MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Vice-Chairman Wallin called the meeting to order at 5:33 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: 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
Vice-Chairman Wallin stated that Chairman Turnbow was not in attendance due to being under the weather.
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Castle led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Vice-Chairman Wallin called for additions and/or corrections to the January 16, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers requested the following corrections:
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to accept the contract with The Car Park as negotiated at a rate of $3,000 for one (1) year with for parking enforcement at County facilities.
VOTE: Aye-5 3(Turnbow, Wallin, Russell)
Nay-0 2(Castle, Eggers)
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the contracts with Modulus, PLLC and Tise-Kiester Architects for preliminary geotechnical evaluation and architectural services in the amounts of $9,840 and $16,400, respectively.
VOTE: Aye-5 3(Turnbow, Wallin, Russell)
Nay-0 2(Castle, Eggers)
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the January 16, 2024, regular meeting minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the January 16, 2024, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Approval of Agenda
Vice-Chairman Wallin called for additions and/or corrections to the February 6, 2024, agenda.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the February 6, 2024, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Public Comment
The following spoke:
Mr. Joel Whitworth shared concerns on climate changes and possible connections with the use of catalytic converters beginning in 1975.
Mr. Joe Salamone encouraged the Board to rescind the recently approved contract with Waste Management and partnering with Republic Services.
Ms. Donna McNeil, with the Daniel Boone Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, shared support of the America250NC Resolution to be considered during the meeting. With the Country’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776) coming up in 2026, many events will be planned.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on the Proposed Combination of the Solid Waste Ordinance and the Solid Waste Operations Ordinance and the Changes Associated with the Combination of the Ordinances
Vice-Chairman Wallin stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow public comment on the proposed combination of the Solid Waste Ordinance and the Solid Waste Operations Ordinance and the Changes associated with the combination of the ordinances.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to open the public hearing at 5:44 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to close the public hearing at 5:44 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Mr. Rex Buck reviewed amendments and changes including the following:
Per Commissioner direction, staff has consolidated the Solid Waste and Operations Ordinances into one document. Changes/additions are marked in red. Major changes are the addition of the following definitions:
33. Multiple Family Residential
36. Municipal Solid Waste Collector
48. Residential Waste
49. Resident
55. Transfer Station
57. Solid Waste Collector
Further changes include the addition of:
4) The landfill tipping user fee shall be assessed, to all remaining users at a rate established by the Budget Ordinance as measured by weight, at the County disposal facility.
5) The landfill tipping user fee waiver will be established through the Budget Ordinance, for all private single-family detached homes and duplex residential users, as measured by weight at the County disposal facility.
6) The landfill tipping user fee waiver applies to residents possessing a valid North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License or Real Identification Card as verified, by County staff, at the County disposal facility.
7) Within 60 days of moving within Watauga County, residents must update their physical address with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and obtain a duplicate North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License or Real Identification Card.
7) TIPPING FEE WAIVER POLICY
8) The County Manager may waive the tipping user fee for debris created by not-for-profit organizations and as a result of fire to a primary homeowner’s residence. A not-for-profit organization or property owner who has created debris or experienced a fire loss may apply directly to the County Manager.
Eligibility is based on:
a) Memorandum of purpose by the not-for-profit entity and proof of not-for-profit status.
b) Statement by property owner of no insurance coverage for debris removal and income below the current County median as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
c) Documentation in the form of the prior year’s tax return is required. In the absence of a tax return, a notarized statement, by the not-for-profit or property owner that no tax return was required the previous year, is acceptable.
Tipping user fee may be waived by the County Manager on a case-by-case basis for a period not to exceed one-week and debris volumes not exceed a total amount of 20 tons.
Mr. Buck stated that the ability for residents with a valid North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License or Real Identification Card, as verified by County staff, will be reinstated to utilize the 2,000 pounds tonnage waiver Monday through Saturday.
County Manager Geouque stated that the Ordinance would go into effect July 1, 2024, which would allow time for the installation of the second inbound scale at the Transfer Station to be completed.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adopt the Solid Waste Ordinance as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Proposed America250NC Resolution and Grant Presentation
Vice-Chairman Wallin presented a proposed resolution establishing the Official America250NC Committee. The purpose would be to assist in acquiring or obtaining funds potentially for a historical museum. The Vice-Chairman stated that Watauga County would be the 5th County to adopt the resolution as Watauga County will begin to make plans to celebrate the Country’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence) coming up on July 4, 2026. Commissioner Eggers stated that the creation of a Watauga Heritage Museum was in its infancy and the resolution would create avenues for funding.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to adopt the resolution as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
WAMY’s Rental Repair Program Update
Ms. Sarah Freer, Grant Writer with WAMY Community Action, Inc., presented an update on the Rental Repair Program created through a recent grant from the Board of Commissioners. Total cost of the program is $86,250 with $75,000 for repairs and $11,250 for WAMY administrative fees. The program is in Phase I which is promotion and reaching out for applicants. Thus far, two completed applications have been received and the home visit has been completed for one of the applicants. The first project will impact four people who are very thankful. No funds have been spent yet, however, the first project was anticipated to cost $4,000. Ms. Freer stated that WAMY was working on getting the word out about the program to encourage more applicants. Vice-Chairman Wallin encouraged everyone, including the press in attendance, to campaign the cause and get the word out. The report was for information only; therefore, no action was required at this time.
Proposed Amendments to the Recently Adopted High Country Temple Restoration Project Resolution and the Watauga County Conflict of Interest Policy
Ms. Katie Krogmeier, New River Conservancy, requested approval of changes to the High Country Temple Restoration Project Resolution and the Watauga County Conflict of Interest Policy. The changes in the resolution clearly define that the County and New River Conservancy were partners on the project and the changes in the policy include state funding.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the amendments to the recently adopted High Country Temple Restoration Project Resolution and the Watauga County Conflict of Interest Policy as presented by Ms. Krogmeier.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Request for Acceptance of FY 2024 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Grant/Contract
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested acceptance of a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) Grant from the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). The grant was in the amount of $3,796 with no local match required.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the MIPPA Grant in the amount of $3,796 to expand low income subsidy outreach and supplies.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Bid Award Request for Human Services Building Renovations
Mr. Robert Marsh, Maintenance Director, stated that bids were recently solicited for renovations to the Human Services Building. Last year, the replacement of the roof and all of the HVAC units were completed. Now that the exterior was updated, the next phase was interior renovations, including replacement of the carpet and ceiling tiles and repainting the interior as well as replacing the wallpaper.
The following bids were received:
|
Human Services Carpet Bid 2024 Bid Opening, January 18, 2024, 2:00 P.M. |
|
|
Vendor |
Base Bid |
|
PBI Asheville, NC |
$309,060 |
|
HA Carpet Hildebran, NC |
$199,500 |
|
Bonitz Winston Salem, NC |
$180,500 |
|
Human Services Ceiling Tile Bid 2024 Bid Opening, January 18, 2024 |
|
|
Vendor |
Bid |
|
Mullins Company Kingsport, TN |
$139,900 |
|
Northwest Drywall Company Hickory, NC |
$139,000 |
|
Bonitz Winston Salem, NC |
$121,250 |
|
Greene Construction Co. Inc. Boone, NC |
No Bid |
|
Houck Contracting Hickory, NC |
No Bid |
|
Human Services Paint and Wallpaper Bid Bid Opening, January 18, 2024 |
|
|
Vendor |
Bid |
|
Doomy Painting Winston Salem, NC |
$262,244 |
|
Custom Coatings Hickory, NC |
$214,650 |
|
Southend Painting, Inc. Charlotte, NC |
No Bid |
Mr. Marsh’s recommendations for awarding contracts for the renovations were as follows:
Flooring
Bonitz of Winston Salem, NC, in the amount of $180,500. Bonitz recently completed the carpet at the Western Watauga Community Center. Their work was excellent and they completed the job ahead of schedule without any change orders.
Ceiling Updates
Bonitz of Winston Salem, NC, in the amount of $121,250.
Painting and Wallpaper
Custom Coatings, Inc. of Hickory, NC, in the amount of $214,650. Custom Coatings was the original painting contractor for the building when it was renovated in 1997.
Adequate funding was available and budgeted to cover these expenditures.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to award the bids for flooring to Bonitz in the amount of $180,500.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to award the bids for ceiling updates to Bonitz in the amount of $121,250.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to award the bid for painting and wallpaper to Custom Coatings in the amount of $214,650.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Sheriff’s Office Out-of-State Travel Request
Captain Preston Russell, Watauga Sheriff's Office, requested approval for out-of-state travel for the K-9 Division to travel to Myrtle Beach South Carolina from April 9-11, 2024 for training. Funds were available and approved in the Sheriff’s K-9 training budget.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the out-of-state travel as presented by Captain Russell.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Emergency Services Matters
A. Proposed Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue Contract
Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, requested approval of the contract for fire protection with Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue. The contract has a slight change from the standard contract recognizing the Town of Blowing Rock-specific request should the department cease to operate.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the contract with Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue as presented by Mr. Holt.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
B. Proposed PSAP Radio Grant Agreement
Mr. Holt requested approval of a grant agreement with the North Carolina 911 Board in the amount of $49,985.31 to purchase 6 back-up portable radios for the Communications Center. No County match was required. County Attorney Capua stated that the information under “WITNESSETH” should be located prior to the signatures.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to accept the grant from the North Carolina 911 Board in the amount of $49,985.31 with the wording order being changed if acceptable from the 911 Board.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
C. Request to Surplus MCC5500 Console Positions
Mr. Holt requested the surplus of seven (7) MCC5500 console positions. The equipment has reached its end of life cycle. Mr. Holt stated that the equipment would be scrapped and parted out.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to surplus the seven (7) MCC5500 console positions as requested by Mr. Holt.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
D. 911 Surcharge Fund Budget Amendment Request
Mr. Holt requested approval to move $10,000 from the Emergency Telephone Surcharge Fund (ETSF) fund balance to the Fiscal Year 2024 911 budget. This move was necessary due to an increased cost in software licensing at the current back-up Public Safety Answering Point.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the transfer from the Emergency Telephone Surcharge Fund (ETSF) fund balance to the operational costs budget line.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
E. Fire District Change Request
Mr. Holt requested to schedule a public hearing to allow for citizen comment on a proposed adjustment of the fire protection district for 1166 Old East Ridge Rd from Stewart Simmons to Deep Gap. The two departments agree on the change as it provides the best access and response for the citizens in this area. To allow for advertisement of the public hearing, it is requested to be set on March 5, 2024.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. to allow for citizen comment on a proposed adjustment of the fire protection district for 1166 Old East Ridge Rd from Stewart Simmons to Deep Gap.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request
Ms. Keron Poteat, Parks and Recreation Director, requested retroactive approval for out-of-state travel to Tampa, FL to present at the Professional Tennis Registry International Tennis Symposium. All expenses were paid for by the Special Olympics North America. Staff approved the request as the travel date was prior to the Commissioners Board meeting and all expenses were paid by the requesting organization.
Ms. Poteat stated that Special Olympics would be ongoing at Appalachian Ski Mountain Sunday through Tuesday with the Banquet and Opening Ceremony to be on Monday, February 12, 2024. Ms. Poteat also announced that Watauga County would be represented by a local snowboarder in the International Special Olympics in Italy.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the out-of-state travel request as presented by Ms. Poteat.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Dates for Annual Pre-Budget Retreat
County Manager Geouque stated that the proposed dates for the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat were February 22nd and 23rd or February 29th and March 1st, with times proposed from 12–7 P.M. for Thursday and 9 A.M.–1 P.M. for Friday. Two days were required for the Retreat and should the Board wish, times and dates may be adjusted accordingly.
By consensus, the Board agreed to schedule the Annual Pre-Budget Retreat for Thursday, February 29, 2024, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and reconvening on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 9:00 A.M.
B. Proposed Dates for Budget Work Sessions
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board holds two budget work sessions each year. The work sessions were scheduled after the Manager’s proposed budget was presented at the first meeting in May. The proposed dates for the budget work sessions were May 9th and 10th or the 13th and 14th, with times proposed from 12–8 P.M. for the first day and 9 A.M.–1 P.M. for the second day. Should the Board wish, times and dates may be adjusted accordingly.
By consensus, the Board agreed to schedule two Budget Work Sessions with the first to be on Monday, May 13, 2024, beginning at 12:00 P.M. and the second to be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, beginning at 9:00 A.M.
C. Appointment of Finance Director
County Manager Geouque stated that per North Carolina General Statute 159-24 the County is required to appoint a Finance Director. Staff requests the Board appoint Mr. Deron Geouque as the County’s Finance Director.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to appoint Mr. Deron Geouque as the Watauga County Finance Director effective February 6, 2024.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
D. Proposed Amendments to the FY 2022-2023 Audit Contract
County Manager Geouque request approval of an extension to the Fiscal Year 2022-23 audit contract with C. Randolph CPA, PLLC. The contract amount will remain the same with no additional cost and the audit has already been submitted.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to amend the Fiscal Year 2022-23 audit contract with C. Randolph CPA, PLLC. to reflect the extension at no additional cost.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
E. Announcements
County Manager Geouque shared a letter from ECRS stating opposition to Appalachian State University’s 911 initiative.
Closed Session
At 6:37 P.M., Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:40 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Adjourn
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Wallin, Castle, Eggers, Russell)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Turnbow)
Charlie Wallin, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board