MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Turnbow called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Larry Turnbow, Chairman
Charlie Wallin, Vice-Chairman
Todd Castle, Commissioner
Braxton Eggers, Commissioner
Ray Russell, Commissioner
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Castle led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the March 7, 2023, regular and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the March 7, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the March 7, 2023, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the March 21, 2023, agenda.
Chairman Turnbow requested that a proposed grant award for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) be added for the Project on Aging.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the March 21, 2023, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative (WCCI) Request to Proclaim the Week of April 29-May 6, 2023, as “Resilient & Thriving Communities Week”
Dr. Kellie Reed Ashcraft, member of the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative (WCCI), gave an update and presented a proposed proclamation proclaiming the week of April 29-May 6, 2023, as "Resilient & Thriving Communities Week."
Dr. Ashcraft stated that the WCCI started in 2017 as a collaborative community initiative to prevent recognize and treat trauma by creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children through education, advocacy, and policy change. Since then, WCCI is now one of over 60 local community collaboratives engaged in similar work throughout the state. Three years ago, the grassroots community collaboratives along with interested state-level staff and child-focused agencies formed a voluntary coalition; the Resilient North Carolina Collaborative Coalition (RNCCC). The RNCCC is focused on policy change, increasing awareness about, preventing, and treating trauma, as well as promoting well-being. The RNCCC has requested a statewide proclamation proclaiming the week of April 29-May 6, 2023, as "Resilient & Thriving Communities Week" from the Governor’s Office and has asked local governments and Boards of Education for the same.
Dr. Ashcraft thanked the Board of Commissioners for support of the WCCI as well as support to other agencies with like goals.
Chairman Turnbow read the proposed proclamation.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to adopt the proclamation naming the week of April 29-May 6, 2023, as "Resilient & Thriving Communities Week."
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Russell, on behalf of Ms. Melissa Johnson, Area Consultant, Community Programs Western Area Office, presented a proposed resolution supporting a pay increase for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention staff. Commissioner Russell stated that adult parole officers were granted a step pay to decompress salaries and help with retention. Juvenile counselors and court counselors were put into a separate division and, therefore, didn’t qualify for the step pay. Now there is a 50% vacancy rate for those positions across the state. Even though Watauga County is currently fully staffed with four positions, staff is affected by the shortage by being required to live and work in other counties for a month at a time which, in effect, leaves Watauga County understaffed as well. Commissioner Russell stated that over 20 counties had adopted a like resolution with approximately 50 counties considering adoption. This would be a State of North Carolina budget issue and would not impact the County’s budget.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adopt the resolution supporting a step pay plan and compression relief for division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention staff as presented by Commissioner Russell.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Matters
A. Requested Appointment of Home & Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) Advisory Committee and Lead Agency
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, stated that each year a lead agency and advisory committee are required to be appointed to make recommendations on how to best expend the County’s allocation from the Home and Community Care Block Grant (H&CCBG) funds. These funds were previously established by the Older American’s Act and were administered by the North Carolina Division of Aging.
The following were recommended for appointment to the H&CCBG Advisory Committee: Commissioner Eggers; Zack Green, representing the Area Agency on Aging; Dustin Burleson, representing Vaya Health; Austin Combs, representing Daymark Recovery Services; Jennifer Greene, representing Appalachian District Health Department; Betsy Richards, representing Adult Services at the Department of Social Services; Skylar Taracido, representing High Country Community Health; Pat Coley, Senior Citizen and Senior Tar Heel Legislature Delegate; Kat Danner, Senior Citizen; Linda Marcoux, Senior Citizen; Mary Moretz, Senior Citizen and Senior Tar Heel Legislature Alternate; Carolyn Owens, Senior Citizen; and Dr. Ed Rosenberg, Senior Citizen.
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to waive the second reading, appoint Commissioner Eggers; Zack Green, representing the Area Agency on Aging; Dustin Burleson, representing Vaya Health; Austin Combs, representing Daymark Recovery Services; Jennifer Greene, representing Appalachian District Health Department; Betsy Richards, representing Adult Services at the Department of Social Services; Skylar Taracido, representing High Country Community Health; Pat Coley, Senior Citizen and Senior Tar Heel Legislature Delegate; Kat Danner, Senior Citizen; Linda Marcoux, Senior Citizen; Mary Moretz, Senior Citizen and Senior Tar Heel Legislature Alternate; Carolyn Owens, Senior Citizen; and Dr. Ed Rosenberg, Senior Citizen to the H&CCBG Advisory Committee and to appoint the Project on Aging as the Lead Agency.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Project on Aging Matters
B. FY 2023 Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Grant Award Request
Ms. Boitnotte stated that the Project on Aging was eligible to receive a grant from the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) which was a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Ms. Boitnotte stated that the grant, in the amount of $7,096, did not require a local match. Ms. Boitnotte stated that funds would be used for outreach events, open enrollment for Medicare Part D, a volunteer recognition event, counseling clinics, expanding Low Income Subsidy (LIS) outreach and enrollment, and covering the cost of the SHIIP Coordinator’s attendance at the SHIIP Coordinator’s Training Conference.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to accept the $7,096 from the Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), with no local match, as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Bid Award Request for Carpet Replacement at Western Watauga Community Center
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, presented the following bids for carpet replacement at the Western Watauga Community Center:
Vendor Location Bid
Bonitz Winston Salem, NC $30,501.00
PBI Asheville, NC $30,975.73
H & A Carpet Hickory, NC No response
Mr. Marsh requested the bid be awarded to Bonitz, the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $30,501.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
[Clerk’s Note: Prior to Mr. Warren’s presentation, Chairman Turnbow extended the Board’s sympathy to Mr. Warren upon the recent death of his Uncle, Dr. Lee Warren. Dr. Warren served his community over the years, including as a School Board member. Commissioner Castle followed up by stating that Dr. Warren was a great community member and left a great legacy.]
A. Monthly Collections Report
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of February 2023. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Refunds and Releases Report for February 2023 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for February 2023 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Request to Set Dates for Board of Equalization and Review (E&R) Hearings
Mr. Warren stated that the convening date for the Board of Equalization and Review (E&R) was set on April 4, 2023, and the adjourning date was set on April 17, 2023. Mr. Warren requested the Board set hearing dates as well.
After discussion, Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to schedule hearing dates on April 19, 20, & 21, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. with a 1½ hour break for lunch each day.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Proclamation Supporting April 2023 as National Fair Housing Month
Mr. Jason Walker, Planning and Inspections Director, presented a proposed proclamation supporting National Fair Housing Month for the month of April 2023.
Chairman Turnbow read the proclamation.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Wallin, moved to adopt the proclamation for April 2023 to be proclaimed as National Fair Housing Month.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Second Ratification of the Proposed Amendment to Section XV of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance Regarding the Membership of the EMS Advisory Board
County Manager Geouque presented the proposed amendment to Section XV of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance for a second vote of ratification. The amendment reflected updated agency names and membership terms for the EMS Advisory Committee. The amendment was approved by the current EMS Advisory Committee at its February 2023 meeting.
The County Manager stated that North Carolina General Statute 153A-46 required a grant, renewal, extension, or amendment of any franchise to be passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners before it may be adopted. The first ratification was at the March 7, 2023, meeting; therefore, the Board will need a second ratification to adopt the amendment.
Staff recommended the Board ratify and adopt the amendment as presented as this was the second ratification and meets the requirements as set forth by North Carolina General Statute 153A-46.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved adopt by a second vote of ratification the amendment to Section XV of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance regarding the membership of the EMS Advisory Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced that Parks and Recreation will host an Easter Egg Extravaganza at the Community Recreation Center on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 5:30 P.M.
County Manager Geouque gave an update on the County’s Broadband project as follows:
Blue Ridge Energy’s Update:
· Phase 1 – Powder Horn area is about complete. The Parkway crossing splicing is complete, the trunk fiber into that area will be finished within 2 weeks. SkyLine is busy in Powder Horn running the last mile fiber. SkyLine is also waiting on an easement before setting their building to serve that area.
· Phase 2 – Construction continues in Wildcat. Completion in that area will be later this year.
· Phase 3 – Trunk line construction on the Sampson side of the Parkway is complete. We are waiting for the Parkway crossing permit before being able to complete Phase 3 construction.
· Phase 4 – Construction is complete for the Blue Ridge portion of Phase 4 (Howards Creek area). SkyBest has set their building to serve this area, but final splicing is ongoing.
Blue Ridge Energy will be making huge gains to finalize all areas in 2023.
SkyLine’s Update:
· Phase 1 – Construction around 50% complete. The survey for the land issue is complete and being wrapped up by their attorneys. Once that is done, we can have the survey of our site completed and then site work taken care of. Things are moving and should wrap up later this year.
· Phase 2 – SkyLine construction is complete and the building is set. Once Blue Ridge completes their construction, we can turn up the remote and test. Customer counts here should ramp up quickly.
· Phase 3 – Construction will start on Sampson in a couple of months. Survey is underway for remote site. Should wrap up later this year.
· Phase 4 – Currently wrapping up splicing and testing at Howards Creek.
Skybest/Skyline also stated that their vision regarding Heavenly Mt. specifically has not waivered, once grant requirements were met and they are in the vicinity they will work with the community to gauge interests and commitments for their service. If the interest supports the investment they will be served as well.
Ms. Monica Caruso and Ms. Judith Phoenix both spoke in support of the proposed expansion of the Library. Ms. Caruso shared that she was applying for grant funding for the project as well.
Closed Session
At 6:35 P.M., Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Economic Development, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(4).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Commissioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board