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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-15 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 141 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, September 15, 2014, at 4:00 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 Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Interim Clerk to the Board Teresa P. Elmore. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Wayne Johnson, Sr., of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, provided the invocation 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 Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, 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 meeting as presented by the Clerk to the Board: Agenda Review Meeting held on August 7, 2014 Closed Session Meeting held on August 7, 2014 Regular Meeting held on August 11, 2014 Ratification of Constitution Week Proclamation – Governing Body The Commissioners ratified a proclamation recognizing September 17-23, 2014 as Constitution Week in New Hanover County. On behalf of the Board, Vice-Chair Dawson presented proclamations at functions of the DAR Tea Walk Chapter and DAR Stamp Defiance Chapter earlier in the month. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.1. th Adoption of Proclamation Declaring September 27, 2014 as “Wilmington Day” in Recognition of the 275 Anniversary of the City of Wilmington – Public Information The Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring September 27, 2014 as “Wilmington Day” in New Hanover County in recognition of the 275th Anniversary of the City of Wilmington. A community-wide celebration of its founding will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. along Water Street. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.2. Adoption of State Road Resolutions – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted North Carolina Department of Transportation State Road Resolutions supporting the addition of the following roads to the state road system:  Split Rail Drive, Trumpet Vine Way, Castleberry Court, Rose Trellis Court, Vista Green Court and Brenton Court located within The Lakes/The Arbors and Henderson Parke at Johnson Farms Subdivision in New Hanover County (Division File No. 1206-N).  Rushing Drive and Hollis Road located between Wedgefield at Crosswinds South and Hidden Valley (Section 2) Subdivisions in New Hanover County (Division File No. 1207-N). Copies of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.3. Approval to Expand the Membership of the New Hanover County Airport Authority The Commissioners approved the expansion of the membership for the New Hanover County Airport Authority from 5 to 7 members as requested by the Airport Authority. The Commissioners are allowed to increase the membership of the Authority pursuant to State Session Law 1989-404 Section 2. Approval of 2015 North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Items The Commissioners approved the following list of priority items to be submitted to NCACC for inclusion in their 2015 Legislative Agenda: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 142  Continue beach nourishment and inlet dredging funding  Monitor and contribute to CRC pending ‘sea level rise’ study, polices and/or programs changes  Restore film incentives  Restore Historic Preservation Tax Credits  Protect County requirements for land use planning and design regulatory authority  Provide supplemental revenue types for economic development infrastructure  Discourage any taxing restrictions on and impacts to County’s ability to raise revenue  Explore a statewide bond for school construction and long term growth needs Approval of Application for the Waiver of Landfill Tipping Fees for TEAMeffort Youth Missions – Environmental Management The Commissioners approved the application to waive landfill tipping fees for TEAMeffort Youth Missionsfor up to five tons of waste generated within New Hanover County. The non-profit youth mission provides basic home repairs and construction projects for those in need at no cost to the individual receiving the services. To date for the current fiscal year, a total of $34,998 in tipping fees has been waived. A copy of the application is available for review in the Environmental Management Department. Approval of Application for the Waiver of Landfill Tipping Fees for Keep America Beautiful's "Big Sweep" Event – Environmental Management The Commissioners approved the application to waive landfill tipping fees for Keep America Beautiful's "Big Sweep" eventfor a maximum cap of ten tons of waste generated within New Hanover County. The waiver is for the "Big Sweep" event being held on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Community volunteers target public areas with known litter and debris problems, cleaning and beautifying the community in the process. A copy of the application is available for review in the Environmental Management Department. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding for Use of Second Three Percent Room Occupancy Tax Collected in the Unincorporated Area – Finance Department The Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority for use of the second three percent room occupancy tax collected in the unincorporated area. The Memorandum clarifies the intent of using tourism activities funds from the unincorporated area for inlet maintenance. In particular, it provides a portion of funds for Carolina Beach Inlet to match state funds and allows the Board to approve funds for Mason Inlet even though it currently lacks federal or state funding and Masonboro Inlet in the event it loses federal funding. The MOU was approved by the Tourism Development Authority Board at their August 27th meeting. A copy of the agreement is available for review in the Legal Department. Approval of New Hanover Regional Medical Center Third Amendment to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement – Finance Department The Commissioners approved the third amendment to the Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement with New Hanover Regional Medical Center and authorized the County Manager to sign the agreement. The Medical Center issued $40,000,000 of variable rate hospital revenue bonds in 2008. A letter of credit with RBC Bank was extended in 2011 and will expire on November 6, 2014. The bank has agreed to extend the expiration date to November 6, 2017. A copy of the agreement is available for review in the Legal Department. Acceptance of Four Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners accepted four donations of regional artifacts for accession into the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The objects were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at its meeting on August 20, 2014 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of Items to be Deaccessioned from the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners accepted the recommendation of the Museum Advisory Board to deaccession 37 items identified for deaccession from the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. The items were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at its meeting on August 20, 2014 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum. Approval of July 2014 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports as of July 2014: New Hanover County New Hanover County Fire District Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.4. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 143 Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education General Fund Budget Amendment #1 and Capital Outlay Fund Budget Amendment #1 – Budget Department The Commissioners approved the following Board of Education’s budget amendments:  General Fund Budget Amendment #1 appropriates Board of Education Fund Balance for carryover purchase orders and projects $810,589, Legal Settlements $49,950, and funding needed to offset state reductions $451,831.  Capital Outlay Fund Budget Amendment #1 budgets $782,677 for design funding for the new elementary school. County funding for the project was approved July 2014. Copies of the budget amendments are available for review in the Budget Department. Approval of the Purchase of Property at 230 N. Second Street for $300,000 – Budget Department The Commissioners approved the purchase of property at 230 N. Second Street subject to satisfactory Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment as determined by the County Manager in consultation with the County Attorney and adopted the related budget amendment 15-013. The purchase will provide the County full ownership of the city block encompassed by Grace and Chestnut Streets and Second and Third Streets. The property would provide staff and/or public parking in the downtown area. A copy of the budget ordinance amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.5. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015: 15-008 Sheriff’s Office 15-009 Sheriff’s Office 15-010 Department of Social Services 15-011 Sheriff’s Office 15-012 Department of Social Services 15-014 Parks and Gardens Department Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.6. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS Chairman White recognized and welcomed State House Representative Ted Davis, Former Mayor of Carolina Beach Dennis Barbour, and CEO/President of Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kim Hufham. He expressed appreciation to Representative Davis for his hard work in the General Assembly to benefit the citizens of New Hanover County. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO RETIREES AND EMPLOYEES County Manager Chris Coudriet requested the following retirees to step forward to receive their retirement award: Sheila James, Department of Social Services, 21 years of service Toni Moser, Planning and Inspections Department, 26 ½ 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. County Manager Chris Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Matthew Langley, Emergency Management Jennifer Stancil, Legal Department Brooke Stanley, Health Department Ten Year: Jodi Kerwin, Sheriff’s Office Diane Kirby, Health Department Jeffry Lea, Sheriff’s Office Kenneth Whitley, Property Management Fifteen Year: Joyce Hatem, Health Department Beverly Scruggs, Health Department Teresa Stanley, Health Department Twenty Year: Joette McLohon, Department of Social Service Kathryn Strickland, Emergency Management Twenty–Five Year: Kim Evans, Department of Social Services NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 144 Thirty Year: Samuel Burgess, Planning and Inspections Department Susan Rossiter, Emergency Management/911 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. CAROLINA BEACH INLET ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY PRESENTATION Dennis Barbour of the Carolina Beach Inlet Association spoke on the three-year old organization’s efforts in working with State legislators, Port, Waterway and Beach Commission, NC Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association, and the NC Water Resources Congress to find funding sources for the continued maintenance of local navigational channels. Because Federal funding is no longer available, legislators passed a bill that earmarks fifty percent funding for maintenance of navigational channels that meet certain requirements. However, local governments still need to determine a source for its fifty percent matching funds. The Association commissioned Dr. Chris Dumus, UNCW Professor of Economics and Finance, to update the 2007-2008 Economic Impact Study of Carolina Beach Inlet in order to help the Commissioners in making decisions in securing long-term funding for dredging. Dr. Chris Dumas provided the following PowerPoint presentation from the study:  Economic Impacts of Carolina Beach Inlet Navigability Study  Study conducted by Dr. Dumas of UNCW and John Whitehead of Appalachian State University during Spring 2014:  Based on existing data 2009-2012 for New Hanover County, no new data collected  Three inlet navigability scenarios:  “Current/Degraded” inlet (2010-2012)  “Fully Maintained” inlet (depth of 8 feet, +/- 2 feet)  “Essentially Closed” inlet (average depth 4 feet or less)  Economic Impacts - Carolina Beach Inlet (CBI):  Industries directly impacted by inlet navigability:  Commercial fishing, seafood markets/processing, charter/head boat fishing, private boat fishing  Multiplier effects:  Seafood dealers, boatyards, fuel suppliers, hotels, and restaurants, etc.  Economic Activity Supported by Inlet:  20 commercial fishing vessels, 20 commercial fisher persons, and 193 commercial fishing vessel trips per year  47 charter vessels service over 16,000 angler-day trips/year, directly supporting 84 charter captain and crew jobs  2 head boats support over 20,000 additional angler-day trips/year, directly supporting an additional 16 captain and crew jobs  30,000 private boat ocean fishing angler trips/year made by North Carolina residents using inlet  Annual Economic Impacts within New Hanover County:  Current Degraded Conditions:  Sales - $68 million  Employment - 493  State and Local Taxes - $3.1 million  Federal Taxes - $3.9 million  Improved Fully Maintained Conditions:  Sales - $76.1 million  Employment - 584  State and Local Taxes - $3.5 million  Federal Taxes - $4.4 million  Inlet Essentially Closed:  Sales - $49.6 million  Employment - 353  State and Local Taxes - $2.3 million  Federal Taxes - $2.8 million  Visitor Origin and Motivation:  42% charter and head boat anglers using CBI to access the ocean were out-of-state residents (from 28 states)  Of NC residents, 21% from New Hanover County, and 79% from outside of County  63% of NC resident charter and head boat anglers using CBI said they would not have visited the local area if charter/head boat fishing were not available  36% percent of non-NC residents’ charter and head boat anglers said they would not have visited the local area if charter/head boat fishing were not available  Of the 49 New Hanover County resident anglers using CBI in the 2009 study, 7 (14%) from Carolina Beach, and 42 (86%) from other areas within New Hanover County  Comparing Impacts with Costs  Estimated $750,000/year in maintenance costs to fully maintain the inlet NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 145  Each dollar spent on inlet maintenance supports an additional $35 in sales/output within New Hanover County beyond the sales with an essentially closed inlet  Each dollar spent on inlet maintenance returns $0.93 in state and local taxes and $1.33 in federal taxes, beyond the taxes collected with an essentially closed inlet A brief discussion was held on the importance of the inlet to the County and the impact it has on both commercial and recreational fishermen. On behalf of the Board, Chairman White thanked Mr. Barbour and Dr. Dumas for the update. ADOPTION OF LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH AND INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY PROCLAMATION Chairman White presented the request for the Board’s consideration to adopt a proclamation recognizing September 2014 as Literacy Awareness Month and September 8, 2014 as International Literacy Day in New Hanover County. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 2014 as Literacy Awareness Month and declaring September 8, 2014 as International Literacy Day in New Hanover County as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Cape Fear Literacy Council Executive Director Susan Pomeroy was present to receive the proclamation. She expressed appreciation for the support from the County and the volunteers who help others realize their educational goals and spoke briefly on the programs the council provides. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.7. ADOPTION OF RECOVERY MONTH IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY PROCLAMATION Chairman White presented the request for the Board’s consideration to adopt a proclamation recognizing September 2014 as Recovery Month in New Hanover County. Motion : Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to adopt the proclamation recognizing September 2014 as Recovery Month in New Hanover County as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. CoastalCare Director Foster Norman was present to receive the proclamation and expressed appreciation to the Board for bringing awareness of mental and substance use disorders and in celebration of those in the recovery process. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 15.8. PRESENTATION OF A PLAQUE FOR THE FAMILY SUPPORT FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE Angelina Bernard, Community Services Coordinator and Alyssa Harrell, Child Support Office with the Department of Social Services, reported that at the 2014 NC Child Support Council Conference, New Hanover County was recognized for outstanding efforts in a fatherhood initiative of the Family Support Program. The Fatherhood program improves the relationship of fathers and non-custodial parents with visitation and job preparedness to encourage parents to be active with their children and increase child support collections. On behalf of the Board and as Chairman of the DSS Board, Commissioner Barfield congratulated the team of employees who developed the new initiative and expressed appreciation for the employees who work to make our community greater. NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chairman Carl B. Marshburn and Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO Kim Hufham presented the annual update highlighting the following information:  State of Tourism:  2013 Tourism Expenditures of $477.68 million = 3.8% increase  NHC tourism generated $41.84 million in local/state taxes  More than 5,460 employed in travel and tourism related jobs  $105.417 million in payroll  Each NHC resident’s taxes offset $196.00  #8 ranking among 100 NC counties  #2 ranking among coastal counties  2013/14 Room Occupancy Tax (ROT) Collections:  ROT collections up 6.95%  CY 2014 up 9.59% (January thru June)  Second 3% collections:  Carolina Beach – 7.88% NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 146  Kure Beach – 9.28%  Wrightsville Beach – 5.42%  Wilmington – 5.70%  Convention Center District – 10.50%  2013/14 ROT Distribution:  Total collections: $9,402,598  Beach Erosion: 29% ($2,771,391)  Tourism – CVB: 18% ($1,689,917)  Carolina Beach – Marketing and Activities: 8% ($795,317)  Kure Beach – Marketing and Activities: 4% ($354,493)  Wrightsville Beach – Marketing and Activities: 12% ($1,082,042)  Wilmington – Convention Center District: 29% ($2,709,437)  2013/14 Marketing Highlights:  Website and Mobile:  Launched news and articles website section and expanded “things to do” section  Produced 28 event videos  Implemented website global mapping and mobile location based systems th  Launched WilmingtonCivilWar150.com to promote 150 anniversary  Media:  Tracked website traffic by seasons/aligned digital placement  Weather triggered ads to promote good weather during shoulder seasons  Shifted Fall target audience – families to visitors traveling without children  Social Media:  Launched Instagram and Facebook/Twitter home page feed  Launched #spreadtheWilm friends and family marketing initiative  Marketing Operations:  Streamlined agencies to align umbrella destination marketing plan with beaches  Revenues - First 3% ROT Collections: $1,614,523  Administrative Revenue: $137,038  Total: $1,751,561  Convention Center marketing: $306,647  Revenues - Second 3% ROT Collections:  Carolina Beach: net $685,041; promotion $318,532; activity $366,508  Wrightsville Beach: net $967,418; promotion $449,833; activity $517,585  Kure Beach: net $304,282; promotion $141,486; activity $162,796  Total revenues: $1,956,741  2013/14 Total revenues: $4,014,949  2014/2015 Budget Highlights:  Total budget $4,014,949 = 2.13% increase over FY 2013/14  Revenues based on current adjusted year show 2.5% increase  First 3% budget - 2.44% increase in expenditures  Brochures and Publications – Visitor Guide offset by advertising  Meeting Planners and Group Tour Guides – electronic versions  Advertising:  Continue to shift from print to online – currently 66% online  Group Sales:  Additional activities based on partner input  NC Call Center visit  Implementation of new sales system  Production of additional stunt videos and photography  Re-energize the #spreadtheWilm campaign  2014/2015 Expenditures:  First 3% Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB):  Budget - $1,751,561 (2013/2014 budget $1,709,812 - 2.44% change)  Marketing - $1,284,626  Administration - $338,868 (20% of budget)  Visitor Services - $128,067 (7% of budget)  Convention Center marketing budget $306,647 (2013/2014 budget $300,634 - 2% change)  Second 3% - Beach Accounts:  Budget $1,956,741 (2013/2014 budget $1,920,948 - 1.86% change)  Carolina Beach - $685,041  Kure Beach - $304,282  Wrightsville Beach - $967,418  Total 2014/2015 Budget Expenditures: $4,014,949 (2013/2014 budget $3,931,394 - 2.13% change)  2014/15 Creative photography promotion of the beaches and city  Legislative Issues: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 147  School Calendar Law  Rent by Owner and ROT remittance - AirBnB  Film Incentives  NC Tourism Privatization  Beach Renourishment Funding  Sales Tax on Entertainment  Environmental Issues A brief discussion was held on needing more funding for promotions to compete with Myrtle Beach, SC whose budget is more than $30 million. On behalf of the Board, Chairman White thanked Mr. Marshburn and Ms. Hufham for the update. WILMINGTON DOWNTOWN INCORPORATED ANNUAL REPORT Wilmington Downtown Incorporated (WDI) Chairman Robert Rosenberg spoke in appreciation for the County’s support of the WDI and spoke of continued efforts to revitalize and redevelop the downtown area. President and CEO Ed Wolverton presented the annual report highlighting the following information:  Downtown = 660,000 leasable square feet of commercial space:  $401 million taxable value  10,909+ employees  880+ businesses  2,114+ residents from river to Fifth Avenue and from bridge to bridge  155 shops, boutiques and salons  102 restaurants and bars  5,868+ publicly owned parking spaces  Downtown Economic Progress July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014+  Net Ground Floor Storefronts: 12  New Businesses: 15  Business Expansions: 7  Estimated New Jobs: 152.5  New Investment: $14 million  108 Renovation and Construction Projects Generating $1.2 million (through third quarter)  45 Property Acquisitions generating $12.8 million in sales  Growth Leader Report July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014:  Total Assessed Value of Taxable Property of the Central Business District (CBD):  2012 = $378.2 million  2013 = $401.4 million  CBD Growth Rate = 5.8%  Total Assessed Value of Taxable Property (County):  2012 = $160.08 billion  2013 = $161.64 billion  County Growth Rate = .97%  Work Committee:  Business Recruitment: 18 prospects  Retention and Expansion: 7 firms  Business Retention Visits: 6 firms  Loan Program: 11 prospects  Downtown Economic Series:  Downtown Trends and Demographics  Over 350 attendees  Commercial Property Showcase  Spring and Fall Events  Over 75 brokers and owners tour and discuss properties  Downtown Networking Series:  Quarterly event  20 to 50 attendees  Preservation and Film Tax Credits  Live Committee:  Downtown Lifestyle Tour:  10 properties in CBD  Over 120 attendees  Downtown Residents Survey - Police Statistics & Reports  Jane Jacobs Walking Tour  Downtown Wilmington Top Producer of the Year (with WRAR)  Benjamin Halterman Award (with Historic Wilmington Foundation)  Shop Committee:  Holiday Shopping Guide NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 148  Bring It Downtown! (with Downtown Business Association)  Fourth Friday Arts Walk (with Arts Council)  Web site - 2.8 million page views:  Bi-monthly email updates: 5,600+ subscribers (up 19.3%)  Social Media - Facebook  WDI: +7.2%  Sundown: +20.1%  Play Committee:  15 Downtown Sundown Concerts:  24,000+ attendees  Generate customer traffic and family friendly  Fundraiser for WDI and others  Downtown Farmers Market - event logistics and sponsorships  Dream Committee:  Water Street Parking Deck Redevelopment, PARKing Day - Conceptual plans, Second Street Transit Center, Bailey Theater Park, Former Wachovia Site, Water Street Deck, Alleys, Demographic and Market Data, Smartphone-based Walking Tour (in progress)  Advocacy and Operations:  Independent financial audit, Strategic Work Program, Ombudsman for government services, National and local searches to hire new staff, Downtown Parking Advisory Committee, Convention Center Authority, Vision 2020 Committee, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Nine New Board Members  Upcoming Projects:  Evaluate Municipal Service District, Loan Program Refinements, Multi-Year Work Program, Communications Expansion, Bring It Downtown! (w/DBA & City), Lifestyle Tour, Sundown Concert Series, Kiosk Sign Replacements, Maximize the opening of CFCC Fine Arts Center with area businesses, Fitness Trail/1739 Loop (with Residents of Old Wilmington), Streetlight Review Commissioner Wolfe, the Board’s representative on the WDI, spoke on the fresh approach provided by the new director and an upcoming economic series event on finding sustainable funding sources for economic projects. On behalf of the Board, Chairman White thanked Mr. Rosenberg and Mr. Wolverton for the report. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman White reported that up to eleven vacancies exist onthe Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with one new application available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to appoint Cecil W. Sutton to serve a one year term on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the term to expire onSeptember 30, 2015. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Appointments to the Airport Authority Chairman White reported that three vacancies exist on the Airport Authority with twenty-eight applications available for consideration and opened the floor for nominations from the Board for the unexpired term vacated by the late Dr. Al Roseman. Chairman White nominated Tom Wolfe. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Barfield. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Vivian “Zeke” Partin. No second was received. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Tom Wolfe to an unexpired term on the Airport Authority with the term to expire on June 30, 2015. Chairman White opened the floor for nominations for the two new seats on the Airport Authority. Commissioner Barfield nominated Robin H. Spinks. No second was received. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Brigadier General Dan Hickman (Retired). The nomination was seconded by Chairman White. Commissioner Barfield nominated Robert E. Lubanski, Jr. No second was received. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Donna Girardot. The nomination was seconded by Chairman White. Vote Results : The Board voted 3 TO 1 to appoint Donna Girardot to a four-year term on the Airport Authority with the term to expire on June 30, 2018. Commissioner Barfield voted in opposition. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 149 Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Brigadier General Dan Hickman (retired) to serve a four-year term on the Airport Authority with the term to expire on June 30, 2018. Appointments to the Board of Mechanical Examiners Chairman White reported that three vacancies exist on the Board of Mechanical Examiners with one new application and three available for reappointment and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to reappoint Michael Calarli, Thomas L. Crittenden Jr., and Ray McClory to serve two-year terms on the Board of Mechanical Examiners with the terms to expire on August 31, 2016. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Appointments to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Chairman White reported that up to four vacancies exist on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council with three applicants eligible for reappointment and five applicants available for appointment. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to reappoint John Alan Dismukes, Ashley Michael, and Ida R. Smith to two-year terms on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council with the terms to expire on September 16, 2016. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Chairman White opened the floor to receive nominations for the Business Community representative: Commissioner Barfield nominated F. Campbell Dodd, III for appointment. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Chairman White nominated John Nesselroade. No second was received. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 to 0 to appoint F. Campbell Dodd, III to serve a two-year term on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the Business Community category with the term to expire on September 30, 2016. Appointment to the Library Advisory Board Chairman White reported that a vacancy exists on the Library Advisory Board with four applications available for consideration and requested nominations from the Board. Commissioner Barfield nominated Nancy Ballard Cox. No second was received Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Paul Reed Smith. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Paul Reed Smith to serve a three-year term on the Library Advisory Board with the term to expire on August 31, 2017. Appointments to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman White reported that up to two vacancies exist on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with one applicant eligible for reappointment and one applicant eligible for appointment to a one-year term. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Catherine Davis for reappointment and Juanita Ralston Venters for appointment. The nominations were seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 to 0 to reappoint Catherine Davis to serve a three-year term expiring on September 30, 2017 and appoint Juanita Ralston Venters to serve a one-year term on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the term to expire on September 30, 2015. Appointments to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees Chairman White reported that five vacancies exist on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees with three applicants eligible for reappointment and eleven applicants available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Commissioner Barfield nominated Rhonda K. Amoroso for appointment to the unexpired term. The nomination was seconded by Vice-Chair Dawson. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Rhonda K. Amoroso to serve an unexpired term on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees with the term to expire on September 30, 2015. Commissioner Barfield nominated John Pace, David Swain, and Michael O. Wilkinson for reappointment to three-year terms. The nomination was seconded by Vice-Chair Dawson. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to reappoint John Pace, David Swain, and Michael O. Wilkinson to serve three-year terms on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees with the term to expire on September 30, 2017. Vice-Chair Dawson nominated Howard Omar Rockness for appointment. The nomination was seconded by Chairman White. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 PAGE 150 Vote Results: The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Howard Omar Rockness to serve a three-year term on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees with the term to expire on September 30, 2017. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. Commissioners Comments The Commissioners commented on recent media reports regarding Board travel expenses. They spoke on the importance of taking advantage of educational and leadership opportunities while attending state and national conferences that help them to be informed and effective on issues facing New Hanover County; and they thanked the County and citizens for their support. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business,Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 5:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Teresa P. Elmore Interim 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.