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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-17 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 744 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, April 17, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chairman Woody White; Vice-Chairman Skip Watkins; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Patricia Kusek; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman White led the audience in a moment of silence and Commissioner Rob Zapple 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. Commissioner Zapple requested that Consent Item #3, Approval of Software Selection for Comprehensive Land Management System and Adoption of the Ordinance for Budget Amendment 17-074 and Consent Item #5, Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments, be pulled for discussion. Chairman White requested a motion to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. MOTION : Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the remaining items on 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 of March 30, 2017 and the Regular Meeting of April 3, 2017. Adoption of Resolution for the Award of Contract to Port City Builders, Inc., to Furnish and Install Security Wire Mesh Partitions at the County's Detention Facility for a Negotiated Cost of $535,840 – Sheriff’s Office The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the award of contract to Port City Builders, Inc. to furnish and install security wire mesh partitions at the County’s detention facility. Port City Builders, Inc. submitted a bid of $733,480 which was more than the funds available for the project. The County negotiated with the contractor to bring the cost within the funds available for the project. The negotiated price agreed to by the contractor was $535,840. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 30.1. Approval to Submit an Application to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to Resurface Nine Tennis Courts at Ogden Park – Parks and Gardens Department The Commissioners approved the Parks and Gardens Department applying for a Facilities Assistance Program grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the resurfacing of nine tennis courts at Ogden Park. The amount of the application request is $25,000. The courts are in need of resurfacing due to normal wear and tear. The department is partnering with the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association (GWTA) on the application. The grant match is budgeted in the current operating budget. The project is estimated at $55,000. Discussion of Consent Item 3 and Approval of Software Selection for Comprehensive Land Management System and Adoption of the Ordinance for Budget Amendment 17-074 – County Manager In response to Board questions, Assistant County Manager Tim Burgess explained that the ongoing funding for the Comprehensive Land Management System software will become part of the regular budget and will be part of Information Technology’s (IT) budget. The estimated amount going forward is $270,000 and may need to be adjusted based on the number of user licenses needed each year. Discussion of Consent Item 5 and Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments – Strategy and Budget Department In response to Board questions regarding Budget Amendment 17-068, Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader explained that the controlled substance tax is an item under the Sheriff’s Office purview to allocate. If there are seizures of either drugs or alcohol related beverages, the funds are returned to the County through the State. In response to Board questions regarding Budget Amendment 17-070, Ms. Schrader explained that personnel from the Sheriff’s office attended the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC as part of the security force that was onsite for the inaugural events. This is the fourth time officers have participated as part of the security force. The reimbursement is from the Homeland Security Bureau for the officers’ time. MOTION : Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve Consent Item 3: Approval of Software Selection for Comprehensive Land Management System and Adoption of the Ordinance for Budget Amendment 17-074 and Consent Item 5: Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendments (Senior Resource Center 17-064; Department of Social Services 17-065, 17-066, 17-067; Sheriff's Office 17-068, 17-069, 17-070; and Health 17-071, 17-072, 17-073) which amends the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 745 A copy of the budget ordinance amendment associated with Consent Item 3 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 30.2. Copies of the budget ordinance amendments associated with Consent Item 5 are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 30.3. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION BY NC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION STUDENT AMBASSADORS Chairman White welcomed Luke, Paul and Joel Ertzberger who were chosen as North Carolina Library Association Student Ambassadors by the North Carolina Library Association for a video presentation they created about the importance of libraries. As Student Ambassadors, they will travel to Washington, DC April 30-May 2, 2017 to participate in National Legislative Library Day representing New Hanover County and North Carolina and share with the Legislators the importance of libraries and funding to support libraries in our communities. A portion of their video presentation was shown during the meeting and the young men thanked the Commissioners for their support of local libraries. The Board expressed appreciation to Luke, Paul and Joel Ertzberger for making the presentation and thanked Library Director Harry Tuchmayer for his support. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving retirement awards: Lizabeth Clements, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with six years of service Gayle Ginsberg, Senior Resource Center, retiring with twenty-two years of service Arthur Wilkinson, Property Management, retiring with twenty-eight years of service Chairman White presented a retirement award to each retiree and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked them for their years of dedicated service. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Thomas D. Brown, Property Management Fifteen Years: Jennifer S. Warren, Social Services Twenty Years: Regina T. James-Boston, Health Department Twenty-Five Years: Diane S. Holmes, Social Services Cindy B. Smith, Social Services Chairman White presented a service award to each person and the Commissioners expressed appreciation and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK Chairman White reported that the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) has requested the Board adopt a proclamation recognizing May 7-13, 2017 as Travel and Tourism Week and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the proclamation declaring th the week of May 7-13, 2017 as the 34 Annual National Travel and Tourism Week in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. On behalf of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, Wilmington Beaches and CVB President and CEO Kim Hufham, accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the County’s continued support of the tourism industry. She stated that National Tourism Week has been celebrated in the County for 32 years and invited the Commissioners to the Travel Rally Breakfast on May 12, 2017. This year celebrates the “Faces of Travel” and local industry will recognize a local hospitality provider with the “Shining Star” hospitality award during the event. Ms. Hufham reported that in 2015 the economic impact of tourism in New Hanover County was over $520 million. The current fiscal year will end with being the sixth record breaking year. Currently, it is estimated to be 11.5 percent over last fiscal year. The local travel industry employs over 5,800 people in the County from management to entry level jobs. At the local level, the result of the state and local tax receipts is a tax savings of over $209 for each County resident. Over $11 million in room occupancy taxes were paid to New Hanover County over the past year. These funds were able to support the Wilmington Convention Center construction and provide annual funding for it; pay for tourism-related activities such as lifeguard and ocean rescue programs; and help fund some of the local festivals throughout the year. Commissioner Barfield commented about his experience while serving on the Tourism Development Authority and expressed appreciation to Ms. Hufham for her ongoing work to promote the area. He requested that her organization collaborate with community partners such as the Wilmington International Airport and Cape Fear Museum to develop a video similar to one created by Richmond, VA to promote itself to its constituents. Ms. Hufham NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 746 th stated that during the May 12 event there will be a kickoff event for the “Go Local” campaign to get input from local residents. Chairman White thanked Ms. Hufham for the economic overview. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 30.4. ADOPTION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 24 – 30, 2017 AS "STAND AGAINST RACISM DAYS" IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman White reported that the Commissioners have been asked to support the YWCA’s efforts to eliminate racism during its annual "Stand Against Racism Days" April 24 – 30, 2017 and invited Katie Tate and Kelly Williams to make remarks. On behalf of the YWCA Board, staff and volunteers, YWCA Interim Executive Director Katie Tate thanked the Board for recognizing April 24 – 30, 2017 as “Stand Against Racism Days” in New Hanover County. The YWCA has partnered with over ten community organizations such as the Wilmington Police Department, NAACP, St. James Parish, Blue Ribbon Commission, and Dreams to make sure that the YWCA carries out its mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. This year the theme is “Women of Color Leading Change” with a focus to uplift not only women of color but all women in the community that are our leaders. Commissioner Barfield commented on the many community conversations being held around racism throughout the County. Through various opportunities via organizations such as St. James Parish and a local church’s men’s small group, he has had the opportunity to have extensive conversations about racism in our community and how the church can have an impact and start a conversation. He thanked Ms. Tate, Ms. Williams, and the YWCA organization for the work they are doing to start the conversation including the Pilot to Peace program. Commissioner Barfield then read the proclamation into the record and moved for adoption. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to adopt the proclamation recognizing the week of April 24 – 30, 2017 as “Stand Against Racism Days.” Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XL, Page 30.5. APPROVAL OF THE JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 Judge J. H. Corpening, Chairman of the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), reported that the JCPC voted unanimously to recommend the allocation of $433,344 in State JCPC funding for fiscal year 2017-18 with the priorities of Psychological Services, Community Services/Restitution, Teen Court, Home- Based Family Services, and Parent Skill Building Programs as follows:  JCPC Administration: $11,584  Youth Empowerment Services: $348,004  Teen Court: $47,025  Systematic Training for Effective Parenting: $26,731 The JCPC has an annual process that starts with assessments of risk needs and establishment of priorities of each juvenile who arrives in the Juvenile Court Counselors office. The first priority is psychological services. The funding of Youth Empowerment Services (YES), and psychological services specifically, helps eliminate the gaps in mental health services in juvenile services. The largest funding component is mental health services and meets the largest need. The four components of the JCPC budget are administration, Youth Empowerment Services (YES), Teen Court, and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. YES is comprised of psychological services, community service, and restitution. It is one of the most effective partnerships in the State of North Carolina between a juvenile crime prevention council and county government. This JCPC is able to meet needs that are not met almost anywhere else in the State. Teen Court has been operated for approximately 12 years. This is the only direct referral Teen Court in the State where the school resource officers can make direct referrals to it without having to arrest a juvenile. There are four courtrooms and approximately 194 volunteers. The Systematic Training for Effective Parenting is a new training program and is able to help address parenting needs in the early stages with some of the higher risk teenagers. Regarding questions about the County match being 10 percent instead of 20 percent, Judge Corpening stated that he was unaware why the match was 10 percent instead of 20 percent and the answer can be obtained. A brief discussion was held about the need for a member from the faith-based community to be on the JCPC. Judge Corpening reported that efforts are being made to fill that category. Commissioner Barfield recognized the various Razor Walker Awards recipients and thanked them for their work to advocate on behalf of the youth in our community. Chairman White asked for direction from the Board on the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s funding recommendation. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the Fiscal Year 2017- 2018 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s funding recommendation. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 747 COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION TEAM REPORT DSS Director Michelle Winstead and Assistant DSS Director Wanda Marino thanked the Board for the opportunity to present the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) report. Assistant Director Marino reported that N.C. General Statutes require a report be made to the Commissioners regarding services for children as well as achievements made by the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT). Ms. Marino reported that 25 local agencies represent CCPT. A smaller group of these agencies meet once a month to review select cases where resources are not available to move them forward. This group determines the needs, gaps and/or barriers of each case and then presents the information to a larger subgroup of CCPT for review. CCPT’s primary mission statement is that every child has a right to be safe and it is everyone's responsibility to protect children. The New Hanover County CCPT has been recognized by the State Division of Social Services as a model CCPT for North Carolina due to the dedication and the ability of the team to work together to advocate for the children, numerous accomplishments, and commitment to embracing the values that promote child protection. Ms. Marino presented the overview of the gaps and deficiencies in services and resources that negatively impact child safety and well-being, noting that Judge Corpening would also present a portion of the overview: 1. Lack of consistent, accessible, effective mental health services for children : a) Unacceptable services for families and children experiencing a mental health crisis, which requires in-patient treatment for stabilization, i.e. long waits due to limited inpatient resources, which can be days or weeks, in the emergency room and a great distance to travel to access services; b) Minimal appropriate out-of-home placements that currently exist for children identified with sexually acting out behaviors; c) Inability to access appropriate therapeutic interventions due to limitations for coverage by both Medicaid and private insurance companies; and d) Inadequate level of school based mental health services at New Hanover County Schools. Recommendation: a) Expand insurance coverage to include services for therapeutic interventions for children and adults in need of these services to ensure child safety. We can ensure client advocacy on behalf of children and adults who are in need of mental health services. We can accomplish this only if we have improved and regular communication with Trillium, our local mental health managed care organization (MCO). Trillium must be held accountable for adequate oversight and monitoring of all Medicaid/uninsured providers in order for our citizens to receive the highest level of quality care. We must continue to fund mental health services to our schools based on the increase in the opioid epidemic and teen suicide. All schools should have mental health services due to these issues. Currently, several schools share a counselor which can prevent a timely response to a crisis. 2. Substance Abuse-Involved Families: Substance abuse by parents and caretakers continues to be a prevalent contributory factor in child maltreatment. The negative impact that results from substance abuse involves children being left unsupervised, children born testing positive for a controlled substance such as prescription medications or illegal drugs, caretakers involved in criminal behavior leading to incarceration and sadly child fatalities. Of particular concern is our local opiate abuse epidemic. This issue is compounded by our local proliferation of providers who deliver minimal oversight and intervention regarding medication management, i.e. Methadone, Subutex, and Suboxone. Recommendation: a) Increase community awareness through education regarding intervention and better outcomes; and b) continue collaboration with community partners to develop policies and procedures regarding the safety of children when a parent or caretaker is in substance abuse treatment. Ms. Marino asked Judge Corpening to continue the overview. Judge Corpening thanked Chief Communications Officer Ruth Smith and her team for the recently filmed public service announcement about the local opioid epidemic and its impact on the entire community. Due in large part to the epidemic, his conversation has changed in the Juvenile DSS court. There are many addicts whose children are being taken now and for the first time, there are parents in the caseload that are dying. Rather than encouraging parents on how to bring the family back together after children have been removed from a home, he is now telling parents they are going to die if they don’t change their life. Judge Corpening further commented that CCPT recommends continued increase of funding for school based mental health. Children who are experiencing trauma cannot continue learning until the trauma is dealt with. The Safer Schools Task Force, which Judge Corpening chairs, has recommended that staffing be based on national standards. The Criminal Justice Advisory Group recommends it and also recognizes that effective ways of delivering mental health services in schools is essential. An additional recommendation is that teachers and staff at all schools have youth mental health first aid training to be able to recognize a crisis when it happens. He continued the overview of the gaps and deficiencies in services and resources that negatively impact child safety and well-being: 3. Lack of Affordable Non-Subsidized Housing: Families who are at or just above the current poverty guidelines are not eligible for subsidized housing. They struggle to find affordable, adequate housing in New Hanover County. Too often the results are families being forced to live in unsafe neighborhoods, or multiple families residing in a single residence, or tragically enough, homelessness. Recommendation: Provide funding to community agencies to develop innovative housing initiatives/solutions that meet the needs of all the populations in New Hanover County, particularly the working poor, and require strict enforcement of housing regulations. We must recognize that more relatives are raising children with fixed incomes and need our support with solutions to help them be successful with the future leaders of our community. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 748 4. Service barriers for undocumented families: Systemic barriers exist for undocumented families’ ability to access basic services that would adequately meet the needs of their children, i.e. medical care, dental care, mental health treatment, and housing. Recommendation: Ensure that basic needs for ALL children are met regardless of citizenship through advocacy at the local and state level. 5. Increase in 16 and 17 year olds charged with crimes as adults: We continue to see an increase in 16 and 17 year olds charged with crimes as adults. North Carolina is one of only two states in the country that sets 16 years of age as the age our youth face prosecution as adults. Recommendation: Support the current Raise the Age legislation under House Bill 280 that would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction in North Carolina to 18 for low level felonies and misdemeanors. Raising the age will not only be a great investment for 16 and 17 year olds, as they will not be charged as adults, but will also yield a lasting return from a public health, public safety, and economic standpoint. It allows our children the best opportunity to be productive and economically independent adults. Judge Corpening reported that House Bill 280 includes a recommendation that the Director of Administrative Office of the Courts work with Chief District Court Judges to develop partnerships across the State to find ways to keep kids in school, out of court and lower suspensions. This recommendation is based on the work that has been done in New Hanover County. He then asked Assistant DSS Director Marino to present CCPT’s 2016 accomplishments. Ms. Marino reported that the CCPT works to prevent child abuse and neglect in the life of a community by helping other organizations find ways to bring attention to the cause of child abuse prevention. In 2016 the team sponsored the following events:  “Every Child Deserves a Great Childhood”: In April 2016, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, CCPT held the Annual Flower Launch on the Henrietta. This event honors community members and professionals who work every day to nurture and protect our children. Each flower that is launched into the Cape Fear River represents an individual or agency that has positively impacted the lives of local children. Ms. Marino invited the Commissioners to this year’s flower launch on April 26th at 5:00 p.m. at the Henrietta Dock/The Barge at the Cape Fear Riverwalk.  Community Education on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Training was provided to all county fire departments, local law enforcement, and New Hanover County School counselors/social workers on how to recognize, respond, and report child abuse and neglect. This is an ongoing effort by the membership.  Mental Health Mobile Crisis Services: Coordinated community meetings to improve communication and education on the needs of mental health mobile crisis in our community. This resulted in an additional services being added by Trillium to meet these needs.  School Based Mental Health Services: Coordinated meetings to discuss solutions for improvements in school based mental health services due to the increase in the opioid epidemic and teen suicide. Discussion led to a plan to assist the schools with their need for coverage with counselors in all schools in our county.  Child Fatality Training: Providing training to all law enforcement entities with the District Attorney’s Office regarding best practice in responding to child fatalities to provide safety to other children who may be involved and to coordinate investigations to ensure prosecution of those who abuse children. Ms. Marino then requested the appointment of the following at-large members to the CCPT for the ensuing year: Mary Ann Lama, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.; Robert J. Speight, Chief Court Counselor Division, Juvenile Justice, NC Department of Public Safety; Amy Feath, Executive Director, Carousel Center for Abused Children; Chris Preston, New Hanover County Youth Empowerment Services Manager; and Steven Still, Director, New Hanover County Emergency Management. In response to Board questions, Ms. Marino stated that there is an increase in teen suicides. Judge Corpening stated that there are unmet mental health needs and persons who do not recognize that a young person is in crisis. He felt that any support from the Board, including a resolution, supporting House Bill 280 would be helpful. This is an issue that is one of the most significant he has seen in his career. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to accept the Community Child Protection Team Annual Report. Chairman White recognized Commissioner Barfield to make remarks. Commissioner Barfield thanked Judge Corpening, District Attorney Ben David, DSS Director Michelle Winstead, Assistant DSS Director Wanda Marino, and the DSS staff for their dedication to this community. He stated that roughly 51 percent of the DSS budget verbiage has the word “child” in it. Only five percent of the budget is for food stamps. There are people from all walks of life, not one particular group, utilizing the services. Currently, there are over 400 children in DSS custody and the staff works hard to find proper and safe foster homes. It is vitally important that the mental health of youths be addressed so they can get the needed help and not become troubled individuals down the road. Just a small change in a young person’s life can result in a totally different path being taken in life. Chairman White called for a vote on the motion. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 749 Chairman White asked for direction from the Board to appoint Mary Ann Lama, Robert J. Speight, Amy Feath, Chris Preston, and Steven Still to the Community Child Protection Team for one-year terms expiring April 2018. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to appoint Mary Ann Lama, Robert J. Speight, Amy Feath, Chris Preston, and Steven Still as recommended to the Community Child Protection Team for one-year terms expiring April 2018. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman White commented that last year 52,000 people in this country died of overdoses which is more than died in car wrecks and by firearms combined. Now the focus is on the opioid epidemic and it has everyone’s attention at all levels of government. He commended District Attorney Ben David for his work in high schools and colleges about underage drinking. In regard to the decriminalization of several marijuana uses and local level recreational drug use, he encouraged District Attorney David to also start including underage drug use in his talks. As marijuana is a gateway drug, the same level efforts need to be made to tell young people it's not legal to use. The phrase “at risk youth” really encompasses every teenager across all walks of life in every neighborhood in every community. When people are under the age of 18 we need to do all we can to try to help them make better choices. Chairman White concluded his comments stating that he would like to be part of the solution that District Attorney David, Judge Corpening and others come up with to send a strong message to youth that it's not good to start using substances. He invited District Attorney David to make comments. District Attorney David stated that for the past 12 years he has talked to students in New Hanover County and Pender County schools. He encourages students to have conversations with their parents as parents make the best police. According to statistics out of the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, the first sip of alcohol on average starts at age 13.8 years old in North Carolina, including this county. There are approximately two out of three young people on college campuses, including the 16 college campuses in this state, that have fake ID's before they are 21 and that's the proliferation of these things on the internet. District Attorney David further stated that as it relates to the big three, it starts with alcohol. It's the number one date rape drug in this district every year, it’s the fatalities being discussed, it's at the core of domestic violence, and it's ripping up families. The second most abused drug out there for young people age 12 to 17 is marijuana. He stressed that it’s not legal and the only way to obtain it is from a drug dealer. Dealers know marijuana is not as physically addictive as some other substances. In this community, they spike it with formaldehyde or PCP. Some of the most violent crimes in this district start with marijuana that's laced with something. The third is the opioid epidemic. Over the past year, there were more overdose deaths from pills than heroin and cocaine combined at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Opioids are the gateway drug to the heroin. There is an ongoing need to educate this community on this front. District Attorney David commented on how Judge Corpening, who started the effort to end the school to prison pipeline, is who motivated others to help kids by diverting some of these cases, leaving them in school, and reducing juvenile petitions by 47 percent in one year. During this time, crime did not increase which proves that a difference is being made by working together. He commended the men and women who show up at the scenes and stated they deserve a lot of the credit for the work that’s going on. This is a community looked at by other parts of the State for the work being done. There's a lot of work left to be done and there are great efforts being made. Chairman White thanked District Attorney David for his comments. A brief discussion was held about the possible opportunity of creating a program to address the marijuana and substance abuse offenses that is similar to the District Attorney’s office underage drinking program. District Attorney David complemented the Board for funding the drug treat court when the State shut it down and it is one of the best programs. He then provided an overview of what happens when a youth is charged with underage drinking or any other illegal substance. Of the 596 fake ID cases last year in the State, where a real license can be legally taken for one year, only seven times did that actually occur as a punishment because people find other ways resolve it. It does not happen in this County because of the component that a person’s real license has to be surrendered for two months in order to go through the underage drinking program. Everyone involved wants to prevent these tragedies from occurring and that really starts with education. He thanked the Board for the extended discussion. Regarding local efforts to address the flood of prescription drugs, District Attorney David stated efforts are being made locally by local legislators and organizations. Representative Ted Davis is a co-sponsor of the Stop Act. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) has stopped dispensing opioids at the emergency department for st people who are pill seeking and on April 1 it sponsored an event to allow people to safely dispose of prescription drugs. There are also permanent drop boxes at the Sheriff’s Offices where people can safely dispose of prescription drugs. The most important part of this is education and involvement of the entire community in this issue. This area is leading the State per capita with law enforcement using Narcan to save lives. In response to additional Board questions, Mr. David stated that he is in favor of the pill buyback plan which is one of the laws being proposed by drug manufacturers. He also supports the legislation stating that if five pills can be prescribed instead of 30, then only prescribe five. Everyone has a responsibility to work to limit the supply. Chairman White thanked Judge Corpening, District Attorney David, and the CCPT team for the presentation. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2016- 2017 BUDGET AMENDMENT #7 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 750 Chairman White welcomed New Hanover County Schools Chief Financial Officer Mary Hazel Small and asked that she come forward to answer questions from Commissioner Zapple. Commissioner Zapple thanked Ms. Small for attending the meeting and asked that she share information on how House Bill 13 will have an impact locally and on school board budgeting for the upcoming year. Ms. Small explained that last year the legislature changed how schools can use teachers allotted for K-3 by restricting the use and flexibility. For years, the school system has been able to use the allotment to also support the art, music, physical education, and classroom teachers in elementary schools. That flexibility is to be taken away as of July 1, 2017 and for this school system it would result in the need for 48 additional K-3 classrooms. The House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 13 to allow schools to go three over the allotted class size. The Senate is still considering whether or not to take action. It is a statewide issue affecting all of the school systems. If action is not taken, other support positions such as literacy coaches, art, music, physical education, and academically and intellectually gifted teachers will have to be taken from those areas to go back in the classroom. The result will be no support in those areas. In response questions about preliminary figures if House Bill 13 is not approved, Ms. Small stated that the funding to separately hire to fill the classrooms is $3.2 million, the equivalent of 48 teachers. The County is not being requested to provide the funding. If the school had done what was previously allowed under the law, 92 positions would need to be hired. Efforts have already been made to reduce class size to the same proportion required by legislation. Rather than request that the County fund the additional positions, the school system will use existing positions differently. It could result in a reduction of workforce but the hope is to place existing teachers in these positions. There will have to be an increase in class size in other grades as well as reducing support positions. There is not an existing budget for the $3.2 million. In order to cover the legislatively mandated raises for next year, the school system will have to reduce other positions as well as request an increase from the County. Commissioner Zapple thanked Ms. Small for the information. Chairman White asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve the New Hanover County Board of Education 2016-2017 Budget Amendment #7. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE JOINT CITY OF WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER COUNTY AFFORDABLE/WORKFORCE HOUSING AD-HOC COMMITTEE Jody Wainio, Chair of the Joint City of Wilmington/New Hanover County Affordable/Workforce Housing Ad-Hoc Committee expressed appreciation to the committee members for their hard work and to the City and County staff who were critical to the committee’s success and presented the following report:  How Did We Get Here:  Met 12 times in the last six months, nearly 30 hours.  Reviewed current state of affordable housing in Wilmington and New Hanover County.  Learned about local providers/non-profits and resources.  Investigated best practices across North Carolina.  Interviewed key players in the housing arena from local and other communities.  Designed a plan for our community based on these findings.  Community Benefits:  “Better commute times for employees allow them to spend more time with families and helps traffic congestion, road maintenance, etc.”  “Our City can’t be strong, successful or diverse if any of its residents are distracted by the high burden associated with housing expenses.”  “Inability to afford housing will directly relate to one’s ability to contribute in other positive ways to our community and our economy. Communities marked by a vibrant economy and high quality of life are also those that provide abundant housing opportunities for residents at all income levels.”  “Because it is an integral part of a sustainable economy.”  Community Values:  “Shelter is a basic need regardless of income – a requirement for every one of our citizens.”  “Our community is defined by how we care for those on the fringes of society.”  “\[I\] Believe citizens who live and work in this community all their lives should have the opportunity for homeownership if desired and certainly affordable rental.”  “All citizens should have a decent place to live that first their budget.”  “Residents deserve the same opportunity as tourists.”  “Housing is a basic need important for health, safety, and overall well-being.”  Employer Benefits:  “When workers are burdened or distracted in protecting one of their basic needs, they can’t focus on improving their productivity or effectively contributing to their family (or community) as whole.”  “Without affordable housing we cannot attract and keep employees (especially young talent).”  “Residents that are cost burdened on housing cannot support our local businesses.”  “Housing that is affordable is important because it lowers the cost of living for the workforce within the community and allows local employers to attract a more diverse pool of potential employees.”  Housing Cost Burden in New Hanover County:  Cost burdened households spend over 30 percent of their income on housing. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 751  32,000 households in New Hanover County are cost burdened (37 percent).  Severely cost burdened households spend over 50 percent of their income on housing.  Of the 32,000 households that are cost burdened, 47 percent are severely cost burdened (over 15,000 households).  Nearly 60 percent of area workers are lower income service workers making $18,000-$32,000/year.  A person making minimum wage must work 97 hours a week to afford the average one-bedroom apartment in New Hanover County.  A family of two earning 100 percent of the area median income ($52,125) can afford a mortgage of $120,350 with a 5 percent down payment.  There are only 67 homes on the market in this price range in New Hanover County.  Short Term Recommendations (0-6 Months):  Revise City and County Land Use Ordinances to add or improve Accessory Dwelling Unit and Density and Height requirements and regulations.  Convene a permanent advisory committee on affordable/workforce housing.  Conduct a housing study and a statistically valid opinion survey.  Fund a staff position to support the efforts of the permanent housing advisory committee.  Support a public awareness, aka marketing, campaign and utilize a public relations/marketing consultant.  Mid Term recommendations (6 - 18 months):  Establish a Housing Trust Fund (HTF):  Designate a penny of property tax revenue for the HTF, “penny for housing.”  Invest 10 percent of proceeds from the sale of City or County surplus or real property to the HTF.  Other sources of funding may include, but are not limited to, general fund appropriation, general obligation bonds, private donations, and others.  City- and County-owned redevelopment projects include an affordable housing requirement.  The City and County should identify ways to streamline/expedite the permitting process.  Long Term Recommendations (18 Months+):  Support existing financial literacy and homebuyer education.  Explore ways to encourage Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) to defer fees, offer payment plans, and rebates for affordable housing developers.  Each jurisdiction utilizes synthetic tax increment financing (TIF) as a means of supporting the development of housing that is affordable.  City Council and Board of Commissioners encourage the use of the four percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit bond program, with bonds to be issued by the Housing Authority. This would require no financial backing by either governing body.  The permanent housing advisory committee should research the use of limited participation bonds to support development of affordable housing. Winston-Salem has successfully utilized this bond.  Funding Requirements:  Housing Study: $50,000 split between City and County.  Permanent staff manager for permanent advisory committee: $125,000 split between City and County (includes salary, benefits, office expenses, etc.).  Public Awareness Campaign: $50,000 split between City and County (community partnerships will off-set some of these expenses).  Invest $1.00 per resident in New Hanover County.  The Committee Thanks You:  for the opportunity to learn more about our community and state and valuing differences enough to come together to make these recommendations.  for valuing the need for affordable housing and recognizing the crisis in our community.  for taking action on these recommendations and not letting them collect dust on a shelf. Chairman White thanked Ms. Wainio for the presentation. Regarding the recommendation of a permanent staff position, Ms. Wainio explained that the staff person would implement some of the recommendations put forward by the committee. The person would also be the staff liaison for the permanent committee. In reviewing other communities that have a permanent committee, there was a neutral staff person who was the liaison and worked to implement the recommendations in the community. In response to Board questions, Ms. Wainio stated there was not an in-depth discussion of what the percentage of homes within a project should be categorized as affordable housing. As such, the percentage is not included as part of this committee’s recommendations. In other communities some do have a 5 percent or 10 percent requirement. It would be a recommendation for a permanent committee to develop. Regarding funding requirement recommendations, Ms. Wainio explained that the request(s) would come to the Board at a later time. City and County management need to discuss what recommendations each are willing to share or be willing to take on individually. Some recommendations will need collaboration between both organizations. There have been community partners engaged who are willing to participate financially but no dollar amount had been set. Cape Fear Realtors has access to grants through various avenues such as the National Association of Realtors. The information could be used toward a public awareness campaign. Commissioner Barfield commented that during a Chamber InterCity visit to Charleston, SC, one meeting was with the area economic partners. It was learned that when Boeing, Volvo, and BMW opened plants in Charleston, their employees drove 45 – 50 miles to work due the rising housing costs in Charleston. In trying to be a forward- NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 752 looking community, there is a need to have serious conversations to determine how to address this type situation now instead of later. This area will see an influx of approximately 30,000 people in the next 20 years and there is concern as to what industries will be here to support the housing costs. The City and County governments have to figure out what they are willing to do to address the crisis. The average teacher right out of college or a lawyer in the District Attorney’s office makes only about $45,000 a year. He hopes that the dialogue continues and the County and City come together to address this issue. In regard to Board questions about zoning, Ms. Wainio explained that the recommendation is to have zoning changes occur based on the land use vision. As such, it will follow the vision of the Land Use Plan. This is a recommendation to be acted on after the revisions of the City and County ordinances and Comprehensive Land Use Plan are complete. Chairman White and the Commissioners thanked Ms. Wainio for the presentation. BREAK: Chairman White called for a break from 10:58 a.m. until 11:03 a.m. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Chairman White reported that up to five vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with two applications available for reappointment and one new application available for consideration. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Edward V. Grace and Donna Ringelstein to serve three-year terms on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with terms expiring April 30, 2020 and appoint Sarah A. Kelly to serve an initial one-year term on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee with term expiring April 30, 2018. Appointments to the New Hanover County Special Board of Equalization and Review Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist in the alternate member category for the 2017 Special Board of Equalization and Review with nine applications available for consideration. Vice-Chairman Watkins nominated Fred Gainey and James B. Stokley, Jr. Commissioner Zapple nominated Christopher Yermal. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board on the nomination of Fred Gainey and James B. Stokley, Jr. Vote Results: The Board voted in the majority to appoint Fred Gainey and James B. Stokley, Jr. as alternate members of the 2017 Special Board of Equalization and Review with terms expiring March 31, 2018. Chairman White, Vice- Chairman Watkins and Commissioner Kusek voted in favor. Chairman White reported that the Board has been asked to appoint a new Chairman of the 2017 Special Board of Equalization and Review and asked for direction from the Board. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint regular member Paul Magnabosco as Chairman of the 2017 Special Board of Equalization and Review. Appointments to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Tourism Development Authority in the Chamber of Commerce and Wilmington Hotel (< 150) Owner/Manager categories with two applications available for consideration and requested direction from the Board. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Natalie H. English in the Chamber of Commerce category for a three-year term on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority with term to expire December 31, 2019 and TeDra George in the Wilmington Hotel (< 150) Owner/Manager category for an unexpired term on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority with term to expire December 31, 2017. Appointment to the Southeastern Economic Development Commission Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with three new applications available for consideration. Commissioner Zapple nominated Terry Espy. Vice-Chairman Watkins nominated Angelyn Fairchild. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nomination of Terry Espy. Vote Results: The Board voted 2-3 to appoint Terry Espy to serve a four-year term on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with the term to expire on April 30, 2021. Commissioner Barfield and Commissioner Zapple voted in favor. Chairman White called for a vote on the nomination of Angelyn Fairchild. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 33 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 17, 2017 PAGE 753 Vote Results: The Board voted 3-2 to appoint Angelyn Fairchild to serve a four-year term on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission with the term to expire on April 30, 2021. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins and Commissioner Kusek voted in favor. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on non-agenda items. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Commissioner Zapple congratulated and welcomed to the New Hanover County organization new employees hired between March 1, 2017 and April 11, 2017: Kennia Alfaro, Joshua Barton, Rebecca Bell, Lionel Brown, Beth Carson, Jim Hardin, Jaimie Harwood, Patricia Kodetsky, Nicole Love, Timothy Lowe, Edward McNeill, Amy Mundie, Olivia Ocasio, Brandon Powell, Brandon Priddy, Pedro Rodriguez, Brianna Scott, April Smith, and Victor Sosa Sevilla. Commissioner Zapple reported that during the March meeting of the Lower Cape Fear River Advisory Board, it was reported that testing was performed for a variety of chemicals and items in the Cape Fear River. Fecal coliform testing was included which is often a sign of issues and often human or animal waste is a part of it. This past month in the northeast Cape Fear River, seven of the nine test sites tested showed anywhere from 60,000 parts per 100 milliliters of fecal coliform down to 5,900 parts per 100 milliliters. The safe level set by the State is 200 parts per 100 milliliters. In the Black River, nine of nine test sites exceeded the acceptable levels of fecal coliform including one site near Elizabethtown where it was in excess of 120,000 parts per 100 milliliters. The hope is that this is a one-time event and he will keep the Board and staff informed. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell Clerk to the Board Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire proceedings are available for review and checkout at all New Hanover County Libraries and online at www.nhcgov.com.