MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 5:30 P.M. remotely with the meeting originating in the Community Room located in the Watauga County Community Recreation Center, Boone, North Carolina.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called the remote electronic meeting to order at 5:35 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that Chairman Welch was not in attendance due to another commitment.
Commissioner Yates opened with a prayer and Commissioner Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the October 20, 2020, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 20, 2020, 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 October 20, 2020, 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 November 17, 2020, agenda.
Commissioner Turnbow requested to add a funding request from Jonathan Hartsell with Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. for a restoration project at Todd Island.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the November 17, 2020, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
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.
Proposed Ted Mackorell Usage Agreement
Mr. Vincent Nicolsen, legal counsel for Appalachian FC, discussed the potential for the team to locate in Watauga County and utilize Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex for games. The management committee, comprised of County, HCSA, and ASU members, has met and agreed that accommodations could be made to allow for this unique partnership. The group would be making two (2) requests. The first was a facility use agreement and the second was authorization from the Board to sell alcohol at the facility during the games. Staff believed, if the Board granted permission to sell alcohol for Appalachian FC, that Appalachian State University (ASU) may make a similar request in the future.
County Attorney Capua suggested that concept bullets be presented by the organization for consideration prior to preparing an agreement. County Manager Geouque stated that, even though the organization would be applying for the alcohol permit, the County would have to give permission since the complex is County-owned. Commissioner Wallin stated that the alcohol sale request would have to go through the ABC Board as well.
Mr. Jason O’Keefe, former ASU Soccer Coach, stated that beer only (no liquor or wine) sales would be down the road and the organization would take liability. The organization wanted to blend into the community and bring soccer to kids and adults alike. The organization would be locally owned, invested, and supported. Mr. O’Keefe stated that the model was viable without the sale of alcohol but may not flourish; however, he didn’t believe it would be a deal-breaker.
During the discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to direct the organization to go to the Town of Boone and ABC Board for the alcohol sales permit and to work with the County Attorney and County Manager to prepare a proposed stand-alone agreement for consideration at a future meeting.
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 October 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 October 2020 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for October 2020 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
NC Department of Environmental Quality and Customer Service “Backyard Composting Grant” Application Request
Mr. Cole Kiziah, Recycling Coordinator, requested authorization to apply for grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Customer Service, “Backyard Composting Grant.” The overall project costs were $13,899.80. The total Grant Request was $11,140.24, with the total cost to the County being $2,759.56
The grant deadline was prior to the November 17, 2020, meeting so staff submitted the grant; however, should the Board wish not to participate in the grant, staff could withdraw the request. Mr. Kiziah stated that if all composting units were utilized to the limit, there would be approximately $4,000 of savings in landfill fees. Mr. Kiziah stated that this project would be a great introduction for a future composting facility.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to formally approve the submission of the grant as presented by Mr. Kiziah.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Vista at Trout Lake Subdivision Performance Guarantee
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, stated that, pursuant to Section 92 of the subdivision regulations, the developer of Vistas at Trout Lake had requested the Board of Commissioners’ approval of a bond, which guaranteed the completion of the required infrastructure and landscaping. Since the project was less than 10 units, staff approves the final plat for recording (Section 81.06). The Planning Board approved the preliminary plat of the development on July 20, 2020.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept the bond for infrastructure and landscaping for Vistas at Trout Lake as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Parks and Recreation Matters
A. Request for Floor Protection System and Bench Runners for Community Recreation Center
Mr. Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director, requested, after extensive research, the Board accept a bid proposal from Blankenship Associates, Inc. in the amount of $25,063.33 for protective floor covering for two of the gym floors at the new community recreation center. The coverings would be tested for reliability prior to purchasing covers for all of the gym floors.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to accept the proposal as presented by Mr. Poulos.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. Proposed Opening Plan for Community Recreation Center
Mr. Stephen Poulos reviewed the following three options available in the proposed opening plan for the Community Recreation Center: Option 1 was to open the facility only for the Watauga High School Swim Team; Option 2 was opening the facility for the WHS Swim Team and the general public; Option 3 would keep the facility closed until COVID 19 restrictions were lifted to allow for 50% capacity or higher of the facility.
Commissioner Yates recommended tabling a decision until a future meeting based on the recent increases in COVID-19 cases.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy thanked staff for the research that went into the opening plan options and tabled further discussion until a future meeting.
Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. Funding Request for A Restoration Project at Todd Island
Commissioner Turnbow stated that a grant fell through leaving the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development (BRRC&D) Council with a $40,000 shortfall for their restoration project at Todd Island.
Since the park was used by both Watauga and Ashe County residents, Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to donate $15,000 to the project with the caveat that Ashe County also donate $15,000 and the BRRC&D leverage the additional $10,000.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
County Attorney Capua Statement
County Attorney Capua stated that she had worked closely with the Board of Elections in recent months and wanted to comment on how proud and impressed she was with the process in Watauga County as well as the professionalism of Mr. Matt Snyder, Elections Director, and staff. The Board of Elections worked well together showing respect and rising to the occasion.
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. December Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the first Board of Commissioners meeting in December needed to be moved to Monday, December 7, 2020, as Commissioner-Elects were required to be sworn-in on the first Monday of December following the election. The meeting will recess to allow for the swearing in ceremony of the Commissioners-Elect.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to reschedule the Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Board meeting to Monday, December 7, 2020.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. Proposed Student Resource Officer (SRO) for Watauga County Schools
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board previously approved accepting the Student Resource Officer (SRO) position at the Watauga High School. A proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Watauga County Board of Education and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office was presented for consideration. The County Attorney has reviewed the MOU.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the Watauga County School System as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
C. Review of Boards and Commissioner on which Commissioners are Members
County Manager Geouque presented, per Commissioner request, a list of Boards and Commissions was for discussion regarding liaison roles or Board appointment.
Commissioner Turnbow stated that there was no requirement for the Commissioner appointee to vote on the Children’s Council and felt that it was more appropriate for Commissioners to serve as liaisons to non-profit Boards and Commissions.
After discussion Vice-Chairman Kennedy tabled further discussion until a future meeting.
D. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following for consideration:
Appalachian Regional Library
The Watauga County Library Board recommended the appointment of Ms. Margaret Love to the Appalachian Regional Library Board to replace Ms. Mary Reichel who has moved out of town.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Margaret Love to the Appalachian Regional Library Board.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
The Board’s next meeting will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020, at 8:30 A.M.
The Essentials of County Government course will be held virtually on the following dates:
Tract 1: December 11, 2020; January 8, 2021; February 26, 2021
Tract 2: January 22, 2021; February 25, 2021, March 23, 2021
County Manager Geouque also reminded the Commissioners-Elect that Ethics training will be required.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:56 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 7:43 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin, Yates)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy adjourned the meeting at 7:43 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