2015-06-22 Regular MeetingNEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 329
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, June 22, 2015, at
9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington,
North Carolina.
Members present: Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr; Vice- Chainman Beth Dawson; Commissioner Skip
Watkins; Comimissioner Woody White; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Teresa Elmore.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was held to reflect upon the tragedy that took place on June 17, 2015, in Charleston,
South Carolina in the loss of nine lives, followed by an invocation lead by Rick Houston, Senior Pastor, Pilgrim
Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Commissioner White led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chainman Barfield asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the
Consent Agenda. Hearing no comments, Chainman Barfield requested a emotion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Vice- Chainman Dawson, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes — Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the following minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board:
Budget Work Session, June 4, 2015
Agenda Review Meeting, June 4, 2015
Regular Meeting, June 8, 2015
Approval of the Renewal of the Contracts Between New Hanover County and Wilmington Regional Film
Commission and New Hanover County and Wilmington Business Development — County Manager
The Commissioners approved the renewal contracts between New Hanover County and Wilmington
Regional Film Commission and Wilmington Business Development. The contracts shall be automatically renewed
for successive terms of five years unless either the contractor or the County gives written notice of non - renewal no
less than twelve months prior to the expiration date of the then current five -year term of the contracts.
Approval of Items to be Deaccessioned from the Museum Collection — Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners accepted the recommendation of staff and the Museum Advisory Board to deaccession
twenty -eight items from the permanent collection that have no relevant provenance, are in very poor condition, or
are duplicates of better examples. The Museum Advisory Board approved the deaccession at its meeting on May
20, 2015, as this process is a recommended step in effective collections management. A list of the items is available
for review at the Cape Fear Museum.
Adoption of Resolution Awarding Non - Medical Transportation Services Contracts for the Department of
Social Services (DSS) and Senior Resource Center (SRC) Clients to Local Transportation Providers — Senior
Resource Center
The Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding a contract to provide Non-Emergency Medical
Transportation Services to Carolina Yellow Cab Inc., Port City Taxi Inc., Lett's Taxi & Limousine, Freedom
Transport Club Inc., Kris' Transportation Services Inc., Ivory's Accessible Transport Services Inc., MedTrans of
NC, LLC, and Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (WAVE). All providers are currently providing non-
medical transportation services to County departments, meet federal/state guidelines, and provide competitive and
consistent pricing. Providers will be used by assessment of the most cost effective transportation means based upon
origin, destination, appointment time, as well as ambulatory and non-ambulatory needs.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXXIX, Page 12.1.
Approval of April 2015 Tax Collection Reports — Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the following Tax Collection Reports as of April 2015:
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 XXXIX, Page 12.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 330
Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education's Capital Outlay Fund Budget Amendment #9 —
Budget Department
The Commissioners approved the Board of Education General Fund Budget Amendment #9 and Capital
Outlay Budget Amendment #9 for the following items:
• General Fund Budget Amendment 49 appropriates $150,000 from fund balance for Parsley HVAC
replacement and records transfers of $170,000 from instructional services to fully fund Charter School
Transfer.
• Capital Outlay Budget Amendment 49 reduces the County appropriation for the new elementary
school design funded in advance by the County. The bond funds included the design costs for the NE
Elementary School. The Schools had the design cost in their annual budget and now that the bonds
have been approved, they are reducing the annual budget.
Copies of the budget amendments are available for review in the Budget Department.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments — Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2015:
15 -079 Department of Social Services
15 -080 Department of Social Services
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XXXIX, Page 12.3.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO RETIREES AND EMPLOYEES AND INTRODUCTION
OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving retirement awards:
Sarah Sholar, Planning and Inspections Department, retiring with 25 years
Wilma Daniels, Department of Social Services, retiring with 30 years
Chainman Barfield presented a retirement award to each person and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: William Campbell, Sheriff s Office
Burl Haynes, Sheriff s Office
Don Oh, Sheriffs Office
Fifteen Year: Lucretia Cox, Health Department
Amanda Laimkin, Department of Social Services
Twenty Year: Deborah Lovett, Health Department
Chainman Barfield 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 the following new employees to stand and be introduced:
Kevin Clark, Fire Services
Matthew Graley, IT Department
Bethany Greene, Emergency Management/911 Department
Phillip Lail, Fire Services
Kyle Sanborn, Fire Services
Matthew Winkel, Property Management
Kitty Yerkes, Cape Fear Museum
On behalf of the Board, Chainman Barfield welcomed the employees to County Government and wished
therm success in their new positions.
RECOGNITION OF AVRIL PINDER IN APPRECIATION OF SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE
COASTALCARE AREA BOARD
Vice- Chainman Dawson, Chainman of the Southern Regional Advisory Board of Trillium Health
Resources, presented a plaque to Assistant County Manager Avril Pinder in appreciation of her outstanding and
dedicated service and leadership on the CoastalCare Area Board. Assistant County Manager Pinder helped lead the
transition from the Southeastern Area Board to the CoastalCare Area Board and to the recently successful merger of
Trillium Health Resources.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 331
APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE PORT, WATERWAY AND BEACH
COMMISSION AND THE APPOINTMENT OF ITS MEMBERS
Chainnan Barfield announced that a request is before the Board to review the Beach Nourishment
Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the County, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach for the
continued maintenance of coastal storm damage reduction (CSDR) projects in the event federal and state economic
funding fell short with an expiration date of June 30, 2015. Based on the ILA and in a worst -case scenario, the
Room Occupancy Tax would pay up to 82.5% of the CSDR projects and the community receiving the CSDR
maintenance would participate up to 17.5 %.
Shore Protection Coordinator Layton Bedsole reported that the Port, Waterway and Beach Comimission
(PWBC) held a discussion at last month's meeting, led by the Mayors of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, on the
desire of the beach communities to reduce their funding percentage of 17.5% on CSDR maintenance cost. They
were concerned that it may be a struggle for the communities to raise funding for the projects.
Dennis Barbour, Chairman of the PWBC, presented the following recommendations from the PWBC:
•
Assemble a stakeholder representatives' group and task the group to assess the county -wide partnership
supporting the beach communities and tourism industry's CSDR projects;
• Reassess and restructure the potential 17.5% currently left solely to the beach communities; and
• Allow an initial six-month extension of the current ILA while the reassessing, restructuring and
necessary updates take place.
In response to questions on the expiration of the tenors for the ILA and the letter received from the Town of
Wrightsville Beach, Deputy County Attorney Kemp Burpeau advised that the agreement does continue in force with
the Town of Wrightsville Beach as the agreement allows participants to withdraw with the remaining members in
effect. The Town of Carolina Beach did notify the County of its plans to withdraw from the agreement, but they
failed to notify all the participants. Wrightsville Beach reported that they did not receive notification of the
withdrawal. In his discussion with John Wessell, the attorney representing Wrightsville Beach, he confinmed that
the agreement between the County and Wrightsville Beach would continue. In the spirit of cooperation, the Board
may agree to a six-month extension with the two beach towns, but Wrightsville Beach would continue under the
renewal option. If a deal were struck for a more agreeable formula, the Town of Wrightsville Beach would benefit
from the change.
Commissioner White agreed with Mr. Burpeau, but cautioned that all parties need to comply with the terms
and notices of an agreement. If anyone seeks to withdraw from an agreement, they should pay close attention to the
details of the agreement.
Chainman Barfield commented that the federal government as well as state government is shifting away
from funding beach renourishiment projects and local governments will need to provide funding for the projects.
The amain source of funding is the Room Occupancy Tax (ROT), but the beach communities need to participate in
the funding as well. He believed that 17.5% is a sufficient amount for the beach communities to contribute, as the
County would not be able to shoulder the full load. In addition, he did not support changing the ROT formula or
taking away any funding from the Tourism Development Authority for beach renourishiment projects.
Shore Protection Coordinator Bedsole recommended the appointment of the following staff members from
the PWBC for the subcommittee: Tim Owens, Wrightsville Beach Town Manager; Michael Cramer, Carolina
Beach Town Manager; Nancy Avery, Kure Beach Town Clerk; Linda Brothers, County Finance; Roger Johnson,
City of Wilmington; Dennis Barbour, PWBC Chairman; and Layton Bedsole, Shore Protection Coordinator. He
estimated that the group would need to meet three times in a two-month period to reassess the funding policy.
Commissioner Watkins agreed that the beach communities should have some financial participation in
funding the CSDR projects and suggested that the subcommittee may need more time to reach an agreement.
Commissioner Zapple suggested that the group should provide an update to the Board after two months, as the
discussions have been going on for several months.
Motion: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to extend the interlocal
agreement for six months, appoint the stakeholders subcommittee as recommended, and receive an update from the
group in two months.
In discussion, Vice - Chairman Dawson noted that the current agreement automatically extends for four
years and it was unnecessary to extend the agreement for six months since the beach towns did not follow the
correct process to withdraw from the ILA. She supported the appointment of the subcommittee to study the issues
and that it would be a good opportunity to look at alternatives in funding sources for beach renourishiment projects.
John Wessell, attorney representing the Town of Wrightsville Beach, agreed that the ILA does not
tenminate at the end of the month and it would automatically extend for four more years. However, the Town of
Wrightsville Beach is prepared to enter into any agreement to amend the ILA and would like to participate in the
discussions of the subcommittee.
In response to questions about what would happen if a major stonm occurs with damage to the beach
communities, Shore Protection Coordinator Bedsole reported that Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are scheduled for
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 332
maintenance events in the Fall. In the event of an emergency situation, they would receive notification from the
Corps of Engineers on whether federal funds would be available. Nonetheless, it would fall to the state, the County
and Carolina Beach to fund the project regardless of the ILA.
In discussion, the Commissioners agreed that the stakeholders should review and discuss the funding
participation of the beach communities.
Substitute Motion: Vice- Chainnan Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to appoint a
subcommittee of the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission to reassess and restructure possible funding formulas
for local participation as recommended by staff. Subcommittee members include: Tim Owens, Wrightsville Beach
Town Manager; Michael Cramer, Carolina Beach Town Manager; Nancy Avery, Kure Beach Town Clerk; Linda
Brothers, County Finance; Roger Johnson, City of Wilmington; Dennis Barbour, PWBC Chairman; and Layton
Bedsole, Shore Protection Coordinator.
In further discussion and in response to questions regarding the expiration date of the contract, Deputy
County Attorney Burpeau advised that the notifications from the Town of Carolina Beach did not comply with the
requirements of the ILA, as not all parties were notified of the withdrawal within the 180 days. However, another
section states that "amendments, changes or interpretations to state or federal law or regulations which are adopted
after [the] agreement is approved which affect the parties' rights and obligations in this agreement, any party may
choose not to meet the requirements - shall have a right to withdraw from the agreement at any time." A beach
community may argue that a change was made in the playing field and they wish to withdraw. Staff did not want to
make the issue adversarial, as the legal question may be ambiguous. The Board could take the position that the
agreement is still in effect and direct staff as such.
Chainman Barfield called for a vote on the substitute emotion. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Social Services Vice- Chainman Frankie Roberts presented the annual
update for the Department of Social Services (DSS) highlighting the following infonmation:
• Introduction of fellow board members Andrew Rinko, Diana Woolley and Jonathan Barfield,
Chainman of the DSS Board
• DSS provides superior public health, safety and education by keeping children and adults safe from
repeated incidents of abuse and neglect:
• Assists families in improving parenting and caregiving skills and monitors results using
performance management tools of Leading by Results
• Assists families in remaining intact and strives to decrease the need of taking children into DSS
custody
• Increasing need for more substance abuse and mental health treatment services
• DSS custody /foster care program of more than 300 children achieved permanency:
• Wards in guardianship: 108
• Adoption: 32
• Reunification: 80
• Relative: 48
• Other: 47
• Economic Services - Growth in Programs:
• Food and Nutrition Services — increase of 117% between April 2008 - April 2015 = $16,188
• Adult Medicaid Services — increase of 71% between April 2008 - April 2015 = $12,936
• Family and Children Medicaid/Health Choice — increase of 49% between April 2008 - April 2015
= $16,767
• Economic impact of programs for FY 2013 -2014 = $312,147,249
• DSS Uses Strategic Partnerships to Meet Goals:
• Partners with community organizations and private businesses to provide services
• Technology:
• NC Fast
• Continued enhancements of local case management system
• Improved data collections
• More efficient with change in management process
•
Estimated Revenues for Fiscal Year 2015 -2016 = $40,481,193:
• Federal: $20,993,695 (51.86 %)
• State: $3,031,262 (7.49 %)
• County: $15,825,560 (39.10 %)
• Other: $630,676 (1.55 %) Duke Settlement Merger Fund, Program Integrity Recoupments,
Veteran Services, etc.
• Projected Expenditures for FY 2015 -2016 = $40,481,193:
• Child Care: $8,505,316 (21.01 %)
• Children Services: $10,885,673 (26.89 %)
• Child Support: $1,868,279 (4.62 %)
• Adult Services: $3,020,396 (7.46 %)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015
• Administration: $3,367,406 (8.32 %)
• Medicaid and Health Choice: $6,243,528 (15.42 %)
• Workfirst/Emergency Assistance: $3,334,641 (8.24 %)
• Food and Nutrition Services: $3,104,744 (7.67 %)
• Veteran Services: $151,210 (0.37 %)
• Provide quality services — Leading by Results
• Reorganized services to be more effective
• Refined processes by transferring administrative staff into direct service positions
•
Implemented new technologies
• Innovative solutions
BOOK 33
PAGE 333
Regarding questions on future challenges for the department, Interim DSS Director Michelle Winstead
reported that the continuing increase in service demand is the main challenge. Other major concerns are human
trafficking issues, child custody issues, guardianship for the aging and the financial impact for those services.
Assistant DSS Director Wanda Marino reported that the adoption rates continue to fall with the increasing
population of young children in DSS custody. Some children may linger longer in the Foster Care program while
others may have health issues or mental health complications that make adoption more difficult. DSS will be
implementing new programs for family partners with a focus on penmanency for older youth.
Chainman Barfield expressed appreciation for the dedicated staff at DSS that work to protect the youth and
the elderly from abuse. He thanked the DSS Board and staff for the presentation.
INTRODUCTION OF NOELIA MARTINEZ
Chainman Barfield introduced Noelia Martinez, the County 4 -H representative to the NCACC Youth
Summit in August 2015. In order to be the representative, she must attend a Board meeting of the Commissioners,
interview a Commissioner and the County Manager, and tour the County Administrative Building. Miss Martinez
will be in the ninth grade at Cape Fear Academy in the Fall.
RECOGNITION OF DR. AMANDA LEE, THE NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF CAPE FEAR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Commissioner White recognized Dr. Amanda Lee as the newly appointed President of Cape Fear
Community College. In congratulations, a round of applause was given to Dr. Lee.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Health Chairman Melody Speck Evans presented the New Hanover County
Board of Health annual update highlighting the following:
• Mission: Promote a safe and healthy community
• Vision: Healthy People, Safe Environment, Strong Community
• Oldest Local Board of Health in North Carolina - June 14, 1879 (136 years)
•
Named North Carolina Board of Health of the Year in 1991, 2003 and 2013:
Dedicated members of eleven
• NC Local Health Department Accreditation:
• 2004 - One of first six NC counties accredited
• 2008 - One of first three NC counties continuing accreditation
• 2012 - One of first three NC counties continuing accreditation a second time
• 2016 — In process!
• New Clinic opened
• Ebola Outbreak — International:
• Total deaths: 11,162 (1 death in the United States)
• Total cases: 27,181 (4 cases in the United States)
• Active monitoring by Health Department Staff:
• Seven individuals followed due to travel in affected areas
International shipping from affected areas with the ports system
Weekly conference calls with NC Department of Public Health
Multiple webinars
• National conference calls
Revenues Sources:
• County = 42%
• Federal and state = 16%
Medicaid = 9%
Health Fees = 12%
Other = 21%
Operating expenditures - $12.58 million (net of capital project); Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2014:
• Personnel costs: 88%
• Operating: 12%
Accomplishments:
Renovation of and move to clinic facilities
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015
BOOK 33
PAGE 334
• Coordination of local Ebola response efforts
• Implementation of ongoing secure disposal for medications, through placement of prescription pill
disposal boxes at Detention Center and Judicial Building
• Addition of Mobile Dental Unit hook -up at Castle Hayne School - three mobile dental unit
hookups added
• Increase in flu vaccination outreach efforts
• Upgrade from manual system to automated pharmacy inventory and tracking system
• 33 employees completed the Enhanced Incident Management Unified Command Course at the
National Preparedness Center
• 4,208 food sanitation inspections made at 1,311 food establishments
• 402 pools were inspected
• 171 permits issued and 65 repairs made to septic systems
• 1,512 clients served through Pregnancy Care Management
• 1,006 clients served through Care Coordination for Children
• Since 2008, 317 clients served through the Refugee Health program
• 5,964 shots given this Flu Season
• 21,466 laboratory tests performed
• 460 children served by the Mobile Dental Clinic
• 135,425 visits to school health nurses
• 600 sports physicals were completed
• 688 students served by mental health therapists
• 10,157 nutrition contacts in WIC
Major Goals / Projects FYI 5-16 and FYI 6-17:
• Community Health Assessment to be completed in FY16;
conducted every four years
• Implementation of electronic medical records
• Water and sewer projects for Heritage Park
• Renovate Health Department building — 2029 South 17th Street
this community -wide effort is
• Implement Health and Human Services functional collaboration initiatives
Customer Satisfaction Surveys reported a 98.38% satisfaction rating for fiscal year 2013 -14
Making a Difference:
• Local Health Departments strengthen communities by preventing illness and improving health
Expertise in community wellness and prevention
County continued investment and support is critical to community health and economic
development
Commissioner Zapple, a member of the Board of Health, expressed appreciation to Chairman Speck and
the other board members for their dedicated service, especially with their efforts with the functional collaboration of
Health and Human Services.
In response to questions about the need to expand drop boxes for the disposal of secure medications,
Deputy Health Director Joshua Swift explained that recent legislation passed that would allow drop boxes in other
locations that are not covered by law enforcement. The Health Department is working with the Sheriff s Office and
Environmental Management to get additional boxes. In addition, the County conducts operation medicine drops
several days a year in collaboration with law enforcement and medical personnel to make sure it is properly
disposed.
Deputy Health Director Swift encouraged everyone to participate in the community health assessment
survey that is available online at www.surveyNHC.com, paper surveys are available at the four library branches.
On behalf of the Board, Chainman Barfield thanked Chairman Evans and staff for the update.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION FOR NAMING OF COUNTY FACILITIES
Chainman Barfield reported that staff proposes to establish official names for the four library branches and
one park facility so there would be uniformity in the naming, clarity in purpose, and identity in the location as
follows:
Library Facilities:
New Hanover County Public Library Main Branch
New Hanover County Public Library Myrtle Grove Branch
New Hanover County Public Library Northeast Branch
New Hanover County Public Library Pleasure Island Branch
Parks and Gardens Facility:
New Hanover County Northern Regional Park
Motion: Commissioner White MOVED, SECONDED by Vice- Chainman Dawson, to adopt a resolution approving
the official names of the four library facilities and the parks and gardens facility as presented. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 335
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XXXIX, Page 12.4.
BREAK: Chainnan Barfield called a break from 10:41 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.
ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2015 -2016 BUDGET ORDINANCE FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY
AND NEW HANOVER COUNTY FIRE SERVICE DISTRICT
County Manager Coudriet presented the Budget Ordinance for adoption noting changes made since the
public hearing of two weeks ago. The capital amount for Cape Fear Community College decreased slightly to fund
only projects that would be completed by June 30, 2016, in the amount of $1,261,133. This funding would come
from the 2006 bond premiums instead of the General Fund.
Chainman Barfield requested direction from the Board regarding the Fiscal Year 2015 -2016 Budget
Ordinance.
Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice- Chainman Dawson, to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015-
2016 Budget Ordinance for New Hanover County with the ad valorem tax rate of 57.4 cents, Fire Service District
tax rate of 7.0 cents, and a tipping fee in the amount of $52 per ton and approve the fee schedule changes to be
effective July 1, 2015 as presented.
Vice- Chainman Dawson commented that the Comimissioners and staff have worked very hard on the budget
and expressed appreciation to County staff, Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees and staff, and the
County Board of Education and staff for working on capital project prioritization to develop a realistic budget that
will deliver services for all citizens. The Budget supports the will of citizens who voted for the community college
and school bonds and plans for the future. She believed the fund balance policy and the debt policy enabled the
County to qualify for AAA bond rating, which is extremely important with upcoming bond issues for the schools
and community college to get the best interest rates and tenors. She was uncomfortable with taking risk with
taxpayers' funds and had a low tolerance for uncertainty with the State's budget with issues of the redistribution of
sales tax revenues and uncertainty with revenue expectations in the future. After the County purchases some of the
bonds, she agreed that the Commissioners should revisit the fund balance policy and maybe reduce it to perhaps 18
percent as long as the County can maintain its AAA bond rating and revenue projections. She would not violate the
fund balance policy and would not take any risk as far as uncertainties. She believed the Budget to be responsible
and prudent, pro- education, pro -job creation through economic development initiatives, pro - public safety and
supports the dedicated employees who deliver services to residents every day.
Commissioner White stated that a two -cent tax increase represents $6 million that would be taken away
from the private sector for County government. He proposed that by changing the funding for the Cape Fear
Community College's capital projects from the general fund to funding from the capital accounts, the tax increase
would be reduced to about $4.8 million and he made the following substitute emotion.
Substitute Motion: Commissioner White MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt Fiscal Year
2015 -2016 Budget Ordinance for New Hanover County without a tax increase by making the following changes to
the Budget:
• Postpone issuance of $92 million bond debt for five months at a savings in interest of $2.1 million
• Remove the childcare subsidy of $448,000
•
Limit employee pay raises to 2% at a iminiimun savings of $750,000
•
Remaining amount of $1.5 million to come from the fund balance, which this would be within the 21%
fund balance policy.
Upon vote, the MOTION FAILED 2 TO 3. Chainman Barfield, Vice-Chairman Dawson and Commissioner Zapple
voted in opposition.
In further discussion, Vice- Chainman Dawson pointed out that property owners in the Fire Service District
of the unincorporated area would see a tax reduction of .9 cent for the Fire Service District Tax that would make the
net tax increase of 1.1 cent per $100 value.
Chainman Barfield commented that the 2 -cent tax increase will pay toward the bonded debt approved by
the voters in 2006 and 2008 and the voters have approved another bond referendum of $160 million for schools this
past year. In addition, the Commissioners and Staff have been very involved in fighting the sales tax redistribution
legislation that may impact the County by $7 million to $13 million annually. If those funds were taken away, it
would have a tremendous impact on the County and the community. At the same time, the government has
increasing responsibility to provide public safety and public health and the proposed budget meets those obligations.
Furthenmore, the population has grown with more demands on services and the community expects a certain quality
of life from a prosperous and vibrant community. In addition, he has always felt an obligation to take care of the
employees who serve the County residents. In the past, they have been stretched beyond measure with furloughs,
layoffs and the emerging of departments in order to have no tax increase. He thanked the employees for their
dedication in service to the residents of the County.
Chainman Barfield called for a vote on the original emotion.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 336
Original Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice - Chairman Dawson, to adopt the Fiscal
Year 2015 -2016 Budget Ordinance for New Hanover County with the ad valorem tax rate of 57.4 cents, Fire Service
District tax rate of 7.0 cents, and a tipping fee in the amount of $52 per ton and approve the fee schedule changes to
be effective July 1, 2015 as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 to 2. Commissioner White and
Commissioner Watkins voted in opposition.
A copy of the Fiscal Year 2015 -2016 Budget Ordinance is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and
is contained in Exhibit Book XXXIX, Page 12.5.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
Chainnan Barfield reported that five vacancies exist on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of
Directors with three applicants eligible for reappointment and seven additional applications available for
consideration.
Chainnan Barfield requested direction on the reappointment of Ted Davis, Jr. as the Corbett Family
representative.
Motion: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Vice- Chainnan Dawson, to reappoint Ted Davis, Jr. to
serve a three -year teen as the Corbett Family representative on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of
Directors with the tern to expire June 30, 2018. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chainnan Barfield requested nominations for the other four vacancies.
Commissioner Watkins nominated Teddy Davis and A. Mark Tyler for reappointment and Andrew Cooke
and Debra H. Hays for appointment. The nominations were seconded by Commissioner White.
Vice- Chainnan Dawson nominated Carey D. Ricks for appointment and Teddy Davis and A. Mark Tyler
for reappointment.
With no other nomination, Chainnan Barfield called for the votes as follows:
Andrew Cooke received a unanimous vote for appointment.
Debra H. Hays received a unanimous vote for appointment.
Carey D. Ricks received three votes for appointment from Chainnan Barfield, Vice- Chainnan Dawson, and
Commissioner Zapple.
Teddy Davis received a unanimous vote for reappointment.
Vote Results: The Commissioners voted to reappoint Teddy Davis and appoint Andrew Cooke, Debra H. Hays, and
Carey D. Ricks to serve three -year teens on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors with the terns to
expire on June 30, 2018.
Appointment to the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees
Chainnan Barfield reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Community College Board of
Trustees with one applicant eligible for reappointment and eleven applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Jinuny Hopkins for appointment.
Vice- Chainnan Dawson nominated Jason C. Harris for reappointment.
Vote Results: The Board voted 3 to 2 to reappoint Jason C. Harris to serve a four -year teen on the Cape Fear
Community College Board of Trustees with the tern to expire on June 30, 2019. Chainnan Barfield, Vice -
Chainnan Dawson and Commissioner Watkins voted in favor.
Appointments to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board
Chainnan Barfield reported that two vacancies exist on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with two
applicants eligible for reappointment and one additional application available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated T. Gwendolyn Grear Brown and Daniel H. Owen for reappointment.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint T. Gwendolyn Grear Brown and Daniel H. Owen to
serve three -year terns on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with the teens to expire on June 30, 2018.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Alcohol Beverage Control Board
Chainnan Barfield reported one vacancy exists on the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board with six
new applications for the Board's consideration. The Board is also charged with appointing a chainnan for the
ensuing year.
Commissioner Watkins nominated Vivian "Zeke" Partin. The nomination was seconded by Vice- Chainnan
Dawson.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 22, 2015 PAGE 337
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Vivian "Zeke" Partin to the ABC Board with the term
to expire on June 30, 2018.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Robert W. Martens as Chainnan for the ensuing year. The nomination
was seconded by Commissioner Watkins.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Robert W. Martens as Chainnan of the ABC Board
for the ensuing year.
Appointments to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Chainnan Barfield reported that two vacancies exist in the elected official category on the Cape Fear Public
Utility Authority with two applicants eligible for reappointment.
Chainnan Barfield nominated Commissioner Woody White and Commissioner Rob Zapple for
reappointment. The nominations were seconded by Commissioner Watkins.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Commissioner Woody White and Commissioner
Rob Zapple to serve three -year terms on the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority with the terms to expire on June 30,
2018.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Airport Authority
Chainnan Barfield reported that two vacancies exist on the Airport Authority with two applicants eligible
for reappointment and twenty -four applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Watkins nominated Thomas C. Barber, II and Thomas Wolfe for reappointment.
Vice - Chainnan Dawson nominated Jennifer L. Pullum.
Vote Results: The Board voted 3 to 2 to reappoint Thomas C. Barber, II and Thomas Wolfe to serve four -year
terms on the Airport Authority with the terms to expire on June 30, 2019. Chairman Barfield, Commissioner White
and Commissioner Watkins voted in favor. Vice - Chainnan Dawson and Commissioner Zapple supported Jennifer
L. Pullum.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Chainnan Barfield reported that two vacancies exist on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with two
applicants eligible for reappointment and three additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Rebecca V. Powell and Nicole "Nikki" Zeldin for reappointment.
Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Rebecca V. Powell and Nicole " Nikki" Zeldin to
three -year terns on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with the terns to expire on June 30, 2018.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS
Chainnan Barfield reported that no one from the public had signed up to speak on non - agenda items.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Watkins reported that he and Commissioner Zapple attended a tour of the Wilmington Port
with NC Transportation Secretary Anthony Tata, Congressman David Rouzer and Congressman William
Franklin 'Bill' Shuster from Pennsylvania on June 19.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chainnan Barfield adjourned the meeting at 11:29 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa P. Elmore
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 checkout at all New Hanover County Libraries and on -line at www. nhcgov. com.