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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-23 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 150 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, July 23, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. in the Human Resources Training Center, New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 135, 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 Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult and County Manager Bruce T. Shell. Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Richard G. Elliott, Rector of St. Andrew?s on-the Sound Episcopal Church, gave the invocation. Commissioner Davis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES TERM LIMITS REQUEST WITHDRAWN Chairman Caster reported that Regular Agenda Item 6 has been withdrawn from the agenda at the request of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. 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. Vice-Chairman Greer requested Consent Agenda Item 6 ? Consideration of Personnel Policy Revision be pulled for discussion. County Manager Bruce Shell clarified that this will allow the County Manager the needed flexibility in the classification of existing budgeted positions as changes in the positions occur and not change the requirement that new or additional budgeted positions would have to be approved by the Board. Vice-Chairman Greer and Commissioner Kopp requested Consent Agenda Item 8 ? Adoption of a Resolution Declaring the Castle Hayne Planning Initiative a Priority and Directing Planning Staff to Work with the Castle Hayne Community on this Initiative be pulled for discussion. Senior Environmental Planner Shawn Ralston presented a slide overview of the proposed Castle Hayne Planning Initiative. Community Development Planner Wanda Coston presented a brief report and history of working with the Castle Hayne community. Commissioner Kopp stated that he would like to see this initiative include the Wrightsboro community. Planner Ralston reported that there is a separate plan for the Wrightsboro community. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Caster requested a motion from the Board to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to approve the 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 July 5, 2007 and the Regular Session meeting held on July 9, 2007, as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Acceptance of North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Grant Funds, Adoption of Budget Amendment Ordinance 08-006 and Authorization for Staff to Submit the Required Memorandum of Agreement ? Emergency Management The Commissioners, on behalf of Emergency Management, accepted grant funds in the amount of $4,800 from the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, adopted Budget Ordinance Amendment 08-006, and authorized staff to submit the required Memorandum of Agreement. The funds will be used for the purchase of equipment for urban search and rescue for designated first response units. A copy of the Budget Ordinance Amendment is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.1. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Installment Financing of Two Fire Engines with SunTrust Leasing Corporation ? Finance Department The Commissioners adopted the resolution approving the installment financing for two fire engine pumpers with SunTrust Leasing Corporation. The purchase of the engines was approved by the Board at their August 14, 2006 meeting. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 151 A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.2. Approval of Licensed Clinical Therapist Position for the School Mental Health Program ? Health Department The Commissioners approved an additional Licensed Clinical Therapist position to administer the school mental health program bringing the total to thirteen therapist positions. The position will be funded within the existing budget and office space for the position will be located at the school. These positions are part of the contract that New Hanover County Schools has with the New Hanover County Health Department to administer the school mental health program that was divested by Southeastern Mental Health Center. Ratification of Grant Application Submitted to the Women, Infants and Children Fund ? Health Department The Commissioners ratified the grant application the Health Department submitted to the Women, Infants and Children Fund in the amount of $18,000. If awarded, the funds will be used for minor renovations in the Health Department's Women, Infants and Children?s office to expand the front registration counter from two work stations to three workstations to improve customer service. Approval of Personnel Policy Revision The Commissioners approved the revision to the Personnel Policy granting the County Manager the authority to approve the addition/deletion of classifications to the classification plan. This will provide needed flexibility in the classification of existing budgeted positions as changes in the positions occur and not change the requirement that new or additional budgeted positions have to be approved by the Board. Adoption of a Resolution Awarding Contract 07-0423 to Decade Software, LLC for Environmental Health Services Software ? Information Technology The Commissioners adopted the resolution awarding Contract 07-0423 to Decade Software, LLC for Environmental Health Services software in the amount of $99,620. This software will replace the County's mainframe system and Environmental Health's state reporting component with web-based technology allowing access to data which will enable Environmental Health's staff to provide County citizens and other County departments with comprehensive, accurate information in a timely manner. There are sufficient funds available to complete the project. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.3. Adoption of Resolution Declaring the Castle Hayne Planning Initiative a Priority The Commissioners adopted the resolution declaring the Castle Hayne Planning Initiative a priority and directing staff to work with residents to create a Plan for the Castle Hayne Community. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.4. 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 June 30, 2007. New Hanover County Fire District New Hanover County Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.5. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments ? Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following budget ordinance amendments: 2008 - 05 ? Sheriff?s Office 2008 - 06 ? Sheriff?s Office 08 - 004 ? Library 08 - 005 ? Sheriff?s Office Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.6. REGULAR AGENDA PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Matthew White - Property Management Randy Tripp - Property Management Benjamin Bobzien - Fire Services NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 152 Ten Year: David Dailey - Water/Sewer Engineering Fifteen Year: Sean Jones - Sheriff's Office Lachlan MacNeish - Sheriff's Office George (Al) Canady - Environmental Management On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster presented a service award to each employee, expressed appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. RECOGNITION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Shell requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced reporting that these employees have been hired to fill budgeted positions that have become vacant as well as a number of positions related to mental health services. Twenty of the new employees represent transfers from Southeastern Center to the Health Department and the Juvenile Day Treatment Center. Teresa Smith Emergency Management Kenneth Chamblee Environmental Management Shannon Marr Fire Services Donna Pleasants Health Department Emily Bryant Health Department Matthew Barker Health Department Lisa Bevins Health Department Aric Burks Health Department Wendy Keir Health Department Lauren Liers Health Department Melinda McEnroe Health Department Ronald Montgomery Health Department Kimberley Morris Health Department Bernadette Schramm Health Department George Tilley Health Department Julie West Health Department Lee Ann Wilcox Health Department Sharon Brown Health Department Voni Goodson-Simpson Health Department Teresa Bishop Library Benjamin Stephens Property Management Gladys Monroe Department of Social Services Patricia Larkin Department of Social Services Neely Poelling Department of Social Services Geraldine Harris Juvenile Day Treatment Center Melanie Arnold Juvenile Day Treatment Center Kathy Stoute Juvenile Day Treatment Center Glen Anderson Juvenile Day Treatment Center Vicki Hallman Juvenile Day Treatment Center Ellis Pinder Veterans Services On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster welcomed the new employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. INTRODUCTION OF VETERANS SERVICES OFFICER ELLIS PINDER County Manager Shell reported that Ellis Pinder began his duties as Veterans Services Officer for New Hanover County on May 22, 2007. Mr. Pinder served previously as a Veterans Services Employment Counselor for the Employment Security Commission in Onslow County and is a twenty-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Veterans Services Officer Pinder thanked the Board and staff stating that he was looking forward to working with them and the opportunity ahead. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster welcomed Mr. Pinder to County Government and wished him success in his position. INTRODUCTION OF LAW INTERNS Assistant District Attorney Ben David introduced the following Law Interns: Susie Sewell, rising first year law student at Wake Forest University School of Law Stephanie Carowan, rising third year law student at UNC ? Chapel Hill School of Law Lindsey McKee, rising third year law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law Ada Wilson, rising third year law student at UNC ? Chapel Hill School of Law Jason Vaughn, rising third year law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law On behalf of the Board, Chairman Caster welcomed and recognized the Law Interns and wished them success in the program. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 153 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER?S EXEMPTION FROM STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING PUBLIC CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT Jack Barto, President and CEO, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, reported that House Bill 1227 was enacted on June 12, 2007, and exempts the Center from statutory requirements governing public contracts for construction and equipment. The Bill requires the Center obtain a resolution from the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approving the exemption. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to adopt the resolution approving New Hanover Regional Medical Center?s exemption from statutory requirements governing public contracts for construction and equipment, as provided in House Bill 1227. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 1. Commissioner Davis voted in opposition. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.7. APPROVAL OF VETERANS PARK PHASE IV PLANS, BUDGET AND TIMETABLE Michael Kane, a representative of LS3P/Boney Architects, presented a slide overview of the Veterans Park Phase IV project, reporting that the budget in the amount of $1.63 million is under the estimated budget for the project and the schedule for completion is estimated to be in April 2008. Phase IV is a part of the 2006 Parks Bond project and is the final phase of the Veterans Park development. Parks Director Neal Lewis reported that in addition to the project coming in under budget a grant application in the amount of $500,000 has been submitted. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the project at their meeting on July 18, 2007. The Board is being requested to approve the plans, budget and timetable and authorize staff to proceed with the solicitation of bids for the work. Bid opening is scheduled for August 21, 2007 and the Board will be asked to approve the contract at their September 4, 2007 meeting. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to approve the Veterans Park Phase IV plans, budget and timetable and authorize staff to proceed with the solicitation of bids for the work. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT REQUEST TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON AND CAPE FEAR SOCCER ASSOCIATION Chairman Caster reported that the Board held a Public Hearing on June 4, 2007 to receive input regarding the request by the Cape Fear Soccer Association for the County to join the City ofWilmington in partnering with them in the completion and ongoing maintenance of the Flemington Soccer Complex. At the Board?s June 4, 2007 meeting, the Board voted to continue the request and directed staff to address the concerns raised about the composition and appointment of the Oversight Committee, field use availability and parameters, and what the County would have after three years for the investment of $375,000. Parks Director Neal Lewis highlighted the following interlocal agreement revisions that address the concerns of the Board: ? There will be an Oversight Committee for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the Interlocal Agreement and adherence to the annual maintenance contract. The Committee shall be made up of two County representatives (the New Hanover County Parks Director or a designee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board) two City representatives (the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Director or a designee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board) and one representative of Cape Fear Soccer Association for a total of five members. ? The Recipient shall submit an annual schedule to the committee on or before December 1. The committee shall have full scheduling authority. Requests for other use shall be considered by the committee on a case- by-case basis. ? Based on substantial participation of the City and County, public access to the facility shall be a priority. Non-Recipient use of the facility will be critical to addressing this priority. Recipient and the City shall cooperate to provide opportunities for the involvement of inner-city youths in future soccer programming. The Recipient shall ensure that all of its programs are open to residents of the City and County at no or nominal cost. ? All revenues specifically related to activities and events sponsored by the City and County will belong to the sponsoring agency. ? Recipient shall lease the remaining property (approximately 35 acres) to the County and the City as joint tenants for a period of twenty-five years, commencing on July 1, 2007, and ending on June 30, 2032. This property may be developed as a public park at a time and in a manner to be determined by the County and the City, in cooperation with the Recipient. ? The City and County shall each pay one-half of the annual maintenance costs of the Soccer Complex as it exists on the date of this Agreement subject to the limits set forth herein. The total maintenance costs for NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 154 the initial year of this Agreement shall be $150,000. This amount shall be subject to adjustment annually based on increases in the Consumer Price Index applicable to New Hanover County. ? In addition to the maintenance costs, the City and County each agree to make payments to Recipient during each year of this Agreement for infrastructure costs incurred by the recipient. The County?s annual payment amount for infrastructure shall be $50,000 and the City?s annual payment for infrastructure shall be $33,333. In response to questions by Commissioner Kopp, Parks Director Lewis reported that there are currently 29 soccer fields in the County with eleven of them lit for evening games. The County does not charge recreational teams for playing on these fields. Additional soccer fields are not presently needed, but will be needed in the future. The additional acreage offered to the County and City at the Flemington Soccer Complex could be used for a county fair ground, equestrian facility, or amphitheater. In response to questions concerning the County?s liability for the additional acreage by Commissioner Kopp, Attorney Copley reported that since the County would not be in the chain of title and does not have ownership; the County would benefit from the Cape Fear Soccer Association agreement concerning the Brownfield. Parks Director Lewis stated that he feels confident that the Board?s concerns about the availability of the fields for public use have been addressed. Commissioner Pritchett voiced her concern about accessibility issues because the complex is located in the northwest corner of the County and is not served by public transportation. In response to questions by Commissioner Pritchett, Parks Director Lewis reported that there are many elementary school fields and three middle school fields that could be utilized for additional soccer fields. He stated that irrigation systems would cost approximately $36,000 for two school fields. Commissioner Pritchett stated that she felt that irrigating the school fields would be a better use of County funds and be more accessible for every child in the County. She voiced concern that she has been told that the cap at the landfill has been breached and is in violation of Federal law and that funds in the amount of $125,000 for this project were not included in the approved FY 2007-2008 approved budget. Budget Director Cam Griffin stated that the funds are available in the approved FY 2007-2008 budget. Commissioner Pritchett stated that she was concerned that an item that was not Board approved was included in the approved FY 2007-2008 budget. County Manager Shell reported that because the project had not been approved by the Board, the funds reverted to the Contingency Fund. He stated that the appropriate checks and balances are in place. Commissioner Pritchett stated that even though the County may need soccer fields this is not an appropriate use of taxpayer funds and will be opening a door that will be difficult to close. Commissioner Davis stated that although he supports youth soccer, he continues to have concerns about the availability of the fields for public use and committing future Boards to the $125,000. Also, at the end of the three year contract the County will have nothing to show for an investment of General Funds in the amount of $500,000, other than the possible use of the fields. Parks Director Lewis stated that the County will have the use of seven soccer fields for three years along with the option of the additional 36 acres of Brownfield property. In response to questions by Commissioner Davis, Parks Director Lewis confirmed that the proposed funds for this project could be used to add lighting and irrigation to existing fields and the unfunded soccer fields proposed in the Olsen Farms project. Commissioner Kopp stated that approval of the project will increase access to the County?s other soccer fields adding that ad-valorem taxes pay for bond indebtedness. Commissioner Pritchett stated that taxpayers have the opportunity to approve or deny bond referendums. In response to questions by Commissioner Kopp, County Manger Shell clarified that the contract outlines that maintenance costs shall not exceed $150,000 for the initial year and shall be subject to adjustment annually based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. Finance Director Pinder and Budget Director Griffin clarified that the contract outlines the financial records requirements including a full audit. Vice-Chairman Greer clarified that the proposed facility oversight committee is similar to the process used at Veterans Park. He stated that the voters passed the Parks Bond Referendum and for the investment of $300,000 the City and County will have access to seven fields and the existing infrastructure. Chairman Caster stated that he was in support of the three-year project and that the County funds other non-profit projects such as the Cameron Art Museum. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 155 After discussion, Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Commissioner Kopp stated that the concerns that he had were addressed in the revisions to the contract. Commissioner Davis stated that he remains concerned that based on the current request, after three years the County will have nothing to show for the investment and will have paid $17,857 per year, per field. Based on the total investment the County will have paid at least $25,000 per year, per field. Vice-Chairman Greer stated that after the contract period, the County will have the right to renew the agreement for a period of three additional years for the cost of maintenance only. Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Caster, to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Wilmington and the Cape Fear Soccer Association. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 2. Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Pritchett voted in opposition. BREAK Chairman Caster called for a break from 10:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. AUTHORIZATION TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR THE SMITH CREEK LAND PURCHASE WHILE WAITING ON THE GRANT ALLOCATION FROM THE CLEAN WATER MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND Senior Environmental Planner Shawn Ralston reported that in June 2006, the Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund in the amount of $500,000. In November 2006, the County was awarded grant funds in the amount of $500,000. The funds will be used to purchase 45 acres of riparian property along Smith Creek and preserved in conservation easement and ultimately included in a Smith Creek Greenway project. To date, funding has not been made available due to staff limitations and work backlog at the Clean Water Management Trust Fund office. In order to secure the land and prevent the County from missing out on preserving a significant conservation opportunity, staff is requesting the County allocate funds to purchase the property. Once the grant funds are received reimbursement will be made back to the County. After brief discussion concerning the need for a confirmation of grant funds letter, Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to authorize the allocation of County funds in the amount of $500,000 to purchase 45 acres of property along Smith Creek pending a confirmation of grant funding letter from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund attorney and adopt budget ordinance amendment 2008-08 with the condition that when the Clean Water Management Trust Funds are received, the funds will be reimbursed back to the County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the Budget Ordinance Amendment is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.8. APPOINTMENT OF VOTING DELEGATE TO THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Chairman Caster reported that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference will be held August 16 - 19, 2007 in Cumberland County, North Carolina. A voting delegate must be appointed and submitted to the Association by July 30, 2007. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to appoint Commissioner Pritchett, as the voting delegate to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference to be held August 16 - 19, 2007 in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Caster reported that vacancies need to be filled on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with three applicants eligible for reappointment and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to reappoint Martha H. Stein, Cecil W. Sutton and Karen McDowell Vincent to serve three-year terms on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the terms to expire on July 31, 2010. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Appointment to the Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Caster reported that two vacancies need to be filled in the At-Large Community Representative category on the Board of Fire Commissioners with one applicant available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 156 Vice-Chairman Greer requested to be recused from the Board of Fire Commissioners appointments citing a conflict of interest with a family member having submitted an application for consideration. Motion: Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to recuse Vice-Chairman Greer from the Board of Fire Commissioners appointments citing a conflict of interest with a family member having submitted an application for consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Commissioner Pritchett reported that due to the Board of Fire Commissioners? policy stating that the At- Large Community Representative category requires the applicant to have no affiliation with any local volunteer fire service organization, nor have been an affiliated member of such organization for the past three years makes the applicant ineligible. The Board of Fire Commissioners has stated that they wish to abide by the current policy and that the current representatives are willing to serve until replacements are appointed. Chairman Caster stated it has been difficult to find applicants for these two vacancies and that he does not have a problem with appointing the applicant. He requested input from Attorney Copley. Attorney Copley stated that the Board of Commissioners determines the eligibility policies for their Boards and Committees and if they so desire they can vote to wave the eligibility rule. Vice-Chairman Greer will not be allowed to vote on waiving the eligibility rule. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, to postpone the appointment in the At-Large Community Representative category until the Board?s August 13, 2007 meeting and requested staff to continue advertising the two vacancies in the At-Large Community Representative category. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Appointments to the Commission for Women Chairman Caster reported that two vacancies need to be filled on the Commission for Women with two applications available for consideration and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to appoint Lauri S. Crowder and Khalilah Thrower to serve three-year terms on the Commission for Women with the terms to expire on July 31, 2010. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster requested staff contact the Commission for Women and request an update be presented to the Board. Appointments to the Inspections Department Advisory Council Chairman Caster reported that four vacancies need to be filled on the Inspections Department Advisory Council with three applicants eligible for reappointment and one application available for consideration and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to reappoint Sam J. Guidry, David Lee Smith and Buck O?Shields to serve three-year terms on the on the Inspections Department Advisory Council with the terms to expire on July 31, 2010. Mr. Guidry and Mr. Smith will serve in the At-Large category and Mr. O?Shields will serve in the Residential Builder category. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to appoint James Britton Piner to serve a three-year term in the Electrical Contractor category on the Inspections Department Advisory Council with the term to expire on July 31, 2010. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Appointments to the Planning Board Chairman Caster reported that two vacancies need to be filled on the Planning Board with two applicants eligible for reappointment and twelve applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, to reappoint Sue Y. Hayes and Sandra L. Spiers to serve three-year terms on the Planning Board with the terms to expire on July 31, 2010. 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 10:43 a.m. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 11:45 a.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. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, JULY 23, 2007 PAGE 157 Ms. Edith Sullivan voiced her concern on the tax value of her property and that she was worried about an increase in her property taxes. Tax Director Bob Glasgow reported that staff continues to work with Ms. Sullivan concerning her property values stating that an appraisal team went to her residence last week with a reduction in the value of her property expected. Ms. Sullivan does receive the senior exclusion. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Additional Item by Commissioner Davis In response to a question by Commissioner Davis, County Manager Shell reported that he does not plan to fill the County Engineer position due to the pending water and sewer consolidation. Mr. Ihnat will remain in the Interim County Engineer position. Additional Items by Chairman Caster ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS REQUESTING THE NORTH CAROLINA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY TO EXPLORE ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES TO FUND THE GAP FOR THE CAPE FEAR SKYWAY AND TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN SUPPORT OF THE RECURRING STATE GAP FUNDING COMMITMENT TO ACCELERATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAPE FEAR SKYWAY Chairman Caster reported that the Community Growth Planning Core Team of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has requested the Board of Commissioners adopt the following two resolutions: ? A resolution requesting the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to explore alternatives to fund the gap for the Cape Fear Skyway and to include studying the potential of tolling a portion of the Wilmington Bypass. ? A resolution requesting the General Assembly to commit to expeditiously providing the necessary recurring State gap funding to the Turnpike Authority, exempt from the State allocation formula, in order to support the construction of the Cape Fear Skyway as a proposed turnpike project, in order to minimize inflation costs and reduce uncertainty regarding the project. City of Wilmington Senior Transportation Planner Mike Kozlosky presented an overview of the Cape Fear Skyway project and answered questions from the Board. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adopt the resolutions requesting the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to explore alternatives to fund the gap for the Cape Fear Skyway and to include studying the potential of tolling a portion of the Wilmington Bypass and requesting the General Assembly to commit to expeditiously providing the necessary recurring State gap funding to the Turnpike Authority, exempt from the State allocation formula, in order to support the construction of the Cape Fear Skyway as a proposed turnpike project, in order to minimize inflation costs and reduce uncertainty regarding the project. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXX, Page 27.9. APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ? EAGLES ISLAND LETTER OF SUPPORT Chairman Caster reported that Shelly L. Miller, New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District Director/Community Conservationist, has requested the Board provide a letter of support for the N.C. Audubon Society?s grant proposal to the North American Wetland Conservation Act for the acquisition of the V.A. Creech and Blue Sky Timber properties. The acquisition will be instrumental in protecting the entire northern region of Eagles Island and preserving this valuable ecosystem for the future. Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to approve the letter of support for the acquisition of Eagles Island through grant funds. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Caster called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Greer, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila L. Schult Clerk to the Board