Loading...
2017-02-06 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 684 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, February 6, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chairman Woody White; Vice-Chairman Skip Watkins; Commissioner Patricia Kusek; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Chairman White announced that Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. was not able to attend the meeting and his absence was excused. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mark Gaskins, Senior Pastor, Temple Baptist Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner Patricia Kusek led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. MOTION : Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes – Governing Body The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2017 and the Closed Session of January 23, 2017. Approval to Submit a Grant Application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for 75 Body Worn Cameras in the Amount of $27,400 – Sheriff’s Office The Commissioners approved the Sheriff's Office applying for a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for 75 Body Worn Cameras for the detention division employees. Each camera kit is $549 plus the cost of an additional 2-year extended warranty for $179 and shipping and handling for the entire order at a flat rate of $200. The total purchase will be $54,800. The grant amount is $27,400 and requires a 50% match of $27,400. This match will be submitted with the FY 17-18 Sheriff's Office budget request. Adoption of a Resolution to Award the Purchase and Installation of In-Vessel Composting Equipment to DariTech, Inc. – Environmental Management The Commissioners approved awarding the bid for the purchase and installation of in-vessel composting equipment to DariTech, Inc. with a total cost of $369,884. The amount budgeted for this purchase in FY17 was $340,000, including $15,000 in grant funds awarded by the State of North Carolina's Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service. This grant was approved as part of the adopted FY17 budget. Remaining funds for the purchase are available in the Environmental Management Department's adopted budget for FY17. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 25.1. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendment – Strategy and Budget Department The Commissioners adopted the following Budget Ordinance Amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017: Capital Improvement Project Fund 17-052 A copy of the budget ordinance amendment is hereby incorporated as part of minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 25.2. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS RECOGNITION OF DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2016 Chairman White announced that the County has received notice from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada that New Hanover County has qualified to receive the Distinguished th Budget Presentation Award for the 26 consecutive year. On behalf of the Board, Chairman White thanked Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader and staff for their continued excellence and presented the award. Ms. Schrader expressed appreciation to the members of her staff for their support and dedication to the County. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE TO FUND A REGIONAL MARKETING PLAN ADDRESSING BUSINESS EXPANSION AND RELOCATION TO THE WILMINGTON REGION Chairman White announced that a public hearing is required to receive comments on appropriations and expenditures for economic development and economic incentive agreements. The source of the funding for the agreements will be from the General Fund of the County. The purposes of economic development and economic NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 685 incentive agreements are to increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects for New Hanover County. The economic development payments being discussed are to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in an amount of $75,000 ($25,000 in FY16-17 and $50,000 in FY17-18) to fund a regional marketing plan that addresses business expansion or relocation to the Wilmington region. Chairman White requested a motion to open the public hearing. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to open the public hearing. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0. Chairman White opened the public hearing to receive comments. Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader introduced Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Interim President and CEO Dick Blouse, Chamber Board Chairman Charlie Mattox and Founder/Partner Albert Eckel of the Eckel and Vaughan agency and asked Mr. Blouse to start the presentation. Chamber of Commerce Interim President and CEO Dick Blouse stated that the request today was to present to the Board a plan of how to use the Wells Fargo Championship as a springboard for the regional marketing plan. The Chamber believes that it has a responsibility to market the region as a good place to do business and over time it will be beneficial to regional economic developers. In order to accomplish this, the Chamber has hired the Eckel and Vaughan agency to create a regional marketing plan and asked Founder/Partner Albert Eckel to continue the presentation. Mr. Albert Eckel thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak with them today and presented the following information:  The Goal:  Generate long-term interest, investment and impact in the Cape Fear region.  Prime potential audiences and create fertile ground for all economic developers.  To reach goals and objectives, outreach to business and community leaders was conducted, multiple meetings with regional economic developers were held, and a survey was conducted with regional economic developers. Beyond New Hanover County, stakeholders also include, but are not limited to, Brunswick, Columbus and Pender Counties, Chambers of Commerce, the North Carolina Ports Authority, and Wilmington International Airport.  Insights after Outreach:  Defining the region: Bigger than Wilmington, but smaller than Southeastern North Carolina.  For this campaign, clearer industry targets must be defined.  There are good regional stories that need to be told.  Prioritization of assets is key.  The Strategy:  Collaborate across regional organizations to utilize the Wells Fargo Championship as a springboard for economic growth.  Create umbrella messaging that positions the entire region as a place where companies want to do business.  Develop tools to assist individual economic development efforts by all.  Use integrated communications to surround target audiences with key messages and reasons to believe.  The Audience:  Personnel Targets:  Regional economic developers, regional business and community leaders, site selection personnel, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and angel investors.  Industry Targets:  Precision manufacturing, life/marine science research and development, high value office operations, aircraft assembly/modifications/maintenance, agriculture, food processing, aquaculture, distribution and logistics, IT/high tech, and biotech/pharmaceutical/clinical research.  Target lists are not limited to only these areas and prioritization can be given to a specific target.  The Approach:  Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned (PESO) Media Integration:  Paid media: Advertising, digital ads and signage.  Earned media: Media relations and influencer relations.  Shared media: LinkedIn and Twitter.  Owned media: Microsite, testimonials, video, welcome packet, and expo tent.  Messaging Platform:  Positioning statement: The intersection of infrastructure, resources and lifestyle crucial to a successful business start-up, and expansion or relocation.  Core tenets: Commitment, focus, responsiveness, and adaptability.  Personality: Welcoming, engaged, supportive, friendly, hard-working, smart, and down to earth.  The Cape Fear region offers everything the most enterprising businesses need to succeed. The infrastructure is ever-expanding. The labor pool is smart and skilled. Major research is conducted here every day, and promising vocations are continually nurtured. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 686  We’re well connected by sea, by air, by rail. We’re diverse and inclusive. We’re committed to smart, sustained growth. The four counties, encompassing urban centers and coastal locations, rural pastures and industrial parks, provide a range of appealing, affordable options for working, living and playing.  We offer more than most areas not just for your business, but for your executives, your team and your families as well. There’s access in the Cape Fear region to capital, to progressive health care, to excellent education systems, to community service opportunities, to the world.  All of which helps explain why we’re already the choice of Fortune 500 companies and first-time entrepreneurs, precision manufacturers and high-tech masterminds. And why, in the Cape Fear region, businesses and people thrive.  Tactics and Timeline: Tactic Description Timing Brand Identity: Name and identity recommendations; brand and style guide; Jan. – Feb. message platform and key messages; and message orientation for partners Microsite: Feb. – March Development of site design and key regional messaging March – Dec.  Drive visitors to appropriate local economic development websites Media Relations: Local, regional and national; focused on prioritized Jan. – Dec. industries; utilize local business stories Video: Focused on regional assets and case studies; one 2-3-minute Feb. – March video and five 30-second vignettes Toolkit: Coordinated, consistent content shared by industry partners; Feb. – Dec. fact sheets and talking points; social media best practices Media relations tips Signage: Downtown pole banners; airport signage; tent signage April – May Digital Advertising: Paid search; retargeting; geofencing April – June B-roll/Photography: Provide b-roll, photography and facts about the region to be March – May used throughout the broadcast Welcome Basket: 100 baskets for campaign VIPs; includes welcome letter, May guide to local life, fact sheet, regional swag, etc.; delivered to hotel rooms Print Advertising and Advertisement in Greater Wilmington Business Journal May Event Sponsorship: (GWBJ) special publication; joint event with GWBJ Welcome Concierge: Post local business leaders at Air Wilmington at certain May times to welcome visitors and share regional information Expo Tent: Shared tent throughout Championship week; 5,000 branded May water bottles; charging station; 500 branded chargers for giveaway Thank You: Thank you note sent to prospects by regional economic May developers post Championship National Print Advertising:Trade publications; business outlets May – Dec. National Conference Industry Week Manufacturing and Technology Conference; May – Dec. presence: WIRED Business Conference; Site Selectors Annual Conference, etc. Event Sponsorships: Local and regional event sponsorships for brand awareness May – Dec.  Measurement of Success:  The best communications are those that can be measured. While each tactic will have its own set of goals and metrics, we look at these three key performance indicators:  Reach: Media coverage, website traffic, digital ad campaign, and event attendance  Engagement: Media coverage, website traffic, digital ad campaign, social media, and event attendance  Sentiment: Media coverage and social media In response to Board questions, Mr. Eckel stated that he and his agency are responsible to see that this communication plan gets done. The plan has already been started, there is no end date and the budget created is $220,000 for a twelve-month period. The funds being used are a combination of public/private funding and this is an opportunity to promote the region. It can take twenty-four to thirty-six months for efforts like this to be successful and effective. In regard to the video component, while it will be shown during the Wells Fargo Championship, it is not a Wells Fargo video. It is a video that can be shown anywhere in any type of venue. In response to additional Board questions, Mr. Eckel explained that the partnership with Wells Fargo is going to be helpful in media pitching. Efforts will be made to ensure that the Wells Fargo team clearly understands what is trying to be done. He stated that developing smart, strong relationships now with the right individuals, making sure that the region puts its best foot forward and making sure everything is done to mitigate against anything negative happening, are the things seen as more of an asset in terms of a partnership as it relates right now to Wells Fargo. Chairman White thanked Mr. Eckel, Mr. Blouse and Mr. Mattox for the presentation and asked if anyone else was present to make comments. Hearing none, Chairman White closed the public hearing and called for any further discussion by the Board. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 687 Hearing no further Board discussion, Chairman White asked if there was a motion to approve the economic development appropriation and expenditure based on the finding that the appropriation and expenditure will increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects of the County. Motion: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the economic development appropriation and expenditure based on the finding that the appropriation and expenditure will increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects of the County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Chairman White stated that staff is directed to do any and all things necessary to finalize the appropriation and expenditure for economic development. He commended the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for its leadership efforts, for engaging many other partners and working together on this plan. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF REZONING REQUEST (Z-967, 1/17) – REQUEST BY DESIGN SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS, RONALD AND JOYCE HUGHES, AND GORILLA, LLC, TO REZONE 3.35 ACRES LOCATED AT THE 5200 BLOCK OF CAROLINA BEACH ROAD FROM R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO (CZD) B-2, CONDITIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A 13,500 SQUARE FOOT FLEX SPACE BUILDING Chairman White opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Current Planner Brad Schuler presented the request submitted by Design Solutions on behalf of the property owners, Ronald and Joyce Hughes, and Gorilla, LLC, to rezone 3.35 acres located at the 5200 block of Carolina Beach Road from R-15, Residential District, to (CZD) B-2, conditional business district, in order to develop a 13,500 square foot flex space building and presented a slide overview of the request. This is an application to establish a conditional zoning district in order to allow for the development of a flex space building. The property proposed to be rezoned consists of three parcels of land totaling 3.35 acres. It is located at the 5200 block of Carolina Beach Road and was zoned R-15 when zoning was initially applied to this area in 1971. In 1978, the eastern portion of the property, approximately 105 feet in width, was rezoned to B-2. Currently, the property contains a single-family dwelling which is being used as a rental and will be removed with this proposal. The property contains existing stormwater ponds which will be modified as necessary to be used for the proposed development. The property is adjacent to the Monkey Junction commercial node, and therefore the surrounding area consists of many general office, retail, and restaurant uses. Adjoining the property to the east is the Royal Palms Mobile Home Park. A single-family dwelling and other general commercial uses are located directly to the south. The uses will be limited to general office and warehouse type uses, which are listed on the plan and within the staff summary. Access will be provided via an existing access easement that connects to Carolina Beach Road and is shared by a total of three properties, including the subject property. The applicant has identified regulated wetlands on the western portion of the property. If this application is approved the wetlands must be further delineated by the Army Corps of Engineers prior to building permit issuance. Any impacts to the regulated wetlands must also be permitted by the Army Corps of Engineers. The proposed development, based off the highest trip generating use, will generate 39 trips in the AM peak, and 94 trips in the PM peak. Because the trips do not exceed 100 in the peak hours, a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) was not required to be completed. The 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan classifies the subject property as Urban Mixed Use. This place type promotes development of a mix of residential, office, and retail uses at higher densities. In general, the proposed development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The development mix of commercial and office uses that would be allowed in the proposed flex space building is encouraged within the Urban Mixed Use place type, especially as they would be provided on the same parcel and in conjunction with an existing mixed use commercial development (retail and entertainment). The Planning Board considered this application at their January 5, 2017 meeting and recommended approval of the application (6-0) with no added conditions, finding that the proposal is: 1. Consistent with the purposes and intent of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan because the proposed commercial and office uses are encouraged within the Urban Mixed Use place type. 2. Reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal will promote business success by expanding an existing commercial area that contains similar uses. Staff is recommending approval of this application with conditions as stated in the Planning Board’s action. Chairman White invited the petitioner to make comments. Cindee Wolf, of Design Solutions and representing the property owners, Ronald and Joyce Hughes, and Gorilla, LLC, reported that this is a cooperative effort between an owner who is intending to sell to the contract purchaser and an adjacent property owner that already has some of the development. The petition is to rezone all of the property that belongs to the property owners so that it will not be a split zoning category. The areas are all part of the conditional district and have been identified as swamp forest or something very jurisdictionally regulated. All of the subject area will be preserved and not cleared of vegetation or anything else. The stormwater management area will remain and expanded so it can be handle what is to be developed, which is the building and the parking area. This NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 688 flexible space type of use proposed in this particular building is similar to contractors’ offices and generates much less traffic than general office. In regard to the limited use table and the research facilities category, Ms. Wolfe stated that this category is not an option for this proposal. She further stated that no area has been incorporated within the site for outside storage of materials by contractors. As a conditional district if for some reason a user decided to start storing materials on site, that would certainly be a zoning compliance issue that could be dealt with accordingly. Chairman White reported that two people had signed up to speak in favor of the request and none in opposition. He asked if the property owners would like to make any comments. Steve Niemeyer, petitioner and one of the developers of the property, stated that his business is physically located within John Hinrichs’ building. If the request is approved, the plan is to move the business into the new building and occupy about half of the building. He explained that his company is primarily a mold remediation and air conditioning business and there is very little traffic. As far as other potential occupants, they would be looking for other business of like nature to occupy the building. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wolfe and Mr. Niemeyer explained that there is no side access and that property ingress and egress is via the existing connections. There are multiple properties sharing the access with good circulation throughout the property and a cooperative easement. The stormwater retention pond area will only contain the pond. A buffer yard can consist of a fence and plantings or just plantings. With the existing heavily wooded area located along the property lines of the residential properties, there is no visual impact to the properties. It will be documented by the zoning compliance officials prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. In response to Board questions, Mr. Schuler stated the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) reviewed the proposal and provided the trip generation numbers. The road condition is an “F”. A driveway permit must be obtained from the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT may require additional improvements to the driveway and a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) as part of the permit process. Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White closed the public hearing and asked the petitioner whether to continue the application to a future meeting or to proceed with the Board deciding to approve or deny the application. Ms. Wolf responded to proceed with a decision by the Board. Chairman White requested direction from the Board. Motion: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve, affirming staff’s statements that the application is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 4-0. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 4 OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED APRIL 7, 1971, is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 4, Page 108. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING TRAVEL POLICY FOR BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS County Manager Coudriet stated that based on Board discussion during the February 2, 2017 agenda review the revised resolution presented today now includes a paragraph whereby the Board would set a cap. The dollar amount cap is not being proposed by staff but it is available for the Board to complete if it chooses to do so. In addition, the resolution would suggest that as part of the budget process each year the Board revisit what that cap may be and base it upon the Board's needs or choose the amount that the Board sets today. Commissioner Kusek stated staff drafted the resolution at her request and feels as elected officials of New Hanover County this Board of Commissioners has a fiduciary responsibility for all of our taxpayer dollars. The Board of Commissioners should have a formal travel policy that mirrors the travel policy that all New Hanover County employees are subjected to. It assures our taxpayers that we, as their elected officials, are not getting special treatment and provides clear accountability. Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED to adopt the formal resolution prepared by staff and presented to the Board with the following language included: 1. Each Commissioner will be limited to $4,000 per fiscal year, non-transferable. 2. The cap will begin with fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Vice-Chairman Watkins SECONDED the motion. Chairman White asked if there was any further discussion by the Board. Commissioner Zapple stated that he supported the original travel policy resolution presented by staff. He opposes changes to the proposed policy that would cap at the $4,000 level individual Commissioner allowances and financially restrict a Commissioner’s ability to represent and conduct legitimate business on behalf of the County. The annual travel and training budget for the Board and its staff is $21,566 and there has been no abuse in using the funds. In 2016, the travel and training budget ended the fiscal year under budget by approximately $3,700. There is tremendous value for the County’s residents by the Commissioners and County Manager traveling to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) conferences NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PAGE 689 and meetings and having face to face conversations about current and future issues and challenges common to all counties. Attending national and state conferences helps the Commissioners continue to learn and be effective advocates for important County issues such as coastal storm damage reduction, beach renourishment, broadband wireless access, mental and behavioral health initiatives and funding opportunities, successful prison reduction and diversion programs that can be implemented, and understanding the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities. Commissioner Zapple concluded his comments stating that an artificially set cap may limit the ability of individual Commissioners to attend conferences that offer real benefits to the County and residents. A direct consequence of this action may be that only Commissioners who have personal wealth and can finance their own travel will be able to participate in the business of the County. It could create an unfair financial barrier to those committed to public service. He reiterated that he endorsed the original travel policy resolution presented by staff and opposed any financial cap on Commissioner travel. Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White called for a vote on the motion. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3-1. Commissioner Zapple voted in opposition. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 25.3. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell 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 online at www.nhcgov.com.