MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 8:30 A.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
Jimmy Hodges, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 8:33 A.M.
Commissioner Hodges opened with prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the April 18, 2017, regular and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the April 18, 2017, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the April 18, 2017, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 2, 2017, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add consideration of an easement request for the River Walk project adjacent to County property.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the May 2, 2017, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
River Walk Project Easement Request
Mr. Jim Deal, with the developers of the River Walk project on the corner of River and Water Streets, requested a temporary construction easement and a permanent easement for County-owned property adjacent to the development area.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of a culvert on the County-owned property being repaired by the developers or along with the developers. The developers own the old Southern States property and have a contract on the old Hodges Oil property. If the easement is approved, it would be held until the purchase of the old Hodges Oil property was finalized before filing. Mr. Deal stated that the Town of Boone would not issue permits for the project without approval of the easements.
No action was taken at this time to allow for advice from the County Attorney.
Proposed Allocation of Projected FY 2018 Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte requested the acceptance of the proposed allocation of $258,498 in Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds for FY 2018. The required local match is $28,722 and is present in the Project on Aging's FY 2018 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 |
$118,938 |
$13,215 |
|
Congregate Meals |
$44,442 |
$4,938 |
|
Home Delivered Meals |
$79,320 |
$8,814 |
|
Transportation |
$15,798 |
$1,755 |
|
Totals |
$258,498 |
$28,722 |
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the projected allocation in the amount of $258,498 in Home and Community Care Block Grant funds for FY 2018 and to approve the local match in the amount of $28,722.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Application for Division of Water Resources Grant for Middle Fork Greenway
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, requested permission from the Commissioners to apply for up to $200,000 from the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) for the Middle Fork Greenway, Section 4. This is the section for which PARTF funds are being requested. The match for the DWR grant would be provided through grants and other funds the Middle Fork Greenway Association has on hand. No County funds are requested. The application is due July 1st. Mr. Furman presented a proposed resolution which is required for the application.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to authorize staff to apply for $200,000 from the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) for the Middle Fork Greenway, Section 4 and to adopt the resolution 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 |
|
243102-312100 |
Boone Rural Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$15,000 |
|
283102-312101 |
Foscoe Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$13,000 |
|
283102-312104 |
Beaver Dam Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$3,000 |
|
283102-312105 |
Stewart Simmons Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$7,000 |
|
283102-312106 |
Zionville Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$4,000 |
|
283102-312107 |
Cove Creek Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$13,000 |
|
283102-312108 |
Shawneehaw Current Tax Revenue |
|
$2,000 |
|
283102-312109 |
Meat Camp Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$5,000 |
|
283102-312110 |
Deep Gap Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$2,000 |
|
283102-312111 |
Todd Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$2,500 |
|
283102-312112 |
Blowing Rock Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$9,000 |
|
283102-312119 |
Creston Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$350 |
|
244340-469905 |
Boone Rural |
$15,000 |
|
|
284340-469901 |
Foscoe |
$13,000 |
|
|
284340-469904 |
Beaver Dam |
$3,000 |
|
|
284340-469905 |
Stewart Simmons |
$7,000 |
|
|
284340-469906 |
Zionville |
$4,000 |
|
|
284340-469907 |
Cove Creek |
$13,000 |
|
|
284340-469908 |
Shawneehaw |
$2,000 |
|
|
284340-469909 |
Meat Camp |
$5,000 |
|
|
284340-469910 |
Deep Gap |
$2,000 |
|
|
284340-469911 |
Todd |
$2,500 |
|
|
284340-469912 |
Blowing Rock |
$9,000 |
|
|
284340-469919 |
Creston |
$350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized additional projected property tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
|
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|
103200-323100 |
Sales Tax Revenue |
|
$43,190 |
|
104330-469901 |
Foscoe Fire |
$4,625 |
|
|
104330-469904 |
Beaver Dam Fire |
$2,725 |
|
|
104330-469905 |
Boone Fire |
$11,120 |
|
|
104330-469907 |
Cove Creek Fire |
$7,800 |
|
|
104330-469910 |
Meat Camp Fire |
$3,985 |
|
|
104330-469912 |
Blowing Rock Fire |
$4,715 |
|
|
104330-469913 |
Shawneehaw Fire |
$2,520 |
|
|
104330-469924 |
Deep Gap Fire |
$5,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds which were above the original projected amounts for sales tax payments to fire departments. |
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|
|
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|
143531-323000 |
Federal/State Reimbursements |
|
$6,815 |
|
145410-440500 |
Undocumented Clients |
|
$11,205 |
|
145390-440301 |
Adoption Assistance IV-B |
$35,300 |
|
|
145370-469101 |
CSE-Legal |
$7,000 |
|
|
145480-438800 |
Crisis Intervention Program |
|
$12,140 |
|
145410-440002 |
Low Income Energy Assistance Program |
|
$12,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized changes in revenues from DHHS for increased expenditures in CSE legal service and adoption assistance due to additional cases above the estimated amount and energy program allocation reductions. The County’s portion of expenses is available from reduced costs for undocumented clients. |
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|
|
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|
143585-323000 |
Title XX Daycare Revenues |
$63,353 |
|
|
143585-323002 |
Smart Start Revenues |
$20,000 |
|
|
145850-440900 |
Title XX Daycare Expenditures |
|
$63,353 |
|
145850-440901 |
Smart Start Daycare Expenditures |
|
$20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized an additional allocation in daycare funds. |
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|
|
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Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Capital Purchase Request
Ms. Margaret Pierce presented the following capital purchases to be made with the $400,000 in additional Medicaid Hold Harmless funds received from the State which were recognized at the April 18 meeting:
Ms. Pierce presented bids for three 2017 Subaru Foresters. They would replace one 2006 Ford Escape (Emergency Management), one 2004 Chevy Blazer, (Tax) and one 2008 Ford F-150 (Planning). The following three dealers submitted bids:
Bidder Vehicle Price Taxes and Tag Total Cost
Tindol Ford Subaru $ 22,950 $ 700 $ 23,650
Jim Armstrong Subaru $ 23,196 $ 702 $ 23,898
Modern Subaru $ 23,647 $ 716 $ 24,363
Modern Subaru was offered the option as a local vendor of matching the low bidder and declined.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to award the bid to purchase three 2017 Subaru Foresters to Tindol Ford Subaru for total cost of $70,950.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce presented bids for a maintenance van to replace a 2005 Chevy van currently in use. Shelving and ladder rack will be purchased to outfit the vehicle for use by the electric and plumbing crew at a cost of $3,260 separate from the vehicle purchase. The following four dealers submitted bids for a 2017 Ford Transit van:
Bidder Vehicle Price Taxes and Tag Total Cost
Modern Ford $ 23,900 $ 723 $ 24,623
Capital Ford $ 24,022 $ 727 $ 24,749
Asheville Ford $ 24,126 $ 730 $ 24,856
Ashe County Ford $ 24,226 $ 733 $ 24,959
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid to Modern Ford to purchase a 2017 Ford Transit van from Modern Ford in the amount of $23,900 with additional costs of taxes, tag, shelving and ladder racks in the amount of 3,990 for a total cost of $27,890 is requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce presented bids for a 2017 Ford F-150 4X4 truck to replace a 2005 Dodge Ram truck for the Soil and Water Department. The following dealers were contacted, only three submitted bids:
Bidder Vehicle Price Taxes and Tag Total Cost
Modern Ford $ 23,999 $ 726 $ 24,725
Ashe County Ford $ 26,156 $ 791 $ 26,947
Capital Ford $ 25,960 $ 785 $ 26,745
Asheville Ford No bid received
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid to Modern Ford to purchase a 2017 Ford F-150 4X4 and bed liner estimated at $500 at a cost not to exceed $25,225 including taxes and tag is requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce presented bids for a 2017 Ford Transit passenger van to replace a 2008 Ford Transit van for the Parks and Recreation Department. The following four dealers were contacted, only two submitted bids:
Bidder Vehicle Price Taxes and Tag Total Cost
Modern Ford $ 32,788 $ 992 $ 33,780
Ashe County Ford $ 33,173 $ 997 $ 34,170
Asheville Ford No bid received
Capital Ford No bid received
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid to Modern Ford to purchase a 2017 Ford F-350 Transit Van at a cost of $33,780 including taxes and tag is requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce requested the purchase of a 2017 John Deere utility vehicle to replace a 2002 Gator for the Parks and Recreation Department. NC State contract for a John Deere utility vehicle is $12,490 which includes a 16% discount on total selling price. Mountaineer Equipment Company in Newland is the closest John Deere dealer and honors the state contract pricing.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the purchase of a 2017 John Deere utility vehicle at a cost of $12,490 from Mountaineer Equipment Company.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce requested the purchase of replacement radios for the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. The current radios are unable to function on all bands necessary and are at “end-of-life” with no replacement parts readily available. Twenty-eight all band Motorola APX8000 radios with 3 year warranty and chargers at average cost of $5,988 each are requested for a total cost of $167,665, which includes a $609 discount per radio due to the volume of the purchase. Due to the specialize nature of the radios and compatibility requirements with existing equipment, no other quotes are available. Twenty-five radios would be assigned to the Sheriff’s Office and three to Emergency Management.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the purchase of twenty-eight Motorola APX8000 all band radios from Motorola Solutions at a total cost of $167,665 as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce requested to approve safety renovations to the vaults in the Clerk of Court and Register of Deed areas. These areas have asbestos containing floor tiles and mastic that needs removed and carpet tiles installed in place of the current flooring. Western Asbestos, Inc. has submitted a quote of $13,257 to remove and dispose of the tiles and mastic. The quote includes a final air clearance by a third party professional. Work would be completed over weekend periods scheduled in advance with the Clerk of Court and Register of Deeds. Maintenance staff will purchase and install carpet tiles in these areas after Western has completed their work at an estimated cost of $7,743 for a total project cost of $21,000. If approved, work is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2017.
Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the proposals from Western Asbestos in the amount of $13,257 and the overall project cost of $21,000 including the carpet installation costs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce requested to replace the existing audio/video equipment in the Commissioner's Board Room and improve the existing security system in the Administration Building. The projects will include modernization of the video equipment, improvement of the sound equipment, and the existing security equipment. Creekside Electronics has reviewed the County Manager's requested list of needs and submitted a quote of $30,503. A contingency for the project of 3,002 is requested to allow for potential changes necessary to complete the project. Due to the interaction with other County equipment, no other quotes are available. If approved, work is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2017.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the proposal from Creekside Electronics in the amount of $30,503 and a contingency $3,002 for a total project cost not to exceed $33,505.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce requested a change order to the security upgrade project at the Human Services Building for Social Services, Project on Aging and Daymark. The change order is for $7,495 to change seven outside doors to badge scanners for staff entry.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the change order for the security upgrade project at the Human Services Building and the proposal from Creekside Electronics in the amount of $7,495.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Ms. Pierce presented the following budget amendment detailing the above purchases:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103300-323500 |
Medicaid Hold Harmless Revenue |
|
$400,000 |
|
104140-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Tax) |
$23,650 |
|
|
104330-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Emergency Mgmt.) |
$23,650 |
|
|
104350-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Planning) |
$23,650 |
|
|
104260-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Maintenance) |
$27,890 |
|
|
104960-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Soil/Water Conserv.) |
$25,225 |
|
|
106120-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles (Recreation) |
$46,270 |
|
|
104310-451000 |
Capital Outlay – Equipment (Sheriff’s Office) |
$148,775 |
|
|
104330-451000 |
Capital Outlay – Equipment (Emergency Mgmt.) |
$18,890 |
|
|
104261-435100 |
Maintenance/Repair – Courthouse |
$21,000 |
|
|
104263-435200 |
Maintenance/Repair – Admin Building |
$33,505 |
|
|
104275-458000 |
Capital Outlay – Building (Human Services) |
$7,495 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized Medicaid Hold Harmless revenues and capital purchases as approved above. |
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Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendment as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Presentation of the FY 2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The County Manager presented the FY 2017-2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for review prior to discussion during the upcoming budget work sessions.
B. Presentation of the Manager’s FY 2018 Recommended Budget
The County Manager presented his Recommended FY 2018 Budget message and reviewed highlights. He announced upcoming budget work sessions scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 4, 2017, and 12:00 P.M. on Monday, May 8, 2017. A public hearing will be held on May 16, 2017, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed budget.
C. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque stated that renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation were as follows: for property and liability the rate is $188,719, which is a $10,693 increase. The rate for workers compensation is $252,424, which is a 4.99% decrease. Based on prior years claims experience staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the renewals for property and liability insurance and workers compensation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), in the amounts of $188,719 and $252,424 respectively.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Selection of Community Center Members
County Manager Geouque stated that an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for architect services regarding the design and development of the proposed Community Center was advertised. The deadline for submittal of proposals was May 1, 2017. Staff requests the Board appoint two (2) Commissioners along with the County Manager, Maintenance Director, and Parks and Recreation Director to serve as the committee to review the RFQs, interview the selected firms, and recommend a firm to the Board.
No action was taken at this time.
E. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that a member recently resigned from the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Joe Furman stated that the term would expire in June 2017 and requested the Board make the appointment for the remainder of the current term and the additional three-year term that would start July 1, 2017. Ms. Heidi Tester is recommended to fill the vacancy.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Heidi Tester to the Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission with her term to end in June 2020.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· 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 A.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. Please see the attached email for more information.
· Budget Work Sessions are scheduled for Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Monday, May 8, 2017, from 12:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. to review the Proposed Budget.
· May 8 - 13, 2017, has been designated as “Community Pride Week” in Watauga County. Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held during the Community Pride Week on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Sheriff’s Office will also be collecting unused medications, prescription or over-the-counter, at the three local Food Lion locations as well as Foscoe Fire Department on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
· Two public hearings will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, beginning at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the following: the FY 2018 Proposed Budget and proposed amendments to the Ordinance to Govern Subdivisions and Multi-Unit Structures.
· The Trustees of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute invites the Board of Commissioners to a meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 6:00 P.M. at the Watauga Instructional Facility on Hwy 105 Bypass, Boone NC, in Room 112.
Public Comment
Ms. Susie Winters, Mr. Wes Weaver, and Ms. Shivonne Quintero shared comments opposing the Maymead Asphalt Plant on Hwy 421. Ms. Judith Phoenix signed up to speak but was not present at the time of public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:28 A.M., Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:12 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 A.M.
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board