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1977-03-28 Regular Meeting 11 I ~ I '\.J , . .;0 :.0 ~.~-- 1 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 28, 1977, at 9:00 o'clock a. m. in the Assembly Room, New Hanover County Adminis- trationBuilding; Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were Commissioners George E. Alper; Karen E. Gottovi, Ellen C. Williams; Vivian S. Wright; Chairman Claud O'Shields, Jr.; County Manager Dan W. Eller; County Attorney James C. Fox; and Clerk to the Board, Alyce B. Brown. No members were absent. Chm. O'Shields called the meeting to order. Chm. O'Shields offered the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 7, 1977, AND SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 10, 1977 Comm. Gottovi pointed out that on Page 299 of the Minutes of March 7, 1977, under "Discussion on Coastal Area Management Act", the motion for endgrsement did not receive a second. In order to confirm the action on the matter, Comm.~lper moved, seconded by Chm. O'Shields, that the COunty Commission go on record and endorse the COastal Area Management Act. Upon vote, the motion carried as follows: Voting Aye: Comm. Alper, Gottovi, Williams and Chm. 0' Shields Voting Noe: Comm. Wright Comm. Wright requested that the Minutes of the meeting of March 7, 1977, show that she gave her reasons for voting "noe" at that time, that she felt it should be left in local hands and not up to an appointed Board which was not local; that our County could look after our own County much better than an appointed Board. COmm. Wright stated that on Page 298 under "Discussion on Property Tax Commission Report", she would like very much to have some of the things she had mentioned about the report to be in the record. She had stated at that meeting that she was real disappointed in the report, that she had talked with the Property Tax Commission for almost two hours last year and what they had done with the recommendations was to centralize almost every- thing in the hands of one Tax Supervisor in each County. She felt the potential for corruption was increased with that type of thing. She stated that they had even put the adoption of the Manual in the Supervisor's hands and the Commissioners had nothing to do with it; that the Commissioners would not even approve the extensions of time for listings. 'She felt that if these things were passed by the Legislature, it would not be good at all; that it did not do anything to correct the major problems that showed up when the New Hanover County COmmissioners were going through all of those things. She felt it was aimed at discouraging people from appealing and did nothing to equalize things. She stated that she had a whole list of problems that had come up and not a one of them was addressed in the Report. Corom. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 1977, be approved as amended and the Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 10, 1977, be approved as presented. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES FOR COACHING IN SUPERVISION CLASS Personnel Director, Gary Cannon, appeared before the Board and explained the course entitled "Coaching in supervision" that he had taught to several first-line supervisors in various County offices. Mr. Cannon requested the Board to present certificates to the following persons who had completed this 20-hour course: Gwen Behen - Personnel Lois Holland - Register of Deeds Winifred Whitman - Register of Deeds Howard Phelps - Airport Lynne Benson - Social Services Lucille piner - Social Services Miriam Keels - Social Services Harry Brooks - Social Services Katheryn Wilson - Social Services Eloise Wood - Social Services Thelma Viser - Social Services Doris Patterson - Tax Office Loretta Rose - Tax Office David Spaller - Tax Office Ernest Perry -.Building & Grounds DISCUSSION WITH STATE LEGISLATORS CONCERNING KURE BEACH ABC BILL Senator William G. Smith and Representative B. D. Schwartz met with the Commissioners to discuss various items of legislation of concern to the County. One matter of concern was the Bill the Commissioners had requested be presented to the Legislature concerning Kure Beach sharing in the ABC profits of the Carolina Beach Store. --"......,...- 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION CONCERNING KURE BEACH ABC BILL (CONTINUED) Carolina Beach TOwn Manager, Sheila Davis, reported the feelings of the Carolina Beach Town Council on this matter. Comm. Williams moved to go ahead with the situation as it was without the bill and work in the next two years to come up with something that would be livable for all the municipalities as well as the County and fund Kure Beach for the next two years the same as they were funded last year which was 20% of the profits of the Carolina Beach Store paid out of the COunty's funds. Comm. Gottovi seconded the motion and upon vote, the motion carried as follows: Voting Aye: Comm. Gottovi, Williams, Wright and Chm. O'Shields D c Voting Noe: Comm. Alper DISCUSSION WITH STATE LEGISLATORS CONCERNING STATE PORTS Comm. Williams stated her objections to Senator Smith and Representative Schwartz concerning the fact that no one from Morehead City or Wilmington could be appointed to the State Port Authority and she felt that the people from those areas knew more about the ports and what they needed. Rep. Schwartz and Sen. Smith expressed their opinions on this matter and other matters pertaining to the ports. Sen. Smith explained the Foreign Trade ZOne Act to the Board and the possibility of establishing a Foreign Trade ZOne in Wilmington which could only be established at the seven Ports of Entry in North Carolina. Comm. Gottovi moved; seconded by Comm. Alper, that the Board write a letter stating the Commission's concensus that the last sentence of the Foreign Trade Zone Bill #S220 be deleted. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION WITH STATE LEGISLATORS CONCERNING STATUS OFFENDERS Comm. Gottovi requested the status on the Bill pertaining to alternatives to incar- ceration for status offenders. Rep. Schwartz stated that the Bill had been postponed for one year in hopes that 0 the Counties would appropriate funds so they could get State support to have community . based homes. DISCUSSION WITH STATE LEGISLATORS CONCERNING FISCAL NOTES The Commissioners discussed with the Legislators the effects that programs mandated by the State had on local governments as far as the tax was concerned and requested sup- port of legislation concerning this matter. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF HB 549 Comm. Williams moved that the Commission endorse HB 549 which would allow County Commissioners to appoint members of the ABC Board. The motion died for lack of a second. STATUS OF BILL TO ALLOW NEW HANOVER COUNTY TO CONVEY PROPERTY TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT County Manager Eller requested the status of the Bill that had been submitted which would permit New Hanover County to convey property to the Federal Government without consideration and was informed by Sen. Smith and Rep. Schwartz that the bill had been ratified. DISCUSSION ON CHANGING FORMULA FOR ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY ROAD FUNDS COunty Manager Eller pointed out that House Bill 538 and Senate Bill 279 would change the formula for allocating secondary road construction funds to include population as part of the formula,arid requested whether or not the legislators would favor sup- porting this legislation, and they stated that they felt the legislation had a good chance of passing. 0, DISCUSSION OF STATE FUNDS FOR MUSEUM County Manager Eller pointed out that there had been two bills introduced to appro- priate state funds to support the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia in the amount of $25,000 and for the Museum in Avery County for $5,000 a year for a two- year period, and he felt New Hanover County should get funds for its museum. Rep. Schwartz stated that he had submitted a bill on the same basis for $10,000 for the Azalea Festiva. Sen. Smith stated that he was going to submit a bill to borrow $600,000 from the State to purchase the Blockade Runner Museum. '.. o o o .~" 3 ,I MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) REQUEST TO SUPPORT HB 423 Comm. Wright stated that' she would like some support for HB 423 which made the penalties,on litterbugging much stiffer. DISCUSSION ON BILL TO REPEAL LOCAL LEGISLATION NO LONGER APPLICABLE County Attorney Fox explained that he was in the process of cataloging all local legislation that was applicable to New Hanover County and would probably request a bill repealing all legislation which was no longer applicable because of historical develop- ments or things that could now be regulated by County ordinance. Mr. Fox asked Sen. Smith whether or not it would be possible to get a bill like that introduced after the ,I' deadline as it would not be ready before April 1, and was advised that it probably could be introduced after the deadline. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AIR TERMINAL PARKING COMPANY Mr. Eugene Edwards, Chairman of the Airport Commission, and Mr. John Westbrook, Airport Manager, appeared before the Board to explain the changes in the Lease Agreement with Air Terminal Parking Company and requested the Commissioners approve the Agreement. They also. reported that the Lease had been properly advertised. County Attorney James Fox stated that he had reviewed the Lease and found no problems with it. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to approve the Lease Agreement with Air Terminal Parking Company. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. A copy of the Lease Agreement is on file in the County Mana~er's Office. SUPPLEMENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH FAA FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER Mr. Eugene Edwards, Chairman of the Airport Conmission, explained the Supplemental Lease Agreement with the FAA to provide for an additional lump sum payment to the County in the amount of $2~ 070 for work done on the Air Traffic Control Tower'. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm. Williams, to sign the Agreement as requested for reimbursement for the monies expended by the Coun,ty. Upon vqte, ,the motion carried unanimouSly. A copy of the Lease Agreement is on file in the County Manager's Office. GRANT OF EASEMENT TO CAROLINA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY AT THE AIRPORT Mr. Eugene Edwards, Chairman of the Airport COmmission, requested the Commissioners to approve an easement to Carolina Power & Light Company for certain power lines on the Airport Property and to convey all the wires, transformers, poles, etc. to Carolina Power & Light Company. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm. Go ttovi , to grant the easement to Carolina Power & Light Company as indicated and to convey all the wires, transformers, poles, etc. to them. Upon vote, the lRJtion carried unanimously. LETTER DELIVERED TO, MEMBERS OF COMMISSION BY MR. TED SAMPLEY Mr. Ted Sampley appeared before the Board to deliver a copy of a letter to each of the Commissioners and requested that they read the letter, which was written-on County I " . . paper by a County employee, and ask some quest~ons p~rta~n1ng to the letter. Chm. O'Shields informed Mr. Sampley that the Commissioners would read the letter and take it under consideration. BREAK Chm. O'Shields recessed the meeting for a break from 10:15 o'clock a. m. ,to 10:32 o I clock a. In. i TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT FOR JOB RELATED COURSES IN SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT The Sheriff and County Manager recommended that Sgt. W. F. Pickler be reimbursed the sum of $271.~8 far successful completion of job-related courses at UNC-W and the Insti- tute of Applied Sciences. Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to reimburse Sgt. ~ickler for his education e*penses in the amount of $271.38 as requested. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously'. SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY , The County Commissioners were requested to declare the following'items of personal praperty surplus, and County Manager Eller reported that the Sheriff's Department had requested that the proceeds from the sale: of the 69 Ford and the 71 Triumph be returned to the Sheriff's Department for the purchase of ' another used car, for use in undercover work. These two automobiles had been confiscated by the Sheriff's Department and owner- ship granted the Sheriff's Department by the Courts. -I 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY (CONTINUED) 1975 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69R5Pll0132 1975 Ford Ser. No. 5B53A153907 1975 Ford Ser. No. 5B53A153909 1976 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69W6Pl71659 1976 Pontiac Sere No. 2L69W6Pl71824 1976 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69W6Pl71452 1976 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69W6Pl71 780 1976 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69W6Pl71930 1976 Pontiac Ser. No. 2L69W6Pl71861 0 1968 Cadillac Ser. No. J8201388 1970 17 ft. MFG Boat & Fleet Captain Trailer No. 11186293 Assortment of used auto parts 1951 Ford l~-ton truck Ser. No. F5RlKC17596 Ford ~actor 4000 with bush-hog 1942 Dodge 3/4-ton truck Ser. No. 8177022 1952 Dodge 3/4-ton truck Ser. No. 80038490 1945 Willys Jeep Ser. No. 398279A 1969 Ford Ser. No. 9TOIF152529 1971 Triumph Ser. No. CC54924L Underwood .Typewriter Ser. No. M5084277-12 Underwood Typewriter Ser. No. 15-7114693 Underwood Typewriter Ser. No. 11-6622712 Royal Typewriter ,Ser. No. FPE 16-6656966 Olivetti Typewriter Ser. No. 1295074 ICP Model 502 Copier Busch Pressman Model 14 Camera Ser. No. 21995 Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to allow the Sheriff to take the proceeds from the sale of the 1969 Ford and the 1971 Triumph to use to purchase a used car for surveillance .purposes and to approve the sale of the other surplus property on the list and that the sales be confirmed at the time of the auction on April 23, 1977. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. ADDITION OF SILVER LAKE ROAD EXTENSION TO STATE SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM 0 Comm. Williams moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, to adopt a resolution requesting the addition of Silver Lake Road Extension to the State Secondary Road System. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. A copy of the Resolution is on file in the Clerk's Office. FINAL APPROVAL - QUEENS POINT, SECTION SA Mr. TOm Mathis of the Planning Department reported" that Final Plat Approval of Section SA of Queens Point Subdivision had been granted at the February 28 meeting of the Subdivision Review Committee, and, therefore, it was recommended for approval by the Commissioners. Comm. Williams moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, approval of the Final Plat of Queens Point, Subdivision, 'Section SA. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION ON RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ATLANTIC OFFSHORE OIL & GAS EXPLORATION The N. C. Petroleum Council had requested the commissioners to consider adoption of a resolution supporting offshore oil and gas exploration in the Atlantic Ocean. The COmmissioners had been furnished a copy of a letter and the proposed resolution. Comm. Alper moved that the Board neither decline or affirm its opinion as to whether offshore well drilling would be beneficial. Comm. Gottovi seconded the motion. Comm. Alper moved that this was a case of no comment as far as the County Commission was concerned. No action was taken on this matter. o DISTRIBUTION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN The Department of Natural and Economic Resources was printing 30,300 copies of a synopsis of New Hanover's Coastal Area Management Plan, and the State would reimburse the COunty $.10 per copy for each copy distributed. The County Manager explained how the Planning Department planned to make the distribution and requested the Board to authorize the Chairman to sign an agreement requesting the reimbursement. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to authorize the Chairman to sign the request for reimbursement. upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. o o o .1 "-,--.- 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28,1977, (CONTINUED) FURTHER DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ATLANTIC OFFSHORE OIL & GAS EXPLORATION Comm. Williams wanted to know whether or not the Board felt someone should attend the Public Hearing in Charleston concerning the offshore oil & gas exploration and was informed that if there was'no one else from the area planning to attend and she would like to attend on behalf of the County, she could do so. REVISED CONTRACT FOR TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT - LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER COunty Manager Eller reported that the Sheriff's Department had revised its tele- phone equipment,." needs for the Law Enforcement' Center that was under construction re- sulting in a reduction of the one time payment from $31,498 to $26,558. The monthly charge would be reduced from $204.95 to $172.50, and the Commissioners were requested to authorize the Chairman to sign a new contract incorporating these'changes. Comm. Williams moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to authorize the Chairman to sign the revised Telephone Equipment Contract for the Law Enforcement Center. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION - "NO WAKE" ZONES The Cormnissioners had previously approved two extensions of a "no wake" zone near Wrightsville Beach in the Intracoastal Waterway. The Wildlife Resources Commission required a formal resolution be,adopted. The Commissioners had been provided a copy of the Resolution and were requested to adopt same. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Chm. O'Shields, adoption of the Resolution requesting the "no wake" zones! Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. A copy of the Resolution is contained in Exhibit Book IV, Page 69. BUDGET AMENDMENT - HOSPITAL EXPANSION CAPITAL PROJECT Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, approval of the 'following budget amendment to permit paying the hospital for interest earned on their $400,000 Certificate of Deposit: Debit - Acct. #78 329 00, Interest Credit - Acct. #78 575 91, Payment to Hospital $3,01'3.33 $3,013.33 Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. FINAL APPROVAL OF REVISED ,PERSONNEL POLICY County Manager Eller reported that he recommended in the portion pertaining to the Grievance procedures, the excess language be deleted and simply state that the final appeal would be to the County Commissioners. Comm. Alper questioned the necessity for the accumulation of sick leave . After" further discussion, it was decided that it should remain as it was. Comm. Wright stated that on Page 36 of the revised policy, under "Educational Leave", she thought there had been some discussion concerning making up time taken for educational leave. Comm. Wright also requested clarification on the numbering of the pages in.the revised plan. Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Carom. Alper, to approve the changes in the Personnel POlicy. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. LEGISLATION AMENDING THE SCHOOL PENSION PLAN The School Board Attorney had prepared an act to be introduced in the General Assembly which would provide that the Board of Education would.be responsible' for writing the checks under the New Hanover County School Pension Plan. These disbursements were being made from the County Finance Department, and the Finance Officer and County Manager recommended that the Commissioners concur in this legislation. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by'Comm. Williams, approval of the bill prepared by the School Board Attorney as requested. Upon vote, the motion carried 'unanimously,. A copy of the bill is on file in the County Manager's Office. 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) ADDITION OF ROADS IN BAYSHORE ESTATES Chm. O'Shields reported that he had a slight interest in this matter in that he was building a house to sellon one of the streets in the petition. County Engineer, Robert M. Williams, reported that these roads had just spected and both his department and the Planning Department recommended that missioners adopt a resolution requesting the following roads be added to the Secondary Road System: been in- the Com- State Upland Drive, Section 8, Bayshore Estates Biscayne Drive, Section 4 & 8, Bayshore Estates Conch Drive, Section 7, Bayshore Estates Scorpion Drive, Section 4 & 8, Bayshore Estates Shore Point Drive Aquarius Drive, Section H, Bayshore Estates o COmm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Williams, to adopt the resolution requesting the addition of the above roads to the State Secondary Road System. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. A copy of the resolution is on file in the Clerk's Office. DISCUSSION ON SWIMMING POOL CODE The Commissioners had been furnished copies of a Swimming Pool Code which had been recommended for adoption by the Chief Building Inspector. Mr. Thad Carmichael, Chief Building Inspector, explained the recommended code and reported that he had received many calls from concerned citizens requesting the adoption of a Swimming Pool Code. After a great deal of discussion, it was agreed that the County Engineer and Chief Building Inspector would work up a local ordinance using parts of the Southern Standard Swimming Pool Code, and,bring it back to the Board for discussion at the next meeting. APPROVAL OF REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF REVENUE THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 1977 Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. williams, approval of the Report of the Col- 0 lector of Revenue through February 28', 1977. Upon vote, the !lOtion carried unani!lOusly. A copy of this report is contained in Exhibit Book IV, Page 70. APPROVAL OF ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS AND BUDGET TRANSFER - TAX DEPARTMENT The Commissioners had been furnished a list of abatements and refunds by the Tax Department. Comm. Alper moved, seconded by COmm. Gottovi, approval of the list of abatements and refunds and the transfer of $414 from Contingencies, Acct. #11 445 61, to Tax Refunds and Payments, Acct. #11 450' 60. Upon vote, the motion carried as follows: Voting Aye: Comm. Alper, Gottovi, Williams and Chm. O'Shields Voting Noe: Comm. Wright A copy of the list is contained in Exhibit Book IV, Page 71. DATE FOR 1977 MEETING OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATION & REVIEW Comm. Alper moved, seconded by Comm.Gottovi, to meet & Review at 9:00 o'clock A. M. on Monday, April 25, 1977. unanimously. as the Board of Equalization Upon vote, the motion carried BUDGET TRANSFER - LAW LIBRARY County Manager, Eller explained the reasons for the budget transfer and requested 0 the commissioners approve the following budget transfer to cover the cost of books which were not anticipated when the budget was prepared: Debit - Acct. #17 350 00, Court Costs, Fees & Charges Credit - Acct. #17 630 53, Dues and Subscriptions $4,000 $4,000 Upon motion by Comm. GOttovi, seconded by Comm. Wright, the budget transfer requested for the Law Library was unanimously approved. o o o 7 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) BUDGET AMENDMENT - INSURANCE County Finance Officer, Felix Cooper, explained the increase in the premium and requested the Commissioners approve the following budget amendment in order to disburse payment to the Wilmington-New Hanover Insurance Advisory Committee for Special Multi- Peril.Policy #VBP 6111009. Debit - Acct. #31 333 04, Miscellaneous Income Credit - Acct. #31 650 54, Airport Opertaing Insurance $4,397 $4,397 Comm. Alper moved, seconded by COmm. Williams approval of the above budget amend- ment as requested. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. BUDGET TRANSFER - HOSPITAL EXPANSION CAPITAL PROJECT Upon motion by Comm. Wright, seconded 'by Comm. Williams, the following budget amendment to disburse payment to the Hospital for interest received on their $100,000 Certificate of Deposit was unanimously, approved: Debit - Acct. #78 329 00, Interest Credit -Acct.'#78 575 91, Payment to Hospital $1,630.14 $1,630.14 FUND TRANSFERS County'Manager Eller explained the following Fund Transfers in order to correctly account for two incorrect transfers made previously and requested the Commissioners to approve them: Rescind the action of 2/21/77 with regards to Health Department and Mental Health Construction. The Health Department Construction Fund will be closed by previously budgeted transfers. The Mental Health Construction partially close out this fund. as follows: Fund had been previously budgeted to The balance remaining should be transferred Debit - Acct. #75 299 00, Mental Health Capital Reserve Credit - Acct. #11 535 15, General Fund - Bldgs. & Grounds $2,906.31 $2,906.31 Upon motion by Comm. Williams, seconded by Comm. Wright, the above fund 'transfers were unanimously approved as requested. DISCUSSION ON REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION CONCERNING SALES TAX Comm. Williams requested clarification on the request for legislation concerning exemption of local governments from paying sales tax and also contractors bidding on jobs for local governments. ' County Manager Eller explained the reason for asking that contractors be exempted was to keep the bids from being higher than was necessary, since the local governments did not have to pay sales tax and it would save a lot of paperwork involved in paying the sales tax and then requesting a refund. DISCUSSION ON CARDINAL HEALTH AGENCY Comm. Gottovi requested information on the Cardinal Health Agency as she was not familiar with it and did not know who the County's representatives were. Chm. O'Shields requested the Clerk to get some information on the Cardinal Health Agency and put it on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting. DISCUSSION ON SCHOOL BUDGET Chm. O'Shields stated that he would like the County Commissioners to take a stand in regard to the School Budget that they would accept and adopt the School Board Budget as presented to them from the School Board from the standpoint of putting the total responsibility on the shoulders of those elected officials who serve the County as the School Board so that all of the people in'the County would know that the School Board's public hearing was the place to go to make their wishes known as to what the School Board proposed to do, how much money they 'were requesting, etc. Chm. O'Shields also stated that at the time the tax notices were mailed out~in September, he would like them to show, through a breakout, the school fund and the general fund to show the people how much of their tax money went to the schools and how much went to the general operation of all the other County Departments. 8 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION ON SCHOOL BUDGET (CONTINUED) Comm. Wright stated that she agreed with the part about dividing the tax bills, b~t felt that the debt service portion and the school pension should also be included as a school expense; however, she felt the Commissioners would be abdicating their responsibility if they did not go through and discuss the School Budget since they had to set the tax rate to cover. it; Comm. Williams stated 'that she felt there was nothing wrong with the merit of Chm. O'Shields suggestion, but she had hoped that the State would give the County more leverage on taxes other than the property tax; therefore, any tax increase would have to 0 be on property tax and she could not go with a property tax increase this year. Comm. Alper offered his comments on this matter stating that he was familiar with an area where they had a separate school tax and County tax and he felt Chm. O'Shields' idea was good in that the School Board was more familiar with their needs and they should be the ones who answered to the public. Comm. Wright suggested dealing with this matter in two parts'and"DlOved, seconded by Comm. Williams, that 'when the tax bills were sent out in September that they include the division as to school expenses and other expenses. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. Chm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, that the Board intended to accept the School Budget as it was presented to the Board and levy the tax the Board of Educa- tion felt necessary to operate the schools for one year, and that the public so be noti- fied that the public hearings of the Board of Education'would be the time and place to make their wishes known to that elected body as to what they felt was or was not neces- sary in the School Budget for the upcoming year. It was also agreed that since the School's Debt Service Fund and pension Fund did not appear in the School Budget, that they would be requested to make the public aware of these items also and how much they would add to the taxes. Comm. Gottovi offered her comments and suggestions on things she would like to see instituted in the schools. Upon vote, Chm. O'Shields' motion carried as follows: o Voting Aye: COmm. Alper, Gottovi and'Chm. O'Shields Voting Noe: Comm. Williams and Wright DISCUSSION OF CE~ TITLE VI FUNDS County Manager Eller reported that, according to a letter he had ' received that morning, the County would not receive the additional CETA funds that were anticipated. Personnel Director, Gary Cannon, had requested additional information from the Office of Employment and Training. Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, to postpone this matter until next Monday to see what could be found out. It was agreed by concensus to postpone this until the next meeting to try to get some clarification. County Manager Eller reported on the other CETA VI Program which dealt with the project type programs which required more than 5 employees and a budget in excess of $25,000. The Commissioners were requested to review the applications for ESAA and the Carolina Beach Recreation Project and fill out the point sheets to be turned in to the State. o BUDGET AMENDMENT - CLERK OF COURT COunty Manager Eller reported that Mr. James McKeithan, Clerk of Superior Court, had requested a budget amendment in order to install some telephones for additional employees the State had given him, and in order to do this, it would be necessary to increase the Revenue Budget - Court Costs, Fees and Charges, Acct. #17 350 00, by $500 and increase Miscellaneous Expense, Acct. #17 516 57, by $500. Upon motion by Comm. Gottovi, seconded by Chm. O'Shields, the budget amendment as requested by the Clerk of COurt was unanimoUSly approved. o o o - . .~ e,......:t-: 9 :,"~; 'i, MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 28, 1977 (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION ON WITHDRAWAL FROM SOCIAL SECURITY County Manager Eller reported that, the results of the ,poll on withdrawal from the Social Security System had been received 'from all departments, and the ~jority of the employees had voted "no". ,It was decided not ,to pursue this matter. ANNOUNCE HISTORIC WIIMINGTON TOUR County Manager Eller reminded the Commissioners that they had been invited to the preview of the Historic Wilmington TOur at 3: 30 p. m. and the ,TOur itself on the next day at 10:00 a. m. SETTLEMENT WITH COLE-LAYER-TRUMBLE County Attorney Fox had presented the Commissioners copies of a Settlement Agree- ment with Cole-Layer-Trumble Company which company the County had contracted with for a complete reappraisal and valuation of property situated in New Hanover County. 'Mr. Fox recommended the Board authorize the Chairman to sign the Agreement so the case ~ould be settled. Comm. Alper'moved, seconded by Chm. O'Shields, to approve the Settlement Agreement and authorize the Chairman 'to sign it. Upon vote, the motion carried as follows: Voting Aye: Comm. Alper, Gottovi, Williams and Chm. O'Shields I Voting Noe: Comm. Wright Comm. Wright stated that she did not think they should be paid off for a poor job. A copy of the Agreement is in Exhibit Book IV, Page 72. SCHEDULE FOR WATER AND SEWER PROGRAM 'Comm. Alper requested the schedule that had been furnished by Henry von qesen & Associates for the Water and Sewer Program be on the agenda for 'discussion at next Monday's meeting. DISCUSSION ON INVESTIGATION OF RENTAL CAR AGENCIES Comm. williams moved to go ahead and investigate the differences in the amounts received from the rental car agencies at the Airport. County Manager Eller explained that the letter the Commissioners had received concerning this was requesting the auditors to check into the matter, so it would not be necessary to have any other investigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to recess the meeting to Executive Session for discussion of possible land acquisition and'Committee Appointments. Upon vote,' the motion carried unanimously. Chm. O'Shields recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 12:32 o'clock p. m. Chm. O'Shields reconvened the meeting to Public Session at 12:47 o'clock p. m. APPOINTMENT OF JOHN MAYE TO ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. williams, that John Maye be appointed to the ZOning Board of Adjustment to fill an unexpired term until November 15, 1978. Upon vote, the motion.carried unanimoUSly. ADJOURNMENT Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Alper, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon Vote, the motion carried unanimously. Chm. O'Shields adjourned the meeting at 12:50 o'clock p. m. Respectfully submitted, ~~,~ Alyce B. Brown Clerk to the Board ab