MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1998
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 1998 at 7:00 P.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 7:00 P.M. welcoming those in attendance.
A moment of silence was observed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the May 4, 1998 regular and/or closed session minutes; there being none, they were approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Coffey called for additions or corrections to the May 19, 1998 agenda.
County Manager Ratchford stated he had an additional item to discuss with the Board regarding the Caldwell Community College’s driveway right of way. It was agreed to add this item to the Agenda under Item 18 (Miscellaneous Administrative Matters).
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve the agenda for the May 19, 1998 regular meeting with the amendment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
Budget requests for fiscal year 1998/99 were presented by the following:
Mr. David Greene & Mr. Jim Deni County School System
Ms. Gail Hawkinson New River Mental Health
Ms. Sue Counts Cooperative Extension Service
Ms. Deb Wynne Parks & Recreation
Ms. Wanda Scott Register of Deeds
Mr. Robert Cox Hospitality House
Ms. Karen Hayes Parent to Parent
Ms. Becky Tuttle & Ms. Stephanie Robbins, Watauga County Youth Services Advisory Council, presented a CBA grant proposal requesting total funds in the amount of $123,624 (the local match was $28,478.) Ms. Tuttle and Ms. Robbins reviewed the proposed allocation of these juvenile justice funds among the various programs based on the recommendation of the Youth Services Advisory Council.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve this grant application.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Further budget requests for fiscal year 1998/99 were presented by the following:
Mr. Rick Herrick Valle Crucis Park
Mr. Roger Alsaker Foscoe Grandfather Comm. Park
Mr. Randy Collins Watauga Resuce Squad
Ms. Cherry Johnson Arts Council
RECESS
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to recess at 8:20 P.M.
The regular meeting was resumed at 8:30 P.M.
PRISONER MEDICAL COSTS ISSUES
Sheriff James C. "Red" Lyons addressed the Board regarding two issues.
Pursuant to G.S. 153-A-225(a), Sheriff Lyons presented a Medical Co-Payments Policy for non-emergency care services. For this current fiscal year, the Sheriff’s Department had budgeted $6,000 for medical expenses and due to high medical costs had exceeded this budget. This Policy would enable the Detention Center to charge inmates $10.00 (which would be deducted from the inmate’s trust fund or commissary fund) for non-emergency medical visits. If funds were not available, the County would continue to pay. Sheriff Lyons stated medical staff would determine if the requested treatment was non-emergency. The County’s obligation would remain to pay for emergency care. Sheriff Lyons noted it was a requirement that this policy be explained to each inmate, and a Medical Request Form would be completed upon request. In 1994, the Board approved the Jailer Guidelines, and each year the Detention Center reviewed these guidelines with the Health Department to ensure it complied with what was needed at the present time. Sheriff Lyons added that this policy had been implemented in several counties and appeared to work well. This should discourage unnecessary or unimportant medical requests. County Manager Ratchford stated that if approved, this Medical Co-Payments Policy would begin June 1, 1998.
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve the Medical Co-Payments Policy as presented to begin June 1, 1998.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Sheriff Lyons also informed the Board of two large bills incurred at Watauga Medical Center by two inmates that were due presently. He added that the Department of Corrections may reimburse the County for these expenses and stated he would pursue this. In order to cover these medical costs, a budget amendment in the amount of $20,000 was required to pay these bills (from the general fund balance).
Account # Description Debit Credit
103991-399101 Fund Bal. Approp. New 20,000
104310-469102 Prof. Ser. Medical 20,000
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve this budget amendment in the amount of $20,000 and requested pursuing reimbursement of these medical expenses with the Department of Corrections.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SESQUICENTENNIAL PROGRAM REPORT
Ms. Len Cone, Coordinator for sesquicentennial activities, addressed the Board and provided a list of volunteers and agencies involved with the County’s impending sesquicentennial celebration. In addition, Ms. Cone stated she was very excited about the enthusiasm and ideas that she had received from individuals throughout the County. She reviewed some of the proposed events with the Board. A two-year budget was presented, and Ms. Cone thanked the Board for their continued support.
MISCELLANEOUS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Iris Glen Contract – County Manager Ratchford presented a contract amendment with Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. to divert the County’s trash from the Piedmont Landfill in Kernersville to the Iris Glen Environmental Center in Johnson City, TN. This was a straight forward amendment, and the terms of the basic contract would remain the same. Although a field trip to the site had not been scheduled, Mr. Ratchford requested this amendment be approved in order to finalize arrangements with Waste Management. The Board voiced interest in visiting the site, and a trip would be scheduled in the near future.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to approve this amendment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Survey Costs – County Manager Ratchford informed the Board of unanticipated survey costs in the amount of $1,500 that covered a portion of the Avery County line issue. Contingency funds had been used to cover this expense.
Surplus Property – County Manager Ratchford requested the following items be declared as surplus and sold by the County at a public auction scheduled for June 6, 1998:
The following items were transferred to Watauga County from the local N.C. Farm Service office.
Transferred from Farm Service Office
- IBM Typewriter sn #6394221
(1) Folding chair caddy
(4) Typist chair – red corduroy fabric
- Typist chair – green
(1) 2-door supply cabinet
(1) 2-door teal cabinet
(1) 1-drawer beige file
- Ash can
- oil cans
- IBM Typewriter
- Sharp copier SF755
- Monroe Copier RL-710C
- Sharp Copier SF756
- Sharp Calculator CS1165
- AB Dick offset machine
- Pitney Bowes folding machine 3300S
- Pitney Bowes sealing machine 4256
The following assets have been sent to surplus storage by various county departments. The items were no longer needed, irreparable or obsolete.
Surplus Property-Fixed Assets
Asset # Dept. Description Condition
03961 Animal Control 1979 Ford Pickup Truck Poor
03069 Bd. Of Elections IBM Selectric Typewriter Good-unused
09056 Coop. Ext. Panasonic FP 1520 Copier Good/Parts hard to get
02173 Black Office Chair Beyond Repair
01053 Clerk of Court Green Fabric Secretarial Chair Poor
01063 Green Fabric Secretarial Chair Poor
02199 Caldwell Comm. Electric Range Good-unused
College
04686 Data Processing Okidata 83-A Printer Poor
03967 Finance Casio DI 1220 Calculator Beyond Repair
02738 Planning Swivel Chair-Green Poor
04035 Miller UW 101 Desk Good-unused
08534 Bush Computer Workstation Good-unused
02165 Project on Aging Dish Drain Table-Metal 30"x25" Poor
02166 Dish Drain Table Metal 30"x25" Poor
02426 Dishwasher Poor
03071 JVC Video Camera Beyond Repair
03885 16 mm film strip projector Poor
07967 NSR Meal Transport Carriers Beyond Repair
07968 NSR Meal Transport Carriers Beyond Repair
07969 NSR Meal Transport Carriers Beyond Repair
07970 NSR Meal Transport Carriers Beyond Repair
07971 NSR Meal Transport Carriers Beyond Repair
01634** Secretarial Desk Poor
01635 Yellow Fabric Sec. Chair Beyond Repair
01797 2-Shelf Wooden Bookcase Poor
02865 Secretarial Chair Poor
02872 Wooden Chair/Orange Poor
02975 16mm Projector Good-obsolete
05154 Wooden Chair/Orange Fabric Poor
03000 Wall Cabinets-Dry Food Storage Poor
05149 Green Sec. Chair Beyond Repair
05150 Wooden Chair/Green Fabric Poor
05163 Black Exec. Chair Beyond Repair
05164 Wooden Chair/Green Fabric Poor
05190 Chair/Gold Fabric Poor
05192 Wooden Chair/green Poor
05193 Wooden Chair/Orange Fabric Poor
05191 Wooden Chair/Green Fabric Poor
05187 Wooden 4-Shelf Bookcase Poor
05184 ** Wooden Desk/3-Drawer Poor
05186 ** Wooden Desk/2-Drawer Poor
05198 Sampsonite 30" sq. Folding Table Beyond Repair
05228 Wooden Desk Poor
05201 Wooden upright piano Poor
** Note ** Agricultural Extension Office will be getting one of these desks. Unable to identify which one at this time.
02210 Parks & Rec. Glenco Refrigerator Good-unused
08216 Smith Corona Typewriter Beyond Repair
04623 Register of Deeds Wooden Storage Cabinet Poor-obsolete
04985 Reel Cabinet/Hanger Good-unused
04291 Cannon Typewriter w/memory Good (parts not avail)
04292 Cannon Typewriter w/memory Good (parts not avail)
04293 Cannon Typewriter w/memory Good (parts not avail)
04295 Cannon Typewriter w/memory Good (parts not avail)
07833 RP1824 Minolta Reader Printer Poor
07840 Reel Cabinet/Hanger Good-unused
02863 Rivers Build. Desk & 20 Chairs Beyond Repair
02866 Kitchen utensils Poor
(8) tea pitchers
(80) plastic saucers
(20)" cast iron pan
(3) plastic dishwasher trays
03194 Sanitation 1984 Chevy Truck Poor
09258 AT&T Fax Machine Beyond Repair
04571 Social Services Secretarial Chair – Black Poor
05083 Texas Instruments calculator Beyond Repair
05084 Art Metal Desk-4 drawer Poor
05094 Sharp Compet Calculator Beyond Repair
05112 Brown Fabric Exec. Chair Poor
05118 Sharp Compet Calculator Beyond Repair
01967 Facit Electric Typewriter Poor
01991 Wooden Desk w/Cabinet Poor
02019 Green Vinyl Sec. Chair Poor
02026 Green Vinyl Executive Chair Poor
02059 Metal Secretarial Desk Poor
02060 Green Vinyl Executive Chair Poor
05091 Brown Fabric Sec. Chair Beyond Repair
05125 Brown Fabric Exec. Chair Beyond Repair
08705 Executive Swivel Chair/Brown Poor
09390 Sheriff IBM Selectric III Typewriter Poor
09391 IBM Selectric III Typewriter Poor
04123 Tax Tax mapping equipment Poor/Obsolete
Amberon Monitor
Vetrix Monitor
IBM AT computer and keyboard
Priam Data Tower
09871A H.P. Surveyor Computer Obsolete
04669 H.P. Surveyor Printer Poor/obsolete
02679 NCR Electric Cash Register Poor
08057 Max RE-2021 Cash Register Good-unused
02869 Sentry Fire Proof Safe/17"x23"x14" Poor
04673 3-tier file cart wood/metal Good-unused
The following items have been sent to surplus storage by various county departments. The items are not on the fixed asset system, however, they were purchased with county funds.
Surplus Property (not on fixed asset system)
Fire Marshall/Emergency Management
Uniforms – 24 pants/17 shirts/1 sweater
Parks & Recreation
(6) dozen Jr. Hornet nylon jerseys
(8) sets BKB uniforms – 8 red shirts, 8 red shorts and 8 white shorts
- Acco-50 stapler
- GE answering machine sn #00009705 model #2 9857-A
- Brown office chair (cloth)
Tax
- Portable file storage unit (green with files)
- Sanyo electric cash register sn #43845961
- monitor to Sampson deed plotter sn #00301003
- ITT single line touch tone phone-beige sn #GV13RE-19475
- Western Electronics single line touch tone phone-beige no sn
Sheriff
(7) metal folding chairs (one has old asset #1080)
- light wood grain 2 drawer desk
Maintenance
(1) 45-drawer card file (oak)
- Panasonic auto logic answering machine sn #2LBDA54811
Finance
- Wilson Jones 2-hole punch
- Panasonic 15 wt desk lamp sn #FS234E
- #1654 Green Desk lamp
- Unity 2-Line Phone Model 4303S/Beige
- Unity single Line phones-beige/SN #59665/36794/4407S
- Bellphone Model 51451-off white
- Western Electronics Touch Tone Phone/Beige
- Bellsouth Touch Tone Phone Model #2500-Dark Brown
- Sony 2-line Speaker Phone Model D-200
- Brown Metal File Unit
- Desk Bells
- Extension Cord
- Sets Chair Arms (Brown & Black)
- Oak panels – these are unused pieces of computer workstation asset #10142
- Shelf panel to computer workstation asset #3965
- Northern telecom single line phone sn #U-326910
- ATT single line touch tone phone-beige
Data Processing
- Okidata 83A Dot Matrix printers (part of original asset #04129)
sn #255445 255442 255440 255443
Cooperative Extension
- Tappen Microwave sn #HG24215402
- Pager (Broken)
- #2064, 2065 Grundig Stenorette Stenograph
Social Services
- #2007 Card file
- #2014 Texas Instruments electronic calculator
- #4414 Steel single pedestal typing desk
- #5004 steel, single pedestal desk
- #2044 manager’s chair/United/green w/armrests
- K-51 personal copier
- G.F. #4589 sled chair/gold
- steel single pedestal typing desk
- wooden double pedestal desk
(2) wooden single pedestal desk
- steel "art metal" single pedestal desk
- wooden single pedestal desk
- Hon single pedestal metal desk
- United exec chair/black & brown NCDHR #10121
Project on Aging
- NCR adding machine tag #1295
- 2’x3’ plexiglass sliding doors
(9) #2155, 2153, 2141, 2139, 2147, 2132, 2138, 2161, 2145-metal stacking chairs
(4) 14"x15" glass panels
- chair dolly
- wall mount fan
- Polaroid camera sn #EE100SP/N101G
- boxes Sony ¾ inch video tape
- set fireplace tongs/fireplace cover
- speaker stand
- double stainless steel sink
- secretarial chair/fabric seat/w rollers
- metal locker 2 shelf
- folding table w/metal legs
(4) gray coolers
(5) meal caddies/3 lids
(9) orange/yellow food caddies
- projector screen
- student desk
(3) 24 qt Igloo coolers
(29) plastic stackable chairs
(12) plastic dining room chairs/orange/green/brown
- Facit Electric Typewriter-Tag #1812
Planning
- secretary chair – old asset #01178
Library
- desk #13-1034
- charging desk #3088
- View Sonic monitor #5032
- Okidata printer
(3) Modems (Fumjitsu, Intel, and Cable Data)
Desk Chairs 3199
- Bell & Howell 16mm #1004
- revolving book rack
- Magazine racks #3067/#3068
- Dukane microfilm reader #1014
- wooden wall unit #3186
- blue/beige shelf
- refrigerator #1059
- sink cabinet
4-sections single face beige metal shelf #3016
6-sections single face beige metal shelf #3010
6-sections single face beige metal shelf #3009
13-sections single face gray metal shelves #3006
2-sections double face beige metal shelves #3000
9-sections double face beige metal shelves #3001
4-sections double face gray metal shelves
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Craig, moved to declare these items as surplus property and authorize the County to sell all items at a public auction to be held on June 6, 1998.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
SWCD Operational Agreement – County Manager Ratchford presented a new operational agreement that had been devised with the County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). This agreement involved the U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District and Watauga County, N.C. This agreement helped define what each party’s area of responsibility and contribution was to this program. Mr. Ratchford stated he had worked with the SWCD on this agreement and requested Board approval. He noted that County Attorney Eggers had reviewed the agreement.
Vice-Chairman Lawrence seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to approve this Operational Agreement.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
CDBG – Fair Housing Plan Update – County Manager Ratchford presented an Update To Previously Approved Recipient’s Plan to Further Fair Housing for adoption. Annual adoption of this plan was a condition for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant funds.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Commissioner Wellborn, moved to adopt this update.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Road Name Public Hearing Date – County Manager Ratchford presented a list of new road names that had been added to the Master Road Name List and requested a public hearing be scheduled for June 16, 1998. He noted that no existing names were being changed. Pursuant to G.S. 153A-239.1, a public hearing was required.
Commissioner Craig seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to schedule this public hearing for the June 16, 1998 regular meeting.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Paving Bond Extension – Heavenly Mountain had received an approved bond for paving in the Pine Ridge area of their development. However, County Manager Ratchford stated Heavenly Mountain had requested an extension of time. County Attorney Eggers noted it was a new agreement that extended the time for one year.
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to approve this extension of time.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Budget Amendments – County Manager Ratchford presented the following budget amendments for Board Approval:
Account # Description Debit Credit
143535-323000 Special Adult Daycare 35,000
145350-440900 Purchases-Adult Daycare 35,000
To appropriate funds for new appropriation from Department of Health and Human Resources for Adult Daycare.
Account # Description Debit Credit
143535-323000 Title XX & FSA Daycare 131,103
145850-440900 Daycare 131,103
To recognize additional allocation of Daycare funds from Department of Health and Human Resources.
Account # Description Debit Credit
143531-323000 Co. Wel. Admn. 12,035
145480-438800 Crisis Inter. Pay. 12,035
To recognize additional allocation of Crisis Intervention funds from the Department of Health and Human Resources.
CCC&TI Driveway Right of Way – County Manager Ratchford stated this right of way was at the new CCC&TI campus site at the Highway 105 Bypass. It included 50 feet of right of way as well as a temporary construction easement. Martin Bolick, DOT Division Engineer, requested this right of way. It was uncertain who would maintain the road, and after discussing several options, it was the consensus of the Board to discuss this issue further at the next regular meeting scheduled for June 1, 1998.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Commissioner Hodges, moved to enter closed session at 9:40 P.M. to discuss: Land Acquisition – G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(5)(i), Library Property.
The Board took no action while in closed session.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to resume the regular meeting at 10:28 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
ADJOURN
Commissioner Wellborn seconded by Vice-Chairman Lawrence, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
___________________________
James Coffey
Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________
Elizabeth H. Link
Clerk to the Board