MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 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 5:31 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
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 January 19, 2022, special meeting and special meeting closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the January 19, 2022, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the January 19, 2022, special meeting closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the February 1, 2022, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the February 1, 2022, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Proclamation of Appreciation to Restaurants Which Contributed Meals to Emergency Service Providers During Winter Storm Izzy
Chairman Welch presented a proclamation recognizing the restaurants that provided and offered meals to emergency service workers during Winter Storm Izzy. Chairman Welch shared his appreciation and read the list of restaurants.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Forest Service Plan
Grandfather Forest Ranger, Nick Larsen, presented the Final Forest Plan as released on Friday, January 21, 2022, which was available for Commissioners, County Employees, and the public to review at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=STELPRDB5397660.
Ranger Larsen stated that the plan was developed and shaped by extensive public input by working with diverse interests to build a broadly supported and implementable forest plan that would connect people to the land; restore forest resiliency, forest health, and wildlife habitat; provide clean and abundant water; support recreation and local jobs; and provide a platform for working together toward shared goals. Ranger Larsen also reviewed the following portions of the plan: Connecting People to the Land; Sustaining Health Ecosystems; Providing Clean and Abundant Water; and Partnering with others. The presentation was given for information and comment.
Even though action wasn’t required, Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to extend support for the plan and to publicly thank those who spent time gathering public input.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Tentative Agenda for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque presented a draft agenda for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat which was scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2022, beginning at noon and Friday, February 18, 2022, beginning at 9:00 A.M. The County Manager requested input from the Board and stated the proposed agenda could still be revised as additional items could be added.
County Manager Geouque stated that a revised easement was sent by the Town of Boone in December 2021 regarding the Hunting Hills Bridge Replacement. It was determined that there was not enough substantial change from the prior easement to warrant re-approval by the Board. Since that time, Mr. Todd Moody, Deputy Public Works Director with the Town of Boone, requested the Board also adopt a resolution approving the granting of the easement per NCDOT’s request.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the Resolution Granting Rights-of-Way and Easements for the Hunting Hills Bridge Replacement Project as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
· The Annual Pre-Budget Retreat was scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2022, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and Friday, February 18, 2022, at 9:00 A.M.
· The Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative Annual Spring Conference was to be held on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, 2022.
· Watauga County Parks and Recreation teamed up with the Hospitality House, Casting Bread, and Hunger & Health Coalition to collect food items. Please drop items off at the Community Recreation Center between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. by February 11.
The Board extended congratulations to the Watauga High School Swim Team upon winning the conference championship at the Watauga County Community Recreation Center.
Closed Session
At 5:57 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, 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 Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board