MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 17, 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
Commissioner Yates opened with a prayer and Commissioner Welch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the May 3, 2016, regular meeting and closed session minutes as well as the May 11, 2016, and May 12, 2016, special meeting minutes.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 3, 2016, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 3, 2016, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 11, 2016, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 12, 2016, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the May 17, 2016, agenda.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the May 17, 2016, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Submit Full Application to the 2017 Federal Recreational Trails Program
At the last Board meeting, staff updated the Board regarding the recently submitted pre-application for the Middle Fork Greenway that was reviewed by the North Carolina Trails Committee on March 4, 2016. The pre-application has been reviewed and the County had been invited to submit a full application which is due by May 27, 2016.
Mr. Joe Furman stated that, upon further review, it would be prudent for the County to wait and apply for a larger grant coming available next year. The Board agreed.
Ms. Anne Browning, part-time Project Director for the Blue Ridge Conservancy, stated that she and Walter Clark, President, had anticipated a time when a full-time director would be needed. Ms. Browning introduced Ms. Wendy Patoprsty as the new Project Director. Ms. Patoprsty, former Cooperative Extension employee, thanked the Board for the support she received in the past and the continued support she anticipated in the future.
Boone Rural Fire Service District Budget Matters
Chairman Hodges stated that the Board had invited Mr. Jimmy Isaacs, Boone Fire Department Chief, to present information regarding the proposed fire tax rate increase for the Boone Rural Fire Service District. Chief Isaacs stated that, if approved, funds received from the one percent fire tax increase would be set-aside in Capital Reserve for construction of an additional station along with the purchase of equipment for that station.
Hospitality House Budget Matters
Chairman Hodges stated that the Board had invited Ms. Tina Krause, Hospitality Director, to present information and answer questions regarding operations and services. Ms. Krause shared their End-of-the-Year Report from 2015 and information regarding the services offered including the vetting process for new clients. Ms. Krause stated that the Hospitality House serves a seven county region as mandated by HUD. The Northwest Region includes Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. Alleghany, Mitchell, and Yancey counties make up 1% of those served by Hospitality House with Ashe County at 18%, Avery County at 7%, and Wilkes County at 16%. Watauga County makes up the remainder of those served. Ms. Krause stated that without the HUD designation including the seven County service area certain federal funding would not be available.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the FY 2017 Proposed Budget for Economic Development
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on the proposed FY 2017 Budget for Economic Development.
Chairman Hodges called the public hearing to order at 6:07 P.M.
There was no public comment.
Chairman Hodges closed the public hearing at 6:07 P.M.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the FY 2017 Proposed Budget
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on the proposed FY 2017 Budget.
Chairman Hodges called the public hearing to order at 6:07 P.M.
The following shared comments:
Mr. Clyde Burleson, representing Southern Appalachian Historical Society
Mr. Carson Sailor, representing Southern Appalachian Historical Society
Mr. Billy Ralph Winkler, representing Southern Appalachian Historical Society
Ms. Melissa Selby, representing Community Care Clinic
Rev. Ted Henry, representing Hospitality House
Chairman Hodges closed the public hearing at 6:20 P.M.
County Manager Geouque reviewed updates made since the proposed budget was presented which include an increase in funding to the Children’s Playhouse of $1,233 and an allocation of $2,500 to W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. The County Manager stated that the Boone Rural Fire District’s tax rate increase would be included as well as an allocation for Hospitality House. The County Manager stated that the budget would be presented at the next meeting for consideration of approval.
Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Beech Mountain
Mr. Jeff Virginia, Emergency Services Director, presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Beech Mountain to house the Town’s back-up 911 server in the event that their current location is rendered inoperable. This is a similar agreement the County and the Town have regarding the back-up of the County’s 911 system. Mr. Virginia stated that there was no cost to the County as we were only providing space. County Manager Geouque stated that the agreement was in perpetuity.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Beech Mountain as presented by Mr. Virginia.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Proposed Allocation of Projected FY 2017 Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte requested the acceptance of the proposed allocation of $264,283 in Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds for FY 2017. The required local match is $29,365 and is present in the Project on Aging's FY 2017 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 |
$124,723 |
$13,858 |
|
Congregate Meals |
$44,442 |
$4,938 |
|
Home Delivered Meals |
$79,320 |
$8,814 |
|
Transportation |
$15,798 |
$1,755 |
|
Totals |
$246,283 |
$29,365 |
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to accept the projected allocation in the amount of $264,283 in Home and Community Care Block Grant funds for FY 2017 and to approve the local match in the amount of $29,365.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vehicle Bid Award Request
County Manager Geouque stated that bids were recently solicited for a 2016 Subaru Forester. The following three bids were received:
Modern Subaru of Boone $23,931
Jim Armstrong Subaru Hickory $23,057
Prestige Subaru in Asheville $26,583
Jim Armstrong Subaru submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $23,057.00. With taxes and the tag the total is $23,754.07. The vehicle is to replace the 2008 Ford Escape that experienced transmission issues. The vehicle purchase was discussed at the budget work session and is one of the two vehicles that were requested to be replaced in the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. Once the budget is adopted an additional vehicle request will be forthcoming.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to award the bid to Jim Armstrong Subaru in the amount of $23,754.07, which includes taxes and tag.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Smoky Mountain Quarterly Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Financial Report as required by Statute. No action was required.
B. FY 2016 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Revised Funding Allocation
Ms. Margaret Pierce presented a Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) revised funding allocation for Fiscal Year 2016. The Department of Public Safety has awarded discretionary funds in the amount of $20,615 to the WYN Youth Resource Center for the purchase of a vehicle to assist in providing transportation. Ms. Pierce stated that WYN will be providing the required cash match of $6,185.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) budget allocation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. NCDOT Agreement for Paving at the New Ambulance Base
County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) provides funding for the pavement of emergency services facilities. Funds were used through this process for the new Meat Camp Fire Station. Staff requested the funding for paving at the new medic base station. The maximum allowed reimbursement is $25,000. Initial pavement estimates came in at $30,000.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Renewal of ASU Greenhouse Lease
County Manager Geouque stated that at the a previous Board meeting, preliminary approval was given to extend the lease with the Appalachian State University Foundation for the greenhouse located at the Watauga County Landfill. Foundation representatives requested the extension be for a three (3) year period.
Property owned by the County may be leased or rented for such terms and upon such conditions as the Board may determine, for up to ten (10) years. Property may be rented or leased only pursuant to a resolution of the Board authorizing the execution of the lease or rental agreement adopted at a regular Board meeting upon 10 days' public notice. Notice shall be given by publication describing the property to be leased or rented, stating the annual rental or lease payments, and announcing the Board's intent to authorize the lease or rental at its next regular meeting. The County Manager presented a resolution authorizing the lease of the property.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the lease of the property.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions
Watauga County Board of Adjustment
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Janet Beck has resigned from the Board of Adjustment. Her 3-year term was set to expire in November. She is an at-large appointee. The Commissioners have the option of appointing someone to finish the term or to make a new 3-year appointment that would expire in November, 2019. No applications have been received.
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Trustees of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute invite the Board of Commissioners to a meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. at the Occupational Training Facility on Hwy 105 Bypass, Boone, NC in Room 106.
· The Military Officers Association of America’s 8th Annual Memorial Day Program will be held at Boone Mall on Monday, May 30, 2016, with the ceremony commencing at 10:30 A.M. Please see the invitation for more details.
· A Primary Election is scheduled for June 7 and the Board Room is an official polling site. Therefore, the first meeting in June will need to be rescheduled.
By consensus, the Board rescheduled the first meeting in June to be held on June 6, 2016, at 8:30 A.M.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:37 P.M., Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board