MInutes of the August 5, 2024 County Commission Regular Session

1. Employee of the Month
   Chairman Masters presented Connie McKinney from the Mitchell Senior Center as Employee of the Month.
2. Tax Collector Report
   Jessie Presnell presented the Tax Collector’s report (a copy of the report is available in the official County Commission Minutes Book in Bakersville).
3. High Country United Way – Governors Volunteer Award Winner
   Rebecca Hall presented Mike Gunter with the Governors Volunteer Award.
4. Vaya Health
   Dustin Burleson was unable to attend and asked to be added to the August 20th, 2024 meeting agenda. Commissioner Brandon Pittman made a motion to table.  Commissioner Roberts seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
5. Mayland Community College
   Dr. Boyd signed an agreement with Appalachian State University, would guarantee admittance to students once 2-year completion at Mayland. Also, they have signed an agreement with ETSU and the 2+2 program. Dr. Boyd stated Mayland had achieved 100% pass rate for Nursing as well as 100% pass rate Basic Law Enforcement Training. They are also incorporating a Dental Assisting program and a Culinary program in the fall. Fire assistance program has also been offered in the fall and Freshman and Sophomores are the only students eligible at this time. Dr. Boyd addressed previous question from July 1 meeting concerning The Mayland Enterprises Corporation loan. He conveyed that no county funds would be used to pay on stated loan. Boyd states that the earnings from the hotel is paying the loan payment and they are 1 year ahead on loan payments. On year 7 he stated the Balloon payment could be made or renegotiate the loan agreement. Commissioner Harding wanted to confirm with Dr. Boyd that there have been no problems making the payment, that 3 peaks has not affected any college operations and the hotel is continuing to have good booking and growth. Dr. Boyd replied conveying that loan repayment hasn’t been an issue.
6. Pisgah National Forest Update
   Jen Barnhardt from the Pisgah National Forest and gave updates. (A copy of her presentation is attached and her by becomes a part of the minutes).
7. Board Reports
   • Commissioner Clayton Roberts received notification from NORTHWEST HOUSING, that Founder Ned Fowler had passed and offered condolences for the family. Commissioner Roberts attended a meeting with THE BAKERSVILLE LIBRARY and they have hired an Associate Librarian that will start on August 12th.
   • Commissioner Brandon Pittman had no updates for the board.
   • Commissioner Steve Pitman attended SPRUCE PINE MAIN STREET.  He applauded everyone who participated in The Mineral & Gem Festival and gave a recap of the success of the festival. HIGH COUNTRY WORKFORCE has an opening on the Board, Scott Reece is coming off and will need a replacement.
   • Commissioner Harding attended the MITCHELL COUNTY CHAMBER meeting, primary topics being the Mineral and Gem festival and the Toe 5K, lots of positive feedback on the venue for the Festival, Great Meadows Inc allowed the festival venue to be used at no charge. HOUSING Quartz and USDA Representative Jody Lovelace discussed workforce and affordability; MCHP also discussed their Housing Property acquired.  OPIOID MEETING YANCEY/MITCHELL, Commissioner Harding stopped in all the different breakout sessions that were occurring to obtain information. FIRE ASSOCIATION MEETING, County Manager Cook and Commissioner Harding attended and were given multiple concerns over funding and resources. They were invited to come up with a plan to return to County Manager/Commissioner Harding for Board review.
   • Chairman Harley Masters had recently attended county advocacy days hosted by the NCACC in Raleigh.  They spoke about the association’s initiatives, met with the legislators and other county commissioners across the state.  The annual conference is in August, and Commissioner Masters will be in attendance. Commissioner Masters was also nominated to serve as District 14 Representative for the Association of County Commissioners (This district includes Mitchell, Yancey, Avery, Wilkes, Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany). TDA: Spoke to Kelly Jones, TDA, Commissioner Masters also shared publication of High Country Magazine during the meeting with the Board and County Manager which Highlighted Mitchell County. TDA is also working on QR Code magnets to help track visitors to our county. COUNTY LINE ANIMAL SHELTER & SERVICES: The spot the building committee picked out isn’t going to work, spoke with members of the committee, Vannoy is now stating it will be over $2M Dollars. SCHOOL BOARD: Listened to citizens about their input on what they think should go in to Deyton and Harris locations, Ribbon cutting August 8th, 2024. Community Open House for the new school Mitchell Elementary/Mitchell Middle is August 16th, 2024.  2024 End of sessions report, thus far in short session 45 bills have become session law. HIGH COUNTRY COUNCIL: The High-Country Banquet is Friday, October 4th. TRANSPORTATION: They are beginning the construction in Red Hill.

1. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Kroger Opioid Settlement and Approving the Second Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds
   Commissioner Steve Pitman made a motion to approve. Commissioner Harding seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. County Manager Cook spoke briefly about the funds and shared he would like to the Board to individually discuss their thoughts about how funds should be utilized.
2. Opioid Settlement Funds Discussion
   After a brief presentation by Glenda Shuffler and Christy Young all Board Members gave ideas on how they/where they would like to see the funds possibly dispersed/utilized.
   • Glenda Shuffler, Human Resources, spoke about the Dogwood Health Trust Grant. She stated that in Mitchell County 54% of residents had been negatively affected by substance use, either themselves or those close to them. She was very thankful to those participating in the project as well to collect this data from the County (a copy of the presentation materials is available in the official County Commission Minutes Book in Bakersville).
   • Christy Young, Clerk to the Board attended the NCACC conference where they shared information about reporting requirements with the funds. Plans must be approved and followed up with impact statements. Christy reported that 77 out of 79 counties are using opt A instead of opt B for disbursement requirements (a copy of the presentation materials is available in the official County Commission Minutes Book in Bakersville).

   COMMISSIONERS CURRENT INTERESTS FOR SETTLEMENT FUNDS

   • Commissioner Masters stated prevention, Social Workers/Counselors/Education in School systems. Working with Local Law Enforcement to discuss Overdose Costs and the possibility of a County Paramedic.
   • Commissioner Roberts wants to focus on Early Intervention, public awareness, focusing on the Families of those affected and the possibility of providing a Safe Haven for those as well.
   • Commissioner Harding would like to see School Based Classroom settings for education, possibly focused on grades 6-12. Providing Knowledge on gateway drugs, focusing on mental health and moving towards having a 24/7 hotline. Reentry is also a big focus of the commissioner.
   • Commissioner Steve Pitman looks toward educating children and working alongside local law enforcement to help combat issues together.
   • Commissioner Brandon Pittman wants to look at Recovery Support Services, reentry programs, Criminal Justice education and other programs that can be used to divert drug use and keep our children engaged.
3. MOU between NCDHHS and Mitchell County
   Commissioner Harding made a motion to approve.  Commissioner Steve Pitman seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. (A copy is hereby attached and becomes a part of the minutes).
4. Safe Babies MOA
   County Attorney Eggers spoke to the 1-year period grant. The state is handling funding for the first year, so this will need to be revisited in the future. Commissioner Brandon Pittman made a motion to approve and Commissioner Roberts seconded and it carried unanimously.
5. Emergency Management EOP Plan
   Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve and Commissioner Harding seconded and it carried unanimously. A copy of this will be found in County Managers office and Emergency Management Office.
6. Emergency Management Thira
   Commissioner Harding made a motion to approve and Commissioner Roberts second and it carried unanimously. A copy of this will be found in County Managers office and Emergency Management Office.
7. Mitchell County Board of Education Distribution Request
   Commissioner Brandon Pittman made a motion to approve and Commissioner Roberts seconded and it carried unanimously.
8. Resolution authorizing Mitchell County Manager to Contract with Go Smart Lighting for new Outdoor Recreation Center
   County Manager Allen Cook stated that he had 2 other bids that needed to be reviewed by the County Attorney and collected those for him. At this time during review Board decided to take a 5-minute recess for County Attorney to review the docs, Commissioner Masters made the motion for recess and Commissioner Roberts seconded and it carried unanimously.*09:13p.m. took small recess
   *09:21p.m. resumed meeting(continued) County Attorney Eggers reviewed all 3 bids provided by the County Manager based upon his review and the recommendation of the Project Manager advised to accept. Commissioner Brandon Pitman made a motion to accept and Commissioner Roberts seconded and it carried unanimously (a copy of the resolution is available in the official County Commission Minutes Book in Bakersville).
9. LPA Lease
   Pending Legal Counsel Review, Commissioner Harding made a motion to accept and Commissioner Pitman seconded and it carried unanimously.

1. Property Tax Refunds/Release/Discoveries – July 2024
2. Vehicle refunds – July 2024
3. Contract for Re-Appraisal
4. Medical Director Contract
5. Communication Contracts
6. High Country Communications (Fund 20)
   1. Southern Software Computer Aided Dispatch (Fund 20)
   2. Southern Software Hardware Support (Fund 20)
   3. Southern Software Mapping Software (Fund 20)
   4. Southern Software Addressing (Fund 20)
   5. Southern Software PSAWARE (Fund 20)
   6. Southern Software ALPHA – NUMERIC PAGING (Fund 20)
   7. High Country Communication – Radio (Fund 10)
   8. High Country Communication – Console Control (Fund 10)
7. Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults

Commissioner Brandon Pittman made a motion to adopt the consent agenda.  Commissioner Harding seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

1. Appointment – Clerk to the Board
   Commissioner Harding made a motion to appoint Deidre McKinney as Clerk to the Board and Commissioner Roberts seconded and it carried unanimously. Christy Young administered the Oath to the new Clerk to the Board. (a copy is attached to the minutes and is available in the official County Commission Minutes Book in Bakersville).

Commissioner Masters, following Public Comment, inquired about Dr. Boyds earlier statement concerning the 100% Pass Rate for Nursing and Basic Law Enforcement Training. Commissioner Masters stated she would be touching base with Dr. Boyd on that as she knows that is not accurate.

Commissioner Roberts made a motion to enter closed session. Commissioner Brandon Pitman seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The board entered closed session at 9:53 p.m.

Commissioner Harding made a motion to exit closed session. Commissioner Steve Pitman seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The board exited closed session at 10:11 p.m.