MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 2000
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, August 7, 2000 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
Sue Sweeting, Vice-Chairman
James Coffey, Commissioner
Art Kohles, Commissioner
Jack Lawrence, Sr., Commissioner
Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Libby Link, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the July 3, 2000 regular and closed session meeting minutes.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the July 3, 2000 regular and closed session meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 7, 2000 AGENDA
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the agenda for the August 7, 2000 meeting as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
COVE CREEK PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT REQUEST
Mr. Jack Simpson, Cove Creek Preservation & Development Board Member, presented an application to construct a closed-loop geothermal water-only injection well system at the old Cove Creek School. Since the County owned the subject property and Cove Creek Preservation & Development, Inc. leased the property from the County, as a non-profit organization, the application (to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resouces) required the property owner’s signature.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to authorize Chairman Hodges to sign the application as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
HUMANE SOCIETY REQUEST
Mr. Ash Kearney, Project Coordinator for the Humane Society, thanked the Board for the County’s support in preparing the site for the new Humane Society Shelter. (Clerk’s note: the original request for assistance was discussed at the Board’s January 18, 2000 meeting). Mr. Kearney explained that the site preparation had proved to be more extensive than originally anticipated due to the terrain. He added the project was proceeding, and the Humane Society desperately needed a new kennel. Mr. Kearney voiced his appreciation for the work that the County had provided and requested additional assistance to complete this project.
County Manager Nelson had instructed the Department of Sanitation to withdraw from the project effective August 1, 2000. Operation Services Director, J. V. Potter, stated there were container sites that needed to be paved, and staff could offer the Humane Society minimal assistance until the County’s projects were completed.
Following brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board for Operation Services Director, J. V. Potter, to determine what assistance the Department of Sanitation could offer the Humane Society in order to complete this project.
TAX MATTERS
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of July, 2000.
B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for July, 2000 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Late Application for Exempt Property Approval – Tax Administrator McLean stated he had received a late application for exempt status from the Appalachian Heritage Museum, a non-profit museum. Although the application should have been filed in January, 2000, Mr. McLean recommended the Board authorize the late filing of an application for exempt status for his review.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve this request.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Annual Tax Collector’s Settlement Statements – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 1999/2000 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 1999/2000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Order of Collections Request – A sworn oath had been administered to Tax Administrator McLean in order to collect taxes for the new Fiscal Year 2000/2001. Mr. McLean stated this Order would grant him the authorization to collect taxes and requested the Board’s approval.
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to grant authorization to Tax Administrator McLean to collect taxes for Fiscal Year 2000/2001.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
WORK FIRST PROGRAM DESIGNATION
Social Services Director, Jim Atkinson, addressed the Board to discuss the County’s Work First Plan. Mr. Atkinson explained that two years ago, the State required counties to develop a Work First Plan, and the current Plan expired July 30, 2001. He stated that the current plan was Standard (versus Electing), and Mr. Atkinson as well as members of the Board of Social Services recommended the County remain a Standard County. Mr. Atkinson noted there had been reductions in Work First case loads, and he felt the County had done very well with the Standard County plan. Mr. Atkinson explained the difference between a Standard plan and Electing plan. A Standard County plan operated under the standard rules that the State developed. An Electing County plan must meet federal guidelines but allowed counties to be more creative. Mr. Atkinson had spoken with county officials who had been both Standard and Electing and was told there was little difference in the plans. Since the County had done well on the Standard Plan, Mr. Atkinson requested the Board’s approval to remain a Standard County.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Standard Plan for the County’s Work First Plan as recommended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
In addition, the Board needed to make appointments to a local planning committee consisting of 12 members to develop and oversee the County’s Work First Plan. Mr. Atkinson stated he would notify the current members to see if they wished to continue to serve and report back to the Board at its next regular meeting scheduled for August 15, 2000. No Board action was taken.
SANITATION BID REQUESTS
A. Paving Container Sites (2) – Operation Services Director, J. V. Potter, stated the following bids had been received in order to pave the County’s Aho and Landfill container sites:
Moretz Paving, Inc. Maymead James R. Vannoy & Sons
Aho Site $14,131 $15,220 $16,420
Landfill Site $11,573 $12,702 $13,000
Total $25,704 $27,922 $29,420
Mr. Potter recommended the Board approve the low bidder, Moretz Paving, Inc., contingent on County Attorney Hedrick drafting a contract. In addition, he noted there were sufficient funds in the Sanitation Department’s budget to cover this expense.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the Moretz Paving, Inc. bid in the amount of $25,704 contingent upon County Attorney Hedrick drafting a contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Sewer Line Installation – Operation Services Director, J. V. Potter, stated the following bids were received for the installation of a new sewer line extending from the County’s Animal Control Department to the end of Landfill Road:
James R. Vannoy & Sons $36,500
Iron Mountain Construction $29,578
J.W. Hampton Company $29,144
Mike Greer Construction $28,975
Mr. Potter recommended the Board approve the low bidder, Mike Greer Construction, adding there were sufficient funds in the Animal Control Department’s budget to cover the cost.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Mike Greer Construction bid in the amount of $28,975 contingent upon County Attorney Hedrick drafting a contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Brush Grinding – Operation Services Director, J. V. Potter, stated the following bids were received for the grinding of the brush pile at the Landfill:
J.W. Hampton Company $24,980
Hensons’ Inc. $25,615
Banks Wood Waste $33,500
Mr. Potter recommended the Board approve the low bidder, J.W. Hampton Company, adding there were sufficient funds in the Sanitation Department’s budget to cover the cost.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the J.W. Hampton Company bid in the amount of $24,980 contingent upon County Attorney Hedrick drafting a contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADDITION TO THE STATE MAINTAINED SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM
Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, presented a request for the entrance road off White Oak Road (NCSR 1108) for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute-Watauga Campus to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. DOT for consideration.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
RESOLUTION BOOK #10, PAGE #34
FINANCE MATTERS
A. Budget Amendments – Finance Director, Doris Isaacs, presented the following budget amendments for Board approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
103612-385502 Town of Boone – P&I 6,000
106127-451000 Capital Outlay-Fencing 6,000
To recognize funds obligated by the Town of Boone Planning Inspection site development coordinator for the purchase of a 10-foot high fence for the Industrial ballfield. There were some questions regarding who would maintain the fence (the County or the Town of Boone), and County Manager Nelson stated he would investigate further and report back to the Board at its regular meeting scheduled for August 15, 2000.
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to table further discussion on this budget amendment until the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for August 15, 2000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Account # Description Debit Credit
103300-345000 E&D Trans. Grant 33,600
103300-345001 Work First Trans. 3,922
103300-345002 Rural Gen. Public 12,399
104500-469844 Work First-Employment 3,922
104500-469843 Rural Gen. Public 12,399
104500-469845 E & D – Paratransit 8,000
105210-469845 E & D – Carolina Friend. 3,350
105550-431301 E & D – POA 11,250
105890-469846 E & D – Wat. Opport. 11,000
143300-345000 E & D Trans. Grant 6,289
145310-469845 E & D Transportation 6,289
To recognize notification of the award of Fiscal Year 2000-01 transportation grant funds.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve the budget amendment as presented for the Fiscal Year 2000-01 transportation grant funds.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Sale of Surplus Property Report – Finance Director Isaacs stated that she was required to make a report to the Board regarding property valued at less than $5,000 which she had declared surplus property and sold (from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000). After soliciting sealed bids, the following was sold:
Property Description Sold To Amount
48 Used Tires – various sizes Moretz Paving, Inc. $550.00
209 Moretz Hollow Road
Zionville, NC 28698
This item was for the Board’s information, and no action was taken.
C. Request for Disposal of Surplus Property – Over the June 23-25, 2000 weekend, the Fire Marshall/Emergency Management office was flooded by water containing a drain cleaning acid used in multiple attempts to unclog a drainpipe in the jail area. The damage resulted in the loss of almost all the equipment in the work area occupied by the Secretary III and EM Technician. The damaged equipment was not suitable for resale due to the acid contamination. Therefore, Finance Director Isaacs requested the following items be declared surplus and disposed of at the County’s Landfill:
Asset Description
N/A Motorola series 90 low band radio serial #448CHW1556
N/A TI-5033 calculator
N/A Office chair with arms
N/A Magnavox computer monitor serial #CM2099-J501
10691 Dell XPS T-500 personal computer serial #BV43 with monitor serial #5322DA6BOH
08593 Gray secretarial chair
09242 Panasonic KX E-4000 typewriter serial #PJMC1212
09126 Brother Fax Machine serial #621343237
10358 Deskjet 890C printer serial #C5876A
08586 Metal Desk
01183 (1) four-drawer file cabinet
01184 (1) four-drawer file cabinet
01185 (1) four-drawer file cabinet
01186 (1) four-drawer file cabinet
N/A (1) two-drawer file cabinet
Ms. Isaacs added the County’s insurance coverage would cover the cost to repair the damage (except the drainpipe) less the $250 deductible.
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to declare the items as surplus property and disposed of as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Grant Request – County Manager Nelson stated a request for approval of an application had been received from the Blue Ridge Dispute and Settlement Center (BRD&SC) for its second year of funding from the Governor’s Crime Commission. Although the application required the Board’s approval for the BRD&SC to apply for funds in the amount of $25,597, no local match was required.
Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve this request.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson noted the following Boards and Commissions had members whose terms expired in August, 2000: Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (Watauga County) Advisory Committee, Watauga County Library Board and the Watauga County – Valle Crucis Historic Preservation Commission. No nominations had been received, so it was the consensus of the Board to delay making appointments until the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for August 15, 2000. In addition, Commissioner Lawrence recommended the Board delay making appointments to the Watauga County Library Board until the Board’s first meeting in September, 2000 due to the death of David Edmisten.
In addition, appointments needed to be made on the Watauga County Economic Development Commission. It was noted that the terms of Messrs. Frank Payne and Tony Barlage expired in June, 2000. Both members had agreed to continue to serve, and if re-appointed, their terms would expire in June, 2003.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to re-appoint Mr. Frank Payne and Mr. Tony Barlage to the Watauga County Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. August and September Meeting Dates – County Manager Nelson reminded the Board of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners’ Annual Conference being held August 10-13, 2000 in Research Triangle Park. Both County Manager Nelson and Clerk to the Board, Libby Link, would be attending, and therefore, the agenda packets for the Board’s August 15, 2000 regular meeting would be delivered on Monday, August 14, 2000.
In addition, County Manager Nelson stated the Board’s first regular meeting was scheduled for September 4, 2000 (Labor Day), and County Offices would be closed. Board members discussed changing the meeting date to Tuesday, September 5, 2000 at 9:00 A.M. Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated she had patients scheduled for September 5, 2000.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to change the Board’s September 4, 2000 regular meeting date to September 5, 2000 at 9:00 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-4 (Coffey, Hodges, Kohles, Lawrence)
Nay-1 (Sweeting)
D. Announcements – County Manager Nelson informed the Board that the Region D Council of Governments Annual Banquet would be held on September 1, 2000 at the Hound Ears Club.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to enter closed session at 9:48 A.M. to discuss: Land Acquisition – G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i), Attorney/Client Matters, – G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3), and Personnel Matters – G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6). Following a brief recess, the Board entered Closed Session at 9:55 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to resume the regular meeting at 10:35 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated the County had been in negotiations with Attorney, Phil Ginn, representing Shiloh Investments, L.L.C. to purchase its property adjacent to the County’s East Annex Building located at 136 North Water Street. The property includes the house and surrounding parking spaces (17) as well as an additional 45 parking spaces that the County currently leases for approximately $22,000/year. Shiloh Investments, L.L.C. and the County had negotiated a purchase price of $655,000 which was below the value of two appraisals conducted. Mr. Nelson added that sufficient funds were in the County’s capital reserve to cover the purchase. County Attorney Hedrick had made the offer of $655,000, and it was accepted contingent on the Board’s approval.
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to purchase the property belonging to Shiloh Investments, L.L.C. and occupied by Attorney, Phil Ginn, located at 136 North Water Street for the amount of $655,000 with the funds to be transferred from the County’s capital reserve according to the provisions and contingencies listed in the contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Jimmy Hodges, Chairman
ATTEST:
Elizabeth H. Link, Clerk to the Board