MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Billy Kennedy, Chairman
Larry Turnbow, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Ray Russell, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Andrea Capua, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Russell opened with a prayer and Commissioner Pertalion led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Kennedy called for additions and/or corrections to the November 15, 2022, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the November 15, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Pertalion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the November 15, 2022, closed session minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Pertalion stated that it was a pleasure and honor representing the County and she loved every minute of it. It was a great opportunity to serve with a great Commission and she felt the new Board would be the same.
Chairman Kennedy stated that every vote in Watauga County matters. Chairman Kennedy stated that he served ten years on the Board of Commissioners during which time the Board had many accomplishments. Infrastructure improvements were ongoing with the construction of a Community Recreation Center, development of the new Valle Crucis Elementary School project, facility roof replacements, and a continuous rotation of Sheriff’s Office vehicles. Chairman Kennedy stated that he looked forward to the future Commission keeping up progress. Chairman Kennedy stated that he was honored and incredibly privileged to serve on the Board of Commissioners and congratulated the new Board.
Presentation of Proclamation to Chairman Billy Kennedy
Vice-Chairman Turnbow read a Proclamation presented to Chairman Billy Kennedy by the Board of Commissioners honoring his ten years of service to the County.
Recess Meeting for Swearing In of New Commissioners
At 5:39 P.M. Chairman Kennedy recessed the meeting to allow for Commissioners-Elect Todd Castle, Braxton Eggers, and Larry Turnbow to take their oath of office.
Reconvene
County Manager Geouque reconvened the meeting at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room with Commissioners Castle, Eggers, Russell, Turnbow, and Wallin present.
Board Organizational Matters
A. Election of Officers
County Manager Geouque called for nominations for Chairman.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to nominate Commissioner Turnbow for Chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The meeting was turned over to Chairman Turnbow.
Chairman Turnbow called for nominations for Vice-Chairman.
Chairman Turnbow, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to nominate Commissioner Wallin for Vice-Chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Staff Appointments
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint Deron Geouque as the County Manager.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint Anita Fogle as Clerk to the Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint both Monica Harrison and Macy Chirco as Substitute Clerks to the Board.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint di Santi, Capua, & Garrett as the Law Firm representing Watauga County as legal counsel for Watauga County.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to reappoint di Santi, Capua, & Garrett as the Law Firm representing as legal counsel for Watauga County Department of Social Services and the Child Support Enforcement Offices with rates to remain as current and authorized di Santi, Capua, & Garrett to appoint another attorney, at the same rate, in the event their firm had a conflict of interest.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Fidelity Bonds
The following individual fidelity bonds were presented for approval:
Position Bond Amount Statutory Requirement
Finance Director $50,000 No less than $50,000, per NCGS 159-29
Deputy Finance Director $50,000
(County Manager)
Tax Collector $50,000 Amount considered reasonable
by BCC, NCGS 105-349-c
Register of Deeds $50,000 At least $10,000 but no more
than $50,000, NCGS 161-4
Sheriff $25,000 Amount considered reasonable by BCC,
but no more than $25,000 max, NCGS 162-8
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the individual fidelity bonds as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Commissioner Appointments to Boards & Commissions
Chairman Turnbow requested Commissioners review the below list of Commissioner Board appointments and let him know preferences for serving.
|
Appalachian District Health Department |
|
Appalachian Theatre Board of Trustees Ex-Officio Member |
|
AppalCART Authority |
|
Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development Area |
|
Caldwell Community College &Technical Institute - Watauga Advisory Board |
|
Children’s Council |
|
Child Protection Team |
|
Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Board |
|
Economic Development Commission (EDC) |
|
Educational Planning Committee (2 appointees) |
|
EMS Advisory Committee |
|
High Country Council of Governments Executive Board Rural Transportation Advisory Committee |
|
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) |
|
Humane Society |
|
Library Board |
|
Motor Vehicle Valuation Review Committee |
|
New River Service Authority Board |
|
Northwest Regional Housing Authority (five-year term expires Dec. 12, 2024) |
|
POA Advisory Committee (Home & Community Care Block Grant) |
|
Sheriff’s Office Liaison |
|
Vaya Regional Board (Region 3) |
|
Social Services Advisory Board |
|
Watauga County Arts Council (added February 2020) |
|
Watauga County Fire Commission |
|
Watauga County Personnel Advisory Committee |
|
Watauga County Recreation Commission |
|
Watauga Medical Center Board of Trustees |
|
W.A.M.Y. Community Action |
|
Watauga Opportunities, Inc. |
|
Workforce Development Board (WDB) |
Each Commissioner nominates a representative to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board and the Watauga County Planning Board whose terms run concurrent with the term of the appointing Commissioner. Planning Board members must live within the appointing Commissioner’s District and action must be taken by the entire Board of Commissioners to make these appointments. Boone Rural Fire Service District Board members must own property and reside within the Fire Service District.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to re-appoint Jimmy Marsh to the Boone Rural Fire Protection Service District Board with the term running concurrent with Commissioners Eggers.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to appoint Justin Warren to the Watauga County Planning Board with the term running concurrent with Commissioner Eggers.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
E. Regular Meeting Schedule
Chairman Turnbow stated that the Board of Commissioners’ regular meetings were currently scheduled for the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Eggers asked if one of the meetings could be moved back to the morning as it had been in the past. County Manager Geouque suggested that, if it was, Monday morning would be a good time so as to not have to reschedule the regular meeting each election year.
Commissioner Russell shared that he believed the evening meetings allowed for more citizens to attend.
After brief discussion, Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to retain the regular meeting schedule for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners as follows: the first Tuesday and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the December 5, 2022, agenda.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the December 5, 2022, agenda as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
UNC School of Government Development Finance Initiative Proposal
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning and Inspections Director, gave background information on affordable workforce housing by stating that the County owned property on Brookshire Road that had been considered for affordable housing but never addressed seriously. With the success of recent housing forums and the reconstitution of the Housing Trust, information was needed as to whether the property could serve in that capacity.
Mr. Furman requested approval of a proposal with the UNC School of Government Development Finance Initiative (UNC-SOG DFI) regarding affordable/workforce housing. The proposal would assess the County owned Brookshire property and seek a developer for the County. The cost of the proposal was $62,300. The High Country Association of Realtors/NC Realtors Association has pledged $10,000 to the proposal.
Mr. Furman quoted the following from the proposal to summarize the assistance that would be received: “Watauga County requested technical assistance from DFI in July 2022 to attract a private development partner for the development of housing for low- and moderate-income households on a County-owned site on Brookshire Road. DFI would conduct a feasibility analysis and create a market-feasible program of development, while regularly seeking feedback and engagement with Watauga County officials and community stakeholders. Once a market-feasible development program has been endorsed by the Board of Commissioners, DFI would identify development partners with the experience and track record to make the vision a reality within the context of Watauga County's market.”
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the proposal from UNC-SOG DFI in the amount of $62,300 with funds to come from the EDC Capital Improvement Reserve and accept the $10,000 from the High Country Association of Realtors/NC Realtors Association to offset costs.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Phase I Scale House Improvements Bid Award Request
Mr. Rex Buck, Operations Services Director, gave a brief history of the project. In 2019 an engineer was hired and the facility was assessed. Improvements were needed to the flow of in and out traffic for the transfer station. Recently, the project went out for bid; however, the bids received were significantly over the engineers estimated costs. The bids were rejected and the project was redefined into phases. Phase I involves the demolition and relocation of waterlines and sewer and Phase II would involve the installation of the scale house and scales. The scales have already been purchased after Board approval was given which would keep from having delays as they would be here when ready to install.
Mr. Buck presented the following bids for the Phase I Scale House improvements:
|
Bidder |
Amount |
|
Carolina Grading & Paving, Inc. |
$231,160.00 |
|
Iron Mountain, Inc. |
$239,004.00 |
|
PADCO, Inc. |
$252,914.94 |
Mr. Buck requested the bid be awarded to Carolina Grading & Paving, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $231,160.00 for Phase 1 of Scale House Improvements.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to award the bid to Carolina Grading & Paving, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $231,160.00 for Phase 1 of Scale House Improvements.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Finance Matters
A. 2022 Carry Forward Purchase Orders
Ms. Samantha Jones, Finance Director, presented carry forward purchase orders for 2022. The purchase orders were previously approved with funds currently available.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the carry forward purchase orders as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Inmate Catastrophic Insurance Contract
Ms. Jones presented the contract renewal with Insurance Management Consultants for catastrophic insurance for inmates housed in the County Jail. The insurance shields the County from large medical claims that occur while inmates are being housed in the Watauga County Jail.
As the contract expiration date was December 1, 2022, staff approved the contract. Board action is required to formally approve the contract with Insurance Management Consultants, Inc. for catastrophic insurance coverage for $20,262 with a $5,000 deductible. Ms. Jones stated that the deductible was $10,000 last year and the overall cost was down $5,000 from last year. County Manager Geouque stated that the amounts were determined by the inmate population which was down in numbers during the COVID pandemic. Adequate funds were available to cover the contracted cost.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to formally approve the contract with Insurance Management Consultants, Inc. for catastrophic insurance coverage for $20,262 with a $5,000 deductible.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. January Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that the Board has traditionally cancelled one of the meetings in either December or January depending on how the holidays have fallen. Due to where Christmas and New Year’s fall during the week, staff would recommend the Board cancel the first meeting in January as there would be insufficient time to prepare the Board packets. Historically, December and the first weeks in January have few issues requiring Board action. Mr. Geouque stated that a special meeting could be called if necessary.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to cancel the first meeting in January 2023.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Utility Easement and Underground Agreement with BREMCO for the Valle Crucis Elementary School Project
County Manager Geouque presented a utility easement and underground agreement with BREMCO as required for the new Valle Crucis Elementary School. County Attorney Capua stated that the documents were standard.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the utility easement with BREMCO regarding the construction of the new Valle Crucis Elementary School.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque announced the following:
The Annual Employee Christmas Lunch was scheduled at Dan’l Boone Inn on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
The Essentials of County Government course (including Ethics Training) was scheduled on the following dates:
· December 15-16, 2022, in Asheville, NC (8 A.M. – 5 P.M. on Thursday and Friday)
· January 12-13, 2023, in Durham, NC (8 A.M. – 5 P.M. on Thursday and Friday)
· January 18-20, 2023, online (8 A.M. – 1 P.M. Wednesday through Friday)
Separate online Ethics Training was typically available at a later date. The County would purchase the training and make it available to new Board members as required.
There was no public comment.
Closed Session
At 6:39 P.M., Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(i).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:44 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board