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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.