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1970-08-17 Regular Meeting521 MINUTES OF NiEETING - AUGUST 3, 1970 - 9~00 A.M. -(CONTINUED) PLUMBING CODE (CONTINUED) - Mr. Reavis specifically asked what Plumbing Code the County has now. He asked if the County is using State Code or State Code with all the amendments. Mr. Fox said the County is still operating under old Plumbing Code that has been in effect for the past four years until the County hears from the people of HUD and Ra- ~ leigh. Mr. Reavis said they were primarily interested in the exclusion of certain materials that are used in the State-o£ North Carolina and all other 49 states. Mr. Reavis ex- pressed the desirability of using plastic pipe instead of cast iron, pointing out ad- vantage of the plumber being able to fabricate the largest part of plumbing at the shop and putting it on a slab. He pointed out other states are permitted to use plastic pipe; it has been proven satisfactory. The North Carolina Code does permit this. It is usecl in most of the other North Carolina counties. Mr. Reavis presented letter from the FHA requesting costs of houses be cut as low as possible. Mr. Hall discussed the possibility of all permits being handled in or~office in or- der that persons may be served in one office instead of having to go from office to of- fice. Mr. Metts pointed out that perk tests, wells and septic tanks still come under the Health Department. I~ir. Hall suggested Mr. Pletts discuss this with the Health De- partment. Mr. Netts asked Mr. Hall to accept appointment on a committee for this purpose. By common consent it was agreed this matter be referred to the County Adminis- trator for study, and i£ he feels he needs assistance from the Board, he contact the Com- missioners. ADJOURPTP'fENT - There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Williams that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Hazel Savage Clerk to the Board hs/bh MINUTES OF Tf~.MEETING - AUGUST 17. 1970-9:00 A.M. ASSEMBI,Y - 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: Chairman John Van B. Metts, Jr., Vice-Chairman Meares Harriss, Jr., Commissioners J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A. Marks, Berry A. Williams; County Attorney James C. Fox; County Administrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. County„Auditor Perry Shepard was absent from the meetin~. Mrs. Elizabeth Edens from his office was present. • INVOCATION - Chairman Metts called the meeting to order and asked Rev. ~lzgene Templeton, Pastor, Gregory Congregational Church, to give the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the minutes for meeting o£ August 3, 19~0 be approved as written. Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS - 'Phere were no reports due through or by the Commissioners' office at this time. APPOINTMENT TO MUSEUM BOARD - Letter from Mrs. E. M. McEachern, Secretary, Directors of the Wilmington-New Hanover Museum, presenting name of Dr. Gerald H. Shinn, 525 Mohican Trail, was discussed. Mr. Williams said he had reservations about organizations submitting in writing names o£ persons who they would like to serve on their boards. Mr. Hall said they could func- tion better if they have members who are eompatible. I~"r. Marks concurred with both, but is o£ opinion three names should be furnished. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that Dr. Shinn be appointed to serve for a term of three years, term to expire July 1, ~9~3. Motion carried unanimously. By common consent it was a~reed the Chairman be requested to write a letter to all Chair- men of Committees advising that in the future the Commissioners would like three names sub- mitted. RESPONSES CONCERPIING RESOLUTION AD~r•i~L BY TAE COI'~4ISSION AUGUST 3~ 19`TO tcr,rr.RENCE SOCIAL SERVICES - Mr. xarriss discussed action.tiaxen by Lne iioai~a dL lts ast meeting regar ing increased costs for Social Services. Mr. Harriss called attention to Commissioner Clifton Craig's re- ply of August 6th and requested his letter be made part of the minutes. Following is Com- missioner Craig's letter: I 5zz RESPONSES CONCERNING RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY TI~ COMMISSION AUaUST 3, 1970 REFERENCE SOCIAI, SERVICES - (CONTINU~:li) "I have received the resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners of New Han- over County at its meeting on July 20, 1970, and share with the Board of Commissioners my concern over the ability of the counties to meet the cost of supporting the Social Ser- vices programs in North Carolina. F~ndamentally, increased costs over the last few years have been due to three factors; one, rulings by the Supreme Court and changes in Federal law which increase elig- iblity and provide additional benefits; second, the drastic increase in the number of aid to families with dependent children recipients; third, the implementation of the medicaid program on 1 Januaxy 19'70. What are our alternatives in regard to this whole matter of increased costs and methods of administering our Social Services programs? As for Supreme Court rulings, such as the residency law or the man in the house ruling, there seems to be no alternative. As for Federal law requiring day care for.childr.en, family planning services, the work incen- tive program, and other programs, conceivably Gongress could modi£y or even cancel some of these requirements; however, there is no indication that there is any concern or intent on the part of the members of Congress to be regressive in these laws. Indeed, there is every indication that social legislation will continue to come from the Congress. As for the aid to families with dependent children program, I do not see any pos- sible way to cut costs or deny aid to those who are eligible for this program;~as long as the person is eligible under the law he must be served. We have laiown for years that there must be at least twice as mar~q people eligible as_those who are actually on the ro31s. The State could drop medicaid entirely, but it and the counties would have total responsibility for financing another system of health care for the poor. This cost would certainly be prohibitive if the program were to anywhere near meet the health needs of the poor, and the cost under this option would be considerably higher than that presently ex- perienced. A second alternate would be for the State to drop some of the optional pro- grams under medicaid or to place limits on the amount of services now pravided. However, present Federal law requires that cutbacks cannot be made in this program beyond the level of expenditure for the past twelve months. Nevertheless, the State Advisory Committee on Medical Assistance and the State Department of Social Services are currently studying all possibilities of curtailing or cutting back on costs for medicaid. , As I am sure you are aware, Governor Scott recently said that he feels that the Federal Government should pay the entire cost of these programs and even administer these programs. There is a definite movement afoot for the Federal Government to take over to- tal financing and administration of these programs. Indeed, if the family assistance pro- gram (H. R. 16311) is approved by the Congress, a large segment of what is now social ser- vice activity will be financed and administered by the Federal Government. A final alter- nate would be £or the 8tate to relieve the counties of any financial responsibility for medicaid and other social services pro~rams. The State Board of Social Services has asked for a study to be made to determine the feasibility of the State's assuming all administra- tive and financial responsibility for these programs. The State Board will seek action on ~ this study and its recommendations from the next session of the General Assembly. These seem to be the only alternates to our system of providing these services and also to the solution of our financial problem within the counties. Whereas I am concerned with the financial dilemma in which we find ourselves, I am also deeply concerned about the welfare of our State's less fortunate, elderly and disabled citizens and its dependent children. We must keep in mind that they are the ones who will bear the brunt of an9 cut in services we may consider. Only seven states spend less per inhabitant for public assistance than does North Carolina. During the fiscal year 1969 we spent $6,10 per inhabitant, combined from State and local funds, to provide financial assistance to our less fortunate citizens. On the other hand, the national average was $24.85. And only 3.3% of the State's general £und is being spent on social services during the current biennium. Twenty-one years ago the counties collectively spent more than 15% of their ad valorem taxes for social services programs; today, however, the counties collectively are spending about 14% of their avail- able tax for social services pro$rams. You can be assured that I, the members o£ the State Board of Social Services and the Govenor o£ North Carolina are all concerned about the increased cost, not only in so- cial services but of all services provided to our citizens. Yonr concern and expression relative to financial responsibility is appreciated." "NO-WAKE" SIGNS - Mr. Harriss discussed letter received from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recommending "no-wake" signs and the Boards' application toliie U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and U. S. Coast Guard for permission to erect the signs. Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that we concur with recommendations set out in Mr. E~zllwood's letter and when permission is received for placing signs, they be placed, £unds to come £rom the General Contingency ~nd in amount not to exceed $'750. Notion carried unanimously. GLADIOLUS AND SASSAN9UA ROADS - Mr. Williams discussed having Gladiolus and Sassanqua Roads added to the State Secondary Maintained System. Mr. Williams advised the road has a 60 foot right-of-way recorded in the Re~ister of Deeds Office. Gladiolus Road was paved in 1959 and at that time it had a 60 foot righ~= of-way and the State failed to mainta~in it. The State was requested to take it over but 523 MLN(TTES OF.TAE MEETING -.AUGUST.1~,.1970 - 9:OO.A.M. - (Continued) GLADIOZUS AND SASSANQUA ROADS - (Continued~ was reluctant because it 1s a cieadend road but Mr. Williams pointed out there are other deadend roads in this vicinity. There are 18 £amilies on this road. The road is in such terrible condition the mail carrier threatens stoppage o£ mail deliveries. The road is about three city blocks, turns right and becomes Sassanqua Road. Mr. Williams was of opinion it is going to require more than motion to request High- way to take it over. The State is not being asked to pave the road but take it over for maintenance which costs far less than paved roads. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Harriss, that the Board reiterate its request to the State Highway Commission that the two roads be taken over fcrr maintenance and the Com- missioner serving as liaison with the Highway Commission work with the Highway o£ficials in an ef£ort to get them to take it over. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Metts requested Messrs. Harriss and Williams discuss this with Mr. Bass. Mr. Harriss said he was apprehensive about results because once the State taas install- ing pipe for drives when persons purchased the pipe. The State does not do this now. Mr. Bass advised Mr. Harriss this sometimes causes more erosion than exists. Mr. Harriss said the State is still covering pipe in other counties and New Hanover is not getting same treat- ment. • By common consent it was agreed that if the State is doing this in other counties they should do it in this county. Mr. Williams and Mr. Harriss will discuss this also with Mr. Bass. rr:rr~R FOGGER MACHINE, SFfERIFF DEPARTP'lENT - 1°ir. 13owden presented request of the Sheri£f's Department ~or a pepper fogger machine costing $605.50. The Sheriff overlooked asking for this at budget time. Mr. Bowden recom- mended approval of this request. Mr. Williams, moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the Sheriff's request be approved, funds coming from the General Contingency F1~nd. Motion carried unanimously. WILMINGTON YOUTH COUNCIL - Mr. Williams discussed recent action taken by the Wilmington Youth Council in an effort to ca11 attention to litterbugging in North Carolina. Mr. Wil3iams thought it would be well to write a letter to them commending them. Mr. Harriss pointed out those marching were 16 years of age or under and did a tre- mendous job planning the march and raising funds for it. They went about it in a business like manner. By common consent it was agreed the Chairman be requested to write the Wilmington Youth Council a letter of commendation. Mr. Williams inquired concerning status of handling of litter-bugging by the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Bowden said the Sheriff's Department has been pursuing the matter and has secured convictions and are in the process of enforcing the anti-litter law and are aware of their responsibility. INEQUITABLE VALUATIONS OF PROPERTY Mr. Harriss discussed matter of value of land, not buildings, within the City. He cited example of property on Market Street being valued at $116.6'7 per front foot and propert~ next to it valued at $25.']6 per £ront foot. He said there was no essential dif- £erence in the character o£ the lots. Other examples were cited also. Mr. Harriss said this condition exists throughout the City arid he was of the opinion people paying high value are paying more than their share. Mr. Harriss said his purpose in bringing this up is to point out if the county had tax maps, this would show up there on and could be detected immediately. Mr. Metts thought it might be worthwhile to purchase 8anborn Maps and suggested Mr. Powell look into this. Mr. Metts suggested the Tax Department make a study and come up with recommendations. Mr. Harriss questioned whether the Board has authority to change the valuation. Mr. Fox said yes, but would have to make proper application to the State Board. Mr. Harriss suggested Mr. Powell spot check other areas in the City. Mr. Metts said he felt Mr. Powell has done an excellent job during the short time he has been with the County. Mr. Harriss concurred with this. SOCIAI, SERVICES ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING - REPORT BY MR. MARKS - Mr. Marks reported on the meeting of the Social Services Action Committee held in Ra- leigh on August 12. Eighty-Three of the one hundred counties were represented. Question was asked what the counties can do about the high cost of Social Services. It was pointed out all the one hundred counties are legally responsible for assistance for every eligible individual. $150 million dollars of £ederal funds come into the State to assist counties in assistance to these individuals. There is no other federal program of assistance available to these peo- ple. It was asked if it is a mandatory program on the counties. The answer was it is. 3t was not passed by Congress as mandatory; State Legislature determined and decided they would undertake it in accordance with formula. There can be no possible change in formula until next legislature. .524 ~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING - AUGUST 17, 1970 - 9:00 A.M. -(CONTINUED) SOCIAL SERVICES ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING - REPORT BY MR. MARKS -(CONTINUED) Counties are subject to State I,egislature and our own legislature, according to the Attorney General, reported that the legislature determined and decided they would undertake it and apportion it tothe counties in accordance with the £ormula on the basis of the non- federal share being paid on a fi£ty-fifty basis by the State and County $overnments. There is no possible change in this formula until the next legislature; so it is a legal respon- sibility o£ the counties. The alternative~is that the $150 million dollars coming in would be:~lost if the State elected not to adopt this medicaid program, and the responsibility falls back on us £or supporting our indigent. It was pointed out the National Per Capita now being spent is $24.85. North Carolina per capita is $6.10. Only seven states in the nation spent less than North Carolina. Attention was called to the high cost of inedicaid and it was pointed out the savin~s it provides in assistance to the aged in £urnishing nursing care and medication. It was also pointed out numerous counties had lower Social 5ervices budgets than last year. Medicaid is based on estimated figures. Mr. Marks was of opinion Miss Hall had done a tremendous job in estimating in advance number of people needing this program. The State underestimated theirs last 9ear. The State said the only alternative counties have is to do what they have been doing, use best judgment and provide reasonable contingency fund and maybe next year counties may be .able to cut baok. ' There is a provision in legislation that we may be able to cut back some areas o£ the medieaid program. There is a commission set up and now working that will present recommenda- tions to legislation when it convenes with reference to what items they can cut back on and to what extent. There is a limit to that cut back. Federal authority allowing cut back provided it cannot be less in dollars and cents than spent in previous year. Increases can be stopped but impossible to cut back beyond last year. Legislation can relieve counties of all social services e~cpenses. This is being con- sidered. They can take a certain category and the legislature will take administration a- way from the counties. This is all uncertain - will not ~ow what they can do until Congress handles this. Mr. Williams moved, seconded b~ Mr. Marks, this Board go on record as being in favor of the Federal Government assuming the responsibility for Social Services. Motion carried four to one. Mr. Hall voted "No". By common consent it was agreed the legislators be informed of the Board's action with copy to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. LANDFII,L LEASE CONTRACT - TRASg PROPERTY - Mr. Bowden advised the Board he was in receipt o£ Landfill Contract between New Iianover County and Raiford Trask, Jr, for 14 acres to be used £or land£ill site. Term of Contract is for five years. Mr. Bowden recommended the contract be approved. Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the lease contract be approved and the Chairman be authorized to si~n.for account of New Hanover County. Motion carried unani- mously. I,IENS ON PROPERTY OF EDDIE S~r~,v~,ivSON AND WIFE (715 NUN STREET) - Mr. Fox advised the Board it was necessary they adopt resolution subordinating welfare lien of Eddie Stevenson and wife to a deed of trust to Peoples Savings and Loan Association in amount of $1500 to make certain and necessary repairs to the property. Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the Board adopt the following resolution. RESOLUTION "WHEREAS, New Hanover County has ~,.alid Aid to the Permanently and Totally Dis- abled liens on the property of Eddie Stevenson and Lula Gibbs Stevenson; and, "WHEREAS, those liens were subordinated to Peoples Savings & I,oan Association on the 26th day of October, 196'7, and "wnr;x~AS, Eddie Stevenson and Lula Gibbs Stevenson desire to subordinate the liens to a deed of trust to Peoples Savings & Loan Association to make certain and necessary re- pairs; "NOW t~ti.r:tc~FORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. As provided by North Carolina General Statutes Sec. 108-30.1, that the Board of Commissioners herewith subordinates the Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled liens of Eddie Stevenson and Zula Gibbs Stevenson to the deed of trust to Peoples Savings & Loan Association in the amount of $1,500.00; and, 2. That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes di this board and that a copy be sent to the New Hanover Count~ Board of Social Services. This 1'7th day of August, 19']0. BOARD OF CONIl`7ISSIONERS OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BY J. Van B. Metts, Jr." Chairman Motion carried unanimously. , 525~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING - AUGUST 1'7. 1970 - 9:00 A.M. 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, Aazel Savage Clerk to the Board MINtTTES OF THE MEETING - SEPTEMBER 8, 1970 - 9:00 A.M. ASSEMBZY - 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: Chairman John Van B. Metts, 7r., Vice-Chairman Meares Harriss, Jr., Commissioners J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A. Marks, Berry A. Williams; County Attorney James C. Fox; County Auditor Perry Shepard; County Administrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. INVOCATION - Chairman Metts called the meeting to order and asked Dr. Edwin girton, Rector, St. Marks Episcopal Church, to give the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Mr. Marks requested following correction in minutes of August 1'7, 19'70: On Page 4 under heading "Social Services Action Committee Meeting - Report By Mr. Marks", 4th Para- graph, 2nd Sentence shou~ld read: "There is no other federal program of assistance avail- able to these individuals." Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the minutes be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT -. Mr. Sam Johnson, Tax Collector, presented report of taxes collected for month of August, 19~0 as follows: 1969 taxes $13,010.44, back taxes $3,']80.98 and personal taxes $4,069.46. Mr. Marks asked Mr. Johnson if any o£ these collections represented garnishees. Mr. 'Johnson said theq did not. Mr. Marks requested Mr. Johnson to show ~arnishees separately when they are collected. Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that Mr. Johnson's report be accepted. Mo- tion carried unanimously. TAX SUPERVISOR'S REPORT ON MARKET STREET VALUATIONS - Mr. Larry Powell, Assistant to Tax Supervisor, was present to discuss valuations on Mar- ket Street property. Mr. Powell stated the figures presented at the last meeting had been computed on square footage on the road front. To determine square footage, depth of lot has to be considered, and no depth~had been applied at all to this property. Mr. Powell stated all residential is i.n line, but there is a difference in residential and commercial because of the usage. Mr. Harriss raised question of whether it was considered fair that a piece of property on Market Street is valued at $850 per square foot and property next to it valued at $3,850. Mr. Powell stated the property valued at $850 is in the process o£ being changed to com- mercial. DISCUSSION OF CITY-COUNTY CONVENTION cr:~v~r~R - Mayor I,uther Cromartie was present at the request o£ Mr. Harriss to discuss a Convention- ` Recreation Center for this area. Mr. Van Reid, who was present for another item on the agenda, was also recognized by the Chairman. Nr. Harriss stated this would be a large undertaking and required cooperation from both the City and County. Mr.•Harriss pointed out the need £or such a facility; there being no facility here for handling large groups. Most conventions require seating capacity for 2,000 to 4,000 or more persons. Mr. Harriss stated each year North Carolina Associations of various professional men are going to nei~hboring states to hold conventions because we in this state do not have the facilities to handle them. Mr. Harriss stated it would seem such a center would need a location which would be large enough for any possible £uture expansion,would enable establishment of easy parking, and would be accessible to the whole county. The center should be on some or near some main artery of traffic that would not be too crowded by events taking place. Mr. Harriss said this would take a lot of study, a lot o£ planning, and the determination of many of these things would be greatly helped by a study the Chamber of Commerce made about a year and one-hal£ a$o. Mr. Harriss proposed that a joint committee be appointed by the City and County to study many of the aspects of this facility such as :(1) determination if there is a need for such a facility and if so, what should be the projected initial size; (2) what should such facil- ity include; (3) what would be the approximate cost for such facility; (4) what would be a desirable location; and (5) what readily ascertainable financial benefits would accrue to this area and the citizens of New Hanover County and what methods of financing might be employed. ~