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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 101 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, May 21, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Chairman William A. Caster; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner William A. Kopp, Jr.; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Manager Bruce T. Shell; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley and Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Director of the Human Relations Commission, Carl Byrd Sr., gave the invocation. Commissioner Davis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Caster asked if any member of the Board would like to remove an item from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Chairman Caster requested Consent Agenda Item #2 - Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to Work First, Building on Strengths and Partnerships be removed for discussion. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Caster requested a motion from the Board to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved the minutes from the Agenda Review Meeting held on May 3, 2007 and Regular Meeting and Board of Equalization and Review Meeting held on May 7, 2007 as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Ratification of the 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters? Grant Application? Fire Services The Commissioners ratified the 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters' Grant application in the amount of $205,733. If awarded, the funds will be used for equipment, personal protective gear and training materials for the new Murrayville fire station. The local required match of $41,147 will be appropriated from Fire District Fund balance. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees Retirement System to Deduct Medical and Dental Insurance Premiums from Retirement Payments ? Human Resources The Commissioners adopted the resolution to allow the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees Retirement System to deduct medical and dental insurance premiums from retirement payments if authorized by the retiree. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.1. Approval of Museum Deaccessions - Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners approved the deaccession list of items from the Museum?s permanent collection as recommended by the Curator, Director, Collections Committee and Museum Advisory Board. Acceptance of Grant Award from the Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund and Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendment #07-228 ? Sheriff?s Office The Commissioners, on behalf of the Sheriff?s Office, accepted grant funds in the amount of $2,184 from the Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund for three AGA/ Interspiro Face Masks and adopted Budget Ordinance Amendment #07-228. No local match is required. A copy of the Budget Ordinance Amendment is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.2. Acceptance of New Hanover County and New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collection Reports ? Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports as of April 30, 2007. New Hanover County Fire District New Hanover County NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 102 Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.3. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments ? Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments: 07-216 - Department of Social Services 07-217 - Fire Services 07-234 - Sheriff's Office 07-236 - Department of Aging 2007-91 - Sheriff's Office 2007-92 - Sheriff's Office 2007-95 - Finance Department Copies of the Budget Ordinance Amendments are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.4. REGULAR AGENDA DISCUSSION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO WORK FIRST, BUILDING ON STRENGTHS AND PARTNERSHIP Department of Social Services Director LaVaughn Nesmith and Human Services Planner Christine McNamee clarified that the actual grant amount that the Department of Social Services submitted to Work First, Building on Strengths and Partnerships is $522,009. If awarded, the funds will be used to continue implementing strategies to move the Work First eligible population more quickly into employment, assist in increasing North Carolina's Work First participation rate to ensure continued federal funding and provide the Work First population with sufficient supportive services to increase their employability. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to authorize the Department of Social Services to submit a grant application to Work First, Building on Strengths and Partnerships in the amount of $522,009. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Hope Little - Information Technology Pamela Graham - Public Safety Communications Alene Hinson - Health Department Ten Year: Don Ross - Information Technology Donnie Hall - Fire Services Vanessa Causey - Library Fifteen Year: David Smith - Social Services County Manager Shell reported that Pamela Graham, Public Safety Communications, received the Telecommunicator of the Year award for outstanding service. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster presented a service award to each employee, expressed appreciation and thanked them for their dedicated years of service. RECOGNITION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Shell requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced: Elizabeth Mottern - Airlie Gardens Susan Henley - Health Department Virginia Wells - Health Department Chris Salter - Health Department William Fink - Information Technology Nathan Young - Parks Department Judy Davidson - Property Management Jenny Webb - Social Services Department Maureen Fisher - Social Services Department Mary Ellen Baker - Water and Sewer Finance Sabrina McIntyre - Water and Sewer Finance On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster welcomed the new employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 103 ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 21-28, 2007 AS NATIONAL BEACH SAFETY WEEK IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman Caster reported that the Board is being requested to adopt the proclamation declaring May 21-28, 2007 as National Beach Safety Week in New Hanover County. Commissioner Pritchett read the proclamation into the record and made a motion for approval. Motion : Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adopt the proclamation declaring May 21-28, 2007, as National Beach Safety Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Charles G. Smith, Police Officer and Ocean Rescue Director for the Carolina Beach Police Department, accepted the proclamation. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.5. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2007 AS FOSTER CARE MONTH IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman Caster reported that the Board is being requested to adopt the proclamation declaring May 2007, as Foster Care Month in New Hanover County. Chairman Caster read the proclamation into the record and requested a motion for approval. Motion : Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to adopt the proclamation declaring May 2007, as Foster Care Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Director of Social Services LaVaughn Nesmith accepted the proclamation. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 23.6. PUBLIC HEARING AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SHERIFF?S OFFICE TO SUBMIT A JOINT APPLICATION WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON FOR 2007 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Chairman Caster opened the Public Hearing and requested Sheriff Causey to make the Staff presentation. Sheriff Causey reported that the Sheriff?s Office is requesting authorization to submit a joint application with the City of Wilmington for 2007 Justice Assistance Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Assistance Grant process requires a Public Hearing be held for discussion on the use of the funds. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and the Wilmington Police Department are certified as disparate agencies; FY2007 Justice Assistance Grant funding in the amount of $133,346 is available to be split between these two law enforcement agencies with each receiving $66,673. The Justice Assistance Grant process requires a Memorandum of Understanding between New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. There is no local match requirement for the County. If awarded, the funds will be used to purchase Live Scan equipment to process fingerprints and palm prints to more effectively search and identify prints stored at state and federal agencies. The total cost of this equipment is $83,040, which is $16,367 beyond the Justice Assistance Grant funding. The balance of the amount will be paid by the Sheriff from Federally Forfeited Property funds. Hearing no comments, Chairman Caster closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to authorize the Sheriff?s office to submit a joint Justice Assistance Grant application with the City of Wilmington and to execute the required Memorandum of Understanding between New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington, accept the grant funds . if awarded and authorize the County Manager to sign the grant and Memorandum of UnderstandingUpon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BY-LAWS AND JOINT RESOLUTION FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF WATER AND SEWER UTILITIES WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver reported that as part of the process to consolidate water and sewer utilities with the City of Wilmington, a public hearing is scheduled to hear comments on the following documents: ? Draft By-Laws of the proposed Cape Fear Public Utility Authority ? Draft Articles of Incorporation of the proposed Cape Fear Public Utility Authority ? Draft joint resolution to create the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority During the Wilmington City Council?s meeting on May 15, 2007, they voted to approve moving ahead with consolidation with the following two changes: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 104 1. No more than two of the members appointed by the City and two of the members appointed by the County may be elected officials. 2. The governing body of each participating political subdivision shall be empowered to remove at any time any member of the Authority appointed by it with a three-fourth majority vote of the appointing governing body. In addition, persons serving because of their positions as elected officials may be removed when they leave elected office. The City is scheduled to appoint their additional elected official member at their June 5, 2007 meeting. Commissioner Pritchett clarified with Assistant County Manager Weaver that persons serving because of their positions as elected officials may be removed when they leave elected office. Commissioner Davis urged the Wilmington City Council to expedite their appointment of their second City Council appointee and move forward with the consolidation. Commissioner Kopp stated that he is in agreement with the two elected officials from each governing body especially in areas of potential condemnation. Chairman Caster opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone was present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the consolidation. Hearing no comments, Chairman Caster closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to approve the draft By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and joint resolution with the City of Wilmington for the consolidation of the Water and Sewer Utilities. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to appoint Chairman Caster to serve as the second County Commissioner appointee on the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Board for a two year term. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver reported that the Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a Public Hearing at its June 18, 2007 meeting and at that time approve the By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation and adopt the joint resolution with the City of Wilmington for the consolidation of the Water and Sewer Utilities. PRESENTATION OF FY 2007-2008 RECOMMENDED BUDGET Chairman Caster asked County Manager Bruce Shell to present the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Recommended Budget. County Manager Bruce Shell reported that after completing a very thorough budget review process, he is proposing to the Board a tax rate of 42.75 cents which is 2.75 cents above revenue neutral rate of 40 cents. Voter approved school debt equals 0.6 cents; tax base equals $34.5 billion and the value of each penny equals $3.4 million. In preliminary meetings concerning the budget, the Commissioners made known to Staff their desire for a budget with a revenue neutral tax rate. Departments were directed to keep their budgets constant. This becomes more difficult with each successive year as the population of the County grows, County facilities and services expand, and inflation increases costs to the County. Positions and increases were only added where the escalation in demands for service could no longer be absorbed. Principal and interest payments and operating expenses related to voter-approved school debt equates to an increase of 0.6 cent in the tax rate. In the recent past, the local economy has experienced a period of incredible economic growth. While the economy is still growing, the rate of growth has decreased impacting sales tax, inspection fees, and Register of Deeds revenue. County Manager Shell highlighted the following recommendations: Public Schools: ? An increase of $5.8 million in the transfer to the Schools will provide $62.9 million in school operating expenses, $4.1 million in capital outlay, and $19 million in debt service. This represents an increase of 11% in operating expenditures. Cape Fear Community College: ? Funding of $6.2 million is recommended for Cape Fear Community College, an increase of $200,000. The amount recommended is the requested amount. ? In addition to the direct contribution to Cape Fear Community College, $4.1 million will be expended for debt service in FY 07-08, for a total of $10.3 million. Medicaid: ? Funding of $10.1 million is estimated for Medicaid for FY 07-08. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has made decreasing the Medicaid burden on counties their number one priority. If these efforts are successful, the amount for Medicaid may be reduced for this or future years, depending on legislative action. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 105 Personnel Issues: ? Thirty-one new positions; of these positions, eight generate revenue to cover part of the cost of the positions. ? Funding in the amount of $2.4 million is included for a 2% merit and 2% market adjustment for deserving employees. Revenues: ? The FY 07-08 tax base is estimated to be $34.5 billion. FY 07-08 is the first year of the revaluation cycle. ? The value of a penny is $3,379,530. ? The tax base growth between FY 05-06 and FY 06-07 was 4.6 percent. This means that the revenue neutral tax would generate less revenue than the County would have generated without revaluation. The value of the property tax base stayed relatively constant in the first years of the 8 year revaluation cycle. If growth in the tax base had continued at 4.6% between FY 05-06 and FY 06-07, ad valorem revenue at a constant revenue would have been $1.3 million higher than the revenue generated with a revenue neutral tax rate. ? Revenue from the sales tax is expected to increase $1.8 million, or 3.3% from the adopted budget. The state of the economy remains good, but the rate of growth has declined. Sales taxes are the second largest revenue source for the County behind property taxes. ? Approximately $7.9 million of the undesignated portion of the two existing one-half cent sales taxes is budgeted for General Fund operations. A transfer to the Water and Sewer District of $1.9 million is budgeted, the same amount that has been transferred since FY 01-02. Fund Balance: ? $6 million of the County fund balance is recommended to be appropriated. One-time capital outlay expenditures will be earmarked related to these funds. The philosophy is to match fund balance (?savings account?) funds to one-time expenditures to eliminate the use of fund balance to fund ongoing customer service related operations. This appropriation of fund balance will not jeopardize the strong financial position of the County. Environmental Management Fund: ? The Environmental Management Fund is balanced with a $49 tipping fee. No transfer from the General Fund is budgeted. The additional revenue will fund increased maintenance and repair of equipment at WASTEC, as well as compensate for the decrease in tonnage and electric sales being projected in next year?s budget. This is the first increase in the tipping fee since FY 02-03. ? For clarification, to keep pace with the rate of inflation, $46 in 2002 would be equivalent to $52.51 in 2007. Special Fire Service District Fund: ? The tax rate of 5 cents is recommended for the Fire Service District. This is one cent over the revenue neutral rate of 4 cents. ? The ad valorem tax base in the Fire Service District is estimated to be $12.7 billion. Based on this estimate, each penny of the tax rate will be worth $1,241,856. ? The increase above revenue neutral will fund 18 new positions, the installment debt on an aerial fire truck, and $.5 million for expenses related to continued upgrades and expansion of fire services, including installation of fire hydrants. ? The Fire Service District has an available fund balance of $1.7 million, which could have been used to fund a portion of their budget. The penny increase over revenue neutral is recommended to stabilize the tax rate and reserve fund balance for future challenges of providing fire protection to an increasingly urbanized growing community. Water and Sewer District Funds: ? No rate increase is planned for FY 07-08. A growth rate of 5 percent, coupled with the historical trend in the sewer meter fees and the water tap fees, accounts for the $2.6 million projected increase. ? There will be an increase in impact fees, which will not have an effect on the County homeowner?s monthly bill. ? The County Commissioners and the City Council continue to work towards consolidation of water and sewer services. In FY 05-06, a consultant reviewed the County Water and Sewer Operations and recommended that additional positions be phased in. Eight positions were requested in FY 07-08. No positions were recommended due to the anticipated consolidation of Water and Sewer Services where the City and County will work together to provide a higher level of service to the County citizens. In conclusion, County Manager Shell thanked the Budget Department staff for their professionalism and expertise in developing the final budget recommendation. Citizens who wish to review the recommended budget prior to the Public Hearing on June 4, 2007 may do so via the County?s website. Copies will also be available at the County libraries. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 106 The following scheduled has been compiled per the Board?s request: June 4, 2007 ? Board Meeting ? Public Hearing on Budget June 14, 2007 ? Budget Work Session June 18, 2007 ? Board Meeting ? Adopt FY 07-08 Budget After a brief question and answer period and discussion concerning the need for alternative tax options and looking carefully at expenditures, Chairman Caster thanked County Manager Shell for the presentation. STUDY UPDATE ON ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND BENEFITS OF RECREATIONAL BOATING ALONG THE ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN NORTH CAROLINA Rick Catlin, Chairman of the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission presented an update on the Economic Impacts and Benefits of Recreational Boating along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina Study highlighting the following data: ? The study only includes impacts on boaters without substitute boating options ? Boating traffic from June 17-November 19, 2006 ? Recreational vessels using the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway ? Recreational vessels larger than 16 feet Mr. Catlin continued reporting that financial benefits include: ? Tax income ? State and Local - $21.4 million; Federal $113.6 million ? State benefits ? coastal counties 35%; non-coastal counties 65% ? Wages ? outside North Carolina $333 million; North Carolina $124 million ? Total economic output ? outside North Carolina $650 million; North Carolina $257 million ? Jobs ? outside North Carolina 8,289; North Carolina over 4,000 In conclusion, long term funding sources and/or mechanisms are being sought for dredging to replace Federal funding. APPROVAL OF ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX FUNDS FOR DREDGING CAROLINA BEACH INLET Rick Catlin, Chairman of the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission reported that John Morris, Division of Water Resources Director, stated that Carolina Beach Inlet needs to be dredged two more times during FY 07 to keep the inlet navigable with the inlet depth down to nearly four feet at times. The cost of the two dredgings is $400,000. The Division of Water Resources has funding for the project in the amount of $300,000 and is requesting the County and/or municipalities to fund the remaining $100,000. Bill Clark, Mayor of Carolina Beach, reported on the revenue and tax benefits the County receives from the boating industry, both recreational and commercial, and from Carolina Beach property taxes and requested the Board contribute $100,000 to the project. Commissioner Davis asked Mayor Clark if the Towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have agreed to use $25,000 from each of their second 3% Room Occupancy Tax funds for a total of $50,000 and the County would fund the remaining $50,000 from fund balance. Mayor Clark stated that they were requesting the County fund the full $100,000. County Manager Bruce Shell confirmed that fund balance would have to be utilized. Chairman Caster reported that it was his suggestion that Carolina Beach and Kure Beach agree to use $25,000 from each of their second 3% Room Occupancy Tax funds for a total of $50,000 and the County would fund the remaining $50,000 from fund balance. Kure Beach Mayor Tim Fuller reported on the process required to request the use of Room Occupancy Tax funds to the Tourism Development Authority. He stated that boating brings a significant economic benefit to the entire County, not just to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, and requested the County fund the full $100,000. Commissioner Kopp voiced concerns that a long-term funding solution has not been addressed with our legislative delegation. Commissioner Davis voiced concern with using Local funds for projects that are the responsibility of the Federal government. Mayor Fuller reported that they are working with the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission to look at other reliable funding options. The expenditure requested is an investment in ensuring a future stream of revenue. Commissioner Pritchett voiced her concern for the safety of boaters trying to navigate through the shallow Inlet and requested Fire Services Chief Donnie Hall to share a report from the Federal Point Director of Marine Division. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 107 Fire Services Chief Hall stated that the Federal Point Director of Marine Division has reported that eighteen calls for service in the past year have been answered for boaters who have gotten stranded in the shallow waters in the Inlet with twelve of the calls having been received during the current season. After Board discussion citing safety concerns, economic impact and the need for a long-term funding solution, Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to approve a 60/40 split of the $100,000 cost of dredging the Carolina Beach Inlet between the County/Beach Communities. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 1. Commissioner Davis voted in opposition. BREAK Chairman Caster called for a break from 11:00 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER PRESENTATION Donna Moffitt, Aquarium Director, reported that the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has recently received its latest accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for 2007-2012. The accreditation process involved a thorough investigation process to ensure that the aquarium meets standards that include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. Ms. Moffitt presented an overview of current initiatives highlighting the Oyster Hatchery Program, ocean fishing piers for the public and summer camp sessions. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster thanked Ms. Moffitt for the presentation. AFFORDABLE HOUSING COALITION PRESENTATION Carey Disney Ricks, Governmental Affairs Director and Affordable Housing Coalition Vice-Chairman with the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, presented the Board with an update concerning the repair and rehabilitation programs in our region that are available through their collaboration with the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry and the Baptist Men's Association. Ms. Ricks introduced Ron Simcoe, Vice-Chairman with the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry Mr. Simcoe presented an overview of the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry stating that the purpose of Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry is to assist people living in substandard housing. By upgrading their housing, the goal is to alleviate some of their problems and create a safe and healthy environment for them. They work with faith based organizations, non-profit agencies, government units, civic groups and businesses. Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry is an advocate for better living environments for all residents of Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster thanked Ms. Ricks and Mr. Simcoe for the presentation. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the Commission for Women Chairman Caster reported that four vacancies need to be filled on the Commission for Women with one applicant eligible for reappointment and one application available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to reappoint Donna Hurdle and appoint Anna Marie Allegretto to serve three year terms on the Commission for Women with the terms to expire on May 31, 2010. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Appointment to the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council Chairman Caster reported that three vacancies need to be filled on the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with one member eligible for reappointment and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to reappoint W. Albert Corbett to serve a three year term on the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council with the term to expire on May 31, 2010. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Appointment to the Planning Board Chairman Caster reported that one vacancy needs to be filled on the Planning Board with nine applications available for consideration and requested nominations from the Board. Commissioner Kopp nominated Richard M. Collier. Commissioner Pritchett seconded the nomination. Vice-Chairman Greer nominated Walter R. Conlogue. No second was received. Vote: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Richard M. Collier to serve an unexpired term on the Planning Board with the term to expire on July 31, 2009. Appointment to Southeastern Economic Development Commission Chairman Caster reported that one vacancy needs to be filled on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with one application available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 21, 2007 PAGE 108 Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to appoint Corey Barbour to serve a four year term on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with the term to expire on May 31, 2011. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT Chairman Caster convened from Regular Session at 11:43 a.m. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 12:14 p.m. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Caster announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item that was not listed on the regular agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes. No items were presented. ADDITIONAL ITEM UPDATE ON MORATORIUM County Manager Bruce Shell reported that on Friday, May 18, 2007, the City of Wilmington and County staff sent information to the State. Staff is waiting on the State?s response and will update the Board as soon as possible. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Caster requested a motion from the Board to recess the Regular Session for a lunch break, and pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(5), following the lunch break, enter into a Closed Session to instruct the public body?s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in evaluating possible acquisition of the Porters Neck utility system and in negotiating the price and material terms of a proposed contract for the system. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to recess the Regular Session for a lunch break, and pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(5), following the lunch break, enter into a Closed Session to instruct the public body?s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in evaluating possible acquisition of the Porters Neck utility system and in negotiating the price and material terms of a proposed contract for the system. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. BREAK Chairman Caster called for a lunch break at 12:17 p.m. until 12:57 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Caster convened to Closed Session at 12:57 p.m. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Chairman Caster convened to Regular Session at 1:23 p.m. and reported that the Board has instructed the public body?s staff concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in evaluating possible acquisition of the Porters Neck utility system and in negotiating the price and material terms of a proposed contract for the system. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Caster called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 1:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila L. Schult Clerk to the Board