MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1999
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 7:00 P.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
Sue Sweeting, Vice-Chairman
James Coffey, Commissioner
Art Kohles, Commissioner
Jack Lawrence, Sr., Commissioner
Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney
Libby Link, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the November 16, 1999 regular and closed session meeting minutes; the November 19, 1999 special meeting minutes; the November 27, 1999 special and closed session meeting minutes; and the December 2, 1999 special meeting minutes.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the November 16, 1999 regular and closed session meeting minutes; the November 19, 1999 special meeting minutes; and the November 27, 1999 special and closed session meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Hodges was not present at the December 2, 1999 special meeting, and therefore, abstained from the vote to approve the December 2, 1999 special meeting minutes.
VOTE: Aye-4
Abstain-1 (Hodges)
BOARD ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Chairman Hodges turned the meeting over to County Employee, Rocky Nelson, for the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.
A. Election of Chairs. Mr. Nelson called for nominations for Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, nominated Jimmy Hodges for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. There being no other nominations a vote was taken.
VOTE: Aye-4
Abstain-1 (Hodges)
Mr. Nelson called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Kohles seconded by Chairman Hodges, nominated Sue Sweeting for Vice-Chairman. There being no other nominations a vote was taken.
VOTE: Aye-4
Abstain-1 (Sweeting)
The meeting was then turned over to Chairman Hodges.
B. Staff Appointments – Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to appoint Robert E. Nelson, Jr. as Watauga County Manager effective December 21, 1999 at an annual salary of $57,500 with all County employee benefits and a 6-month severance package if the Board terminated his employment within 5 years.
Prior to the vote Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated that Mr. Nelson had worked hard during the past two weeks in the County Manager’s office and requested his salary be adjusted retroactive to December 3, 1999 to reflect his new salary as County Manager.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Robert E. Nelson, Jr. as Watauga County Manager effective December 21, 1999 and to adjust Mr. Nelson’s salary retroactive to December 3, 1999 at the County Manager’s salary of $57,500.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to re-appoint Elizabeth H. Link as Clerk to the Board and Darcy Moore as Substitute Clerk to the Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to re-appoint Jeff Hedrick as Watauga County Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to re-appoint Diane Griffin as Watauga County DSS Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Fidelity Bonds – Chairman Hodges reviewed the following individual fidelity bonds for approval:
Position Bond Amount Statutory Requirement
Finance Director $50,000 At least $10,000, no more than
$250,000 G.S. 159-29
Deputy Finance Director $50,000 Same as above-effective 12-21-99
(Robert E. Nelson, Jr.)
Tax Collector $50,000 Amount considered reasonable
by BCC G.S. 105-349-c
Register of Deeds $50,000 At least $10,000 but no more than
$50,000 G.S. 161-4
Sheriff $25,000 $25,000 maximum G.S. 162-8
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the fidelity bonds as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Commissioners’ Appointments to Boards – Chairman Hodges reviewed the following Boards with positions held by County Commissioners:
Appalachian District Health Department Sweeting
AppalCART Authority Kohles
Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development Area Sweeting
Children’s Council/Child Protection Team Kohles
Committee of 100 Hodges
Criminal Justice Partnership Kohles
Economic Development Commission Hodges
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Kohles
Library Board Lawrence
Motor Vehicle Valuation Review Comm. Kohles
New River Mental Health Sweeting
Northwestern Regional Housing Authority Martin
(term expired 12/12/04)
POA Advisory Committee (Home & Community Care Lawrence
Block Grant)
Region D Council of Governments-Exec. Bd. Coffey
Job Training Consortium
Delegate to Regional Trans. Comm.
Social Services Board Craig
(term expired 6/2001)
Volunteer Outreach Center Lawrence
Watauga Advisory Board (CCC&TI) Hodges
Watauga County Medical Center Board of Trustees Lawrence
Watauga County Fire Commission Kohles
Watauga Opportunities, Inc. Coffey
Watauga County Recreation Commission Sweeting
YSAC (CBA) Kohles
The Commissioners agreed to continue to serve on the Boards as indicated.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to adopt the Boards with Positions held by County Commissioners as noted above.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the December 21, 1999 agenda.
A closed session was scheduled to discuss Personnel Matters, and County Attorney Hedrick requested an amendment to the agenda under Item #16 (Closed Session) to discuss three separate litigations – Attorney/Client Matters, G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the December 21, 1999 regular meeting agenda with the amendment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING – COUNTY GOVERNMENT
APPALCART MATTERS
A public hearing was opened at 7:12 P.M. to consider AppalCART’s proposed Fiscal Year 2000/2001 grant application/budget.
AppalCART Director, Chris Turner, presented an Annual Passenger Trips Summary, an Annual Miles Summary and an Annual Hours Summary for the current fiscal year. These statistics were provided for each of AppalCART’s routes.
Mr. Turner also reviewed AppalCART’s proposed 2000/2001 Administration and Operations budget as well as several of the grant application highlights. He stated this grant application had to be submitted to the State no later than January 7, 2000 and requested Board approval. In addition, Mr. Turner presented a Transportation Memorandum of Understanding between AppalCART, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, Project on Aging, New River Mental Health and Watauga Opportunities for approval.
There being no public comment, Chairman Hodges declared the public hearing closed at 7:20 P.M.
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve AppalCART’s Fiscal Year 2001 Community Transportation Program Grant Application as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the Transportation Memorandum of Understanding as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPALCART – BUILDING RENOVATION GRANT REQUEST
AppalCART Director, Chris Turner, requested additional funds to renovate the Anderson building to include one large washbay across the width of the building and a fuel grade ethanol distillation unit using space originally dedicated to the Watauga County Building Maintenance Offices. Mr. Turner stated this would enable AppalCART to wash vehicles in the cold and would keep the employees out of inclement weather. The State would fund 90% of the costs for this project and would require a 10% local match from the County in the amount of $15,286. Mr. Turner requested the Board endorse the use of the space formerly used by the County Building Maintenance staff to be considered as an in-kind match, if possible, to leverage the State funding. In addition, he requested that if the in-kind match was insufficient or was not accepted by the State, for the Board to appropriate money up to $15,286 toward AppalCART’s capital budget for Fiscal Year 1999/2000.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to grant permission to AppalCART to proceed with the grant application with the in-kind match to cover the 10% local match required by the County.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
HIGH COUNTRY RECREATION TASK FORCE
Dr. Bill Horn, Co-Chairman of the High Country Recreation Task Force (HCRTF), addressed the Board to present the draft design that had been developed by Overcash-Demmitt Architects for an indoor recreational center. Dr. Horn added the HCRTF would like to appoint a sub-committee to begin the second phase of this project which was to look for funding for the proposed facility. Dr. Horn briefly discussed the background conducted (surveys, input received, etc.) for a new recreational facility. He then turned the meeting over to Stephen Overcash, Overcash-Demmitt Architects.
Mr. Overcash stated his firm had been working with the HCRTF since August, 1999. In addition, Mr. Overcash noted he had studied four to five sites for a potential facility. Mr. Overcash felt the most appropriate site was where the existing facility was located. The proposed new facility could be used as a community center hosting events such as high school graduations, community cheerleading camps, etc. Mr. Overcash reviewed the layout of the proposed facility with the Board.
Mr. Dave Robertson with the HCRTF also addressed the Board in support of forming a sub-committee to inquire about the funding for the proposed new recreational facility. In addition, he voiced his support for the proposed location of the new facility.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to endorse the proposal for a new recreational facility that had been submitted by Overcash-Demmitt Architects and to organize a sub-committee to explore funding options for this project.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Lawrence recommended the necessary funds be found prior to beginning this project.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SANITATION EQUIPMENT FINANCING BIDS
Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, addressed the Board regarding the purchase of a John Deer loader that was approved at the Board’s November 1, 1999 meeting contingent upon obtaining satisfactory financing. Six requests for the financing were issued and four proposals were received:
Financial Institution Amount Term Rate Total Payback
Centura Bank $143,895 3 years 4.83 not provided
Wachovia Bank $143,895 3 years 4.97 $153,867.51
First Union $143,895 3 years 5.42 $156,881.16
Financial Institution Amount Term Rate Total Payback
BB&T $143,895 3 years 4.64 $153,075.51
First Citizens No response
High Country Bank No response
Ms. Isaacs recommended the Board approve the low bid submitted by BB&T Bank.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the BB&T Bank bid.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
NEW HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUILDING FINANCING OPTIONS
Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, reviewed the financing that was obtained in December, 1998 for the East Annex and Health Department building renovations. She wanted to make the Board aware of decisions that would need to made in the near future. The Board had three options to consider in regards to the present Health Department Building.
- To do the $50,000 renovations to the current Health Department Building and no additional repairs
- To seek a different architect to submit a plan for renovations to the existing Health Department Building
- To consider proceeding with a site study at the Human Services Center property for a new Health Department Building
This item was for the Board’s information, and no Board action was taken.
HUMAN SERVICES CENTER SITE STUDY PROPOSAL
Maintenance Supervisor, Robert Marsh, stated he had looked at the property next to the Human Services Center for a proposed new Health Department Building. Mr. Marsh felt it was not the most ideal site due to drainage concerns. He had requested proposals from two engineering firms and, after his review, would make a recommendation to the Board. County Manager Nelson stated a site study of the property needed to be done for the County to consider using the property for a new Health Department Building or for the County’s future use. In addition, Mr. Nelson stated there were sufficient funds in the Manager’s budget to cover the expense for a site study (estimated not to exceed $21,000).
It was the consensus of the Board to approve the engineer site study as requested. The Board agreed that the site study needed to be completed/discussed before a decision could be made on the financing options discussed previously by Finance Director Isaacs.
EAST ANNEX/ROCK BUILDING – MAGISTRATES’ OFFICE RENOVATIONS
Maintenance Supervisor, Robert Marsh, stated that when the Magistrates occupied their new facility in the East Annex/Rock Building, they had security concerns and workspace problems. He reviewed the following two options with the Board:
Alternative 1
1) Install cabinet grade 48" high paneled wall around Magistrate’s raised platform
2) Extend raised platform
3) Install electric release lock on lobby door
4) Conceal communication and data wiring
Estimated Cost $5,100
Alternative 2
1) Install paint grade 48" partition around Magistrate’s raised platform
2) Extend raised platform
3) Conceal communication and data wiring
4) Install electric release lock on lobby door
Estimated Cost $2,200
Mr. Marsh stated that an outside firm would do the work/material listed in Alternative 1. He added that the Maintenance Department would be able to complete the work indicated in Alternative 2.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the work listed in Alternative 2 and for the funding of $2,200 from the County’s general fund balance to cover the expense.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
In addition, Mr. Marsh stated the Magistrates would like to have a second ventilation system installed in their retreat area to allow smoking. Mr. Marsh stated the Magistrates were concerned about their safety at night, because they had to exit the building to smoke. The County had a "Smoke Free Workplace" policy in effect. Mr. Marsh estimated the cost would be approximately $2,200 to cover this expense.
It was the consensus of the Board to deny this request.
EAST ANNEX/ROCK BUILDING CONTRACT UPDATE
A letter had been received from David R. Jones Architecture regarding the status of the Contractor’s final application and certificate for payment in closing out this project. County Attorney Hedrick stated he would discuss this matter with the Board in Closed Session.
JCPC FUNDING REQUEST
Ms. Bricca Sweet, Chair of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) addressed the Board requesting an additional allocation of $1,350 in local funds toward the County’s JCPC Fiscal Year 2000 allocation in order to receive an additional $5,000 from State funds. She added the JCPC proposed a distribution of the allocation towards JCPC training ($500) and $4,500 for the Landship House which was the County’s only residential program for troubled youth unable to stay in one’s home. The $4,500 required a 30% local match which totalled $1,350.
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Kohles moved to approve the additional funding of $1,350 from the general fund balance to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BOONE ETJ EXPANSION REPRESENTATIVES
County Manager Nelson requested the Board schedule a public hearing for its January 18, 2000 regular meeting to appoint new extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) representatives to the Town of Boone’s Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Mr. Nelson added that appointments would be made from applications received either before or at the public hearing.
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to schedule a public hearing for the Board’s January 18, 2000 regular meeting as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
STATE MAINTAINED ROAD ADDITIONS
County Manager Nelson presented requests for the addition of the following roads to the State Maintained Secondary Road System: Chestnut Knob Road (.5 mile) and Crestmoor Drive (.2 mile) located off NCSR 1402 on Ridgeview Acres subdivision.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the above requests be forwarded to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for consideration.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #11
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON GROWTH ISSUES PRESENTATION DATE
County Manager Nelson noted that Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, requested the Board schedule a date and time in order to have a presentation from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues.
Following brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule a special meeting for Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Meeting Room, County Courthouse.
TAX REPORT
Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of November, 1999.
Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for November, 1999 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Y2K PREPAREDNESS UPDATE
Data Processing Director, Glenda Duncan, updated the Board on the County’s status of Y2K preparations. Ms. Duncan reviewed the computer systems currently in place and stated she did not anticipate any problems on New Year’s Day. She noted that, in case of a system failure, all Department Heads would be "on call". In addition, Fire Marshal, Lisa Shoun, stated she and all four individuals in Emergency Management would be working through the holiday. In addition, Ms. Shoun stated an individual would be in the Red Cross office and the Department of Social Services had personnel designated for assistance should the need arise.
WATAUGA MEDICS, INC. CONTRACT STATUS REPORT
County Attorney Hedrick informed the Board that all of the items discussed at the Board’s November 19, 1999 special meeting had been received as of the December 3, 1999 commencement date. This item was for the Board’s information.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
AppalCART Board – Chairman Hodges stated an individual needed to be appointed to the AppalCART Board due to the resignation of County Manager Nelson (term expired June, 2000).
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Pat Coley, Work First Social Worker, to the AppalCART Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
EMS Advisory Committee – County Manager Nelson asked for the Board’s guidance to solicit names to serve on the EMS Advisory Committee (as required in the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance). Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to notify the agencies as indicated in the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance to request the names of two nominees for each position. Mr. Nelson stated he hoped to have the names for the Board’s consideration at its January 18, 2000 regular meeting.
Region D Certified Development Corporation – Chairman Hodges noted Margaret Johnston had resigned from the Region D Certified Development Corporation (term expired June 30, 2000).
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Pat Wilkie to the Region D Certified Development Corporation.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Region D Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council – Conflicting information was received regarding the terms of Tim Wilson and Michael Fletcher on the Region D Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. It was noted that both terms expired in July, 2000, therefore, no Board action was taken.
Watauga County Board of Adjustment – The following members’ terms expired in November, 1999 on the Watauga County Board of Adjustment: Bill Ragan (Howard’s Creek Watershed), Carolyn Aldridge (Foscoe/Grandfather) and Allen Dale Mast (Valle Crucis). Chairman Hodges asked for nominations to fill these positions. Vice-Chairman Sweeting requested County Manager Nelson ask Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, to place information in the local newspaper regarding this Board in order to solicit names from individuals who would be willing to serve for discussion at a future Board meeting. In addition, the Board requested a map of the watershed areas for its information/review.
Watauga County Planning Board – Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated Mary Burrous (representing District 4) was unable to continue to serve on the Watauga County Planning Board. (Ms. Burrous’ term expired in December, 2002).
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Denise Grohs to the Watauga County Planning Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
A question was raised as to the location of Ms. Grohs’ residence, and Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated she would confirm that Ms. Grohs resided in the appropriate district (District 4).
In addition, Tommy Harmon’s term expired in December, 1999 as an at-large member of the Watauga County Planning Board. Vice-Chairman Sweeting nominated Dennis Grady for that position.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to re-appoint Tommy Harmon to the Watauga County Planning Board for a 4-year term.
VOTE: Aye-3 (Coffey, Hodges, Lawrence)
Nay-2 (Kohles, Sweeting)
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Dennis Grady to the Watauga County Planning Board for a 4-year term.
VOTE: Aye-2 (Kohles, Sweeting)
Nay-3 (Coffey, Hodges, Lawrence)
Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission – The following members’ terms expired in December, 1999 on the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission: Brenda Binning (representing Valle Crucis School), Gene Swift (representing Parkway School), Doug Moore (representing Hardin Park School) and Denny Norris (representing Green Valley School). The following nominees were received: Hardin Park’s nomination was Teri Reynolds, Green Valley School and Parkway School requested Denny Norris’ and Gene Swift’s re-appointment to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission. In addition, Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated Brenda Binning had agreed to continue to serve.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Teri Reynolds and to re-appoint Brenda Binning, Gene Swift and Denny Norris to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission for 3-year terms.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees – The following members’ terms expired on December 31, 1999 on the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees: John Councill, Clayton Dean, MD, Council Main and Paul J. Miller. The following names had been submitted from the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees (WMCBT) for the Board’s consideration:
John Councill Armfield Coffey
Clayton Dean, MD Graydon Eggers
Council Main Charles Ford, MD
Paul Miller, Jr. Ken Peacock
Vice-Chairman Sweeting voiced her concerns with the list of names received from the WMCBT. She read a portion of the Watauga Medical Center, Inc. Corporate Bylaws (Article II Section 2 (a) regarding Composition of the Board of Trustees. The Bylaws specify that the Board of Trustees should be chosen from as wide a cross section of the community as feasible within the limits of size, to include, but not limited to, such as social economic levels, geographic area, occupational category, identifiable ethnic groups, and other factors as determined by the Board. Each member should possess the qualities of honesty, integrity, a sense of justice, and a sound moral character. Membership was in keeping with the broadened role of the Medical Center in the community. In addition, the Bylaws stipulated that the WMCBT should select two nominees for each vacancy by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. The list of nominees should be presented to the Board of Commissioners by the first of December of each year from which the Board of Commissioners would select the number of trustees for the total number of vacancies to be filled. Since the Board of Commissioners had to make appointments based on the names submitted by the WMCBT, Vice-Chairman Sweeting requested the Board send the list of names back to the WMCBT for additional nominations in order to get diversity on the WMCBT.
Commissioner Lawrence serves on the WMCBT. He felt the four individuals whose terms expired in December, 1999 had done a good job. Commissioner Lawrence stated the Watauga Medical Center had grown by "leaps and bounds", and it was necessary to have people to serve on the WMCBT for some time. In addition, Commissioner Lawrence stated the present WMCBT had done everything that could be done to provide a good service to the community, and he felt that experience on the WMCBT was vital.
Following discussion, Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to send the names submitted back to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees for additional names.
VOTE: Aye-2 (Kohles, Sweeting)
Nay-3 (Coffey, Hodges, Lawrence)
The following votes were then made:
Chairman Hodges – John Councill, Clayton Dean, MD, Council Main, Paul Miller, Jr.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting – John Councill, Graydon Eggers, Charles Ford, MD, Ken Peacock
Commissioner Coffey – John Councill, Clayton Dean, MD, Council Main, Paul Miller, Jr.
Commissioner Kohles abstained from the vote.
Commissioner Lawrence – John Councill, Clayton Dean, MD, Council Main, Paul Miller, Jr.
Based on the results of the vote, John Councill, Clayton Dean, MD, Council Main and Paul Miller, Jr. were re-appointed to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees for 3-year terms.
REGISTER OF DEEDS SALARY RESOLUTION
Since the Register of Deeds position is up for reelection next year, County Manager Nelson presented a Resolution which established the Register of Deeds salary and allowed the Board to set the pay for this position based on the County Position Classification Plan.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Register of Deeds Salary Resolution.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #12
PARKS & RECREATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING DATE
At its October 4, 1999 regular meeting, the Board voted to add a member of the Watauga County Board of Education to the Recreation Commission. It is the County’s practice to conduct a public hearing on all Ordinances and amendments. Therefore, County Manager Nelson requested a public hearing be scheduled for the Board’s January 18, 2000 meeting, prior to amending the Planning Ordinance.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to conduct a public hearing at the Board’s January 18, 2000 meeting as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ANNOUNCEMENTS
County Manager Nelson reminded the Board about the NACo Legislative Conference to be held March 3-7, 2000 in Washington, D.C.
In addition, Mr. Nelson informed the Board that a letter was received (this date) from the Office of Emergency Medical Services indicating a comprehensive study of the emergency medical needs and services within the County would be conducted (as discussed at the Board’s November 19, 1999 special meeting).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to enter Closed Session at 9:25 P.M. to discuss: Personnel Matters, G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and Attorney/Client Matters, G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3). Following a brief recess, the Board entered Closed Session at 9:33 P.M.
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to resume the regular meeting at 10:28 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to appoint Angie Boitnotte as Interim Project on Aging Director at salary Grade 74, Step 1 $37,453 on the Watauga County Salary Schedule effective December 21, 1999.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint J. V. Potter to regular Operation Services Director at salary Grade 76, Step 2 $41,720 on the Watauga County Salary Schedule effective December 21, 1999.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
____________________________
Jimmy Hodges
Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board
MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1999
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Tuesday, December 21, 1999 in the lobby of the County Courthouse to conduct the closing ceremonies for the County’s Sesquicentennial. Those present were: Vice-Chairman Sweeting, Commissioners Coffey, Kohles and Lawrence, Clerk to the Board, Libby Link, and members of the press. Chairman Hodges was unable to attend the special meeting due to his health concerns.
Ms. Len Cone, Coordinator for the County’s Sesquicentennial, thanked those in attendance for their help and efforts in planning the events scheduled throughout the past year.
In addition, she introduced artist, Richard Tumbleston, who was the County’s official artist for the County’s Sesquicentennial event. Mr. Tumbleston presented the Sesquicentennial print "Watauga" to the Board of Commissioners. In addition, he thanked the Board for allowing him to do the special print and discussed several of his ideas and items included in the print.
Ms. Cone introduced Janice May who unveiled the Sesquicentennial quilt. Ms. May stated this was a great way to serve the County, because it was such a pleasure not only to work on the quilt but establishing the friendships she had made with fellow "quilt partners". Ms. May introduced Juanita Smith, Jerra Unglesbee and Elaine Brookshire and thanked them for the work they had done on the quilt. In addition, Ms. May introduced Tim Miller, Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, who donated the material and labor for the Sesquicentennial quilt frame.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting spoke on behalf of the County and thanked Ms. Cone for the work she had done during the past year. In addition, Ms. Sweeting stated that children had been able to learn a lot about the County, and she felt Watauga County was a wonderful place to live.
Ms. Cone reviewed the contents in the County’s time capsule to be sealed for 50 years on the night of December 31, 1999. She noted the location would be disclosed at a later date.
In addition, Ms. Cone thanked members of the Boone Service League for the book they written about the County "MeeMa’s Memory Quilt" and a special thank you to Michaele Haas for her illustrations in the book.
Michaele and Brian Haas accompanied by Grady Edgars performed a song they had written for the Sesquicentennial "Watauga County Song".
A recess was declared at 6:32 P.M. for punch and cookies prior to the Board’s regular meeting scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
______________________________
Sue Sweeting
Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board