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1968-07-08 Regular Meeting215` JOINT MEETING Wilmington City Council - County Commissioners July 8, 1968 A joint meeting of the City Council and County Commissioners was held in the Council room at City }9a11 on the above date at 10:00 a.m. Those present from the City Council were: Mayor Allsbrook; Councilmen Cromartie, Fonvielle and Harrington; City Manager Brandon and City Attorney Yow. Councilman Symmes was absent. Those present from the County were: Dr. Jos. W. Hooper, Chairman; Commissioners Bowden, Hall, Metts and Vaughan; County Auditor Shepard. LV. OF ABSENCE TAX COLLECTOR - Upon motion of Commissioner Hall, seconded by Councilman Cromartie and unanimously adopted, request of Mr. Sam Johnson, City-County Tax Collector, was granted, for a 30-day leave of absence due to illness, with the understanding that the period could be shortened or extended at his request; and Mrs. Janie B. Straughn was appointed Acting City-County Tax Collector in his absence. This action was upon recommendation of the City Manager and City and County Attorneys. At this time, Dr. Hooper joined the meeting. BuDGET, 1968-6g - The governing bodies entered into a discussion of joint items in the 1968-69 budget: , HFALTH DEPART~ENT - Dr. Hooper informed the Council that the Board of Health is in the process of employing a Public Health Administrator rather than a medical man to succeed Dr. Davis. Upon motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Cromartie and unanimously adopted, an appropriation of $l}1,865 was approved by the City for their 1~6 portion of the Health Department budget. , LIBRARY - The Manager recommended salary changes on two items, to increase Children~s Librarian and Extension Librarian in line with education requirements of these two positions. Mr. Louis Poisson of the Library Board and Miss Katherine Howell; Librarian, were present and re- ported that calls on the Library for reference and information services were increasina. Commissioner Bowden moved that the County approve an appropriation of $33,590.21 as their 1~3 portion of the Library budeet. The motion UJas seconded by Commissioner Hall and unanimously adopted. CIVIL DEFENSE - The Boards heard the Manaoer's recommendation to approve requested out-of-town Travel, $200, but eliminate Local Travel, $100, and Local Schools (Operational Expenses), $50, also Local Travel, $100, and Local Schools (Operational Expenses), $50, also Local Schools (Authori2ed Matching Funds for Teachers~ Salaries); $500. Following discussion, Commissioner Vaughan moved that Travel request be granted in full in the amount of $150 each, City and County, subject to the City~s approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hall and unanimously adopted. • Upon motion of Councilm~n Fonvielle, seconded by Councilman Cromartie and unanimously adopted, the City also approved the full Travel allowance. Commissioner Vaughan moved that Locai Schools (Oper. Expense) be approved at $25 each for the City and County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hall and unanimously adopted. Upon motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Cromartie, the Covncil also approved this appropriation. Commissioner Hall moved that the Local Schools (Natch. Funds for Teach. 5a1.) be restored in the amount of $250 each, subject to similar action by the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Metts and carried, Commissioner Vaughan voting "no". Commissioner Bowden moved that the County approve the Civil Defense Budget as recommended by the Nanager, subject to the modifications discussed and concurrence by the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Metts and unanimously adopted. Commi.ssion Vaughan recommended that after the expiration of Col. Harriss' two-year term as Civil Defense Director, a full-time Director be employed. NUSEUM - Commissioner Bowden stated he had visited the Museum and he complimented the Director, Mr. Eyster, on the outstanding job he is doing; he urged the members of the governing Boards to pay a visit to the ~USeum. Mr. Eyster explained that his budge-t request had been revised upward from $19,109 to $20,983 to take care of needed electrical repairs at the ne~~r Armory location to meet require- ments of the City Electrical Inspector. The P§anager~s recommendation for the City's entire• appropriation £or the Museum 4~as $7,000. Commissioner Hall moved that the County approve 1~2 of the requested budget of $20,983, subject to the City's 1/2 participation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Borrden and unanimously adopted. . The Manager pointed out that the City also carries an item in its budget for exterior maintenance of the Armory bvilding, in the amount of $950. Commissioner Bowden moved approval of an additional appropriation of $475 for the County's share in this maintenance. Commis- sioner Hall seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Vaughan offered a motion for joint action, that the Mayor and Chairman write the Board of Trustees of the Nuseum suggesting that in their opinion it is time for the Museum Board to begin acquiring a trust fund for the maintenance and operation of the Museum. The r~ motion 4ias seconded by Councilman Fonvieile and unanimousiy adopted. J I 216- ~ Minutes of Joint Meeting Wilmington City Council-County Commissioners - Ju2y 8, 1968 (Continued) - PLANNING - The City Manager~s recommended budget for the City-County Planning Department was approved by the County on motion of Commissioner Metts, seconded by Commissioner Vaughan and unanimously adopted. Commissioner Uaughan requested that it be a matter of record that the County is desperately in need of planning and zoning activity and it is hoped the Planning Commission will place emphasis on this need. TAX OFFICE - The items of the Tax Office budget, as recommended by the City Manager, were approved by the County, including a two-step salary increase for personnel. This action was on motion of Commissioner Vaughan, seconded by Commissioner Hall and unanimously carried. It was noted that the Tax Office personnel did not receive increases last year along with other County personnel, when the City did not provide increases. LANDFILL - Upon motion of Commissioner Vaughan, seconded by Commissioner Hall and unanimously adopted, contact with the City was continued for the coming fiscal year for use of the landfill by County residents, in the amount of $10,000, less payments received by the City from private refuse collectors operating in areas of the County beyond the City limits, or $9,100. By a similar motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Cromartie, the City unanimously approved the agreement. SCHOOL PAVING - The members of the two Boards discussed School Paving Pro~}ects and the third year's paving program in view of the shift3ng around of the schools. The City Manager observed that the City~s financial situation could be improved if some of these streets could be eliminated this year. Commissioner Vaughan moved that all school paving items be removed from the budget this year to give the City Manager, County Manager and Board of Education time to decide the require- ments in view of the changed situation in the schools. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fonvielle. Commissioner Hall offered a substitute motion that the allocation of funds be allowed to remain as is, and that if after schools start,it becomes necessary to revaluate the needs, a joint meeting be held to determine which streets would be given priority. The motion was seconded by Mayor Allsbrook. The substitute motion was voted upon and carried, receiving the affirmative votes of Mayor Allsbrook, Councilmen Cromartie, Harrington, Commissioners Hall and Metts, and the negative votes of Chairman Hooper, Commissioners Bowden and Vaughan and Councilman Fonvielle. VOTING MACHINES AND PERMANENT VOTER REGISTRATION - Chairman Hooper inquired as to the City's interest in working ovt some ,joint financing on voting machines, either by participating in the purchase or on a lease basis. He also asked the City to consider working with the County in setting up a Permanent Voter Registration office. These matters were deferred for further consideration after review by the City Attorney, and the County was requested to submit a formula and proposition for rental or purchase of the voting equipment. PARKS AND RECREATION - N~yor Allsbrook presented for the Countyts consideration a proposal that the County share in operation costs to some extent of the City Parks 8 Recreation programs. He pointed out that surveys show that at least 35% of those using certain facilities, such as Community Center ciasses and other activities where registrations are taken, are residents of the County beyond the Ctty limitS. The Manager was requested to furnish complete information to the County on this matter for their review. DOG POUND - The City Manager reported that items and figures were furnished the Covnty Manager and they were in the process of checking with the attorneys to determine if City funds could be used outside the City limits for necessary construction when the County Manager hecame ili. No further progress had been made. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, the meeting ad~journed. Claire Hughes City Clerk BUDGET DISCUSSION MEETING .1uly 8, 1968 3:00 P.M. ASSEMBLY - In accordance with the recessed meeting of July 1, 1968 (which was a regular meeting), the following members of the Board of County Commissioners convened for the purpose of reviewing and considering further the budget for the fiscal year 1968-69 as well as other sub,jects: Vice-Chairman Laurence O. Bowden, J. M. Hall, Jr., John Van B. Metts, Jr.; County Auditor Perry Shepard; and County Attorney James C. Fox. ISSUANCE OF BONDS, RENOVATION OF COURTHOUSE AND JAMES WALKER HOSPITAL NURSING HOME AND PURCHASE OF 58H GREEN STAMP BUILDING - County Attorney Fox discussed with the Commissioners the question of issuance of bonds for renovation of the Courthouse and James Walker Nursing Home and the purchase of the S8H Green Stamp Bvilding located next door to Courthouse property. He advised the Commissioners if school bonds are issued they would count as debt, therefore general obligation bonds could not be issued. He said it would be necessary to issue the general obligation bonds immediately and hold up on the anticipated bonds for schools. ~ ' '~ ~ ! Budget Discussion Meeting - July 8, 1968 (Continved) ISSUANCE OF BONDS, RENOVATION OF COURTHOUSE AND JAMES WALKER HOSPITAL NURSING HOME AND PUR- CHASE OF 58H GREEN STAMP BUILDING (CONTINUED) - Mr. Metts said since the County has $125,000 in the budget for renovation of the Court- house, would it not be better to leave that in the budget and issue bonds if we can issue revenve bonds for James ~Walker Hospital Nursing Home which wouid be a revenue producing proposition, and since revenue bonds are not sub,ject to debt reduction. Mr. Metts suggested that the Commissioners issue school bonds and revenue bonds for James Walker Hospital Nursing Home. Mr. Fox informed the Board that if they issued bond anticipation notes now, it will curtail the Covnty for the next twelve months from issuing general obligation bonds. Mr. Fox pointed out there might be a possibility that the school needs might be managed by inter- fund transfers; not budgetary funds, but changing cash from one fund to another. He also advised the Board that the day general obiigation bonds are sold, then school bonds could be sold. Mr. Fox said general obligation honds couid be issued about 5eptember 15, 1968. Again Mr. Metts brought up the question of issuing revenue bonds on the James Walker Nursing Home, and Mr, Vaughan said revenue bonds are complicated and would be hard to sell. Chairman Dr. Joseph ~. Hooper ~joined the meeting at this time. Chairman Dr. Hooper asked if there was any reason why the Board could not sell general obligation bonds now and Covnty Attorney Fox said, "NO". Dr. Hooper then asked how long would it take to sell them. Mr. Fox said about 60 days. Dr. Hooper then asked when can bond anticipation notes be.issued and Mr. Fox said immediately thereafter. Mr. Vaughan asked when could school bonds be issued if the Board did not issue general obligation bonds and Mr. Fox said the end of next week. Dr. Hooper said you have to look at the overall picture. New Hanover County needs to spend $300,000 for improvement of courthouse, etc., and he could not ,justify paying for this out of revenue when it is capital improvement for the County. Dr. Heyward Bellamy was in attendance at this meeting and presented the Board of Commis- sioners with information on the planned distribution of the $3,750,000 which was made avail- able in the recent Bond Election. Also, he informed the Commissioners for the first time of an outstanding option on a tract of land which the School Board wishes to purchase as a school site. The Commissioners were informed that the dead line for purchasing this tract was July 16, 1968. The tract amounts to 35.82 acres of land on U. S. 17 on Market Street Road, known as the Roland Dixon tract. The amount needed to purchase this is $70,000. Dr. Hooper said the schedule furnished by Dr. Bellamy is estimated and funds might not be needed on dates set out. As to the $70,000 needed to purchase the buiiding site, Dr. Hooper asked whether it could be borrowed from surplus once budget is set and Mr. Fox said it could. Dr. Bellamy said the school board could not get an extension on the option and Dr. Hooper said it seemed inconceivable to him that an extension could not be obtained and also it was inconceivable that the Commissioners had not been told about the option before this time in- asmuch as the School Board had had it for about three weeks. Dr. Hooper moved, seconded by Mr. Bowden, that the $70,000 be appropriated as a usual and necessary expense to the School Board for acquisition of this site, source of the funds to be worked out by the County Attorney and County Auditor. Motion carried. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Bowden, that general obligation bonds be issued and then bond anticipation notes for'the schools. Motion carried. Mr. Vaughan abstained. Later in the meeting Mr. Fox called Mr. Shepard from his office and said he had talked with Mr. Easterling~s office and they had suggested that Nr. Shepard could advance the $70,000 from Bonded Debt Fund. _ BOARD OF ELECTIONS BUDGET - Mr. O. K. Pridgen, II, Mr. A. C. Beal, and Mr. W. H. McEachern appeared to present the budget for the Election Board. The Chairman, Mr. Pridgen, was the spokesman. Before the budget discussion got under way, Mr. Vaughan safd he thought the opening of a full time office for the Board of Elections should be postponed until July 1., 1969. Mr. Pridgen expressed the opinion that,if good office space could be obtained before then he was in favor of opening sooner. Mr. Pridgen agreed to reduce the item of Printing Baliots from $1}00 to $100 and Wiring from $300 to $100. The Commissioners then discussed the other items, reducing the reqvests as follows: Office Expense from $2,!}50 to $1,7~0, Travel from $500 to $250, O. K. Pridgen, II; Personal Service from $4,2$0 to $2,600, Telephone $500 to $300, Capital Outlay from $3,575 to $3,000. The Commissioners increased salary of proposed Secretary from $!},100 Lo $4,800. All other items were approved as requested. ADDITIONAL HELP IN AUDITOR~S OFFICE After discussing need for additional help in the Auditor~s off;ce, Dr. Hooper moved, seconded by Mr. Bowden, that a permanent employee be hired for the AuditorTS office to take Mr. Williamson~s place at a maximum salary of $6;000. Motion carried. OPENING OF BIDS - Dr. Hooper reminded the Board that bids for the air conditioning and plumbing of court- house wouid be opened 9:00 A.M. Thursday, July 11, 1968 and he would like to have a quorum present. RECESS - Mr. Vaughan moved, seconded by Mr. Metts, that the meeting be recessed until Thursday, July 11, 1968 at 5:00 P.M. when the budget for the fiscal year 1968-69 will be further discussed. Motion carried. Ha2ei Savage ~