2012-02-20 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 32
REGULAR MEETING,FEBRUARY 20,2012 PAGE 334
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 20,
2012, at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington,NC.
Members present: Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Jason R. Thompson; and
Commissioner Richard G. Catlin.
Chairman Ted Davis, Jr. was absent. Commissioner Brian M. Berger arrived at 9:02 a.m.
Staff present: County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schuh and County
Manager Bruce T. Shell.
NON-SECTARIAN INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice-Chairman Barfield provided the invocation and Commissioner Thompson led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Vice-Chairman Barfield asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the
Consent Agenda.
Hearing no comments, Vice-Chairman Barfield called for a motion to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda.
Motion: Commissioner Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Catlin, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. Upon vote,the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes—Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes from the following meetings as presented by the Clerk to the
Board:
Closed Session meeting held on January 23,2012
Agenda Review Meeting held on February 2,2012
Closed Session meeting held on February 2, 2012
Regular Meeting held on February 6, 2012
Approval of Eight Items for Accession into Cape Fear Museum's Permanent Collection—Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners approved eight donations for accession into the Cape Fear Museum's Permanent
Collection.
A complete copy of the Cape Fear Museum Permanent Collection February 2012 list is available for review
at the Cape Fear Museum.
Approval of Order to Advertise Unpaid Real Property Tax Liens—Tax Department
The Commissioners approved the Order to advertise unpaid real property tax liens for New Hanover
County, City of Wilmington, Town of Kure Beach, Town of Wrightsville Beach, Town of Carolina Beach, and the
New Hanover County Fire District.
A copy of the order is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXV,
Page 3.1.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments—Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2012:
12-143 - Sheriff's Office
12-157- Sheriff's Office
12-155 - Social Services
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XXXV,Page 3.2.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager Bruce Shell requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Patricia Robinson,Department of Social Services
Susan Vernon, Sheriff's Office
Ten Year: Kimberley Hansley,Health Department
Michael Pinson,Fire Services
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 32
REGULAR MEETING,FEBRUARY 20,2012 PAGE 335
Fifteen Year: Robert Billings,Planning&Inspections
Thomas Melton,Property Management
Twenty-Five Year: Anne Colvard,Department of Social Services
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield presented a service award to each employee, expressed
appreciation,and thanked them for their years of dedicated service.
RECOGNITION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Bruce Shell requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced:
Rebecca Brown,Health Department
Kelly Haviland,Health Department
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield welcomed the employees to County Government and
wished them success in their new positions.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADULT CARE HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL
UPDATE
New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Cameron M. Stone
provided the annual report for the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee highlighting the purpose of
the committee is to make unannounced visits to seventeen adult care homes and two family homes on a quarterly
basis to promote the well-being of residents and encourage community involvement. While conducting visits they
talk one-on-one with as many residents as possible and attempt to build a relationship with them. At the end of the
visit they meet with the administrator and address any concerns. A written report is submitted to the Ombudsman
for follow-up. The committee requests that additional members be appointed and that there be an increase in
education among young adults concerning volunteering opportunities.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield thanked Mr. Stone for the update and for their service to
the residents of the County.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY NURSING HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL
UPDATE
New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman John Coble provided the
annual report for the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee highlighting that the purpose of the
committee is to support and advocate for the rights of residents living in nursing homes on the local level; to
promote community involvement with nursing homes and their residents; and to promote community education and
awareness of the needs of residents in nursing homes. Currently there are eight nursing homes with 1,049 beds;two
of these facilities have Alzheimer's units. Unannounced visits are conducted in each facility at least once a quarter.
Currently there are nine volunteers and more are needed. The committee members are requesting mileage
reimbursement and would like to have a Commissioner join them at their quarterly meetings.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield thanked Mr. Coble for the update and for their service to
the residents of New Hanover County.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF ELECTRICIANS ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Examiners of Electricians Chairman James R. Shivar, Jr. presented the
annual update to the Board highlighting that the functions of the Board is to establish minimum Journeyman
experience requirements and standards;review exam applications;review examinations taken; and issue Certificates
of Competence to qualified Journeyman Electricians upon passing the required examination. From January 2011
through December 2011 a total of thirteen applicants took the examination; eight of these applicants were approved
by the Board and passed the examination with at least a minimum passing score of 76 or better with Certificates of
Competence issued.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield thanked Mr. Shivar for the update.
CAPE FEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY/WAVE TRANSIT UPDATE
Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority Executive Director Albert Eby provided a brief overview of the
history of the Authority and presented the update to the Board highlighting that they offer public fixed bus service,
human service transportation that includes elderly, disabled and senior transportation, the Seahawk Shuttle, a public
pick-up service on the grounds of UNC-W, and the downtown free trolley. Next month the WAVE van pool service
will begin.
Innovative financing methods include charging a fee for service; serving as the agent for Greyhound to use
Fordham Station as its southeastern hub with a projected revenue for next year in the amount of $30,000; and
selling advertising for revenue with a projected revenue for next year in the amount$30,000. These methods help
keep the fares affordable for low income citizens.
In 2011, the Making Waves Foundation, a private non-profit corporation was formed to provide
transportation fare subsidies to members of the community in need and individuals who otherwise would not have
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 32
REGULAR MEETING,FEBRUARY 20,2012 PAGE 336
access to transportation, and to aid in raising funds to promote and improve public transportation in Southeastern
North Carolina.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds have been received for the construction of a
Maintenance and Operations Facility in the amount of$6 million;this facility is currently in the design phase.
Current challenges that the Authority is facing include cash flow,the cost of fuel, changes in Legislation on
funding,and the lack of a dedicated funding source.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Eby reported that the estimated cost of the lift equipment on vans is in
the amount of$55,000 - $60,000; total passengers is approximately 1.65 million with 75,000 of that number to be
considered para-transit riders.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Eby reported that the cost of the sculpture at Fordham Station was in
the amount of$40,000 and was funded from the Federal program"Arts in Transit'';the local cost portion was in the
amount of$4,000. Fordham Station was built as a LEED Gold Facility and the Maintenance and Operations Facility
will be built to responsible green standards.
Don Betz, Chairman of the Authority, added closing comments thanking Mr. Eby and the Authority Board
members for their hard work in finding other revenue sources and thinking outside the box for additional revenue.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chairman Barfield thanked Mr.Eby for the update.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that a vacancy of an unexpired term exists on the Cape Fear Public Utility
Authority with eleven applications available for consideration and requested nominations from the Board.
Commissioner Thompson nominated Charles Lawrence Sneeden, Jr.for appointment. The nomination was
seconded by Commissioner Catlin.
Commissioner Berger nominated Michael Barnes for appointment. No second was received therefore the
motion failed.
Hearing no further nominations, Vice-Chairman Barfield closed the nominations and called for a vote on
the nominations.
Vote Results: The Board voted 3 TO 1 to appoint Charles Lawrence Sneeden, Jr. to serve an un-expired term on
the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority with the term to expire on June 30, 2014. Vice-Chairman Barfield and
Commissioners Thompson and Catlin voted in favor.
Appointments and Naming of Chairman to the 2012 Special Board of Equalization and Review
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that five vacancies of Regular Members and two vacancies of Alternate
Members need to be filled on the Special Board of Equalization and Review with six applicants eligible for
reappointment and two new applications having been received and requested direction from the Board. The Board
also is charged with appointing the Chairman.
Vice-Chairman Barfield nominated John R. Babb, Donald E. Harris, Joe Miller, William J. O'Shea, and
Linda M. Woods for reappointment to serve one-year terms on the Special Board of Equalization and Review in the
Regular Member category with the terms to expire at the conclusion of the 2012 tax appeals. The nominations were
seconded by Commissioner Thompson.
Vote: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint John R. Babb, Donald E. Harris, Joe Miller, William J. O'Shea, and
Linda M. Woods to serve one-year terms on the Special Board of Equalization and Review in the Regular Member
category with the terms to expire at the conclusion of the 2012 tax appeals.
Vice-Chairman Barfield nominated Bob Drach for reappointment and Ryan Rhodenhiser for appointment
to serve one-year terms on the Special Board of Equalization and Review in the Alternate Member category with the
terms to expire at the conclusion of the 2012 tax appeals. The nominations were seconded by Commissioner
Thompson.
Vote: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint Bob Drach and appoint Ryan Rhodenhiser to serve one-year terms on
the Special Board of Equalization and Review in the Alternate Member category with the terms to expire at the
conclusion of the 2012 tax appeals.
Vice-Chairman Barfield nominated Donald E. Harris to serve as Chairman of the Special Board of
Equalization and Review for 2012. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Catlin.
Vote: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Donald E. Harris to serve a one-year term as Chairman on the Special
Board of Equalization and Review with the term to expire at the conclusion of the 2012 tax appeals.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 32
REGULAR MEETING,FEBRUARY 20,2012 PAGE 337
Appointments to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that vacancies exist on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee with three applicants eligible for reappointment and requested nominations from the Board.
Vice-Chairman Barfield nominated Melissa A. Pollock, Cameron M. Stone and Glenda M. Tate for
reappointment. The nominations were seconded by Commissioner Thompson.
Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint Melissa A. Pollock, Cameron M. Stone and Glenda M. Tate to
three year terms on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the terms to expire on February 28,
2015.
Appointment to the Port,Waterway,and Beach Commission
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission
with one applicant eligible for reappointment and two applications available for consideration and requested
nominations from the Board.
Commissioner Catlin nominated Nicholas Henry Silivanch for reappointment. The nomination was
seconded by Vice-Chairman Barfield.
Vote: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint Nicholas Henry Silivanch to serve a three-year term on the Port,
Waterway, and Beach Commission with the term to expire on February 28,2015.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Vice-Chairman Barfield announced that time has been reserved to allow the public to present an item that
was not listed on the regular agenda. No items were presented.
BEACH NOURISHMENT FUNDING UPDATE
Commissioner Catlin provided an update on New Hanover County receiving almost$60 million in funding
from the Corp of Engineers for projects including Wilmington Harbor deepening and maintenance, Carolina Beach
renourishment cycle, Inlet maintenance, and Intracoastal Waterway maintenance. An amended budget request has
also been submitted for almost$2 million in funding for Kure Beach including a revision for Carolina Beach.
The Port, Waterway and Beach Commission will be bringing forward a proposal to the Board for a"sand
manager"position. The proposed position would oversee the anticipated funding need and identify funding sources
for waterway projects so that none are missed. Staff is reviewing to determine if Room Occupancy Tax funds can
be used to fund the fulltime position.
Commissioner Catlin is working with staff in drafting a letter to the State to request moving forward with
the Memorandum of Authority process for Carolina and Kure Beaches.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business,Vice-Chairman Barfield adjourned the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila L. Schult
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available for review and check-out at all New Hanover County Libraries and
on www.nhcgov.com/NHCLive or www.nhcgov.com/pgges.BOC/ashy