MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Welch called the meeting to order at 5:34 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, 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 Turnbow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the October 19, 2021, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the October 19, 2021, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the October 19, 2021, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the November 16, 2021, agenda.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the November 16, 2021, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Watauga County Planning & Development Ordinance
A public hearing was scheduled to allow public comment regarding proposed amendments to the Watauga County Planning & Development Ordinance.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning & Inspections Director, presented proposed amendments to Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 21 of the Planning & Development Ordinance to the Planning Board on September 20, 2021. The Planning Board discussed and voted to approve the amendments and to recommend that the Board of Commissioners schedule a public hearing to consider amending the Ordinance as proposed. On October 19, 2021, additional amendments were added for consideration that addressed decriminalizing local ordinances and takes effect December 1, 2021. Mr. Furman reviewed additional amendments more recently received as well.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:50 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
As there was no public comment, Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to close the public hearing at 5:51 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the Watauga County Planning and Development Ordinance as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed 2022 Schedule of Values
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, and Mr. Ryan Vincent, Vincent Valuations, presented the 2022 Schedule of Values for the upcoming revaluation for public comment. The Schedule of Values was available, prior to the hearing, on the County’s website as well as via a hard copy in the Tax Administrator’s Office.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to call the public hearing to order at 5:55 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
As there was no public comment, Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to close the public hearing at 5:55 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the 2022 Schedule of Values as presented by Mr. Larry Warren and Mr. Ryan Vincent.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
[Clerk’s Note: The County Manager requested other Tax Matters be heard while the Administrator was at the podium.]
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of October 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 October 2021 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Mr. Warren stated the amount was high due to a recent settlement with Lowe’s Hardware.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for October 2021 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Update on the New River Conservancy’s South Fork Project
Ms. Chelsea Blount and Ms. Elizabeth Underwood with the New River Conservancy shared an update on the following projects within the County: South Fork New River Restoration Phase II, Middle Fork New River Section 1B, Winkler’s Creek Restoration Plan, and Peacock Parking Lot/Boone Creek Daylight. The report was for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
[Clerk’s Note: The Coronavirus Update was presented next as there was a delay in Mr. Deal’s arrival to the meeting.]
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 Amendments to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) Bylaws
Mr. Jim Deal, Vice-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) Board of Trustees, requested approval of an amendment to Article II of the ARHS Bylaws that would allow more flexibility in the At-Large selection process and updates the term limit provisions applicable to the current board members.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the amendment to Article II regarding the At-Large selection process and term limit provisions along with the slate of candidates as presented by Mr. Deal.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Welch stated that the slate of candidates would be considered under Boards and Commissions.
Request to Purchase Mobile Radios
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Major Redmon with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, requested approval for the purchase of eight dual band mobile radios from Two Way Radio of Carolina, Inc. for FY 21-22 vehicles. The total cost was $32,080 and adequate funds were available in the Sheriff’s Office budget to cover the expense.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the purchase of eight dual band mobile radios from Two Way Radio of Carolina, Inc. in the amount of $32,080.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Replacement of the Courthouse HVAC Controls System
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, stated that repairs to the Courthouse HVAC main controls had recently become necessary. Due to the critical nature of the system and cold weather setting in, staff authorized the repair with Johnson Controls, in the amount of $15,561.88, to limit any disruption to the system. Mr. Marsh requested action for formal approval by the Board.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the repair of the HVAC system in the amount of $15,561.88 with Johnson Controls.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. FY 2021 Carry Forward Purchase Orders
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented carry forward purchase orders for Fiscal Year 2021. The purchase orders have been approved with funds currently available.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the carry forward purchase orders as presented by Ms. Watson.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Inmate Catastrophic Insurance Contract
Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director, presented a proposed contract renewal for catastrophic insurance with Insurance Management Consultants for inmates housed in the County jail. The insurance shields the County from large medical claims that could occur while inmates were being housed in the Watauga County Jail. The proposal was in the amount of $25,328.52 which was a $11,567 decrease from last year and has a $5,000 deductible. Adequate funds were available to cover the contracted cost.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the contract with Insurance Management Consultants, Inc. for catastrophic insurance coverage in the amount of $25,328.52 with a $5,000 deductible.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Acceptance of Communications Grant on Behalf of NC State Highway Patrol TSU/NCEM
County Manager Geouque requested acceptance of a communications grant on Behalf of the NC State Highway Patrol TSU/NCEM as a subrecipient from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) in the amount of $400,000 for the VIPER System’s use in installing a microwave monitoring system throughout the State. The system would be in use at multiple radio sites within Watauga County and was a critical upgrade which benefited our public safety radio systems. The grant was similar to the $350,000 grant previously accepted for radios for our State EM local members.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to accept the grant as a subrecipient from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) in the amount of $400,000 as presented by the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Appalachian State University Tower Lease Renewal
County Manager Geouque stated that Appalachian State University had requested the renewal of a lease for a tower, antenna, and small building at the County’s Rich Mountain tower site for broadcasting of their radio station, WASU. The University assured there would be no interference with County equipment at that site.
Property owned by the County may be leased or rented for such terms and upon such conditions as the Board may determine, for up to ten (10) years. Property may be rented or leased only pursuant to a resolution of the Board authorizing the execution of the lease or rental agreement adopted at a regular Board meeting upon 10 days' public notice. Notice shall be given by publication describing the property to be leased or rented, stating the annual rental or lease payments, and announcing the Board's intent to authorize the lease or rental at its next regular meeting. The resolution was adopted in September 2020 and then advertised as required. Appalachian State University’s State Office has had the lease since that time and recently gave their approval. The County Manager requested Board approval, contingent upon County Attorney review, for both the lease and the completion of the State’s PO-28 Lease proposal form.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the lease, contingent upon County Attorney approval.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Resolution Establishing the Sheriff’s Salary
County Manager Geouque stated that, per Statute, prior to the filing period for the fall elections, the Board must establish the salary for the Sheriff in order for filing fees to be determined. The County Manager presented a proposed resolution establishing the Sheriff’s salary at the County’s current pay plan entry level in the amount of $81,919.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adopt the resolution setting the Sheriff’s salary as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. January Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board has traditionally cancelled one of the meetings in December or January depending on how the holidays fell. Due to where Christmas and New Year’s fall during the week, staff would recommend the Board cancel the first meeting in January as there would be insufficient time to prepare the Board packets. Historically, December and the first weeks in January have few issues requiring Board action.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to cancel the first meeting in January 2022.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque presented the following:
Watauga County Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment term of Mr. Lonnie Webster was to expire in November and he did not wish to be reappointed. The revised NC General Statute 160D no longer makes any mention of appointments representing zoned areas of counties with partial-county zoning; therefore, it was not necessary to consider where appointees live. The term would be for three years. A volunteer application was presented from Ms. Sue Sweeting, who was willing to serve. This was a first reading.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Sue Sweeting to serve on the Watauga County Board of Adjustment with a term ending November 30, 2024.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees had recommended Ms. Lisa Cooper for appointment as well as Mr. Kent Tarbutton and Ms. Jan Winkler for reappointment to the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees. Each of their terms would be effective January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024. These were first readings.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Lisa Cooper and reappoint Mr. Kent Tarbutton and Ms. Jan Winkler to serve on the Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees; each with a term beginning January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2024.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vaya Board
Vice-Chairman Kennedy stated that, due to the ongoing consolidation of Cardinal Health into Vaya Health, the Board needed to appoint two Regional Board representatives to the Vaya Board meeting the following criteria as included in the October 13, 2021, CCAB Resolution and approved by DHHS on October 27, 2021, as follows:
* Required: one of whom was an elected County Commissioner,
* Optional: in addition to the required County Commissioner member above, Board of County Commissioners may additionally appoint a representative from their County that meets the following criteria: A County Commissioner, County Manager, Department of Social Services Director, Public Health Director, or law enforcement representative.
The County Manager would then submit the Regional Board representative names to the Community Relations Regional Director and the Secretary to the Board, Christina Rose Carter.
The Secretary to the Board and the Community Relations Regional Directors would then schedule the first Regional Board meetings, for each of the four regions, to occur in either December 2021 or January 2022. The Regional Boards would, in turn, appoint their two Governing Board representatives with the goal for the newly constituted Vaya Health Governing Board to hold their initial meeting in February 2022.
Both Vice-Chairman Kennedy and Commissioner Wallin currently serve on Vaya Boards and wish to continue serving in the new capacity.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to waive the first reading and appoint himself and Commissioner Wallin to serve on the Vaya Health Regional Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that, due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the Annual County Christmas Luncheon has been cancelled. Hopefully the Luncheon will be resumed next year. Board members shared their appreciation for staff.
The following spoke during public comment in opposition to asphalt plants and a desire to protect the gateways of the High Country: Anne Ward and Susie Winters.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, Commissioner Turnbow, and Commissioner Wallin shared their concerns as well.
Closed Session
At 7:04 P.M., Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:05 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board