2012-06-08 Special Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 32
SPECIAL MEETING,JUNE 8,2012 PAGE 418
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met for a Special Meeting with the Wrightsville Beach
Board of Alderman on Fridav, June 8, 2012, at 8:50 a.m. at the Holidav Inn Resort, 1706 North Lumina Avenue,
Wrightsville Beach,North Carolina.
Members present were: Chairman Ted Davis, Jr.: Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr.: Commissioner
Jason R. Thompson:and Commissioner Richard G. Catlin. Commissioner Brian M.Berger was absent.
Staff members present were: County Attorney Wanda Copley: Deputy Clerk Teresa P. Elmore: and
County Manager Bruce T. Shell.
Wrightsville Beach members present were: Mayor David L. Cignotti: Mayor Pro Tem Susan Collins:
Alderman Elizabeth King:Alderman Danyl Mills:and Alderman William E. Sisson.
Wrightsville Beach staff members present were: Town Manager Robert F. Simpson and Town Clerk
SvI is J. Holleman.
Chairman Davis and Mayor Cignotti welcomed everyone present and armounced that the purpose of the
meeting was to hold a joint meeting with the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen.
DISCUSSION WITH WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BOARD OF ALDERMEN
Discussion was held with the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen concerning the following issues:
• Sales Tax Distribution Formula—Mayor Cignotti reported that the Town of Wrightsville Beach prefers no
change in the sales tax distribution formula. Discussion was held on Wilmington City Council's desire to
change the distribution formula to be based on a per capita distribution formula. The change would have a
negative impact on the County and Wrightsville Beach.
• Revenue Neutral Property Tax - Mayor Cignotti reported that the Town of Wrightsville Beach plans to
adopt a revenue neutral budget for next fiscal year. Discussion was held on the importance of keeping the
same tax rate until the economy improves.
• Prohibition on Plastic Bags — Conunissioner Thompson offered to work with the Board of Aldermen in
getting legislation to ban the use of plastic bags along the waterways in the County. Past discussion
included asking the legislators for the same statute as Dare County: however, the Senate is working on
making changes to that statute. In the meantime, NHCTV staff will work with Wrightsville Beach in
creating public sei ice armouncements about the negative impact of plastic bags on the environment.
• No Discharge Zone(NDZ)—Discussion was held on the need to educate the public and especially tourists
visiting the area and mooring boats or yachts in the County's waterways of the No Discharge Zone
Ordinance. Alderman Sisson reported on the continual problems of jet skis on the environment and safety
concerns. They have learned that plumes from the jet skis are damaging the area's bridges by causing more
corrosion. Discussion was held on updating the County's Watercraft Ordinance to address their concerns
as well as implementing additional No Wake Zones under the bridges.
• Beach Nourishment Contingency Plan and Interlocal Agreement — Discussion was held on the County's
commitment to Wrightsville Beach and the other beach towns in securing fimding from the State and
Federal governments for beach nourislunent projects. The County plans to hire an engineer to oversee
beach renourislunent efforts that will be fimded by the Room Occupancy Tax.
• Recycling and Solid Waste Processing—Assistant County Manager Chris Coudriet reported on the County
pursuing a contract with Covanta for the operation of the Sustainable Energy Facility and hiring a new
Environmental Management Director Joe Suleyman. Discussion followed on recycling efforts.
• Impact of Private Wells on Water Quality — Wrightsville Beach Public Works Director Mike Vukelich
spoke on concerns with the influx of private wells for irrigation systems due to increase water rates from
Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority. The private wells are drawing water from the Pee Dee Aquifer,which
will eventually cause salt-water intrusion into the town's drinking water supply. It was suggested that
firrther discussion with CFPUA may provide other means of protecting the water source.
• Future Wrightsville Beach Emergency Operation Center Location—Mayor Cignotti reported that the town
continues to want space at the County's EOC when space comes available. County Manager Shell replied
that staff continues to look for space that will meet the compliance standards for emergency management
operations. In considering the County's Executive Development Center, they found modifying the building
would be too costly to consider.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cignotti expressed appreciation to the Commissioners and staff for meeting with the Wrightsville
Beach officials. There being no firrther discussion, Chairman Davis and Mayor Cignotti adjourned the Special
Meeting at 10:15 a.m.
Respectfirlly submitted,
Teresa P.Elmore
Deputy Clerk to the Board