2018-03-12 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 46
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, March 12, 2018, at
4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North
Carolina.
Members present: Chairman Woody White; Vice-Chairman Skip Watkins; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield,
Jr.; Commissioner Patricia Kusek; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Deputy County Attorney Sharon Huffman; and Clerk to the
Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Jonathan Bowling, Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, provided the invocation and Commissioner
Barfield led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion
: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, 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 February 19, 2018.
Adoption of a Resolution to Award Solid Waste Engineering Services to SCS Engineers, P.C. and CDM Smith,
Inc., and Authorize the County to Negotiate and Execute Contracts for Services – Environmental Management
The Commissioners adopted a resolution granting approval for the award of Solid Waste Engineering
Services for New Hanover County to both SCS Engineers, P.C. and CDM Smith, Inc., and granted authorization for
the County to negotiate and execute the associated contracts for solid waste engineering services. This includes landfill
cell construction and closure design and permitting, wastewater system design and permitting, landfill gas system
design and permitting, and other solid-waste related civil services.
Each firm exhibits unique strengths in various areas of solid waste engineering expertise, and task orders
would be assigned to each based on their focus areas. This approach best serves the County by ensuring that superior
engineering services are always in place for each project undertaken during the contract period. Work will be
conducted via individual task orders. There is no work guaranteed to either engineering firm as a result of being
selected and placed under contract. The County reserves the right to modify the scope of work as necessary to meet
the County's overall solid waste management objectives.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 5.1.
Ratification of Two Grant Applications Submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Finance
The Commissioners ratified two grant applications submitted to the Department of Health and Human
Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
SAMHSA Category: Treatment for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness:
The Department of Social Services and the Health Department will partner with First Fruits Ministries,
MedNorth, Wilmington Housing Authority, and Coastal Horizons to provide case management to
homeless individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorder. These individuals
will receive services such as primary care, crisis intervention, and housing. The goal of the project is to
reduce the reliance on crisis services, improve self-sufficiency, and increase access to mental health
services. There is no match requirement for this grant. The grant may be funded for five years, with a
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maximum award of $500,000 per year. The grant application was submitted on March 9.
SAMHSA Category: Early Diversion Grants:
The Sheriff’s Office will partner with Coastal Horizons and RHA Crisis Services to apply for a
Community1 Early Diversion grant. The project will serve inmates that are diagnosed with a severe
mental illness, with co-occurring substance abuse disorder, by providing mental health treatment and
substance abuse treatment. In addition, upon release, treatment will continue and include job placement,
housing and other governmental services. The goal of the project is to reduce recidivism, reduce
homelessness, and improve mental health and substance abuse treatment access. The grant may be
funded for five years. The funding requested is $247,500 per year and requires a match in the amount of
$84,112 per year. If awarded, the match will be requested as part of the annual budget. The application
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was submitted on March 5.
Approval of New Hanover County Monthly Collection Reports for January 2018 – 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 January 2018. 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 5.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 47
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE LEGACY OF REVEREND DR. MARTIN
LUTHER KING, JR.
Commissioner Barfield stated that a Commemoration Committee was formed to plan an event to celebrate
the life of Dr. King, and thanked District Attorney Ben David and many others who are part of the committee that
worked to bring this proclamation and celebration to fruition. On the day of his assassination, Dr. King was scheduled
to be in Wilmington to speak at the Williston Senior High School prior to going back to Memphis, TN. He further
commented on being a part of the 20-year commemoration of the March on Washington, DC and the impression it
left on him in terms of the importance of how great this country is to come together to assemble and fight with one
voice for things that are good for all mankind.
Commissioner Barfield read the proclamation into the record and Chairman White asked for direction from
the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to adopt a proclamation
honoring the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman White invited the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 Anniversary Commemoration Commission Co-
Chairs, Ms. Bertha Todd and District Attorney Ben David, to make remarks and step forward to receive the
proclamation.
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Ms. Todd stated that it is an honor and a challenge to serve as co-chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50
Anniversary Commemoration Commission. It is her hope that after the event on April 4th, students in southeastern
North Carolina as well as adults will have a profound awareness of the legacy of Dr. King, an individual who served
humanity in a superior manner.
District Attorney David thanked the Board for adopting the proclamation. He further stated that in this very
building for a hundred years we fought for the ideals of justice, equal protection, peace, and nonviolence. These are
the very ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for during his time. When he went to Memphis last year with
his children to show them the Lorraine Hotel where Dr. King was shot and also visit the museum, he asked his children
where was Dr. King was supposed to be when he was shot. They were not able to answer that question. This troubled
him because they attend Williston and he realized others may not know either. He enlisted the help of Ms. Todd to
bring attention to this history.
The New Hanover County Board of Education adopted a resolution stating all children in New Hanover
County Schools will be reflecting on Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech and participating in an essay
contest. Kids around this county will be wearing a unity color as is done in October to “Say No to Bullying” which
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will be black and gold, the colors of Dr. King’s fraternity. During the April 4 celebration, a historical marker will be
unveiled at Williston Middle School to acknowledge the significance that Dr. King was supposed to be at that location
when he was killed.
District Attorney David concluded his comments by encouraging everyone to attend the celebration of Dr.
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King’s life and legacy that will be held on April 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Williston Middle School
gymnasium. The bell will ring 39times for the 39 years Dr. King walked the earth, followed by a moment of silence
that many people in the community are calling for. Many bells around the County will be ringing at 7:01 p.m., the
time he was shot 50 years ago. He thanked Commissioner Barfield for his work on the committee and all officials who
were part of it. He further stated whether you were alive at the time or not yet born, whether you are black or white,
new to the City or a lifelong resident, this is truly a day that all of us can take great pride in. The hope is that this
proclamation will help more people become aware of this great history and celebrate this legacy in the appropriate
way.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Todd and District Attorney David for attending the meeting.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 5.3.
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Years: Randy Garrett, Environmental Management
Kathryn Bell, Social Services
Fifteen Years: Donna Seal, Sheriff’s Office
Twenty-Five Years: Pamela Cooke, Health
Thirty Years: Jan Kavanaugh, Sheriff’s Office
Ruby Cromartie, Property Management
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:
Avella Ballard, Register of Deeds
Darcie Cook, Cape Fear Museum
Brigid Cotton, Senior Resource Center
Keeara Jones, Health
Jason Lee, Information Technology
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 48
Jawad Salmi, Property Management
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
TRILLIUM HEALTH RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION
David Tart, Southern Regional Director of Trillium Health Resources, provided the annual report on Trillium
Health Resources highlighting the following:
Trillium’s Mission: Transforming lives of people in need by providing ready access to quality care:
Although the mission is simple, Trillium’s efforts to accomplish this mission are not
Trillium as well as all managed care organizations (MCOs) face continuous changes. Recurring
budget cuts from the state and federal governments and proposed Medicaid reform cause us to adapt
and evolve in order for us to continue to meet our contractual and regulatory obligations
Trillium Prepares for Medicaid Reform:
On November 15, 2017, Trillium announced an important step towards securing its position as a
leader in managed care in North Carolina
Trillium is working with two other MCOs, Alliance Behavioral Health and Vaya Health to form a
new coalition known as Advancing NC Whole Health (www.advancingncwholehealth.com):
This is a partnership, not a merger. Trillium believes by aligning their strengths and shared
experiences, they can maximize their impact as they prepare for Medicaid reform.
Who We Were Last Fiscal Year:
24 counties, stretching from Virginia to South Carolina:
Largest LME/MCO in terms of number of counties and geography
Total population of 1,260,828; approximately 185,000 Medicaid eligible
13% of State’s total population, 13% of Medicaid enrollees
11,451.3 square miles, roughly the size of Maryland, or bigger than eight states
Widely varying population density:
Wilmington and Greenville are eighth and tenth largest cities, respectively
Most of catchment area very rural and includes NC’s two lowest populated counties, Hyde and
Tyrrell
Nash County Joins Trillium July 1:
Total population including Nash: 1,355,828
Medicaid eligible: 195,000
14% of total population, 16% of Medicaid enrollees
Total of 25 counties
Annual Gaps and Needs:
Data reviewed:
Demographic and health information data; National prevalence data for mental health,
developmental disabilities and substance abuse (MH/DD/SA) issues; Survey participants
and stakeholders; Complaints and grievances; and Geo-mapping data
Process:
Online surveys; on-site work with Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFACs)
and Board; Compile and analyze data; Develop strategies to address gaps and needs; and
Present action plan to Board for adoption
Current Statistics for 2017:
Served approximately 52,650 people:
79% with mental health needs; 19% with substance use disorders; 9% with intellectual and
developmental disabilities
Total Cost: $355,201,859
429 Providers
Trillium’s 2017 Priorities:
Each year Trillium develops annual priorities to help staff determine where to target their
efforts:
1. Every person first, every time: Activities that improve our customer services to all
customers
2. Trillium 2020 Vision: Evidenced based services, crisis services to enhance quality
3. Advancing Technology: Strengthen the use of Technology
4. One community together: Improve local community relationships through Advisory
Boards, Systems of Care
5. Enterprise integration: Work together to ensure a consistent level of functioning in all
departments
Trillium Addresses Opioid Crisis:
North Carolina has received $31 million over the next two years to address the opioid crisis
through the Cures Act
Trillium’s allocation for the first year was $1.2 million. The funding was designated for new
individuals seeking opioid treatment for the first time or individuals who have been out of
treatment and are ready to seek treatment again.
Within the first six months, Trillium drew down the entire $1.2 million serving 1,269
individuals
Last month, the state decided to allocate the remaining funds from the grant and has awarded
Trillium an additional $1.9 million to provide services to individuals with opioid use disorders
The state has asked us to focus our efforts on providing increased access to MAT (Medication-
Assisted Treatment)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 49
Trillium’s Opioid Initiatives:
Healing Transitions in Raleigh: 354 admissions from the Trillium catchment who are looking
for long term, peer led treatment for substance use disorders
Oxford Houses: 242 people served in sober living homes including women and children
NC Harm Reduction: over 2,245 Naloxone kits distributed in the Trillium catchment area
Wellness cities in Greenville, Wilmington, and New Bern provide peer support services to
hundreds in recovery
Trillium’s 2017 Initiatives in Advancing Technology:
Comprehensive assessment for teens: Increase overall self-disclosure from adolescents
Crisis chat: Offers online emotional support
Assistive technology: Assists adults and children with items such as communication devices,
security systems, and adaptive equipment
Access point: Website offers online anonymous, evidenced based screenings
Trillium’s Reinvestment Plan Outcomes:
Support and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD):
1. Summer Programs/After School/Respite Program:
Summer programs, after school programs, and respite for children with (I/DD)
12 summer day programs serving 380 youth
Seven afterschool programs serving 218 youth
Location for parents of children with I/DD to have support groups
Eight to ten locations throughout the 24 county catchment area
2. Accessible playgrounds: 30 playgrounds funded across catchment area
Reinvestment Plan Outcomes Continued:
Evidence-based services and supports:
1. Child First/Child-Parent psychotherapy: Interventions for children 0 – 6 years of age who
have experienced trauma leading to mental health issues. 32 clinicians have been trained
and 926 children have been served.
2. DirectCourse workforce development: Training of non-licensed healthcare providers to
reduce staff turnover and improve patient care. 647 Staff have completed all course work.
3. Compassion Reaction/Rachel’s Challenge: Offered in 289 schools and 136,000 children
participated.
4. Wellness recovery action planning: Classes that help adults with mental illness learn to
manage symptoms, achieve recovery, and live independently
5. Mental health first aid training: There are two classes, adolescent and adult, that are offered
to community stakeholders.
Consumers Served in New Hanover County:
Total consumers served: 9,447: Mental health: 7,383; Substance use: 2,088; and I/DD: 909
Total is unduplicated, since a single individual may receive services in more than one category
Mr. Tart stated that Trillium has a mobile crisis service in New Hanover County and throughout its 25
counties. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If there's a child that appears to be at risk to
themselves or someone else, the crisis service is one call away. This is a service our citizens definitely need to know
about. There is also the need for the schools to know about this because in order for mobile crisis to work, people have
to pick up the phone and call them. This is one of the significant services that really can offset this problem. Another
thing that's really great, for kids in particular, is Trillium’s crisis chat service. The crisis chat function is designed to
let kids interact with a crisis professional and to make it as accessible and as anonymous as possible. It is very difficult
to pick up the phone when you are in crisis, especially if you are an adolescent, and much easier to pick up your phone
and use a chat-based interface to talk to someone.
There is also a need to educate the public. When reviewing the services Trillium has been able to provide in
the opioid crisis, things such as the Healing Transitions beds and the other opioid initiatives are on-going in large part
because of county contributions. Although overall the county contributions are only one percent of Trillium’s budget,
they are extremely meaningful. Trillium and the people served are extremely grateful because it allows the ability to
access those service gaps and allows Trillium to provide training. It is meaningful training in these communities as
well as crisis intervention training, particularly in the schools for youth mental health.
Mr. Tart concluded his presentation stating that Trillium is appreciative to New Hanover County and to all
of its counties for keeping these efforts going. Trillium believes it has a lot to offer and this is an opportunity to
educate. It hopes that its mental health first aid and the access particularly to the mobile crisis service, becomes
something that everyone readily knows at our schools. People also can always contact Trillium’s call center.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Tart stated that education is the most important thing that can be done to
address youth mental health issues. The services are there and the crisis services are available to everyone in the
community regardless of insurance, not just members. Its members, for on-going services, are the people covered by
Medicaid and those are the people not covered by private insurance. There's a whole part that is covered by private
insurance. What Trillium believes it can do most meaningfully is draw attention to its crisis services. The mobile crisis
team that has come into the community in the last year and a half is very assertive about going into the schools. The
team is happy to go anywhere and provide education. When a school calls, the team is looking for a way to respond
and wants to respond.
Regarding Integrated Family Services, Mr. Tart stated that Trillium saw an opportunity for additional
capacity here and throughout its counties in the southern region. After the consolidation and becoming Trillium, the
ability arose to capitalize on the long-term relationship that the neighbors to the north have with Integrated Family
Services. This gives people a choice of providers and certainly people can access either provider. Mr. Tart has received
a lot of positive feedback since Integrated Family Services has come into the area.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 50
Chairman White stated that over the last year and a half he has had several clients interact with the Integrated
Family Services personnel and he has never seen a service that good and that responsive. He is glad to now know of
the service and to have seen success stories from families.
In response to additional questions about Integrated Family Services, Mr. Tart stated that one of the reasons
they have been so successful is they are excellent at accepting all invitations and requesting invitations that they don't
get. They have been very assertive as they have moved into each county and it's been a gradual rollout across the
southern region reaching out from the beginning, before they even get started, to the key stakeholders. As it relates to
school safety, the group will go to any early morning roll call it can attend to speak with school resources officers,
etc. Trillium does what it can in terms of using its press release outlets to get as much information out as possible, but
Integrated Family Services is largely responsible for their success in getting that word out.
At the request of the Board, Mr. Tart stated that the number for assistance through Trillium is 1-877-685-
2415. He thanked the Board for the opportunity to provide the update and provide information about Trillium’s
services.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Tart for the presentation.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2016-2017 WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
ANNUAL REPORT
Brad Rosov with Coastal Planning and Engineering (CPE) stated that monitoring has been done in the
Wilmington area watershed throughout the County through the network of seven tidal creeks, a total of 19 sampling
sites throughout the County, for the past nine-plus years. The creeks included in this study are Pages and Futch, which
drain into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Lords, Motts, Barnards, Smith, and Prince Georges, which
drain into the Cape Fear River. He then presented the 2016-2017 Water Quality Monitoring Program Report
highlighting the results of the water quality samples collected and analyzed for biological, chemical and physical
parameters from the following monitoring stations:
Results:
2015-2016:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Parameter Georges
CreekCreekCreekCreekCreekCreek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved
POOR FAIR GOOD FAIR GOOD POOR FAIR
Oxygen
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci POOR FAIR FAIR POOR POOR POOR FAIR
2016-2017:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Smith
Parameter Georges
CreekCreekCreekCreekCreekCreek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved
FAIR FAIR GOOD FAIR FAIR POOR GOOD
Oxygen
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR GOOD FAIR
Over the past year, improvement in water quality has been seen:
Barnards Creek – located in the western part of the County draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter BC-CBR
Turbidity Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair
Chlorophyll-A Good
Enterococci Good
Futch Creek – located in the northeastern part of the County draining into the Intracoastal Waterway:
Parameter FC-4 FC-6 FC-13 FC-FOY Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair Good Poor Good Fair
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Good Good Good Good Good
Lords Creek – located in the southwestern part of the County draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter LC-RR
Turbidity Good
Dissolved Oxygen Good
Chlorophyll-A Good
Enterococci Good
Motts Creek – located north of Lords Creek draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter MOT-CBR MOT-ND Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Poor Good Fair
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 51
Chlorophyll-A Good Fair Good
Enterococci Good Fair Fair
Pages Creek – located in the northeastern part of the County draining into the Intracoastal Waterway:
Parameter PC-BDUS PC-BDDS PC-M Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair Good Good Fair
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Poor Poor Good Poor
Prince Georges Creek – northwestern part of the County draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter PG-CH PG-ML PG-NC Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair Fair Poor Poor
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Good Fair Good Good
Smith Creek – located in the north central part of the County draining into the Cape Fear River:
Parameter SC-23 SC-CD SC-CH SC-GR SC-NK Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Good Good Good Good Good Good
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Good Fair Good Fair Fair Fair
Summary Results 2016-2017:
Parameter Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Prince Georges Smith
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Turbidity Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Dissolved Oxygen Fair Fair Good Fair Fair Poor Good
Chlorophyll-A Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Enterococci Good Good Good Fair Poor Good Fair
Mr. Rosov reported that in addition to the ongoing sampling from the seven creeks, the second year of water
monitoring was done at Airlie Gardens. One sampling site is the discharge outfall into Bradley Creek. In terms of
dissolved oxygen, it is low during the summer months to almost nothing then increases quite a bit during the
wintertime. It seems stormwater is entering Bradley Creek at the detriment of the flora and fauna. Knowing there is
some significant development in the area, it is something that will continue to be monitored.
Mr. Rosov concluded his presentation noting:
Turbidity and Chlorophyll-A levels were deemed to be “good” in all creeks
Water quality within Airlie Gardens appears to be driven in part by nutrient-laden stormwater runoff
which may spur algal blooms and reduced dissolved oxygen
Enterococcus bacteria issues still persist at Pages Creek
During the 2016-2017 sampling season, water quality was similar to previous years, however
Enterococci improved at five of the seven creeks assessed:
Barnards Futch Lords Motts Pages Prince Georges Smith
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
2015-2016 Poor Fair Fair Poor Poor Poor Fair
2016-2017 Good Good Good Fair Poor Good Fair
In response to Board questions, Mr. Rosov stated that there is not a point source for Pages Creek. Several
years ago while studying the issue with Pages Creek, discussions were held with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
(CFPUA) to make sure the lift station and infrastructure of the sewer was maintaining proper integrity. He believes
another discussion with CFPUA is warranted and additional testing using other methods could be done. He is unable
to explain why in five of the seven areas bacteria content improved. If there is a heavy rainfall that would typically
lead to water quality going down. There was improvement and he has not seen anything change on outside sources
with the exception of the Marquis Hill Subdivision, which is now hooked to sewer.
Regarding if the sources of bacteria are human, Mr. Rosov stated that the bacteria being tested for resides in
the gut of any warm-blooded mammal. It's used as an indicator for human contamination, but if people are not picking
up after their dogs or if there are wildlife nearby, that would also give that signal. He does not perform quantitative
analysis on vegetation, such as hydrilla.
Regarding incorporating the Lower Cape Fear River Program sampling numbers, Mr. Rosov stated that the
reports do not include the information. In regard to some of the parameters his team monitors for, including bacteria,
to his knowledge the Lower Cape Fear River Program is still using fecal coliform bacteria. It is an apple to orange
type of analysis, but he can check to see what the program is doing. He is willing to discuss how to get the two
programs together to be able to incorporate sampling numbers from both. He further stated that this is a good
discussion to be held at a future Water Quality Task Force meeting.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Rosov for the presentation.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF GOLD STAR
FAMILIES MEMORIAL MONUMENT IN HUGH MACRAE PARK
Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth stated that staffhas been working with Norma Luther with
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. to construct a Gold Star Families Memorial near the pond at Hugh MacRae Park.
The memorial is a tribute to Gold Star Mothers, Fathers and Relatives who have lost a family member in the line of
duty while serving in the Armed Forces. The monument is carved from black marble and stands twelve feet by six
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 52
feet. The monument tells the story of homeland, family, patriot, and sacrifice along four panels. County staff and the
Gold Star Mothers believed this is a fitting location aside the current war memorial. Bailey Granite and Monuments
is the lowest qualified bidder. The project would be completed by September 30, 2018. The cost to purchase and
install the memorial is $60,000:
Breakdown of Project Costs:
Monument: $45,000
Sidewalks/Hardscape: $12,000
Landscape and Irrigation: $1,000
Contingency: $2,000
In response to Board questions, Ms. Duckworth stated that there are very few North Carolina companies that
could perform this work. Only eight or nine companies across multiple states that are certified to perform this type
work. The project was put out to bid with a request to all of those companies. Only three bids were returned and the
lowest bidder is out of Kentucky.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated that it is his personal intention to try to offset some of the expenses with local
contributors.
Commissioner Barfield stated it will be wonderful for this monument to be on Freedom Way to honor the
mothers in our community and in conjunction with the other memorials at Hugh MacRae Park. It would be great if
we didn't have Gold Star Mothers, but we have been in several wars and we will be in other wars. It is a great sacrifice
for the families and particularly the mothers who birthed the child to lose a son or daughter. It is a great way for the
County and our community to bring honor to them. If a person attends a function at the National Cemetery, the Gold
Star Mothers are always in attendance. His hope is that the number of Gold Star Mothers would never grow more than
what it is, but knows that is probably not the case. He thanked staff for bringing this forward.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the ordinance for budget
amendment 18-047, allocating funds to purchase and install the God Star Families Memorial in Hugh MacRae Park
through a contract with Bailey Granite and Monuments.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Duckworth stated that there will be opportunities for private individuals
to participate in terms of donations and purchasing markers. She thinks there is some interest from the community to
do some additional landscaping improvements beyond the project scope. The Parks Conservancy, the nonprofit
organization that supports the Parks Department, can assist in making the community aware of the opportunity to
participate and at what levels.
Ms. Luther was invited to make remarks and expressed appreciation to the Board for speaking with her about
this project. This is not just for the Gold Star Mothers, but also for the brothers, sisters, dads, uncles, cousins, and the
whole family who also suffer from the loss. This is why the organization wanted to do a family monument along with
the other panels. It tells a local story about the Gold Star Families that have lost someone in the line of duty. She
believes this will bring the community closer and will also result in more people stopping at the Veterans Memorial.
She thanked the Board for supporting this request.
Chairman White called for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit
Book XLI, Page 5.4.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX AUDIT PROGRAM
Chairman White stated that as everyone is aware of this request and unless there are any questions for Chief
Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher, he would entertain a motion to approve the request.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated that it came to his attention about a year and half ago that some people do not
pay their Room Occupancy Tax (ROT). Ms. Wurtzbacher and staff have vetted several candidates and have chosen a
program that will allow staff to find a majority of the people who do not pay.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve staff moving forward
with an audit program of room occupancy tax and related software.
Commissioner Barfield stated that ROT stands for Room Occupancy Tax and is the County’s way of making
sure people staying in vacation rentals in the County are also paying their fair share of the taxes. A person staying in
a hotel will see it on the hotel bill, but there’s a number of properties managed by real estate companies and private
individuals who may not report it. ROT helps put sand on our beaches and some of it is used by the City of Wilmington
to pay for the Convention Center marketing, etc. Myrtle Beach has an approximately $30 million marketing budget
versus the approximately $2 million marketing budget for this area. The funds really help market the region and keep
sand on the beaches.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 53
Chairman White called for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Chief Strategy and Budget Officer Beth Schrader stated that it is always good news to be able to tell the
Board that the County has higher than anticipated revenue.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Schrader stated that it is the Board’s preference to hear the presentation
or move forward with adopting the budget ordinance. County Manager Coudriet stated that the item was not put on
the Consent Agenda because it is significant. Staff also wanted to make sure that the Board had ample opportunity to
ask questions and is prepared either for the Board to adopt the ordinance or ask questions.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Schrader stated that the general funds net of the pro rata share that the
County has to share with the school system is in excess of $3.1 million. In the Fire Service District, the combination
of the ad valorem taxes and the sales tax are in excess of $298,000, which allowed the reduction of the appropriated
fund balance by $129,000. What has been seen is some degree of acceleration in sales tax. It is anticipated this will
happen throughout the end of the year. On property taxes, it is what staff believes the base is at this point in time.
Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the ordinance for budget
amendment 18-048. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the budget amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit
Book XLI, Page 5.5.
CONTINUANCE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING REZONING REQUEST BY RIGHT ANGLE
ENGINEERING, ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, MCCORMICK VENTURES, LLC, TO
MODIFY THE CONDITIONS OF THE NORTHCHASE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW FOR
AN ADDITIONAL DRIVEWAY ACCESS TO N. COLLEGE ROAD FROM PROPERTY LOCATED AT
4616 CODDINGTON LOOP (Z17-13)
Chairman White stated that Shane Lippard with Right Angle Engineering on behalf of the property owners,
McCormick Ventures, LLC, has requested that this item be continued and requested Mr. Lippard to provide an update.
nd
Mr. Lippard stated he, on behalf of the property owner, is requesting to continue this item to the April 2
Board meeting. Following the staff meeting a few weeks ago, he and his client need more time to pull together more
data and information to make available to everyone.
nd
A brief discussion was held about the April 2 meeting and the number of planning items currently slated
for the meeting. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that it is the Board’s prerogative as
to which upcoming meeting to continue the matter to.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Lippard for the update and requested direction from the Board.
Motion:
Chairman White MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to continue the public hearing for a
rezoning request by Right Angle Engineering, on behalf of the property owner, McCormick Ventures, LLC, to modify
the conditions of the Northchase Planned Development to allow for an additional driveway access to North College
Road from property located at 4616 Coddington Loop, until the Regular Meeting of May 7, 2018. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman White reported that six vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Adult Care Home Community
Advisory Committee with one application eligible for reappointment.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Shirley T. Fowler to the New Hanover County Adult
Care Home Community Advisory Committee to serve a three-year term with the term to expire March 31, 2021.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension
Advisory Council with three applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Gabriella A. de Souza and Nicholas A. Field
With no other nominations, Chairman White called for a vote for the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Gabriella A. de Souza and Nicolas Field to the New
Hanover County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council to serve three-year terms with the terms to expire December
1, 2021.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention
Council in the Under Age 18 category with two applications available for consideration.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 54
Commissioner Zapple nominated Joseph Jarrett.
With no other nominations, Chairman White called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Joseph Jarrett to the New Hanover County Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council in the Under Age 18 category to serve a two-year term with the term to expire September
30, 2020.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Chairman White reported that six vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Nursing Home Community
Advisory Committee with one application eligible for reappointment.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Phyllis Meole to the New Hanover County Nursing
Home Community Advisory Committee to serve a three-year term with the term to expire March 31, 2021.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Special Board of Equalization and Review
Chairman White reported that seven vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Special Board of
Equalization and Review with four applications eligible for reappointment and four new applications available for
consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Fred Gainey, Hector R. Ingram, William “Jason” Swain, Wes Turbeville,
and Brad White as regular members, and Brett Keeler and Ronald H. Lafond as alternate members.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Fred Gainey, Hector R. Ingram, William “Jason” Swain, Brad White, and
Christopher Yermal as regular members, and Brett Keeler and Ronald H. Lafond as alternate members.
With no other nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nominations in order of being received.
Vote Results:
A majority of the Board voted to reappoint Fred Gainey, Hector R. Ingram, William “Jason” Swain,
Brad White and appoint Wes Turbeville as regular members and appoint Brett Keeler and Ronald H. Lafond as
alternate members on the 2018 Special Board of Equalization and Review to serve one-year terms with terms expiring
March 31, 2019. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, Commissioner Kusek, and Commissioner Barfield voted
in favor.
Chairman White called for a vote on the Chairman of the Special Board of Equalization and Review for the
ensuing year.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Hector Ingram as Chairman of the Special Board of
Equalization and Review for the ensuing year.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman White announced that no one signed up to speak under public comment.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Commissioner Zapple stated that he recently attended the National Association of County Commissioners
(NACo) 2018 Legislative Conference along with County Manager Coudriet and Chief Communications Officer Ruth
Smith. County Commissioners, supervisors, and administrators from the 3,069 counties gather at this conference to
have discussions with elected officials at the federal level. It is always a very instructive and invigorating conference.
He reported on being able to address the GenX issue and our efforts to stop the pollution of our drinking water during
a national forum, which included the Deputy Administrator Officer of Water from the Environmental Protection
Agency and others. The County Manager and Chief Communications Officer attended sessions combating multi-
generational poverty. Other meetings were held about cultivating a creative workforce through the arts and designing
and financing smart county infrastructure communications, and strategies on county efforts to reduce the number of
people with mental illness in our jails. The North Carolina delegation was the largest delegation of the 50 states in
attendance at the conference.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available for review and checkout at all New Hanover County Libraries and
online at www.nhcgov.com.