MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, 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 Hodges called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Kennedy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the December 16, 2014, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the December 16, 2014, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the December 16, 2014, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the January 20, 2015, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add a request for the Sheriff’s Office for permission to apply for a grant to purchase body cameras.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the January 20, 2014, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Cooperative Extension Youth Development Programming Status
Mr. Jim Hamilton presented an update on the status of youth development programming in Watauga County. A “save the date” of March 3, 2015, was given for the Annual Report to the People Lunch which would begin at 11:45 A.M.
Mr. Hamilton then asked Karee Mackey, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, to come forward and stated that she would be continuing her service with youth development with another agency after nineteen years of service in Watauga County.
At that time, Chairman Hodges presented Ms. Mackey with a proclamation in honor of her service to the children of Watauga County.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to adopt the proclamation honoring Ms. Karee Mackey as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Public Library Annual Report
Ms. Monica Caruso, County Librarian, presented the Watauga County Public Library Annual Report reflecting on 2014 and sharing plans for 2015. Ms. Caruso invited the Board to an Open House on February 19, 2015, at 4:00 P.M. at the Library. The report was presented for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Pine Run Paddle Access/NCDOT Encroachment Agreement Reauthorization
Mr. Eric Woolridge with Destination By Design stated that his firm was under contract with High Country Pathways to facilitate a grant from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources to construct two river accesses in the County.
In June of 2012, the Board approved the encroachment agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the purpose of constructing the public river access at the Pine Run Road bridge, contingent upon the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority bearing all costs associated with the construction and future maintenance of the facility being the responsibility of the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
In September of 2013, Ms. Janice Carroll, Green Valley Park, updated the Board on the Pine Run Road river access. Due to the Watauga County TDA withdrawing as the grant sponsor; Green Valley Park agreed to take on that role and requested the change to the NC Recreation Trails Program. Based on conversations with NCDOT, the encroachment was still valid and the Department was awaiting direction as to the status of the project. As the Board approved the encroachment based on the TDA being the sponsor of the project, Ms. Carroll sought and was granted continued support with Green Valley Park being the sponsoring agent.
In October of 2013, Green Valley Park withdrew as the sponsoring agent and requested that High Country Pathways assume the sponsorship role. The request was granted by the Commissioners.
High Country Pathways in conjunction with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources will construct the access. On behalf of High Country Pathways, Mr. Woolridge requested the Board once again affirm and approve the encroachment agreement between the County and NCDOT. No changes have been made to the encroachment agreement as previously reviewed and approved by the County Attorney. NCDOT is requesting the reauthorization due to the fact that two years have passed with no action.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to reauthorize and approve the encroachment agreement with NCDOT as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Apply for Grant Related to Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Site
Watauga County Recycling Coordinator, Heather Bowen, requested authorization to apply for a grant from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The purpose of the grant was to provide funding for the County’s proposed Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The maximum award amount is $30,000 with a cash match of $17,324 which would be allocated from the project budget line.
Funds are budgeted in the current fiscal year to construct and operate a household hazardous waste facility that would allow for enhanced service at the same or current cost being paid for contracted services. If awarded, the grant would reduce county funds required to complete the project.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to authorize the submittal of the grant to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a Household Hazardous Waste Facility and to approve the County match as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request for Amendments to Fire Districts
Fire Marshal Stephen Sudderth requested the Board schedule a public hearing on February 17, 2015 to allow citizen comment on the transfer of property from the Beaver Dam Fire District to the Cove Creek Fire District. Both Fire Chiefs are in support of the transfer.
Board action is requested to schedule a public hearing on February 17, 2015 to allow citizen comments on the transfer.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to set a public hearing for February 17, 2015, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed transfer of property from the Beaver Dam Fire District to the Cove Creek Fire District.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of December 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 December 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 Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report and the North Carolina Vehicle Tax System Refunds and Releases Report for December 2014, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Shawneehaw VFD Request for Support of Lease Purchase Agreement
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed letter of support as requested by Shawneehaw Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) to assist in obtaining financing to purchase equipment for operations. The letter confirms that Shawneehaw VFD receives both County and fire tax funding. The letter of support does not obligate the County.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the letter of support as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented the following proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat: February 20-21 or 27-28, 2015, with times proposed as 12–6 P.M. on Friday and 9 A.M.–12 P.M. on Saturday.
By consensus the Board scheduled the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat on Friday, February 27, 2015, from 12:00 – 6:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
C. Register of Deeds Appointment
County Manager Geouque stated that Register of Deeds JoAnn Townsend was retiring January 31, 2015. A letter was presented from the Watauga County Republican Party executive committee unanimously selecting Ms. Amy Shook to fill the remaining term of JoAnn Townsend who is retiring January 31, 2015.
North Carolina General Statute 161-5, Section (a1) states, “When a vacancy occurs from any cause in the office of register of deeds, the board of county commissioners shall fill such vacancy by the appointment of a successor for the unexpired term, who shall qualify and give bond as required by law. If the register of deeds was elected as the nominee of a political party, the board of county commissioners shall consult the county executive committee of that political party before filling the vacancy and shall appoint the person recommended by that committee, if the party makes a recommendation within (thirty) 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy.”
Per NCGS 161-5, Board action is required to ratify the appointment of Ms. Shook to serve out the remainder of Ms. Townsend’s term that expires in 2016, as the recommendation was made within the thirty (30) day time period.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Ms. Amy Shook as the Watauga County Register of Deeds effective February 1, 2015, to serve the remainder of Ms. JoAnn Townsend’s term which expires in 2016.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Sheriff’s Office Request to Submit a Grant Application to Purchase Body Cameras
County Manager Geouque presented a request from the Sheriff’s Office to apply for a $15,000 grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission to purchase body worn cameras. There is no local match required.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to authorize the submission of the grant application as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following Boards and Commissions appointments:
Tourism Development Authority
Mr. Jim Neustadt and Ms. Kim Rogers terms will expire February 28, 2015. Mr. Wright Tilley, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Director, has stated that both are willing to continue to serve, if reappointed. The County Manager also shared a volunteer application received just prior to the meeting from Donna Horbury. These were first readings and, therefore, no action was required.
Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Mr. Fred Badders term will expire January 24, 2015, on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. He is willing to continue to serve if reappointed.
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Fred Badders to the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees has recommended Mr. Joe Miller, Mr. Paul Miller, Jr., and Dr. Paul Dagher (would fill required position of active member of the medical staff) for appointment as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to appoint Mr. Joe Miller, Mr. Paul Miller, Jr., and Dr. Paul Dagher to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees with terms set to expire on December 31, 2017.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Recreation Commission
The following school district nominations were made for expiring terms on the Recreation Commission: Brittany Bolick (Hardin Park), Denny Norris (Green Valley), Carolina Carney (Valle Crucis), and Gene Swift (Parkway). These would each be reappointments and this is a second reading and, therefore, action may be taken, if so desired.
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint the following to the Recreation Commission: Ms. Brittany Bolick, representing Hardin Park Elementary School District, Mr. Denny Norris, representing Green Valley Elementary School District, Ms. Carolina Carney, representing Valle Crucis School District, and Mr. Gene Swift representing Parkway School District.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District
Each Commissioner appoints a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board whose term will 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.
Chairman Hodges recommended the appointment of Reggie Hassler.
[Clerk’s Note: Chairman Hodges recent appointment to this position was not eligible to serve due to not living within the Fire Services District.]
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Reggie Hassler as Chairman Hodges’ appointment to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Planning Board
Each Commissioner nominates a representative to the Watauga County Planning Board whose term will 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. Chairman Hodges appointment was tabled at the last meeting.
Chairman Hodges recommended the appointment of Mr. Patrick Morgan.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Patrick Morgan as Chairman Hodges’ appointment to the Watauga County Planning Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Essentials of County Government course will be held the following dates:
January 8-9, 2015 Winston-Salem
January 23-24, 2015 Chapel Hill
February 11-12, 2015 Asheville
February 18-19, 2015 New Bern
· The Watauga County Public Library will hold a “Day in the District”/Open House on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 4:00 P.M. at the Library.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:34 P.M., Commissioner Kennedy, 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
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:45 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board