MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2015

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.

 

                        PRESENT:      Jimmy Hodges, Chairman

                                                David Blust, Vice-Chairman

                                                Billy Kennedy, Commissioner

John Welch, Commissioner

Perry Yates, Commissioner

Austin Eggers, County Attorney

                                                Deron Geouque, County Manager

                                                Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

 

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

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the June 2, 2015, regular meeting and closed session minutes.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the June 2, 2015, regular meeting minutes as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the June 2, 2015, closed session minutes as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Hodges called for additions and/or corrections to the June 16, 2015, agenda.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the June 16, 2015, agenda as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Recess and Reconvene for Move to Larger Location

Chairman Hodges declared a recess at 5:32 P.M. to allow the meeting to be moved, due to the size of attendance, to the large Courtroom in the Courthouse (located next door at 814 West King Street).

 

Chairman Hodges declared the meeting as reconvened at 5:45 P.M. at the new location.

 

[Clerk’s Note:  To allow time to set up the presentation for the public hearing, the Board heard later agenda items prior to the public hearings as follows.]

Acceptance of Grant Award Related to Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Site

Ms. Heather Bowen, Recycling Coordinator, presented a grant award from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  Ms. Bowen requested acceptance of the grant award for which the Board had previously authorized the application.  The purpose of the grant would provide funding for the County’s proposed Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  The maximum amount is $30,000 with a cash match of $6,637 with additional county funds to pay for the remaining cost of the project.  The Board approved funds in the current fiscal year budget to construct and operate a household hazardous waste facility that would allow for enhanced service at the same or current cost being paid for contracted services. 

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to accept the grant in the amount of $30,000 from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a Household Hazardous Waste Facility with a County match of $6,637.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Reappointment of Tax Assessor

County Manager Geouque stated that Mr. Larry Warren, Acting Tax Administrator, was originally appointed for a two-year term due to the fact that he did not have the necessary certifications to qualify for a four-year term.  Mr. Warren’s initial appointment ended in December 2014 and he has been serving as the Acting Tax Administer since them.  Mr. Warren is now eligible for a four-year term as he has completed the necessary requirements.  The County Manager stated that the Board has the option of appointing Mr. Warren to a term of either two or four years.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to reappoint Mr. Larry Warren to a four-year term as Tax Administrator to commence on July 1, 2015.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Communications and Emergency Services 911 Addressing Software Request

County Manager Geouque stated that Mr. Jeff Virginia, Emergency Services Director, requested approval of a contract with Trimble GPS in the amount of $17,170.54 for software and training regarding 911 address points, center line corrections, and mapping of roads in the County.  The County currently contracts out these services.  Funds for the purchase of the equipment, software, and training are included in the current year’s budget and are fully reimbursable with 911 funds.  The first year of maintenance is included in the purchase price.

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to approve the contract with Trimble GPS in the amount of $17,170.54 for GPS software, equipment, and training as presented.

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Budget Amendments

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

 

Account #

Description

Debit

Credit

103839-384000

Recreation Donations

 

$44,000

104287-457001

Capital Outlay-Land Improvements

$44,000

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds for the Tourism Development Authority donation to create additional parking and trails at Brookshire Park and the Soccer Complex.

 

103300-343101

Homeland Security Equipment Grant

 

$1,770

104310-429000

Investigation Supplies

$1,770

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds received from Homeland Security to purchase cameras for use with investigations.  County funds are not required.

 

143531-323000

Federal/State Reimbursements

 

$2,423

145310-454000

Capital Outlay-Vehicles

 

$808

145310-451000

Capital Outlay-Equipment

$3,231

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates the purchase of IT equipment under a special 75/25 match program DHHS offered May 29, 2015.  The County match was in the DSS budget.

 

143531-323000

Federal/State Reimbursements

 

$16,000

145310-418300

DSS-Health Insurance

 

$16,000

145310-469101

DSS-Legal

$32,000

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds that recognized additional revenues from DHHS for increased expenditures in legal services due to additional cases above estimated.

 

143585-323000

Title XX Daycare Revenues

 

$8,174

145850-440900

Title XX Daycare Expenditures

$8,174

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds that recognize additional allocation in daycare funds.  County funds are not required.

 

103586-332006

SHIIP Grant Funds

 

$1,774

105550-449901

SHIIP Grant

$1,774

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds that recognize the award of MIPPA additional grant funds for the Senior's Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Funds will be used under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act requirements (MIPPA).  County funds are not required.

 

293270-312009

Occupancy Tax Revenues

 

$125,000

294140-449900

Admin Fee on Tax Collections

$1,250

 

294140-469900

Watauga County District U TDA

$123,750

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds that recognize additional projected occupancy tax revenues above the original budget.

 

103612-361260

Special Program Revenues

 

$4,200

106126-412600

Part-time Salaries

$3,500

 

106126-418100

FICA

$280

 

106126-418600

Worker’s Comp

$20

 

106126-429000

Other Supplies

$400

 

 

 

 

 

Due to scheduling, Dance Camp would be held June 22-26, 2015.  It was budgeted for July.  Therefore, the amendment recognizes revenue and expenditures associated with the camp in the current fiscal year.

 

103200-323100

Sales Tax Revenue

 

$92,040

104330-469901

Foscoe Fire

$17,205

 

104330-469904

Beaver Dam Fire

$20,700

 

104330-469905

Boone Fire

$8,000

 

104330-469906

Zionville Fire

$4,275

 

104330-469907

Cove Creek Fire

$3,200

 

104330-469908

Stewart Simmons Fire

$6,500

 

104330-469910

Meat Camp Fire

$4,910

 

104330-469911

Todd Fire

$6,260

 

104330-469912

Blowing Rock Fire

$7,630

 

104300-469913

Shawneehaw Fire

$960

 

104300-469924

Deep Gap Fire

$12,400

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds for sales tax payments to the fire departments above original projections.

 

243102-312101

Foscoe Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$13,710

243102-312100

Boone Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$26,710

243102-312105

Beech Mountain Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$150

283102-312103

Fall Creek Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$100

283102-312104

Beaver Dam Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$300

283102-312106

Zionville Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$210

283102-312107

Cove Creek Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$5,145

283102-312109

Meat Camp Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$7,240

283102-312111

Todd Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$935

283102-312112

Blowing Rock Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$11,000

283102-312119

Creston Current Year Tax Revenues

 

$500

244340-469901

Foscoe

$13,710

 

244340-469905

Boone

$26,710

 

244340-469998

Beech Mountain

$150

 

248340-469903

Fall Creek

$100

 

284340-469904

Beaver Dam

$300

 

284340-469906

Zionville

$210

 

284340-469907

Cove Creek

$5,145

 

284340-469909

Meat Camp

$7,240

 

284340-469911

Todd

$935

 

284340-469912

Blowing Rock

$11,000

 

284340-469919

Creston

$500

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment recognizes additional projected property tax revenues above the original budget.

 

103300-349910

NC ADM Capital Funds

 

$140,000

103980-398121

Transfer from Capital Projects Fund

 

$167,730

105911-470008

ADM-Hardin Park Grease Trap

$307,730

 

213991-399101

Fund Balance Appropriation

 

$167,730

219800-498010

Transfer to General Fund

$167,730

 

 

 

 

 

The amendment allocates funds for the grease trap replacement and kitchen renovations at Hardin Park School.  County match to ADM funds provided by School Capital Project set-aside funds.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

A.  Watauga Medics Proposed Contract Revision – Second Ratifying Vote of Additional Revision

 

County Manager Geouque presented amendments to the current Franchise Agreement with Watauga Medics for a second ratifying vote.  The major change is to allow Watauga Medics to increase their rates to maximize Medicaid dollars.  This change would result in a reduction in the County’s annual supplement and allow the savings to fund an ambulance study and the additional utility costs associated with the new ambulance station.

 

North Carolina General Statute 153A-46 requires grants, renewals, extensions, or amendments of any franchise to be passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners before it may be officially adopted.

 

At the last Board meeting, an additional change was made and approved.  The subsidy date did not reflect the change in the terms of the contract.  The Franchise Agreement was presented for a second ratifying vote.

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to ratify the Ambulance Franchise Agreement as presented for the second required approval.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

[Clerk’s Note:  At this time the public hearings were held with Miscellaneous Administrative Matters continuing at the close of the hearings.]

 

Public Hearings to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments to the following Ordinances:

A.  An Ordinance To Regulate Loud And Disturbing Noise And Activities

 

A public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on the Watauga County Ordinance to Regulate Loud Disturbing Noise and Activities which is proposed to be updated since the last modification in 1986.  The Planning Board approved sending the proposed changes to the Board of Commissioners for adoption. 

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, declared the public hearing open at 6:05 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed amendments to An Ordinance To Regulate Loud And Disturbing Noise And Activities.

 

Annette Reeves shared comments.

 

Being no further public comments, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy, moved to declare the public hearing closed at 6:09 P.M.

 

No action was taken regarding the proposed amendments.

 

B.  Ordinance To Regulate High Impact Land Uses (Which Will Include Regulations For Junkyards And, Therefore, Call For The Repeal Of The Ordinance To Regulate Junkyards And Automobile Graveyards

 

A public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Watauga County Ordinance to Regulate High Impact Land Uses (HILU) which incorporates regulations for junkyards.  The Planning Board approved sending the proposed changes to the Board of Commissioners for adoption.  After the public hearing, the Board may wish to adopt the ordinance as presented, schedule a work session, or schedule a joint meeting with the Planning Board.  In the event the Board adopts the proposed ordinance, the Ordinance to Regulate Junkyards and Automobile Graveyards would be repealed and included in the HILU Ordinance. 

 

Commissioner Yates, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:09 P.M. to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the High Impact Land Use Ordinance which includes a call for the repeal of the Ordinance to Regulate Junkyards and Automobile Graveyards.

 

The following individuals addressed the Board:

 


Susie Winters

David Dengel

Carolyn Henion

John Dailey

Shelton Wilder

Jessica Stetter

Montana Stetter

Aspen Stetter

Diane Tilson

Liz Riddick

Mike McKee

Taylor Rushing

Lee Stroupe

Anita Stroupe

Jessica Gilway

Samuel Broman

Chip Williams

Travis Boswell

David Stetter

Magdalena Anoufriev

Gregory Anoufriev

Liz McLachren

Debi Golembieski

Deborah Greene

Rae Filsinger

Annette Reeves


Being no further public comments, Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to declare the public hearing closed at 7:28 P.M.

 

After explanations from the County Attorney and Planning and Inspections Director, Joe Furman, regarding moratoriums, Chairman Hodges announced that the Board would consult with the County Attorney in closed session and report back to the people.

 

B.  Request for Transition Period for New Elections Director

 

County Manager Geouque stated that Board of Elections Chairman, Mr. Luke Eggers, had requested the Board approve Mr. Matt Snyder to assume the duties of Board of Elections Director prior to July 1, 2015.  Mr. Snyder’s appointment was affirmed by the State Board of Elections.  Ms. Amy Shook, Register of Deeds, was provided the opportunity to start prior to Ms. Townsend’s retirement which allowed for a smooth transition in operations.

 

County Attorney Austin Eggers stated that Mr. Snyder had been appointment by the State Board of Elections; however, it was up to the Board of Commissioners to allow him to work a transition period with Ms. Hodges prior to her retirement.

 

County Manager Geouque stated that Mr. Snyder’s salary was set upon adoption of the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget and County Attorney Eggers stated that through case law, the Director of Board of Elections was a County employee and, therefore, the Board of Commissioners was in control of the salary for that position.

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to allow Mr. Matt Snyder to begin employment two-weeks prior to his appointment date as Watauga County Board of Elections Director on July 1, 2015.

 

VOTE:  Aye-3(Hodges, Blust, Yates)

             Nay-2(Kennedy, Welch)

Miscellaneous Administrative Matters

C.  Proposed Fiscal Year 2016 AppalCART Contracts

 

County Manager Geouque presented AppalCART contracts for transportation services for the Project on Aging and Social Services Departments for FY 2016.  The proposed rates are the same for both the Project on Aging and Department of Social Services at $1.45 per vehicle mile. 

 

Vice-Chairman Blust, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to approve the FY 2016 contracts with AppalCART for transportation services with the Project on Aging and Department of Social Services as presented.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

D.  Boards and Commissions

 

Economic Development Commission

County Manager Geouque stated that three vacancies will result as terms expire in June on the Economic Development Commission.   Paul Combs has served 2 consecutive 3-year terms and is ineligible to be reappointed at this time.  Lauren Waterworth would have done the same, but resigned as a member prior to her term expiring; her seat is currently vacant.  Appointments for these two seats will be regular 3-year terms.  Scott McKinney is relocating and has resigned as well. His term expires in June, 2016, therefore, an appointment to fill his unexpired term (which expires June 2016) will be needed.

 

The term for Paul Combs was filled at the June 2, 2015, Board meeting by Mr. Tim Hodges.

 

No other volunteers have been recommended at this time.

 

Town of Boone Planning Commission

County Manager Geouque stated that the Boone Town Council has recommended Jon Tate for reappointment to the Town’s Planning Commission as an ETJ representative.  This was a first reading and, therefore, no action was required nor taken.

 

Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee

County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Laura Jane Ward, High Country Council of Government’s Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman, had submitted Ms. Evelina Idol’s name for reappointment to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.  Ms. Idol is willing to continue to serve is so appointed.  This was a first reading and, therefore, no action was required nor taken.

 

E.  Announcements

 

County Manager Geouque announced a Retirement Reception honoring Ms. Jane Ann Hodges, Board of Elections Director.  The Reception will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015, from 2:00–4:00 P.M. in the Boone United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Public Comment

The following spoke during public comment:

 

Ms. Delores Wilder

Ms. Kathleen Campbell

Ms. Deborah Greene

Closed Session

At 7:59 P.M., Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Welch, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:34 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

Chairman Hodges announced that the Board had directed staff to review viable options for potential modifications to the High Impact Land Use Ordinance to share at a Special Meeting which will be held on Monday, June 22, 2015, at 5:30 P.M., in the Commissioners’ Board Room.

Adjourn

Commissioner Welch, seconded by Vice-Chairman Blust, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 P.M.

 

VOTE:  Aye-5

             Nay-0

 

 

Jimmy Hodges, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board