MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 8:30 A.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 8:30 A.M.
Vice-Chairman Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the August 2, 2016, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the August 2, 2016, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the August 2, 2016, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the September 6, 2016, agenda.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the September 6, 2016, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Schools Matters
A. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reserve Funds Request
B. Lottery Funds Request
Ms. Ly Marze, Finance Director for Watauga County Schools, requested funds from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reserve Fund and the Education Lottery Fund. A total amount of $486,500 was requested from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reserve Fund and will be allocated as follows: $218,500 for the Mabel Fuel Tank/Parking lot project; $100,000 for classroom projectors; $75,000 for vehicle replacements; and $93,000 for the replacement of an activity bus.
A total amount of $337,500 was requested from the Education Lottery fund. $15,000 is for gym doors at Green Valley Elementary School; $57,500 will be used for a new fire alarm system at Blowing Rock Elementary; $120,000 is to alleviate flood issues at Watauga High School; $25,000 is for bleachers; $40,000 for window replacement at Green Valley Elementary School: $30,000 for district wide carpet and tile replacement; and $50,000 is for the new batting cage facility at Watauga High School.
The total amount requested from both the Capital Improvement Plan Reserve Funds and the Education Lottery Fund is $824,000.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the allocation of $486,500 from the Capital Improvement Plan Reserve fund as presented by Ms. Marze.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the $337,500 Public School Building Capital Fund (Lottery Distribution) applications as presented by Ms. Marze.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Superintendent Update
Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County School Superintendent, presented an update on school matters. Countywide enrollment in the school system totals 4,420 which is an increase of 102 students from last year. Dr. Elliot also gave updates on support programs for home-schooled students, grants for professional development and employment matters. Dr. Elliot reported that the graduation rate for Watauga County was at 98.8% which is the highest ever. That rate did not include GEDs. The report was given for information only.
Solid Waste Matters
County Manager Geouque stated that Mr. Bob Lee had requested to be on the agenda to discuss solid waste fees. When placed on the agenda, staff could not contact Mr. Lee via the phone number given. The County Manager stated that Mr. Lee owned ten houses in the County. Citizens who own three or more houses get a total of 6,000 pounds of solid waste disposal at no charge which can be used for all of the homes owned by that citizen. The property owner would also receive disposal at no charge for items left behind by renters such as furniture but not for building materials such as drywall. The County Manager stated that to make the changes Mr. Lee was requesting, the fee structure for solid waste would have to be changed and the County did not have the capability to charge in the manner Mr. Lee requested.
Commissioner Yates stated that he had spoken to Mr. Lee who wanted each of the ten houses he owned to receive 2,000 pounds of solid waste disposal each year totaling 20,000 pounds.
No action was taken.
High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Request
Colonel John Alley and Lieutenant Colonel George Brudzinski with the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) requested financial assistance from the County to assist in the construction of a new veteran’s memorial. The proposed site for the new memorial is adjacent to the Boone Town Hall.
After discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to make a commitment to give $25,000 to assist in the construction of a veteran’s memorial by the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) with the MOAA to request the funds from the County Manager when the money was needed.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Food Hub Update
Ms. Carol Coulter, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), and Mr. Jim Hamilton, Cooperative Extension Director, provided an update on the Food Hub. There are currently eleven farmers utilizing the Food Hub for storage. The freezer is now full and funding is being sought for a second freezer. Ms. Coulter stated that Tar Heel Basement would be fixing a moisture problem in the area. A website is being developed that will allow for online orders of packed boxes. Ms. Coulter also gave an update on various grants and stated that the Food Hub was independent with separate insurance and electricity. Mr. Hamilton stated that the Food Hub has grown amazingly fast and commended Ms. Coulter. The report was for information only.
Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant Application Request
Mr. Craig Hughes presented the FY 2017 Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for transportation services. Watauga County was to be awarded $157,894 which does not require a local match.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for FY 2017 and accept the funds awarded in the amount of $157,894.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Planning Board Report Regarding Mountain View Speedway
Mr. Ric Mattar, Planning Board Chairman, gave an update on the Planning Board’s recent review of the County’s Ordinance Regulating Loud Disturbing Noise and Activities as requested by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Mattar stated that the Planning Board reviewed the County Ordinance at their July and August meetings and also consulted with the Sheriff’s Office. After review, no changes to the Ordinance were recommended.
The Board requested the Planning Board consider the potential use of decibel meters in the enforcement of the ordinance. The Planning Board reviewed the Noise Ordinance and at this time is recommending no changes.
Sanitation Matters
A. Bid Award Request for Front Loading Trash Truck
Mr. J.V. Potter, Operations Service Director, presented the following bids for a new front loading trash truck:
Bidder Vehicle Amount
Nu Life Environmental Peterbilt/Wayne $222,234.00
Cavalier Equipment Mack/EZ Pack $222,480.00
Amik Equipment Peterbilt/New Way $225,028.00
Transource Mack/Heil $225,361.85
Carolina Environmental Peterbilt/Heil $229,989.00
Cavalier Equipment Peterbilt/EZ Pack $231,489.00
Amik Equipment Autocar/New Way $256,622.00
Cavalier Equipment Autocar/EZ Pack $263,083.00
Carolina Environmental submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $229,989. Four other companies submitted lower bids but did not meet the required specifications. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the requested purchase which totals $230,995, including fees for taxes and a tag.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to award Carolina Environmental the bid for a new front loading trash truck in the amount of $230,995 which includes tax and tag fees.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Bid Award Request for Used Road Tractor
Mr. Potter presented the following quotes for a used road tractor for hauling recyclables:
Make & Model Year Mileage Amount
Peterbilt Model 388 2011 225,000 $60,000
Kenworth T-800 2010 320,000 $59,750
Freightliner Cascadia 2012 369,000 $54,900
Mack /Transource 2013 423,068 $61,000
Piedmont Peterbilt LLC submitted the lowest responsive quote in the amount of $60,000. Two other companies submitted lower quotes but these vehicles had substantially more mileage. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the requested purchase which totals $61,006, including taxes and tag fees.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to award the purchase to Piedmont Peterbilt LLC for the purchase of a used road tractor in the total amount of $61,006 which includes tax and tag fees.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Renewal of Brush Grinding Contract
Mr. Potter requested to renew the brush grinding contract with Superior Mulch in the amount of $18.24 per ton. This is the same price the County is currently paying. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the contract expense.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the contract with Superior Mulch for brush grinding at a rate of $18.24 per ton for Fiscal Year 2017.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Schedule A Public Hearing Regarding Fire District Changes
Mr. Jeff Virginia, Emergency Services Director, requested a public hearing be set to allow citizen comment on a proposed fire district boundary change. Mr. Virginia stated that the boundary change would not take effect until July 2017. The change would offer better service for an area currently located in the Beaver Dam Fire district which has to be accessed by traveling through the Cove Creek district. The proposed change would deem Cove Creek Fire Department as the service provider for that area.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on a proposed fire district boundary changes between Beaver Dam and Cove Creek Fire Departments.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vehicle Bid Award Request
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented bids for two (2) new 2016 F250 4X4 trucks. One vehicle is for the Maintenance Department and the other for the Sanitation Department. The following three (3) bids were received:
Bidder Bid
Ashe County Ford $49,054.32
Piedmont Truck Center, Inc. $51,026.00
Asheville Ford Lincoln $49,827.40
After review of the bids, the Ashe County Ford bid was deemed non-responsive due to unmet specifications for the vehicles. Therefore, the lowest responsive bid is from Asheville Ford Lincoln in the amount of $49,827.40. Including tax and tags, the total amount is $51,338.22. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the requested purchases.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to award Asheville Ford Lincoln the bid for two (2) new 2016 F250 4X4 trucks in the total amount of $51,338.22 which includes fees for taxes and tags.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Accept FY 2017 Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Director of Project on Aging (POA), presented the Fiscal Year 2017 grant/contract for the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). The grant is for $2,596 and requires no County funds. The funds are used to provide assistance and outreach to low-income citizens.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to accept the Senior's Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) grant in the amount of $2,596 which requires no County match.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the months of July and August 2016. These reports were presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Warren presented the Refunds and Releases Reports for July and August 2016 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for July 2016, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for August 2016, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance |
|
$6,682 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$6,682 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$6,682 |
|
219930-459122 |
Watauga County Schools CIP |
$6,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment returned unused Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds from the completed Hardin Park grease trap project to set-aside Capital Project Funds for the schools. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
143300-343300 |
Adoption Promotion Funds |
|
$21,600 |
|
145410-440006 |
Adoption Promotion |
$21,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized funds received from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) for the enhancement of programs to encourage and support adoption. |
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|
|
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Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Financial Report as required by Statute. No action was required.
C. Proposed Sale of Real Properties on GovDeals
1. Maggies Lane Off Pine Run Road, Deep Gap
2. Lot EE33, Section III, Mill Ridge, Banner Elk
3. Lot 15 Cascade Cove Homesites, Deep Gap
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented three resolutions authorizing the sale of the following properties: Maggies Lane, Lot EE33 Mill Ridge, and Lot 15 Cascade Cove. The properties in question were foreclosed by the County due to failure to pay taxes. The properties would need to be declared surplus and the resolutions adopted to start the sale process. The minimum bid for the properties would be set at the current expenses owed to the County.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to declare the properties surplus and adopt each of the resolutions authorizing the sale of the properties as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Out-of-State Travel Request
County Manager Geouque stated that Planning Director Joe Furman attended a conference located in Johnson City, Tennessee, on August 31, 2016. County policy requires out-of-state travel to be approved by the Board. Due to the cancellation of the August 16, 2016 Board meeting, staff granted authorization. The County Manager requested approval of the authorization.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioners Welch, moved to approve the out-of-state travel as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Upcoming Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that One-Stop voting would be ongoing November 1, 2016, in the Commissioners’ Board Room. Historically, November is a month with very few agenda items. The Board could reschedule or cancel the November 1st meeting.
The County Manager stated that staff recommended canceling the November 1, 2016, meeting due to the Board of Elections requiring the use of the Board room. The November 15, 2016, meeting would be adequate to address County business.
After discussion, Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to cancel the November 1, 2016, regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners if the State deemed the Board Room as a One-Stop venue.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Watauga County Board of Adjustment
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. Applications have been received from Mr. Crawford Cleveland, III, (second reading) as well as Mr. Charles Phillips and Mr. Cory Harrison (first readings).
Mr. Baxter Palmer is currently an Alternate on the Watauga County Board of Adjustments and is willing to be appointed as a regular member. If so appointed, an appointment would be needed to fill the alternate seat. Also, Mr. David Hill’s term on the Board of Adjustment will expire in November. He is willing to be reappointed. This is a first reading.
Consideration of appointments was tabled to allow for second readings.
Economic Development Commission
There are two vacancies on the Economic Development Commission. One vacancy is an unfulfilled term expiring June, 2017, and the other is an unfulfilled term expiring June, 2018. Those seats were occupied by individuals who have moved from Watauga County. The EDC has fourteen members; nine are appointees, the other five serve by virtue of their organizations, including one Commissioner. All members vote. No applications have been received.
Town of Boone’s Board of Adjustment Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Appointment
The Boone Town Council recommends Mr. Stephen Taylor for appointment to the Town's Board of Adjustment as a representative of the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Mr. Taylor’s Volunteer Application is attached. This is a second reading.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Mr. Stephen Taylor to the Town of Boone’s Board of Adjustment as a representative of the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Library
The Watauga County Library Board recommends Ms. Roberta Jackson be appointed to the Watauga County Library Board. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the second reading and to appoint Ms. Roberta Jackson to the Watauga County Library Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Workforce Development Board
High Country Workforce Development has recommended Ms. Sonya Trapp for appointment as a private sector representative. This is a first reading. Consideration of appointment was tabled to allow for a second reading.
AppalCART Board
Appalachian State University has requested that Mr. Paul Forte, Vice-Chancellor for Business Affairs be appointed to replace Dr. Tim Burwell on the AppalCART Board. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and to appoint Mr. Paul Forte to the AppalCART Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board
The Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board recommends the reappointment of Mr. Andrew Ellis and Ms. Jennifer Mills. These are first readings.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and to reappoint Mr. Andrew Ellis and Ms. Jennifer Mills to the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Social Services Advisory Board
The Social Services Advisory Board recommends the appointment of Dr. Mary Smalling to fill the seat currently held by Dr. Tom Trexler. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and to appoint Dr. Mary Smalling to the Social Services Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission
The terms of Ms. Maria Hyde and Mr. Allen Culler expire in September on the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission. Both are willing to be reappointed for three year terms. This board meets infrequently. These are first readings.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and to reappoint Ms. Maria Hyde and Mr. Allen Culler to the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the Watauga County Project on Aging planned to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center on Monday, September 19, 2016, from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 10:03 A.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 Welch, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:27 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:27 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board