MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
[Clerk’s Note: Commissioner Hodges was not present due to a prior commitment.]
Commissioner Yates opened with prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the March 7, 2017, regular and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the March 7, 2017, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the March 7, 2017, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the March 21, 2017, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add a request for acceptance of the FY 2017 Seniors Health Insurance Information Program/Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (SHIIP/MIPPA) grant and contract.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the March 21, 2017, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments To The Watauga County Sign Ordinance
A public hearing was scheduled to receive citizen comment on the recommended changes to the Watauga County Sign Ordinance. The proposed changes were presented by Mr. Joe Furman.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:33 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
There was no public comment.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 5:34 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the Watauga County Sign Ordinance as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
VAYA Health FY 2016 Audit Report
Ms. Jennifer Ternay, Acting Chief Financial Officer, was not able to attend the meeting; however, she did send an overview and list of highlights of the VAYA Health (formerly Smoky Mountain Center) Annual Audited Financial Statements.
The report was for information only; therefore no action was required.
Request for Use of County Space for Weekday Farmers’ Market
Ms. Carol Coulter, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), and Ms. Julia McIntyre, with the Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market, stated that eighteen vendors were turned away from the upcoming Farmer’s Market located at the Horn In The West parking lot this spring and summer due to a lack of space. Due to this, several vendors have asked BRWIA for assistance in locating space for an outdoor market.
Ms. Coulter and Ms. McIntyre requested a weekday Farmers Market be allowed on the grassy area close to West King Street at the Human Service parking lot. The Market would operate on Tuesdays beginning at 4:00 P.M. with vendors setting up at 3:00 P.M. They are targeting twenty-five vendors.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to allow a Farmers’ Market to be held as requested contingent upon a contract to being drawn by the County Attorney and executed.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Cooperative Extension Update
Mr. Eddy Labus, Cooperative Extension, gave an update on activities related to field crops and livestock. Mr. Labus also presented a shared equipment lease form, for consideration, to be used when loaning equipment to farmers
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the shared equipment lease form contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Board of Equalization and Review Schedule
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, discussed the scheduling of the 2017 Board of Equalization and Review (E&R). The Board may create a special Board of Equalization and Review that will serve this spring. In previous years, the Board was incorporated to include the County Manager as an alternate member. A proposed resolution was presented for consideration, should the Board wish to have the County Manager serve as an alternate member.
Mr. Warren recommended the convening date for the Board of Equalization and Review of Wednesday, April 19, at 2:30 P.M. in the County Commissioners Conference room. Adjournment of the Board was recommended to be scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 7:00 P.M. in the County Commissioners Conference room. Mr. Warren also presented a list of potential dates for meetings of the Board.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the resolution establishing the 2017 Board of Equalization and Review (E&R) and setting compensation for members at $75.00 per meeting and to convene the Board of Equalization and Review on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 2:30 P.M. and adjourn on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 7:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Request for Acceptance of the FY 2017 SHIIP/MIPPA Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested the Board accept a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant from the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIPP). The grant is in the amount of $1,792 with no local match required.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the MIPPA grant in the amount of $1,792 to expand low income subsidy outreach and training for SHIIP coordinators as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Contract for Public Safety and Emergency Communications Systems Comprehensive Study
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed contract with Dr. Marvin Hoffman for a comprehensive study of public safety and emergency communications systems. Dr. Hoffman has conducted and completed multiple studies and plans for the County. The County has been satisfied with Mr. Hoffman and his work product. The contract is for $18,000 with additional funds available for charges for travel as authorized, with prior approval, from the County Manager. The reimbursement rate for the additional travel will follow the County per diem rates. The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the contract.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the contract with Mr. Marvin Hoffman in the amount of $18,000 as well as additional charges for travel which would be approved by the County Manager and would follow the County policy regarding per diems.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
B. Proposed Proclamation Naming April 1, 2017, As Watauga County Seed Library Day
County Manager Geouque stated that the Library requested the Board proclaim April 1, 2017, as Watauga County Seed Library Day. The Library, along with the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), is beginning a seed bank and April 1 will be the kick off date. There will be activities and a ribbon cutting to celebrate the occasion. Mr. Dave Walker, with BRWIA, stated that the seeds would be donated and there would also be cooking and growing classes associated with the program.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
C. Out-of-State Travel Requests
Sheriff’s Office
County Manager Geouque stated that Sheriff Hagaman requested approval for Detective Patrick Anderson to attend the NADDI and NPLEX leadership conference in Savannah, Georgia, June 5, 2017, through June 8, 2017. Costs incurred to the County will be registration, lodging, meals, fuel, and personnel time. County policy requires all out-of-state travel to be approved by the Board.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve out-of-state travel for Detective Patrick Anderson as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Parks & Recreation
Ms. Keron Poteat, Recreation Specialist II, requested approval for herself and Mr. Paul Krause, Assistant Athletic Director, to travel to Abingdon, Virginia. The purpose of the trip is to serve the older adult population in providing transportation and assistance to attend a play and lunch.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve out-of-state travel for Ms. Keron Poteat and Mr. Paul Krause as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following Boards and Commissions considerations:
CCC&TI
The Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Board of Trustees recommends the reappointment of Mr. Lowell Younce to the Board. His term expires June 30, 2017.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint Mr. Lowell Younce to the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Board of Trustees.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Watauga County Housing Trust
The terms of some of the organizations, appointed to the Watauga Community Housing Trust (WCHT), need to be renewed. The Commissioners appoint organizations to the Board; the organizations designate individuals to serve. Terms to be renewed are:
High Country Association of Realtors – 2 years
ASU – 2 years
Northwestern Regional Housing Authority – 2 years
Board of Education – 2 years
High Country Home Builders Association – 1 year
WAMY – 2 years
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second readings and reappoint the organizations as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Stevie John, Regional Ombudsman with High Country Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging, requests that Ms. Angelina Greene be reappointed to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for three-year terms.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Angelina Greene to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a three-year term.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Several volunteer applications were included for various Boards and Commissions.
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Summit will be held, Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Harvest House located at 247 Boone Heights Drive. A Social will be held from 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. and the Program will be held from 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
· A State of the Child Forum with the themes of Childhood Trauma and Trauma Informed Communities is scheduled for Friday May 5, 2017, from 8:00 P.M. until 4:30 P.M. at Boone United Methodist Church. The opening Keynote Speaker will be Dr. George "Tripp" Ake, a licensed psychologist who specializes in trauma and trauma treatment.
Public Comment
Mr. David Sengel shared comments regarding the Maymead Asphalt Plant Board of Adjustment appeal and requested the County explore options in joining the appeal.
Closed Session
At 6:08 P.M., Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:22 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Hodges)
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 P.M.
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board