2016-02-15 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 465
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 15, 2016
at 9:00 a.m. in the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present: Chairman Beth Dawson; Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; 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.
Chairman Dawson announced that she was wearing orange due to her losing the challenge with NACo
President/Commissioner Sally Clark of El Paso County, Colorado regarding the NFL Super Bowl 50 game between
the Carolina Panthers and the winner Denver Broncos.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Wayne Johnson, Sr., St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Woody
White led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Dawson asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the Consent
Agenda. Hearing no comments, Chairman Dawson requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, 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 Regular Meeting of February 1, 2016, as submitted by the
Clerk to the Board.
Adoption of Resolution Approving a 2017 Grant Application to the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program
for Funding – Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the 2017 grant application to the N.C. Governor’s
Highway Safety Program (GHSP) in the amount of $20,000 for the initiatives of "Booze It and Lose It" and "Click It
or Ticket" for Region 3. The funding will be used for in state and out-of-state travel reimbursements for Sheriff's
Office personnel that assists the GHSP in the campaigns and training. No local match is required.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 4.1.
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Repair, Restoration and Encapsulation of Register of Deeds Maps –
Register of Deeds Office
The Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Register of Deeds Tammy T. Beasley to remove
Map Book 3, pages 19-43, 45-84; Map Book 4, pages 1-111; and Map Book 5, page 111 from the Registry for the
purposes of repair, restoration and encapsulation by Kofile Preservation.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 4.2.
Approval to Apply for LSTA EZ Literacy and Lifelong Learning Grant – Public Library
The Commissioners approved the Public Library’s application for a $15,000 grant to assist with the creation
of a pop-up library that can be rapidly set up for a few hours in parks, schools, neighborhood and community centers.
Funding will be used to purchase equipment and materials needed to provide access to library materials and early
literacy programs. Existing books and materials budget would cover a 25% match requirement of $3,750.
Acceptance of Five Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners accepted five donations of regional artifacts for accession into the Cape Fear Museum’s
permanent collection. The Museum Advisory Board at its January 20, 2016 meeting approved the objects and a list
of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2016:
Department of Social Services: 16-047, 16-048, 16-051, 16-058
Library: 16-052, 16-059
Fire Services: 16-054
Tax Department: 16-055
Sheriff’s Office: 16-056, 16-057, 16-062
Engineering Department: 16-060
Senior Resource Center: 16-061
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 466
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained
in Exhibit Book XL, Page 4.3.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chairman Dawson recognized and welcomed Superior Court Judge Allen Cobb, Superior Court Judge Phyllis
Gorham, Chief District Court Judge J.H. Corpening II, District Court Judge James H. Faison III, District Court Judge
Lindsey Luther, Judge John Smith, District Attorney Ben David and staff, and Court Reporter Tina Stancill, who were
in attendance for the agenda item honoring Judge Gilbert H. Burnett.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUDGE GILBERT H. BURNETT FOR HIS YEARS OF
DEDICATED SERVICE TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Vice-Chairman Barfield presented a request for the Board to adopt a resolution recognizing the Honorable
Gilbert H. Burnett, Chief District Court Judge (Retired) for the Fifth Judicial District, in honor of his significant
achievements and 23 years of judicial service to the citizens of New Hanover County. Vice-Chairman Barfield read
the resolution into the record and moved for adoption.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt a resolution
recognizing the significant legacy and contributions of the Honorable Gilbert H. Burnett and calling upon all citizens
to give honor and express appreciation for his dedicated service to New Hanover County and the State of North
Carolina. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. James R. Fullwood, retired Administrator, Second Judicial Division, Division of Community Corrections
and Mr. Kenneth Keith, former Juvenile Probation Officer and Retired Pender County School Administrator provided
brief remarks on working with Judge Burnett in the 1970s and the establishment of the community work service
program. Judge Burnett expressed appreciation for the recognition and spoke of his career as a judge in New Hanover
County. Chairman Dawson read a brief note of congratulations from Superior Court Judge Jay D. Hockenbury.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 4.4.
RECOGNITION OF FIRE RESCUE CAPTAIN STEPHEN "KRAIG" KNOTTS FOR BEING SELECTED
BY THE EASTERN NC FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION AND THE NC ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS
AS CAREER FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Fire Chief Donnie Hall reported that Captain Stephen “Kraig” Knotts of the County Fire Rescue was selected
and honored as the 2016 Career Fire Officer of the Year at the N.C. Association of Fire Chiefs Mid-Winter Conference
and as Fire Officer of the Year by the Eastern Carolina Fire Association. He was selected for his considerable
contributions to fire services throughout his tenure as both a volunteer and career firefighter and currently as an officer.
Captain Knotts received the County’s Stellar Award from his peers in recognition of his dedicated service as an
outstanding employee, his willingness to serve others both internally and externally to the best of his abilities, and his
overall contributions to the organization.
The Commissioners congratulated Captain Knotts and expressed appreciation for his outstanding service to
the County.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO EMPLOYEES AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW
EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized Daisy Brown, employee with the Sheriff’s Office and retiring after 24
years of service.
Chairman Dawson presented a retirement award to Ms. Brown and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked her for years of dedicated service to the County.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Joshua Swift, Health Department
Ten Year: Richard Bellows, Planning and Inspections Department
Steven Konieczny, Information Technology Department
Fifteen Year: Angela King, Department of Social Services
Twenty Year: Gregory Kennedy, Senior Resource Center
Chairman Dawson 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 step forward and be introduced:
Sheri Bray, Department of Social Services
Savannah Bryson, Department of Social Services
Armesha Corbett, Community Justice Services
Daniel Gillette, Department of Social Services
Aaron Gueiss, Sheriff’s Office
Natalie Hall, Department of Social Services
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 467
Katrina Heredia, Sheriff Department
Jo Beth Hoke, Department of Social Services
Frances-Kate Johnson, Sheriff Department
Eric Kerr, Department of Social Services
Karen Lee, Sheriff Department
Michael Lindsay, Community Justice Services
John Malanaphy, Sheriff Department
Cody Monday, Property Management Department
Matthew Powell, Planning and Inspections Department
Erika Sarvis, Department of Social Services
Kia Stith, Community Justice Services
Kelsey Teegardin, Sheriff Department
Shane Wall, Community Justice Services
Monique Wallace, Sheriff Department
Tiffany Williams, Department of Social Services
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS 2015 FACILITY NEEDS SURVEY
Dr. Tim Markley, New Hanover County Schools Superintendent, reported that General Statutes require the
Board of Education to submit their long-range plans for meeting school facility needs to the Board of Commissioners
and the State Board of Education every five years. The current survey was approved at the Board of Education meeting
on February 2, 2016.
Eddie Anderson, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, presented the long-range facility needs as
follows:
NCGS 115c-521 requires:
Local Boards of Education maintain and update long-range plans for meeting school facility needs
to the State Board of Education every five years thereafter.
The 1995 General Assembly authorized the School Capital Construction Study Commission to
conduct a comprehensive study of public school facility needs in the state that resulted in a $1.8
billion state bond issue that passed in 1996; $20 million for New Hanover County Schools.
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s School Support Division (NCDPI) facilitates the
statewide study based on a computer program for evaluating the schools using typical construction
unit costs and building area standards.
Unlike the building plans utilized in the bond programs, the Facility Needs Survey does not include:
System-wide priorities or provide an implementation schedule
District-wide improvements such as technology improvements
Program management or program contingencies
Account for inflation
Items must be considered before the needs identified in the survey are placed into an actual building
program to be implemented
The Facility Needs Survey does include:
Projected enrollment (new construction and additions)
Condition of existing facilities (for renovation projects)
Educational adequacy (additions and renovations)
A facility program is created for each existing and new school along with capacity and cost summary
reports
2015-2025 Facility Needs Survey assumptions and mandates:
2014 bond projects and all other funded projects are listed as complete
Mobile classroom units are not considered in capacity
Capacity calculations for elementary, middle and high school provided by the state
Construction costs for new construction, additions and renovations
Enrollment projections by NCDPI
Major Differences in 2010 and 2015 Facility Needs Survey:
NCDPI capacity calculation and construction cost:
K-3 dropped from 21 students per class to 18
High Schools increased from 20 students per class to 24
Construction costs increased by 40% = $546 million (an increase of $156 million)
Snipes Elementary = $125/square foot
Porters Neck = $157/square foot (26% increase over Snipes’s construction cost)
State average $196/square foot (57% increase)
Facility Needs Survey = $194/square foot (55% increase over last elementary school built)
Current School capacity calculation vs. projected enrollment projections:
K-5 Middle High Total
Current Capacity: 11,561 6,118 8,225 25,921
ADM 2014/15 12,241 5,706 7,543 25,490
Difference +680 -412 -682 -431
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 468
Projected Enrollment Growth:
ADM 2014/15 12,241 5,706 7,543 25,490
Projected Enrollment 2020/21 12,858 5,446 7,716 26,020
Difference +617 -260 +173 +530
Highlights of the Facility Needs Survey:
0-5 Years:
New elementary school for River Lights Development
New CTE High School at CFCC North Campus
Replacement of Pine Valley and Williams Elementary Schools
Renovations to NHHS Brogden Hall and Memorial Building
6-10 Years:
Removed new high school from 2010 due to new CTE High School
New middle school at Sidbury Road complex
Convert Trask Middle School into 9th Grade Center for Laney High School
Construction Cost for 2015-2025 Facility Needs:
Cost Summary (0 to 5 years) = $169,034,289
Cost Summary (6 to 10 years) = $237,773,498
Total Costs = $406,807,787 (2010 Facility Needs Survey = $390,248,004)
Summary of Facility Needs Survey:
Identifies facility needs of the school system
Updated every five years
Biggest change since 2010 survey:
NCDPI capacity calculation changes
Increase in construction costs
New major projects:
New CTE High School
New Middle School at Sidbury Road Site
Trask Middle School becomes 9th Grade Center for Laney High School
Survey available at www.nhcs.net/facplanning/2015_facility_needs_survey.htm
Next Steps:
NHC Board of Education certification at the February 2, 2016 meeting
NHC County Commissioners certification of survey
NC State Board of Education (DPI)
Continue to monitor enrollment projections and construction market
Dr. Markley responded to questions in dealing with the increasing school enrollment, plans to accommodate
th
growth at the high school level by creating the 9 grade center, and the law as it pertains to the number of students in
K-3 classrooms and the elimination of classroom size for all other grades. In addition, he explained that the 80 mobile
classroom units are considered temporary classrooms and are not included in the calculations for the study and he
pointed out that the mobile units have a higher maintenance costs than regular classrooms. Mr. Anderson reported
that the labor market caused the increase in construction costs. Administration is making sure that construction
projects are designed to be most efficient at the best cost. Dr. Markley explained that once the new schools are built,
the Board of Education would address redistricting in 2019 to balance out the school districts.
Chairman Dawson requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to certify the 2015-2025 Facility
Needs Survey as presented and approved by the New Hanover County Board of Education for forwarding to the State
Board of Education. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PRESENTATION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) HIGH SCHOOL PROPOSAL
Lisa Estep, member of the New Hanover County Board of Education and CTE Working Group, stated that
in partnership with New Hanover County Schools and Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), a proposal is before
the Commissioners about creating a career and technical education high school. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
projects that the fastest growing job sectors and highest paying jobs will be in the CTE fields of health care, skill trade
and STEM (fields of science, technology, engineering and math) as well as information technology. The CTE high
school will help students connect with the real world in developing work skills and to graduate. These students are
more likely to pursue further education and have higher earnings potential.
Dr. Tim Markley, New Hanover County School (NHCS) Superintendent, presented a proposal of the
collaborative effort in developing a non-traditional regional high school that will provide NHCS and Pender County
students in grades 9-12 with multiple entry points to a high school diploma through completion of the Future Ready
Core and a required Career and Technical Education Pathway Concentration. Graduates will achieve a high school
diploma and career ready endorsement. Dr. Markley presented “Investing in Our Future: Transforming Career-
Technical Education Opportunities” PowerPoint highlighting the following:
Vision:
Non-Traditional Regional High School
Multiple Entry Points for High School Completion
Blended Coursework:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 469
Graduate with High School Diploma and Cape Fear Community College Credential
Addressing the Employment Needs of the Region
Jobs Skills Gap - 35% graduate with four-year college degree
Number of apprenticeship programs in the US:
2003 = 32,200
2009 = 26,600
2015 = 21,000
CTE High School:
To be located at North Campus of CFCC
Regional High School
Shared Lab Space with CFCC
Does not have to recreate facilities in a new high school with cost of $60 million
Estimated program space of 43,826 square feet
Students:
Personalized Learning:
Blended Coursework
Integrated Work-Based Learning
Access to CFCC Certificate and/or Diploma Programs
Individual Career Plans
Program Enhancements:
Expanded Technical Pathways
Enhanced Leadership Development
Curriculum Framework:
Blended Future Ready Core and CTE Courses
Expanded Pathway Options
Dual Credit through Career and College Promise
Eligible to Earn Industry Credentials
Integrated Community-Based Instruction:
Internships
Job Shadowing
Mentorships
Real-World Project-Based Learning
Economic Need – Careers available in New Hanover County:
Heath Sciences
Hospitality and Tourism
Marketing and Retail
Restaurant and Foods Industry
Transportation and Logistics
Computer and Network Engineering
Construction Trades
Public Safety
Early Childhood Education
Advanced Manufacturing
Family:
Increase Number of Students Exiting High School with Expanded Career Choices
Maintains Option of 4-Year College
Provides Marketable Job Skill
High Level of Student Interest - graduate more students
Viable Career and College Pathways
Student Success and Meaningful Employment
Dr. Amanda Lee, Cape Fear Community College President, spoke on the importance of the CTE program to
the partnership formed by the Schools, Pender County and CFCC. The group desires to develop a more effective
program based on best practices used throughout the state and country that would improve economic development
and decrease student dropout rate. Dr. Lee requested the Commissioners to give their support of the CTE program so
that they could move forward in working out the details. The work group believes the CTE concept would provide
the technical, vocational, and educational opportunities that are critically needed for students and would be a
worthwhile project for the County to pursue.
Board of Education member Bruce Shell read a statement from State Representative Ted Davis, a former
County Commissioner and CFCC Board trustee, who was unable to attend the meeting due to his duties as a legislator.
Representative Davis expressed his support of a local vocational education high school and the importance in
providing this opportunity for students who may not be able to go to college. The CTE high school would help
students develop a trade, give them self-confidence and gainful employment, and would produce a positive impact on
the community. He pledged his support to work on behalf of the County in getting the state to fund this important
project and he encouraged the Commissioners to support the efforts for a CTE high school.
In discussion with the Board, Dr. Markley responded to questions regarding proposed school athletics
programs and available transportation for CTE students, security for younger students in the adult environment,
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 470
operational costs, graduation rates, and career counseling programs for CTE students. In addition, Dr. Markley listed
the following benefits of locating the CTE high school at the north campus of CFCC: available land on site for a new
building, cheaper costs, convenience for a regional partnership with Pender County, and a majority of the vocational
programs are already located at the site.
Commissioner White commended the work group for their leadership in developing the conceptual plan and
agreed in concept with the program. While funding for a facility has not been identified and was not included as a
project in the 2014 School Bond Referendum, he requested the Schools to move forward in developing the curriculum
and program without building a new facility. Dr. Markley responded that the Schools offer a wide range of vocational
courses at the high school level but they are primarily exploratory courses. He explained that it is difficult for the
Schools to find teachers in certain vocations and that the community college could provide those resources for the
students.
Vice-Chairman Barfield spoke on the importance of a vocational school in preparing a skilled workforce for
economic development and the necessity to pursue new concepts of learning for the 21st century. He supported the
concept and providing the opportunity to give students skills that will provide jobs, stability for their families, lower
crime rates and reduce the need for beds in the jail.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to fully endorse the concept of a
CTE high school and encourage the Board of Education and the Cape Fear Community College to move forward with
the project. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Dawson expressed appreciation to New Hanover County Schools and Cape Fear Community
College for their leadership in developing the concept of workforce training for students that will have a huge impact
on economic development opportunities for the community.
PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher presented the second quarter update of the financial status of the
County with the results through December 31, 2015.
General Fund – Revenues
Budget Actual YTD Collected
Ad Valorem Taxes $166,428,721 $118,782,104 71.37%
Sales Taxes 62,267,210 15,388,969 24.71%
Other Taxes 3,316,479 2,016,505 60.80%
Charges for Service 10,620,822 4,557,356 42.91%
Intergovernmental Revenue 42,338,168 17,956,623 42.41%
Other Revenues 2,683,515 697,865 26.01%
Appropriated Fund Balance 10,728,223 __________ 0.00%
Total Revenues $298,383,138 $159,399,422 53.42%
General Fund – Cumulative Ad Valorem Tax
Budget Expected Actual
Through December $166,428,721 $116,500,105 $118,884,692
Through January 166,428,721 155,610,854 154,925,386
General Fund – Cumulative Sales Tax Revenue
Expected 7% Growth Rate Actual
October $5,652,496 $ 5,688,456
November 11,192,963 10,252,227
December 15,659,023 15,388,969
January 20,769,268 19,855,632
Total Collected $62,267,210 $57,992,719
General Fund – Expenditures
Budget Actual YTD Spent
General Government $37,107,173 $15,700,888 42.31%
Human Services 59,985,694 25,192,206 42.00%
Public Safety 56,023,484 26,472,775 47.25%
Economic and Physical Development 2,658,354 789,360 29.69%
Culture and Recreation 12,935,153 5,557,109 42.96%
Education - Community College 10,376,430 5,188,215 50.00%
Debt Service 16,940,063 12,959,401 76.50%
Transfers Out:
Education - Public Schools 93,498,424 43,647,479 46.68%
Other 8,858,363 7,532,678 85.03%
Total Expenditures $298,383,138 $143,040,111 47.94%
General Fund – Historical Trends for the Second Quarter:
FY14 FY15 FY16
Revenues $150.5 million $159.5 million $159.4 million
Expenditures $132.8 million $141.8 million $143.0 million
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 471
Fire Services
Budget Actual YTD Collected
Revenues:
Ad Valorem Taxes $7,963,946 $5,983,096 75.1%
Sales Taxes 2,892,454 705,368 24.4%
Intergovernmental Revenue 22,156 100.0%
Charges for Services 111,474 59,299 53.2%
Other 9,500 156,582 1648.2%
Long Term Debt Issued 1,265,000 0.0%
Appropriated Fund Balance 1,601,604 _________ 0.0%
Total Revenues $13,843,978 $6,926,501 50.0%
Budget Actual YTD Spent
Expenditures:
Salaries and Benefits $8,673,930 $3,978,098 45.9%
Operating Expenditures 3,021,472 2,078,648 68.8%
Debt Service 590,301 436,139 73.9%
Capital Expenditures 838,275 683,222 81.5%
Transfers:
To Capital Project 720,000 720,000 100.0%
Total Expenditures $13,843,978 $7,896,107 57.0%
Environmental Management
Budget Actual YTD Collected
Revenues:
Charges for Service $12,047,500 $5,518,769 45.8%
Intergovernmental Revenue 407,000 114,710 28.2%
Other 407,000 146,598 36.0%
Transfers In 1,408,869 100.0%
Appropriated Fund Balance 1,022,967 ________ 0.0%
Total Revenues $13,884,467 $7,188,947 51.8%
Budget Actual YTD Spent
Expenditures:
Salaries and Benefits $1,910,524 $898,231 47.0%
Operating Expenditures 5,644,823 2,431,390 43.1%
Debt Service 513,407 301,899 58.8%
Capital Expenditures 1,244,744 870,015 69.9%
Transfers:
To Capital Reserve Fund 250,000 250,000 100.0%
To Env Mgt Post Closure 1,158,869 1,158,869 100.0%
To Capital Projects 3,162,100 3,162,100 100.0%
Total Expenditures $13,884,467 $9,072,504 65.3%
Debt Service
Budget Actual YTD Collected
Revenues:
Ad Valorem Taxes $5,946,921 $4,665,573 78.5%
Intergovernmental Revenue 1,970,315 852,423 43.3%
Investment Earnings 435 100.0%
Transfer In from General Fund 6,486,678 6,486,678 100.0%
Total Revenues $14,403,914 $12,005,108 83.3%
Budget Actual YTD Spent
Expenditures:
Debt Service $14,403,914 $7,165,955 49.8%
Total Expenditures $14,403,914 $7,165,955 49.8%
In discussion of the budgeted amount of sales tax revenues, County Manager Coudriet explained that the
Board had requested a more aggressive increase in expected revenues of 7%. Currently sales tax is trending
approximately at a 5% growth rate, which may increase with the next sales tax report. In addition, Chief Strategy and
Budget Officer Beth Schrader noted that sales tax reimbursements for non-profit organizations may increase and could
cause a reduction in the County’s sales tax revenues.
Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the report.
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVE
AGREEMENT
Chairman Dawson opened a public hearing to receive comments on appropriations and expenditures for
economic development and economic incentive agreements. The source of funding for the agreements will be from
the General Fund of the County and a NC grant related to the Innovation Council and Cross-City Convening. The
purposes of economic development and economic incentive agreements are to increase the population, taxable
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 472
property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects for New Hanover County. The
economic development payments being discussed would support InnovateNC economic related activities. Chairman
Dawson opened the floor to receive comments.
Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader reported that the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State
University, the Governor’s Commerce Department and nine other public, private and nonprofit entities have partnered
to launch InnovateNC, a new initiative to support the development of five new regional innovation centers in North
Carolina. Wilmington was one of the five communities selected through a competitive grant process. In each of the
InnovateNC community, a local Innovation Council is engaging in an intensive two-year process of assessment,
visioning, and collaborative learning to help the community coalesce behind specific local development efforts. The
Wilmington Innovation Council focus will be on supporting a marine and life sciences innovation center to enhance
innovation-related economic development and to advance critical new knowledge related to that goal.
Two economic development payments to support InnovateNC economic related activities are:
To expend $7,500 to the City of Wilmington to pay one-half of the InnovateNC application fee. The
source of funding will be from the General Fund of the County from the adopted FY15-16 Budget.
To appropriate and expend InnovateNC grant funding in the amount of up to $10,000 to support activities
related to the Innovation Council and Cross-City Convening to be held April 11-12, 2016.
Hearing no other comments, Chairman Dawson closed the public hearing and requested direction from the
Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to approve the economic
development appropriations and expenditures based on the finding that the appropriations and expenditures will
increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects
of the County and to adopt Budget Amendment 16-063 for the grant award. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the budget ordinance amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XL, Page 4.5.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
New Hanover County Inspections Department Advisory Council
Chairman Dawson reported that a vacancy exists on the Inspections Department Advisory Council with one
application available for appointment and she requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, to appoint Sean Lewis to serve
an unexpired term on the Inspections Department Advisory Council in the Residential Builder category with the term
to expire July 31, 2016. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
New Hanover County Special Board of Equalization and Review
Chairman Dawson reported that twelve applications were available for appointment to the 2016 Special
Board of Equalization and Review with six applicants eligible for reappointment and six new applications available
for consideration.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to reappoint Charles E. Davis, Jr.,
Campbell Dodd, Robert Glasgow, Hector Ingram, and Nancy Pritchett as regular members and appoint James G.
Brumit and Paul W. Magnabosco as alternate members on the 2016 Special Board of Equalization and Review; and
to appoint Robert Glasgow as chairman of the Special Board of Equalization and Review for the ensuing year. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission
Chairman Dawson reported that a vacancy exists on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission with one
applicant available for consideration and requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, to appoint Nicholas Silivanch
to serve a three-year term on the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission with the term to expire on February 28,
2019. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Dawson reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items.
ADDITIONAL ITEM
Chairman Dawson congratulated Kymberleigh Crowell in receiving the North Carolina Certified County
Clerk Certification from the School of Government and expressed appreciation for Ms. Crowell’s
commitment and service to the Commissioners and New Hanover County.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 PAGE 473
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 11:51 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.