MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 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
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
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 7, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes as well as the May 8, 2019, and May 9, 2019, special meetings minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 7, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 7, 2019, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 8, 2019, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 9, 2019, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 21, 2019, agenda.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the May 21, 2019, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the FY 2020 Proposed Budget
A public hearing was held to allow citizen comment on the County Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The following changes to the Proposed Budget were requested by the Board at Budget Work Sessions held on May 8 and May 9:
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Budget Change Summary |
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General Fund |
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Revenues |
Expenditures |
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5/9/2019 |
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($10,000) |
Reduce Southern Appalachian Historical Association funding from $22,000 to $12,000 |
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$10,000 |
Increase General Administration Contingency |
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net change |
$ 0 |
Overall Budget Increase |
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Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The following shared comments regarding the Recommended Budget:
Mr. Charlie Sellers, Blowing Rock Mayor
Mr. David Still, on behalf of Mr. David Jackson, Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Jennifer Herman, OASIS
Ms. Michelle Arit, OASIS
Ms. Renee Boughman, F.A.R.M. Café
Ms. Elena Dalton, F.A.R.M. Café
Mr. Carson Saylor, Southern Appalachian Historical Association
Ms. Tuesdae Rice, Valle Crucis School PTA
Mr. Mitch Mayhew, Valle Crucis Park Board
Mr. Henri Deschamps, Owner of Mast Farm Inn
Ms. Mary Reichel, Watauga County Library Board member and Appalachian Regional Library Board Member
Ms. Monica Caruso, Watauga County Library
Ms. Izzy Mitchell, Valle Crucis Student Council President
Ms. Mary Mast, Retired Valle Crucis School Teacher and Volunteer
Ms. Abigail Swanger, WAMY Community Action
Ms. Emily Greer, WAMY Community Action
Dr. Wayne Eberle, Watauga County Schools
Dr. Scott St. Clair, High Country Recreation
Ms. Lisa Bottomley, Community Care Clinic
Mr. Charlie Clement, Valle Crucis School resident
Ms. Susan Phipps, Retired Educator
Mr. Lyle Schoenfeldt, former owner of Mast Farm Inn
Mr. Tom Hughes, DSS Director
Mr. Chad Slagle, DSS Child Services Supervisor
Mr. Ron Henries, School Board Chairman, turned in a written statement.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 6:42 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
No action was taken regarding the proposed budget.
Chairman Welch recessed the meeting for a break after the public hearing at 6:42 P.M.
Chairman Welch called the meeting back to order at 6:55 P.M.
Request for Long Term Capital Improvement Plan Funds
Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County School Superintendent, presented a request for the release $328,210 from the School Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) balance for Phase I design work with Clark Nexsen. The Phase I design work is for schools not being replaced and includes preliminary work for HVAC, fire alarms, plumbing, and roof replacements. The design work will allow the School system to get working numbers for the projects. Dr. Elliott stated that the request is for the release of funds not additional money.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to release the $328,210 from the School Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) balance to pay for Phase I design work by Clark Nexsen.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Services Matters
A. Proposed Updates to the Watauga County Emergency Operations Plan
On behalf of Fire Marshal Mr. Taylor Marsh, who had to leave the meeting for a prior commitment, County Manager Geouque presented recent changes to the County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The County Manager stated that the changes were minor and mainly for the correction of names in key positions.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the changes to the Emergency Operations Plan as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Out-of-State Travel Request
County Manager Geouque presented a request for out-of-state travel to Virginia for Emergency Services Director, Mr. William Holt, and Fire Marshal Marsh to visit the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Blacksburg. This is a requirement of the StormReady certification that is being pursued by North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM). The travel is necessitated due to the County’s NWS office not being located in North Carolina. The date of the meeting has not been set but will be “mid-June or early July.”
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve out-of-state travel to Virginia for Mr. Holt and Mr. Marsh to visit the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Agreements for Solid Waste Disposal Services
Operations Service Director, Mr. Rex Buck stated that a ninety day extension was given to GDS/Republic Services which will expire on June 30. Mr. Buck stated that he received a Memorandum of Understanding from GDS/Republic during the current meeting and presented it to the Board.
County Manager Geouque had given the Board the following information prior to the meeting:
At the March 19, 2019 Board meeting, Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Service Director, presented a contract with Eco-Safe Systems, LLC for the disposal of the County’s solid waste. The rate was $20.65 per ton which includes a 2% discount for monthly prepayment. The renewal rate from GDS/Republic Services was $50.00 per ton for hauling and disposal and $35.75 per ton for direct haul. Direct haul is where county collection vehicles haul directly to Foothills Landfill. Eco-Safe Systems LLC provided a rate of $20.65 per ton with Custom Ecology, Inc. (CEI) transporting the waste for $23.33 per ton for a combined rate of $45.98 per ton. The contract was for three (3) years with a CPI escalator for each year after the initial one.
However, during the presentation GDS/Republic Services offered a ninety (90) day extension and a rate of $42.00 for transportation and disposal and requested additional negotiations. The extension and rate was accepted by the Board and direction given to staff to offer one more round of negotiations with each company.
Staff recently completed the round of negotiations with GDS/Republic Services and Eco-Safe Systems, LLC with each company requested to provide the best rate available. GDS/Republic Services was the last company staff met with on May 15th. GDS/Republic Services provided a transportation and disposal rate of $44.51 and a direct haul rate of $33.00. Eco-Safe Systems, LLC provided a disposal rate of $18.69 plus the county’s $2.00 NC disposal fee. Custom Ecology, Inc. provided a transportation rate to the Blountville, TN facility of $21.31 for a total transportation and disposal rate of $42.00. The difference in the GDS/Republic Services transportation and disposal rate and Eco-Safe Systems, LLC and Custom Ecology, Inc. is $2.51 per ton. The difference in the GDS/Republic Services disposal rate and Eco-Safe Systems is $12.31 per ton. However, on May 16th and 17th GDS/Republic Services submitted additional proposals (included in the packet) for consideration.
Even with the additional proposals from GDS/Republic Services offering a one year extension of the transportation and disposal rate of $42.00 and a direct haul rate of $31.00; staff still recommends the Board contract with Eco-Safe Systems, LLC in the amount of $18.69 per ton plus the county’s $2 NC disposal tax and Custom Ecology, Inc. in the amount of $21.31 per ton (total transportation and disposal is $42.00) for disposal of the County’s solid waste at the Blountville, TN facility.
County Manager Geouque stated that, if the Board so desired, a representative from each of the three companies could be allowed to speak in regards to their bids for solid waste services.
Chairman Welch allowed each representative to present their proposal for services.
Mr. Tony Krasienko, with Republic Services, Mr. Justin Rodda, with Advanced Disposal, and Mr. David Schneider, with Custom Ecology, Inc., each spoke and answered questions from the Board on behalf of their proposals.
Chairman Welch tabled further discussion until after closed session to allow time for counsel from the County Attorney.
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of April 2019. 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 April 2019 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for April 2019 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
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Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
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103300-343318 |
Grant – Western Watauga Community Center |
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$30,000 |
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104272-458000 |
Capital Outlay – Building and Improvements |
$30,000 |
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The amendment recognized the acceptance of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources grant for renovations and improvements to the Western Watauga Community Center. No match is required. |
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Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Amendments to the Audit Contract
Ms. Watson presented an amendment to the fiscal year audit contract with Gould Killian, CPA Group, P.A. The amended amount is $58,100 and includes two (2) major programs. Additional program testing will be assessed at $2,650 per each program. The amendment is required due to the State Auditor’s change in Medicaid testing. Ms. Watson stated that the funding for the contract is requested in the departmental budgets for Finance and Social Services.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the amended audit contract with Gould Killian, CPA Group, P.A., in the amount of $58,100, as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
Economic Development Commission
Three (3) terms on the Economic Development Commission will expire in June. Mr. Tad Dolbier has served one (1) term, is eligible for another, and would like to be reappointed. Volunteer applications were received from Ms. Savannah Garland and Mr. Dan Meyer who are also interested in serving. Each of the terms are for three (3) years with a limit of two (2) consecutive terms.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Tad Dolbier for his second term and appoint Ms. Savannah Garland and Mr. Daniel Meyer for first terms to the Economic Development Commission with all terms being for three year.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
High Country Council of Governments’ Ombudsman, Ms. Stevie John, has requested that Ms. Glenda Hodges be considered for reappointment to serve on the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. Ms. Hodges is willing to continue to serve if so appointed. This is a first reading.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Glenda Hodges to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a three year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Regional Ombudsman, Ms. Stevie John, has requested that Mr. Tim Racz be considered for reappointment to serve on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for a three-year term. Mr. Racz is willing to continue to serve if so appointed. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Tim Racz to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for a three year term.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. Board
Ms. Kelly Cox, the Watauga County Public Representative on the W.A.M.Y. Community Action Inc., Board of Directors, has recently moved and is no longer available to serve. Ms. Melissa Soto has spoken with Commissioner Wallin who indicated he might be willing to serve. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Commissioner Charlie Wallin as a public representative to the W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc., Board of Directors.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the Military Officers Association of America’s 12th Annual Memorial Day Program will be held at Boone Mall on Monday, May 27, 2019, with the ceremony commencing at 10:30 A.M.
Public Comment
The following were signed up to share; however, they each shared earlier in the meeting: Mr. Henri Deschamps, Mr. Lyle Schoenfeldt, Mr. Tony Krasienko, with Republic, Mr. Tom Hughes, and Mr. Chad Slagle. The following had signed up for public comment and then marked their name out: Ms. Izzy Mitchell, Ms. Mary Mast, and Ms. Jeannie Parsons-Rhymer.
Closed Session
At 7:39 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:31 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the contracts with both Eco-Safe Systems, LLC, with a disposal rate of $18.69 plus the County’s $2.00 NC disposal fee and Custom Ecology, Inc. with a transportation rate of $21.31 per ton to haul to the Blountville, TN facility contingent upon modifications being added at the request of the County Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board