ORIENTATION MANUAL FOR EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Updated May 25, 2017
VISION STATEMENT The High Country Council of Governments will be the leader in initiating and providing solutions to regional and local challenges, supporting a bright future for the High Country.
NC COUNCILS
Region A B C D E F G J K L M N O P Q R 2
Name Southwestern Commission Land-of-Sky Regional Council Isothermal Planning and Development Commission High Country Council of Governments Western Piedmont Council of Governments Centralina Council of Governments Piedmont Triad Regional Council Triangle J Council of Governments Kerr-Tarr Regional Council of Governments Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments Mid-Carolina Council of Governments Lumber River Council of Governments Cape Fear Council of Governments Eastern Carolina Council of Governments Mid-East Commission Albemarle Commission
HCCOG Orientation Manual
REGION D
WHO ARE WE What is High Country Council of Governments? High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is the multi-county planning and development agency for the seven northwestern North Carolina counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. The Council is one of 16 multi-county planning regions in the state and serves as a cooperative extension of local governments. The agency was established in 1974 by the member governments as provided for in NC General Statutes. HCCOG is governed by an Executive Board comprised of elected officials from 7 counties and 19 towns in the region, and a minority representative. HCCOG is designated by both state and federal governments as the official agency for the administration of various funds and programs. The COG is a local development district of the Appalachian Regional Commission, and an Economic Development District of the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. What do we do? HCCOG is involved in the communities of northwestern North Carolina in many ways—from the care of older adults to water, sewer, GIS services, transportation planning, and workforce development. The COG provides services and resources which might not be affordable or available to local governments. The COG has three departments under its umbrella: Area Agency on Aging, Planning & Development, and Workforce Development.
MISSION STATEMENT The High Country Council of Governments serves local government members and stakeholders with professional services by effectively maximizing resources to meet ever-changing needs that improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of the High Country. HCCOG Orientation Manual
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The High Country Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA) is part of a nationwide network established in 1973 by the Older Americans Act. The HCAAA operates the central hub for resources and support for older adults in North Carolina’s High Country region. The services offered through the HCAAA are becoming increasingly important as the population of those aged 65+ grows rapidly. By 2030, 1 in 5 North Carolinians will be 65 or older. In addition, 90% of older adults would like to remain in their home. The services offered through the HCAAA and its contracted service providers enable many individuals to remain safely in their own home. Remaining at home not only promotes quality of life but ultimately saves Medicaid dollars. In 2016 the average regional cost per person for contracted services was $450, compared to $27,441 for Medicaid funded nursing home care. The HCAAA offers the following services directly: • family caregiver support (respite, caregiver support groups) • long-term care advocacy/complaint resolution (Ombudsman Program) • health promotion/disease prevention (exercise, self-management programs) • long-term care options counseling(assessment to move from nursing home to home setting) • support to our Senior Tar Heel Legislature/ Regional Advisory Council • a variety of other services and activities are offered through the region’s senior centers
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The HCAAA offers the following through our contracted service provider network: • home delivered meals • congregate nutrition • transportation • in home aide • adult day care/adult day health • housing and home improvement The HCAAA service provider network is comprised of the following agencies: • Alleghany Council on Aging, Inc. • BROC, Inc. • Ashe Services for Aging, Inc. • The Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Care • Avery Senior Services • Yancey County Committee on Aging, Inc. • Mitchell Senior Center • Legal Aid of North Carolina-Morganton and Winston-Salem/Senior Law Project-Asheville • Watauga County Project on Aging To learn more about the High Country Area Agency on Aging, visit our website: www. highcountryaging.org and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highcountryaging
The HCCOG Planning and Development Department provides direct technical assistance to member local governments, and acts as liaison between local governments and State and Federal partners. Core duties include:
reviews, reimbursement requisitions or funding draws, and documentation of local job creation and funding match commitments. Of particular note is HCCOG’s extensive experience with federal CDBG grant administration.
Planning Assistance: The HCCOG Planning
Economic Development: As the EDA-
and Development Department assists member local governments with a multitude of planning services. Typical projects include development and update of local land-use plans, comprehensive plans, Park and Recreation plans, and Economic Development Plans. Other planning-related services consist of ordinance review and revision, water and sewer rate analyses, and pay plans.
Grant Applications: HCCOG Planning and
Development staff work closely with member local governments and State and Federal partners to develop grant and loan packages. Common funding partners include USDA Rural Development, US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Golden LEAF Foundation, NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and NC Department of Commerce. Staff stay apprised of changing program requirements, funding levels, and compliance regulations. Staff work closely with project engineers, private-sector project beneficiaries, and environmental regulators to ensure competitive applications.
Grant Administration: HCCOG Planning and Development staff also assist member local governments with grant administration. Common administrative services include environmental
designated Economic Development District for the region, HCCOG is responsible for the development and implementation of the High Country Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is updated every five years, and involves coordination with member local governments, private-sector businesses, Universities and Community Colleges, and other stakeholders in regional economic development.
High Country Rural Planning Organization (RPO): As the NCDOT-
designated transportation planning agency for the region, HCCOG staffs and manages the High Country RPO. The High Country RPO works with member local governments and NCDOT to develop long-range transportation plans, and to prioritize and recommend local projects for NCDOT funding.
Geographic Information System (GIS):
HCCOG has GISP-certified staff to provide local governments with mapping and data management. Common GIS services include infrastructure mapping, zoning and emergency-response district management, statistical data analysis, custom mapping, and web-based GIS development (including mobile GIS data deployment for local government staff). HCCOG Orientation Manual
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The Workforce Development Department acts as a fiscal agent for federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds. The department is governed by a Workforce Consortium comprised of Chief Elected Officials from local Boards of Commissioners and a non-profit Workforce Development Board (WDB). In NC there are 23 local WDBs with representatives appointed from all 100 counties. Members of the WDB are appointed by the Consortium in accordance with criteria established by the federal legislation and the NC Governor. WDB membership includes representatives from business and industry (who makes up 51% of board membership), education, community-based organizations, economic development, public employment service, public assistance agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and labor organizations. Membership is drawn from individuals who have optimum policy-making authority from their organization. The High Country Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) and its staff (who are COG employees) provide leadership, focus, and management direction for the regional workforce system. Together they are responsible for strategic planning, policy development, delivery system design, resource allocation, contracting, oversight, and evaluation to ensure that the local workforce system is market-driven and responsive in meeting the employment and training needs of employers and job seekers alike.
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Core duties include the following: • Oversight of the NCWorks Career Centers located in our seven counties. • Oversight of WIOA services to individuals and businesses, which are provided by service providers that are selected through a competitive bid process. {{ Individual job seeker services/resources including career information; financial assistance for skill development; work readiness services; job placement and retention assistance; workshops; job fairs; and other services to increase skills and provide financial stability through employment. {{ Business (Employer) services including working directly with the area’s businesses to identify business workforce needs; respond to those needs directly, or make connections with other organizations on the business’s behalf; serve as a communication link between businesses and NCWorks Career Centers to ensure the right customer focus; and educate partners about business workforce issues. To learn more about the Workforce Development Board, visit our website: highcountrywdb.com
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION The High Country Council of Governments’ region covers the state’s northwestern mountain region. All counties except Wilkes are west of the Blue Ridge escarpment, though Wilkes contains the Blue Ridge and an upland area known as the Brushy Mountains. The region is rural but not remote, being accessible to large population centers in the Piedmont. All towns in the region except Boone are less than 4,300 in population, with half below 700. The scenic environment, outdoor recreation opportunities, and varied climate enhance the quality of life. Appalachian State University is a major state university located in the center of the region. The area benefits from a solid educational foundation with a strong community college presence in each county.
SALARY AND EMPLOYMENT FIGURES
The region lags both the state and the nation economically. Median household income is $35,081 compared to $43,754 in North Carolina and $50,221in the United States. The poverty rate shows a similar pattern: 18.9% regionally, 16.2% state, and 14.3% USA. Monthly unemployment rates are usually higher than the state and nation.
OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC SECTORS
Like much of North Carolina, the High Country region has been economically dependent on furniture and textile manufacturing, and – in the agricultural sector – tobacco. These economic drivers and other industries have declined precipitously over the last two decades, and have not been replaced with equally dominant economic activities. Manufacturing remains significant; yet a more mixed, complex economy may characterize the region in the future, with no prevailing industries overshadowing other types of commerce. Major economic sectors in our 7 counties include: Agriculture, Mining, Industry, Tourism, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Horticulture. Alleghany and Ashe Counties contain a number of industries manufacturing a wide variety of products: emergency vehicles, packaging products, automobile belts, textile products, floor care equipment, and jet engine components. Geography ties the economies of Mitchell, Yancey, and part of Avery Counties together along the Toe River Valley. Much of the three counties’ economic activity is concentrated along the river corridor. Mining of mica, quartz, and feldspar is prevalent in Mitchell County. While a single large employer can have a major economic impact in a small rural county, the collective influence of small businesses in the High Country region is above average. Businesses with less than 10 employees make-up a higher percentage of the total number of businesses in the region than in North Carolina and the United States. The number of non-employer businesses (i.e. self-employed) compared to the number of other businesses is a higher ratio in the region than the ratio for both North Carolina and the United States. Tourism is significant in all counties, directly benefiting retail, lodging, and restaurant establishments; and having HCCOG Orientation Manual
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indirect effects on other aspects of the economy. Major attractions such as ski resorts and Tweetsie Railroad provide a considerable amount of seasonal employment in Avery and Watauga Counties. Several annual events such as the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and the internationally-known music festival Merlefest stimulate local economies for a short period, but serially have a significant year-round impact on the regional economy. The region offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities—hiking, biking, rock climbing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, birding—that are major draws, and in some cases nationally recognized. Developed recreation includes six state parks, and Pisgah National Forest. The Blue Ridge Parkway extends through all seven counties, while the Appalachian Trail skirts the region in some locations. Many of the general features that draw tourists (e.g. scenery, climate, recreation) also contribute to the quality of life for permanent residents, making the region attractive to business. Though indirect, these factors have a considerable influence on all aspects of the regional economy. Fraser fir Christmas tree production has been the dominant agricultural activity in much of the region for many years. Overproduction, however, has recently saturated the market, making it less profitable. Many farms sell directly to consumers on-site through choose-&-cut promotions, a practice that has grown very popular and incidentally stimulates other tourismrelated businesses. Other forms of agri-tourism exist – e.g. corn mazes and wineries – but not on the same scale. In some counties Fraser fir has replaced burley tobacco as the region’s primary farm commodity. Beef cattle production remains an important agricultural sector. Pastures, hay, and Fraser firs make-up a large majority of agricultural land use and incidentally contribute to the scenic variety of the region. While it shares many features with the other counties, Wilkes County has its own unique agricultural characteristics: poultry farming, several large commercial apple and peach orchards, and timber and wood products. A growing interest in developing local food economies has made vegetable and fruit production (especially organic) a flourishing agricultural sector. The region’s farmers have access to a distribution network in the Piedmont, two cooperative regional marketing organizations, and farm-to-consumer outlets such as community supported agriculture endeavors (CSAs). Viable farmers markets are emerging in many localities and existing ones continue to thrive and expand. Demand for local food has been strong and increasing, even in economic downturns. Societal concerns about food safety and a desire to support the local economy are contributing to sales in the region. Vegetable and fruit production requires much less land than cattle and Fraser firs, but is comparably profitable. Agriculture in the region seems to be trending away from commodities toward a more diverse, specialized model with multiple market outlets. Agri-tourism has potential, especially since the region is already tourist-oriented. Identifying economic strengths and weaknesses of the region is difficult; because the nature of the region’s economic future is not clear. For example, no interstate highway runs through northwestern North Carolina and the area is not on any route between metropolitan centers. In an economy dominated by manufacturing, this situation would be a major handicap. But few expect manufacturing to return at its former level (though it will likely remain substantial). With advances in technology and economic activity that does not require the movement of sizable amounts of materials and goods, such relative seclusion may even be attractive to some entrepreneurs. Much of the 8
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region’s economy already depends –either directly or indirectly – on its rural characteristics. No obvious model for future economic development has emerged, and perhaps a single model should not be expected. Whatever its constituent characteristics, the region’s future economy will likely be diverse, complex, and somewhat unpredictable.
LARGE EMPLOYERS
Tyson Foods and Lowes Home Improvement corporate facilities are major employers in Wilkes County. Tyson contracts with local poultry growers and operates poultry processing facilities. Wilkes was home to the corporate headquarters of Lowes until the company moved to Mooresville, but a significant number of corporate operations remain in the county. Both Tyson and Lowes have spurred local collateral industries. Appalachian State University has a major economic impact in Watauga County, both in terms of employment and the presence of a large student body. A regional hospital and related medical facilities employ over 1,000 persons. Another major employer (over 500) in Watauga County is Samaritan’s Purse, a nongovernmental international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization. The county is home to at least 10 companies that export internationally, including Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff and ECR Software. The state of North Carolina employs over 500 persons at a prison located at the border of Avery and Mitchell. Recent expansions of a wood stove industry and an appliance remanufacturing facility have been important economic developments in Mitchell County. In Yancey, Glen Raven manufactures specialized textile products, and Altec produces aerial lifts for utility vehicles. American Emergency Vehicles (AEV), a manufacturer of ambulances in Ashe County, employs a total of 340 full-time workers. The company is the largest producer of ambulances in the United States, producing over 1,000 annually. Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Alleghany County, is a major producer of Fraser fir Christmas trees and a variety of vegetable crops. The company provides Christmas greenery to major retailers across the country. They are one of the state’s largest pumpkin producers. Bottomley’s operational facilities include the 195,000 square foot plant formerly occupied by Bristol Compressors and Martin Marietta Composites.
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Chair: Brenda Lyerly ■ Vice Chair: Johnny Riddle ■ Secretary: Chris Jones ■ Treasurer: Valerie Jaynes Minority Representative Paul Robinson, Jr. Alleghany County Mark Evans, Chair, Commissioner Chris Jones, Councilman, Sparta Ashe County William Sands, Chair, Commissioner Mark Johnston, Alderman, Jefferson Dale Baldwin, Mayor, West Jefferson Michelle Slaton, Alderwoman, Lansing Avery County Blake Vance, Vice Chair, Commissioner Brenda Lyerly, Mayor, Banner Elk Tudor Vance, Mayor, Crossnore Joel Whitley, Alderman, Elk Park Valerie Jaynes, Mayor, Newland Gunther Jöchl, Mayor Pro Tem, Sugar Mountain
Mitchell County Vern Grindstaff, Chair, Commissioner Charles Vines, Mayor, Bakersville Darla Harding, Mayor, Spruce Pine Watauga County Larry Turnbow, Commissioner Rick Miller, Mayor, Beech Mountain J.B. Lawrence, Mayor, Blowing Rock Rennie Brantz, Mayor, Boone Larry Fontaine, Mayor, Seven Devils Wilkes County Gary D. Blevins, Vice Chair, Commissioner Sandra P. Simmons, Commissioner, Ronda Robert L. Johnson, Mayor, North Wilkesboro Russell Ferree, Council Member, Wilkesboro Yancey County Johnny Riddle, Chair, Commissioner Theresa Coletta, Mayor, Burnsville
Introducing Our Current Chair of the Board
Brenda Lyerly currently serves as the Mayor of Banner Elk. Brenda has served as Banner Elk’s representative on the board since 1995. In that time, Brenda has seen many changes at the COG and the surrounding area, but one thing never changes — people’s love for and dedication to their respective towns and counties and the surrounding beautiful High Country. Brenda Lyerly said, “It is inspiring to see the members of the High Country Council of Governments who care enough for their respective municipality or county to spend the amount of time and energy necessary for the betterment of their areas. Each elected official has responsibilities in their own arena, but involvement with the High Country Council of Governments is over and above. Their citizens may not realize the extra time spent for their benefit. These dedicated elected officials take their own time to meet and find more amenities for their citizens and infrastructures. They are willing to collaborate with a larger group in order to have a stronger voice in Raleigh for amenities for all of Western North Carolina. “I am looking forward to working more closely with each COG member and the COG staff and getting to know them better. I look forward to working with our COG director to find creative ways to better serve our seven counties. I would like to continue our discussions and relationships with legislators about the relevancy of COGs and that High Country Council of Governments serves an important role in keeping Raleigh aware of the needs of Western North Carolina, as well as partnering in programs to better serve our citizens.” 10 HCCOG Orientation Manual
Senior Tar Heel Legislature / Regional Aging Advisory Committee Appointed members aged 60+
Community Advisory Committees Appointed long-term care advocates
Area Agency on Aging
Administrative Staff
Region D Development Corporation Board of Directors 7 Executive Board members from each County
County and Town Administrators / NCDOT Officials
RPO Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee (RTCC)
Workforce Development
Workforce Development Board 14 private sector business members, 9 public sector members
Workforce Consortium 7 Commissioners from each County
Advisory Committee
RPO Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) Elected Officials from County and Town / NCDOT Officials
Planning and Development
Executive Director
Executive Board
Counties & Towns in Region D
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
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OUR BYLAWS Preamble
Adopted November 18, 1991 Revised May 15, 2017
The High Country Council of Governments has been established and shall be governed by provisions of Part 2, Article 20, Chapter 160A of the General Statutes of North Carolina and by the provisions of the Charter Resolution establishing High Country Council of Governments. The High Country Council of Governments does hereby ratify, confirm, and adopt the following as and for the By-laws of the Council. Article I Name The name of this organization shall be High Country Council of Governments, hereinafter referred to as Council, or HCCOG. Article II Geographic District and Membership Eligibility The counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey, and the municipalities therein which comprise multi-county Region D as designated by the state of North Carolina shall be eligible for membership in accordance with the procedures provided by the Charter of High Country Council of Governments. Minority organizations within HCCOG collectively also shall be eligible for membership as provided for in the Council’s charter. Article III Representation and Voting Each member of the High Country Council of Governments shall be entitled to representation as provided for in the Charter of the Council. The “Council Board” and “Executive Committee”, as established by the Council’s Charter, are one and the same and shall be known and referred to as the Executive Board of the Council. The Executive Board shall be comprised of an appointed delegate from each member county and member municipality, and a minority representative elected from the minority organizations within the Region. Board composition shall comply with all applicable State and Federal regulations. Voting on the Executive Board shall be on the basis of one vote per representative, except as otherwise provided for in the Charter of the High Country Council of Governments for “weighted voting.” Article IV Purposes High Country Council of Governments was created to serve local governments of the Region. Among others, the purposes of High Country Council of Governments shall be: 1. To offer professional and technical services to individual member governments. 2. To provide services for member governments that can best be provided on a regional basis. 12 HCCOG Orientation Manual
3. To serve as a forum for discussion of regional problems and interests; to promote good intergovernmental relations among member governments. 4. To facilitate effective communications among the member governments. 5. To promote the coordination of other regional public agencies of the seven county area in order to help ensure that public efforts act cooperatively to avoid duplication. 6. To promote on a regional and statewide basis the individual efforts of member governments. 7. To serve as a consensus voice for its member governments on matters mutually impacting or affecting them. Article V Meetings Regular meetings of the Council shall be held monthly at a time and place as set by the Executive Board. The Executive Board may adjourn any meeting. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the Chair, the Executive Director, or any three members of the Executive Board. All regular and special meetings of the Council and notice of such meetings shall be subject to the provisions of the Charter establishing the Council and North Carolina General Statute 143-318.1 Article 33B, “Open Meeting Law.” All meetings of the Executive Board shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, except as otherwise may be provided in the Council’s Charter or these by-laws. Fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting. The affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast shall be necessary to act favorably on any matter. Article VI Officers and Duties (Officers and Terms) The officers of the Council shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Executive Board may elect such additional officers as it finds necessary in the proper performance of its duties. Any vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Council at the second regular monthly meeting following the occurrence of such vacancy. If the vacancy occurs in an office, an acting officer shall be appointed by the Chairman until such election. Officers shall be elected at the first regular monthly meeting after January 1 of each year and shall serve a term of one year unless a vacancy occurs. Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote. At the regular monthly meeting preceding the meeting at which the election of one or more officers is to be held, the Chair shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three persons.. At the meeting at which the election is to be held, the nominating committee shall submit the name or names of one or more persons for each office to be filled. Further nominations from the floor may be made by any board member at the meeting at which the election is held. (Officers’ Duties) Chair - The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and shall conduct said meetings in an orderly and impartial manner so as to permit a free and full discussion by the membership of such matters as may be brought before the Board. The Chair shall have the same voting rights as other members of the Executive Board. HCCOG Orientation Manual
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The Chair shall be limited to two consecutive terms. The Chair will rotate between county and municipal elected officials. The Chair shall generally ensure that all resolutions and policy directions of the Council are carried out. The Chair represents the Council at various public meetings, hearings, and other functions at which Council affairs may be discussed or considered. The Chair may appoint such other committees as found to be necessary or desirable for the proper functioning of the Council. Vice Chair - The Vice Chair shall perform all the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair, or in the event of the inability of the Chair to act, and, the Vice Chair shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Board. Secretary - The Secretary shall assist the Clerk to the Board with keeping or arranging for the keeping of minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Executive Board, including a record of all votes on questions before the Board. Said minutes shall be distributed to all members of the Executive Board at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the next regular meeting. Upon approval of the minutes by the Executive Board, they shall be filed in books to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Board. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall assist the Finance Officer in: overseeing arrangement for financial transactions of the Council and assure that a special bank account is maintained in the name of High Country Council of Governments; preparing and distributing a monthly expenditure report, giving a summary of expenditures for the month and the total percent expended for the fiscal year to date; and ensuring that the accounts of the Council are submitted for audit each year as required by North Carolina General Statutes 159-34 and grantor agencies of the Federal Government. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Board. Current Advisory Committee members shall appoint members from the full Executive Board to serve on the Advisory Committee by consensus. The Advisory Committee reviews and recommends on budgetary, personnel, administrative, and other matters as appropriate, which may be considered and/or acted upon by the Executive Board. Membership of the Advisory Committee shall broadly represent member governments and shall include at least one county or municipal representative from each of the seven counties in Region D. All officers shall serve on the Advisory Committee. Article VII Executive Director The Executive Director will be selected by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Executive Board. The salary of the Executive Director will be set annually by the Executive Board, following a review and evaluation of the Executive Director’s performance and conduct. Other staff employees will be employed by the Executive Director based upon qualifications for the position. All employees, including the Executive Director, are employees of the Council. The Executive Director shall serve as the chief executive officer for the Council and, as such, shall be responsible for the supervision of all other employees of the Council and the management of Council affairs. The Executive Director shall execute contracts and other binding agreements on behalf of the Council of Governments subject to the authority of the Council. 14 HCCOG Orientation Manual
Article VIII Dissolution of Council The Council may be dissolved at the end of any fiscal year only upon (1) the adoption of a dissolution resolution by the governing bodies of all member governmental units, or (2) the withdrawal from the Council of all but one of the member governmental units. If such dissolution is affected by resolution of all member governments, such resolutions shall specify the method of liquidating the Council’s assets and liabilities, and it shall then distribute the net proceeds, if any, to those members who paid the latest annual assessment and in the same proportion. To the extent any asset has been legally encumbered or pledged by resolution of the council in connection with its acquisition or improvement, it shall not be subject to such distribution. Any deficit shall be the responsibility of those member governments who would have received the net proceeds, and in the same proportions. Article IX Amendments to By-Laws These By-laws, as well as all amendments or additions thereto, may be altered or repealed and new By-laws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates present and voting at any meeting of the Council at which a quorum is present. Provided, however, that the notice of the Council meeting at which said proposed amendment shall be considered shall contain the proposed amendment and shall state that such amendment is to be considered at the meeting. *The original version with signatures is available by contacting the Clerk to the Board, or by visiting our website at www.regiond.org and visiting the Executive Board page.
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MEET THE TEAM Administration
Shane Fox Executive Director sfox@regiond.org / x.125 For personnel, policy questions, Executive Board Angie Holman Receptionist aholman@regiond.org / x. 100 For general inquiries, board and conference room reservations Tanna Greathouse Clerk to the Board tgreathouse@regiond.org / x.101 For Executive Board, event information Fred Sides Information Systems Specialist fsides@regiond.org / x.110
Area Agency on Aging
Julie Wiggins Director jwiggins@regiond.org / x.122 Pat Guarnieri Caregiver Program Coordinator pguarnieri@regiond.org / x.139 For Lifespan Respite Program, and High Country Caregiver Foundation, voucher booklets Nicole Hiegl Aging Services Coordinator nhiegl@regiond.org / x.113 For healthy aging, contracts, tai chi classes, and service providers related to aging Stevie John Regional Ombudsman sjohn@regiond.org / x.126 For concerns and complaints about long-term care, advocacy, nursing home related issues
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Gail Pinkham Long Term Care Options Counselor gpinkham@regiond.org / x.118 For questions about transitioning from a nursing home to the community Brenda Reece Family Caregiver Support Specialist breece@regiond.org / x.128 For the Family Caregiver Support Program, High Country Caregiver Foundation, Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP), Day Break Program Diane Tilson Aging Program Assistant dtilson@regiond.org / x.141 For Senior Tar Heel Legislators (STHL), and general questions for the department
Finance
Mary Goodnight Deputy Finance Officer mgoodnight@regiond.org / x.109 Kathy Combs Finance Technician kcombs@regiond.org / x.103 For accounts receivable/payable
Planning and Development
Workforce Development
Michelle Ball Regional Planner mball@regiond.org / x.115 For CDBG, grants, and other planning assistance
Misty Bishop-Price NCWorks Operations Manager misty.bishopprice@highcountrywdb.com / x.119 For workforce services, WIA or WIOA, and career centers
Kelly Coffey Senior Planner kcoffey@regiond.org / x.114 For grant administration, planning assistance, community plans such as greenways, etc. Kelly also accesses a lot of statistical information and data which is handy
Rebecca Bloomquist Communications and Business Services Coordinator rebecca.bloomquist@highcountrywdb.com / x.136 For program and event information, Workforce Development Board and Committees, hiring events
Phil Trew Director ptrew@regiond.org / x.121
David Graham Transportation Planner dgraham@regiond.org / x.135 For transportation planning, Rural Planning Organization (RPO), RPO Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC), RPO Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee (RTCC), Comprehensive Transportation Plans (CTPs)
Keith Deveraux Director keith.deveraux@highcountrywdb.com / x.130
Don Sherrill Accountability and Compliance Manager don.sherrill@highcountrywdb.com / x.120 For workforce operations, billing and finance, and contractor support
Jessica Welborn GIS Planner jwelborn@regiond.org / x.134 For GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Mapping
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Phone: (828) 265-5434 (866) 219-3643 Fax: (828) 265-5439 Email: regiondcog@regiond.org Website: www.regiond.org 468 New Market Blvd. Boone, NC 28607
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.