MINUTES
WATAUGA
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room of the
PRESENT:
Andrea Capua,
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.,
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Deal called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M., welcoming those in attendance.
Chairman Deal opened the meeting with a prayer.
[Commissioner Futrelle was absent due to a family illness.]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the June 29, 2010, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the June 29, 2010, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the June 29, 2010, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the July 20, 2010, agenda.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the July 20, 2010, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE
Chairman Deal declared the public hearing open at 6:04 P.M. to allow for comment on the draft Watauga County Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Plan.
Mr. Brian Chatham, Soil and Water Conservation Technician, presented a review of the draft Plan and welcomed all comments. Mr. Chatham stated that the plan contained input that was collected from Community Meetings that were held and from some local farmers.
The following citizens shared their comments on the plan: Ms. Deborah Greene, whose family operated a local farm, provided the Board with a handout detailing her concerns; Mr. Bill Moretz, a local farmer; Mr. Joe Martin, representing the local Farmer’s Market and the New River Organic Growers Association; Mr. Jeffrey Scott, a sub-contractor with Unique Places, the organization who prepared the draft plan; and Ms. Susie Winters, a local farmer.
There being no further public comment, Chairman Deal declared the public hearing closed at 6:46 P.M.
Chairman Deal stated that the purpose of the plan was to help the preservation of local farms and to help local farmers become more successful in their farming operations.
Commissioner Kinsey stated that he had farmed most of his life and appreciated the work that went into the preparation of the plan.
Chairman Deal stated that the information received during the public hearing was to be considered while the draft plan continued to be developed for future consideration.
WILDSOUTH REPORT – GRANDFATHER NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Mr. Chris Joyell with WildSouth presented a report on advocacy for the development of the Grandfather National Scenic Area. WildSouth was seeking a congressional designation to establish the Grandfather National Scenic Area, which was to permanently protect 25,000 acres of forest comprising the viewsheds of Blowing Rock and
Mr. Joyell presented a resolution in support of the designation of the Grandfather National Scenic Area for consideration by the Board.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to adopt the resolution in support of the designation of the Grandfather National Scenic Area as presented by Mr. Joyell and directed staff to forward the resolution to the appropriate representatives.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
SCHOOL MATTERS
A. New High School Matters
1. Change Order and Funding Request for Soccer Field – Mr. Dennis Ray requested a change order for the new high school project in the amount of $436,130 for the purpose of field turfing the soccer field. Turf for the soccer field had been considered from the beginning of the project; however, plans for turfing the field had been cut due to funding. Mr. Ray stated that School Superintendent Marty Hemric had worked with the budget and the Board of Education to prepare the following funding proposal:
|
Funding Source |
Amount |
|
FF&E Balance |
$168,541.08 |
|
|
$50,000.00 |
|
Projected relief from Line # 54 “Equipment Not Specified” |
$45,000.00 |
|
Projected relief from Line # 56 “Additional Tech Office Costs” |
$40,000.00 |
|
Transfer of current bleachers in lieu of new purchases (relief from Change Order # 46) |
$15,397.40 |
|
Stone discount/donation *In process – not yet attained |
$10,000.00 |
|
Projected savings from pending items – not yet attained |
$20,000.00 |
|
Sum of Funding Sources |
$348,938.48 |
|
Total Cost for Turfing |
$436,130.00 |
|
Balance |
($87,191.52) |
Mr. Ray stated that the proposal included a request that the County contribute an additional $50,000 for this change order. County Manager Nelson stated that all of the funding for the change order had not yet been identified; however, the County could identify the $50,000 contribution from right-of-way set aside for the widening of Old Hwy 421 (
After discussion, Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved: 1) to approve the change order to fund the soccer field turf project, as presented by Mr. Ray; and 2) to authorize Watauga County to contribute $50,000 toward the project, with the funds to be allocated from the right-of-way set aside funds for the Old Hwy 421 widening project; contingent upon the following: 1) the Board of Education being responsible for funding the project balance after expending the FF&E allocation and the Watauga County contribution of $50,000; and 2) County Attorney review of the contract for installation of the turf.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
2. Construction Contingency Management Requests #s 65 & 66 – County Manager Nelson presented Construction Management Contingency requests #’s 65 and 66. Contingency Request # 65, in the amount of $1,761.04, was for repair to damaged doors and metal frames as well as replacement of lost or stolen goods. Contingency Request # 66, in the amount of $1,590.28, was to fund repairs needed at the recently sold Edmisten House which were due to a sewer line that was severed during the installation of fencing and landscaping creating a spill in the basement of the house.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve Construction Management Contingency Request # 65, in the amount of $1,761.04, and # 66, in the amount of $1,590.28, as presented by the
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
B.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the change orders for the Mabel Elementary School roof project and to authorize the combination of the Mabel Elementary School and Blowing Rock Elementary School roof projects contingencies to fund the change orders, contingent upon the Board of Education being responsible for paying any amount for either roof project that exceeds the combined total for the two projects, including the contingency amounts.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS MATTERS
A. Change Order Request for Hospitality House CDBG Project – The Board reviewed Change Order # 3 for the Hospitality House CDBG Project in the amount of $340 for additional gravel in the parking area. The funding source for the change order was the Hospitality House contingency fund.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve Change Order # 3 for the Hospitality House Project in the amount of $340.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
B. Watauga Opportunities Request for Loan Payment Waiver – The Board reviewed a waiver request for the annual $10,000 payment due for an agreement with Watauga Opportunities, Inc. in which $50,000 for upgrades to their facility was granted through the Economic Development Commission by either loan or grant. The loan was to be repaid in $10,000 increments; however, if the agreed number of jobs were created and maintained throughout the year, the annual installment was to be forgiven. The Board reviewed documentation which was furnished to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) stating that the appropriate number of jobs was maintained this past fiscal year.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the waiver of Watauga Opportunities’ payment of $10,000, which was due July 1, 2010, for the Economic Development loan agreement as documentation was provided to verify that the required stipulations were met.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
C. Extension Request for
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to authorize staff to request an extension and/or reallocation of Recovery Zone Bonds through the North Carolina Tax Reform Allocation Committee as needed.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
D. Brookshire Park Greenway Report and Grant Extension Request – Mr. Furman presented a status report on the Greenway work at the
Due to a Recreation Trails Program grant, in an amount up to $75,000, potentially being available to fund paving for this project, Mr. Furman had spoken with Mr. Mike Pettyjohn at the Department of Transportation regarding a one-year extension on the $35,000 grant. A request to extend the grant was made to allow the funds to be used to leverage the $75,000 grant for more work to be accomplished at the same time of the Greenway extension. Mr. Pettyjohn indicated to Mr. Furman that, as long as the County was showing progress toward meeting the grant requirements, extension for the $35,000 grant should be granted; however, Mr. Pettyjohn suggested waiting until spring to request the extension. Mr. Furman stated that, if the $75,000 grant was not acquired, then the $35,000 grant would be spent toward the project as intended.
Mr.
This report was given for information only at this time.
GRANT AGREEMENT REQUEST FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management and
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
TAX MATTERS
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator
B. Releases and Refunds – Mr. Byrd presented the following Refunds and Releases for June 2010 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for June 2010, as presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Requested Approval for Brush Grinding Contract – County Manager Nelson stated that Mr. J. V. Potter, Operations Services Director, had solicited bids for the grinding of storm debris (wood waste) at the Landfill. The following bids were received: Steve Whitley in the amount of $12.00 per ton and Superior Mulch in the amount of $12.95 per ton.
The
Due to the amount of debris at the Landfill and the history of working with Steve Whitley, the County Manager had requested that the grinding begin on Monday, July 19, 2010; and, therefore, requested the contract be retroactive to Monday, July 19, 2010.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to award the brush grinding contract to Steve Whitley in the amount of $12.00 per ton retroactive to Monday, July 19, 2010.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
B. Proposed Contract for Custodial Services – The County Manager presented a proposed contract extension for custodial services between the County and Carolina Cleaning Service. The extension was needed to allow time for the County to competitively bid for a three-year contract for custodial services. The proposed contract was to be in effect until bids for the service were received and awarded.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Vice-Chairman Winkler, moved to approve the contract with Carolina Cleaning Service at the weekly rates presented.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
C. Draft Code of Ethics Discussion – County Manager Nelson stated that County Attorney di Santi had developed, as directed, a Code of Ethics based on the North Carolina Institute of Government’s model ethics policy.
Chairman Deal requested that the word “talon” be changed to “taken” in Section 3.b.
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, resolved to adopt the Code of Ethics Policy as amended.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
D. AppalCART Public Hearing Request – Rural Operating Assistance Program – County Manager Nelson stated that Mr. Chris Turner, AppalCART Director, had requested that a public hearing to allow citizen comment on AppalCART’s Rural Operating Assistance Program Application be scheduled for the August 2, 2010, at 9:00 A.M.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to set a public hearing at the regular Board meeting on Monday, August 2, 2010, at 9:00 A.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
E. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that the following had been nominated to serve on the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature: Ms. Pat Coley, as the
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to waive the second reading and appoint Ms. Pat Coley, as the
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to waive the second reading and reappoint Fowler Cooper, Brian Crutchfield, Jim Furman, and Brian Riggins as
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
F. Announcements – County Manger Nelson announced that the Old Hickory Council of the Boy Scouts of America had invited a representative of Watauga County (and his/her guest) to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America at the new BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem on Saturday, July 31, 2010, with activities beginning at 4:00 P.M.
County Manager Nelson announced that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ annual conference was scheduled for August 26-29, 2010, at the
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following citizens spoke during public comment:
Mr. Alan Utter shared concerns regarding the proposed recreation center.
Ms. Deborah Greene shared concerns regarding the draft Watauga County Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Plan
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:57 P.M., Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3); Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11a(5)(i); and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)6).
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
Vice-Chairman Winkler, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:58 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-4(Deal, Winkler, Cooper, Kinsey)
Nay-0
Absent-1(Futrelle)
ADJOURN
Chairman Deal adjourned the meeting at 8:58 P.M.
Jim Deal, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board