HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-20 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 714
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 20, 2017, at
9:01 a.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 Jonathan Barfield,
Jr.; Commissioner Patricia Kusek; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Jonathan Bowling of Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, provided the invocation and Vice-
Chairman Watkins led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman White asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the Consent
Agenda. Hearing none, Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion:
Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, 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 Agenda Review of March 2, 2017 and Regular Meeting of
March 6, 2017 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
Adoption of State Road Resolution – Governing Body
The Commissioners adopted the NCDOT State Road Resolution in support of adding the following road to
the State Maintained Secondary Road System:
Lord Drive located within the Natures Walk Subdivision in New Hanover County (Division File No:
1241-N)
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 28.1.
Adoption of a Resolution and Budget Amendment to Accept the Donation of a Bullet and Stab Protective Vest
for K-9 Bane – Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners adopteda resolution and budget ordinance amendment 17-056 to accept the donation of
a bullet and stab protective vest for K-9 Bane. The Sheriff’s Office submitted an application to Vested Interest in K9s,
Inc. in January 2017 and a fundraiser was hosted by Patti Hill of Wilmington, NC. A donation has been received by
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. to sponsor the vest for K-9 Bane. No County funds are being used to purchase the vest.
The cost of the vest is $1,050. Vested Interest previously has provided vests for five K-9s.
A copy of the resolution and budget amendment are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 28.2.
Adoption of Resolution Disposing of Surplus Property – Finance Department
The Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring property surplus and authorizing the sale of the equipment
electronically or disposal by any other method authorized pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160A-270(c).
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 28.3.
Ratification of LSTA EZ Grant Application to Support Foster Care Bibliotherapy – Public Library
The Commissioners ratified the Public Library’s LSTA EZ grant application to support Foster Care
Bibliotherapy. Focusing on resources and materials serving birth to 5 year-olds, the Public Library will partner with
the Department of Social Services to deliver targeted services and resources directly to children and families in need.
The Public Library will provide free enrichment activities for children, early literacy support, resources for school
success and information for caregivers in a non-threatening environment. The grant is for $30,000 and requires a
$7,500 match that will be covered by the library’s material budget and donations provided by the Library Foundation.
There are no requirements for continuation of the program.
Adoption of Order for Advertisement of 2016 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property – Tax Department
The Commissioners adopted an order authorizing the Collector of Revenue to have published once in a local
newspaper all unpaid 2016 tax liens on real property during the period prescribed by law. The advertisement will
combine the liens of the County of New Hanover, City of Wilmington, Town of Carolina Beach, Town of Kure Beach,
Town of Wrightsville Beach, and the Fire Service District taxes thereon.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 715
A copy of the order is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page
28.4.
Approval of November 2016 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County
Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of November 2016.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 28.5.
Approval of December 2016 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County
Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of December 2016.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 28.6.
Approval of January 2017 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County
Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of January 2017.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 28.7.
Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education General Fund Budget Amendment #6 – Strategy and
Budget Department
The Commissioners approved the following Board of Education budget amendment:
The General Fund budgets $6,128 of Emergency Management Red Cross reimbursement for Hurricane
Matthew expenses, a $500 grant from the Assistance League of Greater Wilmington for ThinkLab
supplies, $4,283 of insurance proceeds related to cargo van damages and a $31,542 property insurance
settlement associated with the theft of iPads from Virgo last year, a $4,000 reimbursement to the Art
department for school clinicians. In addition, it budgets $10,342 of Education App revenues to be used
for technology projects, and transfers $284,870 of salary lag / salary reserve to fund local position merit
increases and $28,661 for test result bonuses, as well as miscellaneous school and program reconciliation
budget transfers.
In the Capital Outlay Fund, the budget amendment transfers $333,845 in project savings from the
Sidbury Road transportation project for completion of final renovation scope of College Park Elementary
at Sidbury. The transportation project is complete and additional funds are needed to up-fit the Sidbury
Road complex for the College Park Elementary swing site at Sidbury. Savings from the transportation
project are being used as opposed to bond funds as the school system has concerns about escalating
construction costs and upcoming bids for bond projects.
A copy of the budget amendment is available for review in the Strategy and Budget Department.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department
The Commissioners approved the following Budget Ordinance Amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2017:
Sheriff's Office: 17-055, 17-059, 17-060
Social Services: 17-057, 17-058
Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 28.8.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employee receiving a retirement award:
Barbara Rowe, Cape Fear Museum, retiring with thirty years of service.
Chairman White presented a retirement award to Ms. Rowe and the Commissioners expressed appreciation
and thanked Ms. Rowe for her years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Year: Shantal Davis, Senior Resource Center
Kenya Parker, Health Department
Ten Year: Susan Swinson, Health Department
Twenty Year: Jeannett Age, Social Services
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 716
Chairman White presented a service award to each person and the Commissioners expressed appreciation
and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service.
Commissioner Zapple congratulated and welcomed to the New Hanover County organization new employees
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who attended orientation on March 1 and 2: Victoria Balderson, Kristin Abraham, Joseph Matakonis, Sarah
Pellegrino, Sherry Hatcher, Grant Hedrick, Tina Mikitis, Daniel Ayscue, Nathan Roney, Austin Terwilliger, Samantha
Grady, Christopher Hewett, Lawana Schulze, Kathryn Murphy, Timothy Synan, Keon Butcher, Gregory Davis, Erika
Edwards, Kyle Hartman, Pamela Penza, Kerry Coghlan, Julie Shouse, and James Schlotterbeck.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION UPDATE
New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Director Al Hight thanked the Board for the opportunity to
present the Cooperative Extension update. The Cooperative Extension and Arboretum department is charged with
providing informal educational programming in subjects related to 4-H youth development, food and nutrition
wellness, and consumer and commercial horticulture. Through a partnership with Federal, State and local governments
the department links the resources and information available through North Carolina State University with the local
community. There is one full-time employee and nine part-time employees in the department. There is a heavy
dependence on volunteer help. He then introduced Master Gardeners Association President Jay Denmark and Friends
of the Arboretum President John Ranalli and asked them to continue the presentation.
Mr. Denmark thanked the Board for the opportunity to present information about the Master Gardeners
Association (MGA). He reported that the MGA is a volunteer organization comprised of over 400 participants and is
based out of Cooperative Extension. He, as well as many other members, find that this organization allows them the
opportunity to give back to the community. The MGA provided over 16,000 volunteer hours last year and has the
largest program in North Carolina. The volunteers support the Arboretum grounds and gardens, the 4-H youth
program, and the Ability Gardens’ efforts to help the disabled and elderly. They also grow herbs and vegetables which
are donated to Good Shepherd. The volunteers also staff the plant clinic and last year answered over 11,000 residents'
questions on gardening, and provided over 3,000 diagnostic tests. The Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held
April 20 – 23, 2017.
Mr. Ranalli thanked the Board for the opportunity to present information about the Friends of the Arboretum.
He stated that the Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) provides fundraising and advocacy for the Arboretum. Through
support of the FOA, aesthetically pleasing gardens such as the contemplation gardens and the blooming borders have
been created. He also provided a brief history of how he became involved with the MGA and FOA and how it is a
great community of people with a shared interest in nature, gardening, and wanting to give back to the community.
Vice-Chairman Watkins commented that he and his family became acquainted with the Cooperative
Extension Service 28 years ago. There is no greater leverage of taxpayer dollars than the Cooperative Extension
Service. In today’s urban cooperative services, he felt more citizens per capita are served and there is not one citizen
in the County that cannot go out there and find personal benefit. He expressed appreciation to the staff and volunteers
for their efforts and stated that the Cooperative Extension Service will always have his support.
Commissioner Zapple expressed his support of the Cooperative Extension Service and encouraged citizens
to take advantage of this tremendous County resource. He commented on how amazing it is to see the number of
people of all ages and backgrounds involved in the Master Gardener program. He commended Director Hight for his
leadership and thanked the staff and volunteers for the terrific work they have and will continue to provide the
community.
Commissioner Barfield thanked Director Hight for his blessings during Sunday’s memorial service at the
Arboretum for his friend, Chet Stukes who recently passed away. Mr. Stukes was an avid gardener and had a passion
for the Arboretum. Everyone attending the memorial service commented on how Mr. Stukes loved the Arboretum and
gardening in general. He expressed appreciation to Director Hight and his staff for their generosity.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Hight, Mr. Denmark, and Mr. Ranalli for attending the meeting and providing
the update.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LANDFILL CELLS 2-6,
AND ADOPTION OF ASSOCIATED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER FUNDS INTO THE
CAPITAL PROJECT FUND
Environmental Management Director Joe Suleyman reported that in 2013 a capital project fund was
developed for landfill cells 2 through 6 partial closures to encompass the entire northern property. As that space
becomes depleted and closer to final closure, staff has accelerated the partial closure of the cells to take advantage of
the cost of engineering the closures. It's approximately ten acres of closure, on the south-facing slope of the landfill
and has been prepped for final closure. A bid opening held on February 22, 2017 received three qualified bids. The
bids exceeded budgeted amounts due to the large volume of construction work occurring in the region, as well as a
large quantity of high-quality topsoil needed to meet design specifications not available locally. The lowest responsible
bidder for this project is ES&J Enterprises, Inc. at a bid amount of $2,428,180.
Director Suleyman further reported that as the landfill soil becomes more depleted over the coming years,
Environmental Management will require bidders to import the soil from off-site rather than depleting its available
inventory. This will allow the department to keep some soil available to use for daily cover. Soil importation is
included in the scope of this project and is the largest single budget line item. There are available funds in the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 717
Environmental Management Fund unrestricted fund balance of approximately $6.2 million as of the start of this fiscal
year. Staff is requesting approval to transfer money from the Environmental Management Enterprise Fund into the
Landfill Northern Property Closure Capital Project Fund to cover the difference of the overage for this bid.
In response to Board questions, Director Suleyman explained there is a closure/post closure fund which is a
restricted fund. The closure fund is what is drawn on for these type of projects. The post closure fund, even though
it's in the same fund, is meant to be used once an entire cell has been closed. By regulation, once a cell is closed it
must go into a 30-year post-closure monitoring period. There is a need to set aside funds now because once the site is
eventually closed for 30 years there will not be any revenue generated. Staff does not want that kind of expense, long-
term liability to hit the taxpayers. The fund was started a few years ago and has an approximate balance of $2 million.
The requested amount to transfer is from an unrestricted fund balance and will not affect the Post Closure Fund.
Director Suleyman further explained that when planning these projects, it is typically on a 5-year schedule.
The funds are allocated and updated on an annual basis using the newest information available to staff. The decision
to not use onsite soil was made after the Capital Improvements Project (CIP) schedule was finalized. It is based on
cost per acre which includes the engineering, permitting costs, and anticipated cell construction costs. Basically it's a
model that is outdated based upon the new requirement for bidders to import the soil. The 5-year CIP schedule will
be updated to include soil importation. Soil importation will essentially drive costs from approximately $200,000 per
acre to well over $300,000 per acre. In response to Board questions, he reported that the unrestricted fund balance is
approximately 28 percent of the overall budget and the target is 8 percent. He noted that waste has been growing over
10 percent per year for the last three years and tipping fees have been reduced each year for the last four years. Staff
will be continually adjusting the tipping fee schedule to try to reach the target percentage.
Regarding questions about landfill gas, Director Suleyman explained that currently there are 20 vertical
extraction wells in place with 10 connected to solar flares. There is a current task order in place with SCS Engineers
to develop a landfill gas collection system. Currently all of the gas is being flared off. The first phase of the project
will come to fruition in the upcoming fiscal year. During the second and third phases, staff will reach out to the private
sector to seek partners to develop landfill gas to energy. Uses could be in the form of generating pipeline quality
natural gas, combined heat and power, only power or compressed natural gas for vehicle applications. The final answer
is unknown at this time but efforts will be made to connect with the private sector and learn what is the best fit for the
County. Environmental Management is statutorily required to have an active landfill gas collection system in place
30 months from the time the General Assembly adopts the Environmental Protection Agency’s Subtitle Triple X
Rules, which are on the Federal register and it is now up to the states to adopt the rules. Staff is working on the
assumption that the N.C. General Assembly will adopt the rules any day. A system will be in place in the next 30
months.
Regarding questions about the in-vessel composting system, Director Suleyman explained the compost
created through the system would be most suitable for the final six-inch layer on a full closure project to offset some
of the topsoil costs. It cannot be used alone to grow grass as it has to be mixed as a soil amendment. Staff calculates
that approximately 15 percent of the final mix can be compost mix for final closure uses. The result would be 15
percent less soil needed to be imported from off-site mines.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to adopt the resolution
authorizing the award of a construction services contract for the Partial Closure of Landfill Cells 2-6 (Cells 5 and 6A)
to ES&J Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $2,428,180 and the associated budget amendment 17-062 transferring
$686,000 from the Environmental Management Enterprise Fund into the Landfill Northern Property Closure Capital
Project Fund. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Copies of the resolution and budget amendment are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are
contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 28.9.
APPROVAL OF HURRICANE MATTHEW HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM SUBMITTALS
AND APPOINTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/911 DIRECTOR AS PROJECT MANAGER
Emergency Management/911 Director Steven Still reported that following Hurricane Matthew the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) empowered counties to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP) funds to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and rebuild with resiliency in mind. Meetings were held
amongst the Emergency Management/911, Parks and Gardens, Fire Services, Planning and Land Use, Building Safety,
and Engineering departments to research programs to determine where these funds could be applied, if awarded. The
projects may help ensure the County’s resiliency for handling future storms. Director Still provided the following
overview:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Project Summary:
(HMGP DR-4285) Hurricane Matthew Overview:
Largest program funding offered since Hurricane Floyd.
$100 million, with potential of an additional $93 million, will be available to North Carolina
counties that were declared.
The 49 declared counties have until May 1, 2017 to submit Letters of Interest to North Carolina
Emergency Management (NCEM), which opens a 90-day review period for project
approval/decline. Submissions will then be open to all non-declared counties. All Letters of
Interest from all counties are due to FEMA by October 10, 2017.
January – February 2018: Expected funds awarded to counties.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 718
HMGP Period of Performance ends October 10, 2020.
Process Overview:
Local governments write and submit grant proposals through NCEM to FEMA for
review/approval.
NCEM Hazard Mitigation supports local governments with:
Grant writing
Intake where needed with Joint Field Office (JFO) assets
Technical Assistance
Sub-recipient Briefings
County qualifies for six projects in the Tier 2 category:
Generators.
Early Warning Systems/Stream Gauges.
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan updates.
Stormwater management.
Wind retrofits.
Mitigation of commercial properties (if funding available).
Emergency Management/911 projects to be submitted:
Early Warning System which will replace reverse 911/call out system.
Generator Projects:
Design, build and deliver 3 new generators for county critical facilities (Blair School,
Senior Resource Center, Schools freezer site).
Up fit existing critical facility generators with automatic transfer switches and back-up
battery power.
Telemetry to connect and remotely monitor all generators.
Stormwater and Parks projects to be submitted:
Establishment of a comprehensive county stormwater management program for county owned
properties.
Drainage improvements for Whiskey Creek.
Stormwater improvements for property adjacent to the airport.
Stormwater improvements, stream stabilization, and wetland restoration project for Airlie
Gardens.
Director Still noted that Tier 1 projects are for mitigation of residential properties for acquisition (“buyout”),
elevation (“house raising”) and mitigation reconstruction (demo/rebuild”). New Hanover County currently does not
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have any projects that are eligible under Tier 1. He reported receiving notification on Friday, March 17 that the
design and build for a joint public safety logistics warehouse and training space project for Emergency Management,
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County Fire Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office, discussed during the March 16 Agenda Review meeting does not
qualify for HMGP funding. It may qualify for other types of funding in the future.
In response to Board questions, Director Still explained that a person has to self-register a cell phone to
receive notifications from the Emergency Management/911 system and this information is posted on the department’s
website and social media page. There are other restrictions with the current software in place that prevents the ability
to physically obtain a person’s number. Staff has to ask FEMA to send out notifications about a major civil emergency
through its Integrated Public Alert Warning System. The new Early Warning System project does provide Emergency
Management/911 with the capability to disburse notifications without having to use a third party. It can also be used
for public notifications about various County programs, notifying staff of closings, etc.
Motion:
Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the designated projects
as presented for submission to North Carolina Emergency Management for consideration and to appoint Emergency
Management/911 Director Steven Still as the project manager. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ADOPTION OF HURRICANE MATTHEW BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17-061 AND
RESOLUTION – DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT’S AGENT AND APPROVAL OF DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED FOR FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher reported that as a result of Hurricane Matthew, the Board adopted
a Proclamation of State of Emergency on October 6, 2016, and activated the Emergency Operations Center. At 5:00
p.m., on October 7, 2016, the County opened two public emergency shelters, Dorothy B. Johnson and Trask Middle
Schools. On October 8, 2016, an additional shelter was opened at Codington Elementary School. The State of
Emergency was terminated December 5, 2016.
In the aftermath, County staff did various damage assessments, made necessary repairs, and debris was
picked up in the unincorporated area of the County. Approval of Budget Amendment 17-061 is being requested to
cover the cost of the hurricane response, repairs and recovery in an amount of $402,000 and $1,150,000 for the General
Fund and the Environmental Management Fund, respectively. Staff is currently working with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to determine how much of those costs can be reimbursed to the County. There is no
expectation of receiving all of the County's reimbursement this fiscal year. More than likely it will come in next fiscal
year. To move forward with the request for public assistance, the Board is also being asked to approve the Resolution
- Designation of Applicant's Agent and the N.C. Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
State - Applicant Disaster Assistance Agreement. If approved by the Board, staff can proceed with the application.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 719
Commissioner Barfield commented how this information provides more clarification about the need for the
Environmental Management fund balance to have resources available up front to have the ability to cover the costs in
the event of a storm. He thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher and her staff for ensuring the County has the right resources in
place to cover the needs.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher confirmed that the $2.7 million will be taken out of fund
balance with $1,150,000 from the Environmental Management Fund and $402,000 from the General Fund. The debris
pickup and monitoring costs relate to Environmental Management which is why the monies come out of that fund
balance. It is prohibited to take the $402,000 out of the Environmental Management fund because it relates primarily
to personnel costs and some repair costs. County Manager Coudriet stated that there are specific statutory laws
concerning the Environmental Management Enterprise Fund as it relates to solid waste. There is not the same
flexibility that may be available in other enterprises such as water and sewer.
In response to additional Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher confirmed that the $1.1 million would come out
of the same Environmental Management fund that was discussed in the earlier agenda item. The fund would be
replenished when the reimbursement is received from FEMA. Debris pickup contracts are pre-negotiated to retain the
available service and are not budgeted. It is expected that the majority of the funds will be reimbursed. She will report
back to the Board about having received the reimbursements.
Regarding questions about the ice storm of two years ago, County Manager Coudriet stated the funds spent
were not reimbursed by FEMA. One of first requirements in potentially receiving reimbursement is for a storm to be
declared by the Federal Government but that does not mean a county is not automatically guaranteed reimbursement.
There is also a $1 or $1.50 per capita expense to meet before the Federal Government will activate its assistance fund.
If the County does not have enough expenditures, even if there’s a statewide declaration, it may not apply to the
County.
A brief discussion was held about the General Assembly recently approving hurricane relief funds and
whether or not it contained any county components. County Manager reported that funds recently approved by the
General Assembly were related to long-term redevelopment housing. The Board recently approved an application for
improvements to six houses that was specific to that funding as part of Hurricane Matthew. The funds for this agenda
item are outside of that scope.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to adopt Budget Ordinance
Amendment 17-061 in an amount of $402,000 and $1,150,000 for the General Fund and the Environmental
Management Fund, respectively and Resolution - Designation of Applicant's Agent and approve the North Carolina
Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management’s State - Applicant Disaster Assistance Agreement.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the budget ordinance amendment and resolution are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes
and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 28.10.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman White reported that up to three vacancies exist on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee with two applicants eligible for reappointment.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman White, to reappoint Deirdre L. Dunn and Sandra
Oglesby to serve three-year terms on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee with terms expiring
December 31, 2020. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Board of Health
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Board of Health in the General Public category with
six applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board.
Commissioner Kusek nominated James “Jim” C. Barker for appointment.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Nicholas A. Fernez for appointment.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote.
Vote Results:
The Board voted in the majority to appoint James “Jim” C. Barker to serve an unexpired term on the
Board of Health in the General Public category with the term expiring on December 31, 2018. Chairman White, Vice-
Chairman Watkins and Commissioner Kusek voted in favor.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
Chairman White reported that three vacancies exist on the Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control
Financing Authority with two applicants eligible for reappointment and two new applications available for
consideration and requested direction from the Board.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 20, 2017 PAGE 720
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint William H. Cameron and Robert F. Ruffner, Jr. to
serve six-year terms with terms to expire February 22, 2023 and appoint Robert McFeeters to serve an unexpired term
with term to expire February 22, 2019 on the Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman White reported that up to five vacancies exist on the Nursing Home Community Advisory
Committee with one applicant eligible for reappointment and one new application available for consideration and
requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to reappoint Andrea Kelly to
serve a three-year term with term expiring March 31, 2020 and to appoint Walker White to serve an initial one-year
term with term expiring March 31, 2018 on the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Appointments to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman White reported that three vacancies exist on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc.
Board of Directors with six applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Justin Gibson, Jessica Gray and Paul H. Smith.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Justin Gibson, Paul H. Smith and Jessica Wilson.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nominations of Justin Gibson and
Paul Smith.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Justin Gibson and Paul H. Smith to serve unexpired
terms on the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with terms expiring June 30, 2018.
Chairman White called for a vote on the nomination of Jessica Gray.
Vote Results:
The Board voted 2-3 to appoint Jessica Gray to serve an unexpired term on the Parks Conservancy of
New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with term expiring June 30, 2017. Commissioner Barfield and
Commissioner Zapple voted in favor.
Chairman White called for a vote on the nomination of Jessica Wilson.
Vote Results:
The Board voted 3-2 to appoint Jessica Wilson to serve an unexpired term on the Parks Conservancy
of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with term expiring June 30, 2017. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman
Watkins and Commissioner Kusek voted in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEM
Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
County Manager Coudriet congratulated Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Francolini, his team, and the
23 interview panelists comprised of hiring managers from across the organization on the outstanding success
of the career fair held March 18, 2017. There were more than 370 individuals in attendance to go through
the process of receiving an interview and actively being considered for more than 51 vacancies currently in
the organization. No one waited more than 10 or 15 minutes to be interviewed.
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Commissioner Barfield reported that he provided greetings at the Babcock and Wilcox 34 Annual Reunion
of former employees. Babcock and Wilcox was one of Wilmington’s major employers for some time and it
was a blow to the community when the decision was made to shut down the plant. Vertex Railcar Corporation
now operates on the same site. He thanked the employees for returning for the reunion to celebrate, reminisce
and remember their time at the factory.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.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 on-line at www.nhcgov.com.