2016-04-18 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 510
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 18, 2016, at
9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North
Carolina.
Members present: Chairman 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
Abdul Rahman Shareef, Imam, Tauheed Islamic Center, provided the invocation and Commissioner 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.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the following minutes:
Special Meeting held on March 23, 2016
Budget Work Session on March 31, 2016
Agenda Review Meeting held on March 31, 2016
Regular Meeting held on April 04, 2016
®
Adoption of Proclamation Designating April 27, 2016 as Speech and Language Day for the Ritecare Clinics of
the Scottish Rite Masons for the Valley of Wilmington, North Carolina - Governing Body
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating Wednesday, April 27, 2016 as Speech and Language
®
Day for the Ritecare Clinics of the Scottish Rite Masons for the Valley of Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman
Dawson is scheduled to present the proclamation at the annual fish fry fundraiser in support of the RiteCare clinics.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 8.1.
Acceptance for the Record the Settlement of Miesha Patterson Redding and Jasmine Frye – Sheriff Office
The Commissioners accepted for public record the settlement of the Redding and Frye v. New Hanover
County Sheriff and City of Wilmington lawsuit with a payment of $5,000 to each of the plaintiffs by the insurance
company. A lawsuit was filed against the Sheriff and City of Wilmington Police after the search of a residence and
its occupants pursuant to a WPD search warrant with an incorrect address.
Adoption of a Resolution to Award the County's Banking and Merchant Services Contract to BB&T – Finance
Department
The Commissioners adopted a resolution awarding a banking and merchant services contract to BB&T
effective July 1, 2016. BB&T has provided banking and merchant services for the County since July 2011 and meets
the legal qualifications and possesses sufficient financial strength and capacity to render the banking services needed.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 8.2.
Approval of February 2016 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County and New Hanover County
Fire District as of February 2016.
Copies of the Tax Collection Reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in
Exhibit Book XL, Page 8.3.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2016:
Health Department 16-072, 16-078
Department of Social Services 16-073, 16-076
Museum 16-075
Fire Services 16-077
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 511
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained
in Exhibit Book XL, Page 8.4.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
RECOGNITION OF UNCW CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS' STUDENT ATHLETES
Vice-Chairman Barfield recognized and congratulated the three UNCW Seahawk teams on their 2015-2016
championship seasons. The following team members were in attendance:
Volleyball: Head Coach Amy Bambenek, Assistant Coach David Fischer and Player Kristen Powell
Women’s Soccer: Head Coach Paul Cairney, Assistant Coach Megan Novak, and Players Liisa Rahkola,
Moa Jarl, Savannah Andrews, and Blair Pearce
Men’s Basketball: Head Coach Kevin Keatts, Director of Operations Kevin Easley, and Players Marcus
Bryan, Denzel Ingram, and Chris Flemmings
Coach Cairney, Coach Bambenek, and Coach Keatts thanked the Board for honoring the teams and expressed
appreciation for the community support of the UNCW teams.
Vice-Chairman Barfield thanked the coaches and athletes for attending the meeting, congratulated the teams
on their winning season and wished all of UNCW’s spring teams much success in the months ahead.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO EMPLOYEES AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW
EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Bailey Fex-Overton, Sheriff’s Office
Matthew Whitt, Sheriff’s Office
Ten Year: Ellen Willis, Community Justice Service
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:
Angela Bardwell, Emergency Management/911
Jennifer Bloomer, Emergency Management/911
Melinda (Mindy) Carlson, Department of Social Services
Zachary Chaney, Emergency Management/911
Adele Doty, Property Management Department
Karen, Hurley, Strategy and Budget Department
Holly Jesih, Emergency Management/911
Christopher Kershaw, Emergency Management/911
Summer O'Key, Emergency Management/911
Daniel Price, Community Justice Services
Heather Rodenberg, Emergency Management/911
Maureen Weinman, Public Library
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson welcomed the employees to County Government and wished
them success in their new positions.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH
Chairman Dawson reported that each year the National Association of Counties designates the month of April
as National County Government Month. The theme for this year's celebration is "Safe and Secure Counties."
Chairman Dawson read the proclamation into the record and requested direction from the Board.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the proclamation
declaring the month of April as National County Government Month. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 8.5.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
Chairman Dawson reported that the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) has
requested adoption of a proclamation recognizing May 1-7, 2016 as Travel and Tourism Week. Vice-Chairman
Barfield read the proclamation into the record and moved for adoption.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to adopt the proclamation declaring
rd
the week of May 1-7, 2016 as the 33 Annual National Travel and Tourism Week in New Hanover County. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 512
On behalf of the Tourism Development Authority, Kim Hufham, CEO and Connie Nelson,
Communications/Public Relations Director, Wilmington Beaches and CVB, accepted the proclamation, expressed
appreciation for the County’s support of the tourism industry, and invited the Commissioners to the Travel Rally
Breakfast on May 2, 2016 to learn more about tourism and its benefits to the County.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 8.6.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 28 - MAY 1, 2016 AS "STAND AGAINST
RACISM DAYS" IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Chairman Dawson reported that the Commissioners have been asked to support efforts of the YWCA to
eliminate racism during its Annual "Stand Against Racism Days" April 28 - May 1, 2016. Commissioner Watkins
read the proclamation into the record and moved for adoption.
Motion:
Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, to adopt the proclamation
recognizing the week of April 28 - May 1, 2016 as “Stand Against Racism Days.” Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Evelyn A. Bryant, YWCA board member, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the YWCA, invited
everyone to attend the scheduled events, and encouraged all citizens to join them in their efforts of working to eliminate
racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, helping families and strengthening the community.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 8.7.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELE-
COMMUNICATORS WEEK
Chairman Dawson reported that the Emergency Management/911 Department has requested a proclamation
for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the County’s 911 Telecommunicators.
Commissioner Zapple read the proclamation into the record.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt the proclamation
recognizing the week of April 10-16, 2016 as National Telecommunicators Week in New Hanover County. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Warren Lee, Director of the Emergency Management/911 Department, expressed appreciation for the 74
individuals who are the first and most critical contact citizens have with emergency medical services, law enforcement
and fire services. Each telecommunicator has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the
performance of their job in the past year.
County Manager Coudriet presented the Mary Antley Telecommunicator of the Year Award to Leslie
Hennessee in recognition of her passion, dedicated efforts and willingness to work as a team player in performing her
duties.
Ms. Hennessee accepted the award and expressed appreciation for the recognition.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 8.8.
NEW HANOVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL UPDATE
Dru Harrison, Director of the New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District, presented the annual report
highlighting the following:
:
SupervisorsWilliam J. "Bill" Hart, Chairman (Elected), William "Bill" Murray, Jr., Vice Chairman
(Appointed), Sue Hayes, Treasurer/Secretary (Appointed), Frank Meares, Member (Elected), Andy
Mills, Member (Appointed), Steve Skavroneck (Associate), and Dana Lutheran (Associate)
:
Staff membersDru Harrison, Director and Community Conservationist, and Elissa Riley, Education
Coordinator
How Districts Work:
General Statutes 139.1-139.357 (not a non-profit organization)
Created by a majority vote of the New Hanover County citizens to implement voluntary, incentive-
based conservation practices on private and public lands
Operate on multiple levels of fiscal and physical support:
Operated as a County department for a full year
Mission:
To protect and enhance water quality throughout New Hanover County through stormwater
management, land conservation, technical support to citizens and organizations, and conservation
education and outreach activities.
Services:
Education and Outreach for K-12 grades
Cost Share Programs
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 513
Technical Assistance
Land Acquisition and Management
Community Education and Outreach:
School Programs
Outdoor Environmental Learning Centers
Community Events
Monthly Rain Barrel Sales
Summer Camps
Pet Waste Education
State, Regional and Local Committees
Cost Share Programs:
Community Conservation Assistance Grant Program (CCAP)
Agriculture Cost Share Grant Program
Heal Our Waterways Grant Program
CCAP Best Management Practices (BMP):
Rain Gardens, Wetlands, Pet Waste Receptacles, Marsh Sill, Vegetative Cover, Impervious Surface
Removal, Cisterns, Bio-retention Areas
State/City funding of $33,000
Upcoming Events for Commissioners:
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May 14 Best Management Practices on Water Quality Issues at Airlie Gardens
th
May 25 Installation of Outdoor Environmental Learning Center at College Road Early Childhood
Center
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May 26 Celebration of Achievement of Grade 3-9 Contest Winners at the County Government
Center
2016-2017 Goals:
Add an additional Outdoor Learning Center to continue with the major initiative of creating and
maintaining outdoor classrooms at all County public schools.
Install two-five additional BMPs to improve local water quality.
Find funding to support cost share programs.
Director Harrison expressed appreciation for the County’s support of the programs.
Chairman Dawson thanked Director Harrison for the good report and thanked the district members for the
work they do in the community.
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR 2016 PORT SECURITY GRANT (PSGP) TO
HOMELAND SECURITY FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Chief Kenneth Sarvis of the Sheriff’s Office requested approval to apply for a Homeland Security, Port
Security Grant, in the amount of $122,212, to purchase dive equipment, truck, trailer and dive training. A match of
25% or $25,000 may be required unless a waiver is given. The match funds would come from the Sheriff’s Office
general operating budget and would be used to purchase ten diving suits.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, to approve the grant application
to Homeland Security for the purchase of dive equipment, truck, trailer, and dive training in the amount of $122,212.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WILMINGTON/NEW
HANOVER COUNTY AD HOC COMMITTEE ON IMPROVING WORKFORCE/AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader reported that Wilmington City Council adopted a resolution
in support of establishing a joint city/county ad hoc committee to study and make recommendations on improving
workforce/affordable housing in the region. The proposed committee, to be appointed by City Council and
Commissioners, would provide regular updates to the Board and conclude with a report on recommendations in a six-
month timeframe. Members would be citizens from the following areas of expertise: banking, real estate, private
development, workforce housing, community non-profits, at-large residents and a representative of the Cape Fear
Housing Coalition.
County staff, in reviewing the City’s resolution, requested additional clarification in regards to the type and
level of staff support that would be needed and recommended a maximum budget contribution of up to $20,000 from
each entity for any work/research needed. Since adoption, the City has requested an increase in the membership to
fourteen, seven from each governing body.
Commissioner White suggested that it may be more practical for the committee to request funds for any
expenditure so that the Board could potentially debate the need for a certain study and the amount of the expenditure.
He asked staff whether the committee would consider a recommendation to enter the affordable housing market via
low interest loans and subsidies by local governments. Ms. Schrader responded that the intent of the committee is to
study the workforce/affordable housing efforts from across the state and country to determine best practices and
provide a recommendation that the governing bodies could consider. The group would analyze the data and provide
recommendations, but the Board would be under no obligation to accept any recommendation from the ad hoc
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 514
committee. Budgetary resources would be used to cover the cost of collecting information, assessing current
conditions and evaluating recommendations.
In discussion of the function and membership of the committee, Commissioner Zapple requested that a
member from the homebuilder community be added and he agreed that the Board should authorize any expenditures
for the group. Vice-Chairman Barfield stated that as a Realtor and a former chairman of the Affordable Housing
Coalition, he was aware of the need of affordable housing for residents wanting to buy homes. Many county residents
are moving to surrounding counties because of increasing prices of homes. To improve economic development of the
community and to encourage industries to move into the area, affordable housing for the workforce is needed. He
urged the Board to be an equal partner with the City in addressing workforce housing and authorize the County
Manager to provide funding resources for the ad hoc committee.
County Manager Coudriet explained that some of the cost may be for research of a model policy and
conducting surveys within the development community, but not necessarily for a study. The funding of not to exceed
$20,000 would be to facilitate the work for up to six months. Ms. Schrader noted that the committee may need more
time to prepare the report if delays occur from waiting for funding approval.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt a resolution in support
of establishing a joint ad hoc committee with the City of Wilmington on improving workforce/affordable housing,
authorize the County Manager to designate staff resources and to amend the resolution by adding a representative of
the homebuilders community to the membership and requiring the ad hoc committee to present any request for
expenditures to the Board for approval. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Vice-Chairman Barfield voted
in opposition.
.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 8.9.
PUBLIC HEARING ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE,
APPROVAL OF CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE, AND AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN OF WATER AND SEWER
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE U. S. HIGHWAY 421 CORRIDOR
Chairman Dawson opened the 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
loan proceeds. In the event that the project is not constructed after the design, permitting, right-of-way acquisitions,
or a loan is not entered into, the source of funding will be the General Fund. The purposes of economic development
and economic incentive agreements are to increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries,
employment, industrial output, or business prospects for New Hanover County. The appropriation and expenditures
requested are for the design, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition for project(s) to construct water and sewer
systems along U.S. Highway 421 in New Hanover County. The public is invited to comment on the following:
1. Design/permit of wastewater system $900,000
2. Design/permit of water system $600,000
3. ROW acquisition for wastewater system $500,000
4. ROW acquisition for water system $100,000
Total $2,100,000
Chairman Dawson reported that the Board would hear anyone wishing to speak on the economic development
expenditure.
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher reported that the Board heard the results of the McKim and Creed
engineering report at the March 23, 2016 meeting and the next step in the process is to begin the design phase. Staff
is requesting: 1.) approval of the capital project ordinance of $2.1 million to cover the design costs to be funded
through loan proceeds; and 2.) authorize County staff to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with Cape Fear
Public Utility Authority and any interested parties for the design of the infrastructure.
Scott Satterfield of Wilmington Business Development, Inc. reported on the 20-year effort of the business
community in promoting the necessity to get essential utilities along U.S. Highway 421 corridor in order to promote
economic growth of the region by bringing in new jobs and investments to the County. He requested the Board to
move forward in approving the water and sewer project so that the raw property could be developed.
Chairman Dawson closed the public hearing and called for any discussion by the Board.
In discussion of anticipated grant funding for the project, County Manager Coudriet responded that the
County would not issue any debt for construction until after the contract has been authorized by the Board, which
would allow adequate time to learn of the availability of grant funding. Chairman Dawson requested direction from
the Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner White, 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. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 18, 2016 PAGE 515
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, to adopt a capital project
ordinance and authorize appropriation and expenditures for the design, permitting and acquisition of rights-of-way for
project to construct water and sewer systems in New Hanover County along U.S. Highway 421. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield, to authorize staff to negotiate
and execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority and other interested parties for the
design, permitting and acquisition of rights-of-way for water and sewer infrastructure for the U.S. Highway 421
corridor. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the capital project ordinance is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XL, Page 8.10.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman Dawson reported that up to two vacancies exist on the Nursing Home Community Advisory
Committee with two applicants eligible for appointment and requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to appoint Edward V. Grace and
Donna Ringelstein to serve an initial one-year term on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with the
term expiring on April 30, 2017. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Southeastern Economic Development Commission
Chairman Dawson reported that two vacancies exist on the Southeastern Economic Development
Commission with one applicant eligible for reappointment and three applications available for consideration.
Motion
: Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to reappoint W. Randall Johnson, who
serves as the executive committee member, and appoint Chrystal C. Fray, as the minority representative, to serve four-
year terms on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with the terms expiring on April 30, 2020. 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 ITEMS
County Manager Coudriet said that the Board may want to consider changing the meeting time of the
May 2, 2016 meeting because of having eight planning items on the agenda. The Board agreed that the
Clerk will get a consensus from the Commissioners once information is received from the chairman of
the Planning Board and Planning Director on the amount of time needed to hear the requests.
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that the City and County held a basketball tournament to raise funds
for United Way and the City won the game. City and County employees raised $44,000 for the United
Way campaign.
Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that DSS Assistant Director Wanda Marino and Clifford Barnett,
pastor of Warner Temple AME Zion Church, will be honored recipients at the Razor Walker Awards
Ceremony and dinner function in the evening. He congratulated them for receiving the awards and
thanked them for their service to the community.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 10:50 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.