MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 5:00 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 5:05 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
[Clerks Note: Commissioner Wallin was not in attendance.]
Presentation of Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Application
A special public meeting was held to discuss plans to submit, by May 2, 2022, a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant application in the amount of $500,000. Ms. Wendy Patoprsty, the Middle Fork Greenway Director for Blue Ridge Conservancy, stated that, if granted, the funds would be used toward the development of a thirty-two-acre tract along the Middle Fork Greenway corridor which would be known as Boone Gorge Park. When fully developed, the park would connect with the existing Payne Branch Park. Watauga County and Blue Ridge Conservancy would partner to develop the new park to include fifty parking spaces, approximately two miles of trails, two bridges, stream restoration, fishing access, wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a picnic area.
The following spoke in support of the project: Eva Rand, Ben Henderson, David Jackson, and Bob DeHart.
Ms. Patoprsty encouraged attendees to take literature available regarding the project. Chairman Welch offered appreciation to Representative Ray Pickett for attending the meeting and supporting the project.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Pertalion, moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:25 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
John Welch, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board