HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-03 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 15
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 3, 2014,
at 6:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington,
NC.
Members present:Chairman Woody White; Vice-Chair Beth Dawson; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield,
Jr.; and Commissioner Thomas Wolfe. Commissioner Brian M. Berger was absent.
Staff present: County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; County Manager Chris Coudriet; and Clerk to the
Board Sheila L. Schult.
MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman White led the audience in a moment of silence and Vice-Chair Dawson led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman White asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the
Consent Agenda.
Hearing no comments, Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0.
Vice-Chair Dawson highlighted the Board’s adoption of the resolution to the North Carolina Department of
Insurance opposing the request by the North Carolina Rate Bureau to increase homeowner insurance rates. The
County submitted comments opposing the increase during the public comment period that just ended. The increase
requested is an average of 25% with increases in the southeastern region of the State in the 35% range. She
encouraged the public to also voice their opposition to the rate increase to the North Carolina Department of
Insurance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes from the following meetings as presented by the Clerk to the
Board:
Agenda Review Meeting held on January 16, 2014
Work Session held on January 16, 2014
Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2014
Closed Session Meeting held on January 21, 2014
Adoption of Resolution Opposing the 2014 North Carolina Homeowners Insurance Rate Increase Requested
by the North Carolina Rate Bureau – County Manager
The Commissioners adopted the resolution opposing the request by the North Carolina Rate Bureau to the
North Carolina Department of Insurance to increase homeowner insurance rates.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXXVIII, Page 3.1.
Authorization for Staff to Enter into an Interlocal Agreement with New Hanover Regional Medical Center to
Participate with the County in the North Carolina Debt Setoff Program – Finance Department
The Commissioners authorized staff to enter into an interlocal agreement with New Hanover Regional
Medical Center (NHRMC), to participate with the County in the North Carolina Debt setoff program to collect a
portion of their delinquent debts. The program collects delinquent debts by offsetting debtors' North Carolina state
tax refunds and education lottery winnings. NHRMC will repay the County for any costs borne by including them
in this program.
A copy of the interlocal agreement is available for review in the Legal Department.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2014:
14-048 – Department of Social Services
14-050 – Sheriff
14-051 – Sheriff
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 3.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 16
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE II,
SECTION 23: DEFINITIONS; ARTICLE V, SECTION 50: TABLE OF PERMITTED USES; ARTICLE
VI, SECTION 63: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON USES PERMITTED BY-RIGHT (A-
417, 1/14)
Chairman White opened the Public Hearing and requested staff to make the presentation.
Current Planner Ben Andrea presented the request by Cindee Wolf of Design Solutions to amend Sections
23, 50, and 72 of the Zoning Ordinance to add recreational vehicle and boat trailer storage lots as a use with
supplemental standards permitted by-right or Special Use Permit in some zoning districts. The Petitioner’s proposed
amendments would add recreational vehicle and boat trailer storage lots by special use permit in Planned
Development, Residential 15, Residential 10, and Residential 7 zoning districts and by-right in Business-1,
Business-2, Industrial-1, Industrial-2, Office and Institutional, Airport Residential and Airport Industrial. The
proposed amendments would also amend language in the associated sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
Planning staff revised some of the applicant’s amendments and presented the changes to the Planning
Board at their January 9, 2014 meeting. Changes included adding recreational vehicle and boat trailer storage lots
by-right in Planned Developments and by special use permit in Residential 20 and Airport Residential Districts as
well as the previously requested Residential 15, Residential 10, and Residential 7. The language was also amended
in the associated sections of the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the changes.
At the Planning Board’s January 9, 2014 meeting after revising staff’s recommendation, they voted
unanimously to approve the following amendments:
Article II, Section 23: Definitions
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lots – A ground level parking area on which
recreational vehicles and boat trailers, with or without boats, can be stored for a fee when not in
use.
Article V, Section 50: Table of Permitted Uses
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lots permitted by-right in the following districts:
PD; B-1; B-2; I-1; I-2; O&I, A-1.
Article VI, Section 63: Additional Restrictions Imposed on Uses Permitted By-Right
63.10: Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lot – A Recreational Vehicle and Boat
Trailer Storage Lot may be located by-right in the B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2, Office and Institutional,
and Airport Industrial subject to the district requirements and provided that:
1) The use shall be solely open-air and ground level. No enclosing or overhead covering
structures shall be installed.
2) Access shall be from a public or private street right of way.
3) A minimum buffer of twenty (20) feet shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of
Article VI, Section 62 of the Ordinance for common boundary(ies) with residential zoning
districts and/or uses.
4) Buffers and landscaping for street yards and interior parking areas shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 62 of the Ordinance.
5) All site lighting shall be located so as not to shine or reflect directly onto any adjacent
residential zoning districts and/or uses.
6) Repair, maintenance, or habitation of any recreational vehicle or boat stored in the facility is
prohibited.
The Planning Board’s approved version allows recreational vehicle and boat trailer storage lots by-right in
Planned Development; Business-1; Business-2; Industrial-1; Industrial-2; Office and Institutional; and Airport
Industrial Districts. The special use permit component in Residential Districts R-20; R-15, R-10, R-7, and AR was
removed and not included in the approved recommendation.
Chairman White invited the Petitioner to make comments.
Cindee Wolf, Design Solutions, provided an overview of the request stating that the County is recognized
as a prime recreation and boating destination. There is currently no specific definition for this type of storage
facility. She requested the Board include the use in residential districts by Special Use Permit, which would allow
the Board to determine the decision on a site-by-site basis. She requested the Board approve the amendments as
recommended by the Planning staff.
Chairman White invited those in opposition to make comments.
Donna Girardot voiced her concern about the Petitioner’s amendment request due to concerns of the use in
residential areas and the nuisance issues with lighting, early morning pick-ups and repairs of vehicles on the site.
She questioned who would be in place to enforce the conditions. She requested the Board adopt the Planning
Board’s recommendation, which does not allow the use in residential areas even by special use permit.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 17
In rebuttal comments, Ms. Wolf reported that only properties on major road corridors would be eligible to
use the special use permit process and any issue such as lighting and noise would be addressed during the special
use permit process.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the
Board.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Andrea reported that currently there is no specific definition for this
type of storage facility in the County to allow it as a stand-alone use. The definition is found in Article II, Section
23 and remains in the Planning Board’s recommendation; Article VII, Section 72-46 was deleted from the Planning
Board’s recommendation because it deals with the additional restrictions imposed on certain special uses and the
special use permit process was not included in the Planning Board’s approved recommendation. The special use
permit process does require evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Wolfe offered comments concerning the special use process and how the process itself
provides the check and balances needed by not allowing the use as a stand-alone use but requiring certain standards
to be met. He stated that he was worried about restricting property owner rights.
County Manager Chris Coudriet added that the path of special use permit leads with the assumption that it
is a reasonable and appropriate use to have this facility as a stand-alone use in these areas and requires a more
careful review.
Hearing no further discussion or comments, Chairman White requested direction from the Board.
Vice-Chair Dawson stated that based on the fact the County is embarking on the Long Range
Comprehensive Plan, it is her opinion that this is not the appropriate time to be adding this significant of an
amendment to the zoning ordinance to add this use in residential areas; this type of consideration should be included
in the discussions of the Plan with the public having the opportunity to be heard.
In response to Board questions, Planning Board member Daniel Hilla reported that the Planning Board saw
a need that something needs to be done to allow the use by-right but did not feel that residential districts were the
appropriate place for boat storage even by the special use permit process.
Motion:
Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to accept the recommendation of
the Planning Board to amend Article II, Section 23: Definitions; Article V, Section 50: Table of Permitted Uses;
Article VI, and Section 63: Additional Restrictions Imposed on Uses Permitted By-Right. The amendments are as
follows:
Article II, Section 23: Definitions
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lots – A ground level parking area on which
recreational vehicles and boat trailers, with or without boats, can be stored for a fee when not in
use.
Article V, Section 50: Table of Permitted Uses
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lots permitted by-right in the following districts:
PD; B-1; B-2; I-1; I-2; O&I, A-1.
Article VI, Section 63: Additional Restrictions Imposed on Uses Permitted By-Right
63.10: Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lot – A Recreational Vehicle and Boat
Trailer Storage Lot may be located by right in the B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2, Office and Institutional,
and Airport Industrial subject to the district requirements and provided that:
1) The use shall be solely open-air and ground level. No enclosing or overhead covering
structures shall be installed.
2) Access shall be from a public or private street right of way.
3) A minimum buffer of twenty (20) feet shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of
Article VI, Section 62 of the Ordinance for common boundary(ies) with residential zoning
districts and/or uses.
4) Buffers and landscaping for street yards and interior parking areas shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 62 of the Ordinance.
5) All site lighting shall be located so as not to shine or reflect directly onto any adjacent
residential zoning districts and/or uses.
6) Repair, maintenance, or habitation of any recreational vehicle or boat stored in the facility is
prohibited.
This decision is based on the evidence presented and the findings of facts concluding that: 1) the text amendment to
the ordinance is consistent with the Land Use Plan; and 2) is reasonable and in the public interest and should be
adopted. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 1. Commissioner Wolfe voted in opposition.
A copy of the ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and
is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 3.3.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 18
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY KENNETH ORNDORFF, ON BEHALF OF
BRM ASSOCIATES #1, LLC, TO REZONE 1.81 ACRES LOCATED AT 5932 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD
FROM CD (B-1) NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT TO B-2, HIGHWAY BUSINESS DISTRICT
(Z-929, 1/14)
Chairman White opened the Public Hearing and requested staff to make the presentation.
Current Planning and Zoning Supervisor Kenneth Vafier presented the request by Kenneth Orndorff, on
behalf of BRM Associates #1, LLC, to rezone 1.81 acres of property located at 5932 Carolina Beach Road from CD
(B-1) Neighborhood Business District to B-2, Highway Business District and presented a slide overview of the
request.
In November 2003, the Board approved a Conditional Use Rezoning from R-15, Residential District to CD
(B-1) Business District for Beau Rivage Marketplace, which is a mixed-use development consisting of residential,
office and commercial uses located at the intersection of Carolina Beach and Sanders Roads. The rezoning included
a strip of land on the subject parcel for the purpose of creating an access drive. This strip was never utilized for the
proposed access and therefore remains zoned B-1 amidst property zoned B-2. The current request will bring the B-1
strip into conformity with the B-2 property along side of it and expand the range of uses to B-2 uses.
At the Planning Board’s January 9, 2014 meeting, they voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning
request with no one from the public speaking in support or in opposition to the request. Staff also supports the
request.
Chairman White stated that no one had signed up to speak in opposition to the request and invited the
Petitioner to make comments.
Kenneth Orndorff, BRM Associates #1, LLC, stated that he was available if the Board had any questions.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Orndorff stated that he did wish to proceed with the request understanding that
if denied a new application may only be submitted within twelve months of the denial if there is a substantial change
in the original petition for rezoning.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the
Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Wolf MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the request by
Kenneth Orndorff, BRM Associates #1, LLC, to rezone 1.81 acres of property located at 5932 Carolina Beach Road
from CD (B-1) Neighborhood Business District to B-2, Highway Business District as presented finding that the
request is: 1) consistent with the Land Use Plan; and 2) reasonable and in the public interest to make changes that
clarifies existing language in the ordinance. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0.
A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING
MAP OF AREA 4 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED April 7, 1971 is hereby
incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 4, Page 96.
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY SEL PROPERTY
INVESTORS, LLC TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY BOATING FACILITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH A
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON A 75.17-ACRE PARCEL ON
MASONBORO LOOP ROAD (S-615, 11/13)
Chairman White opened the Public Hearing and announced that the special use process requires a quasi-
judicial hearing; therefore, the Clerk to the Board must swear in any person wishing to testify. He requested all
persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in.
The following persons were sworn in:
Ben Andrea
Dan Weeks
Bill Batuyios
Steve Morrison
Jeff Keeter
D. I. Logan
Current Planner Ben Andrea presented the request by SEL Property Investors, LLC, for a Special Use
Permit to develop a community boating facility in conjunction with a single family detached residential community
on a 75.17 acre parcel located on Masonboro Loop Road and provided a slide overview of the request.
The subject property was previously used for agriculture and timbering and is currently vacant and
undeveloped. The community boating facility would be comprised of an inland basin approximately two acres and
feature 75 slips as well as a canoe/kayak launch for use by community residents only. The slips would include
nineteen 25’ lift slips, two 25’ slips, twenty 30’ slips, twenty-six 35’ slips, and eight 40’ slips. The facility would
have direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway via a proposed 40’ wide access canal. Both the access canal and the
inland basin are proposed to be dredged from the existing land in order to connect to an existing basin near the
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway that is also proposed to be dredged. On December 13, 2013, State Permit #24-81
was transferred from Maurice Emmart, Jr. to SEL Property Investors, LLC and renewed until December 31, 2017.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 19
The original permit was issued on February 20, 1981 and authorizes dredging of the existing channel fingers to -6’
MSL. To minimize impacts to Primary Nursery Area habitat, the permit includes a condition that prohibits dredging
activity during spawning season which is April 1 to September 30 annually.
The newly created inland basin and channel will not be open to shellfishing; shellfish areas outside of the
inland basin and channel will not be closed as a result of the proposed project. Importantly, exceeding 75 slips
would have triggered the closure of an existing shellfishing area beyond the entrance channel per state regulations
(15A NCAC 18A .0911). A pump-out station is required per The Clean Coastal Water and Vessel Act of 2009. A
total of 64 parking spaces are proposed to serve the facility, with a mixture of 35 vehicular spaces and 29 golf cart
spaces. The use of signage and neighborhood covenants will dictate all associated parking spaces be time limited
and/or temporary access to the facility. Dedicated pedestrian paths and bicycle racks will be provided to encourage
walking and biking to the facility, and design of the residential neighborhood will encourage the use of golf carts
and other non-vehicular modes of transportation.
The project will be subject to all necessary reviews and approvals, including from the NC DENR Division
of Coastal Management, NC DENR Division of Water Resources, NC DENR Division of Marine Fisheries, US
Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, New Hanover County
Engineering, and New Hanover County Planning and Inspections.
A scoping meeting was held with representatives from these and other agencies on November 14, 2013 to
discuss the project prior to the submission for a CAMA Major Permit. At the meeting, concerns were raised in
several areas, and as a result, the project was revised. Following are the areas of concerns discussed at the
interagency meeting and how the project was revised to address those concerns:
Impacts to Coastal Wetlands – The original design of the project proposed impact to approximately
3,151 square feet of coastal wetlands. NC DENR Division of Coastal Management Staff had particular
concerns about the original design of the bulkheads and breakwaters, their necessity, and the resulting
impacts to coastal wetlands. In response, the locations of the bulkheads and one of the two breakwaters
were revised and the impacted coastal wetland area has been reduced to 1,284 square feet.
Impacts to Primary Nursery Areas – A riprap groin was originally proposed along the northern side of
the existing entrance channel to minimize sediment accumulation and buffer wave energy within the
channel. The proposed groin would have impacted 3,768 square feet of Primary Nursery Area, a
concern expressed by several agencies. In response, the riprap groin was eliminated and replaced with
a vertical sheet pile jetty wall, which will have minimal impact to the benthic environment of the
Primary Nursery Area.
Adequate Tidal Flushing of Basin and Channel – Meeting attendees expressed concern about the
square corners of the original design as well as the basin and channel depths, and how if these elements
as designed could provide adequate flushing of the channel and basin during the semi-diurnal mixed
tidal events that are experienced in southeastern North Carolina. Tapering the depths of corners in the
basin was suggested to improve water flow and encourage flushing, and the plan was revised to taper
the basin corner depths from -6’ mean low water (MLW) to -5’ MLW. In accordance with DCM rules,
the depth of the basin (-6’ MLW tapering to -5’ MLW in the corners) and channel (-6’ MLW) will be
less than the depth of the adjacent waters (approximately -14’ MLW within the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway). Additionally, a dredging maintenance plan is proposed that will require maintenance
dredging be performed when depths within the authorized dredging areas reach -4’ MLW or shallower.
Maintaining channel and basin depths will ensure tidal flushing occurs as predicted and designed.
The above revisions were incorporated into the project design and on December 17, 2013, the applicant
applied for a CAMA Major Permit. The Division of Coastal Management Staff has 75 days, March 3, 2014, from
the submission date to render an approval or denial decision, with the possibility of extending the decision period up
to an additional 75 days, May 16, 2014. During this period, a number of state and federal agencies will have the
opportunity to review and comment on the project. All CAMA Major and General Permits must be consistent with
the County’s adopted CAMA Land Use Plan, therefore New Hanover County Staff will have an opportunity to
review and comment on the project during this period to ensure consistency with the Plan.
The Planning Board, at their January 9, 2014 meeting, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
request with the following conditions recommended by staff:
1. The project is subject to the issuance of a CAMA Major Permit and any conditions imposed by the
permit, as well as all other applicable reviews, permits, and approvals; and
2. Revisions to the project that occur after the issuance of the Special Use Permit that further minimize
impacts to coastal wetlands, primary nursery areas, shellfishing areas, or other conservation resources
in order to receive a CAMA Major Permit shall be considered minor revisions pursuant to Section 71-
1(9).
One member of the public, representing the Masonboro Harbour Homeowners Association, spoke in
support of the request with no one speaking in opposition to the request. Staff concludes that the findings are
positive and recommends approval with the two recommended conditions listed above.
Chairman White stated that no one had signed up to speak in opposition to the request and invited the
Petitioner to make comments.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 20
Attorney Jeffrey Keeter, Block Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP, representing SEL Property Investors,
LLC, provided an overview of the request stating that experts were available to address the special use permit
requirements.
Steve Morrison, Land Management Group, provided an overview of the process to obtain the CAMA
Major Permit highlighting that to address concerns raised at the meeting with the agency representatives the
locations of the bulkheads and one of the two breakwaters were revised and the impacted coastal wetland area has
been reduced to 1,284 square feet. Wetland impact drawing revisions will be submitted to Coastal Management
Staff.
Dan Weeks, Land Planner and Landscape Architect with Paramount Engineering, provided an overview of
the proposed project stating that as proposed it will be compatible and will fit well into the surrounding area; the
project will be designed to adhere to performance residential requirements. The density is proposed for a total of
159 total units or 2.1 units per acres which is under the allotted 187 total units or 2.5 units per acre. Commercial or
;
retail type activities will be prohibiteddedicated pedestrian paths will be provided to encourage walking and biking
to the boating facility.
Bill Batuyios, Atlantic Appraisal, stated that as a certified residential appraiser based on his research the
proposed use of the subject property will not substantially injure the value of surrounding properties and the design
and functionality will be compatible and in harmony with the surrounding area.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Morrison stated that they anticipate submitting all required materials to
the Division of Coastal Management within a week or two, which will begin the 75-day timeframe. CAMA requires
the County’s approval before issuance of the permit.
In response to Board questions, Attorney Keeter confirmed that they wish to proceed with the request and
that they agree with the findings of facts and the two recommended conditions.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the
Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Dawson, to approve the request by SEL
Property Investors, LLC, for a Special Use Permit to develop a community boating facility in conjunction with a
single family detached residential community on a 75.17 acre parcel located on Masonboro Loop Road based on the
evidence presented and the findings of facts concluding that: 1) the use will not materially endanger the public
health or safety if located and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved; 2) the use meets all
required conditions and specifications of the Zoning Ordinance; 3) the use will not substantially injure the value of
adjoining or abutting property or that the use is a public necessity; and 4) the location and character of the use if
developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be
located and in general conformity with the plan of development for New Hanover County with the following
conditions: 1) the project is subject to the issuance of a CAMA Major Permit and any conditions imposed by the
permit, as well as all other applicable reviews, permits, and approvals; and 2) revisions to the project that occur after
the issuance of the special use permit that further minimizes impacts to coastal wetlands, primary nursery areas,
shellfishing areas, or other conservation resources in order to receive a CAMA Major Permit shall be considered
minor revisions pursuant to Section 71-1(9). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0.
A copy of an order granting a Special Use Permit and listing the findings of facts is contained in SUP Book
IV, Page 50.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman White reported that the following people have signed up to speak on non-agenda items:
Robert Studebaker, Supper Optimist, voiced his opposition to the Parks Department’s levying of the fee of
$10 per field per hour to cover lighting expenses. Based on past use, their organization typically uses seven fields,
five nights per week, for four hours each night. The lighting fee would raise the cost for each player from $85 to
$133.50. Based on the fee increase, they may not be able to continue their policy of not turning away a child who
wants to play. He suggested a meeting at a later date to discuss the issue.
In response to Board questions, County Manager Chris Coudriet reported that the County does not charge
an access or use fee for fields for youth. The fee is for $10 per hour per field; what was billed to Supper Optimist
for fall baseball was $2,931 with an overall participation reported of 250 players, which is approximately $11.72 per
player based on the fall numbers. The amount and numbers will fluctuate season to season. A number of
organizations have already made their payments to what the County billed out.
Commissioner Barfield offered comments about the commitment made by the Board when the quarter cent
sales tax was approved by voters to support the County’s quality of life initiatives.
Tom Lamont, Winter Park Optimist, provided an overview of their organizations’ mission and voiced his
concern on the $10 fee per field per hour for lighting costs stating that it will place a $10,000 per year burden on
their budget. He requested the Board not burden non-profit organizations that help the area’s youth with the cost to
light the playing fields. He requested a meeting to discuss the matter.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PAGE 21
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila L. Schult
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available for review and check-out at all New Hanover County Libraries and
on-line at www.nhcgov.com.