MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 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
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 5:41 P.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 February 6, 2018, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the February 6, 2018, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the February 6, 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 20, 2018, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 20, 2018, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Health Department Building Renovation Change Order
Mr. Robert Marsh presented Change Order number two regarding renovations to the Health Department Building. The Board previously approved a Change Order upgrading from standard carpet to carpet tiles. This Change Order includes the raising of two (2) electrical boxes and lowering data outlets to accommodate new base cabinets; installation of new ball valves/cutoffs for the water distribution lines for the upper level floor area; and the addition of three (3) circuit/outlets. Total cost of the Change Order is $2,150.29. Funds are available in the current $20,000 contingency to cover the expense. Mr. Randy Jones, Architect, has stated that he will reimburse the County $1,423.29 for a net expense of $727 to the County.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve Change Order number two (2) in the amount of $2,150.29 with the funds to come from the project contingency and with the understanding that Mr. Randy Jones plans to reimburse the County the amount of $1,423.29.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Submit A Grant Pre-Application to NC Recreation Trails Program for Middle Fork Greenway, Section 4
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, presented a pre-application to the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program for the full amount of $100,000 for the Middle Fork Greenway, Section 4. A pre-application was submitted two years ago, however at that time only unpaved trails were being funded. This is no longer the case. The Blue Ridge Conservancy and Middle Fork Greenway will provide the $25,000 required match if the grant is awarded. The total estimate for Section 4 is $1.4 million. $200,000 has been approved from the North Carolina Division of Water Resources grant and staff has submitted for a $430,000 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The remaining cost of the project will be covered by Blue Ridge Conservancy through grant funds from the Watauga Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and fundraising efforts. Mr. Furman stated that notification from the pre-application should arrive by early summer and, if approved, then a request will be made to submit Part B in the application process.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to authorize the submittal of a pre-application to the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program in the amount of $100,000 for the Middle Fork Greenway, Section 4.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of January 2017. This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Warren presented the Refunds and Releases Report for January 2018 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for January 2018, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Tax Lien Report
Mr. Warren presented the Tax Lien Report which lists delinquent tax bills that were liens on real property and requested authorization to advertise such liens between March 1 and June 30, 2018.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to order the Tax Administrator to advertise the liens as reported between March 1 and June 30, 2018.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$25,000 |
|
105890-463102 |
Appalachian Theatre |
$25,000 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$25,000 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocates an additional $25,000 to the Appalachian Theatre project per a recommendation from the Economic Development Commission at the February 6, 2018, regular Board meeting. |
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|
|
|||
|
233991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$5,000 |
|
243410-423800 |
Undercover Drug Purchases |
$5,000 |
|
|
|
|||
|
The amendment recognized additional funds for use in law enforcement cases as buy money for investigations. The funds are from the State Substance Abuse Tax Fund. The amendment was requested by Sheriff Hagaman. |
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Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Vaya Health Quarterly Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce presented the Vaya Health Quarterly Financial Report as required by Statute. The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
C. Vaya Health FY 2017 Audit Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce presented the Vaya Health Annual Audited Financial Statements as required by Statute. The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Revision To The 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 the Board previously adopted a resolution ordering the referendum for a quarter-cent local option sales tax with the proceeds to be utilized for a two cent property tax rate reduction in Watauga County. In the resolution, May 17, 2018, was listed as the date of the primary. Since the adoption of that resolution, The County Manager stated that it has been brought to staff’s attention that the date of the primary is May 8, 2018. County Manager Geouque requested the Board adopt a revised resolution clarifying the date of the primary as May 8, 2018.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the revised “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.”
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
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, Mr. Michael Moore, Ms. Alyson Browett, and Ms. Emily Bish. All five requested to serve on the Board of Adjustment; however, 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. Mr. Prickett and Mr. Quinn are second readings. Ms. Browett and Ms. Bish are first readings.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading for Ms. Browett and Ms. Bish.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to appoint Ms. Alyson Browett, Mr. John Prickett, and Ms. Emily Bish to serve on the Board of Adjustment.
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 second reading and, therefore, action may be taken if so desired.
Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint Mr. Harold Eller to a three-year term on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
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. Ms. Alyson Browett submitted an application indicating her interest in serving on the TDA; however, Mr. Wright Tilley has stated that she does not appear to meet the requirements of the TDA seats listed above. Only owners or operators of lodging properties that collect the occupancy tax in Watauga County are eligible for consideration of these seats. This is a second reading and, therefore, action may be taken if so desired.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to reappoint Mr. Jim Neustadt and Mr. Brad Moretz to three-year terms on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
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. The County Manager stated that he would clarify the request with Ms. Soto.
AppalCART
The Town of Boone recommends the appointment of Ms. Connie Ulmer as the Town’s representative on the AppalCART Board. This is a second reading and, therefore, action may be taken if so desired.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to appoint Ms. Connie Ulmer as the Town of Boone’s representative on the AppalCART Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Annual Pre-Budget Retreat began on Monday, February 19, 2018, at 12:00 P.M., and will reconvene on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 8:30 A.M.
· The Watauga County Cooperative Extension will hold their Annual "Report to the People" on Tuesday, March 13, from 11:45 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Agricultural Conference Center. Extension staff will prepare a homemade lunch for the meeting.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:02 P.M., Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:08 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Possible Action After Closed Session
There was no action after closed session.
Adjourn
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board