MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Wednesday, November 6, 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 8:32 A.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 October 15, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the October 15, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the October 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 November 6, 2019, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy requested to add consideration of adding representation from the Hospitality House to the Child Protective Services Committee. Chairman Welch suggested adding it to Boards and Commissions under Miscellaneous Administrative Matters.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the November 6, 2019, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Appalachian Regional Library Annual Report
Ms. Jane Blackburn, Appalachian Regional Library Director, presented the Annual Report. The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Update on the Opioid Epidemic and the Receipt of a US Department of Justice Grant for the AppHealth and Mediation and Restorative Justice Center
Ms. Jennifer Greene, AppHealthCare CEO, stated that a grant was received from the U.S. Department of Justice for comprehensive opioid abuse site-based program in the amount of $551,257. Ms. Greene shared that the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program (COAP) was developed as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) legislation and is administered through the US Department of Justice as part of a locally driven response to the Opioid Epidemic.
Dr. Marisa Cornell stated that the Watauga County LEAD Program is designed reduce criminal behavior, improve public safety, and save taxpayers costs associated with incarceration.
Ms. Mollie Mellishrencken shared data collected through the Recovery on the Inside Program. Standardized overdose screening is performed when offenders enter jail. Ms. Mellishrencken stated that, since August 2018, services have been offered to more than three hundred inmates, sixty high-risk inmates were provided case management services, and 23 individuals were secured placement in intensive treatment programs. Ms. Mellishrencken estimated that approximately $42,600 in savings would be recognized if just thirty days of incarceration were avoided over a one year period per the twenty-three individuals placed in intensive treatment. The report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Soil and Water Conservation District – Division of Water Resources Stream Restoration Grants
Mr. Denny Norris, Watauga Soil and Water Board member, introduced Mr. Graham Fox who is the County’s new Soil and Water Technician. Mr. Norris shared that the Soil and Water Conservation Board has entered into a partnership with Resource Institute, Blue Ridge Environmental Consulting, and Blue Ridge RC&D. Previously, these grants were run through a governmental entity (Watauga County) and the governmental entity would reimburse the above organizations. New legislation was recently passed still requiring a governmental entity sponsorship but now the organizations performing the services may request direct reimbursement.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the change in the grant reimbursement procedure for grants ran through Watauga County and the Soil and Water Conservation Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Blue Ridge Women In Agriculture Proposed Lease Amendments
Mr. David Walker, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), stated that the Food Hub has recently expanded their operations into the area formerly occupied by the County’s Maintenance Department. Mr. Walker requested that the current lease be modified to reflect the additional space the Board allotted to BRWIA for the Food Hub. County Manager Geouque stated that the additional area became available recently when the Board of Elections moved the equipment they had been storing in that area. Vice-Chairman Kennedy requested the lease include that BRWIA also sells product in the facility.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the amended lease with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture with the adjustment to include sales as part of the facility’s uses and contingent upon the County Attorney preparing the lease as proposed.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Amendments to the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Department Director, stated that a public hearing had been held to allow public comment on proposed amendments to the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance. Mr. Furman also stated that the Board had been provided the Planning Board’s support of the proposed amendments and the Valle Crucis Historic District Committee’s opposition to the proposed amendments.
Mr. Furman stated that the following options were available for consideration:
· Adopt the Statement of Consistency text amendment as presented
· Adopt the Statement of Consistency text amendment with modifications
· Deny the proposed amendments
· Take no action at this time
Chairman Welch tabled discussion until the next meeting on November 19, 2019.
Phone System Replacement Request
Mr. Drew Eggers, IT Director, presented a bid from AT&T in the amount of $43,178.54 for a new phone system for the Courthouse, Administration Building, Planning and Inspections, Veteran’s Service, Maintenance, Parks and Recreation, License Plate Agency, and the Cooperative Extension office. The current phone system is nine (9) years old and has reached its end of life service. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the expense.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to award the bid to AT&T in the amount of $43,178.54 for a new phone system for county facilities.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sanitation Matters
A. 2020 Community Pride Events
Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Service Director, requested authorization for weekly community pride events beginning January 1, 2020. Community pride events will be every Saturday versus the past schedule of twice a year. Watauga County residents will be able to continue to utilize their 2,000 pound residential tipping fee waiver on Saturdays during the community pride events. In the event residents are unable to dispose of their acceptable materials on the Saturdays the facility is open, they would be permitted to dispose of these materials Monday through Friday but a tipping fee would apply.
After discussion, Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the resolution and the postcard to be sent to residents notifying them of the increase in community pride opportunities.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Solid Waste Collection and Delivery Fee Schedule
Mr. Rex Buck stated that due to recent changes in the solid waste fee schedule, staff is requesting the Board formally adopt the new rates for solid waste collection and delivery services. Currently the County is providing services in the Boone service zone as a pilot program to determine cost and feasibility.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the fee service schedule as presented by Mr. Buck.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
104283-457003 |
Guy Ford Road Grant |
$75,000 |
|
|
103300-343319 |
Tourism Development Authority – Guy Ford Grant |
|
$75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized acceptance of a grant from the Watauga County District U Tourism Development Authority for Guy Ford Road river access. |
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|
|
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|
103300-332006 |
SHIIP Grant |
|
$4,722 |
|
105550-449901 |
SHIIP Grant Expenses |
$4,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) grant funds. No local match is required. |
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|
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|
103300-332004 |
Senior Center Grant |
|
$14,098 |
|
105550-449900 |
Senior Center Grant Expenses |
$14,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the Senior Center grant funds. County dollars required as match funds are present in the Project on Aging budget. |
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Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. FY 2019 Carry Forward Purchase Orders
Ms. Watson requested approval of the following Carry Forward Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2019:
|
Account |
Description |
Purpose |
Amount |
PO# |
|
104160-449900 |
Carry forward future renovations |
Jury renovations |
638.89 |
2019168 |
|
104199-469199 |
Body Storage |
3 person body storage |
41,486.64 |
2019167 |
|
104210-439500 |
Rec Trac |
Training for software for CRC |
15,190.00 |
2019148 |
|
104210-439501 |
Employee training |
cash management module |
1,400.00 |
2019139 |
|
104210-442201 |
Rec Trac |
Software for community recreation center |
17,260.00 |
2019148 |
|
104210-442201 |
IT - Exchange server license |
Exchange server license |
15,000.00 |
2019159 |
|
104210-444000 |
Rec Trac |
Maintenance for software for CRC |
3,366.00 |
2019148 |
|
104210-452000 |
Telephone system and cabling |
To upgrade telephone system |
25,000.00 |
2018171 |
|
104210-452000 |
3 Tablets for P&I |
Tablets for planning and inspections for on-site |
4,000.00 |
2018167 |
|
104210-452000 |
911 switches |
911 |
13,200.00 |
2018168 |
|
104210-452000 |
TV |
TV for commissioners conference room to replace projector |
3,500.00 |
2019152 |
|
104210-452000 |
IT - Switches core 10gb and replacements |
Switches core 10gb and replacements |
15,000.00 |
2019160 |
|
104210-452000 |
IT - large format printer |
Printer |
1,200.00 |
2019161 |
|
104261-435100 |
Courtroom #2 renovations |
Courtroom #2 renovations |
49,244.77 |
2018012 |
|
104261-435200 |
Courthouse phone system |
Update phone system |
40,000.00 |
2019162 |
|
104268-458000 |
Winkler's Creek bookcases and storage cabinet |
Bookcases and storage |
6,950.00 |
2018139 |
|
104272-458000 |
Western Watauga Community Center HVAC update |
Renovations for grant received |
11,007.00 |
2019157 |
|
104272-458000 |
Western Watauga Community Center remaining renovations |
Grant carry forward for renovations |
11,856.61 |
2019171 |
|
104284-435101 |
Old Cove Creek Gym floor |
Screen and coat floor |
1,125.00 |
2019164 |
|
104283-457001 |
Greenway Trail Park |
Carry forward NCDENR grant |
200,000.00 |
2019173 |
|
104283-457003 |
Loven Concrete Guy Ford Road |
Block for Guy Ford River Road access |
26,825.00 |
2019120 |
|
104283-457003 |
Guy Ford Carry Forward Grant |
Guy Ford |
7,821.10 |
2019170 |
|
104283-457006 |
Middlefork Greenway Sect 4 carry forward |
Middlefork Greenway Sect 4 |
49,414.89 |
2019172 |
|
104286-435101 |
AnneMarie field gravel |
AnneMarie field gravel |
5,345.02 |
2018171 |
|
104286-435101 |
Infield mix for Anne Marie Park |
Infield mix |
7,980.00 |
2019154 |
|
104289-458003 |
Timmons Group Design Services for Watauga County |
Engineering and design of the outdoor facilities at the new Community Recreation Center |
31,900.00 |
2019149 |
|
104310-421200 |
Vortex Bullet Proof Vests |
Vortex Bullet Proof Vests |
4,398.95 |
2019137 |
|
104310-449903 |
Swat Vests |
Swat Vests |
2,201.89 |
2019138 |
|
104920-463000 |
High Country Local |
Operating funds for co working space |
7,500.00 |
2019133 |
|
104920-463000 |
High Country Local |
FF&E Technology for co working space |
33,463.00 |
2019133 |
|
104960-429002 |
No Till Drill |
Carry forward per Grant |
3,829.76 |
2016238 |
|
104960-449902 |
Bill Edmisten Memorial donations |
Memorial donations |
481.61 |
2010369 |
|
105550-449901 |
POA carry forward funds |
Carry forward SHIIP grant funds |
1,780.90 |
2019165 |
|
105550-449902 |
POA carry forward funds |
Carry forward Exxon grant funds |
3,897.96 |
2019165 |
|
105911-470045 |
Carpet and Tile Watauga Schools |
Lottery funds carry forward |
30,000.00 |
2019174 |
|
106120-449900 |
Carry forward senior games |
Senior games |
5,134.66 |
2016237 |
|
145310-449902 |
Foster Care Discretionary Funds |
Carry forward foster care funds |
2,244.50 |
2019166 |
|
145310-449903 |
Adult Protective Services |
Carry forward adult protective service funds |
2,827.36 |
2019166 |
|
145310-449904 |
CPS Discretionary Funds |
Carry forward CPS funds |
1,881.23 |
2019166 |
|
145310-451000 |
Computer for new position DSS |
new computer |
955.01 |
2019163 |
|
145410-440006 |
Adoption Promotions Grant |
Carry forward adoption promotion funds |
20,654.46 |
2019166 |
|
667420-429000 |
8 dumpsters |
8 dumpsters |
10,656.00 |
2019125 |
|
667420-435101 |
Install pipe at Landfill pond |
Pipe landfill pond |
14,500.00 |
2018068 |
|
667420-469567 |
Mulch grinding |
Mulch grinding |
39,900.00 |
2019136 |
|
|
|
TOTAL: |
$ 792,018.21 |
|
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the carry forward purchase orders as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Inmate Catastrophic Insurance Contract
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented the proposed contract renewal with Insurance Management Consultants for catastrophic insurance for inmates. The insurance shields the County from large medical claims that occur while inmates are being housed in the Watauga County Jail. Ms. Watson stated that adequate funds were available to cover the contracted cost.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to renew the contract with Insurance Management Consultants, Inc. for catastrophic insurance coverage in the amount of $42,390 with a $10,000 deductible.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Agricultural Center Culvert Replacement Project Change Orders #’s 1, 2, & 3
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board awarded a contract to J.W. Hampton in the amount of $254,293.50 which was less than the project budget for the replacement of the culvert at the West Annex.
Due to time constraints, three change orders were required to be approved prior to the Board meeting. Change Order One included installation of two (2) water lines and one sewer line in the amount of $9,650.50. Change Order Two in the amount of $2,988.75 was to raise the parking level at the loading dock to assist the Food Hub deliveries. Change Order Three replaced the concrete ramp for $3,000. The total project cost is $269,932.75 including the $15,639.25 in change orders. The total project cost is below the budgeted amount of $300,000.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the following change orders for the Agricultural Center culvert replacement project: Change Order # 1 in the amount of $9,650.50; Change Order # 2 in the amount of $2,988.75; and Change Order #3 in the amount of $3,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Sheriff’s Office Assignment and Assumption Agreement
County Manager Geouque stated that the Sheriff’s Office had requested the reassignment of the Jail contract for medical services from JLW Enterprises, Inc. to Competent Correctional Care, Inc. Mr. Geouque stated that the County Attorney had reviewed the assignment agreement.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the assignment from JLW Enterprises, Inc. to Competent Correctional Care, Inc.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Forest Service Lease
County Manager Geouque stated that the Forest Service lease is set to expire November 30, 2019. The Forest Service is requesting another three (3) year term from December 1, 2019, to November 30, 2022. Property owned by the County may be leased or rented for such terms and upon such conditions as the Board may determine, for up to ten (10) years. Property may be rented or leased only pursuant to a resolution of the Board authorizing the execution of the lease or rental agreement adopted at a regular Board meeting upon 10 days' public notice. Notice shall be given by publication describing the property to be leased or rented, stating the annual rental or lease payments, and announcing the Board's intent to authorize the lease or rental at its next regular meeting. The County Manager presented a proposed resolution for advertisement should the Board wish to proceed with granting the lease.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the below for consideration:
Board of Adjustment
The terms of David Hill, current Chairman, and Chuck Phillips, current Vice-Chairman, are set to expire in November. Both are willing to continue to serve for an additional three (3) year term. Both are at-large appointees. The Board is in the process of scheduling a meeting for the first or second week in December. In the event appointments have not been made by that time, Mr. Hill and Mr. Phillips would continue to serve until re-appointed or replaced.
Volunteer applications have been received from Mr. Hill and Mr. Phillips as well as Mr. Lee Stroupe and Ms. Edith Tugman, who were also interested in serving.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to appoint Ms. Edith Tugman to a three year term on the Watauga County Board of Adjustment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to appoint Mr. Lee Stroupe to a three year term on the Watauga County Board of Adjustment.
VOTE: Aye-4(Welch, Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-1(Yates)
Watauga County Planning Board
The four (4) year At-large Planning Board term of Mr. Jamie Hodges will expire in December. Mr. Hodges does not wish to be reappointed. No applications have been received at this time.
Child Protective Services
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to add a representative from the Hospitality House to the Child Protective Services Board contingent upon the appointment meeting the Bylaws requirements.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will hold their Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Boone Mall on Monday, November 11, 2019. The Watauga Community Band will begin playing at 10:30 A.M. and the program will begin at 11:00 A.M. The Colors will be posted by the Watauga High School Marine Corps JROTC.
· The Annual Employee Christmas Lunch will be held at Dan’l Boone Inn on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The first lunch group will begin at 11:30 A.M. and the second lunch group will begin at 1:00 P.M.
Chairman Welch announced the following:
· The Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Board of Trustees will hold a Dedication of the Student Services Center at the Watauga Campus on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 4:00 P.M. A Reception and Business After Hours Event will immediately follow the ceremony.
Public Comment
The following spoke during public comment to share comments on the new Valle Crucis School: Bill Pressley, Allen Culley, J.D. Dooley, Larry Ingle, Henri Deschamps, and Lyle Schoenfeldt.
Closed Session
At 9:58 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), 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 Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 10:56 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Action After Closed Session
There was no action after closed session.
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:56 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board