1996-09-09 Special Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 592
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Special
Session on Monday, September 9, 1996, at 2:00 P.M. in the Assembly
Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; WilliamA.
Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order, and on behalf of
the Board, expressed appreciation to the news media for the
excellent job performed in accurately informing the public about
the activities before and after Hurricane Fran. Appreciation was,
also, expressed to the Sheriff's Department, the Emergency
Management Department and all County employees who worked in the
Media Center and Emergency Operations Center for the time given to
successfully carry out the emergency procedures.
Chairman Greer requested the Director of Emergency Management,
Dan Summers, to present an update on the latest events.
Director Summers introduced Major Fred Aiken, the Wilmington
National Guard Battalion Commander, and expressed appreciation to
him for helping the County to obtain National Guard and Department
of Defense resources.
Major Aiken reported that over 700 troops from the National
Guard were in New Hanover County to provide support to the area.
He commented on the cooperative spirit of the local people and
advised that troops would be in the area for an extended period of
time.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation
to Major Aiken for the assistance given by the National Guard.
Director Summers presented the following report.
Restoration of Electric Power: Carolina Power & Light Company had
restored power to the following areas:
Wilmington Area:
Whiteville Area:
Wallace Area:
40,560 residents, representing 46%
18,700 residents, representing 53%
1,907 residents, representing 15%
Throughout the State, 50% of the power has been restored with
383,000 customers in southeastern North Carolina waiting to receive
power. Carolina Power & Light Company has performed a superb job
in restoring power to the Wilmington area.
Activities:
(1) There are seven feeding units from the Salvation Army placed
in strategic locations.
(2 )
Night time aerial fly-overs were
another flight will occur tonight.
to law enforcement agencies.
performed last night and
This has been most helpful
(3) There are fifty additional volunteer firefighters from
Guilford, Forsyth, and Surry counties augmenting the Volunteer
Fire Departments.
(4) The 911 Center has received approximately 2,800 calls per day.
The increased calls have been well managed by 911 personnel.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 593
(5) A structure fire occurred with complete loss of the residence
from improper use of a generator. City and County fire units
have been working diligently with persons using generators to
be sure the machines are properly connected before use.
(6) The Sheriff's Department has 30 personnel on the streets with
two full patrols during the night. This coverage has greatly
deterred break-ins and other criminal activities.
(7) Heavy equipment, both private, public, military, and FEMA, are
in the process of removing sand from the beaches.
(8) One-hundred thirty additional two-way radios have been placed
in the field for strategic communications.
(9) EMS runs on the beaches have not been significant; however,
both Emergency Rooms are busy at the hospitals with early
discharges of patients.
(10)
The unincorporated county damage
completed; however, it appears this
million for business and residential
should be completed today.
assessment has not been
figure will exceed $175
properties. This report
(11) BellSouth has made progress in restoring telephone service.
All central offices are on commercial power with 277 transient
sites on back-up power. Approximately 2,000 customer trouble
reports have been received. The damage assessment for
BellSouth should be completed today.
(12) Eighty percent of the wells in the County are on commercial
power, and one-hundred percent of the lift stations are now
operational. Four water buffalos are being placed in
neighborhoods that receive water services from private utility
companies. More water has been ordered, and the County
Engineering Department has been working with private water
companies to obtain generators to provide power to wells.
(13) The number of meals served daily has increased to 18,740. The
meals have been deployed from six strategic feeding locations.
(14) Sites are being reviewed for the location of a FEMA Disaster
Application Center. FEMA is in the process of ordering
communications equipment for disaster applications and
assistance.
(15) A Citizens Information Hot Line will be in operation on
September 10, 1996, and the United Way is working on special
need situations. News releases and phone numbers will be
published as soon as possible.
(16) The business, residential and marine insurance adjusters have
received identification permits and will be going to the beach
communities today. All adjusters will be required to leave
the beaches by 6:00 P.M.
(17) Ten nurses from the Health Department are working in the
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach area to provide tetanus
immunization shots. Also, the Strike Team representatives
from Emergency Management are still assisting at Carolina
Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
(18) With heavy rains and flooding that occurred after the storm,
the U. S. Coast Guard has closed the waterways because of
debris. This action serves as a notice to mariners. There
will be aerial and water surveillance of the waterways for
navigation safety.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 594
Commissioner Caster requested a brief report on the re-entry
process for the beach communities.
Director Summers advised that the Wrightsville Beach re-entry
had gone well; however, there was concern about power being
restored to wet homes. Re-entry to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
went exceptionally well. The re-entry plan was implemented and the
Sheriff's Department did an excellent job in monitoring the traffic
at the bridge and reducing the length of time persons had to wait.
Safety pamphlets were provided by the beach communities at the
check points, which was beneficial to persons returning to the
beach communities. In general, the re-entry process was carried
out in an excellent manner by the beach communities.
Commissioner
propane tanks and
inform the public
incorrectly.
Sisson commented on the danger of floating
suggested that a news release be prepared to
about how explosive these tanks are if handled
Director Summers responded that news releases had been issued
by the Propane Gas Association informing the public about the
danger of explosions and the signs of corrosion in regulators. The
gas dealers have personnel on the beaches to recover tanks as well
as check regulators. Also, additional news releases will be issued
on how to re-light natural and propane gas appliances or equipment.
The Fire Departments are carrying out a fire watch, and a company
has been identified to perform recovery or address unusual
situations with propane gas tanks.
County Manager O'Neal presented the following information.
(1) The District Courts and Superior Courts will be closed for the
remainder of the week; however, Judges will be on a rotating
schedule for specific events.
Discussion was held on whether the Courts being closed would
create overcrowding in the jail. Sheriff McQueen responded that
Judges would continue to hold the first appearance in the jail,
which will keep the population under control. Also, without phone
service, persons cannot be subpoenaed to serve on the jury. The
Sheriff's Department feels this was a good decision.
vice-Chairman Mathews commented on seeing a sightseer in his
community, and he urged the media to ask people not to go into
communities until trees and fallen power lines have been removed.
Sheriff McQueen responded that most people were cooperative
about sightseeing; however, the curfew had been beneficial in
controlling this problem.
(2) Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week due to a
lack of power, minor damages, and safety issues that must be
addressed before opening the schools.
Debris Removal: Director of Environmental Management, Ray Church,
reported the contract with D&J, Enterprises, Inc. had been extended
to cover Hurricane Fran. Six crews are now on site with eleven
coming tomorrow and more by the end of the week. D&J has two crews
at Porters Neck, one crew at Myrtle Grove, one crew at Greenville
Loop Road, one crew at Kings Grant, and one crew at Middle Sound
Road. The other crews will be disbursed as they arrive.
Contractors from around the world have called for removal of
materials; however, the Environmental Management Staff is confident
that D&J can provide this service. It would be helpful to
discourage other contractors from coming in and soliciting
contracts. D&J will be hiring small contractors to assist with the
debris removal process.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 595
Wilmington Materials and the Blue Clay Road recycling centers
are open to serve the public. Staff is trying to secure a site at
the end of Shipyard Boulevard near the State Port. Once this site
is finalized, a press release will be prepared. The northern
elementary school site on Gordon Road will be used and a site will
be established in the Castle Hayne area to serve the public.
A Storm Debris Hot Line has been established to assist the
public with debris removal. The number is 763-4144 and will be
operational from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Dead flashlight
batteries will be received at the County's recycling sites located
at Monkey Junction, Ogden Village, Castle Hayne, the County
Landfill, WASTEC, and Communications Specialists. Due to the
number of plastic water jugs, special receptacles have been set up
at the recycling centers to receive plastic containers. Due to the
number of cars and boats that have been damaged, lead acid
batteries will be received at a separate location at the Landfill
and WASTEC. The local garages and parts stores have been requested
to continue receiving old batteries as trade-ins on new batteries.
The major issue to address will be the handling of
construction and demolition materials. The Landfill does not have
enough room to receive all of these materials. After negotiations
wi th Wilmington Materials, this company has agreed to charge a
tipping fee of $31.50 per ton to receive the materials, process the
materials, and transfer the remaining materials to the Sampson
County Landfill. After contacting the Sampson County Landfill, the
County has been offered a gate fee disposal price of $26.00 per ton
for materials delivered to the site. This figure does not include
transportation.
Director Church requested the Board to decide if New Hanover
County will assist the beach communi ties with construction and
demolition debris removal, or will the County require the beach
communities to proceed as individual units? In the unincorporated
waterfront areas, there will be a considerable amount of
construction and demolition materials. D&J has the capability of
providing this type of service. The Board was requested to provide
direction on how to proceed with handling construction and
demolition debris.
Chairman Greer recommended receiving the materials as done ln
the past if contracts could be obtained.
Director Church advised that after discussion with D&J, the
company has agreed to collect construction and demolition debris at
a fee of $30.00 per ton, contingent upon the weight being the same
as the vegetative materials. The density should be close, and this
figure will be left open until enough time has been given to
measure the weight of the construction and debris materials.
In closing, Director Church emphasized the importance of
people being patient and understanding that a huge amount of debris
has to be removed. It will take months for the debris removal
process to be completed. If numerous contractors are hired, there
will be too many trucks crossing the scales. In order to address
this problem, residents will be allowed to use satellite sites. A
flat fee has been negotiated with the disposal sites so trucks do
not have to cross the scales.
Chairman Greer commented on calls being received from persons
living in areas that have not received debris pick-up from
Hurricane Bertha and suggested that these areas be placed on the
top of the list for debris removal from Hurricane Fran.
Director Church advised that the Wrightsboro area, identified
as Area 5, had already been given top priority by D&J. During
Hurricane Bertha, Area 5 was assigned to the N. C. Department of
Transportation who did not collect debris on private roads. In the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 596
debris removal process for Hurricane Fran, the Department of
Transportation has been assigned the public primary secondary roads
with the contractors collecting debris on private roads.
In closing, Director Church reported that D&J had a blanket
permit to move the oversized equipment through North Carolina;
however, problems could be experienced in Georgia and South
Carolina. He requested the Board to contact the Secretary of
Transportation, Garland Garrett, to expedite permits for South
Carolina and Georgia.
Director Summers responded he would be glad to handle this
matter.
Consensus: After discussion of the need to address disposal of
construction and demolition materials, it was the consensus of the
Board to authorize Director Church to negotiate a contract with
D&J, Inc. to provide the service.
Discussion was held on how the County would handle disposal of
construction and demolition debris for the beach communi ties.
Director Church reported the City had contracted separately with
D&J and eight crews were arriving to perform debris removal within
the City Limits. During Hurricane Bertha, vegetative debris
collection was provided to the beach communities through D&J.
Commissioner Sisson noted that if the County contracts with
D&J for removal of construction and demolition debris for the
beaches, he would suggest servicing public beach access areas
before private beach areas.
Consensus: After discussion of construction and demolition
materials being massive at the beach communities, it was the
consensus of the Board for the County to provide collection service
through D&J Enterprises, Inc. for disposal of construction and
demolition debris.
Director Summers reported the U. S. Coast Guard and related
agencies were inspecting every marina and fuel distribution site
for oil spills. If necessary, the Coast Guard can utilize the
Pollution Fund to use three primary EPA approved contractors to
assist with a spill if an incident should occur.
Chairman Greer inquired as to whether the County would receive
a financial loss on the clean-up activities after Hurricane Fran
because of the shortage in State funds?
Director Summers responded the County would probably lose
revenue in the State reimbursement. The Federal reimbursement
should be 75% with State reimbursement of 25%. When the
presidential Disaster Declaration was processed through the White
House, the document indicated that North Carolina would provide a
25% match. This was before the preliminary assessment was
performed and so many counties were impacted by the storm. The
County should be prepared to split the 25% State match.
Discussion was held on the total cost of Hurricane Bertha.
Director Summers reported that damages assessed during Hurricane
Bertha totaled $24 million. Approximately, $265,000 of County
dollars were spent with the County having to pay approximately
$15,000 to $18,000. The remaining balance will be appealed.
Chairman Greer asked if the curfew was needed tonight?
Director Summers responded the curfew was needed and he
respectfully requested the Board to consider prohibiting the sale
of alcohol one hour before the curfew.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 9, 1996
BOOK 25
PAGE 597
Consensus: It was the consensus of a majority of the Board to
extend the curfew from 10:00 P.M. September 9, 1996, until 6:00
A.M. September 10, 1996.
Commissioner Barone stated, for the record, she was not
notified of the meeting yesterday, and reported she was opposed to
imposing a curfew.
Discussion was held on prohibiting the sale of alcohol.
Sheriff McQueen reported no problems had been experienced with
alcohol at this time.
Commissioner Caster stated he could not see prohibiting the
sale of alcohol one hour before the curfew, particularly when it
had not become a problem.
vice-Chairman Mathews stated, for the record, many people had
contacted him expressing disappointment about the Board not passing
a Price Gouging Ordinance. He advised he was still in favor of
this type of ordinance.
Commissioner Sisson reported on flooding problems directly
attributable to water draining from new subdivisions onto existing
streets in older subdivisions. He suggested addressing this
problem through the planning process for new subdivisions.
Further discussion was held on when retention ponds are
required in new subdivisions. Assistant County Manager, Dave
Weaver, advised that if a subdivision was above a certain
percentage of the impervious surface, an engineered storm water
plan was required. However, in many cases, the plan does not
require a retention pond.
Chairman Greer asked if the County through the current storm
management program could obtain money to clean out drainage ditches
that are clogged because of storm debris and downed trees?
Director Summers reported he would be glad to research the
issue, but specific areas would have to be identified.
County Manager O'Neal reported he would be glad to involve the
Engineering Department with Director Summers ln seeing if resources
can be found to clean out drainage ditches.
Discussion was held on the sewer overflow at Bradley Creek.
Assistant County Manager Weaver reported the rapid flow of water
created a pressure build-up in the gravity line which blew off a
bolted down manhole lid with sewer leaking into the creek. Staff
corrected the problem immediately.
Director Summers reported that flooding occurred at the
Seagate Volunteer Fire Department with six to seven inches of rain
in the building. The department was relocated to the Cooperative
Extension Building with all apparatus removed. Unfortunately, some
out-of-county mutual aid firefighters were in the building and
their cars floated away with their personal belongings. The
firefighters were from Forsyth County, and the County's insurance
will cover the loss except for the deductible. This matter will be
reviewed with Carlton Allegood, Executive Director of the
Wilmington/New Hanover Insurance Advisory Board.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 3:58 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board