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1966-01-17 Regular MeetingI ~r {,~~,p/'~7 E.~ V' SI Minutes of the Meeting January ~, 1966 Continued - -- - --- - Jurors - Februarv 21, -- 1966 - Continued ~ - - _ _ I Lawther, Jr. 505 liarnett St. Oppenheimer, F. W. 2942 Park Ave. Lee, Henry 212 Greenfield St. Payne, Annie Graham 1}17 N. 6th St. Lee, Herron, 2510 Wrightsv. Ave. Peterson, M. J. RFD 1, Box 230 Lee, James 2122 S. 13th St. Castle Hayne, N. C. Lee, John 1017 S. 12th St. Piver, Luther C. RFD 1, Box 30 Lee, 'William L. 2116 Princess P1. Rd ,Pope, Charlie Lee 2305 Adams St. Levine, Goldie P.O. Box 235 Reoister, Lester E. 129 Mercer Ave. I Long, J. U. 4012 Wilshire Blvd. Rivenbark, Robert Horace RFD 3, Box 13t}-A Love, Gladys A. 2221 Mimosa Piace Rogers, F. J. 710 Red Cross St. Lovering, Helen 712 Market St. Rice, R. Macon 105 Cardinal Dr. I McBroom, Charlie A. 1502 Ann St. Smith, C. F. 4916 Wrightsv. Ave. NcCleese, Louise 316 MacRae St. Smith, Roger H. 1908 Nun St. McEachern, W. H. Jr. 201 Live Oak Pkwy. Stafford, Roseetta 811 S. 15 St. ~ Mohr, J. H. 112 Wayne Dr. Tartt, Percy, Jr. 136 Hinton Ave. I Moore, James W. 213 Rose Ave. Tartt, T. A. RFD 1, Box 265 Morgan, Roy V. 61l} Greenfield Tate, Katherine R. P. 0. Box 511 Moskowitz, Herbert 1326 Hawthorne Rd. West, Wilbur 104 S. 21st St. Murray, Annie 719 Bladen St. Williams, Ernestine Nixon 505 S. 7th St. Niforos, Louise R. 3717 Wrightsv, Av. 1'~illiams, Paul L. 306 Johnston Dr. , Yopp, Esther Naomi P.O. Box 357 REPORTS - The following reports were reviewe d by the Board and order ed filed for future ~ reference: 1- Notice From t I he State Association of County Commissioners of a District Meeting I scheduled for February 2, 1966 in the Clinton City Hall to study recommendation j of the Tax Commissinn. "I 2- Public Notice of application for p ermit to construct a pip eline across Bank~s Channel by the Town of Wrightsv. B each. 3- Notice from the Justice Departmen t of a one week speciai Civil term of Superio~ Court beginning January 31, 1966. l !~.- Report from Dr. Hargrove relative to the Community Mental Health Center. ADJOURNMENT - Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Vaughan, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. ,. ~ ~ ~Wv Houck, Executive Secretary Wilmington, N. C. January 17, 19~6 8:00 A.M. ~ .{ I i ASSEMBLY - The regular semimonthly meeting of the was held in the Commissioners' Room of the County A. M. with the foilowing members insatt2ndance: missioners Peter H. Braak, Laurence 0. Bowden, County Attorney L. Bradford Tillery and County Au~ New Hanover County Board of Commission~rs Court House on the above date at 8:00 '~ Chairman Jos. W. Hooper, Jr., Com- J. M. Hall, Jr. and M. H. Vauohan; i iitor T. D. Love, Jr. i INVOCATION - i In the absence of a Chaplain, the Chairman asked the Executive Secretary, W. G. Houck, to give the invocation. MINUTES APPROVAL - I Before approving the minutes, the Executive Secretary explained that the Count~' Auditor has requested him to include a statement which he made at the time the invoice , for the Special Audit was being discussed. The Board aareed to the following amendment to be inserted in the Paragraph entitled "AUDI'T INVOICE", "Mr. Love informed the Board that he could not pay this bill until and uniess it is approved by the Local Government Commission". Mr. Vaughan then offered a motion that the minutes be approved as written , including the above amendment. It was seconded by Mr. ~raak and unanimously cart ied. II AGRICULTURE EXTENSION SERVICE - Z.!- ~ Mr. D. D. Baggett, County Agriculture Extension Chairman, reported that the annval narrative report had been mailed to each member of the Board but that he thought ~ it might be well to let the Board know that liis department is endeavoring to carry out I ~ an agricultural program in the County in which the people are int¢rested and that the trend seemed to be toward intensifying the program of greenhouses and other pro,jects in which they have many calis. He did not want the Board to get the idea that this ` County is no longer an agricultural County for last year, products grown here amovnted ~ to more than $5,000,000 in value. He has not been able to obtain an employee for the i Community L}-H Club work but had one in mind and will continue to seek the right man ~ for this type work. The overall picture is that the programs are oriented for and acro:s the Board highly intensified system of farming. Light - He reported'that they needed one of these night lights for the yerd at the Agriculture Building as many times they have meetings at night and the ladies compiain continued _ \ Minui.es of t.he Meet_i.na_Januat'v 17~ _19_66~Contjnued ~~' AGRICULTURE EXTENSION SERVICE - (continued) I about being unable to see to get in and ouC. One controlled automatically costs $3•75 per month. After a brief discussion of this sub,ject, Mr. Braak moved that a ! night light be approved and that the cost be paid out of the Prison Farm Budget. It was seconded by Dr. Hooper and unanimously passed. I PIEDMONT AIRLINES - ' I Airport Manager John A. Westbrook appeared before the Board and stated that ! they had not as yet completed the Agreement with Piedmont Airiines. In his opinion, gained from conversations with the Piedmont Airline officials, the proposal which they made and which we recorded in the minutes of November 15, 1965 is what they are willing to contract for and he recommends that the Contract be made for not more than $ years with the provision that the landing fees be reviewed and renegotiated, if necessary, I within two years. After a brief discussion, the Airport Committee recommended that a contract be drawn on the basis of their proposal but limited to 5 years with the two year ~ reconsideration clause on the landing fees. Nr. Vaughan offered a motion that it be ~ approved by this Board and the Chairman authorized to sign such a contract on behalf of the County. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously adopted. ~ FAA - LEASE Mr. Westbrook presented the Board with a short form lease for space in the administrative wing of the Control Tower at the Airport. He presented the regular lease I to cover 573 sq. ft. through June 20, 1966 with an automatic year renewal clause not to go beyond June 30, 1976. The annual rent amounts to $l,l}32.50. After referring the contract agreement to the County Attorney for his approval, Mr. Hall offered a motion that it be approved and the Chairman authori2ed to sign it on behalf of the County. It I was seconded by Mr. Bowden and unanimously approved. ~ AIRPORT ADVERTISING BULLETIN - , Mr. Westbrook presented detailed sketches for a 4 ft. square Bulletin Board ' for the use at the Airport Terminal on which to record current events. The price quoted i for this board, made from 35 gauge aluminum materials was $617.20. The Board thought Lhis was excessive. Mr. Bowden suggested that he has a catalog from a commercial manufacturing company that makes this type bulletin boards which he will turn over to Mr. Westbrook and see if a suitable one can fiot be secured for less money. By common consent, the Board agreed to postpone any further discussion of this problem until after Mr. Westbrook had time to study the ~ulletin Board signs offered in the catalog. AIRPORT AIR CONDITIONING - The Chairman inquired of Nr. Westbrook if the air conditioning system authorized and contracted for at the Airport had been completed. He stated that so far as he knew the ,job is complete. The Executive Secretary reported that he had contacted the archi- tects by telephone at the request of the Chairman and was told that the final inspection had not been made and that there were several items to be completed. The County 9uditor reported that the architects had notified him that the ,job was complete and final inspection had been approved for payment and that it had been paid. ' AIRPORT ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION - , The County Auditor reported $2,700 additional appropriation would be needed to complete the work now under contract at the Airport. This was caused by the contract I h~ving been made in the past fiscal year and the money appropriated for it reverted on June 30th to the General Fund. Mr. Vaughan suggested that the Auditor write each Com- missioner a statement of the Capital Improvement Expenditures for the AirporL and defer i action on this appropriation until the next meeting. It was unanimously approved by com- mon consent. I MOBILE HOME - RATIO Mr. R. M. Green appeared before the Board and stated that his mobile home is be- ing listed for taxes at the Blue Book value and he feels that he is penalized because regu2ar homes are being assessed for taxes on a 50~ ratio of their value. Since mobile homes are used as dwellings, he feels that they should be assessed for taxes at 50% of their average value. The Tax Supervisor is of the opinion that he has a valid argument in as much as from a legal standpoint mobile homes are different from trailers. The law defines a traile"r as anything on wheels on 8~ wide and 29' long and anything above these dimensions are considered mobile homes. By common consent, the Board asked Mr. Green if he could come back at the next meeting on February ~th which would give the County Attor- ney; Tax Supervisor and members of the Board time to give consideration to his request I and come up with a recommendation. ALCOHOLIC ~ MENTALLLY ILL CARE The Chairman read a letter to the Board from the New Hanover Council on Alco- holism with plans for using the facility at the County Farm for the care and safe keeping of alcoholic and me~ita2ly ill patients. Dr. Rolf H. Fisscher appear'ed before the Board on behalf of this pro,ject and presented the following proposed Budget and regulations for operating the facility. He suggested that it would be an extension of the County Jail system. The Executive Secretary reported that he had authorized the facility to be put in condition for use and that it is now ready to receive patients as soon as other plans are comp~ ted. Mr. Vaughan moved that the,Local A. B. C. Board be contacted to see if they could supply funds out of the extra 5Q added to the price of alcoholic beverages. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously approved. p CLERK OF RECORDER~S CDURT - APPROPRIATION Colonel William D. Gnau, Clerk of Recorder~s Court, gave the Board a compara- ~~ tive statement of Court volume and case increase for the fiscal year of 1965-66. It showed an overail 29.2~ increase in volume and 1}1.8% increase in case load. He stated that these figures support his request for an additional employee in the administrative office. In completing the questionaire ~with reference to the proposed personnel system, he was surprised to find he was able to devote only 15~ of his time to administrative Y duties because of the press of deLails which was necessary for him to do. After a I thorough discussion of the request, h9r. Hail moved that one_additional employee be approved and at an annual salary of $3,000 and that an appropriation of $1500.00 be made from the General Emergency Fund to Recorder's Court Salaries to take care of: the last 6 months of the fiscal year. It was seconded by Mr. Vaughan and unanimously approved. e~~~~° I ;~~~ _ Minutes of the N;eeting January__17_,_._1_9_66 Canti*+,~P~ _ ~- ~ -_ - - - _- - _ -_ INSANE AND INEBRIATE FUND - The County Auditor reported to the Board that the appropriation made in the Budget to cover the cost of zonveying the insane and inebriate persons, under the Superior Court~s Budget, has been exhausted and suggested that an additional appropria- I tion be made. After determining that it could be delayed without affecting the pro- gram, the Board, by common consent, authorized the Executive Secretary to get an itemiz,d statement of the expenditures for this account and report it to the Board at the next meet i.ng. ELECTION BOARD CHAIRMAN - PAY Mr. Ottc K. Pr.idgen II, Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Elections~ appeared before the Board at the request of the Commissioners at which time they in- formed him that they wanted to clarify the pay of $1500.00 which has been budgeted for ~ \ the services of the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners read the minutes which had ~I ,1 been approved by the Board stating that consideration would be given to additional pay Y~~~~~ onlyAreceipt of facts which would justify that additional money has been earned. Mr. I _.1~~ Pridgen then agreed that the only way to 3ustify such extra funds would be for him to ~'~ keep an actual time record to determine exactly how much of his time was devoted to ~I the el~tion. I i ELECTION - PROGRESS REPORT While Mr. Pridgen was present, he reported to the Board that the Board of Elections is now in the process of redrawing precinct lines and that the slow progress II made along this line led some members of his Board to question whether or not the , $15,000 appropriated for the installation of the permanent registration system was ' i enough. He admitted that the estimate for materials was based on prices quoted two I years ago and that some of them may have advanced since that time. He hoped the Board would understand if the cost would slightly exceed the estimated $15,000 for the instal'~ lation of the system. i SHERIFF~S AUTO BIDS The Executive Secretary reported that he had advertised for bids to furnish a four-door, five passenger automobile for use in the detective division of the ~ 5heriff's Department as authorized by the Board. Only one bid was received. After conferring with the County Attorney, who looked up the General Statutes covering this type of purchase, he stated that the one bid could be opened and accepted by the Board provided it complied with the specifications. The bid was opened and found to be as follows: 1 1966 Ford Custom 4 Door 390-4V Police Package 2 Speed Wipers 8 Washers Cruiseomatic Transmission Seat Beits Padded Dash & Visor Left Outside Mirror Backup Lights ICC Flasher $2102.51 1~~ ~ax' 31•54 ~2i34.o5 Allowance for 1964 Plymouth 550.00 $i584•o5 A certified check in the amount of $106.70 accompanied the bid. Upon motion of Mr. Hali, seconded by Mr. Vaughan, the Board unanimously approved the purchase of this car. Sufficient funds were included in the Budget for payment. The Purchasing Agent I was instrvcted to proceed to buy the car. ' COUNTY PROPERTY LEASE - Mr. L. Gleason Allen, representing the C. E. White Lumber Co., reported to the Board that since leasing the County Building at 198 Castle Hayne Road (Old Highway .~ Shop Buildino), certain repairs had been made to ~e roof, siding, and windows have been replaced where they have been broken and lea ng. The terms of the lease require, / that his client maintain the building in good con ition and the retttal was to be $110.Q0 per month for the entire 1.15 acres. The C. E. White Lumber Co. has now sold their II interest to the ~lest Coast Lumber Company which wishes to assume the C. E. White Co. lease and continue on the same basis. Henry and Henry, attorneys representing the ~ West Coast Lumber Co. advised the Board that they would like to either have the C. E. White Lumber Co, lease assigned to them on the same basis or renegotiate a new lease on behalf of the West Coast Lumber Co. The Chairman read a letter from the Brown- j Herring Tractor Co, proposing to either purchase the property or lease it from which to operate a farm equipment and truck business. He stated that althovgh the letter did not indicate the amount of rentai they are willing to pay, they had called him on the telephone and offered $200.00 per month. He is of the opinion that the maximum benefit to the County should be obtained from the building. Mr. Henry introduced the new owners of the West Coast Lumber Company who have moved into New Hanover County from Pender County. Mr. Braak is of the opinion that bids should be offered to obtain the maximum rental possible. It is the understanding of all the Commissioners that this lease is for assignment and that any negotiations for any changes, such as an increase I in rent, might be made at any tiine in accordance with the provisions of the lease. Any citizen can ask that it be changed the next day if he chooses. After discussing the sub,ject, Mr. Hall moved that the Board continue the lease to the West Coast Lumber I Company provided all the legal questions are cleared. It was seconded by Mr. Bowden. After due discussion, the ballot was taken and Dr. Hooper voted "NO" but all the other I Commissioners voted "YES" and the Chairman declared the motion carried. The County Attorney was instructed to draw a contract lease agree~ent for execution by both partii;s concerned. i TAX WAIVER - ' - A letter was received from the New Hanover Association for Retarded Childrenl 8~,1.~, proposing to sponsor a circus on April 11, 1966 in an effort to raise funds .r• ~ ~~~ Minutes of ~znuary 17, 1966 Continued - --. _ ...__ _._ ..- - _ --,- - _ -~ --- -~-- - - --- - - ----. TAX WAIVER - to support a workshop and summer camp for all mentally and physically handi- capped persons. They asked for permission to use a portion of the Airport property and waiver of Schedule B taxes or any County license for this event. During the discussion, the question.of sufficient insurance to protect the County, in event of an accident, was brought up. By common consent, the Board all agreed that this matter should be cleared through John A. l~estbrook, the Airport Manager and the Airport Committee. Mr. Uaughan then offered a motion that the Chairman be authorized to make the decision and sign the agreement after it has been referred to the Airport Committee and the County Attorney. Mr. Bowden seconded the motion. In the discussion, Mr. Hall did not think the Chairman should carry the responsibility for making the decision after which Mr. Vaughan offered substitute that the Chairman be authorized to permit it after advice from the Airport Committee,and the County Attorney, provided the tax does not amount to more than $50.00. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried. TAX COLLECTOR - DEPOSITS Mr. Sam W. Johnson, Tax Collector, reported that he had received a letter from the County Auditor calling his attention to the fact that under the Generai Statutes, it is his duty to make daily deposits of all tax coilections. He has been in the Tax Collection Department, off and on, for 20 years and never in all that time has any Inde- pendent Auditor taken exception to the manner in which deposits are being made bi-weekly. lt will work a hardship on his office to make daily deposits. The County Attorney re- ferred to G. S. 153-135 which requires daily deposits except the Commissioners may grant an approval for a minimum of $250;00 in his possession before making a deposit. The County Auditor stated that he insists on daily deposits as approved by law. The County Attorney referred to the Public Local Laws of 1933 and found a possible exception to this rigid procedure but he would make a further search and advise the Tax Coliector. Mr. Hall moved that if the Attorney finds it legal that the County Tax Coliector be permitted to make de- posits on a twice a week basis. It was seconded by Mr. Vaughan and unanimously carried. The County Attorney, after making his search, advised the Tax Collector that the General Statutes reqvires daily deposits be made of the monies in his office.) . A2ALEA FESTIVAL AIR SHOW - ' Mr. Glenn G. Moore, Air Show Chairman for the Azalea Festival Committee, re- ported to the Commissioners that they had decided to offer a free show without parking or admission charge. Mr. Vaughan then offered a motion that the County Commissioners go on record as approving the use of the Airport on April 17, 1966 for the Azalea Festival Air Show with no charge being made for admission or parking. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously adopted. EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT PLAN - i Mr. Nathan H. Yelton, accompanied by a representative of the actuarial firm I used by the State~s Local Governmental Employees Retirement System, advised the Board ~ ' that their study so far revealed 180 County employees not under the old County Retirement i Plan. There are 36 still under the old pl:an and 3q who are now retired. Trie actuary I presented 3 possibilities as follows: 1- Develop a retirement plan for the 1g0 employees now without retirement coverage. 2- Develop a retirement plan for the#180 employees without retirement, plus the 36 which are now under the old County plan.,or leave them under Lhe old system with the undersLanding that when the present fund is exhausted, appropria- I tions would have to be made to supplement the fund to pay those who were still eligible ~ for receiving retirement benefits. After a brief discussion, the Board authori2ed the ` actuary to present cost figures to the Count on all three suggested plans. # EiLher inc2ude the ~9 now retired in the new plan SUPERIOR COURT DICTAPHONE - A letter from the Dictaphone Corporation, stating that recent legislation enacted by the General Assembly requires that all Court trial proceedings must be re- corded and filed. They have an economical, flexible and positive method of doing this by using one Dictaphone Time Master, which is priced as follows: On Dictaphone Time Master, Model A 2 TC Court Recording Machine, one hour recording time using low cost dictabelt records $950.00. The machine comes equipped with one conference microphone. The additional two microphones will be $37.50 each for a total of $75.00. The total cost of the machine and the microphone is $1,025.00. Three per cent North Carolina Sales Tax would be $30.75 for a total of $1,055•75• The County Attorney ruled that informal bids would have to be secured by the Purchasing Agent before buying this equipment. Mr. Vaughan is of the opinion that if the attorneys and the Court finds this equipment to been advantage to the County, he felt that any recommendations should come from the Judge and the Solicitor. By common consent, the Board authorized this subject to be put on the Agenda for consideration at the next meet- ing. I MERIT SYSTEM SALARIES - The Chairman read a letter from the State Personnel Department advising that I Lhe State Agencies involved in the Merit System Council salary modification recommend that the proposal made by the Board to leave all salary ranges below standard, as set by ~ the Commissioners,for the period July lst through December 31, 1965, be accepted. From From January 1, 1966,a11 professional salaries are to be on the normal range except those that, for various reasoris are above the normal range, which will remain at their present status, and all salary ranges for clerical positions to be one grade below standard for the period of January lst through June 30; 1966. The County Auditor reported that it ' would require $18,786.00 to accomplish this and recommended that it be appropriated out of I Reserve. Mr. Hall then moved that the salary ranges outlined above for the Public Welfare, I Health and the Mental Health Departments be approved and tliat $18,786.00 needed for the Welfare Department be appropriated from the Reserve Account. It was seconded by Mr. I Bowden, Before the ballot was taken, Mr. Vaughan offered a substitute motion that the ' Board defer any action on the matter until the County personnel study is complete. The substitute motion died for lack of a second, and when the ballot was taken on the original motion, Mr. Vaughan voted "NO" but all other Commissioners voted "YES" and the Chairman ~~1 i declared the motion adopted. h , continued- I ~~~~ Minutes of the Meeting January 17, 1966 MERIT SYSTEM PERSONNEL SALARIES -~ continued Health Deoartment - The County Auditor reported that it would require ~ $6,100 additional appropriation to put the Health Department on the Merit System Salary range as outlined above. He recommended that $800.00 be appropriated from Reserves, $l},200 from the Emergency Fund and $1100 from Intangible Taxes. Upon motion of Mr. ~ Hall, seconded by Mr. Braak, the Board then made the above appropriation by ma,Jority ~ vote. Mr. Vaughan voted "NO" stating that he felt that no change should be made until the Personnel Study is completed. The Chairman declared the motion carried. JOINT CITY-COUNTY STIJDY The Chairman reported the following agreements at a Joint Meeting of the ~ City-County Study Committee held on January 14, 1966 in the City Council Chambers: ~ 1- Zoning- It was~.agreed that when the City Planning and Development Commission meets that the County Planning Board, City-County Committee representatives, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Kure Seach representatives all be invited to attend to discuss the matter of a cooperative operation of City and County Planning office. The I'~ Joint Committee will await recommendations from the two advisory committees before makin~ recommendations to the City and the County legislative bodies. " 2- Building and Electrical Inspection - The consolidation of these two matters is to be considered in con~junction with or after the recommendations relative to Zoning I above. 3- Dog Pouad and Dog Warden- On basis of legal opinion prepared by County Attorney, Bradford Tillery, this would not seem advisable at present. 4- Museum - The matter of appropriations fon the Museum is to await ~joint budget discussions for the next fiscal year. 5- Wertheimer Bag Company Water Main - The County has filed a letter with Majror Allsbrook requesting reimbursement of the amount expended by the County on the basis that the County~s understanding was that if the City annexed the area within a 5 yr. period, then the amount paid tvward the water line by the County would be reimbursed by the City. The City's research on this matter indicates that no agreement was made on any reimbursement and the City~s minutes do not reflect any such agreement. The County minutes reflect that there was a verbal agreement between representatives of the City and County Commission. The City representatives aoreed that because the letter had been delivered to Mayor Allsbrook that the matter would be considered at the time that the Mayor presents the letter to the full City Council. ., 6- Roads Around Schools - After some discussion, it was agreed that the City would prepare estimates of cost for the work, present these to the City Covncil and the Council, in turn, would make proposal to the County Commission. Those present were Chairman Hooper, Commissioners Vaughan and Hall; County Attorney Tillery; Mayor Allsbrook (who left early), Councilmen•Harrington and Symmes, City Attorney Yow and City Manager Brandon. SALARY - ASSISTANT SOLICITOR iI The Chairman reported that Solicitor Bowman had called him about the salary of the Assistant Solicitor W, Allen Cobb. After some discussion, Mr. Bowden offered a motion that the salary of the Assistant Solicitor be increased $1,000 annually and that $500 be appropriated from the Emergency Fund to pay it until June 30, 1966. It was seconded by Mr. Braak. Dr. Hooper then offered a substitute motion'that any i salary adjustment for the Assistant Solicitor be postponed until the next Budget con- ' sideration discussion. It was seconded by Mr. Vaughan. After a brief discussion, the ballot was taken on the substitute motion. Dr. Hooper and Mr. Vaughan voted in favor of the substitute motion; Messrs. Bowden, Braak and Hall voted against the sub- stitute motion and the Chairman declared it defeated, The ballot was then taken on the original motion and Messrs. Bowden, Braak and Hall voted for the original motion and Messrs. Hooper and Vaughan voted against it and the Chairman declared it passed by a ma~j'~r- ity vote. AtIthis pointEin the meeting, the Chairman was called from the meeting,by an emergency. ~~ WELFARE LIEN - LOUIS BURNS The Executive Secretary reported that he had an offer to buy a lien in the I amount of $7,009 held by the Public Welfare Department on property in the name of Louis Burns. The appraised valve of the property slightly exceeds the amount of the lien. ~ The County Attorney is familiar with the facts as he had previously reqvested an appraisil for this property at a fair market value. He recommends that since the appraised value exceeds the 2ien, it shourld be referred to the Public Welfare Department. DEFINED SERVICES - WELFARE Miss Lela M. Hall, Director of the Public Welfare Department, reported to the Board that the Weifare Board is definitely in favor of "Defined Services". If North Carolina adjusts the"Defined Services" policy, Federal participation in the cost of administration would increase from 36% to 75% and from previous experience the case load would decrease. After some discussion of this matter, Mr. Braak moved that New Hanover County Board of Commissioners go on record as approving the Defined Services Program and that a letter be written Lo Mr. R. Eugene Brown advising him of this action and urge him to use his influence in seekiny favorable approval of the Program by the State so that Federal Funds could be used to a greater degree. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried. continued - II i , ~ ~~~ Minutes_of thP_Mee_t,tno ._..l.anuar_v_L7.-1966 con.tinne.~ - ¶ DEFINED SERVICES - WELFARE Food Stamps - Miss Hall reported that she had consulted the banks with reference to the charge they would make for handling the Food Stamps. It is agreed be- utween the banks that it should be assigned to one bank only and not divided. After ^ some discussion, it was agreed, by common consent, for the Ex~cutive Secretary to write ~counties now in the Food Stamp Proaram and get a report on their experience. The Board directed this subject to be placed on the Agenda at the next meeting for further con- Isideration. 'RECLASSIFICATION - Miss Hall reported that Nrs. Patsy Gainous, who has resigned, was a PWW II and that she would like to replace her classification by promotirig Miss Pat Bulla from PWWI Ito PWWII to replace Mrs. Gainous. Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Hall, the Board unanimously approved this change. UNCOVERED MANHOLES - Mi~- Hall reported that Nrs. J. F. Smith who lives on the River Road called him with reference to some open manholes along the outfall lines of the old Maffit Vil- lage Sewerage 5ystem. He is not sure who~e responsibility it is to cover them but thinks that it should be corrected. The Executive Secretary advised that Mrs. Smith had also called him and said that there were three 24" manholes and six 30" manholes without covers. The County Attorney suggested that it might be well to check on the property owners before taking any definite action on this to see if they had ob,jections or were willing to give permits for the County to go on their property. After a thorough discussion, Mr. Hall ~ moved that steps be taken to have the manholes capped after proper legai steps have been taken. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously carried. (After an investigation ~`by a County employee, James 5. Roberts, it is believed that he can make the proper tops to cover the manholes if funds were provided to purchase cement and necessary materials for making the forms. CIVIL DEFENSE MANAGEM,ENT - The Vice Chairman read a letter which he had received from the University of INorth Carolina Extension Ddvsion announcing a series of 5 courses which would be offered designed to provide up to date training for progressive local officials in the area of Civil Defense Management. They urged as many members of the Board as possible to attend at least one of.these courses and especially as many Civil Defense Chiefs of Services, ,~and paid or volunteer workers to attend. The first course begins January 11, 1966. j They see a growing need for professionally trained people which will greatly enhance poten- I~ tial survival in a natural or man made disaster. They would like to know who will attend. COURT REPORTER IMVOICE - A bill was received from Dwight McEwen, former Superior Cnurt Reporter, for a transcript of an evidence in a caae~designated as the State against Johnny and Bobby Gattison under order of appeal Forma Pauperpis. It amounted to $43.o0. Upon motion of ~Mr. Vaughan, seconded by Mr. Braak, the Board unanimously approved payment of this invoice by the County Auditor. ROAD IMPROVEMENT k'ETITION - A petition was received from the property owners living on Dogwood Drive in Harnett Township requesting that it be paved. Upon motion of Mr. Vaughan, seconded by ~ Mr. Braak, the Board unanimously ordered it sent to the State Highway Commission for their Iconsiderat;on. ead a letter from the four local Savings calling attent~on to the large volume of taxes which they pay for they feel that the present tax collecting system is inadequate to tax work. They emphasized that they wovld not want this letter criticism of either the Tax Supervisor or Tax Collector's Office. similar suggestion to the City Council for their consideration. the Board, the decision on this matter was deferred until the nex MODERNIZED RECqf~~~ SYSTEM The°C irman r & Loan Associations their customers and handle the volume of to be construed as a They are making a By common consent of G meeting. NATIONAL RIVERS & HARBORS CONGRE55 - The Vice Chairman called attention to a letter from the National Rivers 8 Harbors Cnngress pointing out an error in our check for dues for 1966. They originally b311ed us for $150.00 whereas the correct amount should have been $250.00. After a brief discussion, the Executive Secretary was instructed to investicate this matter and if found them to be correct, the Auditor is to send an additional check of $100.00 to ¢over this error. PERSONNEL ADMIIvISTRATION CONFERENCE - The Executive Secretary advised the Board that Mr. J. Lyman Melvin, the Per- sonnel Consultant, who is working on a system for the County has scheduled a conference on Hospital Personnel Administration to he held Thursday, January 20th at the Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville. He suggested that it would be profitable to anymember of the Board interested in personnel to attend the program. The Board authorized the Executive Secretary to attend if he found it feasible. I OFFICE SPACE - COURT REPORTER The E~:ecutive Secretary reported to'the Board that the new Court Reporter, d Mr. Leonard W. Watts, would like to have the office immediately in the rear of the Superior Courtroom, now occupied by one of the State Probation Officers, in place of the office previously used by Mr. McEwen, the former Court Reporter, The State Probation Officer has hesitated to move unless considerable refurbishing is done to the old office. Upon , 'motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Hall the Board unanimously authorized the change ~with the proviso that the old office be painted if it was necessary and any other small ~ Ilchanges which are deemed feasible. / ' WILMINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - I After reviewing the December 1965 circulation report of the Wilmington Pub]ic Library, the Board, by common consent, authorized the Executive Secretary to request the cost for the Library to subscribe to the financial services and stock market reports. It 'seems that there are three or four commercial companies who subscribe to these services Iand will be glad to furnish this information to the public free. ~I~ ~~~ Ninutes of the Meeting_ _ January 17. 196_6 Continued DUMB WAITER - ~ Mr. Hall reported that he had an occasion to confer with the Buiiding Inspector in whose office the dumb waiter shaft for the Recorder~s Court is located. The noise made by the lifting and lowering of the dumb waiter was very distracting and he suggested that it be couered with some sort of insulation to minimize the noise. JOINTLY OYJNED TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY - The Executive Secretary reported that he had an offer to buy the following jointly owned tax foreclosed property at the fair market price put on it by the County Property Appraisors: Valvation Blk !}98 Lot Pt. 4/5 30~ x 93', 186 from NE cor. Nun d 13th St. $300..00 Blk 507 " Pt. 1,2 33~ x 82~6" 66' frm SE cor 14th 8 Church fronting on Church St. $450.00 Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Hall, the Board unanimously approved the sale of this property at the appraised price, subject to the concurring approval of the City Council. COURTROONS The County Attorney, L. Bradford Tillery, reported that the Architects employed to draw plans and specifications for new courtrooms had been in touch with him for advice as to the needs of the Court. He suggested that rather than it be a one man opinion, the Board should authorize him to propose that the Bar Association appoint a committee of lawyers for consultation with the architects on this sub~ject. By common consent of the Board, they unanimously agreed to this suggestion. REPORTS - The ~'ollowing reports were reviewed and filed for further reference: 1- Grand Jury Report for January Criminal Term of Court. 2- Home Economics Extension Agent~s Report for December, 1965. 3- Notice of District Commissioners Meeting to be held on February 2nd, 1966 aL the City Hall, Clinton, N. C. ADJOURNMENT - The Board of Commissioners then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting upon motion of Mr. Braak and seconded by Mr. Hall. A/1 E t~ve becretary Wilminyton, N. C. February 7,1966 B:OOA';M. I ASSEMBLY - The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on the above date at li 8:00 A. M. in the Commissioners~ Room of the County Court House with the following members in attendance: Chairman, Joseph W. Hoo.per, Commissioners, Peter H. Braak, Laurence O. Bowden, J. M. Hall, Jr. and M. H. Vaughan; County Attorney L. Bradford Tillery and County Auditor, T. D. Love, Jr. i iNVOCATION - ~I The Chairman called the meeting to order and asked Reverend D. L. Alexander, Pastor of the First Christian Church, to give the invocation. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - Before approving the minutes, the Board requested amendments or corrections as follows: In the Paragraph headed "COUNT'Y PROPERTY LEASE" rigIlt after the words "maximum rental possible", insert "It is the understanding of all the Commissioners that this lease is for assignment and that any negotiations for any changes, such as ~J an increase in rent, might be made at any time in accordance with the provisions of ~~b the lease. Any citi2en,rask that it be changed the next day if he chooses, "and in ~ the paragraph headed "TAX WAIVER", the word "advisory" be deleted and in the paragraph headed "MERIT SYSTEM PERSOIVNEL SALARIES" after the words, "ranges below stan dard" insert "as set by the Commissioners". Immediately after the paragraph "SALARY - ASSISTANT SOLICITOR" insert a paragraph headed "CHAIRMAN RETIRES" -"At this point in the meeting, the Chairman was called from the meeting by an emergency." In all subse- quent paragraphs that quote "the Chairman", insert "the Vice Chairman". Mr. Braak then offered a motion that the minutes be approved as amended or corrected. It was seconded by Dr. Hooper and unanimously carried. NEW HANOVER MEN~ORIAL HOSPITAL The Chairman had received a letter from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Hanover Memorial Hospital calling attention to an ommission and mis-statement recorded in the minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 6, 1965 and asked that it be changed. Dr. Hooper offered a motion that this letter be included in the minutes of this meeting. It was seconded by Mr. Braak. Before the ballot was taken, Mr. Vaughan offered a substitute motion that the Hospital Board be advised that much thought had been given to the minutes and they could see no ,justifi- cation for changing them. The substitute motion died for lack of a second and the Chairman calied for a vote on the original motion which passed unanimously. continued - ~ ~I