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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-20 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 155 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, October 20, 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 Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Interim Clerk to the Board Teresa P. Elmore. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Abdul Rahman Shareef, Imam, Tauheed Islamic Center, provided the invocation and Commissioner Wolfe led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. DISCUSSION OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman White asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the Consent Agenda. Vice-Chair Dawson requested removal of consent items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 for further discussion and requested a correction to the minutes of the October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting to include an amended motion adding signage for playground areas at County parks under the section of the minutes for the waiver of park fees for the Crop Hunger Walk event. Chairman White reported that without objection the minutes were amended as requested and that the Consent Agenda was tabled until after the presentation of service awards. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES County Manager Coudriet reported that starting this month the County is implementing a new recognition program called Reach for the Stars that is based on efforts of a focus group of County employees in creating good quality recognition for employees who represent good governance in making a good quality work force. Recognition will be given to employees on a monthly basis at Commissioner Meetings along with service and retirement awards. Human Resources Analyst Bo Dean spoke briefly on the program that will recognize employees on three different levels. By way of the County web site, the public is able to participate and recognize employees for their efforts of performing above and beyond on the job or in the community by nominating an employee for either a Stellar Award or a Community Service Award. Additionally employees are able to recognize each other for jobs well done by giving High Five Awards as a means of positive feedback. When an employee receives awards for at least four of the five-shared values of Integrity, Accountability, Professionalism, Innovation, and Stewardship, he or she would be eligible for the Five Star Award, which the Kids Making It organization would make. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Leslie Sampson, Health Department Ten Year: Rozann Burdick, Department of Social Services Fifteen Year: Gregory Benton, Property Management William Conyers, Property Management Carmen Larkins, Health Department Twenty–Five Year: Travis Robinson, Sheriff’s Department Chairman White presented a service award to each employee and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested Thurman Newkirk, an employee with the Environmental Management Department who was retiring after 30 years of service, to step forward and be recognized for his service. After the recognition, Chairman White presented Mr. Newkirk with a retirement award and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked him for his years of dedicated service to New Hanover County. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman White requested the Commissioners to proceed with discussion of Consent Agenda items as requested.  Adoption of 2015 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Meetings of Board of Commissioners and Adoption of Amended Rules of Procedure for Meetings – Governing Body Vice-Chair Dawson commented that a 4:00 p.m. start time for evening meetings has worked well the last few months, but it may not be convenient and workable for new commissioners and citizens who NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 156 may need to attend meetings for public hearing items. Although she supported the change, she asked that the 4:00 p.m. start time be reviewed after the first of the year in case of any hardship. Chairman White requested a second to the request to review the schedule after the first of the year. No second was received. As no change occurred to the meeting schedule, it was no longer necessary to discuss the Adoption of Amended Rules and Procedures for Meetings.  Adoption of Resolution Approving the Purchase of Lighting Equipment from Musco Lighting for the Castle Hayne/Northern Regional Park Multi-Purpose Fields – Parks and Gardens Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth responded to questions on the proposed lighting stating the lights would be the same as used throughout the County park system and funding for the lights was available in the current Budget.  Adoption of Resolution Approving a Smart Growth America Grant Application for Free Technical Assistance Workshop on Land Use Code Audit – Planning and Inspections Department Long Range Planner Jennifer Rigby responded to questions on the grant stating that no County match was required and that she was unaware of any limits in the number of people who may attend the session. The Planning and Inspection Department would invite City employees to the session although the audit would be on the County’s Zoning Ordinance.  Adoption of Resolution Approving the Purchase of Second Chance Body Armor and Accessories from Lawmen's Safety Supply – Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Rhonda Smith of the Sheriff’s Department responded to questions on the purchase of body armor stating that funding was available in the Budget for safety equipment and she would notify the Commissioners of the number of vests purchased as the quantity fluctuates from year to year. Following the discussion, Chairman White requested direction on the approval of the Consent Agenda. Motion : Vice-Chair Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to approve the October 6, 2014 Regular Meeting minutes as amended and the remaining Consent Agenda items as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes as corrected from the following meetings as presented by the Interim Clerk to the Board: Agenda Review Meeting held on October 2, 2014 Regular Meeting held on October 6, 2014 Adoption of 2015 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Meetings of the Board of Commissioners – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted the 2015 Schedules of Agenda Review and Regular Meetings of the Board of Commissioners. A copy of the schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.1. Adoption of Amended Rules and Procedure for Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted a revision to the Rules and Procedures for Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. The amended version reflects change of time for evening meetings, removal of verbiage concerning special meeting notices and other minor changes. A copy of the amended Rules and Procedure for Meetings is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.2. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Purchase of Musco Sports Lighting Equipment for the Castle Hayne/Northern Regional Park Multi-Purpose Fields – Parks and Gardens Department The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the purchase of lighting equipment from Musco Lighting for the Castle Hayne/Northern Regional Park multi-purpose fields in the amount of $618,000,under an exception as provided and authorized by NCGS 143-129(e)(3). The statute exempts purchases made through a competitive bidding group purchasing program, which is a formally organized program that offers competitively obtained purchasing services at discount prices to two or more public agencies. Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN) meets the requirement and has a contract with Musco Lighting. The purchase and installation of the equipment was approved in the FY15 Budget. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.3. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 157 Adoption of Proclamation Recognizing October 24, 2014 as Food Day in New Hanover County – Planning and Inspections Department The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing October 24, 2014 as Food Day in New Hanover County. An event to promote affordable, healthy, and sustainable food will be held on that date beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Fisher Student Union on the UNCW campus. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.4. Adoption of Resolution Approving a Smart Growth America Grant Application for Free Technical Assistance Workshop on Land Use Code Audit – Planning and Inspections Department The Commissioners adopted a resolution in support of a grant application to Smart Growth America for a free technical assistance workshop to provide a sustainable land use code audit. The workshop would include an audit of the existing zoning ordinance as well as provide a valuable tool to identify gaps and inconsistencies with the goals of the comprehensive plan, thereby expediting an update of the zoning ordinance. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.5. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Purchase of Second Chance Body Armor and Accessories from Lawmen's Safety Supply – Sheriff’s Department The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the purchase of Second Chance Body Armor and accessories from Lawmen's Safety Supply in the amount of $90,772.07, in accordance with the provisions of NCGS 143-129(e)(6)(ii), which exempts purchases of apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment when a needed product is available from only one source of supply. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXVIII, Page 17.6. Approval of August 2014 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports as of August 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 17.7. Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education General Fund Budget Amendment #2 and Capital Outlay Fund Budget Amendment #2 – Budget Department The Commissioners approved the following Board of Education’s budget amendments:  General Fund Budget Amendment #2 appropriates Board of Education Fund Balance to carryover funds for Hardee Baseball Field Improvements at Legion Stadium of $53,641, record Instructional carryover balances of $355,716, record carryover of BOE Expenses of $7,204, and record miscellaneous budget transfers.  Capital Outlay Fund Budget Amendment #2 records Capital Outlay Projects carried over into the new budget year of $5,944,477 and transfer of $5,527 from Contingency to cover closing costs on Rock Church Property. Copies of the budget amendments are available for review in the Budget Department. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR RURAL OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ROAP) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $231,125 Chairman White announced that New Hanover County is eligible to receive $231,125 from the NC Department of Transportation’s Rural Operating Assistance Program, also known as ROAP. He noted that the published Public Hearing Notice showed the total application amount of $188,804. The application amount has been revised and will be submitted in the amount of $231,125. The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center’s allocation is $42,841 and the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority’s (CFPTA) allocation is $188,284. He requested a motion to open the public hearing. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Chairman White opened the public hearing to hear comments on the validity of the application for Rural Operating Assistance Program Funds in the amount of $231,125. No comments were received from the public. Megan Matheny, CFPTA Director of Planning and Development, requested the Commissioners’ approval to submit a grant application for FY 2015 ROAP funding in the amount of $231,125. This year’s funding was significantly less than FY 2014 and provides funding for the elderly and disabled transportation assistance program, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 158 employment transportation program, and the rural general public program which helps fund Route 207 for the Castle Hayne area. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman White, to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe, to approve the request to submit an application for Rural Operating Assistance Program Funds in the amount of $231,125 and grant authorization to execute appropriate certifications and assurances for the application and acceptance of the grant if awarded. In discussion, Ms. Matheny responded to questions from the Board clarifying that the funding does not include any new routes, but would continue to cover Route 207, which goes to Castle Hayne and the North Campus of Cape Fear Community College. CFPTA Finance Director Joseph Manini reported that the State has provided funding for several years but funding came in less this year than in prior years. He did not anticipate needing additional funding from the County to cover the cost of Route 207, which is approximately $380,000. He said they plan to stay within the budget and the grant amount should be sufficient for the current year. Following the discussion, Chairman White called for a vote on the motion to approve. Vote Results: The Board voted 4 to 0to approve the request to submit an application for Rural Operating Assistance Program Funds in the amount of $231,125 and grant authorization to execute appropriate certifications and assurances for the application and acceptance of the grant if awarded. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF ELECTRICIANS ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Board of Examiners of Electricians Chairman James R. Shivar, Jr. presented the annual update to the Board highlighting the following:  Electrical journeyman examinations administered: 11 times  Applicants: 47  18 passed the examination with at least a score of 76 or better  997 Certificates of Journeyman cards issued since the 1960s  Next scheduled examination on Thursday, November 9, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at the Planning and Inspections Department Mr. Shivar expressed appreciation for the members serving on the Board of Examiners. Chairman White thanked Mr. Shivar for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF MECHANICAL EXAMINERS ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners Chairman Bruce Polity presented the annual update to the Board highlighting the following:  Journeyman's class or j card certifies that the holder has a working knowledge of the mechanical code and codebook.  At least one cardholder is required to be on the job site for every four-man crew.  Qualified journeyman saves time and resources for the Inspections Department when jobs pass inspections the first time around. I  n 2013, 8 new cards and 12 renewals were issued.  In 2014, 36 new cards and 18 renewals were issued to date. Mr. Polity complimented the Inspections Department for providing very thorough and demanding on-site inspections. He expressed appreciation to Lloyd Prince, a former County employee who continues to teach the class at no charge. Chairman White thanked Mr. Polity for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council Chairman Rodney Harris presented the Inspections Department Advisory Council (IDAC) annual update stating that the purpose of the council is to provide advice and guidance to the Inspections Division of the Planning and Inspections Department to ensure timely, efficient, consistent, and professional services. The eight-member council represents commercial and residential builders, plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors, engineers, and two at-large members. IDAC performs a critical function that is in line with the County's focus of customer service. They give recommendations on items such as hours of service, emerging code changes, and new construction techniques and practices. They assisted with the implementation of a new fee schedule that the end users find very satisfactory with its flexibility. They continue to work closely with staff on the OneSolution permitting software program and were pleased with Mr. O’Keefe’s vigilance in working with the contractors and homebuilders to solve problems. He NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 159 commented that the on-line access to permits and inspection schedules would be a huge advantage for the builders and contractors. Mr. Harris thanked the Commissioners for allowing the Council to continue to function and expressed appreciation for the dedicated members of the Inspections Department Advisory Council. In particular, he recognized David Smith who serves on the NC Building Code Council and keeps IDAC and staff informed of upcoming changes in the building industry. He also complimented the Inspections staff as being well-qualified and well-trained employees. Vice-Chair Dawson thanked Mr. Harris and the IDAC Council in working with staff to remedy problems of the OneSolution software program. Chairman White thanked Mr. Harris for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Planning Board Chairman Ted Shipley presented the annual update for the Planning Board reporting that the current members provide a wide range of experience and professional aptitudes. He provided a status of planning items considered over the past year:  8 Rezoning applications:  Nearly all approved with 2 pending  7 Special Use Permits:  1 approved, 1 denied, 1 continued, and 4 pending  5 Text Amendments:  Special Use Permits  Accessory dwellings and use of outbuildings  59 Preliminary site plans reviewed  2 Work Sessions:  One orientation for new members  Agencies participated to explain roles:  Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization, NC Department of Transportation, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, and New Hanover County Schools Chairman White thanked Mr. Shipley for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLUMBING BOARD OF EXAMINERS ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Plumbing Board of Examiners Chairman Ernest Duarte presented the annual update to the Board reporting the importance of establishing a good base of knowledge for the plumbers so that they will have the necessary skills to provide good plumbing for the welfare of the community. In the past year, twenty-two applicants applied for their journeyman cards and ten were approved. Chairman White thanked Mr. Duarte for the update. NEW HANOVER COUNTY ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ANNUAL UPDATE New Hanover County Zoning Board of Adjustment Chairman Justin M. Lewis presented the annual update reporting that the five-member board and three alternates hear appeals on variances as well as give interpretations of the zoning ordinance. In the past year, the board granted seven variances and denied one variance and the appeal. One case was withdrawn and four cases were pending. Chairman White thanked Mr. Lewis for the update. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board Chairman White reported that a vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with three applications available for consideration and opened the floor for nominations from the Board for an unexpired term. Vice-Chair Dawson nominatedTucker Stevens. The nomination was seconded by Chairman White. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint J. Tucker Stevens to an unexpired term on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with the term to expire on June 30, 2016. Appointment to the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority Chairman White reported that a vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority with two applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Commissioner Barfield nominated Steven D. Kelly. The nomination was seconded by Vice-Chair Dawson. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Steven D. Kelly to an unexpired term on the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority with the term to expire on December 31, 2015. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 2014 PAGE 160 Appointments to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman White reported that up to ten vacancies exist onthe Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with two new applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Commissioner Barfield nominated Timothy Potter and Eddie J. Smith. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Wolfe. Vote Results : The Board voted 4 TO 0 to appoint Timothy Potter and Eddie J. Smith to serve one-year terms on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the terms to expire onOctober 31, 2015. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 0. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. FLU VACCINATION UPDATE County Manager Coudriet spoke on one of the policy themes of the Commissioners’ strategic plan is to have superior public health and safety with one of its primary objectives of reducing the risk of diseases. He reported that the Health Department was running an aggressive campaign for flu vaccinations and two nurses from the Health Department were present to give vaccinations to some who have not been vaccinated. This year’s dosage vaccinates against four different strains of the flu. Carla Turner, Personal Health Services Manager and Page Dunn, Community Health Nurse Supervisor, spoke on the importance of flu vaccinations in protecting the health of the community. Ms. Turner reported that a flu clinic was being held at the Health Department until noon on Friday and she urged everyone to get their flu vaccination. FOOD DAY PROCLAMATION Vice-Chair Dawson reported that she would present the Food Day Proclamation on Friday, October 24, at 11:30 a.m. at Fisher Student Union on the UNCW campus. Food Day is a nationwide movement and yearly celebration to promote affordable, healthy, and sustainable food. The free all-day event is open to the public. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 9:58 a.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.