MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2018
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, June 5, 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
Andrea Capua, 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 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 May 15, 2018, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 15, 2018, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the May 15, 2018, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the June 5, 2018, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add consideration of a lease with Appalachian State University for use of the Human Services Parking Lot on home game days.
Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the June 5, 2018, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Out of State Travel Requests
County Manager Geouque presented two out-of-state travel requests; one for Deputy Rebecca Russell to attend the US Marshall’s Service state and local sex offender training in Orlando, FL, and the second for Lieutenant Brandon Greer to attend Taser Instructor re-certification training in Bristol, Virginia. All training costs for Deputy Russell are reimbursable with the exception of the $135 rental car fee. Lieutenant Greer’s cost for the training was a $225 registration fee. Adequate funds are available to cover these requests.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the out-of-state travel for both Deputy Russell and Lieutenant Greer and any associated costs in attending the training.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Ms. Stevie John, High Country Council of Governments Ombudsman, Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, and Ms. Betsy Richards, Social Worker Supervisor III, presented a proposed proclamation declaring June 15, 2018, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in Watauga County. Ms. John share information on the elder abuse issue and Ms. Boitnotte read the proclamation.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Accept 2018 Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant
Ms. Pamela Thomas, Recycling Coordinator, requested the acceptance of the grant, applied for in January 2018, from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in the amount of $10,000 with the $2,000 match to be paid with funds to be allocated in 2018-2019 Watauga County School System budget. If accepted, grant funds will assist in the purchase of two closed top roll-off containers to collect recycling materials at County Schools. One will be placed at Green Valley and the other at Blowing Rock, if space allows. Ms. Thomas stated that containers are currently located at five schools.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in the amount of $10,000 with the $2,000 match to be paid by the Watauga County School System.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Tower Agreement with Watauga County Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Mr. Jeff Virginia, Emergency Services Director, requested approval of a proposed lease with the Watauga Amateur Radio Club, Inc. for the use of a small tower at the Rich Mountain site. The club is named as an agency in the North Carolina Emergency Plan and provides all communications for the American Red Cross when deployed in Watauga. Therefore, the club is a significant asset to Emergency Management during times of disaster.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the lease with Watauga Amateur Radio Club, Inc. contingent upon County Attorney review.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
|
103839-384000 |
Donation |
|
$1,740 |
|
|
104199-457001 |
Capital Outlay – Land |
$1,740 |
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized a donation of .173 acres of land near Sterling Creek Park as approved by Board action on May 15, 2018. |
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|
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|
293270-312009 |
Occupancy Tax Revenues |
|
$250,000 |
|
|
294140-469900 |
Watauga County District U TDA |
$247,500 |
|
|
|
294140-449900 |
Administrative Collection Fee |
$2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected occupancy tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
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|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$20,000 |
|
|
104920-463000 |
EDC |
$20,000 |
|
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$20,000 |
|
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated an additional $20,000 to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) budget for a video project per request of the EDC Board and as approved by the Board of Commissioners on May 15, 2018. |
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|
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|
103910-391003 |
Sale of Fixed Asset |
$15,475,000 |
|
|
|
103910-391000 |
Loan from ASU on Property Transfer |
$2,819,000 |
|
|
|
104199-457000 |
Property Purchase from ASU |
$25,000 |
|
|
|
104199-469149 |
Loan to ASU on Property Transfer |
|
$18,319,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment revised a prior budget amendment based on recommendations of the Local Government Commission (LGC) and School of Government (SOG) Specialist. |
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|
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|
233991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$5,000 |
|
|
234310-423800 |
Undercover Drug Purchases |
$5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional funds for use in law enforcement cases as buy money for investigations as requested by the Sheriff. The funds are from the State Substance Abuse Tax Fund. |
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|
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|
103200-326600 |
ABC Bottle Tax |
|
$500 |
|
|
105890-469848 |
Mediation and Restorative Justice |
$500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected ABC bottle tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
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|
104330-469905 |
Boone Fire District Sales Tax Distribution |
$43,500 |
|
|
|
103200-32300 |
Sales Tax Revenues |
|
$43,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected sales tax distribution above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
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|
243102-312100 |
Boone Rural Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$12,000 |
|
|
283102-312101 |
Foscoe Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$1,400 |
|
|
283102-312105 |
Stewart Simmons Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$15,000 |
|
|
283102-312106 |
Zionville Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$4,000 |
|
|
283102-312108 |
Shawneehaw Current Tax Revenue |
|
$1,000 |
|
|
283102-312109 |
Meat Camp Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$7,500 |
|
|
244340-469905 |
Boone Rural |
$12,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469901 |
Foscoe |
$1,400 |
|
|
|
284340-469905 |
Stewart Simmons |
$15,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469906 |
Zionville |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469908 |
Shawneehaw |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469909 |
Meat Camp |
$7,500 |
|
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|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected property tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Resolution Authorizing Watauga County To Engage In Electronic Payments As Defined by G. S. 156-28 or G. S. 115C-441
Ms. Pierce presented a proposed resolution authorizing the use of electronic payments. The County along with many other counties and municipalities in the state are utilizing the process and has for many years. Ms. Pierce stated that the relevant Statute was rewritten last year and the procedures were developed the end of March. Ms. Pierce stated that we have a local policy that already covers all the procedures as recently developed. The Local Government Commission (LGC) requests the formalization of the process by adoption of the proposed resolution to be in compliance with pre-audit requirements.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the resolution as presented to allow the County to formally utilize electronic payment and conform to all statutes and administrative codes.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Ordinance
The Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Ordinance is presented for adoption. Below is a list of changes that were requested by the Board and which have been incorporated into the proposed budget:
|
Budget Change Summary |
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|
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
Expenditures |
|
|
05/02/2018 |
|
(815) |
Remove 2% from BCC cola |
|
|
|
815 |
Hunger and Health Coalition |
|
05/03/2018 |
1,000 |
EM Grant |
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
EM Grant |
|
net change |
1,000 |
1,000 |
Overall Budget Change ($0) |
The Board may approve the proposed budget ordinance as presented, request changes, or schedule an additional work session. North Carolina General Statutes requires the budget be adopted by June 30.
Each Commissioner shared their thoughts on the proposed budget. Chairman Welch reviewed highlights of the budget and requested that $100,000, for a School Resource Officer (SRO), be set aside while waiting to see what the State budget allows for SROs. Chairman Welch proposes that, if utilized, the funds be allocated from either the administrative contingency fund or County employee’s pay-for-performance raises.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to adopt the FY 2019 Budget Ordinance as amended to include funds to be set aside, in the amount of $100,000, for a school resource officer with the funds to be allocated from either the administrative contingency fund or County employee’s pay-for-performance raises.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Appointment of Interim Finance Director
County Manager Geouque stated that, due to the resignation of Finance Director Margaret Pierce, an interim Finance Director needed to be appointed. The County Manager recommended appointing himself as interim Finance Director until a replacement was hired.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to appoint the County Manager as Interim Finance Director.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Lease Renewal – NC State Highway Patrol
County Manager Geouque stated that the lease for office space at the Law Enforcement Center for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) was up for renewal. The requested renewal amount is the same rate as the current amount of $4,560 annually for a term of one year with two one year extensions. The term of the lease is for a three (3) year period commencing on July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2021. County Attorney Capua stated that she had reviewed the agreement.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the lease with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2021.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed License Agreement – American Red Cross
County Manager Geouque stated that the American Red Cross had requested a formalization of the lease for office space that they have had with the County for several years. The County Manager presented a License Agreement with a term of two (2) years beginning March 23, 2018, and ending March 31, 2020. March 23, 2018, coincides with when Red Cross relocated to the Health Department along with the Veterans Service and Planning and Inspections Departments.
County Manager Capua stated that a dollar amount should be associated with the agreement to make it enforceable.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the license agreement with the American Red Cross with $1.00 per year due to the County from March 23, 2018, to March 31, 2020.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 AppalCART Contracts
County Manager Geouque presented proposed AppalCART contracts for transportation services for the County, Project on Aging and Social Services for FY 2019. The proposed rates for the Project on Aging, Department of Social Services, and all other county functions are $1.45 per vehicle mile. The rate has been the same for the last four (4) years.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the three AppalCART contracts as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Proposed Lease with Appalachian State University for Use of Human Services Parking Lot on Home Game Days
County Manager Geouque stated that Appalachian State University (ASU) had expressed interest in formalizing an agreement to use the Human Services parking lot for home football game parking.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to recuse Chairman Welch from taking action on this matter as he is an employee of ASU Athletics.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed terms of the agreement include:
· ASU pays the County $6,000 to use the Human Service parking lot for home games (six are scheduled in the upcoming season; all on Saturday)
· ASU is responsible for security, portable toilets, and clean-up
· Term is for one-year on trial basis
Chairman Welch confirmed that ASU planned to use the lot for pay per game parking.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve a lease with Appalachian State University for use of the Watauga County Human Services Parking Lot for one year at a rate of $6,000 with ASU responsible for security, portable toilets, and clean-up and to direct the County Attorney to work with the ASU attorney to prepare such a lease.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. July Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that historically, only one Board meeting has been held in July due to all the work which has been done on the budget as well as the July 4th holiday. Also, historically, at the beginning of a new fiscal year there is not much business which needs to be conducted. The Manager recommends cancelling the first meeting in July and holding the second meeting as currently scheduled for the third Tuesday which is July 17.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to cancel the July 3, 2018, regular Board meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Pat Parish and Mr. Tim Hodges terms on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) expire in June. Ms. Parish resigned from the EDC in May. Therefore, her slot will need to be filled. Mr. Hodges has completed one term, is eligible for a second term, and is interested in being reappointed. Terms are three years. The EDC will not meet again until July. This was a first reading and, therefore, no action was taken.
H. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· North Carolinians are invited to express their opinions about which regional and local transportation projects should be top priorities in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). NCDOT's 14 local transportation divisions will host informal meetings to present proposed projects and to receive public comment. The date, location, and time for Division 11 STIP public meeting is as follows: June 11, 4-6 P.M. – North Wilkesboro (Division 11: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties) NCDOT Division 11 Office 802 Statesville Road North Wilkesboro, NC.
In addition to the public meetings, NCDOT is offering other options for citizens to provide input starting Monday, June 4, through the STI website (ncdot.gov/sti). Citizens can complete a short, interactive survey to identify priority projects, or send a message to their local division planning engineer.
· The 111th NCACC Annual Conference will be held August 23-25, 2018, in Catawba County. Visit www.ncacc.org/AnnualConference for full information.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 9:26 A.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).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:11 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 A.M.
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board