1979-08-20 Regular Meeting
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461
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 13, 1979 (CONTINUED)
DISCUSSION ON~PROPOSED WATER:ORDINANC~{CONTINUED)
Mr. Bob Stuart
Col. Paul Denison
Mrs. 'Jane Morse
Mr. J. D. Orrell
Mrs. Lila Peterson
Mr. BobDobo
Mr. Tim Hale
The Commissioners requested additional information from the Engineers pertaining
to insurance rates,' legal form, etc.to be considered at the next regular meeting
which was to be held on August 20.
ADJOURNMENT
Comm.O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, that the meeting be adjourned.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Chm. Williams adjourned the meeting at 10:25 o'clock"p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
~~.I?~
Alyce B. Rusmisell
Clerk to the Board
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday,
August 20, 1979, at 9:00 o'clock a. m. in the Assembly room, New Hanover County
Administration Building, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were Commissioners Howard L. Armistead, Jr.; Karen E. Gottovij
Claud O'Shields, Jr; Chairman Ellen C. Williams; Interim County Manager George F.
Cooper; County Attorney James C. Fox; and Clerk to the Board, Alyce B. Rusmisell.
Comm. Vivian S. Wright arrived late and was present for the rest of the meeting.
Chm. Williams called the meeting to order.
Comm. Claud O'Shields, Jr.,offered ~he invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 6, 1979
Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. O'Shields, to approve the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of August 6, 1979, as presented. Upon vote, the motion carried as
follows:
Voting Aye:
Absent:
Comm. Armistead, Gottovi, O'Shields and Chm. Williams
Comm. Wright
RETIREMENT PRESENTATION
On behalf of the Board, Chm. Williams presented a plaque to Mrs.' Jean Fitzgerald
in recognition of her retirement' from the Department of Social Services after 31 years
of service.
PRESENTATION OF AIRPORT MASTER PLAN
Mrs. Audrey Feenstra, Chairman of the Airport Commission, introduced Mr. John
Talbert, Consulting Engineer, who in turn introduced Mr. John Black and Mr. Ervin
Dehn of John Talbert & Associates, who presented the Master Plan which detailed future '"
terminal construction at the Airport.
COMM. WRIGHT ARRIVED AT 9:15 O'CLOCK A. M. AND WAS PRESENT FOR THE REST OF THE
MEETING.
The Engineers explained the report and answered questions from the Commissioners.
Airport Manager R. C. Shackelford, Jr. commented.
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE REGULATING THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Mr. Henry von Oesen and Col. Paul Denison, of Henry von Oesen & Associates, appeared
before the Board to clarify the proposed Ordinance Regulating the New Hanover County
Water Supply System and presented additional information the Commissioners had requested
pertaining to insurance rates, legal form, etc.
County Attorney Fox commented.
Comm. Armistead moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, that it.was the Board's intent to
pass this proposed Ordinance Regulating the New Hanover County Water Supply System if
the Water Bond Referendum passed. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. William Woodall commented.
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A copy of the proposed Ordinance is on file in the County Manager's Office.
DISCUSSION ON NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION
Chm. Williams reported that she had attended a meeting with representatives of the
volunteer rescue squads and discussed their problem of providing non-emergency ambulance
transportation during the daytime hours since the County's only private service. had
terminated business operations.
Mr. Nick Garrett and.Mr. Gene Wheat of East Coast Medical Transport, Inc. were
present to discuss their proposal for providing non-emergency transport, and representa-
tives of the New Hanover and Ogden Volunteer Rescue Squads were present to answer questions.
After discussion of the problem, the Board agreed by concensus to let Interim County
Manager George F. Cooper work on the situation with the rescue squads, the Council of
Governments Emergency Medical Services Committee and the Civil Preparedness Coordinator
and present a recommendation to the Commissioners at a later meeting.
BREAK
Chm. Willia~~ recessed the meeting for a break from 10:10 o'clock a. m. until
10:30 o'clock a. m.
PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL AGREEMENT FOR COURTHOUSE ALTERATIONS 0
Mr.Jay DeChesere and Mr. Ken Harmon of Synthesis and County Engineer Bob Williams
appeared before the Board to discuss and answer questions on the proposed architectural
contract with Synthesis for renovations to the Courthouse when space became available
on the opening, of the new Law Enforc,ement Center.
After a considerable amount of discussion, it was agreed that instead of spending C"',
money on renovating the existing Courthouse, the Interim County Manager, Architects,
Planning Department and County Engineer should get together and work up a plan for
possible construction of a new Courthouse. ' (Se,e Page 467 fOT' additional aorrunents.)
Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. O'Shields, to pay Synthesis ' for the
first phase of the work they had completed for the renovation project. Upon vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
ADOPTION OF ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
The Commissioners had been furnished copies of a proposed Animal Control Ordinance
which the Board of Health recommended for adoption.
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. O'Shields, to repeal the Ordinance entitled
"An Ordinance Requiring the Licensing and Control of Dogs in New Hanover County'~ adopted
July 15, 1974, and the amendments thereto and to ,adopt in lieu thereof the Ordinance
entitled "New Hanover County Animal Control Ordinance" to become effective upon adoption.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
A copy of the Ordinance is contained in Exhibit Book VII, Page 22, and in xhe
Ordinance Book in the Clerk's Office.
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APPROVAL OF TRAVEL ALLOWANCE FOR HEALTH DIRECTOR
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to approve a travel allowance in
the amount of $100.00 per month for in-county travel for the Health Director. Upon vote,
the motion carried as follows:
Voting Aye:
Voting Noe:
Comm. Gottovi, 0' Shields, Wright and Chm. Williams
Comm. Armistead
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463
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979 (CONTINUED)
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STATUS OF TRASK PARK AND 'SNOW'S CUT PARK
Mr. Steve Stevens, Director of Parks and Recreation, appeared before the Board to
update the Commissioners on the status of Trask. Park and Snow's Cut pa~k. I
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Armistead, to authorize Mr. Stevens to
draft a letter, detailing the background on Snow's Cut Park, for. Mrs. Williams signa-
ture on behalf of the Board to 'inquire about it. Upon vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Comm. O'Shields urged Mr. Stevens to bring Trask Park to a successful con-
clusion so it could be opened next spring.
AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL WATER TANK FOR FLEMINGTON
The Commissioners had been furnished information on water usage from the tanks
presen~ly located in the Flemington area.
Mrs. Eva Yates commented.
Comm. 0 'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to request one more water tank
to be placed where the majority of the Flemington residents felt it should be.
Comm. Wright requested th",t the motion be amended to include the condition that
the usage of the water be monitored over a period of time to help determine whether
it was sufficient.
Comm. O'Shields accepted the amendment and upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF REVENUE THROUGH JULY 31, 1979
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to approve the Report of the
Collector of Revenue through July 31, 1979. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
A copy of the report is contained in Exhibit Book VII, Page 23.
APPROVAL OF TAX ABATEMENTS
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, approval of the list of Tax"Abatements.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously~
A copy of the list is contained in Exhibit Book VII, Page 24.
COLLECTION SETTLEMENT, REAPPOINTMENT OF COLLECl'OR OF REVENUE AND CHARGE FOR 1979 TAX LEVY
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to accept the Collector of Revenue's
settlement report for the 1978 tax levy; to reappoint Mrs. Janie B. Straughn as Collector
of Revenue and charge her with the 1979 tax levy. Upon vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
copies of the Report and Mrs. Straughan's Oath of Office are contained in Exhibit
Book VII, Page 25.
APPROVAL OF FUNDING REQUEST FOR PORT, WATERWAY AND BEACH COMMISSION
Mr. John van B. Metts appeared before the Board to request funding in the amount of
$1,000 for the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission.
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. O'Shields, to transfer $1,000 from Contingencies
and appropriate to the proper account for the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission. Upon
vote, the motion carried un~imously. .'
TAX EXEMPTION FOR CORNING GLASS WORKS
Tax Administrator Larry Powell appeared before the Board to explain and answer
questions on the requested exemption from taxes for Corning Glass Works pursuant to
G. S. 105-276.8.
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to allow the exemption from taxes
on a value of $704,900 for Corning Glass Works pursuant to G. S. 105-276.8. Upon vote,
the motion carried as follows:
Voting Aye:
Voting Noe:
Comm. Gottovi, O'Shields, Wright and Chm. Williams
Comm. Armistead
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979 (CONTINUED)
RECOGNITION OF LARRY POWELL'S RECEIVING AWARD FOR TAX SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
The Commissioners congratulated Larry Powell on his receiving the award for Tax
Supervisor of the year in -North Carolina and pointed out that he was also serving as
Presidentof the Tax Supervisor's Association.
APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDERS - LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, approval of the following change
orders to the contracts for the Law Enforcement Center which were brought about by the
decision not to relocate the Civil Preparedness Office to the Law Enforcement Center:
Change Order G-15 to the General Contract - to delete roof patching where.cut
to install 4" conduit.
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Change Order E-7 to the Electrical Contract to delete an item in Change order
E-6 to install additional 4" conduit.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
LEASE AGREEMENT -FOR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FACILITY
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to approve the Lease Agreement for
the National Weather Service Facility at the Airport and authorize the Chairman to
execute the Agreement. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
A copy of the Agreement is on file in the County Manager's Office.
BUDGET AMENDMENT - CIVIL PREPAREDNESS
Upon motion by Comm. O'Shields, seconded by Comm. Wright, the following budget
amendment in the Civil Preparedness budget was unanimously approved to cover the cost
of janitorial services for the remainder of the fiscal year:
Debit - Acct. #11 445 61, Contingencies
Credit - Acct. #11 525 45, Contracted Services
$
$
520.
520.
BUDGET AMENDMENT - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Upon motion by Comm. O'Shields, seconded by Comm. Wright, the following transfer
in the Health Department budget was unanimously approved to cover a refund due to Blue 0
Cross for Medicaid reimbursement for the year ending June 30, 1978:
Debit - Acct. #44 590 02, Salaries &'wages
Credit - Acct. #44 590 57, Miscellaneous Expense
$
$
156.
156.
BUDGET TRANSFER - FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Upon motion by Comm. O'Shields, seconded by Comm. Wright, the following transfer
was unanimously approved in the Finance Department budget to take advantage of a quantity
discount on purchase orders:
Debit - Acct. #11 440 33, Supplies & Materials
Credit - Acct. #11 440 12, Printing
$
$
500.
500.
DISCUSSION ON MEDICAID-AND NURSING HOME COST ADJUSTMENTS
Comm. O'Shields reported on the announcement made by Dr. Morrow and Gov. Hunt at the
NCACC Conference concerning relief to the counties on Medicaid and Nursing Home cost
overruns.
Comm. O'Shields moved, seconded by Comm. Gottovi, to approve payment of the County's
share of Medicaid in the amount of~47,741.89 to close out Fiscal Year 1978/79; that the
funds come from the unappropriated fund balance and that Mr. Cooper and Social Services
Director, Wayne Morris, be asked to continue the dialogue with the State in regard to
excessive increases to see if they can get the figures reduced.
COmm. Gottovi publicly commended Comm. O'Shields for' the session on_ Medicaid that 0
he had moderated at the NCACC Annual Conference.
Upon vote, Comm.' O'Shields'motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Comm. Gottovi suggested that some sort of Open House be planned for the Law Enforce-
ment Center for the public to be able to tour the building and requested comments from
the other Board members. '
It was agreed to plan for some sort of ceremony and open house before the building
was occupied.
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465
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979 (CONTINUED)
DISCUSSION ON MEETING WITH SOLID WASTE CONSULTANTS
Comm. Gottovi also reported on the progress of reviewing proposals from solid
waste consultants.
It was agreed to set a Special Meeting on Thursday, sep~~er 6, at 7:00 o,llock
p. m. to hear proposals from the consultants and invite representatives from Brunswick
and Pender Counties -and the municipalities in those counties and ~he municipalities
in New Hanover County. (This date was changed to Wednesday, September 5, after the
meeting. )
REQUEST FOR REPORT ON 911 EMERGENCY SYSTEM
Comm. Gottovi requested information on the proposed 911 Emergency System and
suggested that the Commissioners get a report on the progress of such a system for
the County.
REQUEST FOR BOARD APPOINTMENTS TO BE PUBLICIZED
Comm. Gottovi requested that another news release on appointments to Boards and
Committess be sent to the newspaper for publication.
DISCUSSION ON USE OF PRISON LABOR
Chm. Williams reported that Mr. Reed of the Department of Corrections had brought
out the fact that there was a State Inmate Labor Commission that would allow counties
to use prison labor in some cases, and she would like for the County to investigate the
possibility of using such labor occasionally.'
DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE SUGGESTED BY DR. SARAH MORROW
Chm. Williams commented that Dr. Sarah Morrow had suggested that a committee get
together to have input on trying to cut red tape. Chm. Williams suggested that County
Departments that were having problems with red tape send their comments to Dr. Mo=ow
explaining what the problems were.
SALARY INCREASE FOR INTERIM COUNTY MANAGER
Comm. Armistead moved, seconded by Comm. Wright, to upgrade Felix Cooper's salary
to that of the County Manager's while he was acting as County Manager which was the
usual procedure. Upon Vote, the motion carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR BOARD TO ISSUE STATEMENT CONCERNING WATER AVAILABILITY
Mr. M. H. Vaughan reported to the Board that he had found that there was no -
shortage whatsoever of groundwater in the County and he wanted the Commissioners to
issue a statement that there was no contamination and no immediate shortage at ,this
time.
REBUTTAL TO MR. VAUGHAN'S REQUEST
Mr. Lou Latham appeared before the Board to rebut Mr. Vaughan's request for a
statement concerning water availability and requested that the Board not approve such
a statement.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
COmm. Wright moved, seconded by Chm. Williams, that the meeting be recessed to
Executive Session to discuss committee appointments and personnel matters. Upon vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
Chm. Williams recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 12:30 o'clock p. m.
Chm. Williams reconvened the meeting to Public Session at 2:20 o'clock p. m.
APPOINTMENT OF WAYNE MORRIS TO TITLE XX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
carom. Gottovi moved, seconded by Connn. Armistead, to nominate Social Serv.ices
Director Wayne Morris for reappointment to the Title XX Area Planning Advisory
Committee. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR CLEAN WATER BOND FUND APPLICATION
Comm. Gottovi moved, seconded by Comm. Armistead, to adopt the following Resolution
to submit with an application for Clean Water Bond Funds for the Flemington Water ,"
System:
WHEREAS, The North Carolina Clean Water Bond Act of 1977 has authorized the
making of grants to aid eligible units of government in financing
the cost of construction fo wastewater treatment works, wastewater
collection systems, and water supply systems, and
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 20, 1979 (CONTINUED)
CLEAN WATER BOND FUND RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
WHEREAS, The County of New Hanover has need for and intends to construct a
water supply system project described as Flemington Community Water
System, a new water system to replace contaminated wells in a community
of 32 occupied households known as Flemington, and
WHEREAS, The County of New Hanover intends to request State grant assistance for
the project,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW
HANOVER:
That the County of New Hanover will arrange financing for all remaining
costs of the project, if approved for a State grant award.
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That the County of New Hanover will adopt and place into effect on or
before completion of the project a schedule of fees and charges which
will provide adequate funds for proper operation, maintenance and
administration of the system.
That the County of New Hanover will provide for efficient operation and
maintenance of the project on completion of construction thereof.
That the County CO~ission Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby
authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the County of
New Hanover with the State of North CArolina for a grant to aid in the
construction of the project described above.
That the County Commission Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby
authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate
State agency may request in connection with such application or the project;
to make the assurances as contai~ed above; and to execute such other docu-
ments as may be required in connection with the application.
That the County of New Hanover has substantially complied or will sub-
stantially comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, .regula- 0
tions, and ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State
grants and loans pertaining thereto.
Adopted this 20th day of August at 'Wilmington, North Carolina.
sf Ellen C. Williams
Ellen C. Williams
New Hanover County Commission Chairman
Upon vote, the motion carried as follows:
Voting Aye:
Voting Noe:
Comm. Armistead, Gottovi and Chm. Williams
Comm. O'Shields and Wright
APPOINTMENT OF FELIX COOPER AS COUNTY MANAGER
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. Armistead, that Felix Cooper be appointed
as County Manager. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT OF BEN IVEY TO HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Comm. Armistead moved, seconded by Comm. W~ight, to appoint Mr. Ben Ivey to fill
an unexpired term on the Hospital Board of Trustees, said term to end September 30, 1982.
Upon vote, the motion carried as follows:
Voting Aye:
Voting Noe:
Comm. Armistead, O'Shields, Wright and Chm. Williams
Comm. Gottovi
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ADJOURNMENT
Comm. Wright moved, seconded by Comm. O'Shields, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon
vote, the motion carried unan~ously.
Chm. Williams adjourned the meeting at 2:22 o'clock p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Alyce B. Rusmisell
Clerk to the Board