MINUTES

 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1999

 

 

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, January 4, 1999 at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Room of the Watauga County Courthouse.

 

PRESENT: Jimmy Hodges, Chairman

Sue Sweeting, Vice-Chairman

James Coffey, Commissioner

Art Kohles, Commissioner

Jack Lawrence, Sr., Commissioner

Jeff Hedrick, County Attorney

Barry J. Reed, County Manager

Libby Link, Clerk to the Board

 

Chairman Hodges called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. welcoming those in attendance. In addition, he extended a special welcome to the new County Manager, Barry J. Reed.

 

A moment of silence was observed.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the December 15, 1998 regular meeting minutes.

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting requested two changes. 1) In regards to the Prisoner Meals Report, she noted that the estimated costs to have meals prepared at Watauga Medical Center lacked transport and personnel costs and requested this notation be included in the minutes. 2) James Coffey had inadvertently been indicated as Chairman, and she requested the minutes be signed by current Chairman, Jimmy Hodges.

 

There being no additional changes, the December 15, 1998 regular minutes were approved with the amendments.

 

Chairman Hodges called for additions or corrections to the December 15, 1998 closed session minutes; there being none, they were approved as presented.

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the agenda for the January 4, 1999 regular meeting as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

PUBLIC HEARING – COUNTY GOVERNMENT

APPALCART FY 99/00 SECTION 18 GRANT-BUDGET PROPOSAL

 

Chairman Hodges declared a public hearing open at 9:03 A.M. to consider AppalCart’s Section 18 grant application for fiscal year 1999/2000.

 

AppalCart Director, Chris Turner, presented an Annual Passenger Trips Summary, an Annual Miles Operations Summary and an Annual Hours Operations Summary for the current fiscal year (through November, 1998). These statistics were provided for each of AppalCart’s routes.

 

Mr. Turner also reviewed AppalCart’s proposed 1999/2000 Administration budget totalling $232,169 and AppalCart’s proposed 1999/2000 Operations budget totalling $770,679. He stated this procedure, to apply for a grant from the State, was followed each year, and contributions would be solicited from the Town of Boone and Appalachian State University.

 

There being no public comment, Chairman Hodges declared the public hearing closed at 9:12 A.M.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to authorize Mr. Turner to proceed with this grant application.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES

 

Ms. Len Cone, Coordinator for the County’s Sesquicentennial, presented an update of the activities that had been planned to celebrate the County’s Sesquicentennial anniversary. In addition, it was agreed to have a declaration prepared which would be presented at the Board’s next regular meeting scheduled for January 19, 1999.

 

PLANNING MATTERS

 

 

Architectural Survey – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, stated the State Historic Preservation Office would be receiving applications for grants of up to $10,000 for the purpose of undertaking a countywide comprehensive architectural survey. He added that Watauga County was one of approximately thirty (30) North Carolina counties which had no such survey. Mr. Furman noted that the State was placing a big emphasis on getting this accomplished, and he felt the County stood a good chance of being approved. Mr. Furman stated the grant required a forty percent (40%) local match of cash and/or in-kind contributions (such as office space usage, computers, etc.), and the maximum match for a $10,000 grant would be $6,667. He added he would be working with local preservation groups to prepare the application and to attempt to raise a portion of the match.

 

Mr. Furman stated the Blue Ribbon Commission on Growth Issues had agreed that preservation of historic structures and sites was important. He added that he felt this was a timely request, due to the Sesquicentennial, and would be well received. Mr. Furman would be present at the next regular meeting scheduled for January 19, 1999 to present the application and the specific amounts requested.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved for Mr. Furman to proceed with preparing the grant application to be presented at the next regular meeting scheduled for January 19, 1999.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

 

State Maintained Road Addition – Planning & Inspections Director, Joe Furman, presented a request for the addition of Tarleton Circle: located in Grovehurst subdivision off Friendship Church Road – NCSR 1525. He explained the procedures for roads being included in the State Maintained Secondary Road System.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve the above request be forwarded to the N.C. Department of Transportation for consideration.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

 

Hazmat Grant – Fire Marshal, Lisa Shoun, stated she had recently applied for a Hazardous Materials Preparedness Grant on behalf of the County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Notification was received from the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety that the LEPC had received the Implementation Grant in the amount of $350. Ms. Shoun noted the funds would be used by the LEPC for miscellaneous correspondence costs and for general office supplies that the LEPC might need for programs and/or projects.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

 

103300-343302 Emerg. Mgt.-Supp. 350

104330-429001 Other Supplies-LPEC 350

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve the Implementation Grant in the amount of $350 and the budget amendment.

 

VOTE: Aye-4 (Coffey, Hodges, Lawrence, Sweeting)

Nay-0

Abstain-1 (Kohles)

 

TAX REPORT

 

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

 

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

 

TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report as presented.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

DSS REPORT

 

Social Services Director, Jim Atkinson, presented the standard monthly report for that Department. In addition, Mr. Atkinson requested approval of a budget amendment in the amount of $20,644 to recognize some Federal Medicaid transportation funds in the DSS budget. Mr. Atkinson added this was not previously recognized in the adopted County budget.

 

Account # Description Debit Credit

 

143537-353701 Medical Transportation 20,644

145310-431300 Client Med. Transportation 20,644

 

Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to approve this budget amendment.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

 

A. Cable TV Ordinance Changes – Veterans Service Officer/Safety Director, Jim Harmon, requested the Board schedule a public hearing in order to make several revisions to the County’s cable television franchise ordinance. He stated he had spoken with Helicon’s General Manager, Tony Barlage, who agreed to the changes. The changes were: 1) to reduce the number of houses served per mile from 30 to 25 which would allow more access to residents; 2) to correct a typographical error; 3) to change the amount of fine imposed from $50/day to $150/day if Helicon did not comply with the terms of the franchise ordinance. Upon being asked if Helicon would consider reducing the number of houses served per mile to 20, Mr. Harmon stated he would discuss this issue with Mr. Barlage prior to the public hearing.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Coffey, moved to schedule this public hearing for the January 19, 1999 regular meeting.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

B. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Contract – County Manager Reed stated this was the annual EAP contract with New River Behavioral HealthCare which provided mental health services for County employees. Each visit costs the County $10, and employees were eligible for three free visits a year for counseling. This service helped employees deal with any personal problems which might affect their work performance.

 

Commissioner Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve renewal of the EAP Contract for calendar year 1999.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

C. Annual Audit Proposal – County Manager Reed stated the County’s 1997/1998 audit had been completed by Holder Copeland & Associates, P.A. Holder Copeland & Associates, P.A. had conducted the County’s annual audit since before 1983, but since this was a service type arrangement, bidding was not required. The Board agreed that Holder Copeland & Associates, P.A. had done a good job for the County encouraging the firm to submit a proposal to conduct the County’s 1998/1999 audit services.

 

After discussion, Vice-Chairman Sweeting seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to solicit bids for the County’s audit services.

 

VOTE: Aye-3 – Hodges, Kohles, Sweeting

Nay-2 – Coffey, Lawrence

 

D. Boards & Commissions – Chairman Hodges noted board appointments were needed for the following: Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI)-Watauga County Advisory Committee and the AppalCart Board.

 

Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission – Chairman Hodges noted the following names had been submitted by Bethel Elementary School: Patricia Reese and Karen Cable to replace Tricia Moody whose term had expired December, 1998.

 

The following votes were made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Karen Cable

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Patricia Reese

Commissioner Coffey – Patricia Reese

Commissioner Kohles – Patricia Reese

Commissioner Lawrence – Patricia Reese

 

Based on the results of the votes, Patricia Reese was appointed to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission for a three-year term. Ms. Reese’s term would expire December, 2001.

 

Chairman Hodges noted the following names had been submitted by Blowing Rock School: Matt Klutz and Mike Steele to replace Michael Maybee whose term had expired December, 1998. Vice-Chairman Sweeting stated she had spoken with Mr. Maybee who had agreed to continue to serve.

 

The following votes were made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Michael Maybee

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Michael Maybee

Commissioner Coffey – Matt Klutz

Commissioner Kohles – Michael Maybee

Commissioner Lawrence – Michael Maybee

 

Based on the results of the votes, Michael Maybee was re-appointed to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission for a three-year term. Mr. Maybee’s term would expire December, 2001.

 

Chairman Hodges noted the following names had been submitted by the Town of Boone: Maggie McFadden and Butch Cooke to replace Vaughn Christian and Jim Jones whose terms had expired December, 1998. Mr. Christian had agreed to continue to serve.

 

The following votes were made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Vaughn Christian, Butch Cooke

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Maggie McFadden, Butch Cooke

Commissioner Coffey – Vaughn Christian, Maggie McFadden

Commissioner Kohles – Maggie McFadden

Commissioner Lawrence – Vaughn Christian, Butch Cooke

 

Based on the tie, the Board held a second ballot and the following votes were made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Maggie McFadden, Butch Cooke

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Maggie McFadden, Butch Cooke

Commissioner Coffey – Vaughn Christian, Butch Cooke

Commissioner Kohles – Vaughn Christian, Maggie McFadden

Commissioner Lawrence – Vaughn Christian, Maggie McFadden

 

Based on the tie between Butch Cooke and Vaughn Christian a third vote was made:

 

Chairman Hodges – Butch Cooke

Vice-Chairman Sweeting – Butch Cooke

Commissioner Coffey – Butch Cooke

Commissioner Kohles – Vaughn Christian

Commissioner Lawrence – Butch Cooke

 

Based on the results of the votes, Maggie McFadden and Butch Cooke were appointed to the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Commission for three-year terms. Ms. McFadden’s and Mr. Cooke’s terms would expire, December, 2001.

 

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI)-Watauga County Advisory Committee – CCC&TI (Watauga Campus) submitted the following names for consideration as members of the CCC&TI (Watauga Campus) Advisory Committee: Will Burgin, Jim Ratchford, Mary Hall, Harold Tilley and Mary Ellis.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Kohles, moved to approve Will Burgin, Jim Ratchford, Mary Hall, Harold Tilley and Mary Ellis to the CCC&TI (Watauga County) Advisory Committee.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved for Will Burgin, Jim Ratchford and Mary Hall to serve two year terms (terms would expire August 31, 2000) and Harold Tilley and Mary Ellis to serve one year terms (terms would expire August 31, 1999).

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

AppalCart Board – Jane P. Helm, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, Appalachian State University, requested Barry Sauls fill the unexpired term of Larry Foster. Mr. Sauls’ term would expire June, 2000.

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Vice-Chairman Sweeting, moved to approve Barry Sauls to the AppalCart Board as requested.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

Watauga County Emergency Medical Services Committee – This committee was originally established in July, 1995 as an ad-hoc committee with a 2-year sunset clause. The purpose of this committee was to review problems which arose in the delivery of emergency medical services throughout the County. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to have County Manager Reed and County Attorney Hedrick investigate to consider if this committee should be re-established and to discuss further at the next regular meeting scheduled for January 19, 1999.

 

ADJOURN

 

Commissioner Coffey seconded by Commissioner Lawrence, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 A.M.

 

VOTE: Aye-5

Nay-0

 

 

 

___________________________

Jimmy Hodges

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

______________________________

Elizabeth H. Link

Clerk to the Board