MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Board Room located in the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Turnbow called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The following were present:
PRESENT: Larry Turnbow, Chairman
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 opened with a prayer and Commissioner Russell, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the September 17, 2024, regular minutes and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the September 17, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Turnbow called for additions and/or corrections to the October 15, 2024, agenda.
Chairman Turnbow requested to add an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Chairman Turnbow stated that Mr. Burleson has requested to reschedule his Vaya presentation due to his availability since Hurricane Helene.
Chairman Turnbow stated that a request had been made to add a proposed proclamation for National Indian Heritage Month to the agenda.
County Manager Geouque stated that Action After Closed Session would not be needed.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the October 15, 2024, agenda as amended
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Personnel Ordinance
Chairman Turnbow stated that a public hearing was scheduled to allow citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Watauga County Personnel Ordinance. The amendments were posted along with the public hearing notice and were included in the Board packet for review.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to open the public hearing at 5:35 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
There being no citizen comment, Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to close the public hearing at 5:35 P.M.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adopt the amendments to the Watauga County Personnel Ordinance as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
North Carolina Department of Justice Presentation
Ms. Holly Jones, NCDOJ, presented an update on services provided to the County by the North Carolina Department of Justice. Ms. Jones stated that Attorney General Josh Stein’s Office protects the people of North Carolina by preventing crime and supporting law enforcement, safeguarding consumers and defending the State, its people, and their constitutional rights. Ms. Jones stated that funds won for Watauga County included $5.5 million in the opioid settlement, $95,600 of funds won for Consumer, $688,100 from Medicaid fraud, $47,00 from taxpayer funds won and grants. The total funds returned were $6.3 million. Ms. Jones stated that NCDOJ wins for North Carolina include $40 million from Juul and for them to modify their practices regarding young people, $14 million from Dish Network from a settlement for illegal robocalls in NC with the funds to go to public schools, and $1.1 billion from Duke Energy in the form of savings from coal ash cleanup. Ms. Jones reported the following ways to work with the NCDOJ: Lethality Assessment Program, Criminal Justice Fellows Program, and Educational Outreach to the Public on internet safety, scams and frauds; protecting the next generation of North Carolinians; and social media Town Hall series. Ms. Jones also requested citizens to call 1-877-5No-Scam to report potential scams. The presentation was for information only; therefore, no action was required.
Watauga County Schools Lottery and CIP Funds Requests
Dr. Chris Blanton, Watauga County Schools Assistant Superintendent/Director of Human Resources, requested the release of $825,000 from the Lottery Repair and Renovation (R&R) and $480,000 from the State Education Lottery. The projects are listed below:
|
Lottery Project |
Amount |
|
Carpet & Tile Replacements (R&R) |
$ 45,000 |
|
Roof Renovations/Replacements (R&R) |
80,000 |
|
Fire Alarm Replacements (R&R) |
140,000 |
|
Door Access Systems (R&R) |
60,000 |
|
Parkway Addition (R&R) |
500,000 |
|
Cafeteria Equipment |
75,000 |
|
Gym Floors |
25,000 |
|
Doors/Windows Replacements |
20,000 |
|
Pavement and Sidewalk Repairs |
80,000 |
|
Softball/Baseball Field Lighting |
180,000 |
|
Fencing Replacements |
100,000 |
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to release the funds as requested.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Valle Crucis Elementary School Change Order Request
Mr. Chad Roberson, Clark Nexsen, requested approval of additional construction administration services in the amount of $26,111 per month for six (6) months which would bring the services to the contractor’s completion date of December 22, 2024, and $26,111 for each additional month beyond that contract completion date, and $34,860 for bidding and procurement of the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E). The requested increases would not require additional funding and would be covered in the existing project due to the remaining deductive change order balance of $289,597 and unused contract allowances.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to approve the $26,111 per month for additional construction administration services and $34,860 for bidding and procurement of furniture with funds to come from the existing project budget.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parking Deck Final Change Order Request
Mr. Bill Dixon, Appalachian Architecture, P.A., requested approval of the final Change Orders for the parking deck. The total amount of the change orders was $52,063.24. Adequate funds were available in the project budget to cover the expenses.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the final Change Order for the parking deck in the amount of $52,063.24.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Proposed Resolution in Support of Naming the HWY 105 Bridge Over the Watauga River in Memory of K-9 Deputy Logan Shane Fox
County Manager, Deron Geouque, on behalf of Major Kelly Redmon, with the Sheriff’s Office, stated that support was sought in requesting the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) name the Highway 105 Watauga River Bridge in memory of K-9 Deputy Logan Shane Fox. The Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with Deputy Fox’s father who recommended naming the 105 bridge in his son’s honor.
In an effort to meet the public forum requirement by the NCDOT, a public hearing was requested to be scheduled for the November 19, 2024. Upon completion of the public hearing, the Board may adopt a proposed resolution in support of the bridge naming and forward to NCDOT for consideration. Staff would also submit background information on the nominee, description of the bridge requested to be named, and public input and support to NCDOT staff. NCDOT staff would review the information to ensure the application meets policy and confirm that there was not any local opposition. After review the NCDOT staff would forward to the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee for action. The NCDOT Board member representing the area where the requested bridge was located must endorse the request. If approved by NCDOT, the Transportation Road, Bridge, and Ferry Naming Committee would forward a resolution for the Board of Transportation’s approval. The Board of Transportation would then approve or deny the request.
The County Manager also stated that approval would also be needed to allocate $2,000 for a fee for the signs and installation.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to schedule a public hearing for November 19, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. to allow public comment on the potential naming of the Highway 105 Watauga River Bridge in memory of K-9 Deputy Logan Shane Fox and to approve the allocation of the $2,000 for a fee for the signs and installation contingent upon approval after the public hearing.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Hurricane Helene Update
County Manager Geouque and Mr. Will Holt, Emergency Services Director, presented an update on recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Beginning Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Sanitation would operate at regular hours with the exception of Transfer Station limitations during the week with commercial construction and demo debris being limited. SDR has been contracted to collect debris from the storm within the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) right-of-way. The focus of the pick up begins with the School’s limited bus routes. Mr. Holt stated that two years ago contracts were adopted and NCDOT right-of-way agreements were made which allowed SDR to begin operating so quickly. Mr. Holt stated that there would be a Situation Report given on October 16 that would include the following. As of now, there were no known missing persons. There have not been any threats against FEMA in Watauga County and there are FEMA representatives ready to assist at 130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone. There has been approximately $3,000,000 in FEMA checks to our County thus far. The agricultural team at Cooperative Extension has been offering livestock support. AppHealthCare has been assisting in procedures for bleaching wells. There were small hazardous materials tanks found in creeks; however, there was only one bid tank affected, which was burning off. Mr. Holt stated that Rev. Seth Norris has been volunteering by coordinating mass feedings and the Chamber of Commerce has been coordinating donations. UNC Health Appalachian was back to normal operations.
Communications was good now; however, the system did go down due to a failed generator. VIPER was used throughout the storm and 911 calls were purposefully rerouted. Usually they are rerouted to Caldwell County; however, with the storm anticipated to cover that County as well, calls were rerouted to Chatham County. There were 2000 calls within the first hours of the storm compared to having slightly less than 2000 calls in a typical month. There were 199 road closures including public and private roads as well as out-of-town thoroughfares leading to the area. Mr. Holt stated that the Army Corp of Engineers has already begun with new flood mapping.
This report was given for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
Proposed Proclamation for National American Indian Heritage Month
Chairman Turnbow read a proposed proclamation proclaiming November 2024 as National American Indian Heritage Month in Watauga County. The proclamation was requested by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution American Indians Committee.
Commissioner Eggers, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Tax Matters
A. Monthly Collections Report
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of September 2024. The report was presented for information only and, therefore, no action was required.
B. Refunds and Releases
Mr. Larry Warren, Tax Administrator, presented the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2024 for Board approval:
TO BE TYPED IN MINUTE BOOK
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for September 2024 as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Request for Acceptance of 2024 StRAP Award and Contract
Ms. Mikey Woodie, with the Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District, requested the acceptance of $200,000 from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Soil & Water Conservation, for the StreamFlow Rehabilitation Program (StRAP) project to restore 672 linear feet of Boone Creek.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to accept the $200,000 from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Soil & Water Conservation, for the StreamFlow Rehabilitation Program (StRAP) project.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Parks and Recreation Out-of-State Travel Request
Mr. Craig Lands, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, requested approval for he and Ms. Amber Worley, Recreational Specialist I, to travel out-of-state to Hilton Head, SC for the 2024 Special Olympics North America Tennis & Pickleball Championships. No County funds would be spent with the exception of employees’ time and fuel for the County vehicle.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to approve the out-of-state travel request as presented by Mr. Lands.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Grant Project
Finance Director, Deron Geouque, requested adoption of a proposed Grant Project Ordinance for Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief. The adoption was required by North Carolina General Statutes. The amount of the ordinance recognizes $10,000,000. The ordinance may be amended in the future to recognize additional funding, if forthcoming. County Manager Geouque stated that, due to the County having a conservative budget, funds could be expended as necessary prior to reimbursement which could take three to five years.
Commissioner Castle, seconded by Commissioner Russell, moved to adopt the Grant Project Ordinance in the amount of $10,000,000 for Hurricane Helene expenses.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Recommended Contract Award for Employee Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
County Manager Geouque stated that renewal rates were received for medical and dental insurance benefits. The initial renewal rate received from CIGNA for medical insurance was a 21.2% increase. Further negotiations and analysis of additional claims reduced the increase to 5.5%.
Watauga County was currently in a two (2) year rate lock with Delta Dental, with the contract to renew 01/01/2026. However, continued negotiations with Cigna to reduce the medical renewal rate included a proposal for Cigna to also provide dental coverage to the County for the 2025 plan year. The final negotiated rate of 5.5% increase for medical insurance benefits includes using Cigna PPO as the dental provider for the County, continuing at the current rate with no increase in dental insurance premiums. The dental insurance renewal with Cigna will include a comparable plan with negligible differences and a one (1) year rate lock.
Benefits and premiums would remain unchanged with Community Eye Care for vision insurance and The Standard Insurance Company for life insurance.
The County Manager stated that staff recommended CIGNA’s Level Funding plan for the County’s medical insurance with a 5.5% increase and for the County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account. Staff further recommends Cigna PPO as the new dental insurance provider with no rate increase for the 2025 plan year. The Standard life insurance benefits and Community Eye Care vision insurance are proposed to continue with current carriers and no change in plan benefits or premiums. Adequate funds have been budgeted to cover the renewal rates.
Commissioner Russell, seconded by Vice-Chairman Wallin, moved to approve the following:
· CIGNA’s level funding plan, with a 5.5% increase, for employee’s medical insurance
· The County to fund $1,000 into each eligible employee’s HSA account
· Cigna PPO as the new dental insurance provider with no rate change for the 2025 plan year
· The Standard for life insurance with no changes
· Community Eye Care for vision insurance with no changes
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. November Meeting Schedule
County Manager Geouque stated that due to the Commissioners Board Room being used as a polling site for Election Day on November 5, 2024, staff recommended cancelling the November 5, 2024 meeting. The second meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and a special meeting could be called prior to the second meeting, if necessary.
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to cancel the November 5, 2024 meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
D. Announcements
There were no announcements.
Closed Session
At 7:08 P.M., Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Castle, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to resume the open meeting at 7:53 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Eggers, moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Larry Turnbow, Chairman
ATTEST: Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board