1977-03-28 Regular Meeting
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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
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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,
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Alyce B. Brown
Clerk to the Board
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