MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 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 C. Eggers, IV, County Attorney

                                                Deron Geouque, County Manager

                                                Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 8:32 A.M.

 

Commissioner 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 September 16, 2014, regular meeting and the September 16, 2014, closed session minutes.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the September 16, 2014, regular meeting minutes as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Vice-Chairman Blust mentioned the below corrections (deletions in strikethrough and additions in bold) to the following motion in the closed session minutes:

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:47 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-54(Miller, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Blust)

 

[Clerk’s Note:  Chairman Miller’s copy of the draft closed session minutes included a redaction of the portion of the minutes in which he was recused from the meeting due to a conflict of interest.]

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the September 16, 2014, closed session minutes as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the October 7, 2014, agenda.

 

County Manager Geouque requested the correction of the following typo:  Mr. Chris Turner, AppalCART Director, would be the presenter for Item # 9 rather than Mr. Joe Furman.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 7, 2014, agenda as corrected.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Presentation of Shining Stars Award

Chairman Miller presented Ms. JoAnn Townsend, Watauga County Register of Deeds, with the Shining Stars Award which is awarded to a Register of Deeds who performed above and beyond their normal duties.  Ms. Townsend was selected from among the North Carolina districts.

Board of Education’s Request for Lottery and ADM Funds

Ms. Ly Marze, Watauga County Schools Director of Finance, presented a request for approval of the following Education Lottery Fund applications:

 

·       Upgrade electrical service available at schools due to increased demands and needs in the amount of $240,750 with the project estimated to begin in June 2015 and be completed by August 2015.

·       Upgrade lighting in the gyms at Green Valley, Mabel, Bethel, and Blowing Rock Schools for energy conservation and improved lighting with LEDs in the amount of $40,000 with the project estimated to begin in December 2014 and be completed by January 2015.

·       Partial roof replacement at Parkway School in the amount of $72,000 with the project estimated to begin in June 2015 and be completed in August 2015.

·       Installation of a new drop ceiling at Blowing Rock School to provide better acoustics in the amount of $10,000 with the project estimated to begin in January 2015 and be completed by February 2015.

·       Continued replacement of old carpet and floor tiles at Mabel, Valle Crucis, Green Valley, and Hardin Park Schools in the amount of $40,000 with the project estimated to begin in November 2014 and be completed in June 2015.

·       Cafeteria upgrades at Cove Creek and Blowing Rock Schools in the amount of $15,000 with the project estimated to begin in October 2014 and be completed in June 2015.

 

Ms. Marze also presented a request for approval of an application for ADM funds in the amount of $300,000 for district wide technology to update wireless access points, phone system upgrades, and projector replacements in all schools.  The project was estimated to begin in October 2014 and be completed in June 2015.

 

The total amount of funds requested is $717,750.

 

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

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Sheriff’s Office Out-of-State Travel Request

County Manager Geouque stated that Captain Kelly Redmon had requested out-of-state travel for Detective Gragg to attend a fire and arson investigation training course in Greenville, South Carolina.  The registration for the course is $295.  The County would be responsible for lodging, meals, travel, and personnel time in addition to the registration fee.

 

The County Manager stated that North Carolina General Statutes task the Fire Marshal’s Office with cause and origin of fires.  The State Bureau of Investigations is called in when arson is expected or a death occurs.  Fire Marshal personnel are currently working on a certification for fire and arsons investigations.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to deny the request and continue with the Fire Marshal’s Office investigating arson cases.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Proposed Additional Appropriation of State Funds for Senior Centers

Ms. Angie Boitnotte stated that the Project on Aging was eligible to receive an additional $15,573, in Senior Center funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and the North Carolina Division of Aging.  The L.E. Harrill Senior Center was eligible for $11,680 and the Western Watauga Community Center for $3,893 of the proposed $15,573.  The amount requires a 25% local match, $5,191, which is currently in the Agency’s existing budget.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to accept the additional State funding as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Tax Matters

A.  Monthly Collections Report

 

Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of September 2014.  This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.

 

B.  Refunds and Releases

 

Mr. Warren presented the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2014, as well as a report from the new motor vehicle billing system, North Carolina Vehicle Tax System (NCVTS), for Board approval:

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2014, as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the North Carolina Vehicle Tax System Refunds and Releases Report for September 2014 as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Budget Amendments

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

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103300-343305

NC Department of Transportation Grant

 

$25,000

104283-457001

Middlefork Greenway Grant

$25,000

 

 

The amendment recognized a supplemental agreement, as approved at the September 16, 2014, Board Meeting, to the NC DOT grant for the Middlefork Greenway regarding a trail drainage pipe issue.  A local match was not required.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103300-343100

NC Ag Development & Farmland Preservation Grant

 

$25,000

104960-449903

S/W Equipment Grant

$28,000

 

104950-449901

Cooperative Extension Multi Flora Project

 

$3,000

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognized the award of a grant from NC Agriculture Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, as approved at the September 16, 2014, Board Meeting, to purchase equipment for local farmers to utilize.  The 15% match is $3,000 cash and $750 in-kind from staff time.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103586-332006

NC Department of Insurance

 

$3,051

105550-449901

SHIIP Grant

$3,051

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognized a grant award, as approved at the September 16, 2014, Board Meeting, for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to provide assistance and outreach to low-income citizens.  There is no County match on these funds.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

223991-399101

Fund Balance Appropriation-Federal Equitable Sharing

 

$13,580

224310-451000

Capital Outlay-Equipment and Software

$10,015

 

224310-431200

Travel Subsistence

$565

 

224310-439500

Employee Training

$3,000

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocated funds for the MSAB contract for equipment, software and training requested by the Sheriff’s Office as approved at the September 16, 2014, Board Meeting.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103839-341100

Donations

 

$1,000

104920-463000

EDC

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognized a donation from the Watauga Committee of 100 for economic development purposes as approved at the July 8, 2014, Board Meeting.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

233991-399101

Fund Balance Appropriation – State Drug Funds

 

$2,850

234310-444000

Service Contracts

$2,850

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocated funds for the LeadsOnline contract for pawn shop online data collection system requested by the Sheriff’s Office as approved at the July 8, 2014, Board Meeting.

 

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.  Golden Leaf Foundation Grant Applications

1.     Caldwell Community College and Technical Institution

2.     Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the Golden Leaf Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for potential funding for the Northwest Prosperity Zone which consists of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties.  Each county may submit up to three (3) projects totaling no more than $1.5 million.  A Letter of Inquiry must be endorsed by the County Manager in order for the project to be considered.

 

The County Manager stated that Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Inc. (ARHS) submitted Letters of Inquiry for the County’s consideration.  CCC&TI is requesting $500,000 to create the Watauga Culinary Lab.  The lab will offer training in culinary arts and hospitality management designed to develop a more versatile workforce with applied technical skills needed for employment in food service and hospitality industries.  The estimated cost of the lab is $600,000.  ARHS submitted two (2) Letters of Inquiries in the event the County received less than three (3) projects or requested amounts were less than the $1.5 million maximum.  This being the case, ARHS is requesting $1 million in funding to build the Chestnut Ridge post-acute facility.  The estimated cost of the facility is $28,873,335.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve and authorize the County Manager to sign Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Golden LEAF Foundation Letter of Inquiry in the amount of $500,000 and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s Golden LEAF Foundation Letter of Inquiry in the amount of $1,000,000.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

B.  Boards and Commissions

 

County Manager Geouque presented the following second readings for Boards and Commissions:

 

Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee

Regional Ombudsman, Laura Jane Ward, has requested that Mr. Tim Racz be considered for appointment to serve on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Mr. Tim Racz to serve on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Watauga County Board of Adjustment

The Watauga County Board of Adjustment terms of Mr. Bill Ragan, Mr. Baxter Palmer, and Ms. Diana Mast White expire in November.  Mr. Ragan and Mr. Palmer are willing to serve if reappointed.  Ms. White is not available to serve in the coming year.  A notice requesting volunteers has been placed on the County’s website.  No applications have been received at this time.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Mr. Bill Ragan and Mr. Baxter Palmer to serve on the Watauga County Board of Adjustments.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Committee

The Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Committee terms of Ms. Sarah Mast and Dr. Susan Mast will expire in September.  Both are willing to continue to serve if reappointed.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Ms. Sarah Mast and Dr. Susan Mast to serve on the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Committee.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Appalachian Regional Library Board

The Watauga County Library Board recommends that Ms. Ala Sue Moretz be appointed to the Appalachian Regional Library Board to fill a term that expired in August.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Ms. Ala Sue Moretz to serve on the Appalachian Regional Library Board.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  Announcements

 

County Manager Geouque announced the following:

 

·       A public hearing is scheduled for October 21, 2014, at 6:00 P.M. to seek public input on a citizen’s request to the United States Postal Service for a residential change of zip code.

 

·       A Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held for Watauga County Citizens from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at the Watauga County Sanitation Department located on Landfill Road.

Public Comment

Mr. Rob Hudspeth with Appalachian Regional Healthcare Services thanked the Board for the vote of confidence upon approving the Golden LEAF Foundation Letter of Inquiry.

Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant for FY 2015

Chairman Miller stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on Watauga County's Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) application.  County governments are the only eligible applicants for ROAP funds.  All counties must submit an annual application to receive these funds.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to call the public hearing to order at 9:05 A.M.

 

Mr. Chris Turner, AppalCART Director, reviewed the application.

 

As there was no citizen comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 9:08 A.M.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to authorize the submission of the Rural Operating Assistance Program Grant Application as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Closed Session

At 9:10 A.M., Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:49 A.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Adjourn

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 A.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

 

Nathan A. Miller, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board