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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.