Loading...
1971-03-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE MEETING - MARCH l. 1971 -(CONTINUED) - NEW HANOVER COUNTY DOG WARDEN F.EQUEST - Mr. Box=den discussed request of the New Hanover County Dog Warden. Since the City passed the dog control law his activities has been tremendously stimulated and he finds it necessary to hire an additional person which will cost approximately $2,000 of which the County, by contract with the City, pays one-half. His food bill has increased also. Mr. Johnson will operate for the remainder of the year at a deficit of ~2,365 because of dog control law passed by the City. Mr. Fox offered sug~estion of increasing cost to owners for picking up dogs which have been picked up Yor dog control violation, this charge not to apply to adoption of dogs. Mr. Bowden advised the Board it will cost the County $2,000 to $3,000 in~the course of a year to enforce the City's dog control law. By common consent it was agreed to return matter to the County Administrator for further study and more detailed recommendations. NATIONAL RIVERS & HARBORS CONGRESS - 58TH ANNUAL CONVENTION - Mr. Bowden reminded the Board of the 58th Annual Convention of the National Rivers & Harbors Congress to be held i~n Washington March 16-19, 19'71. Mr. Oxenfeld will try to attend. TOOLS AND SUPPI,IES FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY GARAGE - Mr. Bowden requested $z,000 from the General Contingency Fund for tools and supplies at the New Hanover County garage. He advised a mechanic had been hired through the Civil Ser- vice Board. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, the request be approved, funds coming £rom the General Contingency Fund, and that an inventory be kept on the supplies. Motion carried unanimously. 5~9~ MILITARY I,EAVE - COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR - Mr. Marks advised the Board the County Administrator will take his military leave June 6-19 and that he, Mr. Marks, will be leaving around that time for the remainder of the summer. Mr. Marks suggested giving thought to considering next year's budget. Everyone agreed it would be fine to begin discussions by the first of May. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Hazel Savage Clerk to the Board HS/bh MINUTES OF THE MEETING - MARCH 15. 1971 - 9~00 A. M. - ASSEMBLY - The regular semi-monthly meeting of the New Hanover County Commissioners was held on the above date and time in the Commission Building with the following present: dhairman Meares Harriss, Jr., Commissioners J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A. Marks, John R. Oxenfeld; County Attorney James C. Fox; County Auditor Perry~Shepard; County Administrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. INVOCATION - Chairman Harriss called the meeting to order and asked Rev: R. P. Royal, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, to give the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SPECIAI, MEETING, FEBRUARY 26TH REGUI,AR MEETING, MARCH 1ST - Mr. Oxenfeld moved, seconded by Mr. Harriss, that the minutes o£ special meeting of February 26th be approved as written. Motion carried unanimously. Attention was called to the omission of Commissioner John R. Oxenfeld's name from those present at regular meeting o£ March lst. Following this correction, Mr. Marks moved, seconded by P1r. Hall, that the minutes be approved. Motion carried unanimously. Question was asked whether or not a commissioner may make a motion that minutes be ap- proved of a meeting he did not attend. County Attorney Fox advised it is permissible. DISCUSSION OF POSITION OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR - Mr. Bowden advised the Board the Assistant Electrical Inspector and Electrical Inspector have resigned. This will leave the County without an Electrical Inspector on March 19th. Mr. Bowden requested that•an effort be made to consolidate this office with the City of Wilmington's Electrical Inspection Office. Mr. Bowden pointed out a resolution had been adopted by the City of Wilmington on April 27, 19'70 whereby the City agreed no additional departments 'should be consolidated because of the contemplated merger. Mr. Bowden advised he had dis- cussed -the matter with Mayor Cromartie who sees no objection from the City Council. Mr. Bowden stated he and the Chairman have discussed from time to time the need for getting on with some of these smaller consolidations as long as it does not interfere with the Charter Commission's w,ork. Mr. Harriss pointed out the County has taken over certain departments as County's sole ex- pense, thus relieving the City of any expense other than furnishing space. Mr. Harriss was of the opinion it would be a step toward efficiency and would be a savings to the County; codes are now, or will shortly be, identical. It is a process of inerging two separate organizations in order that citizens may have a better operation as a whole. Mr. Harriss advised chair would entertain endorsement of a proposal to the City Council that study be made on the merging of these two departments. ~ 590 . MINUTES OF THE MEETING - MARCH 15, 1971 - CONTINUED - DISCUSSION OF POSITION OF ELECTRICAI, INSPECTOR (CONTINUED) - Mr. Marks moved, seconded b~ Mr. Oxenfeld, that the Board approve the principle o£ the merger o£ the City and County Electrical Departments and particular attention be given to jurisdictional matters, subject to acceptance and approval of the City Council, following which the Board will authorize the County Administrator to work out plan of inerger. rotion carried unanimously. Mr. Bowden requested permission to get help from the Electrical Association or hire someone temporarily. By common consent the Commissioners agreed to this. MII,LBROOK SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1 Mr. Jerry Ramsey presented subdivision plat of Millbrook, Section 1 advising that im- provements have been made and the Planning Commission recommends approval by the County Com- missioners. Mr. Oxenfeld moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the plat be approved by the Board and the Chairman be authorized to sign same. Motion carried unanimously. RECOGNITION OF STATE LEGISLATORS FROM COUNTY F:OR THEIR EFFORTS IN GETTING THE 1% SALES TAX PASSED - Senator John J. Burney, Jr., Representatives Howard A._Penton and George Rountree were present at the meeting. Chairman Harriss stated the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners is very honored to have its entire State Legislative Delegation present and introduced them. Chairman Harriss expressed appreciation to.:the dele~ation for their efforts in the passage of the 1% Sales Tax and assured them of the Board's continued backing in their efforts to help the State and County of Nevr Hanover. As a token of appreciation to Senator Burney Chairman Harriss presented a gavel for his use in the Senate I'inance Committee. Chairman Harriss stated this presentation was being made with sincere and heartfelt appreciation for his efforts and guidance through the dif- ficult channels of legislatur.e of the 1°o Sales Tax. Senator Burney accepted the gavel saying when you see people in trouble it always is good to help them. Chairman Harriss then thanked Representatives Penton and Rountree for efforts made by them in the House on behalf of passing the Act. ADOPTION RESOLUTION - BOARD OF ELECTIONS - ' Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the following resolution be adopted givin~ authority to the Executive Secretary of the New Hanover County Board of Elections to serve as Clerk to the City of Wilmington Board o£ Elections: °RE80LUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO SERVE AS CLERK TO WILPIINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF ELECTIONS WHEREAS, the Board o£ County Commissioners has established permanent registration and a full time.N.ew.Hanover County Board of Elections Office, and Wf~REAS, the Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Elections is, by law, the Chairman of the City of Wilmington Board of Elections, and wtir;xr~AS, the New Hanover County Board of Elections is authorized, empowered and directed, under the supervision and control of the chairman of the county board of elec- tions, to make available to the City•oP Wilmin~ton, by and through the proper election officials of the said city, the general election books of Wilmington township, and Wf~REAS, all applications for registration for the City of Wilmington, N. C. and the County of New Hanover are received at the county board of elections office, and 4JI~REAS, the board of elections has appointed an executive secretary to supervise and perform the administrative details of election functions, duties and work of the county board of elections, and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the executive secretary to properly maintain registration cards, binders and other forms and equipment used in registration, nominations and elections, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners authorize the execu- tive secretary of the New Hanover County Board o£ Elections to serve as clerk to the City of Wilmington Board of Elections. Dated this 5th day of March, 19'71. CITY OF WILMINGTON BOARD OF ELECTIONS (s) W. H. McEachern III r (s) Lois C. LeRa~ (s) James G. McKeithan Chairman Member Member" ~t Motion carried unanimously. ~ 5J1~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING - MARCH 15. 1971 - CONTINUED - FORMAL APPROVAZ APPOINTMENTS TO TOWN OF CAROLINA BEACH PZANNING AND ZONING BOARD - Mr. Oxenfeld moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the following be appointed to the Town of Carolina Beach Planning and Zoning Board, ef£ective April 1, 19'71: Cliff Smith, Jr. Box 305, Carolina Beach, N. C. 2 Year Term George Sleeman Carolina Beach, N. C. 3 Year Term Miss Jeanette Bennett , Box 204, Carolina Beach, N. C. 3 Year Term Ray Atkinson Rt. 2, Wilmington, N. C. 3 Year Term Alan McGwier Carolina Beach, N. C. 2 Year Term Notion carried unanimously. A.B.C. PERMIT REQUESTS - The following A. B. C. Permit Requests were presented to the Board: Surfside, Carolina Beach and Zittle Bavarian, 5901 Wrightsville Avenue. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the permits be referred to the Sheriff's Department for investigation. Motion carried unanimously. PUBZIC HEARING - SPECIAI, USE PERMIT - Mr. Aarriss announced Public Hearing was open for considering Special Use Permit to use the property on Highway #132 (south of Mohican Trail on the west side of the road) in a R-15 District (Single Family District) for a church. Mr. Neil Mallory, Director of Planning, advised the Board the Planning Commission recommended granting of this permit. Mr. Harriss asked if anyone present wished to say anything for or against the special use permit. No one wished to comment on the special use permit. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. rarks, that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the special use permit be approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION - Mr. 0. K. Pridgen, Sr. appeared befor~ main thrust is to create concern among the ments so that they might become interested Mr. Pridgen advised of prospect of an creating considerable concern among';people Chairman Harriss informed Mr. Pridgen strict enforcement. ~ the Board. sa~ing the Taxpayers Association's citizens regarding their City and County govern- and be better informed. oil refinery being built on Highway 133 which is of Wilmington because of the problem of pollution. there are strict state laws on pollution and Mr. Pridgen discussed advertising budget of the Chamber of Commerce and questioned whether the Board had a public meeting on spending of these funds. He stated he did not feel tax dollars should be taken from little people to support the Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Harriss explained to Mr. Pridgen public meeting was held with the Chamber of Commerce and with an advertising a~ency which the Chamber of Commerce recommended. The funds are not spent in support of the Ghamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce does not receive one penny of support from any tax or non-tax dollars from this Board. The only support it gets is from individuals. No tax dollars are spent in the Advertising Budget (only non-tax funds) which is the budget of New Hanover County and not the budget of the Chamber of Commerce. When agency makes advertising commitments they must present notarized statements from the radio and newspapers, and a member of this Commission, Mr. Berry Williams, sits on the committee which examines statements and reports back to the Board. BID OPENING VEHICI,E, COUNTY AIRPORT - The following bids were received and opened for automobile for the County Airport: Cape Fear Motor Sales 1971 Ford Custom Four-Door Sedan $3,053.38 - ~3,114.45, including sales tax. Port City Chrysler-Plymouth. 19~1 Four-Door Sedan $3,280.62 with tax, 30-40 day delivery. Tom Reich Chevrolet 19']1 Four-Door Sedan $3,168.13, including sales tax, delivery from four to five weeks. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that bids be accepted, subject to meeting the specifications, and the County Administrator be authorized to award contract to low bid- der meetin~ specifications. Motion carried unanimously. HEALTH DEPARTMENT GARAGE - TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Mr. Shepard requested funds approved in last meeting for County Garage be rescinded. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that action in minutes of March 1, 19'71, appropriating ~2,000 from General Contingency Eund for tools and supplies at the New Hanover County Garage, be rescinded. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that $2,000 be appropriated to the Health Department for this purpose, funds to come from the Health Department Surplus. Motion carried unanimously. 59~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING - MARCH 15. 1971 - CONTINUED - kUDIT - TAX COZZECTOR'S OFFICE - TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Mr. Shepard advised cost of auditing Tax Collector's office cost $2,0~1.25 and $~1.25 is needed to pay this amount. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the $~1.25 be appropriated from the Gen- eral Contingency Fund for this purpose. Motion carried unanimously. INSURANCE - TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Mr. Shepard advised County has been billed for Workmen's Compensation and ~981.05 is needed from the General Contingency Fund for County Aid. Also, $82~.03 is needed from the Health Department Surplus to be used for Insurance within the Health Department budget. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the transfers requested by Mr. Shepard be approved. Motion carried unanimously. HEALTH -II'ARTMENT - TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Request to transfer $1683 from the Cravrler Loader Item to General Supplies and Repairs in the Landfill Budget was discussed. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the transfer be approved. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Harriss asked Mr. Shepard if Mr. Pridgen did not really mean bills when he spoke of vouchers. Mr. Shepard said they were all bills oked by Mr. Menke or Mr. Reid of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Shepard said he signed the checks in payment and was satisfied. Mr. Marks complimented Mr. Jordan on his story on the expenditures of the Commissioners. FORMAI, APPROVAL F'UNDS IDENTIFICATION CARDS - HIGH SCHOOL ST[JDENTS - Discussion was held on formal approval of identification cards for high school students. It was pointed out students use these in many ways. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that formal approval of the $3,000 be approved, funds to come from Unanticipated Revenue Intangible Tax - School Fund - Regular. Motion carried unanimously. SAI,ARIES - HEALTH DEPARTMENT Request from the Health Department to increase salary of D. C. Hall, Vector Control Supervisor, from $~,020 to $5,028, cost to the County for remainder of fiscal year amounting to $338, was discussed. This increase was recommended by Mr. Kenneth Oates, District Engineer, State Board of Health. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Aall, that the increase be approved. Motion carried unanimously. Request from the Health Department to increase salary of George Shepard, Mechanic, from $6,506 to $7,800, cost to the county for remainder of fiscal year amounting to $431.32, was discussed. It was pointed out Mr. Shepard's work load had increased tre- mendously. Mr. Marks moved, seconded b5 Mr. Hall, that the increase be approved. Motion carried unanimously. DISASTER HOSPITAL SEMINAR - Mr. Harriss reminded the Board of the Disaster Hospital Seminar being held at New Hanover Memorial Hospital on March 18th and urged anyone who could to attend. INSPECTION PAMPHI,ETS - Mr. Harriss called attention to pamphlet published for the Inspection Department, guided by Mr. Bowden, informing citizens what is required in getting permits. Mr. Oxenfeld said if the news media saw fit to publish it, or various portions, it would be helpful to citizens of the community. MARINE FACILITY Mr. Harriss reported a recompression chamber has been donated by Duke University to the local Marine Facility, along with two compressors, one small and one extremely lar~e and very valuable. Mr. Harriss stated he was authorized to commit the County up to $5,000 on this, but did not think it will take this much; so far other commitments amount to around $2,000. MEADOWLARK LEMON - 1`7r. Harriss reminded the Board of a luncheon to honor Meadowlark Zemon to be held on Friday at 12:00 P. M. This will honor a great athlete from this county and a man of high moral character; he takes his place along with other fine athletes such as Sonny J~rgensen and Roman Gabriel from this county. NATIONAL ~RIVERS AND HARBORS CONF~,xr.ivCE - ~ Mr. Hall requested $350 be appropriated to the North Carolina Delegation of the National Rivers and Harbors Congressional Committee £or the purpose of furthering the water development programs throughout the State. This area has benefited from this. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the $350 be appropriated to this committee, funds coming from the General Contingency Fund. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting recessed at 10:30 A. M. Meeting reconvened at 10:45 A. M. 1% SALES TAX - - Mr. Harriss stated the 1% Sales Tax is not yet law and will not be until it is signed by the Lt. Governor. For that reason, and due to fact public hearing is required and adver- tisement of that public hearing must be made ten days prior thereto, the Board cannot take any official action which would be valid at this time. Mr. Harriss suggested special meeting be held on Tuesday, March 16th, for authorizing publication of public hearing. , 593~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING --- MARCH 15, 1971 - CONTINUED - 1% ~SALES TAX - CONTINUED - At this time Mr. Fox made a brief explanation of process by which the 1% Sales Tax may become law. Mr. Fox stated that counties desirin~ to reinstate the 1% Sales Tax as earl~ as possible must adopt the necessary resolution to put this in effect not later than March 31, 1971 which wi11 enable the collection of the tax to begin on May 1, 19`]1. Public Hearing must be held and ten days notice of public hearing must be published in the news media. The resolution putting into effect the 1% Sales Tax can be passed at the, same meeting at which the public hearing is held. The Commissioners must designate effective date of collection and must also select the means of apportioning the tax among the municipalities and the county and this can be done at the meeting at which the resolution is passed making the tax effective. Mr. Fox said there are two alternatives of apportioning the tax; one is on per capita basis and other is ad valorem tax basis. Mr. Marks requested equations prior to meeting in order that they may be studied. Mr. Harriss said this would be done. Mr. Harriss was authorized by common consent to write letter complimenting and thanking Mr. John rorrisey for his tremendous help in getting this legislation passed. SALE OF COUNTY OWNED HOUSE TO LUTHA MINTZ - Mr. Bowden advised that Lutha Mintz is now working with the Health Department, therefore the County does not £urnish him a house to live in. Mr. Bowden expressed opinion it might be well to sell the house to Mr. Mintz to move away and to have him clean up the lot. Mr. Bowden advised the house had been appraised by the Tax Department for $2220 which he felt might be a little high. Mr. Hall was o£ the opinion the house might be needed if the Prison Farm is ever reopened. Mr. Bowden stated he was of the opinion once a facility of this kind is closed it cannot be reopened except for emergency situations. Mr. Hall expressed concern about the cost of labor as compared to the prison labor which the County formerly used for maintenance work, etc. and felt the house should be retained just in case the farm is reopened. Mr. Oxenfeld moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the County Administrator be requested to investigate sale of the house £urther and this matter be tabled until such study has been made. Motion carried unanimously. BOARD OF EQUAI,IZATION AND REVIEW - Mr. Bowden requested the Commissioners to mark their calendars for 9:00 A. M., April 12th at which time the Board of Equalization and Review will be sworn in. TAX COZLECTORS' SCHOOL - Mr. Bowden advised there is a Tax Collectors School beginning today and he thought it would be a good idea to have someone from the County attend. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the County Administrator be authorized to send someone to the school, funds coming from the General Contingency Fund. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business to come Yiefore the Board, meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Hazel Savage Clerk to the Board HS/bh MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 16, 1971 - 10:00 A. M. - ASSEMBLY Special meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners was held on the above date and time in the Commission Building with the following present: Chairman Meares Harriss, Jr.,•Vice-Chairman Berry A. Williams, J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A. Marks, County Administrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. ~ INVOCATION - Chai~rman Harriss called the meeting to order and asked Commissioner Hall to give the invocation. PURPOSE OF MEETING - Chairman Harriss announced purpose of ineeting was to authorize Mr. Bowden to advertise in proper manner public hearin~ to take place ten days £rom date of advertisement at which a discussion of the imposition of the 1% Sales Tax taill be heard and tY~ public will be in- vited to express its uiews. 4IAIVER OF NOTICE OF HEARING - Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the formal three days notice be waived and this be a constituted meeting of the Commissioners. Motion carried unanimously. ADVERTISEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER LEVY OF 1% SALES TAX - Discussion ti~as held on proper advertisement of the hearing, and Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that Mr. Bowden be authorized and directed to prepare due notice in the newspaper for public hearing on the imposition of the 1% County Sales Tax to be held ten days following the date the advertisement appears in the newspaper. At this public hearing the general public will be invited to express their views. Following this discussion the Commissioners will consider the enactment of the 1% additional Sales Tax Levy £or New Hanover County and adopt suitable resolution therefor, hearing to be held at 9:00 A. M. on Saturday, March 27, 19'71. Motion carried unanimously. ~