MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building in 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.
Chairman Welch congratulated Ms. Kayla Lasure upon recently winning awards for her work as a reporter with the Watauga Democrat.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the following minutes:
· February 13 & 14, 2020, Special Meeting (Annual Pre-Budget Retreat)
· February 18, 2020, Regular Meeting
· February 18, 2020, Closed Session
· February 24, 2020, Special Meeting (Joint Meeting with Town of Boone)
· February 24, 2020, Special Meeting Closed Session (End of Joint Meeting with Town of Boone)
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 13 & 14, 2020, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 18, 2020, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 18, 2020, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 24, 2020, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the February 24, 2020, special meeting closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the March 17, 2020, agenda.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the March 17, 2020, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Update
Ms. Jennifer Greene, AppHealthCare Director, provided an update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The report was for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
High Country Restoration Coalition Requests
Ms. Debbie Shetterly, High Country Restoration Coalition, was not able to attend the meeting. On her behalf, County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution committing the County to using and promoting native plants on County-owned property.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the resolution in support of the use of native plants as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Purchase
County Manager Geouque presented a bid for a 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup from Modern Toyota, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association vendor. The cost for the vehicle, including tax and tag, was $26,933.29. County Manager Geouque stated that the current cost exceeds the budgeted amount and therefore a budget amendment would be forthcoming recognizing additional narcotics funds.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid for a 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup in the amount of $26,933.29 to Modern Toyota, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association vendor.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sanitation Matters
A. Engineering and Design Services for Landfill Improvements
Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Service Director, presented a proposal by McGill Associates for services pertaining to trailer storage area improvements, Innovation Drive improvements, and sediment basin improvements. These improvements were identified for commencement during the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat.
Mr. Buck recommended the acceptance of McGill Associates’ proposal in the amounts listed for the following services:
1. Trailer Storage Area Improvement - $25,800
2. Innovation Drive Improvements - $74,700
3. Sediment Basin Improvements - $61,160
Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the services for these improvements with future requests for construction approval to be forthcoming.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve McGill Associates’ proposal for trailer storage area improvements, in the amount of $25,800; Innovation Drive improvements, in the amount of $74,700; and Sediment Basin improvements, in the amount of $61,160.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Feasibility Study Regarding Organic Materials Management
Mr. Buck presented a proposal from Baker Advisors to conduct a feasibility study to determine the best management policy regarding organic materials. This issue was discussed at the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat and Board direction was for staff to engage Baker Advisors to conduct the study.
Baker Advisors proposal, in the amount of $17,300, would examine the following options: 1) County Operated Local Retail Market; 2) County Operated Wholesale Market; and 3) Third-party Operation. Mr. Buck stated that adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the expense.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to direct staff to engage Baker Advisors, in the amount of $17,300, to conduct the study as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Sanitation Capital Expenditure Requests
Mr. Buck requested to purchase up to $45,433 in solid waste containers from Baker Waste Equipment, Inc. on an as needed basis. The containers were needed to allow for the County to provide additional commercial solid waste services. Currently, the program is being tested in the 28607 zip code area with the desire to expand Countywide. The need for additional containers is due to the success thus far of the service. The lowest price for the containers has been received from Baker Waste Equipment.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to authorize the expenditure of funds for solid waste containers, not to exceed $45,433, to ensure continued expansion of services.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Project on Aging Home Care Policy Revisions
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, presented proposed amendments to the agency’s operations and policies including requirements of the NC Division of Health Service Regulation.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the amendments to the Project on Aging Home Care Policy as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
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 February 2020. 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 February 2020 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for February 2020 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Board of Equalization and Review Schedule
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, discussed the scheduling of the FY 2020 Board of Equalization and Review (E&R). Mr. Warren stated that the Board may create a special Board of Equalization and Review or, as in previous years, the Board of Commissioners may serve as the Board of Equalization and Review and include the County Manager to serve as an alternate member. The County Manager would only serve if a quorum could not be met otherwise.
Mr. Warren stated that there had only been fifteen appeals received as of this date with only five wanting to appear before the Board of E&R.
County Manager Geouque stated that the County would look for State Guidance if the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic interrupted the schedule.
County Attorney Capua stated that the County Attorneys needed to work on a policy for questions about meetings during the pandemic as it would be helpful to have everything coordinated Countywide rather than department by department.
County Manager Geouque stated that the County would air on the side of safety but would work with the County Attorney to continue to conduct meetings electronically; possibly including the Board of E&R meetings.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, resolved to establish the Board of Equalization and Review as follows:
MEMBERSHIP:
· Shall consist of the 5 member County Commissioners, each having one vote.
· Three members shall constitute a quorum.
· One alternate shall be appointed consisting of the County Manager.
· The alternate shall only serve to meet a quorum of the Board for a scheduled Board of Equalization and Review meeting.
POWERS AND DUTIES:
The powers and duties of this Board shall be as specified in NCGS 105-328 and Article 21 of the Machinery Act.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Mr. Warren recommended the convening date for the Board of Equalization and Review be scheduled for Thursday April 16, 2020, at 4:00 P.M. and the adjournment be scheduled for Thursday April 23, 2020, at 5:00 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to set the following dates for the Board of Equalization and Review:
- Convene on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 4:00 P.M.
- Adjourn on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 5:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The Board of Equalization and Review has been compensated $75 per meeting in the past.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to establish the compensation rate for the Board of Equalization and Review at $75.00 per meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Tax Lien Report
Mr. Warren presented the Tax Lien Report which lists delinquent tax bills that were liens on real property and requested authorization to advertise such liens between March 1 and June 30, 2020.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to order the Tax Administrator to advertise the liens as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request to Surplus Property – 2011 Autocar Front Loader Trash Truck
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, stated that the County Manager had previously been granted authority by the Board to sell surplus property under the $30,000 threshold. Ms. Watson requested to surplus a 2011 Autocar Front Loader Trash Truck which could exceed the $30,000 threshold.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to surplus the 2011 Autocar Front Loader Trash Truck and approve disposal via electronic sale on GovDeals.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Audio and Video System for Community Recreation Center Multipurpose Room
Mr. Drew Eggers, IT Director, presented a proposal from Freedom ElecTech, in the amount of $21,500, for an audio/video system in the multipurpose room at the new Community Recreation Center (CRC). Freedom ElecTech were to also install the access control and security camera systems at the CRC; therefore, in an effort to provide continuity, staff recommended Freedom ElecTech to provide the audio and video system in the multipurpose room. Funds have been allocated in the current CRC budget to cover the expense.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept Freedom ElecTech’s proposal in the amount of $21,500 for the audio and video system in the multipurpose room in the new Community Recreation Center.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Courtroom # 2 Renovations
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented a bid for millwork for Courtroom #2 renovations. Multiple contractors were solicited but only the following two bids were received:
|
Bidder |
Millwork Cost |
Furniture Refinishing |
Replace Juror’s Chairs |
|
Goodman Millwork, Inc. |
$124,817.79 |
Not Included |
Not Included |
|
NC Correction Enterprise |
$39,160.00 |
Included |
Included |
The lack of contractors has delayed the project for several months. Based on the bids submitted and previous experience with North Carolina Correction Enterprise, staff recommended accepting the bid in the amount of $39,160.
County Attorney Capua expressed concern, on behalf of the Bar Association, with the design and visibility of the witness as the attorneys will need eye contact with the witness. County Manager Geouque stated that the witness box was not elevated due to ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) requirements. Mr. Geouque also stated that the design had been in review for three years to date and was limited due to the size and shape of the space available.
After discussion, Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to award the bid to North Carolina Correction Enterprise, in the amount of $39,160, for millwork in the renovation of Courtroom # 2.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Fee Schedule for Community Recreation Center
Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the proposed Membership and Fee Schedule for the new Community Recreation Center for formal approval. Draft proposals were reviewed by the Board at the January 21, 2020, Board meeting and again at the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat. Mr. Poulos stated that a daily Dry Ticket Fee, in the amount of $4, was added for those wishing to watch their children but not participate themselves.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to formally adopt the Community Recreation Center Membership and Fee Schedule as presented with the addition of the Dry Ticket Fee.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Renewal of Red Cross Lease
County Manager Geouque stated that the American Red Cross had requested renewal of their lease for office space which was set to expire March 31, 2020. The renewal was for an eight (8) year term with one dollar ($1) rent per year. The required ten day notice was given and the lease was ready for approval, if so desired.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the lease with the American Red Cross as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Watauga Arts Council Update and Request for Lease Renewal
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga County Arts Council had requested renewal of their lease of County-owned property which was set to expire March 31, 2020. The new request was for a four (4) year term with automatic ninety (90) day renewals and rent in the amount of one dollar ($1) per year. The required ten day notice was given and the lease was ready for approval, if so desired.
County Attorney Capua stated that she would prepare the renewal document with the term for four years and remove the clause for the music and craft school as that no longer exists.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the lease with Watauga County Arts Council and directed the County Attorney to prepare the appropriate documents.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Lease with NC Forest Service for Office Space at the Cooperative Extension Building
County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Forest Service had requested to lease one of the vacant offices in the Cooperative Extension building. Mr. Jim Hamilton, Director of Cooperative Extensions, had volunteered the space. The office space was needed due to the poor conditions of the Forest Service’s modular unit located on the leased space at the County’s old landfill. The office space lease would be temporary until the Forest Service could find a new location. The County Manager has offered their current site allowing them to remove and replace the modular unit which would be the most cost effective option. However, the State had given the Forest Service direction to pursue the acquisition of land and the construction of a new facility. This option will not likely happen due to local land prices and the limited budget set forth for the project.
By consensus, the Board gave direction for the County Manager to propose a one-year lease to the NC Forest Service for office space in the Cooperative Extension building.
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
Economic Development Commission (EDC)
EDC member Ms. Savannah Garland had to resign due to accepting an out-of-town. A Volunteer Application was received from Mr. Kelly Coffey for consideration to fill her unexpired term. This is a first reading.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Mr. Kelly Coffey to the Economic Development Commission to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Savannah Garland.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The following Watauga County TDA Board member’s terms expired at the end of February:
· Tina Houston of Reid’s Café & Catering and The Beacon Event facility
· Matt Vincent of VPC Builders (Current TDA Board Chair)
· Lisa Cooper of Mast General Store.
All three are willing and eligible to be re-appointed to 3-year terms and the TDA Board supports the re-nomination of each of them.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Tina Houston, Mr. Matt Vincent, and Ms. Lisa Cooper to the Tourism Development Authority for three-year terms.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Appointment of TDA Chair
The TDA Board Chair is appointed by the Board of Commissioner. Mr. Matt Vincent is eligible to continue in that role or you may appoint a new chair. A list of all TDA Board Members was provided for consideration.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to appoint Mr. Matt Vincent as the Chair for the Tourism Development Authority.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute invites you to attend the Building Dedication and Open House on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 5:30 P.M.
· The CCC&TI Board also invites you to join them for a combined Board meeting with the Board of Education at 4:00 P.M. prior to the building dedication/open house. This meeting is typically in May; however, it is being combined with the open house this year.
· The Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative 2020 Conference will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 8:00 A.M. to 3:15 P.M. at Watauga High School. The Opening Keynote Speaker will be Brandon Wrencher and the Keynote Speaker will be Allison Sampson-Jackson. Please let Anita know if you wish to attend and she will be glad to RSVP on your behalf.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:56 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board