MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 18, 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
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 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Yates opened with a prayer and Commissioner Welch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the October 4, 2016, regular meeting minutes.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 4, 2016, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the October 18, 2016, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add a Closed Session for Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the October 18, 2016, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearings
A. Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Ordinance to Regulate Solicitation in Watauga County
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Ordinance to Regulate Solicitation in Watauga County. Changes have been incorporated into the ordinance addressing the safety and protection of children and animals.
Chairman Hodges called the public hearing to order at 5:32 P.M.
With no public comment, Chairman Hodges closed the public hearing at 5:32 P.M.
[Clerk’s Note: The Chairman opened and closed the next public hearing then returned to this topic for further discussion and action.]
Sheriff Hagaman stated that 13 permits had been issued since the Ordinance took effect with no issues. The Sheriff also stated that a packet with helpful information is given to each applicant.
After further discussion, Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the Ordinance to Regulate Solicitation in Watauga County as amended.
VOTE: Aye-3(Hodges, Blust, Welch)
Nay-2(Kennedy, Yates)
B. Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Transfer of Property from the Beaver Dam Fire District to the Cove Creek Fire District
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on the proposed transfer of property from the Beaver Dam Fire District to the Cove Creek Fire District.
Chairman Hodges called the public hearing to order at 5:33 P.M.
Communications and Emergency Services Director, Jeff Virginia, stated that the proposed changes would enhance response time and was agreeable with both Fire Departments.
With no public comment Chairman Hodges closed the public hearing at 5:35 P.M.
[Clerk’s Note: The Chairman returned to the previous topic prior to further discussion and action on this topic.]
County Manager Geouque recommended the effective date for the changes be July 1, 2017, for tax purposes.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the transfer of property as requested with the effective date to be July 1, 2017.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Patrol Vehicle Equipment and Installation Bid Award
Captain Kelly Redmon requested to utilize the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association bid for new equipment and the installation for six (6) new patrol vehicles. The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association awarded Dana Safety Supply the bid for equipment and installation. The cost for accessory equipment and installation per vehicle is slightly less than last year’s amount. Adequate funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget to cover the expenditure.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to award the bid to Dana Safety Supply for accessory equipment and installation, in the amount of $32,532.72, for six (6) recently purchased vehicles as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Impact of A Recreation Center
Dr. Scott St. Clair and Dr. John Whitehead presented information regarding the potential economic impact if a recreation center was constructed in the County. Dr. St. Clair shared that the High Country Recreation encourages a multi-generational indoor recreation facility of which all ages of children in the County would have access. Dr. Whitehead shared data to show benefits for the community including economic impacts as well as health care savings. Dr. Whitehead concluded that the benefits would exceed costs. Dr. St. Clair requested to have time at the FY 2018 Annual Pre-Budget Retreat to share more details. County Manager Geouque stated that the Parks and Recreation Department currently has options to structure fees that allow for all children to participate. The presentation was given for information only; therefore, no action was required.
NCDOT Agreement Regarding the Replacement of the Bridge Located at Highway 321 and Aho Road
Mr. Joe Furman stated that the Middle Fork Greenway Association was recently made aware of plans by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to replace the bridge located at Highway 321 and Aho Road. The greenway plans originally called for the trail to go over the bridge. However, with NCDOT now replacing the bridge, the opportunity exists to locate the trail under the bridge allowing for a safer and more user friendly crossing. In order for the trail to go under the bridge, NCDOT would require a forty percent (40%) match. Staff understands that the Middle Fork Greenway Association is willing to cover this cost and change orders that may occur with the trail relocation. However, the County would still be required to be the signatory on the agreement. Currently, the projected match is estimated at $160,000. The Middle Fork Greenway Association has received $200,000 in funding from the County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and the County received $100,000 to be used for the Middle Fork Greenway.
Mr. Furman presented the NCDOT agreement and a formal letter from the Middle Fork Greenway committing to fund the forty percent (40%) match and change orders that may occur with the trail relocation. NCDOT is in the bidding process and needs a response quickly so as to not impact their timetable.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the contract with the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding the bridge replacement located at Highway 321 and Aho Road and approve the local match and any additional costs to be allocated by the Middle Fork Greenway Association with $100,000 to be allocated from the State funds accepted at the October 4, 2016, meeting, and the remainder of the 40% local match to be paid by the Middle Fork Greenway.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Paving Bid Award for Medic Base 3
County Manager Geouque presented the following bids for the paving at the new Medic Base 3:
Bidder Amount
Moretz Paving, Inc. $15,000
Tri-County Paving, Inc. $15,056
Shatley Construction/Paving Co., Inc. $19,076
The County Manager stated that the final grade was recently completed by County personnel leaving the parking lot ready for paving. The opening of the facility is still scheduled for January 1, 2017, and deferring paving could delay the opening of the facility.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to award the bid to the lowest responsive bidder, Moretz Paving, Inc., in the amount of $15,000, for paving at Medic Base 3.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103586-332004 |
Senior Center Grant |
|
$14,503 |
|
105550-449900 |
Senior Center Grant |
$14,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the Senior Center grant funds. The local match is included in the FY 2017 POA budget. |
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|
|
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|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$290,250 |
|
105911-470050 |
Computer/Technology Request |
$290,250 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$290,250 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$290,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds from Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) set aside funds for projects as requested by the Watauga County School system for technology. |
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Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Property Donation
County Manager Geouque stated that he was contacted by Mr. Richard Promin who wished to donate property he owns to the County. The property consists of a one acre lot located in Saddle Hill (221 Blowing Rock) area. The tax value is $52,000 on the lot and the taxes are current. Staff is unaware of any liens on the property or any property owner’s association dues. Mr. Promin has spoken with the Blue Ridge Parkway and they indicated there were no funds available to pay for the necessary requirements to accept the donation. Staff contacted the Blue Ridge Conservancy who also had no interest in acquiring the property.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to table consideration of the donation to allow time to request more information.
County Attorney Eggers stated that it would cost approximately $400-$500 for a title search to be performed on the property.
A vote was not taken on the above motion; however, after discussion and by consensus, the Board agreed to table consideration of the donation to allow time to request more information from the home owner regarding whether a right-of-way to the property exists.
B. Proposed Update to County Management and Sheriff’s Office Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the Government Records Section of the State Archives of North Carolina has sent amendments that are now available to the County Management and Sheriff’s Office records retention schedules. These amendments clarify the retention for 911 calls received as text messages and reflect the legislation governing body-worn cameras for law enforcement personnel, which went into effect October 1, 2016.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the changes to the County Management and Sheriff’s Office records retention schedules as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Recommended Contract Awards for Employee Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
County Manager Geouque presented renewal rates for employee medical, dental, and life insurance benefits. The renewal rate received from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) for medical insurance is a 10.5% increase. The initial increase was 25.9%; however, staff was able to negotiate a reduction to 14.5%. Analysis of additional claims information was provided along with additional negotiations which allowed for the further reduction to the proposed 10.5% increase. County Manager Geouque also recommended the County fund $1,000 into each employee’s Health Savings Account (HSA) which helps to offset the high deductible insurance plan. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the renewal rates.
Dental and life insurance premiums will remain unchanged due to the current rate locks. The current providers are Delta Dental and Symetra Financial, respectively.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve Blue Cross Blue Shield for the County employee’s medical plan at the 10.5% increase over the current year and for the County to fund $1,000 into each employee’s Health Savings Account (HSA).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Economic Development Commission
County Manager Geouque stated that there are two vacancies on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). One 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 organization, including one Commissioner. All members vote. No applications have been received.
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· Due to the Board of Elections requiring the use of the Board Room the week of October 31, 2016, for one-stop voting the November 1, 2016, Board of Commissioners meeting has been cancelled.
· A public hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on proposed road names in Watauga County.
· The Appalachian State University Master Plan Committee is hosting a presentation by Duda|Paine (the Durham, NC firm contracted to develop the plan) regarding initial feedback for the University Master Plan on Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. in the Plemmons Student Union.
Public Comment
Mr. David Stapleton shared concerns regarding homeless people loitering in the New River Heights neighborhood.
Closed Session
At 6:40 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 Commission Welch, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Chairman Hodges, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 P.M.
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board