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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-15 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 213 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, October 15, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in the Andre’ Mallette Training Rooms at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, 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 Pastor Thomas Nixon, St. Stephen A.M.E. 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 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 September 27, 2018 and the Regular Meeting of October 1, 2018. Adoption of 2019 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted the 2019 Schedule of Agenda Review and Regular Board of Commissioners Meetings. A copy of the schedule is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI, Page 16.1. Adoption of State Road Resolution – Governing Body The Commissioners adopted the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Road Resolution in support of adding the following roads to the state system:  Bison and Coconut Courts, Chablis Way (a portion of), Jadewood Drive, Lady Bug, Rosemary and Yearling Lanes located within The Registry at Vineyard Plantation Subdivision in New Hanover County (Division File No: 1264-N) A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI. Page 16.2. Adoption of Proclamation Recognizing November 2018 as Adoption Awareness Month – Department of Social Services The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing November 2018 as Adoption Awareness Month in New Hanover County. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI. Page 16.3. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS Chairman White announced that he would need to leave today’s meeting at 10:00 a.m. and as such the three agenda items that require votes would be heard and voted on before the other agenda items. ADOPTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Chairman White announced that Domestic Violence Shelter and Services has requested the Board consider a proclamation designating October 2018 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. He read the proclamation into the record and asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Kusek MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to adopt the proclamation declaring October 2018 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman White invited Andrea Stough, Advocate/Outreach Coordinator with the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. to make remarks. Ms. Stough thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak on this matter and adopting the proclamation. The support New Hanover County provides to Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. (DVSS) is much NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 214 appreciated. She invited the Commissioners to the October 19th “Take Back the Night” march and rally. The IMPACT Award was established this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Tarica Pulliam’s death at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend and to celebrate her legacy of love and service to this community. This award serves as a commitment remember the names of those who have been lost to domestic violence and provide a platform to celebrate the individuals who shine a light on the issue and inspire hope in this community. Chairman White thanked Ms. Stough for attending today’s meeting and for her remarks. In response to Board questions, Ms. Stough stated that the DVSS emergency shelter is currently unusable. It was seriously damaged during the hurricane. Arrangements have been made by working with partners to provide safe shelter options for victims in this community. The current plan is for the shelter to be repaired. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLI. Page 16.4. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY DIVISION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE FACILITY PROJECT TO BORDEAUX CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. Facilities Project Manager Kevin Caison stated that in December of 2017, Moseley Architects was approved to start the space needs assessment (SNA) and subsequent design of the new Division of Juvenile Justice Facility that th will replace the existing building located at 138 N. 4 Street. After the SNA was completed, three concept options were presented and one was selected as the best direction for the project. The option selected by the Board and approved in Fiscal Year 2019 budget ordinance was the complete tear down and replacement of the existing building with a new three-story 35,000 square foot facility that will house the Juvenile Justice Court Rooms and associated functions. The project is now in the schematic design phase and this is the ideal time to engage the Construction Manager in order to fully benefit from the Construction Manager At Risk (CM@R) delivery method. On August 1, 2018 a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was posted and on August 15, 2018 eight different firms responded to the RFQ. The selection committee reviewed the submittals and scoring was based on the advertised criteria. The top three scoring firms were then invited to interview and make presentations. After the interviews, the committee deliberated and decided that Bordeaux Construction Company is the best fit for this project. The proposal is included in the agenda packet and staff is requesting that Bordeaux Construction Company, Inc. be approved as the CM@R for the New Hanover County Juvenile Justice Facility at an initial cost of $100,000 for preconstruction services. The remaining CM@R costs of 11% will be determined once the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) has been finalized. Chairman White thanked Mr. Caison for his presentation and opened the floor for Board discussion. At the request of the Board, Mr. Caison explained the benefits of CM@R delivery method. There are a variety of delivery methods used for construction and the method the County normally uses is design, bid, and build. In relation to this project, the very tight site logistics with zero lots lines on three sides and then a street on the front which, when combined the large budget, activates the requirements that need to be met to utilize the CM@R delivery method. This delivery method will also provide these key benefits: 1.Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) – From the beginning a target not to exceed GMP is set which will be used as a guide for the design team and construction management team to work toward. At design completion, the final GMP will be locked in. 2.Preconstruction Planning and Logistics are significantly improved due to the early design collaboration and the ability to better vet subcontractor bids and proposals. 3.Increased Sustainability - Due to the preconstruction planning, there are typically less issues. 4.Efficiency – The communication and cooperation between the construction manager, design team, and owner streamlines the process usually resulting in less changes and fewer mistakes. In response to Board questions, Mr. Caison confirmed that the estimated total project cost is $16.8 million. In the preconstruction phase, Bordeaux Construction does have the right to either request funds beyond the $16.8 million or a lower amount. The request is part of the process and Bordeaux wanted it clearly stated in the documents the steps allowed in the process. The estimates for the foundations are based on worst case scenario because it is an unknown until the work starts. The relocation costs are only to move the Juvenile Justice department into the former Register of Deeds facility on the corner of Grace and Second Streets. This temporary site will be used for the counselors and office functions associated with Juvenile Justice. The courthouse functions will be held in the Judicial Building at 316 Princess Street. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that the cost will ultimately be paid via borrowed revenue which has been identified in the budget ordinance. It will be done through Certificates of Participation (COPs) or limited obligation bonds. Staff is not ready to move forward with funding part of the request. Staff will ask the Board to consider it during the Fiscal Year 2020 budget process. Commissioner Barfield stated that this request is the best of both worlds. The County will not incur any additional rate costs for utilizing a facility it already owns that is not currently in use. Hearing no further discussion, Chairman White asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to approve the award of a Construction Manager At Risk Services Contract to Bordeaux Construction Company, Inc. for the New Hanover Juvenile Justice Facility designed by Moseley Architects. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 215 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointment to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board Chairman White reported that one vacancy exists on the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board with two applications available for consideration. Commissioner Kusek nominated Elizabeth A. Ferrell for appointment. Hearing no further nominations, Chairman White called for a vote for the nomination on the floor. Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Elizabeth A. Ferrell to the Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board to serve an unexpired term with the term to expire June 30, 2020. FEMA HURRICANE FLORENCE RECOVERY DEBRIEF Chairman White introduced Robert Spence who represents the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Division 5 which includes New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, Robeson, and Hoke counties. Mr. Spence provided the following update regarding the Hurricane Florence recovery progress in New Hanover County:  New Hanover County at a Glance:  Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Florence, New Hanover County residents have received more than $25.6 million in state and federal funds:  Nearly $8.4 million in state and federal grants to nearly 3,200 homeowners and renters. These grants do not require the funds to be paid back.  More than 1,200 claims have been filed. Nearly $5.6 million in claims paid to-date.  th As of October 8, more than $12.7 million in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low- interest disaster loans approved for 349 homeowners and renters and 28 businesses.  Individual Assistance:  th As of October 8, more than 11,500 home inspections issued:  More than 96 percent of home inspections completed.  More than 50 inspections have an “inaccessible” status. This is the number of applicants who had an initial meeting with an inspector who determined that the dwelling is inaccessible. These applicants need to contact FEMA to reschedule an inspection when their homes are accessible.  Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA):  Current number of households checked in: 89 (858 eligible)  Cumulative number of households checked in: 114 (1,244 eligible)  Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA):  DSA has made more than 9,000 interactions with survivors.  th As of October 10, there are six DSA crews working in New Hanover County. Due to Hurricane Michael, the number of DSA teams will be reduced due here and sent to Florida and Georgia. Messaging will be for people to go to the Disaster Recovery Center for assistance.  thth A mobile registration intake center was in Wilmington from September 24 to September 27 to support survivor registrations, updates, and inquiries.  th A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) site for New Hanover County opened on September 28 at the old Sears site in Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Public Assistance:  th New Hanover County was declared for public assistance categories A and B on September 14.  A joint preliminary damage assessment for public assistance categories C through G took place thth on October 10. As of October 12, New Hanover County was approved for categories C through G (permanent/public works such as bridges, roads, etc.). Mr. Spence also reported that FEMA direct housing is a long term plan for FEMA to provide RVs or mobile homes for someone to live in temporarily while making repairs to their home. This mission was approved on October th 10 and as of today, 17 people have passed the phone interview. The next step is for an inspector to visit the properties to determine qualification for a trailer or an RV (under six months or repairs under $17,000) or for up to a year for a modular/mobile homes. In response to Board questions, Mr. Spence stated that people being evicted from apartment complexes due to hurricane damage will utilize the same process as homeowners. If a person is a renter, the person can qualify for temporary housing in an RV or modular home in a permanent park. They cannot locate the units on the apartment sites. If approved, the renter can stay in these units for up to a year and a half. The goal is to get them back into a permanent situation or the apartment complex they were in. The maximum grant amount a homeowner can receive for repairs is $30,000. The average grant amounts given out have been approximately $33,000 to homeowners who are making the repairs themselves or by other means. However, the average grant could be $3,000. FEMA is not a duplicate of benefits, so if a person has insurance, FEMA is not going to give out funds for something that the insurance company is going to cover. The average timeframe to receive partial funds for immediate help is within a couple of days of application. The larger amounts take weeks to receive, which is why the SBA loan process is so critical. It can bridge the gap between homeowners’ insurance and finalized FEMA approvals. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 216 Mr. Spence further stated that everyone is encouraged to make an application to FEMA and this also has to be done in order to get an SBA loan. If a person is denied by FEMA, there will be a referral back to the DRC for determination of why the denial was issued. If the denial is appealed, most likely the person will work back through the system. A person has to apply for assistance, be denied assistance, and then get referred to SBA for a loan. The SBA loan is for $40,000 for contents and up to $200,000 for individuals for houses. The loan is prepaid and a low interest rate at 1.5% to 2% for thirty years. Again, the grant for up to $30,000 does not have to be paid back. Regarding if FEMA has a plan to help bridge the gap for people who have been evicted from apartment complexes, Mr. Spence stated there is a plan. FEMA has worked closely with county leadership on this front and most of these renters have been absorbed within the community. Several are either staying with friends, found another place to rent, or have entered into the TSA program. There are no hard raw numbers to say how many people do not have a place to live. FEMA plans to continue its outreach on this front. Apartment complex owners are eligible for up to $2 million for repairs through an SBA loan. Most of the complexes he has spoken with so far have said the residents are welcome to come back at the same rent level and into their same unit once the repairs have been made. He is unsure if all the complexes will be making that commitment. Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked staff for what is being done on the temporary housing front. The New th Hanover County Planning Board will be meeting on October 17 to consider a text amendment to address temporary th housing. He encourages the Commissioners to consent to a special meeting on October 25 to hold the required public hearing on this text amendment. In response to Board questions, Mr. Spence stated that the direct housing mission is the last resort for FEMA. This is the first time in many years it has been activated in North Carolina. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is to get people into hotels or bed and breakfast places for up to 170 days. Airbnbs usually do not qualify for TSA. He reconfirmed that people who have been denied or received a very low amount from FEMA can and should appeal. They have a 98% chance of getting the funds through the appeal process. The individual assistance grants are a different type of assistance from the SBA loans. The grants cover uninsured and underinsured expenses individuals have with recovery and do not have to be repaid. He also reconfirmed that a person has to have a FEMA registration number which can be obtained by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. Individuals should apply for an SBA loan and do not have to own a business to do so. Chairman White thanked Mr. Spence for the update. PRESENTATION OF THE 2018 LOCAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARDS TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND FIRE RESCUE Matt Gunnett, Membership Services Coordinator with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and Jasmine Kilpatrick, Senior Membership Services Officer with the Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) presented the 2018 Local Government Federal Credit Union Excellence in Innovation Award to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue. This awards program recognizes county employees who develop successful programs that help counties improve services to citizens. Cash awards of $1,000 each are given to two or more programs in each of the four categories - general government, health and human services, public information/participation, and intergovernmental collaboration. Submissions were reviewed and evaluated by an awards committee comprised of county commissioners, county managers, county staff, management fellows, and university faculty. The review committee looked for improvements that reflect sustainable business practices or productive and creative solutions to problems, as well as enhancements that are easily transferable to other jurisdictions. This year there were 36 submissions from 18 counties. The submission period was March to June for programs that were implemented in Calendar Year 2017. Ten $1,000 awards are given in these categories: Public Information and Participation, Intergovernmental Relations, Human Services, and General Government. There are two winners from New Hanover County: 1) LGFCU recognizes the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office for development and implementation of the Community1 Program. The team members include: Anthony Johnson, Detention Officer-Community1 Coordinator, and Stephanie Arsenault, Detention Officer. In March 2017 Sheriff Ed McMahon directed staff to develop a process that would efficiently combat recidivism in New Hanover County. To successfully accomplish this, staff must meet all required needs for individuals before release. While incarcerated, the needs of sobriety, nutrition, cleanliness, and medication are met. Giving outside organizations that accomplish these needs full access to these individuals while they have a permanent address in jail increases the likelihood that these needs will be met upon release, as well as bolstering the numbers for nonprofits that receive grant funding based on the number of individuals they assist. This program began with four organizations providing assistance. That number increased to 50 organizations within the first year. Of 78 individuals served, there were only four cases of recidivism, saving the County $519,000. This program was administered by one detention officer with a laptop. 2) LGFCU recognizes New Hanover Fire Services for development and implementation of their Program to Reduce Emergency Incident Travel Times. The team members include: Jessica Spencer, Fire Systems Data Specialist; Jennifer Smith, Battalion Chief; Russ Nipper, Fire Capitan; and Matt Davis, Deputy Chief. New Hanover County identified an urban area where travel times were higher than expected. Emergency units were not able to arrive in a specific northern area in a predictable manner due to being served by two different remote stations. A pilot program was developed to place a Quick NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 217 Response Vehicle (QRV) in the area from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. When not responding to a call, this QRV performed other duties like inspections or pre-incident surveys. The result was an increased modeled th travel time success rate of 15%, bringing this response time within the 90 percentile for this route. All this was done with a pickup truck outfitted with minimal firefighting and rescue tools, a laptop, and cellular capabilities. Commissioner Barfield stated it was a proud moment at the NCACC Annual Conference to be called up twice to accept the Innovation Awards. He thanked Sheriff McMahon and Chief Hall and their teams for their work. New Hanover County continues to be recognized at the state level for the great work being done here because this is a stellar community. Chairman White thanked Mr. Gunnett and Ms. Kilpatrick for attending and presenting the awards. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES County Manager Coudriet recognized the following employees receiving a retirement award: Mary John Brantley, Social Services, retiring with thirty-five years of service Timothy Caulder, Sheriff’s Office, retiring with fourteen 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. Chairman White left the meeting at 9:55 a.m. County Manager Coudriet requested the following employees to step forward to receive service awards: Five Years: Miranda Brothers, Social Services Lauren Rogers, Health Pamela Stallings-Gallaway, Social Services Ten Years: Linda Atkinson, Social Services Michael Conant, Social Services Maureen Subora, Community Justice Services Twenty Years: Regina Anderson, Social Services Barbara Codero, Health Willie Murray, Fire Services Vice-Chairman Watkins 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: Antonio Brown, Environmental Management Virginia Carey, Sheriff’s Office Patrick Cazalet, Strategy Isabelle Chan, Soil & Water Bobbie Chaney, Sheriff’s Office Brian Chaney, Strategy Bryan Diaz, Sheriff’s Office Nicholas Dobo, Sheriff’s Office Olivia Drewry, Health Courtney Floyd, Health Melinda Foy, Social Services Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Elections Steven Greer, Social Services Robin Gurgainus, Risk Management Barbara Horton, Health Jamie Jackson, Social Services Simon Lashford, Museum Katherine Longbottom, Health Holly Loomis, Health Hunter Melton, Sheriff’s Office Trecinda Pittman, Health Aaron Polar, Sheriff’s Office Victor Rodriguez, Sheriff’s Office Nick Sasso, Building Safety Shirley Southard, Health Lyrica Squires, Senior Resource Center Julie West, Health Leslie Wilder, Health Hallie Willis, Human Resources NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 218 The Commissioners welcomed the employees to County Government and wished them success in their new positions. NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL UPDATE Nicolas Montoya, Tourism Development Authority Chairman and Kim Hufham, Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) President/CEO presented an updated on the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority highlighting the following:  State of Tourism:  2017 Tourism Expenditures of $578.22 million (4.32% increase)  New Hanover County tourism generated $51.58 million in local/state taxes  More than 6,320 employed in travel and tourism related jobs ($141.3 million in payroll)  Each New Hanover County resident’s taxes were offset $226.98  Maintained: #8 ranking among NC’s 100 counties and #2 ranking among coastal counties  2017/2018 Room Occupancy Tax (ROT) Collections:  Fiscal Year (FY) 2017/18 ROT collections up 3.52%  Calendar Year (CY) 2018 up 3.73% (January thru June)  Second 3% collections for FY 2017/2018:  Carolina Beach: 7.90%; Kure Beach: 9.42%; Wrightsville Beach: 2.40%; Wilmington: -3.42%; Convention Center District (CCD): 15.73%; and District U (unincorporated area): 10.59%  2017/2018 ROT Distribution:  Beach Erosion: $3,423,394 (27%)  Tourism – CVB: $2,282,263 (18%)  Carolina Beach – marketing and activities: $1,248,737 (8%)  Kure Beach – marketing and activities: $530,333 (4%)  Wrightsville Beach – marketing and activities: $1,342,945 (11%)  Wilmington Convention Center: $3,780,077 (30%)  District U – marketing and activities: $300,995 (2%)  Total 2017/2018 ROT Collections: $12,908,744  2017/2018 ROT Collections (Distribution by Category):  Marketing: $4,043,734 (30%)  Tourism-related activities: $1,661,539 (13%)  Beach Nourishment: $3,423,394 (27%)  City of Wilmington – Wilmington Convention Center (WCC): $3,780,077 (30%)  Total 2017/2018 ROT Collections: $12,908,744  2018/2019 Revenues:  Revenues – First 3% ROT: $2,455,869  Appropriated Fund Balance – District U: $593,168  Convention Center Marketing: $469,944  Revenues – Second 3% ROT: $3,319,436  2018/2019 Total Revenues: $6,838,417  2018/2019 Expenditures: 18/19 Budget 17/18 Budget % Change First 3% - CVB Budget: $2,455,869 $2,362,022 3.97% Marketing - $1,917,823 Administration - $364,128 Visitor Services - $173,918 Convention Center Marketing: $ 469,944 $ 426,415 10.2 % Second 2 nd 3% Budgets: $3,912,604 $3,000,447 Carolina Beach - $1,242,408 Kure Beach - $507,967 Wrightsville Beach - $1,256,061 District U - $906,168 Total 18/19 Budget Expenditures $6,838,417 $6,003,284 13.91%  FY 2018-19 New Marketing Strategies and Tactics:  Develop millennial digital guide featuring videos, blogs, photos, and feature stories  Launch new marketing automation platform for email marketing campaigns  Build on out of state brand awareness with added emphasis on ILM direct route destinations  Increase engagement on social media channels through video amplification campaigns and live streaming (spring)  Build in additional pages to Visitors Guide to accommodate special interests and popular website content  Shoot new photography to capture off-season brand experiences  Provide relevant content through the Google DMO Partnership Program, TripAdvisor, and other third parties as needed  Evaluate website redesign direction in FY19-20  Hurricane Florence Recovery Marketing:  Objective:  Promote the area’s recovery to negate the perception of storm’s impact and our ability to host visitors NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 219  Promote positive stories of recovery and renewal  Minimize negative impact on longer-term spring and summer travel planning  Recommendation:  Create a singular umbrella recovery campaign branded as a united destination, encompassing Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach  We are open for business once again, and that most area attractions, restaurants, retailers and other businesses in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach are open and eager to welcome visitors.  Many hotels and other accommodations are now open for future travel planning and reservations. Those still in recovery are making steady progress.  The campaign needs to:  Show that the destination is strong and now open for business and will be additionally ready for business as usual during spring and summer through post-storm images and video  Highlight recognizable landmarks that were unaffected by the storm  Remain sensitive of other cities affected by Hurricane Florence  Use Visit NC perceptions study research to validate campaign direction and perceptions in short and long-term pending findings  Strategies:  Public relations, social media, celebrity collaboration and influencer outreach  Paid media: Visit NC co-ops, paid search, paid social, programmatic display/video, targeted e- blasts, TripAdvisor PDP Refresh, and Out of Home (OOH) Creative Refresh Commissioner Zapple thanked Mr. Montoya and Ms. Hufham for the report and moving aggressively on the strategies to help rebuild and remind everyone, locally and nationwide, that New Hanover County is open for business. The beaches look terrific and that’s in part due to the 50 years of maintenance through the beach renourishment/coastal storm damage reduction program. He has also been made aware of the tip plus one program that has been started in other communities and is showing up here. It’s to help servers and hourly wage workers in the tourism industry and when a person leaves their normal tip, they add another dollar to the amount to help those that need it the most. Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked Mr. Montoya and Ms. Hufham for the update. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice-Chairman Watkins announced that one person signed up to speak under public comment and invited Yasmin Tomkinson make remarks. Yasmin Tomkinson, Executive Director of the Cape Fear Literacy Council, stated that she wanted to thank the Board for supporting the non-profits in this community, specifically the Cape Fear Literacy Council (CFLC). CFLC provides confidential free help to adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, and communication skills. Federal funding, which has been the biggest source of CFLC’s revenue for many years, is changing dramatically. The County’s new outside agency funding process and allocation system has made it possible for CFLC to not have a gap in services. She thanked the County Commissioners for giving their time and the work they are doing for this community. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS County Manager Coudriet stated in today’s paper there is a hearing notice for the Board to potentially th convene on October 25 to consider zoning ordinance changes to help the direct housing program. That is in place th if the Board chooses to convene on the October 25. As there was no disagreement raised by the Board when this was posed by staff last week, staff is moving forward with the matter and preparing to presenting the proposed th changes on October 25. th Vice-Chairman Watkins thanked County Manager Coudriet for the information. October 25 is the earliest the Board can hear the matter to help get citizens into temporary housing. He appreciates staff and his fellow Commissioners for cooperating on this matter. Commissioner Barfield stated that New Hanover County hosted the NCACC Board of Directors meeting this past weekend at Carolina Beach. Unbeknownst to many, he was appointed in August to represent District 4 which covers Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, and New Hanover counties. He is honored to represent the district for the next two years. One of the panel discussions centered around Hurricane Florence and representatives from Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover counties shared their insights about the event. He thanked Commissioner Zapple and County Manager Coudriet for attending to the meeting. Commissioner Zapple thanked the NCACC Board of Directors for holding its meeting at Carolina Beach. County Commissioners from across the state attended the meeting and were able to see what was going on here. In regards to the non-profits, there are over 400 non-profits in this community. Over the past several weeks during the recovery and now rebuilding process, the non-profits have served as a backup to city and county governments in filling the gaps. He expressed appreciation to the organizations for their hard work to help people in this community. In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet confirmed that the largest amount of storm debris to be removed prior to Hurricane Florence was approximately 88,000 cubic yards. To date, approximately NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34 REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2018 PAGE 220 350,000 cubic yards of Hurricane Florence debris has been removed. This is about half of the work to be done. Vice- Chairman Watkins asked the citizens for patience on the removal work as it is being done as quickly as possible. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Vice-Chairman Watkins adjourned the meeting at 10:24 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.