MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building.
PRESENT: Jim Deal, Chairman
William R. Winkler, III, Vice-Chairman
John Cooper, Commissioner
Winston Kinsey, Commissioner
Mary Moretz, Commissioner
Anthony di Santi, County Attorney
Robert E. Nelson, Jr., County Manager
Deron Geouque, Assistant County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Deal called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M., welcoming those in attendance.
Chairman Deal opened the meeting with a prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions or corrections to the April 28, 2008, special meeting minutes, and the May 5, 2008, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the April 28, 2008, special meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Moretz, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the May 5, 2008, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The Clerk presented copies of suggested amendments to the closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the May 5, 2008, closed session minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the May 20, 2008, agenda.
Three additions were requested as follows: a Brookshire Road stream bank stabilization Change Order request; bid award request for Western Watauga Community Center re-roofing project; and a bid award request for a new Parks and Recreation van.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the May 20, 2008, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE ECONOMIC INCENTIVE PACKAGE FOR TWEETSIE RAILROAD, INC., PER N.C.G.S. 158-7.1
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:05 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed economic incentive package for Tweetsie Railroad, Inc.
Mr. Joe Furman gave an overview and presentation of the proposed incentive assistance package for Tweetsie Railroad, Inc. and reviewed a proposed resolution approving the partnership. Any action taken was to be dependant upon LGC approval of the financing for the incentive package.
The following citizens spoke in favor of the incentive package:
Chris Turner, Blue Ridge Sierra Group
Chris Robbins, Tweetsie
Fowler Cooper, Watauga County Economic Development Commission
Dan Meyer, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Boone Convention and Visitors Center
Harris Prevo, Grandfather Mountain
Suzanne Stevens, Valle Crucis Bed and Breakfast
J. B. Lawrence, Blowing Rock Mayor
Charles Hardin, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
Lee Warren, Watauga County Board of Education
Tracey Brown, Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority
Kent Tarbutton, Chetola
John Callahan, citizen
Rob Holton, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority
Dale Carroll, AdvantageWest
Dick Hearn, Middlefork Greenway
Anne Burgess, Middlefork Greenway
Lynn Lawrence, citizen
The following citizens spoke against the incentive package:
Roy Gryder, citizen
Tim Gregg, citizen
The following citizens passed when it was their turn to speak:
Bill Leonard
Linda Lonon
There being no further public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:49 P.M.
A five-minute break was held.
When the Board reconvened, Mr. Furman read the proposed Resolution of Watauga County Board of Commissioners Approving Incentive Assistance for Tweetsie Railroad, Inc.
Each Commissioner shared their thoughts on the proposed partnership with Tweetsie.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to adopt the Resolution of Watauga County Board of Commissioners Approving Incentive Assistance for Tweetsie Railroad, Inc., as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE CLOSEOUT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FOR THE APPALACHIAN ENTERPRISE CENTER
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 7:09 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the closeout of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Appalachian Enterprise Center.
Mr. Furman stated that the Appalachian Enterprise Center was renovated with the grant funds with 18 office spaces and mutual meeting spaces which the Committee of 100 was to market for lease.
There being no public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 7:11 P.M.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Moretz, moved to approve and submit the close-out documents for the Community Development Block Grant for the Appalachian Enterprise Center to the Division of Community Assistance.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
PUBLIC HEARING – RECOMMENDED FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 7:11 P.M. to allow for comment on the Manager’s recommended budget for FY 2009.
The following individuals addressed the Board regarding the recommended budget:
Chris Turner, AppalCART
Kathy Parham, Children’s Playhouse
Jennifer Hermann, OASIS
Jennifer Kearse, Children’s Council
Jennifer Hermann and Jennifer Kearse, Family Resource Center
Kathy Copley, Humane Society
Reggie Hassler, Boone Rural Fire District
Megan Ellis, Children’s Playhouse
Todd Nolt, Mountain Alliance
Judy Clarke, Humane Society
Lynne Mason, Hospitality House
Wayne Sumner, Boone Rural Fire District
Pam Fisher, Boone Rural Fire District
Compton Fortuna, Hunger and Health Coalition
Gayle Henson, Hunger and Health Coalition
Al Corum, Hunger and Health Coalition
Each individual briefly discussed their concerns regarding the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2009.
There being no further public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 8:03 P.M.
Board action was not required and therefore none was taken.
PROPOSED EDC FUNDING FOR SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Mr. Joe Furman presented a recommendation from the Economic Development Commission funding $15,000 to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association to assist in replacing the lighting at the Horn In The West Theater. The allocation was to come from the EDC Capital Reserve Account.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the request for $15,000 to be allocated from the EDC Capital Reserve Account to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BROOKSHIRE ROAD PARK STREAM BANK RESTORATION PROJECT
Mr. Joe Furman stated that the kiosk recently approved for the Brookshire Road Park stream bank restoration project cost approximately $1,000 more than originally approved and there were two additional items requested, an additional 80 feet of paving and the installation of an access to the river. The cost of the latter two was approximately $2,000. Mr. Furman stated that grant funds covered the additional costs.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the additional work and authorize the expenditure of the funds as presented by Mr. Furman.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
FINANCE MATTERS
A. Fuel Card Proposal – Ms. Doris Isaacs presented a request to change the County’s fuel vendor from “Fuelman” to “GoGas.” Ms. Isaacs stated that it was anticipated that the change would provide a greater number of vendors which accepted the card as well as substantial savings to the County’s fuel bill.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Moretz, moved to contract with “GoGas” as the County’s fuel vendor.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Surplus Property Request – Ms. Isaacs presented a list of property and requested it be surplused and subsequently sold through GovDeals. Ms. Isaacs also requested, per Board direction, that the old school bus garage building located at the intersection of Hwy 421 and Hwy 105 Bypass be surplused and demolished.
Commissioner Moretz, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to surplus the property as presented by Ms. Isaacs for sale on GovDeals.com.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Moretz, moved to declare surplus and order the demolition of the old school bus garage building located on County property at the intersections of Highways 421 and 105.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Proposed LGC Application Resolutions – Ms. Isaacs presented a resolution authorizing the application for approval of financing for the Tweetsie incentive land purchase to the Local Government Commission. The resolution was introduced at this meeting but did not require action at this time.
D. Authorization Request to Issue an RFP for Incentive Package Financing – Ms. Isaacs requested authority to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for the necessary financing for the Tweetsie partnership.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Moretz, moved to authorize Ms. Isaacs to issue a request for proposal for financing for Tweetsie, contingent upon Local Government Commission approval.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Public Hearing Request for LGC Application – Ms. Isaacs stated that a public hearing was required prior to submission of the application to the Local Government Commission.
By consensus the Board agreed to set a public hearing to allow citizen comment on the submission of a funding request for the proposed Tweetsie Railroad, Inc., economic incentive partnership with Watauga County for their second meeting in June with the date to be finalized at the June 2, 2008, meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
REQUESTED AWARD OF SUB-CONTRACTS FOR NEW HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
County Manager Nelson reviewed proposed sub-contracts for the Watauga High School Project as submitted by Barnhill/Vannoy. The recommended low bids were: Hughes Metal Works for Miscellaneous Steel, Stairs, and Rails Scope in the amount of $1,224,640.00; Martin Architectural for Doors, Frames, and Hardware Scope in the amount of $551,555.00; and Aldridge Farms for Landscaping Scope in the amount of $445,000.00. The County Manager stated that all sub-contracts were included in the $59.9 million GMP for the project.
Commissioner Moretz, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the award of the bids as presented by the County Manager and recommended by Barnhill/Vannoy.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Discussion of an Ordinance Enacting a Moratorium on Electric Signs/Billboards – County Attorney di Santi presented a proposed ordinance enacting a moratorium on electronic signs/billboards. If enacted, the moratorium was to suspend permitting of electronic signs and billboards until the Planning Board had time to review and make recommendations amending the existing sign ordinance. A public hearing was required prior to action.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to set a public hearing for the second regular meeting in June 2008 with the date to be finalized at the June 2, 2008, Board meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Citizen Request Regarding Deck Hill Road/Greenway Road Intersection – County Manager Nelson stated that a citizen had requested that the Board of Commissioners support the construction of a traffic light at the intersection of Deck Hill and Greenway Roads in Boone. County Manager Nelson stated that he had spoken with Mr. Blake Brown, Public Works Director for the Town of Boone, who stated that the Town of Boone had taken this request under study but had not yet reached a decision for a recommendation to the DOT. Mr. Blake had advised that the Town would be supportive of the County requesting a warrant study by the DOT.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to request a warrant study from the DOT for the intersection of Deck Hill and Greenway Roads.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Board of Education 2007-08 Capital Outlay Reserve Request – County Manager Nelson stated that the Board of Education had submitted a request for $34,600 from the County’s Capital Reserve Account designated for future School Board projects. The request was to complete the re-roofing project at Bethel School which was currently in the long-range Capital Improvement Plan.
Commissioner Moretz, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the request to allocate $34,600 to the Board of Education from the County’s Capital Reserve Account designated for future School Board projects.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Proposed Proclamation Honoring the New River’s 10th Anniversary as a Heritage River – County Manager Nelson presented a proposed proclamation from the New River Community Partners recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the New River’s designation as an American Heritage River. The County Manager announced that the Board of Commissioners was also invited to attend the 10th Anniversary celebration at the New River State Park in Ashe County on Saturday, June 7, 2008, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Brush Grinding Request – County Manager Nelson presented the following two bids for brush grinding for materials at the Watauga County Landfill: Baker Grading in the amount of $33,100.00 and Superior Mulch, LLC, in the amount of $34,755.00. Mr. J. V. Potter, Operation Services Director, had recommended awarding to the low bidder, Baker Grading, in the amount of $33,100. The County Manager stated that any additional tonnage received prior to conclusion of the grinding operation will be paid at the unit rate of the contract.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Moretz, moved to award the brush grinding contract to Baker Grading in the amount of $33,100 with additional tonnage received prior to the conclusion of the grinding operation being billed at the unit rate of the contract.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
F. Proposed Resolution in Support of a Town of Boone Funding Request – County Manager Nelson presented a proposed resolution in support of funding for a fire truck purchase by the Town of Boone as discussed at the Intergovernmental Retreat held on April 28, 2008.
Commissioner Moretz, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to adopt the resolution as presented and directed staff to forward a copy to Representative Tarleton, Senator Goss, the House and Senate leaders, the Appropriations Committee, and the Town of Boone.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
G. Western Watauga Community Center Re-Roofing Bid Award Request – County Manager Nelson presented two options for re-roofing the Western Watauga Community Center. The first was to use “standing metal seam” roofing material and the following two bids were received: Johnson Roofing Concepts in the amount of $59,339 and Carver Roofing in the amount of $66,845. The second option was to use “asphalt shingle” material and the following two bids were received: Randall’s Roofing in the amount of $33,300 and Carver Roofing in the amount of $19,595.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve using the “standing metal seam” material and approve the low bid from Johnson Roofing Concepts in the amount of $59,339.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
H. Vehicle Bid Award – Assistant County Manager Geouque presented the following bids for a 2008 passenger van to be used primarily by the Parks and Recreation Department:
|
Vendor
|
Passenger Van
|
|
Ashe County Motors
|
$24,877.00
|
|
Boone Ford
|
No bid received
|
|
Mack Brown
|
$29,935.00
|
|
Ross Chrysler
|
No product available
|
|
Flow Automotive
|
No bid received
|
The Assistant County Manager recommended awarding the bid to the low bidder, Ashe County Motors, in the amount of $24,877.00.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to award the bid for the 2008 passenger van to Ashe County Motors in the amount of $24,877.00.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
I. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the terms of Bill Leonard, Fowler Cooper, Mary Hall, and Jason Triplett were to expire in June 2008 on the Economic Development Commission. All were eligible to be reappointed and were available to continue to serve if reappointed.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to reappoint Bill Leonard, Fowler Cooper, Mary Hall, and Jason Triplett to the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Nelson stated that the NCACC requested that each of the State’s 100 counties appoint a County Commissioner to act as the Legislative Liaison.
Chairman Deal appointed Commissioner Kinsey to serve as Watauga County’s Legislative Liaison.
County Manager Nelson stated that the High Country Work Force Development Board requested that Chairman Deal appoint a private sector representative. Mr. Doug Pratt was currently on the Board and was available to continue to serve.
Chairman Deal, with consensus of the Board, reappointed Mr. Pratt to the Work Force Development Board as a private sector representative.
G. Announcements – County Manager Nelson announced that a budget work session was scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 4:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Watauga County Administration Building.
County Manager Nelson announced that a joint meeting with the Trustees of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and the Watauga County Board of Education was scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at 6:00 P.M. at the White Oak Road campus in Boone.
County Manager Nelson announced that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Meeting was scheduled for August 20-24, 2008, in New Bern with registration information to be available by the end of May.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
[Clerk’s Note: Those citizens who had signed up to speak during public comment spoke during the earlier public hearings and had left the meeting by public comment time.]
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:46 P.M., Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:04 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:04 P.M.
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board