Loading...
1969-07-17 Regular Meeting. 3'~1. MINUTES OF THE BUDGET DISCUSSIONS MEETING = JULY 16, 1969 ~CONT~D) COURTHOUSE ANNEX BUILDING, CAPITAL OUTLAY & MAJOR RENOVATIONS BUDGET (CONT~D) Mr. Metts said he was opposed to it because the Board had added and added to the budget. Mr. Marks said he wished he could feel optimistic about the sales tax passing. People who share it are against it and outnumber us and if the election on the sales tax were held now, he doubted it would pass. He said he felt it had a one-Jthird chance of passing. If it does pass, it wi.ll be another year before these things can be done. Mr. Williams said the State has given the Counties responsibility of providing school buildings and means of paying for them. He said this can be paid for out of school funds. Mr. Metts said the more the Board increases the ad valorem tax it pushes the sales tax away. He said the School Board had a bond 'issue s;nce these schools were built and these items were not included. Substitute motion of Mr. Metts~ died for lack of a second. Mr. Shepard, when asked by Mr. Hall if the $8!},000 was added to the budget how it would affect the tax rate, said it would not increase it; he had it in surplus.• Vote was called on the original motion. It passed three to one. Mr. Metts voted,"No.'~ At this point, Mr. I~rks withdrew his objection to purchase of YMCA building. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that Page 51, Courthovse Annex Building Fund, Capital Outlay 8 Major Renovations, be approved; namely $101,788 for Ma,jor Renovations and Capital Outlay, $~.!,'fl00 for elevator, and Office Furnishings $16,301. Motion carried three to one. Mr. Metts voted, "No.n because he is opposed to purchasing the YMCA building. WELFARE BUDGET The Welfare Budget was approved as requested by the department with following exceptions: Group Insurance reduced to $3,000 Office Equipment-Capital Outlay reduced to $2,000 Item of Attorney was added in amount of $2,500 r Salaries were discussed. Mr. Williams said he thought salary of the-Director was too high. Mr. Marks pointed out Miss Hall~s salary is the same on the new range as old plus one step higher; that the Welfare Board were unanimous in requesting Shis for Miss Hail. He also pointed out the Director was directly responsible for fitting her department in the renovated Nurses~ Home at the old James Walker complex. Also, she is responsible in phasing in Title 19 which was started one year ago. Mr. Marks pointed out there are hundreds of different forms to be updated. Mr. Williams then recommended salary of $15,56!} for the Director. ' Mr. Metts moved, seconded by Mr, Marks, that salaries be approved as requested by the department. Motion carried three to one. Mr. Williams abstained. One new posit3on request.ed (ES I) was ,deleted and another new position (ES 1) was°cut to one-half year. This was done at Miss Hall~s request. A new SW Aide position which'had been requested was also deleted at Miss Hall~s request. RECESS Meeting was recessed to reconvene Thursday morning July 17, 1969 after•the Joint Meeting with City Covncil. ' Respectfully submitted, ~ • • Hazel Savage . Clerk to the Board ~ MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING - JULY 17, 1969 ' A~joint meeting of the City Councii and County Commissioners was held in the Councii Room at City Hall on the above date at 9:00 a.m. Those present,from the City were: Mayor Cromartie, Councilmen Brand and Symmes, City Manager Brandon and City Attorney Yow. Councilmen Fonvielle and Schwartz were absent. Those present from the County were: Chairman J. M. Hall, Jr., Commissioners Harriss, Metts and Williams; County Administrator Bowden and County Auditor Shepard. Commissioner Marks was absent. • Councilman Symmes gave the invocation. The governing bodies entered into a discussion of ~joint items in the 1969-70 budget: TAX OFFICE The items of the Tax Office budget as recommended by the City Manager were approved, including a two-step salary increase for personnel, additional employment of a cashier in connection with the new equipment, and provision for annual salary of Tax Collector in the amount of $11,700. This action was on motion of Commissioner Metts,~seconded by Council- man Symmes and unanimously adopted. J "3~z MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING = JULY 17, 1979 ~CONT~D) HEALTH DEPARTMENT Commissioner Williams moved approval of suggested Consolidated Board of Health budget, as approved by the Commissioners, the City~s portion being $54,332. The motion was seconded by Counciiman Brand. , The two boards discussed whether the appropriation for pog Wardens is a proper item for Board of Health or SheriffTS budget. Commissioner Harriss offered a substitute motion to approve such items of the Boa~d of Health budget already established, with the provision that consideration will be had to possible addition of personnel for pog Warden positions. The motion was seconded by Councilman Symmes and unanimously adopted. PIANNING The Managerts recommended budget for the City-County Planning Department was considered. He advised that salaries are according to the City~s classification plan to the closest fugure of those requested. In answer to inquiry, he further advised that the position of Director of Planning is an unclassified ,job, as are all Department Heads. Upon motion of Commissioner Metts, seconded by Councilman Symmes and unanimousiy adopted, the Planning Director~s salary was set at $12,000 annually. Commissioner Harriss moved adoption of the Planning Department budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilman Symmes and unanimously adopted. . LIBRARY The Manager explained that the recommended budget for the Library would allow wage increases as requested, however, some items such as books, magaaines and newspapers have been brought down closer to last year~s appropriation. Also included 'is requested $1,000 for Contingent Fund. On motion of Commissioner Hall, seconded by Councilman Symmes, Appropriation in the amount of $36,771 was approved for the County and $70,480 for the City. CIVIL DEFENSE The Civil Defense Budget was approved in the amount of County $8,369; City $5,869, which inc2udes appropriation for emergency generator for Civil Defense Headquarters, The City~s appropriation for this item was carried in another section of the City budget. This action was on motion of Councilman Symmes, Seconded by Commissioner Williams and unanimously adopted. MIJSEUM Recommended budget was considered for the Wilmington-New Hanover Museum in the amount of $22,994, which includes an appropriation for uacation substitute for one week. City- County participation is on a 50/50 basis. Councilman Symmes indicated he opposed the City~s originai participation in this other than use of Armory Building and cannot svpport it now. The City Attorney ruled that the City cannot vote on this matter today, since three affirmative votes are required on appropriations. • Commissioner Metts moved that from the County~s standpoint, the budget appropriation for the Museum be approved as recommended, provided the City also approves, The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harriss and unanimously adopted. SERVICES FOR THE AGING Request for City - County support of th~ Wilmington-New Hanover Committee on Services for the Aging, Inc. was considered. It was noted that the City is furnishing office space for this agency, and the County~s appropriations to Social Service items were enumerated. Councilman Symmes moved that the matter be taken under advisement and referred to the Joint City-County Study Committee. It was pointed out that referral to the Joint Committee should have occurred earlier, if this matter is Lo be considered for the coming fiscal year. Following a lengthy discussion, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams and failed to carry, receiving the affirmative votes from.Councilman Symmes and Commissioner Williams. Councilman Brand, Commissioners Hall, Harriss and Metts voted "no." The governing bodies agreed that a meeting of the Joint City-County Committee could be called by the committee~s chairman or by the Mayor or County Chairman at any time there is a~ need for discussion of problems of mutual interest. GOOD NEIGHBOR COUNCIL The County was a~ked to consider ,joinG support with the City of the Office of Director of Human Relations, since the Good Neighbor Council is appointed by the two govencaing boards. The Manager reported that through the Richardson Foundation, funds were set up for the employement last year of a Director of Human Relations for the Good Neighbor Council, however this supplement was for one year only. Chairman Hall advised that the County has appropriated $150 for necessary office expense of the Good Neighbor Council and the good work they are doing in this respect. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harriss and ' unanimousiy adopted. It was agreed.Lhat this particular item be included in future studies of the Joint City-County Study Committee. 3~3~ MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING - JULY 17, 1969 ~CONT1D) LANDFILL Chairman Hall reported arrangements have been made by the County to lease property for landfill operation. $25,000 has been budgeted for equipment and it is hoped to have two or three locations convenient to all residents of the County. He inqvired if the City-County agreement relative to the use of the City landfill could be•continued on a pro,~rata basis until ' such time as the County begins operation. The City Attorney advised that according to the provisions of the contract no action is required and contract can be terminated on mutual agreement. DOG POUND Joint operation of a dog pound and employment of dog wardens was discussed. The City Attorney advised that the City-County agreement provides that the County shall establish and mafntain the dog pound and appoint county dog wardens, with the City participating in costs. Commissioner Metts reported that the County has found a location for the pound, with the animal shelter at the same site to allow continuous operation. Commissioner Harriss moved for the County that $10,000 be set aside for the salaries and other actuary benefits for two men to act as dog wardens, and in addition, $2,000 for equipment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Metts and unanimously adopted. Commissioner Harriss explained this would allow approximately $~00 per month actuai salary per man. PARKS & RECREATION A discussion was held concerning County participation in Parks & Recreation program, as mentioned in last year~s ~oint budget meeting and in Joint CitysCovnty Study Committee meeting some time ago. Report of the Chamber of Commerce on Consolidation was referred to as recommending that the Parks 8 Recreation Department be taken over by the County. Commissioner Metts advised that a copy of this report has been furnished each member of the Chamber Board for study, however, the report has not been released and the Chamber has taken no action on it. Attention was called to the heavy involvement of the County in recreation programs in the schools. It was brought out that the Pianning Department will also have some recommendations touching on this matter. It was agreed that the Joint City-County Study Committee should meet, possibly once a month to consider areas of Consolidation and other long range proglems for recommendation to the two governing bodies. There being no further business; the joint meeting ad~ourned. MINUTES OF BUDGET DISCUSSIONS MEETING - JULY 1~, 1969 ASSEMBLY In accordance with the recessed meeting of July 16, 1969, the foliowing members of the Board convened for the purpose of reviewing and considering the budget estimate for the fiscal year 1969-70: Chairman J. M. Hall, Jr., Uice-Chairman Meares Harriss, Jr., John Van B. Metts, Jr., Berry A. Williams; County Auditor Perry Shepard; County Administrator;Laurence O. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. HEALTH DEPAFtTMENT BUDGET Health Department Budget was approved with the following exceptions: Contingency Fund reduced to $1,000 Travel increased to $13,200 V. D. Clinic reduced to $1,600 Equipment item added in amount of $10,000 Vacant Position salary set in amount of $3,500 Salary of Meshaw was increased to $3.15 per hour, $6,577 annually Salary of Pierce was increased to $5,280 annually Salary of Chain Saw Operator was set at $1},160 annually MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Mental Health Budget was approved with the following exceptions: Capital Outlay reduced to $3,800 Rent increased to $14,000 Repairs 8 Maintenance to Building set at $1,500 Equipment Contracts 8 Service set at $400 Salary of Psychiatrist set at $24,186 Salary of Vereen (Janitor) was set at $1,060 Other salaries were approved as recommended by the County Auditor. ~ Mr. Harriss asked Mr. Bowden to check with Mr. Foz as to legality of taking tent as we are now doing for the remainder of year for special account fund. This is to be used in ' renovating hospital building for Mental Health. Mr. Metts suggested charging them as much as the Welfare, plus parking. Mr. Harriss suggested renting to them without utilities on square foot basis, probab2y 5,000 square feet. Mr. Metts said he hoped that}Mr. Bowden would find out what the Mental Health Department needs. Mr. Williams was excused from the meeting to attend a meeting of the Lower Cape Fear Councii of Local Governments. 374 MINUTES OF THE BUDGET DISCUSSIONS MEETING - JULY 17, 1969 (CONT~D) AIR CONDITIONING HOGGARD HTGH SCHOOL AND CAFETERIA ROLAND GRISE SCHOOL Mr. Harriss brought up discussion of air conditioning Hoggard High Schooi and cafeteria at Roland Grise School and said he could not go along with the budget with this item. Mr. Harris5 said he felt this could be done later out of Unanticipated Revenue. Mr. Hall said it would cost the same thing either way, Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Metts that the air conditioning for these two schools be withdrawn from the budget. After discussion of getting Mr. Shepard to check effect•this would have on the tax rate, Mr. Harriss withdrew motion and moved, seconded by Mr. Metts, that the tax rate be figured w3thout the $84,000 for air conditioning and with the $84,000, and the matter be tabled until July 28 at which time it will be decided. Motion carried. Mr. Bowden was asked to call Mr. Morrisay about absolute date to adopt budget resolution and whether or not members could cast vote by telephone, Page 64 was approved; namely, Revaluation Restricted Surplus $25,000 and Cape Fear Tech- nical Institute - Building Surplus $9~1. SCHOOL BUDGET Approved as requested by the School Board, and recommended by Auditor with the following exceptions: School Bond Construction $2,020,534, Schoo2 Pensions increased to $90,139, Regionai Drivers Education increased to $I}5,000, Attendance Officers reduced to $8,375, Wages of Janitors and s Maids increased additional 5% -$182,500, Fuel red,uced to $14,500, Water, Sewerage Lights 8 Power 3ncreased to $152,200, Total Maintenance of Plant $316,332 reduced by $8,735, Retirement and Social Security to be ad~usted by the County Aduitor, Wages of Drivers reduced to $50,000, Five Schoo2 Buses reduced to 4 in amount of $2!},000, Request for Walkway over 13th and N~rket Streets deleted, and Page 76; namely Capital Reserve Fund deleted. ~- Since bddget meeting, School Board requested amount budgeted for text books be reduced by $5,000 and the $5,000 be added to 631-Wages, increasing the total to $17$,765.00; that with some additionai State aid this would allow the 10% increase for Janitors and Maids.. The ' School Board also requested the $8,735 that had been moved from Maintenance of Plant to 631 be returned to Maintenance of Plant, leaving the total there $316,332. Poll was taken of the Commissioners on July 18 and approval was given. See Dr, bellamy~s letter of July 18, 1969 in Schools fil~e. COURTHOUSE RENOVATION Mr. Harriss suggested going back over architect f•igures, Mr. Metts suggested that Board put $30,000 in for renovation of the Green Stamp Building and do it for that. By common consent ' it was agreed to budget $95,060 for Ma,Jor Renovations and Capital Outlay and $4,000 for Capital Outlay-Elevator on Page 51. , PETTY CASH IN COMMISSIONERS~S BUDGET FOR COFFEE AND FLOWERS By common consent it was agreed to have a petty cash fund in the Commissioners~ Budget to cover coffee at the meetings and flowers when personnel has a death in the family. REC~SS Meeting was recessed to reconvene at time to be set later. Respectfully submitted, Hazel Savage Clerk .tb the Board s PhINUTES OF THE MEETING - AUGUST 4,1969 ASSEMBLY The regular semi-monthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners was held on the above date and time in the Commissioners~ Room with the following present: Chairman J. M. Hall, Jr., Commissioners John Van B: Metts, Jr., H. A, Marks, Berry A. Williams; County Auditor Perry Shepard; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. Vice-Chairman Mear.es Harriss, ~r, was not present at the beginning of the Meeting. Mr. James C. Fox,.County Attorney, was absent. INVOCATION Chairman Hall called the meeting to order and asked Rev. A: L. McGee, Pastor, Caivary Baptist Church, to give the invocation. • ' APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following changes were made to the minutes of the regular meeting of July 1l~: On Page 2, under heading, "Discussion of State Highway Adding New Roads to Its System", third sentence should reflect '~most lots had been sold" instead of "all lots had been sold." ,