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2016-03-21 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 481 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 21, 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Shawn Burch, The Pentecostals of Wilmington, provided the invocation and Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr. 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. Motion: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, 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 held on March 7, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. Adoption of a Resolution to Donate Sculpture to Cameron Art Museum – County Library The Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring the sculpture at the Carolina Courtyard as surplus and approving the donation to Cameron Art Museum. A state grant, private contribution, and the General Fund for a total cost of $13,000 paid for the sculpture, constructed by a local artist in 1994. Carolina Courtyard is being redesigned as a Story Park with an outdoor story and exploration space encouraging physical activity and stimulating literacy through interactive play for children. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statues 153A-176 and 160A-280, the County may donate to another governmental unit within the United States, a sister city, or a nonprofit organization incorporated by (i) the United States, (ii) the District of Columbia, or (iii) one of the United States, any personal property, including supplies, materials, and equipment, that the governing board deems to be surplus, obsolete, or unused. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 6.1. Adoption of Budget Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30, 2016: Department of Social Services: 16-064, 16-065, 16-066 Property Management Department: 16-067 Finance Department: 16-068 Sheriff's Office: 16-069, 16-070 Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 6.2. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS RECOGNITION OF TWO COUNTY EMPLOYEES OF THE SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER RECEIVING THE 2015 PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDSFROMTHE CAPE FEAR COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (COG) AREA AGENCY ON AGING Senior Resource Director Amber Smith and Jane Jones, Director of the Area Agency on Aging with the Cape Fear Council of Governments, recognized Greg Kennedy and Ellen Connor of the Senior Resource Center (SRC) in receiving the Professional Excellence in Aging Awards at the Council’s 44th Anniversary Meeting and Awards Banquet on February 23, 2016. Greg Kennedy, Program Manager with the SRC, facilitates the center’s wide range of programs and activities and provides oversight of 50 plus instructors and group leaders. His work has been instrumental in the SRC maintaining the Division of Aging and Adult Service status of “Senior Center of Excellence.” He has more than 30 years of public service experience with 20 years at the SRC. Ellen Connor, Nutrition Program Manager at the SRC, oversees the daily delivery of more than 300 home delivered meals (HDM) to the County’s homebound seniors and more than 60 congregate meals at the center. In addition, she oversees the recruitment and training of over 130 HDM volunteers that are a critical part of serving some of the most frail homebound population and provides nutritious programs and counseling. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 482 The Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Conner for their outstanding service. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO EMPLOYEES AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized Richard Houser, Parks and Gardens Department, retiring with 7 years of service. Chairman Dawson presented a retirement award to Mr. Houser and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked him for his years of dedicated service. County Manager Chris Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Fifteen Year: Anthony Amos, Property Management Department Chiquita Gooding-Register, Department of Social Services Jeffrey Suggs, Health Department Twenty–Five Year: Tina Lovingood, Property Management Department Thirty Year: Kenda Rodenberg, Department of Social Services 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: Rachael Beese, Environmental Management Department Pamela Campbell-Dereef, Sheriff’s Office Janice Cannon, Department of Social Services Wesley Hawley, Sheriff’s Office Jason Hess, Sheriff’s Office James Knighton, Tax Department Antonio Lewis, Sheriff’s Office Jessica Loeper, Communications and Outreach Department Debbie Reed, Health Department Tyrese Respus, Health Department James Spivey, Sheriff’s Office Stacy Yorfino, Health Department On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. RECOGNITION OF DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2015 County Manager Coudriet recognized and congratulated the Strategy and Budget Department for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 25th consecutive year from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Chairman Dawson, on behalf of the Board, thanked Strategy and Budget Director Beth Schrader and staff for their continued excellence and presented the award. Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Schrader expressed homage to Retired Budget Director Cam Griffin in recognition of her 30 years of superb achievement of the budget process and expressed appreciation to members of her staff for their support and dedication to the County. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING County Manager Coudriet reported that the County was presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for the FY 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the thirty-fifth consecutive year that the County has achieved this prestigious award. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson presented the certificate to Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher and congratulated her in the achievement. Ms. Wurtzbacher thanked Deputy Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Maready and staff of the Finance Department for their dedication and hard work that goes into the financial report. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S (NCDOT) ACQUISITION OF A PORTION OF OGDEN PARK FOR THE MILITARY CUTOFF ROAD EXTENSION, APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #16-071 FOR DONATIONS FOR SKATEPARK AND APPROVAL TO DESIGNATE FUNDS FROM THE SALE OF PROPERTY TO FUND PHASE 2 OF THE SKATEPARK AND WALKING TRAIL AT OGDEN PARK Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth reported that NCDOT intends to acquire 10.180 acres of undeveloped parkland at Ogden Park, located between the soccer and baseball facilities and near the Duke Energy utility easement for the construction of the Military Cutoff Road Extension. This acquisition will not alter park use but will split the parcel into two separate pieces, leaving 65.343 acres to the left of the taking and 62.968 acres to the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 483 right of the taking. In addition, NCDOT intends to acquire 0.44 acre for permanent utility easements located at three different areas adjacent to the proposed right of way. The two sides of the park will be linked via Ogden Park Drive with the proposed Military Cutoff Road Extension spanning 20-25 feet above Ogden Park Drive. NCDOT has offered to purchase properties for $502,580. It is the opinion of Tax Administrator Roger Kelley that the agreed upon sales price is fair and reasonable. Staff is requesting approval to sell the property to NCDOT for $502,580 and to budget the proceeds from the sale to fund Phase 2 of the Ogden skatepark and to complete a walking trail at Ogden Park. In addition, Budget Amendment #16-071 will include contributions of $60,783 from the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County to complete Phase 1 of the Ogden Skatepark. In response to questions concerning funding for the skatepark, Director Duckworth explained that $265,000 of the $455,000 capital improvement project (CIP) was budgeted in FY 2014 for the design plan. The skatepark was included in the existing 2006 Master Parks Plan under proposals and recommendations and included in the June 2016 updated master plan. County Manager Coudriet added that he asked staff to plan for any anticipated funding from the sale to be reinvested at Ogden Park. Chairman Dawson commented that she believed the funds from the sale of County property should be held in the general fund balance until such time as recommendations from the 2016 Master Parks Plan are known in case there are higher priorities at other County parks. She suggested to have separate motions and votes on the three requests for approval and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt a resolution authorizing the sale of 10.18 acres of land and 0.44 acre of permanent utility easements in Ogden Park to NCDOT at a cost of $502,580 for the Military Cutoff Road Extension. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion : Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to budget the proceeds from the sale of the Ogden Park property to complete the existing CIP for the skatepark phase II and establish a new capital project for a walking trail in Ogden Park. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Chairman Dawson voted in opposition. Motion : Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to accept and budget a contribution from the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County fundraising efforts of $60,783 to finish phase I of the Ogden skatepark and to approve Budget Amendment #16-0701. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Copies of the resolution and budget amendment are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 6.3. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO LANIER PARKING FOR PARKING SERVICES AT THE COUNTY PARKING DECK AND 320 CHESTNUT STREET SURFACE LOT Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher reported that the contract for parking management services at the the County parking deck on Second Street, between Chestnut and Grace Streets, and the surface lot at 320 Chestnut Street expires June 30, 2016 and a new contract is needed. An evaluation committee reviewed the bids, met with the vendors and selected for recommendation the fully automated services contract with Lanier Parking based on the following factors:  Vendor currently provides parking services for the County’s parking deck and is knowledgeable with the downtown parking environment as they also serve as the City of Wilmington’s parking service vendor.  Vendor’s services proposes more staffing as compared to the competitor’s proposal and important in addressing security concerns.  An additional $37,721 for equipment is needed if the vendor were changed, which makes Lanier more comparable to the other vendors. In discussion, Ms. Wurtzbacher explained that customers can use debit cards or cash and a twenty-four hour call-button service is available in case of difficulties with equipment. Services at the surface lot at 320 Chestnut Street mostly include enforcement of the reserved parking spaces, maintenance and cleaning of the lot. Visitor and handicapped parking spaces would still be available for citizens visiting offices at 320 Chestnut Street. Staff will continue to work with Lanier to make sure certain standards are in place for jurors and special downtown events. If problems occur with the non-cashier method, staff will renegotiate with Lanier and convert some of the maintenance or enforcement hours to a cashier. Motion : Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt a resolution awarding a contract to Lanier Parking for non-cashier parking services at the County parking deck on Second Street and the 320 Chestnut Street surface lot. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 6.4 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 484 PRESENTATION OF U.S. HIGHWAY 421 CORRIDOR UTILITIES PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT (PER) Tony Boahn, Vice-President of McKim and Creed, reported that the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for extending water and sewer services along U.S. Highway 421 corridor has been completed and presented recommendations from the PER highlighting the following:  Discussion Points:  General Scope and Project Basis  Preferred Alternatives - Wastewater  Preferred Alternatives - Water  Summary of Costs and Anticipated Schedule  Demand Projections Developable Acreage Gallons Per Day (GPD): Zone Developable Land Most Likely Optimistic 1 384 acres 305,000 450,000 2 420 acres 310,000 496,000 3 67 acres 15,000 18,000 4 98 acres 25,000 30,000 5 13 acres 5,000 6,000 Totals 982 acres 660,000 1,000,000  Phase I = 330,000 GPD:  50% of Most Likely Projection  Least Costly Initial Project  Flexibility for Phase II  Recommended Phase 1 Alternative for the Force Man and Pump Stations (PS):  330,000 GPD Capacity  7500 LF 4” Force Main  29,000 LF 8” Force Main  Three Pump Stations  $9.7 Million Total Project Cost  Recommended Collection System Force Main Header:  6,000 LF 6” FM Header  1,000 LF 4” FM Header  1,200 LF 8” Gravity Sewer  $2.4 Million Total Project Cost ($7.5 million approach 2 gravity SS)  Pro/Cons:  Sized for Phase 1 Projections  Individual Pump Connections  Flexibility with Respect to Alignment, Cost  Economical to Expand for Phase II  Recommended Wastewater Alternatives Cost Summary:  Wastewater Force Main and Pump Station System = $9.7 million  Force Main Header Collection System = $2.4 million  Total Wastewater Opinion of Project Cost = $12.1 million  Cost Reduction A:  Eliminate PS 3 Manifold  PS3 = 30,000 GPD  Can be added at future date  Reduces total cost of $1.2 million  Cost Reduction B:  Eliminate PS1 and PS3  PS1 = 35,000 GPD  PS3 = 30,000 GPD  Can be added at future date  Reduces total cost of $3.5 million (80-85% coverage)  Recommended Water System Infrastructure Alternative:  1,500 GPM Fire Flow Demand  Requires Second Connection to US 421 (primarily required to meet fire flow)  $8.1 Million Total Project Cost ($4.1 million attributable to fire protection)  Total Project Cost Summary:  Recommended Wastewater Alternatives Cost Summary  Wastewater Force Main and Pump Station System = $9.7 million  Force Main Header Collection System = $2.4 million  Sub-Total Wastewater Opinion of Project Cost = $12.1 million  Water System Improvements = $8.1 million:  Total Opinion of Probable Project Cost = $20.2 million ($4.1 million directly attributable to fire protection)  Cost Reduction A (Eliminate PS3) = $19.1 million  Cost Reduction Option B (Eliminate PS1 and PS3) = $16.7 million NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 485  Anticipated Project Schedules – Recommended Alternatives:  Design 8 Months  Permit Review and Approval 5 Months  Advertise for Bids 1 Month  Open Bids/Start Construction 2 Months  Complete Construction (Substantial) 20 Months  Total Estimated Project Timeline 36 Months  Challenges Considerations:  Environmental (CAMA)  Wetlands Mitigation  Easement and Property Acquisitions for Pipe Lines and Pump Stations  Next Steps:  Presentation to NHC Executive Leadership Team = February 17, 2016  Presentation to CFPUA Long Range Planning = February 25, 2016  Presentation to CFPUA Board of Directors = March 9, 2016  Presentation to NHC Board of Commissioners = March 21, 2016 In discussion of the report, Mr. Boahn confirmed the following additional points:  Providing fire flow for industrial development will be critical in recruiting new industries.  Installing additional pipeline underneath the Cape Fear River at the early stage of the demand in tandem with other construction on US Highway 421 will be essential.  To add back to the alternate plan, it would take eight months to a year to build or add to the project as long as permits were in place. County Manager Coudriet congratulated the Commissioners on their leadership in moving forward in providing water and sewer for the industrial corridor along U.S. Highway 421. As the project would take 36 months from the time of approval until the lines are charged and operating, he requested to bring a proposal to the Board within the next 30 days for consideration. Once the project is approved, the economic development partners would begin working with the business community and recruiting for the water and sewer capacity that should be available along the corridor in July 2019. The Board will be asked to commit to the project and direct staff to move forward in negotiating an interlocal agreement with the CFPUA and other partners. With the passage of the recent ConnectNC bond, it is reported that CFPUA may be eligible to receive grants and low-interest loans of $16 million. Commissioner Zapple congratulated and commended the Commissioners, staff, and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority for taking on the 20-year effort for the project that will have a huge economic benefit for the community. Vice-Chairman Barfield commented that it is important that the business community is aware of the County’s plans and requested the Communication Outreach staff send a news release on the increase business and employment opportunities that will be available once the land is prepared for future development. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Boahn for the report and commended everyone for working together with the community partners in making the plan for the water and sewer project come into fruition. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Dawson reported that up to three vacancies exist on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with one applicant eligible for reappointment and one new application available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to reappoint Helen Hepbron to serve a three-year term on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the term expiring on March 31, 2019 and appoint Deidre L. Dunn to serve an initial term of one year on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the term expiring on March 31, 2017. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Dawson reported that up to four vacancies exist on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with three applicants eligible for reappointment and three new applications received and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to reappoint Dennis Bowes, Susan Bowes, and Dorothy L. Grime to serve three-year terms on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the term expiring on March 31, 2019 and to appoint Denice Shackelford to serve an initial term of one year on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the term expiring on March 31, 2017. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 21, 2016 PAGE 486 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Dawson reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 10:28 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.