MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 16, 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.
Chairman Welch called the remote electronic meeting to order at 5:36 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
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
Commissioner Wallin opened with a prayer and Commissioner Pertalion led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the March 2, 2021, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the March 2, 2021, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the March 2, 2021, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the March 16, 2021, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add Land Acquisition, per G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i) to closed session with no action to take place after the session.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the March 16, 2021, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Message from the Board
Chairman Welch read the following message regarding the Board’s commitment to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents, students, visitors, investors, volunteers, employees and subcontractors, vendors, partners and the like without fear of discrimination.
“To Whom it May Concern,
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners (the “County”) recognizes that everyone is entitled to equal rights and freedoms under the law without distinctions based on race, color, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, language, disability, marital status, religion, political beliefs, family/parental status, national and social origins and other identifying aspects. Yet, the County also recognizes that its citizens and visitors alike are still vulnerable to discrimination while they engage in many aspects of life including, education, housing, healthcare, employment, and the use of public spaces.
As a body politic of the State of North Carolina, Watauga County employs over 300 people, governs over 56,177 citizens, and hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The County is proud to have practices in place that do not tolerate discrimination, and will continue to strongly support protecting all people from the indignity of discrimination within its borders. With this affirmation, the County hopes to send a message that it is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents, students, visitors, investors, volunteers, employees and subcontractors, vendors, partners and the like without fear of discrimination.”
Commissioners shared support for the statement.
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.
Sheriff’s Office Radio Purchase Request
On behalf of Major Redmon, County Manager Geouque presented the Sheriff’s Office request to purchase five (5) new Motorola APX hand held dual band radios. The cost per radio was $7,768.75 for a total cost of $38,843.75. The County Manager stated that adequate funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget to cover the expenditure.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to authorize the purchase from Motorola Solutions for five (5) new Motorola APX hand held dual band radios in the amount of $38,843.75.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bids for Section 4 of the Middle Fork Greenway
Mr. Joe Furman presented the following bids for Section 4 of the Middle Fork Greenway:
|
Bidder |
Base Bid |
Alt # 1 |
Alt # 2 |
Alt # 3 |
Alt # 4 |
Alt # 5 |
|
JW Hampton |
$1,563,000 |
$11,200 |
$23,037 |
$2,950 |
$3,333 |
$13,100 |
|
Greene Construction |
$1,717,000 |
$10,651 |
$21,000 |
$2,800 |
$3,000 |
$12,000 |
|
PADCO |
$1,581,600 |
$9,581 |
$22,750 |
$1,500 |
$1,500 |
$10,238 |
|
Dane Construction |
$2,236,775 |
$1,500 |
$35,000 |
$450 |
$1,500 |
$1,500 |
Of the bids received, JW Hampton submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $1,605,420 which was the Base Bid including Alternates 2, 3, 4, & 5. Mr. Furman stated that funds were available through grants awarded to the County as well as funding from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), Economic Development Commission (EDC), and funds raised by the Blue Ridge Conservancy to cover the cost of the project. Mr. Furman stated that a contract would be drawn and executed upon County Attorney review.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to award the bid to JW Hampton in the amount of $1,605,420, which included the Base Bid and Alternates 2-5, for Section 4 of the Middle Fork Greenway and to authorize a contract upon County Attorney review.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request for Acceptance of the FY 2021 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Grant/Contract from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director (POA), presented a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant from the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). The grant was in the amount of $3,020 with no local match required. Ms. Boitnotte stated that funds would be used for low-income subsidy outreach and supplies through the dialysis center, local drug stores, and for web cameras to allow for virtual counseling.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy asked if clients aged 65 and over were vaccinated for COVID, Ms. Boitnotte responded that a high number had been and POA was working to help home-bound seniors receive the vaccine.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the MIPPA grant in the amount of $3,020 to expand low income subsidy outreach and supplies.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed East Annex HVAC Bid Award Request
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented the follow bids for HVAC replacement at the East Annex and Records Storage Buildings:
|
Bidder |
Description |
Bid Amount |
|
Edmisten Heating |
(3) Rheem 5-ton 15 SEER w/ 5 yr. parts and 1 yr. labor |
$16,524 |
|
Carolina Comfort |
(3) Bryant 5-ton 14 SEER w/ 5 yr. parts and 1 yr. labor |
$22,206 |
|
Boone Heating |
(3) Carrier 5-ton 14 SEER w/ 5 yr. parts and 1 yr. labor |
$23,855 |
Two units would be replaced at the East Annex and one unit at the Records Storage Building. Mr. Marsh recommended awarding the bid to Edmisten Heating with the total cost being $16,524. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the expense.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to award the bid to Edmisten Heating and Cooling, in the amount of $16,524, for the replacement of three HVAC units.
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 2021. 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 2021 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for February 2021 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Tax Lien Report
Mr. Warren presented the Tax Lien Report listing delinquent tax bills that were liens on real property. Mr. Warren requested acceptance of the report and authorization to advertise such liens.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to order the Tax Administrator to advertise the liens as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sanitation Matters
A. Compactor Service Agreement
Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Services Director, presented a proposed service contract with Greene Services Network, Inc. (GSN) for compactors and transportation services. The compactors would be placed at the Bethel Road, Vilas, Highway 194 South, Valle Crucis, US Hwy 221, Blowing Rock, Jake’s Mountain Road, and Triplett convenience sites as test sites. GSN would also provide transportation services, which would be billed separately, for two (2) of the locations. The County Attorney had reviewed and approved the contract. Adequate funds were available to cover the expense.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the service agreement with GSN, in the amount of $15,984, for trash compactors with the transportation to be billed separately.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request to Accept Funds Awarded from 2020 Backyard Composting Grant
Mr. Cole Kiziah, Recycling Coordinator, stated that, in November 2020, the Board had authorized staff to apply for funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Customer Service for a “Backyard Composting Grant.” The grant was awarded to the County. Mr. Kiziah stated that the County’s cost would be $2,759.56 and the grant amount would be $11,140.24 for an overall project cost of $13,899.80. Mr. Kiziah stated that the required match was available in the Department’s budget and requested the grant funds be accepted.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to accept the “Backyard Composting Grant” from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Customer Service, in the amount of $13,899.80.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Services Matters
A. Proposed 911 Phone Maintenance Contract Renewal
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, presented a proposed renewal contract with Mobile Communications America in the amount of $60,746. The contract was for the County’s 911 phone system maintenance with funds provided from the 911 surcharge.
Mr. Holt stated that this should be the last renewal with Mobile Communications America as they were transitioning to a new system of which the 911 Board would provide all of the maintenance.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to renew the 911 phone system maintenance contract with Mobile Communications America in the amount of $60,746.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Radio Systems Maintenance Contract Renewal
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Proclamation Designating the Month of April as “North Carolina 811 Safe Digging Month”
County Manager Geouque stated that North Carolina 811 had requested the Board proclaim the month of April as “North Carolina 811 Safe Digging Month.” The North Carolina One Call System (NC811), a utility notification and education center that was celebrating its 43rd year of service to the citizens of North Carolina, was a vital part of preventing damages and injuries when excavating. This notification service started in 1978 reaching 2.1 million locate requests from excavators to homeowners in 2020. North Carolina law required that anyone engaging in demolition or excavation activities contact NC811 at least three days prior to beginning the work by calling or clicking 811.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the enclosed proclamation designating the month of April as “North Carolina 811 Safe Digging Month.”
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals
County Manager Geouque presented the North Carolina Associations of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals. The County Manager stated that the top five priorities of the NCACC were as follows:
- Seek legislation, funding, and other efforts to expand digital infrastructure/broadband capability to the unserved and under-served areas and residents of the state.
- Seek additional revenue sources, including a statewide bond referendum and expanded lottery proceeds, and changes to the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, to equitably address statewide public school and community college capital challenges. Revisions to the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund that will allow more equitable access to counties to take advantage of the funds include:
· Allowing Needs-Based Public School Capital Funds to be used for renovations and improvements in addition to new construction.
· Reducing or eliminating local match requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties.
· Eliminate the five-year prohibition of receiving funds from the Public School Building Capital Fund if a county receives a grant from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund by repealing G.S. 115C-546.2(f).
- Support legislation to allow counties to include specific language on the ballot referendum designating how the proposed quarter-cent local sales tax levy will be spent.
- Increase state funding and support legislation for behavioral health services and facilities, including dedicated resources for community paramedicine projects; inpatient crisis beds; substance use disorders; specialty courts; individuals with mental health issues in county jails; and single stream funding for area authorities.
- Oppose efforts to divert to the state, fees or taxes currently allocated to the counties or to erode existing county revenue streams with unfunded mandates.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that the goals were in line with Watauga County priorities.
Chairman Welch stated that the Fire Commission had shared concerns that North Carolina was the only state that did not provide cancer coverage for firefighters and concerns regarding fire/rescue pensions. VIPER did not receive an increase either. Chairman Welch also stated that School Board Chairman, Dr. Gary Childers, had stated that the School Board may request to add input regarding calendar flexibility and broadband availability.
Commissioner Turnbow reminded the Board of the High Country Council of Governments’ upcoming virtual Legislative Day and encouraged attendance.
Chairman Welch stated that County Manager Geouque stayed in constant contact with Senator Ballard and Representative Pickett in an effort to get Watauga County needs to the State level.
Commissioner Pertalion recommended prioritizing the expansion of Medicaid and Vice-Chairman Kennedy recommended the same for mental health needs.
After discussions, Chairman Welch suggested sending support of the NCACC’s top five priorities and expand upon that at a future meeting, if needed.
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Parks and Recreation Department scheduled a Drive-Thru Bunny Trail Parade from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Community Recreation Center.
· High Country Senior Games, for those over 50 years of age, was scheduled from May through July 2021 by the Parks and Recreation Department. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information.
· An Opening Ceremony for the Community Recreation Center (CRC) was scheduled on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 1:30 P.M. Participation would be limited due to COVID restrictions. Applications were currently being taken for CRC staff as listed on the County’s website. Chairman Welch stated that a portion of the CRC would continue to be used as a vaccine clinic as long as needed.
· The Community Recreation Center was scheduled to open on Monday, April 26, 2021.
Public Comment
Chairman Welch stated that two public comments were received; both in regards to funding requests from the Boone Greenway Skatepark. One was from JP Pardy and the other from Ashley Galleher.
Closed Session
At 6:56 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-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:48 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board