2018-01-22 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 5
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, January 22, 2018,
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 M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Reverend John McLaughlin, St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church, provided the invocation and Vice-
Chairman Watkins led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman White stated that prior to the approval of the Consent Agenda, he would recognize Commissioner
Zapple for a question on Consent Item #7 - 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget Amendment #3 and Bond Project
Budget Transfers. Eddie Anderson, New Hanover County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Planning and
Operations, was invited to the podium for the discussion.
In response to questions, Mr. Anderson stated that the bond projects presented in the agenda packet have
been completed and the approximately $2 million is the savings from the actual costs/bids being less than estimated.
There are large projects, such as the Porters Neck Elementary School and renovations at New Hanover High School,
and then there are smaller projects such as roofing and HVAC projects. These were the first round of projects that
have been completed and the amounts listed are the savings that are being moved to the middle school projects.
The scope of the projects was not reduced and no items were cut from the projects. There is a major
renovation planned for Noble Middle School. However, the carpet replacement at that school is part of the on-going
efforts to remove any asbestos and hazardous materials from all the schools.
In regards to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovative Classroom pilot program
at Freeman Elementary, Mr. Anderson stated that over the last year an innovative classroom has been built at Alderman
Elementary and next year the school system is looking at building a STEM innovative lab at Freeman Elementary.
Different things are being tried out instructionally as well as new furniture and furnishings that may be expanded to
all of the schools or into new projects. Very flexible furniture tables, writable surfaces, a Lego wall, some writable
surfaces on the walls instead of just a smart board, and interactive boards are being installed. The difference between
what was done at Alderman and Freeman is that Freeman is a magnet school in engineering, so the STEM lab would
be available to all students at all grades.
Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. Anderson for the additional information.
Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion
: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 8, 2018.
Approval of Appointment of Commissioner Kusek to the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees –
Governing Body
The Commissioners appointed Commissioner Kusek as the Commissioner representative on the Cape Fear
Community College Board of Trustees to replace Chairman White.
A copy of the revised list of Commissioners appointed to County Boards and Committees for 2018 is hereby
incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 2.1.
Adoption of a Resolution for the Donation of Various Scuba Equipment to Pender County – Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners adopted a resolution for the donation of various scuba equipment to Pender County. The
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office has various scuba equipment that will be replaced with new equipment. The
equipment has a Fair Market Value (FMV) of approximately $4,700.
The authorization for this donation is granted under G.S. 160A-280 which allows a city or county to donate
to another governmental unit within the United States any personal property, including supplies, materials, and
equipment, that the governing board deems to be surplus, obsolete, or unused pursuant to a resolution adopted after
the posting of a public notice of such resolution at least five (5) days prior to its adoption. The resolution has
been posted to the County's website pursuant to the statute.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 2.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 6
Approval of Second Reading to Award a Solid Waste Franchise to Big D Recycling, LLC – County Attorney
The Commissioners, pursuant to New Hanover County Code Section 44.55, approved the second reading to
award a solid waste franchise to Big D Recycling, LLC. The initial franchise period would run for seven years.
A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the Legal Department.
Approval of Request from Leading Into New Communities for the County to Serve as Applicant Agency for a
Grant with the Governor's Crime Commission – Finance Department
The Commissioners approved a request from LINC (Leading Into New Communities) for New Hanover
County to serve as the applicant agency for a grant opportunity through the NC Governor’s Crime Commission. The
pre-application is due by January 31, 2018. LINC will be requesting $150,000 per year for a two-year period. The
match required is 25% and will be provided by LINC. New Hanover County has served as the applicant agency for
LINC through the Governor’s Crime Commission for more than a decade.
The purpose of the grant is to add an intensive vocational/educational training and work experience
component to the LITE (LINC Initiative To Educate) Manhood Program. LITE currently provides academic support,
cognitive behavior training, and life skills to African American males, 16-24, who are justice involved, or at risk of
justice involvement. The new grant will allow LITE to add the Tradesmen Program which is a structured ten-week
program. The program provides training in the areas of framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other skill
trades. Students that complete the program will receive the Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT).
Approval of New Hanover County Monthly Collection Reports for November 2017 – Tax Department
The Commissioners approved the Tax Collection Reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County
Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of November 2017. NCGS 105-350 requires the Tax Collector
to submit a report showing the amount of taxes collected.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XLI, Page 2.3.
Approval of 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget Amendment #3 and Bond Project Budget Transfers –
Strategy and Budget
The Commissioners approved the 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget Amendment #3 and bond project
budget transfers as follows:
1) On December 5, 2017, the Board of Education approved Budget Amendment #3, which:
a) Records $1,795 insurance settlement and $75 donation for Math Foundation Workshop revenues,
transfers funding for veteran teacher bonus and miscellaneous school and program transfers; and
b) Budgets $270,305 in state funds for three (3) replacement buses leased with state funding, corrects
a $300 prior carryover budget amendment, and transfers $109,162 from capital outlay contingency
line item to fund $94,000 STEM Innovative Classroom pilot at Freeman and $15,162 for NC
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) required site assessments.
2) On January 9, 2018, the Board of Education approved the following Bond Project Budget Transfers:
a) Transfers savings from the following bond projects:
$ 576,678.26 Northeast Elementary School
796,841.23 New Hanover High School Renovations
12,729.14 Pine Valley Roof Replacement
29,646.25 Noble Ambt / Carpet Replacement
1,153.63 Veterans Park HVAC Improvements
293,841.09 Bradley Creek HVAC Improvements
300,812.67 Dorothy B Johnson HVAC Improvements
9,678.66 Carolina Beach Roof Replacement
$2,021,380.93
b) Budgets those savings to purchase three (3) modular classroom units for upcoming middle school
renovations and transfers the balance of funds to program contingency:
$ 342,000.00 for (1) eight-classroom modular unit for Roland-Grise Middle School
780,000.00 for (1) four-classroom and (1) six-classroom modular unit for Myrtle Grove Middle
School
52,000.00 Trask Middle School Renovations
847,380.93 Program Contingency
$2,021,380.93
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO OFF-SHORE
DRILLING
Chairman White stated that Representative Ted Davis, Jr. has requested time to speak on this matter and
invited Representative Davis to make remarks.
Representative Davis thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and stated that he represents District 19
in the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) which encompasses the southern portion of the City and the County
as well as the Towns of Wrightsville, Kure and Carolina Beaches. He stated he was fortunate to have been born and
raised in this community. Growing up, he came to appreciate and love our pristine beaches, playing in the sand,
swimming in the ocean, and eating fresh seafood. After marrying and starting a family, he and his wife, Jane, decided
to make Wilmington their home to raise their family and their eldest child has done the same. Prior to joining the
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 7
NCGA, he served as a New Hanover County Commissioner for 16 years. During that time, he learned just how
important the quality of our coastal environment was to our local economy. It is our beaches, our waterways, and our
estuaries that help attract tourists and a variety of businesses.
Representative Davis further stated that all of these things make our County thrive, including being an
incredible place to visit, enjoy, live, and raise a family, are in jeopardy because of the threat of off-shore drilling. We
must protect our coastal environment, quality of life, and local economy from such activity. He has received
resolutions from the City of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach in opposition to off-
shore drilling off the coast of North Carolina. He knows Commissioner Zapple has been working very hard and
diligently on this issue. He respectfully requests that the Board add New Hanover County to the list so that all of the
governmental entities within District 19 will be unanimous in their opposition to off-shore drilling.
Chairman White thanked Representative Davis for speaking on this important issue, read the proclamation
into the record and asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt a resolution expressing
opposition to off-shore drilling and the Board urges the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Interior,
the United States Congress, the Governor of the State of North Carolina, and the North Carolina General Assembly to
oppose off-shore petroleum policies that risk the health, safety, and sound environmental stewardship of North
Carolina’s coastline and is in opposition to seismic testing and is opposed to the exploration and development of
oil/gas resources on the continental shelf or elsewhere off the coast of North Carolina. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 2.4.
Commissioner Zapple thanked everyone who attended today’s meeting for this matter and Representative
Davis for providing his support. It is a good day for New Hanover County and he thanked his fellow Commissioners
for supporting this resolution which expresses the opinion of the majority of the County residents. He also thanked
several organizations for their continued research on this matter and keeping it in the public eye.
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AMY WRIGHT, 2017 CNN
HERO OF THE YEAR
Chairman White stated that it is important to recognize people who make an incredible difference in the lives
of other people in the community. He stated that no one better reflects this than Amy and Ben Wright, their family
and the incredible things they have done.
Chairman White read the resolution into the record and asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt a resolution recognizing
and celebrating the significant work and contributions of Amy Wright and the Board calls upon all citizens to give
honor and appreciation for her dedicated service to New Hanover County and communities across the nation. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman White invited Amy and Ben Wright and their guests to step forward to receive the resolution and
invited Ms. Wright make remarks.
Ms. Wright expressed appreciation for the recognition and for recognizing the amazing employees with her
today. There are 40 employees at the coffeehouse and they are incredible individuals who are capable, hard-working,
and loyal. She counts them as more than employees, she considers them family. She also thanked her husband, Ben
Wright, for his support. She further thanked the Board for bringing awareness to the fact that there’s a national 80%
unemployment rate for people with intellectually and developmental disabilities. They feel that what they are doing
here in Wilmington is just raising incredible awareness for this national unemployment epidemic. The hope is that
Wilmington continues to be an inspiration to other cities and all over our world to other businesses so they can look
around the workforce and say, they need to include somebody who has an intellectual or developmental disability.
Commissioner Zapple stated that Amy and Ben Wright have spent their lives putting the shine on other people
and other organizations. They are the ones that become the role models for all of us in our community. He thanked
them for attending today’s meeting.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 2.5.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving retirement awards:
Mitch Duncan, Legal/Risk Management, retiring with five years of service
Julie Criser, Library, retiring with eleven and a half years of service
Chairman White presented retirement awards to Mr. Duncan and Ms. Criser and the Commissioners
expressed appreciation and thanked Mr. Duncan and Ms. Criser for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 8
Five Years: Shannon New, Health
Shelley Strickland, Health
Ten Years: Terri Sigman, Sheriff’s Office
Maria Standfest, Finance
Fifteen Years: Robert “Rich” Richardson, Information Technology
Twenty Years: Christy Thompson, Social Services
Twenty-Five Years: Tommy Grady, Sheriff’s Office
Chairman White presented a service award to each person and the Commissioners expressed appreciation
and thanked each one for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following new employees to stand and be introduced:
Patricia Ahern, Library
Maria Bennett, Community Justice Services
Thomas Finch, Community Justice Services
Steven Hartman, Building Safety
Katherine O’Hara, Social Services
Susan Robinson, Community Justice Services
Nick Shoenfelt, Legal/Risk Management
Kimberly Stoklasa, Health
Shawn Ward, Fire Services
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
PRESENTATION OF CAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Mike Brown, Chairman of the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Board, stated he wanted to recognize the
County and the Board for the great work being done and the support given to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
(CFPUA). The County recognizes the value of working with CFPUA on projects that will not only extend much-
needed water and sewer service to unserved areas of the County, but also enhance the tax base of the County, the
ability for economic development, and job growth. An example of this is the U.S. Highway 421 corridor water and
sewer project. This is an important partnership and projects such as the U.S. Highway 421 project would not be
possible without the County’s assistance.
Jim Flechtner, CFPUA Executive Director, presented the 2017 annual report as follows:
Water and Wastewater Services:
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) treats and delivers safe drinking water, and collects
and treats wastewater:
Serves 200,000 people and all major sectors of the economy
These services are essential to our quality of life
Withdraws approximately 20 million gallons of raw water from two sources each day
Treats about 6 billion gallons of water and wastewater each year
U.S. Highway 421 Corridor Water and Sewer:
CFPUA is a partner in the area’s economic development
Connect NC awarded CFPUA $16.45 million in grant funding:
This grant money is earmarked for wastewater rehabilitation projects
This funding will strengthen CFPUA’s current infrastructure through upgrades to equipment
and facilities
Connect NC funding allowed CFPUA to address infrastructure concerns and free up funds to move
forward with the U.S. 421 Highway project:
In 2015 New Hanover County funded the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), which
provided foundation for design
Construction contract awarded January 10, 2018
Completion and Startup expected September 2019
Lead and Copper Testing:
We do not have lead in the water leaving our water treatment plants. However, lead can leach from
corroding plumbing materials, such as private service lines or plumbing fixtures in homes:
To ensure water quality, CFPUA has a Corrosion Control program
A water additive coats pipes and prevents leaching from plumbing materials into the water
To assess the program’s effectiveness, CFPUA conducts compliance monitoring:
Year Location # of Homes Tested Compliant?
2016 Monterey Heights System 20 Yes
2016 Richardson System 30 Yes
2017 Sweeney System 50 Yes
Addressing Water Quality:
Local Partners:
New Hanover County and City of Wilmington mobilized a call for Chemours to stop
discharging GenX to the Cape Fear River
House Bill 56 provides CFPUA and UNCW with funding to pursue research of treatment
technologies and of other compounds in the Cape Fear River
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 9
CFPUA:
Sampling treated water weekly for GenX
Pilot test at Sweeney Water Treatment Plant to assess treatment enhancements
Legal action against Chemours and DuPont
100% complete with Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) water withdrawal
UNCW:
Sampling raw and treated water to identify new compounds in the Cape Fear River
Developing new test methods to quantify the levels of these compounds
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ):
Enforcing drinking water standards at the state level that meet or exceed national standards set
by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Issuing and enforcing discharge permits
Finances:
Fiscal Year 17 Budgeted Revenues:
Water rate revenues $31,960,000 43%
Wastewater rate revenues $34,970,000 46%
System development charges $3,600,000 5%
Other revenues $4,462,926 6%
Fiscal Year 17 Budgeted Expenses:
Debt Service $24,260,053 32%
Salaries and Benefits $20,255,705 27%
Operations and Maintenance $19,435,654 26%
Capital Outlay $11,041,514 15%
Fiscal and Environmental Results:
1
Lower cost to operate and maintain the water and sewer systems:
Fiscal Year 2008 (before Fiscal Year 2017
consolidation in 2008 dollars) (CFPUA) Change
$38,689,355 $36,639,478 5.3% ↓
2
Fewer sanitary sewer overflows:
Five Years Prior to CFPUA Last Five Years Change
11,240,995 gallons 687,496 gallons
94%
↓
156 spills 68 spills
56%
↓
1. Costs to operate and maintain the water and sewer system minus debt service (principal, interest,
and fees). Customer base increased about 11% over this period.
2. Comparison of N.C. State Reportable Sanity Sewer Overflows (SSOs) from the most recent 5 years
compared to the last 5 years prior to formation of CFPUA
Chairman White thanked Mr. Brown and Mr. Flechtner for the presentation. He further stated that anyone
having any questions about whether or not consolidation is the right path forward for other departments and other
form of governments should look at this report. It tells a lot about the progress made over the past ten years.
Commissioner Kusek stated that having been on the CFPUA Board for a number of years, having served as
Chair, and being there through the GenX issue, she appreciates the hard work of everyone. During that whole situation,
we appreciated the leadership Chairman White took, but also appreciated the effort of every employee to do the very
best job that they could to get things under control.
Vice-Chairman Watkins reiterated Commissioner Kusek’s comments. A lot of people are critical of the
response, but the response has been deliberate. There's no Republicans, no Democrats. This is a clean water issue and
his hat is off to the leadership, both from staff and from the CFPUA Board that has risen to the cause.
Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. Brown and Mr. Flechtner for the report and requested additional
information on seeing a lower, but persistent amount of GenX in the water and an update on the filtering process.
Mr. Flechtner stated that he cannot say for sure why GenX continues to be seen in the raw water. It could be
coming from sediment in the river, it could be coming from rain water, it could be coming from stormwater that gets
flushed into the water. A reduction is being seen, but it just shows how persistent this compound is in the environment.
In regard to the filtering process, various filter media are being tested at the Sweeney Treatment Plant to see how
much of these compounds could be taken out of the river. The expectation is that in the spring the work of UNCW
and CFPUA to see what else can be taken out of the river will come together. At that point, they will be in a good
position to understand what CFPUA’s options are to upgrade the plant and potentially improve the quality of water
the customers receive.
Regarding questions about the issues with the new meters being installed, Mr. Flechtner stated there are about
ten accounts where a meter was swapped out and the last reading was not accurate. Those accounts have been fixed
and there are procedures in place so that the issue will not happen again. The new meters have technology that allows
CFPUA to read them remotely and provide information on such things as leaks. It is a good step forward for the
community.
UPDATE ON THE CHOOSE CAPE FEAR MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Natalie English, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, provided an update on the impact
and reach of the Choose Cape Fear marketing campaign to date and information about efforts to operationalize the
campaign locally:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 10
Year Two: Choose Cape Fear:
In the first year of the Choose Cape Fear campaign, a brand was built, community members and
stakeholders were engaged, assets (including videos, website, and advertisements) were created, and
awareness of the region increased
Great success was and continues to be seen. The Site Selection article was published, numerous
other media covered the campaign and its messages, traffic was driven to the website and the
websites of our economic development partners
This is a long-term campaign, one that was jumpstarted by the Wells Fargo Championship. Over
the past few months, focus has been on continued media relations, planning for how to fundraise,
and how best to use those dollars effectively and efficiently
What’s the goal?:
The goal doesn’t change: generate long-term interest, investment, and impact in the Cape Fear
region
Prime potential audiences and create fertile ground for all economic developers. This is done
by continuing to increase in brand awareness with target audiences. Adjustments have to be
made to how it is done
What’s the strategy?:
Collaborating with regional economic development organizations
Storytelling around the region’s business-related assets
Continuing to develop tools to assist individual economic development efforts by all
Utilizing integrated communications to surround target audiences with key messages and
reasons to believe
Integrated Communications Approach:
Earned: Media relations, stakeholder engagement, and community engagement
Shared: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
Owned: Microsite, collateral, events, video, and toolkit
Paid: Print and digital advertising
Choose Cape Fear Campaign:
Tactical Results to Date: Stakeholder Meetings: 80+; Regional stories gathered: 20+; Microsite:
4,000+ visitors and 200+ click through to other sites; Toolkit: 355+ downloads; Video:
225,000+ views; Digital Advertising: 2.2 million impressions; Media Relations: 12.8 million
impressions; and Social Media: 285,000+ impressions
Overall Results to Date:
Reach: 15.2 million+
Engagement: Media Coverage: 25+ interviews and 90 articles; Website Traffic: 2:51
average time on site; Digital Ad Campaign: 2,144 clicks; and Expo Tent: 3,000 ball
markers
Sentiment: Media Coverage: Positive; Social Media: 100% positive; and Community
Response: 93–100% positive
Ms. English stated that over the past few months her team and the Eckel and Vaughn team have reviewed
what has and has not worked. Strengths and weaknesses were the specific outputs that drove Eckel and Vaughn’s
recommendations for the best next steps:
Campaign Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Brand, marketing, and community engagement
Weaknesses: Budget and story gathering
Eckel and Vaughn approached Ms. English with a recommendation that the Choose Cape Fear campaign be
operationalized in order to depend on them less (i.e. use less dollars for counsel, etc.) and further engage local experts.
For Year Two of the Choose Cape Fear campaign, given the goal of generating long-term interest and impact, it is
important to continue to prioritize marketing and advertising in the region. In order to efficiently use available
resources, recommendations have been developed for an operational structure that will allow the Choose Cape Fear
campaign to prosper for years to come as follows:
Operational Structure:
Executive Team: President and CEO of Wilmington Chamber, Cape Fear Future Foundation Board
Chair, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, and Wilmington Business Development
CEO:
Responsibilities: Governance, budget, fundraising, and messaging
Advisory Council: Executive team, regional economic developers, government representatives
(City and County from Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, and New Hanover), and regional Chambers
of Commerce representatives:
Responsibilities: Counsel, facilitating community connections, and as appropriate, committee
volunteering
Communications Committee: Executive Team Representative and 10-15 regional communications
and marketing professionals:
Responsibilities: Media relations and social media, story gathering and content creation, and
resource development for website and toolkit
Community Engagement/Ambassadors Committee: Executive Team representative and five to eight
individuals throughout four-county region:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 11
Responsibilities: Community presentations, toolkit updates and sharing, fundraising, and story
gathering
Digital Advertising:
Campaign Activity: January 2018 – September 2018
Estimated Total Targeted Impressions Levels: 20,412,088
Market Reach: New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Los Angeles,
and San Francisco
Print Advertising:
Campaign Activity: Full page ads in business network and four- or six-page custom cover wraps
Market Reach: Prioritize two to three markets and target C-Suite executives and Site Selectors
Tactic/Details/Budget:
Tactic Details Budget
Orientation and training session with committee to
include:
Orientation to strategic plan, goals, and objectives
Media Relations/
Content curation, creation and distribution
Social Media $8,500
process, and best practices
Transition
Providing initial list of story ideas
Developing initial editorial calendar
Providing already-developed media lists
Five to eight months of digital advertising across
target markets
Print and Digital $100,000–
Full page, four color ads across two to three target
Advertising $300,000
markets
Cover wraps targeting 500-5,000 very qualified
targets
Blog/newsroom additions
Website Edits $2,100
Additional updates if necessary
Eckel and Vaughn will work with the Executive Board
to concept, estimate and create a collateral piece that Estimated upon
Collateral
can meet a wide range of needs for collateral, as request
appropriate.
Can be used for:
General counsel
$15,000
Counsel and
Stakeholder engagement advice (6 hours per
Service
month)
Media relations and social media guidance
Fundraising assistance (pro bono)
Ms. English concluded the presentation stating she chooses Cape Fear and she regularly sees people who
have chosen Cape Fear. These are really phenomenal stories and she and her team want to be part of helping to fill the
funnel. This will help our partners in the economic development organizations around the region turn that funnel into
leads that then turn into the creation of new jobs in our community.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White thanked Ms. English for the presentation.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF INSTALLMENT FINANCING NOT TO EXCEED $9,150,000
AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT AND DEED OF TRUST WITH
RESPECT THERETO AND DELIVERY THEREOF AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER
RELATED MATTERS TO FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF OGDEN FIRE STATION AND PINE
VALLEY LIBRARY
Chairman White opened the public hearing and invited Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher to present
information on the matter.
Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that as discussed during the January 8, 2018 meeting, staff received one bid for the
installment financing contract. BB&T proposed a term of 15 years at a 3.56% interest rate paid semi-annually. The
financing will be secured by a security interest in the Ogden Fire Station located at 7375 Market Street. These terms
are in line with staff expectations and there is not a refinancing penalty. Average annual debt service payments will
be $778,299 based on a not to exceed amount of $9,150,000. The average estimated payment for the Ogden Fire
Station is $438,329 and the Pine Valley Library is $339,970. The payments will be similar to how our bonds are
structured whereas, a bit more is paid in the beginning and gradually decreases over time as the principal is paid off.
Overall, less interest will be paid.
The debt service anticipated for Ogden Fire Station with the construction and the land was $551,000 and is
now slightly less than the amount of $438,000. The debt service anticipated with Pine Valley Library, including the
increase in costs approved by the Board in November 2017 was $352,000, and now the average would be $339,000.
In terms of debt service, a debt service payment is budgeted in 2018 because the closing on this will not be until
February.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that most banks do not want to finance for longer
than ten years and when staff put together the projections for the budget, they anticipated a 15-year loan. BB&T is
the only one who was willing to provide a loan for 15 years.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 12
Chairman White reported that no one had signed up to speak on this item, closed the public hearing, and
asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to accept the information as
presented and adopt a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County of New Hanover, North Carolina,
approving a contract and a deed of trust with respect thereto and delivery thereof and providing for certain other related
matters. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 2.6.
BREAK:
Chairman White called a break from 10:08 a.m. to 10:17 a.m.
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF 2018-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN
County Manager Chris Coudriet expressed appreciation to the Board for the opportunity for staff to work on
a strategic plan to help guide what the work of its staff will be over the next five years. The draft is being presented
today and there have not been substantive changes since the December presentation. There were specific things heard
that day which will be addressed and modifications have been made as they relate to some of the targets going forward.
No modifications were made to the vision, the mission, or the organizational values. The over-arching framework
was left alone as well: Intelligent Growth and Economic Development, Superior Education and Workforce, Superior
Public Health and Safety, and the items termed largely “Good Governance” for the last five years, Effective County
Management and Strong Financial Performance. These are the five priorities and focus areas set by the Board five
years ago and it directed staff to keep in place as the basic framework.
County Manager Coudriet then presented the draft New Hanover County Strategic Plan 2018-2023 plan as
follows:
Mission: New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous
contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of
our citizens today and tomorrow.
Vision: A vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community committed to building a sustainable future for
future generations.
Organizational Values: Professionalism, Integrity, Innovation, Stewardship, and Accountability
Focus Areas:
Intelligent Growth and Economic Development:
Strategic Objective: Leverage public infrastructure to encourage private investment
Desired Outcome: Current public assets and future investments increase the tax base
Target:
$3 billion increase in tax base
100% return on investment within three miles of new public investments
Strategic Objective: Increase the diversity and number of higher-wage jobs
Desired Outcome: More advanced manufacturing, knowledge sector, and skilled trade jobs
available locally
Target:
Increase jobs that pay > 6.5% above living wage
6,500 new, traded-sector jobs in the advanced manufacturing, knowledge sector, and
skilled trades
Strategic Objective: Encourage development of complete communities* in the unincorporated
county
Desired Outcome: Align policies and business practices to support the development of
complete communities
Target: Increase elements of complete communities across New Hanover County
*Complete communities provide a range of housing sizes and price points, employment
opportunities, convenience needs, community facilities, and support services to provide
access and opportunity for all New Hanover County citizens
Superior Education and Workforce:
Strategic Objective: Promote early learning that ensures life-long resiliency
Desired Outcome: Every child entering kindergarten in New Hanover County has the
emotional, social, and physical opportunity to succeed and to, ultimately, perform at grade
level
Target:
75% of children are ready for kindergarten on the Kindergarten Entry Assessment
90% of third graders read at least at grade level on the Read to Achieve Test
Strategic Objective: Support the private sector’s need for talent to fill higher-wage jobs
Desired Outcome: Businesses stay, start, or expand because the talent exists here or is
developed quickly
Target:
Increase digital access and digital literacy to enhance workforce skills
Decrease the amount of time to fill positions in target sectors locally
Superior Public Health and Safety:
Strategic Objective: Prevent and reduce opioid abuse
Desired Outcome: Fewer people misusing opiates
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 13
Target:
Decrease opioid-related deaths by 100%
Decrease opioid-related overdoses by 50%
Strategic Objective: Increase access to programs to prevent and reduce obesity
Desired Outcome: Community knows risks of obesity and individuals can equitably pursue
a life that mitigates risks
Target: Increase access to nutritious foods, physical activity and education about healthy
behaviors within a half mile of 100% of populations at risk for obesity
Strategic Objective: Sustain the community capacity to prepare for and respond to public safety
demands
Desired Outcome: Preparation that results in the appropriate response and ensures
resiliency
Target:
th
100% of emergency response calls at 90 percentile of Fiscal Year 2019 data
Reduction in calls per capita
Good Governance:
Effective County Management:
Continuous focus on the customer experience; increase transparency and awareness about
county actions; and deliver quality service at the right time
Strong Financial Performance:
Minimize taxes and fees; proactively manage the county budget; and plan for the long-term
financial health of the county
Internal Business Processes:
Provide better, faster, leaner customer-driven practices; align services and programs with
strategic priorities; communicate what the county does and why; and develop and nurture
partnerships to deliver strategic objectives
Organizational Capacity:
Hire and retain people committed to public service; foster a culture of agility and flexibility to
create innovative solutions; build capacity for data-driven decision making; and engage in
continuous learning
County Manager Coudriet concluded the presentation stating that the draft plan is a thoughtful plan. It
included input from every department and stakeholders and staff feels it is informed specifically with the direction
given by the Board. He will take note of any changes that the Board would like to see made if the Board is not prepared
to adopt the plan during this meeting.
Chairman White opened the floor for Board discussion.
Commissioner Zapple stated that he would like to see under Superior Education and Workforce more
attention specifically towards our focus on the vocational education and certification programs at the community
college. He strongly believes that this is part of our future and a big part of creating pathways for career opportunities
for our youth and young adults. While we have already started to focus on it, he feels it’s important to keep our eye
on that ball. The second one is to include specifics about a focus on workforce housing, which has been addressed
somewhat with the complete communities. He believes it would help explain and give this Board, as well as future
Boards as we move forward, a reminder as to what we think is important, which is indeed at the bottom of this entire
strategic plan.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to adopt the 2018-2023 Strategic
Plan as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the Strategic Plan is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XLI, Page 2.7.
CONSIDERATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AND SIGN A PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR APPROXIMATELY 18 ACRES OFF CAROLINA BEACH ROAD WITHIN MUNICIPAL LIMITS
County Manager Coudriet stated the Board is being requested to authorize the County team to negotiate with
the property owner about the potential acquisition of 18 acres off Carolina Beach Road within the city limits for the
purposes of preservation of existing open space and developing a publicly held recreational complex for tennis and
swimming on an existing site. This site is a collection of parcels of what was formerly the Echo Farms Golf and
Country Club. The complete scope of this would be including the existing clay tennis courts, tennis clubhouse, and
swimming facility.
Chairman White opened the floor for Board discussion.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated that he is looking forward to partnering with the City of Wilmington on this
issue.
In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed that there are no other clay tennis courts
in the County that are open for public play. This could open up five courts. He thinks the deficit of courts is recognized
by the negotiations held with UNCW. While there are clay courts accessible as part of league play, they are not in a
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 14
public setting. It would be a substantial cost to create a set of clay tennis courts in this part of the County. To acquire
the right number of acres in the right place and the development of that, he feels, would far surpass what we would
successfully negotiate with the developer for the acquisition of these facilities.
Regarding questions about the on-going operational costs being shared equally with the City, County
Manager Coudriet stated that would be part of the negotiations that County staff would recommend before the Board
ever finalized and that is to know what the on-going maintenance costs are and who would bear those, either the City
or the County or collectively. It is known that at a minimum some improvements to the court(s) and some open space
are needed and it would not be recommended to the Board that it enter into an agreement where there was not a
commitment to cost share equally on that. He thinks the maintenance costs are going to be best informed by where it
falls out in a recommendation of who the owner-operator is, either the City or the County, and then what those long-
term operating expenses are. He and the City Manager do not have hard opinions on this yet and until they are
authorized by their respective Boards to move forward with negotiations, it will not be completely clear in the early
stages. Staff will not bring forward an unclear agreement to execute, it would be very clear.
In response to additional Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed that this request is only to
authorize him to enter into negotiations.
Commissioner Barfield stated that he thinks the timing is right. It's a good fit for both the City and the County
as well as the residents of our community. This asset would provide a pool and that facility would be open to the
public, as well as tennis courts and some open space where kids could play soccer, football, and a number of other
things.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to authorize the County Manager
to enter into negotiations to purchase approximately 18 acres from the property owner for the purposes of preserving
existing open space and converting existing tennis and swimming facilities into public recreation assets; final approval
of the purchase agreement is required by the County Commissioners no later than March 5, 2018.
In response to additional Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that in regards to an easement or
some access to connect the two areas as best as he understands the development plan, that area would serve as the
access to the center point. The development concept is to do some sort of private investment in what used to be the
driving range and the other golf hole that is adjacent to it. He noted what will also be negotiated and asked to be part
of the deal is the facility that is the former golf clubhouse.
Chairman White called for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council
Chairman White reported that three vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension
Advisory Council with one application available for consideration. He asked for direction from the Board.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Clayton Hamerski to the New Hanover County
Cooperative Extension Advisory Council to serve a two-year term with the term to expire December 1, 2019.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee
Chairman White reported that seven vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Non-County Agency
Funding Committee in the At-Large, Educational (pre-k thru 12), Faith-Based, Seniors/Elders, Business/Workforce
Training, Public Safety/Judicial, and Cultural/Recreation categories, with twenty-three applications available for
consideration. He asked for direction from the Board.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Damien Buchanan in the Seniors/Elders category; Elizabeth DeBiasi in the
Educational (pre-k thru 12) category; Fred Gainey in the At-Large category; W. Neal Lewis in the Cultural/Recreation
category; Bruce A. Mason in the Public Safety/Judicial category; Randy Reeves in the Business/Workforce Training
category; and Shannon Winslow in the Faith-Based category.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Evelyn A. Bryant in the Educational (pre-k thru 12) category; Stephen D.
Coggins in the Faith-Based category; Elizabeth DeBiasi in the Public Safety/Judicial category; Christopher Nelson in
the Business/Workforce Training category; Randy Reeves in the Cultural/Recreation category; George Rountree, III
in the At-Large category; and Anne York in the Seniors/Elders category.
With no other nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nominations in order of being received.
Vote Results:
The Board voted in the majority to appoint Damien Buchanan in the Seniors/Elders category; Elizabeth
DeBiasi in the Educational (pre-k thru 12) category; Fred Gainey in the At-Large category; W. Neal Lewis in the
Cultural/Recreation category; Bruce A. Mason in the Public Safety/Judicial category; Randy Reeves in the
Business/Workforce Training category; and Shannon Winslow in the Faith-Based category to the New Hanover
County Non-County Agency Funding Committee. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and Commissioner
Kusek voted in favor.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2018 PAGE 15
Initial terms for appointed members of the New Hanover County Non-County Agency Funding Committee
were determined by lottery as follows: Damien Buchanan is to serve a three-year term; Elizabeth DeBiasi is to serve
a three-year term; Fred Gainey is to serve a two-year term; W. Neal Lewis is to serve a three-year term; Bruce A.
Mason is to serve a two-year term; Randy Reeves is to serve a three-year term; and Shannon Winslow is to serve a
two-year term.
Appointment to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Wilmington Regional Film Commission with one
application available for consideration. He asked for direction from the Board.
Commissioner Kusek moved to appoint Sherri Robinson to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission.
Without objection, the Board appointed Sherri Robinson to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission to
serve a three-year term with the term to expire January 31, 2021.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman White announced that two people signed up to speak under public comment.
Dennis Dixon, a resident of Costmary Lane, stated that his purpose for speaking was to thank the Board for
appointing him to serve on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board. He also recognizes the importance of assigning
Commissioners to the various boards. The Cape Fear Museum (CFM), in particular, is directly involved in Project
Grace so the opportunity to interact with a Commissioner directly and consistently is advantageous for both the Board
of Commissioners and the Cape Fear Museum. What he does not understand is why the Board changed the
Commissioner assignments. Commissioner Zapple has been on the CFM Advisory Board, he is evidently familiar
with all the CFM issues from budget to facilities, and seemed to be enjoying his participation. He asked if it would
not be more efficient to have Commissioner Zapple continue on the CFM Advisory Board rather than change
assignments at this stage. He would like to know if there is a regular process of rotation of Commissioners among the
various boards with terms of appointment as there is with members of the advisory boards themselves.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Dickson for his comments and stated that he looks forward to serving with him
on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board.
Chairman White invited Ellie Kline to speak. Ms. Kline was not present to speak.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Commissioner Barfield thanked Hollis Briggs for putting on another outstanding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Celebration week. It's great to bring honor to civil rights and to our county for all of this. He again thanked Mr. Briggs
for his efforts to make the celebration every year better than the last.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 10:44 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.