Watauga County. At all times, no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board of Trustees shall be Watauga County Trustees.
Chairman Miller, the Board of Commissioner representative on the Watauga Medical Center’s Board of Trustees stated that the change was in part due to the recent purchase of Cannon Memorial Hospital which was located in Avery County and would therefore allow Avery County representation on the ARHS Board.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the amended Bylaws of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Request for an Appointment to the Appalachian Theater Board of Trustees
County Manager Geouque stated that the County had received a request from the Appalachian Theater of the High Country to join in an effort to renovate, restore, preserve, operate, program, and the manage the Appalachian Theater. The Bylaws of the organization provide for the County to designate a representative to serve as an ex-officio member of their Board of Trustees. The organization held meetings at the Jones House every fourth Wednesday of each month at 8:00 A.M.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Commissioner Kennedy, who had expressed interest in serving, as the Board of Commissioner representative and ex-officio member of the Appalachian Theater Board of Trustees.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Boards & Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that two terms on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) were set to expire at the end of February 2013. Mr. Gray was willing to continue to serve if so appointed. Mr. Rob Holton, Mr. David Barker, and Ms. Victoria Smith had each expressed interest in serving as well.
The above were first readings and, therefore, no action was required at this time.
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees had recommended Mrs. Kim Miller for appointment and Mr. Keith Tester and Ms. Jan Winkler for reappointment as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015. This was the first reading of Mrs. Miller’s nomination and a second reading of Mr. Tester and Ms. Winkler’s nominations.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commission Welch, moved to waive the second reading for Mrs. Kim Miller’s nomination and appoint Mrs. Kim Miller and reappoint Mr. Keith Tester, and Ms. Jan Winkler to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees with each of their terms to expire December 31, 2015.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Geouque stated that the term of Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (ACCAC) member, Ms. Glenda Hodges, expired January 17, 2013. The High Country Council of Governments’ Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman, Ms. Julie Wiggins, nominated Ms. Hodges, who was willing to continue to serve, for reappointment.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint Ms. Glenda Hodges to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Geouque stated that each Commissioner appointed a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board whose term would run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Boone Rural Fire Service District Board members must own property and reside within that Fire Service District.
Commissioner Kennedy requested to table his appointment.
County Manager Geouque stated that each Commissioner nominated a representative to the Watauga County Planning Board whose term would run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Planning Board members must live within the appointing Commissioners District and action must be taken by the entire Board of Commissioners to make these appointments.
Commissioner Kennedy and Commissioner Welch tabled their nominations.
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
? The UNC School of Government and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) jointly hold a two-day orientation to county government in four locations across the state. The 2013 Essentials of County Government Course, which includes required ethics training, is for newly elected officials, veteran elected officials and managers.
? The Annual Pre-Budget Retreat will be held on February 22 (12:00 – 6:00 P.M.), and 23 (9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.), 2013, in the Commissioners’ Board Room.
? At their January meeting, the NCDOT approved the County’s request to designate a segment of NC 194 from Valle Crucis to Hade Smith Road Intersection in honor of Ed Yates. The County will participate in the cost of the signage in the amount of $1,000.
? The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, in the Watauga County Administration Building located at 814 West King Street, Boone, North Carolina. The purpose of the hearing is to allow public comment on the reclassification of a portion of the South Fork New River watershed.
? An Intergovernmental Retreat is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Representatives from Watauga County; the Towns of Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Seven Devils; and Appalachian State University may be in attendance. The Retreat will include a discussion of the High Country United Way Vision Council and will be held in the 5th Floor Lobby of the Appalachian Athletic Center on the campus of Appalachian State University, located at 425 Jack Branch Drive, Boone, North Carolina.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 10:00 A.M., Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Miller, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:31 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:31 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board