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1963-09-16 Regular Meeting - ---_ ?... -- _. Wilmington,N.C. September 16,1963;I ASSEMBLY - I I? The regular semimonthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commiss- ioners was held on this date in the Commissioners Room with the following in attendance: Chairman J. M. Hall, Jr., Commissioners Peter H. Braak, Ernest R. Mayhan, and John ' Van B. Metts, Jr., County Attorney L. Bradford Tillery and County Avditor T. D. Love, and Commissioner L. E. Broadhurst. ? INVOCATION - The Chaplain scheduled for the invocation, Reverend A. L. McGhee, Pastor of Calvary Bapiist Church, failed to appear so the Chairman called on the Executive Secre= , tary, W. G. Houck, for a prayer for guidance, i \ CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF HEALTH -. Dr. J. C. Knox, representing the Board of Health, accompanied by Public Health Director, Dr. C. B. Davis and Public Health Director of Nurses for the Department, Miss Annie Lou Davis, came before the Board and explained that they would like to have the Board of Commissioners reconsider their method of paying salaries and mileage. The chang from a flat monthiy depreciation figure and 4d a mile to strictly 7d per mile for the use of their personal cars has resulted in some inequities among their personnel. Some drive only very short distances in their work which results in such a small amount for the use of their car that it works a hardship on them. He stated that the Board did not want their employees to make money off of their travel expenses but neither did they want them to loose money on account of it. l Salaries - Dr, Knox acted as spokesman and reported that the Health Depart- ment is in the same category as the Welfare Department inasmuch as both operate under the Merit System Council. His Board feels that the employees should receive the same treatment. They understand that the Public Welfare Department has been approved for salaries recommended in the normal range whereas the Health Department generally was approved for two classifications below the normal steps and, in fact, some lndividuals are as much as four steps below. ? Reclassification - Chairman Hail explained that it was the intention of. the Board to make a step up in the salaries of the Heaith Department so that all of them would be on a minus two steps below the normal recommended by the Merit System Council I and that the individuals he thought should receive their increases when their classi- j fication was stepped??/? . It was the opinion of some that the changes should not be made in, between budgets. L7r: Knox pointed out that there were five instances in which the employees were more than two steps helow the standard even though their classification had been changed before the 1963 - 1964 Budget was approved. The Chairman stated that these individuals would be reconsidered at a later date. The Chairman thanked Dr. Knox and the Health Department representatives for their interest. No action was taken ori ? any of these requests that would make any changes at the present time. i BEACH EROSION -.WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Messrs. Robert M. Williams and Robert N. Taylor, who acted as apokesmen, reported that the Board of Alderrrien of 4Jrightsville Beach are faced with a request for Beach Stabilization and Hurricane Wave Protection. In general, the project will pro- vide a dune with a crown width of 25 feet at an elevation of 15 feet above MLW and a beach berm with a crown width of 501 at 12+ elevation. The total construction costs are estimated at $536,000 of which the Federal share would be $358,800 and the non-Federal share would be $177,200. The State has agreed to contribute 80% of the non-Federal fund-.or a:i.otal-of;$141;760. This leaves a balance of $35,440 to be paid by local in- terests. The town of Wrightsville Beach requests that the County share one-half of this amount or $17,720. It was pointed out that the local interest funds would have . to be on hand before the work could be started. Mr. Taylor stated that he would look into the matter of whether or not the money would have to actually be in escrow or if it could be a firm appropriation. In discussing the various angles of this proposal, it was brought out that the ratio of local share funds is 4 to 5 and that the Eounty at present has a fund set u? nEhis work in the amount of $41,000 and that it is contem- plated that $10,000 more will be included in the next fiscal year Budget making a total o $51,000 which can be used for beach protection. Based on the estimates, it appears that the County would be able to share on a 40% ratio with the municipalities on the local participation, therefore Mr. Metts offered a motion that the County participate on a 40% ratio on local funds necessary to construct the proposed defenses against hurri-f cane destruction and beach erosion. This policy is to apply to each of the beach preser- vation projects now under consideration. It was seconded by Nr. Mayhan and unanimously adopted. Chairman Hall dbserved that consideration was being given to the establishino of districts in the areas outside the town limits of the municipalities where beach pro- tection is necessary so that the property owners might participate in their share of the cost of protection construction. (Mr. Taylor called and said that after investigation, found that it would be satisfactory for..the money to be heid in escrow in the County until actually needed but that it would have to be in the hands of the Engineers before the actual work on the construction can start.) RECORDERS COURT CEILING Recorde?s Court Judge, H. Winfield Smith, accompanied by a group of attorneys ? appeared before the Board with reference to some repair work in the Recorder's Courtroom.l He thanked the Commissioners for their cooperation and willingness to paint the ceiling of the Courtroom as requested at the last meetiny but explained that since that time a i new.-ingenious type of construction method has come to light that enables the lowering of 'I the high ceilings in old buildings at a very nominal cost. Attorney Aaron Goldberg re- ported that he had recently contracted to.have his office ceiling lowered with this new ' type constr.uction and had found it could be done at a minimum cost. He reported that the acoustics in the present Courtroom are such that it is very difficult for the Judge, Solicitor, and the attorneys to hear the evidence and provide just and fair treatment for those.who use it. Attorney John J. Burney, Jr. called attention to the fact that by 1970 the new Court Reform voted by the people would come into being and this Courtroom would likely be used and need the repairs. Attorney Robert E. Calder stated that the 1961 General Assembly had approved includina 501 in each warrant for the use of Court- room repairs. Ch2irman Hali reminded them that the Board of Commissioners authorized a contract for the painting of the ceiling at their meeting on September 3rd and that the contractor had reported to him that he had spent $40.00 out of pocket money to rent and 6'y r s, a:?+ ?? 9 ? Minutes of the Neeting September 16, 1963 Continued ? `- ---- ? _ ?RECORDER'S COURT CEILING - (continued) ? have delivered steel scaffolding and that he had hired an extra man to help him which meant that he was out of two days labor. Attorney Goldberg advised that he , 'had discussed the matter with the contractor S. W. Garrett, who had agreed to nullify the contract provided the expenses which he had already incurred was paid. Messrs. Gold- berg and Smith assuredthe Board of Commissioners that the attorneys would take care of ? this expense if the Board sees fit to rescind the order for painting and consider the lowering of the ceiling. After a brief discussion, Mr. Braak offered a motion that the action of the Board of Commissioners taken at the meeting on September 3rd be rescinded with i Lhe understanding that the attorneys compensate the contractor for his out of pocket money and the contractor is willing to cancel the contract. It was seconded by Nr. Mayhan and unanimously approved. The Chairman then appointed Mr. Broadhurst as a Committee to.look ? into the matter of lowering the ceiling so far as estimated cost and feasibility is concerned and report back to the Board at their next reoular meeting. ? COMPLAINT - / Nrary Dinkins appeared before the Board and sLated that she had previously re- ceived grants from the Public Welfare and without realizing that the acceptance of the grants placed a legal lien on her small parcel of land,.had allowed two prefab homes to be constructed on her property, one of which was for the use of her brother. She stated that the Welfare Caseworker was familiar with the fact at the time but nota they have decided to wlthhold her grant until approximately $1200.00 which was illeoally accepted could be re- covered. County Attorney Tillery was familiar with the details of the case and stated that it was very complicated but recommended that it was a matter for the Public Welfare Board to handle rather than the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Braak, Chairman of the Welfare Board, announced that it would meet in regular session on Thursday, September 19th, 1963 at 2:00 P. M. He invited the complainants to meet with them in an•attempt to straighten out whatever complaint they had. BEER PERMIT - / The follcwing application for a Beer Permit was reviewed by the Board and upon motion of Mr. Broadhurst, seconded by Mr. Metts, unanimously approved and referred to the Sheriff for his investigation and consideration. Fountain Bros., Inc. T/A Oleander 66 Service 4800 Oleander Dr. JOINTLY OVINED TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY - / The Executive.Secretary reported that he had a prospective buyer for a jointly owned tax foreclosed parcei of property located in Sronx A, Lot 9 which is 33, x 1101, located at the Southeast corner of the Delgado Mill Property and Manhatten Ave., which has 'been appraised by the County Property Appraisors as having a fair market valve of $350.00. Upon motion of Nr. Metts, seconded by Mr. Braak, the Board unanimously approved the sale of this property at the appraised value, subject to concurring approval of the City Council. ' IIENGINEERING APPROPRIATION - 1_? The Executive Secretary reported that at the last meeting they had approved pay- ment of $396.40 to Henry M. Von Oesen and Associates for professional services in connect- fon with the deepening of the turn-around basin in the Northeast Cape Fear River opposite the Carolina Nitrogen Plant: At the time they approved payment from the Advertising and Industrial Development Fund but when we started Lo draw the check we found that all the funds in the Advertising & Industrial DevelopmenL Account had been allocated so an appro- 'priation will be necessary before payment is made. Mr. Braak offered a motion that $396.00 be.appropriated out of the General Emergency fund to the Advertising and Industrial Develop- ment Fund to pay this invoice. It was seconded by Mr. Mayhan and unanimously passed. C TATE AMBULANCE SERVICE Chairman Hall reported to thexBoard that he had verbally made the same agree-? ment with the Tate Ambulance Service Company they had formerly ratified to the Cape Fear Ambulance Company on October 20, 1958 at that time the regular rates for ambulance service were $15.00 to the City limits and 301 per mile beyond the City limits, however, they agreed to make a flat fee of $12.00 to the City limits and 25? per mile beyond the City::limits: The County agreed: (1) To reimburse the Ambulance Company for all patients certified by the Welfare Department even though they may not be hospitali2ed. (2) The County would assume responsibility for all calls made by the Sheriff , . Highway Patrol or a Commissioner provided they immediately certify the facL with the office of the Executive Secretary and secure a written report from the officer , at the scene, • (3) If the fee is collected at a later date, the Ambulance Company would re- -, imburse the County for any funds collected. ' (4) The County would pay for calls from the Sheriff or Highway Patrol even if it resulted in a"dry run". (5) The Ambulance operator is to make every effort to collect their fees from ? their customers and the County would not be called on to pay until all legal remedies had been exhausted. . Miss Lela Moore Hali, Director of the Public Weifare Department, stated that she had found some of the Welfare recipients were usino the Ambulance service in going to and from the " hospital Out-patient Clinic. She requested the Board to clarify their policy on this matter. After a brief discussion, Mr. Braak moved the approval of the agreement with the new Ambulance Company and that their former position be re-affirmed. It was seconded by I Mr. Mayhan and unanimously approved. The Executive Secretary was instructed to call the Tate Ambulance Service Company and explain the policy to them and to confirm the conversa- ?I tion with a letter and a copy to each of the hospitals and to the Public Welfare Director. -A Ninutes of the Meetina Sentember 16, 1963 Continued ? RECORDER' S CUiJRT REPORT - The County Auditor reported that he had checked the records of the Recorder's Court and found that they had taken in$14,193.31 for the month out of which the County ? received $10,355.05. He found them in order and correct and the handling of the funds much improved. ? MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL - ! The Chairman presented the minutes of July 31, 1963 meeting of the New Hanover I Mental Health Advisory Council which sets forth the hylaws and functions which were adopte? by that grovp and they desire to have the County Commissioners give consideration to i officially adopting it: I rUNCTIONS OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADVISORY COUNCIL 1 The New Hanover County Mental Health Advisory Council having been appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners does hereby establish its functions. 1. At the first meeting members were elected by lot t o serve either two or four I yea I rs as follows: I Four years 1t.ro years i Mr. Robert N. Kallman Mrs. Daniel C. Darrow , Mr. W. E. Sisson Nir. Edwin E. Kirton Mr. Richard K. Johnson Mr. James D. Wethern Dr. Rowena S. Hall (Crayer) Mrs. J. E. Bowden ? Mr. Talmadge O. Page Mrs. Henry M. Von Oesen i Dr. James H. Smith , Mr. Ernest Mayhan County Commissioner 2. Members are appointed to the Council by the New Hanover County Board of Com- missioners for terms of four years; Members may be reappointed to succeed them- selves. 3. Terms will expire in February of the odd numbered year with appointments and or reappointments made by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners at the first q meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. i 4. Vacancies occuring in the council shall be filled by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the unexpired term. , 5. The council shall meet at least once a quarter and may meet more often as de- termined by the council or upon call of the Chairman. Officers 1. The officers of the Council shall consist of a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary, elected from the council. 2. The term of office shall be for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. 3. Officers shall be elected at the first regular meeting of the council each year after the new members have been appointed. 4. Vacancies occurring in office shall be filled by the council for the unexpired term. Functions of the Advisory Council ' 1. Relationship to New Hanover County Board of Commissioners: The Advisory Council shall serve as advisor to the County Commissioners in all matters pertaining to the Mental Health Center. The Advisory Council shall present the Mental Health Budget to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. 2. Relationship to Director of Mental Health Center: The Advisory Council shali serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of the MenLal Health Center. a. All matters pertaining to the policy of the Mental Health Center operations ; shali be presented to the Advisory Council by the Center Director. The II Advisory Council shall advise and recommend courses of action pertaining to:' (1) budget (2) policy (3) extent of activities (4) area of activity (5) fees (6) personnel ' 3. Relationship to the Community: The Advisory Council shall at all times seek to find ways and means to obtain public accepta nc e and support for the Mental Health Program. Committees 1. There shall be an executive committee composed of the officers and one member at large selected from the Advisory Council. This committee shall conduct the affairs of the Advisory Council between meetings of the Council and perform such other tasks as may be required of it. 2. T'he Chairman shall appoint such other committees as may be-.necessary. i L_ . (ts O..P R1? Minutes of the Meetinq SeDtember 16, 1963 Continued MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COLJNCIL - (continued) State Department 1. The"Center shall be operated under the supervision of the State Department of Nental Health. 2. Personnel policies are set forth by the Merit System Council. Director and Administrator of the Mental Health Center. 1. There shall be a resident Clinical Director who shall be responsible for the administration. The Clinical Director shall be a medical doctor licensed in the State of North Carolina with adequate training and experience in psychiatry and appointed by the County Commissioners subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Mental Health. 3. The Director of the clinic shall appoint all members of the staff with the approval of the Advisory Council. After due consideration of the stipulations inciuded in the articl.es, Mr. Metts offered a motion that it be estabiished as the policy of the Mental Health Advisory Council. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously adopted. HOME ECONOMICS EQUIPNiENT R letter was received from the Negro Home Economics Extension Agent, reporting a pressing need for a stove in that department as she is planning a special program in foods and nuitrition to give training to individuals working with the low income families receiv- ing surplus foods and in connection with the Homemakers Service soon to be started in the Public Welfare Department. Also included in the request were prices obtained for used stoves, most of which were in only fair mechanical condition and the following prices on new equipment: Sears-Roebuck & Co; 30" Electric Range (Kenmore) ----------- $154•45 Barefoots B.Jackson • 30" Electric Range (Philco) Less ^ 150.00 Tax 4.50 $154•45 Sutton-Council 30" Electric Range (Frigidaire) ------- 149.95 After considering that this service would provide educational information which would pro- ' mote a better use of resources in the lower income oroup families, The Chairman then re- quested the County Auditor to determine if funds were available in the present Bud'get and after checking with the Home Economics Agent, he found that the funds allocated in the Budget for a refrigerator and table could be used for this purpose as someone had donated a refrigerator. During the discussion of this question, consideration was given to the wiring that wovld be required for an electric stove and the suggestion was made that poss- ibly a gas stove could be used as effectively. The Chairman authorized Lhe Executive Secretary to investieate the cost of wiriny as well as the possible use of gas. Mr. Broad- hurst asked that he be recorded as voting "NO" as he would not get into the cooking bus- iness. ROAD NAME COMPLAINT - ' / Mr. Eldridge Fergus appeared before the Board and protested naming the section of road beginning at U. S. 76 on the North side of Bradley Creek to U. S. 74-76 at the in- tersection with the Intracoastal Waterway, running by Airlie Road'_t:. He prefers to have it called either Wrightsvilie Avenue or the Old Wrightsville Turnpike. The Executive Secretary reported that he had consulted with the State Highway Commission and found that the3r official name is "Airlie Road" and that the Post Office Department is using that name for their mail service delivery. The Chairman advised that the Board would look into the matter further. RECREATIONAL - / A request was received from the local Director of the Corps of Engineers asking that a one-time report covering reational use of civil works projects such as (1!) the Intra- I Coastal Waterway within New Hanover County (2) the Masonboro Inlet and connecting chan- nels, (3) Northeast (Cape Fear) River, and (t}) Wilmington Harbor and river from ocean to Wilmington be made. The data needed is for the estimated number of visitations in 1960 and number for each month in 1963 and then project the number expected in the years 1965, 1970 and 1975. A visitation is considered one visit by one person on one day, i.e., a party of four equals four visitations; if the same party returns the following day, that is considered four more visitations. For Lhe purpose of this report, recreational activity is any indulged in primarily for pleasure. The Chairman requested the Executive Secre- tary to investigate and see if he could determine the information requested. BUILDING CODES - ? Nr. Metts reported that he had recently attended a meeting at the request of Henry M. Milgrom, president of the State Association of County Commissioners at which t1me ? the North Carolina Coastal Building Trades committee was established and that last Wednes- day, September llth he attended another meeting of this committee, getting further in- formation with reference to wind resistant roofs. If the coastal buildings are constructed I to meet insurance standards, then loans can be secured which means that more building can ' be done and tax values increased along our coasts. 1I-A =YA-M enSsmbsr-16_.-19_63_CflntSnv p ci \ TAX SUPERVISOR'S MILEAGE - The Chairman read a letter from the Tax Supervisor, calling attention to the fact that the Property Appraisors in his office can not possibly furnish and operate e car on the basis of ']e' per mile. For instance, one day they drove only 10 miles but made more than 25 stops and starts which means, under this plan, they only receive 701 compensation. He strongly recommends that the Board approve a flat amount for car allo - ance as in the past or furnish a car for them. No action was taken on this recommendatiol. RESOLUTION - Mr. Braak reported that a number of the Board of Commissioners for Pender Countiy ? had approached him with a request to draw a Resolution in support, of a road from the vicinity of Hampstead to Topsail Beach. As no one seemed to have any definite informa- tion with reference to exactly what they wished, the Executive Secretary was instructed to get in touch with the Chairman and ask them to outline just what they wanted. \SURPLUS CONM0DITY PROGRAM - The Commodity Supervisor called attention to the oversight on the part of the Board to include a 10% increase for two employees of the Surplus Commodity staff. He stated that it was unintentionally overlooked. No action was taken on this request. tion: REPORTS - The following reports and letters were reviewed and ordered filed for informa- I 1-? Cooperative Extension Work 8 Home Economics Agenttt Report. 2- Wilmington Public Library Report. 3- Notice of Formal Hearing of the State Board of Allotments Appeal scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17th. ' \(}- Electrical Inspector's Report. 5- Thank-you letter from Stanley A. South for the State Department of Archives and History, in appreciation of their cooperation and support of the Hebe I Skirmish Ground Breaking Ceremony at Fort Fisher. I ADJOURNMENT - ' i, There being no further business to be brought before the Boar , Mr. Braak moved ? that they adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Mr. Mayhan` uriimously approved. W. /w tive S ldiimington, N.C. October 7th,1963 ` ASSEMBLY - The regular semimonthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commissfonerwas held on this date in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse at 9:00 A. M. with the ' following members in attendance: Chairman J. M. Hall, Jr., Commissioners L. E. Broad- ' hurst, Ernest R. Mayhan and John Van B. Metts, Jr., Cnunty Auditor T. D. Love, Jr. and County Attorney L. Bradford Tillery. Commissioner Peter H. Braak was out oF the city and unahle to attend the meeting. I INVOCATION - Chairman Hall called the meeting to order and asked Reverend W. T. Mercer. Pastor of the Church of Nazarene, to give a prayer for guidance over the morning's session APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - I Upon motion of Mr. Metts, seconded by Mr. Mayhan, the minutes of the special called meeting on September 13th and the regular meeting on September 16th, 1963 were I unanimously approved as written. ?TAX SETTLEMENT - 1962 , Mr. Sam W. Johnson, City-Covnty Tax Collector, presented the following settle- ment of 1962 taxex and stated that there was a 95•4% collection on the yearts levy: Correction to Tax Scroll As per Re-Cap Corrected Total Listed as per abstract Real & Personal 11 it ° it it Not Llsted " " " " Personal Late Listings " 't " " Back Tax Less Abatements Listed by Tax Supervisor 8 Collector Penalty Collected Adv. Cost Collected Real Estate Sold For Taxes Not Listed " " 't Delinquent Personal Property Prepayments Discount allowed by Tax Collector Deposited in Wachovia Bank Over Dve to City by County Known over-payments NET OVERAGE 67,947•49 10,253.63 29,782.72 49 0 , 221. 49 4,544.62 1,756,369.87 $ 14,733•77 2. 341 ,Wt9.0Ei z, 356,1tsz. ts3 2,306,188.23 II 45,223.60 4,542.48 z28.52 2,356,162.d3 p 3,816.60 2,352,366.23 1,612.20 li 4,487.68 • 233.70 ' 2,358,699.81 I z,359,119.82 l}20.01 3aj: 6? /W1. 39