MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 8:30 A.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 8:31 A.M.
Commissioner Yates opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Welch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the January 20, 2015, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the January 20, 2015, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the January 20, 2015, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the February 3, 2015, agenda.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the February 3, 2015, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Report from the Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Scott Elliot, Watauga County School Superintendent, updated the Board on various events in the school district including budget preparations, the Watauga County Schools Strategic Plan, and professional development through a teacher leadership initiative. The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Presentation of Appalachian District Health Department’s Annual Report
Ms. Beth Lovette, Appalachian District Health Director, presented the health department’s annual report for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Amendments to the Following NC Department of Cultural Resources Retention and Disposition Schedules:
1. Board of Elections
2. County Management
3. Register of Deeds
4. Tax Administration
5. Veteran’s Services
County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources recently amended the Board of Elections, County Management, Register of Deeds, Tax Administration, and Veteran’s Services records retention schedules. The proposed changes were minor and focused on personnel records. The County Manager stated that the Elections schedule would require action for approval by the Board of Elections.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Board of Elections, County Management, Register of Deeds, Tax Administration, and Veteran’s Services records retention schedules as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Tentative Annual Pre-Budget Retreat Agenda
County Manager Geouque presented a draft of the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat agenda which was originally scheduled for February 27 and 28; however, due to conflicts, the dates have been changed to Thursday, February 26 beginning at 10:00 A.M. and Friday, February 27 beginning at 12:00 P.M. The County Manager stated that the agenda was tentative at this time and could change prior to the retreat based on input from the Board and/or the County Manager receiving additional items for consideration.
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration of appointment:
Tourism Development Authority
Two terms will expire February 28, 2015, on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Board. Mr. Wright Tilley, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Director, has stated that Mr. Jim Neustadt is willing to continue to serve, if reappointed. The County Manager stated that volunteer applications were received from Ms. Donna Horbury and Mr. Brad Moretz both of whom have expressed interest in serving. This is a second reading for Mr. Neustadt and Ms. Horbury and a first reading for Mr. Moretz.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the first reading and appoint Mr. Brad Moretz to serve on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint Mr. Jim Neustadt to serve on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
? 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.
? The Cooperative Extension’s Annual “Report to the People” luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center at 11:45 A.M.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:12 A.M., Vice-Chairman Blust, 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 9:40 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board