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2015-11-02 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 403 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, November 2, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Beth Dawson; Commissioner Skip Watkins; Commissioner 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 Reverend Brad McDowell, First Christian Church, provided the invocation and Vice-Chairman Dawson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Barfield asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the Consent Agenda. Hearing no comments, Chairman Barfield requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 20, 2015 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. Adoption of Resolution Approving Execution and Delivery of Escrow Agreement and Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with City of Wilmington Related to Defeasance of General Obligation Bonds The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving execution and delivery of Escrow Agreement and Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with City of Wilmington related to defeasance of general obligation bonds for the 2008 park and recreation projects. A portion of the bonds were to purchase one-half of the Water Street Parking Deck, which is now being considered by the City for redevelopment with a private developer. The City requested to defease, which means to pay off, and redeem a portion of the bonds. Thus, the bonds will no longer be treated as outstanding debt for the County. To defease the bonds the City will set up and fund an escrow account of $637,101. There is no cost to the County to defease and redeem the bonds. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXIX, Page 17.1. Adoption of Resolution to Dispose of Surplus Property According to Procedures Outlined in North Carolina General Statutes - Chapter 160A Article 12 The Commissioners adopted a resolution to declare a 2005 Ford Expedition of the Sheriff’s Department as surplus property and no longer functional for governmental purposes and to dispose of the surplus property by electronic public auction according to the procedures prescribed in NCGS 160A-270(c), which authorizes the disposal of personal property electronically using an existing private or public electronic auction service. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXIX, Page 17.2. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS AUTHORIZATION OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT FOR THE CAROLINA BEACH BOARDWALK EXTENSION Commissioner Zapple reported that the Town of Carolina Beach has made a request to the NC Division of Coastal Management for a permit to extend the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Members of the town council have worked hard in creating a plan that will please most of the adjacent property owners and the community in extending the boardwalk. He requested the Board authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support for the permit process. The variance is scheduled to be heard on November 17, 2015 in Atlantic Beach, NC. Vice-Chairman Dawson commented on the economic revitalization of the Town of Carolina Beach because of the boardwalk project and expressed support for the boardwalk extension. Motion : Vice-Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to authorize a letter of support to the NC Division of Coastal Management for approval of the permit to extend the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY A copy of the letter is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXIX, Page 17.3. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 404 PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2016 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS ChiefFinancial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher presented a fiscal summary for the General, Fire Services and Environmental Management Funds for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2016 from July 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015: General Fund:  Revenues:  Ad Valorem Taxes - $16,956,667; 10.19% actual collected year-to-date  Sales Taxes - $0; 0% actual collected year-to-date  Other Taxes - $1,136,791; 34.28% actual collected year-to-date  Charges for Service - $2,343,511; 22.07% actual collected year-to-date  Intergovernmental Revenue - $6,280,631; 15.11% actual collected year-to-date  Other Revenues - $673,058; 25.83% actual collected year-to-date  Appropriated Fund Balance - $0  Total Revenues - $27,390,658; 9.21% actual collected year-to-date  Expenditures:  General Government - $6,490,625; 17.46% actual spent year-to-date  Human Services - $10,689,909; 17.78% actual spent year-to-date  Public Safety - $12,154,602; 21.81% actual spent year-to-date  Economic and Physical Development - $188,636; 7.10% actual spent year-to-date  Culture and Recreation - $2,627,246; 21.58% actual spent year-to-date  Education - Community College - $2,594,107; 25% actual spent year-to-date  Debt Service - $5,368,954; 31.69% actual spent year-to-date  Transfers Out:  Education – Public Schools - $20,343,393; 21.76% actual spent year-to-date  Other - $7,532,678; 85.03% actual spent year-to-date  Total Expenditures - $67,990,150; 22.85% actual collected year-to-date Fire Services Fund:  Revenues:  Sales Taxes - $0; 0% actual collected year-to-date  Intergovernmental Revenue - $22,516; 0% actual collected year-to-date  Charges for Service - $30,485; 27.3% actual collected year-to-date  Other Revenues - $77,654; 817.4% actual collected year-to-date  Long-Term Debt Issued - $0 actual collected year-to-date  Total Revenues - $982,125; 7.1% actual collected year-to-date  Expenditures:  Salaries and Benefits - $1,660,932; 19.1%  Operating Expenditures - $1,738,898; 57.6% actual spent year-to-date  Debt Service - $0; 0% actual spent year-to-date  Capital Expenditures - $625,409; 74.6% actual spent year-to-date  Transfers:  To Capital Project - $720,000; 100%  Total Expenditures - $4,745,239; 34.3% actual spent year-to-date  Revenues Over Expenditures - ($3,763,114) Environmental Management Operating Fund:  Revenues:  Charges for Service - $2,371,247; 19.7% actual collected year-to-date  Intergovernmental Revenue - $226; .1% actual collected year-to-date  Other - $73,553; 18.1% actual collected year-to-date  Appropriated Fund Balance - $0  Total Revenues - $2,445,026; 17.6% actual collected year-to date  Expenditures:  Salaries and Benefits - $376,558; 19.7% actual spent year-to-date  Operating Expenditures - $1,237,529; 25.7% actual spent year-to-date  Debt Service - $33,704; 6.6% actual spent year-to-date  Capital Expenditures - $167,915; 12.7% actual spent year-to-date  Transfers to Capital Projects - $3,162,100; 100% actual spent year-to-date  Total Expenditures - $4,977,806; 35.9% actual spent year-to-date Debt Service Fund:  Revenues:  Ad Valorem Taxes - $544,304; 9.2%  Intergovernmental Revenue - $683,199; 34.7%  Transfer in from General Fund - $6,486,678; 100%  Total Revenues - $7,714,181; 53.6%  Expenditures:  Debt Service - $5,785,419; 40.2%  Total Expenditures - $5,785,419; 40.2% Chairman Barfield thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the report. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 405 PUBLIC HEARING ON BALD EAGLE LANE ASSESSMENT AND CONFIRMATION OF ROLL Chairman Barfield announced that a public hearing is required for the Bald Eagle Assessment and requested a motion to open the public hearing. Motion : Vice-Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Barfield opened the public hearing at 4:20 p.m. and requested staff to present information on the assessment roll. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher reported that at the last meeting on October 19, 2015, the Board adopted a preliminary assessment resolution for Bald Eagle Lane Water Improvement Project. Since the meeting, the assessment roll has been finalized and filed in the Clerk’s Office. Notices of the assessments and the public hearing were mailed to the property owners on October 21, 2015 and a notice of the public hearing was published in the Star News and on the County’s web site on October 23, 2015. She presented a map of the 202 assessed properties showing 173 residents on Bald Eagle Lane and 29 residents on Futch Creek Road. Each lot would be assessed at $1,042.13. The assessment was calculated on the total cost of the project at $210,511, divided by the number of lots. In phone conversations with some of the property owners, they questioned why there are fees from the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority and the County. Staff responded that CFPUA fees covered the cost of the core structure/pump station and the County assessment was for the cost and installation of the water lines. Chairman Barfield asked if anyone from the public wished to speak on the assessment. No comments were received. Chairman Barfield requested a motion to close the public hearing. Motion : Vice-Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to close the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Barfield closed the public hearing and requested a motion to confirm the assessment roll and direct staff to publish the Notice of Confirmation. Motion : Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to confirm the assessment roll at 4:26 p.m. on November 2, 2015 and direct staff to publish the Notice of Confirmation. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. For the record, Commissioner Zapple reported that CFPUA had received a note from Deputy Fire Chief Matt Davis in appreciation of the newly installed fire hydrants and the success of County Fire Services in extinguishing a fire and saving a house from destruction because of the available and reliable water source on Bald Eagle Lane. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REZONING REQUEST BY DAVID HARNER OF PARAMOUNT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, THALIA DUKES, AND LAWRENCE S. CRAIGE, LEGAL GUARDIAN, TO REZONE 8.1 ACRES LOCATED AT THE 6700 BLOCK OF GORDON ROAD FROM R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO B-2, HIGHWAY BUSINESS DISTRICT (Z-945, 10/15) Chairman Barfield opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Current Planner Brad Schuler presented the request submitted by David Harner of Paramount Development Corporation on behalf of the property owner, Thalia Dukes, and Lawrence S. Craige, legal guardian, to rezone 8.1 acres located at the 6700 block of Gordon Road from R-15, Residential District, to B-2, Highway Business District and presented a slide overview of the request. The zoning in the vicinity consists mostly of industrial, residential, and business districts. Adjoining the property to the west and south is the Dutch Square Industrial Park. To the north is Eaton Elementary School and the Cape Harbor Apartment Complex. Commercial zoning and uses are located to the east, along Market Street and Military Cutoff. The property also borders land within the City of Wilmington, which contains a variety of commercial uses and zoned R-B for regional business. The subject property includes five parcels on Gordon Road, approximately 1,000 feet west of the intersection with Market Street. The property was originally zoned R-15 when zoning was applied to the area in 1971. Four of the parcels are currently undeveloped, and one parcel contains a single-family dwelling. In response to the request for additional traffic data at the Agenda Review meeting, Current Planner Schuler reported that the level of service for the N. College Road and I-40 Ramp are at an overall service of “C,” which is considered acceptable and safe; the I-40 ramp operates at an overall level of service of “B” to “F” and the trips generated by the apartment complex are at a level of service of “C” and “F.” “F” is considered poor. The WMPO traffic count of January 2014 shows that the level of service for the 6700 block at “D” and the intersection of Market Street at Gordon Road with an overall service of “E” and “F.” Overall, the data shows that the majority of Gordon Road operates at a safe and acceptable level of service. Poor service is found at the two major thoroughfares of Market Street and I-40. Planned improvements for Military Cutoff Extension:  Construction expected to begin in the fall of 2017  Will take about four years to complete  Project will include the installation of a median along a portion of Gordon Road NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 406 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvements Program Includes:  Project to widen Gordon Road from NC 132 interchange ramp to west of Market Street  Planned to start in 2024, but currently unfunded Staff recommends approval of the application as requested and concludes that the application is consistent with the 2006 Wilmington-New Hanover County CAMA Land Use Plan. The application seeks to expand a commercial node located along a major intersection and complies with Implementation Strategies 4.3.1 and 4.3.6 of the CAMA Land Use Plan. At their October 1, 2015 meeting, the Planning Board voted 5-1 to recommend approval. In response to traffic concerns at the Ogden Park Road intersection at Gordon Road, Bill McDow with the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization reported that no traffic studies have been completed at the intersection during weekends. Traffic studies are normally performed during the week, but occasionally studies are performed during the weekends in preparation of marathon events or in choosing a site for a grocery store. The WMPO determined that traffic improvements would not be needed at the property. Commissioner Zapple expressed concern about the heavy traffic on Gordon Road especially on weekends with the number of sporting events at Ogden Park, adding that residents in the area have a difficult time in getting in and out of their driveways because of the amount of traffic. Mr. Schuler explained that Office and Institutional uses would have less of an impact than uses in the B-2 District, which would allow a vast amount of commercial uses such as retail shops, restaurants and auto repair shops. The draft comprehensive plan classifies the property for urban mixed uses and allows for more intensive uses in the classification. Chairman Barfield requested the petitioner to make comments. David Harner, of Paramount Development Corporation representing the petitioner, stated that the company is under a time frame to purchase the property and believed that the highest and best use for the property would be a commercial use similar to the commercial development of Dutch Square Industrial Park. The realities of the traffic issues would not necessitate a high intensive use of a retail center, but they would need to perform studies to determine the best use for the property. In conjunction with improvements scheduled for the Military Cutoff Extension, the level of service on Gordon Road should improve. A traffic impact study would need to be completed to mitigate the traffic, but he did not believe that a traffic signal would be allowed at that location. As the property is mostly surrounded by B-2 commercial zones and an elementary school nearby, he believed the property more suitable for commercial than residential uses. Furthermore, the frontage of the property is on a five-lane divided road and it is more suited for an office/flex development with retail facing the road and office uses behind the retail. In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Harner stated that Paramount has a purchasing agreement and the property is under a court order to sell. He discussed the availability of surrounding properties in close proximity. Krysti Keser, a resident of the Cape Harbor Apartments, spoke in support of rezoning the property for office or light industrial uses, but expressed concern about anticipated traffic issues during construction of the Military Cutoff Extension. Her neighborhood has been told that they will lose a driveway at the back entrance of the apartments during the construction period. She requested that the road remain accessible to the 700 residents during the construction period. Albert Samuel, a resident of Hubert, NC, stated that he opposed the rezoning of the property as it was taken from his family by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and attorney Lawrence Craige. The family intended to develop the property; however, Thalia Dukes, the property owner, was deemed incompetent and under custody of DSS. As a licensed architect in the state, he had planned to develop the property as a mixed-use townhouse/business. He did not agree with the court order to sell the property and he did not believe he was dealt with fairly as no family member was able to get custody of Mrs. Dukes. In rebuttal, Mr. Harner reported that the property was listed for sale and Paramount hired a broker and was under contract to purchase the property from the court order to sell. He was aware that Mrs. Dukes was deemed incompetent and Lawrence Craige was assigned as legal guardian. He requested the Board to rely on the court ruling and make their decision contingent on the sale of the property. Chairman Barfield closed the public hearing and the Commissioners discussed the issues of the court order and ownership of the property. Planning Supervisor Ben Andrea reported that the agenda package included a copy of the deed showing the transfer of property to Mrs. Dukes, court authorization of Lawrence Craige as legal guardian of Thalia Dukes estate, and a signed authority from the appointment of agent. County Attorney Copley advised the Board that the Planning and Inspections Department has provided the proper documentation in the agenda package of the court proceeding and Mr. Craige’s appointment as guardian. The Board must consider the court order and the fact that the appointed guardian listed the property for sale. Commissioner White agreed and said that legal remedies were available for someone that felt aggrieved and they would have an opportunity for a rehearing to present evidence if they were not properly notified or a product of duress or coercion. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 407 Commissioner Zapple questioned whether the future use of the property would be in compliance with the new comprehensive plan and he was uncomfortable about approving the rezoning without knowing the future use of the property as the B-2 District has a great range of impacts for an area that is already stressed with traffic and development. Chairman Barfield informed the petitioner that if a rezoning request is denied, a new application may only be submitted within 12 months of the denial if there is a substantial change in the original petition for rezoning. He asked whether the petitioner wanted to continue the application to a future meeting or to proceed with the Board deciding whether to grant or deny the application. Mr. Harner requested the Board to proceed with the decision. Chairman Barfield requested direction from the Board. Motion : Commissioner White MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to approve, as the Board of Commissioners finds that this application for a zoning map amendment of 8.1 acres from R-15, Residential District, to B-2, Highway Business District as described is: 1) Consistent with the purposes and intent of the 2006 CAMA Land Use Plan because the “Urban” land use classification allows for continued extensive development and redevelopment of existing urban areas, and because the application includes land near an existing commercial node with access to an arterial street which is suited for urban development, which is consistent with the Land Use Plan’s implementation strategies; and 2) Reasonable and in the public interest because it maximizes the effectiveness of commercial uses by locating them at major intersections or along major thoroughfares, and because Gordon Road was recently rated as having a “D” Level of Service, which is generally assumed to be an acceptable and safe level of service, and because there are existing plans to improve and widen Gordon Road. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 6 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED AUGUST 18, 1971, is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 6, Page 80. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REZONING APPLICATION BY CINDEE WOLF OF DESIGN SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, TRASK FARMS OF NEW HANOVER, LLC, TO REZONE 23.74 ACRES LOCATED AT THE 2400 BLOCK OF N. KERR AVENUE FROM R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO (CZD) AI, CONDITIONAL AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TO DEVELOP A VETERINARY USE (Z-946, 10/15) Chairman Barfield opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Current Planner Brad Schuler presented the request submitted by Cindee Wolf of Design Solutions on behalf of the property owner, Trask Farms of New Hanover, LLC, to rezone 23.74 acres located at the 2400 block of N. Kerr Avenue from R-15, Residential District, to (CZD) AI, Conditional Airport Industrial District, to develop a veterinary office and pasture use for large animals especially for horses and presented a slide overview of the request. A conceptual site plan for the development of a veterinary use consists of accessory stables and a detached single-family dwelling unit. The site and surrounding area are classified as Transition according to the 2006 CAMA Land Use Plan. The purpose of the Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development on lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. Currently the area consists of a mixture of zoning districts including R-15, AI, AR, and a Planned Development. A recent traffic impact analysis for the area shows that traffic operates at a “B” level of service or better and the applicant states that the proposed use will only generate around 10 to 11 peak hour trips, which is well below the threshold that would require a traffic impact analysis. Surrounding land uses include mostly undeveloped lands used for agricultural purposes. The property proposed to be rezoned is undeveloped and is currently being used for agricultural purposes. Also, a condition is proposed for the existing vegetation and tree line to be preserved along the western property line. Staff recommends the approval of the application with one condition to preserve the existing tree line. Staff concludes that the application is consistent with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the 2006 Wilmington-New Hanover County CAMA Land Use Plan. Specifically, the property is not located near any environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated as Resource Protection and Conservation, and is located in a rural area of the county consisting of agricultural, industrial, and low-density residential uses. Thus, the application generally supports Policy 4.2 and Implementation Strategy 4.2.2 of the CAMA Land Use Plan. At their October 1, 2015 meeting, the Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning with the condition. Cindee Wolf of Design Solutions, on behalf of the property owner Trask Farms of New Hanover, LLC, requested to rezone the property in order to develop a veterinary office and pasture use for large animals especially for horses. The parcel on N. Kerr Avenue is a rural section of the county with no public services. A well and septic system will be used. The project would include grazing fields, some storage barns, veterinary service offices and a riding ring behind the fields. The facilities would need to be secure as animals would sometimes stay overnight recuperating and living arrangements would be needed for a veterinary technician or another individual to stay overnight. The site plans call for large parking areas for trucks and trailers with a large turning radius. A couple of neighbors had concerns about access and stormwater drainage issues. However, the project has less than 10 percent impervious surface and county regulations require no impact to stormwater drainage systems. The condition to leave the tree line along the boundary is agreeable. A ditch would also provide some visual separation for future development. Chairman Barfield closed the public hearing and informed the petitioner that if a rezoning request is denied, a new application may only be submitted within 12 months of the denial if there is a substantial change in the original petition for rezoning. He asked whether the petitioner wanted to continue the application to a future NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 02, 2015 PAGE 408 meeting or to proceed with the Board deciding whether to grant or deny the application. Ms. Wolf requested the Board to proceed with the decision. Chairman Barfield requested direction from the Board. Motion : Vice-Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to approve the request with the condition that the tree line be preserved, as the Board of Commissioners find that this request for a zoning map amendment of 23.74 acres from R-15, Residential District to (CZD) AI, Conditional Airport Industrial District as described is: 1) Consistent with the purposes and intent of the 2006 CAMA Land Use Plan as the “Transition” land use classification allows for future intensive urban development, and because the property is not located near any environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated as Resource Protection and Conservation, in compliance with the Plan’s implementation strategies; and 2) Reasonable and in the public interest because the property is located in a rural area of the county which consists of agricultural, industrial, and low density residential uses, and therefore the proposed veterinarian use should not generate undue impacts on the surrounding area. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 8B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED JUNE 19, 1972, is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section 8B, Page 74. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Barfield reported that one person from the public had signed up to speak on a non-agenda item. Billy Prentice, resident of Cornelius Moore Avenue in the Wrightsboro community, requested assistance from the County for storm water drainage problems that he and his neighborhood are experiencing. He attended the meeting because of the public hearing item on the rezoning for the veterinarian use, but he did not object to the rezoning. Chairman Barfield responded that after the meeting he would give Mr. Prentice contact information for the Director of the Planning and Inspections Department. ADDITIONAL ITEMS  County Manager Coudriet reported that the Chairman and some of the Commissioners were present for the signing ceremony of the Inter-Agency Governance Agreement on the Handling of School Offences earlier in the day. Instead of students being charged with criminal offences, thirteen agencies have come together to deal with child discipline in the school system in a better and more effective way. He congratulated and thanked the Board for their support of the Inter-Agency Agreement.  Commissioner Zapple reported on attending the Rising Tide Summit, a national conference held in Hampton, New Hampshire on October 23-25, 2015. Officials from NOAA, FEMA and the Corps of Engineers were among the speakers to a delegation of local elected officials from coastal communities, who discussed strategies to enhance coastal storm damage reductions and protection of infrastructure and properties from rising seas levels and gradual subsidence of coastal lands.  Vice-Chairman Dawson extended an invitation from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to a re-enactment on November 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. on Market Street between Front th and Second Streets. In celebration of the 250 anniversary of the Stamp Act, the Stamp Defiance Chapter of the DAR along with the Sons of the American Revolution will present a public education segment on the part Wilmington played in the Stamp Act.  County Manager Coudriet announced that the County will hold a job fair on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Government Center to identify candidates for current and future vacancies with the County for 911 Center Telecommunicators, Human Services Universal Economic Caseworkers, and Program Assistants in Community Justice Services.  Chairman Barfield congratulated Deputy County Manager Avril Pinder as the winner of the WILMA Women to Watch Leadership Award in the category of public service. Also, Vice-Chairman Dawson congratulated Jennifer Rigby and Jennifer O’Keefe as finalist in the public service and education categories. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Barfield adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.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.