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1966-02-21 Regular Meeting?79 Z,=196f, Continved ?? - - - - - - - -- IPETIT JURY - (continued) Jurors for the week beplnninq March 28, 1966 - Criminal Blocker, Hamie Bordeaux, Alexander Boykin, Hartford Bvrleson, G. L. Burns, Miriam W. 'Collins, Helen R. Combs, Henry $. !Cooper, James C. Cox, R. A. Crews, D. C. Elsen, R. L. IEdwards, E. Warren Farmer, ^William H. Fergus, Eldridge IlFraley, Raymond W. Fryar, James Henry Harris, Fred Hawes, David IHilburn, Manson H. Hill, Frank C. Hines, F2oyd R. Howard, Helen Mint2 ? Hudson, E. C. Jewell, Nla2ie T. I Johnson, Harriett Johnson, William H. Jones, VAn Inman, E. Dean LeLendre, E. E. ? Long, James Thomas 304 Brunswick St. R. 512 Northern Blv 703 S. Kerr Ave. 5232 Market St. 1015 Hawthorne Rd. 217 RoDert E. Lee 2730 Van Buren St. 815 N. 6th St. 106 Lake Shore Dr. RFD 1, Box 306 K RFD 3, B l?63 C 178 Colonial Dr. Jr. 243 Long Leaf Ac P. o. Box 57 RFD 3, Box 52 A 506 Bedforest Dr. RFD 2, B 338 A I(}08 Ann St. 2218 Shirley Rd. 508 s. 7tn st. 1507 Sherwood Dr, 2202 Cedar St. 230 Forest H211s Dr 23iCaro}'naAgeach 4655 Carolina B??ch 15!} Parkwood Dr. Box 106 Carolina Be 236 Spruce ?r. 118 Dogwood Dr. 5330 Oleadder Dr. Madison, CiarenCe W. d. Marshburn, J. L. McGee, Ivey W. McHoy, Gore Ella McEachern, W. H. III Dr. McIntire, Nathan Nancy Nitchell, Nathaniel Modinos, Lou 6elle Neweli, R. W. Nixon, Douglas C. Ore, Louise res Owen, Dorothy Page, Donaid Page, Roy V. Parker, Hardy Penny, Dora L. Pickler, Jean H. Reftblatt, Joseph Robinson, Arthur Ragers, Hayner, Sandlin, Ethel G. • Shaw, Ardiner Smith, George Sparkes, krilliam B. stiil, Herbert A. ach Stokley, Jerry Wayne Vann, Tibbett Warren, Richard Womac, Jack Willett, W. J. 112 Floral Pkwy 231 Page Ave. RFD 1 Castle Hayne RFD 1, B 125 E961 Park Ave. RFD 1, sox 348 1114 N. 7th St. % Modinos Reai Est 27IWhiteseAge. 909 S. 12th St. RFD 2, Box 157 A 322 S. 17th St. 209 Huntington Rd. 18 Barnard Dr. P. o.. Box 124 Wri ghtsv. Beach,N 501 S. Front St. 1010 Cypress Dr. 3934 Winston Blvd. 707 N. 5th St. 1004 Dawson St. 120 N. 8th St. 1116 N. 5th St. 106 N. 7th St. 125 Wayne Dr. 1731 Carolina Ave. RFD 2, B 12 629 N. McCrae St. ate C. 80'7 Harnett St. 1308 Castle St. 24 Montgomery Ave. U ADJOURNMENT - Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Vaughan, the Board unanimously I voted to adjourn Lhe meeting. W.'Guck, Executive 5ecretary Wilmington, N. C. Feb. 21, 1966 IASSEMBLY - The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on the above date at 8:00 ';A. M. in the Commissioners room with the following members in attendance: Chairman, Dr. Joseph W, Hooper, Jr., Commissioners, Peter H. Braak, Laurence O. Bowden, J. M. Hall, Jr. and M. H. Vaughan; County Attorney L. Bradford Tiilery and County Auditor T. D. Love. IINVOCATION - The Chairman called the meeting to order and asked Reverend C. J. Andrews, IPastor of the Fifth Avenue Methodist Church, fo give the invocation. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - Before approving the minutes, the Board authorized the deletlon of the words "under the direction" in the paragraph headed "WATER SAFETY COMMTTTEE" .and substitute therefor"a part". Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Bowden, the Board unani- mously approved the minutes as amended above. ELECTION BOARD - REGISTRATION SYSTEM The Chairman reported to the Board that Mr. Pridgen, Chairman of the Board of Elections had called him and stated that he could not appear as arranged this morning lbecause of illness but that he had sent in an itemi2ed estimated cost f.or the installa- tion of the permanent looseleaf voter registration system which amounted to $21,811 which is40% above the figure estimated at the time the Budget was approved. Dr. Hooper moved Ithat the Board of EleCtions be advised today that the Board of Commissioners would like to meet with the Board of Elections at the earliest possible moment for the purpose of discussing the estimated statement. It was seconded by Vaughan and unanimously passed. IISUPERIOR COURT DICTAPHONE Complying with instructions at the last meeting to secure bids for a record- ing device to be used in the Superior Courtroom, the Purchasing Agent reported that he had gotten in touch with manufacturers of this type equipment hut had not received bids from ?any of them. Mr. Robertson, representatfve of the Dictaphone Co „ was present and ex- plained that the reason he had not received bids from the other manufacturers is because jtheir engineers must design a machine suitable for multi-purpose operation before they can submit bids. The Dictaphone Company is the only manufacturer that makes these mach;nes ?as a regular part of their products. Mr. Braak reported that, in conversation with the Judge, it is his opinion that an amplifying system wou2d be more helpful to the Court. ? Mr. Robertson stated that the Dictaphone Company does not manufacture a combination ampli- ?fier and recording system but that he could submit the problem to the engineering depart- ment which cou2d design a satisfactory piece of equipment to do both jobs. Mr. Robertson iinvited the Board members to question him with reference to anything that was not dlear continued- Minutes of the Meetinq February 21. 1966 . Contin_u_ed SUPERIOR COURT DICTAPHONE - (continued) ? in their minds regarding his equipment. The County Attorney advised the Board that they could accept the bid of the dictaphones under the circumstances since the Purchasing Agent has tried to get the informal bids but can not obtain any. After some discussion, Mr. Hall moved that the Board approve the purchase bf, the Dictaphone and Recording machine for the Superior Courtroom if all legal requirements have been met in secuting bids. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and passed by a majority vote. Mr. Vaughan requested that he be recorded as abstaining becavse he did not think enough time I had elapsed. ROAD PETITIONS - ' A petition was received from the property owners living in Ocean Heights re- questing that Blanche Avenue, Elton Ave. and Hiram Ave. be added to the State Maintained Secondary Road System. A petition was received frvm property owners living on SR #1341 from its intersection with SR #1338 parallel with the A.C.L. Railroad for improvements. Upon motion of Mr. Vaughan, seconded by Mr. Hall, the petitions were approved for forward} ing it to the State Highway Commission for their consideration. i COUQTY MANAGER PROPOSAL - p Nr. Vaughan requested that the Board discuss a proposal for making appro- # priations for the employment of a County Manager f6r New Hanover County. He cited various departmentsFZ# nd the Board of Commissioners. After discussing the subject brieflyl Mr. Vaughan moved that the proposal to employ a County Manager be discussed at the Budget Hearings and be employed as of July 1; 1966: It was seconded by Dr. Hooper and passed by a majority vote. Mr. Hall voted "NO". ' * (See bottom of page) DOG PROBLEMS Complying with the request of the Board, the Sheriff explained the difficuity in handling the dog problem and stated that the incident reported by Mr. O. N. Goff at the last meeting did require 5 days work before catching the female dog. He has interviewed other residents living in this area who are willing to appear before the Board and testify that his department made every effort to resolve this proDlem at the time and they have no criticism. By common consent, the Board authorized the Execu- tive Secretary to notify Mr. Goff that his complaint had been investigated and that they i hoped they would find no further reason to complain. NYJDERNIZED RECORD SYSTEM - Complying with the request of the Board at the last meeting, Tax Collector ? Sam W. Johnson and representatives of each of the local Savings and Loan Associations appeared before the Board to discuss some means of speeding up the handiing of tax re- ceipts by the Tax Collection Department. In the discussion, it was brought out that the improvements would have to begin with the Tax Listing Departments of the County in the Tax Supervisor's Office where the tax scrolls are made up. The Tax Supervisor told them that he had discussed this problem with a representative of a manufacturer of electronic equipment which would figure the taxes, make up the tax scrolls and prepare preprinted receipts at the same time. The Savings and Loan representatives pointed out that it was almost imperative that they receive the rece?,pts for payment of taxes before the end of the calendar year. It was December 27th before they received a?,l of them in 1965. After a brief discussion, the Board, by common consent, authorized a recommendation by the second meeting in April. The Chairman appointed Sam W. John on as Chairman of the Committee to work with W. G. Houck, T. D. Love, Jr. and Sam D. BissettF.. # the Chairman to appoint a Committee to study this problem and bring back EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM - Mr. Meares Harriss, Jr., the Agent of Record for the County Employees' Retire- ment System, stated that he had just learned that the Wilmington Association of Life Underwriters had written a letter ob,jecting to hts being named Agent of Record for estab- lishing a County Pension Plan. He pointed out that it was an un-endorsed action of the Directors only and that it is not in the province of the Life UnderwriLers Association to take action of this nature. He asked the Board to extend the time of his "Agent of Record" agreement beyond March 6, 1966 in order that the State Governmental Employees Retirement System might have time to present and clarify its plan. He is of the opinion that before the Board considers bids from other insurance companies or banks, the plan which he will present will be compared with the State's Local Governmental Emp2oyees, Retirement System aEter which they would be in position to accept bids from other interes?ed carriers if they desired. After some brief discussion , Mr. Hall moved that the time giving Mr. Harriss Agent of Record rights be extended to 30 days beyond the receipt of the plan to be presented by the Local Governmenta2 Employees' Retirement of the State. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously carried. PERMANENT LOOSELEAF VOTER REGISTRATION The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Otto H. Pridgen II had called him and stated that he was in bed sick with the measles and could not attend today's meeting as arranged. He expects to be back in his office by g%ednesday, February 23rd. The Board, by common consent, authorized the Executive Secretary to arrange a meeting of the Board of Commissioners with the New Hanover Board of Elections for 8:00 Thursday. morning, February 24th. NEW HANOVER NiEMORIAL HOSPITAL Mr. Vaughan reminded the Board that they had attended a meeting ofthe New ? Hanover Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees on February 18th and that the secretary of that Board had promised to send a transcript of the minutes but so far he had not re- I ceived them. He recalled the discussion centered around the question of employing a consultant in management services to evaluate positions and personnel as well as set up i accounting systems and other procedures. He is of the opinion that this decision is ' a matter for the Board of Trustees of the Hospital who seemed to feel that they are be- hind time in having such a study made. The cnnsvltant cotld also act as a liaison officer to complete the merging of the employees between James Wa2ker Memorial Hospital, ' Community Hospital staffs and the New Hanover Memorial Hospital. Dr. Hooper re-emphasize? that no tax money could be used in the operation of the hospital. He also feels that ?I such a service might very well assist in the cooperation between the hospital staffs, u continued- of Lh¢ County in which he thought the County Manager could save the taxpayers at least $50,000 annually besides acting as a liaison between County departments \ ?' 75 8 1 1 y_21.146h_ CorLtinued = Minut_e-soS the-me.et3ng_ E-ebsua-r yNEW HANOVER MENIORIAL HOSPITAL - (continued) By common consent, the Board authorized the Chairman to prite a letter to the Hospital Boards advising that the Board of Commissioners are 100% in agreement with _ their thinking and ofFer the services of the Commissioners and any members of thtir staff to bring about a complete agreea,e.nt between the two Boards. In the subsequent discussion which followed, it was brovyht out that one hospital found that the consvlting service Ilsaved thovsands of doliars and paid for itself in savings during the first year the hos- pital vias in operation. Mention was also made about a possibility of a shortage of funds sufficient to open the hospital and operate it. It is the consensus of the Board of Com- missioners that the hospital can be opened successfully without additional funds. 'HOSPLTAL PROPERTIES COUNITTEE The Chairman reminded the Board that on November 15, 1965 they had authorized him to appoint a Committee to investigate the future use of the James Walker Memorial and ICommunity Hospital properties and recommend their disposition when the operations are moved to the New Hanover Memorial Hospital now under construction/He presented the names of the following men: ' I Mr. H. A. Marks, Chairman RFD 2, Box 67 City Mr. Beecher P. Adkins 416 N. 7th St. " Mr. W. Eugene Edwards 1508 Princess St. " Mr. Henry E. Miller 115 Borden Ave. Mr. Daniel H. Penton 1007 Live Oak Pkwy. " The Board, by common consent, agreed 100% with these appointments. I COUNTY NANAGER - Mr. Hall stated that he had been thinking about the County Manager. sub,ject and would like to remind the Board that under the present laws they have author3ty to operate in three ways: 1- With a full-time paid Chairman, 2- A County Manager, or 3- An Executive Secretary, as at present. He feels that this step has such far reaching implications that an expression from the pbpulace should be obtained. He proposed that such an unofficial vote might be inciuded in the primary this spring. ICOUNTY PLANNING BOARDS - The Chairman stated that he had receiv,ed a letter from the Chairmen of the County Planning and Zoning Board and the Community Planning and Development Commission stating that they unanimously recommend a County-City Planning Department and that it would be necessary for the two governing boards to work out the details between the two existing planning boards. At present, there are two other matters that need some study and he recommends that the City-County Joint Study Committee set up a meeting to resolve Ithe three subjects listed below: ' 1- Paving of streets around the schools. 2- Work out operation plans between the existing planning boards, and set a single department for the County and City with their respective functions. u 3- Study the new approach and concept of Civil Defense as requested by the Director of Civil Defense. Upon.motion of Dr. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Bowden, the Board unanimously avthori2ed the Executive Secretary to set up a,joint meeting of the combined Study Committee. BEER PERMIT - The following application for a Beer Permit was received and reviewed by Board members: Charles E. Overbeck Charles E. Overbeck, Jr. T/A Wrightsville Marina Wrightsville Beach,N.C. Robert N. Taylor Upon motion of Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Bowden, the application was unanimously approved for consideration and investigation.of the Sheriffts Department. JOINTLY OWNED TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY - The Executive Secretary reported that he and Mr. Bowden had inspected Lot I in Block 4 of Mercer Place East. The Tax Assessor has also made a re-examination of the lot and.increased the value from the original $450 to $600. After some discussion, Mr. Braak moved that the sale of the lot be approved for $800. It was seconded by Mr. Bowden and unanimously carried. The Executive Secretary reported that he had a prospective sale for part of Lot 2 in Block 360 which has been appraised by the Assessor at $450. It is 33, x 1501. Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Dr. Hooper and the Board authorized the sale of the lot for $500. ELEMENT/aRY AND SECONDARY EDUCATTON ACT - Dr. Hooper, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners welcomed Mr. E. A. Laney, IChairman of the Board of Education and Dr. W. H. Wagoner, Superintendent of Schools to the meeting. He explained that Mr. Vaughan had requested some explanation of the agreement entered into by the Board of Education with the Federal Government under the provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Mr. Laney prefaced the remarks of the Board Mwith the following explanations: "I am here at your request to discuss the utilization of funds allocated to the New Hanover County Board of Education by the North Carolina State Board of Education under the Elementary and Secondary Act. I A brief historical analysis of the development of this program may be helpful in understanding its operation and purposes. i, On numerous occasions the Superintendent and his staff have discussed with the ; Board of Education various special education needs of many of the students now attend- ing our schools. We have discussed the great difficulty that many students experience in l,earning the basic subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We have great faith in our teachers as they teach these sub,Jects, but having been a member of the I continued- . ?? ? ? _? .. Minutes of the Metting February 21, 1966 Continued r-LEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT - (continued) ' Board of Education for many years, I have been made aware of the fact that some pupils have a hard time learning to read and write efficiently. Because of the fact that most elementary classes continue to be too large, which makes it very difficult for the teacher to give as much individual instruction to these students as is necessary, the students continue to fall farther and farther behind, and far','.-, many of them eventually drop out of school. This is a waste of human resources ' that no community can afford. Another area of special need which has been brought to our attention on many occasions is the need for adequate diagnostic pro cedures for these children experiencing grave learning difficulties. The proper ; treatment of disease is dependent on proper diagnosis. .So it is in educating a a child. There are many other areas of special concern which we have wrestled with for years. Our teachers have repeatedly requested additional professional help in teaching music,art and physical education at the elementary school level. We have been able up to now to provide only one music education specialist for our entire system and no teaching specialists in art oP physical education at this level. We have felt that our children need these important aspects in their curriculum and that our teachers need this assistance. With these facts facing us when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 became law and the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction communicated to us that our allotment under the Act was $591,321.44, the New Hanover County School staff began promptly to develop a program to take care of some of the needs which I have mentioned. The developmental procedure was as follows: 1. The Superintendent held numerous staff conferences with our two Assistant Superintendents and our two Directors of Instruction. Basic cvrriculum needs were isolated. 2. Numerous meetings were held to discuss these special needs with all of the principals of our schools. Each principal was encouraged to discuss the program with his or her faculty. 3. A committee of teachers already serving with the Superintendent and ' representing all grade levels from all areas of the County worked with the central staff in refining the program and in further isolating the specific needs. 4. The actual documentation and written description of the program was put together at the central staff level utilizing our present staff who worked over- time and way into the night on many occasions. 5. The office of the State 5uperintendent of Public Instruction and members of the State staff assisted with advice and counsel. 6. The entire program was presented to the New Hanover County Board of Education for study and was explained in detail to the Board of Education. The ' program was approved by the New Hanover County Board of Education at its regular meeting in January by unanimous action. After this action, as the la w specifies, was submitted to the North Carolina State Board of Education, and this agency passed it without a single revision on Janvary 6, 1966. It'is interesting to note that our program was so well thought of by the State Board of Education that ! it was the first program in the State so approved. We were proud to see New Hanover County lead in this area of planning. Subsequently, 20 to 25 other schoo:? systems in North Carolina have requested copies of our program to use as a pattern,i 7. The Wilmington 5tar-News carried a detailed analysis of the program on January 2, 1966. 8. At the request of the Chairman of the New Hanover Covnty Board of Com- missioners, I have transmitted a copy of the program to this Board through him. This program is now just beginning to become operative. I am pleased to report that all of the funds "vahich we receive are channeled through the North Carolina State Board of Education and allocations are approved by the State Board of EducBtion. Basically, the same accounting procedures are used as are used for other State funds which we receive. The curriculum and the program have been put together at the local County level by our school staff and approved by our own Board of Education. No person or agency outside the County has attempted to infiuence any of us in the manner in which the program has been developed or in its operation. When the program becomes completely operative, over 12,000 New Hanover County children will directly benefit from the program, and i firmly believe our entire school system will experience another step forward. In conclusion, may I point out again that a communityrs school system, aside from its primary function of serving children, is one of its greatest business asse'Its. When the climate for educational progress is good, the climate for economic growth , is good. As Chairman of the New Harzover County Board of Education, I must admit that the task of providing an adequate educational program for our 18,000 studentsll is not an easy one for me or for any of the members of my Board. For those who I administer our school system and those who teach in it,the pressures at times may be almost beyond bearing, but together we believe that the task is worth the work and the worry. As always, we thank you for your continued interest and support and solicit your continued dnn£ddethce in our good faith and judgment." i continued- ? ?I ? ? 5sti Minutes of the Meeting February 21, 1961 Continued -' ?LEMEN1AxY AND SECONDARY ?llUCATION-Ac;i - Mr. Vaughan observed that he did not question the authority of the Board of Education to accept funds from the Federal government but it had always been his under- standing that it is customary for a contributing agency to influence the programs it donates to. Dr. Wagoner explained that in no instance had anyone attempted to change or modify his school program because of accepting funds. Mr. Vauohan then remarked that he thought Ithe Board of Education had a moral responsibility to keep the Board of Commissioners acquainted with any changes made in the system after the County had made their appropria- "tions with definite understanding of the needs. Dr. Wagoner answered that the County has Ifor some years appropriated the total legal levy of 201 permitted by law, therefore, it would have been useless to make demands on the Board of Commissioners when the legal limit had already been appropriated. After a lengthy discussion of the sub,ject, Mr. Braak offered a motion that the Board of Education and its staff of employees be commended for the overall fine job it has done. It was seconded by both N[essrs. Hall and Bowden. After further discussion, Mr. Hall called for the question on the motion. The Chairman then put the question to a vote as to whether or not they wanted to stop the discussion or con- tinue. When the bailot was taken on the question, Messrs. Hooper, Bowden and Vaughan voted "NO", Messrs. Braak and Hall voted "YES". The Chairman declared it defeated by a majority vote and the discussion continued in the general direction of Civil Rights Pro- grams and ROTC as the only phases of the school program where any sort of direction has been given. When all of the Board members had finally received explanations for their questions, the ballot was taken on the original motion. Mr. Vaughan requested that he be recorded as abstaining from voting. The Chairman declared the motion carried by a majority vote. These remarks following are inserted at the request of Mr. Vavghan and upon the Board's approval: Mr. Vaughan stated that he thought that the report was fvll of gobbledygook from one end to the.other - that it is replete with inconsistencies and contradictions I as exemplified in: 1- J. C. Roe School in a low income area is stated to contain 2.9% eligibles while Sunset Park Jr. High has 7.1% eligible (actually 7.1% Sunset is admitted, J. C. Roe is not -- J. C. Roe grades as not worthy as Chestnut School for program - ? different standards of classification are indicated. ' 2- 3635 children listed as qualified but Chairman of Board states program to I assist 12,000 of 19,000 total students. 3- Data on physical fitness rampart with inconsistency and at present no basis i for the conclusions arrived at in making it a major area of program. 4- Comparative statistics on health- needs glaringly inconsistent - note psychological, visual etc. 5- General achievement and language arts comparisons full of inconsistencies. Mr. Vaughan asked Dr. Wagoner if he realized that all except one North Carolina Congressman had Voted against this program. Dr. Wagoner acknowledged this and stated it was his duty to New Hanover County citizens to get every dollar of National Government money he could for the schools. He compared National school.dollars with road and beach money. • In repiy to Mr. Vaughan's question as to the relative educability of various students, Dr. Wagoner did not answer directly but stated that he believed this pro- gram must be carried out even it it only benefited one gerson. I Mr. Vaughan asked Dr. Wagoner whether people in poverty circumstances didn't have to do some self-lifting as exemplified by Abraham Lincoln and Luther Hodgest i rise from the log.cabin. Dr. Wagoner explained Lincoln's rise by saying that he had a good mother, but was unable to explain Luther Hodges emergence. The E.S.E.A. report states that the Board of Education has joined hands with Opportunities, Incorporated in augmenting the program. The program was approved by the State Board of Educa,tion on the day after local approval. ?I The E.S.E.A. report has 70 unnumbered pages. Hitherto, largely unused Great Society terms such as socio-economic educational deprivation are used 18 times in the report. No attempt whatsoever is shown to document the apparently $2000 basic family income needed for individual qualification. Certain data presented for Housing pro- jects are the only financial data presented and are without validity. Mr. Vaughan asked Dr. Wagoner if the local NAACP had not filed complaint with ? the H.E.W. in Washington charging that the program was segregated and discriminatory and that the fancy integrated staff up was merely a front for meeting the National Government dn "Operation Breakthrough". Dr. Wagoner said somebody was going to complain about everythino. (These remarks are inserted in the minutes at the request of Mr. Vaughan, vho stated that these observations contriDute to a considerable exterit-the exchange between himself and Dr. Wagoner and are not to be considered as being the opinion of the other Commissioners.) (Approval of Minutes- 3/21/66) 584 Minutes of the Meeting February 21. 1966 continued WELFARE CHANGES - Mr. Bowden, as the Board's representative to the Public Welf are Department, re- ported that the Housing Authority has increased their rental fees which will affect some clients in the Public Welfare Department. Some additional County funds will be necessary. He also reported that the Social Security payments will increase and require additional funds. After a brief discussion, Mr. Vaughan offered a motion that the Chairman write to the Housing Authority and ask for an explanation for the necessity of increasing their ren It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously carried. SURPLLTS FOOD - I The Executive Secretary reported that he had not completed the investigation to ? determine the relative costs between the Surplus Commodity direct distribution of Food Program and the proposed Food Stamp Program. Mr. Bowden explained that it would be un- necessary to complete the investigation since the State Department of Public Welfare has decided against going into the Food Stamp Program. Mr. Hall then moved that the Surplus Food Commodity Distribution 0ffice be notified and advised that the program would ;be:tcon- I tinued as in the past. It was seconded by Mr. Vaughan and unanimously carri,ed. , SALARY ADJUSTMENT - CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER Mr. Bowden stated that there had been some misunderstanding about the additional salary to be paid Miss Lela Moore Hall. The Public Welfare Board, in presenting their Budget, included $917.28 additional salary for Miss Hall, as Chief Probation 6fficer, for one-half year beginning January 1, 1966 to ,)une 30, 1966. No record of this specific action is recorded in the Commissioners' minutes so far as we can find. After a thorough ? discussion, Mr. Bowden moved that the Board appropriate $917.28 additional salary for the I Chief Probation Officer beginning January 1, 1966. It was seconded by Mr. Hall for the purpose of discussion. Before the bailot was taken, Dr. Hooper offered a substitute motion that this subject be reviewed at the next Budget time and that no additional salary be paid until then. It was seconded by Mr, Vaughan. When the ballot was taken, Messrs. Hooper and Vaughan voted "Yes" on the substitute motion and Messrs. Bowden, Braak and Hall voted "NO". The Chairman declared the substitute motion failed. Further discussion was continued on the original motion at which time County Auditor Love called aCtention to ' continued- A.B.C. - I Complying with instructions of the Board, the Executive Secretary reported that he had received answers to his correspondence with reference to finanncing the pro- posed facility to take care of alcoholic and mentally ill patients. Under Chapter 1063 of 1965 Session Laws, the 51 per bottle price increase on alcohmlic beverages is to be used for creating and estab2lshing one alcoholic rehabilitation center in eastern North Carolina and one in western North Carolina and make some improvements in the Mental Healthl' Center at Camp Butner. The Act does not provide any funds for the operation of these units or any other throughout the state. Mr. Vaughan suggested that Mr. Hall, as Chairman!, of the Composite Board, contact the members of the Local A.B.C. Board to see if they can finance the project. I CFTI- APPROPRIATION The Chairman read a letter from the Cape Fear Technical Institute advising that interest in the amount of $6,$00 has accrued on funds op=their Building Program invested and asked that the Commissioners designate all interests accumulating from all the Buildin Fund be added to that fund. Mr. Braak then moved that all accumulated interests to date be added to the Building Fund and that any future interest earnings be transferred into that fund on convenient periodic anniversary dates. It was seconded by Dr. Hooper and unanimously passed. LATE LISTING PENALIY - The Tax Supervisor presented a letter dated February 11, 1966 from Mr. Edward D. NcGowan of Turkey, North Carolina explaining that he had been marooned in Asheville from the 5th of January until the 3rd of February because of bitter cold weather and a snow storm. He requests that the late listing penalty be waived. Upon motion of Mr. Vaughan, seconded by Mr. Braak, the Board unanimously denied the request and instructed the Executive Secretary to notify him. TAX REFUND - The Tax Supervisor presented a letter from Mrs. Jane G. Sii3bury of 2417 Narket Street, requesting a return of taxes she has paid because of an error on the valvation of her property. The Cole, Layer, Trumble Company, which made the revaluation appraisal in 1958, reported that they were unable to get infor.mation from the parties at this address, therefore, had to rely on the best information they could get. They estimated the house as having been built in 1938 and figured their depreciation as being based on that date. The appraisal vaive on the property was $9,375.00. Subsequent information reveals that the house was actually built in 1921 and if the depreciation is figured on that basis, the appraised value is $8,200. She is asking that the taxes paid on the difference between $9,375 and $8,200 be refunded. The Tax Supervisor cited General Statute 105-405.1 as being applicable to this situation. It prohibits the return of taxes under any circumstances for more than a period of two years. The County Attorney affirmed this position. Mr. Hall then moved that if it developed that she refused to furnish the information requested by the Appraisors that no refund be made but that if it developed that she did not refuse to supply the appraisors with the proper information, then the Tax Supervisor is authorized to return the legal overpayment of taxes for two years. It was seconded by Dr. Hooper and unanimously carried. SPECIAL COURT TERMS - EXTRA HELP Mr. H. Foster Edwards, Clerk of Superior Court reminded the Board that beginnin March 7th, a Special Civil Term of Superior Court would be held in the Federal Courtroom which would require additional personnel. He requests permission for employing Colonel John J. Fitzpatrick on the basis of $3,000 annually since he is familiar with Court pro- cedures. Mr. Hall moved that this request be granted. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously passed. FERRY DEDIGATION Mr. Bowden reminded the Board that there would be a Dedication Service held in Southport officially iniating the Ferry Service between Fort Fisher and Southport. He suggested that all members of the Board who can go should be present but volunteered to represent the County at this service to be held on March 3rd. -? \ 58 Minutes of the Meeting February 21, 1966 Continued i'SALARY ADJUSTMENT - CHIEF PROSATION OFFICER = the fact that the annual salary amw nted to $1764.00. Dr. Hooper voiced his !opposition to the principle of making changes after the Budget appropriations were made. I'Messrs. Bowden and Hall could not recall definitely where the agreement was made but ;felt like i:t might have been at an unofficial meeting with the Welfare Board and never 'ratified by the Board of Commissioners. A ballot was finally taken on the original ?imotion at which time Nr. Bowden voted "YES", however, all the other members of the Board voted "NO" and the Chairman declared it failed. . IdELFARE CASES INSPECTION - Mr. Vaughan raised the question-as to whether or not the Commissioners have the right to inspect the Welfare records. The County Attorney asked for time to study the law before makino a direct answer but in an 'offhand opinion felt like they did not have, except througri their representative on the Board of Public Welfare. - BUDGET DISCUSSION TIME Mr. Vaughan stated that he would like to have the other members of the Board consider updating the Budget Discussions from Jufle and Jvly to Nay and June. No action was taken on this suggestion. ' REPORTS - The following reports were reviewed by the Board and ordered filed for further reference: (a) The Chief Justice has entered en Order for a one week term of Criminal Court beginning March 7th and one week of Civil Court beginning March 21st. (b) Letter from Mrs. Erla Swain Stone recommending that the Ferry across the river to Southport be named Cape Fear. . . (c) Monthly report of the Home Economics Extension Agent. (d) Monthly report of the Wilmington Public Library. (e) Certificate of appreciation from the Junior Chamber of Commerce. (f) Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting on January 20th of Community Hospitai. , ADJOURNMENT - Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Bowden, the Board unanimously voted Ito adjourn the meeting. 4 W. G. Ho ck, Executive Secretary I SPECIAL CALLED MEETIArG Commissioners Room February 24, 1966 8:00 A. M. Wilminqton, N. C. ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on the above date in the Commissioners' Room with the following persons present: Chairman, Dr. Joseph W. Hooper, Jr., Commissioners Laurence O. Bowden; Peter N. Braak, J. M. Hall, Jr. and M.H. Vaughan, Cpunty Auditor T. D. Love and County Attorney L. Bradford Tillery, and the members of the New Hanover County Board of Elections which include Chairman Otto K. Pridgen, II, Mr. Jack L. Yarboro and Mayo Holmes,'Jr. ! PURPOSE - I , The Chairman called a Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the for the purpose of discussing the Bndoet presented by the New Hanover County Board of Elections for the installation of the permanent looseleaf voter registration system. ? INVOCATION - , ? Dr. Hooper called the meeting to order and requested the Executive Secretary, j W. G. Houck, to pronounce the invocation. WAIVER OF NOTICE - ' ? Upon motion of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Bowden, the Board unanimously waived ' written notice as required by GS 153-8 IBUDGET DISCUSSION - The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners explained to the Chairman of the Board of Elections that the Budget proposed at the last meeting seemed too high. He re- Iminded the Board that on January 17th, the Election Board had indicated to the Commissioners that there had been some advance in cost since the original estimate of $15,000 but he did feel that a 40% error was in order and questioned its correctness. Mr. Pridgen replied ? PTem t?ie Guilford County officials which were at least 2 years old, but when he itemized Ithe expenses that would be necessary to set up the permanent looseleaf voter registration system, he found that he did not have a full grasp of the problems he wouid encounter in imaking a detailed Budget. The Board of Commissioners questioned each member of the Board I of Elections and received various opinions of how the expenses might be cut down from the estimated cost presented at the last meeting which amounted to $21,811. N;ost of the dis- cussion centered around whether or not to use typists at each of the precincts to register the voters by hand and then send it to central office where it could be typed. In the discussion, it was brought out that there is no question but that some of the items listed can be reduced and, in fact, Mr. Pridgen stated that he believed th¢ system could be . continued- # that the $15,000 figure was based on information he had received from the 0