MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 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
Jimmy Hodges, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, 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 8:30 A.M.
Commissioner Yates opened with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Kennedy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the January 16, 2018, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the January 16, 2018, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the January 16, 2018, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the February 6, 2018, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 6, 2018, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Cooperative Extension Update
Ms. Paige Patterson, Cooperative Extension, presented an update on activities of the Watauga County Cooperative Extension. Ms. Patterson reviewed various classes held at the Extension; shared information on a demo growing site for asparagus, blueberries, and raspberries; and stated that the Christmas tree farms had record sales in 2017 and shared their success through donations to Western Youth Network. Ms. Patterson thanked the Board for its support of the Extension. The report was for information only; therefore no action was required.
Watauga County Public Library Annual Report
Ms. Monica Caruso, County Librarian, presented the Watauga County Public Library Annual Report. The report was for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Proposed Appointment of Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Advisory Committee and Lead Agency
Ms. Angie Boitnotte stated that each year the Board is required to appoint a lead agency and advisory committee to make recommendations on how to best expend the County’s allocation from the Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds. H&CCBG funds were established by the Older American’s Act and were administered by the North Carolina Division of Aging.
The following were recommended for appointment to the committee: Commissioner Yates, the Area Agency on Aging Director, Julie Wiggins, Linda Bretz, Vanessa Brumfield, Murray Hawkinson, Tom Hughes, Jennifer Greene, Margie Mansure, Sarah McKethan, Pat Coley, Kat Danner, Sherry Harmon, Gail Hawkinson, Bob Parker, Dr. Ed Rosenberg, and Betty Wyse. Commissioner Yates was appointed to this Committee at the December 5, 2017, Board of Commissioners meeting.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to waive the second reading and appoint the Area Agency on Aging Director, Julie Wiggins, Linda Bretz, Vanessa Brumfield, Murray Hawkinson, Tom Hughes, Jennifer Greene, Margie Mansure, Sarah McKethan, Pat Coley, Kat Danner, Sherry Harmon, Gail Hawkinson, Bob Parker, Dr. Ed Rosenberg, and Betty Wyse to the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to appoint the Watauga County Project on Aging as the Lead Agency for Home and Community Care Block Grant funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Development Commission’s Recommendation on Appalachian Theatre’s Request for Funds
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, presented a recommendation from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) that the Board of Commissioners provide a one-time allocation in the amount of $25,000 to Appalachian Theatre. This is in response to the Theatre’s previous request for $100,000 annually for a ten (10) year period. The County has allocated $10,000 for the past three (3) years.
Mr. Furman stated that in the time since the request was originally made, the Theatre’s project has been scaled back. The EDC had requested a new proposal from the Theatre; however, one has not been presented. It is an eligible EDC project.
County Manager Geouque stated that should the Board wish to grant the request, two funding options were available. The first option would be to fund the request from the EDC Capital Reserve Account. The second option would be to fund the request from County’s fund balance. Staff’s recommendation would be for the allocation to come from the EDC Capital Reserve Account as this would be an appropriate expense and the purpose for which the account was established.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to award a one-time contribution to the Appalachian Theatre, in the amount of $25,000, to be allocated from Economic Development Commission Capital Reserve Account.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance Appropriated |
|
$5,496,615 |
|
109800-498099 |
Transfer to Recreation Center Capital Project Fund |
$5,496,615 |
|
|
493980-398000 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$5,496,615 |
|
496120-458000 |
Capital Outlay – Building |
$5,496,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized Board action, on December 5, 2017, to transfer the FY 2017 increase in unassigned fund balance plus an additional $5,000,000 to the Recreation and Community Center Capital Project Fund. |
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|
103910-391003 |
Sale of Fixed Asset |
|
$18,319,000 |
|
104199-469149 |
Loan to ASU on Property Transfer |
$18,319,000 |
|
|
103910-391000 |
Loan from ASU on Property Transfer |
|
$2,819,000 |
|
104199-457000 |
Property Purchase from ASU |
$2,819,000 |
|
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|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized transactions for purchase of Appalachian State University (ASU) property for the new Recreation and Community Center and sale of the old Watauga High School (WHS) property. Board action was taken on April 7, 2017, and the purchase was finalized on September 28, 2017. |
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|
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|
103300-343309 |
Homeland Security Grant for Equipment |
|
$1,000 |
|
104330-449901 |
Homeland Security Grant for Equipment |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized Board action on January 16, 2018, for a grant to purchase equipment. |
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Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Resolution Ordering The Referendum For A Quarter-Cent Local Option Sales Tax With The Proceeds To Be Utilized For A 2 Cent Property Tax Rate Reduction In Watauga County
County Manager Geouque stated that, at the Annual Budget Retreat, the Board discussed conducting a special referendum for a one-quarter percent local option sales tax. In the event that the one-quarter percent local option sales tax is successful the proceeds would be used to reduce the current property tax rate of $0.353 by two (2) cents for a new rate of $0.333. A proposed resolution was presented requesting the Board of Elections conduct a special referendum for the one-quarter percent local option sales tax by placing it on the ballot for May 17, 2018.
Chairman Welch read the wording as it would appear on the ballot:
"[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other
State and local sales and use taxes.”
County Manager Geouque stated that NC General Statutes govern the exact wording for the ballot and stated that the proposed use of income generated could not be included.
If the voters pass the referendum and the Board of Commissioners wishes to levy the tax, it must provide 10 days public notice of its intent to adopt a resolution to levy the tax. After it adopts the resolution, it must send a certified copy of the resolution along with a certified copy of the election results of the referendum to the Department of Revenue.
The earliest the sales tax may become effective is on the first day of any calendar quarter so long as the County gives the Secretary of Revenue at least 90 days' advance notice. For example, if a referendum is held in May during the general election and passes, the earliest a county could begin collecting the revenue would be October.
After discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Tentative Agenda for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
After verifying Commissioner calendars prior to the meeting, County Manager Geouque presented the dates of February 19, from 12:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and February 21, from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat. The County Manager presented a draft agenda for review. The agenda is still in draft form and may change between now and the retreat based on input from the Board or the County Manager receiving additional items for consideration.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to hold the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat on February 19, 2018, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and reconvening on February 21, 2018, at 8:30 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following nominations:
AppalCART
The Town of Boone recommends the appointment of Ms. Connie Ulmer and Mr. Marshall Ashcraft as Town representatives on AppalCART’s Board. County Manager Geouque stated that the AppalCART Board does not have alternates and, therefore, he would ask the Town to send one nomination.
Watauga County Board of Adjustment
The terms of Bill Ragan, Baxter Palmer and Todd Rice expired in November. All three are willing to continue to serve if reappointed. NC Statutes require a representative (resident) of each zoned area in counties that have partial-county zoning such as Watauga. Mr. Rice represents the Valle Crucis Historic District, which is a small area with limited population, therefore small pool of potential representatives. Mr. Palmer is the alternate member and is the representative of the Foscoe-Grandfather zoned area. Mr. Ragan resides in the Howard Creek Watershed, which is not a zoned area in the traditional sense, but since the watershed ordinance was adopted under zoning authority, the County has attempted to appoint residents of those areas when possible.
The Pond Creek (Beech Mountain) Watershed Ordinance was not adopted under zoning authority as it is not large enough to qualify for partial-county zoning. Adam Rhyne resides in the South Fork New River/Winkler Creek/Middle Fork watershed (the boundaries adjoin and form one larger watershed-regulated area). David Hill and Charles Phillips are at-large members. Those 3 terms are not expiring this year. The new South Fork New River Watershed for the new Boone water intake does not have a representative.
Volunteer applications have been received from Mr. John Prickett, Mr. Joe Quinn, and Mr. Michael Moore. All three have requested to serve on the Board of Adjustment. These are first readings.
County Manager Geouque stated that upon review, Mr. Moore’s application indicates he lives in the Foscoe-Grandfather Community. He does not live within the zoned area or the community council designated area.
Economic Development Commission
Mr. Robert Hoffman recently resigned from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) due to relocation. His term expires in June 2020. A volunteer application has been received from Mr. Wallace Greer who has requested to serve on the EDC. If appointed, he would fill the unexpired term which ends on June 30, 2020.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to appoint Mr. Wallace Greer to fill an un-expired term on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) with his term to expire on June 30, 2020.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Mr. Fred Badders’ term expired January 20, 2018, on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. He is willing to continue to serve an additional three-year term if reappointed.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint Mr. Fred Badders to a three-year term on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Mr. Harold Eller’s term will expire March 3, 2018, on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. He is willing to continue to serve an additional three-year term if reappointed. This is a first reading.
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The terms of Mr. Jim Neustadt and Mr. Brad Moretz will expire February 28, 2018. The two seats must be occupied by someone representing a business that collects the occupancy tax in Watauga County. Mr. Wright Tilley, Watauga County TDA Director, has stated that both are willing to continue to serve an additional three-year term if reappointed. This is a first reading.
WAMY Community Action
Ms. Joy Coffey’s final term as a Public Sector representative for Watauga County ends on February 8, 2018. Ms. Melissa Soto, Executive Director of WAMY, requests a Commissioner or appointee be appointed to fill the four-year term. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Turnbow requested that the Boards and Commissions listed be advertised requesting volunteers to serve.
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 5:00 P.M. to allow for citizen comment on a proposed Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant application.
· Senator Ballard will be visiting the Project on Aging on February 12, 2018, at 1:30 P.M. to learn more about and tour the Senior Center and to meet the staff.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:27 A.M., Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:54 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Possible Action After Closed Session
There was no action after Closed Session.
Adjourn
Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:54 A.M.
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board