MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1998

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 1998 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.

 

PRESENT: James Coffey, Chairman

Jack D. Lawrence, Sr., Vice-Chairman

Linda S. Craig, Commissioner

Jimmy Hodges, Commissioner

Jack Wellborn, Commissioner

Stacy C. Eggers, Jr., County Attorney

James S. Ratchford, County Manager

Libby Link, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance.

 

A moment of silence was observed.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the July 6, 1998 regular and closed session minutes; there being none, they were approved as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to approve the agenda for the August 3, 1998 regular meeting as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING CAPITAL FUND APPLICATIONS

New School Superintendent Dr. Richard Jones introduced himself to the Board and presented two proposals for the expenditure of this year’s public school building capital outlay funds.

 

The first proposal in the amount of $44,296 was for renovations to Bethel Elementary School. The construction project would cover approximately 1,200 square feet of interior renovations including ceilings, walls and floors for administrative offices, health room, conference room and teachers lounge.

The second proposal in the amount of $55,704 was for renovations to the Watauga High School Gym. The renovations included the ceilings, walls, wood floors, bleachers, and electrical fixtures. Dr. Jones noted that all funds were provided by the State and required no County funds.

 

Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence moved to approve both public school building capital fund applications.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

FRONTIERVISION CABLE TV SERVICE PROBLEMS

Veterans Service Officer/Safety Director Jim Harmon addressed the Board regarding FrontierVision’s (F.V.) service issues. Mr. Harmon stated this was the end of the 30-day extension that was granted to F.V. He noted that at the Board’s last regular meeting the Board had voted to continue the fines on F.V. until this meeting. Mr. Harmon noted that although he had received F.V.’s Proof of Performance, the information was insufficient to determine the quality of service. He added there was a new technician covering this area who was doing better service, and fewer complaints had been received from customers. In addition, customers who had previously reported problems were contacted, and there seemed to be some progress made in service issues and billing procedures.

 

Ms. Kay Baumgardner addressed the Board regarding her continued poor cable service and dissatisfaction with F.V.

Mr. Don Giesler, F.V. Regional Government Relations Manager, addressed the Board stating F.V. had hired a new technician covering this area who was very knowledgeable in service problems. He added that technicians had been instructed to respond to all service calls before departing for the day. Mr. Geisler reviewed the FCC Standards for Customer Service and felt that F.V. was in compliance. Although the system was presently inadequate, Mr. Geisler reiterated that F.V. was committed to providing quality service.

 

The Board acknowledged noticeable improvement and expected to see continued progress on resolving F.V.’s service issues.

 

After discussion, Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to collect the $50 per day fine retroactive from June 1, 1998 through July 31, 1998 (in accordance with the County’s Cable Television Ordinance, section 13(e)) and to continue the $50 per day fine (to be reviewed at the end of 90 days). In addition, the Board requested status reports be provided at the Board’s first regular meeting each month.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

AGRICULTURE CENTER CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER

Architect, Bill Dixon, presented a change order that deleted $12,212.82 from the Hunter Construction contract on the Agricultural Center addition construction project. Mr. Dixon stated the County’s Maintenance Department could do this work less expensively, and this reduction would bring the price closer to the original contract price of $282,710. Maintenance Director, Robert Marsh, stated this work would not impair the Maintenance Department, and he felt the County would do a better job than what was proposed by Hunter Construction.

 

After discussion, Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the change order as presented.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

DSS REPORT

 

Social Services Director, Jim Atkinson, presented the standard monthly report for that Department. In addition, he updated the Board on the electronic benefits transfer program to begin September 3, 1998 for all food stamp recipients.

Commissioner Craig exited the Board Room at 10:00 A.M.

TAX REPORT

 

A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator, Larry McLean, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of July, 1998.

 

B. Refunds and Releases – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Refunds and Releases for July, 1998 for Board approval:

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-4

Nay-0

Absent-1 (Craig)

C. Annual Settlement Statements – Tax Administrator McLean presented the following Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 1997/1998 for Board approval:

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

Mr. McLean stated that demand letters had been mailed out by County Attorney Eggers which proved to be very effective, and a lot more taxes were received.

Commissioner Craig reentered the Board Room at 10:03 A.M.

 

Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve the Annual Settlement Statements for Fiscal Year 1997/1998.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

D. Collections Order – Mr. McLean stated that as required by law a sworn oath had been administered in order to collect taxes for the new Fiscal Year (1998/1999).

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the Tax Collection Order for Fiscal Year 1998/1999.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

PLANNING MATTERS

A. Growth Committee Status – Planning & Inspections Director Joe Furman updated the Board on the Blue Ribbon Growth Study Commission. As of July 31, 1998, a total of 27 names had been submitted. This included nominees from six of the County’s 11 volunteer fire departments (VFD) as well as individuals throughout the County. Since all fire districts were not represented, the Board delayed making appointments. Commissioner Hodges stressed the importance that all areas have representation throughout the County and suggested each Commissioner contact their VFDs for support. The Board stated preference to receive two-three names from each VFD, and it was the consensus of the Board to postpone appointments until the next regular meeting scheduled for August 18, 1998.

B. Secondary Roads Addition – Planning & Inspections Director Furman presented a request for the addition of Silverleaf Road (.5 mile section from U.S. Highway 421 North) to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.

 

Commissioner Craig seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. DOT for consideration.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

RESOLUTION BOOK #9, PAGE #35

C. Tower Lease – Planning & Inspections Director Furman noted the County had been leasing antenna space on the Rich Mountain tower to Appalachian State University. This lease was for one year and needed to be renewed for July 1, 1998 through July 1, 1999. Mr. Furman added this lease was the same as previously approved.

Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence moved to approve this lease.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

AUTO BIDS

Sheriff James C. "Red" Lyons presented the following bids for four Taurus vehicles and one Crown Victoria vehicle included in the Sheriff’s budget for this fiscal year.

B. Miller Ford, Boone, N.C.

4 Taurus Autos @ $15,283 each Total Bid $61,132

1 Crown Victoria auto No Bid

Delivery Date: Subject to Availability

Bill Smith Ford, Southern Pines, N.C.

 

4 Taurus Autos No Bid

1 Crown Victoria auto @ $19,990 Total Bid $19,990

Delivery Date: By September 30, 1998

Bobby Jones Ford, Augusta, GA

 

4 Taurus Autos @ $15,254.50 each Total Bid $61,018

1 Crown Victoria auto @ $19,236 Total Bid $19,236

Delivery Date: September 9, 1998

Based on the lowest prices and best delivery date, Sheriff Lyons recommended the Board approve the Bobby Jones Ford bid.

 

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Bobby Jones Ford bid of $80,254 for four Taurus vehicles and one Crown Victoria vehicle.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

LCID/PAVING BIDS

Assistant County Manager/OSD Bob Frye addressed the Board regarding two items for the Sanitation Department.

 

The first item regarded closing out the County’s existing demolitions area and beginning the construction of the replacement land clearing and inert debris (LCID) area. A contractor would be hired to construct the new LCID fill area and the following bids were received:

 

J.W. Hampton Construction $89,989

 

Waters Brothers Construction $53,680

 

Mr. Frye recommended the Board approve the low bidder, Waters Brothers Construction.

 

Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Waters Brothers Construction bid of $53,680.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

The second item was the construction of a new container site in the Foscoe community. Mr. Frye stated all of the site work had been completed, and the site was ready to be paved. The following bids were received:

 

Brown Brothers Construction $29,470

 

Moretz Paving $29,200

 

Mr. Frye recommended the Board approve the low bidder, Moretz Paving.

 

Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve the Moretz Paving bid of $29,200.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

A. Boards & Commissions – Chairman Coffey noted board appointments were needed for the following: the Zionville Fire Protection District Commission, the Watauga County Animal Control Appeals Board, the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.

 

Zionville Fire Protection District Commission – Chairman Coffey noted the Zionville Fire Department requested that the current members be reappointed to this Commission for two-year terms.

 

Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to reappoint Mr. Lewis Joe Phillips, Ms. Keeta Norris and Mr. Lowell Younce to the Zionville Fire Protection District Commission.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

Watauga County Animal Control Appeals Board – Chairman Coffey noted all members of this board had agreed to continue to serve.

Commissioner Craig seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to reappoint Mr. Hubert Townsend, Mr. John Alley, Ms. Lynn Northup and Mr. John Matheson to the Watauga County Animal Control Appeals Board for one year terms.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – Region D Council of Governments requested that Ms. Shirley Fox be appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Daniel S. Rash. Ms. Fox’s term would expire August, 1999.

 

Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to appoint Ms. Shirley Fox to the Watauga County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a one year term.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

Commissioner Craig stated that at a previous meeting, the Board had voted to reappoint her to the Social Services Board with a shortened six-month term (to coincide with the Board members’ appointments to committees which occurred annually at the first regular meeting in December). However, the State had notified Social Services Director Jim Atkinson that the reappointment had to be for the full three-year term (June, 1998 - June, 2001).

 

Commissioner Hodges seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence moved to extend Commissioner Craig’s reappointment to the Social Services Board to June, 2001.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

B. Budget Amendment – County Manager Ratchford presented the following budget amendment for Board approval:

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

103317-343109 State Controlled Substance

Excise Tax Assessments 5,798

104310-449901 Cont. Sub.-Restricted 5,798

 

To recognize revenue received from the State Controlled Substance Excise Tax Assessment program. The use of these funds were restricted to purposes directly beneficial to the local law enforcement agency. Any funds unexpended at fiscal year end must be reappropriated in the subsequent fiscal year budget.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

183492-336000 NC Dept. of Commerce

Loan/Grant 456,000

184920-458000 Capital Out.-Bldg. Site

Prep. & Const. 456,000

 

To recognize revenue and expenditure amounts for NC Dept. of Commerce grant agreement 97-E-0368 for the Lynnhaven II, LLC project.

 

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to approve the budget amendment as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

C. Bicycle Safety Resolution – County Manager Ratchford stated the Appalachian District Board of Health had adopted a resolution concerning bicycle safety and the use of bicycle helmets. The Town of Boone had the only ordinance in the area that required wearing helmets. The Health Board’s resolution requested that ordinances pertaining to bicycle safety be stringently enforced.

 

Commissioner Hodges seconded by Commissioner Wellborn moved to support the Health Board’s resolution regarding bicycle safety.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

D. Budget Related Items – County Manager Ratchford noted there were a few issues that needed to be resolved following the budget adoption.

 

One washing machine had been budgeted for the volunteer fire departments (VFD), to be placed at the Cove Creek VFD. However, an additional washing machine had been requested. If approved, the second washing machine would go to the Deep Gap VFD.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

103991-399101 Fund Bal. Approp. New 5,000

104330-451000 Cap. Outlay-Equip. 5,000

 

After discussion, Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to appropriate funds in the amount of $5,000 for a second washing machine for the County’s VFDs.

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

County Manager Ratchford stated that the Volunteer Outreach Center (VOC) had originally requested $7,500 from the County to fund a volunteer coordinator position. The County had budgeted $2,500 with the understanding that the remainder ($5,000) would come from Region D Council of Governments (COG). However, no funds were received from Region D COG. Vice-Chairman Lawrence stated he had become involved with the VOC, and a coordinator was needed to work with all volunteers to greatly enhance volunteerism throughout the County.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

103991-399101 Fund Bal. Approp. New 5,000

105890-463122 Volunteer Outreach Ctr. 5,000

 

Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Craig moved to appropriate an additional $5,000 to the VOC for a volunteer coordinator position.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

E. Announcements – County Manager Ratchford notified the Board of a ground breaking ceremony for the new U.S. Highway 421 to be held at the Deep Gap Fire Department on August 20, 1998 at 10:00 A.M.

Prior to adjournment, Commissioner Craig paid tribute to Ms. Virginia Myers, former Mayor of West Jefferson. Commissioner Craig acknowledged her passing which occurred on August 1, 1998 and recognized her many contributions to the community.

ADJOURN

 

Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:42 A.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

 

 

___________________________

James Coffey

Chairman

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

______________________________

Elizabeth H. Link

Clerk to the Board