MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, 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
Austin Eggers, 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.
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 15, 2015, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the December 15, 2015, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the December 15, 2015, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the January 19, 2016, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add Personnel Matters per, G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to the closed session.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the January 19, 2016, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
New River Advocates Request
Ms. Deborah Greene, New River Advocates, Inc. Board Member, petitioned the Board to take action regarding the condemnations involved in the Town of Boone’s proposed raw water intake.
County Attorney Eggers stated that it would be appropriate for the Board to seek legal advice from counsel during the scheduled closed session.
By consensus, the Board agreed to consult with the County Attorney in closed session.
Appalachian District Health Department Annual Report
Ms. Beth Lovette, Appalachian District Health Director, presented the health department’s annual report for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The report was given for information only with no action required.
Connect NC Matters
A. Report on the Benefits of the Connect NC Bond
Mr. Johnny Burleson, Senior Associate Vice-Chancellor for Advancement with Appalachian State University, presented information regarding the Connect NC Bond proposal and shared the benefits that would be seen within Watauga County if approved. The presentation was given for information only with no action required.
B. Consideration of Proposed Resolution of Support
County Manager Geouque presented a draft resolution in support of the Connect NC Bond in the event the Board wished to consider supporting the proposed referendum.
By consensus, the Board recused Commissioner Welch from voting as his employer is proposed to be a recipient of bond funds.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adopt the resolution in support of the Connect NC Bond Referendum.
VOTE: Aye-4(Hodges, Blust, Kennedy, Yates)
Nay-0
Abstain-1(Welch)
Request for Support of House Bill 445
Mr. Matthew Ford shared information regarding House Bill 445 that was considered in 2007 and stated that he was pursuing support as Representative Jonathan Jordan represents bill intended for 2017 long session. The proposed bill has not been filed at this time. Mr. Ford stated that he has support from Representative Jon Hardister, Sen. Ted Davis, and Sponsorship with Representative Lucas. Mr. Ford’s goals for the proposed bill include to open more doors for adoptee's especially over 18 and for adequate health care circumstances of inheritable diseases and for parent’s names to be release through judge or physician to be able to have contact if so wished.
County Manager Geouque stated that, according to Social Services Director Tom Hughes, Watauga County tries to contact birth parents when requested by adoptees. When this is done the adoptee’s contact information is sent to the last address of record for the birth parents; however, it is then up to the birth parent as to whether contact is made.
At this time a bill has not been filed and, therefore, the report was given for information only.
Community Care Clinic 2015 Annual Report
Ms. Melissa Selby, Community Care Clinic Director, shared a report detailing the Clinic’s activities in 2015. The report was given for information only with no action required.
Forest Plans Revision Updates
Mr. Nicholas Larson, US District Ranger, reviewed revisions to the Forest Plan. The report was for information only with no action required.
Planning and Inspections Matters
A. Request To Schedule A Public Hearing Allowing Citizen Comment Regarding Proposed Amendments To The Wireless Communications Ordinance
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, presented changes as recommended by the Planning Board to the Watauga County Wireless Communications Ordinance. The new ordinance is modeled after the North Carolina League of Municipalities version and incorporates federal and state law and court cases. The new ordinance would allow for greater height in some cases to encourage concealed wireless technology and increase collocation. Mr. Furman requested a public hearing be scheduled on February 16 at 5:30 P.M. to allow time for citizen comment regarding the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to schedule a public hearing to allow for citizen comment on the proposed Watauga County Wireless Communications Ordinance for February 16, 2016, at 5:30 PM.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request To Schedule A Public Hearing Allowing Citizen Comment Regarding The Closeout of Scattered Site Housing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project # 12-C-2431
Mr. Furman stated that a public hearing was required to close out the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program (Project # 12-C-2431). Mr. Furman requests a public hearing be scheduled on February 16 at 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to schedule a public hearing to allow for citizen comment on the close out of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program (Project # 12-C-2431).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
County Manager Geouque presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of December 2015. This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
The County Manager presented the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2015 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2015, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Amendments to the NC Department of Cultural Resources Retention and Disposition Schedule for the Sheriff’s Office
County Manager Geouque shared the recently amended North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Retention and Disposition Schedule for the Sheriff’s Office. The County Manager stated that the Sheriff was in agreement to approve the Schedule as presented.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Retention and Disposition Schedule for the Sheriff’s Office.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Lease Renewal for Anne-Marie Park
County Manager Geouque stated that the Town of Boone approved and renewed the lease for the Anne-Marie Park Fields with the stipulation that the Town Manager worked out the details with the County Manager. The new lease was presented. The main changes reflect the new term of twenty (20) years, the removal of references to the construction of the fields, and the allowance of the Town to utilize a portion of the property to store snow during significant winter events. Storing of snow would be in accordance with all state and federal regulations. The County Attorney has reviewed the new lease.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Anne-Marie Park Fields lease as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat as February 18 and 19 or 25 and 26, 2016, with times proposed as 12:00-6:00 P.M. on Thursday and 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. on Friday. The County Manager stated that two days would be required for the Retreat.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Manager to schedule the Retreat for Thursday, February 26, from 12:00-6:00 P.M. and Friday, February 27, from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. with the understanding that the dates would be changed to Friday, February 27, from 12:00 – 6:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 28, from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. if needed due to scheduling conflicts.
[Clerk’s Note: Neither of the above dates mentioned worked for all Commissioners; therefore, additional dates would be considered at the February 2, 2016, meeting.]
D. Boards and Commissions
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees had recommended Mrs. Kim Miller and Ms. Jan Winkler for reappointment and Mr. Kent Tarbutton for appointment as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2018. A volunteer application had also been submitted directly to the County Manager’s Office from Ms. Michaele Hastings Haas who is interested in serving on this Board.
By consensus, the Board agreed to forward Ms. Haas’ information to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees and request they consider her application.
Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
County Manager Geouque stated that the term of Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee member, Ms. Glenda Hodges, will expire February 5, 2016. High Country Council of Governments’ Ombudsman, Ms. Laura Jane Ward, has nominated Ms. Hodges for reappointment. Ms. Hodges is willing to continue to serve is so appointed.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to recuse Chairman Hodges due to Ms. Hodges being his wife.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to reappoint Ms. Glenda Hodges to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-4(Blust, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)
Nay-0
Abstain-1(Hodges)
Economic Development Commission
Two members of the Economic Development Commission are relocating outside of the County and, therefore, are no longer available to serve. The following have recently submitted volunteer applications indicating their willingness to serve on this Board: Ms. Anne Ward, Ms. Missy Harrill, Mr. Ray Cameron, Ms. Lisa Cooper, Mr. Merrill Littlejohn, and Mr. Tad Dolbier.
The above are first readings and, therefore, action is not required.
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. Vice-Chairman Blust recommended the appointment of Travis Critcher as his representative to fill the vacancy of Weldon Critcher.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the second reading.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Travis Critcher as Vice-Chairman Blust’s appointment to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
There were no announcements.
Public Comment
Mr. Frank Packard shared comments supporting the New River Advocates request.
Closed Session
At 7:36 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) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:05 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Chairman Hodges adjourned the meeting at 8:05 P.M.
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board