MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 5:30 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
Vince Gable, Vice-Chairman
David Blust, Commissioner
Jim Deal, Commissioner
Tim Futrelle, Commissioner
Stacy C. Eggers, IV, County Attorney
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Deal opened the meeting with a prayer and Vice-Chairman Gable led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the August 7, 2012, regular meeting and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to approve the August 7, 2012, regular meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Consideration of the August 7, 2012, closed session minutes was tabled until after closed session to allow the Board time to review a proposed amendment.
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Miller called for additions and/or corrections to the August 21, 2012, agenda.
Chairman Miller stated that the following items were additions to the agenda: a request for the release of a fallen officer’s badge and sidearm and consideration of a proposed proclamation declaring Constitution Week.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the August 21, 2012, agenda as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Consideration of Proposed Resolutions
A. Honoring the Life and Service of Deputy William R. Mast, Jr.
Chairman Miller read a proposed resolution honoring Watauga County Deputy Sheriff William Ronald Mast, Jr.’s, life and service to his community. Deputy Mast was killed in the line of duty on July 26, 2012.
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to adopt the “Resolution Honoring the Life and Service of Deputy William R. Mast, Jr., Fallen Watauga County Deputy Sheriff,” as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Miller presented the resolution to the Mast family.
B. Expressing the Appreciation of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners for the Assistance Rendered to Watauga County on July 26, 2012, and the Following Weeks
Chairman Miller read a proposed resolution expressing appreciation for the assistance received from other agencies and non-profits, throughout the County’s recent tragedy which resulted in the death of Deputy Mast.
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to adopt the “Resolution Expressing the Appreciation of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners for the Assistance Rendered to Watauga County on July 26, 2012, and the Weeks Following,” as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Chairman Miller directed the County Manager to send a copy of the resolution to each agency that assisted.
Award Request for Deceased Officer
Vice-Chairman Gable stated that Deputy William R. Mast, Jr.’s family had requested acquiring his sidearm and badge to become a part of a memorial in his honor. Per G. S. 20-187.2, governing bodies of a law enforcement agency may award to the family of a deceased law enforcement officer their badge and sidearm with the price for the side arm to be determined by the governing body. Currently, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is in possession of Deputy Mast’s sidearm pending the conclusion of their investigation. A request was made for the respective sidearm and badge of Deputy William Ronald Mast be awarded to his family and that the Board set the price of the sidearm at $1.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to declare Deputy William R. Mast, Jr.’s badge and sidearm as surplus and award them to the family of Deputy William R. Mast, Jr., at a cost of $1 for the sidearm, per G. S. 20-187.2 with the award to occur when the sidearm is released by the SBI upon the conclusion of their investigation.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Economic Development Commission’s Small Business Park Proposal
Mr. Joe Furman, Economic Development Director, stated that the Board of Commissioners had previously approved marketing the old high school property as a business park while actively pursuing the sale of the property for commercial, residential or retail use. Mr. Furman stated that the lack of product was keeping the Department of Commerce from sending businesses to our County.
Mr. Tommy Sofield, EDC Board member and business owner, shared the benefits received by Watauga County as a result of the current Industrial Park and encouraged consideration of the EDC recommendation to create a small business park at the old Watauga High School (WHS) location. With the current Industrial Park full, a new park would allow for the expansion of current industry as well as the creation of new industry in the area.
Mr. Keith Honeycutt, EDC Chairman, shared that the Economic Development Commission had recently updated their mission statement, had studies conducted, and held an Economic Summit. The studies conducted showed that the retail/service sector generally followed economic growth rather than generate it. Mr. Honeycutt stated that the County needed industrial and office type positions such as those generated through a small business park. The EDC believes that utilizing the old WHS site as a small business park would better benefit the citizens in our area over a large retail site since export oriented jobs produced goods and services for sale to individuals and organizations outside of the County. The best way to grow the local economy would be to grow the export sector. Mr. Honeycutt stated that most of the businesses in the current industrial park as well as Appalachian State University and Samaritans Purse were export oriented. These types of jobs bring new income into the County and induce the growth of other sectors, such as retail and services.
Mr. Honeycutt stated that the old WHS site has been offered for sale as a single tract for mixed-use such as retail, restaurant, entertainment, and possibly housing. As such, the site would be disposed of in a single transaction, and upon development would generate sales tax revenue for local government. However, realistically, a portion of the sales tax generated would actually just be shifted from existing local businesses, which could lose sales to new development. The EDC believes the citizens of Watauga County would be well served by the alternative plan to develop a business park on the site as such a park would be dedicated to manufacturing, shipping, research and development, and office uses. This type of park would generate little, if any, direct sales tax revenue, but would create significantly higher paying jobs than would retail and similar commercial uses. Both sales taxes and property taxes could increase as a result of spending by these businesses and their employees.
Mr. Honeycutt read the following recommendation from the EDC:
“Watauga County will clearly benefit from having protected sites available to market to manufacturing and other export oriented businesses and organizations. Therefore, we recommend that the Watauga County Board of Commissioners take action to formally designate the old WHS property as a business park (to be named later) with occupants restricted to export oriented businesses and organizations. Further, we recommend that the Watauga County Economic Development Commission be formally designated as the development and marketing agent for the property. In doing so, the current and future County Boards of Commissioners retain the responsibility of determining the appropriateness of park occupants and any local incentives used to help attract specific occupants.”
After discussion, Chairman Miller tabled further discussion regarding the Small Business Park proposal and directed the County Manager to work with Mr. Joe Furman to schedule a joint meeting with the Economic Development Commission to further discuss the proposal.
Request for Approval of Insurance/Response Maps
Mr. Jeff Virginia, Communications and Emergency Services Director, presented State-approved insurance/response maps for Boone, Deep Gap, Meat Camp, and Triplet tax districts which required Board approval.
Mr. Joe Furman stated that the maps, which were associated with the six-mile insurance initiative, had been previously approved by the Board of Commissioners then sent to the State where they were approved and sent back for additional Board approval.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the insurance/response maps for Boone, Deep Gap, Meat Camp, and Triplet tax districts as presented by Mr. Virginia.
VOTE: Aye-4(Gable, Blust, Deal, Futrelle)
Nay-0
Abstain-1(Miller)
[Clerk’s Note: Chairman Miller abstained from the vote due to his residence being located within the area covered by the maps.]
Hunger and Health Coalition Paving Request
Ms. Compton Fortuna, Director of the Hunger and Health Coalition, presented a request for paving repairs to Health Center Drive which services the Hunger and Health Coalition, Hospitality House, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, and non-profit agencies which sub-lease space in the Hannah Building from the Coalition. Ms. Fortuna had previously requested assistance from the Board in November of 2011 and again in July 2012. Ms. Fortuna presented updated estimates that ranged from $17,335 to $39,628.35 for repaving and from $6,989 to $12,531 for the repair of existing potholes. Per the lease agreement for the County-owned Hannah Building, the Hunger and Health Coalition is responsible for upkeep and maintenance to the building and the County is responsible for providing property and liability and flood insurance for the facility.
Further discussion was tabled until the September 18, 2012, Board meeting to allow County staff time to explore options regarding the repairs requested.
Public Hearings to Allow Citizen Comment
A. CDBG 2009 Scattered Site Housing Program Close-Out
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, declared the public hearing open at 6:32 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the closeout of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2009 Scattered Site Housing Program (SSHP) grant # 09-C2010.
CDBG grant administrator, Ms. Michelle Ball with the High Country Council of Governments, reported that Watauga County received $400,000 for the three (3)-year program with the following expenditures:
• $9,974.00 for clearance activities
• $238,443.86 for relocation activities
• $67,582.14 for rehabilitation activities
• $47,000 for planning and administration
• $39,845 for emergency repairs
Unexpended CDBG funds in the amount of $155.00 were to be de-obligated for use in other CDBG funded programs. In addition to the $400,000 Scattered Site funds awarded for this project, the County also received $19,335.36 from the sale of a home that was rehabilitated in a previous grant cycle. The County was able to use those funds to extend the emergency repair portion of this project and treat four (4) additional homes.
There being no public comment, Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to close the public hearing at 6:35 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the close-out of Community Development Block Grant # 09-C2010 as presented by Ms. Ball.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. CDBG 2012 Scattered Site Housing Program Pre-Application
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to declare the public hearing open at 6:37 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the pre-application process for the 2012 Scattered Site Housing Program (SSHP) project.
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning Director, requested authorization to apply for the 2012 Community Development Block Grant funds in the Scattered Site Housing category in the amount of $225,000 and in the NC Catalyst category in the amount of $175,000. The CDBG funds will be used to rehabilitate houses occupied by very low-income households in Watauga County. Mr. Furman also requested that the High Country Council of Governments be designated to prepare the applications and administer the grants on behalf of the County.
There being no public comment, Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to close the public hearing at 7:39 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to designate the High Country Council of Governments as the administrator for both Community Development Block Grants in the Scattered Site Housing Program category and the NC Catalyst category as well as to authorize the High Country Council of Governments to complete the associated grant applications.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to schedule the following public hearings to allow citizen comment on the following Community Development Block Grant applications:
· Scattered Site Housing Program on September 18, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. (2nd required hearing)
· Catalyst Program on September 18, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. (1st required hearing)
· Catalyst Program on October 16, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. (2nd required hearing)
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Planning and Inspections Matters
A. Proposed Amendments to the Gate Ordinance
Mr. Joe Furman, Planning Director, presented proposed technical amendments to the County’s recently adopted Gate Ordinance. The first proposed amendment added an appeal process under the new section (100.09) and the second reworded Sections 100.04 A & B to clarify potentially confusing and conflicting language.
After discussion, Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to schedule a public hearing at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, to allow citizen comment on the proposed ordinance amendments.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Amendments to the Wireless Tower Ordinance
Mr. Furman presented a proposed amendment to Article IV, Section A.10 of the Wireless Communication Tower Ordinance. The amendment would incorporate recent and future changes to applicable federal and state standards.
After discussion, Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to schedule a public hearing at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, to allow citizen comment on the proposed ordinance amendment.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
A. Proposed Proclamation Declaring September 17-23, 2012, as Constitution Week
Chairman Miller presented a proposed proclamation declaring September 17-23, 2012, as Constitution Week in Watauga County.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to adopt the proclamation as presented.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Proposed Brush Grinding Contract
County Manager Geouque stated that the Sanitation Department had recently solicited bids from four contractors for brush grinding services. The following responses were received:
|
Company |
Bid |
|
Superior Mulch, LLC |
$18.75 per ton |
|
Riverside Stump Dump, Inc. |
$18.00 per ton |
|
Carolina Mulch Plus |
No Bid Received |
|
Horizon Hardscapes |
No Bid Received |
Riverside Stump Dump, Inc., was the low bidder in the amount of $18.00 per ton. Their price included grinding and hauling the material away and would be valid until June 30, 2013.
County Manager Geouque stated that approximately $100,000 was budgeted for brush grinding in Fiscal Year 2013 and therefore recommended the approval of the $18.00 per ton price with a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Deal, moved to award the bid for brush grinding services to Riverside Stump Dump, Inc., in the amount of $18.00 per ton with the total amount not to exceed $100,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
B. Boards and Commissions
County Manager Geouque stated that the Watauga County Library Board had recommended the following for consideration of appointment to their local Board:
Name Type of Appt. Definition of Term
George Bard Appointment 4 year term to expire August 31, 2016
Terry Hamilton Appointment 4 year term to expire August 31, 2016
Billy Ralph Winkler Appointment 4 year term to expire August 31, 2016
Tish Rokoske Reappointment 4 year term to expire August 31, 2016
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to waive the second reading and appoint George Bard, Terry Hamilton, Billy Ralph Winkler, and Tish Rokoske to the Watauga County Library Board with all four terms to expire August 31, 2016.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
The County Manager stated that, due to the recently amended Interlocal Agreement for the Appalachian Regional Library System, regional Board member’s terms are now required to be staggered. Therefore, the Watauga County Library Board recommended the following for consideration of appointment as Watauga County representatives to the Appalachian Regional Library Board:
Name Type of Appt. Definition of Term
Audrey Hartley Reappointment 1 year term to expire August 31, 2013
Billy Ralph Winkler Appointment 2 year term to expire August 31, 2014
Hugh Hagaman Appointment 3 year term to expire August 31, 2015
George Bard Appointment 4 year term to expire August 31, 2016
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to waive the second reading and appoint the following as Watauga County Representatives to the Appalachian Regional Library Board: Audrey Hartley to a one-year term ending August 31, 2013; Billy Ralph Winkler to a two-year term ending August 31, 2014; Hugh Hagaman to a three-year term ending August 31, 2015; and George Bard to a four-year term ending August 31, 2016.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
C. Announcements
County Manager Geouque made the following announcements:
· The High Country Council of Governments’ Annual Banquet is scheduled for Friday, September 7, 2012, at Linville Ridge.
· The Interlocal Governmental Retreat has been rescheduled for Thursday October 11, 2012, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The meeting location will be determined at a later date. The topic will be the Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Craig Hughes with High Country Council of Governments and NCDOT planning staff will make presentations.
· The Board has, in the past, cancelled the first regular meeting in September due to the Labor Day Holiday. County Manager Geouque sought direction regarding the upcoming meeting.
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to cancel the first regular meeting in September due to the Labor Day holiday.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
· The County Manager announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners would therefore be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at 5:30 P.M.
Public Comment
The following citizens spoke during public comment:
· Mr. Gayle Henson shared concerns regarding the cost of the demolition of the old high school.
· Ms. Deborah Greene shared concerns regarding the cost of the new high school and the County’s plan for paying the associated debt.
· Chairman Miller recognized Mr. Kelvin Byrd, Tax Administrator, who was attending his last meeting in an official capacity. Mr. Byrd resigned his position with Watauga County to accept the position of Tax Administrator with Rowan County.
· Each Commissioner shared their sentiments and farewells with Mr. Byrd and commended him for his service to Watauga County.
Closed Session
At 7:10 P.M., Commissioner Blust, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6).
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Vice-Chairman Gable, moved to resume the open meeting at 8:00 P.M.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Action After Closed Session
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the release of retained funds regarding the construction of the new high school to Vannoy Construction in the amount of $150,000.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Commissioner Deal, seconded by Commissioner Blust, moved to approve the August 7, 2012, closed session minutes as amended.
VOTE: Aye-5
Nay-0
Adjourn
Vice-Chairman Gable, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 P.M.
Nathan A. Miller, Chairman
ATTEST:
Anita J. Fogle, Clerk to the Board