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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-18 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 310 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 18, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Vice-Chairman William A. Caster; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner William A. Kopp, Jr.; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult; and County Manager Bruce T. Shell. Chairman Robert G. Greer was absent. Vice-Chairman Caster called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Reverend Bill Braswell with Pine Valley United Methodist Church gave the invocation. Commissioner Kopp led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Vice-Chairman Caster asked if any member of the Board would like to remove an item from the Consent Agenda. Hearing no comments, Vice-Chairman Caster called for a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Motion : Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes The Commissioners approved the minutes of the following meetings as presented by the Clerk to the Board: Board of Equalization and Review meeting held on January 30, 2008 Agenda Review meeting held on January 31, 2008 Regular Session meeting held on February 4, 2008 Closed Session meeting held on February 4, 2008 Adoption of Resolution Declaring Equipment Surplus and Approving Purchases with Trade-In Allowances ? Airlie Gardens The Commissioners adopted the resolution declaring the following equipment surplus and approving purchases with the trade-in allowance: ? A 1999 John Deere tractor with a trade-in value of $14,500 towards the purchase of a new 2008 New Holland tractor. If the trade-in value is accepted, the net cost of the New Holland tractor will be $13,331. ? A Bobcat utility vehicle with a trade-in value of $6,100 towards the purchase of a new 2008 Bobcat utility vehicle. If the trade-in value is accepted, the net cost of the Bobcat utility vehicle will be $500. Sufficient funds are available in the Airlie Gardens departmental budget. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.1. Ratification of the Grant Application to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance - Animal Control Services The Commissioners ratified the submission of the grant application to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance in the amount of $25,000. If awarded, the funds will be used to established a voucher system to allow citizens to secure low cost pet spay/neutering at local veterinary hospitals. Financial need will be used as the criteria for choosing the candidates for the vouchers. Project partners include the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, the New Hanover Humane Society, and Adopt-An-Angel. If the grant is awarded, a budget ordinance amendment will be submitted to the County Commissioners for adoption. The required match in the amount of $2,500 will be provided through Animal Control Services Trust Fund account which is supported via donations and community fundraising activities. The grant application is available for review in the County Manager's Office. Authorization to Submit an EZ Basic Equipment Grant Application to the State Library of North Carolina, Library Services and Technology Act - Library The Commissioners authorized the Library to submit an EZ Basic Equipment Grant application to the State Library of North Carolina, Library Services and Technology Act in the amount of $25,000. If awarded, the funds NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 311 will be used to replace thirty-two public access computers at various branches that are over four years old. The required match of $4,600, or 15%, has been allocated in the Library budget. The grant application is available for review in the County Manager's Office. Authorization to Submit a Technology Grant Application to the State Library of North Carolina, Library Services and Technology Act - Library The Commissioners authorized the Library to submit a Technology Grant application to the State Library of North Carolina, Library Services and Technology Act in the amount of $100,000. If awarded, the funds will be used to replace its current Integrated Library System with one that is easier for library customers to use, provide better work flow for library staff, and integrate better with various software applications such as self-service and online payments. The total estimated cost of the replacement is $242,965 with outstanding amount of $142,965 being requested in the FY 08-09 Budget. The grant application is available for review in the County Manager's Office. Approval of Release of Tax Values ? Tax Department The Commissioners granted the following taxpayers the Senior Citizen/Disability Exclusion: Britt, Louise D. Life Estate $ 359,429 Canady, Madeline A Etal. 100,994 Cavanaugh, Helen H. 61,960 Dillon, Mary F. 92,895 Greene, Emily Etal 66,249 Herring, Doris Fowler 95,658 Jackson, Walter L. Life Estate 63,072 James, Rose Marie 91,431 Marshall, Pamela F. Etal. 38,255 Russell, Rosa Lee 48,339 Tyler, David C. Life Estate 86,453 Williams, Dorris J. Willetts 51,583 Wood, Marilyn I 92,036 Approval of Advertisement of Tax Liens on Real Property ? Tax Department The Commissioners approved the advertisement of Tax Liens of Real Property to be published in the Wilmington Star-News on April 2, 2008 for all delinquent 2007 real estate accounts not paid by 5:00 p.m. on March 25, 2008. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments ? Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following budget ordinance amendments: 08-146 - Health 08-155 - Department of Social Services 2008-87 - Finance Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.2. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS RECOGNITION OF WILMINGTON ADDED TO THE LIST OF AMERICA?S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS Commissioner Pritchett announced that the City of Wilmington has been added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation?s list of America?s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private nonprofit organization that promotes heritage tourism. Commissioner Pritchett presented the plaque to the audience. Commissioner Pritchett recognized President of the Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau Kim Hufham and Chairman of the Tourism Development Authority Scott Cromartie and thanked them for their work on this achievement. PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY RETIREMENT PLAQUES County Manager Shell requested the following retired employees to step forward to receive their retirement plaque: Diane Taylor - Information Technology 12 Years of Service Norma Troutman - Budget Department 14 Years of Service On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Caster expressed appreciation and thanked them for their dedicated years of service. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 312 PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS County Manager Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Michael King - Sheriff's Office George Stringfellow - Sheriff's Office Daryl Taaffe - Sheriff's Office Ten Year: Charles Gore - Sheriff's Office Stephanie Robinson - Sheriff's Office Fifteen Year: Regina Randall - Health Department Sarah (Adelaide) Brooks - Social Services Harriet Page - Social Services Twenty Year: Jane McDevitt - Inspections Department On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Caster presented a service award to each employee, expressed appreciation and thanked them for their dedicated years of service. RECOGNITION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Shell requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced: Tom Clabby ? Airlie Gardens Michael Bloom - Airlie Gardens Greg Kincaid - Fire Services Kevin Madsen - Health Department Rachel Garnett - Health Department Karol Carswell - Public Safety Lee Reynolds - Public Safety Alice Tyler - Social Services Linda Suttles - Social Services Jennifer Swinson - Social Services On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Caster welcomed the new employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CENTENNIAL Vice-Chairman Caster reported that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is encouraging county boards across the state to adopt a resolution in recognition of the centennial. This is part of a series of initiatives occurring in 2008 to recognize the centennial. One of the highlights will be the 2008 Annual Conference in Craven County, August 21? 24, 2008 and will include several events to celebrate one hundred years of county unity. Craven County is the home county of Claudius E. Foy, the driving force behind the formation of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Commissioner Kopp read the resolution into the record and moved for adoption. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to adopt the resolution recognizing the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners centennial. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.3. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SENATE BILL 599 TO PROTECT THE SHORELINES OF NORTH CAROLINA Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver reported that New Hanover County has been asked to join with other coastal counties and consider a resolution supporting responsible and environmentally sound shoreline management for the beaches of our State. Beach erosion is one of the most serious challenges facing coastal counties. Beach erosion affects millions of dollars of public and private infrastructure, thousands of homes, and threatens a vital part of the State's coastal economy. A terminal groin is a low-lying shoreline protection structure to protect the beach from erosion. Senate Bill 599 will allow for consideration of terminal groins as an inlet management tool while ensuring proper consideration for environmental issues. Vice-Chairman Caster read the resolution into the record and moved for adoption. Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to adopt the resolution supporting the passage of Senate Bill 599 to protect the shorelines of North Carolina and encouraging every member of the House of Representatives to vote in favor of this bill to protect the coast of North Carolina. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 313 A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.4. APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY KURE BEACH TO WAVE TIPPING FEES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEMOLITION OF THE ROLLING SURF MOTEL Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver reported that on behalf of the Town of Kure Beach, Mayor Mac Montgomery has requested the Board consider waiving the tip fees in association with the disposal of materials associated with the demolition of the Rolling Surf Motel. The tipping fees are estimated to be in the amount of $17,000. In December 2007, the Board approved contributing $500,000 for the development of the Kure Beach Park from Parks Bond Referendum funds. Town of Kure Beach Mayor Montgomery and Town Commissioner Dean Lambeth presented the request for waiving the tipping fee. Environmental Management Director John Hubbard reported that the estimated impact of demolition materials to the Landfill is approximately $7,300. Any demolition material with asbestos will be housed in a separate area. The County charges $69 a ton for the disposal of materials with asbestos. Commissioner Pritchett stated that although she supports the park project she is concerned that approving the request will set a precedent. Commissioner Davis stated that he supports the request because it is a project that will benefit the residents and is a joint venture between the County and Town of Kure Beach. Vice-Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED to approve waiving the tipping fees in association with the disposal of materials associated with the demolition of the Rolling Surf Motel in the amount up to $10,000. NO SECOND WAS RECEIVED. Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, to approve waiving the tipping fees in association with the disposal of materials associated with the demolition of the Rolling Surf Motel in an amount up to $17,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 1. Commissioner Pritchett voted in opposition. COASTAL HORIZONS ADULT SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PRESENTATION Dr. Art Costantini, Director of Southeastern Mental Health Center reported that Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. is one of four agencies Statewide that has received a grant award to provide residential treatment capacity for adults with substance abuse. Coastal Horizons Center will coordinate with partner organizations that currently provide housing for homeless substance abusers to develop a local model. Margaret Weller Stargell, Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. President and CEO introducedKenny House, Vice-President of Clinical Services for Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. and requested he make the presentation. Mr. House presented the following information: ? The Horizons Adult Regional Residential Treatment Services (HARRTS) program will address the problems of homelessness, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental illness in an integrated way. ? HARRTS will build a residential partner network made up of local organizations and entities that provide housing for homeless substance abusers, and contract with them for beds/slots. ? The housing will be provided by the network partners along a concurrent track of evidence-based treatment models and levels of care continuum provided by Coastal Horizons Center. ? The program design will involved a treatment continuum that will last from six to fifteen months based upon the needs of individual consumers. ? HARRTS will receive referrals from anywhere in the state, although first priority will be given to area residents, and second priority will be given to regional referrals. ? HARRTS will provide or make available ongoing training for staff of those partners. Partners will agree to have the consumer filling the contracted beds/slots participate in a full outpatient continuum of care that HARRTS will provide at the Coastal Horizons Facility. Thus, both with funding and with training, HARRTS will be contributing to the community capacity of the partner network. ? HARRTS will host periodic network partner meetings as needed. ? The New Hanover County Substance Abuse Task Force will serve as the HARRTS Advisory Board. ? Start up funds in the amount of $700,000 with recurring funds in the amount of $700,000. Dr. Costantini reported on a second grant that was received by the State to develop an adolescent program with start up funds in the amount of $450,000 with recurring funds in the amount of $450,000. The program will emulate a successful program in Pitt County called Providing Opportunities for Recovering Teens (PORT). The group home will house twelve adolescents, ages 13 to 17, for the six month program. After a brief question and answer period, Vice-Chairman Caster thanked Mr. House for the presentation. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 314 UPDATE ON NACO PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARD PROGRAM Public Information Officer Mark Boyer reported that New Hanover County began its participation in the National Association of Counties Prescription Drug Discount Card Program in November, 2007. The program is available to anyone in the county. Since November 2007, nearly 200 citizens have used their cards to save an average of 22% on prescription medications resulting in savings in the amount of $12,485.86. In response to Board questions, Mr. Boyer reported that the drug discount card program covers Medicaid Part B gap recipients and pet prescriptions that are filled at the pharmacy. On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Caster thanked Mr. Boyer for the update. APPROVAL OF SECOND READING AMENDING COUNTY ORDINANCE CHAPTER 26 FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION ARTICLE I, SECTION 26-2 Vice-Chairman Caster reported that at the Board?s January 22, 2008 meeting the Board voted 4 to 1 to approve the First Reading amending Chapter 26-2, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article 1, Section 26-2 Open Burning for Fire Training of the County Ordinance. Staff is requesting the Board approve the second reading of the ordinance amending County Ordinance Chapter 26, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article 1, Section 26-2. Vice-Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adopt the ordinance amending County Ordinance Chapter 26, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article 1, Section 26-2. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. A copy of the ordinance amending Chapter 26, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article 1, Section 26-2 of the New Hanover County Code of Ordinances is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.5. BREAK Vice-Chairman Caster called for a break from 10:17 a.m. until 10:34 a.m. APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR POSITION FUNDED BY LOCAL BIOTERRORISM CONTRACT FUNDS Health Director David Rice reported that the regional Local Bioterrorism program has received additional funds via a contract with Brunswick, Duplin and Pender Counties to provide funding for our Local Bioterrorism planning effort. The funds generated for the remainder of the FY 07-08 will be in the amount of $29,680 with funds for FY 08-09 projected to total $60,000. Staff is requesting approval to use these funds to hire an administrative support technician and to contribute to the cost of a vehicle for the department. No matching local funds are required. These are new revenues for the department. The position will be sustained only as long as it is supported by revenues. If approved, a budget ordinance amendment will be submitted to the County Commissioners for adoption. Vice-Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to approve the request to use Local Bioterrorism Contract funds for an administrative support technician position and to contribute to the cost of a vehicle for the department. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION Finance Director Avril Pinder reported that North Carolina General Statute 159-148(a) requires the local government to file an application with the Local Government Commission prior to entering into an installment financing contract. The proposed installment financing agreement with SunTrust Leasing Corporation is for a term of eighteen years at a rate of 4.06% and will finance the cost of: ? Jail property in the amount of $5,388,100 - purchase price and related costs ? Cape Fear Community College Public Safety Training Center in the amount of $3,500,000 - debt service to be split between the General Fund/Fire District Fund ? Airport Customs Building in the amount of $3,500,000 - debt service to be reimbursed by the Airport Authority ? Murrayville Fire Station in the amount of $4,100,000 - debt service to be reimbursed by the Fire District Fund The required public hearing on the financing contract will be held at the Board?s meeting on March 10, 2008. Staff is requesting the Board adopt the resolution directing the filing of an application with the Local Government Commission pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160A-20 in an amount not to exceed $16.5 million. Vice-Chairman Caster referenced the resolution and requested direction from the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 315 Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to adopt the resolution directing the filing of an application with the Local Government Commission pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160A-20 in an amount not to exceed $16.5 million and certain related matters and making related findings. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 5.6. AUTHORIZATION TO DISSOLVE THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD Planning Director Chris O?Keefe presented the history of the Watershed Management Advisory Board reporting that the Board was initially assembled to help decide how to spend a large grant allocation from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund that was received in 1999. The grant allocation has been spent and it has been determined that there is not a need for this Board to continue to meet. Staff is requesting the Board authorize the dissolution of the Watershed Management Advisory Board. Since this is a City-County appointed board, the City Council will review an identical request to dissolve the Watershed Management Advisory Board at their February 19, 2008 Council meeting. Senior Environmental Planner Shawn Ralston reported that the following initiatives are in place and will continue: ? Water quality monitoring to sample seven creeks on a monthly basis in the unincorporated areas ? Coordinated with the City of Wilmington to assure all creeks are sampled ? Twenty-two sampling stations monitoring twelve different parameters at each station ? Working with Environmental Health to track water quality at Riverside Park in Castle Hayne ? Formation of the Water Quality Task Force that meets quarterly to act as clearinghouse for information ? Smith Creek Watershed Planning Initiative ? Low Impact Development manual for use in New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington ? EPA Grant ? recently closed out $150,000 grant to construct wetland and bio-retention areas at Laney High School and Trask Middle School ? Staff continues to work with North Carolina Coastal Federation and the City of Wilmington to hold watershed meetings in Futch, Pages and Howe Creek areas ? Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development award program ? Other grant opportunities: 5-Star Restoration Grant, EPA 319 Grant, NACo Community Based Restoration Program Vice-Chairman Caster requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to authorize the dissolution of the Watershed Management Advisory Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the Commission for Women Vice-Chairman Caster reported that a vacancy needs to be filled on the Commission for Women with one application having been received and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to appoint Amy L. Feath to serve a three-year term on the Commission for Women with the term to expire on May 31, 2011. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Appointments to the Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board Vice-Chairman Caster reported that vacancies need to be filled on the Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board with four applications having been received and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to appoint Samuel J. Randall IV, to fill an unexpired term in the Criminal Defense Attorney category on the Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board with the term to expire September 30, 2009. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Motion: Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to appoint Donald Vaughn Micklos, to fill a three-year term in the at-large category on the Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board with the term to expire September 30, 2011. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Appointments to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Vice-Chairman Caster reported that vacancies need to be filled on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and three applications have been received and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to appoint Kristi Dews Dale to serve a one-year term on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the term to expire February 28, 2009. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Caster, to appoint Susan Moriarty to serve a one-year term on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the term to expire February 28, 2009. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 316 Appointments to the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission Vice-Chairman Caster reported that vacancies need to be filled on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission and three applicants are eligible for reappointment and six applications have been received and requested nominations from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kopp MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to reappoint Richard G. Catlin, Donald E. Harris and Geoffrey A. Losee to serve three-year terms on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission with the terms to expire February 28, 2011. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. MEETING RECESSED TO HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT Vice-Chairman Caster convened from Regular Session at 11:00 a.m. to hold a meeting of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District. Vice-Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 11:17 a.m. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice-Chairman Caster announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item that was not listed on the regular agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes. No items were presented. ADDITIONAL ITEMS PREVIEW OF VIDEO A DAY IN THE LIFE OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT County Manager Bruce Shell presented the video ?A Day in the Life of County Government.? The video presents the services that New Hanover County Government provides to its citizens. STAFF UPDATE ON WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN RIVERSIDE PARK IN CASTLE HAYNE Health Director David Rice and Environmental Health Services Manager Dianne Harvell presented an overview on the water quality monitoring efforts and findings of Riverside Park in Castle Hayne. The results have not been conclusive and monitoring efforts will be increased as the weather becomes warmer and recreational use increases. County staff takes the samples and the State conducts the testing and provides the results. Senior Environmental Planner Shawn Ralston reported that the new monitoring program is working well. Data is being received on a weekly basis with the results being published on a monthly basis. Monitoring will increase as the weather warms. UPDATE ON TAX ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH County Manager Shell reported that the search for a Tax Administrator is on-going. Telephone interviews will take place within a week. Face to face interviews will then be conducted with a recommendation brought before the Board in mid-April. Eighteen applications have been received representing a good cross section of in- state and out-of-state candidates. CLOSED SESSION Vice-Chairman Caster announced a Closed Session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider a personnel matter. Motion: Commissioner Davis MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to enter into a Closed Session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider a personnel matter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 1. Vice-Chairman Caster voted in opposition. Vice-Chairman Caster called for a lunch break from 11:41 a.m. until 12:23 p.m. Vice-Chairman Caster convened to Closed Session at 12:23 p.m. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Vice-Chairman Caster reconvened to Regular Session at 1:09 p.m. He reported that the Board considered a confidential personnel matter pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A-98 with no action being taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Vice-Chairman Caster requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Pritchett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kopp, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 18, 2008 PAGE 317 Vice-Chairman Caster adjourned the meeting at 1:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila L. Schult Clerk to the Board