The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting, as scheduled, on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at 8:30 A.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the September 19, 2017, regular and closed session minutes.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the September 19, 2017, regular meeting minutes as presented.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the September 19, 2017, closed session minutes as presented.
Chairman Welch called for additions and/or corrections to the October 3, 2017, agenda.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the October 3, 2017, agenda as presented.
Mr. Cullie Tarleton, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 11 Board member, stated that he had approached the Secretary of Transportation and requested discretionary funds to be used to provide advanced flashing arrows and to redesign the signal heads at the intersection of the Old Hwy 421 and Hwy 421 near Food Lion. At a previous Board meeting, staff was requested to contact NCDOT regarding potential improvements to the intersection to reduce the dangers experienced by motorists. The County Manager contacted Mr. Mike Pettyjohn, Division 11 Engineer, who stated that NCDOT had a project awaiting approval to add advanced flashing arrows on Old 421 and in the median of US 421 and that they were also redesigning the signal so that the signal heads will be closer to the stop bars. In addition, the Commissioners submitted the intersection as a transportation project to the High Country RPO to be scored for possible inclusion in the next State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) as NCDOT staff's preliminary analysis was that an overpass would be the most effective long-term solution in addressing the issues at the intersection. The Board showed support for the overpass. This report was for information only and, therefore, no action was taken.
Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County Schools Superintendent, provided an update and request funds from the Education Lottery and CIP Reserve Funds. Dr. Elliott stated that the recent joint facilities meeting went well and invited Board members to visit the County's schools. Enrollment is up by 137 students over last year some of which are attributed to dual-enrolled home school children. The graduation rate was 91.2% which is well above the State average. Dr. Elliott requested a total amount of $937,300, broken down as follows: $820,000 from the CIP Reserve for mobile units, sealant to track at Watauga High School, one-to-one devices, classroom projectors, vehicle replacements, and activity bus replacements; $117,300 from the North Carolina State Education Lottery for lead paint abatement, to correct flooding issues, and carpet and tile replacement.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the request of $117,300 from the Public School Building Capital Fund (Lottery Distribution) and $820,000 from the County CIP Reserve.
Chief, Kent Graham, representing Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue (BRFR), will present a resolution and map approving BRFR Station #3 and its insurance district. Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue has recently completed the sub-station to improve services to the Aho area. It is my understanding that the resolution is required to gain final approval from the State.
Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, requested permission to apply for a grant from the Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County. The purpose of the grant is to purchase items to be used in making emergency preparedness kits for older adults.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to authorize the application for the grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County as presented by Ms. Boitnotte.
County Manager Geouque stated that, at a previous meeting, the Board authorized staff to apply for a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant for the Guy Ford Road access. The County has been notified that the grant request was denied. Currently, the County is awaiting a decision on $50,000 in Tennessee Valley Authority funds and will be attempting to confirm a $75,000 tentative commitment from the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) on October 5. The County has been awarded $50,000 from the General Assembly. The County Manager stated that Mr. Joe Furman has requested to utilize County forces to offset the $100,000 that was not granted for grading and possible construction of the retaining wall. In order to do this, the Board would need to exempt the project per NC General Statute 143-135. Bids will be solicited for work not performed by the County.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to exempt the Guy Ford Road Access project per NCGS 143-135 and authorize County forces to be utilized for the project.
The amendment recognized the acceptance of the State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) funds for which no match was required.
The amendment recognized the acceptance of a donation from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for the Sheriff's Office to purchase vests for the three K-9s.
County Manager Geouque stated that Ms. Keron Poteat, Recreation Specialist II, had requested authorization to travel to Hilton Head, SC, for the Special Olympics North America Tennis Championships. The County Manager stated that Board action was required to authorize the out-of-state travel.
Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to approve the out-of-state travel for Ms. Keron Poteat as presented.
County Manager Geouque announced that the Grand Opening for Beech Mountain's Water Treatment Plant will be held on October 6, 2017, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at 1331 Pine Ridge Road, Beech Mountain.
At 9:06 A.M., Vice-Chairman Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Yates, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3).
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to resume the open meeting at 9:43 A.M.
Commissioner Yates, seconded by Vice-Chairman Kennedy, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:43 A.M.