WATAUGA COUNTY

MINUTES

 

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 5:30 P.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 5:31 P.M.

 

Commissioner Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Chairman Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the August 6, 2013, regular meeting minutes.

 

The following two corrections were requested (deletions struck-through and additions in bold italic):

 

Chairman Miller Vice-Chairman Blust called for additions and/or corrections to the August 6, 2013, agenda.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Bluest Blust, moved to appoint Jon Tate as a regular member on the Boone Planning Commission.

 

                                                                 VOTE:  Aye-4

                                                                              Nay-0

                                                                              Absent-1(Miller)

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the August 6, 2013, regular meeting minutes as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Chairman Miller tabled action for the August 6, 2013, closed session minutes until after the meeting as there were amendments to review during closed session.

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the August 20, 2013, agenda.

 

County Manager Geouque requested to remove the Out-of-State Travel Request from the agenda per the Sheriff and to add a public hearing request from the Planning and Inspections Department.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the August 20, 2013, agenda as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Board of Education’s Request for Lottery Funds

Ms. Ly Marze, Watauga County Schools Finance Director, presented a request for approval of five Educational Lottery Fund applications in which a total of $248,600 was sought for various elementary school capital improvement projects as listed below:

 

?  Replace the boiler at Hardin Park School as a result of problems that surfaced to the hot water delivery system in a current project in the amount of $43,000 with the project estimated to begin in August 2013 and be completed by September 2013.  This amount added to the original requested amount of $35,000 brings the project total to $78,000.

 

?  Upgrades to cafeteria equipment at Hardin Park, Parkway, Mabel, and Green Valley Schools in the amount of $37,500 with the project estimated to begin in September 2013 and be completed by May 2014.

 

?  Replacement of T-12 lights with energy efficient T-8 lights at Mabel School in the amount of $30,000 with the project estimated to begin in November 2013 and be completed by June 2014.

 

?  Continuation of drop ceiling installation to renovate existing ceilings that are cracking and peeling at Blowing Rock School in the amount of $10,000 with the project estimated to begin in November 2013 and be completed by January 2014.

 

?  Installation of security measures at the main entrances of all school buildings for school safety in the amount of $89,700 with the project to begin in November 2013 and be completed by June 2014.

 

?  Replacement of worn and torn carpet and floor tiles in classrooms and school buildings in the amount of $38,400 with the project estimated to begin in November 2013 and be completed by January 2014.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the submission of the Educational Lottery Fund applications as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Watauga County Library’s Request to Name A Meeting Room in Honor and Memory of Ms. Evelyn Johnson

Ms. Monica Caruso, Watauga County Librarian, presented a request to name a meeting room in the Watauga County Library the “Evelyn Johnson Meeting Room.”  Ms. Johnson worked for the Watauga County Library for over 30 years.

 

Ms. Caruso requested the Board waive the stipulation requiring that the individual for which the room/facility would be named to be deceased for one (1) year as Ms. Johnson passed away in January 2013.  Ms. Caruso stated that Watauga County Library would like to hold a dedication ceremony prior to summer residents leaving for the winter and requested a public hearing be scheduled, as required by policy, for the September 17, 2013, meeting.

 

The County Attorney stated that the Board could waive requirement for a one (1) year waiting period, per the naming policy, but would need a unanimous vote to schedule a public hearing.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at 6:00 PM for the consideration of naming the meeting room in the Watauga County Library the Evelyn Johnson Meeting Room.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Ms. Caruso introduced Ms. Jane Blackburn, the new Regional Librarian, and invited the public to a reception in her honor which will be held on September 5, 2013, from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M.

Project on Aging’s Request to Accept the 2014 Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Grant/Contract

Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Director of Project on Aging (POA), requested the Board accept the FY 2014 grant/contract for the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).  The proposed grant was in the amount of $2,767 and required no County funds.  If approved and accepted, the funds would be used to provide assistance and outreach to low-income citizens.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that he signed the agreement which had been mailed, due to time constraints regarding the postmark deadline; however, should the Board not approve and accept the funding, the agreement could be withdrawn.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve and accept the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) grant/contract in the amount of $2,767 as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Bid Award for New Trash Truck

Mr. J.V. Potter, Director of Operations Services, presented the following bids for a new front loading trash truck:

 

Vendor	Bid Amount
Nu-Life Environmental	$259,892.00
Advantage Truck Center	$244,898.28
Carolina Environment	$221,501.00
Transource	$217,985.00

 

Carolina Environmental was the lowest responsive bidder as Transource’s bid was non-responsive in that the vehicle specified did not meet bid specifications with regards to engine horsepower and torque which is critical for these vehicles to operate properly in the mountain terrain.  Therefore, Mr. Potter requested the Board award the bid to Carolina Environmental in the amount of $221,501.

 

The County Manager stated that funds were budgeted in the Sanitation Department for this purchase.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to reject Transource’s bid as it was non-responsive and to accept the lowest responsive bid from Carolina Environmental in the amount of $221,501 for a new front loading trash truck as presented by Mr. Potter.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

At 5:49 P.M., by unanimous consensus, the Board agreed to proceed with agenda items listed after the public hearings which were scheduled to start at 6:00 P.M.

Budget Amendments

Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:

 

Account #	Description	Debit	Credit
103300-341600	US DOJ Drug Court Grant		$65,509
105890-469851	Blue Ridge Mediation Drug Court	$65,509
The amendment would reallocate the grant award from the US Department of Justice for drug court services contracted with Blue Ridge Mediation and Restorative Justice.  The County match was present in the budget.

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Planning and Inspections Request for A Public Hearing

Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, requested a public hearing be scheduled to consider amendments to the County Sign Ordinance as well as to several other ordinances that have been affected by recent legislation (Session Law 2013-126) which will take effect October 1, 2013.  The affected ordinances were Foscoe-Grandfather Zoning Ordinance, Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance, Gated Communities Ordinance, Wireless Communications Towers Ordinance, Watershed Protection Zoning Ordinance.  Due to the session law becoming effective October 1, Mr. Furman requested the hearing be scheduled for the September 17 meeting.  The Planning Board has recommend approval of each of these ordinances as amended.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to schedule a public hearing on September 17, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Foscoe-Grandfather Zoning Ordinance, Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance, Gated Communities Ordinance, Wireless Communications Towers Ordinance, Watershed protection Zoning Ordinance and Sign Ordinance as requested by Mr. Furman.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

A.  Proposed Resolution Establishing the Watauga County Department of Social Services Advisory Board

 

County Manager Geouque stated that at a previous meeting the Social Services Board was abolished.  At that time the Board directed the County Attorney and Manager to draft a resolution establishing a Social Services Advisory Board.  The County Manager presented the proposed resolution for consideration which specified the following be appointed to the initial Advisory Board:  Mr. Nathan Miler as the County Commissioner/Manager Representative, Ms. Audrey Tate (term to expire August 30 2014), Ms. Mary Moretz (term to expire August 30, 2015), Mr. Tom Trexler (term to expire August 30, 2016), Ms. Sharon Brientenstein (term to expire August 30, 2017).  The County Manager stated that Mr. David Turlington was also willing to serve if so appointed.

 

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to deny the resolution and reinstate the previous Board.

 

County Attorney Eggers asked for clarification regarding if the “previous Board” was the Board being appointed by the State and Commissioner Welch stated that it was.

 

Chairman Miller ruled the motion out-of-order because the appointing authority of the Advisory Board was not up for consideration.

 

Therefore, Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to deny the resolution as presented.

 

After further discussion, Commissioner Yates called for the question and the following vote was taken:

 

VOTE:  Aye-2(Kennedy, Welch)

             Nay-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)

             Nay-2(Kennedy, Welch)

 

 B. Appointment of North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Annual Conference Voting Delegate

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' (NCACC) Annual Conference was scheduled for August 22-25, 2013, in Guilford County.  Each county in attendance was required to select a voting member for representation at the annual business meeting which is conducted as a part of the conference.  Submission of the voting delegate was due August 9, 2013. 

 

Board members were not available to attend the Annual Conference; therefore, a voting delegate was not appointed.

 

[Clerk’s Note:  As it was after 6:00 P.M. at the conclusion of the above agenda item, the Board proceeded with the scheduled public hearings and then continued with Miscellaneous Administrative Matters at the conclusion of the three public hearings.]

Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Following:

A.  The Board’s Request to Rename the Hwy 421 Bridge Over The South Fork of The New River In Memory of Deputy Sheriff William Ronald Mast, Jr.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:03 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the Board’s request to rename the Hwy 421 bridge over the South Fork of the New River in memory of Deputy Sheriff William Ronald Mast, Jr.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Chairman Miller stated that the public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on the naming of the Highway 421 Bridge over the South Fork of the New River in memory of Deputy Sheriff William Ronald Mast, Jr. as required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).  Chairman Miller stated that the Town of Boone was considering a like resolution and upon adoption of both resolutions, staff would forward the application for the naming of the Bridge to the NCDOT for consideration.

 

Chairman Miller recognized the widow, father, and mother of Deputy Sheriff William Ronald Mast, Jr. who were present and expressed their appreciation for this act of dedication.

 

There being no public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 6:05 P.M.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adopt the proposed resolution as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

B.  New Road Names

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:07 P.M. to allow citizen comment on new road names as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-239.1.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Mr. Jeff Virginia reviewed the process for which private and public road names were chosen and presented the following for consideration.

 

New Road Names:

Sky Vista

Willow Ridge Lane

Eggers Hollow

Smokey Bear Lane

Twain Place

Jefferson Court

Mt. Jefferson View Court

Ossorio Court

Ramsey Court

Stone Court

Stone Mountain Bluffs Parkway

Snowy Doe Drive

Willies View

Mountain Bike Way

Boone Circle

Fallview Lane

Makers Lane

Mesa Circle

Parkwood Circle

King Arthurs Court

Spencer Miller Road

Parkway View Drive

Hidden Vista

Upper Cascade

Shooters Ridge Drive

Bear Ridge Trail

West Ridge View

 

 

Existing Road Name Changes:

From Twin Filly to Twin Filly Peak

 

There being no public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 6:07 P.M.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the proposed resolution as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  The Board’s Intent to Purchase Property on NC Hwy 194 North for the Potential Development of a Business Park

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:11 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the Board’s intent to purchase property on NC Hwy 194 for the potential development of a business park.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Chairman Miller stated that per North Carolina General Statutes 158-7.1, a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on the potential purchase of the property on NC Highway 194 North for a business/commerce park.  The due diligence period for the 194 property ends September 3, 2013 which was the date of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.  Chairman Miller stated that each speaker would have three (3) minutes to share their comments and stated that comments should not include personal attacks and should be limited to the pros and cons of purchasing the property.

 

Mr. Joe Furman, Economic Development Director, reviewed the details regarding the purchase agreement, closing date, and infrastructure needed for a business park.  Mr. Furman stated that the North Carolina Department of Transportation was willing to work with the County on improvements to Hwy 194, natural gas was 3 miles away from the property, and cable and fiber optics were available to the rear of the property.  Mr. Furman stated that the Economic Development Commission had been conducting an ongoing search for property on which to locate a business park

 

The following individuals addressed the Board regarding the proposed purchase of property:

 

 

Lauren Waterworth

Liz Riddick

Derek Moretz

Mike McKee

Susan Jones

Nancy Reigel

Pam Kidder Ashley

Ingrid Kraus

Janna Lyons

Sheri Clark

Noelle Austin

Keith Honeycutt

Bill Moretz

Jim Hamilton

Charlie Wallin

Pam Williamson

John Drake

Deborah Greene