2017-06-19 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 797
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, June 19, 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 Jonathan Barfield,
Jr.; Commissioner Patricia Kusek; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Reverend Dena Bearl Whalen, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, provided the invocation and
Commissioner 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
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, 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 Meeting and Budget Work Session of May
11, 2017, Regular Meeting of May 15, 2017, and Special Meeting of May 31, 2017.
Appointment of Voting Delegate to the NACo 2017 Annual Conference – Governing Body
The Commissioners appointed Commissioner Rob Zapple to the National Association of Counties' 82nd
Annual Conference to be held July 21-24, 2017 in Franklin County, Ohio.
Adoption of Purple Heart Day Proclamation – Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Monday, August 7, 2017 as Purple Heart Day in
New Hanover County. The proclamation will be presented during the Cape Fear Purple Heart dinner on August 12,
2017.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XL, Page 33.1.
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Repair, Restoration and Rebinding of Register of Deeds Record
Books – Register of Deeds
The Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the removal of record books from the Register of Deeds
office for repair, restoration and rebinding.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 33.2.
Michael Anthony Dilworth Settlement – County Attorney
The Michael Anthony Dilworth v. New Hanover County Sheriff lawsuit was resolved by payment of $35,000
by the insurance company.
A copy of the settlement agreement is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit
Book XL, Page 33.3.
Approval of New Hanover County Fire Rescue-Ogden Station Construction Contract Award – Fire Services
The Commissioners approved the award of a construction contract to Daniels and Daniels Construction
Company, Inc. to build a new fire station that will replace the existing New Hanover County Fire Rescue-Ogden
Station. In October 2015, the Board approved the purchase of the property to rebuild. FY 2016 Capital Improvement
Plan included the design and construction of the project. The Becker Morgan Group presented the Board a design plan
in November 2016. This project went out for bids with five contractors placing bids. Daniels and Daniels Construction
Company, Inc. was identified as the lowest bidder with a negotiated bid of $3,779,000. Construction will start in July
2017 and substantial completion will be achieved by August 2018.
Approval of 15 Donations for Accession into the Museum’s Permanent Collection – Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners approved 15 donations for accession into the Cape Fear Museum’s Permanent
Collection. The objects presented were approved for accession at the Museum Advisory Board meeting of May 17,
2017. Each item offered has a special story to preserve and they help to document 300 years of the region's history.
Approval of Nine Items to be Deaccessioned from the Museum's Collection – Cape Fear Museum
The Commissioners approved the deaccession of nine items from the Cape Fear Museum Permanent
Collection which have been identified as having no relevant provenance, are in very poor condition, or are duplicates
of better examples. The items recommended for deaccession have all been reviewed by the Curator, Director,
Collections Committee, and the Museum Advisory Board at their meeting of May 17, 2017. Most items are identified
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 798
for public auction, a procedure which removes the sale from immediate conflict of interest with the Museum. Income
earned from items sold at auction goes into a restricted account used to purchase new artifacts for the collection or to
conserve objects already in the collection. An object may also be recommended for transfer to another collecting
institution.
Approval of Board of Education 2016-2017 Budget Amendments #9 and #10 – Strategy and Budget
Department
The Commissioners approved the New Hanover County Board of Education’s budget amendments #9 and
#10 for the following adjustments:
Budget Amendment #9 which:
1. In the General fund, records $24,412 in Insurance Settlement proceeds and $8,471 of advertising
revenue, transfers $433,702 to Charter schools, and makes numerous miscellaneous school and program
budget adjustments.
2. In the Capital Outlay fund, budgets $262,500 of Lottery Fund appropriations received for the New
Hanover High School Cafeteria Renovation Project. The application for this project was previously
approved by the Board of County Commissioners at its August 22, 2016 meeting.
This amendment transfers $88,666 in project savings from the Lakeside Phase II renovation to establish
a new Board of Education Renovation project.
Finally, the amendment transfers $590,000 from the Northeast Elementary (Porter's Neck Elementary)
School Bond Project and $300,000 from the College Park Elementary Replacement School Bond Project
to the Blair Elementary School Replacement School Bond Project. Both the College Park and Northeast
Elementary School Projects came in under budget.
3. Records miscellaneous school and program budget transfers in the General Fund (Local Current Expense
Fund); and
4. In the Capital Outlay Fund, closes out three completed lottery projects (Eaton and Codington Carpet
Project, Bellamy Painting Project, and Williams Service Ramp Project) and returns $23,982 of project
savings to the unallocated lottery reserve.
In addition, the budget amendment transfers $28,060 in local funding project savings from the Roe Kitchen
Upgrades Project to Capital Outlay Contingency.
Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department
The Commissioners adopted the following budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year ending June 30,
2017:
Various 17-082
Sheriff 17-084, 17-085
Finance 17-087
Capital Improvement Project 17-088
Health 17-089
Copies of the budget ordinance amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained
in Exhibit Book XL, Page 33.4.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE
Airport Director Julie Wilsey presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the
operations, maintenance, development and existing projects of the airport:
2016 Aviation Statistics:
817,896 Passengers (6.2% Increase); 50,527 Operations (5.4% Increase); and 106 Based Aircraft
Economic Impact of Aviation:
All North Carolina airports (2015): $31.1 billion and 122,000 jobs
ILM (2015): $1.6 billion and 4,910 jobs
Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Event Statistics:
Main Terminal:
125 players arrived on commercial flights
200 Avis rental cars for players and caddies
Delta upgraded two regional jets to MD88 on Monday, May 8th (+198 seats)
th
Over half of the flights on Monday, May 8 were at or near capacity
4/28/17 to 5/8/17 - increase of 1,359 passengers vs. 2016 (+10.9%)
Busiest day was May 8th - 94% load factor
Air Wilmington:
87 aircraft carrying players and caddies
Wells Fargo had two corporate jets stay all week
Four of the players had their privately owned jets stay all week
Fuel flowage – 30,000 gallons
Financial Highlights for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016:
Operating Revenue of $9,516,700 (12.3% increase over FY15):
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 799
Aviation = 14.5%
Parking Lot = 40.6%
Rent = 21.3%
Commissions = 13.3%
Security = 7.1%
Other = 3.1%
Unqualified audit option on all reports:
Financial Statements
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Compliance and Other Matters
Compliance on the Major Federal Program and the Passenger Facility Charge Program
Compliance on the Major State Program
Completion of $7.3 million in capital improvements in FY16, which represents over 63% of cash
outlays.
The debt summary as of the end of June 30, 2016 was below $4.9 million.
ILM in the News:
Positive news coverage: The addition of art in the terminal through the Wilmington Arts Council;
rd
opening of a Scratch on 23 restaurant in the flex building in the business park; Air Wilmington
finishes upgrades ahead of golf tournament; and the unveiling of the mural by Wells Fargo
highlighting Wilmington’s history.
In conclusion, Director Wilsey expressed appreciation for the County’s support of the airport and thanked
the Board for appointing very strong Airport Authority members.
Chairman White thanked Director Wilsey for the report and the Airport Authority members for their
commitment to the community.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Social Services Member Frankie Roberts, presented the annual update for
the Department of Social Services (DSS) highlighting the following:
Our Mission Statement: Created by the North Carolina General Assembly and sustained with public
funds, the New Hanover County Department of Social Services exists to alleviate emotional and
economic distress among the people of the county. Providing a variety of basic and essential services,
the New Hanover County Department of Social Services seeks to assist and protect our most vulnerable
citizens – the poor, children, the aged, the disabled, and the sick – and to enhance and maintain the
quality of life in our community through being:
Professionally responsive to all clients and sensitive to the uniqueness of each client’s problems and
needs;
Valued by our community and publicly accountable for the effective and efficient management of
the public’s funds;
Professionally stimulating, rewarding and satisfying to our employees; and
Creatively adaptive to changing demands, laws and regulations without losing sight of our role as
an advocate for the vulnerable people in our community and our concern for the plight of the
individual client.
Number of People Served by Program:
Medicaid Households: 30,048
Food and Nutrition Services Households: 20,977
Veteran Services: 7,172
Work First/Emergency Assistance Households: 5,534
Child Services Cases: 4,313
Children in Childcare: 2,761
Adult Services Cases: 791
Reducing Health Risk and Disease:
The New Hanover County Department of Social Services administers a range of economic services,
including Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid and NC Health Choice (health coverage for
children). These services help citizens with low-income have access to nutritious meals and
healthcare, reducing the risk for disease and poor health outcomes. In 2015-2016:
An average of 15,573 households received Food and Nutrition Services each month.
More than 14,784 households were provided with medical coverage each month.
Transportation Services provided 83,043 rides to 2,032 Medicaid recipients for non-emergency
medical provider appointments.
8,139 bus tickets were provided for medical and employment transportation needs.
Increasing the Safety and Security of the Community:
Child Protective Services strives for all children in New Hanover County to live in safe, nurturing
and permanent homes where their physical, developmental, educational and emotional needs are
met. Staff are available at all times to receive and respond to reports of suspected child abuse or
neglect in a way that respects the family’s integrity and assures child safety and well-being. In 2015-
2016:
2,288 child neglect/abuse reports, involving 4,301 children were investigated.
91% of abused/neglected children were not repeat victims of maltreatment known to DSS.
Over 262 families were provided In-Home Services to prevent removal of children.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 800
DSS served as custodian for 594 children. (FY 2017 data will show an increase of 17+ %)
68% of children in custody achieved permanence in less than 12 months of their removal.
236 children were brought to permanence through reunification, relative placements and
adoptions.
41 children’s adoptions were finalized.
40% of adopted children were adopted within 24 months from removal from birth home.
55 eligible youth ages 13-18 were served through the LINKS Program.
Adult Protective Services helps assure older and disabled citizens live healthy, independent and
productive lives, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. In 2015-2016:
1,179 reports were received and screened; 684 evaluations completed; and 217 were confirmed
mistreatment.
143 individuals were protected through court appointed DSS guardianship.
82% of aged and disabled adults were not repeat victims of confirmed mistreatment.
89 individuals received Special Assistance In-Home Services.
108 individuals received health support, individual and family adjustment, at-risk and special
assistance in-home services.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is federally-funded and provides a one-time
payment directly to the utility company to help eligible households pay their heating bills during the
cold-weather months, allowing citizens who are aged, disabled and/or low-income remain safely in
their home during the winter:
2,832 citizens participated in the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.
$134,810.37 was paid to utility companies for county citizens during 2015-2016.
Child Support Services works with custodial and non-custodial parents to see that children receive
the support and resources needed in a safe and nurturing environment. Complimented by the Family
Support Program, offering assistance to non-custodial parents to overcome obstacles to paying child
support, child support payments are increasing and family dynamics are being strengthened:
$12,939,412 paid in Child Support ($268,150.22 of that total was collected from the Family
Support Program participants).
6,650 children benefited from Child Support Services.
478 new orders for support were established.
439 children had paternity established.
Promoting a Strong Diverse Economy and High Quality Job Growth:
The New Hanover County Department of Social Services administers emergency financial
assistance, subsidy programs, and education and employment services to citizens who find
themselves in a financial emergency:
4,787 citizens received Emergency Financial Assistance to help them through a financial crisis
and maintain self-sufficiency.
1,926 families representing 2,761 children, received childcare assistance, allowing parents to
work or go to school to become more self-sufficient.
95 licensed childcare organizations participated in the subsidy program, and received a total of
$7,374,801 for services provided.
100% of the participants who left the Work First program for employment did not return to
Work First during the year.
$50,952,122 in food assistance was spent in area grocery and food markets.
DSS Economic Impact by Program FY 2016 Total was $299,568,835:
Adult Services = $647,295 (0.22%)
Children Services = $14,685,279 (4.90%)
Child Care = $7,578,497 (2.53%)
Work First/Emergency Assistance = $7,184,108 (2.40%)
Food and Nutrition Services = $50,920,122 (17.00%)
Administration = $1,132,152 (0.38%)
Child Support = $2,474,749 (0.83%)
Veteran Services = $125,175 (0.04%)
Medicaid = $214,821,458 (71.71%; Medicaid benefits for FY 2016 are unavailable; estimate is
based on FY 2015 information)
The economic impact by program includes local revenues and revenues dispersed directly to the
consumer from the State, such as food and nutrition services, Medicaid benefits, and child support
collections.
DSS Expenditures for FY 2016 were $38,493,710:
Administration = $20,265,491 (52.65%; this includes salaries for all program areas)
Veterans Services = $119,646 (0.31%)
Medicaid = $1,718,240 (4.46%)
Food and Nutrition Services = $50,914 (0.13%)
Adult Services = $1,275,579 (3.31%)
Child Welfare Services = $4,506,440 (11.71%)
Work First/Emergency Assistance = $1,767,311 (4.59%)
Child Daycare = $7,364,628 (19.13%)
Child Support = $1,428,461 (3.71%)
DSS Revenues for FY 2016 were $25,855,890:
Child Support = 4%
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 801
Administration = 0%
Veterans Services = $1,907 (0.01%)
Medicaid = $5,536,938 (21.41%)
Food and Nutrition Services = $2,337,436 (9.04%)
Adult Services = $1,047,749 (4.05%)
Child Welfare Services = $6,669,961 (25.80%)
Work First/Emergency Assistance = $1,791,696 (6.93%)
Child Daycare = $7,540,601 (29.16%)
Technology:
4,787 NC FAST-Energy Assistance, Child Care, and Child Welfare Programs.
CW ASSIST-web based search tool developed by the State integrating data from all DSS Agencies,
Law Enforcement and other agency data sources to help social workers better assess safety and risk
to children.
SAS/Project-web based active/interactive tool that alerts social workers to safety and wellbeing risks
by mining arrest and release data along with CAD and all current NHC DSS data on families.
Additionally, the project will use predictive analytics to assist social workers in determining risk to
NHC Children in either the Department’s custody and/or in active Child Protective Services cases.
Final product will be delivered in August 2017.
DSS Partnerships:
Health Department; Senior Resource Center, Casey Family Programs, Trillium Health Resources,
Judicial System, WAVE Transit, Community Prevention Services, ADR Center, Cape Fear
Community College, Good Friends, Phoenix Hometown Hires, Coastal Enterprises, Smart Start,
UNCW, Methodist Home for Children, Work Force Development Solutions, CCPT, Faith Based
Community, Cape Fear Health Net, Guardian Ad Litem, Cape Fear Council of Governments/Area
Agency on Aging, Elderhaus, Inc., New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Med North, Duke
Endowment, and SAS.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Roberts and DSS Director Michelle Winstead.
Commissioner Barfield, who also serves as the DSS Board Chairman, commented the largest portion of the
work done by DSS is dealing with our children. There are over 400 children in DSS custody primarily due to the
opioid crisis. It is a very demanding stressful job but staff handles it with excellence, great pride, and integrity. There
are also many cases reported each month of elder abuse handled by staff. The children and elderly are the most
vulnerable in our community and the most affected. It's important that everyone understands the work done by DSS.
He thanked Mr. Roberts, Director Winstead, the DSS Board, and the DSS staff for their hard work.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Health Chairman Dr. Stephanie Smith presented the New Hanover County
Board of Health annual update highlighting the following:
Mission: Promote a safe and healthy community
Vision: Healthy People, Safe Environment, Strong Community
Oldest Local Board of Health in North Carolina - June 14, 1879 (138 Years)
Named North Carolina Board of Health of the Year in 1991, 2003 and 2013
Dedicated members of eleven professional volunteers
NC Local Health Department Accreditation:
2004 - One of first six NC counties accredited
2008 - One of first three NC counties continuing accreditation
2012 - One of first three NC counties continuing accreditation a second time
2016 – Third reaccreditation
Operating Revenues of $12.65 million for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016:
County = $4.72 million (37%)
Federal and State = $1.87 million (15%)
Medicaid = $1.44 million (11%)
Fees = $1.06 million (9%)
Other = $3.56 million (28%)
Operating Expenditures of $12.65 million for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016:
Personnel = $10.68 million (84%)
Operating = $1.52 million (12%)
Capital Outlay = $0.45 million (4%)
Accomplishments:
Health Director recruitment and selection
State of the County Health Report
Purchase of Practice Management/Electronic Health Record
Introduction and Community Event around Collective Impact for Improved Health Outcomes
Successful planning and safety implementation for Wells Fargo Championship
Heritage Park and Marquis Hills water/sewer projects complete
Obtained $96,000 of Naloxone for distribution
Passed Board of Health Rule for Tobacco Free Campus and Rabies Control
Closed Point of Distribution added at Corning
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 802
Created three-year strategic plan (2017-2020)
LEAN project completed in Clinic
4,030 Food Sanitation inspections were made at 1,349 food establishments
533 pools were inspected
93 installations and 42 repairs made to septic systems
2,066 served through Pregnancy Care Management
1,057 served through Care Coordination for Children
78 served through Refugee Health
5,615 shots given this Flu Season
24,097 laboratory tests performed
1,030 children served by Mobile Dental Clinic
117,238 visits to school health nurses
422 sports physicals were completed
707 students served by mental health therapists
11,498 Nutrition Contacts in WIC
FY2017-18 Major Goals and Projects:
Fully transition to practice management system, including electronic health records
Implement additional LEAN projects in Health
Explore Mobile Dental Unit Replacement and dental expansion
Creation of a Collective Impact Coalition for health in New Hanover County
We Make a Difference:
Local health departments strengthen communities by preventing illness and improving health
We have expertise in community wellness and prevention
Your continued investment and support is critical to community health and economic development
Commissioner Zapple, member of the Board of Health, expressed appreciation for the report, thanked Dr.
Smith for her leadership as the Board of Health Chair, and congratulated Health Director Phillip Tarte on his first full
year with the County. He also thanked the Health Department staff for their work to protect the citizens of the County.
Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked Dr. Smith for the presentation and Director Tarte for his service.
Commissioner Barfield commented that the Department of Social Services and Health Department are the
first departments to go through the LEAN program which works to create greater efficiencies in work processes and
reduce costs. This process will also improve efficiencies and service between the two departments as they sometimes
serve the same individuals. He thanked County Manager Coudriet and the management team for their willingness to
utilize the program in the organization.
Chairman White thanked Director Tarte for his leadership and the staff for their hard work. He witnessed
Director Tarte’s leadership while working closely with him over the past several days on the GenX issue and stated
that the people of this County are being well served by Director Tarte.
AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK CONTRACT TO MONTEITH
CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES FACILITY
Property Management Facilities Project Manager Kevin Caison stated the Board is being asked to consider
awarding the Construction Management At Risk (CM@R) contract to Monteith Construction Corporation. The Board
st
approved the CM@R delivery method at the May 1 meeting. Since that time, staff posted a Request for Qualifications
and received interest from five firms. After review by the selection committee, interviews, and reference checks of
the candidates, staff determined Monteith Construction Corporation the best choice for this project. If approved, this
authorizes the project to proceed in the amount set forth in the Capital Project Ordinance. No additional contract
approval will be required for construction of the facility. Mr. Caison provided a brief overview of CM@R:
Project Delivery Options:
Design Bid Build
Design Build
Construction Management @ Risk
Benefits of CM@R:
Guaranteed maximum price
Preconstruction Planning/Logistics
Increased sustainability
Efficiency
Project Specific Factors:
DSS must stay fully operational during construction
Offsite parking
Phasing of project
Qualifications Based Selection Process:
Request for Qualifications advertisement
Selection Committee review
Interviews and presentations
Selection Committee recommendation
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 803
The guaranteed maximum price with Monteith Construction has been negotiated at $19,000,000 which
includes cost of construction and construction manager at risk services. The total project budget is $23,142,957, which
includes $1,515,740 budgeted in Fiscal Year 2017 and $21,627,217 included in the recommended 2018 Capital
Improvement Plan. The total budget is being funded through proceeds of the sale of Health Department property to
New Hanover Regional Medical Center, escrowed Medicaid Maximization funds, transfers from other closed capital
projects and general fund revenues. The budget breakdown is as follows:
Project Budget Breakdown:
Professional services (architect and engineer): $ 1,515,740
CM@R services and construction: $19,000,000
Administrative costs (site survey, inspections, etc.): $ 741,000
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment: $ 1,338,000
Owner contingency: $ 547,922
Total project budget: $23,142,957
Commissioner Zapple commented on how this is a new tool that will allow the County to be able to provide
efficient building and save the taxpayers money. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Caison for the presentation and
making the development community and taxpayers aware of how the County is making sure everyone is getting the
best value for their tax dollars.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman White requested direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to award the Construction
Management at Risk contract for the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Facility to Monteith
Construction Corporation. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman White stated that for the record we've been working on this for months and months and months.
We've been very well briefed by our staff, by Kevin Caison, by Property Management Director Jerome Fennell, and
have had ample time to look at this. So we didn't just spend 10 seconds spending $21 million. In fact, most of the
money came from the hospital in the sale of that property.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF NEW
HANOVER, NORTH CAROLINA PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $38,000,000
COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS,
SERIES 2017
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher presented the request for the Board’s consideration to adopt the
resolution approving the issuance of not to exceed $38 million General Obligation Bonds for New Hanover County
Schools. The County has previously funded $52,000,000 in bonds through an August 2015 sale. The proposed bond
sale should provide for the necessary cash flow needs for the next year to continue school bond projects identified in
2014, including the Blair and College Park Elementary Replacement projects as well as renovations and improvements
at various schools in the County including Wrightsville Beach Elementary, Laney High School, Hoggard High School,
New Hanover High School, Roland-Grise Middle School, Myrtle Grove Middle School, Trask Middle School and
Noble Middle School. When these bond funds are depleted, the County will issue the remaining bonds ($71,000,000)
to complete any of these projects that may be outstanding.
Chief Financial Officer Wurtzbacher noted that the resolution for the Board’s consideration is to approve an
issuance of not to exceed $38 million. Although the agenda summary states $37 million, there is uncertainty about the
premiums that will be received and due to this, the not to exceed amount has been adjusted to $38 million. It is
believed that the County will actually be able to issue less than $37 million based on the current market and the
premiums that are expected to be received. Ms. Wurtzbacher then provided a brief overview of the request:
Background:
New Hanover County Schools:
To fund construction and renovation of schools’ facilities
Not to exceed $38 million
Second issue of 2014 authorized bonds
Timeline:
Approval of resolution and form documents June 19, 2017
Preliminary Official Statement to be released July 14, 2017
Sale date of July 25, 2017
Closing date of August 15, 2017
Debt Service Payments:
Life of debt: 20 years
Estimated Average Debt Service: $2,363,758
Estimated Fiscal Year 2018 Payment: $669,303
Estimated Interest Rate: 2.77%
Debt Management Impact:
$37 million impact on debt per capita:
Estimated Impact*: 164; 2017 Projected: 1,716
$37 million impact on debt to assessed value:
Estimated Impact*: 0.1%; 2017 Projected: 1.26%
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 804
$37 million impact on debt service to operational expenditures:
Estimated Impact*: 0.7%; 2017 Projected: 16.00%
* Note: Calculations use amounts in recommended Fiscal Year 2018 budget
Requested Action:
Previously approved by voters:
No public hearing required
Approving resolution and form documents:
Notice of Sale
Preliminary Official Statement
In response to Board questions, Chief Financial Officer Wurtzbacher confirmed that investors may pay a
higher amount due to the County’s high credit rating and AAA bond rating. This allows the County to borrow less
funds. With the current favorable market conditions and the fact that the County is rated a double triple A, the County
usually receives quite a bit of premiums.
Regarding the original plan of two more issuances, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that in the next year cash flow
will be reviewed to see if it would be better to issue one sale for the rest of the bonds. It will be dependent on how
quickly the schools spend the cash, which is what is used as the base when issuing the debt.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White requested direction from the Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to adopt the Resolution of the
Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina providing for the issuance of not to exceed
$38,000,000 County of New Hanover, North Carolina General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2017. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 33.5.
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF REZONING REQUEST BY DESIGN SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF
OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, CAROLINA PARTNER GROUP, LLC, IN ORDER TO REZONE A 0.71
ACRE AREA LOCATED AT 6311 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD FROM (CUD) B-1, CONDITIONAL USE
BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO (CZD) B-1, CONDITIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, IN ORDER TO DEVELOP
AN AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION (Z17-04)
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
owner, Carolina Partner Group, LLC, to rezone a 0.71-acre area located at 6311 Carolina Beach Road from (CUD) B-
1, Conditional Use Business District, to (CZD) B-1, Conditional Business District, in order to develop an automobile
service station. The subject property includes the property directly to the south of it which currently contains a gift
shop and a single-family dwelling. Directly to the north is a religious institution, to the east is the Winds Ridge
Townhomes community and to the west along Carolina Beach Road are general commercial uses including a child
care facility located in the residential district.
The subject property is currently undeveloped. There are no wetlands or flood zones located within it. This
district was approved in 1994 and allows for a gift shop, single-family dwelling and retail nursery as shown on the
plan. In 2002, the subject property was subdivided into three lots which created the property being discussed today.
The uses allowed within the current Conditional Use District are all located on the adjacent lot to the south and they
will continue to operate under that approved zoning district. The site plan submitted with the application proposes to
develop an approximately 5,800 square foot automobile service station consisting of seven bays.
The proposed development will connect directly into Carolina Beach Road and provide a parking lot cross
access stub which will be installed up to the southern property line. The proposed development has also obtained a
variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the southern side yard setback. That variance does allow for the
proposed building to be 10 feet from the property line.This proposal will generate 17 trips in the AM peak, and 20
trips in the PM peak and therefore, a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) was not required to be completed.
The 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan classifies the subject property as Community Mixed Use.
Community Mixed Use focuses on small-scale, compact, mixed use development patterns that serve all modes of
travel and act as an attractor for county residents and visitors. It will provide for the opportunity for future
interconnectivity with the property to the south.
The Planning Board considered this application at its May 4, 2017 meeting. At the meeting, the Board
discussed the types of automotive repairs that will occur at the business, how disposal of discarded automobile fluids
will be handled, and the appearance and architectural design of the building. The Board recommended approval (4-0)
of the application finding that it is:
1. Consistent with the purposes and intent of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan because commercial uses that
provide community level services are encouraged within the Community Mixed Use place type.
2. Reasonable and in the public interest because the proposed development provides for community level
service to the surrounding residents, and because it will provide the opportunity for future
interconnectivity along a major thoroughfare.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 805
The Planning Board recommended that the following condition be added to the development:
1. The façade of the office portion of the building must consist of brick or decorative block materials.
Staff is recommending approval of this application with conditions as stated in the Planning Board’s action.
In response to Board questions about parking, Mr. Shuler stated that staff believes there is sufficient parking
due to the type of business. There are nine parking spaces outside the building. There are a total of 16 spaces if the
bays are included in the count, which in fact are being included in the count. This is an automobile service station so
the type of work being performed are oil changes, tire rotations, regular maintenance work, etc. A lot of the time a
customer will be in the waiting area while their vehicle is in the bay being worked on and therefore, it will not be
taking up a parking space outside the building.
Chairman White invited the petitioner to make comments.
Cindee Wolf, of Design Solutions and representing the property owner, Carolina Partner Group, LLC,
reported the services will include general auto care and maintenance procedures such as oil changes, tune-ups and
brake adjustments. There is no major engine repair or body work that's performed in this type facility. There are no
underground tanks and waste fluids and oil filters are stored in tanks or drums pumped by licensed disposal and hauling
carriers. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with service ceasing at 5:00 p.m. and
from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. being just pick-up and drop off. Weekend hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays
and closed on Sundays.
The site layout, which is very linear, was intended to screen the service bays from passing traffic on Carolina
Beach Road. The customer and office area is in the front of the building. The Planning Board felt it was important for
the façade view from the Carolina Beach Road side to be an attractive brick façade rather than a metal view with bays
being obvious. This type of façade is on one of O’Leary’s recent developments. She and her client feel this type façade
is very appropriate and meets the Planning Board's intention for aesthetics.
The wall facing the gift shop and the residence to the south is a solid wall with no breaks. She and her client
did work with the Zoning Board of Adjustment and it will be buffered by evergreen landscaping and there is also a
wide buffer at the very back for satisfying the opacity and separation from the Winds Ridge community. She and her
client believe the staff's positive assessment of the proposal is consistent and the Planning Board's assessment deserves
a final approval.
Regarding questions about the parking, Ms. Wolfe explained that cars stored overnight are generally
guaranteed to the customer that they will be protected so therefore, they will be in the bays overnight with the closed
doors and security. If one looks at her client’s other establishments or typical ones of Firestone or Valvoline, there is
minimal parking for the customers to come and set themselves up for an appointment and either drop off or come back
which is satisfactory.
In response to Board questions about the opinion of the owners of the gift shop and single-family dwelling
about the request, Ms. Wolfe explained that the gentleman that owns both, as a trust for his daughter, is the same
gentleman that sold her client the lot. The gentleman never intended for it not to be used and certainly sold it as a
commercial property. The gentleman was contacted and he provided an affidavit, on behalf of his wife and daughter
who live there and run the gift shop, that they had no issue at all with this as long as a fence was provided to mitigate
any views from the residential uses. The solid wall provides for the screening, the noise and everything else along
with the vegetation. They were totally in favor and the Zoning Board of Adjustment agreed, with those conditions.
The fact that the project is only set back the 10 feet is conditioned upon all of these items.
Regarding questions about the brick façade, Ms. Wolfe explained that the façade will be on two sides, the
front facing Carolina Beach Road and the side that's obvious because there's no other plantings or anything else against
it. She thinks there may be some kind of a small wrap around the south side. There is no intention to take it the entire
distance since it is a solid wall, screened by the gift shop, and any other future development that will occur on the
southern site.
In response to further Board questions, Ms. Wolfe reconfirmed that the gift shop site is an owner-occupied
site and they had no complaint about the business. The owners provided an affidavit to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment that they were not in opposition.
Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak in favor or in opposition of the request.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White closed the public hearing and asked whether the petitioner
wanted to continue the application to a future meeting or to proceed with the Board deciding whether to recommend
approval or denial of the application. Ms. Wolf requested the Board to proceed with the decision. 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
with the condition that the facade of the office portion of the building, along the western and northern sides, must
consist of brick or decorative block materials. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 806
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 110.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVE
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018
Chairman White opened the public hearing to receive comments on appropriations and expenditures for
economic development. The source of funding for these appropriations and expenditures will be from the General
Fund Revenues. The purposes of economic development and economic incentive agreements are to increase the
population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects for New
Hanover County. The economic development expenditures that follow have been recommended for appropriation in
the FY17-18 Budget and are under consideration for adoption. The public is invited to comment on these matters.
Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader reported that this public hearing is to fulfill the requirement
of North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 158-7.1 and provided a brief overview of the economic development and
economic incentive appropriations:
Economic Development Agencies AmountPaid OverDescription of Activities/Expense
Organizations
Fund a regional marketing plan that articulates the many
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
$75,000 2 payments assets the Wilmington region has for a business to expand or
(Cape Fear Future Foundation)
relocate
Support job creation & sustainable growth through
Foreign Trade Promotion Council $2,500 1 payment
expanding global trade by NC companies
Provide regional & targeted industry specific marketing &
The Southeastern Partnership, Inc. $20,000 2 payments
conduct familiarization events
Recruitment/assistance for business expansion and/or
Wilmington Business Development $196,813 4 payments
relocation efforts
Activities to increase the number of businesses, jobs & tax
Wilmington Downtown, Inc. $25,000 1 payment
base in Wilmington’s Urban Core
Promote/assist TV & film production activities to drive local
Wilmington Film Commission $123,756 4 payments entertainment business growth, support local production
infrastructure & businesses
Membership fee(s), local government services &
Cape Fear Council of Governments $36,648 2 payments
transportation planning, workforce investment
Assist with project development necessary for the
Southeastern Economic
$18,240 1 payment solicitation of grant funding from the Economic
Development Commission
Development Administration (EDA)
Small Community Air Service Development Grant match, a
Wilmington International Airport up to $100,000 1 payment grant program designed to help small communities address
air service & airfare issues
Provide project management for & procure a market demand
Wilmington Business Development $40,000 1 payment study & site analysis for County-owned land located on Blue
Clay Rd
Development of RFP & assistance with selection &
Benchmark CMR, Inc. $44,725 1 payment evaluation of offers related to development/redevelopment
of Project Grace
Qualified Engineering Firm To Be Conduct a Phase 1 environmental assessment/study of the
up to $5,000 1 payment
Selected Project Grace site.
Previously Approved Contractual Incentive Payments
These organizations must meet specified investment/job requirements before payment is made. These appropriations
will be funded from General Fund revenues of the County.
Organization Amount Paid Over
Castle Branch Up to $50,000 1 payment
Fortron Up to $100,000 1 payment
General Electric Up to $175,000 1 payment
Live Oak Bank Up to $65,000 1 payment
PPD Up to $300,000 1 payment
Infrastructure Investment:
A capital project investment of $525,000, the first of three annual contributions, to
provide fire flow to the water system being constructed along US Highway 421. An additional payment to CFPUA,
up to $60,000, 1 payment, to provide a preliminary engineering report (PER) regarding providing water service along
Castle Hayne Road.
Chairman White reported that two people signed up to speak and requested they give their comments.
Doug Springer of Cape Landing Road, commented on Wilmington Business Development (WBD) receiving
over $200,000. Mr. Springer stated that WBD was formerly called Wilmington Industrial Development and brought
Titan Cement to New Hanover County. During a discussion with the WBD Executive Director, he was told that the
organization has only been successful five times in twenty years. He felt fiscal responsibility is greatly overlooked in
this case. He requested that the Board create a set of objectives for WBD and across the board for every non-profit,
every economic development component of this budget. He thanked the Commissioners for their service and
commended them for doing a great job.
Charles Robbins of Middle Sound Loop Road, commented that he is part of a non-profit, a heavy volunteer,
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 807
and spends a lot of time on the Cape Fear and Black Rivers. On the economic and physical development part, in
relation to Cape Fear Resource Conservation and Development, he would like to see it tied to WBD. The Southeastern
Partnership works at another level with the Cape Fear River, which ties into WBD. WBD is not just paperwork and
numbers. It is what people are looking at us to do, coming here for business. The Cape Fear River Watch works with
a variety of groups with ties to outlying groups of people and municipalities that affect each other. Everyone involved
believes that the rivers and waterways coming in or heading out of the Cape Fear River and North Carolina from other
states are responsible for that. The more that is known about what is going on, the more we can help and protect
ourselves, which is back to business development. He would like to see some of the $167,000 designated for the
UNCW track be given to some kids in the City.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman White closed the public hearing and asked if there is a motion
approve the economic development appropriations and expenditures based on the finding that the appropriations and
expenditures 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 Kusek, to approve the economic
development appropriations and expenditures based on the finding that the appropriations and expenditures will
increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects
of the County.
Chairman White asked if there was any further discussion.
Commissioner Zapple stated he would like to make a motion to increase the Wilmington Downtown, Inc.
$25,000 allotment to a compromise number of $37,500. Wilmington Downtown, Inc. is being cut by $40,000 in the
proposal presented to the Board. He believes that the work they have done is critical to the growth of downtown which
generated $2.6 million in last year's property taxes to the County coffers. Every dollar that they make decreases the
financial burden on all of our residential owners. He would like to put that forth to his fellow Commissioners and see
if they would entertain that. He is not asking for the full $65,000 which was the staff recommendation for funding,
but an increase from $25,000 to $37,500.
Chairman White asked Vice-Chairman Watkins if he would yield to the substitute motion with Vice-
Chairman Watkins stating he would yield.
Chairman White asked for a vote on the substitute motion.
Substitute Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to increase the
Wilmington Downtown, Inc. $25,000 allotment to a compromise number of $37,500. Upon vote, the MOTION
FAILED 2 – 3. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and Commissioner Kusek voted in opposition.
Chairman White called for a vote on the original motion.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated that for the record, it's easy to forget or not remember things and just in
defense of what Wilmington Business Development has brought to the table, Verizon has over, with their economic
current impact, over $500 million a year of economic impact. We can always discuss what the multiplier effect is,
but nonetheless Verizon has brought a lot. Castle Branch, GE expansion is over $60 million, the Fortron expansion,
so Wilmington Development has brought a lot to our table. Nonetheless their impact with their recent involvement
with the Wells Fargo tournament, which has no quantifiable impact yet, is something we will see down the road.
Commissioner Barfield stated that he recognizes that New Hanover County is truly the economic hub of
southeastern North Carolina. We are looked to as the leaders of the economics, industry, education and on so many
fronts throughout this region. All of the organizations play a significant part in helping us achieve that. The State
offers certain economic incentives to counties to recruit companies to their communities based on the number of
employees. However, Columbus County as great as it is, when employees get off work there is not a lot for them to
do. As opposed to New Hanover County where there is a great arts scene, downtown scene, historic vibrant downtown,
and beaches. There are also great employers who are always looking for things for their employees to do and that's
why these folks continue to come here. He thanked Scott Satterfield and WBD for the work they do and is also excited
about the new Chamber CEO, Natalie English, and Chamber’s work. He was pleased to see the work and the
community collaboration that went into bringing the Wells Fargo Championship here. WBD helped foster the
conversation to bring the tournament here. The Film Commission is working very hard to increase the number of films
coming into the community and is hoping to bring the industry back in full force. The airport also plays a big part in
the community. All these partners work together to make these things work for our community. Commissioner
Barfield stated that he does support the motion that has been made or makes a motion to approve what’s here.
Chairman White stated that there is already a motion and a second on the table for the original motion. He
asked for a vote from the Board on the original motion.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve the economic
development appropriations and expenditures based on the finding that the appropriations and expenditures will
increase the population, taxable property, agricultural industries, employment, industrial output, or business prospects
of the County. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 1. Commissioner Zapple voted in opposition.
Chairman White announced that after the break the next agenda item to be heard would be the public hearing
on the budget. Chairman White then stated to County Manager Coudriet that on the non-profit funding, he would like
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 808
to make the following announcements relative to consensus on the Board and make the following changes to the
budget:
Continuum of Care for Homelessness – CFCOG: There is consensus among the Commissioners to
reestablish funding at $25,000;
Good Shepherd Center: There is consensus upon the Board to reestablish funding at $25,000;
Recovery Resources Center, Inc.: There is consensus on the Board to reestablish funding at $5,000; and
Wilmington’s Residential Adolescent Achievement Place, Inc. (WRAAP): There is consensus on the
Board to establish funding at $20,000.
Vice-Chairman Watkins commented that the changes are due to these organizations meeting with various
Board members to share their missions, stories and budgets with the Board. Leading Into New Communities, Inc.
(LINC, Inc.) is being increased to $265,000 for a jail diversion program because it's approximately $80 a day for an
individual to be jailed as opposed to a recovery situation outside. He expressed appreciation to the organizations for
meeting with Board members and stated that they were heard.
Chairman White stated that it goes without saying by stating those consensus figures, some may or may not
hear what they would like tonight, but Vice-Chairman Watkins is absolutely right on what he said. On the LINC, Inc.
funding in particular, he stated that Frankie Roberts and his team had the foresight to come to the County years ago
and discuss what they do for men coming out of the prison system trying to deal with addiction, trying to deal getting
their feet on the ground, mental health concerns, applying for jobs and all the things they see every day, but they didn’t
have a component for women. They wanted to have that component. Last year on a pilot program, LINC, Inc. provided
services for 11 women. Out of the 11, if he is correct, there were two failures and nine successes which is tremendous.
If it’s possible to get nine people off the street, breaking addiction and breaking that cycle of poverty and dependence,
it's worth the money. The LINC, Inc. line item for $265,000 will take the program up to 20 people. In looking at the
“health and human services” non-profit funding this year, this Board is likely to increase the total appropriation from
$461,000 last year to $597,000 this year. There aren't cuts and there are some reallocations. The County has finite
resources. There are some things that the consensus of the Board is that we can't do but there's an awful lot of unanimity
in what we can do. That's the essence of a public hearing.
Commissioner Kusek commented that in looking at all the processes it became very clear that for the non-
profit funding, the process that has been in place for a number of years is very broken. It lacks accountability and
transparency and will be addressed by the Board to fix that in the coming months. This part of the budget, even though
a small piece, has doubled in four years. There needs to be a better process in place for how requests are made and a
better process for making sure money is put in the right places. There is a lot more non-profit work occurring in this
County that's not on the non-County agency list. Non-profits’ staff and volunteers are doing important work and she
supports them as well. However, she is also charged with being a steward of the taxpayers' money and there is a need
to get the process right. There are other organizations that do things differently and do so in a more methodical, fair,
and accountable process. She will be pushing for the matter to be before the Board before the end of the summer. She
thanked everyone for the comments and input during this process.
Commissioner Barfield commented this is truly representative of government at its finest when the citizens
speak up. Our doors are always open, the phones are always on and it's important that citizens show up. It's important
for citizens of this community to be engaged in their government, which means not just coming out for a budget or
hot button issue, but attending other Board meetings, recognizing issues and how the issues the Board votes on impact
citizens’ lives in some shape, form or fashion. It's important that citizens understand the significance of what the
Board does and what their county does for them. The County has a vast array of services available to the citizens of
this community. The County has over 30 different boards and everyone should learn about the boards and be actively
involved. It's a great place to live, to raise a family, and to bring business here, but it takes a true partnership of
everyone to make sure it's the kind of place citizens want it to be. He thanked everyone for attending the meeting and
wants to see them at future meetings.
Commissioner Zapple thanked everyone for attending, contacting him personally and for contacting all of
the other Commissioners. He commended his fellow Commissioners for opening their hearts and minds and being
open to reconsidering the votes that had be taken or the discussions that have gone on to show that flexibility. He
thinks it's just good strong government. He expressed appreciation to those organizations who made an effort to step
forward with good hard facts to show how important they are to the entire community.
BREAK:
Chairman White called a break from 5:33 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FY2017-2018 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
Chairman White opened the public hearing stating that pursuant to NCGS 159-12(b), before adopting the
budget ordinance the Board shall hold a public hearing at which time any persons who wish to be heard on the budget
may appear. This public hearing on the FY2017-2018 Recommended Budget meets these requirements. The Board
will now hear public comments.
New Hanover County Schools
Chairman Ed Higgins of the New Hanover County Board of Education expressed appreciation for County
funding of education in Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley presented the Schools’ budget request
highlighting the following:
How Your Support Helps Us:
Performance Composite:
District vs. State: The percentage of the test scores in the district at or above expected
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 809
achievement level (Level III) which is considered grade level proficient (GLP). The district
GLP composite for all End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments is 64.4% (State 58.3%).
The district Career and College Readiness (CCR) composite for all End-of-Grade and End-of-
Course assessments is 55.8 (State 48.8%). CCR includes scores at or above achievement level
IV.
New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) vs. Region: NHCS students outperform districts in the
area on state End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) tests:
New Hanover County Schools: 64.4%; Sampson: 61.4%; Pender: 61.1%; State: 58.3%;
Brunswick: 56.0%; Onslow: 54.2%; Columbus: 51.0%; Bladen: 42.8%; and Duplin: 42.5%
NHCS vs. Urban and Similar-Size Districts: NHCS outperforms urban districts with the
exception of Wake County and outperforms districts of similar size:
Urban Districts:
District NamePerformance Composite
Wake 67.9
NHCS 64.4
CMS* 62.1
North Carolina 58.3
Cumberland 56.8
Guilford 54.7
Forsyth 53.2
Durham 44.9
*Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Similar-size Districts:
District Name Performance Composite
NHCS 64.4
Buncombe 63.4
Cabarrus 61.9
North Carolina 58.3
Onslow 54.2
Pitt 52.4
Alamance-Burlington 51.8
Robeson 36.9
NHCS vs. State EOG and EOC Assessments: The percentage of NHCS students that are
proficient on EOG and EOC is higher than the State average:
Grades 3 – 8: English/Language/Arts is 62.3% for NHCS and 56.9% for State
Grades 3 – 8: Math is 61.1% for NHCS and 54.7% for State
Grades 5 – 8: Science is 78.8% for NHCS and 72.7% for State
English II is 67.1% for NHCS and 58.8% for State
Math I is 63.7% for NHCS and 60.5% for State
Biology is 65.3% for NHCS and 55.5% for State
2015-2016 Other Career and College Readiness Indicators:
With an emphasis on Career and College Readiness, the new READY model includes four
additional indicators at the high school level:
Graduation Rate: The percent of students graduating in four years or less. NHCS is at
83.3% and the State is at 85.8%
ACT Performance: The percentage of high school juniors achieving a composite score
of 17, which is the requirement for admission into colleges in the UNC System. NHCS
is at 71.3% and the State is at 59.9%.
ACT WorkKeys Performance: The percentage of high school graduates who are
Career and Technical Education (CTE) concentrators and are awarded a Silver, Gold
or Platinum Level Readiness Certificate based on the WorkKeys assessment results.
NHCS is at 74.1% and the State is at 73.5%.
High School Math Course Rigor: The percentage of graduates who successfully
complete Math III. NHCS is at 95.0% and the State is at 95.0%.
NHCS Graduation Rate Improvement has gone from 73.9% in the 2010-2011 year to 83.3% in
the 2015-2016 year.
Career and College Readiness: ACT Percentage of Juniors Meeting UNC Entrance
Requirements:
More high school juniors are meeting the minimum ACT entry requirements indicating
that the number of students in NHCS that are Career and College Ready is increasing. The
entrance requirement is a composite score of 17.
2013-2014 year: NHCS was 68.8% and State was 59.3%
2014-2015 year: NHCS was 71.3% and State was 59.7%
2015-2016 year: NHCS was 71.3% and State was 59.9%
Percent of Schools Meeting or Exceeding Growth Expectations:
2014-2015 year: NHCS was 80% and State was 72%
2015-2016 year: NHCS was 83% and State was 74%
Growth is an indication of the rate at which students in the school learned over the past
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 810
year. The standard is equivalent to a year’s worth of growth for a year of instruction. 80%
of our schools met or exceeded growth expectations.
School growth is calculated using all EOG and EOC test scores by an Educator Value-
Added Assessment System (SAS). The system looks at where a child was on the previous
year’s test and compares that result to the current test. They determine where they fall in
the range of all the children across the state. It is then calculated on a normal curve.
If a student maintains their position, even if it is below the state average, then the student
has met growth.
Your Local Dollars at Work:
Local Dollars Make a Difference:
More than half of the County appropriation provides direct resources to schools with extra
teachers, teacher assistants, assistant principals, counselors, social workers, administrative
support and substitute teachers and other resources.
The remainder supports operating needs including maintenance, utilities, transportation, and
central support services.
20% of NHCS positions (711 of 3,623) are County funded.
Restoring the per pupil operating appropriation to the pre-recession amount of $2,700, along
with increased funding for ADM growth, will allow us to cover projected state salary and
benefit increases for locally paid staff.
Local dollars will help us open the new SEA-Tech High School in August 2017.
The pre-k expansion funds will allow us to serve 45 additional students next year, and we are
hopeful the State will also expand pre-k funding to help us address pre-k needs.
Capital Outlay:
Support facility repair projects at locations that are ineligible for lottery funding, including pre-
k centers.
Allow us to relocate and purchase additional mobile units needed to support student growth.
Replace three maintenance vehicles that are in poor condition.
Partially address technology needs for computer laptop and iPad replacement for equipment
well past its useful life. (Sustainable Technology funding is a concern as the State moves to
digital learning without providing adequate resources for equipment and digital learning
materials.)
The reduction from $3 million to $2 million will have a direct impact on our technology.
Technology:
Desktop Computers: 9,424; Laptops: 7,758; iPads: 5,474; Computers per technician: 2,517; and
average age of computers: 6.
The number of computers per technician has increased by 500 over the last two years.
The average age has stabilized at six years.
Superintendent Markley concluded the presentation stating that NHCS supports the recommended budget
appropriation for NHCS and expresses sincere appreciation for the continued support of the students of this County.
Chairman Higgins thanked the County Commissioners, on behalf of the Board of Education, for matching
the $2,700 per student.
Chairman White expressed appreciation to Chairman Higgins and Dr. Markley for what NHCS does for the
students and this community. It’s notable that over the past five years the taxpayers of this County have increased
funding to education from $62 million to this year’s $75 million. It’s tremendous and reflected directly in the test
scores, employee morale and everything else that is being done by the school system.
Cape Fear Community College
Dr. Amanda Lee, President of the Cape Fear Community College, on behalf of the Board of Trustees,
expressed appreciation for the County’s generous support. For a year period covering Summer, Fall and Spring, CFCC
students logged 22,240 hours in work-based learning opportunities. Every one of those hours was a student who was
at a local business, learning how to be a good employee and learning how to do the job that they would soon be
employed to do. CFCC has had opportunities to work with the Sheriff's Department, the Health Department, several
hotels, Good Shepherd, Wilmington Medical Supply and others. It has been supportive of the First Responder Training
and Basic Law Enforcement Training for the County and fire departments. The successful student outcomes are the
result of the County’s investment in CFCC’s people and facilities.
The CFCC Board of Trustees has worked hard to be sure they are good stewards of the public’s money. Over
a three-month period, this year, work has been done to draft a budget request that reflected the fiscal needs of CFCC
in general expense, operational and capital facilities. The operating budget presented to the Board today is focused on
efficiencies and re-evaluating processes so the exact same budget that was requested last year could be brought to the
Board this year. There were some increases in areas and some decreases in other areas to create the balance. The
operating budget has some significant items such as the three new buildings opening at the north campus, a three
percent salary increase for locally paid employees that is commensurate with what the State employees will get, and
operating expenses necessary for the new buildings.
The Wilson Center continues to be an exceptional teaching and learning lab. It has also had another successful
year. This year the number of Broadway productions doubled and there are plans to offer even more next year. It has
had $3 million in ticket sales and welcomed guests from every state in the United States. Dr. Lee invited the Board
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to attend the June 29 ribbon cutting at 3:00 p.m. for the three new buildings at the north campus. She thanked the
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Board, County Manager and staff for the recent work on evaluating the budget request.
Dr. Lee stated that it is her duty, on behalf of the CFCC Board of Trustees, to bring to the Board of
Commissioners the fiscal needs of CFCC. The Board of Trustees and Dr. Lee know the Commissioners have a
responsibility to evaluate not only CFCC’s request but all the requests before them. She clearly recognizes that
notwithstanding this budget request, the County will also provide for the debt service on the instructional facilities
which has enabled CFCC to build for the past several years. She expressed appreciation for the continued support of
CFCC and the work of County staff to get CFCC to where it is today in its request.
Other Agencies/Individuals Comments
Roberta Fox, Elderhaus Program Director for Adult Day Health Program, stated that the North Carolina
Division of Aging and Adult Services expects to see a 59% increase in older adults in New Hanover County by 2035.
Elderhaus wants to continue to provide services to New Hanover County residents allowing them to continue to live
in the community. This year Elderhaus will serve approximately 150 families. In the last six months, Elderhaus has
experienced some of the highest days of attendance in its history and it is working hard to continue to grow its services.
She thanked the Board for its support which has helped make this growth possible.
Johnny Puckett, representing Recovery Resource Center, expressed appreciation to the Board for the
recommended funding from the County. The funding will help Recovery Resource Center help those who are
recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
Mary Ann Furiss, founding member of Recovery Resource Center, thanked the Board for the work it does
and its flexibility of reconsidering the non-profit’s funding request and for recognizing the importance of its work.
She thanked the Board for the meetings to discuss the non-profit. She introduced Tiffany Blickenstaff, a combat Army
veteran who, 14 months ago, was living homeless in Greenfield Park and is now in full recovery. Ms. Blickenstaff has
been through the Phoenix Hometown Hires program. She's a product of that, has a full-time job, helps manage recovery
houses and help others every day.
Ms. Blickenstaff expressed appreciation to the Board for helping Recovery Resource Center to help others
like her. She explained that 14 months ago she was dead in every way except physically and that was a matter of days.
She now has a job, a car and can buy groceries. She concluded her comments stating that more importantly thanks to
the network she now has, she has her life.
Chairman White commented that while he was unable to meet with Mr. Puckett and Ms. Furiss, he did read
the non-profit’s documents, including the information about the 588 people the organization touches and the anecdote
about a veteran who he assumes is Ms. Blickenstaff. It persuaded and convinced him to reconsider his position, which
he did, and knows probably all the other Commissioners did as well. He commended them for the work they do and
wished them continued success.
Commissioner Barfield thanked Ms. Blickenstaff for her service and sacrifice to this country so we can have
the freedoms we have. Far too often returning veterans that have served our country can't find stable housing and
have issues.
Faris Harton, a resident of Silver Lake Road, commented on the process and transparency. For the ten non-
profits that were going to be cut, he said no one was given any criteria about what was used to make the cuts. The
Board failed to show any fraud, demonstrate any waste, show any ineffectiveness of the organizations, and account
for need. As he understood it, the money was in the budget but the Board just decided to cut some money out which
appears to him and others that the Board is making a political statement. He asked that the Board make the Christian
empathetic statement instead.
Daryl Dockery, Executive Director of WRAAP, stated that on behalf of the WRAAP Board of Directors,
staff, volunteers, and most of all the kids served by WRAAP, he thanks the Commissioners for allocating funds to the
organization. WRAAP’s mission is to bridge the educational and social gaps that exist amongst youth, families and
communities. It offers a variety of programs that promotes self-reliance, healthy lifestyles through education,
mentoring, and advocacy. Its successes in a variety of educational, developmental ventures and outcome
measurements have earned national recognition for impacting the lives of at-risk children in New Hanover County.
Community involvement is a key element to WRAAP’s success. It is making a difference because it places a high
priority on the individual and the value of learning and getting a good education.
Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked Mr. Dockery for his efforts to meet with the Commissioners to discuss
WRAAP.
Nelson Beaulieu, a resident of Old Well Loop Road, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners and staff
for the effort in preparing the budget. He feels the citizens were heard by the Board. However, the citizens were not
informed through the efforts of the Board but through efforts of one Commissioner and thanked Commissioner Zapple
for his efforts. Mr. Beaulieu stated that if the Board would like more public involvement, then the meetings need to
be changed to the evenings due to people having work and family commitments.
Karen Kirk, Board Chair of Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., thanked the Board for holding the
public hearing. On behalf of thousands of victims of domestic violence, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
(DVSS) thanks the Board for recognizing the need for shelter and related services. Domestic violence remains a
serious and ever-increasing problem in our community. Last year the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department
alone responded to 2,043 domestic violence related 911 calls. For all the County law enforcement departments
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together, it was 6,464 calls. DVSS alone serves an average of 238 victims and their children each month. The agency
is recommended for funding in the amount of $15,000 in the proposed budget, which is appreciated. DVSS respectfully
requests the County approve that funding, which really represents only one percent of the organization’s costs. It uses
as many volunteers, in kind support, and collaborative partnerships as possible. This amounted to approximately
$107,000 last year. DVSS services help reduce crime related injuries and their social effects therefore, saving the
County money on law enforcement intervention, medical services and social services.
Peggy Fry, Good Shepard volunteer, thanked the Board for restoring full funding to Good Shepherd. Those
who come in need to Good Shepherd aren’t the only ones who benefit. Volunteering at Good Shepherd has been one
of the most meaningful activities in her life. She is awed by the dedication of the staff and humbled by the grace,
resiliency, determination, and even sense of humor of the guests. Good Shepherd more than delivers on the investment
this County makes to it. Supporting Good Shepherd is a wise and prudent decision because it makes our community
better, stronger, and is one of our most valuable community assets.
Jim Karl, The Children’s Museum Executive Director, expressed appreciation for the County funding and
support. He has less time in the non-profit business as his background is engineering, which teaches things about
leadership and decision making. Although new to the community, he recognizes the County’s funding process is
broken. A process allows decisions to be made based on facts rather than emotions. Due to his prior experience, he
understands the need to contemplate and be willing to see there will be unintended consequences of doing everything
right. He feels the Board does need to review its decision process and stated that he would be glad to volunteer to be
on a committee to look at the process.
Walter Samuels, a resident of Orange Street and New Hanover County NAACP First Vice-President, stated
that he stands to speak about the $830,000 going to the school board with virtually no accountability. While listening
to the School Superintendent during this meeting, he heard discussion on moving around mobile units. However, there
are eight half-empty schools and six low performing schools in New Hanover County. Nothing was said about why
the mobile units are being moved nor the plans for the half-empty and low performing schools. He would like to know
what the community is getting for $830,000 that's going to the school board with virtually no oversight.
Doug Springer, a resident of Cape Landing Road, thanked Commissioner Zapple for trying to bring the topic
out from back office meetings. The Board’s lack of process created this problem and the process is broken. The Board
owes it to every single non-profit that lost funding to return it to them and figure out a better process. It's a capability
and competency that needs to be possessed by each Commissioner and meeting in back offices is not how to fix these
problems.
Reverend James Ray, Associate Minister of Ebenezer Baptist Church, stated that he has been a minister for
over 40 years and is also a disabled veteran. As a spiritual servant he understands that it takes a whole lot to do this
thankless job of servitude, sometimes there is no recognition and no gratitude. However, the job is so important. The
downtrodden, the helpless, the sick, they look out for people to help them. Three ways it can be done is through
motivation, inspiration, and leadership. The money is important, it shows some that you are interested, and you are
glad for what is done but the encouragement speaks volumes. To encourage means to give courage to, that shot in the
arm that gives them energy, enthusiastic energy. While the Board has done an admirable job today, it didn’t go far
enough. The best job that the Board can do is to continue to give courage, encourage and show that it is with those
organizations that are doing great things.
Peter Gillman-Bryant, resident of Myrtle Grove Road, stated the Board is not going as far as it could. This
government is one common intersection where every citizen of this community can meet and work toward collective
goals. The budget reflects the citizens and is an expression of goodwill and mutual interests. We are prosperous,
prosperous enough to give ourselves a tax cut, and prosperous enough to give incentives to corporate neighbors. He
hopes this prosperity and spirit of generosity will find pockets deep enough to continue funding to the original
recommended budget issued by the County.
Cathy McFeeters, a resident of Rogers Avenue, thanked Commissioner Zapple for holding his own unofficial
public budget meeting. It is important not to cancel the public input meetings. The two-week buffer is there to first
let the public learn about these organizations and then lobby the Board for what the public thinks is important to it.
The surest way to get citizens to show up for a meeting is to cancel it. Two important non-profits left out of the budget
are the One Love Tennis program and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. She concluded her comments stating
that in light of recent events on poisoned drinking water, funding should also be awarded to Cape Fear River Watch
in this budget.
Torrie Jones, a resident of River Rock Way, commented that the Board changing its mind is not a sign of
weakness, it is a sign of strength. It is not considered bowing to public pressure but is actually admitting being able to
take in new information, make a decision and having the courage to change your mind. She expressed appreciation
for this being done on certain items. She agreed with Commissioner Kusek that there is no process and is willing to
volunteer to help on the issue. To cut a non-profit’s funding when they were expecting the same funding as last year,
without good reason, is extremely unfair. The Board should not only use financial metrics, but also take into account
how the people and community are affected by the decisions made.
James Middleton, a resident of Chestnut Street, thanked the Board for reinstating funding to some of the non-
profits. Although the Board wants the public more engaged in government, due to at least three meeting cancellations
the public has not been able to do so. He is aware of the negative feedback the Board has received this week. He hopes
the Board understands that the rudeness came from a community that really felt the Board did not hear it. In regard to
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Commissioner Kusek’s June 13 op-ed, he hopes she understands that the community does appreciate the good work
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in the budget. While he was pleased to see the increased funding for things such as education and jail diversion
programs it was upsetting to see the cuts. He was also upset that the organizations felt they were not being heard. He
knows now they were heard and expressed his gratitude. The groups chosen for funding and the ones still left below
current funding levels are the very definition of good work.
Anna Goddard, a resident of Plaza Drive and representing Heart of Wilmington (HOW), stated that HOW is
a new organization which is trying to unify the community. She expressed appreciation to the Board for the
opportunity to speak and for not closing any doors but keeping them open. She hopes work can be done on a unified
front.
Mark Sinclair, a resident of Balfoure Drive and a representative of One Love Tennis, thanked Commissioner
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Zapple for holding the meeting on June 5. He is pleased with the reconsideration of some of the budget funding and
congratulated the Board for making the changes. Funding of the jail diversion program would not be needed if kids
were educated to know right and wrong. He has seen this accomplished with the kids in the One Love Tennis program.
In regards to the $167,000 for the UNCW track, while he is not sure all the kids will ever set foot on it, their parents
are paying taxes on it. He would appreciate those funds being directed towards the kids and their future.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated the UNCW track funding was also negotiated uniquely to have additional
tennis courts available for the citizens of New Hanover County. It wasn't just a quid pro quo to give UNCW something
they wanted. It gave the County additional tennis courts that the County has a deficit on.
Emily Turner, Supervisor of the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons, stated that she and Jennifer Craft,
Youth Shelter Residential Manager, were attending on behalf of the clients they serve to ask the Board to approve the
recommended budget. The Rape Crisis Center and Open House Emergency Youth Shelter are two vital services in the
County. Open House provides 24-hour emergency shelter for youth in the County. In addition to meeting the basic
needs of youth in crisis, all services are provided by a licensed clinical social worker at absolutely no cost to youth or
their families. The support of the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons helps it to provide sexual assault victims
access to a 24-hour hotline, law enforcement advocacy, court accompaniment, free therapy services, support groups,
and referrals to community resources. Last year, the Rape Crisis Center provided these free and confidential services
to 499 New Hanover County citizens. Additionally, the Rape Prevention Education department provided programming
to over 1,000 students in New Hanover County schools to reduce rape, assault, sexual harassment, and bullying. Ms.
Turner thanked the Board for its dedication in helping Open House and the Rape Crisis Center provide these vital
services in this County and continued support of the Coastal Horizons Center.
Lenny Simpson, Executive Director and Founder of One Love Tennis, stated that he was born and raised in
Wilmington, NC and was an at-risk young man growing up. He knows the value of what One Love Tennis is trying
to do in the community. It provides an opportunity to young boys and girls to play tennis that normally is for very
privileged, economically strong families. The organization provides the service completely free of charge and supplies
the needed tennis equipment. He thanked the Commissioners for supporting One Love Tennis. He introduced Nina
Noble who is a part of the program and was accepted into the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). She
was not going to be able to attend Duke TIP due to it costing $5,000. One Love Tennis was going to cover the cost.
She is also, out of 25,000 seventh graders, a national finalist to the John Cooke Scholarship Program. Miss Noble is
an example of the types of kids in his program. He asked that the Board reconsider its decision to reduce the
organization’s funding from $25,000 to $10,000. There are 460 kids each week that go through the program and being
funded at $25,000 would allow the continuation of the program in that capacity.
Naamah Noble, resident of Wilmington and mother of Nina Noble, stated that her daughter needs the One
Love Tennis Program. She is considered at-risk due to being from a low income, single parent home. She's been
introduced, through tennis, to many different opportunities and now is striving to go to a private school. Ms. Noble
commented that she watches her daughter and other kids in the program strive and knows there are many opportunities
out there for them regardless of their current situations. The program is not only teaching the kids tennis but also
providing education and life skills. She asked that the Board reconsider reallocating the funds to the One Love Tennis
program.
Danielle Darkangelo, Executive Director of Cape Fear Resource Conservation and Development (Cape Fear
RC&D), stated that the organization has been in the community for decades, is a proud member of the community and
proud to have New Hanover County as one of its five partners. The organization works with its partners to create a
much better economy, better utilize resources, and to conserve what we have. Funding from the counties is considered
membership money. This means that the county becomes one of Cape Fear RC&D’s partners in its mission to improve
the resources, the economy, generally the well-being for tourism, and the people who live and want to live here. This
year the organization wants to utilize those acknowledgement and partnership funds to invite bigger corporate sponsors
to be a part of our community. Cape Fear RC&D has done such things as working with landfills to create more energy,
build greenhouses, and improve waterways and sewage systems. Cape Fear RC&D requests the County to partner
with it to help leverage the funds to continue its projects and improve the resources and economy of this region.
Leslie Cohen, resident of Peachtree Avenue, thanked the Board for reinstating some of the non-profit funding
but does not think the Board has gone far enough. The Board has targeted cuts for the most vulnerable citizens of the
County at a time when they are already suffering cuts from the State and Federal levels. The Board says it all about
tax cuts and she appreciates it looking out for her tax dollars, but would prefer to see the non-profits receive more
funding.
Rebecca Trammel, resident of Kenningston Street, commented that everyone is here due to believing in this
country and believing it can be a more perfect union. She believes that every person and fiscal responsibility matters.
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She also believes there should be criteria and processes. She attended Commissioner Zapple’s meeting and is here
tonight to continue to try to understand the problems. She would like to know why the funding for various programs
was cut. She would also like to know what is the standard of criteria for how a non-profit can apply, why should they
get the money they are getting, and how is the funding be used. While she does not have the $5,000 for the young lady
with One Love Tennis to go to camp, she can do her part.
Chairman White asked Ms. Trammel if she thought it was a legitimate purpose of government to appropriate
$5,000 for a very laudable program like that young lady has an opportunity to attend without any other scrutiny or
criteria. He commented that many kids in the County would love to go to that program, and are probably entitled as
well based on their grades, etc., and don't have the opportunity. The Board’s job is to try to mediate the various
demands from these groups and do the best it can to allocate the dollars and that really applies to everything else that's
been said here tonight. There are hundreds or thousands of kids in this community right now that need things. The
Board does its best to try to meet them and the private sector does a lot of that. He asked for Ms. Trammel, if she
wanted to do so, to provide any comments.
Ms. Trammel responded that as was stated earlier by another speaker, she would be willing to do her part.
It's not so much how much money is spent but what it’s spent on and is it valuable. She understands everyone has to
work within their means and she is glad she does not have the Commissioners’ job. However, if it’s possible that we,
as a community, can pull together to help, we should do all we can do. Maybe we are doing all that we can do, but
we have to be able to prove that.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Trammel for her response.
Ms. Trammel thanked Chairman White for the opportunity to respond and concluded her comments stating
that her world view and political view tend to be guided by two things, the Constitution and the Bible. She wants to
see a bright future for New Hanover County and she’s willing to be a part of that.
Jody Wainio, a resident of Wilmington and member of Wilmington/New Hanover Ad Hoc Committee on
Improving Workforce/Affordable Housing, stated that two months ago she presented to the Board the committee
findings and specific recommendations for how to help most of the people being discussed during this meeting. The
committee’s concern that the report would be shelved and never get pulled off seems to have occurred. The City
Council’s proposed budget allocates $400,000 towards different affordable housing projects. In the recommendations,
the committee asked that both governments work as a team, as partners, to review the recommendations to establish
a permanent affordable housing committee to see its recommendations through and work out details. One
recommendation is to establish a housing trust fund which could be used for many of the things that the County
taxpayers are asked to pay today. It's an alternative solution to putting funds together to help people find housing, safe
places to live. She encouraged the Board to review the recommendations and work with the City to develop a plan to
see the committee’s recommendations move forward. She asked that, at a minimum, the permanent affordable housing
task force be convened as it doesn't cost any money for anybody to do.
Jonathan Bumgarder, a resident of Walnut Street, thanked the Board for making changes in the budget for
the non-profit organizations. He is a member of HOW and has a special place in his heart for recovery in this
community. This area is on a national spotlight for the opioid epidemic, along with several areas of addiction and
struggles. The changes in the non-profit funding allows for the community’s continued growth, strengthening, and our
coming together on this issue. There are several movements in place to for all to come together as a community to
combat this problem. He is excited to see where the community is headed and the options the Board can obtain and
help with this issue as well.
Jimmy Pierce, Executive Director of Kids Making It, thanked the Board for its service. The Commissioners
are the stewards of our safety, our health and our well-being and that came home to all of us in a personal way about
two weeks ago with the GenX situation. He is proud that the Commissioners jumped out early and strong to defend
our water quality. He is pleased that the Board has restored the funding to some non-profits and asked that it be open
to reconsidering the remaining four. All good non-profits are leveraging private dollars tremendously, far more is
raised privately than is asked for from the County. When the County offers some support to a non-profit, it gives an
imprimatur of legitimacy that goes way beyond the dollars and helps non-profits raise funds. It's a public-private
partnership in the best sense of that. He completely agrees with Commissioner Kusek that there is a need for
accountability. If there are no accountability issues with these organizations, he encourages the Board to reconsider
that funding. In addition to all of the non-profits leveraging the dollars, they also partner together a lot to accomplish
goals. Mr. Pierce thanked the Board for its support of Kids Making it, for reconsidering the others non-profits and for
taking care of our water.
Chairman White commented that Kids Making It is one of the many at-risk youth programs that the County
funds for every reason that Mr. Pierce and others very eloquently stated tonight. He does not want there to be a general
perception here that this Board in its unanimity doesn't care about at-risk youth. It absolutely does not matter where
one lives, if it’s gated community in a million-dollar house or a $40,000 apartment, every youth is at-risk. The things
we try to do with groups on the list is recognize that government can't do it all, but government can partner and
government can help and assist. Non-profits can take that dollar, grow it and multiply it and the Board knows that.
The idea that the Board doesn’t care about that is something that's very dear to all of our hearts. He reiterated that the
health and human services non-governmental agency funding is being increased from $461,000 to $597,000. That's
an increase, ladies and gentlemen, it's significant, it's notable.
Al Sharpe, a resident of Lantana Lane and a member of the Wilmington/New Hanover Ad Hoc Committee
on Improving Workforce/Affordable Housing, stated he is a lifetime public servant. He provided a brief overview of
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REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 815
the committee’s work and noted that it worked for almost a year to draft recommendations and had wonderful support
from the County and City Planning departments. He would like to know how to get a policy initiative into the budget
process. Affordable housing is a problem that needs to be recognized and the County needs to step up. It affects the
commuting patterns, impacts neighborhood compositions and desirability to bring other industries or businesses into
town. It's a fundamental issue that the County and City need to work on together. He thanked the Board for its attention.
He hopes to find a way to input into the process so that both money and policy are raised and the County and City
move forward together.
JC Skane, Executive Director of Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM), stated that WARM does
urgent repairs and accessibility upgrades for low income homeowners in the tri-county area. This was WARM’s
biggest week ever with 280 volunteers from 10 states working in New Hanover County to improve housing. WARM
could not have reached this level of volunteer support nor attracted and administered the $1.3 million it has been able
to pull in from outside of our region to spend here on affordable housing infrastructure without local support. She
appreciates the County’s continued funding of WARM at an acknowledgement level of $5,000 and is not asking for
the other $5,000 back. It has been replaced by donors who were disturbed by the StarNews article. The $5,000 would
have built about four wheelchair ramps which help prevent people falling and having to enter an assisted living facility.
The average lifespan after entering an assisted living facility is about 21 months at about $3,600 a month, so it is a
savings of about $76,000. WARM is proud of its return on investment in the community and hopes to partner with the
County and City on future occasions. WARM has shown the County its budget during the application process, turned
in all of its reports and audit and responded to questions about its outcomes and expenditures. She stated that this is a
strong nonprofit community and thee Board is right that non-profits can do a better job in the application process. She
wants the Board to challenge non-profits in the application process and be focused on the outcomes and making this
community better.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman White closed the public hearing.
ADOPTION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BUDGET ORDINANCE, CAPITAL PROJECT FUND
ORDINANCE, AND APPROVAL OF FEE SCHEDULE CHANGES FORFISCAL YEAR 2017-2018
Chairman White asked for the Board’s direction on the New Hanover County Budget Ordinance, Capital
Project Fund Ordinance, and Approval of Fee Schedule Changes for Fiscal Year 2017-2018.
Commissioner Barfield stated that this is his ninth budget serving as a County Commissioner. He has seen
the non-profit process unfold pretty much the same way each year. It’s very arbitrary concerning who is funded and
at what level. There are some that continue to be funded year after year. County staff does have criteria for each non-
profit to meet and recognizes the tremendous work that they provide for our citizens but also the benefit to New
Hanover County. Looking at programs that affect our youth and based on his own experiences growing up here, New
Hanover County is a community and a family. He believes that family takes care of family.
Commissioner Barfield further stated that during the budget meeting, he reviewed the County Manager’s
recommended budget and his comments were that he was fine with what he sees because the non-profits are being
funded at the current levels and there is a tax reduction. To now see some non-profits being reduced pains him because
the resources are there. Items not in the budget have been paid for which have nothing to do with anything good for
this community. All kids are at-risk but some are more at-risk than others. There are challenges at some of our schools
and some schools don't get the attention for some reason or another. It takes courage to demand that change take place.
The County has two Triple A bond ratings and all the non-profits in the County Manager’s recommended budget can
be funded at the full level because the resources are there. He encouraged every non-profit to come back every year
to say thank you, whether receiving an increase or a decrease, for what's being done.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED that the Board approve the County Manager’s recommended budget, as
initially presented, with all the non-profits being funded at the County Manager’s recommended levels.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Commissioner Zapple commented that there were 33 speakers tonight and he could not be more proud of his
community stepping forward. A tremendous amount was learned today about what is done by the non-profits and in
the community. The budget has grown for support of non-profits but so has the community and its complexities. This
community is fortunate to have people who would take the time and effort to bring the volunteers around a single idea
to address jobs the County cannot do and does not have the resources to do. It is tremendous that the non-profits take
every dollar and maximize it by $10, $20, $100, and sometimes even a $1,000. Commissioner Zapple stated he would
support Commissioner Barfield's request to revisit the funding levels at the original recommended level from County
staff.
Chairman White stated that Commissioner Barfield has made a motion and it has been SECONDED by
Commissioner Zapple.
Commissioner Kusek stated that the budget contains a salary increase across the board for our very much
deserved hard working County employees which also includes the five Commissioners. She recommends that the
Commissioners do not receive the salary increase, that the Commissioners exempt themselves from it and she would
like to see that in the budget that is passed.
Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked Commissioner Kusek for her comments as they echo his thoughts.
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Chairman White stated that he respects everything that's been said by not just the speakers but the emails and
phone calls he has received from community members in favor of restoring this money. He also thanked the many
who thanked the Board for bringing some discipline to this line item of the budget. He recognizes Commissioner
Barfield's comments, they are meaningful and spoken from the heart. Chairman White stated that he intends to vote
against the motion. He thinks this budget as it's been amended throughout this whole process over the last seven
weeks represents the best value for the taxpayer.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White called for a vote on the motion on the table.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple that the Board approve the County
Manager’s recommended budget, as initially presented, with all the non-profits being funded at the County Manager’s
recommended levels. Upon vote, the MOTION FAILED 2 TO 3. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and
Commissioner Kusek voted in opposition.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Substitute Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield that a pool of $35,000
be created with the purpose of supporting the First Tee, One Love Tennis, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and
WARM as non-profits, a fund total of $35,000.
Chairman White asked if there was any further discussion before calling for the vote on the substitute motion.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated that of the organizations named, one still has not submitted its paperwork to
qualify for the money and/or justify it. He asked County Manager Coudriet if that was still accurate. Chief Strategy
and Budget Officer Schrader responded that a contract has been received that was outstanding so, all non-profits have
submitted their contracts. There are four agencies that have yet to submit their financial paperwork that is required by
the end of the year.
Commissioner Zapple asked for clarification that of the four, First Tee, One Love Tennis, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Celebration, and WARM, there is no outstanding financials, at this moment. Ms. Schrader responded that
was incorrect as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration still has to submit its financial paperwork. Per the contract it
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is due by the end of the fiscal year which is June 30.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White called for a vote on the substitute motion.
Upon vote, the MOTION FAILED 2 TO 3. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and Commissioner
Kusek voted in opposition.
Chairman White stated that the chair will entertain a motion to adopt the County Budget Ordinance consistent
with its last recommendation from the County Manager as amended and reflected in the prior public meetings and
today’s public meeting.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED to adopt the County Budget Ordinance consistent with its last
recommendation from the County Manager as amended and reflected in the prior public meetings and today’s public
meeting.
Chairman White asked if there was a second to the motion on the table.
Commissioner Kusek stated that she would second the motion so long as it reflected that the Commissioners
do not accept the salary increase.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated he would amend his motion.
Amended Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek to adopt the County
Budget Ordinance consistent with its last recommendation from the County Manager as amended and reflected in the
prior public meetings and today’s public meeting and to reflect that the County Commissioners do not accept the cost
of living increase.
Chairman White stated that the motion and second on the table adopts the Budget Ordinance consistent with
the consensus of the Board, prior public meetings and exempts the County Commissioners from the pay raise. He
asked if there was any further discussion.
Commissioner Zapple asked if he understood correctly that the Commissioners are talking about the 2.5%
market rate increase. Commissioner Kusek confirmed that was correct. Commissioner Zapple commented that he,
along with three of his fellow Commissioners are the lowest paid people in the County at approximately $17,000 a
year. Some Commissioners receive stipends for the other commissions they serve on, but are the lowest paid people
and yet have the most responsibility for the 223,000 people in New Hanover County. He works hard for his money
and respects the time he and every other Commissioner puts in. As for County employees, the 2.5% market rate
increase is well deserved as is the 1.5% merit pool. He does not have a problem with accepting a 2.5% raise for the
work that he does for $17,000 a year.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White called the question on the County Budget Ordinance
consistent with its last recommendation from the County Manager as amended and reflected in the prior public
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 817
meetings and today’s public meeting and to reflect that the County Commissioners do not accept the cost of living
increase.
Commissioner Zapple stated he would like to separate the last motion on the pay raise from the overall budget
question.
Chairman White asked Vice-Chairman Watkins if he would yield to the substitute motion with Vice-
Chairman Watkins stating he would not yield.
Chairman White asked for a vote on the motion on the table.
Commissioner Zapple stated that he thinks that adding that on as a blanket statement on top of the full budget,
there should be a way to peel that off and have a vote simply on the raise for the County Commissioners. He appealed
to our parliamentarian to help him out with that.
Chairman White stated the parliamentarian is going to tell you there is a motion on the table and the maker
of the motion must yield before the chair can entertain any additional motions. He would respectfully support
Commissioner Zapple's request, if that's what he wants to do, to vote on a pay raise for himself separate from the
budget.
Chairman White asked Vice-Chairman Watkins if he would yield to amending his motion to exempt the cost
of living to follow the budget as discussed and amended this evening with Vice-Chairman Watkins stating he would
yield.
Amended Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek to exempt the County
Commissioners from the cost of living increase. Upon vote the MOTION PASSED 3 TO 2. Commissioner Barfield
and Commissioner Zapple voted in opposition.
Chairman White stated that the chair will now consider the second motion of adopting the Budget Ordinance.
Amended Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek to adopt the County
Budget Ordinance consistent with its last recommendation from the County Manager as amended and reflected in the
prior public meetings and today’s public meeting. Upon vote the MOTION PASSED 4 TO 1. Commissioner Zapple
voted in opposition.
Copies of the Budget Ordinance, Capital Project Fund Ordinance and Fee Schedule Changes are hereby
incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 33.6.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
with one applicant eligible for reappointment and six additional applications available for consideration.
Chairman White nominated Raymond Bray for reappointment and Jan Kennedy for appointment. The
nomination was seconded by Commissioner Kusek.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Raymond Bray and appoint Jan G. Kennedy to serve
three-year terms on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors with the terms to expire June 30, 2020.
Appointment to the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees
with one applicant eligible for reappointment and seven additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Barfield requested that it be noted that when it comes to boards the Commissioners serve on,
the Board handles its appointments in December or January. He requested that the Board do away with this cycle as
this appointment was made in December or January. A brief discussion was held about not considering appointments
of Commissioners for boards and/or committees with term limits as the Board makes all of its appointments in
December or January. The topic will be addressed in the future.
Without objection, the Board reappointed Commissioner Woody White to serve a four-year term on the Cape
Fear Community College Board of Trustees with the term to expire on June 30, 2021.
Appointments to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority with two
applicants eligible for reappointment and nine additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Wesley Corder for reappointment in the Joint Appointee category, pending
consideration by the Wilmington City Council, and Charles Sneeden, Jr. in the County Appointee category.
Without objection, the Board reappointed Wesley Corder in the Joint Appointee category, pending
consideration by the Wilmington City Council, and Charles Sneeden, Jr. in the County Appointee category to serve
three-year terms on the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority with terms to expire June 30, 2020.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 818
Appointments to the New Hanover County Alcohol Beverage Control Board
Chairman White reported one vacancy exists on the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board with one
applicant eligible for reappointment and eight additional applications for consideration. The Board is also charged
with appointing a chairman for the ensuing year. The ABC Board has requested the reappointment of Robert Martenis
as Chairman.
Vice-Chairman Watkins nominated William A. Kopp for reappointment.
Without objection, the Board reappointed William A. Kopp to serve a three-year term on the New Hanover
County Alcohol Beverage Control Board with the term to expire June 30, 2020.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Robert. W. Martenis as Chairman for the ensuing year. The nomination
was seconded by Vice-Chairman Watkins.
Without objection, the Board appointed Robert W. Martenis as Chairman of the New Hanover County
Alcohol Beverage Control Board for the ensuing year.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Airport Authority
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Airport Authority with one applicant eligible for
reappointment and eleven additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Harry W. Stovall, III and W. Lee Williams.
Commissioner Zapple nominated John O. Perritt, III for reappointment and Peter Jensen for appointment.
With no other nominations, Chairman White called for the votes as follows:
W. Lee Williams received three votes for appointment from Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and
Commissioner Kusek.
Harry W. Stovall, III received four votes for appointment from Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins,
Commissioner Barfield, and Commissioner Kusek.
Vote Results:
The Board voted in the majority to appointW. Lee Williams and Harry W. Stovall, III to serve four-
year terms on the New Hanover County Airport Authority with the terms to expire June 30, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Board of Social Services
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Board of Social Services with four new applications
available for consideration.
Commissioner Barfield nominated Peter Nguyen.
Without objection, the Board appointed Peter Nguyen to serve a three-year term on the New Hanover County
Board of Social Services with the term to expire June 30, 2020.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with one
applicant eligible for reappointment and ten additional applications available for consideration.
Chairman White nominated Colin Hackman for appointment and Linda Reece for reappointment. Vice-
Chairman Watkins seconded the nominations.
Without objection, the Board appointed Colin Hackman and reappointed Linda Reece to serve three-year
terms on the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with the terms to expire June 30, 2020.
Appointments to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Parks Conservancy Board of Directors with two
applicants eligible for reappointment and three new applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Janeth Dill and Jessica Wilson to be reappointed.
Without objection, the Board reappointed Janeth Dill and Jessica Wilson to serve three-year terms on the
Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors with the terms to expire June 30, 2020.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman White reported that four people had signed up to speak on non-agenda items.
Robert Maiers, a resident of Princess Place, thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. He stated that he
grew up in Wilmington but now lives in Seattle, Washington. He learned through his sister about the issue with the
water system. He returned and started a group called Cape Fear Water Warriors, which is group of like-minded
individuals who want clean water for our community. He has a 2010 brochure from DuPont concerning the GenX
which states that “…that the new process aid is chemically stable and if released would be environmentally persistent.
To address this, the goal of the DuPont GenX exposure control system is to contain the new processing aid within the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 819
manufacturing site and to minimize workers’ exposure. The strategy utilizes various combinations of environmental
and engineering controls which both individually and collectively minimizes releases and exposures.” In regard to the
two of the County’s core values, integrity and accountability, integrity is something you do right, you stand by your
community, stand by your parents, you respect people, and you drink clean water. Accountability, these people said
they were going to keep this stuff in the manufacturing plant. If they put procedures and processes in place to do that
as well, they have the technology and the money to keep it in there. Mr. Maiers stated that he did not want to put them
out of business. They are a company and deserve to make money like everybody else. What they don't deserve is the
right to pump this stuff into our Cape Fear watershed. Clean drinking water is the most important thing to everyone
in life.
Commissioner Kusek thanked Mr. Maiers for attending and commented that she does not think there’s a
person sitting here who does not agree with him.
Chairman White commented that someone emailed him the same brochure late Wednesday night. He made
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copies of the brochure, took them into the June 15 11:30 a.m. meeting with Chemours, handed it to the company
officials and pointed to the paragraph that Mr. Maiers just read and a couple other paragraphs and asked them to
explain it. He further stated that part of what raised our concerns even higher and elevated our confusion, if you will,
was how they can put that in a brochure, market it and present it as the product for sale, which is obviously very
lucrative, and claim 100% discharge recapture on that site of that 2200-acre plant, but on the vinyl side of their plant
they admit to discharging. It's very confusing. The company officials took the brochure with them and we are awaiting
their response. He wanted Mr. Maiers and the public to know that.
Mike Brown, Chairman of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), stated that he wanted to provide the
Commissioners an update in a public setting so that they and the public can be made aware of steps CFPUA is taking
on the GenX issue. On Friday, the CFPUA Board of Directors held a meeting to discuss next steps and take action on
the presence of GenX in the Cape Fear River. During the meeting the Board unanimously passed two resolutions. The
first resolution called on Chemours to remove the compound entirely from the Cape Fear River. He encouraged the
Commissioners to sign the CFPUA resolution as well or at least support it in the Commissioners’ resolution. As much
as everyone can work together to pressure Chemours to immediately stop discharging this compound, the more quickly
we work towards a solution on this matter. CFPUA believes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) presently have the tools in their toolbox and the
authority required to compel Chemours to stop discharging in the Cape Fear River and CFPUA is respectfully asking
them to do so immediately for the litany of valid reasons listed within the resolution. CFPUA also calls on State and
Federal regulatory agencies to close any loopholes that may allow Chemours to release the compound into the water.
As referenced a few minutes ago, they are discharging through a manufacturing process which they claim is not
regulated. CFPUA believes it is.
The second resolution passed allows CFPUA to take legal action should the request not be honored. The
CFPUA Board authorized its independent environmental attorney to take whatever actions necessary to accomplish
this. Work has already begun in preparation should CFPUA need to go to that step. On behalf of the CFPUA, Mr.
Brown assured the Board and public that the CFPUA Board is taking proactive steps to get to the bottom of this issue
and are committed to 100% transparency. To this end, the CFPUA Board has agreed to a third party independent
review of CFPUA's involvement in and timeline and communication about the North Carolina State University study
confirming the presence of GenX in the Cape Fear River. CFPUA will be transparent with those results. Robin Smith,
an environmental attorney and former assistant secretary for the North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, now NCDEQ, has been brought in to lead the independent third party internal review with the
assistance of Jennifer Adams, a chemical engineer and CFPUA Co-Board Chair. The review officially began at the
conclusion of Friday’s meeting. The CFPUA Board anticipates it will have a timeline on results to share in the coming
days.
In addition to the matters discussed on Friday, CFPUA continues its due diligence process to get to the heart
of this matter. It is working with the EPA and NCDEQ to pull additional water samples from the Cape Fear River
and several other sources to ensure the most accurate and thorough testing possible. Today CFPUA had Black and
Veatch, the engineering company that designed the Sweeney Water Plant, come to Wilmington to assess the plant for
possible treatment options of GenX. The CFPUA will keep the Board and public updated the assessment results are
received from Black and Veatch.
In addition to conducting our own internal review of what the CFPUA staff knew and when, CFPUA through
its environmental attorney today submitted public records request to the EPA and NCDEQ asking for all records
relating the following items: chemicals collectively identified by DuPont Company and Chemours Company as GenX;
chemicals that are structurally, or functionally or otherwise similar to GenX that result from manufacture use,
processing treatment, or disposal of post-GenX chemicals; perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), chemicals
that are structurally, or functionally or otherwise similar to PFECAs that result from manufacture use, processing
treatment, or disposal of PFECAs; toxicity of GenX, post-GenX chemicals, PFECAs and post-PFECAs chemicals to
humans; toxicity of GenX, post-GenX chemicals, PFECAs and post-PFECAs chemicals to aquatic organisms; EPA
actions related to GenX, post-GenX, PFECAs and post-PFECAs chemicals pursuant to EPA's authority under the
Toxic Substance Control Act, the Clean Water Act or otherwise; and compliance or non-compliance with EPA's
Consent Order and Determinations Support Consent Order involving the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics,
Regulation of New Chemical Substances, Pending Development of Information in the matter of DuPont Company
Premanufacture Notice Number P-08-508 and P-08-509 dated January 28, 2009. CFPUA encourages the public to
check its website and social media channels for updates as this continues to unfold. CFPUA is committed to
transparency and looks forward to continuing our partnership with you through the duration of this process. As the
Chairman of the CFPUA Board, Mr. Brown stated he has initiated a process by which he will be sending out twice
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 820
daily updates, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, on this matter until we bring it to resolution. He thanked
the Board for allowing him the time to provide the update and its support.
Chairman White stated that he extended the three-minute time limit due to the urgency of the issue. He
opened the floor for Board discussion.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Brown stated that CFPUA has received a copy of theNational Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which Chemours has submitted an application to renew. So in many
ways, CFPUA is commenting on that rule process. It is CFPUA’s position that NCDEQ presently, today, has the
authority to revoke or modify that permit such that we can assure that we have a clear understanding of what's going
on with GenX. CFPUA believes NCDEQ has that tool in its toolbox today, as well as the EPA. That is outlined in the
resolution from yesterday and there’s also a letter posted on the website from the environmental attorney that was sent
out today that also further elaborates on that very question.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Brown for the update.
April Farr, resident of Everbreeze Lane, thanked the Commissioners for their service. Community members
have emailed and texted her questions that they would all like to have put on the record. The questions are: When did
each of you first hear about GenX? When have you had any communication with DuPont, Chemours, affiliates or
parent companies regarding GenX? Have you received at any time campaign contributions from DuPont, Chemours,
affiliates or parent companies? She further commented that well to-do youth are in no way equally at-risk as
impoverished youth.
Vice-Chairman Watkins responded that he never has received any contribution, never spoken with folks at
Chemours in his life, because it was a private meeting to keep the collaborative effort to get them to the table. The
first time he heard of it was when it was released by CFPUA.
Commissioner Zapple responded that he also has not received any campaign contributions by DuPont or any
of the makers associated with Chemours/GenX. He also did not hear about it until he read the article in the StarNews.
Commissioner Barfield responded that he has not had any conversations with them. He learned about this
the same way most of our citizens did, through the StarNews. He knows that our staff and County, State and Federal
officials are doing all they can to help us eradicate what is happening within our river at this point and time.
Commissioner Kusek that neither had she. She doesn’t know anybody that worked at DuPont, didn't get any
campaign contributions and she can assure everyone we are all on the same team here. We all want answers, we want
this stopped and we will not stop working through the County, through the Department of Health, through NCDEQ,
EPA, and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority until we find answers and we get this stopped going in our river. We
are not the adversaries; we are all on the same team.
Chairman White stated that he too has never gotten campaign contributions from DuPont, Chemours or
anyone associated with them. The second question was when he first heard of it and it was on Thursday morning
when he read the online version of the article on his iPad when he was out of town. Third question, has he ever met
with Chemours. He met with them one time at a meeting at 11:30 a.m. last Thursday for 96-minutes where he was
joined by a lot of other people in the room from the health departments of our region and other county commissioners
and a member of the press. It's been well reported on. He concurs that we are all in this together and as it relates to
the last question about all kids being at-risk, he totally agrees. Some are more at-risk than others and sometimes it
has to do with poverty, other times it has to do with other things, and so our job is to do the best we can to try to meet
the needs of every child, regardless of whether they are poor, rich or somewhere in between.
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Ed Ablard, a resident of North 18 Street, stated that he moved here approximately four years ago for the
quality of life and is a lawyer by trade. His purpose today is to ask the Board to change or add to its focus on how to
treat the people who have been subjected to this chemical. His recommendation to the Board based on his experience
working in Alexandria, VA, on the coal fired power plant that wouldn't go away is to call in the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). The CDC stepped into the Alexandria community with a consultation and quickly put together a
complete analysis of everything that was happening in the multistate, multicounty area. He believes, if the CDC is
called, they would be here tomorrow. He asked that Chairman White call the CDC to help not only the citizens of this
county but also the citizens of surrounding counties who get their water out of the Cape Fear River.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CHEMOURS COMPANY TO HALT PROCESSES
WHICH RESULT IN THE DISCHARGE OF THE GENX CHEMICAL INTO THE CAPE FEAR RIVER
Chairman White announced that a resolution was added to today’s agenda. The Board is being asked to
consider a resolution requesting the Chemours Company to halt processes which result in the discharge of the GenX
chemical into the Cape Fear River. Chairman White read the resolution into the record and asked if there was a motion
to adopt the resolution.
Motion:
Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the resolution requesting
that Chemours immediately halt any processes within its control that result in the discharge of GenX into the Cape
Fear River, and to maintain a zero discharge policy permanently, or at a minimum until such time as the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency concludes any investigation into the
effects of discharge of this chemical in the water supply and create specific regulations or guidelines pertaining to
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 19, 2017 PAGE 821
acceptable levels, if any, for the presence of this chemical in the water supply. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman White announced that Brunswick County has considered the same resolution, the City of
Wilmington is considering it tomorrow night and the unity with which this region is operating continues.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL,
Page 33.7.
Additional Discussion
In response to Board questions regarding the StarNews article about testing kits, County Manager Coudriet
stated that his understanding is that the kits were received today which means the water collection will begin
immediately thereafter. He confirmed that the kits will be sent to a Colorado testing facility, that it will take two weeks
to obtain the results, and that is an expedited timeline. Chemours is paying for all the testing and there are ten samples
being drawn. The cost to be paid includes expediting the samples to the Colorado lab.
Commissioner Barfield congratulated all the high school students who graduated this week. His youngest
daughter was one of them and she will now be on her way to UNC-Charlotte.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 7:59 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.