MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 8:30 A.M. remotely with the meeting originating in the Manager's Conference Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Welch called the remote electronic meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. by calling roll with each Commissioner answering as present. The following were present:
PRESENT VIA ELECTRONIC MEANS:
John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
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 April 21, 2020, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the April 21, 2020, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the April 21, 2020, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the May 5, 2020, agenda.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the May 5, 2020, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on A Proposed Appropriation for Economic Development Purposes Pursuant to NC G. S. 158-7.1
Chairman Welch stated that a public hearing was scheduled to seek public comment regarding a proposed Economic Development appropriation of $100,000 to provide partial funding for an emergency small business loan program.
At the last meeting, Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections/Economic Development Director, requested the Board authorize the local emergency loan program for small businesses as recently approved by the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The EDC proposed to designate $100,000 from the Economic Development Reserve Account ($221,505) for the program.
The goal was to raise $400,000 by acquiring additional funds from Blue Ridge Energy, Skyline/Skybest and others. Because public funds are involved, the program cannot include grants or low interest loans. The benefit to the borrower would be that the transactions could be made quickly. All funds would funnel through Mountain Biz Works, who would make the loans and administer the repayments. The hope was for all of the money to be returned to the County.
The proposal was to name the program Reenergize Watauga Fund and to promote it as a recovery loan to help small businesses reopen when the time comes. It could also be used by some to fill the void until federal funding comes through. It would have to be first come-first served. The loans would range from $2,500 to $10,000.
Mr. Furman presented a proposed agreement with Mountain Biz Works for the program. County Attorney Capua stated that she had reviewed and approved the agreement.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to call the public hearing to order at 8:41 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
As there was no one signed up to speak, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 8:41 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to establish the Reenergize Watauga Fund and authorize to allocate $100,000 from the Economic Development Capital Reserve Fund to the Reenergize Watauga Fund.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Update
Ms. Jennifer Greene, AppHealthCare Director, provided an update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The report was for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Staying Ahead of the Curve in Watauga County - A Phased-In Plan for Relaxing Restrictions and Protecting Public Health
County Manager Geouque stated that staff had prepared a plan to allow for the lifting of County restrictions consistent with the Governor’s 3 Phase Plan. The Board had three (3) options for consideration.
Option 1 would not lift any County restrictions until Phase II of the Governor’s Plan. Two (2) weeks after the implementation of the Governor’s Phase II, and key metrics continuing to be met, the County would: 1) partially lift the local restriction on short-term rentals to the following: a reduction in occupancy for lodging facilities having more than a six (6) person occupancy shall be limited to fifty percent (50%) of occupancy capacity or fifty percent (50%) of available rental units whichever was less; and 2) lift the County’s 14 day self-quarantine. Upon implementation of the Governor’s Phase III, and key metrics continuing to be met, the County would lift the remaining County short term-rental restriction for lodging facilities having more than a six (6) person occupancy capacity from fifty percent (50%) to 100% occupancy.
Option 2 was to lift all County restrictions with the implementation of the Governor’s Phase I.
Option 3 was to lift all County restrictions with the implementation of the Governor’s Phase II.
If chosen, the implementation of Option 2 or 3 would coincide with any delay in Phase I of the Governor’s plan should that be necessary.
County Manager Geouque stated that since the options were developed, additional recommendations to consider for Option 1 were as follows: 1) when short-term rental restrictions were partially lifted to 50% occupancy there would be an exception for immediate family members who live in the same household and 2) campgrounds would be aligned with local campgrounds under Park Service guidance.
After lengthy discussion, Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt Option 1 as the Staying Ahead of the Curve Plan in Watauga County with the two amendments as described by County Manager Geouque: 1) when short-term rental restrictions were partially lifted to 50% occupancy there would be an exception for immediate family members who live in the same household and 2) the opening of campgrounds would be aligned with local campgrounds under Park Service guidance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
FY 2021 AppalCART Contracts
Mr. Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, presented proposed contracts for transportation services for the Project on Aging and Social Services Departments for FY 2021. There were four contracts. The proposed rate for the Project on Aging, Department of Social Services, and other County functions was $2.28 per direct mile. The contract for Project on Aging (POA) Meal delivery was at the proposed rate of $1.45 per direct mile.
County Attorney Capua advised to remove the following wording: “In the event of noncompliance with any provision of the Agreement” from under the last Section (entitled “Termination of Agreement”) of each of the four contracts.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the four AppalCART contracts including County Attorney Capua’s suggested amendment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request for Acceptance of the FY 2020 SHIIP/MIPPA Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, presented the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant from the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for the current Fiscal Year. The grant was in the amount of $1,849 with no local match required.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the MIPPA grant in the amount of $1,849 to expand low income subsidy outreach and to upgrade technology used for SHIIP counseling and activities.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Contract for Consultant/Commercial Appraisal Services for the 2022 Revaluation Project
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented a proposed contract for consultant/commercial appraisal services for the upcoming 2022 Revaluation Project. Mr. Warren contacted four firms with two (2) firms responding and interviewed both. Mr. Warren recommended Vincent Valuations in the amount of $178,000 for commercial properties and $900.00 per day for the defense of values at the Board of Equalization and Review, and the North Carolina Property Tax. Mr. Warren stated that he received a quote for $162,080 for appraising exempt properties as well.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept Vincent Valuations proposal in the amount of $178,000 for commercial properties; $900 per day for the defense of values at the Board of Equalization and Review and the North Carolina Property Tax; and approve staff to handle the evaluation of non-exempt properties.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Funds |
|
$60,000 |
|
104261-458000 |
Capital Outlay – Building |
$60,000 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$60,000 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$60,000 |
|
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The amendment allocated funds from CIP set aside funds for the completion of the Courtroom #2 renovations including the millwork approved per Board action on March 17, 2020. |
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105911-471000 |
NC Lottery Funds |
|
$297,900 |
|
105911-470051 |
Watauga High School – Resurface Tennis Courts |
$60,000 |
|
|
105911-470052 |
Green Valley School – VOIP System Upgrade |
$65,000 |
|
|
105911-470053 |
K-8 Schools – Replace Doors |
$12,900 |
|
|
105911-470005 |
K-8 Schools – Replace Kitchen Coolers and Equip. |
$55,000 |
|
|
105911-470001 |
K-8 Schools – Replace Carpet and Tile Flooring |
$30,000 |
|
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105911-470056 |
Blowing Rock & Mabel – Replace Gym Floor |
$75,000 |
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The amendment allocated funds for NC Lottery projects as requested by the Watauga County Schools and approved by NC DPI per Board action on January 21, 2020. |
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|
105911-470041 |
Pavement Repairs |
$202,222 |
|
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105911-470058 |
Roof Maintenance |
$45,000 |
|
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105911-470059 |
Security Cameras |
$100,000 |
|
|
105911-470060 |
HVAC and Sewer Pump Replacements |
$10,000 |
|
|
105911-470061 |
Repeater System |
$19,000 |
|
|
105911-470062 |
Fuel Island |
$30,000 |
|
|
105911-470063 |
Classroom Presentation Technology |
$80,000 |
|
|
105911-470064 |
Facilities – Furniture and Equipment |
$55,290 |
|
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105911-470065 |
Facilities – Central Office Renovation |
$30,000 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$571,512 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$571,512 |
|
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$571,512 |
|
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The amendment allocated funds from CIP set aside funds for project as requested by the Watauga County School System per Board action on April 7, 2020. |
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|
104920-463000 |
Annual Appropriation |
|
$33,463 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$33,463 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$33,463 |
|
213991-399101 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
$33,463 |
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The amendment returned unused CIP funds from High Country Local First for projects that are no longer viable. |
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|
224310-454000 |
Capital Outlay – Vehicles |
$26,934 |
|
|
223991-399101 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
|
$26,934 |
|
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The amendment recognized the purchase of a narcotics vehicle per Board action on March 17, 2020. |
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|
104274-435101 |
Maintenance and Repairs – Grounds |
|
$123,817 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$123,817 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$123,817 |
|
213991-399101 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
$123,817 |
|
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The amendment returned unused CIP funds from the West Annex Culvert project to CIP. |
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|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$9,842 |
|
104920-463000 |
General Appropriation |
$9,842 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$9,842 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$9,842 |
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The amendment allocated funds from CIP set aside funds for projects as requested by the Economic Development Commission to be utilized by the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture for a walk-in refrigerator per Board action on April 7, 2020. |
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103839-343100 |
Donations |
|
$23,500 |
|
104310-451000 |
Capital Outlay – Equipment |
$23,500 |
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The amendment recognized the purchase of law enforcement equipment which was funded through a private donation. |
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104262-435100 |
Maintenance and Repairs – Grounds |
|
$200,000 |
|
109800-498021 |
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund |
$200,000 |
|
|
213980-398100 |
Transfer from General Fund |
|
$200,000 |
|
213991-399101 |
Appropriated Fund Balance |
$200,000 |
|
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The amendment returns unused CIP funds from the East Annex Juvenile Court renovations to CIP. |
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103839-384000 |
Donations |
|
$154,752 |
|
104288-457001 |
Capital Outlay – Land Improvements |
$154,752 |
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The amendment recognized the Rocky Knob 2020 Trails Renovation Project between North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and Boone Area Cyclists. |
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103300-349615 |
Soil and Water – NC Division of Water Resources – Ward’s Mill Dam |
|
$200,000 |
|
104960-449917 |
DWR Grant |
$200,000 |
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The amendment recognized the agreement between Blue Ridge RC&D and Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District for the removal of Ward’s Mill Dam. |
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Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Presentation of the FY 2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
County Manager Geouque presented the FY 2020-2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for review prior to discussion during the upcoming budget work sessions.
B. Presentation of the Manager’s FY 2021 Recommended Budget
County Manager Geouque presented his Recommended FY 2021 Budget and reviewed highlights. Mr. Geouque announced upcoming budget work sessions on Thursday, May 14, 2020, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and Friday, May 15, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. A public hearing will be held on May 19, 2020, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed budget.
Several Commissioners shared concerns over trying to conduct the Budget Work Sessions through remote meetings. Discussion was held in regards to the best way to conduct the Budget Work Sessions. Chairman Welch stated that he would brainstorm with the County Manager and County Attorney to determine the best way to accommodate those who wished to be present and through electronic means.
C. Proposed Property & Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Renewals Request
County Manager Geouque presented proposed renewal rates for property and liability insurance and workers compensation. The rate for property and liability was $195,521 which was a $9,386 increase and the rate for workers compensation remains the same at $237,279. Based on prior years’ claims experience staff recommended continuing the property deductible at $5,000. The Manager’s recommended budget included adequate funds to cover the insurance premiums.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept the renewals for property and liability insurance and workers compensation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), in the amounts of $195,521 and $237,279 respectively.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Nurses Week Proclamation
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed proclamation declaring May 6 through May 12, 2020, as Nurse Appreciation Week. The County would like to thank all nurses in the County for their dedication and devotion to those individuals falling ill and in need of medical assistance. The County has never needed nurses’ services more than during the global pandemic. On behalf of Watauga County and its citizens, we would like to express our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for their services.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the Nurse Appreciation Week Proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· Budget work sessions are scheduled for May 14, 2020, from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and May 15, 2020, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. At this time, these meetings will be Zoom conference calls and follow the Electronic Meeting Policy adopted by the Board.
· A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2019, at 5:30 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the FY 2021 Proposed Budget.
Public Comment
Written comments were received by the following and were made available through the County Manager’s Office and on the County’s website: Tim Gupton, Russ Curtis, Ann Lovern, Debbie Miller, Richard Miller, Kimberly Mikesell, Kari McMichael, and David Harwood.
Closed Session
At 10:36 A.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
The following lawsuits were included in discussion during closed session:
Appalachian Materials, LLC, Petitioner, vs. Watauga County, Respondent, and Terry Covell, Sharon Covell and Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, Inc. d/b/a High Country Watch.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 11:23 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:24 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board