MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 5:30 P.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

Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, County Attorney

                                                Deron Geouque, County Manager

                                                Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.

 

[Clerk’s Note:  Vice-Chairman Blust arrived at the meeting at 5:51 P.M.]

 

Commissioner Yates opened the meeting with a prayer and Commissioner Welch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the October 1, 2013, regular meeting minutes.

 

Chairman Miller requested the following vote result be corrected as noted (deletions in strikethrough and additions in bold italic):

 

After lengthy discussion, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. to allow citizen comment on Board of Commissioners’ Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction appointments to the Town of Boone’s Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments and to direct the County Manager to send a letter to Town of Boone Manager, Greg Young, requesting a joint public meeting with the Boone Town Council to discuss the procedures for making Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) appointments to Town of Boone Boards.

 

VOTE:    Aye-5 4(Blust, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

               Nay-0 1(Miller)

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 1, 2013, regular meeting minutes as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Blust)

 

Chairman Miller tabled action for the October 1, 2013, closed session minutes until the end of the meeting as there were amendments to be reviewed during closed session.

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the October 15, 2013, agenda.

 

County Manager Geouque requested to add the following:

 

·       Discussion on the Department of Social Services Budget as it relates to the current Federal Government Shutdown

·       Request for approval of funding for the snow guard system on the roof at the Watauga High School

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the October 15, 2013, agenda as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Blust)

Green Valley Community Park, Inc.’s Request for Assistance

Mr. Tim Hagaman, President of Green Valley Community Park, Inc. requested assistance from the County Sanitation Department to repair the Park’s canoe access road and parking area as well as extend an existing French drain.  Green Valley Park planned to pay for all materials and supplies but requested the County provide the equipment, labor and fuel.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to allow the Sanitation Department to assist Green Valley Community Park by providing equipment, labor, and fuel to assist with park repairs as requested.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Blust)

Boone Area Cyclist’s Rocky Knob Park Requests

A.  Pump Track Expansion

 

Mr. Eric Woolridge with Boone Area Cyclists presented a proposal to extend the recently constructed Pump Track at Rocky Knob Park.  The expansion will eliminate eight (8) parking spaces at the facility.  Mr. Woolridge stated that the eight spaces were rarely used except for special events and those events usually resulted in overflow parking into the Department of Transportation right-of-way with or without the 8 spaces in question.

 

After discussion, Commissioner Yates moved to table further discussion to allow for Boone Area Cyclists to take their request to the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to obtain a recommendation.

 

Chairman Miller ruled the motion out-of-order and tabled further discussion to allow the Boone Area Cyclists to present their request to the Tourism Development Authority to obtain a recommendation since the TDA was working on bathrooms and paving at the park.

 

B.  “Track Trail” Designation

 

Mr. Woolridge stated that the Boone Area Cyclists recently received a $2,200 grant from the “Track Trails” program.  In order to receive the grant, the County, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Boone Area Cyclists had to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding.  Based on discussions with the Parks and Recreation, Maintenance, and Sanitation Departments; staff determined that the requirements of the MOU could be met with no major impact to these departments.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Boone Area Cyclist contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.

 

VOTE:  Aye-4(Miller, Kennedy, Welch, Yates)

             Nay-0

             Absent-1(Blust)

High Country Pathways Request for Amendments In Tourism Development Authority Grant

The Board was informed at the last meeting that Green Valley Park had declined assuming the responsibility of an award to the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) through a North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for construction of the Pine Run Road river access and the Green Valley walking trail.

 

Mr. John Lanman with High Country Pathways stated that High Country Pathways agreed to assume the responsibility of administering the grant as well as the construction and maintenance of the river access and walking trail.  The TDA endorsed High Country Pathways to replace Green Valley Park in reference to the grant. 

 

The County had approved an encroachment agreement with DOT for the Pine Run Road portion of the project in June 2012.  County Manager Geouque stated that based on conversations with DOT representatives, the encroachment was still valid and the Department was awaiting direction as to the status of the project.

 

As the Board approved the encroachment based on the TDA being the sponsor of the project, Mr. Lanman requested continued support with High Country Pathways as the sponsoring agent.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to allow High Country Pathways use of the County’s North Carolina Department of Transportation encroachment on Pine Run Road for construction of the river access which would allow High Country Pathways to proceed with the grant project.

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Maintenance Matters

A.  Proposed Utility Easement with Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation for Rocky Knob Park

 

Mr. Robert Marsh stated that plans for Rocky Knob Park included the construction of restroom facilities to complement the overall Park.  Power lines needed to be run for the restroom facilities in which the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) had already agreed to fund.  Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (BREMCO) required an easement to run the power lines underground to the restroom location.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the $15,778.51 for electric service, to be paid by the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, and to approve the easement for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation to construct the power line at the Rocky Knob Park, contingent upon County Attorney review.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

B.  Bid Award Request for Dump Truck

 

Mr. Marsh stated that bids were solicited for a new 2014 Ford F-550 to replace the 1985 Ford F-700.  The following four bids were received:

 

Bidder

Boone Ford

Boone, NC

Capital Ford

Raleigh, NC

Ashe County Ford

West Jefferson, NC

Piedmont Truck Center

Greensboro, NC

Amount

$34,972

$35,070

$35,136

$35,000

 

Mr. Marsh stated that Boone Ford was the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.  Due to issues experienced in the past with Boone Ford, staff has and will continue to verify that the price quoted was for the vehicle specified.  Mr. Marsh stated that he would solicit bids for the dump bed once the Board approved the purchase of the vehicle.  Funding for the vehicle was in the Maintenance Department Budget.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to award the bid to Boone Ford for a 2014 Ford F550 diesel dump truck cab and chassis in the amount of $34,972 plus $1,055.16 for tax and tags for a total amount of $36,027.16.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Tax Matters

A.  Monthly Collections Report

 

Tax Administrator Larry Warren presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of September 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 September 2013, including a report from the new motor vehicle billing system, North Carolina Vehicle Tax System (NCVTS) for Board approval:

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Reports for September 2013, as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Following:

A.  Schedule of Values for 2014 Revaluation

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:04 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed 2014 Schedule of Values.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the proposed 2014 Schedule of Values and 2014 Use Value Schedule and stated that the schedules would be presented for adoption at a future meeting.

 

There being no public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 6:05 P.M.

 

B.  Proposed Amendment to the Watauga County Animal Care and Control Ordinance

 

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:06 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the Watauga County Animal Care and Control Ordinance.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

 

 

Ms. Laurie Vierheller stated that Senate Bill 626 required all animals to be held for 72 hours unless injured, sick or wild.  Due to this change feral cats would need to be classified as wild animals as to not burden the Humane Society with trying to hold trapped feral cats for the 72 hour period.  Feral cats were both a risk and liability to Humane Society staff and animals.  Ms. Vierheller stated that the amendment would not prevent staff from deeming a feral cat “adoptable” if so determined.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Anita Gomez, Chief Animal Care and Control Officer, and Ms. Laurie Vierheller are recommending adding the words or unaltered feral cats under definitions to Section 1.B.24 Wild Animal.

 

There being no public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 6:10 P.M.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to adopt the amended Watauga County Animal Care and Control Ordinance as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Appointments to Town of Boone Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:12 P.M. to allow citizen comment on Extra-Territorial Jurdisdiction (ETJ) Appointments to the Town of Boone’s Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Chairman Miller stated that per Board direction, a public hearing was scheduled to consider the County’s appointments of Frank Bolick and Dale Greene to the Town of Boone Board of Adjustments and Jon Tate to the Town of Boone’s Planning Commission.  The public hearing was necessary due to the Town of Boone’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements. 

 

There being no further public comment, Chairman Miller declared the public hearing closed at 6:12 P.M.

 

Upon closing of the public hearing, staff recommended the Board vote to appoint Mr. Frank Bolick, Mr. Dale Greene, and Mr. Jon Tate to the Town of Boone Board of Adjustments and the Planning Board, respectively.  Staff will notify the Town of Boone that a public hearing was conducted and after the conclusion of the hearing, the Board voted to approve the appointees as presented. 

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Mr. Dale Green, Mr. Frank Bolick, and Mr. Jon Tate as previously appointed as follows:

·        Mr. Dale Greene as a regular Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) member of the Town of Boone Board of Adjustment

·        Mr. Frank Bolick as a regular Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) member of the Town of Boone Planning Commission

·        Mr. Jon Tate as a regular Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) member on the Boone Planning Commission

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Finance Matters

A.  Smoky Mountain Quarterly Report

 

Ms. Margaret Pierce, Finance Director, presented the Smoky Mountain Center Quarterly Financial Report as required by Statute.

 

No action was required.

 

B.  Proposed Upgrade to Telephone System

 

Ms. Pierce stated that staff had earmarked funds in Fiscal Year 2014 for the replacement of telephone equipment for both the Sanitation and Parks and Recreation Departments.  Those two departments phone systems were antiquated which resulted in difficulty when servicing or trying to locate replacement parts.  When evaluating the systems, it was determined that the phone system that serves the Social Services and Project on Aging Departments also needed to be replaced.

 

The Social Services and Project on Aging telephone system would cost an additional $34,271.94 which was not budgeted.  The annual maintenance on that system would be $3,832.44 and $1,517.60 for the Parks and Recreation and Sanitation systems.  However, with the upgrade to all three phone systems, AT&T has determined that a cost savings of approximately $6,000 annually could be recognized.  Thus, the additional savings would cover the annual maintenance of all three systems.  The total cost for the three telephone systems was $50,008.12 with annual maintenance totaling $5,350.04.  Ms. Pierce requested a contingency of $3,500 as well to cover any unanticipated equipment or wiring needs.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve AT&T’s proposal in the amount of $50,008.12 for equipment costs, a $3,500 contingency, and $5,350.04 for annual maintenance costs with approximately $34,000 to be appropriated from the administrative contingency fund to cover the unbudgeted expenses.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  Proposed Inmate Insurance Contract Renewal

 

Ms. Pierce presented the contract renewal with Insurance Management Consultants for catastrophic insurance for inmates.  The insurance shields the County from large medical claims that occur while inmates are housed in the Watauga County Jail.  Mr. Pierce stated that adequate funds were available to cover the expense.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the contract with Insurance Management Consultants, Inc. for catastrophic insurance coverage for inmates housed in the Watauga County Jail in the amount of $38,170. 

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Discussion Regarding Pending Changes to the Smoky Mountain Local Management Entity (LME) Board

Commissioner Kennedy updated the Board regarding pending changes to the Smoky Mountain Local Management Entity (LME) Board and presented a resolution urging the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor, to delay, revisit, and revise the requirements concerning the governance and appointment of elected County officials as Board members to the Smoky Mountain LME/MCO Board of Directors.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adopt the Resolution as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Discussion on the Department of Social Services Budget as it Relates to the Current Federal Government Shutdown

Mr. Jim Atkinson, Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), shared information regarding the effects the current Federal Government shutdown was having on the DSS budget.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that a clear answer had not been received regarding whether the County would be reimbursed for expenses covered during the shutdown.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that he and Mr. Atkinson would formulate a plan to present at the November 19, 2013, regular meeting.

 

Mr. Atkinson requested permission for Chairman Miller to direct the County Attorney to research any legal implications the County may face by not providing mandated services due to the shutdown.

 

Request for approval of funding for the Snow Guard System on the Roof at Watauga High School

County Manager Geouque stated that the snow guards on the Watauga County High School roof needed to be repaired due to safety issues at the entrance of the school.  The snow guard problem has been ongoing since their installation. 

 

The County Manager stated that there was approximately $55,000 to $60,000 remaining in the Watauga High School construction fund and recommended, upon completion of the snow guard repairs, reverting remaining funds to the School’s Capital fund.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the funding request to repair the snow guard system on the roof of Watauga High School and reverting remaining funds to the School’s Capital fund.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

A.  Recommended Contract Awards for Employee Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance

 

County Manager Geouque stated that renewal rates had been received for employee medical, dental, and life insurance benefits.  The initial renewal received from BCBS for medical insurance was a 15.67% increase.  Staff provided additional claims information when the County was with CIGNA that helped provide a longer history of claims.  The additional claims information afforded the County a reduction of 9.34% for a final rate increase of 6.33%.  CIGNA refused to submit a quote.  The Affordable Care Act equated to 3.2% of the 6.33% increase so the actual increase associated to the County’s claims was 3.13% which was well below medical trend.  The County Manager stated that the change from a traditional plan to the HSA model adopted two years ago by the Board was paying off for the County by forcing employees to become smarter consumers of healthcare services.  In addition, staff would be reviewing the potential of changing the HSA banking relation to a local bank in the coming year.  This change would benefit employees in that they would have a local relationship and it would provide more flexibility in managing their account.

 

In reference to dental and life insurance, the County Manager stated that the County was in the final year of a two year rate lock for dental and the third year of a three year rate lock for life insurance with Lincoln Financial Group.  Both dental and life insurance bids were solicited with no offers received that were competitive with Lincoln’s renewal rates.  The initial rate increase for dental was a twenty-four percent (24%) increase.  Staff was able to negotiate a ten percent (10%) increase for a two year period.  In reference to life insurance, staff was able to secure a two-year rate lock with no increase in premiums.

 

After negotiations with current and prospective providers, the County Manager recommended Blue Cross Blue Shield for the County’s medical plan and for the County to fund $1,000 into each employee’s HSA account.  In addition, the County Manager recommended continuing with Lincoln Financial Group as the County’s provider for dental and life insurance.  Adequate funds were budgeted to cover the renewal rates.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to:

·       Award the bid for employee health insurance to Blue Cross Blue Shield through Employee Benefit Advisors (EBA) as presented; and

·       Approve the County funding $1,000 into each employee’s HSA account as presented; and

·       Approve continuing with Lincoln Financial Group as the County’s provider for dental and life insurance.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

B.  Request to Appoint Dr. John Stanton as Medical Director

 

County Manager Geouque stated that Dr. Tara Connelly was moving from Watauga County and, therefore, resigning as Medical Director of the Watauga County Emergency Medical Services Plan.  The County Manager stated that staff along with Watauga Medics recommended Dr. John Stanton be appointed as the new Medical Director, effective November 1, 2013.  If so approved, a contract would be negotiated with Dr. Stanton and presented for consideration at a future meeting.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to appoint Dr. John Stanton as Medical Director of the Watauga County Emergency Medical Services Plan and directed staff to negotiate a contract to be presented for consideration at a future meeting.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

C.  Proposed Amendment to the Republic Services of North Carolina, LLC, Contract

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the contract with Republic Services (aka GDS) was scheduled to expire April 1, 2014.  The contract was for transportation and disposal of the County’s residential and commercial refuse.  Should the County terminate the contract a 120 day notice was required.

 

The initial renewal from Republic was to remain at the current rate of $41.42 per ton which was adjusted yearly based on the CPI with no changes to the contract.  In the first round of negotiations staff was able to receive a waiving of the CPI increase for one year.  Upon continued discussions Republic conceded the waiving of the CPI increase and a $0.75 reduction in the disposal fee for a new rate of $40.67 per ton.  Final negotiations yielded a $1.00 reduction in the disposal fee for a new rate of $40.42 per ton and the waiving of the CPI for the first year of the contract. 

 

Below are the bids that were received in September 2008 when bids for the service were originally requested:

 

Vendor

Cost per Ton

Fuel Surcharge

Allied Waste

$52.00 +

 

Concord, NC 28027

$2.00 NC State Tax

Yes

Allied Waste

$47.70 +

 

Church Hill, TN 37642

$2.00 NC State Tax

Yes

Republic Services of NC - GDS

$37.64 +

$3.98 to $4.059

Hickory, NC 28603

$2.00 NC State Tax

1% +/- for each .08

Waste Management

$44.54 +

 

Iris Glen, TN 37601

$2.00 NC State Tax

Yes

 

The proposed amendment would extend the contract with Republic Services for five years from April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2019, with five year extensions granted if both parties were in agreement.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to approve the contract amendment with Republic Services in the amount of $40.42 and extend the current contract term from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2019, contingent upon the County Attorney’s review.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

D.  Proposed Amendments to the following NC Department of Cultural Resources’ Records Retention and Disposition Schedules:  1. County Management; 2. County Register of Deeds; and 3. Tax Administration

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources recently amended various Records Retention and Disposition Schedules as follows:

 

County Management Schedule

·       Changes retention period for Escheat and Unclaimed Property reports filed after July 2012

·       Clarifies language for retention period of employee eligibility records to match U.S. Code

 

County Register of Deeds

·       Changes retention period for Escheat and Unclaimed Property reports filed after July 2012

·       Clarifies language for retention period of employee eligibility records to match U.S. Code

·       Consolidates 3 different types of leave records

 

Tax Administration

·       Clarifies language for retention period of employee eligibility records to match U.S. Code

·       Adds Excise Tax records to the schedule

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the amendments to the County Management, Register of Deeds, and Tax Administration Records Retention and Disposition Schedules.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

E.  November Meeting Schedule

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the November 5, 2013, regular Board meeting falls on Election Day and the Board of Elections uses the Commissioners’ Board Room as an official polling site.  Historically, November has been a month with very few agenda items.  The County Manager stated that the Board may wish to reschedule or cancel the November 5 meeting.  The County Manager stated that should the Board cancel the November 5, 2013, meeting, the date for adoption of the Schedule of Values would be November 19, 2013, which, according to Tax Administrator Warren, would not create any issues in the revaluation process.

 

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to cancel the November 5, 2013, regular meeting due to the Board of Elections requiring the use of the Commissioners’ Board Room.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

F.  Boards & Commissions

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the Historic Preservation Commission, which was involved in administration of the Valle Crucis Historic District Ordinance needed three appointments.  The Ordinance specified that three members reside within the historic district and two be members of the Valle Crucis Community Council.  The three current members whose terms were expiring are all willing to be reappointed, as follows: Maria Hyde (resides within the district), Tom Eshelman and Allen Culler (members of community council).  The terms would be for three years.

 

Chairman Miller tabled the above appointments.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that two appointments are needed to the Watauga County Board of Adjustment which meets infrequently. The two zoned areas of the County (Valle Crucis and Foscoe-Grandfather) must be represented on the Board; traditionally an attempt has been made to appoint representatives of watershed protection areas as well.  In November, the terms of Jane Nicholson and Janet Beck will expire; Ms. Nicholson does not wish to be reappointed, Ms. Beck is willing to be reappointed.  Technically, both are at-large representatives, though Ms. Nicholson does reside in one of the watershed protection areas.  The other members represent Valle Crucis, Foscoe-Grandfather, Howards Creek watershed, and Middle Fork watershed. The terms are for three years.  A solicitation was posted on the County’s website; however, no applications have been received to date.

 

Chairman Miller tabled the above appointments.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga County Personnel Ordinance established a Personnel Advisory Committee which was comprised of five persons designated by the Board, authorized to hear employee grievances, and recommend decisions to the appointing authority.  The Committee consisted of a Commissioner, a department head and three non-supervisory regular employees.  Current members of the Personnel Advisory Committee were as follows:

 

            Employee                               Position

            Angie Boitnotte                      Department Head

            Stephen Moody                      Regular Employee

            John Spear                              Regular Employee

            Amy Parsons                          Regular Employee

            Nathan Miller                         County Commissioner

            Rickey Lee                              Alternate Member

 

The alternate member, Mr. Rickey Lee, retired and is no longer employed with the County, therefore, staff recommended Karen Ward, Department of Social Services employee to fill the vacancy.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Karen Ward to serve as the Alternate Member of the Personnel Advisory Committee.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

G.  Announcements

 

County Manager Geouque announced the following:

 

?  A Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held for Watauga County Citizens from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Watauga County Sanitation Department located on Landfill Road.

 

?  Operation Medicine Cabinet will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.  All prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted for disposal with no questions asked.  This event will take place at Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department and the three Food Lions (located in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Deep Gap).

 

?  The Grand Opening of the Downtown Boone Post Office will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2013, from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

 

?  An Economic Development Forum for Rural Western North Carolina will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2013, from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. in the Sam Center Auditorium at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.

 

?  The Annual County Employee Christmas Luncheon, scheduled on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, will be held at Dan’l Boone Inn from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Closed Session

At 7:11 P.M., Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:06 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Action After Closed Session

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 15, 2013, closed session minutes as amended.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Adjourn

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

 

Nathan A. Miller, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board