MINUTES

 

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.

 

                        PRESENT:      Nathan A. Miller, Chairman

                                                Vince Gable, Vice-Chairman

                                                David Blust, Commissioner

                                                Jim Deal, Commissioner

                                                Stacy C. Eggers, IV, County Attorney

                                                Deron Geouque, County Manager

                                                Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.

 

[Clerk’s Note:  Commissioner Tim Futrelle was not in attendance due to family obligations.]

 

Commissioner Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Gable led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the December 20, 2011, regular and closed session minutes.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to approve the December 20, 2011, regular meeting minutes as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to approve the December 20, 2011, closed session minutes as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the January 17, 2012, agenda.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to approve the January 17, 2012, agenda as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Bid Award Request

Captain Kelly Redmon presented bids for three (3) new crew cab 4x4 pickup trucks.  The following bids were received:

 

Bidder

Amount Per Vehicle

Total Amount

Bobby Jones Ford

$30,528

$91,584.00

Light-n-up LLC

$31,423

$94,269.00

Boone Ford

$31,728

$95,728.00

Mack Brown Chevrolet

$35,978

$107,936.01

 

The lowest responsive bidder was Bobby Jones Ford with a total bid of $91,584.  The amount for taxes and tags was $2,766 for a total amount of $94,350.  The total budgeted amount for the vehicles was $90,000; however, the County had realized a savings in the purchase of radios, therefore, an administrative budget amendment was to be processed to cover the $4,350 overage. 

 

County Attorney Eggers explained that, per General Statutes, the Board was required to award the bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.  No discretion was allowed to give special consideration to local bidders.

 

Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to award the bid for three new crew cab 4x4 pickup trucks to the lowest bidder, Bobby Jones Ford, in the total amount of $94,350 ($91,584 for the three vehicles and $2,766 for the associated taxes and tags).

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

USDA’s Proposed Lease Request for the Location of the Watauga/ Avery County Service Center

Mr. Charles Zink, with the Farm Services Administration, presented a lease for office space at the West Annex which would house the Watauga/Avery County USDA Service Center.  The County, in conjunction with the USDA, had been working on this renewal for three (3) plus years.  The proposal was to continue leasing the 1,718 square feet currently occupied by USDA at the existing rate of $10.00 per square foot, for a total amount of $17,180 per year.  Lease payments were electronically deposited monthly.  The term of the lease was 10 years.

 

County Manager Geouque requested the County Attorney’s opinion as to if the lease could be for ten years.  County Attorney Eggers stated that he recalled that leases needed to be 10 years or less to meet statutory requirements; however, he noted that he would verify that information.

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to approve the lease for USDA office space at the West Annex facility in the amount $10.00 per square foot for approximately 1,718 square feet totaling $17,180 annually, contingent upon the County Attorney’s review and verification of the number of years allowed for the lease of County-owned property.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Presentation of W.A.M.Y. Community Actions, Inc.’s, 2012-2013 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Application

Ms. Jane Lentz, Director of W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc., presented the Agency’s 2012-2013 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) application as required prior to submission.

 

The report was given for information only; therefore, no action was required. 

Green Valley Community Park Request

Ms. Janice Carroll, President of Green Valley Community Park, Inc., stated that a grant was received in the amount of $5,300 for materials and gravel for repairs and improvements at the park.   Ms. Carroll requested County forces to haul the gravel to the park and grade the driveway and parking areas.  The County has assisted the park in the past with similar requests.

 

Also, the County has an agreement with Green Valley Community Park which states that, should the park default or cease to exist; the property would revert to the County. 

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to authorize the County Manager, through appropriate staff, to assist the Green Valley Community Park with hauling and grading.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

[Clerk’s Note:  Tourism Development Authority Matters was heard prior to the public hearing as the public hearing was not scheduled to begin until 6:00 P.M.]

Tourism Development Authority Matters

A.  Bid Award Requests for Rocky Knob Park

1.  Bike Skills Area

 

Mr. Eric Woolridge with the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), requested approval to contract with Trail Dynamics, in an amount not to exceed $35,000, for the construction of a bike skills area at Rocky Knob Park.  The bike skills area is part of the match for the $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant awarded for Rocky Knob Park.  The TDA Board approved the award at their January 10, 2012, meeting. 

 

County Attorney Eggers stated that the TDA used the Request for Proposal (RFP) method of choosing a qualified company for the construction of the bike skills area which allows for the negotiation of the contract upon selection.

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to authorize Watauga County Tourism Development staff and the County Attorney to negotiate a contract with Trail Dynamics for an amount not to exceed $35,000, with the Tourism Development Authority to fully fund the project at no cost to Watauga County.

 

After further discussion, Chairman Miller tabled the above motion and Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to authorize Watauga County Tourism Development staff and the County Attorney to negotiate a contract with Trail Dynamics for an amount not to exceed $35,000, with the Tourism Development Authority to fully fund the project at no cost to Watauga County contingent, upon the contract being brought to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

2.  Playground

 

Mr. Woolridge stated that, upon a request for bids for the construction of a playground at Rocky Knob Park, Beanstalk Journeys was the only bid received.  Mr. Woolridge stated that, at a prior Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board requested the project be rebid due to concerns with the original Request for Proposal.  With assistance from the County Attorney, TDA staff rebid the project.  Beanstalk Journeys was the only vendor to submit a proposal due to the desire to use natural materials.

 

The Tourism Development Authority Board approved Beanstalk Journeys’ proposal and contract, which was drawn by the County Attorney, in the amount of $75,000.  The playground was another component of the County fulfilling the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant requirements for Rocky Knob Park.

 

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the contract with Beanstalk Journeys in the amount of $75,000 for the construction of a playground at Rocky Knob Park with the project to be fully funded by the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

B.  Recreation Trails Program Grant Application Request

Mr. Woolridge presented a Recreation Trails Program grant application in the amount of $75,000 with an $18,750 match that would be funded by the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA).  The grant, if received, was to fund a project that included the construction of two (2) river accesses:  one at Green Valley Community Park and the other off of Pine Run Road along the New River.  The property where the Pine Run Road access was to be constructed was owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and, therefore, an encroachment agreement between the County and the DOT would be required prior to construction.  The TDA was to be the grant applicant and, therefore, responsible for all construction and maintenance costs associated with the project and encroachment. 

 

Mr. Woolridge requested the Board’s endorsement of the projects and grant application.  Also the TDA requested the County agree to enter into an encroachment agreement, contingent upon award of the grant, with the DOT for the property on which the Pine Run Road access was to be constructed.

 

Mr. Woolridge stated that the TDA had scheduled a public hearing on Thursday, January 26, 2012, to allow citizen comment on the proposed grant application.

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to endorse the project and grant application as presented by the Tourism Development Authority, subject to the TDA conducting the public hearing on Thursday, January 26, 2012, to allow for citizen comment on the proposed projects and grant application; the TDA Board notifying adjacent property owners and giving explanation at the public hearing of options to citizens who wished to oppose the grant application; and contingent upon the grant application not being submitted until after the public hearing was held.

 

VOTE:  Aye-2(Blust, Deal)

             Nay-2(Miller, Gable)

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

The County Attorney verified that the motion did not pass.

 

After further discussion, Chairman Miller set a special meeting on Friday, January 27, 2012, at 8:00 A.M. and tabled further discussion and consideration of the grant application until that special meeting to allow the public to comment on the proposed projects at the scheduled public hearing prior to action being taken regarding the grant application.

Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Secondary Road Improvements Program for FY 2012

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:31 P.M. to allow for comment on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Secondary Roads Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2012.

 

Mr. Ivan Dishman, District Engineer with the DOT, reviewed the program for FY 2012 which included a total allocation of $703,951 for improvements to secondary roads in Watauga County as follows:

 

I.  Paving Unpaved Roads                                                                                Programmed Paving Goal:  1.38 Miles

Increase Funding

Priority #

State Rd. #

Length (miles)

Road Name & Description

Est. Cost

 

SR 1156

.69

Big Branch Road (Complete Funding)

From SR1123 to End of Maintenance

$100,000

Subtotal   $100,000

Rural Paving Priority

Priority #

State Rd. #

Length (miles)

Road Name & Description

Est. Cost

1

SR1331B

1.38

Roby Greene Road (Partial Funding) from end of pavement to SR1332

$366,006

Subtotal   $366,006

Rural Paving Alternates

In the event that any roads in priority have to be placed on the "Hold List" due to unavailable right of way or environmental review, or if additional funding becomes available, funds will be applied to the roads listed in priority order in the paving alternate list as follows:

Priority #

State Rd. #

Length (miles)

Road Name & Description

Est. Cost

3*

SR1526B

2.3

Sampson Road from Point to Point

$2,300,000

4*

SR1123C

.8

Laurel Creek Road from 1157 to SR 1129

$850,000

[Clerk’s Note:  *Mr. Dishman clarified that Priority #’s 3&4 should be #’s 2&3]

II.  General Secondary Road Improvements

 

 

 

A.   Unpaved Road Spot Improvements

SR1348

SR1231

SR1207

SR1331

SR1126

SR1300

SR1508

SR1128

SR1239

SR1559

SR1335

SR1211

SR1204

SR1558

SR1353

SR1526

SR1514

SR1660

SR1102

Etc.

Subtotal   $117, 945

 

B.  Other Paved and Unpaved Road Improvements

 

Maintenance functions on various roads as needed.  Functions may include spot stabilization, paved road improvements, replacement of small bridges with pipes, safety projects, etc.

 

Subtotal    $30,000

III.

Unallocated Funds and Reserves

 

 

Funds reserved for surveying, right-of-way acquisition, road additions, contingencies, overdrafts, and paving entrances to certified fire departments, rescue squads, etc.

 

Subtotal    $90.000

Grand Total  $703,951

       

 

The following citizens shared their concerns regarding Roby Greene Road (13 citizens) and Laurel Creek Road (2 citizens):

 


Ross Garulski

Mike Evans

Tom Cherry

Jennifer Critcher

Pat Carter

Lori McCarthy

Anita Presnell

Charlie Wallin

Greg Tague

Mario Perret-Gentil

Krista Schneider

Danny Schneider

Joan Woodworth

Jim Montague

Janice Carroll

 


 

There being no further public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 7:24 P.M.

 

Statutes allow the Board of Commissioners to either endorse the plan or take no action at all; however, the Board has no control over the operation of the plan.

 

After discussion, Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to endorse the Department of Transportation’s Secondary Roads Improvement Plan as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Deal, Gable)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

By consensus, the Board agreed to direct the County Manager to draft a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation give consideration to Roby Greene Road for safety reasons and to follow up with DOT staff regarding potential discretionary funds that might be available to assist with the repairs.

Landfill Gas to Energy Project Matters

A.  Proposed Interconnection Agreement with BREMCO

Mr. Brian Crutchfield, with Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (BREMCO), presented an interconnection agreement between the County and BREMCO.  The interconnection agreement was a part of the County’s Gas to Energy project and was required in order for the County to place electricity generated through the project onto BREMCO’s electric infrastructure.

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the interconnection agreement with BREMCO, contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Deal, Gable)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

B.  Proposed Facilities Charge Agreement

Mr. Crutchfield also presented a Consumer Requested Facilities Charge Agreement between the County and BREMCO.  The purpose of the agreement was to cover the cost of the facilities constructed by BREMCO in support of the Gas to Energy project.  BREMCO had installed primary metering at a single point, eliminating the seven existing meters and permitted the County to utilize the mini grid while BREMCO still maintained the facilities.  This agreement established a permanent consumer requested facilities charge in the total amount of $200 per month as long as the service was being provided.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to approve the Consumer Requested Facilities Charge Agreement, contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Deal, Gable)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

C.  Proposed Baseline Gas Monitoring

Mr. Brian Raichle with the Appalachian State University’s Department of Technology and Environmental Design requested permission to install up to three (3) wellhead monitors to record landfill gas flow, temperature, and humidity in real time.  Mr. Raichle stated that the goal for the monitoring program was to improve energy production.  The baseline data collected also had the potential to strengthen future proposals for external funding.  Mr. Raichle stated that McGee Environmental, Inc., currently involved with the County’s project, was to be involved and provide input on the design of the monitors.  Appalachian State University was to provide all the necessary equipment and funds for the monitoring project at no cost to the County.  County Attorney Eggers inquired about preparing a formal agreement; however, he was not directed to do so.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to give permission to Appalachian State University’s Department of Technology and Environmental Design to install the wellhead monitors as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Deal, Gable)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Proposed Gated Community Ordinance

Mr. Joe Furman stated that the Fire Commission had requested an ordinance be drafted requiring rules and standards for the installation of electronic access gates for gated communities.  Mr. Furman presented a proposed Gated Community Ordinance and requested the Board schedule a public hearing for the February 21, 2012, meeting to allow public comment on the proposed ordinance.  Mr. Furman stated that the Ordinance was to regulate new communities and would also require current communities to adhere to the standards when replacing gates in the future.  Mr. Furman stated that the Planning and Inspections Department was to serve as the gateway for applicants under the proposed ordinance.

 

Mr. Ronnie Marsh with the Fire Commission stated that it would cost current communities approximately $1,200 to $1,500 when replacing current gates to meet the standards within the ordinance.

 

Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed Gated Community Ordinance.

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Deal, Gable)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Tax Matters

A.  Monthly Collections Report

Tax Administrator Kelvin Byrd presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of December 2011.  This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.

B.  Refunds and Releases

Mr. Byrd presented the following Refunds and Releases for December 2011 for Board approval:

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for December 2011, as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Finance Matters

A.  Budget Amendments

Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103586-384000

Donations – Project on Aging

 

$1,500

105550-429200

Program Supplies

$1,500

 

 

The amendment recognized a grant award from the Exxon Mobile Volunteer Foundation.  The Board approved the volunteer award program at the July 12, 2011, regular Board meeting.

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

143531-323000

Admin Cost Reimb from State

 

$139,621

145480-438800

Crisis Intervention Payments

$139,621

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognized an additional state DSS allocation for crisis intervention payments to clients.  No County funds were required in this program.

 

 

 

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103839-384000

Donations

 

$7,500

104330-454000

Capital Outlay – Vehicles

$7,500

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognized acceptance of a mass casualty trailer as a part of a regional grant program from Homeland Security.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

B.  Records Retention Request

Ms. Pierce stated that the Board previously approved a Document Scanning Policy allowing public records in the Finance Department to be retained electronically per approval from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Historical Resources, Government Records Branch.  Due to interest from other County departments, Ms. Pierce presented a revised policy entitled Watauga County Electronic Records System Policy which was to allow for additional departments to use an electronic means of retaining records.  The revised draft had been sent to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources for their approval.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to approve the Watauga County Electronic Records System Policy as presented by Ms. Pierce.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

Ms. Pierce presented Request for Disposal of Original Records Duplicated by Electronic Means forms from both the Finance and Social Services Departments as required in association with the Electronic Records System Policy.

 

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the Request for Disposal of Original Records Duplicated by Electronic Means forms as presented by Ms. Pierce.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

Ms. Pierce presented Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for both the Sheriff’s Office and Tax Department which had been updated by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources for consideration.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to adopt the Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for both the Sheriff and Tax Office as presented by Ms. Pierce.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Update on Consolidated Dispatch

Vice-Chairman Gable reported that Blowing Rock Town Council had adopted a resolution in support of consolidated dispatch; however, the Town of Boone had not yet made a commitment.  Mr. Gable stated that a job description for an Emergency Services Director had been formulated and staff was working on a departmental budget.  At this time, it appears that costs savings would be seen and safety issues would be met.

 

Vice-Chairman Gable moved to ratify the job description and publish a job advertisement in a move to have the department operable for FY 2013 which was to begin July 1, 2012.

 

County Attorney Eggers stated that the job description needed to include that the Emergency Services Director reports directly to either the Sheriff or the County Manager in order for the County to qualify to receive 911 funding.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that consolidated dispatch was also a topic for discussion on the draft agenda for the upcoming Annual Pre-Budget Retreat.

 

After discussion, Vice-Chairman Gable’s motion died for a lack of a second to allow for the development of a departmental budget and further discussion at the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat.  

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

A.  Request to Donate Bleachers from Old High School

Commissioner Deal stated that the Optimist Club had contacted him inquiring about the County possibly donating the bleachers from the old high school to the Optimist Club for use at the baseball fields leased by the County.

 

County Attorney Eggers stated that a resolution needed to be adopted to donate property to a non-profit and the donation would have to be advertised for five days; therefore, the Optimist Club would have to be an incorporated nonprofit agency in order to receive a donation of property from the County.

 

Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to declare the bleachers at the old high school as surplus property and direct the County Manager to follow up with the Optimist Club and prepare an appropriate resolution and advertisement to meet the requirements for the donation.

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

B.  Boards & Commissions

County Manager Geouque stated that the term of Watauga County Recreation Commission member, Mr. Denny Norris, representing the Green Valley Elementary School district, expired December 31, 2011.  Green Valley Principal, Phillip Griffin, had recommended the reappointment of Mr. Denny Norris.

Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Denny Norris to the Watauga County Recreation Commission.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

County Manager Geouque stated that two terms on the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) were set to expire at the end of February 2012.  The TDA requested that Mr. Rob Holton and Mr. Mike Hall each be reappointed to three-year terms.  Both Mr. Holton and Mr. Hall were willing to continue to serve if so appointed.  Chairman Miller nominated Ms. Kim Rogers and Mr. Jim Neustadt for consideration of appointment as well.

 

The County Manager stated that, per TDA Bylaws, the TDA Chairman was also due for appointment by the Board of Commissioners.

 

The above was a first reading and, therefore, no action was required at this time.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the term of Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (NHCAC) member, Mr. Fred Badders, was to expire January 24, 2012.  High Country Council of Governments’ Ombudsman, Ms. Julie Wiggins, had nominated Mr. Badders for reappointment.  Mr. Badders was willing to continue to serve if so appointed.

 

Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Mr. Fred Badders to the Watauga County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

C.  Announcements

County Manager Geouque announced that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners had a seminar scheduled at the UNC School of Government’s Knapp-Sanders Building on January 20, 2012, entitled “Leading Your County Governing Board.”

 

County Manager Geouque announced that the proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat were February 24 & 25, 2012, and March 2 & 3, 2012, with times proposed as 12:00–6:00 P.M. on Friday and 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. on Saturday.  The County Manager requested direction in setting the date of the Retreat.

 

By consensus, the Board scheduled the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat for Friday, February 24, 2012, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon.

 

County Manager Geouque announced that the 2012 Watauga County Economic Development Summit was scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2012, from 1:00–5:00 P.M. at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in Downtown Blowing Rock.

 

County Manager Geouque announced that Watauga County Library invited the Board of Commissioners to a dinner from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on February 21, 2012, at the Library.

 

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Closed Session

At 8:03 P.M., Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

 

Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:56 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Gable, Blust, Deal)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Futrelle)

Adjourn

Chairman Miller adjourned the meeting at 8:56 P.M.

 

 

 

Nathan A. Miller, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board