WATAUGA COUNTY

Mr. Holt stated that the County does not change road names unless requested by homeowners or if the name is too similar to another for E911 purposes.  The proposed names are listed under the township they are in and the “*” indicates roads named in a recorded Subdivision.  To clear recent confusion, Mr. Holt stated that the name of Beaver Dam Road was not changing.  New Mountain Road is a new road name within the Beaver Dam community.

 

Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:38 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

There was no public comment.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 5:39 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the road names as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Proposed Proclamations Honoring Local Volunteer Fire Departments

Chairman Welch presented two proposed proclamations honoring Beaver Dam and Zionville Volunteer Fire Departments each for 40 years of service to the citizens of Watauga County.

 

Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the Beaver Dam Volunteer Fire Department 40^th Anniversary Proclamation and the Zionville Volunteer Fire Department 40^th Anniversary Proclamation as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Proposed Addendums to Elevator Contract

Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented proposed amendments to the Schindler elevator contract.  Mr. Marsh recommends the Board extend the service contracts with Schindler for an additional five (5) years, which would result in a seven percent (7%) reduction in costs, and move from quarterly to annual payments, resulting in an additional three percent (3%) savings.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the contract amendments with Schindler Elevator Corporation as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Request for Economic Development Funds to be Allocated to the High Country Food Hub

Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections/EDC Director, stated that the Economic Development Commission (EDC) recommends funding $25,000 to the High Country Food Hub in Fiscal Year 2019 from the County’s Economic Development Capital Reserve account.  The Food Hub planned to spend the funds on equipment, staff, and marketing; however, at the request of County staff, the $2,500 for staff would be moved to equipment.  The reallocation was requested as funding staff is a reoccurring expense.  EDC members believe it is an appropriate use of funds because the Food Hub helps local farmers bring products to market, helps build the local food economy, and is appealing to entrepreneurs who may consider moving or expanding in Watauga County.  Mr. Furman stated that the EDC placed the following conditions on the funding –1) the Food Hub staff should try to recruit more Watauga County farmers, and 2) a progress report is to be made to the EDC in 2019.  Adequate funds are available for this request.

 

Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to fund $25,000 to the High Country Food Hub as presented with the funds to be allocated from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request

Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, requested authorization of out-of-state travel for Ms. Keron Poteat, Recreation Specialist II, to travel to Abingdon, VA, in December.  The purpose of the trip is to serve the older adult population in providing transportation and assistance for a play at the Barter Theater and lunch.

 

Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to authorize the out-of-state travel for Ms. Poteat.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Emergency Services Out-of-State Travel Request

Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested authorization for a member of the Emergency Services Department to travel out-of-state to Atlanta, GA, to pick up a traffic sign board for use in the County.

 

Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to authorize the out-of-state travel as requested.

 

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 September 2018.  The 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 September 2018 for Board approval:

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2018 as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Budget Amendments

Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:

 

Account #	Description		Debit	Credit
103991-399100		Fund Balance Appropriated		$3,600,000
109800-498099		Transfer to Community Recreation Center Capital Project Fund	$3,600,000
493980-398000		Transfer from General Fund
496120-458000		Capital Outlay-Building	$3,600,000
The amendment recognizes the transfer of $3,600,000 to the Recreation and Community Center Capital Project Fund as approved at the September 18, 2018, Board meeting.
103980-398121	Transfer from Capital Projects Fund			$716,500
105911-470031	Classroom Presentation Technology		$79,500
105911-470030		Sealant to WHS Track	$35,000
105911-470032		Facilities – Furniture/Equipment	$58,500
105911-470033		Roof Maintenance	$45,000
105911-470034		Security Cameras	$75,000
105911-470035	Door Replacements		$20,000
105911-470036	HVAC/Sewer Pump Replacements		$10,000
105911-470037		Gym Floor Replacements	$75,000
105911-470038		School Kitchen/Cafeteria Equipment	$60,000
105911-470039		Flood Remediation – Valle Crucis	$37,000
105911-470040	Pre-K Start Up – Bethel		$40,000
105911-470041	Pavement Repair		$160,000
105911-470026		Vehicle Replacements	$21,500
213991-399101		Fund Balance Appropriation		$716,500
219800-498010		Transfer to General Fund	$716,500
The amendment recognizes the allocation of funds from CIP set aside funds for projects as requested by the Watauga County School System and approved at the October 2, 2018, Board meeting.

Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

A.  Recommended Contract Awards for Employee Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance

 

County Manager Geouque presented the renewal rates for employees medical, dental, and life insurance benefits.  The renewal rate received from CIGNA for medical insurance is a 2% increase.  Staff received two additional quotes from United HealthCare and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).

 

United Healthcare submitted a 16.9% increase with no changes to the current plan.  BCBS submitted a 7% increase with no plan changes.  BCBS submitted a balance funding quote which is similar to CIGNA’s level funding quote.  Staff continues to believe the long term solution is a self-insured plan.  A self-insured plan allows the County to save the profit margin that an insurance company adds to its premium for a fully insured plan.

 

The County Manager stated that, based on the quotes received, staff recommended CIGNA’s proposal with the 2% increase.  As a part of negotiations, the County was required to move dental insurance from Delta Dental to CIGNA to secure the 2% medical increase.  Dental insurance premiums were scheduled to rise 3% under the current rate lock.  The CIGNA dental plan will require a 6.7% increase.  This is a 3.7% increase over the current dental renewal.  However, the increase paired with 2% medical increase brings the total net increase for medical to 2.23% versus a 7% from BCBS or a difference of $112,350. 

 

Life insurance premiums through Symetra Financial will increase $1,961.10.  The County received a 43% reduction previously which considering the projected increase still keeps the rate below past levels.  In addition, the vision plan will move from CIGNA to Community Eye Care.  Staff recommends CIGNA’s Level Funding plan for the County’s medical plan with a 2% increase and for the County to fund $1,000 into each employee’s HSA account.  Staff further recommends CIGNA with a 6.7% increase for dental and Community Eye Care for the vison plan.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the renewal rates.

 

Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to:

 

approve CIGNA’s Level Funding medical plan with a 2% increase; and

fund $1,000 into each employee’s Health Savings Account (HSA); and

approve CIGNA with a 6.7% increase for dental; and

approve Community Eye Care for the vison plan.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

B.  November and December Meeting Schedules

 

At the October 2, 2018, the Board voted to cancel the first regular meeting in November due to the Board of Elections requiring the use of the Board Room as a polling place on Election Day, November 6, 2018.  The Board also voted to move the second regular meeting from November 20 to November 13.  County Manager Geouque requested the Board hold the second meeting on November 20 as there were items that would need approval on that date in relation to the Community Recreation Center construction schedule. 

 

Also, County Manager Geouque stated that General Statutes require the swearing in of Commissioners Elect on the first Monday of December following each general election.  Therefore, the Board will need to reschedule the December 4, 2018, meeting to Monday, December 3, 2018 at 8:30 A.M.

 

Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to

 

cancel the first regular meeting in November; and

not hold a meeting on November 13, 2018; and

hold the second regular meeting on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 5:30 P.M.; and

reschedule the December 4, 2018, meeting to Monday, December 3, 2018, at 8:30 A.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  Discussion of North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Super Street Proposal for NC Highway 105

 

Commissioners shared concerns with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s proposal for NC Highway 105.  Comments are being accepted by NCDOT concerning the proposal until October 24, 2018.

 

Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commission Yates, moved to recuse Commissioner Hodges as he had concerns of a conflict of interest.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

After discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to direct the County Manager to draft a letter to NCDOT for Chairman Welch to sign on behalf of the Board agreeing that the plan for safety is important but the Board is opposed to the current design.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Recused-1(Hodges)

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to join Commissioner Hodges back into the meeting.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

D.  Announcements

 

County Manager Geouque announced that the Board was invited to join a 30 Year Celebration of the Western Watauga Community Center and Western Library Branch on Wednesday, November 14, from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M.

Public Comment

Mr. Danny Watts requested the Board adopt a proclamation offering encouragement for a child with health issues at Pleasant Grove Church.  Chairman Welch directed the County Manager to get the information needed to do so from Mr. Watts.

Closed Session

At 6:12 P.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).

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:11 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Adjourn

Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

 

 

John Welch, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board