MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, June 18, 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
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
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 June 4, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the June 4, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the June 4, 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 18, 2019, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add an appointment to the Caldwell Community College Board of Trustees.
Commissioner Turnbow requested to add Ms. Crystal Kelly to the agenda to give an update on the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI).
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the June 18, 2019, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc., Matters
A. Update Report
Ms. Melissa Soto, Director of W.A.M.Y Community Action, Inc., shared an update on recent activities of the organization. Ms. Soto shared that W.A.M.Y. is helping citizens with the following needs: childcare (availability and affordability), employment & education (higher paying positions), housing (affordable and standard), transportation (outside of city limits), and senior services (for those who don’t qualify for services). The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Letter of Support Request for A Housing Preservation Grant Application
Ms. Soto stated that W.A.M.Y Community Action, Inc. is applying for a Housing Preservation Grant to allow for repairs and rehabilitation on very low-income family homes. W.A.M.Y. has successfully utilized this grant for the last two years by working on thirteen homes. Ms. Soto stated that they would like to reapply for the grant and, if awarded, planned to provide this service to fifteen homes of low income citizens. Currently, they use the Housing Preservation grant to do repair work on homes, such as roofs, plumbing and electrical repairs, or mold removal. Once repairs are done W.A.M.Y. also follows up with weatherization of the homes.
As part of the grant application, W.A.M.Y must demonstrate the support of County officials for this type of work and show this is not a duplication of another program operated by the County. Ms. Soto presented a proposed letter of support requiring the Board of County Commissioners’ Chairman’s signature. The application is due July 8. Ms. Soto stated that there was no match required.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to support W.A.M.Y.’s grant application and approve the support letter for signature of the Chairman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Cooperative Extension Update
Mr. Richard Boylan, Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture, with Cooperative Extension, shared an update on the following Cooperative Extension activities: recent developments in local hemp production and regulations; recent educational outreach to farmers via the NCA&T AgriShop, the Big Dreams, Small Farms Workshop, and similar Extension classes; progress by Watauga growers on their AgOptions grant projects; and an Innovative IPM Grant proposal secured by Extension for growers in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties. The report was for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Rocky Knob Park’s Recreation Trails Program Grant Application Request
Mr. Kristian Jackson, Rocky Knob Trail Boss, requested permission to proceed with an application for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant. Mr. Jackson stated that the project scored highly during the pre-application process and has met the environmental review. The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) agreed to provide the twenty-five percent (25%) match of the requested $100,000, if funded. Mr. Jackson stated that a public hearing was not required since the request was presented at a public meeting.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to authorize the submission of the grant with the matching funds to be provided by the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
AppalCART Matters
A. Proposed Transportation Contracts
Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, presented the contracts for transportation services for the Project on Aging and Social Services Departments for FY 2020. The proposed rates for the Project on Aging, Department of Social Services, and other county functions are $2.28 per direct mile. The $1.45 rate had previously been the same for the last four (4) years. Mr. Hughes stated that, in 2018, AppalCART billed using service miles. In 2019, the County, the Human Service Agencies, and AppalCART agreed to change to direct miles and try the rate of $1.45 per direct mile. Medicaid will only reimburse for direct miles. As FY 2019 progressed, staff realized that AppalCART was not billing Medicaid for as many miles as previous years due to the change in mileage calculation causing the billing to be substantially below budgeted amounts and previous years' totals. Mr. Hughes explained that AppalCART was using a rate that covers the cost of providing the service and has calculated the $2.28 per direct mile rate to be comparable to the $1.45 per service mile rate from FY 2018. Mr. Hughes stated that as of April 15, 2019, AppalCART has driven an estimated 213,464 service miles and totaled 135,802 direct miles.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve contracts with AppalCART for the Department of Social Services, Watauga County, and the Project on Aging as presented by Mr. Craig Hughes.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Project on Aging Meal Delivery Contracts
Mr. Hughes presented a contract at the rate of $1.45 per direct mile for the delivery of meals for the Project on Aging. Mr. Hughes stated that this is one of the rare instances that direct miles and service miles are about the same. Thus, the rate of $1.45 per mile as opposed to the $2.28 rate proposed in the contracts just adopted.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the meal delivery contract for Project on Aging at a rate of $1.45 per mile.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Add A Storage Shed at the Main Library Facility
Ms. Monica Caruso, Head Librarian, requested approval to locate a storage shed adjacent to the back parking area at the current library facility. Since the County is the landowner, Board approval is required. Ms. Caruso stated that she had a site plan developed by Ioncon and has spoken to Appalachian State University where a class of students will build the shed during as a one week project. Confirmation was still needed as to if the Appalachian State University Physical Plant would deliver the shed or she would need the County Maintenance Department to do so. Ms. Caruso stated that she has been in communication with Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, in regards to the project. Commissioner Yates suggested making the shed 8 x 8 feet in place of 5 x 6 feet since the building materials come in 8 x 8 feet sheets. Ms. Caruso stated that most of the paperwork for Town of Boone permits has been filled out and the permit cost is expected to be $200. County Manager Geouque suggested Ms. Caruso ask the Town of Boone to waive the permit fee since they do not contribute to the Library’s budget. Ms. Caruso stated that funds are available in the Library budget to cover all costs.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the placement of a storage shed at the County owned Library site contingent upon Ms. Caruso working with Mr. Robert Marsh and County Manager Geouque to find a suitable site for the shed and contingent upon Ms. Caruso requesting the Town of Boone waive their permit fee for the shed.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Update on The Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI)
Ms. Crystal Kelly gave an update on the Pritzker Children’s Initiative. Leveraged funds will be used to assist community stakeholders in providing high quality childcare as well as develop a system wide approach starting at birth through Family Connects where a nurse is available to all families for the first three months of a child’s life which will provide a referral system and safety net for all children. Blue Cross and Blue Shield is providing $60,000 to train nurses in Watauga County through a partnership with Watauga Medical Center and App Health Care.
Ms. Kelly also shared information on the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers (NCIT) all-day peer learning exchange in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday, July 11, 2019. This is an in-person, collaborative learning opportunity for the eight-county cohort, including Watauga County, who are supporting projects through the NCIT to convene as they implement their local prenatal-to-three initiatives and impact the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Ms. Kelly requested a Commissioner or Commissioner-elect attend the meeting on behalf of Watauga County. The National Association of Counties (NACo) will cover the travel, lodging and meal expenses for one county official and the project’s primary point of contact. In order to maintain equity, counties may choose to invite an optional third community representative; however, NACo cannot cover the travel, accommodation or meal expenses for that optional participant.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that he would like to attend but would have to check his availability prior to committing. By request of the Commissioners, County Manager Geouque stated that he would consider attending if the Vice-Chairman wasn’t available.
Request for Extension of Mowing and Weekend Custodial Contracts
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented a proposed contract extension for two years with a three percent increase in costs for Estate Maintenance mowing and weekend janitorial services. The current rates are $80,850 for mowing and $27,455 for weekend janitorial services. The overall increase in total amounts will be reduced; however, due to the deletion of several properties being serviced. The new rates, with the increase included, is $80,708.74 for mowing and $28,278.65 for weekend janitorial services. Mr. Marsh stated that adequate funds are available in the Maintenance Department’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the two year contract extension with the three percent (3%) increase in costs for Estate Maintenance with the annual rates of $80,708.74 for mowing and $28,278.65 for weekend janitorial services.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Discussion of State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, stated that the 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) has been being formulated and was scheduled for adoption in August 2019. The 2022-2031 STIP is also currently being worked on. Mr. Furman presented a revision of a memo that was sent to the Board in March with updated information that will require action at the July 2019 Board meeting. Mr. Furman provided the information early so that the Board will have time to consider options. Watauga County has been asked to submit four (4) new road and/or public transportation projects, plus greenway projects if the Board is so inclined. Mr. Furman stated that AppalCART also had substantial capital needs. Mr. Furman stated that the Town of Boone was to choose one project and the County needed to choose four projects in addition to the Town’s choice. Mr. Furman stated that previous projects were carried over and not required to be resubmitted. The report was given for information only with action to be requested at the July meeting.
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of May 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 May 2019 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for May 2019 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
|
663740-350000 |
Solid Waste Tipping Fees |
|
$300,000 |
|
|
663991-399100 |
Fund Balance Appropriated |
|
$100,000 |
|
|
667420-469568 |
Contracted Services – Waste Hauling |
$380,000 |
|
|
|
667420-469569 |
NC Solid Waste Surcharge |
$20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized additional projected solid waste tipping fees and contracted services-waste hauling above original budget. |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
104283-457006 |
Middle Fork Greenway |
$50,000 |
|
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$50,000 |
|
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$50,000 |
|
|
|
213991-399101 |
Appropriated fund balance |
|
$50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds for the Middle Fork Greenway project from CIP set aside funds for projects as requested by the Economic Development Commission as approved at the June 4, 2019, Board meeting. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$100,000 |
|
|
104920-463000 |
General Appropriation |
$100,000 |
|
|
|
213991-399101 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
|
$100,000 |
|
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds to be utilized by the Appalachian Theatre for furniture, fixtures, and equipment from the CIP set aside funds for projects as requested by the Economic Development Commission as approved at the February 5, 2019, Board meeting. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
104199-499100 |
Administrative Contingency |
|
$137,000 |
|
|
104283-457001 |
Capital Outlay – Land Improvements |
$137,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment allocated funds to be used for the replacement of the turf at one soccer field at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex as approved at the May 7, 2019, Board meeting. |
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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
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Frontier Natural Gas Agreement
County Manager Geouque stated that at a previous Board meeting, staff discussed the option to run natural gas to the County’s detention center. The total cost to run the line is approximately $19,000 of which Frontier will provide a zero interest loan for thirty-six (36) months to cover the cost. Annual cost savings, once using natural gas, is anticipated to be $4,660.88. The County Manager stated that adequate funds were allocated in the FY 2019-2020 budget for the project.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to authorize the commercial agreement with Frontier Natural gas, the $19,000 zero interest loan and the process of running the new line to the detention center.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame & Museum (NCMHOF) Request
County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame & Museum (NCMHOF) is hosting the 11th Annual Red Carpet Induction Ceremony on October 17, 2019, from the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis, NC. The NCMHOF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that, each year in October, celebrates a brand new class of inductees. This year they are inducting Elizabeth Cotten, Merle Watson, Mitch Easter, Big Daddy Kane, and 9th Wonder into the NCMHOF.
Mr. Geouque stated that the NCMHOF are reaching out to each city, or in this case the County, that the inductees are from to request their participation and representation for this statewide honor. Induction into the State's Hall of Fame is a major milestone in the career of a music industry professional. Since Deep Gap is considered an unincorporated community they are requesting the County to participate with the NCMHOF and its inductee.
The County Manager stated that the NCMHOF is requesting the County participate in the following: provide a proclamation in honor of Mr. Watson's induction to be presented at the Induction Ceremony; become a sponsor of our Induction Ceremony event at the $1,000 or $5,000 level; help promote the Induction of Mr. Watson who is a native of Watauga County (via website/social media); and provide an official statement to be used in their promotions.
The NCMHOF has partnered with "Come Hear North Carolina" and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources this year due to Governor Roy Cooper's declaration of 2019 becoming the "Year of Music." The Ceremony will be filmed by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for livestream and promotions will coincide with the campaign Come Hear North Carolina.
County Manager Geouque stated that he had spoken with Mr. Wright Tilley, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), who stated that the TDA may be interested in funding the sponsorship fees. The County Manager will prepare a proclamation.
C. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Board of Trustees
Mr. Billy Ralph Winkler’s term on the CCC&TI Board of Trustees expires on June 30, 2019. Dr. Mark Poarch, President of CCC&TI, had stated, via email, that Mr. Winkler has been an extremely valuable member who currently serves as a member of the Board’s Building and Grounds Committee and Policy and Legislative Committee. Dr. Poarch had also stated that Mr. Winkler always demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the Board, the College, and students through his faithful attendance at Board meetings and College functions and is a true champion of education and works tirelessly to create opportunities that will improve the lives of Watauga County students. Dr. Poarch stated that Mr. Winkler was excited about the possibility of being reappointed to the CCC&TI Board of Trustees for an additional term.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Billy Ralph Winkler to the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Board of Trustees with his term to expire in 2023.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Social Services Board
Ms. Dawn Ward’s term on the Social Services Advisory Board is set to expire in August. Ms. Ward is willing to continue to serve an additional four-year term if so reappointed.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Dawn Ward to the Social Services Advisory Board with her term to expire in 2023.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Boone Area Sports Commission will be hosting a Professional USL 2 Soccer Match at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 5:30 pm.
· The 112th NCACC Annual Conference will be held August 22-24, 2019, in Guilford County. Visit http://www.ncacc.org/775/2019-Annual-Conference for full information.
· Dr. Michelle Osborne, NC Department of Insurance Chief Deputy, will hold a Town Hall Meeting as a part of the Department’s disaster response and recovery initiative on July 10, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. in the Watauga High School Auditorium.
The meeting will hold discussion on the following:
v What to do before, during and after a disaster so that residents’ properties are protected and/or covered in the event of storm damage.
v The importance of flood insurance so that residents can alleviate the suffering from extreme property loss due to flooding like that which was experienced last year. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. It is important that everyone carries adequate insurance in order to recover after a disaster, and it is important for citizens to know that they have options regarding coverage.
v The NCDOI’s vast functions and provide contact information in the event of any claim question.
v The Town Hall Meeting will also address concerns about denied health insurance claims and give information about the Department’s SHIIP program that assists people with Medicare questions.
· Chairman Welch announced that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Blue Star Mothers of the High Country NC10 will hold a Dedication Ceremony for the Sgt. Dillon C. Baldridge Bridge on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. at the new bridge located at Highways US-221 & US-421.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:40 P.M., Vice-Chairman Kennedy, 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 Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board