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1994-01-18 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 902 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 18, 1994, at 9:00 A.M. in the First Floor Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut 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 welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Harold Crocker, Pastor of Living Waters Ministries, gave the invocation. vice-Chairman Mathews led the audience ln the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Greer inquired as to whether anyone from the general public would like to present an item not listed on the Regular Agenda or an item listed on the Consent Agenda. He requested the remarks to be limited to three minutes. No remarks were presented. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Greer requested the Clerk to the Board to reflect in the minutes of the Work Session held on December 16, 1993, Page 857 under Status Report on Airport Burn pit Site, that it is felt EPA will notify the County that the Consent Decree must be signed or an unilateral Administrative Order will be issued instead of reporting that the County has been notified that the Consent Decree must be signed. County Manager 0' Neal requested removal of Consent Agenda Item #13. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to withdraw Consent Agenda Item #13, approve the minutes of December 16, 1993, as corrected, and approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Budget Work Session held on December 16, 1993, as corrected, and minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 21, 1993, as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Approval of Tax Collection Reports The Commissioners approved the Tax Collection Reports through December 31, 1993, as submitted by the Collector of Revenue. Copies of the reports are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit XXII, Page 1. Release of Values - Tax Department The Commissioners released the following penal ties as the taxpayers certified they listed during the listing period, or they listed in another county: Frisbie, J. F., Jr. Godwin, James P., Sr. Heins, James E. $ 4.41 $ 9.34 $148.75 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 903 Monroe, John Stewart Etux. Price, Brian patric Tice, Lloyd M. Whisnant, George P., Jr. Widmark, Andrew $ 7.42 $ 5.06 $ 6.99 $ 23.63 $ 9.29 The Commissioners granted Ci tizen/Disabili ty Exclusion as the application: the following taxpayer submi t ted Senior a late Sasser, Robert $1,000 A copy of the letter explaining the late filing is available upon request in the Tax Office. The Commissioners released the following certification penalty as this was the taxpayer's first offense: Benson, William Michael $200 Tax Appeal for 1993 Discovery of Boat Owned by Jeffrey F. Oakes The Commissioners released the 1993 Discovery on a boat owned by Jeffrey F. Oakes since the Assistant County Attorney and Tax Administrator felt that New Hanover County had a weak case for enforcing the taxation based upon the documentation presented. A copy of the letter explaining the 1993 discovery lS available in the Tax Office upon request. Authorization for the Cape Fear Museum to Apply to the Institute of Museum Services for Funds to Supplement the Operating Budget The Commissioners authorized the Cape Fear Museum to apply to the Institute of Museum Services for funds in the amount of $112,500 to supplement the Museum's operating budget. The match for the funds, if granted, will be from the recently completed operating year (FY 1992-93) plus the value of donated goods and services spent over a two-year period. The funds will be used to pay for temporary positions and consultants associated with cataloguing, researching, appraising and conserving the artifacts in accordance with the recommendation of the Conservation Assessment Program report. The County Manager was authorized to execute the grant application. Correction of Ordinance Order for Rezoning Case Z-379 The Commissioners approved voiding the existing order on action taken by the Board of County Commissioners on July 10, 1989, when approving the rezoning of 2.99 acres on the east side of Market Street adjacent to Cardinal Lanes. The ordinance prepared at that time did not accurately reflect the property approved for the rezoning. A copy of the new ordinance is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXII, Page 1. Approval of Budget Amendment #94-0122 - Inspections Department The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 94-0122 - Inspections Department Debit Credit Inspections Department Inspection Fees $23,000 Salaries & Wages Contracted Services Capital Outlay - Equipment $15,000 $ 6,000 $ 2,000 Purpose: To budget greater than anticipated revenue from inspections to be used for a temporary inspector, contract to microfilm records, and purchase a microfilm reader/printer. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 904 Approval of Budget Amendment #94-0123 - Sheriff's Department The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 94-0123 Sheriff's Department Federal Forfeited Property Debit Credit Sheriff's Dept./Federal Forfeited Property Federal Forfeited Property $99,406 Sheriff's Dept./Federal Forfeited Property Motor Vehicles $99,406 Purpose: follows: To budget additional revenue received in FY 1993-94 as (1) Received $1,130.08 on December 21, 1993 (2) Received $98,276.15 on January 3, 1994 Approval of Budget Amendment #94-0124 Sheriff's Department Controlled Substance Tax The Commissioners approved the following Budget Amendment: 94-0124 Sheriff's Department Controlled Substance Tax Debit Credit Sheriff's Dept. Controlled Subs. Tax Controlled Substance Tax $12,762 Sheriff's Dept. Controlled Subs. Tax Supplies $12,762 Purpose: To budget additional revenue ln the amount of $12,762.31 received on January 3, 1994. Designation of the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina, Inc. as the Designated Agency to Distribute the Third Quarter Food Commodity Distribution The Commissioners designated the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina, Inc. as the designated agency to distribute the Third Quarter Food Commodity Distribution in the amount of $3,750. Approval of Jail Medical Plan The Commissioners approved the Jail Medical Plan according to State standards. The plan has been approved by the appropriate authorities. A copy of the plan is on file at the Health Department and New Hanover County Sheriff's Department. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION PRESENTED TO LYNN SMITHDEAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, recognized and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Lynn Smithdeal, Chairman of the County Government United Way Campaign, for excellent leadership in leading the County campaign. The County exceeded its established goal of $22,200.00 and collected a total of $24,127.77. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO COUNTY EMPLOYEES The following employees were recognized and presented serVlce awards for their years of dedicated service to New Hanover County: Name Number Michael C. Dillard, Property Management Jennifer Edwards, Legal Department Thomas Farmer, Engineering Department Joseph E. Grisetti, Emergency Medical Services Kimberly V. Livengood, Social Services Robert D. Prieto, Engineering Department Sheila L. Youngblood, Emergency Medical Services of Years 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 905 Annette Crumpton - Department of Aging Barbara J. Perilla, Health Department 10 10 Cynthia S. Johnson, Health Department Hoyt E. Smith, Inspections 15 15 Frank J. Demeter, Social Services 20 Betty V. Ayala, Tax Department 25 Service awards will be presented to the following County employees who were not able to attend the meeting: David G. Nobles, Jr., Emergency Medical Services Freddie W. Hearne, Sheriff's Department Sharon F. Walters, Library 5 5 5 Jean B. Wall, Social Services 10 Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, congratulated each employee and expressed appreciation for their years of service to New Hanover County. RECOGNITION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES County Manager 0' Neal recognized the following new County employees: Marjorie Tyndall, Social Services Nicoletta Dean, Social Services Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. APPROVAL OF MEMBERSHIP WITH THE I-40 ASSOCIATION President of the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jane Peterson, commented on the importance of 1-40 to New Hanover County and requested the Commissioners to consider joining the 1-40 Association. She introduced Mr. Linwood Parker, President of the 1-40 Interim Board of Directors, to present information on formation of the Association. Mayor Pro Tern of Four Oaks, North Carolina and President of the 1-40 Interim Board of Directors, Linwood Parker, presented background information on the formation of the 1-40 Steering Committee by the N. C. Division of Community Assistance to perform a study for identification of the major impact of 1-40 on cities and counties along the corridor from Raleigh to Wilmington. The purpose of the study was to establish actions and strategies for governments, the private sector, and others to reduce the highway's negative impacts and maximize its positive impacts. The "Interstate 40 Economic Impact Study" was completed in November 1991. One of the recommendations from the Steering Committee was to establish the 1-40 Association with two people from the 10 ten counties serving as an interim Board of Directors. The interim Board's responsibility was to organize the association. With the assistance of an Attorney, the 1-40 Association has been incorporated as a non-profit corporation and a code of by-laws has been adopted. The primary goal is to create jobs for Eastern North Carolina by working together. Each of the ten counties has an opportunity to join the 1-40 Association with a membership fee of $200 per year. The County Chapter is open to any local government, corporation, business, Chamber of Commerce, agency or individual within the participating county. Each County Chapter will appoint an Executive Committee of eight to nine members to make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Two members from each County Chapter Executive Committee will be selected to serve on the Board of Directors. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 906 The business and affairs of the 1-40 Association will be managed by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be composed of two representatives from each participating county and the officers of the Board will consist of a President, Vice- President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each participating county will receive a sign identifying the county as an "1-40 Community" for economic growth. Mr. Parker stressed the importance of cities and counties interacting with each other and urged the Commissioners to support and join the 1-40 Association. Motion: After discussion of uniting the efforts of the cities and counties along the 1-40 corridor, Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to join the 1-40 Association with payment of the $200 membership fee and appointment of a nine-member Executive Committee. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Jane Peterson, commented on working with students at Noble Middle School on an 1-40 project to be entered into the National Geographic Contest and introduced Miss Kenna Tabor to discuss the contest. Miss Kenna Tabor, an 8th grader at Noble Middle School, reported American Express is sponsoring a geography competition for grades 6-8 and 9-12. Competitors may enter one of three categories: (1) the environment; (2) travel and trade; or (3) cultural diversity. After extensive research and discussing the topics with several professionals in the area, the Noble group has decided to pursue a proj ect dealing with travel and trade as associated with 1-40. There are four 8th grade students from Noble Middle School on the American Express team. New Hanover County has never filed an entry prior to this year and Noble Middle School is very excited about the competition. The mission statement for the team is as follows: "Regional tourism has been heightened as a result of 1-40. New Hanover County, however, has not reached its potential economic growth in tourism in spite of its distinct location. In addition, New Hanover County residents are not convinced that increased tourism would be beneficial and necessary. The purpose of the group is to draw more visitors to this area, to preserve the uniqueness of the community, and to educate residents on the benefits of increased tourism." Miss Tabor reported the team will be working closely with Jane Peterson on the project. Chairman Greer expressed appreciation for the informative presentation and wished the Noble 8th grade students success in the competition. DISCUSSION OF ESTABLISHING A BEAVER CONTROL PROGRAM IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Mr. Herman Strickland, State Animal Relocator with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, presented a pamphlet reflecting what the agency is doing in response to the number of beaver problems occurring throughout the State. Over the past decade beavers have caused millions of dollars in damage to bottomland timber, agricultural crops, roadways, and personal property. In an effort to assist property owners with controlling these problems, the N. C. wildlife Resources Commission and U. S. Department of Agricul ture established the N. C. Beaver Management Assistance pilot Program in 1992. The major goal of the program is to educate the public as well as participating landowners about the best available strategies in dealing with beaver activity and/or damage. Trained wildlife professionals conduct workshops and give presentations on damage management. When beaver damage is intolerable, technicians remove the beavers using humane and ecologically acceptable methods. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 907 After two years, the costs and benefits of the Beaver Management Assistance pilot Program will be reviewed and recommendations made as to the desirability of expanding the program to other counties. Current funding for the pilot program runs through October 1994. Present funding only covers property owners residing in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, Robeson, and Sampson Counties. Persons interested in the program services should contact their County Cooperative Extension Service office to request assistance. Property owners participating in the program usually pay a nominal fee for services as set by the Beaver Management Assistance pilot Program Advisory Board. This fee is $6.25 per hour for up to 40 hours work by the technician conducting direct control activities. There are no charges for travel time. After 40 hours the fee increases to $15 per hour. There is also a $40 fee for every dam removed using explosives. During the first year of the program, property owners receiving services pay an average of $85 plus the cost of explosives, if necessary to remove the dams. Technicians have been averaging 12 visits over a 20-day period to solve a nuisance beaver problem for a property owner. In order to be included in the program, a legislative act is required through the N. C. General Assembly, which does require time. Since New Hanover County is just beginning to experience problems created by beavers, the County may wish to consider hiring a professional trapper to resolve the existing problems. Surrounding counties have joined the program and New Hanover County is invited to participate at a cost of approximately $4,000. vice-Chairman Mathews inquired as to what services will be received for the $4,OOO? Mr. Strickland reported the $4,000 will provide service free to New Hanover County; however, the individual landowner must pay the $6.25 per hour up to 40 hours. Mr. Ken Sholar, an employee of the Health Department, Vector Control Division, reported when water backs up four feet in the County due to beaver dams, the flooding is significant with many residents experiencing severe damage to heat pumps. The Vector Control Division has used many methods for removing beavers without much success. Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to work with the Board of Health in addressing the current beaver problems and authorize the Chairman to inform the local legislative delegation that New Hanover County is interested in participating in the N. C. Beaver Management Assistance pilot Program. PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1993 Mr. Jim Hobbs, President of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, expressed appreciation for being allowed to appear and report on the financial condition of the hospital and the future of medical care. Ms. Susan Devore, CPA, and a partner of Ernst & Young, presented charts on the financial condition of New Hanover Regional Medical Center as of September 30, 1993, and discussed the future trends of medical care. The following key issues were discussed: Reformed Health Care System Proposed by President Clinton: This system will allow the federal government to assume more power in terms of policy making for health care and ultimately move toward price controls for health care. Monies will be filtered through state governments with state governments having control over the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 908 distribution of those monies. The consumers will be able to group together to form some purchasing power and negotiating strength. The plan will allow for regional health alliances and corporate health alliances to serve large corporate employers. These alliances will contract through health plans. Health plans will move toward managed care, health management organizations, and preferred provider arrangements, where it will cost the consumer more to go to a provider that is not included in the health plan. Heal th care providers will join together in providing a more expansive network of services, which will create a fewer number of purchasers, buyers, sellers, and middle man insurance companies. These combined companies will have more power and control of the market place. Options for New Hanover Reqional Medical Center (NHRMC) (1) Participate in the development of an integrated health network system; (2) contract with other providers if NHRMC does not develop its own integrated health network system; or (3) prepare to become an acquisition target by other health care providers. Academic medical centers and public hospitals are the institutions most at risk under the new health care system. Public hospitals are at risk because they have a limited ability to network and deal with "for" profit providers. New Hanover Regional Medical Center should have no problem with developing its on integrated health network if preparation is made in advance to meet these changes. The hospital can join with the physicians and form an organization to work through the health care reform together, which will greatly benefit both physicians and the hospital. Financial figures were presented on the operating margin and balance sheet with the following strategic initiatives presented: (1) accumulate cash; (2) reduce costs; (3) management utilization; (4) invest in information; (5) collaborate with physicians and other care facilities; (6) share and assume risks; (7) create balance sheet strengths; (8) consider the access to capital with tax exempt financing; (9) expand areas of excellence in order to compete; and (10) network for full continuation of a high quality of care to patients in the community. The hospital is undercapitalized and has not invested enough money in property, the plant, and equipment over the past 20 years. The hospital should use its debt capacity to update the plant and equipment, and at the same time accumulate cash. In summary, the hospital lS ln a good, sound financial condition and should be able to adjust to the changes that will come with health care reform. Commissioner Caster, the County Commissioner appointed to serve on the Hospital Board of Trustees, reported the Trustees and staff are working hard to position themselves for the future. This is a very complex issue and will require the full cooperation of the entire health care community. Commissioner Sisson reported the Board of County Commissioners should encourage efficient cooperation between the provider institutions with non-duplication of central services. Also, the Commissioners will play a key role in coordinating efforts between the local hospitals and other health care providers who receive public monies. The one event that should not occur is for the hospitals to expand services completely removing themselves from other income producing health care agencies. If this source of revenue is removed from these agencies, they in turn will request funding from the local government. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation for the informative report and complimented the Hospital Board of Trustees and Administrative Staff for the excellent financial management and operation of New Hanover Regional Medical Center. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 909 BREAK Chairman Greer called a break from 10:30 A.M. until 10:40 A.M. APPEAL OF FINDINGS ON AUDIT PERFORMED BY TAX MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES FOR R. W. MOORE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. Tax Administrator, Roland Register, reported R. W. Moore Equipment Company, Inc. would like an opportunity to take exception to the discovery and be heard by the Board of County Commissioners. This is identical to the Wake County case being heard by the Court of Appeals; therefore, he would recommend upholding the discovery and penalty. If the Court of Appeals agrees with R. W Moore Company Equipment Company, Inc., then the Property Tax Commission will direct the Tax Department to settle the matter. Mr. John P. Meacham, Vice-President and Controller of R. W. Moore Equipment Company, Inc., commented on similar situations ln Wake and Cumberland Counties and reported the company is an industrial equipment company in the business of selling large industrial equipment, such as road scrappers and backhoes. As an ancillary service, the company provides equipment on a monthly rental basis. Prior to 1987 when the tax law changed regarding inventory, the company classified the equipment rented as inventory. Since this time, the same equipment has been classified as inventory and is not a taxable asset. R. W. Moore Equipment Company, Inc. has appeared before the Property Tax Commission and will enter into an appeal with Wake County through the N. C. Court of Appeals. Very simply, the company wanted to appeal the discovery before the Board of County Commissioners and will abide by the decision of the County Commissioners until the case is resolved by the N. C. Court of Appeals. Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to uphold the discovery and await the decision of the N. C. Court of Appeals on this issue. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ACCEPTANCE OF CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AWARDED TO COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 94-0107 Director of the Cooperative Extension Services, Phil Ricks, reported the Cooperative Extension has been awarded a Child Care and Development Block grant in the amount of $31,550 from the N. C. Department of Human Resources. The grant will provide funds for the expansion of School Age Child Care (SACC) in New Hanover County through the employment of a systems manager and the establishment of one SACC Center in a high need area in the City of Wilmington. The time period of the grant is January 1, 1994, through January 1, 1995. There is no required match and no funds will be requested; however, in-kind services will be used. Director Ricks introduced Ms. Jackie 0' Grady, the person responsible for the grant, and requested her to comment on the program. Ms. Jackie O'Grady, Principal of the Dorothy Johnson Elementary School, reported 94% of the children attending this school are from single parent homes who cannot afford after school care. Many problems arise from children being left alone after school, and this program will offer quality care to these children with an enriched curriculum. Also, there is a possibility that transportation will be provided to carry these children home in cases where the parents have a difficult time picking up their children due to work schedules. The Commissioners were requested to accept the grant. Ms. Pam Palanza reported on the number of calls received from parents who have a problem with affording child care. Out of the 88 day care homes registered in New Hanover, only one is in the Johnson Elementary School district, which is located in NorthChase. The acceptance of this grant will offer another facility much closer to the neighborhood, which will benefit both the children and parents. The Commissioners were urged to accept the grant as proposed. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 910 Commissioner Barone commented on the possibility of providing transportation for these children to their homes and inquired as to how this service will be funded? Ms. O'Grady reported summer school funds will be used for this serVlce. Commissioner Barone requested an explanation as to how the fees will support the program for the second year. Director Ricks reported the Department of Social Services (DSS) is the agency that establishes fees for the eligibility clients. Many students in the after school program will be from the DSS roster eligible clients with fees paid. The non-eligible clients will pay the same fee. The pilot program will be reviewed and evaluated by the State at the end of the year to see if it should be continued. Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether DSS will be requesting additional funds from the County for reimbursement of these fees? Director Ricks reported DSS will not request additional funds from the County for these fees. Commissioner Caster inquired as to whether the Board of Education is aware of the program, and why representatives from Cape Industries and the Chamber of Commerce are being appointed to serve on the Advisory Board? Director Ricks reported the School Board is aware of the program and that several opportunities are available from the private sector to continue this program because they have employees with children in need of after school care. It is anticipated that the private sector will eventually pay for the cost of the program in future years; therefore, industry should be represented. Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to accept the Child Care and Development Block Grant in the amount of $31,550 for implementation of the program. The floor was opened for discussion. Chairman Greer recommended approving the associated Budget Amendment and the condition that if the program funding is stopped by the State, the County will not allocate funds to continue the operation. Amended Motion: Commissioner Sisson amended his MOTION, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to approve the following Budget Amendment and the condition that if the program funding should cease, the County will not allocate funds for the operation of the program. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 94-0107 - Cooperative Extension Debit Credit Cooperative Extension Child Care Block Grant $31,550 Cooperative Extension Salaries FICA Retirement Insurance Telephone printing Supplies Travel and Training $25,000 1,925 1,245 580 200 200 1,000 1,400 Purpose: To establish budget for Child Care and Development Block Grant awarded to Cooperative Extension. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 911 MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to convene from Regular Session to hold a Regular Meeting of the New Hanover County Water & Sewer District. Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 11:00 A.M. Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 11:15 A.M. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT #94-0204 TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE REVIEW Director of Emergency Management, Dan Summers, reported after reviewing seven consultants, the 421 North Industry Committee recommends hiring Mr. David Palmer, Principle Planner & President of Emergency Response Planning & Management, Inc. for the 421 North Fire Service Review. A draft of the study is to be completed by March 31, 1994. Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to award the contract to Emergency Response Planning & Management, Inc. in the amount of $10,000 from the Fire Service Budget for the 421 North Fire Service Review. The County Manager was authorized to execute the contract documents. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Sisson, the County Commissioner appointed to serve on the Board of Fire Commissioners, reported this consultant will perform an overview of the County fire services as well as the 421 North Fire Service Review. Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether the review will include the beach communities? Commissioner Sisson reported the beach communities will be included. A copy of the contract is on file ln the Legal Department. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Recognition of Newly Elected Officials from Carolina Beach Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, recognized and welcomed newly elected council members to the Carolina Beach Town Council, Rick Burroughs and Kim Roberts, and the Carolina Beach Town Manager, Laurence F. Lindsey. Chairman Greer also recognized Kure Beach Council Members, Glen Ivey and Jan Lichtner. Approval of Funding for Beach Renourishment Projects for the Town of Carolina Beach and Town of Wrightsville Beach Town Manager, Laurence F. Lindsey, reported a beach renourishment project has been proposed by the Corps of Engineers in the amount of $4,491,000 with the following break down of funding: Federal Government Participation State Government Participation Local Governments Participation $2,985,000 $1,205,000 $ 401,000 The Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission has approved the renourishment project and release of funds from the Room Occupancy Tax fund in the amount of $369,000 with the Town of Carolina Beach paying $32,000 (8%) of the local share. The Commissioners were requested to release $369,000 from the Room Occupancy Tax fund. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 912 Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to allocate $369,000 from the Room Occupancy Tax fund to the Town of Carolina Beach for the renourishment project. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Town Manager, Tony Caudle, reported time is imperative for the Wrightsville Beach renourishment proj ect since bids have been opened by the Corps of Engineers with the project to begin in the Spring of 1994. The Port, Waterway & Beach Commission has approved the proj ect and the Town of Wrightsville Beach is willing to contribute 8% of the local share. The Commissioners were requested to allocate $100,924 from the Room Occupancy Tax fund with the Town of Wrightsville Beach funding $8,776. Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to allocate $100,924 from the Room Occupancy Tax fund to the Town of Wrightsville Beach for the beach renourishment project. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Adoption of Resolutions Confirming the Maturities and Rates of Interest on Public Improvement Refunding Bonds Series 1994 and Solid Waste Disposal Refunding Bonds Series 1994 Motion: Chairman Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to dispense reading of the resolution and request the Clerk to the Board to incorporate the resolution into the record by reference. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to adopt the resolution pertaining to the $13,270,000 Public Improvement Refunding Bonds Series 1994; to confirm the maturities and rates of interest to be borne by the bonds; approve the official statement and final official statement; approve the current form of the Escrow Deposit Agreement; and approve all documents and actions relating to the bond issue. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXII, Page 1. Motion: Commissioner Barone MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Mathews to adopt the resolution pertaining to the $25,345,000 Solid Waste Disposal Refunding Bonds Series 1994; to confirm the maturities and rates of interest to be borne by the bonds; approve the official statement and final official statement; approve the current form of the Escrow Deposit Agreement; and approve all documents and actions relating to the bond issue. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXII, Page 1. Discussion of Airport Burn pit Superfund Site County Attorney Copley reported the County received notification Friday that EPA has sent the Consent Decree for the Airport Burn pit. Copies of the Consent Decree, Statement of Work, and letter from City Attorney Pollard to the Corps of Engineers regarding their participation were given to each County Commissioner for review. Since the Board has a scheduled Work Session on January 20, 1994, relative to trash collections, the Board is requested to continue this meeting until 8:45 A.M. on January 20, 1994, for discussion of the Burn pit clean-up before the Work Session. Discussion was held on the unfairness and lack of logic in the method of clean-up proposed by EPA. Chairman Greer requested the Legal Department to see if any course of action can be taken to avoid this costly method of clean-up. County Attorney Copley reported the Legal Department will NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 18, 1994 BOOK 23 PAGE 913 thoroughly review and study any action that can be taken other than what is proposed by EPA before the meeting to be held on January 20, 1994. Discussion of Inviting the Elected Officials of the Beach Communities to Become Involved with Activities of the Groundwater Task Force Commissioner Barone reported Commissioner Sisson and she serve on the Groundwater Task Force appointed to study the long-term use of groundwater for developing a county-wide water system. Many times, the County fails to invite the elected officials of the beach communities to serve or become involved on committees of this type. She recommended extending an invitation for them to attend the Groundwater Task Force meetings and participate if they so desire. After discussion, the Assistant County Manager was requested to write letters to the beach communities informing the Town Councils of the meeting dates and inviting the elected officials to attend and become involved in the activities of the Groundwater Task Force. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairman Greer called for an Executive Session to discuss two property matters. Motion: Vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to convene from Regular Session to Executive Session to discuss two property matters. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer convened from Regular Session at 11:46 A.M. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone to reconvene to Regular Session. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Greer reconvened to Regular Session at 12:10 P.M. MEETING CONVENED FROM REGULAR SESSION TO BE CONTINUED ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1994 Chairman Greer continued the meeting until Thursday, January 20, 1994, at 8:45 A.M. in Room 501 of the County Administration Building for discussion of the New Hanover County Airport Burn pit Superfund Site. The meeting was convened from Regular Session at 12:12 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board