1970-11-16 Regular MeetingI
544
MINUTES OI' THE MEETING - NOVEMBER 2, 1970 - CONTINUED -
VANDAZISM - MENTAL HEAI,TH OFFICES -
Mr. 1`larks informed the Board of breakins and theft of equipment at the Mental Health Clinic.
N[r. Shepard informed the Board office equipment is being rented until it can be determined
whether equipment can be recovered. There is no insurance on equipment and Mr. Bowden pointed
out covering equipment such as this throughout the County would cost tremendously.
APPI,ICATION OF COLUMBUS COUNTY TO AFFTLIATE ITSELF WITH I,OCAI, MENTAL HEAI,TH CLINIC -
Mr. Marks called attention to letter from r. Beverly aul, Executive Director,
Local Council of Governments, investigating possibility of Columbus County coming into the fold
of services by the local Mental Health Clinic.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board final decision rests with the Com-
missioners and until arrangements can be made to enlarge the staff and facilities at the local
Mental Iiealth Clinic sufficient to help Columbus County, New Hanover County wi11 be unatile
to include Columbus County in its Mental Health Services.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION R[TLING - MRS. MARGARET GORE -
Mr. Marks informed the Board Mr. Fox suggested the Board of Commissioners has authority
to reverse the ruling of the Civil Service Commission and Mr. Marks suggested Mrs. Gore not
be released until the Board ~ets other answer and then consideration can be given to whether
or not it wants to keep her employed. By common consent tha:s was agreed to.
ADJOURNNih'NT - ~
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by
Mr. Marks, that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Hazel Savage
Clerk to the Board
MINUTES OF THE P'~ETING - NOVEMBER 16, 1970 - 9:00 A.M. - ASSEMBLY -
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
John Van B. Metts, Jr., Vice-Chairman Meares Harriss, Jr., Commissioners J. M. Hall, Jr., H. A.
Marks, Berry A. 4lilliams; County Attorney James C. Fox; County Auditor Perry Shepard; County
Ad.ministrator Laurence 0. Bowden; and fiazel Savage, Clerk to the Board..
Mr. John R. Oxenfeld, Commissioner Elect, was an observer at the meeting.
INVOCATION -
Chairman Metts called the meeting to order and in the absence of the scheduled mini.ster,
asked. County Administrator Bowden to give the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -
Mr. Harriss requested the following changes in the minutes o£ November 5, 19'70:
On Page 5, under heading "Delays in Inspection Offices", word "deficient" in first sen-
tence should. be "inefficient".
On Page 6, under heading "Landfill Equipment", last sentence should read: "At the rate
the County is growing; ...".
On Page 7, under heading "Application of Columbus County To Affiliate Itself With Local
Mental Health Clinic", word "foal" in the first sentence should 'oe "fold".
Mr. 47illiams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the vninutes be approved as corrected.
Plotion carried unanimousl~.
REPORT ON SECOND LANDFILL -
~r. Bowden reported negotiations with Mr. Raiford Trask, Jr., owner of land, had been com-
pleted and lease signed. Dragline will start work there this week. Both landfills will be
operating just as soon as the County gets a low boy to haul the crawler loader.
Mr. Harriss pointed out Mr. Trask is making this land available for $1.00 per year and
Mr. Shepard advised this has been paid for five years.
APPOINTMENT OF BICEN~L~r~vivIAL COMMITTEE -
Chairman Metts requested recommendations from the other Board members after they have had
an opportunity to talk it over at recess of this meeting.
Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the Chairman be authorized to make the
appointments when he has received recommendations from the other members. Motion carried unan-
imously.
ENDORSEMENT NEW HANOVER COUNTY KINDERGARTEN FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN -
Mr. Bowden requested formal endorsement oi' New Hanover. County Kindergarten for Mentally
Retarded Children. Informal approval had been given prior to the meeting upon receipt of re-
quest from Nr. John R. Jefferies, Chairman, Board of Directors, Sertoma Club of Wilmington,
who supports this agency. Nr. Jefferies advised the Kindergarten is in the process of making
application for a federal grant and must qualify as a child day care center. One of the re-
quirements of this application is the endorsement of this agency by the Commissioners - an en-
doresement supporting the activities of the kindergarten. Mr. Jefferies said. the endorse-
ment in no way commits the use of any county funds although the Kindergarten may in the future
request aid. The kindergarten is a non-profit organization, serving all citizens of New Hanover
County for the public good..
Mr. Bot,rden advised the Commissioners he had investigated and found there is no duplication
of efforts by any other departments.
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J~J,
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MINUTES OF THE NiEETING - NOVEMBER 16. 1970 - 9:00 A. M. - CONTINUED -
ENDORSEMENT NE47 HANOVER COUNTY KINDERGARTEN FOR MENTAI,LY FtETkRDED CHILDREN - CONTINUED -
'~r. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Harriss, that the Board o£ County Commissioners endorse "
the New Hanover County Kindergarten for Mentally Retarded Children as reouested by the Sertoma
Club of Wilmington. Motion carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT MEMBER NEW HANOVER COUNTY ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT -
Mr. Metts advised the Board that Mr. Ted Glod's term on the New Hanover County Zoning Board
of Adjustment expired on November 15th, 19'70. Mr. Metts asked Mr. Neil Mallory, Director
of Planning, for his recommendations. Mr. Mallory recommended Nr. Glod be reappointed.
APPOINTMENT MEMBER WILMINGTON-NEW HANOVER COUNTY ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT -
Mr. Metts advised the Board that Mr. E. R. Wilson's term on the Wilmington-New Hanover
County Zonin~ Board oT Adjustment expired on November 5. Mr. Haywood Rowan, City Building
Inspector, recommends Mr. Wilson be reappointed.
Mr. Harriss moved, seconded. by Mr. Hall, that Mr. Ted Glod be reappointed to serve on the
New Hanover County Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term of three years, term expiring November
15, 19'73. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that Mr. E. R. Wilson be reappointed to serve on
the Wilmington-Net~r Hanover County Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term of two years, term
expiring November 5, 1~'72. Motion carried unanimously:
A.B.G. PERPiIT REQUESTS: AFTER 6 BEVERAGES, INC., 3624 OLEANDER DR.
PETERSON'S FZACE, RT. 6, BOX 140, WII,MINGTON,
HOMER BAF~R CO., 1609 MEARES STREET -
Mr. Bowden presented the following A.B.C. Permit Heauests: Peterson's Place, Rt. 6, Box 140,
Wilmin~ton, N. C. ; Homer Baker Company, 1609 Meares Street; After 6 Beverages, Inc., 3624
Oleander Drive.
Pir. Harriss moved., seconded by ~r. Williams, that the requests be referred to the Sheriff's
Department for investigation. Motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF EMPLOYN~NT PRACTICES PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION BY CIVIL SERVICE COP~TIISSION -
Nr. Hall discussed practice of some department heads hiring persons before they are certi-
fied by the Civil Service Commission. Mr. Hall pointed out that by Law the County is required
to advertise ten days in advance of Civil Service hearing positions that are open. Mr. Hall
said he felt it unfair to advertise that positions are open when they are already filled and have
people come down thinking they might be hired. Mr. Hall said this had been brought to a head
recently by the Tax Supervisor's Office; It was not an emergency job, it could have been done
by someone from an organization similar to Man-power Inc.
Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that in the event o£ vacancies or the need of
additional employees in any department, that the department head not fill that position except
by going through the Administrator's office and asking for an employee on a strictly temporary
basis, and the employee employed on a temporary basis be ineligible to apply for that position;
and that the regular routine of the Civil Service Commission be put into effect and that the posi-
tion be filled permanently from Advertisement and by Certification of the Civil Service Com-
mission. Motion carried unanimousl~.
Meetin~ recessed £or five minutes.
Meeting reconvened.
FUBLIC HEARING - CHkNGES TO COUNTY'S SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS -
Chairman ~etts declared Yublic Hearing scheduled to consider the following changes to the
County's Subdivision Regulations now open:
"1. Amend Article III, Section 3, Subsection 3.2 (9) add:
Land contours shall be in relation to mean sea level datum.
2. Amend Article IV, Section 2, Subsection 2.9, add:
(9) Lots in subdivisions that have not been zoned by the County Commissioners and are
served by a water system approved by the North Carolina State Board of Health
and served by a central waste treatment plant approved by the North Carolina
Department of Water and Air Resources shall comply with the following:
(1) The average lot size for the entire subdivision shall not be less than seven
thousand five hundred (7500) square feet. The minimum size for any single
lot within the subdivision shall not be less than six thousand (6000) square
feet.
(2) All lots shall have a minimum width of seventy (']0) feet at the building line.
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(10) Fire hydrants that are installed in subdivisions that are served by a community
water system shall be equipped with two (2) two and one-half (2'/z) inch male ni -
ples with National Standard Threads (3.0686 inches OD with 7'/z threads per inch~."
P,epresentative from Cameron-Broum, spoke in opposition to the width of lots, especially for
mobile homes. Mr. Mallory said this does not apply to mobile home parks but does to Mobile Home
Subdivision. Mr. Taylor said they did not want to be put in a position where low cost housing
cannot be developed. He expressed the desire to discuss ~•ridth of lot with realtors. Mr. Taylor
felt size of lot proposed is too large.
Mr. Wade Warren requested Committee of realtors, builders and architects be permitted to do
a little more research.
After further di~cussion, Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the public hearin~
be recessed until December '7, 19'70, and in the meantime the planner confer. with representatives
of these orgar~izations and at the December ']th meeting of Board of Commissioners reopen the matter
and hear recommendations growing out of the conference. Piotion carried unanimously.
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~5 4 6 MINUTES OI' THE MEETING - NOVEMBER 16 , 19'70 - C ONTINUED - '
FALL PLANNING CONFERENCE -
~ Mr. Narks reminded the Commissioners of the Fall Plannin~ Conference to be held in
Fayetteville on Thursday, November 19, 19']0. Mr. Marks pointed out there will be a panel dis-
cussion of "Guiding Mobile Home Development."
SITE FOR JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY -
Mr. Williams reviewed the subject of a Juvenile Detention Facility with the Commissioners.
He said the subject has been discussed. for a number of years and Mr. Hall was Chairman o£ a
committee at one time to attempt to interest surrounding Counties in sharing in costs and oper-
ation of a Juvenile Detention Center. This Committee was unable to get surrounding counties
to put any money in it primarily because they do not seem to have the problem we have in Ne~~r
Hanover County.
A committee was appointed by the Law Enforcement Plannin~ Unit which assumed the responsi-
bility of the original Committee on a regional basis due primarily to the fact that they
felt that it would be eligible for some_funds if it became a regional facility. It is assumed
althou~h it will be owned and operated presumably by New Hanover County, that it will be an
extension of the jail and orill ~robably come under i;he jurisdiction of the Sherii'f with the
surroundin; Counties paying New Hanover County for the use of the facility, fees to be deter-
mined by the Board of Commissioners.
The Committee might consider securing of matching funds for the oneration of the facility.
This area has not been explored as of this date. Just recently, the County has been awarded,
through Governor's Law and Order Committee, nearly $92,000 for the Center on the basis of
it serving the region. A study is underway and general recommendations will be forthcoming
irom the committee within the near future. Nr. Williams said P1r. Charlie Brown, Chairman,
of the Advisory Board has done a lot of work and is present this morning for a specific re-
auest and other comments.
Mr. Charles Brown introduced Mr. Ron Knoff, employee of Social Services, who this Ad,visory
Committee had employed to help with this project. Mr. Knoff had prepared paper on "Deter-
minants of Site".
Mr. Knoff spoke on location of the facilit5 sayin~ New Hanover County is an appropriate
County within the region to place the facility.
Mr. Knoff advised land selected has ready access not only to our Community but to surround-
ing Communities. The firet thing a Juvenile Detention Home will do is to take the child from
the home and remove him from the Community. A Juvenile Detention Facility is in a sense to
the Juvenile Court what a Jail is to the adult Court. If you are in a City in a rural area
and have a detention center there, there is a requirement in North Carolina that it must
have at least 8,000 square feet of outside area fenced in. If in an urban area we would have
a wall of some sort in order to keep the children inside from being on d.isplay to persons who
are outside. Also, it is not desired people have read~ access to this fenced in area to come
in from outside to talk to the children who happen to be inside. Mr. Knoff said the Blue Clay
property fits this very well.
Mr. Broi+m then presented
stead of slice out of pie as
Mr. Hall oaas reouested to
in the foreseeable future to
Juvenile Detention Facility.
who wishes to see it.
plat sho~~ring desired location; corner of Count~r-owned land in-
tentatively proposed before.
comment on this choice. ~r. Hall said he did not see anything
prevent the County from makin~ this land available £or a
Mr. Hall said he would be glad to shoor the property to anyone
Mr. Williams said the Committee needed to have an answer on this in order for thes to pro-
ceed with planning cost estimates, etc.
Mr. Williams moved., seconded by Mr. Hall, that the area referred to on the sketch, and re-
quested by the Advisory Committee, be earmarked for future Juvenile Detention Center.
rr. Harriss said he had reservations about this site because it will take up only access
b5 road to rest of property which may be valuable for an industrial site at scme future d.ate.
Mr. Harriss urged that the County retain access by road to this property. Mr. Harriss said
he did not feel it is necessary for Juvenile Detention Center to have road frontage on the
Blue Clay Road; if moved ba:ck, vrould promote privacy which is desirable.
Mr. Williams then added to his motion, with Mr. Hall's approval, provision that a 100
foot right of way be reserved along property line for access to property in the rear.
rr. Brown advised that on righ.t hand of property line an old road bed. is there from 25
to 30 feet wide.
Mr. Harriss was of the opinion if you take 100 feet out for a road you will destroy privacy
which is said to be reouired for this type of facility.
Mr. Harriss made a substitute motion, seconded by Mr. Marks, that the matter be studied
with idea that the site be moved so that access to the property can be had independent o£ any
connection vaith the facility; so that the facility itself can be located much more privately;
that any Commercial traffic that might develop could- be routed in a way that would not in-
volve the center.
Mr. Metts was of the opinion that it vaould better to have facility deeper in property so
it would not be exposed. to possible industry or residences.
P1r. Metts pointed out if this is for a£our County area, the state should do something
about the access road.
Mr. Hall again sug~ested the Board go out and look at propert;~ and decide whether it
vaants to make road that goes off to the east.
Mr. Metts raised the ouestion of whether it had been discussed.raith the Planning Depart-
ment. Mr. Brown said Nr. Ramsey of the Planning Department had. been working with them and
they assumed the Planning Department will go along with them.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING - NOVEMBER 16. 1970 - CONTINUED -
SITE FOR JWENII,E DETENTION FACILITY - CONTINUED -
Mr. Williams pointed. out this Committee had been promised a site and while it is fine to
consider industry, human beings are more important. ,.
Mr. Harriss said he would preSer to have another look at tY~is site with the idea that access
to Blue Clay Road be retained and to get an opinion on not how a 25 foot right-of-way but a 100
to 125 foot right-o£-wa5 will affect this facility. When request was first made for a site,
a site further back was requested and the County Commissioners have not had an opportunity to
consider the revised location except for this morning. M'r. Harriss called for vote on the sub-
stitute motion.
Mr. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the substitute motion be tabled until the
Board can look at the property today. Motion failed to carry. Messrs. Hall and Williams voted
yes. Piessrs. rietts, Harriss and. PTarks no.
Vote was called on the substitute motion. Substitute motion carried. Messrs.. Metts, Har-
riss and Marks voted yes and Messrs. Williams and Hall no.
Nr. Knoff informed the Board that the primary reason they came before the Board is they have
a deadline to meet, January 15, 19'71, to present to the State, the plan, etc.
Mr. Brown spoke again urging expediency of the Commissioners' decision and stating they
were asking for seven acres in order to be able to have a bu£fer zone.
After the meeting, all the Commissioners went out and viewed the property. A decision
will be reached in the very near future. -
TURNi~EY III PROJECT -
Nr. Baggett appeared before the Board for two purposes; first to acquaint the Commissioners
with his new responsibilities in the area of housing through Turnkey III Project. Mr. Baggett's
department is responsible for training home owners moving into these houses. This will be done
through a contract with HUD. It is being contracted to North Carolina State University for his
department to train them for eighteen months. The Federal Government oaill pay for this train-
ing. He advised he will add to the staff one professional home economics agent, two non-profes-
sional aids and one secretary. There will be about 200 housing units constructed out on Prin-
cess Place Drive. There vaill be two phases of training, pre-occupancy training and post-occup-
ancy. They will be trained hotia to make house payments, community relations, interest cost,
equity, home maintenance and r.epair, etc.
Mr. Ba~gett said there would be no particular cost totthe County, except perhaps a telephone
and. move one partition in the office. Mr. Metts asked if this would interfere with present work
his department is doing. Mr. Baggett said no, the State is hiring additional personnel. Only
time i,rould. be his supervising it.
54~~
Mr. Metts inquired if this could not be done by present staff. Mr. Ba~gett said HUD ex-
pects full time help; does not care about intermixin~.
Mr. PTetts asked if his department will be neglecting others to concentrate on one small
group. Mr. Baggett answered in the negative.
Mr. Marks moved, seconded. by Mr. Harriss, that the Board of Commissioners endorse this under-
taking. ~otion carried unanimously.
REPORT ON 4-H WORK -
P1r. Baggett presented Mr. Sid Tomlinson to present 3 months report on the pro~ress in 4-H
work.
P1r. Tomlinson said this work vaas at a low ebb when he assumed the position because there
was not an a~ent here. He is now working with leaders who need a great deal of training to make
them aware of the program; he has obtained several leaders who have not been in the capacity
before; and has organized one new 4-H Club since he has been here. He is trying to spread the
image of 4-H over the County on a wider basis and make it available to more children. Last
vJeek he contacted a leader willin~ to help with some Marine Science Workshops. He has been
thinking of organizing other special interest groups on horses, etc. Also, he has been oaorking
closel,y witht3~e Star-News Award Program vrhich is coming up.
There are six organized Clubs with 125 members; and through the nutritional program they
are reaching approximately 75.
Mr. Bag~ett said the 4-H Program over the state is changing; getting away from agriculture.
REPORT ON HARBOR HOUSE -
Mr. Harriss reported on work Harbor House is doing. He advised of three 6-day programs in-
volving students from various parts of the states who made field trips to Bald Head, studied
marshes and life in marshes.
In addition, pendi~g approval of National Science Foundation, a series of teacher workshops
which will offer credit tot~T2rds certificates are being planned for June. There will be three
conferences of 25 teachers each.
Harbor Aouse has worked with the high schools in oceanographic programs. Cooperation has
been very good. Cape Fear Technical Institute is also participating.
Conferences have been set up for the coming months including wide range of activity; Na-
tional Science Foundation Neeting, Southeastern District E~ctension Agents P9eeting, State Plan-
ning Commission, Regional Educational Workshop of Virginia and the Carolinas, International
Conference on High Pressure Aquarium Systems, etc.
DISCUSSION OF WORK I,OAD, COST, AND EFFICIENCY BEFORE AND kFTER COIL`~PUTERIZATION OF SEVERAI, COUNTY
DEFARTMENTS - '
Mr. Williams advised that some of the departments of County Government are partially com-
puterized which was done for the purpose of bringing about greater efficiency and better service
at lotiver cost. Mr. Williams said based on some of the information he had. heard recently, he
wonders seriously iahether this objective has been met. The costs are up, personnel is up in
many cases, and Mr. Williams said there is a question mark in his mind by the word efficiency.
Computerization can be justified if it results in better service, better efficiency and lovrer
costs. The q_uestion is whether personnel and other costs are increasing d.isproportionately.
Mr. Williams referred to a news article recently that reported in spite of increased work
in one of our County departments, personnel had not increased. Mr. [~lilliams said on checking
J
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING - NOVEPIBER 16; 1970 - CONTINiIED -
DISCUSSIOnT OF WORK LOAD, COST;, AND EFFICIENCY BEFORE kND AFTER COMPUTERIZATION OF SEVERAZ COUNTY
DEPARTMENTS - CORTTINUED -
he found it contrary to the record as indicated in the bud~ets which were approved for 1966-6']
and 19~0-']l. The total budget in this and other d.epartments has increased substantially over
those years and it did not take place in just the last year or the last two years. Mr. Williams
said we seem to be getting conflicting information about whether or not the personnel has been
increased, how much the budget has amounted to in various departments and other information.
Nr. Williams suggested the County Administrator be directed to study the work load, cost
and. efficiency of every County department and make specific recommendations to this Board
prior to budget discussion for lp'71-']2. Mr. Williams said he would like some factual informa-
tion.
PZr. Hall asked iahether Mr. Williams had anything specific to go on as to the ineffective-
ness of computerization.
Nr. Williams said the thing that concerns him most is the claim that it was to reduce
cost and costs have gone up instead. ~
rr. Williams said. there was a neors item recentl~ that the workload has increased in the
Aud.itor's office and the personnel had not increased and that we are getting such an efficient
operation, and yet u~e find that over the period of years mentioned the budget for the Au_d-
itor's office for 1966-6'] was $2'],260; and the bud~et approved by this Board for 19'70-71 is
'~4~,880.
• Mr. Williams said he heard a radio spot durin~ the recent Campaign that said that the
County had received 9~']50,000 in sales tax, and he would like to ask the Auditor for the record
if the County has received ¢$750,000 and if so, where is it. The Auditor replied it has not.
By common consent it was agreed. to direct Mr. Bowden to make a thorough study of each
department. This will be performed along vi~h the State Personnel study.
~PRESSION OF APPRECIATION TO MR. JOHN VAN B. METTS, JR. -
Mr. $arriss moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that since this is Mr. Mett's last meetin~ as a
Commissioner for this term, and he has served faithfully and well, and at some personal sacri-
fice as Chairman, the Board extends to him a vote of appreciation for his efforts and best
wishes in business and in private life. Motion carried unanimously.
STATEM~,~VT OF MR. METTS
Mr. Metts said actually he had served with three dif£erent boards and he thought overall
this is by far the best board that he had ever served with. They have been progressive, have
had the County's best interest at heart, they have been non-partisan in their appointments,
they have had. desire to get best man for the job, and he thanked them very much £or the co-
operation that they have given him as Chairman and wished them success in the future as a
Board. He assured everyone the Board has had their disagreements which is good; because with-
out disagreement you would not need but one commissioner. Disagreements have been worked out
with nothing in mind except the best interest of the CountS* and its Citizens.
JOINT RETIREMENT INSURANCE - CITY-COUNTY TI~X COLLECTORS OFFICE -
Mr. Marks inquired vahether this had been handled.
Mr. Bowden advised this is being handled.
RETIREM~'NT BOARD OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEES -
P1r. Hall had been contacted by two or three employees of the Board of Education who were
disturbed because they had heard rumors that they are no longer going to get retirement from
the County. Some of them have 30 years service.
kfter discussion, it was concluded someone had gotten hold o£ wrong information and it
was not the intention of anyone on the Board to deprive anyone of a pension they had earned.
OUTSIDE EMFLOYMEPI`I' RON HIdOFF -
Mr. Hall raised q_uestion of Ron Kno~f, Social Services Employee, working part time with
the Juvenile Advisory Committee.
T1r. Fox said if he worked oi~ County time, there mi~ht be conflict but not if he works on
his time.
P1r. Williams said the committee contacted. him to do the job and it was cleared through
Miss Hall. 41ork will be done on Mr. Kno£f's time.
Mr. Marks asked if it case within 7y~z hours requirement and Mr. Harriss asked i£ it was
cleared with Mr. Bowden and Mr. Bowden said no.
T•1r. T'Iarks will follow up on this.
LOCATION OF STATE Z00
Mr. Bowden said the Chairman had received a letter from the Cent,ral Zoolo~ical Park Com-
mittee requesting endorsement and support of this Board in the location of an approximately
1,000 acre State Zoo that cannot be located either in the extreme western portion or the ex-
treme eastern portion of the state. Committee is trying to locate it closer to the east than
is proposed by some of the Zoo Site Committee Authorities. They are asking this Board ~o
endorse sites of eastern Chatham County, eastern Alasance County and Butner as potential sites
for the 1,000 acre Zoo.
Nr. Netts advised that the Chamber of Commerce at one time had a Committee on this to see
what they cou.ld do about trying to ~et it hes~e. They have made a study on this. It might
be well for Mr. Bowden to get inforr,iation they have developed. This item was de£erred until
next meeting by common consent.
CHANGE OF NAME OF WATER SEWER AUTHORITY
Mr. Bowden ad.vised the Board he had received. Communication from the City of Wilmin~ton
it is necessary, due to pending financial arrangements with uarious federal agencies, that the
name of Wilmin~ton-New Hanover Water and Sewer Authority be chan~ed to name of Lower Cape Fear
Water and Sewer Authority. This will involve changing the leases, certificates of Corporation
and resolutions adopted. by both boards. Mr. Bowden said he had discussed this orith Mr. Mike
Broorn, Chairman of the Authority, who said it must be done in order to get federal funding,
MINUTES OF THE MEETING - NOVEMBER 16. 1970 - CONTINUED -
CHANGE OF NAME OF WATER SEWER AUTHORITY - CONTINUED -
and Mr. Bowden said he believed the City Council has already taken action on the change. Nr.
Bowden said Mr. Fox said there is nothing that would prevent this Boa'rd from authorizing
this action.
Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Williams that the Board of Commissioners authorize the
change. Motion carried unanimously.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS -
Mr. Bowden presented Certification by an Auditor that the Wilmington Athletic Association
had a deficit and is requesting the $1500 the Board had agreed to furnish them if this hap-
pened. Mr. Shepard recommended this come from the;g:eneral Contingency Fund.
Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the appropriation be made, funds coming
from the general Contingency Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
STATEMENT OF OUTSIDE AUDITOR -
Mr. Borrden advised the Commissioners the County is in receipt of statement from Mr. W. C.
Barfield for auditing County's Books. It" has been approved by Mr. R. Fyles, Director of Lo-
cal Government. Statement is considerably in excess of the amount appropriated. Mr. Bar-
field's letter• states cause of the overage and is requesting payment that has been 2pproved
by the Local Government Commission.
Aiter discussion, Mr. Marks moved, seconded by Mr. Harriss, that action be deferred and
copy of. Mr. Barfield's letter be furnished each Commissioner for study. Motion carried unan-
imously.
TIP1E OF DECEMBER '7~ 1970 MEETING -
Discussion was held as to whether to sched.ule meeting for 10:3o a. r,. on December `], 19']0
since swearing in of new Commissioners o~ill be held at 10:00 A. M.
Mr. Harriss moved, seconded by Mr. Marks, that meeting be scheduled at regular time, 9:00
A. M., recess, reconvene after swearing in and action taken prior to swearing in be ratified
after Commissioners are sworn in. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Harriss moved., seconded by
Mr. Marks, that tne meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Hazel Sava~e
Clerk to the Board
P'iINUTES OF THE MEETING - DECEMBER ~, 1970 - 9:00 A. M. -
ASSENiBLY -
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: Vice-Chairman
Neares Harriss, Jr., Commissioners J. ~. Hall, Jr., H. A. Plarks, Berry A. Williams; John R.
Oxenfeld; County-Attorney James C. Fox; County Auditor Perry ,Shepard; County Administrator
Laurence 0. Bowden; and Hazel Savage, Clerk to the Board. ,
INVOCATION -
Vice-Chairman Harriss called the meeting to order and in the absence of the scheduled. min-
ister asked. Mr. Marlis to give the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -
Prior to the meeting the iollowing corrections to the minutes of November 16th were pointed
out:
On Page 8 spelling of last word in third paragraph should be"disproportionately".
Third sentence of fourth paragraph should read: '"... and it did not take place.in just
the last year ....." '
First sentence of £ifth paragraph should read: "Mr. Williams suggested the County Admin-
istrator be directed ...."
549
Mr. Harriss requested the following correction:
On Page 8 first sentence should read: "Harbor House has worked with the high schools in
oceanographic programs".
Following these corrections, Mr. Williams moued, seconded by Mr.. Marks, that the minutes
be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously.
2AX COLLECTOR'S REPORT -
Mr. Yerry Shepard distributed the Tax Collector's report for him because Mr. Johnson was in
the hospital.
Taxes shown on books amounted to Sb5,216,888.21. Collections through November amounted to
~2,430,51'7.73, leaving total due ~2,']86,3']0.48. Back taxes collected during month of November
amount to $8,545.']4 bringing total collected to $55,314.81 leaving balance uncollected ~6365,~97.62.
Delinqizent personal property taxes collected. in November amounted to $`]2.90 bringin~ total col-
lected to date to $1'7,333.72.
By common consent Mr. Johnson's report was accepted.