MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 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
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:31 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 December 17, 2020, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the December 17, 2020, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the December 17, 2020, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the January 21, 2020, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i) to the scheduled closed session.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the January 21, 2020, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request for Approval of Lottery Applications
Ms. Ly Marze, Director of Finance for Watauga County Schools, presented a request for the release of funds from the State Education Lottery Fund. A total amount of $300,000 is being requested to replace worn carpet ($30,000), replace cafeteria equipment ($55,000), resurface tennis courts ($60,000), replace phone and bell systems ($65,000), replace gym floor at Mabel and/or Blowing Rock School/s ($75,000), and replace doors ($15,000).
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the release of $300,000 in funds from the State Education Lottery Fund as requested by Ms. Marze.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Mr. Ron Henries, School Board Chairman, thanked the Board for supporting the schools and gave an update on the school year and commended Dr. Elliott and Ms. Marze for their work while waiting on the State to adopt a budget for the current fiscal year. Mr. Henries stated that enrollment was stable and growing. Mr. Henries also thanked Mr. Will Holt, Watauga County Emergency Management Services Director, for his help with repeater placement and for working toward an Emergency fuel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Mr. Henries stated that positive progress was being made with the proposed property for the new Valle Crucis School as a septic permit was underway and due diligence was expected to be completed by March 2020.
Proposed AppalCART Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant Application
Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, presented the proposed North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for fiscal year 2020. Watauga County was awarded $184,459 which is down slightly from last year’s funding. The grant does not require a County local match.
Mr. Hughes stated that the funds were proposed to be allocated as follows: $71,416 for Elderly and Disabled, $15,562 for Employment Transportation, and $97,481 for Rural General Populations.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) grant application for FY 2020 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Community Recreation Matters
A. Update and Change Order # 6
Mr. Chad Roberson, of Clark Nexsen, presented an update on the Community Recreation Center. The weather has impacted construction forty-one (41) days as of four hundred and sixty-nine (469) days into the project. Mr. Roberson stated that the current completion date is May 1, 2020. The key accomplishments thus far include exterior concrete work, interior painting at the gym and pool, drywall in the admin area and gym, installation of locker room tile, exterior stone work, the curtain wall, the selection of furniture and fixtures, and the signage is expected to be finalized at this meeting. Upcoming activities are as follows: pool deck concrete, radiant flooring, pool equipment installation, interior finishes, gym railings, gym flooring, pool finishes, ordering equipment and furniture. County Manager Geouque clarified that the facility would not be occupied on the date of completion as there would be employee training required prior to the facility being operational.
Mr. Roberson also presented Change Order #6 in the amount of $127,252.30. The Change Order reconciles modifications required due to additional work scope. To date the budget summary indicates no increase in the total project cost. The owner contingency balance is $297,165.51 and the contractor contingency is over $600,000 and allowances of $100,000. Mr. Roberson stated that the overall budget has not increased.
County Manager Geouque presented an additional work scope for testing and inspections with Wood Environmental & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $33,000. The original contract was for $199,700 for testing and inspections. The additional $33,000 is due to the extra testing and inspections required because of unsuitable soils and to allow the project to continue through the winter months.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve Change Order #6 in the amount of $127,252.30 and to approve the additional work scope testing and inspections with Wood Environmental & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $33,000 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Geouque also informed the Board that funds had been reallocated from the Equipment line to the Information Technologies line as the IT equipment came in at a higher cost than expected for Wi-Fi and security.
B. Proposed Membership and Fee Schedule
Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a proposed membership and rental fee schedule for the new Community Recreation Center. Mr. Poulos thanked his staff for their work in preparing the schedules.
After discussion, the Board agreed, by consensus, to table consideration to allow for further discussion at the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat.
C. Approval of Fitness Equipment Purchase
Mr. Poulos presented two bids for award of fitness equipment for the new Community Recreation Center. The first bid is to Gym Source in the amount of $101,144.56 for treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines. The second bid is to Wellness Solutions in the amount of $192,306.41 for the remaining fitness equipment. Mr. Poulos stated that adequate funds were available in the Community Recreation Center project budget to cover this expense.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid to Gym Source, in the amount of $101,144.56, for treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines, and to award the bid to Wellness Solutions, in the amount of $192,306.41, for the remaining fitness equipment; for a total bid award in the amount of $293,450.97.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Approval of Signage
County Manager Geouque presented a bid for the contract of interior signs for the Community Recreation Center to APCO Carolinas in the amount of $24,618.06. The County Manager stated that adequate funds are available in the Community Recreation Center project budget to cover this expense.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to award the bid for the contract of interior signs for the Community Recreation Center to APCO Carolinas in the amount of $24,618.06 as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of December 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 December 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 December 2019 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
104199-470000 |
Payment to Refunded Escrow Agent |
$19,055,720 |
|
|
104199-469199 |
Bond Issuance Costs |
$184,280 |
|
|
103910-331000 |
Refunding Bonds Issued |
|
$19,240,000 |
|
309100-471002 |
Interest – High School |
|
$515,405 |
|
309100-472002 |
Principal – High School |
$465,000 |
|
|
303980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
$50,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the refunding of the 2012 high school debt and the updated interest expense payments. |
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103300-345000 |
ROAP Grant |
|
$184,459 |
|
104500-469845 |
Elderly and Disabled |
$71,416 |
|
|
104500-469844 |
Employment Transportation |
$15,562 |
|
|
104500-469843 |
Rural General Populations |
$97,481 |
|
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|
|
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The amendment recognized the acceptance of the acceptance of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) funds. No County dollars were required as match. |
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103300-333000 |
JCPC Grant |
|
$17,500 |
|
105890-463151 |
Mountain Alliance – JCPC |
$3,500 |
|
|
105890-463146 |
Blue Ridge Mediation – JCPC |
$12,000 |
|
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105890-463142 |
Project Challenge – JCPC |
$2,000 |
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The amendment recognized the acceptance of additional funds for the Juvenile Crime Prevention grant. No County dollars were required as a match. |
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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 Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Lot 2, Phase 1, Twin Rivers Development
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, requested the Board surplus a 1.60 acre lot located in the Twin Rivers Development in Foscoe (Parcel ID 1889-70-2213-000 in the Watauga County tax maps) and adopt a proposed resolution authorizing the sale of the property to start the sale process through GovDeals. The minimum bid will be set at $5,000 to cover taxes, attorney fees, and administrative fees.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to declare the 1.60 acre lot located in the Twin Rivers Development as surplus and adopt the resolution authorizing the sale of the property and to authorize staff to list the property for sale with GovDeals at a minimum bid of $5,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Reallocation of Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Funds
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, stated that $2,500 has been reallocated as recommended by the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Committee. Funds were shifted from the Watauga County DSS Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program to AppalCART to cover the cost of in-town complimentary paratransit services.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the reallocation of Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) funds as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Resolution Supporting the More Powerful NC Campaign
County Manager Geouque presented, per commissioner direction and as recommended by Ms. Holly Jones with the NC Department of Justice who presented the Opioid presentation at the December 17 meeting, a proposed resolution supporting the More Powerful NC Campaign to combat the opioid epidemic.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the resolution supporting the More Powerful NC Campaign as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request for Additional School Resource Officer
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga County School system received an additional School Resource Officer (SRO) grant in the amount of $33,000. The grant requires for each $2 provided the County match with $1. Five months of the SRO salary is $24,711 with the State paying $16,474 and the County $8,237. The County would need to fund an additional $44,434 in initial start-up costs for a vehicle and equipment. The subsequent budget year the SRO’s salary would be $59,308, which includes benefits, with the state paying $33,000 and the County paying $26,308. If the Board approved this request action would be required to accept the SRO grant through the school system in the amount of $33,000 and direct staff to requisition $52,671 to cover the five months of salary at $8,237 and $44,434 for a vehicle and equipment.
By consensus, the Board tabled this matter to allow for further discussion.
C. Proposed Dates for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque announced that the proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat were Thursday, February 13, from 12 noon until approximately 7:00 P.M., and Friday, February 14, from 9:00 A.M. until approximately 1:00 P.M. The County Manager announced that two days were required for the Retreat and asked for direction in regards to the dates proposed.
By consensus, the Board agreed to hold the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat on Thursday, February 13, from 12 noon until approximately 7:00 P.M., and Friday, February 14, from 9:00 A.M. until approximately 1:00 P.M.
D. Upcoming Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque presented the below chart showing the dates of Board of Commissioners meetings and highlighting the meeting dates of which the Board of Elections requires the use of the Commissioners Board room:
|
January |
7 |
Cancel Due to Holiday Schedules |
July |
7 |
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21 |
|
21 |
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February |
4 |
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August |
4 |
|
|
18 |
One-Stop Voting: Feb. 12-29 |
18 |
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March |
3 |
Primary Election Day |
September |
1 |
|
|
17 |
|
15 |
|
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April |
7 |
Possible Primary Runoff One-Stop (April 2-18) |
October |
6 |
|
|
21 |
Possible Primary Runoff Election Day |
20 |
One-Stop Voting: October 14-31 |
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May |
5 |
Possible Primary Runoff One-Stop (April 23 – May 9) (Election - May 12) |
November |
3 |
Election Day |
|
19 |
|
17 |
|
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June |
2 |
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December |
1 |
|
|
16 |
|
15 |
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Staff recommends either canceling or moving the location of the February 18 meeting to Courtroom # 1 and either canceling or rescheduling the March 3 meeting to Wednesday, March 4.
By consensus, the Board agreed to hold the February 18, 2020, Board of Commissioners meeting at 5:30 P.M. and to change the location of the meeting to Courtroom # 1 in the Watauga County Courthouse.
The Board also agreed, by consensus, to table consideration of canceling the March 3 meeting until closer to that date to see if the meeting will be needed.
E. Boards and Commissions
Economic Development Commission (EDC)
EDC member Ms. Savannah Garland has had to resign due to accepting a new job in Kingsport, Tennessee. Her three year term expires in June, 2022. The Commissioners could replace her now or wait until June, 2020, when four other terms expire. One of those members will not be eligible for reappointment per the EDC rules; the other three will be eligible for reappointment, provided they are interested in continuing to serve.
By consensus, the Board requested the County advertise for volunteers.
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Annual Pre-Budget Retreat will be held on Thursday, February 13, from 12 noon until approximately 7:00 P.M., and Friday, February 14, from 9:00 A.M. until approximately 1:00 P.M.
· The Boone Town Council has expressed interest in a joint open public meeting to discuss the future of the County-owned Turner House and parking issues.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:53 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) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board