MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 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 5:32 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that Chairman Welch was absent from the meeting due to a family matter.
Commissioner Wallin 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 December 15, 2020, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy presented the following proposed correction to the December 15, 2020, regular minutes for consideration:
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees recommended the reappointment of Dr. Paul Dagher, MD, and Ms. Mary Louise Roberts, and the appointment of Ms. Meagan Phillips as Board Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2020 2021, through December 31, 2022 2023. These were first readings.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Dr. Paul Dagher, MD, and Ms. Mary Louise Roberts, and to appoint Ms. Meagan Phillips as Watauga County representatives on the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees with each of their terms to end on December 31, 2022 2023.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the December 15, 2020, regular meeting minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the December 15, 2020, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Approval of Agenda
Vice-Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the January 19, 2021, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy requested to add a discussion regarding COVID vaccines.
[Clerk’s Note: County Manager Geouque suggested adding the topic prior to Miscellaneous Administrative Matters; however, as it was appropriate, Mr. Kennedy spoke on the matter during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Update.]
County Manager Geouque stated that he would present the radio infrastructure budget amendment request on behalf of Mr. Will Holt and that a public hearing would be requested during the proposed fifth amendment to the Watauga Medical Center lease agreement discussion.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the January 19, 2021, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
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.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that, if the new floor coverings for the gymnasiums at the new Community Recreation Center (CRC), were available by February 1, the County would like to make the CRC available for future vaccination clinics.
Proposed Fifth Amendment to Watauga Medical Center Lease Agreement
Mr. Jim Deal, President-Elect of the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees, presented a fifth amendment to the County lease for Watauga Medical Center (WMC). Mr. Deal explained the amendment was needed to extend the lease as required for WMC’s bond financing for the new Central Energy Plant and a hospital wing, which would include new surgical operating and patient care rooms. The term of the bond for hospital improvements was anticipated to be approximately thirty-five (35) years and the lease would be required to be five (5) years longer than the bond. The Board of Trustees has requested an extension of the current twenty-seven (27) year lease with the term expiration date changing from 2034 to 2061. Mr. Deal also presented a proposed resolution and requested a public hearing be set for February 16, 2021, Board of Commissioners meeting to allow for public comment on the resolution, proposed bonds, and lease agreement.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to recuse Commissioner Pertalion as she was employed by Watauga Medical Center.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 5:30 P.M. and to approve the wording of the proposed resolution (which would be considered for adoption after the public hearing along with the proposed fifth amendment to the lease agreement).
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Recused-1(Pertalion)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to reinstate Commissioner Pertalion to the meeting.
VOTE: Aye-3(Kennedy, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Recused-1(Pertalion)
Presentation of FY 2020 Audit
Ms. Cindy Randolph with C. Randolph, CPA, PLLC, presented the Fiscal Year 2020 County audit and thanked the Board for allowing her to perform the audit. Ms. Randolph stated that it was a pleasure working with the County Manager, Finance Director, and staff throughout the audit process. Ms. Randolph stated that there were no material weaknesses in the internal control audit and any past concerns had been corrected. Below were some of the financial highlights:
- The total assets of the County exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $173,057,263.
- The County’s unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $25,226,121 at the end of the year, representing 46.1% of total General Fund expenditures. This was an increase of $4,728,123 in the unassigned fund balance from the previous year.
- The current year collection rate for property taxes was 98.59% which was a decrease from last year’s 99.01%. The County was still well above the statewide average of 98.28% for entities of similar populations in fiscal year 2018-19.
- Outstanding debt principal decreased by $3,414,027. Total outstanding debt principal at June 30, 2020 was $46,190,000. Watauga County’s legal debt limit was $696,594,671 so the County continued 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.
Ms. Randolph stated that the County was in excellent fiscal condition and the audit had been submitted to and approved by the Local Government Commission (LGC).
County Manager Geouque stated that staff planned to request, in the future, additional fund balance monies to be used, in part, to raise employees’ salaries to be equitable to Appalachian State University and Town of Boone employee salaries as the County was conservative at the beginning of the current Fiscal Year and did not provide cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to employees in July 2020.
Finance Matters
A. Budget Amendments
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103839-332100 |
COVID Response Grant Expenses |
|
$33,739 |
|
104170-449050 |
COVID Response Grant Expenses |
$33,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized funds received from the Center for Tech and Civil Life for the public purpose of planning and operating safe and secure election administration. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
103300-332004 |
Senior Center Grant |
|
$14,020 |
|
105550-449900 |
Senior Center Grant Expenses |
$14,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the Senior Center grant funds as approved per Board action on October 6, 2020. County funds were required as match funds were already in the Project on Aging (POA) budget. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
104170-449022 |
CARES Funding Expenses |
$38,000 |
|
|
103300-314702 |
CARES Funding |
|
$38,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of funds received under Session Law 2020-97 for a sub grant reserved for Board of Elections under the CARES Act Supplemental Funds. No match was required. |
|||
|
103300-346000 |
Coronavirus Relief Fund |
|
$10,000 |
|
104330-449001 |
CRF – Watauga County |
$10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of additional funds received under Session Law 2020-4 for a portable broadband kit for the local health department to facilitate the real time transmission of testing data from COVID-19 mobile testing sites located in rural areas served by the local health department. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
103300-351000 |
USDA Cooperative Extension Grant |
$8,333 |
|
|
10495-449920 |
Cooperative Extension Grant |
|
$8,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the grant project for Veteran Farmers with a partnership between Appalachian State University and NC Cooperative Extension per action taken at the April 7, 2020, Board meeting. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
104141-469500 |
Contracted Services |
$160,000 |
|
|
103991-399100 |
Fund Balance |
|
$160,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized funds for tax revaluation appraisal services with Vincent Valuations LLC. Adequate funds were carried forward as restricted in fund balance from previous years. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
103300-332006 |
SHIIP Grant |
|
$6,079 |
|
105550-449901 |
SHIIP Grant Expenses |
$6,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) grant funds per Board action taken on December 15, 2020. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
103300-332101 |
One-Stop Bonuses – Board of Elections |
|
$25,057 |
|
104170-412601 |
One-Stop Bonuses |
$25,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of one-stop bonuses received from the NC State Board of Elections. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
103300-346000 |
Coronavirus Relief Fund |
|
$986,937 |
|
104330-449003 |
CRF – Town of Boone |
$119,484 |
|
|
104330-449004 |
CRF – Town of Seven Devils |
$13,188 |
|
|
104330-449005 |
CRF – Town of Beech Mountain |
$94,058 |
|
|
104330-449006 |
CRF – Appalachian Regional Healthcare |
$159,514 |
|
|
104330-449007 |
CRF – Watauga County School System |
$108,307 |
|
|
104330-449001 |
CRF – Watauga County |
$160,501 |
|
|
104330-449008 |
CRF – App Health Care |
$331,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the carryover of unspent funds received under Session Law 2020-4 for money reserved for local governments under the Coronavirus Relief Fund and FEMA reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
143300-332010 |
CARES LIEAP |
|
$68,701 |
|
145410-449031 |
CARES LIEAP |
$68,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of Pandemic LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Payments) grant funds from the Division of Social Services. No match is required. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
145310-449200 |
CARES APS/CPS |
$13,032 |
|
|
143300-332009 |
CARES APS/CPS |
|
$13,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized the acceptance of Adult Protective Services/Child Protective Services grant funds under the CARES Act. No match was required. |
|||
|
|
|||
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. FY 2020 Carry Forward Purchase Orders
Ms. Watson presented Carry Forward Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2020. The Carry Forward Purchase Orders were for projects already budgeted but not finished or in some cases just starting.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the Carry Forward Purchase Orders as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Watauga County Schools Matters
A. Watauga County Schools Update
Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County School Superintendent, presented an update on Watauga County Schools. Dr. Elliott thanked the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, and Finance Director for COVID funds received which were greatly appreciated. With some school systems in the State being closed or using only remote learning; Watauga County Schools were fortunate to be operating under a two-day in person/three-day remote schedule. Dr. Elliott stated that Watauga County Schools were prepared due to funding received for computers, nurses (of which one and one-half positions were added with COVID relief funding), etc. Two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) meals have also been provided through the school system during the pandemic. Dr. Elliott thanked Ms. Jennifer Greene, Director of AppHealthCare, for the assistance of her staff in getting rapid tests administered on site at local schools. Dr. Elliott thanked the County for advocating for broadband services and stated that hotspots were currently being provided to students in need. Facilities were being maintained. Two teachers recently received awards including Ms. Erin Ellington who has been named Northwest North Carolina’s Regional Teacher of the Year. Dr. Elliott was proud of the recent COVID vaccination clinic held at Watauga High School and thanked all partners involved with organizing the clinic, including Mr. Will Holt, Watauga County Emergency Services Director, Dr. Chuck Mantooth, Executive Director of Watauga Medical Center, and Ms. Jennifer Greene, Executive Director of AppHealthCare. Dr. Elliott was complimentary of Board of Elections Director, Mr. Matt Snyder, and staff while using the schools for voting during the pandemic. Dr. Elliott also thanked the Board for the recent Student Resource Officer (SRO) agreement which allowed for placing Deputy Sheriff/Lieutenant Morrison as the SRO at Watauga High School.
B. Lottery Funds Request
Dr. Elliott presented a request for the release of funds from the State Education Lottery Fund. A total amount of $250,000 was requested to replace worn carpet and/or tile in classrooms for safety ($30,000), replace cafeteria equipment ($55,000), replace phone and bell systems (VOIP) ($80,000), replace classroom doors for safety ($15,000), and renovate/replace sections of school roofs ($45,000).
Ms. Ly Marze, Director of Finance for Watauga County Schools, clarified that Lottery funds could be used for these VOIP expenses as they were approved for the use with the State Lottery prior to making the request.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approved the release of State Education Lottery Funds as requested.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Proposed High Country Kill/Chill Facility
Mr. Jim Hamilton, Cooperative Extension Director, gave an update on the proposed project for the Golden Leaf Northwest Sector Community Based Grant Initiative program to create and construct new facilities for livestock slaughter and processing in Watauga County. The goal of the project was for Watauga County to provide the location for a local kill/chill facility (of which Mr. Hamilton stated that an official name for the facility would be considered) as well as leveraged funding for the construction of a USDA certified facility to meet the demand of local and regional producers.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the County was invited to submit a full proposal to Golden Leaf which was due February 11, 2021. The total amount requested was $1.4 million with the facility proposed to serve the counties of Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell, and Watauga. Watauga County would serve as the fiscal lead agent for the project. After meeting with a consultant, Mr. Hamilton stated that the project could cost considerably more that the proposed grant funds and, therefore, the financials were being reviewed to determine if a successful request could be submitted. After an initial meeting, the amount requested was hoped to potentially be increased due to the infrastructure cost associated with the project; however, Mr. Hamilton stated that a Zoom meeting was held early in the day at which the County was informed that the ask amount for the grant could not be increased and, therefore, it would be up to the partners to come up with funds needed to complete the project. Mr. Hamilton stated that the full grant request submittal was due by February 11 with supplemental information due by March 15. The Golden Leaf Board would meet during the first week of April to decide on grant awards. If the grant was awarded, the Board of Commissioners would need to take further action to accept the funds.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to authorize the submittal of the full proposal for the kill/chill facility to the Golden Leaf Northwest Sector Community Based Grant Initiative.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
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 December 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 December 2020 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2020 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
C. Board of Equalization and Review Schedule
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, requested direction in the scheduling of the 2021 Board of Equalization and Review (E&R). Mr. Warren stated that a special Board of Equalization and Review could be created to serve with the Board of Commissioner serving as the Board of E&R as it has in previous years including the County Manager serving as an alternate member. Mr. Warren presented a proposed resolution creating the Board of E&R. The member compensation also needed to be set and, for the past several years, it was set at $75.00 per session with the County Manager receiving no additional compensation over his salary. Mr. Warren suggested the convening date for the Board of E&R be scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and the adjournment date be scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 5:00 P.M. Board members reviewed their calendars for additional meeting dates and discussed changing the adjournment date to Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to set the convening date as Monday, April 19, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.; meeting dates on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, and Friday, April 23, 2021, with both beginning at 4:00 P.M.; and the adjournment date as Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 5:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the resolution establishing the Board of Equalization and Review with the County Manager to serve as an alternate, if needed to form a quorum, and to set the member compensation at $75.00 with the County Manager receiving no additional compensation.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Maintenance Matters
A. Bid Award for Courtroom #2 A/V System
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, stated that he had received bids, as follows, for the A/V system for ongoing renovations in Courtroom #2:
|
Bid Summary for Courtroom #2 A/V System |
||
|
Bidder |
Contact |
Amount |
|
Creekside Electronics Boone, NC |
Lane Robinson |
$20,021 |
|
Clark Powell Winston Salem, NC |
Gary Bennett |
$27,343 |
|
Freedom Electric Boone, NC |
Charles Safirit |
No Bid Received |
Mr. Marsh stated that the A/V system would complete the renovations to the Courtroom. Creekside Electronics was the lowest responsive bidder and adequate funds were budgeted to cover the expense in the renovation project line.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to award the bid to Creekside Electronics, in the amount of $20,021, as presented by Mr. Marsh.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. Bid Award for Complex Sports Facility
Mr. Robert Marsh, stated that the Timmons Group, Project Engineer for the County’s Complex Sports Facility, received bids for lighting the Complex Fields on December 23, 2020. The scope of work included lighting the softball field, basketball court, and tennis courts. The following bids were received:
|
Bid Summary for Complex Sports Facility Lighting |
||
|
Bidder |
Contact |
Amount |
|
Tommy Lawrence Electric Roxboro, NC |
Tommy Lawrence |
$235,861 |
|
E. F. Belk & Son Mooresville, NC |
Chip Belk |
$388,020 |
|
Qualite Hillsdale, MI |
Todd Krohn |
$442,049 |
Of the bids received, Tommy Lawrence Electric was the lowest responsive bidder. Tommy Lawrence Electric also has a history of working with the County as they completed the sports lighting on the two adjacent County softball fields in 2007. Adequate funds were available to cover the expense in the budgeted amount for the project.
County Manager Geouque reminded the Board that the County was waiting on Town of Boone permits for the project and, therefore, modifications may be required which could require further Board action prior to the project being completed.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to award the bid to Tommy Lawrence Electric, in the amount of $235,861, as presented by Mr. Marsh.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Radio Infrastructure Budget Amendment Request
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested the Board authorize the use of $100,000 from the Emergency Communications line in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Additional funding was requested due to the progress occurring with the system improvements.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to authorize the use of $100,000 from the Emergency Communications line in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Selection of an Architect for the New Valle Crucis Elementary School
County Manager Geouque stated that the County solicited Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for architectural services for the new Valle Crucis Elementary School. The proposals were due November 13, 2020. The Facilities Committee consisting of Chairman Welch, Commissioner Wallin, County Manager Geouque, Watauga County School Board Chairman Gary Childers, and School Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott reviewed the nine (9) proposals which were received. After a thorough review, along with substantial discussion, the members unanimously agreed to recommend the selection of Clark Nexsen to the Board of Commissioners for consideration.
Clark Nexsen was recommended due to their recent success with the design and construction of the County’s new Community Recreation Center (CRC). The County has worked with Clark Nexsen over the past ten (10) years. Clark Nexsen also has work experience with the school system having recently completed a comprehensive study of their facilities. In addition, Clark Nexsen assisted with the due diligence on the property acquired for the new school. Their involvement in the due diligence period has provided Clark Nexsen with extensive knowledge of the current site and its conditions.
County Manager Geouque stated that the Committee recommended the selection of Clark Nexsen as the architect for the new school and the authorization for the County Manager to negotiate a contract which would include clauses allowing the County out of the contract in the event the economy, pandemic, or other reasons caused construction of the school to stop.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to select Clark Nexsen as the architect for the new Valle Crucis School and to authorize the County Manager to negotiate a contract which would include clauses allowing the County out of the contract in the event the economy, pandemic, or other reasons caused a stop to the construction of the school.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
B. Discussion of Turner House Demolition
County Manager Geouque stated that the Boone Town Manager, Mr. John Ward, sent an email inquiring if the County was interested in any further discussions or exploration of the joint Queen Street Parking Lot.
After discussions, including the concern that the Town of Boone never sought soil borings for geotechnical findings on the property and that the Town of Boone charges for parking and the County does not, the Board agreed, by consensus, to move forward with an independent plan to provide more parking for citizens closer to the Courthouse.
C. Proposed Dates for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented the following proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat: February 8 and 9 or February 11 and 12 with times proposed from 12:00 –7:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. Two days were required for the Retreat.
D. Proposed Dates for Budget Work Sessions
County Manager Geouque presented the following proposed dates for the two budget work sessions held each year. The work sessions were scheduled for a time after the Manager’s proposed budget would be presented to the Board at the first regular meeting in May. The proposed dates for the budget work sessions were May 6 and 7 or May 13 and 14 with times proposed from 12:00 – 8:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M.
By consensus, the Board agreed to schedule the two Budget Work Sessions for May 13, 2021, from 12:00 to 8:00 P.M. and May 14, 2021, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
E. Proposed Resolution to Support the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Initiative on Food Resiliency
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) requested the Board adopt promoting food system resiliency.
Commissioner Wallin, who serves on the NCACC Presidential Task Force on Food System Resiliency, shared that he believed Watauga County’s numbers were underreported due to many not wanting to ask for help.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the Resolution to Support the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Initiative on Food Resiliency as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
F. Proposed Resolution Supporting the Approval and Adoption of the High Country Council of Governments Charter
County Manager Geouque presented a proposed resolution which supported amendments to the High Country Council of Governments’ existing Charter.
Commissioner Turnbow, who serves as the Watauga County representative on their Board, stated that there were no negative impacts from the proposed changes and stated that the amendments were well overdue.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the Resolution Supporting the Approval and Adoption of the High Country Council of Governments Charter as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
G. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Ms. Stevie John, Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman with High Country Council of Governments, submitted Ms. Janet Specht for reappointment to serve a three-year term on the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Ms. John also submitted Ms. Wanda Brach for appointment to the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Ms. Janet Specht and appoint Ms. Wanda Brach to the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Recreation Commission
The terms of Recreation Commission members representing the Blowing Rock, Mabel, and Cove Creek elementary school districts were up for appointment. Parks and Recreation Director, Stephen Poulos, had requested recommendations for appointments to fill these positions. Cove Creek Principal, Scott Carter, recommends the reappointment of Toby Cone to represent the Cove Creek School district. Blowing Rock principal, Patrick Sukow, recommends the reappointment of Jared Everett as the Blowing Rock School district representative. Mabel Principal, Elin Reuben, recommends the reappointment of Roxanne Saltman to represent the Mabel School district.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to reappoint Toby Cone, as a representative of the Cove Creek School district; Jared Everett, as a representative of the Blowing Rock School district; and Roxanne Saltman, as a representative of the Mabel School district, to the Recreation Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board and the Watauga County Planning Board
Each Commissioner nominates a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board and the Watauga County Planning Board whose terms run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Planning Board members must live within the appointing Commissioner’s District and action must be taken by the entire Board of Commissioners to make these appointments. Boone Rural Fire Service District Board members must own property and reside within the Fire Service District.
Commissioner Pertalion stated that she was working with Boone Fire Chief, Jimmy Isaacs, and Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board member, Jimmy Marsh, to find a representative to serve. Commissioner Turnbow stated that Katy Abrams, his representative on the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board, had moved and, therefore, he was also in the process of finding a representative to serve. Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that Dennis Scanlin wished to be replaced as his representative on the Planning Board.
H. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that Watauga County Parks and Recreation had teamed up with Hospitality House, Casting Bread, and Hunger & Health Coalition to collect food items. If interested in participating, please drop items off at the new Community Recreation Center (CRC) between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. through Friday, February 12, 2021.
Public Comment
A public comment was received from Dalton George regarding substandard housing. After brief discussion, the Board requested the document be forwarded to Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, and placed on the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat agenda for discussion.
Closed Session
At 7:49 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, 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-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:55 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Kennedy adjourned the meeting at 8:55 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Kennedy, Pertalion, Turnbow, Wallin)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Welch)
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board