1996-01-16 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 186
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular
Session on Tuesday, January 16, 1996, at 9:00 A.M. in the Assembly
Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Reverend Elrick Richburg, Pastor of Bethesda Christian Church,
gave the invocation.
Commissioner Sisson led the audience ln the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Greer announced that this portion of the agenda was
reserved to allow persons attending the meeting to introduce an
item not listed on the Regular Agenda or comment on an item listed
on the Consent Agenda. He requested all persons making
presentations to limit their remarks to three minutes.
The following items were presented.
Request for Removal of Commissioner William E. Sisson, Jr. and Mr.
Dennis Pinho from the New Hanover County Board of Fire
Commissioners
Mr. Mike Garner, Assistant Chief of the Seagate Volunteer Fire
Department, presented letters from the various Volunteer Fire
Departments and advised that most of the Fire Departments were
concerned about the reappointment of Mr. Dennis pinho and
Commissioner Sisson to serve on the New Hanover County Board of
Fire Commissioners. He reported since the appointment of Mr. pinho
and Commissioner Sisson, the Volunteer Fire Departments had
experienced a great deal of difficulty in working with these two
appointees. The Commissioners were requested to appoint two other
persons to serve on the Board of Fire Commissioners in order for
the Volunteer Fire Departments to work more cooperatively with the
Board of Fire Commissioners.
Chairman Greer advised that a majority of the Board of County
Commissioners had voted to reappoint Mr. pinho to serve on the
Board of Fire Commissioners; therefore, he did not know how to
respond to the request. He commented on the many calls received
during the past week, and asked if the Board of Fire Commissioners
should be abolished?
Assistant Fire Chief Garner responded that the Board of Fire
Commissioners had been beneficial to the Volunteer Fire
Departments; however, the Board of Fire Commissioners and the old
Fire Inspection Committee were constantly arguing about issues with
very little cooperation between the two groups.
Chairman Greer asked if one group should be abolished?
Assistant Fire Chief Garner reported one
eliminated and stated, in his opinion, the
Committee had performed a better job.
group should be
Fire Inspection
Commissioner Barone asked who served on the Fire Inspection
Committee, and if that Committee had been responsible for preparing
budget requests for the Volunteer Fire Departments?
Assistant Fire Chief Garner responded the Fire Inspection
Committee was comprised mainly of Officers, Fire Chiefs, and
Assistant Fire Chiefs who reviewed and submitted budget requests
for the Volunteer Fire Departments.
Commissioner Barone reported the Board of Fire Commissioners
was created to assist the Board of County Commissioners in
reviewing and recommending budgets for the Volunteer Fire
Departments; however, during the last two years, serious problems
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 187
had developed between the two groups. She informed the Board that
she had spent more than 32 hours in the month of December
discussing issues of concern with Volunteer Firemen from the
various Volunteer Fire Departments. Emphasis was placed on the
importance of resolving these conflict areas in order for the
Volunteer Firemen and Board of Fire Commissioners to work
cooperatively together to ensure the provision of quality fire
protection to the unincorporated county.
Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to Assistant Fire Chief
Garner for bringing this matter to the attention of the Board.
No action was taken.
Approval of Needs Assessment Survey for New Hanover County Schools
Mr. Charles M. Lineberry, Jr., a member of the New Hanover
County Board of Education, advised that the Board of Education had
not been able to reach a majority vote on the 10-Year School Needs
Assessment Survey. He noted the plan was discussed by the Board of
County Commissioners on January 2, 1996, with the consensus that
the N. C. Department of Public Instruction should be contacted to
see if the January 8, 1996, deadline for receiving the plan could
be extended so the Board would have ample time to review the plan.
He advised if the survey was not mailed to the N. C. Department of
Public Instruction within the next few days, New Hanover County
Schools would not be considered by the State to receive school
construction funds.
Discussion was held on the proposed $308 million in school
needs for New Hanover County. Mr. Lineberry reported this figure
could be reduced to $242 million because many of the items, such as
requiring gyms and auditoriums were not needed. He advised that
the Winter Park School was already under construction at a new site
and that renovations were underway for Gregory, Wrightsboro, and
williston schools. He presented the following proposal reducing
the $308 million figure to $242 million:
New Construction: $ 138.0 million
General Renovations for Existing Schools: $ 75.3 million
Additional Classrooms at Existing Schools: $ 3.8 million
Other Classes: $ 12.3 million
Libraries: $ 6.1 million
Multi-purpose Physical Education Rooms $ 6.3 million
Total $ 24l.8 million
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dale Martin, reported the State
was requesting School Needs Assessment Surveys from all school
districts throughout the State in order to determine school needs
so a plan could be developed to address these needs. As to
projected costs, it would be impossible to estimate the cost of
land in 10 years, or the number of high schools needed in New
Hanover County over a ten-year period. The major issue that must
be considered is the loss of a funding opportunity for school
construction funds unless the New Hanover County School District
approves and returns the survey. He advised that the figures in
the survey were over a period of 25 years for needs that were not
met during the last 15 years, and for needs projected for the next
10 years.
Commissioner Caster commented on the figures in the survey and
advised he was not aware these figures had been generated by the
State, not by local school officials. He expressed concern for the
Board of Education not responding to the State with approval of
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 188
the survey so the County could have an opportunity to receive State
funding for school construction.
Commissioner Sisson agreed and reported, ln his oplnlon, the
survey should be forwarded to the State.
Commissioner Barone advised that Pender and Brunswick Counties
were growing rapidly, and she reported that Pender County had
requested $31 million in school needs with Brunswick County
requesting $50 million. She commented on the wish list presented
in the survey for New Hanover County Schools and emphasized the
importance of everyone understanding that New Hanover County is
considered a wealthy county by the State of North Carolina;
therefore, a county such as Johnston County would receive more
funding than New Hanover County. She noted that school needs would
be funded by a statewide bond referendum, which will mean that tax
dollars will be leaving New Hanover County to subsidize the cost of
building schools in poorer counties.
Discussion was held on the school population and mandated
programs. Chairman Greer requested Dr. Martin to explain the
requirements for the size of classrooms so the public and members
of the Board could better understand population figures.
Dr. Martin commented on mandated programs by the federal and
state governments without the provision of funds and reported in
1980 the total enrollment of the New Hanover County School District
was 20,130 students. In 1995, the total enrollment was 20,200 with
a difference of 70 students for the 15-year period. After studying
and reviewing the reasons for space problems now being experienced,
he had found the following reasons:
(1) From 1980 to 1995, seventy-one (71) additional classrooms have
been required in the New Hanover County School District due to
changes in the State legislation governing the size of
classrooms. No funding assistance has been received from the
State to construct the new classrooms.
(2) Programs for exceptional children have grown 70 percent.
Under State guidelines, only 15 students can be placed ln a
classroom; therefore, seventy (70) additional classrooms have
been required for administering this program.
(3 )
Computer technology has required 16
secondary and middle schools, not
elementary schools.
new classrooms
including labs
ln
at
the
the
(5) From 1980 to 1989, the New Hanover County School District was
a declining school district with a reduction in school
enrollment. During this period, six schools were closed with
only four schools opened, which resulted in a loss of 40
classrooms.
In summary, when reviewing the history of what occurred in the
School District over this period of time, 241 additional classrooms
have been needed to accommodate additional programs and enrollment
issues for basically the same number of students that were enrolled
in 1980.
Chairman Greer commented on the remarks by Dr. Martin and
stressed the importance of everyone understanding that because of
federal and state regulations, 241 additional classrooms are needed
ln 1995 for approximately the same enrollment of students in 1980.
vice-Chairman Mathews asked if any action had been taken by
the Board of Education on the Needs Assessment Survey?
Mr. Lineberry responded the survey was presented to the Board
of Education with postponement of the item. The issue was
presented a second time with a motion that did not receive a
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 189
second; therefore, no action has been taken by the Board of
Education.
Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Mathews to approve the School Needs Assessment Survey at a
projected cost of $242 million as presented by Mr. Lineberry. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Sisson
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Chairman Greer
Voting Nay: Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster commented on year-around schools being
cost-effective and he requested the Board of Education to consider
this type of scheduling in the elementary schools to assist with
space needs.
Dr. Martin agreed and reported with continued growth, the
year-around system may have to be established in order to
accommodate the students.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Sisson to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
The Commissioners
of December 18, 1995,
Clerk to the Board.
approved the minutes of the Regular Meetings
and January 2, 1996, as presented by the
Acceptance of Tax Collection Reports Through December 31, 1995
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection
Reports through December 31, 1995, as presented by the Collector of
Revenue:
New Hanover County Tax Collections
New Hanover County Fire District Tax Collections
Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated
as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXIII,
Page 9.
Release of Value - New Hanover County Tax Department
The Commissioners approved value adjustments for the following
taxpayers because of conditions that were brought to the attention
of the Tax Department. Backup information is available in the Tax
Department upon request.
Coley, Robert F. and Barbara B.
Grizzel, Earl J. and Judith C.
$8,200
$2,700
The Commissioners released the following late-listing
penalties as the taxpayers listed on time in another county, or the
taxpayers have certified they listed during the listing period:
Davis, Gregory Lynette
Dickens, T. Dixon
Freeman, Wayne
Gaskill, Milton
Hardwick, William D.
Miller, Mark I.
Wilmington Bonded Warehouse
Wilson, Barry L.
$ 13.70
$ 17.03
$ 5.77
$165.17
$ 18.44
$ 5.91
$ 19.65
$ 13.71
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 190
The Commissioners granted Senior Ci tizen/Disabili ty Exclusions
to the following taxpayers. Application and letters explaining
late filing are available in the Tax Department upon request.
Brewington, Donald K. and Doris H.
Gilchrist, Ethel Lee
Norris, Mary L.
Strickland, Fred
$15,000
$15,000
$ 1,440
$ 5,090
Tax Appeal of Discovered Value Submitted by A. Linwood Brown III
(P095000374)
The Commissioners approved a reduction in value for a 1968
Beachcraft Baron B55 owned by A. Linwood Brown III in the amount of
$42,000 due to significant engine problems in excess of the
purchase allowance given by the seller. Since Mr. Brown failed to
list for 1995, the Commissioners upheld the listing penalty as
assessed by the Tax Department.
Information regarding the appeal is on file ln the Tax
Department and can be reviewed upon request.
Adoption of Resolution for Acceptance of an Offer to Sale Surplus
Property Jointly Owned by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County Located at 1407 Church Street
The Commissioners adopted a resolution to accept an offer from
Arthur E. and Irene Brown for the following property owned jointly
by the City and County:
Parcel Number
Address
Amount of Offer
R0054-06-032-004.000
1407 Church Street
$1,745
The property has an ad valorem tax value of $2,206 as of 1989.
The offer will be duly advertised for upset bid.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 9.
Adoption of Resolution for Acceptance of an Offer to Sale Surplus
Property Jointly Owned by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County Located at 110 Sunnyvale Drive
The Commissioners adopted a resolution to accept an offer from
Derwin and Marlene Hinson for the following property owned jointly
by the City and County:
Parcel Number
Address
Amount of Offer
R0065-14-001-001.000
110 Sunnyvale Drive
$1,480
The property has an ad valorem tax value of $1,500 as of 1989.
The offer will be duly advertised for upset bid.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 9.
Adoption of Resolution to Approve Section 18 Human Services
Transportation Grant Application for FY 1996-97 - New Hanover
County Transportation Services
The Commissioners adopted a resolution to approve the Section
18 Human Services Transportation Grant Application for FY 1996-97.
The application, totaling $124,126 represents a request for $54,027
in program administration funds and $70,100 for the purchase of two
(2) vans as recommended by the Transportation Development Plan
adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on January 3, 1995.
Distribution of funding among governmental entities will be as
follows:
Federal Funds
State Funds
Local Match
$86,888
$22,124
$15,114
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 191
The Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary
documents.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 9.
Adoption of Drug and Alcohol Policy for Transportation-Related
Services - New Hanover County Transportation Services
The Commissioners adopted a Drug and Alcohol Policy for
transportation related services as required by the Federal Transit
Administration retroactive to January 1, 1996. The contracted
private operator will have to comply to the requirements of the
policy providing transportation services to County residents.
A copy of the policy is on file in Assistant to the County
Manager's office.
Reappointment of Ernst M. Swart as a Representative of the Nursing
Home Administrators - Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
The Commissioners ratified the reappointment of Ernst M. Swart
as a representative for the Nursing Home Administrators to serve on
the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for a three-year term
which will expire on January 31, 1999.
Approval of FAA Grant Amendment
Airport Taxiway Lighting Project
The Commissioners approved the FAA grant amendment
Project 3-37-0084-17) for the taxiway lighting project.
Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary documents.
for New Hanover International
(AIP
The
Approval of Budget Amendment #96-0102 to Budget a Portion of the
911 Surcharge for the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Capital Project
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment:
#96-0102 - Emergency Telephone System Fund
Debit
Credit
Emerqency Telephone System Fund
911 Surcharge
$534,844
Transfer to CAD Capital Project
$534,844
Purpose: To budget the portion of the 911 surcharge already
designated for the Computer Aided Dispatch capital project. These
funds were budgeted in FY 1993-94, but reverted to the fund balance
in the Emergency Telephone System Fund at the end of the fiscal
year since the funds were not transferred to the capital project at
that time.
Approval of Budget Amendment 96-0094 - New Hanover County Library
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment:
#96-0094 Library
Debit
Credit
Library
Contribution/Book Sale
Lost Books
Books & periodicals
$5,169
3,800
$8,969
Purpose: To budget book sale contributions and lost book payments.
Approval of Budget Amendment #96-0093 - New Hanover County Library
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment:
#96-0093 Library
Debit
Credit
Library
LSCA Enrichment Grant
$13,803
Capital Outlay - Equipment
$13,803
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 192
Purpose: To budget LSCA Enrichment Grant funds. The grant was
approved by the Board of County Commissioners on May 15, 1995.
PRESENTATION OF PRINT REFLECTING PICTURES OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR
RECIPIENTS FROM NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Mr. Al McQuire, a member of the American Legion Post 10,
complimented the Board of County Commissioners for their support of
the veterans, and he recognized the following persons for their
efforts in raising funds for the oil portraits of three Medal of
Honor Recipients from New Hanover County now placed in the Library:
Mr. Robbie Nurnberger
Mr. Jim Jeffords
Mr. Allen O'Neal, County Manager
Mr. Andrew J. Atkinson, Deputy County Manager
Mr. David Paynter, Library Director
Ms. Jenean Todd, The Cape Fear Museum
A print of the Medal of Honor Recipients was unveiled and the
Board was requested to hang the print in the New Hanover County
Courthouse.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, accepted the print and
expressed appreciation to Mr. McQuire and the members of the
American Legion Post 10 for raising funds to place portraits of the
Medal of Honor Recipients in the New Hanover County Library. He
reported the print would be hung at a prominent place in the New
Hanover County Courthouse.
PRESENTATION OF CLASS ACT AWARDS
County Manager 0' Neal explained that the "Class Act"
given in recognition of exceptional performance by
employee.
Award was
a County
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented Class Act
Awards to Susan J. Jaindl, Clerical Assistant in the Budget and
Finance Departments, and Antoinette Leeuwenburg, an Administrative
Assistant in the Budget Department. He congratulated Ms. Jaindl
and Ms. Leeuwenburg for their outstanding job performance in their
departments.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager O'Neal requested the following employees to
step forward to receive Service Awards:
Name Years of
Nancy Broughton, Property Management Dept.
Robert M. Blake, Sheriff's Dept.
Laetitia D. Day, Health Department
John A. Blume, Department of Social Services
patricia A. Jessup, Department of Social Services
Service
5
5
5
5
5
Mamie N. Carlos, Health Department
15
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented the Service
Awards and expressed appreciation to these employees for their
years of dedicated service to New Hanover County.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES
County Manager O'Neal introduced the following new employees:
Windy Marshall, Cape Fear Museum
Nancy Ryan, Health Department
Anthony Williams, Health Department
Terri Smith, Health Department
Beverly Buckner, Health Department
Pamela Horne, Health Department
Alicia Pickett, Health Department
Carol Bottoms, Health Department
Paula pergerson, Library
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 193
Michael Broyhill, Tax Department
June Reddick, Social Services
Jackie Ganey, Social Services
Kaydell Rackley, Social Services
Cindi Grindstaff, Social Services
Melissa Cowan, Social Services
Jennifer De Coursey, Social Services
Lisa Ezzell, Social Services
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the new
employees to New Hanover County and wished them well in their new
positions.
PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY NURSING
HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mr. Edward V. Grace, Chairman of the Nursing Home Community
Advisory Committee, reported there are six (6) Nursing Home
facilities in New Hanover County with 724 beds visited on a
mandated quarterly schedule. During the past year, the Committee
focused on quarterly visits with an attempt to visit each facility
twice a quarter to assure that patients are being provided care
according to the Bill of Rights as outlined by North Carolina
General Statutes. Since there are only eight members on the
Committee and each visit requires approximately one to two hours,
it has been difficult to reach this goal. Also, during the past
year the local Ombudsman resigned, and the Committee had to work
through the State Ombudsman with difficulty experienced in the
provision of training for new members. Under the State
legislation, the membership of the Committee is based on the number
of Nursing Home Facilities instead of the number of beds. If more
members could be appointed to serve on the Nursing Home Community
Advisory Committee, more visits could be made to the Nursing Home
Facilities.
The Committee moved forward with visiting various service
organizations, such as the Rotary, to create a public awareness of
the need for people to volunteer to visit the residents in Nursing
Home Facilities. Personal visits greatly uplift the spirits of the
residents.
Mr. Grace presented the following strengths and weaknesses
found by the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee during the
past year:
Summary of Strengths:
(1) The Nursing Homes were able to correct long-term appearance
questions.
(2) Resident programs have improved and become more active.
(3) Administrative changes have resulted in positive responses.
(4) Visitors have a positive impact on the residents.
(5) Improved facilities and a personal willingness to lmprove
current operations.
Summary of Weaknesses:
(1) General lack of visitors at facilities.
(2) The need for more persons to volunteer to serve on the Nursing
Home Community Advisory Committee as well as visit the homes
and present programs.
(3) With improved facilities,
deficiencies.
there are still housekeeping
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 194
(4) A lack of training for both paid staff and volunteers at the
Nursing Home Facilities. The facilities have a problem ln
obtaining qualified workers because of low salary ranges.
Discussion was held on the need to amend the State Law to
allow for appointment of more members to serve on the Nursing Home
Communi ty Advisory Committee. Mr. Grace noted that a larger
membership would greatly assist the Committee in performing its
duties and responsibilities.
Discussion was held on the procedure used to correct an on-
going problem at a Nursing Home Facility. Commissioner Barone
requested Mr. Grace to explain the process used for corrective
action.
Mr. Grace advised that when a problem is found in a facility,
the Committee goes directly to the Administrator of the facility
and reports the problem. Normally, the problem is corrected by the
Administrator, and if an employee is involved in an incident that
employee is usually dismissed. A written report is made on every
visit to each facility, and the report is forwarded to the
Ombudsman at the Council of Governments who in turn forwards the
report to the N. C. Division of Aging. If the problem is not
corrected, action occurs on the State level. Also, the N. C.
Division of Aging is required to perform an annual inspection of
each facility. Copies of all reports, whether visits by the
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee, or the annual visit by
the State, are available to the public upon request.
Chairman Greer reported, in his opinion, the Nursing Home
Community Advisory Committee is the only group that truly
supervises the care of residents in Nursing Home Facilities. He
expressed concern for the lack of corrective action taken at the
State level when deficiencies are reported to the N. C. Division of
Aging. He recommended not accepting the Annual Report until a
response has been received from the N. C. Division of Aging about
the procedure used by the State in correcting reported
deficiencies.
Ms. Rose Ann Mack, Director of the Cape Fear Council of
Governments, reported the Ombudsman visits and provides training to
Nursing Home Facilities and Domiciliary Homes. The Council of
Governments receives local, state, and federal funds with only 65%
of funding appropriated for a full-time Ombudsman. Due to the
caseload in the four counties, the Cape Fear Council of Governments
has been providing the necessary additional funds to hire a full-
time Ombudsman. Notice has been received from the federal
government that funding will be reduced; therefore, when the
Ombudsman resigned, it was felt that more information should be
received on possible cutbacks in federal funding before hiring a
new Ombudsman. However, due to the current need for the position,
the Council of Governments decided to advertise and interview
applicants. Within the next two weeks, a full-time Ombudsman will
be hired.
Commissioner Sisson inquired as to what will happen if the
Annual Report was not accepted by the Board of County
Commissioners?
Ms. Mack advised that the report would be forwarded to the
State Ombudsman who would be responsible for handling this type of
situation.
Chairman Greer commented on the number of homes in New Hanover
County, not including the homes in the three other counties, and he
requested the Board to consider hiring an Ombudsman for New Hanover
County possibly under the supervision of the Health Department.
Commissioner Sisson agreed with Chairman Greer. He commented
on the growth in the older age population ln the surrounding
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 195
counties, and reported he did not feel that one Ombudsman could
handle a four-county area.
Motion: After further discussion, Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED
by Commissioner Sisson to take the following actions: (1) refuse
to accept the Annual Report from the New Hanover County Nursing
Home Community Advisory Committee until a response is received from
the State as to the procedure used in correcting reported
deficiencies; (2) consider the possibility of hiring an Ombudsman
for New Hanover County only with no reduction in funding to the
Council of Governments through the current fiscal year; and (3)
authorize the County Attorney to work with the Chairman of the
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee to amend the State
legislation to increase the membership of the Committee based upon
the number of beds in a County instead of the number of Nursing
Home Facilities. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation
to Mr. Grace and the members of the Nursing Home Community Advisory
Committee for the time and effort given to see that proper care is
provided to our elderly citizens living in nursing homes.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AND AWARD OF DESIGN CONTRACT #96-0254 TO
POST, BUCKLEY, SCHUH, & JERNIGAN, INC. FOR LANDFILL CELL 4-B -
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, requested
the Board to adopt a resolution awarding the design contract for
construction of Cell 4-B at the New Hanover County Landfill to the
firm of Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc. in the amount of
$37,831. The engineering costs have been evaluated against other
landfill projects and were found to be very competitive. Funds for
the engineering design are available in the current Environmental
Management Landfill Budget.
Commissioner Caster requested an explanation as
engineering contract was needed to re-design this cell
other cells had already been constructed. He, also,
other engineering firms were not given an opportunity
project?
to why an
when three
asked why
to bid the
Director Church advised that Cell 4B had to be modified to
comply to new Federal Subtitle D standards. Since this cell lS a
continuation of Subcells 2 through 6, it was felt the same
engineering firm should re-design the cell. Also, using the same
firm will save the County approximately $29,000.
County Manager O'Neal explained that if the County decided to
expand a building, normally, the same architect would be used
because that firm was familiar with the design and construction of
the building. He advised that landfill cell construction was
similar because the cells were connected to each other.
County Attorney Copley reported if the Board awards the
contract to Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc., the Board
should adopt a resolution to exempt this particular project from
said procurement requirements as outlined in Article 3D, Chapter
143 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to adopt a resolution to exempt the project from procurement
requirements as listed in Article 3D, Chapter 143 of the North
Carolina General Statutes. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Sisson to adopt a resolution awarding the contract to Post,
Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan, Inc., in the amount of $37,831 for
engineering design services for Cell 4B at the New Hanover County
Landfill. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 196
Copies of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of
the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 9.
A copy of the contract is on file in the Legal Department.
RECOGNITION OF DENNIS BURKS AS A CO-AUTHOR OF A TECHNICAL REVIEW
PAPER ON CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, requested
Dennis Burks, Environmental and Waste Reduction Programs Manager,
to step forward, to be recognized as a co-author of a technical
review paper on Constructed Wetlands that was presented at a
Regional Meeting of the Solid Waste Association of North America
held in Raleigh, N. C. during the month of October. Annually,
Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan hold a competition among their
national and international offices for outstanding technical review
papers, and this document was selected for national recognition.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, congratulated Dennis
Burks, for receiving this special recognition.
STATUS REPORT ON THE WASTEC FACILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT FUND
Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, presented
the following report on the Environmental Management Fund:
(1) A Review of Budget Projections Comparing Expenses and Revenues
versus the Adopted Budget
(2) Summary of Expenses to Date for the Landfill, Administration,
Recycling, and the WASTEC Facility.
(3) Projected versus Budgeted Expenses for the entire Fiscal Year.
(4) Projected Expenditures for FY 1995-96.
When determining the
six months of revenues
revenues. The tip fees
inclusion of State grants
and scrap tire taxes.
FY 1995-96 budget projections, the first
received were doubled to proj ect the
were doubled at the Landfill with the
and monies received from the white goods
In projecting expenditures, salaries and benefits were
doubled, and administration and operations were doubled with a
capital outlay for the purchase of a new vehicle. The expenditures
for the recycling program were doubled with an additional $40,000
budgeted to pay the City of Wilmington for recycling services as
required in the existing contract. Figures for the Landfill were
doubled with an additional $330,000 for the closure of Cell 4-A.
Discussion was held on the projected reduction in the debt
serVlce. Finance Director, Bruce Shell, responded in the year
2005, the debt service would drop by $800,000 to $1,000,000
annually.
Discussion was held on the revenue generated from steam and
electrical sales. Director Church reported in the past the sale of
steam was more profitable because of the increase in gas prices;
however, since the cost of gas has decreased, more revenue is
generated in electrical sales. Staff is in the process of re-
negotiating the contract with Arcadian to see if these figures can
be changed. The contract will expire July 1, 1996.
Commissioner Barone inquired as to the number of employees at
the WASTEC Facility? Director Church responded there were 65 total
employees.
Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether rebar was still
being placed in the WASTEC Facility? Director Church responded
that a majority of mix loads were received from roll-off
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 197
containers; however, the haulers had been most cooperative in
carrying mixed loads with more than 15% of rebar to the Landfill.
In summary, Director Church pointed out that if the tip fee
had remained at $60 per ton, revenue would have been generated in
the amount of $3,865,964, which would have covered the debt service
of $3,840,000 without any subsidy from the general fund. The total
revenues and expenditures projected came within .06 percent of the
budget. If the current trend continues, it is anticipated that the
WASTEC Facility will have a fund balance of $769,000 at the end of
the fiscal year.
Status Report on the WASTEC Facility
Plant Manager, John Hubbard, reported currently, the WASTEC
Facility generates revenue at $42 per ton with expenditures of $35
per ton for a profit of $ 6.62 per ton with a waste volume of
130,000 tons. All steam and electrical sales have increased in
production with an increase of 10% in steam sales to Arcadian and
80% in electricity sales to Carolina Power & Light Company. This
increase has been due to the volume of trash being received and a
22% increase in the "on-stream" time of the boilers, which is now
at 86.6% compared to 64% last year. With the 86.6% on-stream time,
less gas and chemicals have been used which has saved the County
approximately $39,000.
A chart was presented on the monthly average of steam sales
and electrical sales. Steam is sold to Arcadian as requested with
the remaining steam used to make electricity to operate the turbine
boilers. The primary goal has been to generate enough electricity
to operate the boilers and avoid having to purchase electricity.
During the past year, WASTEC has been able produce enough
electricity with the exception of purchasing only 4 mega-watt hours
for industrial activity. Electrical sales should improve with the
plant on-stream time increased to 90% during the next year.
A chart was presented reflecting the 85% increase of waste
being landfilled. Staff feels this increase is contributed to the
volume of construction activities. During the summer months, the
wastestream greatly increases with a decline in the winter months;
however, the wastestream did not falloff as expected. A majority
of the wastestream is handled by the WASTEC Facility, with the
remaining portions being handled by the Landfill, and only 5,400
tons recycled, which includes recycling performed by the County and
four municipalities. When reviewing ways to reduce the
wastestream, it is felt that more emphasis should be placed on the
recycling programs.
Chairman Greer asked if figures were available on the cubic
yards of space needed for the weight volume at the Landfill?
Director Church responded there is a landfill industry average
of 2,000 pounds per cubic yard, and reported the cubic yardage at
the County Landfill exceeds the industrial average. The volume of
each cell is known by the record kept on the number of tons that go
into the cell, which in turn, provides a figure of the density per
volume calculation. Ash is more dense than the municipal solid
waste at 1,500 pounds per cubic yard compared to 550 per cubic
yards for waste received from the back of a truck. Ash is used at
the Landfill for daily coverage, which has proven to be a
beneficial use of the product.
Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether there was a
calculation on the cubic yardage of previously closed landfill
cells? Director Church responded those figures had been calculated
and stated he would provide a report.
Discussion was held on the WASTEC Facility reaching its
capaci ty. Commissioner Caster reported if the current trend
continues the full capacity of the WASTEC Facility will be reached
and more solid waste will have to be carried to the landfill.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 198
Director Church agreed and stated if more emphasis was placed
on the recycling program, the amount of the materials going into
the Landfill would be reduced.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, congratulated Director
Church and his staff for the excellent job performed in improving
the operation of the WASTEC Facility.
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A 24-HOUR CRISIS CENTER
Deputy County Manager, Andrew J. Atkinson, reported on the
need to establish a 24-Hour Crisis Center to eliminate the amount
of time spent by law enforcement officers in the Emergency Room of
New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He announced that Mr. Frank
Hickman, a member of the Southeastern Center Board of Directors,
and Dr. Art Costantini, Director of the Southeastern Center, would
present the proposal.
Mr. Frank Hickman reported in 1992, the Southeastern Center
undertook a study of substance abuse in the three-county area with
Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover counties contributing $5,000
each to hire a consultant to perform the study. One of the
proposals from the study was to consider establishing a sobering-up
station for the tri-county area. In 1994 a proposal was presented;
however, due to financial problems at the Southeastern Center, the
proposal was not pursued. He reported representatives from New
Hanover Regional Medical Center, law enforcement officials, and the
Southeastern Center Board of Directors, had continued to meet, and
felt it was time to present a proposal for establishing a 24-Hour
Crisis Center to provide emergency services to substance abuse
patients and allow the Emergency Room to more efficiently provide
emergency medical services to persons in life threatening
situations.
Dr. Costantini presented the following options:
Space: Limited space is available at the Tri-County Detox building
at the Southeastern Center. This space will serve about six
individuals at any given time; however, the space will require some
renovation and construction of six cubicles to separate the
patients.
Security: There is a need for a full-time Security Officer
whenever the facility 1S opened to protect Staff and the patients
in the Crisis Center. It has been suggested that a law enforcement
official should be hired.
Staff: The Crisis Center would requ1re a m1n1mum staff composed of
the following positions:
1 Security Officer at all times.
1 Psychiatrist (on-call) at all times.
1 Psychiatric Nurse available at all times.
1 Substance Abuse Counselor available at all times.
1 Administrator/Clerk
OPTION I: Weekend Operation Costs: Friday at 4:00 P.M. through
Monday at 12:00 Noon.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
$ 4,500
1,000
3,000
5,000
62,738
50,000
73,774
60,660
5,000
$265,672
County Cost to renovate existing space.
Medications, equipment, etc.
Furniture
Supplies (food, beverage, etc.)
2 Security Officers - Annual Salary $31,369
Psychiatrist on-call
2 Psychiatric Nurses - Salary $36,887
2 Substance Abuse Counselor - Salary $30,330
Administrator/Clerk - Salary $30,000
TOTAL
1.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 199
OPTION II: Twenty-Four Hour Operation Costs:
day, 365 days per year.
Open 24 hours per
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
$ 4,500
2,000
3,000
10,000
141,160
100,000
165,992
136,485
30,000
$593,137
County cost to renovate existing space.
Medications, equipment, etc.
Furniture
Supplies (food, beverage, etc.)
4 Security Officers - Salary $31,369
Psychiatrist on-call
4 Psychiatric Nurses - Salary $36,887
4 Substance Abuse Counselors - Salary $30,330
1 Administrator/Clerk
TOTAL
1.
Dr. Costantini advised that the Crisis Center could be opened
for weekend operation by March 1, 1996, through July 1, 1996, with
a majority of the costs paid from the Southeastern Center's current
budget. The County would be requested to contribute $6,500 for
renovation and construction costs, and $21,000 for hiring two
deputies. The opening of a Crisis Center would provide immediate
service to substance abuse or mentally ill patients and reduce the
congestion in the Emergency Room of New Hanover Regional Medical
Center.
In closing, Dr. Costantini advised that a 24-Hour Crisis
Center would cost the County money because the services rendered
would not be eligible to receive reimbursement from State Mental
Health funds. He reported the Crisis Center would not be a revenue
generating facility, but the services were desperately needed in
this area.
Dr. Robert Pharr, Director of Emergency Medicine in the Trauma
Unit at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, reported the cost of
the present program in the Emergency Room was expensive and did not
provide a meaningful intervention at the time of a crisis for
substance abuse or mentally ill patients. A Crisis Center would
provide immediate psychiatric care to these patients. with an
Emergency Room that receives 51,000 patients a year, 8,700
ambulance visits, and 1,200 vital link transfers for extremely ill
patients, there is a critical need to have another facility to
handle substance abuse and mentally ill patients so medical
treatment can be given to persons in life threatening situations.
He urged the Board to consider opening a 24-Hour Crisis Center.
Discussion was held on a Crisis Center being provided by New
Hanover Regional Medical Center. Chairman Greer noted that at one
time the hospital was interested in establishing this type of
facility in conjunction with The Oaks.
Mr. Kevin McDonnell, Vice-Chairman of Operations at New
Hanover Regional Medical Center, reported the hospital could act as
the primary care taker; however, after discussion with Dr.
Costantini, it is felt the services could be more appropriately
provided in a Crisis Center under the supervision of the
Southeastern Center because of the lack of space at The Oaks.
Discussion was held on how the Southeastern Center would be
capable of providing laundry services, meals, and other patient
needs in a 24-Hour Crisis Center. Dr. Costantini advised that most
patients would be seen within an hour or two and referred to the
proper facility. No patients would be in the Center for more than
six hours, which would only require snacks and drinks for the
patients.
Chairman Greer stated, in his opinion, the question to be
answered is whether the New Hanover Regional Medical Center or the
Southeastern Center should provide this type of facility.
Commissioner Sisson reported if the Southeastern Center
operates a Crisis Center, there should be a cost-sharing plan among
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 200
the jurisdictions that will benefit from the use of the facility.
He recommended requesting Brunswick County, Pender County, and the
municipalities in New Hanover and surrounding counties to
contribute to funding facility operations.
Dr. Costantini reported that discussion had been held with
Brunswick County and Pender County with an agreement to allow the
Southeastern Center to request funding in their budgets for
operation of a Crisis Center. The Commissioners were requested to
provide direction to the Southeastern Center as to whether a budget
request should be prepared for New Hanover County.
Chairman Greer reported the idea was excellent; however, he
needed time to study the figures and determine which facility
should provide the service.
Commissioner Barone agreed with Chairman Greer. She suggested
allowing Dr. Costantini to submit the request in the proposed FY
1996-97 Budget in order for the department to move forward with
preparing its budget.
vice-Chairman Mathews stated if a law enforcement officer
spends an average of six hours waiting for a substance abuse
patient to be examined in the Emergency Room, this would equate to
over 2,400 hours of time spent by these officers. He urged the
Board to support opening a 24-Hour Crisis Center.
Chairman Greer responded he was not sure he would be in favor
of a 24-Hour facility; however, he did feel the problem should be
addressed. He, again, reiterated the importance of having time to
review the proposal before taking action.
Commissioner Barone reported more time was needed and stated
she would like figures on the cost of operation under a facility
operated by the hospital versus the Southeastern Center before
rendering a decision.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to defer action on the request to allow more time to review
the options; authorize the Southeastern Center to include the
funding request in the proposed FY 1996-97 Budget; and authorize
Staff to prepare a cost-sharing plan among the counties and
municipalities that will be using the facility as well as prepare
figures on the cost of operation under New Hanover Regional Medical
Center versus the Southeastern Center.
BREAK
Chairman Greer recessed the meeting for lunch from 12:30 P.M.
until 1:00 P.M.
CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE COMMERCIAL
DISPOSAL OF OLD CORRUGATED CARDBOARD TO BE CODIFIED INTO THE NEW
HANOVER COUNTY CODE AS CHAPTER 8.5, ARTICLE VII
Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church, reported in
an effort to control the increasing amount of waste generated in
New Hanover County, the Department of Environmental Management has
identified the various components of the wastestream and found that
old corrugated cardboard represents approximately 15% of the total
wastestream. Markets are readily available to recycle corrugated
cardboard; however, they are volatile ranging in 1995 from paying
over $200 per ton in the spring to only $20 per ton in the fall.
Currently, some of the private haulers provide separate old
corrugated cardboard collection to commercial accounts. Five
public or private organizations have been identified to accept old
corrugated cardboard for recycling.
Director Church presented a draft ordinance banning cardboard
and advised that some waste haulers were present and would like to
comment.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 201
Chairman Greer advised that Staff was requested to prepare the
ordinance as directed by the Board; however, after realizing that
cardboard represents only 15% of the wastestream and that a sizable
amount of revenue would be lost at the WASTEC Facility, he was not
sure the County should move in this direction. He asked if the
County should consider removing construction debris from the
wastestream instead of cardboard?
Director Church listed the following concerns relative to a
cardboard ban:
(1) Mul ti- family dwellings are considered commercial accounts,
when in actuality these dwellings are residential units.
Also, there are small commercial offices that are handled as
residential accounts by the City of Wilmington because there
is no space to use a front-end box for collections. A ban on
cardboard would create a problem for both of these customers.
(2) Who will determine when cardboard becomes contaminated?
(4) A cardboard ban will negatively affect municipalities. For
example, Wrightsville Beach provides service to commercial
accounts using the same trucks, which mixes commercial and
residential accounts. This will create a problem with
enforcement.
(5) Who will enforce the ordinance banning cardboard?
(6) There are limited recycling facilities in New Hanover County
to receive cardboard.
(7) The loss of revenue from tip fees for 15% of the wastestream
will be $900,000, not including the loss of revenue from the
burning of cardboard in the incinerator. The total loss of
revenue will be approximately $1,300,000.
(8) Concern by the haulers for having to pay a double tip fee when
a load exceeds 5% because the problem was created by the
generator, not the hauler.
Director Church reported a buy-back facility would be more
beneficial in reducing the wastestream than a ban on cardboard.
Chairman Greer
present would like
received:
inquired as
to comment,
to whether any of the haulers
and the following remarks were
Mr. Randy Ganey, representing Waste Industries, advised the
company would support a cardboard ban; however, the haulers do not
want to be responsible for enforcing the ordinance. Also, with the
projected loss of revenue in the amount of $1,300,000, the County
should take time to thoroughly study the issue before adopting the
proposed ordinance.
Mr. Chris McKeithan, Waste Management, Inc., commented on the
WASTEC Facility being at its maximum capacity of 140,000 tons and
reported the volume of waste needs to be reduced. Adoption of a
cardboard ban along with a demolition/construction debris facility
would be a starting point. A buy-back center would mix the
cardboard with the wastestream, and funds would be needed to pay
for the facility and hire employees to sort the materials. A huge
volume of soda bottles and milk jugs would have to be recycled to
pay for the cost of operating a buy-back facility in order to
reduce the wastestream by 15%. He advised that Waste Management
would support a demolition/construction debris facility and a ban
on cardboard with the generator being penalized for contaminated
cardboard, not the hauler. Waste Management would be glad to work
with the County in trying to identify where contaminated cardboard
was being generated.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 202
Commissioner Barone asked if the County had a construction
debris ordinance?
Director Church responded a construction/demolition ordinance
and cardboard ban ordinance were discussed two years ago. Both
ordinances were tabled because the construction/demolition facility
had to be built in order to have a place for the haulers to deliver
the cardboard. Also Waste Management began carrying trash out of
the County which created a tremendous loss of revenue for the
WASTEC Facility, and it was felt that an additional loss of revenue
from a cardboard ban was not appropriate at that time.
Chairman Greer asked if the County should remove construction
debris from the incinerator?
Director Church explained that only a small
construction debris was going into the incinerator.
exceeds more than 15% of non-burnable materials,
carried to the landfill.
amount of
If a load
the load 1S
Chairman Greer stated, in his opinion, bricks and steel should
be removed from the wastestream instead of cardboard.
Commissioner Barone asked if any private companies located 1n
New Hanover County were recycling demolition debris?
Director Church advised that Wilmington Materials, a small
local company, was the only firm in the County that was recycling
concrete, brick and asphalt.
Commissioner Sisson asked what would be the most effective way
to start reducing the wastestream?
Director Church, stated in his op1n1on, a Materials Recovery
Facility (MRF) and buy-back facility would be the best way to
reduce the wastestream instead of banning cardboard. As to volume,
cardboard is the best place to start because there is very little
construction debris going into the Landfill.
Mr. Ganey commented on the damage to trucks from construction
debris and advised that contractors have been requested not to
place brick and concrete in a load; however, it was impossible to
know if these items have been placed in the bottom of the
container.
Director Church commented on the use of smaller boxes in New
Hanover County and asked if Waste Management and Waste Industries
were using these boxes because of competition?
Mr. McKeithan responded that competition was involved with the
use of smaller boxes because four other companies had moved into
the County with placement of small individual bins at the
construction sites.
Chairman Greer asked if the figure of 5% per container was
amended to 15% or 25% in the ordinance, would this allow the
cardboard ban ordinance to be implemented without having to hire an
enforcement officer?
Mr. McKeithan responded adjusting the figure would be
acceptable because the haulers could assist with enforcement of the
increased percentage, and the generator could be charged with some
type of littering fee.
Mr. Ganey informed the Board that 25% was much more reasonable
and stated in his opinion a major portion of the cardboard would be
removed from the wastestream.
Director Church noted that Alamance County had adopted an
ordinance beginning with 15% and gradually reduced the percentage
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 203
as persons became familiar with the ordinance.
Commissioner Caster
percentage to 25%, which
wastestream.
expressed concern for increasing
in his opinion, would not reduce
the
the
vice-Chairman Mathews inquired as to the cost involved with
hiring an enforcement officer? Director Church responded
approximately $25,000 per year.
Motion: After further discussion, Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Sisson to adopt the Old Corrugated
Cardboard ordinance as written.
Chairman Greer expressed concern for the loss of revenue with
a cardboard ban, which represents two cents on the property tax,
and stated he could not support the motion.
Upon vote, the MOTION FAILED by the following vote:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Sisson
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Voting Nay: Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster
Chairman Greer
Motion: After further discussion, Commissioner Sisson MOVED, to
request Staff to prepare and present a recommendation to the Board
for building a Construction/Demolition Facility (C&D) with the
following information being furnished: (1) facts and figures on
the cost of operating a C&D Facility by New Hanover County; and (2)
facts and figures on the cost of New Hanover County operating a
portion of a C&D Facility with another company operating another
component of the facility. The floor was opened to discussion.
Chairman Greer reported he would second the motion if there
was no intent to include a Materials Resource Facility in the
recommendation.
Commissioner Sisson noted that the intent of the motion was
for building only a Construction and Demolition Facility.
Chairman Greer SECONDED THE MOTION.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to Staff and the haulers
for their comments.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT #96-0229 TO IEA, INC. TO
PERFORM GROUNDWATER MONITORING AT THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY LANDFILL
Environmental Management Director, Ray Church, reported that
North Carolina Solid Waste Rules require semi-annual monitoring of
groundwater monitoring wells at each landfill to detect groundwater
contamination. The Department has requested and received bids from
firms providing this service. Seven firms submitted bid packages
and the bid opening was held on January 4, 1996. After review of
the bids, Staff recommends award of the bid to IEA, Inc., the
lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $12,070 per year for a
three-year period at a total cost of $36,210.
Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to award the bid to IEA, Inc. in the amount of $12,070 per year for
a total of $36,210 over a three-year period for groundwater
monitoring at the New Hanover County Landfill. The Chairman was
authorized to execute the contract documents.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXIII, Page 9.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 204
FIRST READING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INFORMATION STORAGE BOX ORDINANCE TO BE CODIFIED IN THE NEW HANOVER
COUNTY CODE AS ARTICLE IV OF CHAPTER 8, FIRE PROTECTION AND
PREVENTION
Director of Emergency Services, Dan E. Summers, presented a
revised ordinance and requested the Board to adopt a Hazardous
Materials Information Storage Box Ordinance to become effective
upon ratification by the North Carolina Building Code Council. He
reported all commercial enterprises or industries in New Hanover
County which use, store, or manufacture on-site hazardous materials
are required under the State Right-to-Know Law and Title III
Federal Superfund Amendment & Re-authorization Act to have an
approved on-site hazardous materials data storage box at each
facility where hazardous materials may be found. Title III has
provided the community and responders with valuable information,
but this information is only updated once a year. The Data Storage
Lockboxes would be accessible to fire department personnel and
emergency responders 24 hours a day to supply them with up-to-date,
on-si te emergency information. The public safety groups and
industry have endorsed the ordinance.
Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Sisson to adopt the New Hanover County Hazardous Materials
Information Storage Box Ordinance as revised in order to comply to
the State and Federal law. The floor was opened to discussion.
Chairman Greer expressed concern for emergency personnel not
being aware in advance of all hazardous materials located on a
site, and asked how a fireman could open a box and read the data
while in the process of fighting a fire?
Director Summers reported the boxes would be used only by 12
to 15 large industrial facilities in the County. With the turnover
in the materials and products handled by these companies, the Data
Storage Lockboxes would be quite beneficial to firefighters if the
hazardous materials had changed since the last federal inspection.
Mr. Mike Rhodes, Chief of the Wrightsboro Volunteer Fire
Department, spoke in favor of the ordinance because firemen can be
better informed about the hazardous materials located on a site.
Also, when a false alarm goes off, a firemen can wait hours for an
employee of the company to come and unlock the box. If the keys
are kept on site, the fireman could enter the building immediately
and determine if there is danger of a hazardous materials incident.
Discussion was held on enforcement of the ordinance. Director
Summers advised that the ordinance would be enforced through a
paper trail in the Emergency Management Office and Fire Marshal's
Office through the annual report.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Sisson
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Voting Nay: Commissioner Barone
Chairman Greer
Due to the ordinance not receiving a unan1mous vote on the
first reading, a second reading will be required on February 5,
1996.
PRESENTATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PERFORM A STUDY OF ONE
DRAINAGE BASIN TO DEVELOP A SPECIFIC PLAN
Assistant County Manager, Dave Weaver, reported Request for
Proposals had been prepared for the performance of a study of one
drainage basin to develop a specific drainage plan that will meet
the following objectives and serve as a foundation for other basin
plans:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 205
The following items are to be considered 1n the formulation of
the plan:
(1) Drain water away from new development.
(2) Prevent flooding of existing downstream development.
(3) Minimize stormwater runoff pollution impact.
The plan should include the following components:
(1) Analysis of existing run-off/drainage characteristics
including land use, soils, and drainage network.
(2) Analysis of
conditions.
potential
impact
under
"built-out"
(3) Development of conceptual plans for proposed County
drainage facilities.
(4) Development of drainage standards for new development.
(5) Analysis of options for financing the model basin plan.
Assistant County Manager Weaver reported the cost of the study
could range from $50,000 to $100,000 and advised that no funds were
budgeted for the study.
Chairman Greer recommended adopting the proposal to include 1,
2, 3, as listed under formulation of the plan without the five
components. He commented on the need for the study to address what
should be done, not the components as listed in 1-5 which, in his
opinion, will require development of a comprehensive drainage plan
for the entire County.
A lengthy discussion was held on how the plan should be
developed. Assistant County Manager Weaver suggested eliminating
the first two components with the inclusion of 3, 4, and 5, because
any type of study would require some type of drainage facilities,
drainage standards for new development, and appropriate financing
for the plan. He advised the Board that the proposal had been
prepared to address only one area, Pages Creek, with the finished
plan to be used as a model for studying other basins in the County.
County Manager O'Neal expressed concern for preparing a
Request for Proposals without some specific structure to provide
guidelines as to how the study should be performed.
After further discussion, Chairman Greer recommended
performance of a study to analyze the current drainage problems in
one area with recommended solutions to those problems. He also
suggested involving the Northeast New Hanover Conservancy in the
process.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board for Staff to prepare
a Requests for Proposals under the following guidelines: (1)
performance of a study to analyze one area for current drainage
problems with recommended solutions to those problems; and (2)
clearly explain in the proposal that the study is not being
performed for the development of a comprehensive drainage plan for
New Hanover County.
County Manager O'Neal responded Staff would make the necessary
changes with a copy of the revised Request for Proposals being
forwarded to the Board for comments before the proposal was mailed
to interested firms.
Chairman Greer commented on the cost of the study and informed
Staff that he was not anticipating any large sum of money.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 206
TAX APPEAL BY THE WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) SEEKING EXEMPTION OF PROPERTY USED AS
A "SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR"
Tax Administrator, Roland Register, reported this tax appeal
was heard by the Board on December 18, 1995, with a tie vote and
postponed until January 2, 1996, when all five County Commissioners
would be present. Later, the Wilmington/New Hanover County
Community Development Corporation (CDC) requested postponing the
hearing until January 16, 1996.
Tax Administrator Register noted that CDC reported on December
18, 1995, that other small business incubators throughout the State
were not experiencing any problems with tax exemptions. He
reported after receiving a list of the small business incubators
from CDC, he contacted ten incubators at random with eight of the
ten counties not granting a tax exempt status. The two remaining
incubators exempted were in Harnett County and Person County. In
Harnett County, the CDC is located in an old school building with
the property owned by the county; therefore, Harnett County cannot
tax itself. In Person County, the CDC is located and operated in
the piedmont Community College building, which was exempted by the
Tax Assessor; however, there is some question as to whether this
exemption should have been granted based upon whether or not
piedmont College should have become involved in this type of
activity.
Tax Administrator Register advised that the Board of County
Commissioners would have to decide if CDC qualifies as a charitable
organization that would receive the tax exempt status. If so, do
the parcels rented to "for profit" businesses warrant the tax
exemption. CDC is presently renting out two condos, and it was a
mistake on his part to assume they were operating all three condos
for the actual operation of their non-profit business. As of
January 1, 1995, the other nine condos behind the existing
building, were not used. Based on prior court cases, the actual
use determines the tax exemption.
Ms. Jackie Peoples, Executive Director of the Wilmington-New
Hanover County Community Development Corporation, reported that CDC
was in existence to fulfill a charitable purpose; therefore, the
organization should be tax exempt under Section 105-278.7 of the
North Carolina General Statutes. The real property associated with
the incubator is used by small fledgling businesses to create new
business ownerships and provide job opportunities. Many of the
incubators throughout the State are exempt from property taxes
because the incubators are located on County, City or university
owned properties. This is not the case with CDC. Currently, CDC
is struggling to reach a break-even point so the organization will
not be dependent upon federal or state funds. Paying $6,000
annually in property taxes will seriously impact the ability of CDC
to reach a break-even point or even exist. Staffing and the
ability to provide technical assistance to the new businesses in
the program would be greatly impacted if annual property taxes have
to be paid. On behalf of the CDC Board of Directors, the
Commissioners were requested to look at the intent of Section 105-
278.7 when rendering a decision on the tax exempt status.
Discussion was held on the number of units being operated by
CDC. Tax Administrator Register reported as of January 1, 1995,
CDC owned three condos in the first phase of the Hilton Industrial
Park. The middle unit was used for the CDC office operation, and
the remaining two units have been rented to "for-profit"
businesses.
Chairman Greer commented on $6,000 being due in property taxes
and requested an explanation of the properties being taxed.
Tax Administrator Register noted that the $6,000 figure was
for .72 of an acre behind the first unit and nine office/ shop
condos that were completed during 1995.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 207
Discussion was held on the unused property as of January 1,
1995, with the recommendation by the Tax Administrator to deny
exemption on these properties. Also, the Tax Administrator
reported in August that the remaining three condos should be
exempted; however, this was an error, and only one condo should
have been exempted because the other two condos were being used by
"for-profit" businesses. In December, the Tax Administrator
recommended rescinding the exemption for the two condos.
Chairman Greer reported the question to be answered is whether
or not the Board should exempt properties owned by CDC because this
is a non-profit organization. The Tax Administrator feels the only
property that should be tax exempt is the condo that is being used
as an office for CDC, not the condos that are being rented to "for-
profit" businesses.
Commissioner Caster expressed concern for the Internal Revenue
Service granting a tax exempt status under a charitable
organization and reported he felt the tax exempt status should be
granted because the organization does provide services to small
businesses trying to get started.
Motion: After a lengthy discussion on the intent of the tax law in
North Carolina, Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman
Greer to deny exemption for Tract 2 (R04805-021-001-000) and
rescind the exemptions for Parcels R04805-021-001-005 and R04805-
021-001-007 because this property was being used by "for-profit"
businesses.
Substitute Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by
Commissioner Sisson to declare the Wilmington-New Hanover County
Community Development Corporation as a charitable organization and
exempt Units 1, 2, 3, from 1995 taxes with all units being exempt
for 1996. Upon vote, the SUBSTITUTE MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Sisson
Voting Nay: Vice-Chairman Mathews
Chairman Greer
APPEAL TO A DECISION RENDERED BY THE TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
REGARDING THE NAMING OF A NEW SUBDIVISION
Sheriff Joe McQueen expressed concern for duplicate
subdivision names and requested the Board of County Commissioners
to overturn a decision by the Technical Review Committee to assign
the name of "Greenville" Manor to a new subdivision. He commented
on the problems that are being experienced with the delivery of
emergency services when duplicate names are used.
Ms. Brenda Hewlett, the 911 Coordinator, reported a
Subdivision Text Amendment was prepared in October, 1995, with no
action taken. However, the 911 Center is experiencing problems
with emergency responses, and the reason for the appeal is because
there is a Greenville Heights Subdivision, Greenville Avenue,
Greenville Loop Road, Greenville Sound Road, and Greenville Village
Mobile Home Park. When attending the Technical Review Committee
meeting, there was another subdivision being constructed at the
south end of Towles to be named Greenville Sound pointe. On behalf
of the 911 Center, this issue needs to be addressed in order to
avoid the County from being held liable for not delivering
emergency services in a timely manner. Last year, the 991 Center
received 131,000 calls with 188,000 in-house calls. When in-house
calls are received and the operator receives only the first part of
a subdivision or street name, there is no way to locate the
residence unless going through the telephone company, which is too
late for a heart-attack victim. With the rapid rate of growth, the
Technical Review Committee should be cognizant of the names that
have already been provided to other streets and subdivisions.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 208
Mr. Harry Stovall noted that Greenville Manor was not a
duplicate name and stated most people use street names, not
subdivision names when locating a site. He informed the Board that
Greenville Manor had been used because of historical reasons, and
he requested the Board to deny the appeal because the guidelines in
the Subdivision Ordinance had been followed.
A lengthy discussion was held on whether or not the
Subdivision Ordinance had been amended. Planning Director Hayes
reported the proposed Subdivision Text Amendment was presented to
the Planning Board at the last meeting. The Board of County
Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on February 5, 1996, to
consider the Text Amendment. As to the current Subdivision
Ordinance, there are two regulations, one dealing with subdivision
names, and the other with street names. Both regulations basically
state that new subdivisions or streets should not duplicate any
existing name.
Chairman Greer stated, in his opinion, Mr. Stovall followed
the procedure as outlined in the current Subdivision Ordinance;
therefore, the name, Greenville Manor, should remain unchanged.
Motion: After discussion of the proper procedure being followed by
Mr. Stovall, Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Barone to reject the appeal with the proviso that no streets within
the subdivision contain the name "Greenville". Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster
Chairman Greer
Voting Nay: Commissioner Sisson
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Discussion was held on the difficulty in finding new names for
streets and subdivisions. The Planning Director, 911 Coordinator,
and County Attorney were requested to prepare other options to be
presented in the agenda packet when considering the proposed Text
Amendmen t .
ADOPTION OF ORDERS TO COMPLY TO FCC REGULATIONS FOR CABLE
TELEVISION
Attorney Copley requested the Board to adopt the following
documents:
1. Approve an Order approving the FCC-1205 Equipment and
Installation Cost Adjustments to provide for clarification of
the Wire Maintenance Agreement Charge.
2. Approve an Order for Adjusting the Basic Service Rates based
on External Costs FCC-1210.
Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to adopt the orders as written and recommended by the County
Attorney. The Chairman was authorized to execute the documents.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF AN ORDER REGARDING TIME WARNER CABLE SERVICE
(PREVIOUSLY VISION CABLE) IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
County Attorney Copley requested the Board to approve the
following order regarding Time Warner Cable service in New Hanover
County:
1. Approve an Order approving the FCC-1205 Equipment and
Installation Cost Adjustments.
2. Approve an Order directing the Cable Operator to recalculate
inflation adjustment in FCC-1210, and Accounting Order within
30 days of the execution of this order.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 209
3. Approve the Tolling and Accounting Order.
Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to adopt the orders as written and presented by the County
Attorney. The Chairman was authorized to execute the necessary
documents. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPOINTMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
Commissioner Barone reported she had never received a meeting
notice from the Council of Governments' Water Quality Task Force,
and she requested deferral of this appointment until information
could be obtained to see if the committee was still active.
Consensus: It was
appointment of a
Governments' Water
could check to see
the consensus of the Board to defer the
Commissioner to serve on the Council of
Quality Task Force until the Clerk to the Board
if the committee was still active.
Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Mathews to allow each Commissioner to remain on the same committees
and boards for the upcoming year since many of the Commissioners
will be running for re-election during the next year.
The floor was opened to discussion.
Commissioner Barone recommended appointing another
Commissioner to serve on the Board of Fire Commissioners. She
reported on the numerous calls received from Volunteer Firemen and
persons dissatisfied with Commissioner Sisson serving as the
Board's representative on the Fire Commission.
Commissioner Sisson strongly obj ected to not being reappointed
to serve on the Board of Fire Commissioners and reported that
Commissioner Barone had misrepresented herself when attending
recent Fire Commission meetings. He agreed with Commissioner
Caster and stated the committee appointments should remain
unchanged for the next year.
Commissioner Barone reported Commissioner Sisson was wrong and
stated, in her opinion, the Board's representative to the Board of
Fire Commissioners should be changed. She volunteered to swap the
position on the Transportation Advisory Committee with Commissioner
Sisson for the position on the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Commissioner Sisson refused to consider the request.
Chairman Greer called for a vote on the MOTION TO APPOINT THE
COMMISSIONERS TO SERVE ON THE SAME COMMITTEES AND BOARDS FOR THE
UPCOMING YEAR as listed below. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS
FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Sisson
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Chairman Greer
Voting Nay: Commissioner Barone
List of Committees and Boards
Bellamy Mansion Board of Directors
Cape Fear River Program Advisory Board
Chamber of Commerce
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Cape Fear Council of Governments:
COG/Executive Committee
COG/Region "0" EMS
COG/Solid Waste Task Force
Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Bd.
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Commissioner Caster
Chairman Greer
Commissioner Barone
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Barone
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
DARE Board of Directors
DSS Building Committee
Board of Fire Commissioners
Groundwater Task Force
Board of Health
NHRMC Board of Trustees
Human Services Transportation Advisory Bd.
Human Relations Commission
Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority
Keep America Beautiful
Military Affairs Committee
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Port, Waterway & Beach Commission
Soil Conservation RC&D
Southeastern Center (Mental Health)
Transportation Advisory Committee
WASTEC Commission
Wilmington Housing & Finance Development
Wilmington Industrial Commission
BOOK 25
PAGE 210
Commissioner Barone
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Commissioner Sisson
Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Sisson
Chairman Greer
Commissioner Caster
Commissioner Sisson
Commissioner Sisson
Commissioner Barone
Chairman Greer
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Chairman Greer
Commissioner Caster
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Commissioner Sisson
Commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster
Chairman Greer
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Commissioner Caster commented on the tough issues
County and stated the members of the Board must learn
and work with each other in order for the Board
appropriate decisions on these important issues.
facing the
to respect
to render
MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 3: 18 P.M.
until 3:23 P.M. to hold a meeting of the Water & Sewer District.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Approval of a Request from Robert R. Johnson to Grant a 90-Day
Extension to An Appeal for Rezoning Application Z-557
Chairman Greer informed the Board that Robert R. Johnson had
submitted a request for a 90-day extension to a zoning appeal
regarding the southwest corner of Oleander Drive and Greenville
Loop Road. He requested direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster
to grant the 90-day extension for Mr. Johnson as requested. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appreciation Expressed for Reception of Proposed Crisis Center
Commissioner Sisson expressed appreciation to the Board for
the manner in which the Crisis Center proposal was received. He
stressed the importance of establishing some type of facility to
provide emergency services to substance abuse and/or mentally ill
patients other than in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Emergency Room.
Announcement of Taxation and Finance Steering Committee Meeting
Commissioner Barone announced she would be attending a
Taxation and Finance Steering Committee meeting of the N. C.
Association of County Commissioners on January 23, 1996, in
Raleigh, N. C. She reported this would be a joint meeting with
other Steering Committees to develop Legislative Goals for the
Short Session of the General Assembly.
Chairman Greer and Commissioner Caster reported they would
also be attending the joint meeting of Steering Committees.
Chairman Greer referenced the Open Meetings Law and requested the
County Attorney to comment on the issue since three Commissioners
would be attending the joint meeting.
County Attorney Copley explained that the Open Meetings Law
applied to transacting and deliberating the public business for New
Hanover County. Since this is a j oint meeting of a state-wide
organization with each Commissioner serving on a separate Steering
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 211
Committee, she does not feel the Open Meetings Law would be
violated.
Reminder of Budget Retreat
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell, reminded the Board of
the Budget Retreat scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 1996, at the
Blockade Runner from 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.
Report on a Meeting of the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway &
Beach Commission
Commissioner Caster announced the new Chairman of the
Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission, was
Richard Catlin who would be replacing Mr. John Metts, the current
Chairman. Also, Colonel Paul S. Denison was leaving the
Commission. He requested the Board to authorize the Chairman to
wri te letters of appreciation to Mr. Metts (who will still be
serving on the Commission) and Colonel Denison for their years of
dedicated service.
Commissioner Caster commented on poor attendance by some
members of the Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission and advised
that an effort would be made to recruit persons who are interested
in serving and taking an active role on the Commission. Emphasis
was placed on the importance of representation from the beach
communities since the Commission prepares recommendations for the
distribution of the Room Occupancy tax which is used for beach
renourishment projects.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to authorize the
Clerk to the Board to prepare a letter of appreciation for the
Chairman's signature.
Report on Health Care Seminar Held by Congressman Eva Clayton
Commissioner Caster reported he and the Chairman attended the
Heal th Care Reform Seminar held by Congressman Eva Clayton. It
appears that health care reform will affect Medicare, Medicaid, and
all hospital institutions. He emphasized the importance of Staff
keeping a close watch on health care reform so the County can be
prepared to address these changes.
Discussion of Wilmington City Council Retreat
Commissioner Caster commented on the retreat held by the City
of Wilmington and the willingness of the City Council to work with
the County in combining some of the departments to provide more
cost-effective services.
County Manager O'Neal advised that he had held discussion with
the City Manager about the possibility of combining some City and
County Departments. He informed the Board that he would be meeting
with the City Manager tomorrow to discuss the action that had been
taken by the City Council at its recent retreat. Once the
information is received, a report will be prepared and presented to
the Board before the retreat to be held on January 18, 1996.
Discussion of Federal Funding Cutbacks
Chairman Greer commented on hearing that federal funding had
already been cut back to some agencies, such as the Meals on Wheels
Program, and he requested the County Manager to verify if this
statement was true.
County Manager O'Neal responded he would be glad to check into
this matter and report back to the Board.
Discussion of Problems Being Experienced with the Volunteer Fire
Departments and the Board of Fire Commissioners
Chairman Greer commented on the problems that are being
experienced between the Volunteer Firemen and Board of Fire
Commissioners, and he expressed concern for not knowing how to
handle this situation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 16, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 212
addressing this issue. He asked if the Board of Fire Commissioners
should be abolished with another entity established to straighten
out the areas of conflict?
Commissioner Sisson commented on a lack of direction and
recommended establishment of policies and goals by the Board of
County Commissioners with implementation of these policies and
goals by the Board of Fire Commissioners. He reported this type of
action would clarify many conflict areas and provide a structure to
be followed by the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Volunteer
Fire Departments. Presently, many of the problems are being
created by people who are afraid of change. In his opinion, to go
back to the old Fire Inspection Committee would not resolve the
current problems and would defeat the effort to provide
accountability for the use of tax funds by the Volunteer Fire
Departments.
Chairman Greer stated he had mixed feelings as to what should
be done in the recent situations that have occurred, such as the
Porters Neck Fire Station. After numerous discussions, the County
and Ogden Volunteer Fire Department had reached an agreement. Then
suddenly, the Ogden Volunteer Fire Department is not satisfied with
the agreement and has decided to move forward with constructing the
fire station without any funding assistance from the County. He
commented on the importance of Volunteer Fire Departments to New
Hanover County and stated these areas of conflict must be resolved.
Commissioner Sisson reported he could not explain the problem,
but he felt some of the Ogden Volunteer Firemen felt they were
being threatened by the County.
Commissioner Barone informed Commissioner Sisson that the
members of the Ogden Volunteer Fire Department did not like him and
felt that he was trying to get rid of all Volunteer Firemen.
Commissioner Sisson, again, reiterated the importance of
providing policy and direction to the Board of Fire Commissioners
so many of the current issues can be clarified and resolved.
Vice-Chairman Mathews stated he felt the Board of Fire
Commissioners had performed a good job. Unfortunately, the
Volunteer Firemen have been concerned about change, and personality
conflicts have developed. However, in his opinion, Commissioner
Sisson has performed an outstanding job while serving on the Board
of Fire Commissioners under difficult circumstances.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 4:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board