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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 th 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 th 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. th 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. th 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 th 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. th 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.