MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, June 4, 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 8:35 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 21, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 21, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
After further review of the minutes, Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved that the following motion under Boards and Commissions from the May 21, 2019, regular meeting minutes be amended as follows (with deletions in strikethrough print and additions in italic bold print):
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Commissioner Charlie Wallin as a public representative to the Economic Development Commission W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc., Board of Directors.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 21, 2019, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the June 4, 2019, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested an out-of-state travel request for Planning and Inspections, an Economic Development funding request, and Possible Action After Closed Session. Commissioner Yates requested to add Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to the scheduled closed session.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the June 4, 2019, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) FY 2020 Certification, Membership, and County Plan
Dr. Paul Holden, Chairman of Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), presented the JCPC’s FY 2020 Certification, County Plan, and membership roster for consideration of approval.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2020 Certification, County Plan, and Membership as presented.
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, 2019, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in Watauga County. Ms. Richards shared information on the elder abuse issue and Ms. Boitnotte read the proclamation.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Allocation of Projected FY 2020 Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested the acceptance of the projected allocation of $300,702 in Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds for FY 2020. The required local match is $33,411 and is present in the Project on Aging's FY 2020 requested budget. Ms. Boitnotte stated that the H&CCBG Committee recommended the funds be allocated as follows:
|
H&CCBG Service |
H&CCBG Allocation |
Local Match |
|
In-Home Aide Level I |
$102,213 |
$11,357 |
|
In-Home Aide Level II |
$40,316 |
$4,480 |
|
Congregate Meals |
$53,194 |
$5,910 |
|
Home Delivered Meals |
$89,181 |
$9,909 |
|
Transportation |
$15,798 |
$1,755 |
|
Totals |
$300,702 |
$33,411 |
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the projected allocation in the amount of $300,702 in Home and Community Care Block Grant funds for FY 2020 and to approve the local match in the amount of $33,411.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Budget Amendment
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented a revised Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) FY 2018-19 Funding Allocation form. Crossnore was unable to fully expend funds so the Council requested to transfer $15,300 to the other programs as detailed below:
WYN Youth Resource Center $14,000
Mountain Alliance $1,300
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the revised funding allocation for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
|
293270-312009 |
Occupancy Tax Revenues |
|
$390,000 |
|
|
294140-469900 |
Watauga County District U TDA |
$386,100 |
|
|
|
294140-449900 |
Administrative Collection Fee |
$3,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected occupancy tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$328,210 |
|
|
105911-470047 |
Phase I Design |
$328,210 |
|
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$328,210 |
|
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$328,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds from Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) set aside funds for projects as requested by the Watauga County School System and approved by the Board of Commissioners on May 21, 2019. |
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|
103200-326600 |
ABC Bottle Tax |
|
$500 |
|
|
105890-469848 |
Mediation and Restorative Justice |
$500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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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 |
$55,000 |
|
|
|
103200-323300 |
Sales Tax Revenues |
|
$86,400 |
|
|
104330-469908 |
Stewart Simmons Sales Tax Distribution |
$30,000 |
|
|
|
104330-469919 |
Creston Sales Tax Distribution |
$400 |
|
|
|
104330-469998 |
Beech Mountain Sales Tax Distribution |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected sales tax distribution above the original budgeted amount. |
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|
243102-312100 |
Boone Rural Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$20,000 |
|
|
243102-312101 |
Foscoe Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$1,400 |
|
|
283102-312105 |
Stewart Simmons Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$12,000 |
|
|
283102-312108 |
Shawneehaw Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$500 |
|
|
283102-312109 |
Meat Camp Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$6,000 |
|
|
283102-312110 |
Deep Gap Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$500 |
|
|
283102-312112 |
Blowing Rock Current Year Tax Revenue |
|
$6,000 |
|
|
244340-469905 |
Boone Rural |
$20,000 |
|
|
|
244340-469901 |
Foscoe |
$1,400 |
|
|
|
284340-469905 |
Stewart Simmons |
$12,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469908 |
Shawneehaw |
$500 |
|
|
|
284340-469909 |
Meat Camp |
$6,000 |
|
|
|
284340-469910 |
Deep Gap |
$500 |
|
|
|
284340-469912 |
Blowing Rock |
$6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The amendment recognized additional projected property tax revenues above the original budgeted amount. |
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Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Ordinance
County Manager Geouque presented the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Ordinance for consideration of 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 |
|
|
05/09/2019 |
|
($10,000) |
Reduce Southern Appalachian Historical Association funding from $22,000 to $12,000 |
|
|
|
$10,000 |
Increase General Administration Contingency |
|
05/09/2019 |
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net change |
|
0 |
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.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to reverse the previous change and increase the Southern Appalachian Historical Association by $10,000, from $12,000 to $22,000, and decrease the General Administration Contingency fund by $10,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the FY 2020 Budget Ordinance as amended with Southern Appalachian Historical Association to receive $22,000, and the General Administration Contingency fund to be decreased by $10,000 (as approved in the motion above).
Chairman Welch reviewed highlights of the budget prior to the vote being taken.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Planning and Inspections Out-of-State Travel Request
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, requested out-of-State travel to attend the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant workshop in Johnson City, TN, on Thursday, June 6, 2019.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the out-of-State travel request as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Development Commission Funding Request
Mr. Joe Furman, Economic Development Director, stated that the Economic Development Commission had voted several months ago to fund $50,000 to the Middle Fork Greenway project and, since County money was to be expended, he requested formal approval by the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve allocating $50,000 of Economic Development funds to the Middle Fork Greenway project as requested by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Letter of Support Request
County Manager Geouque shared a letter written by the Sheriff which stated the following:
“ Department of Justice Opioid Site-Based Grant
Watauga County Sheriff's Office- Letter of Support
Dear Department of Justice Opioid Site-Based Grant Administrators,
The Mediation and Restorative Justice Center, with the support of the Watauga County Sheriff's Office, is developing a proposal to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program. The purpose of applying for this funding source is to enhance and continue the critically needed and successful continuation of our social work position in the Watauga County Detention Center and, in addition, establish our long-anticipated Watauga County LEAD program.
Through the funding obtained by this grant, the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center; with logistical in-kind support from the Sheriff's Office, will allow the employment of two (2) full-time professionals- one (1) full time social-worker to split their time 50/50 between the Watauga County Sheriff's Office Detention Center and LEAD case manager, and a second (2nd) full-time peer support specialist to support our inmate and/or identified participants of the two initiatives.
These two (2) positions will work directly with those affected by opiate and substance use disorder to connect them with appropriate and successful treatment and services; provide rehabilitative services to the Detention (jail) population, and facilitate community collaboration with justice – involved persons. The detention center position will serve pre-trial individuals, and the LEAD program will support eligible would-be offenders through diversion and/or social referrals before they enter the criminal justice system.
I am writing personally and professionally to request that you please support our innovative submission with an DOJ/BOJ application for full funding.
Establishing these positions will build upon our current, and future, community's capacity and momentum to serve vulnerable populations and bridge the gap between the Watauga County Sheriff's Office and treatment for our justice involved population in serious need.
This grant would greatly enhance and provide these critically needed positions for at least 36 months, and has the potential to provide long-term stability to these important programs and delivering genuine and serious hope to our citizens who have found themselves in unfortunate and desperate situation(s).
We are incredibly proud of the restorative justice work that has been accomplished so far in our community over the last year.
Please, if you have any questions, or need further information feel free to contact me. ”
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Marisa Cornell with the Blue Ridge Mediation and Restorative Justice has requested a letter of support from the County for the above funding. The County Manager stated that if the funding was received the County could decide if or how much County funding was available and also ask Ms. Cornell to find additional funds for the project. The County Manager stated that there was $10,000 set aside for the LEAD Program; however, he would let her know that the County could not support fifty percent on both positions.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to direct Chairman Welch and County Manager Geouque to sign a letter of support and evaluate the funding request if the funds were received.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Correction to Solar Lease
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board approved a lease at the May 7, 2019, meeting with Encore Renewable Energy. Encore Renewable Energy has since requested the signatory be updated as their project company, ER Watauga Landfill Solar, LLC. Encore Renewable Energy stated this is typical of these transactions as all project contracts and permits are held in this entity for purposes of development, financing and operations. The County Attorney has reviewed the name change request and stated that it is a common request with such projects.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to change the lease signatory from Encore Renewable Energy to ER Watauga Landfill Solar, LLC.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque stated that renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation were as follows: property and liability at a rate of $186,135, which is a $468 increase, and workers compensation at a rate of $237,278, which remained the same. Based on prior years’ claims experience staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000. Adequate funds are in the Manager’s recommended budget to cover the insurance premiums.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the renewals for property and liability insurance, in the amount of $186,135, and workers compensation in the amount of $237,278, from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. 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 16.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to cancel the July 2, 2019, regular Board meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. Board
Ms. Melissa Soto, Executive Director of W.A.M.Y. Community Action Inc., has recommended Mr. Tom Hughes, Social Services Director, be appointed to fill a vacant Watauga County Public Representative seat available on the W.A.M.Y. Board of Directors.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Tom Hughes as a public representative to the W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc., Board of Directors.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the 112th North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Annual Conference will be held August 22-24, 2019, in Guilford County.
Public Comment
Mr. George Bartholomew shared concerns regarding the Tourism Development Authority’s plans for improvements to Howard’s Knob Park.
Closed Session
At 9:27 A.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i), and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:50 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Action After Closed Session
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve an Offer to Purchase on property adjacent to the current Valle Crucis School, informally known as the Valle Landing property, in the amount of $375,000 with the funds to be allocated from the County’s fund balance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:53 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board