MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2000
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, February 7, 2000 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
Sue Sweeting, Vice-Chairman
James Coffey, Commissioner
Art Kohles, Commissioner
Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Libby Link, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance. Commissioner Lawrence, Sr. was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the January 18, 2000 regular meeting minutes.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the January 18, 2000 regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the agenda for the February 7, 2000 regular meeting as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Mr. Daniel Staley, Appalachian District Health Department Director, presented its annual report for Fiscal Year 1998/1999. He reviewed the number of children and adults treated at the Health Department as well as several of the programs administered through the Health Department. This item was for the Board’s information.
Mr. Mike Hall, Chair of the Boone Chamber’s Transportation Development Committee, addressed the Board regarding the development of a Boone beltway plan. He voiced his concerns about the traffic problems in the Town of Boone. Mr. Hall stated that the Town of Boone was growing and there were transportation issues that needed to be addressed. In addition, Mr. Hall had spoken with Department of Transportation Board Member, Sam Erby, as well as DOT staff members who were agreeable to research the County’s traffic problems. In order to adequately consider a Boon beltway plan, Mr. Hall recommended forming a task force to consist of representatives from the Town of Boone, the Boone Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian State University and the County. He requested the Board’s authorization to participate in this project and to appoint its respective task force members. Mr. Hall hoped the task force would be appointed no later than March 1, 2000 adding the task force would be charged with completing its work and making a recommendation to the core partners within a six-month period.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to endorse the establishment of a joint task force for the development of a Boone Beltway Plan.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to appoint Mr. Randall Beane to the Boone Beltway Task Force as the Board’s representative.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Vice-Chairman Sweeting nominated Chairman Hodges to serve on the Boone Beltway Task Force. However, Chairman Hodges nominated County Manager Nelson to serve as the Board’s representative.
Chairman Hodges seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint County Manager Nelson to the Bone Beltway Task Force as the Board’s representative.
VOTE: Aye-
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Vice-Chairman Sweeting requested forming a task force to review the current sales tax distribution method between the County and the Towns (Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone and Seven Devils). She recommended each of the Town Managers and the County Manager to serve on this task force. Commissioner Coffey stated that it was the County’s decision to determine how to distribute sales tax (ad valorem vs. per capita) and, therefore, questioned the need for a task force.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to form a task force to research the sales tax distribution issue and to make a report to the Board at a future meeting.
VOTE: Aye-3 (Hodges, Kohles, Sweeting
Nay-1 (Coffey)
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
A. Fixed Assets Transfer Request – Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented a request from the County’s Public Library to transfer the following computer equipment (purchased in January, 1998) from the County’s fixed asset inventory to the assets of the Appalachian Regional Library:
Capitalized
Asset Number Description Serial Number Value
10334 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858933 $ 1,391
10334-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011273 345
10335 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858290 1,391
10335-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7008556 345
10336 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858926 1,391
10336-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011283 345
10337 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858930 1,391
10337-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011279 345
10338 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858928 1,391
10338-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011276 345
10339 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858921 1,391
10339-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011282 345
10340 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858920 1,391
10340-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011281 345
10341 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858929 1,391
10341-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011280 345
10342 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858933 1,391
10342-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011272 345
10343 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858920 1,391
10343-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011271 345
10344 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858925 1,391
10344-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011285 345
10345 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858931 1,391
10345-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011273 345
10346 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858932 1,391
10346-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7008542 345
10347 P55C 200 Pentium PC 8858927 1,391
10347-A Vivitron 500 monitor 7011270 345
$24,304
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles moved to transfer the computer equipment from the County’s assets to the Appalachian Regional Library’s assets as requested.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
B. Budget Amendments – Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
663910-391000 Loan Proceeds 143,895
667420-451000 Capital Outlay-Equip. 143,895
To recognize loan proceeds to purchase a John Deere front loader. The financing agreement was approved at the Board’s December 21, 1999 regular meeting.
Account # Description Debit Credit
103991-399102 Fund Balance-Approp. 50,000
104265-458000 Cap. Out.-Bldg. Imp. 50,000
To appropriate funds for the Health Department renovations as approved at the Board’s August 21, 1999 special meeting.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
C. Certified Resolution for Depository Authorization – Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented a certified resolution and deposit account application with First Union Bank which gave County Manager Nelson authorization to sign checks in the Finance Director’s absence.
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the Certified Resolution for Depository Authorization and Deposit Account Application with First Union Bank as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
A. E-911 Surcharge Proceeds Allocation Request - Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, addressed the Board regarding a E-911 surcharge proceeds allocation. The Blowing Rock Police Department was applying for grant funds to purchase a computer aided dispatching (CAD) system. The grant required a 25% match, and the Town of Blowing Rock requested the County to provide this match ($14,685) from the proceeds of the E-911 surcharge. Mr. Furman stated he felt this was a reasonable request and recommended the funds be allocated from the E-911 project reserves.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to allocate funds in the amount of $14,685 from the County’s E-911 surcharge to the Town of Blowing Rock as requested.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
B. Request to Schedule a Public Hearing Date for the Sexually Oriented Business Proposed Ordinance – Planning & Inspections Director, had issued the proposed ordinance to regulate sexually oriented businesses and reviewed several of the "high points" with the Board. Mr. Furman, the Board and County Attorney Hedrick discussed the contents in the ordinance as well as an excerpt received from the Institute of Government regarding the adequacy of alternative sites available for sexually oriented businesses. Mr. Furman that he and County Attorney Hedrick had closely with the Planning Board on this ordinance. He requested the Board schedule a public hearing for this purpose at the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for February 22, 2000. In addition, due to the number of County residents who might attend the hearing, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule the meeting in Courtroom #1, County Courthouse.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to schedule a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance on sexually oriented businesses for February 22, 2000 in Courtroom #1, County Courthouse.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
C. Request to Schedule a Public Hearing Date to Adopt New Private Road Names – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, stated a public hearing date was required for the adoption of new private road names. Mr. Furman recommended the Board schedule this public hearing for the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for February 22, 2000.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to schedule a public hearing to consider the adoption of new private road names for February 22, 2000 in Courtroom #1, County Courthouse.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of January, 2000.
B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for January, 2000 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-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
C. Request to Establish the Board of Equalization and Review – Tax Administrator McLean informed the Board that the Board of Equalization and Review would need to be established at the Board’s first meeting in March. Traditionally, the Board of Commissioners served as the Board of Equalization and Review, and Mr. McLean planned to schedule meetings for the Board of Equalization and Review at the Board of Commissioners’ meeting scheduled for March 6, 2000.
D. Request to Designate the Authority to Grant Extensions – Tax Administrator McLean requested the Board delegate the authority to grant individual extensions of time to list property for the current year to the Tax Administrator. (Clerk’s note: this request was in accordance with G.S. 105-307).
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to grant Tax Administrator McLean the authority to grant individual extensions as requested.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
E. Tax Lien Report and Request to Advertise – Tax Administrator McLean requested permission to advertise the report of taxes that were liens on real estate in the County. Mr. McLean stated the total outstanding tax bills amounted to $964,663.96. Mr. McLean added that, if this request was approved, the advertisements would be in the Watauga Democrat on March 13, 2000. The County was required by law to advertise the liens.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner, moved to grant permission to Tax Administrator McLean to advertise the outstanding real estate liens.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
F. Request for a Resolution to Advance the Octennial Reappraisal – Tax Administrator McLean presented a resolution which advanced the scheduled octennial reappraisal date from January 1, 2003 to January 1, 2002 (a 7-year period). In accordance with G.S. 105-286(a)(2) counties could conduct reappraisals of real property earlier than required octennial plan as outlined by G.S. 105-286(a)(1). Mr. McLean noted it was better to proceed with the January 1, 2002 date (rather than the scheduled January 1, 2003 date) in order not to lose additional tax base. The Board asked Mr. McLean how often he felt the County should conduct reappraisals, and Mr. McLean stated that he felt it was more beneficial to conduct reappraisals every four years. Mr. McLean expected his office would be ready to accomplish this following this next revaluation.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the resolution advancing the scheduled octennial reappraisal of real property to January 1, 2002.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
G. Discussion of Digital Imaging – During the Board’s last meeting on January 18, 2000, Commissioner Lawrence requested Mr. McLean to provide additional information (the pros and cons) of implementing a County-wide program to make digital images of each improved structure as a part of the revaluation project. Mr. McLean stated the tax appraisers would not evaluate property solely on the digital images, however, he felt that the photos could help in setting values of the property. He added the primary concern with considering this issue was the invasion of privacy and the accessibility to the public. Mr. McLean noted that the tax appraisers currently took photographs which were part of the working file and were used for internal purposes only. Several Commissioners voiced their concerns regarding how accessible the photographs would be to the public. Mr. McLean added the appraisers were very careful not to take pictures if the property owners did not approve.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve a County-wide digital images program as a part of the current revaluation project.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Internet Proposal – Data Processing Director, Glenda Duncan, addressed the Board regarding two proposals that had been received for the development of a County web page. Ms. Duncan briefly reviewed the proposals received:
Highland ARDI
Overall Site Preparation 36 hrs. - $2,400 106 hrs. - $5,000
Department Sites 112 hrs. - $7,360 60 hrs. - $2,200
Training Included 24 hrs. - $1,440
6-months Consulting Support Not Included 26 hrs.-$1,560
** Hourly rate range $50-$65/hour $25-$60/hour**
** Average hourly rate $65.95/hour $47.22/hour**
Ms. Duncan stated that the Data Processing staff received numerous requests from the public for various reports (voter information, tax records and other inquiries that were public record. She felt that the County was very progressive and had been questioned by frequently when the County would have a web page on the internet. Ms. Duncan noted that she would meet with County department heads to see what information they would like to have on the web page which would be beneficial to the public. She also planned to discuss the web page with various other County agencies (i.e. the Health Department, Cooperative Extension, Mental Health) in case they would like to be included on the County’s web page.
Ms. Duncan stated she had reviewed both proposals and had discussed both with County Manager Nelson. She felt that ARDI’s proposal in the amount of $10,200 was the best for the County at this time. She anticipated the web page would be in place by July 1, 2000. Ms. Duncan stated there were sufficient funds in the Data Processing budget to cover this expense. Additional costs for maintaining the system, staff time, etc. would be discussed at budget time for the next fiscal year.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the ARDI proposal for the development of a Web page for the County.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Technology Committee – Data Processing Director, Glenda Duncan, stated she was in the process of forming a technology committee to evaluate the County’s need for equipment, staff and training. She noted the committee would consist of several Department Heads and other employees who were familiar with the County’s various needs. Ms. Duncan explained that she was very interested in wireless linkage and one of the primary goals would be to develop a technology plan for the County. In addition, she requested a commissioner serve on this committee. Vice-Chairman Sweeting asked County Manager Nelson to serve on this committee as the Board’s representative and to present quarterly reports to the Board.
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to appoint County Manager Nelson to the County’s Technology Committee as the Board’s representative.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Maintenance Supervisor, Robert Marsh, addressed the Board requesting permission to attend a Building Products University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The course would be held March 12-15, 2000. The registration fee of $50 covered tuition, lodging, ground transportation from the airport and most meals. The County had a policy that any travel beyond 325 miles from the County required permission from the Board, and Mr. Marsh requested the Board’s approval to attend this seminar.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Chairman Hodges, moved to approve this travel request.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
A. LEPC Member Changes – County Manager Nelson stated that Fire Marshal/EM Coordinator, Lisa Shoun, had requested a change and the addition of a new member to the Local Emergency Planning Committee. She recommended Craig Sullivan with Watauga Medics, Inc. to replace Tim Wilson, formerly with Watauga EMS. In addition, the committee felt that a representative from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, and Gwynita Steele had agreed to serve.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to appoint Craig Sullivan and Gwynita Steele to the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
B. Requests for Public Hearing Dates – County Manager Nelson stated a public hearing needed to be scheduled to consider some minor changes to the County’s Ambulance Franchise Ordinance and recommended scheduling the public hearing for the Board’s February 22, 2000 meeting to be held in Courtroom #1, County Courthouse.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to schedule a public hearing for the Board’s February 22, 2000 meeting as recommended.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
In addition, Mr. Nelson requested scheduling a public hearing to review the Charter Communications’ proposed cable rate increase which would take effect in March, 2000. He suggested conducting the public hearing at the Board’s February 22, 2000 meeting to be held in Courtroom #1, County Courthouse.
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to schedule a public hearing for the February 22, 2000 meeting as requested.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
C. Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues Report Meeting Date – The Board had scheduled a special meeting on January 20, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. to receive the report from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues Committee. However, due to inclement weather, the Board had to postpone the meeting, and a new meeting date needed to be scheduled.
Following brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule a special meeting for Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. to be held in the Commissioners’ Board Room, County Courthouse.
D. Boards & Commissions – County Manager Nelson noted several appointments needed to be made on the following Boards & Commissions:
Home and Community Care Block Grant Project on Aging Advisory Committee – The following individuals terms expired in February, 2000: Jim Atkinson, Robert E. Nelson, Jr., Debbie Edwards, Judy Vernon, Linda Bretz, Joe Howser, A. M. Denton, Jr. and Ottis Powell. All individuals had agreed to continue to serve. The only exception was the recommendation to appoint Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Interim Director, rather than County Manager Nelson. In addition, a lead agency must be appointed, and the Advisory Board recommended the re-appointment of Region D Council of Governments.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the appointments as recommended by the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Watauga EMS Advisory Committee – County Manager Nelson stated that at the Board’s previous meeting (January 18, 2000) the Board requested individuals to serve on the EMS Advisory Committee (as an At-Large appointee) from the Triplett or Deep Gap areas. The following individuals had agreed to serve:
Mr. Bill Kaiser – Stewart Simmons VFD First Responders
Mr. Jack Huskins – Deep Gap VFD First Responders
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Chairman Hodges, moved to appoint Mr. Bill Kaiser (as one of the At-Large Appointees) to the Watauga EMS Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission – County Manager stated a request had been received from the Town of Blowing Rock nominating Mr. Terry D. Lentz to serve on the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission as the Town of Blowing Rock’s additional representative.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Terry D. Lentz to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Watauga County Council on the Status of Women – Due to declining health reasons, Ms. Mary Burrous resigned her position on the Watauga County Council on the Status of Women. Ms. Burrous’ term expired June, 2001. A recommendation had been received from Ms. Pat Coley, Chair of the WCCSW nominating Ms. Sherrie Norris to fill Ms. Burrous’ unexpired term.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to appoint Ms. Sherrie Norris to the Watauga County Council on the Status of Women.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – County Manager Nelson noted that a resignation letter had been received by Ms. Shirley F. Fox (due to a conflict of interest) on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. Although no nominations had bee received from Region D Council of Governments, Chairman Hodges recommended the appointment of Ms. Glenda Trivette who Chairman Hodges stated was very active with the County’s Hospice agency.
Chairman Hodges seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to appoint Ms. Glenda Trivette to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
F. Retreat Discussion Dates – County Manager Nelson stated a facilitator from the Institute of Government (IOG) had agreed to conduct a retreat on March 17, 2000 (6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.) and on March 18, 2000 (8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.). Mr. Nelson had confirmed with the IOG that there would be no additional charge for conducting two 4-hour sessions. The $500 fee was for an 8-hour session. He recommended conducting the retreat at the Quality Inn in Boone or at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Mr. Nelson stated the costs were comparable and asked for the Board’s pleasure.
After brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to schedule the retreat at Chetola Resort on the dates as indicated.
G. Recreation Grant Resolution – County Manager Nelson presented a resolution of support that called for a permanent funding source for Land Water Conservation Funding (LWCF). LWCF grant fund helped fund a large majority of the County’s Parks and Recreation Department’s land and facilities over the last twenty years. In addition, future recreational projects throughout the County could benefit from LWCF grant monies if they were made available. County Manager Nelson stated that Parks and Recreation Director, Deb Wynne, requested this resolution be approved in order to receive continued funding.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the resolution in support of funding for the Land and Water Conservation Program.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
H. Announcements – County Manager Nelson informed the Board of the WNC Regional Litter Summit to be held on March 3, 2000 (9:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.) at Haywood Community College in Clyde, N.C.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to enter Closed Session at 11:00 A.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 11:10 A.M.
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to resume the regular meeting at 12:02 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Commissioner Kohles seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to appoint Ms. Angie Boitnotte to regular Project on Aging Director at salary Grade 74, Step1 $37,453 on the Watauga County Salary Schedule effective February 8, 2000 as recommended.
VOTE: Aye-4
Absent-1 (Lawrence)
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:03 P.M.
______________________________
Jimmy Hodges
Chairman
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board
ADJOURN
CLOSED SESSION
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
TRAVEL REQUEST
TOTAL 148 hrs. - $9,760 216 hrs. - $10,200
DATA PROCESSING MATTERS
TAX REPORT
PLANNING MATTERS
FINANCE MATTERS
SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION METHODS
REQUEST TO ESTABLISH A JOINT TASK FORCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A BOONE BELTWAY PLAN
APPALACHIAN DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES