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:
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
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103300-343305 |
NC Department of Transportation Grant |
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$25,000 |
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104283-457001 |
Middlefork Greenway Grant |
$25,000 |
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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. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-343100 |
NC Ag Development & Farmland Preservation Grant |
|
$25,000 |
|
104960-449903 |
S/W Equipment Grant |
$28,000 |
|
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104950-449901 |
Cooperative Extension Multi Flora Project |
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$3,000 |
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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. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
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103586-332006 |
NC Department of Insurance |
|
$3,051 |
|
105550-449901 |
SHIIP Grant |
$3,051 |
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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. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
223991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation-Federal Equitable Sharing |
|
$13,580 |
|
224310-451000 |
Capital Outlay-Equipment and Software |
$10,015 |
|
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224310-431200 |
Travel Subsistence |
$565 |
|
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224310-439500 |
Employee Training |
$3,000 |
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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. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
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103839-341100 |
Donations |
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$1,000 |
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104920-463000 |
EDC |
$1,000 |
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The amendment recognized a donation from the Watauga Committee of 100 for economic development purposes as approved at the July 8, 2014, Board Meeting. |
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
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233991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation – State Drug Funds |
|
$2,850 |
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234310-444000 |
Service Contracts |
$2,850 |
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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. |
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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. 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