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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-16 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 546 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, May 16, 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 Pastor Jermaine Armour, St. Luke AME Zion Church, provided the invocation and Vice-Chairman Barfield 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 none, Chairman Dawson requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion: Commissioner Watkins 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 minutes of the Special Meeting of April 26, 2016 and Agenda Review Meeting of April 28, 2016. Approval to Change the Schedule of the Board of Commissioners Meetings in July – Governing Body The Commissioners approved changing the meeting schedule to one Regular Meeting in July to better accommodate the July 4th holiday and the NACo Annual Conference. Agenda Review will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting will be held on July 11, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Adoption of State Road Resolution – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted NCDOT State Road Resolution in support of adding the following roads to the state system: Bow Hunter Drive, Ravens Glass Court, Jolly Boat Court, Zest Court, Walking Horse Court, Torchwood Boulevard, Powder Keg Court, Courtney Pines Drive, White Road, and Rabbit Hollow Drive located within the Courtney Pines Subdivision in New Hanover County (Division File No. 1223-N). A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 10.1. Ratification of FY 2017/2018 Grant Application to US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance – Sheriff’s Office The Commissioners ratified a grant application to the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the purchase of bulletproof vest in the amount of $52,116. The application was due by May 15, 2016; however, the Sheriff's Office submitted the application pending approval. In FY 2017, the Sheriff's Office anticipates spending $71,235 for bulletproof vests and in FY 2018, $32,997. Reimbursement is expected to be up to 50% of the cost. Adoption of Bylaws Establishing the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee – County Manager’s Office The Commissioners approved the bylaws establishing the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee specifying the membership and purpose of the committee. A copy of the bylaws is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 10.2. Adoption of Resolutions Authorizing the Financing of Installment Purchases with South State Bank for the Acquisition of a Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumper and Purchase of 1.5 Acre Parcel at 7375 Market Street – Fire Services and Finance Department The Commissioners adopted resolutions authorizing the financing of installment purchase contracts with South State Bank for the acquisitions, execution and delivery of a Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumper and the purchase of 1.5 acre parcel at 7375 Market Street. Copies of the resolutions are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 10.3. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 547 Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education General Fund Budget Amendments #6 and #7 – Strategy and Budget Department The Commissioners approved the following Board of Education’s budget amendments:  General Fund Budget Amendment #6: Reduced the budget for tutors funded by the WBS Foundation due to refunded vacancy savings (salary lag) of $6,350; recorded budget for $1,623 of revenue received from the state for environmental clean-up at Roland-Grise Middle School; recorded $1,550 of Arts Department reimbursement for boosters for school clinicians used in July 2015; and recorded miscellaneous transfers including funding needed for payment of one-time bonus from salary reserve.  In the Capital Outlay Fund: Transferred $148,610 from the completed Sunset Park School Roof, Codington Elementary HVAC and Eaton Elementary HVAC bond projects to bond contingency line; corrected bond carryover by $350; established the $455,577 budget for DPI bus lease of five busses; closed-out the completed Wrightsboro Elementary Floors Lottery Fund project with savings of $5,410, and recorded budgets for the approved lottery projects on Sidbury Road (school and roadway improvements) totaling $1,526,569.  General Fund Budget Amendment #7: Budgeted $400,000 of Appropriated Fund Balance in the General Fund for June 2015 utilities paid July 2015 but not accrued; recorded the budget for technology advertising revenue from The Education App, LLC for technology projects in the amount of $22,280; budgeted a transfer to Charter School allocation of $400,000 due to increased enrollment; and included miscellaneous budget transfers. Copies of the budget amendments are available for review in the Strategy and Budget Department. 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 16-081 Public Library 16-082 Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 10.4. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO EMPLOYEES AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving retirement awards: Jean Wall, Senior Resource Center, retiring with 29 years of service Kellie Daughtry, Finance Department, retiring with 30 years of service Chairman Dawson presented a retirement award to each person and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked both for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Year: Spencer Colby, Sheriff’s Office Brett Cottrell, Communication and Outreach/NHCTV Ten Year: Lena Butler, Finance Department Kelley Davis Finance Department Particia Jenski, Department of Social Services James "Andy" Johnson, Parks and Gardens Department Stacy Tolley, Parks and Gardens Department Fifteen Year: Brenda Hegarty, Department of Social Services Lisa James, Legal Department Twenty Year: Asami Martin, Department of Social Services Michele Williams, Department of Social Services Thirty Year: Kellie Daughtry, Finance Department Delisa Derseraux, Sheriff’s Office 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: Shanell Armstrong, Department of Social Services Ami D'Ambrosio, Sheriff’s Office Janal Early, Department of Social Services Randy Fisher, Planning and Inspections Department Amber Fredrick, Health Department NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 548 Kristen Goodwin, Health Department Henry Gregory III, Community Justice Service Amy Hollar, Information Technology Department LaToya Powers, Community Justice Services Jordan Skinner, Environmental Management Department Jean (Cindy) Triplett, Community Justice Service Kathryn Winn, Community Justice Service On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE Airport Director Julie Wilsey presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the operations, maintenance, development and existing projects of the airport:  Revenue Enplanements and Deplanements:  769,809 Passengers - 2.4% Increase  47,917 Operations - 3.8% Increase  100 Based Aircraft  ILM’s One-Stop Connections:  American and Delta provide one-stop service to the world through their network:  390 destinations within a single stop from ILM each day:  211 unique stops  2 airlines to 5 hubs and 4 international gateways  1,300 seats per day  American Airlines provides majority of service:  3 LaGuardia (LGA) flights starting in June 2016  Seasonal DCA flight returns on May 7, 2016 (Weekends only with American Airlines)  Additional seats to hubs of Atlanta (ATL), Philadelphia (PHL) and Charlotte (CLT)  CLT and ATL are significant hubs for business and leisure travel  Service from ILM is convenient, hometown airport with southern hospitality  Customs Facility  Financial Highlights for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015:  Operating Revenue of $8,475,500 (4.5% increase over FY14):  83% of revenues generated within terminal building:  Parking Lot = 39%  Airlines = 25.5%  Terminal = 18.5%  General Aviation = 8.5%  Business Park = 5.8%  Other = 2.6%  Unqualified audit option on all reports:  Financial Statements  Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Compliance and Other Matters  Compliance on the Major Federal Program and the Passenger Facility Charge Program  Compliance on the Major State Program  Summary of Cash Inflows of $8 million:  Federal Grants = $5,920,000 – funding for infrastructure (34.6%)  State Grants = $291,500 (1.7%)  Passenger Facility Charges = $1,547,200 (9%)  Contract Facility Charges = $884,800 (5.2%)  Summary of Cash Outflows:  Capital Assets = $9,223,600 (59.8%)  Operating Expenses = $6,194,600 (40.2%)  Excluding depreciation and amortization  Debt Summary:  International Terminal (PFC) $1,182,890  Loan agreement runs through 12/1/2020  Rental Car Facility (CFC) 4,270,000  Loan agreement runs through 6/1/2029  Total Debt as of June 30, 2015 $5,452,890  Economic Impact to the State = $31 billion:  Statewide Employment in the Aircraft/Aerospace Industry = 123,000 jobs in aviation  Total ILM Economic Impact = $1.6 billion:  Employment Impact = 4,910 jobs  Payroll Impact = $83,440,000  Tax Impact = $11 million per year:  Business Sales Tax = $6,292,000 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 549  Local Property Tax = $4,425,000  Property Tax on 100 Based Aircraft = $616,100  2015 Facility Development Projects:  Airfield Pavements and Ramps = $13 million  Facility Renovations and Structural Improvements  Storm Water Infrastructure for Runway 24  Federal security requirement of 8 foot perimeter fencing instead of 6 foot  Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) System Upgrade – state of the art technology In conclusion, Director Wilsey stated that the ILM team will continue to enhance the airport to make sure it remains safe, secure and efficient and expressed appreciation for the County’s support of the airport. Chairman Dawson thanked Director Wilsey for the great report and thanked the Airport Authority members for their commitment to the community. PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADULT CARE HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL UPDATE Shirley Fowler, Chairman of the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee provided an update on the activities of the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. The County has 994 adult care home beds, ten family care home beds, and 201 special care beds that provide security for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The committee members visit the adult care home facilities quarterly to ensure that the residents’ bill of rights are upheld and that they are taken care of properly. The members advocate for the residents with the administrative staff of the facility before leaving the facility. Any concerns that a member has with a home are documented with the ombudsman. The committee of 18 members volunteered 269 hours by serving and advocating the care and respect of the elderly who live in adult care homes. Ms. Fowler requested the Commissioners support their efforts of informing the community of the great needs of the adult care homes and invited them to attend the many events and activities held in these facilities. They planned to seek help from the community and corporations for the one-day annual volunteer event to help with house painting or home repairs and to further help the elderly in the homes by providing toiletries and other needed items. She thanked Patti Sacchetti, COG Long Term Care Ombudsman, for the training and guidance she provides the committee. Commissioner Watkins expressed appreciation for the work and compassion of the committee members in taking care of the elderly living in the adult care homes and he offered assistance in getting corporate sponsors for their work projects. Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Fowler for the report and the committee members for their service. PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY NURSING HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL UPDATE Julie Brewer, Chairman of the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee provided an update on the activities of the committee for residents in nursing homes. The members make unannounced quarterly visits to the nursing homes and try to speak with fifty percent of the residents or their family members. Before leaving, they speak with the administrator to share any concerns and follow-up with documentation to the group’s ombudsman, Audrey Marshall. Currently they have nine trained members and five that are being trained. They visit the nursing homes to make sure the residents are respected, have a safe environment, and know and understand the nursing home residents’ bill of rights. The members logged in 500 volunteer hours of service and visited ten facilities. The County has 1,149 beds for skilled facilities and 65 beds for persons with dementia or special needs. Another responsibility of the committee is to promote community involvement with the residents and senior population and invited the Commissioners to visit the homes. Studies show that keeping older people involved in the community helps them maintain a higher level of physical and emotional well-being. Commissioner Zapple thanked Ms. Brewer for serving as a member of the committee for nine years and encouraged others, especially men, to join the group and continue the good work of the committee. Chairman Dawson, on behalf of the Commissioners, expressed appreciation for the report and the volunteers who serve on the committee and requested that the Commissioners be informed of any upcoming events. PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2016 THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE Finance DirectorLisa Wurtzbacher presented the third quarter financial update as of March 31, 2016 highlighting the following: General Fund: Year to Date Revenues: Actual Percent Ad Valorem Taxes: $161,598,234 97.10% Sales Taxes: 30,462,002 48.92% (3% growth rate; 7% budgeted) Other Taxes: 2,902,976 87.53% Charges for Service: 7,649,727 72.03% Intergovernmental Revenue: 29,761,738 69.99% NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 550 Other Revenues: 1,090,961 68.54% Appropriated Fund Balance: 0 Total Revenues: $233,465,638 78.16% Expenditures: General Government: $23,741,690 63.69% Human Services: 38,788,663 64.47% Public Safety: 39,272,080 70.03% Economic and Physical Development: 1,007,130 37.74% Culture and Recreation: 8,479,473 65.50% Education - Community College: 7,782,323 75.00% Debt Service: 14,325,183 84.56% Transfers Out: Education – Public Schools: 66,924,971 71.58% Other: 7,532,678 86.01% Total Expenditures: $207,854,191 69.59% Revenues over Expenditures $25,611,447 Fire Services Fund: Revenues: Ad Valorem Taxes: $7,760,085 97.4% Sales Taxes: 1,397,690 48.3% Intergovernmental Revenue: 24,400 1087.3% Charges for Service: 86,533 77.6% Other Revenues: 177,978 1873.5 Appropriated Fund Balance: - 0 Total Revenues: $9,446,686 68.2% Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits: $5,990,612 69.1% Operating Expenditures: 2,471,290 81.7% Debt Service: 436,139 73.9% Capital Expenditures: 717,364 85.6% Transfers: Capital Project 720,000 100.0% Total Expenditures: $10,335,405 74.6% Revenues over Expenditures: $(888,719) Environmental Management Operating Fund: Revenues: Charges for Service: $8,754,705 72.7% Intergovernmental Revenue: 281,334 69.1% Other: 209,009 51.4% Transfers In: 1,408,869 0% Total Revenues: $10,653,917 76.7% Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits: $1,341,506 70.2% Operating Expenditures: 3,461,251 64.6% Debt Service: 303,269 59.1% Capital Expenditures: 1,006,045 80.8% Transfers: To Capital Reserve Fund 250,000 100% To Env. Mgmt. Post Closures: 1,158,869 100% To Capital Projects: 3,162,100 100.0% Total Expenditures: $10,683,040 76.9% Revenue over Expenditures: ($29,123) Debt Service Fund: Ad Valorem Tax $5,778,645 97.2% Intergovernmental Revenue 1,280,667 65.0% Investment Earnings 2,545 100.0% Transfer In from General Fund 6,486,678 100.0% Total Revenues $13,548,535 94.1% Expenditures 9,390,103 65.2% Total Expenditures $9,390,103 65.2% In discussion of the sales tax shortfall, Ms. Wurtzbacher explained that revenues from the sales tax have increased about 3% instead of the budgeted amount of 7%. The decrease in revenues is about $2 million at this time and she did not expect to see an increase in the fourth quarter. The recommended budget for FY16-17 shows a 4% increase in sales tax. Chairman Dawson noted that this year’s shortfall in sales tax revenues will need to be considered when making decisions going forward with the budget. She thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the report, especially in the midst of preparing next year’s budget. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 2016 PAGE 551 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman Dawson reported that up to five vacancies exist on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with three applicants eligible for reappointment and two new applicants eligible for appointment and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to reappoint Fred Gainey, Kristie Pate, and Elaine Terrill to serve three year terms expiring May 31, 2019 andto appoint Trish Looney and Amy Van de Motter to serve one-year terms on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the terms expiring on May 31, 2017. 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 reported that the Commissioners should receive a summary of changes to the budget that were made by the Board at Thursday’s Budget Work Session.  County Manager Coudriet reminded everyone that a ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. for two new multi-purpose playing fields at the Northern Regional Park.  Vice-Chairman Barfield reported that he, Chairman Dawson and Commissioner Zapple attended two graduation ceremonies at Cape Fear Community College on May 13, 2016. He commented on the importance of the college in developing careers for the students.  Chairman Dawson commented on the importance of the investment that the taxpayers made in voting for the bond referendum and the tremendous impact the college has for students working for new careers.  Chairman Dawson reported that she gave welcome remarks at the annual conference of the Railway Association of North Carolina and she gave greetings at the ribbon cutting for Waste Industries new compressed natural gas facility. Commissioner Watkins and Environmental Management Director Joe Suleyman also were in attendance at the ribbon cutting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 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.