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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 57 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 21, 2014, at 9:00 a.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 Commissioner Barfield 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. Motion: Commissioner Wolfe MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Dawson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes from the following meetings as presented by the Clerk to the Board: Special Meeting held on April 2, 2014 Agenda Review Meeting held on April 3, 2014 Regular Meeting held on April 7, 2014 Adoption of Resolution Supporting House Resolution 1288 – County WWII Merchant Mariners Service Act Manager’s Office The Commissioners adopted the resolution supporting House Resolution 1288 WWII Merchant Mariners Service Act requesting that this matter be placed before the US Senate in such form as to be a companion bill to House Resolution 1288. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.1. Approval of Application Waiving Landfill Tipping Fees for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Event – Environmental Management The Commissioners approved the application to waive Landfill tipping fees for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. It is estimated that approximately one cubic yard of waste will be taken to the landfill for an estimated tipping fee in the amount of $59, with a maximum cap of five tons in the amount of $295. To date for the current fiscal year, a total of $82,020.69 in tipping fees has been waived. A copy of the application is available for review in the Environmental Management Department. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Contract and Deed of Trust and the Delivery Thereof and Providing Other Matters in Reference to Installment Financing – Finance Department The Board adopted the resolution approving entering into an installment financing contract with the New Hanover County Financing Corporation in order to pay the capital costs for the following projects: 1. Renovation of the County’s historic administrative office building to house the County’s Register of Deeds office and other court-related functions; 2. Improvements to Cobb Annex, a County administrative building which houses a portion of the County’s judicial functions; 3. Construction of a new service center for rental car companies at Wilmington International Airport, which is operated by the New Hanover County Airport Authority, a component unit of the County; and 4. To pay the costs related to the execution and delivery of the Contract. To secure the County’s obligations under the contract, the County will enter into a Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated as of May 1, 2014. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.2. Acceptance of Seven Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners accepted seven donations for accession into the Cape Fear Museum’s Permanent Collection. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 58 A complete list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of Thirty-eight Items to be Deaccessioned from the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners approved the list of 38 items to be deaccessioned from the Museum’s Permanent Collection. A complete list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Acceptance of March 2014 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports as of March 2014: New Hanover County Fire District New Hanover County Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.3. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014: 14-070 - Health 14-071 - Department of Social Services Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.4. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY RETIREMENT AWARDS County Manager Chris Coudriet requested the following retirees to step forward to receive their retirement award: Gail Jernigan – Health – 31 years of service Lou Miller – Social Services – 19 years of service On behalf of the Board, Chairman White presented a retirement award to each person and expressed appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SERVICE AWARDS County Manager Chris Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Elizabeth Bloodworth – Emergency Management/911 Meagan Evans – Sheriff Belinda Hernandez – Health Janet Hewlett – Health Rosanna Zeh – Social Services Ten Year: Leslie Chaney – Information Technology Fifteen Year: Nadine Nepper – Property Management Twenty-five Year: Suzanne Sykes – Parks and Gardens Thirty Year: Clarence Hayes – Sheriff Phyllis Smyre – Sheriff On behalf of the Board, Chairman White presented a service award to each employee, expressed appreciation, and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 25, 2014 AS STAND AGAINST RACISM DAY IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman White reported that YWCA Executive Director Susan Fennell has requested the Board adopt the proclamation recognizing April 25, 2014 as Stand Against Racism Day in New Hanover County and read the proclamation into the record. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Dawson, to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 25, 2014 as Stand Against Racism Day in New Hanover County as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Ms. Fennell was present to receive the proclamation and to make comments. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 59 XXXVIII, Page 8.5. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 3-11, 2014 AS TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman White reported that Tourism Development Authority CEO Kim Hufham and Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications/Public Relations Director Connie Nelson have requested the Board adopt the proclamation recognizing May 3-11, 2014 as Travel and Tourism Week in New Hanover County and read the proclamation into the record. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to adopt the proclamation recognizing May 3-11, 2014 as Travel and Tourism Week in New Hanover County as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Ms. Hufham was present to receive the proclamation and to make comments. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.6. NEW HANOVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman Bill Hart and Director Dru Harrison presented the following annual update:  Supervisors:  William J. “Bill” Hart, Chairman - Elected  Steve Skavroneck, Vice Chairman - Elected  Sue Hayes, Treasurer/Secretary - Appointed  Arthur Brownell, Member - Elected (Mr. Brownell passed away last week)  William Murray, Jr., Member - Appointed  Elise Rocks - Associate  Andy Mills - Associate  How your District Works:  General Statute 139.1-139.357 (not a non-profit organization)  Created by a majority vote of the New Hanover County citizens to implement voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices on private and public lands.  Operate on three levels of fiscal and physical support:  Local/County  State  Federal  The mission of the District is to protect and enhance water quality throughout New Hanover County through stormwater management, land conservation, technical support to citizens and organizations, and conservation education and outreach activities.  Services:  Education and Outreach  Cost Share Programs  Technical Assistance  Land Acquisition & Management  Community Education and Outreach:  School Programs  Outdoor Learning Centers  Pet Waste Education  Monthly Rain Barrel Sales  Community Events  State, Regional and Local Committees  Summer Camps  Cost Share Programs total approximately $24,000:  Community Conservation Assistance Grant Program (CCAP): Approximately $4,000  Agriculture Cost Share Grant Program: Approximately $20,000  Community Conservation Assistance Grant Program Best Management Practices include:  Rain gardens, wetlands, pet waste receptacles, marsh sill, vegetative cover, cisterns, and bio- retention areas  FY 2013-2014 County Support:  $45,500 out of an Annual Budget of $130,000; for each $1 the County provides, the District provides $2.95  FY 2014-2015 Goals:  Add an additional Outdoor Learning Center; NHC public schools to continue with the major initiative of creating and maintaining outdoor classrooms at all NHC public schools  Install two additional best management practices to improve local water quality  Continue to provide technical support to NHC staff to improve local water quality and enhance our community NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 60 On behalf of the Board Chairman White thanked Mr. Hart and Ms. Harrison for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Airport Authority Chairman Thomas C. Barber, II presented the following annual update:  FY 2014 Goals:  First Class Operations and Customer Service  Promote Commercial Air Service  Promote General Aviation  Develop Business Park  Conduct Search for Airport Director  Operations and Customer Service:  TSA Exit Lane  Addition of Pre-Check  Ambassador Program:  Comfort Canines  Autism Program  FAA Part 139 Inspection:  10 consecutive years - 0 discrepancies  Customer Satisfaction Survey - Satisfaction Levels:  ILM offers easy access from parking areas, a clean and courteous experience, combined with a predictable time getting through security screening. All of which impact the willingness of passengers to recommend ILM to others:  95.5% rated ILM a 7 to 10 on willingness to recommend ILM to friends or family  98.9% report it is easy or very easy to get into the airport from the parking area  97.5% report it is easy or very easy to get through airport security and screening  89.9% rated courtesy of ILM staff at above average or outstanding  Current Airfield Projects – Total $12.3 million:  Runway 17 750’ Extension: $4.5 million  Runway 17-35 Pavement Rehab: $6 million  New NAVAIDs: $110,000  Taxiway A LED Lights: $400,000  Easement Clearing: $500,000  Runway 24 Ditch (Design): $850,000  Federal Funding: $6.6 million Programmed for FY 2014  Promote Commercial Aviation:  Shrinking number of carriers:  Mergers - 21 to 8 domestic airline systems  Capacity discipline strategies – domestic airline departures down 10.8%; seats down 8%  37-50 seat RJs gone by 2018  Airlines more business oriented - Focus is on revenue-based, not need-based strategies  Customer focused  Regionalization  Customer Retention Survey - Passenger Retention:  Passenger Mix – 66% business and 33% leisure  ILM retains 64% of the area’s air travelers  Most diverting travelers use RDU – 23%  36% or 596 per day each way driving to alternate airports  Current Air Service:  Two airlines to five hubs and four international gateways  1300 seats per day  US Airways (new American Airlines) provides majority of service  American starts LGA service April 2014  DCA service reduced to weekend only June 2014  Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) Grant:  ILM received a $750,000 SCASDP grant from the U.S. DOT  One of twenty-five awards - cited broad community support as a selection criteria  $211,000 in matching pledges from the community  Focus on reinstating Chicago O’Hare service  Two airlines are considering ILM’s proposal  Partnering to Market ILM:  As a Destination:  For New Businesses and Industries  To Support Local Tourism  For Sporting Events  For New Film Projects  For Connections: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 61  Access to Global Destinations  To Business Centers  To Tourist Destinations  International Charters via Customs Facility  Terminal Capacity Planning and Expansion:  Phased Expansion 2018-2023:  Second Concourse  Larger TSA Screening Area  Additional Aircraft Gates  More Retail and Amenities  Baggage Handling  Parking Deck  Promote General Aviation:  General Aviation Related Improvements Since 2004:  General Aviation Ramp Expansion and Rehab  Customs Facility & Ramp Rehab  Taxiway N with LED Lights  Stormwater Infrastructure  Total Investment = $14.3 million  Economic Impact:  US Aviation = 8.7% GDP or $1.3T  ILM’s Impact:  Output Impact: $641,463,200  Employment Impact: 3,483 jobs  Payroll Impact: $184,069,900  Property Tax Impact of General Aviation Aircraft and Property: $653,200  FY 2014 Airport Revenue:  Parking: 41%  Aviation Revenue: 25%  Rental Cars: 14%  Business Park: 6%  General Aviation: 6%  Food and Beverage Concessions: 2%  Terminal Advertising: 2%  Other: 4%  ILM Business Park – Investing in the Future:  Infrastructure:  Storm Water  Secondary Water  Sewer Improvements  New Roadway (in progress)  Traffic Impact Analysis  Business Recruitment Efforts:  Hotel  Service Station  Landside Businesses  Complete Search for Airport Director:  Current outstanding Director retires at year-end  Advertised for applicants  Authority members are reviewing résumés  Expect decision in next month or two  ILM is an Innovative and Award Winning Airport:  Green Plus Certification and SEDC Propane Mower Conversion  United Way 2013 Spirit of North Carolina Award  On the Horizon for 2015:  Preserve current air service  Recruit air service to Chicago  Obtain free trade zone status  Maintain financial viability  Complete terminal capacity study  Flex building & hotel in business park  Redevelopment plan for north ramp  Recruit aviation related businesses In response to Board questions concerning services leaving, Mr. Barber reported that it had been discovered that Aero Services, who have been located at ILM for about twenty-three years, had for the past five years been on a month by month lease due to several defaults and failing to meet minimum standards. It was recently discovered that they had sold equipment and the business to another company, WFC Management. The lease was not properly NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 62 transferred leaving the Authority in a situation where it was determined that it was in the best interest of the community and airport to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to enter into a new lease agreement. The RFP went out to twenty-one different bidders with two bids being returned, one from WFC Management. WFC Management declined to rebid due to wanting a thirty year lease when a five year lease was being offered on the south side of the airport while the north side was being developed. This left one bidder, a company out of Virginia, which staff is now in negotiations with for the lease; final documents are being completed with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2014. It is the goal of the Airport Authority to continue to do everything in its power to increase business in all areas including from the General Aviation sector. The construction of the facility on the north side of the property will ultimately be a better location for those operations. Hearing no further comments, on behalf of the Board, Chairman White thanked Mr. Barber for the update. UPDATE ON FINAL REPORT REDUCING YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE IN WILMINGTON City of Wilmington Manager Sterling Cheatham presented an update on the finalized report, Reducing Youth Gun Violence in Wilmington. The report stems from community conversations on teen gun and gang violence and includes immediate, short and long-term strategies to be considered by state and local policy makers in both the public and private sectors.  Purpose:  Respond to spike in youth violence  Create community conversations  Identify opportunities for collaboration  Emphasize this is not just a city problem  Recognize efforts already underway  Police/Sheriff/District Attorney collaboration:  Identify services available  Brainstorm solutions  Hear community solutions to challenge  Community conversations included:  Series of seven forums (listening sessions)  Participants: citizens, law enforcement, city, county, non-profits, UNCW, CFCC, Chamber of Commerce, faith community  Widespread willingness to engage  Participant observations:  Lack of family structure, education, prevention and intervention activities, and jobs  Overlay of racism, media bias, accountability, and overloaded criminal justice system  Desired outcomes;  Improve quality of education, skills of youth  Strengthen emphasis on prenatal care, early learning  Programs with jobs of ex-felons  Law enforcement, with emphasis on community building  Recommendations:  29 measurable recommendations  Immediate, short and long term  Lead stakeholders identified  Focus on:  Prevention/Intervention  Education  Jobs  Law enforcement  No panacea, just hard work  Recommendations for County strategies include:  Fund pre-K–12 programs  Improve graduation rate for New Hanover County schools  Add programs at area facilities  Allocate funding based on results and collaboration  Next steps:  Presentation of report and recommendations  Request leadership, funding, and commitment  Sustain energy and focus  Report available of website at Wilmingtonnc.gov/youthviolence  Feedback survey also available  Other presentations are scheduled  Final forum to receive public input is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Wilmington City Hall After brief comments concerning funding support, hearing no further discussion, Chairman White thanked Mr. Cheatham for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 63 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO PROVIDE IN-HOME AIDE SERVICES FOR THE SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER TO INTERIM HEALTHCARE OF THE EASTERN CAROLINAS, INC. Chairman White reported that for the Board’s consideration is the request to adopt the resolution awarding the contract to provide in-home aide services for the Senior Resource Center to Interim Healthcare of the Eastern Carolinas, Inc. Hearing no questions, Chairman White requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to adopt the resolution awarding the contract to provide in-home aide services for the Senior Resource Center to Interim Healthcare of the Eastern Carolinas, Inc. as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 8.7. APPROVAL TO AMEND THE INSPECTIONS FEE SCHEDULE FOR TRADE PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS IN THE TOWNS OF CAROLINA BEACH, KURE BEACH AND WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Planning and Inspections Director Chris O’Keefe presented the request for the Board’s consideration to approve amending the Inspections Fee Schedule for trade permits and inspections in the Towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach to a flat fee of $150 per trade for residential new construction trade permits. Wrightsville Beach does their own plumbing and building inspections and both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach do their own building inspections. The new fee schedule which was implemented on March 3, 2014 almost doubled the previous fees in the beach towns and has impacted approximately ten projects. The flat fee would be closer to the amount typically charged with the old system and would be easier to do business with since it would be predictable in every situation. In response to Board questions, Mr. O’Keefe confirmed that the fees are collected by the County for the work done by the County; the beach towns collect the fees for the work they do. The contractors that do work in the beach towns are supportive of this amendment which brings the fees back in-line with the previous fees and makes them predictable. To date the County has collected approximately $4,000 more than what would have previously been collected under the old fee structure; staff is requesting that the fees paid above the flat fee of $150 be reimbursed making the flat fee retroactive to March 3, 2014. Hearing no further comments, Chairman White requested direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to approve amending the Inspections Fee Schedule for trade permits and inspections in the Towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach to a flat fee of $150 per trade for residential new construction trade permits and to be made retroactive to March 3, 2014 as presented with reimbursement made to those who have already paid the higher fee. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. A copy of the Inspections Fee Schedule is available on the County’s website and in the Inspections Department. ONESOLUTION SOFTWARE UPDATE Planning and Inspections Director Chris O’Keefe provided an update on the Onesolution computer software program confirming that the launch went off as planned and scheduled. Staff continues to make considerable improvements in the speed in which customers are being served as well as to the program workflow process. A steering committee has been assembled to review the workflow process; the group is making recommendations to improve efficiency and issues are being identified and addressed systemically. A user group has also been identified and will allow for on-hands training of the new system and process. Staff continues to support the launch of the system as it will ultimately be a more business-friendly process for the development community. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Library Advisory Board Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Library Advisory Board with three applicants available for consideration. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated John Gardner for appointment. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 to 0 to appoint John Gardner to serve on the Library Advisory Board with the term to expire on August 31, 2017. Planning Board Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Planning Board with six applicants available for consideration. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 21, 2014 PAGE 64 Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Donna Girardot for appointment. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 to 0 to appointDonna Girardot to the Planning Board with the term to expire on July 31, 2017. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.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.