2016-08-22 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 593
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, August 22, 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; Commissioner Skip Watkins; Commissioner Woody White; and
Commissioner Rob Zapple. Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Jr. was absent.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Teresa Elmore.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Shawn Blackwelder, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner
Zapple 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 Zapple, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved minutes of the Agenda Review of July 28, 2016 and Regular Meeting of
August 1, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Sole Source Award for the Purchase of Emergency Police Dispatch
Software to Priority Dispatch – Emergency Management/911Department
The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the purchase of the Emergency Dispatch Software in the
amount of $293,715, from Priority Dispatch as sole source vendor in accordance with the sole source provisions
outlined in N.C.G.S. 143-129(e)(6). The standardization or compatibility is the overriding consideration in the
justification to award this purchase to Priority Dispatch. The department uses two of the three software programs
offered by Priority Dispatch. Funding for the project was included in the FY16-17 Adopted Budget.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 15.1.
Approval of Waiver of Landfill Tipping Fees for the 2016 Cape Fear Fair and Expo – Environmental
Management Department
The Commissioners approved a waiver of landfill tipping fees for the 2016 Cape Fear Fair and Expo, with a
maximum cap of 45 tons eligible for the waiver for the duration of the event. The waste will be transported by Coastal
Ladies Carting (Pink Trash) and Rent-A-John. The event will be held October 30 - November 8, 2016, and is estimated
to generate up to 45 tons of waste, resulting in a waiver of approximately $2,250 in tipping fee revenues.
A copy of the application is available for review in the Environmental Management Department.
Approval of Ten Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum
The Commissionersapproved the accession of ten donations to the Cape Fear Museum’s permanent
collection. The objects were reviewed by the Director and Collections Committee and approved by the Museum
Advisory Board on July 20, 2016. Items offered are from locally-filmed movies, local schools and Girl Scout activities
and include an early 20th Century dough bowl. A list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum.
Acceptance of a Donation from the Tony Hawk Foundation for the Ogden Skatepark Bowl Construction and
Approval of Associated Budget Amendment – Parks and Gardens Department
The Commissioners accepted a donation of $51,000 from the Tony Hawk Foundation and approved
associated budget amendment #17-002. The skatepark will be modified to make the original pool bowl a professional
level competition bowl with a viewing area. The Tony Hawk signature bowl will allow the Ogden Skatepark to host
national tournaments like the Get Rad for Ray charity events that celebrate the life and legacy of all-time great Ray
Underhill, a Wilmington native and teammate of Tony Hawk. The annual event is scheduled to begin the summer of
2017.
A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 15.2.
Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of Two Ford Crown Victoria Sedans to Cape Fear
Community College to be Used in the College's Basic Law Enforcement Training Program – Sheriff's Office
The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the donation of two 2007 Ford Crown Victoria sedans
to Cape Fear Community College to be used for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. The Sheriff’s Office
declared the two vehicles surplus and desires to donate them for the community college program. Authorization for
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 594
the donation is granted under G.S.160A-280, which allows a city or county to donate to another governmental unit
within the United States any personal property, including supplies, materials, and equipment, that the governing board
deems to be surplus, obsolete, or unused pursuant to a resolution adopted after the posting of a public notice.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 15.3.
Approval of North Carolina Education Lottery Applications for Ten Capital Construction Projects for New
Hanover County Schools – Strategy and Budget Department
The Commissioners approvedN.C. Education Lottery applications for ten capital construction projects
identified as part of the FY2016-2017 New Hanover County Schools budget process. The Board of Education
approved the applications in the amount of $1,508,000 at the August 2, 2016 meeting. The projects and associated
budgets are as follows:
Project Budget
Gregory - Replace Cooler/Freezer $ 40,000
Ashley - Fire Sprinkler Pipe Replacement 85,000
Bellamy - Boiler Replacement 125,000
Various Schools - Access Control System Upgrades 195,500
New Hanover High (NHHS) - Replace Cafeteria Serving Line 287,500
Playground Equipment Replacement 100,000
NHHS - Brogden Hall Remediation and Tile Replacement 185,000
Laney - Replace Main Electrical Switchgear 315,000
Freeman - Boiler Replacement 125,000
Codington/Eaton - Carpet Replacement in Media Center 50,000
Total $1,508,000
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Chairman Dawson announced that the Wilmington Prostate Cancer Support Group (WPCSG) has requested
the Board declare September 2016 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Commissioner Watkins read the
proclamation into the record.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt the proclamation
declaring September 2016 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED 4 to 0.
Carl A. Byrd, Sr., Director, and George Gardner, President of the WPCSG, accepted the proclamation on
behalf of the board and members of WPCSG and spoke on the importance of educating the public on the necessity to
screen for prostate cancer.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 15.4.
ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Chairman Dawson announced that She Rocks, Inc. has requested a proclamation designating the month of
September 2016 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, read the proclamation into the record, and moved for
adoption.
Motion
: Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to adopt the proclamation declaring
September 2016 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED 4 to 0.
Beth Quinn of She Rocks, Inc. accepted the proclamation and urged all women and their families to learn
more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to support fundraising efforts of the She Rocks luncheon on
September 7, 2016. Funds raised will go to UNC Lineberger Cancer Research and to the local Zimmer Cancer Center.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 15.5.
INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR, PHILLIP TARTE
Dr. Kim Thrasher Horne, Chairman of the Board of Health, introduced the new Health Director Phillip Tarte.
Mr. Tarte expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of New Hanover County and looked forward
to working with the many organizations in promoting good health programs.
PRESENTATION OF THE NCACC/LGFCU 2016 EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD TO THE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Chairman Dawson presented the NCACC/LGFCU 2016 Excellence in Innovation Award to Chief
Information Officer Leslie Chaney and staff of the Information Technology (IT) Department. The award, given in the
general government category, recognized the department’s successful implementation of agile project management
methods for improving efficiencies. The County was recently recognized at the NACo and NCACC Annual
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 595
Conferences for the initiative. On behalf of the IT Department, Ms. Chaney accepted the award and expressed
appreciation for her dedicated staff members.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES FOR JULY
AND AUGUST 2016
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving retirement awards:
Roger Kelley, Tax Department, retiring with 12 years of service
Clarence Hayes, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with 32 years of service
Chairman Dawson presented a retirement award to each person and the Commissioners expressed
appreciation and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Adrienne A. Garwood, Cape Fear Museum
Cynthia W. Hewett, Information Technology Department
Roxanne L. Hodge, Sheriff’s Office
Pamela J. Rockwell, Finance Department
Denise A. Smith, Community Justice Services
Ten Year: Darryl I. Bonheur, Property Management Department
Shawn R. Flores, Sheriff’s Office
Corey Graham, Property Management Department
Jocelyn G. Graham, Health Department
Starsheta B. McKoy, Sheriff’s Office
Jennifer MacNeish, Sheriff’s Office
Jason K. Smith, Sheriff’s Office
Twenty Year: Jean M. Lewis, Department of Social Services
Charles L. Wilson, Sheriff’s Office
Twenty-Five Year: Harold G. Adams, Sheriff’s Office
Thirty-Five Year: Harry Tuchmayer, Public Library
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 to be introduced:
Bianca Ashe, Department of Social Services
Kody Boggs, Sheriff’s Office
Jenna Christopherson, Department of Social Services
Denise Clinton, Tax Department
Mayan Davis, Senior Resource Center
Kassie Day, Sheriff’s Office
Bryan Diaz, Department of Social Services
Andrew Farren, Sheriff’s Office
Aviqon Graham, Department of Social Services
Meredith Groom, Sheriff’s Office
Rebecca Hicklin, Sheriff’s Office
Joshua Hikade, Sheriff’s Office
Christen Holt, Sheriff’s Office
Laura Hughes, Department of Social Services
Jeffrey Lee, Senior Resource Center
Dante Murphy, Department of Social Services
Ronnie Shipman, Department of Social Services
Martha Wayne, Finance Department
Julian Williams, Community Justice Services
Julie Populorum, Tax Department
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson welcomed the employees to County Government and wished
them success in their new positions.
PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY ABC BOARD 2015-2016 FOURTH QUARTER
PROFIT DISTRIBUTION
Robert Martenis, Chairman of the New Hanover County ABC Board, presented the 2015-2016 Fourth
Quarter Profit Distribution report to the Board and presented a check in the amount of $236,033 for the quarter
distribution plus an additional check in the amount of $166,600. The total County distribution for the year is
$1,180,817. He congratulated the ABC Board members and management staff in selling a record $41,441,000 of
spirits in the last fiscal year.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 596
APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL
CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman Dawson reported that the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees is requesting
approval of a reasonable compensation for the trustees. As the Commissioner representative serving on the hospital
board, she said that she will not participate in receiving the compensation.
Robert G. Greer, Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, responded
to questions concerning the certification program and the proposed compensation plan for the trustees. The hospital
board approved a new trustee certification program at its June 28, 2016 meeting in order for the members to stay up
to date on the ever changing health care issues. With the complexity of health care issues and the amount of time
required to perform the duties of a trustee, the board voted to approve a compensation plan. The certification would
require twenty-four hours of education per year. North Carolina General Statutes grant the right to the governing body
of a municipality (county) to establish the compensation for the hospital's governing authority.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to establish and approve
compensation for members of the NHRMC Board of Trustees in the amount of $200 a month, and upon reaching the
certification hours each fiscal year, the amount would change to $400 a month, plus an additional $100 a month for
the Chairman of the Board, as requested by the Board of Trustees. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 to 1.
Commissioner White commented that on principle he would vote against the compensation as no other not
for profit hospital in the state pays their trustees. Although he realizes that other County boards receive compensation,
the hospital board has always attracted the best and the brightest applicants from the community. He commended the
board for its thoroughness in bringing the matter forward and noted that it was not a unanimous vote by the trustees.
Chairman Dawson commented that the hospital researched the matter for more than a year and although it is
not commonplace or widespread, it is not uncommon for trustees to receive compensation. With the ever-changing
health care industry, changes are on-going and will require more time of each trustee to stay up to date.
TRILLIUM HEALTH RESOURCES PRESENTATION
Deanna Campbell, Southern Regional Director of Trillium Health Resources, provided an update
presentation on Trillium Health Resources highlighting the following:
New Hanover County Statistics:
Trillium management began July 2015
Largest County in the region by population
Largest contributor of County funds to support programing
Largest number of people served in 2015-2016: 7,310 County residents
Service dollars spent: $32,144,002
Initiatives that Transform Lives:
Managing Medicaid funding and services locally to achieve cost efficiencies
Reinvest savings in innovative programs and services that make a difference in the communities
A robust plan to reinvest savings in projects that address and serve the most pressing needs of the
communities
Play Together Accessible Playgrounds:
Grant funds for Hugh MacRae Park and Wrightsville Beach Park
2020 Vision for Recovery: In Building the Community:
Funding for Oxford House’s new initiative and contract will add 20 new sites with more than 100
beds to the 24-county coverage area
Two homes opened in Wilmington in the past fiscal year for a total of six homes
2020 Child Vision: A New Destination for Child Services:
Evidenced-based practices
Intervention for children 6 and under who have experienced trauma leading to mental health issues
Child First/Child-Parent Psychotherapy Classes that help adults with mental illness learn to manage
symptoms, achieve recovery and live independently
Naloxone Kits provided through N.C. Harm Reduction:
Working in conjunction with N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition
County Sheriff and Wilmington Police Department carry kits in vehicles
Direct Support Workforce Recovery International:
Training of non-licensed healthcare providers to reduce staff turnover and improve quality of care
Offer Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), Wellness City, and Integrated Dual Disorder
Treatment (IDDT) in City:
Evidence-based practices to assist adults with mental illness learn to manage symptoms,
achieve recovery, and live independently in the community
2016 Summer Program for Intellectual and Developmental Disorder (IDD):
First summer camp designed for children with IDD as well as autism
After school care available at beginning of 2016-2017 school year:
Operated by UCP Easter Seals with therapist
Rachel's Challenge Programs:
2015-2016 High/Middle Schools
2016-2017 Elementary Schools (100% participation)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 597
Program designed to help defuse bullying and prejudice in public schools in an effort to prevent
suicide:
Suicide third leading cause of death in N.C. for children age 10-14
Almost 40% of kids attempting suicide make their first try in middle or elementary school
At 12 years old, suicide attempt rates rise steeply
Healing Transitions new location will be on Physicians Drive:
Ground breaking in 2017
Overnight emergency shelter with 200 beds
Non-medical detoxification program
Long-term, 12-step based residential peer-run recovery program
Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Campbell for the update and for her leadership of Trillium Health Resources.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2017 SCHEDULE OF VALUES
Chairman Dawson announced that the Board was presented with the proposed 2017 Schedule of Values at
the August 1, 2016 meeting, and notice of the public hearing was published in accordance with general statute. She
opened the public hearing to hear comments on the proposed values.
Tax Administrator Roger Kelley reported that staff of the Tax Department has reviewed the schedules for
accuracy and said it would provide a fair and equitable valuation of properties in the County. The 2017 Schedule of
Values is available for review in the Tax Department, the Commissioners’ Office, and online at the Tax Department’s
web site.
There being no other comments, Chairman Dawson closed the public hearing and stated that the approval of
the Schedule of Values will be considered at the September 6, 2016 Regular Meeting.
APPOINTMENT OF ALLISON SNELL AS THE TAX ASSESSOR (TAX ADMINISTRATOR) AND TAX
COLLECTOR (COLLECTOR OF REVENUE), ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE, AND
APPROVAL OF THE CHARGE OF 2016 LEVY.
County Manager Coudriet recommended the appointment of Allison Snell as Tax Assessor and Collector of
Revenue, and carry the functional title of Tax Administrator, for a 4-year term effective September 1, 2016 through
August 31, 2020. Tax Administrator Roger Kelley’s retirement is effective August 31, 2016.
Chairman Dawson reported that N.C.G.S. 105-294 and 105-349 authorize the Board to appoint a County
Assessor and a Tax Collector to serve a term of not less than two nor more than four years. It is also recommended
the Board charge the collector with the 2016 levy. Chairman Dawson requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to appoint Allison Snell to serve
as Tax Assessor and Tax Collector for a term of four years from September 1, 2016 until August 31, 2020, as
authorized by North Carolina General Statutes 105-294 and 105-349. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 0.
Administration of Oath of Office
Chairman Dawson administered the Oath of Office to Allison Snell as Tax Administrator for New Hanover
County to be effective September 1, 2016.
A copy of the oath of office is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 15.6.
Approval of the 2016 Charge of Levy – Tax Department
Chairman Dawson requested direction from the Board on the Charge of the 2016 Levy.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to approve the 2016 Charge of
Levy to Allison Snell effective September 1, 2016, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 105-321 and 105-347. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED 4 to 0.
A copy of the charge is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page
15.7.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board
Chairman Dawson reported that four vacancies exist on the Library Advisory Board with two applicants
eligible for reappointment and five additional applications available for consideration. Chairman Dawson requested
nominations.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Harriet Smith and Bradford L. Walker for reappointment and Katherine
Montwieler and Ronna T. Zimmer for appointment. The nominations were seconded by Chairman Dawson.
With no other nominations, Chairman Dawson called for a vote on the nominations.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 598
Vote Results:
The Board voted 4 to 0 to reappoint Harriet Smith and Bradford L. Walker and to appoint Katherine
Montwieler and Ronna T. Zimmer to serve three-year terms on the Library Advisory Board with the terms to expire
August 31, 2019.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority
Chairman Dawson reported that a vacancy exists for an unexpired term on the Tourism Development
Authority in the owner/manager of a Wilmington hotel with +150 rooms. One application was received.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to appoint Daniel Perkins, Assistant
General Manager of the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, to serve an unexpired term on the Tourism Development
Authority with the term to expire on August 31, 2017. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 to 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Dawson reported that no one from the public had signed in to speak on non-agenda items.
ADDITIONAL ITEM
Chairman Dawson reported that she attended the NCACC Annual Conference and accepted the 2016 LGFCU
Innovation Award on behalf of the County’s Information Technology Department. Also at the conference,
Chairman Dawson accepted a certificate on behalf of Commissioner Zapple from the Local Elected Leaders
Academy (LELA) in recognition of his attaining Practitioner status. She congratulated Commissioner Zapple
for the achievement and his participation in the educational programs of the School of Government, NCACC,
and the NC League of Municipalities.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 10:58 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.