2016-11-14 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 641
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, November 14, 2016,
at 4:02 p.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 Deputy Clerk to the
Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Very Reverend Robert J. Kus of Basilica Shrine of St. Mary and WPD Chaplain, 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. Hearing none, Chairman Dawson requested a motion to approve 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 minutes of the Agenda Review of October 13, 2016 and Regular Meeting
of October 17, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
Adoption of Amended Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Manual to Reflect the Date of the Adoption of 2016 Code of Ethics – Governing Body
The Commissioners adopted the amended Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the New Hanover County
Board of Commissioners Manual to update the date of the adoption of the Code of Ethics in 2016.
A copy of the Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners is
hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 20.1.
Approval of 2016/2017 Mason Creek/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Crossing Maintenance Dredging Event -
Engineering Department
The Commissioners approved the award of the 2016/2017 Mason Creek/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
crossing maintenance dredging project and issuance of a notice to proceed to Marcol Dredging for a base bid of
$523,050.
Approval of Application for Grant Funding for Inclusive Splashpad at Ogden Park – Parks Department
The Commissioners approved the submission of a grant application to the NC Division of Parks & Recreation
and NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) in the amount of $296,029 with a local match of $74,007 to construct
an inclusive splashpad at Ogden Park. The local match is to come from existing FY17 general fund dollars.
Approval of Award of Contract for Crime Scene Investigation Expansion Construction Project – Property
Management/Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners approved the award of the contract for the Crime Scene Investigation expansion project
to Integrity Builders, LLC. Integrity Builders, LLC was identified as the lowest bidder with a negotiated bid of
$526,230 and substantial completion will be achieved by April 26, 2017. Additional funds were appropriated as part
of the Adopted FY16-17 Budget Ordinance and Capital Project Ordinance to fully fund this contract.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
POSTPONEMENT OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUEST– REQUEST BY PLANNING
STAFF TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 70, SECTION 71, SECTION 23, AND SECTION 50
REGARDING SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND THE TABLE OF PERMITTED USES (A-
425, 9/16)
Vice-Chairman Barfield requested that Item 13, the Public Hearing of Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Request by Planning Staff to Amend Zoning Ordinance Section 70, Section 71, Section 23, and Section 50 Regarding
Special Use Permit Requirements and the Table of Permitted Uses (A-425, 9/16) be pulled from tonight’s agenda. He
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stated that during the October 17 meeting he seconded the motion to hear the matter with the caveat that it would
only be if the Planning Board came back with a decision from their last meeting. He believed that it is important to
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allow the Planning Board to continue its work which includes a work session on November 15 and not to usurp the
authority of any board by going ahead of them. In speaking with the Planning Board Chair and members, he has full
confidence that a good document will be provided that is good for this entire community. He further stressed the
importance of allowing the Planning Board to complete its work before this Board moved forward with the matter.
Commissioner Zapple stated that a tremendous amount of work has been done in an effort to bring forward
what is felt to be a superior special use permit planning process and he felt it was time to move forward with the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 642
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matter. It is his hope that the Planning Board’s November 15 work session will continue the forward momentum and
not allow the work and discussion by all parties involved go to naught. He encouraged everybody who has been
involved to continue working, to finish it and for the Planning Board to present the Commissioners with a document
as soon as possible.
Chairman Dawson remarked that the matter has been discussed for many years and thanked all involved in
the process and expressed appreciation to the stakeholders and advocacy groups for their participation and working to
find compromise among the needed balance. She noted that the Board has heard the desire of the community to have
a clear, more predictable process for business development and expansion. There have been several work sessions
and public hearings and many stakeholders at the table throughout this very transparent and public process. The
discussion has centered around how to encourage business growth, development and job creation for our region while
at the same time balancing the concerns of protecting of our natural resources, air quality, ground water and aquifers
and the quality of life enjoyed in the County. She further stated this is a commonsense next step following the
progression of actions taken showing the commitment made for the County to be prosperous and maintain its quality
of life. What is before the Board has been worked on very hard by staff as well and she thanked Land Use and
Planning Director Chris O’Keefe and his staff for all their hard work.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Watkins, to amend the agenda to remove
and send back to the Planning Board Item #13: Zoning Ordinance Amendment Request - Request by Planning Staff
to Amend Zoning Ordinance Section 70, Section 71, Section 23, and Section 50 Regarding Special Use Permit
Requirements and the Table of Permitted Uses (A-425, 9/16). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Chairman
Dawson voted in opposition.
Chairman Dawson stated that the motion carried to pull the matter from the agenda and thanked everyone for
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attending the meeting. She announced the Planning Board’s November 15 work session would start at 2:00 p.m. and
be held in the Harrell Conference Room at the New Hanover County Government Center.
BREAK
: Chairman Dawson called a break from 4:16 p.m. until 4:21 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF THE COUNTY'S NEW BUILDING SAFETY DIRECTOR, NICHOLAS GADZEKPO
County Manager Coudriet, introduced the new Building Safety Director Nicholas Gadzekpo who joined the
County on October 25, 2016. He provided a brief overview of the recent reorganization of the now Land Use and
Planning and Building Safety departments. Mr. Gadzekpo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the
people of New Hanover County and looked forward to working with the organization.
ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 2016 ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH
Chairman Dawson announced that the Department of Social Services has requested the Board declare
November 2016 as Adoption Awareness Month. Vice-Chairman Barfield read the proclamation into the record.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the proclamation
declaring November 2016 as Adoption Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Department of Social Services Director Michelle Winstead and Assistant Director Wanda Marino accepted
the proclamation on behalf of the Department of Social Services and spoke about the need for more families to provide
foster care to children of all ages. Many of the department’s foster families end up adopting and last year alone there
were forty-five children adopted by their foster parents.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 20.2.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Amy Walters, Finance
Valorie Hatten, Senior Resource Center
Ten Year: Jay Jocelyn Pinson, Library
April Walker, Health
Fifteen Year: Eric Peterson, Communications and Outreach
Twenty-Five Year: Novella Frieslander, Sheriff
Thirty Year: Barbara Rowe, Museum
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:
Sylvia Armstrong, Human Resources
Thomas Carter, Information Technology
Sarah Cassidy, Social Services
Bobbie Chaney, Sheriff
Nicholas Gadzekpo, Building Safety
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 643
Emily Johnson, Social Services
Jordan Jones, Environmental Management
Matthew Malcolm, Sheriff
Heavin Mason, Sheriff
Joseph McClean, Parks and Gardens
Michael Mears, Fire Services
Annika Metcalf, Social Services
Janice Pearson, Social Services
Star Reimer, Building Safety
Rebekah Roth, Land Use and Planning
Wendy Stein, Social Services
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson welcomed the employees to County Government and wished
them success in their new positions.
CAPE FEAR MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE
Daniel Owen, Chairman of the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board, presented the annual update highlighting
the following:
Mission:
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science collects, preserves, and interprets objects relating to the
history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear
The Museum makes those objects and their interpretation available to the public through educational
exhibitions and programs
Mission is achieved by:
The numbers:
47, 680 members in 2015-2016
40, 680 members in 2014-2015
37,882 members in 2013-2014
100% New Hanover County School grade-level participation:
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2,038 1 Graders served through Forces in Motion Field Trip
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2,246 3 Graders served through Solar System and Beyond Field Trip
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2,246 4 Graders served through People of the Past Field Trip
New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum Park – opened in 2015
Programs and events – innovative for adults, teachers and students
Awards and accolades:
Reflections in Black and White Exhibit:
Albert Ray Newsome Award, Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies
GOLD Award of Excellence in Exhibits Under $10,000, Southeastern Museums
Conference
New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum Park:
Outstanding Stewardship Award, Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition
Cape Fear Museum Associates fundraising:
2015-2016 Income total - $126,710:
Special events with $28,798.83 at 23%
Store with $9,291.64 at 7%
Foundations and grants with $38,304 at 30%
Admissions with $20,298.89 at 16%
Individuals and membership with $30,016.76 at 24%
Commissioner Zapple commented that it has been an exciting year and encouraged everyone to visit the
museum. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Owen for the update and his service to the
community.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY ABC BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE
Robert W. Martenis, Chairman of the New Hannover County ABC Board, presented the annual update
highlighting the following:
Support from the County:
The continued support from the various County employees is greatly appreciated, most notably:
Avril Pinder as Ex-Officio Board member
Wanda Copley, including her legal staff and risk management staff
Mark Francolini, and his staff, for their assistance with personnel issues
The overall working relationship between the County and the ABC Board has been extremely
beneficial
ABC Board Organization:
Board Members:
Bob Martenis, Chair
Zeke Partin, Vice Chair
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 644
William Kopp, Member
Bruce Shell, Member
Ron Woodruff, Member
Management Team:
Marnina Queen, CEO
Carol Martin, Finance Officer
Charles Hill, Retail & Liquor by the Drink (LBD) Operations Manager
Danny Meeks, Warehouse and Operations Manager
Kathy Clark, Deputy Finance Officer
Karen King, Purchasing Officer
Financial information:
Independent auditors issued a “clean” audit report for the year ended 06/30/16
Total sales increased $2.8 Million (7.48%)
Gross profit increased $753K (7.47%)
Operating expenses increased $302K (7.18%)
Operating income increased $450K (7.68%)
Local taxes and distributions increased $252K (4.30%)
Total sales - $41,441,444
Total amount of distributions:
New Hanover County - $2,215,724
City of Wilmington - $1,388,563
Wrightsville Beach - $575,715
Carolina Beach - $374,859
Kure Beach - $15,462
Total Distributions - $4,570,323
Improvements:
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Newly renovated 17 Street/Castle Street facility completed and opened
All ABC retail locations will have new signage to further inform the public of the product stores are
selling
ABC highlights:
Land purchase at 5978 Carolina Beach Road for new store location
Staffing/Stores:
Uniforms
Product Knowledge/Training
Renovation/Modernization of stores
New technology for ID checking
“Talk It Out” campaign
Alcohol Law Enforcement:
The Board contracts with the Sheriff’s Department; four full-time officers plus a direct supervisor;
current year budget $314,968 plus replacement purchase of an ABC Officer’s vehicle $25K
Continue to contract with Wilmington Police Department for the two non-funded ABC Law
Enforcement Officers
Continue to fund the Wilmington Downtown Task Force ($180K annually to the County)
Total amount given last year $519,968 (10.4%)
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Martenis for the update and his service to the
community.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE
Amy Damutz, Chair of the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board, presented the annual update
highlighting the following:
2016 in Review:
Over 850,000 visitors
226,000 online searches
1.3 million items loaned
Over 3,000 programs offered
40,000 meeting attendees
Strategic Alignment - Superior Public Health & Safety:
Reach out and read program:
Grant-funded in partnership with Smart Start and local pediatric offices
Doctors hand out prescriptions for reading to families with children ages six months to five
years; the child receives a new book to take home
In 2016, 3,500 children received a book at a Women Infant Children (WIC) nutrition check at
the Health Department
The books are age appropriate, focus on healthy choices, and several are in English and Spanish
Story Park:
Opened October 2016
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 645
Multi-department collaboration - Parks, Arboretum, Property Management and Planning
Safer and more welcoming entry
Outdoor library environment fosters activity
Demonstration gardens
Strategic Alignment - Superior Education and Workforce Development:
Raising a Reader:
Expanded to all New Hanover County Pre-K classrooms in 2016
Two staff members regularly attend NC Pre-K classes to teach how to integrate books and early
literacy into learning
Staff developed math and science kits with books and activities which are rotated through
classrooms and available for check out at the library
Story Stations:
Program recognized with a National Association of Counties award in 2016
Locations in County Departments with literacy rich reading nooks created in waiting areas
Enables parents to engage in learning activities with child while waiting for county services
Workforce Development:
Public library offers computer coaching and job labs to assist with:
Computer basics
Internet basics
How to set up email
How to find job openings listed on the Internet
How to type and save a resume on a computer
How to fill out online job applications
33% of public technology users at the library used the public computers or wireless connection
for employment purposes
21% of those used the library's technology resources to apply for a job
13% were granted an interview, and 8% were hired for a new position
A patron reported back that he obtained a job because of using the public access computers and
getting assistance in the job lab with his resume
Strategic Alignment - Intelligent Growth and Economic Development:
Pleasure Island branch celebrated its first anniversary this month (November):
Attendance at Pleasure Island children’s programs increased 50%
Checkout of children’s materials increased 150%
Total circulation increased 25%
Pine Valley branch - planning underway:
Vines Architect of Raleigh hired
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Kickoff of public input programs held at Friends of the Library November 10 annual
meeting
Schematic design expected by start of 2017
Opening projected January 2019
Library services have changed over time, but the library remains a community anchor. Public
libraries are a place for:
Voting
Public and private meetings
Income tax preparation assistance
Book clubs
Children’s programs
Tutoring
Genealogy programs and much more
In response to Board questions, Library Director Harry Tuchmayer confirmed that the next Pine Valley
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library public forum will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Grove branch. On behalf of
the Board, Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Damutz for the update and her service to the community.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY OGDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT DESIGN UPDATE
Fire Chief Donnie Hall introduced Ernest Olds, Principal and Mark Loudermilk, Project Manager with
Becker Morgan Group who presented an update on the Ogden Fire Department design highlighting the following:
Design charrette held on August 3, 2016 with 44 stakeholders from the following organizations and
County Departments:
NHC Facilities, Fire Department, Zoning, Property Management, IT, Inspections, Engineering,
Planning, and Risk Management
NCDOT
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Duke Energy
Design Team
Schematic design:
Currently in the first stage of project design
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 646
Design includes garage, public/meeting areas, training room, and day-to-day working spaces/living
spaces consisting of either offices, dorm rooms, fitness room, kitchen, or lounge, etc.
Based on the rough model it was determined that the ingress/egress of the fire trucks onto/off Market
Street was very important with the following adjustments:
Apparatus bays will be exactly perpendicular to Market Street
South end of the building will be kept parallel to the parking line
Attempts will be made to incorporate different materials such as stone and brick, along with the
installation of a skylight in the center of the building
Common theme in discussions with staff is to not have a traditional-looking fire station due to the
Ogden area being in transition with current and future development. Result is a design that is
somewhat forward-looking and also setting the tone for what might get developed in the future
Schematic design pricing exercise:
Building $2,681,068
Site $602,190*
$3,283,258
General Condition 8% $262,661
Overhead/Profit/Bonds 6% $251,592
Contingency 10% $376,151
$4,137,662
Budget $3,845,580
Difference $292,082
*Includes $95,261 for demolition
Becker Morgan Group Project Manager Mark Loudermilk emphasized that the cost is an estimate cost at the
schematic design phase. There is a contingency in the budget of ten percent. In schematic design a lot of decisions
have not been made yet so the estimator has to make a lot of assumptions. He then provided a schedule overview:
Schedule Overview:
Design Development due by November 18
95% Construction Documents due by January 18
100% Construction Documents due by March 1
Permit Review/Bidding in March 2017
Bid Opening/Contract Award/Notice to Proceed in April 2017
Construction to be May 2017 – May 2018
Mr. Loudermilk stated the next phase of design development will include a lot more detail and information.
This will reduce the guess work of the cost estimators and should bring things into alignment. The budget will be
reviewed once during the design development and once after ninety-five percent completion of the construction
documents. This will be done in an effort to prevent being over budget when the project goes out for bid. Once the
design development cost estimate is determined that will be the time to make any needed project adjustments. There
is also a plan to have project bid alternatives in the event there is a need to save money at the very end.
In response to questions, Mr. Loudermilk explained that the training room will be part of the public use space.
The design is actually for a somewhat larger training room. With the limited number of parking spaces some public
meetings could be held there, but not meetings on a large scale. The area is also isolated from the rest of the living
spaces of the fire fighters.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Dawson thanked Chief Hall, Mr. Olds and Mr. Loudermilk for the update.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority/Wave Transit Authority
Chairman Dawson reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority/Wave
Transit Authority for the Human Services Agency Representative category, which is a joint appointment with the City
of Wilmington, with one application available for consideration.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED to appoint Michelle Winstead to serve the unexpired term on the Cape
Fear Public Transportation Authority/Wave Transit Authority for the Human Services Agency Representative
category with the term expiring on December 31, 2017, pending Wilmington City Council consideration. Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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 two applicants eligible for reappointment and one new application available for consideration.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to reappoint Kimberly Leonard and
Philip White to serve three-year terms expiring November 30, 2019 and to appoint Robert Richardson to serve a one-
year term on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with the term expiring on November 30, 2017.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 PAGE 647
New Hanover County Risk Management Advisory Committee
Chairman Dawson reported that one vacancy exists on the Risk Management Advisory Committeewith one
application available for consideration.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman Dawson, to appoint Kevin P. Flowers to
serve a three-year term on the Risk Management Advisory Committee with the term expiring on September 1, 2019.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
New Hanover County Zoning Board of Adjustment
Chairman Dawson reported four vacancies exist on the Zoning Board of Adjustment with two vacancies for
the regular member category and two vacancies for the alternate member category with two applicants eligible for
reappointment and three applications available for consideration.
Motion:
Chairman Dawson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to reappoint Henry A. Adams and
Joe Miller as regular members and Kristin K. Freeman and Brett Keeler as alternate members to serve three-year terms
on the Zoning Board of Adjustment with the terms to expire on December 1, 2019. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Dawson reported no one signed up to speak.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Chairman Dawson reported that it was her honor to represent the Board at the Wilmington National Cemetery
event and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Massing of the Colors in connection with Veteran’s Day services.
Commissioner Zapple reported on the success in moving several New Hanover County legislative goals
forward at the NCACC Legislative Goals committee meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Dawson adjourned the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Deputy 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.