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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-04-19 Regular Meeting'~609 MINUTES OF THE MEETING - APRIL 1°r. 1971 - 9:00 A.M. - ASSEMBZY - The regular semi-monthly 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. YJilliams, Commissioners J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A. Marks, John R. Oxenfeld; County Attorney James C. Fox; County Administrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. Count9 Auditor Shepard was out of town. INVOCATION - Chairman Harriss called the meeting to order and asked Rev. W. F. Milholland, Pastor, St. Paul's Evan~elical Lutheran Church, to give the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING. APRIZ 5TH - The following corrections to the minutes of regular meeting of April 5th were requested by Mr. Williams: , On Page 2 under heading: "Transfers and Appropriations", fifth paragraph, last sentence should read: "Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, the $100 be transferred with under- standing expenses be limited to a maximum o£ $100." On Page '] under heading "Juvenile Detention Center Committee", second paragraph, second sentence should read: "$15.00 per day per person has been recommended for ar~y outside counties arid they will be encouraged to use the center which will reduce operating cost." On same page under same head.ing, eighth paragraph, first sentence should read: "Mr. Williams pointed out that be£ore a contract is let money has to be appropriated and certi- fied to by the fiscal officer of the County." Mr. Marks requested follo~ving change on Page ']: I,ast paragraph should read: "Mr. Marks expressed reluctance in voting for this facility due to increase in taxes of six cents per $100 which it will cost and primarily for the lack of participation of other counties in our region in the cost of the construction of the £acility." Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the minutes be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. ~APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, A1'RIL 7TH - Approval was deferred until later in the meetir~ in order to give Mr. Hall an oppor- tunity to read the minutes after which Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the minutes be approved as written. Motion carried unanimously. k.B.C. PERMIT REQUESTS - The followin~ A.~.C. Permit Requests were presented to the Board: Wilmington Seafood Market, 1956 Carolina Beach Road; Big Daddy's Restaurant, Corner Kave and Highway 421, Kure Beach; Sellers Market, 605 Castle Street; and The Alley Cat Lounge, 18 and 20 Carolina Beach Avenue, So., Carolina Beach, N. C. ~ Mr. Oxen£eld moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the requests be referred to the Sheri££'s Department for investigation and recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION - TAX COI,I,ECTOR'S POSITION - Mr. 0. K. Pridgen, Sr. of the Taxpayers Association asked to be heard. Mr. Prid~en requested that the late Mr. Sam Johnson's position of Tax Collector not be filled but con- solidated with County Tax Collector. Also, Mr. Pridgen stated he understood tax collections have been approximately 95'fz percent, but should be about 9'7 percent based on the other total averages. Chairman Harriss stated there is only one tax collector for the City and the County and reminded Mr. Pridgen that the Board had been tremendously concerned about the percentage of collection of taxes and had done everything it could to up the percentage of collection in order to obtain a better rating. AUDITOR'S POSITION - TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION - Mr. Yridgen asked if the present Board of Commissioners had passed a resolution requesting the General Assembly to make the position of County Auditor appointive taking it away from an election by the people. Mr. Pridgen was advised. that this particular Board had not passed such a resolution but former Boards had. Chairman Harriss advised that a bill to this e£fect has been introduced in the Legislature by Mr. Penton which has been endorsed by Mr. Rountree and also, Chairman Harriss said he understood, by Senator Burney. Mr. Pridgen questioned the Board as to whether it had taken any of.ficial action. Chair- man Harriss said none had been taken. Mr. Pridgen then asked if the Board was in a position to take official action one way or the other:.at this time. Nr. Pridgen stated the Taxpayers Association would like to go on record opposing the ap- pointment of the County Auditor by the Commissioners; they do not think the position should be removed from the power of the people. Mr. Pridgen stated his association is prepared, should it become necessary, to take an open public position opposing the appointment of Auditor and have representation in Raleigh and create considerable public interest locally by petition signing. Mr. Williams stated he thought it should be made clear that the present Board had not taken official action on the position of County Auditor, but the former Republican Board and former Democratic Board did take official action. Mr. Williams stated he would like to go further and say he, Mr. Williams, wrote a personal letter to all members of the General Assembly recommending this action which was a matter of public infbrmatiori ~t that time. Later in the meeting Chairman Harriss read a letter, dated April, 196'], containing recom- mendations made by a committee appointed to make a stud~ o£ this matter by former Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Dr.. Joseph W. Hooper. The committee was composed o£ the following: William T. Emmart, Chairman, William C. Barfield, Wallace C. Murchison, U. Lee Spence, and Robert F. Warwick. Based on history of the office, duties, and surve,y of other counties the committee recommended appointment of the County Auditor for a two-year term and the title be changed to "County Accountant." DESIGNATION OF ZONING MAPS l, 2, 3 AND 4 AS OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS - ~ Mr. Neil Mallory, Planning Director, presented Zoning Maps;l, 2, 3, and 4.with request 61U MINUTES OF THE MEETING - APRIL 19. 1971 -(CONTINUED) - DESIGNATION OF ZONING MAPS 1, 2. 3 AND 4 AS OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS -(CONTINUED) - they be disignated as 0£ficial ~oning Maps in order to comply with the County Ordinance. To do this requires signature of the Chairman, attested by the Register of Deeds, on a certifi- cate shown on the maps. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that Zoning Maps l, 2, 3, and 4, previously approved by the Board, be designated as Official Zoning Naps and the Chairman be authorized to sign same, attested by the Register of Deeds. Motion carried unanimously. At this juncture of the meeting, 9:45 A.M., the Chairman asked to be excused and re- quested the Vice-Chairman to take the chair for a brief period. NiEDICAL EXAMINERS - RE9UEST FOR FUNDS - Mr. Bowden, in the absence of the County Auditor, presented request for $600 to cover services of four medical examiners in amount of $225 already due and balance to carry over for remainder of fiscal year. Mr. Bowden recommended this amount be taken from the General Contingency Fund. Mr. Hall raised question of whether or not it°'~would be considered dual office holdin~ if a medical examiner is a member of the Board of Education as is the case here. Mr. Fox said he would check the law and advise. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the $600 be appropriated from the General Contingency Fund to cover services of inedical examiners. Motion carried unanimously. At this juncture, 9:5o A.M., Mr. Harriss returned to the meeting and took the chair. WILMINGTON YOUTH COUNCIL - EARTHP'iAN - SIGNING PROCLAP'iATION - Betsy Fulenwilde, Chairman of the Youth Council's Environmental Action Committee, ap- peared before the Board Hrith "Earthman" and outlined the program of the committee tahich is intended to draor attention to the problem of environmental pollution and possible solutions. The Board of Commissioners and City Council were requested to sign Proclamation proclaimin~ April 18-25, 19'71 as Earth Week. By common consent it was agreed the Chairman be authorized to sign for the County. HEALTH DEPARTN"iENT - TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Request from Dr. Knox for transfer of $1625 from Health Surplus funds to TB and X-Ray Clinic $1500, Water Plant Laboratory $25, and Rodent Materials $100 was discussed. ~lso, the Health Department requested $639.69 collected from the Sheri£f's Department and Hugh NcRae Park £or gasoline be transferred back into their gasoline account:. The Health bepartment requested the $342.60 refunded by the State Board of Health for public health meetings attended by its staff be put back into their Public Health Meeting Account. Chairman Harriss suggested deferring these requests until the Board of Health straightens out the mechanical services. r Discussion was held on how the Health Surplus fund oaas accumulated. Mr. Harriss stated he was of opinion that all transfers from surplus in all departments should be taken into consideration at budget time. APPOINTMIDTT ADDITIONAL MEMBERS TO BOARD OF HEAZTH - Mr. Williams stated since there appears to be a laclc of understandin~ betVreen the Board of Health .and Board of County Commissioners it seems that this is appropriate time to re- quest the ex officio members of the Board of Health to add two County Commissioners to the Board of Health as provided by law. Mr. Hall expressed view that he did not agree with adding two additional County Com- missioners; he did not object to two other persons serving. Mr. Hall stated the Board can exert its influence through the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners who is already an ex of£icio member. ~ Mr. Williams stated the Board of Commissioners has the responsibility of appropriating money to carry on a health program and has tried to get better cooperation from the staff of the Health Department. Mr. Williams stated he £elt if the Board of Commissioners has the responsibility of providing the money to see that the organization is able to function, the Board of Commissioners should have the authority to see that it £unctions and as of now the Commissioners do not have it. Mr. Harriss stated he felt there had been a decided lack of cooperation on the admin- istrative level; Mr. Bowden has reouested actions that have not been taken. Mr. Harriss stated it was rapidly coming to a confrontation where the Commissioners, as representatives of the people, must demand certain actions of the Health Department. Mr. Narks stated the Commissioners have ~tried on two occasions to his knowledge to provide a more acceptable location for their operations and the Board of Health has not even considered them. Mr. Marks expressed opinion that with two additional members it might be a policy making Board. Mr. Aarriss stated Mr. Fox had checked the statute and while it does not preclude the appointment of County Commissioners to the Health Board, it does seem to sug~est that private citizens be appointed. Mr. 4lilliams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the Board of County Commissioners re- commend to the ex officio members the appointment of two additional members to the Board of Health. Motion carried unan~mously. VOTING MACHINES - INSURANCE - Mr. Hardy Wessell and Mr. George Chadwick of the Insurance Advisory Committee appeared at the meeting at the request of the Commissioners to discuss insurance on the County's votin~ machines. ~ 611 MINUTES OF THE MEETING-APRIL 19. 1971-(CONTINUED)- VOTING MACHINES - INSURANCE - CONTINUED - Mr. Williams stated that it appears that the premium on the voting machines of New Hannver County is considerably higher than at least one area; the value being approximatel3~ the same. Mr. Williams stated this had been brought to the attention of the Advisory Com- mittee sometime ago. Mr. Williams stated if the premium the County is paying on its voting machines is as far out of line as it appears to be, it might be a good idea to look at the overall insurance situation. Mr. Wessell advised the Insurance Committee is in the process of securing competitive rate from companies. Also, the Committee has written to several Boards of Elections in other counties for comparisons. Mr. Wessell advised the reasons for New Hanover County's rate being as high as it is compared to others is the matter of loss experience, handling of the equipment, and place o£ stora~e. Mr. Wessell stated there had been terrible losses on New Hanover County's voting machines. Mr. McEachern, Chairman, Board of Elections, gave comparisons which the Board of Elec- tions' office had obtained.from other counties. He stated Forsyth County's rate is approx- imately 9b6 per machine and Buncombe paid approximately $311 per year or rate of .142. Mr. McEachern stated after these comparisons were obtained, his Board met with Mr. George Chad- wick to see what could be done to reduce the rate on the County's voting machine which is now $1.15. At this meeting Mr. McEachern stated his Board understood the losses and storage of the machines had nothing to do with the rate and also, that twenty of the machines were - not covered by insurance. This is recorded in the Board of Elections' minutes. Mr. Chad- wick was asked to get all 95 county owned voting machines, including the 20 mentioned, priced up to date and to have them all covered. This was the reason for the additional premium a few weeks ago. The Board of Elections requested Mr. Chadwick to come back with recommenda- tions as to whether to have deductibles or t•~hether to have machines stored in some central location; anything to reduce the premium. Mr. Chadwick stated the rate for 1968, 1959, and 19']0 was 52 cents. In 1970 the heavy loss ($1212), due to vandalism, caused the rate to jump to $1.15. Mr. Chadwick stated this is the only rate the County is concerned with that can cluctuate because of a loss ratio; everything else is set by the State. Mr. Chadwick stated losses will amount to almost 100'~ of premium paid by the County £or these two years. Mr. Chadwick said there is a means of reducing rate with deductibles and lack of losses. The deductibles are $100, $250, and $500 and each has a differen~ rate. Mr. Chadwick said he wished to clarify the Board of Elections understandi.ng of the storage and losses; storage has no bearing on the rate but the increased rate was due to loss experience. By common consent it was agreed to ask the Board of Elections and the Insurance Advisory Committee to continue to work together to get the in£ormation needed and to bring this matter to a conelusion. Mr. Marks requested the Insurance Advisory Committee advise the Board of Commissioners the rate on voting machines when the insurance comes up for renewal in January, 19'72. OPPORTUNITIES, INC. LEASE Mr. Herbert McKim appeared before the Board to discuss Opportunities, Ine. which was not refunded by OEO. In the lease agreement between New Hanover County and Opportunities, Inc. there is a provision that the lease will cease i£ such is the case. Opp:ortunities, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation of North Carolina and it voted last Tuesday night to retain their charter and retain its organization without 0~0 Funds. Opportunities, Inc. sponsors other programs, one through the Department of Labor under name of Youth C~rp and the Head- start Program through HEW. Opportunities met with people from Atlanta and Opportunities has not requested to sponsor the Headstart Program. Another group has requested permission to sponsor the Headstart Program. ~r. McKim stated he felt there is a need £or this organization in town (Opportunities, Inc.) and it is proposed to reorganize on basis of a smaller board and a more cohesive group that can work together. Mr. McKim stated there is still quite a bit of office supplies, furniture and equip- ment in the building. Officially Opportunities have funds to go through April 30, 19']1 at which time their lease does expire. Mr. McKim stated they would like to operate in the building as a volunteer organization,.,operating the Neighborh'ood Youth Corp out of that building. About $8,000 was put in the building to make it usable for Opportunities, Inc. and it is a servicable building. The Neighborhood Youth Corp program goes throu~h Nay and they would like to occupy building through May. CFTI has four programs that operate in the building, sewing classes, etc. which they £eel are worthwhile and would like to continue. Mr. Williams asked i£ programs that are worthwhile might not be continued through existing agencies without creation of a new agency. Mr. McKim stated Headstart Program is the only program that is involved in education and HEW will not allow a school board that is under federal court order to operate a Head- start program. Nr. rcKim stated they have funds from the Department of Labor to operate the building; pay the lights, heat and to maintain building. They can be refunded through the Department of Labor to keep the Neighborhood Youth Corp and they propose to do that. - Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the Board extend the lease to Opportunities, Inc. as explained by Mr. McKim until May 30, 19~1 at which time the Board will reconsider it. Motion carried unanimously. I siz MINUTES OF THE MEETING - APRIL 19. 1971 - CONTINUED - OPPORTUNITIES, INC. ZEASE - CONTINUED - Mr. Williams stated he was disturbed that an agency of the Federal Government will not allow a vrorthwhile program to be carried out under the sponsorship oS the Board of Education because it happens to be under a restrainin~ order and if the Board can determine the proper person to protest to, it might be well to c.onsider it. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the Board of Commissioners write its congressional delegation protesting the ruling of Health, Education and Wel£are that a lo- cal school board is not allotved to carry on the Headstart program because local Board of Education is under a Federal Court order. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting recessed at 10:55 k.M. Meeting reconvened at 11:10 A.M. RESOI,UTION ENDORSING ZEGISLATION FOR COOI,ING RESERVOIR TO INCLUDE CAT FISH CREEK - Mr. Sherwood Smith, Vice-Yresident and General Counsel for CY&L appeared before the Board requesting the Commissioners' endorsement to close Cat Fish Creek for creation of a reservoir there. Mr. Snith stated this is necessary for completion of the Sutton Plant Project to boost the amount of electrical capacity for the area. The capacity of the plant will be 420,000 kilowatts and ~,rill cost in the nei~hborhood of $50 million. Based on New Hanover County's ad valorem tax for 19`70 CP&L's taxes will be increased by $4'70,000. The project when cempleted will be turned over to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for management for use insofar as can be done by the public for recreation, boating and fishing, etc. The CP&L is committed to provide a public access by way of a road to the reservoir. The public will be afforded every opportunity to make use o£ this facility. Com- pletion date is scheduled for Spring of 19`]2. It is urgent that by Summer of 19'72 the CP&L have available in this area more electric power. This project requires enabling legislation to allow the closing of Cat Fish Creek and ~r. Smith requested help from the Board for this legislation. Nr. Harriss stated he had notified Mr. J. W. Johnson, who ori~inally brou~ht this up that Mr. Smith would appear at the meeting today and offered him an opportunity to appear. Mr. Johnson, who is against the closing of Cat Fish Creek, stated he would not like to make any comment at this time because his Board of Directors had not met. Mr. Smith went by to see Mr. Johnson, prior to appearing before the Commissioners, to give him same information he has given the Board. P1r. Harriss stated there had not been any omission of notice to interested. parties. Mr. Williams asked what would happen to the CP&I, Project if it is not allowed to use Cat Fish Creek for cooling purposes for this project. Mr. Smith stated CF&L cannot build and operate this facility without necessary cooling reservoir ~ahich is involved in the development of Cat Fish Creek into the reservoir. CP&L simply cannot have the project without the cooling water. , Mr. Harriss stated the only alternative is to have some other place to dump the heated water and since this is not permitted under the Water and Air Resources rulings as to the temperature that you can raise a stream, the Cape Fear River cannot be used and he, Mr. Harriss, did not know of any other place t:o put it. Mr. Smith said this is true and CP&L plans to take the warm water from existing units Nos. 1 and 2 that now goes into the Cape Fear River and discharge it in the cooling reservoir which will improve quality of water in the Cape Fear River. When asked about the bottom of the reservoir Mr. Smith stated he did not foresee any floating debris; that the surroundin~ land which will be the bottom has been cleaned. Nr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the County Attorney be authorized and instructed to draw a suitable resolution endorsing legislation for creation of a coolin$ reservoir to include Cat Fish Creek. Motion carried unanimously. PRESENTATION OF PERS~ivivr~L S~[JDY Mr. Lyman Melvin of the State Personnel Office presented results of his study of the County Personnel Plan which the Commissioners had. requested. rr. Iiarriss read letter from Mr. Melvin which outlined~what his study entailed; namely, assignment of classes to salary grades, suggested personnel record system for continued maintenance of the plan. a suggested job performance rating system for granting of inerit increments, and a complete set of job descriptions of all classes of ti~tork involved in the study. Mr. Melvin explained mechanics of personnel management and terminology. He began by explaining "Classification" is classifying positions as to size of their importance. To determine pay three things had to be cnnsidered for New Hanover County (1) merit pay, (2) local rates and (3) what other counties pay. The purpose of this study is to try to equate non-merit positions and merit system in the County. Mr. Melvin said the going rate is what is paid and is determined by making a survey to find out what industry and other governmental units are paying within surrounding area for particular type of work. Mr. Melvin explained "Salary Grades", each step being 5% increase. Mr. Melvin advised the Commissioners once they adopt the plan the County Administrator can work up the figures and they can grant all raises ivithin 30 minutes at budget time. After a brie£ recess for purpose of convening Board of Equalization, Mr. Melvin resumed his presentation. Mr. Melvin recommended raising non-merit employees to Minus 1 on the 19'70 Plerit Scale of Pay. Mr. Melvin advised the Commissioners they do not have to accept the 19'71 Merit Scale of Pay for merit employees even though they are requested by the Department Heads to do so. Mr. Melvin stated the Commissioners have the prerogative of keeping the merit employees on the 19']0 Merit Scale of Pay. A 5% across the Board raise could be given these employees. The new scale increases minimum pay for each position which, if adopted, will make it more difficult for the non-merit emplo~ees to catch up with the pay of inerit employees. , MINUTES OF THE MEETING - APRIL 19. 1971 - CONTINUED - PRESENTATION OF PERSONNEL STUDY - CONTINUED - Sf the non-merit employees are raised to Minus 1 on the 1970 Merit Scale of Pay, they will still be two steps behind, unless they can be brought up to"standard pay this year. Even this would leave them one step behind. REPORT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT PZANNING GUIDELINES - Mr. Williams discussed Law EnPorcement Planning. At the time the County became involved there were a lot of questions as to whether or not the County would be bound by a lot of red tape, dictated from Washington or Raleigh. The answer was "No". Since that time the Law and Order Committee has established policy concerning policy board and executive committees which Mr. 4lilliams said they questioned the Law and Order Committee as to whether the policy is binding or is it suggested procedure to follow. The answer was it is policy adopted by the Governor's Law and Order Committee, and we must abide by it. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the Board of New Hanover County Com- missioners write to the Governor with a copy of the letter to the Governor's Executive Com- mittee members recommendin~ that poliey board members and executive board membership in local law enforcement planning units be left in the hands of local elected officials rather than being dictated by the Law and Order Committee and request that the policy be chan~ed to allow local elected governing board members to make the decision as to the membership of the policy board and the executive board. Also, the Board of Commissioners feel that Advisory Committees should in all cases be made up of a~ood cross section of our citizenry. Motion carried unanimously. ' Mr. Williams apprised the Board of an article published in the Raleigh News and Ob- server last week which stated la~,~ enforcement officers would have to be graduates of train- ing courses before getting permanent appointments under a bill introduced Friday in the General Assembly. The bil1, sponsored by the Governor's Committee on Zaw and Order, would set up a North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council which would develop training and pay standards for local enforcement personnel. Mr. Williams £elt this should be left in the hands of local officials. The ar~icle also stated the 18 member council would have representatives from all phases of law enforcement and officials of three existing academic enforcemen,t tsaining organizations would be permanent members. Mr. Ydilliams pointed out no mention was made of a local govern- ment official being on the council and he objected to this as well as some of the powers bein~ given the council. Mr. Williams pointed out this area has available through CFTI law evforcement training and commitments from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and college over in Colum- bus County they are willing to cooperate in helpin~ to train law enforcement officers as well as the Institute of Government. Mr. Williams stated he did not see any need for an academy a long way off where officers will have to go for training. Mr. Williams stated he felt the Board should take specific exceptions to the two areas that would require that a person must have training be£ore he can be appointed and that the salaries should be left to the discretion of local elected officials, and if a council is to be appointed, that elected Board members should be well represented on it. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the legislators be apprised of the Board's feelings in the matter as outlined by Mr. Williams and copy of letter be made available to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, members of Legislative Committee and any others the Board thinks appropriate. Moti:on carried unanimously. HOUSE BILL 632 - Mr. Marks discussed House Bill 632 which requires payment of taxes on automobiles and tag showing County in which paid be displayed on car. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the Board advocate and recommend to its legislators and the County Commissioners they support this legislation. Mr. Marks stated there is a loop hole now that people can get around paying taxes. A tag will have to be purchased by September 30th of each year. Vote was called on motion. It carried unanimously. ROAD PETITION - ROSE AVENUE - Mr. Hall had inquiry from Mr. W. D. Hall regarding this road petition. Mr. Bowden ad- vised Commissioner Hall Urhat had been done. By common consent it was agreed Mr. W. D. Hall be apprised of the action taken on this matter. OUTSIDE AUDIT - Mr. Marks discussed appointment of outside auditor now so he will have time to talk with the County Auditor and make su~gestions that would simplify the actual audit and let him develop his schedule so as to begin in July. Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the Board appoint Mr. Charlie Bekaert as outside auditor. Mr. Harriss was of opinion that last year's outside auditor would be able to reduce charges this year due to his efforts last year. . Mr. Hall made a substitute motion, seconded by Mr. Harriss, that Mr. Barfielc3 be em- ployed and requested to work as suggested by Mr. Marks, and if there is a possibility of a conference between the auditor, Mr. Marks or Mr. Bowden that would eliminate some of Mr. Mark's doubts, that conference be held. Vote was called on substitute motion. It failed to carry. Messrs. Hall and Harriss voted "Yes" Messrs. Williams, Oxenfeld and Marks voted "No". Discussion was held on whether or not P1r. Bekaert would actually supervise the audit. Mr. Williams wanted it to be clear that Mr. Bekaert would conduct the audit. Nr. Marks withdrew his original motion and Mr. Oxenfeld withdrew his second. ~~ 6 ~. 3 ~ ~ 614 MINiTTES OF THE MEETING - APRIZ 19, 1971 - CONTINUED - OUTSIDE AUDIT - CONTINUED - Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the firm of Cherry, Bekaert and Holland be employed to conduct County's independent audit for 19'70-71 and that Mr. Bekaert be re- quested to supervise the audit. Vote was called on motion. Motion carried three to two. Messrs. Marks, Williams and Oxenfeld voted "Yes". Messrs. Harriss and Hall "No". Mr. Hall asked to be excused from the meeting at this time. MUTUAZ ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT BETWE~V THE CITY OF WILMINGTON AND COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER FOR POZICE WORK - Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the Chairman be authorized to sign the Mutual Assistance Agreement between the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County for Police Work. Motion carried unanimously. AIRPORT - TBANSFER OF FUNDS - Hequest from the Airport that $2500 be transferred from Labor Account to Professional 8ervices was presented by Mr. Bowden to the Board. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the trans£er be approved. Motion carried unanimously. SHERIFF'S REQ,UEST - Mr. Bowden presented request from the Sheriff's Department, dated April 14, 1971, for one patrol car, one radio, one blue light and electronic siren; 9~5,050 and four 5 watt walkie talkies, battery charger for them and extra battery; ~3~55, total $8806. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld that the County Administrator be authorized to proceed with securing bids on items requested by the Sheriff at the earliest practic- able date and bring back recommendations. Motion carrie@ unanimously. RESOLUTIONS - MR. SAM JOHNSON AND MR. LEON BROADHURST - Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that Mr. Bowden be instructed to com- pose suitable resolutions in each case. Motion carried unanimously. CONGRATUI,ATIONS TO AZAI,EA FESTIVAL CO~ITTEE - Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the Azalea Festival Committee be congrat- ulated for the fine work they did in putting on the Festival this year. Motion carried unanimously. LETTER OF THANKS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS - By common consent it was agreed the CountS= Administrator be instructed to write each law en£orcement department that furnished law enforcement officers from each community and thank them for their assistance. BATTLESHIP DRIVE - rr. Bowden presented request from the Battleship Commission asking the Commission en- dorse name o£ Battleship Drive for what is known now as Secondary Road 1352. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that this be approved. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURAINiENT - There being no £urther business to come before the Board, Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Oxenfeld, that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Hazel Savage Clerk to the Board HS/bh MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW APRIL 12, 19'71 The first meeting of the Board of Equalization and Review for 19'71 was on April 12, 19`]1. Present at the first meeting of the Board were: Berry Williams, Nike Hall, H. A. Marks, John Oxenfeld, Laurence Bowden and I,arry J. Powell. Oath of Office was admisitered at 9:35 by Mr. McKeithan and Mr. McKeithan was requested to return on April 13th to admisiter the oath to Mr. Harriss who was not present at this ~ meeting. Mr. Berry Williams was actin~ as speaker. Mr. Oxenfeld made a motion that Nr. Harriss be chairman of the Board o£ Equalization and Review with Mr. Williams as Vice Chair- man, motion seconded by Mr. Marks and carried. Nr. Williams advised the Board would hear all complaints of the taxpayers and final action would be taken at the last meeting. The Tax Supervisor will advise the taxpayer, by letter, of the findings of the board after action is taken on all complaints. The first to appear before the board was Lt. Col. Joseph F. Dunn who vaished to plead ignor- ance and requested board to reduce penalty. Mr. Williams advised Mr. Dunn that he would be informed at a later date of the board's decision by letter. Mr. W. L. Harris appeared before the board and stated since ig55 when he made some cor- porate changes that he had always listed his taxes in February. Mr. Hall advised P1r. Powell to check into abstracts for tvao to three years back. Mr. 4lilliams advised Mr. Harris that he would be informed later of the board's decision. At 9~55 A. M. Mr. Bowden stated he iaould call the remaining people to appear before the Board and see if they could appear earlier than scheduled.