2018-06-18 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 148
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, June 18, 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
Commissioner Kusek led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman White requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Commissioner Zapple requested more information about Consent Item 3 - Approval of 2017-2018 Board of
Education Budget Amendment #7 regarding the Veterans Park roof coating savings. New Hanover County Schools
Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Operations Eddie Anderson stated efforts are made to extend the life of
school buildings roofs. Normally there is a 20-year life expectancy of a roof, but by replacing the cap sheet, or the
coating, the roof life can be extended an additional 10 to 20 years. The school system does not have the funding to do
full replacements on every school on a 20-year cycle, so efforts are made to extend the life of all the roofs.
In response to further Board questions, Mr. Anderson stated there was enough budgeted to potentially do all
of Veterans Park but not enough to do Murray Middle School and Minnie Evans. As a result, the school system started
with the more critical need of Ashley High School. The savings are being proposed for transfer to New Hanover High
School Brogden Hall and expand the scope of the roof replacement at that school. The other two schools at Veteran’s
Park were not in as critical condition as Ashley High School and funding will be requested in future capital budgets.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board.
Motion
: Commissioner Barfield 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 Agenda Review Meeting of May 31, 2018 and the Regular
Meeting of June 4, 2018.
Adoption of Purple Heart Day Proclamation – Sheriff
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Tuesday, August 7, 2018 as Purple Heart Day in
New Hanover County. The proclamation will be presented during the Cape Fear Purple Heart Dinner on August 11,
2018.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI,
Page 11.1.
Approval of 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget Amendment #7 – Strategy
The Commissioners approved the 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget Amendment #7 as follows:
At its May 1, 2018 meeting, the New Hanover County Board of Education approved 2017-2018 Board of
Education Budget Amendment #7, which:
1) Recorded a $400 donation in the General Fund for the Educator of the Year and transferred $20,000 from
the Best Foot Forward budget in the Other Restricted Fund to the General Fund to cover excess costs,
adjusted clerical, central office, and teacher assistant salaries and budgeted miscellaneous budget transfers;
2) In the Capital Outlay Fund, transferred $125,000 in savings from the Gregory Roof Replacement bond
project to the Contingency line item and $350,000 of project savings from the Veteran’s Park Roof Coating
bond project to the New Hanover High School Roof Replacement bond project.
Adoption of Budget Amendments – Strategy
The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments amending the annual budget ordinance for
fiscal year ending June 30, 2018:
Strategy and Budget: 18-065
Department of Social Services: 18-066
Copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit
Book XLI, Page 11.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 149
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award:
Kathy Carmack, Health, retiring with fifteen years of service
Jerome Fennell, Property Management, retiring with thirty-three years of service
Paula Jenkins, Health, retiring with thirty-five years of service
Teresa Yow, Health, retiring with twenty years of service
Chairman White presented retirement awards to the retirees and the Commissioners expressed appreciation
and thanked them for their years of dedicated service.
County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards:
Five Years: Sean Dwyer, Social Services
Mea Hoffman, Health
Eric Spencer, Health
Shelton Wade, Parks and Gardens
Lionel Willis, Health
Ten Years: Susan Demarco, Library
Twenty-Five Years: Sarah Smith, Sheriff’s Office
Thirty Years: John Bryant, Property Management
Thirty-Five Years: Dianne Harvell, Health
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:
Barbi Baker, Museum
Emma Blaise, Social Services
Carol Butler, Health
Geraldine Carruth, Social Services
Stephanie Houston, Social Services
Erica Jacobs, Social Services
Jessica Maiorano, Social Services
Asheley Robbins, Social Services
Kristyn Saroff, Library
John Paul Terry, Senior Resource Center
Christine Walther, Social Services
The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new
positions.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE
Airport Director Julie Wilsey presented the annual report highlighting the following information on the
operations, maintenance, development and existing projects of the airport:
Rebranding:
New logo which has been added to all marketing materials
New tag line: “Coast on In. Coast on Out.”
2017 Aviation Statistics:
836,589 passengers: + 2.3%
57,814 operations: - .07%
103 aircraft based on the field
Military operations grew by 22% and aircraft with over 60 seats were up 3.8%. This offset declines
in air taxi and general aviation.
Seeing a recovery with customs activity, clearing 1,158 planes which is best year since 2013 (1,542)
Growth in Air Service:
Three network airlines (American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines)
Eight non-stop destinations; seven hubs; and six international gateways
Financial Highlights for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017:
Operating Revenue - $10,016,074 (5.2% increase over FY 2016):
Aviation: 15.3%
Parking lot: 39.3%
Rent: 21.5%
Commissions: 13.9%
Security 6.9%
Other 3.1%
Unqualified audit option on all reports:
Financial statements
Internal control over financial reporting and compliance and other matters
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 150
Compliance on the Major Federal Program and the Passenger Facility Charge Program
Compliance on the Major State Program
Funding Our Growth:
FY 2017 Actual Cash Inflows:
Operating Revenues: 57.6%
Passenger Facility Charges: 9.9%
Contract Facility Charges: 6.1%
Federal Grants: 18%
State Grants: 8.4%
FY 2019 Projected Cash Inflows:
Operating Revenues: 38.3%
Passenger Facility Charges: 6.9%
Contract Facility Charges: 4.2%
Federal Grants: 20.2%
State Grants: 30.4%
Facility Development Terminal Expansion:
Project Timeline:
Phase 1A for airline ticket offices, lobby and baggage system:
September 2018: Bid Opening
November 2018: Construction Notice to Proceed
May 2020: Construction Complete
Phase 1B for new concourse and gate areas:
July 2019: Bid opening
November 2019: Construction Notice to Proceed
May 2022: Construction complete
Project Funding:
Phase 1A for airline ticket offices, lobby and baggage system ($13.5 million):
NC legislative appropriations: $10.9 million (distributed over two-year period)
Passenger facility charges funds: $2 million
New Hanover County Airport Authority: $0.6 million
Phase 1B for New Concourse and Gate Areas ($40 million):
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Entitlement and Discretionary funding of $30.4
million:
Four years of AIP entitlements and discretionary split over two-year period
Passenger Facility Charges Funds: $5.0 million
New Hanover County Airport Authority: $4.6 million
Request additional NC Legislative appropriations
In response to Board questions, Director Wilsey stated if the operating revenues in fiscal years 2017 and
2018 remain in the 57% range, it will be possible to take the state funding or rather, the difference after receiving that
funding, to invest in various things at the airport. The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has over 40 facilities
which will be maintained and continue to operate. ILM will invest in services for its customers and/or offset the cost
of some of the rates and charges. As ILM grows, there will be a need to use the operating revenues to increase staff
and services. It was requested of Director Wilsey to keep the Board apprised of how the funds were being invested.
Regarding the ILM rebranding, Director Wilsey stated that a local marketing company was chosen to handle
the entire process. ILM tries to use local companies as much as possible.
Director Wilsey thanked the Board for its continued support. Chairman White thanked Director Wilsey for
the presentation.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Health Chairman Dr. Robert Schiffel presented the New Hanover County
Board of Health annual update highlighting the following:
Mission: protect and promote the health of our community and environment
Vision: A healthy thriving community
Members: Dentist: Chairman Robert J. Schiffel, DDS; Public Member: Vice-Chair Linda “Candy”
Robbins; Pharmacist Member: Kim Thrasher Horne, PharmD; Public Member: James “Jim: C. Barker;
Engineer: Amy McLane, PE; Public Member: Dr. LaShonda Wallace, PhD, FNP-BC; Optometrist:
Edward Weaver, Jr., OD; Physician Member: Mark, W. Morgan, MD; Nurse Member: Stephanie D.
Smith, PhD, RN; Veterinarian Member: Melody Speck Evans, DVM; County Commissioner: Rob
Zapple.
Health Department Revenues and Expenditures:
Operating revenues of $12.69 million for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2017:
County funds/financial support: $4.73 million (37%)
Federal and State: $1.78 million (14%)
Medicaid: $1.49 million (12%)
Fees: $1.12 million (9%)
Other: $3.57 million (28%)
Operating expenditures of $12.69 million for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2017:
Personnel costs: $10.93 million (86%)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 151
Operating: $1.57 million (12%)
Capital outlay: $0.19 million (2%)
Accomplishments:
Implementation of Practice Management/Electronic Health Record
Creation of three-year Strategic Plan 2018-2021 (complements the County Strategic Plan)
Participation in EnerGov Implementation (EnvH)
NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) Program
Release of the County Opioid Webpage:
https://health.nhcgov.com/opioids/?206
Obtained $96,000 of Naloxone for distribution
Sunset two local rules:
Rabies Control
Seafood Rules
Relationship Building:
Created an Academic Health Department Practice:
This partnership was formed as a formal affiliation between local public health and
UNCW. This relationship is sometimes described as the public health equivalent of the
“teaching hospital” affiliation found between hospitals and medical schools. The
partnership will enhance public health education and training, research, and service. This
will offer a variety of benefits, both for the organizations involved and for the community
as a whole.
Collaborating on our Community Health Assessment:
Partnership with neighboring counties, Pender and Brunswick as well as New Hanover
Regional Medical Center, to create a tool for data sharing across the region. The impact
will be better service delivery and prevention services to our region. It will be finalized in
late fiscal year 2019.
Southeastern NC Regional Health Collaborative at UNCW:
This collaborative works to improve individual and population/community health in
Southeastern North Carolina through regional programs and interventions. Our partners are
UNCW the South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) and the directors and
staff of the county health departments in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Onslow,
Pender, Robeson, and Sampson counties.
Represent County on Boards and Commissions:
Continued involvement on boards and commissions such as the Secretaries’ Science
Advisory Board. Group is designed to offer advice on emerging compounds such as GenX
Participate on Community Advisory Boards (MedNorth) and DC Virgo Chancellors’
Advisory Board.
School Health (mental health, dental, and nursing)
New Hanover County Detention Center – conducting HIV testing
SEAHEC – Community Advisory Council:
Collective impacts that improve population health
Involved in various levels of subgroups to combat the opioid crisis. Also heavily involved
in prevention and medication disposal. We are a large part of the infrastructure and support
group. This groups efforts compliments our community resource guide.
Good Shepard Services
Services:
3,735 food sanitation inspections were made at 1,423 food establishments
521 pools were inspected
103 installations and 61 repairs made to septic systems
705 served through Pregnancy Care Management
1,081 served through Care Coordination for Children
83 served through Refugee Health
4,909 shots given this flu season
1,373 children served by mobile dental clinic
117,238 visits to school health nurses
422 sports physicals were completed
707 students served by mental health therapists
11,498 nutrition contacts in women, infants, and children (WIC)
Major Goals/Projects FY18-19:
Implement additional LEAN projects in Health
Mobile dental unit replacement and dental expansion
Community health assessment completion
Implementation of Strategic Plan strategies
Complete EnerGov implementation (EH)
Build better/sharable data sources from EHR
Regarding the department’s GenX blood testing, Dr. Schiffel stated he assumes the results will be included
in an accumulated database. The results will be disseminated soon in the next month. He does not know if the testing
will show any types of cancers as has been shown in animal studies. The testing is to see if GenX is a fat soluble, if it
stays in our bodies, or passes through. It’s that level of preliminary information. He does not know if the cancer portion
can be determined just from the blood tests. If the tests show it is soluble, meaning it stays in the system, that will be
a different ballgame.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 152
In response to Board questions, Public Health Director Phillip Tarte stated there were approximately 400
blood samples taken in connection with the GenX testing. Approximately 360 samples were taken during the first
round and then a secondary test was done about four to six weeks ago.
Commissioner Zapple stated the GenX study is being done in conjunction with North Carolina State
University. The focus is on bioaccumulation as to how long GenX stays in the body, the results of which could lead
to opening more investigation avenues. He thanked Dr. Schiffel and Director Tarte for the presentation.
Chairman White thanked Dr. Schiffel and Director Tarte for the presentation.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL UPDATE
New Hanover County Board of Social Services Member Frankie Roberts, presented the annual update for
the Department of Social Services (DSS) highlighting the following:
Our Mission Statement: Created by the North Carolina General Assembly and sustained with public
funds, the New Hanover County Department of Social Services exists to alleviate emotional and
economic distress among the people of the county. Providing a variety of basic and essential services,
the New Hanover County Department of Social Services seeks to assist and protect our most vulnerable
citizens – the poor, children, the aged, the disabled, and the sick – and to enhance and maintain the
quality of life in our community through being:
Professionally responsive to all clients and sensitive to the uniqueness of each client’s problems and
needs;
Valued by our community and publicly accountable for the effective and efficient management of
the public’s funds;
Professionally stimulating, rewarding and satisfying to our employees; and
Creatively adaptive to changing demands, laws and regulations without losing sight of our role as
an advocate for the vulnerable people in our community and our concern for the plight of the
individual client.
Number of People Served by Program:
Medicaid recipients: 41,926
Food and Nutrition Services recipients: 44,498
Veteran Services: 5,638
Work First/Emergency Assistance Households: 5,166
Child Services Cases: 3,798
Children in Childcare: 2,400
Adult Services Cases: 579
Superior Public Health and Public Safety:
The New Hanover County Department of Social Services played an integral role in the health and
safety of citizens, through both Economic Services and Social Work Services provided during FY
2016-2017:
More than 14,582 households were provided medical coverage each month
Transportation Services provided 82,348 rides to 2,146 medical appointments
An average of 13,200 households received Food and Nutrition Services each month
2,062 reports of abuse or neglect, involving 3,419 children were investigated
94% of children in substantiated abuse or neglect reports were previously unknown to Child
Protective Services
More than 347 families were provided in-home services to maintain safety of children with
their families
DSS served as custodian for 658 children
221 children found permanence through reunification, relative placement, or adoption
54 children’s adoptions were finalized
72 eligible youth ages 13-21 were served through the LINKS program and voluntary placement
agreements, providing children aging out of foster care continued support
1,242 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults were received, of which 552
evaluations were completed and 293 were confirmed mistreatment
154 adults were protected through court appointed DSS guardianship
86% of adults related to substantiated abuse, neglect, or exploitation reports were unknown to
Adult Protective Services. 72 individuals received special assistance in-home services,
preventing admission to a facility and allowing the person to remain in their home safely.
232 individuals received health support, individual and family adjustment, at-risk and special
assistance in-home services
Superior Education and Workforce:
A variety of programs administered by the New Hanover County Department of Social Services
support education and workforce development in the community. This year:
100% of the participants who left the Work First program for employment did not return to
Work First in the same year
2,430 children received childcare assistance, allowing parents to work or go to school to become
more self-sufficient
5,166 households received Work First or Emergency Assistance, supporting new or continuous
employment or schooling through a financial crisis
Intelligent Growth and Economic Development:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 153
The New Hanover County Department of Social Services administers emergency financial
assistance, subsidy programs, and education and employment services to citizens. In FY 2016-2017:
4,485 citizens received Emergency Financial Assistance to help them through a financial crisis
and maintain self-sufficiency
89 licensed childcare organizations participated in the subsidy program, receiving a total of
$8,007,661 for services provided
$11,593,605 was paid to single-parent households for child support
$1,510,064 was paid to utility companies for county citizens to maintain self-sufficiency.
FY 2016-2017 Revenues by Source totals $63,222,662:
County: $18,418,586 (29.13%)
State: $5,669,697 (8.97%)
Federal: $26,480,361 (41.88%)
Other: $12,654,018 (20.02%): This portion constitutes collections from child support and funds
received from other community partners such as Casey Family Programs.
Information includes revenues that does not show on financial statements of the County such as
child support collections (some benefits are paid directly to the consumer from the state)
Food and nutrition and Medicaid benefits for FY 2016-2017 are unavailable and not included in this
annual report.
FY 2016-2017 Economic Impact by Program totals $315,222,662:
Adult Services: $975,598 (0.31%)
Children Services: $15,598,719 (4.95%)
Child Care: $8,007,661 (2.54%)
Work First/Emergency Assistance: $8,201,336 (2.60%)
Food and Nutrition Services: $49,191,884 (15.61%):
Estimated as current detailed county information is not available from the state
Administration: $4,851,223 (1.54%)
Child Support: $13,820,732 (4.38%)
Veteran Services: $2,130 (0.001%)
Medicaid: $214,573,377 (68.07%):
Estimated as current detailed county information is not available from the state
Information includes expenditures that do not show on county financial statements such as Medicaid
benefits, food and nutrition services benefits, and child support collections
Other Program Highlights:
As an agency, DSS is accountable for ensuring that eligibility benefits are issued correctly and that
recipients of benefits are following policies and guidelines established by the federal government.
While fraud is minimal, DSS is committed to prevention and takes this responsibility seriously. In
FY 2016-2017 the Program Integrity unit:
Received 241 referrals for potential investigation
$189,189.91 was collected in repayment of mis-distributed benefits
Other successes in FY 2016-2017 include:
52 new families graduated from Model Approaches to Partnerships in Parenting trainings to
become new foster families. These families helped contribute to an ending count of 119 foster
families—the second highest number of DSS licensed foster families in the state.
Two Social Services Institute Best Practice Awards: Profiles in Community Collaboration for
the New Hanover Child Fatality Protocol, and Cost Saving Measures and Improvements in
Efficiency for the New Hanover Criminal History Records Information Direct Access
Terminal.
DSS Partnerships:
Duke Endowment, Trillium Health Resources, Casey Family Programs, Vantage Pointe, Inc.,
Coastal Horizons, SAS, Community Prevention Services, Senior Resource Center, Cape Fear
Community College, Good Friends, Step Up Wilmington, Judicial System, Smart Start, UNCW,
Methodist Home for Children, Work Force Development Solutions, CCPT, Faith Based
Community, Cape Fear Health Net, Guardian Ad Litem, Cape Fear Council of Governments/Area
Agency on Aging, Health Department, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Med North,
Elderhaus, Inc., and WAVE Transit
Chairman White thanked Mr. Roberts and DSS Director Michelle Winstead.
Commissioner Barfield, who also serves as the DSS Board Chairman, commented that the largest part of the
focus of DSS is on the most vulnerable in our community, our children and adults. It is startling the number of monthly
reports of either child abuse or neglect or elder abuse, whether it's physical or financial abuse with the elderly. It's
great see the Cape Fear Council of Governments and DSS working together to eradicate elder abuse in our community.
It is also amazing how many children and households do not have sufficient food to eat. As can be seen in
our community now, the increase in backpacks containing food provided to kids to have on the weekends recognizes
there is not a sufficient amount of food at home during the school year and in the summer. When you try and eat
healthy, it costs more than when you try to not eat healthy. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can be expensive,
but costs even more out of season. That plays a role in providing superior public safety and health. Health is critical
and key for our young boys and girls that are trying to go to school. You can't really study well on an empty stomach
and can't go to work as an adult on an empty stomach. He and this board recognize that many in our community are
not as fortunate as others. Somewhere there's a responsibility to help provide for all those individuals as well, and he
thinks this agency along with the County Commissioners, federal and state partners, and those in the community do a
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 154
good job of trying to meet the needs. He hopes that a grocery store can be provided in the future for the Northside of
this community as it’s something that's critical and needed. It's astonishing how many people in our community live
in food deserts and how in some neighborhoods a person has to figure out how to get to a grocery store. If public
transportation has to be used, dairy products are not a purchase option because they may spoil before a person can get
them properly stored at home. Commissioner Barfield concluded his comments thanking Director Winstead, assistant
directors, supervisors, and staff for their service to our community and compassion for our citizens.
In response to Board questions regarding if fraud corruptions are trending up or down, DSS finance staff
stated that year over year it is trending down. The Program Integrity (PI) unit comes from early program violations
and each week it’s determined if a program violation has taken place. Staff handles the collections on the violations,
but the funding does not come back to DSS, rather, it goes through the state. DSS receives a percentage as determined
by the state.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Roberts, DSS Director Winstead and staff for the presentation.
APPROVAL OF THE BUY AND SELL AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 4114 ECHO FARMS BOULEVARD AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 18-067
Chairman White stated he would entertain a motion to approve the Buy and Sell Agreement for the purchase
of property, approximately 13.99 acres of land, located at 4114 Echo Farms Boulevard in accordance with the buy
and sell agreement provided to the public and in the Commissioners’ agenda books.
Assistant County Manager Tim Burgess stated since the agenda was published last week, the survey has had
a slight modification to it and is actually in the County’s benefit. The acreage has been increased by a tenth of an acre
so the Board will be approving the purchase of 14.09 acres instead of 13.99 acres. The survey did not change the price,
only the amount of acreage to be purchased.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Burgess for the update and asked for direction from the Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the purchase of
approximately 14.09 acres located at 4114 Echo Farms Boulevard in accordance with the terms and conditions in the
Buy and Sell Agreement for a purchase price of $1,700,000, authorize the County Manager and the County Attorney
to prepare and execute all necessary paperwork for New Hanover County to obtain ownership of the property, and
adopt Budget Amendment 18-067.
Vice-Chairman Watkins stated he was excited to see the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County
cooperate on this matter. He thinks it will be a great benefit to the citizens of the entire county, but particularly to an
area that is somewhat underserved.
Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White asked for a vote on the motion on the floor.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the budget amendment 18-067 is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in
Exhibit Book XLI, Page 11.3. A copy of the Buy and Sell Agreement is on file in the legal department.
APPROVAL OF THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON FOR THE
PURCHASE, IMPROVEMENT, AND OPERATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4114 ECHO FARMS
BOULEVARD
Chairman White stated he would entertain a motion to approve the interlocal agreement with the City of
Wilmington for the purchase, improvement, and operation of property located at 4114 Echo Farms Boulevard.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Kusek, to approve the interlocal
agreement with the City of Wilmington for the purchase, improvement, and operation of property located at 4114
Echo Farms Boulevard. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the interlocal agreement is on file in the legal department.
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION FOR RETIREMENT FACILITIES REVENUE
AND REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,000,000 FOR THE DAVIS COMMUNITY
Chairman White stated that Cornelia Nixon Davis, Inc. (“CN Davis”), who operates a retirement facility
known as the Davis Community that is located in New Hanover County, has requested that the Public Finance
Authority, a Wisconsin public authority, issue its retirement facilities revenue and revenue refunding bonds in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed $24,000,000. The proceeds of the bonds will be used to refund certain
existing indebtedness of CN Davis, to finance the costs of renovating, rehabilitating, relocating, constructing and
equipping the existing Community Center at the Davis Community, and to finance costs of issuance of the Bonds.
Because the projects are located in New Hanover County, Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code
requires that the Board must hold a public hearing and approve the issuance of the bonds by the Public Finance
Authority prior to the issuance of such bonds. The notice of a public hearing was published on June 2, 2018 in the
Star-News stating that the Board would hold a public hearing thereon on June 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
The Board’s approval of the issuance of the bonds will in no way cause the County to become responsible
for or liable with respect to the bonds. Hosting the public hearing and approving the issuance of the bonds are merely
ministerial acts that will enable CN Davis to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 155
Chairman White opened the public hearing and stated the Board will hear from anyone who wishes to be
heard on the questions of the proposed issuance of the bonds by the Public Finance Authority and the financing and
refinancing of the various projects owned and operated by CN Davis.
Receiving no public comments, Chairman White closed the public hearing and asked for direction from the
Board on this matter.
Motion:
Vice-Chairman Watkins MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to adopt the resolution
approving the Public Finance Authority’s issuance of the Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$24,000,000 and the financing and refinancing of the CN Davis’ projects located in the County. 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 11.4.
APPOINTMENT OF VOTING DELEGATE TO THE NACO 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Chairman White stated that Commissioner Barfield, Commissioner Kusek, and Commissioner Zapple will
rd
be attending the National Association of Counties (NACo) 83 Annual Conference which will be held July 13-16,
2018, in Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee. A designated voting delegate must be appointed and submitted to
NACo by June 29, 2018.
Chairman White nominated Commissioner Kusek.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board on the nomination on
the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Commissioner Kusek as the voting delegate for New
rd
Hanover County in relation to the NACo 83 Annual Conference which will be held July 13-16, 2018, in Nashville-
Davidson County, Tennessee.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman White reported that five vacancies exist on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
with two applicants eligible for reappointment and four additional applications available for consideration.
Vice-Chairman Watkins nominated Teddy Davis, who is rotating off as an at-large member, as the Corbett
Family representative. He also nominated Andrew Cooke and Debra H. Hays for reappointment and Hank Estep
and Catherine “Coo” Hocker for appointment.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White asked for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Teddy Davis to serve a three-year term as the Corbett
Family representative, reappoint Andrew Cooke and Debra H. Hays and appoint Hank Estep and Catherine “Coo”
Hocker to serve three-year terms on the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors with the terms to expire
on June 30, 2021.
Appointment to the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees
with one applicant eligible for reappointment and nine additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Mary Lyons Rouse for reappointment.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Eric McKeithan.
Commissioner Barfield stated that although only one vacancy is being addressed today, another vacancy was
created by the recent resignation of Jason Harris. He stated he would be in favor of Mary Lyons Rouse being
reappointed and Eric McKeithan being appointed to serve the unexpired term created by Mr. Harris.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board on the nomination of
Mary Lyons Rouse.
Vote Results:
The Board voted in the majority to reappoint Mary Lyons Rouse to the Cape Fear Community College
Board of Trustees with the term to expire June 30, 2022. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, Commissioner
Barfield, and Commissioner Kusek voted in favor.
Discussion was held about the vacancy created by the resignation of Jason Harris and whether to make an
appointment to fill the unexpired term during this meeting or during the July or August meetings. Chairman White
stated that it is his personal opinion that as that vacancy was just created, he believes it is probably best to allow a
reapplication process to ensue. Commissioner Zapple stated he would suggest again that the Board has a series of
good applications in front of it to handle the vacancy created by Jason Harris’ resignation. He encouraged the Board
to reconsider appointing Eric McKeithan to fill the unexpired term rather than waiting.
Chairman White asked the Board if there was consensus to proceed with filling the unexpired term vacancy
during this meeting. Commissioner Kusek stated she would prefer to wait and re-advertise the vacancy. Vice-
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 156
Chairman Watkins stated he was fine with re-advertising the vacancy.
General Consensus:
A majority of the Board consented to address the vacancy created by Jason Harris’ resignation
at an upcoming meeting after due advertisement.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Alcohol Beverage Control Board
Chairman White reported one vacancy exists on the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board with one
applicant eligible for reappointment and six additional applications for consideration. The Board is also charged with
appointing a chairman for the ensuing year. The ABC Board has requested the reappointment of Vivian “Zeke” Partin
and her appointment as the board chair.
Vice-Chairman Watkins nominated Vivian “Zeke” Partin for reappointment and appointment as chairman
for the ensuing year.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White asked for direction on the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Vivian “Zeke” Partin to serve on the ABC Board
with the term to expire on June 30, 2021. The Board also voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Vivian “Zeke” Partin
as chairman of the ABC Board for the ensuing year.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Airport Authority
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Airport Authority with two applicants eligible for
reappointment and nine additional applications available for consideration.
Chairman White nominated Donna Girardot for reappointment and Frank Spruill Thompson for appointment.
Commissioner Barfield nominated Ronald W. Sparks for appointment.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Dan Hickman for reappointment.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for the votes as follows:
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Donna Girardot to the New Hanover County Airport
Authority with the term to expire June 30, 2022.
Vote Results:
The Board voted in the majority to appoint Frank Spruill Thompson to the New Hanover County Airport
Authority with the term to expire June 30, 2022. Chairman White, Vice-Chairman Watkins, and Commissioner Kusek
voted in favor.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Chairman White reported that two vacancies exist on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with twelve
applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Andy Kerkhoff and Steven M. Morrissey.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nominations on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Andy Kerkhoff and Steven M. Morrissey to the New
Hanover County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with the terms to expire June 30, 2021.
Appointments to the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, Inc. Board of Directors
Chairman White reported that eight vacancies exist on the Parks Conservancy Board of Directors with three
applicants eligible for reappointment and five additional applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Kusek nominated Justin Gibson and Paul H. Smith to be reappointed to three year terms, Tori
Jones to be reappointed to serve the unexpired term, and Stephen R. Burdt, Mark Callori, Jessica Gray, Cheryl W.
Hannah, and Robert McFeeters to be appointed.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Justin Gibson and Paul H. Smith and appoint Stephen
R. Burdt, Mark Callori, Jessica Gray, Cheryl W. Hannah, and Robert McFeeters with the terms to expire June 30,
2021, and reappoint Tori Jones to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire June 30, 2019 to the New Hanover
County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Appointment to the Trillium Health Resources – Southern Regional Advisory Board
Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Trillium Health Resources – Southern Regional
Advisory Board with one applicant eligible for reappointment and one additional application available for
consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Lee A. Jackson, Jr. for reappointment. Commissioner Kusek seconded the
nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote on the nomination on the floor.
Vote Results:
The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Lee A. Jackson, Jr. to the Trillium Health Resources
– Southern Regional Advisory Board with the term to expire June 30, 2021.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR MEETING, JUNE 18, 2018 PAGE 157
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman White announced that no one signed up to speak under public comment.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
APPROVAL OF 2017-2018 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET AMENDMENT #8
Chairman White stated the Board is being asked to approve the 2017-2018 Board of Education Budget
Amendment #8. He asked for direction from the Board.
Motion:
Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Watkins, to approve the 2017-2018 Board
of Education Budget Amendment #8 as follows:
On June 5, 2018, the New Hanover County Board of Education adopted 2017-2018 Budget Amendment #8,
which:
1) In the General Fund, recorded a $1,124 insurance settlement for repairs to a damaged fire hydrant,
budgeted a $200 Summer Institute Donation, and made a number of miscellaneous budget transfers;
2) In the Capital Outlay Fund, transfers $821,490 from the Bond Program Contingency line item to the
Hoggard High School Additions and Renovations Project to cover the cost a Roof Replacement of Sector B1
at Hoggard. At the time bond project was originally set up, this roof sector was evaluated and expected to
have five additional years of life. However, the roof condition has unexpectedly deteriorated at an accelerated
rate, and must now be replaced. Please see the attached memo from Mr. Anderson to Dr. Markley for further
explanation.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
Commissioner Barfield commended Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth for doing a great job with
all the county parks. It was great to see the number of people attending the Airlie Gardens concert series last week.
He also stated in regards to Hugh MacRae Park, it is like an amusement park with all the kids playing on the splash
pad and in the playground, as well as people utilizing the basketball courts, the trail and the shelters for cookouts. It's
amazing to see how well that park is utilized as well as the other parks. They are great assets to our community.
Chairman White echoed Commissioner Barfield’s comments.
Commissioner Zapple stated that a constituent asked when the splash pad in Hugh MacRae Park would be
expanded and he responded he would speak with Director Duckworth. He also reported that he and Commissioner
Barfield had the opportunity to sign a letter sent forward to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State
of North Carolina Environmental Management Commission addressing the reclassification of the Cape Fear River,
and asking that before making any final decisions to consider all of the point and nonpoint sources and to consider
‑
the science behind it.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 10:28 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.