MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 19, 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 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Kennedy opened the meeting with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Blust led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the April 7, 2015, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the April 14, 2015, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the April 14, 2015, special meeting closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 5, 2015, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 5, 2015, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 11, 2015, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 12, 2015, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the May 19, 2015, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add possible action after closed session.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the May 19, 2015, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
High country workforce Development agreement, resolution, and update
Mr. Adrian Tait, Director of High Country Workforce Development, presented a brief update on High Country Workforce Development (WDB) and a proposed resolution supporting an updated agreement between the County and WDB. The revisions reflected changes and suggestions made by HCCOG Attorney, Jeff Hedrick, and Workforce staff. Finalized documents included (agreement to create a consortium and corresponding resolutions) are required to be approved by July 1, 2015, to meet State deadlines. County Attorney Eggers stated that the agreement was appropriate.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the consortium agreement and adopt the resolution to join the workforce development consortium.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Hardin Park Building Project Additional Funding Request
Ms. Ly Marze, Watauga County School Board Finance Director, will request additional funding in the amount of $107,730 for the Hardin Park grease trap project. The Board previously approved $200,000 for the project. The lowest bid received was in the amount of $307,730 including construction, architect, and permit fees.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the additional $107,730 in funding from the Schools Capital Project Fund for the Hardin Park grease trap project.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the FY 2016 Proposed Budget
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on the Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2016.
The following changes were made to the FY 2016 Manager’s Recommended Budget due to recent budget work sessions:
? Remove 3% from BCC COLA $ (1,222)
? Increase Children’s Council $ 1,500
? Increase W.A.M.Y. Community Action $ 2,500
? Increase Miscellaneous Revenue $ 2,778
Chairman Hodges declared the public hearing open at 5:41 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the Proposed Budget for FY 2016.
The following individuals addressed the Board, speaking on behalf of their organization, regarding the recommended budget:
Ms. Melissa Selby representing Community Care Clinic
Ms. Marcie Ounbey representing OASIS
Ms. Emma Gummerson representing Mountain Alliance
Ms. Julie Mullis representing Mountain Alliance
Ms. Marisa Cornell representing Watauga County Drug Treatment Court
District Attorney Seth Banks representing Watauga County Drug Treatment Court
Dr. Murray Hawkinson representing Watauga County Drug Treatment Court
Ms. Debbie Wellborn representing Appalachian Senior Programs
Ms. Tina Krause representing Hospitality House and WeCAN
Ms. Monica Caruso representing Watauga County Library
Mr. Bobby Snead representing Appalachian Theatre
Ms. Karen Sabo representing Appalachian Theatre
Dr. Michael McKee representing Appalachian Theatre
Being no further public comments, Chairman Hodges declared the public hearing closed at 6:15 P.M.
No action was taken regarding the proposed budget.
Project on Aging Proposed Allocation of Projected FY 2016 Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested Board action to accept the projected allocation of $251,379 in Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds for FY 2016. The required local match is $27,931 and is present in the Project on Aging's FY 2016 requested budget. Ms. Boitnotte stated that the H&CCBG Committee recommended the funds be allocated as follows:
|
H&CCBG Service |
H&CCBG Allocation |
Local Match |
|
In-Home Aide |
$116,819 |
$12,980 |
|
Congregate Meals |
$43,442 |
$4,827 |
|
Home Delivered Meals |
$78,320 |
$8,702 |
|
Transportation |
$12,798 |
$1,422 |
|
Totals |
$251,379 |
$27,931 |
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to accept the projected allocation in the amount of $251,379 in Home and Community Care Block Grant funds for FY 2016 and to approve the local match in the amount of $27,931.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Communications and Emergency Services Emergency Police Dispatch Software Purchase Request
Mr. Jeff Virginia, Communications and Emergency Services Director, presented a request for the purchase of Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) protocols software. The ProQa Paramount Emergency Police Dispatch Protocols software is $61,339 with an annual maintenance cost of $4,704. All expenses associated with the EPD software are one hundred percent (100%) reimbursable through 911 funds.
The new software is similar to Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) software currently used by the County’s Communications Department. Both of these software programs provide a fundamental role in the ability of the dispatch center to respond to perceived medical and fire emergencies. With proper training, program administration, supervision, and medical direction, these programs can accurately query the caller, select an appropriate method of response, provide pertinent information to responders and give appropriate aid and direction for patients through the caller. EPD would provide the same benefits as EMD and EFD. The Sheriff has endorsed the Communications Department purchase of the EPD software. This new software will continue the County’s pursuit to provide a consistent and high quality level of service to the citizens and visitors of the County.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to purchase the ProQa Paramount Emergency Police Dispatch Protocols software in the amount of $61,339 with an annual maintenance amount of $4,704.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Financial Report as required by Statute. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque presented renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation. The rate for property and liability is $190,049 or a $6,880 decrease, and the rate for workers compensation is $276,672 or a 1.09% decrease. Based on prior years claims experience staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to accept the renewals for property and liability insurance and workers compensation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), in the amount of $190,049 and $276,672 respectively.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Resolution in Support of NC House Bill 875 Restrict Municipal Eminent Domain
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution in support of North Carolina House 875 restricting municipal eminent domain in Watauga and Ashe counties.
Chairman Hodges read the proposed resolution aloud.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the proposed resolution as presented. After discussion the following vote was taken:
VOTE: Aye-4(Hodges, Blust, Welch, Yates)
Nay-1(Kennedy)
C. Watauga Medics Proposed Contract Revision – First Ratifying Vote of Additional Revision
County Manager Geouque presented an additional correction to the amended Ambulance Franchise Agreement with Watauga Medics. The subsidy amount did not reflect the $12,000 reduction due to the change in Medicaid rates. The new base subsidy will be $951,885.84. Staff has incorporated the change into the document enclosed.
North Carolina General Statute 153A-46 requires grants, renewals, extensions, or amendments of any franchise to be passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners before it may be officially adopted. Due to the additional change this will be considered a first reading.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the proposed Ambulance Franchise Agreement with Watauga Medics contingent upon a second ratifying vote at the June 2, 2015 Board meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that, biannually, a Jury Commission is empanelled for a two-year term. Of the three member panel, one member is appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The term of Mr. Ted Hagaman expires June 30, 2015. The new term for the appointment will be July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2017. Mr. Hagaman is no longer available to serve.
Chairman Hodges read Mr. Hagaman’s resignation letter. Clerk of Court Diane Deal has suggested Mr. Jerry Dotson for consideration. Mr. Dotson is willing to serve if so appointed.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Jerry Dotson to serve on the Jury Commission from July 1, 2015, until June 30, 2017.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
? The Trustees of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute invites the Board of Commissioners to attend their meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. at the Watauga Instructional Facility on Hwy 105 Bypass, Boone NC, in Room 112. The County Manager stated that this was an informal get together where no County business would be conducted.
? The Military Officers Association of America’s (MOAA) 7th Annual Memorial Day Program will be held at Boone Mall on Monday, May 25, 2015, with the ceremony commencing at 10:30 A.M.
Public Comment
Ms. Pilar Fota, Town of Boone Cultural Resources Director, thanked the Board for working with the Town on rerouting the upcoming Independence Day Parade which eliminated conflicts with other previously scheduled events.
Ms. Trudy Moss reiterated her position that a disc golf course not be located in the neighborhood near the Law Enforcement Center and asked the Board to notify her if Mr. Rosenfeld’s request came up for consideration again.
Mr. Don Ball stated that he was against a disc golf course being placed in his neighborhood (near the Law Enforcement Center).
Ms. Joanna Easter thanked the Board for adopting the resolution in support of House Bill 875.
Ms. Deborah Greene expressed dissatisfaction for not being placed on the agenda to speak for the resolution supporting House Bill 875. Ms. Greene asked to be placed on a future agenda to address the Board prior to the Town of Boone requesting eminent domain outside of their jurisdiction upon the adoption of House Bill 875.
Mr. Frank Packard thanked the Board for adopting the resolution in support of House Bill 875 and requested the Board call a public hearing if the Bill was approved and the Town of Boone requested permission to enforce eminent domain on property within the County but outside of their jurisdiction.
Closed Session
At 6:59 P.M., Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, 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 Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:28 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Possible Action After Closed Session
There was no action after closed session; however, discussion was held regarding procedures for requests to be placed on the agenda.
Adjourn
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board