MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 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
Charlie Wallin, 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 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 15, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the January 15, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the January 15, 2019, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the February 5, 2019, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the February 5, 2019, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Schools Update
Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County School Superintendent, presented an update on Watauga County Schools. Schools have had a positive start with a slight increase in enrollment. The School system is working with Daymark to offer a day treatment program for K-5 students and is exploring middle and high school components. Dr. Elliot thanked the Board for matching funds for School Safety grants used for School Resource Officers (SROs). Along with Town of Boone and Town of Blowing Rock SROs the School system now has a total of five SROs. Two additional nurses have been funded as well. Dr. Elliot stated that the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative (WCCI), the State of the Child, State of the Community Event, is scheduled to be held in May. Recent facility updates include the installation of double vestibules and the use of electronic key cards. A Pre-K program was added to Bethel School this year with 9 students. With a future addition of a Teacher Assistant it is hopeful there will be 12-15 students. Dr. Elliot stated that they are planning in the budget to replace 3 rubber gym floors with wooden floors, repair roofs at Hardin Park and other schools, and replace boilers at Blowing Rock and Hardin Park Schools. Dr. Elliot stated that 12 days of school have been missed due to weather and thanked the Board for support in advocating for school calendar flexibility. Dr. Elliot also thanked the County Manager and County Maintenance staff for help with clearing snow from the High School Parking lot after the recent blizzard. The report is for information only; therefore, no action is required.
Watauga County Public Library Annual Report
Ms. Monica Caruso, County Librarian, presented the Watauga County Public Library Annual Report focusing on four service priorities including technology, lifelong learning, Library as Place, and reading. Ms. Caruso also shared data on revenue and expenditures in FY 2018. The report is for information only; therefore, no action is required.
Economic Development Commission Funding Recommendations
Mr. Joe Furman, Economic Development Director, stated that at the January 10, 2019, Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting, the EDC considered funding requests from the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) and High Country Local First (HCLF). Both organizations are non-profits.
Mr. Furman stated that the EDC recommended the Board of Commissioners approve funding from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account in the amount of $100,000 for the ATHC. Once operational, the EDC believes the ATHC will have a significant economic impact on the County.
Mr. John Cooper, ATHC Board Chairman, and Ms. Lara Kratt, ATHC Executive Director, were present. Mr. Cooper shared that ATHC has been encouraged by recent pledges and stated that Governor Cooper, 2019 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) States’ Co-Chair, has encouraged the ATHC to submit an ARC grant application. Mr. Cooper stated that the Theatre would be open in the Fall of 2019.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the allocation of $100,000 for Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account as recommended by the Economic Development Commission.
County Manager Geouque requested a budget be submitted by the ATHC. Mr. Furman stated that he would share all the information submitted to the EDC by the ATHC for consideration of the funding request.
The County Manager also stated that Commissioner Wallin may wish to be recused as he sits on the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country Board. Vice-Chairman Kennedy and Commissioner Turnbow withdrew the motion as stated above to allow for Commissioner Wallin to be recused.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to recuse Commissioner Wallin from action regarding the Appalachian Theatre of the High County funding recommendation.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Recused-1(Wallin)
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the allocation of $100,000 for Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account as recommended by the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Recused-1(Wallin)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reinstate Commissioner Wallin to the meeting.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Yates)
Nay-0
Recused-1(Wallin)
The EDC also recommends approval of funding from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account in the amount of $33,463 for HCLF. Partnering with HCLF will meet a primary goal of the EDC which is the development of a co-working space for entrepreneur development. Mr. Furman stated that the EDC and HCLF will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the partnership and operation of the co-working space which will include a provision that ownership of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, including technology equipment purchased with County funds for the space will revert to the County should the co-working space cease to exist.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the allocation of $33,463 for High Country Local First (HCLF) from the Economic Development Capital Reserve account as recommended by the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Planning and Inspections Matters
A. Middle Fork Greenway Naming Opportunities
Mr. Joe Furman stated that the Blue Ridge Conservancy has requested authority to name different aspects of the Middle Fork Greenway in order to raise funds for the project. Most of the land associated with the Middle Fork Greenway will be owned by the County. The County currently has in place a Facility, Property, and Space Naming Policy. The policy does have a provision for the Board to waive or modify any requirement of this policy as it deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Mr. Furman stated that Blue Ridge Conservancy is willing to have a written agreement with the County, if needed, to cover concerns as discussed.
Chairman Welch tabled further discussion to the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat scheduled for February 18 and 19, 2019.
B. Public Hearing Request for Proposed Amendments to An Ordinance To Provide for The Control of Soil and Erosion and Sedimentation
Mr. Furman stated that the State Sedimentation Control Commission notified the County that the model erosion control ordinance for local programs has been updated with changes made to the NC General Statutes – Sedimentation Pollution Control Act – over the past several years. As such, the County’s local ordinance needs to be updated to comply with the model. The County’s ordinance was last updated in 2003 with a marginal amendment in 2011. Mr. Furman requested a public hearing be scheduled for the February 19th evening meeting for consideration and adoption of the revised ordinance.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 5:30 P.M. to allow for public comment on proposed amendments to An Ordinance To Provide for The Control of Soil and Erosion and Sedimentation.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Changes to the Licenses Plate Agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented an updated Standard Operating procedures (SOP) manual for the License Plate Agency operated by the County. The new SOP is due to the revisions made by the NCDMV. The major change in the SOP is the changing of the County’s field manager.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to accept the changes to the Licenses Plate Agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and authorize the signing of the updated SOP.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
On behalf of Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, County Manager Geouque reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
|
145410-440800 |
State Foster Care Board Payments |
$400,000 |
|
|
|
143547-323001 |
State Foster Care |
|
$200,000 |
|
|
145410-440003 |
IVE Foster Care Board Payments |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
143541-323000 |
IVE Foster Care Standard and Maximum |
|
$3,343 |
|
|
143991-399100 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
|
$200,657 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognizes additional funding needs for State Foster Care and IVE Foster Care. |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109800-498030 |
Transfer to Debt Service |
$517,040 |
|
|
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Reserve |
|
$517,040 |
|
|
303980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$517,040 |
|
|
309100-477001 |
Interest – Community Recreation Center |
$517,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment transfers funds for the 2018 limited obligation bonds interest payment due May 1, 2019. The original budget assumptions assumed the LOB’s to close in Fiscal Year 2020. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
104311-451000 |
Capital Outlay – Furniture and Equipment |
$5,000 |
|
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects |
|
$5,000 |
|
|
219930-461100 |
Emergency Communications |
|
$5,000 |
|
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment transfers funds for Emergency Communications Capital Outlay. |
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|
|
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Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Tentative Agenda for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented a draft agenda for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat. The County Manager stated that the agenda could be amended based on input from the Board or the County Manager receiving additional items for consideration.
B. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board
Each Commissioner nominates a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board whose terms run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Boone Rural Fire Service District Board members must own property and reside within that Fire Service District.
AppalCART
The AppalCART Board recommends the appointment of Mr. Joe Eller to the AppalCART Board as the Passenger Representative. Mr. Eller lives in Boone and has utilized the fixed route and demand response service for many years.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Joe Eller to the AppalCART Board as the Passenger Representative.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The terms of Mr. Tony Gray and Ms. Kim Rogers will expire February 28, 2019. One of these seats must be occupied by someone representing a business that collects the occupancy tax in Watauga County. The other seat doesn’t have a restriction. Both are willing to continue to serve an additional three-year term if reappointed. Mr. Ethan Rector with Appalachia Cookie Company has also expressed interest in serving. Based on his employment, he would not be eligible for the lodging seat held currently by Ms. Rogers, but could be considered for the seat held by Mr. Gray.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Kim Rogers and Mr. Tony Gray to the Tourism Development Authority for three-year terms ending February 28, 2022.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Annual Pre-Budget Retreat is scheduled for Monday, February 18, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 9:00 A.M.
· The Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative (WCCI), the State of the Child, State of the Community Event, will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Watauga High School.
Public Comment
Ms. Jessica Janc, with Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development (BRRC&D), introduced herself and thanked the Board of Commissioners for funding her position as Watershed Coordinator. Ms. Janc stated that she looked forward to presenting reports to the Board.
Closed Session
At 9:50 A.M., Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, 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
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 11:57 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:57 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board