MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: 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
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. and announced that Chairman Welch would not be in attendance due to a prior commitment.
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Commissioner Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the December 3, 2019, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the December 3, 2019, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the December 3, 2019, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4-(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Approval of Agenda
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the December 17, 2019, agenda.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the December 17, 2019, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
North Carolina Department of Justice Opioid Awareness Presentation
Ms. Holly Jones, North Carolina Department of Justice, presented a presentation on the opioid awareness campaign. Ms. Jones shared that overdose deaths have now eclipsed car accident deaths. Ms. Jones encouraged the strengthening of opioid prevention by reducing the over-prescribing of opioids while still working with those who truly need opioid medications to help with pain management. Ms. Jones shared the More Powerful North Carolina Campaign website (www.morepowerfulnc.org) and encouraged the Board to consider adopting a resolution similar to the one on the website. Information about the Western Regional Summit in May 2020 can also be found on the website.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy thanked Ms. Jones and shared the steps that Watauga County currently takes to help with prevention of opioid issues including offering ways for citizens to turn in unused medication throughout the year. The presentation was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Presentation of FY 2019 Audit
Mr. Travis Keever, who was the County’s Audit Manager with Gould Killiam CPA Group, P.A. presented the Fiscal Year 2019 County Audit. Mr. Keever stated that the County received a clean opinion with no findings in internal control review. There were two findings in compliance, both with Social Services in Medicaid and Foster Care; however, a corrective action plan has been established. Mr. Keever reviewed the County revenues and expenses and stated that the County’s Fund Balance is 40% of the budget. The County is only required to have 8% in the fund balance. Mr. Keever commended the County for setting aside funds for Other Post Employee Benefits (OPEB) and encouraged the County to be diligent with cybersecurity.
Below are highlights from the Audit as provided to the Board for review prior to the meeting:
- The total assets of the County exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $155,261,296.
- The County’s unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $20,786,602 at the end of the year, representing 40.1% of total General Fund expenditures. This is an increase of $649,173 in the unassigned fund balance from the previous year.
- The current year collection rate for property taxes was 99.01% which was an increase from last year’s 98.83%. The County is still well above the statewide average of 98.24% for entities of similar populations in fiscal year 2017-18.
- Outstanding debt principal increased by $14,607,639. Total outstanding debt principal at June 30, 2019 is $49,604,027. Watauga County’s legal debt limit is $688,841,459 so the County continues to be well below the state limits.
- S&P updated their review of the County’s financials and reaffirmed the County’s stable outlook and credit rating at AA.
County Manager Geouque stated that no action was required for the Audit; however, staff had requested the $400,000 of health insurance savings from fiscal year 2019 be assigned to future plans of becoming fully self-insured.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to assign the $400,000 of health insurance savings from Fiscal Year 2019 to be assigned to future plans of becoming self-insured.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Appalachian State Request to Build Structure on Leased Landfill Property
County Manager Geouque stated that in August, 2019, the Board approved a lease renewal with Appalachian State University for the greenhouse located at the Watauga County Landfill. The University is now requesting permission to create an outdoor classroom with the construction of a deck around the existing building. Per the lease, Board approval is required for the University to make alterations to the property.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to table consideration for the request to allow time for the County Attorney to verify that Appalachian State has proper insurance coverage for the students using the outdoor classroom.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Bid Award for Wireless Network System at the New Community Recreation Center
Mr. Drew Eggers, Information Technologies Director, requested to award the wireless network bid for the new Community Recreation Center. The County received three (3) bids with SpartanTec being the lowest responsive bidder in the amount of $44,492.29. Mr. Eggers stated that he has not worked with the company but does feel comfortable working with them.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to award the bid to SpartanTec in the amount $44,492.29 for the wireless network at the new Community Recreation Center.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of November 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 November 2019 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for November 2019 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Proposed Contract for Design Build Services for the Administration and Courthouse Roofs
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, stated that the Board approved to enter into a contract with Muter Construction Company for Design-Build services for the new roofs on the Administration and Courthouse facilities. The Design-Build method leaves the liability on one person and provides a better method for the County to potentially save funds. Mr. Marsh stated that this is the first time the County will use this method but feels that it is a better fit for the County than the formerly used Design-Bid-Build method. With the new method, the contractor hires the architect who prepares the working drawings, at a cost of eight percent (8%) of the budget and the County owns the drawings. In the event the project experienced problems, the County would own the drawings and could then use them to move forward with the project through a different route.
The County Attorney has reviewed the contract and forwarded changes to Muter for incorporation into the contract. Prior to the meeting, County Attorney Ham Wilson has verified that the changes requested have been made to the contract. Mr. Marsh presented the contract for design of the facilities in the amount of $72,051. Upon completion of the design; Muter Construction will be required to build the roof replacements within the budgeted amount of $907,737. If they are unable to bring the project within the budget the County will bid the project out with the plans created by Muter Construction. An amendment to the contract for the construction phase of the project will be forthcoming upon both parties agreeing to the preliminary design work and project budget.
After lengthy discussion including Commissioner Yates stating that he did not agree with the Design-Build process of sharing the budget upfront, Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the contract with Muter Construction Company in the amount of $72,051 for design services.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-1(Yates)
Absent-1(Welch)
Proposed Amendment to Audit Contract
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 Audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, PA. The amendment is due to Mr. Keever, Audit Manager, being out on paternity leave during the Audit process. The Local Government Commission (LGC) required there be a contract amendment if the Audit was not submitted to them by December 1. Ms. Watson stated that the Audit has since been submitted to the LGC; however, an official amendment to the contract was required.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the amendment to the Audit contract to officially extend the due date to January 15, 2020.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Cove Creek Preservation and Development (CCP&D) Request to Remove Trees at Old Cove Creek School
County Manager Geouque stated that the Cove Creek Preservation and Development (CCP&D) Association has requested permission from the Board to remove trees at the Old Cove Creek School. Per the lease with the County, approval from the Board of Commissioners is required before any trees over the diameter of 6 inches can be removed. CCP&D contacted Mr. Sean McKee, an arborist, who examined the trees and recommended they be removed. Vice-Chairman Kennedy requested the County replace the trees with hardwood trees big enough to provide shade.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to:
· give permission to Cove Creek Preservation and Development to hire Mr. Sean McKee to remove the trees as recommended;
· direct the County Manager to have Mr. McKee provide recommendations of adequate hardwood trees that are approximately fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) feet tall; and
· direct the County Manager to allocate funds to pay Mr. McKee to plant the new trees as a replacement of the trees being removed.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. Request to Surplus Turner Property House
County Manager Geouque stated that the County has advertised the sale of the Turner house and outbuilding located on County-owned property at 136 North Water Street, Boone, PIN #2900-79-8884-000 with bids being accepted until Tuesday, October 29, 2019. No bids were received for the house and outbuilding. Since that time, staff has obtained a demolition permit for the buildings from the Town of Boone. Demolition would occur after the Turner Law Office, who is currently leasing the property, vacates the premises in April. The building needs to be surplused for demolition or any future sale.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to surplus the buildings on the property located at 136 North Water Street, Boone, North Carolina.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
C. Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Purchase Request
County Manager Geouque stated that in August, 2019, the Board approved vehicle bids from Ross Automotive for five (5) new 2020 Dodge Durango AWD SUVs at a cost of $28,859 per unit; two (2) 2020 Dodge Chargers AWD sedans at a cost of $23,971 per unit; and one (1) 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD SUV at a cost of $26,392 per unit. The Sheriff’s Office recently received details that the two (2) 2020 Dodge Chargers AWD sedans were not available due to Ross Automotive’s failure to place the order and the vehicles no longer being available due to a shortage of Dodge sedan production components. Due to their error, Ross Automotive has agreed to reduce the price, by $542 each, for two (2) additional new 2020 Dodge Durango AWD SUVs in lieu of the sedans.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the purchase of two (2) new 2020 Dodge Durango AWD SUVs in the amount of $28,317 each in lieu of the sedans.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
D. Boards and Commissions
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
Mr. Adam Zebzda submitted a Volunteer Application requesting to serve on the JCPC. The JCPC recommends Mr. Zebzda be appointed to the Council. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Adam Zebzda to serve as a Commissioner appointee on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees has recommended Mr. Sam Adams, Mr. Jim Deal, and Mr. Kenneth Wilcox for reappointment as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022. These are first readings.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Sam Adams, Mr. Jim Deal, and Mr. Kenneth Wilcox as Watauga County representatives on the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees with each of their terms to end on December 31, 2022.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Recreation Commission
Hardin Park School Principal, Philip Norman, has recommended Ms. Brittany Bolick be reappointed as Hardin Park’s representative on the Recreation Commission. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Brittany Bolick to serve as the Hardin Park Elementary School representative on the Recreation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that the January 7, 2020, regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners has been cancelled. The next regular meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 5:30 P.M.
Amend the Agenda
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to amend the agenda and add a discussion with Mr. Eric Plaag.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Mr. Eric Plaag Discussion
Mr. Eric Plaag, who has served as an historical consultant for the Town of Boone, but stated that he was speaking for himself and not on behalf of any other organization, shared his concerns in regards to the County’s plans to demolish the Tuner House on County-owned property.
Commissioner Turnbow stated that the County purchased the property with the intent to use it as a parking lot which would require the removal of the house. Mr. Turnbow stated that the County has tried to sell the house and has even offered to pay to have the house moved (since the cost is comparable to having it demolished) to Town of Boone property, if the Town paid one dollar ($1) for the house.
Public Comment
There was no public comment as Mr. Plaag was added to the agenda.
Closed Session
At 7:17 P.M., Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:27 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board