MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 15, 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 5:34 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 February 1, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the February 1, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the February 1, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the February 15, 2022, agenda.
County Manager Geouque requested to add the proposed donation of a K-9 under Sheriff’s Office matters.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy requested to add an announcement prior to the Library’s Report.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to approve the February 15, 2022, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) Announcement
Vice-Chairman Kennedy announced that the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) has performed a strategic study and a press release was released which stated that explorations were ongoing as ARHS was looking for future relationships allowing access to expand healthcare services and information technology.
Watauga County Public Library Annual Report
Ms. Monica Caruso, County Librarian, presented the Watauga County Public Library Annual Report. Ms. Caruso reported on continuing pandemic changes, youth and adult services, activities at the Western Watauga Branch, volunteer activities and gave an overview of revenues and expenses, statistics, and grants received. The report was for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Watauga County Schools Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Lottery Funds Request
Ms. Ly Marze, Watauga County Schools Director of Finance, requested the release of $300,000 from the State Education Lottery Fund and $685,000 from the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserve. The funds would be used for the following:
|
Lottery Project |
Amount |
|
Carpet & Tile Replacements |
$ 45,000 |
|
Replace Kitchen/Cafeteria Equipment |
$ 55,000 |
|
Gym Floors – Refinishing |
$ 20,000 |
|
Door/Window Replacements |
$ 20,000 |
|
Roof Renovations/Replacements |
$100,000 |
|
Retaining Wall -Bethel |
$ 50,000 |
|
Boiler System -Hardin Park |
$ 10,000 |
|
CIP Reserves Project |
Amount |
|
Pavement Repair/Resurface |
$160,000 |
|
Security Cameras |
$ 50,000 |
|
Mobile Unit - Hardin Park |
$150,000 |
|
HVAC/Sewer Pumps |
$ 25,000 |
|
1:1 Devices |
$300,000 |
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve and release the State Education Lottery and County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserve funds as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff’s Office Matters
A. Mobile Radio Purchase Request
Major Redmon with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office requested authorization to purchase seven (7) new Motorola APX hand held dual band radios. The cost per radio was $8,926.65 for a total cost of $62,486.55. Two (2) of the seven (7) radios would be paid for by the County’s insurance company from claims related to the April 28, 2021, incident. Adequate funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget to cover the remaining five (5) radios.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to authorize the purchase from Motorola Solutions for seven (7) new Motorola APX hand held dual band radios in the amount of $62,486.55.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Radar Purchase Request
Major Redmon requested the acceptance of a grant from the North Carolina Crime Commission for twelve (12) new Kustom Eagle 2 speed radars in the amount of $19,140. No County match was required for the grant.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the grant from the North Carolina Crime Commission and award Kustom Signals, Inc. the contract for twelve (12) new Kustom Eagle 2 speed radars in the amount of $19,140.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Acceptance of K-9 Donation
Major Redmon stated that Mr. Tim Fox wished to donate, to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, a German Shepard puppy in honor and memory of his son, K-9 Handler Logan Fox. The K-9’s name was “Fox” in memory of Deputy Logan Fox. The K-9 would be deployed in the Patrol Division after training was completed.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the donation of K-9 “Fox” to the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Matters
A. Additional Funds and Revised Allocation of FY 2022 Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Funds
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, request the revision of the original allocation of the Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) due to additional funds available. The FY 22 allocation was $294,548, which required a local match of $32,728. The Project on Aging received additional H&CCBG funds with the final allocation of $313,642 (+$19,094) which required a local match of $34,849 (+$2,121). The local match was present in the current budget. Ms. Boitnotte stated that the additional funds would be used for In-Home Aide Level II.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to accept the additional funds and approve the revised Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) allocations as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Acceptance of the FY 2022 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte requested acceptance of 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 $4,007 with no local match required.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Tax Administrator, Mr. Larry Warren, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of January 2022. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
County Manager Geouque presented the Refunds and Releases Report for January 2022 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 January 2022 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Tax Lien Report
County Manager Geouque reviewed the Tax Lien Report which was provided to the Board prior to the meeting.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the report listing delinquent tax bills that were liens on real property and to authorize the advertisement of such liens.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Social Services Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Funds
County Manager Geouque, on behalf of Mr. Tom Hughes, Social Services Director, requested approval of additional funding from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The original authorization was $200,000 with an increase of $117,623 for a total amount of $317,623.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to accept the additional funding in the amount of $117,623.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Proposed Audit Contract for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022
Ms. Watson requested approval of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 audit contract and engagement letter with C. Randolph CPA, PLLC. The contract amount of $47,800 covered the annual audit. The amount was an increase of three percent for the third year of the agreement as was in the estimate. Adequate funds were available to cover the expenditure.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to accept the contract with C. Randolph, CPA, PLLC for the County’s Fiscal Year 21-22 audit in an amount not to exceed $47,800.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) Conflict of Interest Policy
Ms. Watson stated that the County was awarded State Construction Infrastructure Funds (SCIF) grants for several projects in the County. As part of the award the County was required to adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy. Ms. Watson presented the proposed Policy.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to adopt the attached Conflict of Interest Policy as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed Grant Project Ordinance Establishment and Maintenance of OSBM State Capital Infrastructure Fund
Ms. Watson present a proposed project ordinance for the establishment and maintenance of OSBM state capital infrastructure funds in the amount of $662,500.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to approve the project ordinance as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Emergency Services Matters
A. Proposed Sampson Tower Lease & VIPER Lease
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, request approval of a lease with the State of North Carolina for the Sampson Tower site. The State would utilize the site for VIPER communications and be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the equipment and tower.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to execute the lease with the State of North Carolina for the Sampson Tower site for VIPER communications.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Acceptance of Communications Grant on Behalf of NCEM
Mr. Will Holt requested acceptance of the FY21 HSPG Grant as a subrecipient on behalf of North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) for improving the School Emergency Response Application (SERA) for use in all 100 Counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
The grant was in the amount of $144,011.10 and would be executed by NCEM.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to accept the HSPG Grant as a subrecipient on behalf of North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) in the amount of $144,011.10.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Appointment of Finance Director
[Clerk’s Note: This item was considered at the meeting under Finance Matters.]
County Manager Geouque stated that, per the County’s Other Post-Employment Benefits Agreement and North Carolina General Statutes, Ms. Misty Watson needs to be officially appointed as the County’s Finance Director which serves as the Trustee for the agreement. Ms. Watson’s date of hire was June 2018.
Commissioner Turnbow, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to officially appoint Ms. Misty Watson as Watauga County Finance Director effective June 2018.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. 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, beginning at 9:00 A.M.
· Budget Work Sessions were scheduled for Thursday, May 12, 2022, beginning at 12:00 noon and Friday, May 13, 2022, beginning at 9:00 A.M.
Public Comment
Maria Matarazzo, a graduate student in social work, and Alice Salthouse, CEO of High Country Community Healthcare, both encouraged the Board to consider mental health issues when allocating funds received through the opioid lawsuit settlement.
Closed Session
At 6:33 P.M., Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:40 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Possible Action After Closed Session
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Turnbow, moved to approve the purchase of the property where the current Hwy 421 Container Site was currently located which was approximately 14.1 acres from Daniel Adam Doyle and Amena Aziz with funds for the $125,000 purchase price and $6,000 back lease payments to be allocated from the Sanitation Retained Earnings fund.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board