MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 8:30 A.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Nathan Miller, Chairman
David Blust, Vice-Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Commissioner
John Welch, Commissioner
Perry Yates, Commissioner
Stacy Eggers, IV, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 8:38 A.M.
Vice-Chairman Blust opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the May 21, 2013, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the May 21, 2013, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the May 21, 2013, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the June 4, 2013, agenda.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the June 4, 2013, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Ordinance
County Manager Geouque presented the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Ordinance for adoption. Below is a list of changes that were requested by the Board and incorporated into the proposed budget:
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
Occupancy Tax Admin Collection Fees |
increase |
$300 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
|
Governing Body |
decrease salary and benefits |
$815 |
|
Information Technology |
increase |
$10,000 |
|
Maintenance, Parks/Fields |
increase |
$15,000 |
|
Special Allocations: |
|
|
|
Children’s Playhouse |
increase |
$2,500 |
|
Foscoe Community Center |
increase |
$1,000 |
|
Valle Crucis Park |
decrease |
$1,000 |
|
Green Valley Park |
decrease |
$6,000 |
|
Foster Grandparent Program |
decrease |
$1,100 |
|
WeCAN |
increase |
$1,500 |
|
Hunger and Health Coalition |
decrease |
$8,000 |
|
Community Care Clinic |
decrease |
$5,500 |
|
Mountain Alliance |
decrease |
$6,300 |
|
Western Youth Network |
decrease |
$3,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
To Department of Social Services |
decrease |
$15,814 |
|
To Capital Projects |
increase |
$17,829 |
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Chairman Miller, moved to decrease the allocation to Smoky Mountain Center, the County’s Local Management Entity for mental health services, by $50,000.
Commissioner Welch requested that an additional work session be scheduled to allow for further discussion.
After discussion the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)
Nay-2(Kennedy, Welch)
Vice-Chairman Blust recommended the following reallocations:
Foscoe/Grandfather Community Center increase to $1,500
Mountain Alliance increase to $10,000
Hunger Coalition increase to $8,500
Green Valley Park increase to $8,000
Commissioner Yates shared concerns that Green Valley Park had recently declined the acceptance of a $1,000 donation from Wahoo’s Water Adventures. Representatives from both entities were present.
County Attorney Eggers stated that the Board could receive comment from both entities if so desired, schedule a special meeting to further discuss the issue, or proceed with Board only discussion.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to allow two speakers (one representing Green Valley Park and one representing Wahoo’s Water Adventures) each three minutes to explain the events surrounding the $1,000 check.
VOTE: Aye-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)
Nay-2(Kennedy, Welch)
Ms. Virginia Roseman, on behalf of Mr. Jeff Stanly, with Wahoo’s Water Adventures explained the events that lead to Mr. Stanly writing a $1,000 check to Green Valley Park as a solution to parking issues at the park. Ms. Roseman stated that Wahoo’s was in support of Green Valley Park; however, she requested the Board place stipulations which would prohibit the Park from allowing outside outfitters use of the parking area.
Ms. Janice Carroll, representing Green Valley Park, stated that the Park’s Board chose to return the check because they did not want the headaches that came with the donation which was made after parking issues and alleged pirating by Wahoo’s of permitted outfitters’ customers.
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to amend the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget for the following special allocations:
Foscoe/Grandfather Community Center increase to $1,500
Mountain Alliance increase to $10,000
Hunger Coalition increase to $8,500
Green Valley Park increase to $8,000
Commissioner Kennedy requested that a work session be scheduled to allow for additional discussion.
After discussion, the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-3(Blust, Yates, Welch)
Nay-2(Miller, Kennedy)
Clerk’s Note: Later in the meeting the above vote was amended to: VOTE: Aye-4(Blust, Kennedy, Yates, Welch)
Nay-1(Miller)
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to make the following reallocations to the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
Capital Projects decrease by $17,800
Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation decrease by $500 transfer to WeCAN
Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation decrease by $1,500 transfer to Green Valley Park
Green Valley Park increase by $1,500 transferred from BR P&R
Foster Grandparents Program increase by $1,000 transferred from Cap. Projects
Hunger Coalition increase by $3,500 transferred from Cap. Projects
Community Care Clinic increase by $2,000 transferred from Cap. Projects
Mountain Alliance increase by $2,500 transferred from Cap. Projects
Children’s Playhouse increase by $500 transferred from Cap. Projects
Hospitality House increase by $4,000 transferred from Cap. Projects
WeCAN increase by $1,800 transferred from Beech Mtn. P&R ($500) & Cap. Projects ($1,300)
Western Youth Network increase by $3,000 transferred from Cap. Projects
After discussion, the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-2(Kennedy, Welch)
Nay-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)
Chairman Miller, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reallocate $36,700 (the remainder between the decrease to Smoky Mountain and the increases to various non-profits) to the Sheriff’s Office to be used for uniforms and equipment.
After discussion, the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Ordinance as amended in the above actions to include the $50,000 decrease to Smoky Mountain Center and subsequent increases to non-profits, in the total amount of $13,300, and the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $36,700.
VOTE: Aye-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)
Nay-2(Kennedy, Welch)
Sheriff’s Office Matters
A. Request to Reassign Competent Correctional Care, Inc., Contract to JLW Enterprises, Inc.
The County currently contracts with Competent Correctional Care, Inc. for jail inmate medical services. Competent Correctional Care, Inc. has requested to assign their contract with the County to JLW Enterprises, Inc. The County Attorney prepared an assignment agreement in which both Competent Correctional Care, Inc. and JLW Enterprises, Inc. have signed. Sheriff Hagaman stated that there would be no changes in the terms and conditions of the existing contract or services due to the assignment to JLW Enterprises, Inc. All medical staff was to remain the same as well. The Sheriff supported and recommended approval of the assignment.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the assignment of the Competent Correctional Care, Inc. contract to JLW Enterprises, Inc. as prepared by the County Attorney.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Request to Accept Donation of Two Service Dogs from Mount Vernon Church
Sheriff Hagaman requested the Board accept a donation of two K-9 service dogs from Mount Vernon Church. Both dogs, a German Shepherd and Belgium Malinois, were dual purpose service dogs trained for patrol and narcotics. The Sheriff stated that the dogs were currently in training which was also provided. Funds were budgeted for FY 2014 to covered associated expenses.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to accept the donation of the two K-9 service dogs from Mount Vernon Church as requested by the Sheriff.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Development Commission (EDC) Funding Recommendation
Mr. Rob Hudspeth and Mr. Tim Ford, representatives from the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), shared details on the new Appalachian Place project at Chestnut Ridge. The new facility was to be constructed on property near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock and would replace Blowing Rock Hospital. Total estimated cost for the project is $20 million. ARHS requested assistance, in the amount of $150,000 from Economic Development funds, for water and sewer infrastructure needs as the project would bring several new jobs to the County.
Mr. Keith Honeycutt, Chairman of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission (EDC), recommended the Board approve the $150,000 for water and sewer infrastructure with $75,000 to be allocated from EDC funds and $75,000 from County funds. The full $150,000 was recommended to be paid up front with $75,000 to be tied to Phase II of the project. Should Phase II not begin within five (5) years, that $75,000 was required to be repaid to the County.
Mr. Keith Tester, Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Board, encouraged the Board to show strong support by allocating Economic Development funds for infrastructure needs with jobs to be created by the addition to the local healthcare system.
After lengthy discussion, Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to allocate $75,000 from Economic Development funds to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System for water and sewer infrastructure needs associated with the Chestnut Ridge project with talks to continue regarding the additional funding from the County.
VOTE: Aye-2(Kennedy, Welch)
Nay-3(Miller, Blust, Yates)
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Matters
A. FY 2013 JCPC Revised Funding Allocation
Ms. Karee Mackey, Chair of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), presented a revised funding allocation for FY 2013.
Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2013 funding allocation revisions as presented by Ms. Mackey.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. FY 2014 JCPC Certification, Membership, and County Plan
Ms. Mackey presented the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Certification and County Plan as well as the membership roster for FY 2014.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve certification, County Plan and membership as presented by Ms. Mackey.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of May 2013. This report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Warren presented the following Refunds and Releases for May 2013 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for May 2013, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. County Tax Records Retention & Disposition Schedule
Mr. Warren requested the Board adopt the County Tax Records Retention and Disposition Schedule from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Adoption of the schedule allows the Tax Office to be compliant with state requirements for retention and disposal of their records.
County Manager Geouque recommended the local policy for administrative value be set at twenty-four (24) hours.
County Attorney Eggers stated that documents could, however, be kept longer than the 24 hour time period.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the County Tax Records Retention and Disposition Schedule as presented with the local administrative value policy to be set at twenty-four (24) hours.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. Smoky Mountain Quarterly Report
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Reports as required by Statute.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Budget Amendments
Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, reviewed the following budget amendments:
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
283102-312119 |
Tax Revenue Meat Camp/Creston Fire District |
|
$2,600 |
|
284340-469919 |
Payment to Meat Camp/Creston Fire District |
$2,600 |
|
|
283102-312112 |
Tax Revenue Blowing Rock Fire District |
|
$4,300 |
|
284340-469912 |
Payment to Blowing Rock Fire District |
$4,300 |
|
|
283102-312111 |
Tax Revenue Todd Fire District |
|
$2,010 |
|
284340-469911 |
Payment to Todd Fire District |
$2,010 |
|
|
283102-312110 |
Tax Revenue Deep Gap Fire District |
|
$13,700 |
|
284340-469910 |
Payment to Deep Gap Fire District |
$13,700 |
|
|
283102-312108 |
Tax Revenue Shawneehaw Fire District |
|
$4,615 |
|
284340-469908 |
Payment to Shawneehaw Fire District |
$4,615 |
|
|
283102-312107 |
Tax Revenue Cove Creek Fire District |
|
$10,800 |
|
284340-469907 |
Payment to Cove Creek Fire District |
$10,800 |
|
|
283102-312106 |
Tax Revenue Zionville Fire District |
|
$7,110 |
|
284340-469906 |
Payment to Zionville Fire District |
$7,110 |
|
|
283102-312105 |
Tax Revenue Stewart Simmons Fire District |
|
$10,500 |
|
284340-469905 |
Payment to Stewart Simmons Fire District |
$10,500 |
|
|
283102-312104 |
Tax Revenue Beaver Dam Fire District |
|
$9,000 |
|
284340-469904 |
Payment to Beaver Dam Fire District |
$9,000 |
|
|
283102-312101 |
Tax Revenue Foscoe Fire District |
|
$15,700 |
|
284340-469901 |
Payment to Foscoe Fire District |
$15,700 |
|
|
283102-312101 |
Tax Revenue Foscoe Fire District |
|
$3,380 |
|
284340-469901 |
Payment to Foscoe Fire District |
$3,380 |
|
|
283102-312108 |
Tax Revenue Shawneehaw Fire District |
|
$375 |
|
284340-469908 |
Payment to Shawneehaw Fire District |
$375 |
|
|
283102-312105 |
Tax Revenue Beech Mountain Fire District |
|
$245 |
|
284340-469998 |
Payment to Beech Mountain Fire District |
$245 |
|
|
|
|||
|
The amendment recognized additional estimated fire district tax revenues and payments due to departments. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103980-398121 |
Transfer from Capital Projects Fund |
|
$52,085 |
|
104920-469199 |
EDC-Professional Services |
$52,085 |
|
|
213991-399101 |
Fund Balance Appropriation |
|
$52,085 |
|
219800-498010 |
Transfer to the General Fund |
$52,085 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment transferred funds from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund to be used for the due diligence associated with the potential land purchase for economic development per May 21, 2013, Board approval. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Account # |
Description |
Debit |
Credit |
|
103200-326600 |
ABC Bottle Tax |
|
$750 |
|
105890-469848 |
Restorative Justice Drug Court |
$750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amendment recognized estimated additional revenue and expenditures for Alcohol Beverage Control Bottle Tax funds. |
|||
|
|
|||
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Kennedy, Yates)
Nay-1(Welch)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Renewal of Ambulance Agreement with Avery County
County Manager Geouque stated that the agreement between Avery and Watauga Counties to provide ambulance service to the Beech Mountain section of Watauga County and the Avery County section of the Flat Springs area on the back side of Beech Mountain was to expire June 30, 2013. The County Manager presented a proposed five-year renewal which was drafted by the County Attorney and has been approved by Avery County. The adjusted amount for the FY 2014 payment to Avery County was $64,058.13 with the amount to be adjusted each year based on the consumer price index (CPI) for the previous year.
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the renewal of the ambulance agreement with Avery County as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. County Management Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
The County Manager presented an updated County Management Records Retention and Disposition Schedule from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Adoption of the schedule allows the County Manager’s Office to be compliant with state requirements for retention and disposal of their records. The County Manager recommended the local policy for administrative value be set at twenty-four (24) hours. The County Attorney stated that documents could be held longer than the twenty-four (24) hour period.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adopt the County Management Records Retention and Disposition Schedule with the local policy for administrative value to be set at twenty-four (24) hours.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Boards & Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that an appointment to the Economic Development Commission was tabled at the May 21, 2013, meeting to allow for a second reading. The two applicants are Ms. Evelyn Asher, Coordinator of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s Small Business Center and Mr. Robert Olsen, a local business owner.
Chairman Miller, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to appoint Mr. Robert Olsen as a member of the Economic Development Commission.
VOTE: Aye-4(Miller, Blust, Welch, Yates)
Nay-1(Kennedy)
County Manager Geouque stated that the Region D Development Corporation was a Certified Development Company that assisted the US Small Business Administration in delivering small business loans to the region. They also assisted in marketing and packaging loans for small businesses throughout the region. Per their bylaws, each county was required to appoint four persons to serve as members of the Development Corporation in May of each year. Representative categories were local government (1), private lending institution (1), and a community organization or a business organization (2). Current appointees are as follows: Mr. John Spear (Local Government); Mr. Brian Crutchfield (Community Organization); Mr. Jim Furman (Business Organization); and Mr. Brian Riggins (Private Lending Institution). You may wish to reappoint those serving or appoint new members.
Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to reappoint the following to the Region D Development Corporation as Watauga County representatives: Mr. John Spear (local government), Mr. Brian Crutchfield (community organization), Mr. Jim Furman (business organization), and Mr. Brian Riggins (lending institution).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
County Manager Geouque stated that the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Advisory Board recently nominated Ms. Jennifer Miller for an appointment to their Board.
The above was a first reading and, therefore, no action was required at this time.
D. Announcements
County Manager Geouque stated that, historically, the Board cancelled the first regular meeting in July due to the recent adoption of the annual budget and the beginning of a new fiscal year.
By consensus, the Board agreed to cancel the first regular meeting in July.
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga Humane Society had requested a liaison be appointed to their Board.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Chairman Miller, moved to appoint Commissioner Kennedy as the Board of Commissioner representative on the Watauga Humane Society’s Board of Directors.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Kennedy requested to officially change his vote to “Aye” for an earlier vote as corrected below:
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to amend the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget for the following special allocations:
Foscoe/Grandfather Community Center increase to $1,500
Mountain Alliance increase to $10,000
Hunger Coalition increase to $8,500
Green Valley Park increase to $8,000
After discussion, the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-4(Blust, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)
Nay-1(Miller)
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to allow Commissioner Kennedy to officially change his vote as requested above.
After discussion the following vote was taken on the above motion:
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
The following spoke during public comment:
Ms. Virginia Roseman thanked the Board for the additional allocation to Green Valley Park and shared concerns regarding the relationship between Wahoo’s Water Adventures and Green Valley Park.
Ms. Joan Bathanti shared concerns regarding budget cuts to Smoky Mountain Center.
Ms. Anne-Marie Yates thanked County staff for their work during the budget process.
Closed Session
At 11:23 A.M., Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to resume the open meeting at 11:49 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Chairman Miller, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:49 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board