MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 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 February 19, 2013, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the February 19, 2013, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the February 19, 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 March 5, 2013, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add consideration of serving as a project sponsor with the Emergency Watershed Protection Program which offered assistance for property damage caused by the January 2013 heavy rains and flooding in western North Carolina.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the March 5, 2013, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Matters
A. Vehicle Bid Award Requests
Sheriff Hagaman stated that on February 5, 2013, the Board awarded vehicle bids from Boone Ford in the amount of $99,357.20 for four (4) Ford all-wheel drive police interceptor sedans. Prior to Board approval, Captain Redmon contacted Boone Ford to insure there was not an error in their bid as the price was lower than state contract price and received confirmation the specifications and price were correct. However, Boone Ford later contacted Captain Redmon and informed him that they were unable to honor the bid as the price provided was for another vehicle and not the vehicles specified by the Sheriff’s Office. Captain Redmon then solicited additional bids for the specified vehicles. In an effort to save money two (2) Ford all-wheel drive police interceptor sedans and two (2) Ford interceptor SUVs were bid. The following bids were received:
|
Vendor |
Interceptor Sedan |
Interceptor SUV |
Total |
|
Boone Ford |
$26,343.68 |
$25,499.68 |
$103,386.72 |
|
Ashe County Ford |
$26,376.68 |
$25,594.68 |
$103,943.72 |
|
NC State Contract - Capital Ford |
$26,005.00 |
$25,146.00 |
$102,302.00 |
Capital Ford (State Contractor Vendor) was the lowest responsive bidder at $102,302 plus $3,181.06 for taxes and tags for a total amount of $105,483.06, a difference of $6,125.86 compared to the previous bid. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the cost of the vehicles. An additional bid award request for the needed equipment and installation thereof will be presented at a future meeting.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to accept the low bid from Capital Ford in the amount of 102,302 plus $3,181.06 for taxes and tags for a total amount of $105,483.06 for the two (2) interceptor sedans and the two (2) interceptor SUVs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request for Declaration of Surplus and Sale – WCSO K-9
The Sheriff presented a request to declare “Rex,” a K-9 police dog as surplus and to sell it to its handler, Deputy Aaron Billings. The Sheriff has indicated that, due to its age and health issues, the dog is no longer of use to the Sheriff’s Office. General Statutes allow for the dog to be sold for a negotiated price by order of the Board of Commissioners. In order for staff to carry out the order, the Board must adopt a resolution and advertise the sale for ten days prior to the sale. The Sheriff requested that the dog be declared surplus and sold for a fee of $1.00 to its handler, Deputy Aaron Billings. Since the K-9 has been trained for duty, it would be best for an experienced handler to have ownership.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to adopt the resolution, direct staff to advertise the sale for ten days, declare the K-9 known as “Rex” surplus, and approve the sale of “Rex” to Deputy Aaron Billings for a fee of $1.00.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Use Human Services Center Parking Lot for Car Show
Mr. Jerry Dotson requested permission for the High Country Classics Car Club to utilize the Human Services Center Parking Lot for their 9th Annual High Country Classic Car Show. The funds generated from this event would be used to benefit local charities. Mr. Dotson requested use of the parking lot and the bathrooms adjacent to the recreational fields. The car show was scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2013.
County Manager Geouque recommended the Board charge $200 to cover the cost of staff to clean, open, and close the bathroom facilities at the Human Services Center.
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the High Country Classics Car Club use of the Human Services Center parking lot and bathrooms on Saturday, June 15, 2013, for their 9th Annual High Country Classic Car Show.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance for Damage Caused by January 2013 Heavy Rain and Flooding in Western North Carolina
Mr. Brian Chatham, Soil and Water Conservation Technician, shared information regarding an Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program which offered assistance to residence of Western North Carolina who suffered damage from the January 2013 heavy rains and flooding. The EWP was administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and assistance was delivered through a project sponsor defined as a legal subdivision of the State, such as a State agency, County, City, Town, Soil and Water Conservation District, or an Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization. The project sponsor was responsible for providing land rights to do repair work; securing necessary permits; furnishing the local cost share (25%); accomplishing the installation of work; and performing any necessary operation and maintenance. Mr. Chatham stated that other Counties serving as project sponsors were requiring the landowners to fund the twenty-five percent (25%) cost share. Mr. Chatham shared a sample letter and requested approval to send the written request for assistance to the NRCS State Conservationist by the deadline date of April 1, 2013, which would allow the County to serve as a project sponsor.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the submission of the written request to the Natural Resources Conservation Service with the particular projects to be determined and contingent upon the landowners paying the 25% local project cost share.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Matters
A. Request to Appoint the Home & Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee and Lead Agency
Ms. Angie Boitnotte stated that each year the Board was required to appoint a lead agency and advisory committee to make recommendations on how to best expend the County’s allocation from the Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds. H&CCBG funds were established by the Older American’s Act and were administered by the North Carolina Division of Aging. The following were recommended for appointment to the committee: Anita Davie, Jim Atkinson, Mike Birkmire, Linda Bretz, Murray Hawkinson, Margie Mansure, Christy Pruess, Pam Rush, Sara Shoemaker, Pat Coley, Becky Councill, Sherry Harmon, Gail Hawkinson, Dick Oehser, Bob Parker, Dr. Ed Rosenberg, and Betty Wyse. Commissioner Kennedy was appointed to serve on this Committee at the December 3, 2012, Board of Commissioners meeting.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to appoint the Watauga County Project on Aging as the Lead Agency for Home and Community Care Block Grant funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Anita Davie, Jim Atkinson, Mike Birkmire, Linda Bretz, Murray Hawkinson, Margie Mansure, Christy Pruess, Pam Rush, Sara Shoemaker, Pat Coley, Becky Councill, Sherry Harmon, Gail Hawkinson, Dick Oehser, Bob Parker, Dr. Ed Rosenberg, and Betty Wyse to the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) Appointment Requests
Ms. Boitnotte presented recommendations for appointments to the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL). The STHL is comprised of a delegate and an alternate representing each County in the State. Ms. Pat Coley, the current delegate, and Dr. Ed Rosenberg, the current alternate, were both interested in continuing to serve in their current roles.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to reappoint Ms. Pat Coley as the Watauga County Delegate and Dr. Ed Rosenberg as the Watauga County Alternate on the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Resolution Adopting the Regional Mitigation Plan
At the Board’s last meeting approval was given to the High Country Regional Mitigation Plan. Mr. Steve Sudderth, Fire Marshal, will present a resolution that is required to also be adopted in addition to the actual plan.
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the resolution as presented by Mr. Sudderth.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of February 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 February 2013 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for February 2013, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-341701 |
HAVA Grant |
|
$5,768 |
|
104170-435200 |
HAVA Grant |
$5,768 |
|
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The amendment recognized the receipt of HAVA grant funds to assist in offsetting additional coding costs for the 2012 second primary and the November general election. Acceptance of the grant funding was approved at the January 15, 2013, Board meeting. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103839-386000 |
Rents |
|
$4,650 |
|
104920-449902 |
AEC Office Expenditures |
$4,650 |
|
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The amendment recognized additional rental income due to a change in management at the Appalachian Enterprise Center (AEC) and associated expenditures to be offset by the additional rent received. |
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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. Proposed Resolution Requesting DOT Revisit the Justus Road Bridge Enhancement Project
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution requesting the North Carolina Department of Transportation consider other alternatives and options in addressing the bridge and road improvements with regards to its impact on Maverick Farms. The County Manager pointed out that the date in parenthesis under the fourth “whereas” was mistyped and should be 2011 not 2013.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the resolution as presented with the corrected date change.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Miller directed the County Manager to send a signed copy of the resolution to the Department of Transportation and Maverick Farms.
B. Sanitation Out-of-State Travel Request
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Lisa Doty, Watauga County Recycling Coordinator, had requested permission to attend the Carolina Recycling Association Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. Ms. Doty had applied for and received a scholarship to cover the cost of the registration and meals, therefore, County funds were only required for the hotel.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the out-of-state travel request as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards & Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that two terms on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) expired at the end of February 2013. Mr. Tony Gray and Ms. Lisa Martin were willing to continue to serve if so appointed. Mr. Rob Holton, Mr. David Barker, Ms. Victoria Smith, Ms. Marcia Greene, Ms. Linda Walker, Ms. Sonya Garland, and Mr. Lenny Cottom have also expressed interest in serving.
Votes were taken by written ballot with each Commissioner to vote for two people. Following is the tally of votes: Tony Gray (3 votes), Rob Holton (1 vote), David Barker (2 votes), Victoria Smith, Marcia Greene, Linda Walker, Sonya Garland (3 votes), Lisa Martin, Lenny Cottom (1 vote). Therefore, by the results of the written ballot, Tony Gray was reappointed and Sonya Garland was appointed to the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority with both terms set to expire on February 29, 2016.
County Manager Geouque stated that each Commissioner nominated a representative to the Watauga County Planning Board whose term would run concurrent with their term. 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.
Commissioners Kennedy and Welch tabled their nominations.
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque made the following announcements:
· The Board is invited to attend the Cooperative Extension’s Annual “Report to the People” luncheon which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center at 11:45 A.M.
· The 2013 Watauga County Economic Development Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2013, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in Downtown Blowing Rock.
· The Manager’s FY 2014 Recommended Budget will be presented to the Board at the May 7, 2013, regular meeting with a public hearing to be held at the May 21, 2014, Board meeting. The County Manager requested dates be set to hold budget work sessions after the presentation of the Recommended Budget and prior to the public hearing.
By consensus, the Board scheduled special meetings on Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10, with both beginning at 4:00 P.M. for the purpose of reviewing the Manager’s Recommended Budget.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:21 A.M., Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Economic Development, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(4).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:55 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Nathan A. Miller
Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle
Clerk to the Board